Wandering Eyes

By Michael Guerin Cold Chisel may be a three-year-old taking on the best pacers in the north at Alexandra Park tonight but that is not how his trainers look at it. And they are, of course, right. At first glance Cold Chisel looks out of place in tonight’s $40,000 TAB Holmes DG, the next step on the road to next month’s New Zealand Cup. He is technically a three-year-old taking on multiple Group 1 winners (and stablemates) Merlin and Mach Shard in a 2700m standing start but age is very much a technicality created when Harness Racing New Zealand changed its season from starting on August to beginning on January 1. At this stage of their careers just a few years ago horses actually as old as Cold Chisel were counted as four-year-olds, whereas now because their official birthday isn’t until January 1 they are still three. Putting it in perspective, when Lazarus was an old as Cold Chisel actually is now, he was winning the New Zealand Cup by 10 lengths. “In our stable we still treat them as turning a year older on August 1,” explains Scott Phelan, co-trainer with Barry Purdon. “That is how old they actually are that is how we train and race them so we have no issue lining him up this week against the best horses because he is really four.” Not that Cold Chisel is any slouch himself, having already won a Northern Derby and one of the favourites for the NZ Derby and the new three-year-old slot race, the $500,000 Velocity. But Phelan says even with Tony Herlihy in the sulky tonight he doesn’t expect Cold Chisel to beat the established stars, particularly Merlin. Cold Chisel is a $9 fourth favourite behind his stablemates Merlin ($2.05), Sooner The Bettor ($3.80), Mach Shard ($5.50). Most of these met in the Spring Cup over 2200m two weeks ago and courtesy of a front line draw Sooner The Better held Merlin out by a neck after the latter had given him a 20m start. He has to do the same tonight but it is over 2700m and will almost certainly not be as helter skelter and Merlin should probably be able to get closer without burning as much energy. “He is clearly the one to beat the way he went fresh up and he has improved,” confirms Phelan. “Sooner The Better is always a chance and he could win again while Mach Shard was really good last start and I think he will go a big race.” For all the talent of their opponents it would be a surprise if one of the stable’s four runners didn’t win the feature on a night where they could easily train a treble as they did last Friday. I Got Chills (R2, No.3) finds himself in a winnable maiden two-year-old race in the Gallagher Insurance Mobile Pace and finally with the draw to use his gate speed while Jeremiah (R5, No.7) is a Derby horse, albeit up against a few others with that look about them in what will be a good form race in the Breckon Farms Mobile Pace. Juvenile filly Youretheonethatiwant (R7, No.5) looked the best of her sex when winning all three of her fillies races in the autumn before flying home for second to Cyclone Jordy in the Cardigan Bay Stakes in May. She meets stunning last-start Group 1 winner Beetastic in a tricky Dunstan Horsefeeds Sires’ Stakes 2YO Fillies Heat but Phelan says she is ready to win even though she will lack race fitness. Michael Guerin’s Friday Fancies : 1: Father Barry (Alex Park, R4): Blew start last time but if he trots all the way he should win. Smart young trotter and field configuration suits. 2: Classic Elegance (Alex Park, R9, No.5): Chased home a special filly in Duchess Megxit last Friday in one of the quickest last 800m ever paced at The Park. Repeat of that level would win this. 3: Akatea (Alex Park, R3, No.2): Has gate speed and dropping in class. Could lead and dominate. 4: The Jolly Roger/I Got Chills quinella (Alex Park, R2): Two smart juveniles who should lead and trail then run the quinella. View the full article

It’s Friday! Selections for Auckland and Wyndham. Head to www.tab.co.nz to place your bet! Alexandra Park Aaron White Commentator Wyndham Jonny Turner Racing Journalist Race 1 5.58pm 6 Shesgold 10 Itaintnecessarilyso 9 Bravehearthighlander 2 Five O’Clock Gerry Race 1 3.15pm 2 Brother Johnson 8 Styrax 4 Joe Kennedy 1 Don Ameche Race 2 6.35pm 2 The Jolly Roger 1 Aventador 9 Beachbreak 5 Bettor Be A Legend Race 2 3.47pm 3 Saucy Delight 4 Flashpoint 2 Vintage Miki 7 Here’s Johny Race 3 7.00pm 1 Sugar Ray Lincoln 2 Akatea 4 Shake A Leg 8 Lincoln Lou Race 3 4.12pm 3 Justanothersip 4 Ada R J 1 Always A Menace 10 Showcase Race 4 7.25pm 10 Stone Cold 5 Ocean Eyes 9 Father Barry 8 Viscount Mackendon Race 4 4.37pm 4 Raknruin 5 Shezza Vinny 9 Close 10 Better Be Watching Race 5 7.50pm 8 Little Spike 7 Jeremiah 5 Mako 1 Frisco Bay Race 5 5.07pm 9 Foxing Easton 2 Ten Da Touch 5 The Wulver 3 No Perfect Princess Race 6 8.15pm 7 Merlin 3 Sooner The Bettor 8 Mach Shard 4 The Big Lebowski Race 6 5.42pm 5 Monarch Prince 7 Emily 2 Bill Bootit 6 Dwindle Star Race 7 8.40pm 5 Youretheonethatiwant 2 Beetastic 6 Hot And Dangerous 1 Sadhaka Race 7 6.18pm 10 Major Medley 9 Raklou 8 Still Rockin 4 Muchacho Race 8 9.06pm 9 Matty A 10 Iron Love 11 Dream Of You 7 American Muscle Race 8 6.44pm 6 Missile 4 Special Effects 9 Del’s Creation 5 Rata Race 9 9.30pm 5 Classic Elegance 3 Minjee 4 Seaside Rose 6 Always B Stunning Race 9 7.09pm 8 Dreams Are Free 7 Advance Party 6 Brookies Player 3 Judaque View the full article

Some people only look for difficulties. Others seek solutions. Between those categories, it's not hard to place Joe Pickerrell and his wife Courtney. Having attended a couple of family weddings in South Africa, and been blown away by the venue each time, they struggled to find anywhere remotely comparable when planning their own nuptials back in Florida. Well, they thought, that was not just frustrating. Might it also be a business opportunity? So they found this amazing 1850 barn in Canada, dismantled it, and had it shipped and reassembled, beam by beam, on their farm. They're now staging 60 services a year. For a less positive approach to life, however, we might cite the people who crowded round their Pick View consignment at OBS back in March to check out the Game Winner colt they had found at Keeneland the previous September. The Pickerells are increasingly helping clients who race their stock, but at Keeneland they were purely on the pinhook trail. As usual, they split up the barns and made their preliminary picks. Luckily, they seem to use a common filter for a final list. “I've looked at horses with a lot of folks in my life, and it's very seldom that their tastes are as similar as mine and hers,” Pickerrell says. “Courtney's a very good judge of a horse, maybe even a little more critical than me. Anyway our list that day ended up being pretty short.” Really it was all about this son of Game Winner, bred by Mount Brilliant from a well-related Johannesburg mare. Game Winner | Lane's End “I found him in Book 4 at Lane's End,” Pickerrell recalls. “He was in one of those express lanes, where they're showing a lot of horses to a lot of people for the first time. And he kind of ruined the rest of the day for me. I probably missed a lot of horses