Wandering Eyes

Martell made an instant impact in his first appearance from his new quarters and more of the same is forecast at Gore. The former Jim Collett-prepared sprinter made a successful South Island debut at Wingatui earlier this month and is expected to go close to adding Sunday’s Advance Agriculture Open (1100m) to his record. He will head a strong hand for trainer Kelvin Tyler who will also be represented by Go Lotte, while stablemates Vamos and Prince Alby are top chances in the Kevin Coyle Memorial Open (1800m). The Riverton horseman will also be keeping a close eye on the Marton meeting at Trentham where Freddie Time steps out in the Nufarm & Property Brokers Handicap (1400m). El Roca six-year-old Martell has now won seven of his 26 starts and Tyler is understandably bullish about his chances on Sunday. “He’s a good horse and Jim Collett did a great job with him. The wet track’s not going to hurt, it’s a winnable race for him again,” he said. “It’s still the same ownership group and you couldn’t get a better horse to work with, he’s fitted in well and we’re very pleased to have him.” Stable stalwart Go Lotte posted consecutive placings before she tailed the field home last time out at Riccarton. “She got back and they kicked off the front that day with the rail out, so it was hard for her,” Tyler said. “She’ll go a nice race on Sunday, she’s won 10 races so she’s obviously a good horse, but Martell will probably be a bit sharp for her.” Tyler also favoured his last-start Riccarton winner Vamos over Prince Alby in the other open handicap. “His work has been great, he’s a beautiful black horse and is very genuine so he’ll take some stopping,” he said. Prince Alby was a resuming fourth behind Martell and is on a path toward a November staying feature at Riccarton. “If he had got a bit more room the other day he may have given him a run for his money,” Tyler said. “He’s come through it well and is heading toward the New Zealand Cup (Gr.3, 3200m), but I don’t think he’s up to Vamos at this stage.” Trentham hope Freddie Time finished fourth when resuming at Otaki earlier this month in his first appearance since a disappointing Queensland venture. “I was rapt with him and his work has been unreal, he should be a great chance on a wet track in a small field,” Tyler said. “He pulled a muscle in Australia, so we brought him back and instead of bringing him down south for the winter we parked him up at Howie and Lorraine Mathews’ place and he’s still there. “There’s another good race for him at Otaki in three weeks’ time, so he’ll keep ticking over up there.” View the full article

Check out the great racing offers available from horse racing bookmakers on Friday, September 19. Enjoy bonus back deals and other promotions to boost your betting experience. Explore these specials from top online bookmakers and get more value from your bets. Top Australian racing promotions for September 19, 2025, include: Today’s horse racing promotions Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Copycash – Get Copied. Get Paid. Get paid $0.10 every time someone uses Copy Bet to copy your bets. Eligible Customers Only. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Newcastle Races 5-8 | Run 2nd or 3rd Stake Back 50% as Cash up to $25 If your runner runs 2nd or 3rd in Races 5-8 at Newcastle on Friday, get 50% of your stake back as CASH up to $25. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo 10% Winnings Boost! – Townsville & Canberra Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in betslip. Cash bets only. Max bonus $100. Eligible customers only Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Bet Boost | Friday Thoroughbred Meetings Get a bet boost on thoroughbred races around Australia on Friday. Eligible customers. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Daily Exotic Boosts Boost your exotics by up to 20%. Available on Exactas, Quinellas, Trifectas & First Fours. Excludes Quaddies. Check your vault for eligibility. Login to Unibet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% winnings in cash Max Payout $2000. Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds win bets on Australian thoroughbred races only. Excludes boosted, multi, live and bonus bets. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector | If Your Horse Drifts, You Get The Bigger Price Only available on Australian Horse Racing Fixed Price Win bets placed from 8am AET the day of the race. Eligible customers. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au find these racing offers? HorseBetting.com.au reviews Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers to share the best thoroughbred promotions for September 19, 2025. Bookmakers are always competing, so if one doesn’t have a deal, another usually does. Rely on HorseBetting.com.au for daily racing bonuses and betting specials. Get better value with competitive odds and offers for existing customers. Just log in to your betting account to see what’s available. For extra help picking winners and using your bonuses wisely, check out our daily free racing tips. View all horse racing promotions View the full article

What Underwood Stakes Day Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Saturday, September 20, 2025 First Race 12:10pm AEST Visit Dabble A stacked day of racing awaits punters at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon, with the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) and Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) headlining proceedings. Showers are forecast in the lead-up to the meeting, but it should not deteriorate the track too far from the Good 4 rating at the time of acceptances. The rail comes out 6m the entire course, with the opening event scheduled to jump at 12:10pm AEST. Underwood Stakes tip: Buckaroo It was hard to miss the return of Buckaroo in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) fresh from a spell on August 30, and with a strong second-up record, he looks poised to defend his Underwood Stakes crown. The son of Fastnet Rock has four wins and two minor placings from seven second-up starts and has yet to miss the top three in his three runs at Caulfield. Blake Shinn will have the seven-year-old gelding settled midfield with cover, and as long as he can find the right back to follow, Buckaroo will be savaging the line and should prove too hard to hold out. Underwood Stakes Race 7 – #2 Buckaroo (8) 7yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Blake Shinn (59kg) Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes tip: Angel Capital Angel Capital was breathtaking when winning the Listed Chautauqua Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley and looks set to go on with the job in Saturday’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes. The four-year-old put four lengths on his closest rival and was eased down late to suggest that there is still plenty left in the tank. He returns to the Caulfield 1400m, a track and trip he has won both of his starts at, and looks to get the perfect setup to unleash a powerful sprint late. Damian Lane will need a touch of luck early from barrier 13, but barring any bad luck, Angel Capital should be winning. Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Race 8 – #9 Angel Capital (13) 4yo Horse | T: Chris Waller | J: Damian Lane (53.5kg) Caulfield Guineas Prelude tip: Stay Cosmic Stay Cosmic was valiant in defeat behind the smart Rosberg in the Listed Mckenzie Stakes (1200m), and looks poised to strike second-up in the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m). The son of Cosmic Force produced the best last 400m of the event to suggest the step up in trip will be ideal second-up, and despite being a backmarker, there looks to be enough pace engaged for him to be overhauling the leaders late. If Jamie Melham can have him within striking distance on the home turn, Stay Cosmic will be the one with the last crack at them late. Caulfield Guineas Prelude Race 5 – #5 Stay Cosmic (7) 3yo Rig | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Jamie Melham (56kg) Naturalism Stakes tip: Statuario With Halfs Yours and Birdman expected to head to Sydney, Statuario simply looks like the runner with the most upside in the 2025 Naturalism Stakes (2000m). He chased home a hot speed behind Too Darn Discreet in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) when beaten 1.5 lengths, so he should be cherry-ripe for the 2000m second-up this preparation. If Dean Yendall can find cover in a positive position from barrier 19, the son of D’argento has shown so far in his career that he can sprint sharply for a stayer. With even luck, Statuario will outstay his rivals. Naturalism Stakes Race 9 – #16 Statuario (19) 4yo Gelding | T: Emma-Lee & David Browne | J: Dean Yendall (54.5kg) Best Bet at Caulfield: Nadal Despite not being seen since December last year, Nadal simply looks too hard to go past on return in a BM100 over 1100m. The five-year-old gelding was a dominant winner of The Meteorite (1200m) last prep when getting the better of subsequent Group 1 winner Baraqiel and will appreciate the step back to 1100m fresh. Luke Cartwright’s 3kg claim is an added bonus, and if the pair can land in the three-wide line with cover, Nadal has a blistering turn of foot, and will prove too hard to hold out. Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Nadal (8) 5yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Luke Cartwright (a3) (61kg) Underwood Stakes Day quaddie tips for Caulfield Caulfield quadrella selections Saturday, September 20, 2025 2-4-9-10 1-9-16 2-7-8-16-17 5-6-8-10 Horse racing tips View the full article

What 7 Stakes Day 2025 Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, September 20, 2025 First Race 11:50am AEST Visit Dabble Royal Randwick is the destination for metro racing in Sydney this Saturday afternoon, with the $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m) headlining a bumper 10-part program. The rail moves out +7m from the 1600m marker to winning post, while the remainder will be posted +4m. The forecast promises a genuine Good 4 surface throughout the day, with the opening event scheduled to get underway at 11:50am AEST. 7 Stakes Tip: Fangirl Fangirl is looking to claim back-to-back editions of the 7 Stakes and must be considered the one to beat. The daughter of Sebring did enough first-up in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 30, hitting the line well on unsuitable Soft conditions. Getting back on top of the ground at the wide-open Randwick track should be ideal, and with James McDonald set to be reunited boasting an outstanding record of 13 starts for seven wins when being legged aboard the four-time Group 1 winning mare, expect Fangirl to be too classy for this lot. 7 Stakes Race 8 – #11 Fangirl (5) 7yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (57kg) The Shorts Tip: Joliestar Joliestar returns after a 105-day spell and appears primed to strike first-up in the Group 2 The Shorts (1100m). The Zoustar mare comes in off two strong barrier trials and is bound to have residual fitness on her side after claiming the Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm on June 7. James McDonald will drop her back towards the rear after drawing barrier nine; however, with a strong tempo engaged among this field of 10, it should set up perfectly for Joliestar to be thundering home down the centre of the course. The Shorts Race 9 – #4 Joliestar (9) 5yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (56kg) Tea Rose Stakes Tip: Tupakara Tupakara appears perfectly placed to turn the tables on Apocalyptic after finishing second in the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m) on September 6. Extending to the 1400m should be ideal and barrier three allows James McDonald to take a closer position in transit, with the daughter of Trapeze Artist showing good tactical speed in her two-year-old season. It is a minor concern that she is yet to break her maiden, but with no excuses on this setup, Tupakara should get every chance to secure her first victory in the 2025 Tea Rose Stakes. Tea Rose Stakes Race 6 – #2 Tupakara (3) 3yo Filly | T: Annabel & Rob Archibald | J: James McDonald (56kg) Bill Ritchie Handicap Tip: Bosustow The Annabel & Rob Archibald-trained Bosustow scaled new heights last preparation, resuming a dominant winner in the Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) on May 10. He was later competitive in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) before spelling, and looks ready to fire returning to Sydney, catching the eye in both recent barrier trials. Joshua Parr will need to give him a cracking steer to overcome gate 13, but the $8 with horse racing bookmakers is an appealing price to find out. Bill Ritchie Handicap Race 7 – #4 Bosustow (13) 4yo Horse | T: Annabel & Rob Archibald | J: Joshua Parr (57kg) Best Bet at Randwick: Vauban It was hard not to be impressed with the return of Vauban in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m). The staying import was always going to find the trip too sharp, but it didn’t stop the son of Galiway hitting the line well in a contest that turned into a sit-and-sprint in the final 400m. Tim Clark maps to gain the perfect stalking position from stall five, and provided the pair can stick to the back of Elamaz everywhere he goes, this guy should get the last crack to secure the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m). Best Bet Race 5 – #3 Vauban (5) 7yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark (57kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Randwick Randwick quadrella selections Saturday, September 20, 2025 2-4-9-14 11 1-4 1-5 Horse racing tips View the full article

An Ashview Stud-consigned colt by Liam's Map (hip 3681) became the last of 29 horses to breach the $100,000 threshold during the second of two sessions in Book 5A of the Keeneland September Sale in Lexington Thursday afternoon, selling to bloodstock agent Chad Schumer, agent, for $480,000. And when the dust had settled on the 10th session of the auction, gross receipts had nudged past $500 million, extending the record for the sale. “Surpassing $500 million at the September Sale marks a pivotal moment for our sport–a milestone the entire industry can celebrate together,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “This is a powerful testament to the health of the sport, and it reflects the remarkable energy, optimism and momentum we've been experiencing together across this entire sale.” “New buyers are stepping in and making a tangible impact, which is truly a win for everyone connected to the game,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “But just as important are the breeders and consignors who have continued to entrust their horses to us year after year. Their confidence is the foundation of these results, and this moment is undeniable proof of what we can achieve as a community. We're so proud that Keeneland continues to be the stage where we see this growth and enthusiasm come to life.” Also in the final 30 minutes of trade, a colt by the evergreen Ghostzapper took a short-lived lead at the top of the leaderboard when hammering for $200,000, equaling the best price from the corresponding day of trade 12 months ago, when a respectable 13 horses were knocked down for six-figure pricetags. For the session, Keeneland reported sales on 299 horses for in-ring turnover of $12,600,500, a towering increase of 35.40% over the corresponding session in 2024. The average of $42,149 leaped by 25.89%, while the session median settled at $30,000, an improvement of 15.38%. “I have never seen a market like this,” said Schumer, who signed the ticket on the day's dearest horse on behalf of KGS. “I have followed up some horses to do some breezing in Europe and I wasn't just getting outbid, I was getting completely blown out of the water. Not even close. This market is unreal. It's wonderful to see.” The September Sale continues Friday with the first of two sessions of the rebranded Book 5B, with bidding to commence at 10 a.m. ET. The auction concludes on Saturday. This story will be updated… The post A-Plus Finish For Book 5A As Turnover Exceeds A Half-Billion Dollars at Keeneland September appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Quid Pro Quo (Lance), a champion 2-year-old in her native South Africa, arrived at Jerome Reynier's yard several weeks ago and is acclimating to France. The filly races for an ownership group headed by Team Valor International. A winner of both the G1 Douglas Whyte Stakes and the G1 Allan Robertson Championship at two, Quid Pro Quo will be given plenty of time to acclimate to the Northern Hemisphere. “We gave her time to adapt because she has changed hemisphere and environment,” Reynier told Paris Turf. “It's been a few weeks since she arrived at the stable. The goal is to see her in Dubai this winter, but there is still a long way to go before then. In South Africa, she showed a lot of quality.” Second in her first two starts, Quid Pro Quo was unbeaten in her next six races, including the G2 Zulu Kingdom Explorer Golden Slipper on either side of her Grade 1 victories, and in the G2 Dingaans last November. In her latest start, she was third in the G2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas at Turffontein in February. The post South African Champion Joins Reynier Yard appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Beginning with the start of the Classic Meet at Santa Anita Park Dec. 26, all maiden special weight races in restricted and open company run at Santa Anita will receive a $2,500 increase in the maiden bonus awards.View the full article