afterwards, but I just couldn't quit thinking about that guy.” The sire was making only a steady debut at the sales, but it had been similar for Palace Malice when the Pickerrells found Structor back in 2018. The subsequent GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner cost $160,000 and was turned round at OBS for $850,000, their biggest hit to date. “So the freshman sire angle has been successful for us,” Pickerrell says. “Game Winner might have been a little bit under the radar, at that point, but this one had everything we looked for in a horse. We've had a lot of luck with big, two-turn colts that look like they'll go a route of ground, while also having enough speed to complete the task of the 2-year-old sales–which is, of course, very challenging. We ask a lot of these horses, so they need a lot of substance and quality to get through the process. So he made my list and then later in the day he got by the tough list, which is my wife's. And we were lucky enough to get him bought for $40,000.” They took him down to Ocala and, their standard procedure, turned him out for a spell. “Usually in groups,” Pickerrell explains. “At least two, sometimes four, depending on the paddock. I like to get them out and socialized, just let them be a horse for a little, make sure they're not going to get sick or have any side effects from coming through the sale. And then we just go through the regular breaking process and go forward.” They broke around 100 last year, roughly half and half between those preparing for the sales and the track. “They're all on the same program until about New Year, when the early sale horses start a little more speed work,” Pickerrell says. “Every client's a little different in how they prefer their horses to leave my place. We have one guy who really doesn't care whether or not they run as 2-year-olds. Another guy, that will be his priority. So we kind of gear the program not only around the individual horse, but keep in mind which trainer they'll be joining, how far they'll want to go, things like that.” It doesn't take long to start sorting wheat from chaff. “By about Thanksgiving, we tend to know if we made any mistakes or not,” Pickerrell says. “Those will start to separate the wrong way. And meanwhile the cream starts to rise, and we can start to get excited about them.” The Game Winner colt was soon pushing his way to the front of the line. “Yeah, he was always class,” Pickerrell recalls. “The kind the riders fight over. He went through the stages just as easy as you can. I'll tell you how early we knew this was a special guy. We've got a very good client that's just getting started in the breeding game. And early in the spring they called and said, 'Who are you liking?' I told them Game Winner. Both their mares are now in foal to him.” And, as we'll see, this colt has meanwhile made them feel very satisfied with that counsel. But first came the auction, and those critical few seconds on which months of work turn. Gaming | Benoit “You can never expect a horse to breeze 20-and-two,” Pickerrell reflects. “I mean, that's a fifth off the track record, and we're talking about a big, two-turn colt. So you never know what's going to happen. What I did know is that I had about 24 horses in that sale, and he was one of the best. And, yeah, he showed as much as any horse we've ever had.” But this is where we go back to what we were saying about people who look for difficulties. On the face of it, the Pickerrells were sitting on a seven-figure payday. Trouble was, the horse was straying to amber on his X-rays. “I think it's about time these buyers start translating race results and performance instead of letting the veterinarians control these sales,” Pickerrell declares. “We obviously need our vets, to assist us, but the pendulum has swung so far now. That horse had 20 vets at the March sale—and 19 failed him. “But it just goes to show you: Bob Baffert, one of the best trainers in the world, and Donato Lanni were smart enough–after their first vet actually failed the horse–to get a second and third opinion. They had enough confidence not only in the horse, but in my program and my word. He was a sound horse. He was less than perfect, on his X-rays, but guess what? Still is, to this day. And he's one of the best 2-year-olds in the country.” That's because this colt is Gaming, who romped on debut for Michael E. Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman (“The Three Amigos”) before following up in the GI Del Mar Futurity. With the Breeders' Cup coming to his backyard, this is perhaps the leading juvenile on the West Coast. Because of all that timid vetting, however, a sensational breeze converted to no more than $260,000. “Obviously it cost us a lot of money,” says Pickerrell with a shrug. “There are some veterinarians out there looking pretty silly. But I realize they're just doing what they're asked to do. I think it's more of an owner issue than a vet issue.” With horses, of course, things are seldom black or white. Pickerrell dislikes the whole idea that one should “pass” or “fail” the vet. “I feel like it's up to the owners to have a little more courage when these horses look like they can run,” he argues. “If they only buy the ones that are perfect on the vetting, well, they're going to end up with a lot of slow horses. Many of the best runners I've been around had some kind of issue. I mean, look at what Cogburn's doing.” Ah, yes–another stellar talent to have learned his trade at Pick View. Cogburn (Not This Time) was a successful pinhook for Clarmont Bloodstock Club ($52,000 KeeNov weanling to $310,000 Fasig July yearling) only to be returned with an eye issue. Josh Stevens, who works with Clarmont, sent the horse to Pickerrell but he still made no more than $150,000 after clocking 20:3/5 at OBS Spring. “Fastest colt in the sale, and now the fastest horse in the world!” says Pickerrell with a smile. “Actually I found some videos the other day, from when I was breaking him, and he was always an amazing looking horse. Josh has bought a couple of good ones off us, and he's a good judge. These things all come full circle. At the end of the day, you need results. If good horses keep coming out of your barn, year after year, I think eventually people start taking your word a little more. I begged everybody that had a checkbook to buy Gaming. Nobody but Donato was strong enough [to beat the reserve]. Looks quite a bargain now.” Cogburn | Sarah Andrew From the same crop as Cogburn, moreover, emerged another terrific sprinter in Skelly (Practical Joke). The $350,000 Saratoga yearling failed to meet his reserve, having come up with a minor X-ray issue, but has since stood up to a 10-for-18 career and banked $1.75 million. “He was another fast breezer but we couldn't get him sold,” PIckerrell says. “So he's actually still owned by the same guys that bought him as a yearling, Frank Alosa and his crew [Chris Hicks of Red Lane Thoroughbreds]. And now he'll probably go and make some noise at the Breeders' Cup, too.” Like Skelly, Gulfport (Uncle Mo) went from Pick View to Steve Asmussen–for whom he became one of the best juveniles of his crop. “He came through the program, though was actually sold privately off the farm,” Pickerrell explains. “But he was showing all the signs that he was going to breeze lights out. Steve has really helped us along, in terms of letting some of our kids shine on the racetrack. We owe him a lot.” But the Pickerrells themselves plainly deserve much credit, too, so many alert runners having graduated from their academy in barely a dozen years. Nor has all this happened by accident, both having put in long apprenticeships to get here. Courtney actually had a barrel racing background, while Joe's family raced “a lot of cheap claiming horses at the smaller tracks” round Ohio. They met at college in Florida, after which Joe learned the ropes with some of the best programs in the neighborhood, including Courtlandt and Mayberry. “Eventually I ended up getting an opportunity to break some horses on my own,” Pickerrell recalls. “We started off small, and had a little luck our first year. Actually, the first we sold for a nice price [$220,000 OBS Spring 2012] was to Three Amigos. So it's all come full circle.” Literally so, in fact, with the horse in question–Doctor Dempsey (Harlan's Holiday)–having returned to the farm on retirement. “He won some races and then ended up workmate for Hoppertunity,” Pickerrell explains. “A couple of nieces and nephews rode him until they went off to college, and now he's in about his fifth career. He's a pretty amazing horse, has done a lot of cool stuff: barrel racing, jumping, showing. He helped buy us our first farm, so we made sure he got a good landing at the end of it.” Pickerrell marvels at how Cortney transferred her skills from a different discipline to the Thoroughbred. “She's a very talented horse person,” he emphasizes. “Obviously racehorses weren't in her blood, but she took to it like a duck to water. I mean, you see her work the sales and you'll hear it from a lot of people: she's just a natural.” Nowadays, of course, the 2-year-old market depends pretty inflexibly on the stopwatch–but Pickerrell is not one of those consignors who resent that reality. “I mean, there's arguments for, against, whatever,” he says. “But there's a reason we clock these horses. Continuously, these fast horses are winning important races. And, last time I checked, horse racing is a competition–and the fastest horse wins. “If it stops being a competition, okay, then I'd agree changes could be made that better suit the marketability of some horses. But if I were buying a bunch of 2-year-olds at a sale, I'd want to put on the clock. Because a lot of the graded stakes horses that came out of our program were fast breezers. And there's not very many fast breezers that came out of our program that do not become good racehorses.” Joe Pickerrell | Photos by Z Nonetheless this is not a game for the fainthearted. If you're left holding the baby, you have few salvage options beyond racing a horse yourself. “So even the day you buy them, you're already thinking about which sale you'll be aiming at,” Pickerrell says. “You might even have an idea of who could buy them. The most important day, in the whole time you have a horse, is the day you buy them. That's when you make your money–if you can find the right horse at the right price. But it's tough, because we have champagne taste on a beer budget. You're trying to hit a small target at a high speed. And if you miss, it's a lonely place.” The whole process demands resilience of a young horse, and duly a shrewd assessment of temperament through a fleeting window at the yearling sales. “Yeah, that's very important,” Pickerrell says. “They've got to have a good mind. But if you're listening, they will talk to you. They'll tell you a lot of things you need to know. You only have a minute or two and, oftentimes, if the horse doesn't have the physical qualities that meet our protocol, you'll probably pass on pretty quickly. But if they do, then you spend a little bit more time, try to get a bit of a gauge on them. Put your hands on, just get a feel for what the horse is. “And we're lucky enough to get advice from guys that have been doing it a long time, including some mentors of ours, besides being friendly with a lot of the consignors, the show people, the guys in the barns. You have to ask questions. There's a lot of information available if you just ask the right ones. Same as we recommend people buying horses from us to ask questions. Sometimes they do, but often they don't.” Ultimately, no less than anyone else in the business, you can only put yourself in a position to let luck find you. But you will need that luck. “That's right,” Pickerrell says. “That's the beauty about this game. There are twists and turns to every story. A lot of very successful folks started out with a little bit of nothing. We certainly started out with very little, and it's still a lot of work. But we've a lot to be thankful for, a lot going on. It's been a journey, but we're still just getting rolling.” The post Gaming Shows Benefit Of A Positive View appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Breeders' Cup today announced its broadcast coverage schedule, post times, and wagering menu for the 41st Breeders' Cup World Championships on Nov. 1-2 at Del Mar.View the full article

Keith Haggins has been named the new Racing Welfare community engagement officer, the charity announced on Thursday. Haggins will focus on the thoroughbred stud and breeding sector to raise awareness of and increase access to the charity's services. He have almost 30 years of experience in the thoroughbred breeding industry, and managed Waddesdon Stud for the late Lady Rothschild. His role is part of a three-year project made possible by funding from the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust. Already, progress has been made in the project's first year, with a survey which gauged the current level of awareness of Racing Welfare services and the type of support required already completed. Haggins said, “I'm incredibly excited to join Racing Welfare. I know the stud and breeding industry really well and am looking forward to capitalising on that for the benefit of others. “I've already had some really positive meetings with many stakeholders including the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association and The National Stud and am looking forward to attending the upcoming sales at Tattersalls to meet those I'm trying to engage with and find out how we can improve understanding of, and access to, our vital services. “I have a passion for all things surrounding mental health and have recently returned to education to become a Licenced Thrive programme coach; helping people with a wide range of issues including personal development.” Chloe Martin, Racing Welfare's head of community engagement, said, “We're delighted to welcome Keith to the team, and know that with his knowledge and passion for the sector, he will be an asset to the charity and to all those he supports. “Through improved access to, and knowledge of, Racing Welfare's services, more people