By Michael Guerin Ben Hope admits he knows a lot more about one of his three-year-old trotters than the other one heading to Addington tonight. But he still thinks they can both win. Hope and father Greg train Habibti Pat (R6, No.7) who resumes in the $60,000 Macca Lodge NZ Sires’ Stakes Classique for the trotting girls tonight while a few races later former northerner Ya Eejit Ya (R9, No.1) makes its stable debut against the older horses. “He has come down from Sean McCaffrey’s and feels like a really nice young horse,” says Hope of Ya Eejit Ya. “He seems to have a good record from a mobile and I think he would have to go close as he might have too much speed for many of these if he gets a nice sit.” Habibti Pat was our best juvenile trotting filly last season but had little luck on a northern campaign in the autumn, albeit she finished third to Meant To Be in the Northern Trotting Derby. Hope says she has prepped well for her return tonight and he still has total confidence in her. “But much went right for her up north but she still went some brave races. “She has trialled well this time in. Blair [Orange, driver] was happy with her last trial so we think she is ready to go.” While the Hopes don’t give Orange too many instructions, Ben says he thinks Habibti Pat is ready to be driven with some confidence tonight. “I still think she is the best filly in the country. “Ya Rite Darl has a better draw than us and will be fitter after her last start so we might have to sit parked outside her if she leads. “But I still think our filly is the one to beat.” While the Hope trotters will carry plenty of support tonight the highlight of the meeting is a red hot juvenile race which sees Jumal (R8, No.8) try to remain unbeaten against the likes of Special Occasion and Zeus Lightning. They are anything but the only three winning chances in the Woodlands Stud Sires’ Stakes heat but Jumal opened odds-on with the TAB even from the outside of the front line. With so much talent inside him it wouldn’t surprise to see him have to driven slighty more conservatively inside the first 800m than when he blasted to the lead last start. One thing is for sure: we will know a lot more abut the juvenile boys pacing rankings by 8.30pm tonight. Add in to strong handicap pacing feature that sees Rubira up against Rakero Rocket, Arthur Selby, Hadron Collider and American Me and tonight’s meeting will have some major effects on feature race futures markets for the months to come. View the full article

Hawthorne Race Course and Fairmount Park came into Thursday's Illinois Racing Board (IRB) after having considered and swapped back and forth 12 different versions of racing calendars for 2026 that the two tracks hoped would dovetail for the benefit of all racing in the state. But as the Sept. 18 meeting approached the three-hour mark and differences remained over many of the same issues that have complicated the Illinois calendar the past several seasons–chief among them the state's tenuous Thoroughbred population and the fact that Hawthorne also must switch its racing surface twice in the year to accommodate Standardbred meets–stakeholders from both tracks took more than an hour's recess to hammer out a compromise that more or less will preserve the status quo from 2025 into 2026. Hawthorne, just outside of Chicago in Stickney, will race 63 dates between Mar. 29 and Nov. 1 with 2:40 p.m. (Central) post times on Sundays and Thursdays. Fairmount, 280 miles southwest of Hawthorne and just over the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri, will race 57 dates between Apr. 14 and Oct. 27 with 1:30 p.m. (Central) post times on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The 2026 schedule that the IRB approved by a 9-0 vote represents a slight reduction in dates from 2025. This year, Hawthorne had been awarded 80 race dates, but it has already lopped 15 programs off that schedule. Fairmount had been assigned 55 dates for 2025. Much as TDN reported one year ago when the issue of race dates was last addressed, Illinois is still struggling to recover from the twin blows of the 2021 closure of Arlington International Racecourse and the inability of the state's two surviving Thoroughbred venues to follow through with building their proposed racinos that the state legalized back in 2019. While Fairmount already has a temporary casino in the grandstand open and track officials told the Illinois Gaming Board last month that owner Accel Entertainment has contracts in place to break ground in November with the goal of having additional gaming space ready by the start of the 2026 meet, Hawthorne's racino has been plagued by setbacks. “We came in here last year with the hope of announcing our project,” Tim Carey, Hawthorne's president and general manager, said on Thursday. “We had an internal issue to Hawthorne that we weren't able to overcome with our investor. We unfortunately had to go back out to the [financing] market. “We have done that,” Carey said. “We're committed to doing this project. We're in a very, very good position. Again, this year, we anticipate that we will be able to make an announcement sometime in the fourth quarter in terms of where we are in the project. We anticipate that if we announce [details about racino construction] in the fourth quarter [of 2025], we would be open by the fourth quarter of 2027.” Executives with the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (ITHA), which represents horsemen at Hawthorne, stressed to IRB commissioners that the racino can't come fast enough. “In 2022 at Hawthorne, we raced for $14 million on the Thoroughbred side,” said David McCaffrey, the ITHA's executive director, noting that Hawthorne currently has a horse population of about 650. “In 2023 we raced for $13 million. In 2024 we raced for $11.5 million. This year, the meet's not over, but if we stay on the same clip, and there's not any reason to suggest that we won't, we'll have raced for $9 million. So we're already almost $2.5 million lower than we were last year.” McCaffrey continued: “There is a readily available, legal, proven, dramatically effective antidote to our problems. It's a racino. And Tim acknowledges it. It has to be done. There has to be a deal that gets the casino built, or we're going to disappear.” Added ITHA president Chris Block, “This upcoming year is absolutely pivotal. The term 'robbing Peter to pay Paul' is pretty rampant on our backstretch. Guys are really struggling to pay the bills. Owners are really struggling to stay in the game. “I told this to Tim,” Block said. “I just hope there's an industry left here to save. We don't have any [Chicago-area track] left to tie ourselves to. It's Hawthorne, and it's the Carey family. I told Tim I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. I'm going to hope that he can see it through. But it's got to come really quick here, because the balance [of survival] is falling way on the other side.” At Fairmount, the outlook is slightly healthier, according to Illinois Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association president Jim Watkins, who represents horsemen there. “We're not on life support. We're in the ICU. We're still growing,” Watkins said. But, Watkins added, “Our ecosystem is still quite fragile.” Vince Gabbert, the general manager at Fairmount Park, said that with regard to the compromises made to the overall state racing schedule, “There's things that we're giving up on our end, knowing that everybody's got a little pain in this as we work through this and try to solve some of the problems.” The post Will Illinois Still Awaiting Racinos Legalized In ’19, Hawthorne And Fairmount Opt For Status-Quo Schedules In ’26 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Joe Bravo, sidelined by a broken finger for about three months, resumes riding Sept. 19 at Gulfstream Park. Bravo is named on Fausto Gutierrez-trained 3-year-old colt Rashid in the seventh race. View the full article