in the thoroughbred stud and breeding sector will be able to benefit from better physical and mental wellbeing.” The post Keith Haggins Named Racing Welfare Community Engagement Officer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fasig-Tipton has catalogued 361 entries for its October Digital Sale with bidding now open through Tuesday, Oct. 8, beginning at 12 p.m. ET., the auction house said in a Thursday release. “The October Digital Sale is our largest digital sale to date,” said Fasig-Tipton Director of Digital Sales Leif Aaron. “With our industry leading 83% clearance rate in 2024, buyers and sellers can both have confidence that they can get a horse bought or sold on Fasig-Tipton Digital.” The catalogue includes 60-plus yearlings and weanlings, 80-plus horses of racing age, and 200-plus broodmares and broodmare prospects. Eighty different covering sires are represented, including American Pharoah, Authentic, Complexity, Corniche, Cyberknife, Elite Power, Forte, Hard Spun, McKinzie, Vino Rosso and Yaupon. Also featured are horses from the Estate of John Hendrickson–part of the Walking L Dispersal–and Phase I of the JKX Racing Dispersal. Click here to access the catalogue. Fasig-Tipton has catalogued 361 entries for its October Digital Sale, which may be viewed at https://t.co/KX0DR2iV9d. Bidding is now open and will close on Tuesday, October 8, beginning at 12 PM ET. #FasigDigital Learn more https://t.co/CS1H9JCkxX pic.twitter.com/dETD7ctLWN — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) October 3, 2024 The post Fasig-Tipton October Digital Sale Opens With Over 360 Entries On Offer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Over 300 delegates among the racing industry attended the Racing Foundation Conference at Ascot Racecourse on Wednesday, Oct. 2. The main themes of the conference were to build understanding and prompt collaboration around racing's social licence challenges. Bob Langert, the former vice president of corporate social responsibility and sustainability at McDonald's, TedTalk speaker and author, delivered the keynote address. Langert said, “During my time at McDonald's, we faced many detractors in the form of activist campaigns, books and movies and media coverage on multiple issues…One central reason for McDonald's not only surviving, but having continued success and growth, is that it took the importance of having public acceptance, protecting our brand and earning trust, very seriously. “Horse racing faces similar challenges today in terms of public perception, specifically around whether the sport is safe, the treatment of its equine participants, and its place in society. For the sport not just to survive, but thrive in the future it must accept and engage with those challenges, as McDonald's did previously.” Jockey Club chief executive Nevin Truesdale was also among the speakers. There were several changes to the Grand National ahead of the 2024 edition of the race implemented by the Jockey Club, from reducing the maximum number of runners to moving the first fence 60 yards closer to the start. However, those changes met with a mixed reaction from those both in and outside of the sport. Truesdale said of the Grand National, “It is a race we should all be extremely proud of. It's a race that is the main shop window of our sport and it's a race that we need to preserve and protect. “But it's also a race for which we need to maintain its acceptability to society because it is one of racing's, and indeed Britain's, biggest sporting assets. It is our job to preserve it, look after it, evolve it and improve it.” Another issue discussed at the conference was youth engagement, as well as attracting the next generation of racegoers. Collaboration was also highlighted as vital, especially during the World Horse Welfare panel on public acceptance of horse sports, led by chief executive Roly Owers. An emphasis on environmental sustainability was also utilised throughout the conference. For more information on the conference, please visit the Racing Foundation website. The post Racing Foundation Conference Held At Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Breeders' Cup Limited has rolled out its broadcast coverage schedule, post times, and wagering menu for the Championships, which will take place on Nov. 1-2 at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, California, and the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic has been moved to the middle of the Saturday card, the organization said in a release on Thursday. Shown live domestically across NBC, Peacock, USA Network, and FanDuel TV, the event will featuring 14 Grade I races and more than $34 million in purses and awards. New this year, to take advantage of the 2 1/2-hour national broadcast window on NBC, post time for the Classic, Race #8, will be 2:41 p.m. PT/5:41 p.m. ET. There will be four Championship races before and four after the Classic, which makes the marquee race the end of the middle Pick 5 and the start of the late Pick 5. This year's Championships begins Nov. 1 with “Future Stars Friday,” featuring all five Breeders' Cup races for 2-year-olds. There will be five undercard races preceding the first race on the 10-race program, with the first post time at 11:35 a.m. PT/2:35 p.m. ET. USA Network and FanDuel TV will televise the Friday action, with USA Network coverage taking place from 1-5 p.m. PT/4-8 p.m. ET and including two undercard races and four Breeders' Cup races concluding with the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile at 4:45 p.m. PT/7:45 p.m. ET. FanDuel TV coverage will begin at 11:00 a.m. PT/2:00 p.m. ET with the first undercard race and will conclude with the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at 5:25 p.m. PT/8:25 p.m. ET. Championship Saturday features nine Breeders' Cup races on a 12-race card. First post is 10:05 a.m. PT/1:05 p.m. ET, with three undercard races preceding, the GI Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, Race #4, which will have a post time of 12 p.m. PT/3 p.m. ET. Following the Dirt Mile will be: the GI Prevagen Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, Race #5, at 12:41 p.m. PT/3:41 p.m. ET; the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff, Race #6, at 1:21 p.m. PT/4:21 p.m. ET; and the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf, Race #7, at 2:01 p.m PT/5:01 p.m. ET. USA Network begins its live Saturday coverage from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. PT/2-3:30 p.m. ET, followed by 2 1/2 hours on NBC from 12:30 p.m.-3 p.m. PT/3:30-6 p.m. ET. Coverage on NBC concludes with the Classic and live coverage continues on USA Network from 3-5 p.m. PT/6-8 p.m. ET. There will be four Breeders' Cup races after the Classic which includes: GI Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, Race #9, at 3:25 p.m. PT/6:25 p.m. ET; GI PNC Bank Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, Race #10, at 4:05 p.m. PT/7:05 p.m. ET; GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile, Race #11, at 4:45 p.m. PT/7:45 p.m. ET, and concluding with the GI Cygames Breeders' Cup Sprint, Race #12, at 5:25 p.m. PT/8:25 p.m. ET. Continuous coverage of all Breeders' Cup World Championship races on Friday and Saturday will stream live on Peacock both days. Additionally, all undercard and World Championship races, except the Classic, will be shown live on FanDuel TV as part of the Breeders' Cup Players' Show coverage, which is also available on www.BreedersCup.com and mobile app, all major ADW platforms, and at simulcast facilities around the world. The Breeders' Cup will be distributed to more than 150 countries around the world, including live telecasts on ITV4, Sky Sports Racing, and Racing TV in England and Ireland, The Green Channel in Japan, and Sportsnet in Canada. As for the wagering menu, it will provide horseplayers with multi-race wagers featuring multi-million-dollar pools throughout the two-day program at Del Mar. For instance, special daily doubles on Friday consist of leg one on Friday and leg two on Saturday, and Friday's Pick 6, Pick 5's and High 5 may carry over. Click here for a complete rundown of the schedule and other details. The post Breeders’ Cup Classic Scheduled Mid-Card As Post Times and Wagering Menu Released appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Spirit Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who won the 2023 G2 Bahrain International Trophy, will attempt to add the 2024 edition to his haul as the first dual winner of the $1-million race, as the entry list was released on Thursday. The Richard Fahey trainee, who is owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason and Peter Done, will face rivals from seven countries outside the Kingdom of Bahrain. Fahey said of his G2 Neom Turf Cup hero who has been off the course since a run in Dubai at the end of March, “Spirit Dancer is in great form. He will have a prep run at Newmarket in the Darley Stakes, following the same route that he took last year. We all had an amazing trip and experience in Bahrain and the team are really looking forward to going back this year.” The race will be held at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club in Bahrain on Nov. 15 and has attracted 61 entries, 45 of them black-type winners. There are 10 Group 1 winners signed on including Joseph O'Brien's Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Aidan O'Brien's Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Charlie Appleby's GI Arlington Million hero Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), a pair of German Group 1 winners in Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) and Calif (Ger) (Areion {Ger}), three-time Group 1 winner Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Anmaat (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}) for Owen Burrows and Jerome Reynier's Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}). The race has also drawn a couple of high class former Classic runners in G1 Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) and G1 Irish Derby runner-up and top-level winner Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}). Japan is represented for the first time among the Bahrain International Trophy entries by Group 1 scorer Killer Ability (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) for trainer Takashi Saito, as well as Takeshi Okumura's Ho O Biscuits (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits), and Yoshito Yahagi charge Mr G T (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}). Ed Veale, director of racing and international relations for the Bahrain Turf Club said, “We are delighted that the Bahrain International Trophy has attracted entries of such quality and it is great to see so many different countries represented. The event's status in the racing calendar is growing year on year and to have attracted Japanese based horses for the first time is testament to that. “It is also exciting that Spirit Dancer and his connections are returning to Bahrain to defend their crown. He is part of a strong European team of entries that includes Group 1 performers from France, Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom. “To have a total of 61 entries representing eight different countries, featuring 45 stakes race winners, including 10 that have scored at the highest level, is fantastic and a reward for the sustained investment in the race by the Bahrain Turf Club.” For the full list of entries, please click here. The post Spirit Dancer Aims To Defend Bahrain International Trophy Crown, As Initial Entries Released appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Undefeated in four lifetime starts, Iscreamuscream could win a "Win and You're In" berth to the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf in the Rodeo Drive Stakes (G2T) Oct. 5 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

McKinzie Street, Citizen Bull, and Getaway Car, second through fourth in the Del Mar Futurity (G1), vie again in American Pharoah (G1).View the full article

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance hosted its fourth annual calendar contest and a dozen winning photos of Thoroughbreds were selected to be featured in the 2025 edition, sponsored by the Churchill Downs Foundation, the non-profit said in a release on Thursday. All the photos feature a registered Thoroughbred that is either in residence at or was rehomed by a TAA-accredited organization. The grand prize winner was Isabella Norrid. Her shot entitled, “A Gentle Touch,” captures a young boy with autism interacting with a Thoroughbred. Click here to see a complete list of winning photographs and the month they will appear. The post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Calendar Contest Winners Named appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

York's racing manager and raceday clerk of the course Anthea Leigh has joined the judging panel for the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards. She replaced Sulekha Varma. The TIEA ceremony will take place once again at York in February of 2025, with £128,500 to be won across six award categories. Nominations for the awards are open until Nov. 5. To nominate, please visit the TIEA website. “It's an honour to be asked to join the judging panel for the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards and I'm very much looking forward to meeting this year's nominees and finding out more about their roles,” said Leigh. “I know from experience working in various roles across the industry just how important it is that we shine this spotlight on the people who provide the highest standards of care for our horses and get them to the racecourse in the finest condition.” The post Anthea Leigh Appointed Judge For 2025 TIEA Awards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The official betting tournament of the 'Run for the Roses'–the Kentucky Derby Betting Challenge (KDBC)–is returning to TwinSpires.com with a guaranteed prize pool of $250,000, Churchill Downs said in a presser on Thursday. The first official KDBC Qualifier Tournament will take place on Sunday, Oct. 27 featuring the opening day card of the fall meet