Michael Kent Jr. believes the stars are aligning for a mare "you'd want to go to war with" as Miss Roumbini looks to translate her astonishing consistency into group 1 glory in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (G1) at Caulfield Sept. 20.View the full article

Friday, Ayr, post time: 14:33, THE BRITISH EBF STALLIONS HARRY ROSEBERY STAKES-Listed, £35,500, 2yo, 5fT Field: Boston Dan (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}), Chairmanfourtimes (Ire) (Nando Parrado {GB}), Rikki Tiki Tavi (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}), Ipanema Queen (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}), Arduis Invicta (Ire) (Invincible Army {Ire}), Daneh Of Dandy (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}), Hanney Girl (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}), Lebron Power (GB) (Starman {GB}), Our Cody (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Pearl Fortune (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Shine On Me (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Spicy Marg (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Temple Of Athena (GB) (Magna Grecia {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Never a factor in the Nunthorpe, Spicy Marg still holds considerable street cred having previously upstaged King Power's flying filly Revival Power in Goodwood's Alice Keppel. Third in the G3 Prix d'Arenberg last time, Shine On Me is one of the highest-rated maidens in training and surely warrants one of these. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newbury, post time: 15:15, THE DUBAI DUTY FREE MILL REEF STAKES (IN HONOUR OF GEOFF LEWIS)-G2, £130,000, 2yo, 6fT Field: Flying Comet (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Gold Queen Kindly (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Into The Sky (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Rock On Thunder (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Rydale Frosty (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Sands Of Spain (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}), Watcha Snoop (Ire) (Coulsty {Ire}), Words Of Truth (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Newbury has a tendency, for whatever reason, to play host to wide-margin winners who don't always back up their performances elsewhere so all eyes are on Into The Sky who encouraged investment from Doreen Tabor following his 7 1/2-length debut in Berkshire. Godolphin's Words Of Truth comes off professional wins at Ascot and Newmarket, with Watcha Snoop in second on the latter occasion before his own breakthrough at Ascot. Rock On Thunder is the form pick, having run second in the Gimcrack and his trainer rates him highly so this could be a simple case of experience and class telling. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newbury, post time: 13:30, THE DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WORLD TROPHY-G3, £85,000, 3yo/up, 5f 34yT Field: Rumstar (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Cover Up (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), Grand Grey (Ire) (Havana Grey {GB}), Kerdos (Ire) (Profitable {Ire}), Montassib (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), Rage Of Bamby (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Shagraan (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Balmoral Lady (Ire) (Invincible Army {Ire}), Habooba (Nyquist), First Instinct (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), Queen All Star (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}). TDN Analysis: This sees the belated seasonal bow of last year's Haydock Sprint Cup hero Montassib and everything points to this being a sharpener ahead of bigger autumn targets. Five-furlong specialist Rumstar bids for a third Group 3 of the campaign and while he has a penalty for his recent exploits, he defied that at Sandown in July and this is distinctly winnable. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Ayr, post time: 15:00, THE LADBROKES 'GET REWARDED WITH LADBUCKS' FIRTH OF CLYDE STAKES-G3, £65,000, 2yo, f, 6fT Field: Anaisa (GB) (Ardad {Ire}), Argentine Tango (GB) (Mattmu {GB}), Catching The Moon (Ire) (No Nay Never), Come On Eibhlin (Ire) (Space Blues {Ire}), Coming Attraction (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Dandana (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), Figjam (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}), India Love (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Isle Of Fernandez (GB) (Lope Y Fernandez {Ire}), Lam Yai (Ire) (Lucky Vega {Ire}), Lightning Polka (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Mood Queen (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Rogue Attraction (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Solana Rose (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Wateen (Ire) (Profitable {Ire}). TDN Analysis: The Royal runner Lightning Polka was impressive on debut at Haydock and is bred to be Group-class, as is Coming Attraction whose dam Clem Fandango had her finest hour at this track. The Henrys and the Richard Fahey stable combine with another potential luminary in Catching The Moon, who was impressive at Beverley last month, while the established blue-collar Pattern-race performer Argentine Tango and Lowther fourth Dandana bring the smart summer form into the picture. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Gowran, post time: 14:52, DENNY CORDELL LAVARACK & LANWADES STUD FILLIES'STAKES-G3, €36,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 9f 100yT Field: Fleur De Chine (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Higher Leaves (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}), Lady Lunette (Ire) (Buratino {Ire}), Lemsairbat (Fr) (Bated Breath {GB}), Purple Lily (Ire) (Calyx {GB}), Thalara (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), Zora (Fr) (Toronado {Ire}), And So To Bed (IRe) (Kodiac {GB}), Deressa (Ire) (Zarak {Fr}), Easy Mover (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Faiyum (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Offshore Bay (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), She's A Nation (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Sweet Chariot (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Analysis: Juddmonte's unexposed Faiyum looks an even brighter prospect after her G3 Jannah Rose Stakes conqueror Barnavara ran away with the Blandford on Sunday and this looks a nice opportunity. The Listed Ruby Stakes winner Thalara and last year's Irish Oaks third Purple Lily come into this with contrasting profiles this term, with a visor employed on the latter. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Chantilly, France, post time: 13:58, PRIX ECLIPSE – FONDS EUROPEEN DE L'ELEVAGE-G3, €73,200, 2yo, 6fT Field: Ulymine (Fr) (Penny's Picnic {Ire}), Samangan (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Graft (Ire) (U S Navy Flag), No Remorse (Fr) (Mehmas {Ire}), Wor Faayth (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}), Daisy Daisy (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), Ceramic (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Royal Bay Cen (Ire) (New Bay {GB}). TDN Analysis: British contender Wor Faayth, who annexed July's Listed Criterium du Bequet at Bordeaux, was not disgraced when eighth in York's G2 Lowther Stakes last month and sets the standard here. Ulymine ran sixth in the former contest and has since posted a clear-cut win at Deauville. Other threats include G2 Prix du Calvados fourth Ceramic, G3 Prix Six Perfections fourth Royal Bay Cen and stakes-winning G3 Prix d'Arenberg fourth Graft. Peter Player's Daisy Daisy stepped from a claiming score to snag a Deauville conditions heat in August, while Samangan finished two lengths ahead of No Remorse when the pair met at on the Normandy coast last month. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, Chantilly, France, post time: 15:50, PRIX DES CHENES – FONDS EUROPEEN DE L'ELEVAGE-G3, €73,200, 2yo, c/g, 8fT Field: Synaran (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Ikotofetsy (Fr) (Threat {Ire}), Segall (Ire) (Sottsass {Fr}), Oceans Four (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}), Rochfortbridge (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Canalejas (Fr) (Armor {GB}), Elastic (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Andre Fabre nominee Segall rocks up for this black-type debut returning off a TDN Rising Star display, four lengths ahead of the reopposing subsequent winner Synaran, at Saint-Cloud in early June and will attempt to extend the maestro's record haul in the contest to 11. However, this is no straightforward task and his opposition includes G3 Solario Stakes demotee Oceans Four, who will bid to become a rare overseas winner here, and July's Listed Prix des Jouvenceaux et des Jouvencelles third Canalejas. Christophe Ferland trainee Elastic is match-fit coming back off a decisive win at Saint-Cloud earlier in the month and should not be overlooked, while Ikotofetsy and Rochfortbridge both ran fourth in Group 3 heats when last seen. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, Chantilly, France, post time: 17:00, PRIX BERTRAND DE TARRAGON – FONDS EUROPEEN DE L'ELEVAGE-G3, €73,200, 3yo/up, f/m, 9fT Field: Zabeel Light (Fr) (City Light {Fr}), Iradie (Fr) (Sommerabend {GB}), Waldora (Fr) (Waldgeist {GB}), Riyabovka (Fr) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Royal Dress (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Mme Jourdain (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Euboa (Fr) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Zuna (Fr) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Al Uqda (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), American Gal (GB) (Kameko), Mqse Des Nymphes (GB) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Relaxx (Fr) (City Light {Fr}), Place Fontenoy (Fr) (War Command. TDN Analysis: Godolphin's Ilda Rosa was a neck shy of leading German distaffer Santagada when second in July's G3 Hamburger Stuten Meile and, last seen running third in La Teste's Listed Prix Occitanie, is due an upturn in fortune after four placings at black-type level this term. May's G2 German 1000 Guineas third Place Fontenoy ran second in the latter contest, while other leading contenders in this open renewal include the dual Group 3-placed Relaxx, Listed Prix de la Cochere runner-up Zabeel Light, G3 Prix Allez France third Euboa and Listed Prix Zarkava victrix Zuna. The British raiding party consists of G1 Prix de Diane seventh American Gal and G1 Prix Jean Romanet eighth Royal Dress. [Sean Cronin]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Juveniles Out In Force Across Friday and Saturday Contests appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Brendan Walsh highlights his contenders in Parx Racing's $1 million races Sept. 20: Gosger and David of Athens in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) and Clicquot in the Cotillion Stakes (G1).View the full article

Stone Farm and Upland Flats Racing's Swore battles back along the inside to prevail in the $150,000 Lonesome Glory Handicap (NSA-G1), a 2 1/2-mile steeplechase for older horses during the Belmont at the Big A meet. View the full article

2023 GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner White Abarrio (Race Day) will target the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. confirmed Thursday. The now 6-year-old, who started the year with a win in the GI Pegasus World Cup, has returned to Gulfstream Park from Saratoga, where he is scheduled to breeze next week for the first time since finishing fourth in the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup Aug. 31. “Obviously, things didn't go the way we wanted in the Jockey Club. We're going to regroup in the Mile,” Joseph told Gulfstream media. “The Mile is probably going to come up the lesser spot. He's already won the Classic. If we can add the Mile to his resume, that would be a good addition. Right now, I think he'll train up to the Mile” The Jockey Club Gold Cup, which wound up a disastrous trip for several contenders after 'TDN Rising Star' Mindframe (Constitution) unseated jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. shortly after the break, was White Abarrio's third consecutive fourth place finish. He was also off the board in both the GI Whitney Stakes and the GI Metropolitan Handicap both at Saratoga. The post White Abarrio To Train Up To The Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin One of the men closest to pacing excitement machine Merlin finds himself going head to head with harness racing’s biggest modern trend in the IRT Spring Cup at Alexandra Park tonight (9.16pm). Because co-trainer Scott Phelan says the millionaire stallion is the horse to beat in the 2200m dash even though he is off a 20m handicap, the sort of disadvantage that has become a curse for punters in recent years. As the pacing breed has gotten quicker it has been increasingly rare for horses to win top class races off handicaps, which is a double edged sword. First a handicap means a horse is likely to settle back and few major races have leaders dawdling around these days so if the backmarkers want to move they burn enormous energy, usually three wide. But, as may be the case with Merlin tonight, if they sit back and try and divebomb their rivals they often run amazing sectionals but still get beaten because any horse in Merlin race tonight could pace their last 800m in 55 seconds against the marker pegs. All that doesn’t mean winning off handicaps is impossible these days and backmarkers can be aided by smaller fields and staggered handicaps, meaning they aren’t giving every horse a big start. And of course the longer the race the more time backmarkers have to make up their disadvantage or be towed into the race. Merlin gets none of those advantages tonight though as he is off 20m by himself over just 2200m with nine highly talented rivals in front of him. Yet he is the hot TAB favourite and the top pick for Phelan of the six he and training partner Barry Purdon have in the race. “I still think he is the one to beat,” says Phelan. “I know the handicap isn’t easy but that could change quickly at the start. “There are a few inexperienced standing start horses in here and if he [Merlin] begins quickly and there are two or three gallopers or horses who are slow then he could be sixth or something like that after 400m. “Then he would deserve to be favourite but either way we know he is the best horse in the race.” That race configuration will be crucial as put Merlin three back on the outer starting the last 800m and he may well justify his favouritism, especially as few of those in front of him have actually won a major open class race. “He is ready to go and has had two trials. He looks quite tight and while, being first-up, he will probably be driven to outsprint them I think he can.” The stable also has Spring Cup defending champion Sooner The Bettor in tonight and he tends to step and run and looks the thorn in Merlin’s side even though the score card between the pair is very lopsided. “We also have Cold Chisel coming back which is great but you’d think he would improve with a few more starts and while Jeremiah and Better Knuckle Up are both going great they don’t have as much standing start experience as the big two. “Duchess Megxit has come up well but is heading down south for a mares race next week so I think she will be driven for speed as well.” Cambridge trainer Arna Donnelly has three really promising horses in the race and it wouldn’t surprise to see one of Little Spike, The Surfer or Jolimont get into the top three but the question for most punters will be: should I back Merlin? And if not, who else? Sooner The Bettor makes the most sense as he has been there and done that and Phelan says he can go much better than he did winning last start when he got a touch too relaxed in front. Tonight’s meeting also sees the $110,000 Caduceus Club Fillies Final in which impressive Canterbury juvenile Lizzie Borden comes north to take on rivals like Shezsofast and Alecto who have been sharing the honours in the lead up races. Lizzie Borden’s stablemate Fugitive (R7, No.3) looks the one to beat on the boy’s Woodlands Sires’ Stakes. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Ben Hope admits he knows a lot more about one of his three-year-old trotters than the other one heading to Addington tonight. But he still thinks they can both win. Hope and father Greg train Habibti Pat (R6, No.7) who resumes in the $60,000 Macca Lodge NZ Sires’ Stakes Classique for the trotting girls tonight while a few races later former northerner Ya Eejit Ya (R9, No.1) makes its stable debut against the older horses. “He has come down from Sean McCaffrey’s and feels like a really nice young horse,” says Hope of Ya Eejit Ya. “He seems to have a good record from a mobile and I think he would have to go close as he might have too much speed for many of these if he gets a nice sit.” Habibti Pat was our best juvenile trotting filly last season but had little luck on a northern campaign in the autumn, albeit she finished third to Meant To Be in the Northern Trotting Derby. Hope says she has prepped well for her return tonight and he still has total confidence in her. “But much went right for her up north but she still went some brave races. “She has trialled well this time in. Blair [Orange, driver] was happy with her last trial so we think she is ready to go.” While the Hopes don’t give Orange too many instructions, Ben says he thinks Habibti Pat is ready to be driven with some confidence tonight. “I still think she is the best filly in the country. “Ya Rite Darl has a better draw than us and will be fitter after her last start so we might have to sit parked outside her if she leads. “But I still think our filly is the one to beat.” While the Hope trotters will carry plenty of support tonight the highlight of the meeting is a red hot juvenile race which sees Jumal (R8, No.8) try to remain unbeaten against the likes of Special Occasion and Zeus Lightning. They are anything but the only three winning chances in the Woodlands Stud Sires’ Stakes heat but Jumal opened odds-on with the TAB even from the outside of the front line. With so much talent inside him it wouldn’t surprise to see him have to driven slighty more conservatively inside the first 800m than when he blasted to the lead last start. One thing is for sure: we will know a lot more abut the juvenile boys pacing rankings by 8.30pm tonight. Add in to strong handicap pacing feature that sees Rubira up against Rakero Rocket, Arthur Selby, Hadron Collider and American Me and tonight’s meeting will have some major effects on feature race futures markets for the months to come. View the full article

Invincible Spirit's Marvelman has been sold to Bond Thoroughbred Limited, the organisation's Charlie Bond revealed. The 3-year-old G2 Park Stakes hero is likely to be supplemented to the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on British Champions Day, October 18 at a cost of £70,000. Trained by Andrew Balding, the colt was winning his first stakes race at Doncaster last weekend and was previously owned by Mr and Mrs Rex Gorell. Bred by Gigginstown House Stud, Marvelman sold for 140,000gns out of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale to Balding from the Lynn Lodge Stud draft. Bond said, “We've been following the form, I was at Doncaster on Saturday and when I saw him win as well as he did he stood out. If everything goes well in the lead-up to Ascot he'll be supplemented for the QEII. I've obviously had a word with Andrew and he's keen to step him up to the mile for one more run this season. “He looks more of a four-year-old, but Andrew said he really started to come to himself before his last race and after winning like that, why not? If the ground conditions come up the same he'll love it, so if Andrew is happy to go for it I'm quite happy to play the supplementary fee (£70,000).” Bond also had an update on multiple group winner Maranoa Charlie (Wootton Bassett), who was a June purchase. Second in the G1 Prix Jean Prat, the 3-year-old colt was third in the G1 City Of York Stakes and is aiming for the G1 Prix de la Foret at the beginning of October. “The Foret has been his target since York. Christopher [Head] wanted to run him there, even though it looks like he's probably going to get a mile next year,” Bond added. “We're really looking forward to seeing him run on home turf and touch wood his prep work at the moment is going well. “I think he's quite versatile ground-wise. It was obviously quite quick ground at York compared to what he'd been running on and he was coming back at them at the line. Soft ground won't inconvenience him.” The post Marvelman Sold To Bond Thoroughbred, Likely To Be Supplemented To QEII appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar. Given “a new lease on life” after undergoing kidney transplant surgery three months ago, Ken Ramsey was looking for a way to say thank you to Dr. Sandip Kapur. “This is the premier doctor in New York and he's got all kinds of accolades, but he's never had a horse named after him,” the longtime owner/breeder said of Dr. Kapur, Chief of Transplant Surgery and Director of the Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Programs at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. “So I said, 'I've got six 2-year-olds that I bred and I'm gonna name the very best one after you.'” A son of Gainesway sophomore sire McKinzie out of Ramsey's stakes-winning and graded-placed homebred Ava's Kitten (Kitten's Joy), the “very best one” was named Dr. Kapur. McKinzie is already the sire of six stakes winners, led by GISWs 'TDN Rising Star' Chancer McPatrick and Scottish Lassie. Ava's Kitten made all 13 of her career starts on grass and her full-brother Real Solution carried Ramsey's famed red-and-white silks to wins in two of the top grass stakes in the country, the GI Arlington Million and GI Manhattan S. Ken Ramsey heads to the winner's circle | Annette Jasko Ramsey, of course, also bred and raced Dr. Kapur's broodmare sire, the aforementioned late champion grass horse and perennial leading sire Kitten's Joy. “My only fear was that this horse could possibly be a turf horse,” Ramsey said. After posting his 11th workout at Gulfstream Park July 27, the four-legged Dr. Kapur was nearing a debut for trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. Just maybe not where Ramsey had in mind. “I didn't want to run him down there in Florida, I wanted to bring him to Saratoga to see what I got,” Ramsey said. “If you're gonna be the best, you've got to beat the best. If he's Derby material, I want to know.” Now stabled at the Spa, Dr. Kapur posted two more breezes, including a sharp, four-furlong move from the gate in :47.60 (4/106) Aug. 17. Joseph gave Ramsey four different options to pick from for Dr. Kapur's debut. Which one will it be Mr. Ramsey? “Hell, I want to run him on Travers Day against the best,” he said. Off at odds of 5-1 going six furlongs in the always loaded maiden special weight on the Travers undercard Aug. 23, the blinkered Dr. Kapur was sent to the front by jockey Luis Saez and immediately shadowed by 'TDN Rising Star' Big Dom (McKinzie) through an opening quarter in :22.64. Dr. Kapur enjoyed a narrow advantage as they straightened for home, dug down bravely when met by Big Dom in deep stretch and just came up a neck short in a race that didn't deserve a loser. It was another 3 1/4 lengths back to favored Vino Vici (Vino Rosso) in third, the only horse in the field of eight with a prior race under his belt. The final time for six furlongs was 1:09.47. Both Big Dom and Dr. Kapur received matching 84 Beyer Speed Figures. Big Dom wins at first asking in R6 at Saratoga for trainer @tomamossracing with @jose93_ortiz aboard! ?? pic.twitter.com/0jG4OLtxhL — TwinSpires Racing ?? (@TwinSpires) August 23, 2025 “We jump out of the gate on top and lead every step of the way except the last two steps,” Ramsey said. “What really impressed me, Big Dom hooked him at the sixteenth pole and they went head to head and nose to nose right up to the finish line and the 'TDN Rising Star' only beat us by a neck. That's why we ran on Travers Day. Everybody saves them for that day.” Ramsey added, “You run that good on Travers Day means that I've got a pretty good horse.” Dr. Kapur returned to the worktab Thursday with a three-furlong breeze in :37.07 (2/5) over the Oklahoma training track in Saratoga. He is targeting a seven-furlong maiden special weight at Keeneland Oct. 16 with a long-term eye on the GII Kentucky Jockey Club S. at Churchill Downs Nov. 29. Dr. Kapur (inside) finishes a game second behind 'Rising Star' Big Dom on debut at Saratoga Aug. 23 | Sarah Andrew “This one is special,” Ramsey said. “I want to develop him slowly and give him plenty of time between races. With those two races, we'll find out how good he is on the dirt.” Ramsey is winless from seven previous starters in the Kentucky Derby. His best finish came with Ten Cents a Shine, eighth behind Funny Cide in 2003. “I'll be 90 on the third day of November. My doctor says that I have the kidney of a teenager and that it's possible that I can live to be 100,” Ramsey concluded. “I'm very excited. I just hope this could be the one. Wouldn't it be a nice story if me and Dr. Kapur showed up at the Derby?” Since launching 'Second Chances' in 2017, 64 maidens have been featured in these pages (through 2024), producing 25% graded stakes winners, 34% stakes winners and 48% stakes horses. The series has introduced eight future winners at the top level, led by this year's GI Kentucky Derby, GI Belmont Stakes and GI Travers S. winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief), 2023 Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin) and fellow two-time Breeders' Cup winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo). The post Second Chances: With a New Lease on Life, Ramsey Dreaming Big With Dr. Kapur – ‘If He’s Derby Material, I Want to Know’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After competitive graded stakes losses in his only two races of 2025, Dresden Row lines up as the 6-5 morning line favorite in the CA$150,000 Durham Cup (G3) Sept. 20 at Woodbine. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Hanshin and Nakayama Racecourses: Saturday, September 20, 2025 3rd-HSN, ¥14,250,000 ($96k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1200m KATTAPPA (c, 2, Speightstown–Smuggler's Moon, by Gun Runner) was bought back on a bid of $75,000 out of last year's Keeneland September Sale and was knocked down to this trainer for $115,000 at this year's OBS April Sale after breezing an eighth of a mile in :10 1/5. The March foal's unraced dam, a half-sister to 2017 GI Pennsylvania Derby third Giuseppe the Great (Lookin At Lucky) and SP Gibby (Tizway), is the first daughter of Gun Runner to be represented by a starter. The deeper family includes 3-year-old stakes winners Indian Ocean and Megan's Halo. O-Naoya Fujii; B-Buck Pond Farm Inc (KY); T-Hideyuki Mori TAKASUTAKASUTAKASU (c, 2, Mor Spirit–Mopsicle, by Liam's Map) was purchased for just $3,000 as a short yearling at the 2024 Keeneland January Sale and made for a nice profit when hammering to Pick View for $62,000 at the OBS October Sale. Consigned to this year's OBS March Sale by the latter operation, the Feb. 21 foal went a quarter-mile in a snappy :20 2/5 and was snapped up by Emmanuel de Seroux's Narvick International for $450,000. Ryusei Sakai has the riding assignment. O-Katsuya Takasu; B-Twin Oaks Bloodstock (KT); T-Hideaki Fujiwara Sunday, September 21, 2025 4th-NKY, ¥14,250,000 ($96k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1800m BOOM BAP BEAT (c, 2, Into Mischief–Point of Honor, by Curlin) is set to become the first starter for his dam, winner of the GII Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and subsequently runner-up in the GI Acorn Stakes and GI Alabama Stakes at three. The chestnut was a nose second in the GI Ogden Phipps Stakes and third in the GI Personal Ensign Stakes at four in 2020 and made a single appearance at five before being retired. Boom Bap Beat was purchased by this trainer for $1.25 million at last year's Keeneland September Sale and he looks to become the fourth high-profile debut winner in as many weeks for this barn. The Gun Runner half-brother to Boom Bap Beat was purchased by M.V. Magnier and White Birch Farm for $1.5 million during last week's Book 1 at KEESEP. O-Susumu Fujita; B-Alpha Delta Stables LLC (KY); T-Mitsumasa Nakauchida 6th-HSN, ¥14,250,000 ($96k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1800m BLANC DE BLANCS (JPN) (c, 2, Frosted–Orchestrate, by Tiznow) is out of a full-sister to 2005 champion 2-year-old filly Folklore, who was sold to J S Company for $200,000 with this colt in utero at the 2023 Keeneland January Sale. Orchestrate is also a half-sister to MSP Delightful Quality (Elusive Quality), the dam of dual Eclipse Award-winning 'TDN Rising Star' Essential Quality (Tapit), while Folkore's daughter Rhodochrosite (Unbridled's Song) is responsible for Japanese Triple Crown winner Contrail (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}). Blanc de Blancs has the services of leading rider Yuga Kawada. O-Yuji Hasegawa; B-Mishima Bokujo; T-Haruki Sugiyama The post Into Mischief Colt Looks To Keep Nakauchida Barn Hot at Nakayama appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A number of changes to the upcoming 2025/2026 National Hunt programme, including a minimum rating requirement for Grade 1 novice and juvenile hurdles, were announced by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) on Thursday. Horses will only be allowed to run in the top-level contests should they have achieved a rating of 110 or higher, either through a published handicap mark or as assessed by the BHA handicapper to have to raced to that level in at least one hurdle run. There is also an increase in the number of weight-for-age novice chases. As a result, a significant number of class three novice limited handicap chases have been removed and replaced by beginner/novice chases with a minimum value of £12,000 (rising to £15,000 in 2026). The changes, which come into effect immediately, are part of wider efforts to strengthen British Jump racing by giving horses more opportunities to gain valuable early jumping experience and hone their technique over obstacles. The changes can be viewed in full here. Tom Byrne, BHA head of racing and betting, said, “There's a recognition across our industry about the importance of growing the number of horses – and particularly high-quality horses – that are bred, owned, trained and raced in Britain. “Central to this is ensuring that developmental pathways exist so that we are nurturing future talent and, over the longer-term, making sure we are competitive at the top level. “The changes being introduced for the jumps season are primarily geared towards improving the quality of racing for our participants and customers, and giving our promising younger horses the right opportunities to help them fulfil their potential over hurdles and fences. “Like the measures introduced as part of the 2026 fixture list, such as the point-to-point bonus series and additional investment in the Elite Mares' Scheme, these improvements may take time and require patience before we start to see the true benefits. For instance, the changes to weight-for-age novice chases may well result in some smaller field sizes for these contests in the short-term. “But we firmly believe that whether it's refining the novice chase division, requiring our top novice and juvenile hurdlers to show a level of form before competing in Grade 1 contests, or bolstering competition and returns for connections in the North, these are positive steps that can help support the long-term future of British jumps racing.” The post Changes To UK NH Programme Announced By BHA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