at Churchill Downs and a series of feeder tournaments will begin on Saturday, Oct. 12. Leading up to the Kentucky Derby Day program, the schedule will include 24 KDBC qualifier events, with each qualifier supported by at least eight feeder tournaments. Click here for more information. The post Season-Long Kentucky Derby Betting Challenge On TwinSpires Returns appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Introduced in the same seven-furlong Salisbury novice on Thursday in which her stable's group 1 performer Remarquee (GB) (Kingman {GB}) began her story, Doreen Tabor's Chantilly Lace (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}–Seeking Solace {GB}), by Exceed And Excel {Aus}) was able to replicate the outcome and light her own way as she added to Ralph Beckett's juvenile riches. Sent off the 6-4 favourite under Rossa Ryan, the half-sister to No Nay Never's G1 July Cup and G1 Middle Park Stakes-winning sire Ten Sovereigns (Ire) travelled smoothly in second until finding herself in front with over two furlongs remaining. Coaxed clear from there, the 375,000gns Tatts October Book 1 graduate had a comfortable 1 1/2-length margin to spare over Char (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) at the line. “She was very green and didn't really know what to do, which was what I expected as she's a big tall filly who I think will furnish significantly over the winter,” Beckett said, before revealing that the winner would tread the same path as Remarquee. “There is much to look forward to I think and that'll be it for the year. Hopefully, we'll be able to get her ready for the [G3] Fred Darling or something like that, as she's potentially a Guineas filly. I wouldn't think she'll get more than a mile, being a half to Ten Sovereigns.” Chantilly Lace, a 375,000gns daughter of Lope De Vega, is YET ANOTHER debutant winner for @RalphBeckett this season. One for the notebook for next season pic.twitter.com/MrmD90YKPO — Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 3, 2024 The post Smooth Debut Win For Lope De Vega Half To Ten Sovereigns appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Timberlake (Into Mischief), a 'TDN Rising Star' and Grade I winner at two, will stand the upcoming breeding season at WinStar Farm and his stud fee will be set at $20,000 S&N, according to a press release from the company on Thursday morning. “Being an attractive and imposing son of top sire Into Mischief, Timberlake showed tremendous precocity in winning the GI Champagne and being second in the GI Hopeful at two,” said David Hanley, senior vice president/bloodstock services for WinStar Farm. “With his exceptional physical and his unique depth of pedigree, we look forward to standing him here at WinStar.” Campaigned by Siena Farm and WinStar, the Brad Cox trainee was named a 'TDN Rising Star' following his second start where he won by 9 1/4 lengths at Ellis Park. After turning in a runner-up performance in the GI Hopeful Stakes at the Spa, the juvenile took home the GI Champagne Stakes at the Belmont at the Big A meet. Making his seasonal debut at three, the highlight of Timberlake's year came when he won the GII Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park. His career earnings currently sit at $1,303,100. A $350,000 acquisition from the 2022 Keeneland September Sale, Timberlake, bred in Kentucky by Vincent and Teresa Viola's St. Elias Stables, is out of the stakes placed Lookin At Lucky mare Pin Up (Ire), a half-sister to multiple English group stakes winner Thomas Chippendale (Ire) (Dansili {GB}). Timberlake's second dam, All My Loving (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), was Group 1-placed in Ireland, and other members of this extended female family include Irish Group 1 winners Quarter Moon (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), Yesterday (Ire) (Sadler's Wells) and Diamondsandrubies (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}). “Timberlake hails from a hugely productive European family that traces to Mumtaz Mahal (GB), the great foundation mare for the Aga Khan's breeding operation,” Hanley said. “Her daughter, Mumtaz Begum (GB), is the dam of Nasrullah (GB) who Claiborne brought to America from England in 1950. From the Nasrullah sire line came Grey Sovereign (GB), Bold Ruler, Secretariat, Spectacular Bid, Seattle Slew, A.P. Indy, and Nashua, who is also the broodmare sire of Mr. Prospector and Roberto. Out of another daughter, Mah Mahal (GB), came Mahmoud (FR), and Northern Dancer's dam, Natalma, is a granddaughter of Mahmoud.” The post Grade I Winner And ‘TDN Rising Star’ Timberlake To Stand At WinStar Next Season appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Brittany Updike has been consigning under her Afleet Equine Services banner for five years now, but will offer her biggest group to date when she brings an 18-horse consignment to next week's Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's October Yearling Sale. A native Floridian, Updike is no stranger to major consignments. She's worked the 2-year-old sales for Torie and Jimbo Gladwell's Top Line Sales. “I started doing MagnaWave therapy,” Updike explained of her introduction to the sales scene. “I was working on Torie and Jimbo's horses and it turned into, 'Oh, you want to help us out at the sales?' 'Do you want to help us out at the farm?' To all of that over that years.” The opportunity to hang out her own shingle came up when Top Line stepped out of the yearling consignment business. “I love working for Torie and Jimbo, so when they stopped doing the yearlings, I thought it was perfect,” Updike said. “I decided that was something I wanted to do. But I could still do the 2-year-old consignment with them. They have taught me a lot and have helped me in a lot of ways. They have been super supportive and they have helped guide me over the years.” Afleet Equine Services made its first appearance at OBS in 2019, debuting with a three-horse consignment that October. It had its biggest consignment with 10 horses last year–and its first six-figure result with a $125,000 daughter of Vekoma–before nearly doubling in size this year. “Over the years, I have had some nice horses sell pretty well and this year, I definitely have more than I have had,” Updike said. “I have nice clients that have really helped me along the way and supported me, so I have a couple repeat customers, and then I have some clients that bought some in Kentucky in the September sale and their plan was to flip them here in October. So [the consignment] started smaller and then last minute, it just doubled.” Updike said her experience working with Top Line's 2-year-old consignments has prepared her for this year's expanded October group. “I am very hard on myself, in terms of I really want to make everybody happy,” she admitted. “I really want to do the best job, whether I have one horse or 100 horses. My goal is to give every horse–from a $1,000 horse to a $200,000 horse–the same care. So I do put a little stress on myself with that many because it's just me. But luckily, I do have experience in handling 50 and 60 2-year-olds, so I don't think it will be too hard.” Updike, whose aunt is involved with Quarter Horse racing in Oklahoma, is just back from a stint with consignor Scott Mallory at the 12-day Keeneland September Yearling Sale. While she enjoyed the experience, she's planning on keeping her consignment at home in Ocala. For now. “I actually went to Kentucky for the first time this year,” Updike said. “I went to July and September and I worked for Scott Mallory. July was fine. July was easy. Keeneland is a different kind of sale. It really is. I don't feel like I would be comfortable going up there on my own just yet. Maybe in the future, I would. Right now, I really love OBS. It's home. I'm a small Florida breeder myself. I have a couple of mares. And I like selling in Florida. Obviously, the end goal is to be in Kentucky at some point. But I don't see that for a few more years.” Among the Afleet Equine consignment at the October sale are yearlings who have already been through the ring this summer. Supplemented to the OBS sale are: hip 274, a colt by Omaha Beach who was purchased for $20,000 at the Fasig-Tipton New York-bred sale in August; hip 288, a colt by Volatile purchased for $10,000 at Keeneland; and hip 591, a colt by Instagrand who also sold for $10,000 at Keeneland. “Sometimes when they come from Kentucky and there are a bunch of horses up there, the ones that are average up there get overlooked,” Updike said. “So they can come down here and do really well. I think that's what is nice about OBS. You can take a horse that might be overlooked with thousands of horses and bring them here and they can do well.” After witnessing first hand the competitive marketplace at Keeneland last month, Updike is hoping the demand continues in Ocala next week. “What I am hoping is that people still need horses,” she said. “I have some nice horses and some very active families. A lot of my horses have updates already and I am getting calls back that X-rays are going great. I have a nice group of horses to offer at OBS and I feel like people who still need horses who got shut out a bunch in Kentucky will be able to come to OBS and find nice horses.” The OBS October Yearling sale will be held next Tuesday and Wednesday. Sessions begin each day at 11:30 a.m. The post Afleet Equine is on the Rise at OBS appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mark Walker has Victoria Derby aspirations for Truth Or Dare (NZ) (Vanbrugh) who lines up in the Super Impose Stakes at Flemington. Truth Or Dare will show his trainer whether he is a Victoria Derby proposition when the lightly raced galloper heads to Flemington for a suitable lead up assignment. The Mark Walker-trained galloper heads to the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) on Saturday with the gelding’s performance to tell the trainer whether or not to press on to the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on November 2. The Super Impose Stakes has been a good guide to the Derby in recent years with Polanski (2013), Extra Brut (2018), Warning (2019) and Riff Rocket (2023) all completing the double. Truth Or Dare has only had the three starts to date and registered his first win when making his Australian debut in a 1600m maiden at Cranbourne on September 19, having raced first-up when third at Te Rapa over 1200m in August. Walker is expecting the Flemington track to suit Truth Or Dare on Saturday. “I think the big track will suit him,” Walker said. “His win was good because he jumped from 1200 (metres) to a mile and being on the tighter track (at Cranbourne) it took him a while to get wound up. “But it was a good win, and obviously it’s a step up on Saturday, but he should like Flemington.” Walker said the Derby had been in the back of his mind when Truth Or Dare started his campaign, and the team took a punt on sending the gelding to his Cranbourne stables. It paid a dividend straight away with the first-up Cranbourne win. “We took a bit of a punt to bring him over here after his first-up run, but it was so wet at home,” Walker said. “Luckily, he’s gone the right way, and he worked well on Tuesday with Michael Dee on and then he spent some time down at the beach. “Hopefully he’s up to it.” View the full article

Sharp ‘N’ Smart in super nick CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO View the full article

Adrian Bott will saddle up two genuine chances in his bid for a first Epsom Handicap win. Gai Waterhouse shares the Epsom Handicap training record of seven wins with her legendary father Tommy Smith, but her training partner Adrian Bott is yet to taste victory in the feature Randwick mile. The pair will have two runners in Saturday’s renewal, favourite Royal Patronage and the rejuvenated Major Beel (NZ) (Savabeel), with Bott hoping one of them can elevate his name onto the Epsom Handicap (1600m) honour roll. “Gai has obviously got a brilliant record in this race. I’m yet to get on the board,” Bott said. “Like any big, iconic race at Randwick, you’d love to be able capture it on your home track.” Waterhouse last won the Epsom in 2011 with Fat Al, five years before she teamed up with Bott. Import Royal Patronage remains at the top of markets despite a tricky draw in barrier 17 but given his ability to stalk the speed to win the Tramway Stakes (1400m) at his Australian debut, Bott is hopeful he can overcome the gate. “First-up he showed great tactical speed over the 1400 metres, so if he’s able to do that once again, he can easily offset that draw,” Bott said. “Last start in the 7 Stakes, he was a little bit tardy, he got himself in an awkward position, so we’d certainly like to see him being on the front foot out of that gate.” Major Beel is also prominent in markets as a $11 chance, the 2023 ATC Australian Derby winner responding to a different training approach this campaign to rediscover his form. After a disappointing four-year-old season, he resumed with a mile win at Randwick last month before running a cheeky race at weight-for-age in the 7 Stakes (1600m) when he led and gave a strong kick before being overhauled late to finish fifth, beaten just over a length by Fangirl. “Gee, I thought it was an honest performance,” Bott said. “He led them up and gave them a great sight, gave them something to chase, and he was only beaten over the concluding stages and not beaten far. “Last preparation, we felt he didn’t quite see out some of the staying trips. The transition from three-year-old company to open staying ranks, it’s not easy for them. “We thought we would start by trying to keep him sharp for a few of those mile to 2000-metre races and then if he needed to, we could stretch him out at a later date. “But for now, he has been pretty effective in both those runs to keep him at that mile trip.” Winona Costin will be chasing her maiden Group 1 win aboard Major Beel, who has drawn barrier nine, while Tim Clark partners Royal Patronage. View the full article

This is the What's Going On Here column from the October issue of BloodHorse Magazine. View the full article

What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Saturday, October 5, 2024 First Race 2:12pm ACST Visit Dabble A total of 55 horses have accepted for the six-event meeting at Darwin on Saturday. It will be mostly sunny on Saturday with a possible shower and a top temperature of 35C. The rail will be in the true position, and Fannie Bay will be a good dirt surface for the meeting commencing at 2:12pm local time. BEST BET: Extreme Emotion Extreme Emotion is a last-start winner two weeks ago over 1300m (0-58) after settling behind runaway leader Ariarne before finishing strongly to seal victory by 1.6 lengths. The six-year-old mare certainly impressed enough to suggest that the extra 2kg will not necessarily pose a problem this weekend. Fourth over 1300m on August 3, the daughter of Extreme Choice was 0.8 lengths adrift in second place behind the in-form Yaki Ishi over 1300m (0-58) on August 31. If she holds her form, Extreme Emotion will be hard to beat in the Darwin opener. Best Bet Race 1 – #5 Extreme Emotion (5) 6yo Mare | T: Gary Clarke | J: Jarrod Todd (58kg) Bet with Bet365 NEXT BEST: Ariarne Ariarne did little wrong a fortnight ago when second behind Extreme Emotion after setting a cracking pace out in front. Ariarne was gallant in the home straight before waving the white flag with 100m to go, and the shorter trip could be the difference on Saturday. Under a well-rated ride from Stan Tsaikos, Ariarne will look to run her rivals off their feet in the second leg of the quaddie. Next Best Race 4 – #2 Ariarne (4) 5yo Mare | T: Neil Dyer | J: Stan Tsaikos (58kg) Bet with PlayUp BEST VALUE: Zoumist An early $10 quote with horse racing bookmakers, Zoumist rarely runs a bad race and loves running on the pace. In June, she was fourth in open company (1200m) before striking late interference that proved costly over 1200m. Zoustar’s daughter was second in the 1200m Rosebowl for fillies and mares in July during the Darwin Carnival. A third over 1200m (0-66) in August was followed by a second over 1100m (0-64) two weeks ago. Dropping 2.5kg in weight, Zoumist can end a long drought. Best Value Race 3 – #11 Zoumist (9) 7yo Mare | T: Angela Forster | J: Sonja Logan (56kg) Bet with Neds Saturday Darwin quaddie tips – 5/10/2024 Darwin quadrella selections Saturday, October 5, 2024 2-6-8-11 1-2-3-4 2-4-5 1-3-4-6 Horse racing tips View the full article

Long-time NT trainer Dick Leech returns to action at Fannie Bay in Darwin on Saturday after serving a six-month suspension. After serving a six-month suspension, NT trainer Dick Leech makes his return on Saturday during the Darwin meeting at Fannie Bay. Leech was suspended for 12 months by Thoroughbred Racing NT stewards in March when found guilty of injecting Envenomate before the gelding was due to race at Fannie Bay in February. Stewards noticed that Envenomate had a swollen haematoma on the near side jugular vein and after a veterinarian inspection, it was determined that an injection was administered. The horse was withdrawn before blood and urine samples were collected. No prohibited substances were detected, but Leech was banned before it was reduced to six months following an appeal. Early Crow, who defended his Palmerston Sprint title during the Darwin Cup Carnival in August for fellow Top End trainer Chris Pollard in Leech’s absence, will line up in Darwin’s feature race this weekend. It’s an open 1100m handicap at BM77 level, with Leech’s stablemates Write Your Name and Kerioth also facing the starter. They will have to be at their best to trouble Clarke’s last start winners, Rising Sphere and Flying Annie, while stablemate Doc O’Connor must be respected. Leech, who will have four other runners at Fannie Bay on Saturday, last tasted success during the Alice Springs Cup Carnival with Early Crow on March 17. Leading Top End trainer Gary Clarke initially took over Leech’s stable in Alice Springs before Pollard took over in the build-up to the Darwin Cup Carnival. Leech, with stables in the Top End and the Red Centre, had an outstanding 2023 with Write Your Name winning the Darwin and Alice Springs Cups and Early Crow claiming the Palmerston Sprint. He also ended the 2022/23 season as the leading trainer in the Alice Springs and Provincial premiership. “It’s good to see Dick back in the training ranks,” TRNT chief executive officer Andrew O’Toole said. “Speaking with Dick earlier in the week, he’s up and about. “I do think that Gary’s horses are the ones to beat in the feature. “Rising Sphere and Flying Annie – they’re in good form. “Early Crow hasn’t had a start since the Palmerston, that’s two months ago and he’s got 60.5kg to carry. “He might be short of a run, you would say. “As a stayer, it might be on the short side for Write Your Name. “Kerioth would need to go better than his last two runs during the Carnival. “That was after having a win at the start of Carnival, but he was a last start sixth two weeks ago. Leech certainly faced an uncertain future had Clarke and Pollard not provided assistance. “Gary did a great job at short notice in Alice Springs and Chris also did a great job during the Darwin Cup Carnival and at Kununurra. “It was good to see Chris have success and to celebrate his biggest win with Early Crow in the Palmerston was great.” Horse racing news View the full article

Achieving success abroad is one of racing’s biggest hurdles, as proven by Victor The Winner and Mugen last Sunday.View the full article

A field of 16 will take part in Sunday's G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp, with Aidan O'Brien responsible for the only withdrawals on Thursday morning with the expected easy ground unsuitable for Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). That leaves the G1 Irish Derby hero Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) and Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) to represent Ballydoyle with the Wertheimers' G1 Grand Prix de Paris hero Sosie (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) currently shading favouritism for an open renewal of the mile-and-a-half monument. Sosie, who bids to provide Andre Fabre with a record-extending ninth edition, has drawn favourably in five while Al Shaqab Racing and Ballylinch Stud's G1 Prix du Jockey Club winner Look De Vega (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) is in eight and Los Angeles will start from stall 10. Susumu Fujita's G1 Irish Champion Stakes third Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) will attempt to bring Japan's long wait for an Arc hero to an end from stall 11, while Juddmonte's G1 Prix Vermeille and G1 Pretty Polly Stakes winner Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}) is in three. Drawn widest of all is Baron Edouard De Rothschild's multiple group 1 winner Mqse De Sevigne (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}), while two other notables are the G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin winner Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Coolmore's Delius (GB) (Frankel {GB}) drawn in nine and seven respectively. The post Sosie And Look De Vega Head 16 For Arc appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article