“It was great,” Steve Shahinian says, thinking back to his show-jumping days. “But it was just a little boring, compared with racing. And I thought racing was something I could figure out.” Over 40 years on, how is that project progressing? Shahinian, a man lacking neither humor nor candor, offers a wry look. “I've sort of half-figured it out,” he says. A pretty modest verdict, considering his role in the making of one of the best sophomores around. Gosger (Nyquist) again pushed Journalism (Curlin) hard in the GI Haskell Stakes, harder yet than in the GI Preakness–and, after only five starts, aims to maintain his progress towards the apex of the crop in the GI Pennsylvania Derby on Saturday. Shahinian feels that Gosger did especially well to soak up an excessive pace at Pimlico. “And it was a tough beat again in the Haskell,” he reflects. “The best two-turn 3-year-old colts in America are Sovereignty (Into Mischief) and Journalism, but Gosger is certainly in the conversation as third best at the moment, along with Goal Oriented (Not This Time). Horses don't mature until the middle of their 4-year-old year and, to my eye, Gosger still has physical developing to do.” In managing Harvey A. Clarke Racing Stable, for the family of a cherished friend lost in 2019, Shahinian can take credit not just for the way Gosger has been allowed to develop. He has also been central to the cultivation of a family that will hugely underpin his value at stud, even if there was one conspicuous vexation along the way. Steve Shahinian | Sue Finley Shahinian bought Gosger's granddam Arch's Girl Edith (Arch) as a 2-year-old in 2004, for $80,000 at OBS. “Though she wasn't actually the type I usually buy,” he recalls. “If you want a racehorse, you buy elegant. You don't buy chunks. It's not a wrestling match.” Here Shahinian mentions a top stallion, whom he considers built to pull a plow. For this is a guy who will say what he thinks, without being too bothered who might be listening. If possibly in too craven a spirit of diplomacy, however, we've duly excised from his conversation one or two entertaining asides–regarding, for instance, the surgery which (in his opinion) prematurely ended the career of Arch's Girl Edith. “She was very talented,” he recalls. “She won her first start, but chipped an ankle. Anyway everyone wanted me to breed her to Distorted Humor. And like I said, if you're trying to come up with a top two-turn horse, generally you avoid those linebacker types that are usually better suited to sprints. Arch's Gal Edith already had a bit of that look and, to me, so did Distorted Humor. But what I would do is go to his son Flower Alley.” A pause for comic effect. “So that produced a weak, pathetic, backward yearling that we sold for $11,000,” he resumes. “Then at OBS the following spring, I saw him again.” He called Clarke. “Harvey, we made a mistake,” he said. “He's got 'jewelry' already, so I don't know if he's going to make it. But this is a racehorse.” “What's he going to bring?” “Don't know, but he deserves $50,000-$100,000.” “Okay. Well. Never look back.” Sound counsel, more often than not. But that horse, of course, made just $35,000 before turning into 2012 Kentucky Derby winner I'll Have Another. No matter: they still had the mare, and she had meanwhile favored the program with a filly by the emerging Tapit. Gloria S never made the gate but soon produced Harvey's Lil Goil (American Pharoah) to win the GI Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup. Gosger wins the Stonestreet Lexington Stakes at Keeneland | Coady Media Sadly Clarke had just been claimed by cancer. But his family maintained the stable in his memory, son Scott becoming especially enthused. And that will not change now that Gloria S has produced a horse as brilliant as Gosger. It's a gratifying sequel to Shahinian's long relationship with Clarke, which flourished in an unexpected direction after their paths first crossed. “Harvey had brought his kids to me for riding lessons,” Shahinian explains. “That was at Leonia, New Jersey, four miles from the George Washington Bridge. Actually the final selection trial for the 1980 Olympics was held over the jumps that I designed there. Only then Russia invaded Afghanistan, and nobody went.” Shahinian had himself been taught, from age nine, by a mentor of the old school. “Sergeant James Gannon, an Irishman, and instructor to the New York City mounted police,” Shahinian recalls. “He was a taskmaster. 'Bring your horse here, buddy,' he'd say. 'Give me your hand.' And then he yanks me off the horse, splat on the ground. 'You like being yanked on?' Puts me in a round pen, where the horse has nowhere to go. 'Drop the reins. Hanging on a horse's mouth makes him think to take the bridle.' Fair dues to him, he was a consummate horseman, probably the best I've known. At 80, he'd sidestep a horse over these telephone poles on cinder blocks, and you never saw him move a muscle.” Those lessons learned, as a young man Shahinian evidently did not confine his own flair to the saddle. “I went to Vermont to build houses, fly-fish, bird hunt, chase hippie girls,” he says. “Sugarbush Valley, three ski areas, I'd build one house at a time and sell it. Beautiful country, I had my jumper, it was a great life. But then OPEC shut our oil off, we had different days when odd and even license plates could buy gas. So why build a house nobody can get to? What now? I guess law school. Went to Albany, spent three years mostly playing golf. I remember hitting one in the water, they had bass in there so I just dug out my fly rod instead.” With that kind of attitude, guess what Shahinian did when deciding Thoroughbreds might be fun? “I decided to get myself a training license,” he says. “Monmouth in summer but in the winter, when the big boys left town, I'd commute to New York. Up at five to beat the traffic. Belmont was nicknamed The Country Club. All the fancy outfits were there, but it was the most ridiculous main track on the planet–mile-and-a-half of deep sand, and horses can't stay on their leads–while the training track got overcrowded. A lot of the aristocratic stables used Belmont, because it was where you were supposed to be. But it wasn't where your horses wanted to be. So I requested a transfer from The Country Club to The Prison. Because Aqueduct's training surfaces were far superior, and also the right size.” For 10 years, from 1982, his string varied between half-a-dozen and 20. Harvey's Lil Goil carried the Clarke colors | Sarah Andrew “I just wanted to know what it was about,” he says with a shrug. “When they opened Meadowlands, I went down to check it out. Asked some of the trainers to let me volunteer, walk hots, whatever they wanted. After a while I said to myself, 'These guys aren't horsemen, they don't actually know what they're doing. I can do this.' Which might have been true, if I'd had any kind of budget. But I was generally getting useless horses from people that didn't pay bills. The only people that thought me any good were the gamblers. They'd let me look at their sheets, then pick my brain on my horse.” Eventually his brother persuaded Shahinian to stop tormenting himself and join his law firm instead. But there was one silver lining: this real estate guy in Manhattan, the one who'd originally sent his kids for riding lessons, had followed him onto the Turf. “And I'd started buying horses for him,” Shahinian says. “Harvey Clarke was the best guy you ever met. Worked hard, just a perfect human being. I said, 'I don't want to spend a pile of your money, why don't we bring in a couple of others?' Because I was buying horses that could run a little, and people were paying attention.” One priceless connection was Dr. David Lambert, with his innovative ways. As for partners for Clarke, one good example was Craig Robertson asking Shahinian to find a cheap 2-year-old. He called Robertson from the sale. “I can find you something,” he said. “But you're not going to be proud of it, and neither am I. Why not just take a piece of something with Harvey?” So Robertson came in for 10 percent of a War Front colt bought at Keeneland the previous September. Shahinian had noticed Kiaran McLaughlin's work under Wayne Lukas, and supported him with Clarke horses once going solo. “At one point Kiaran had five graded stakes winners in his barn at Palm Meadows,” he recalls. “And, with all those Maktoum horses he had, four were owned by Harvey Clarke. Anyway that War Front was Soldat, and Kiaran was sprinting him on the dirt. I said, 'Kiaran, this is a grass horse. Two turns.' He didn't think so. I said, 'Humor me.' He said, 'Okay, there's a maiden coming up.' I said, 'No, nominate him for the [GIII] With Anticipation.'” He won, of course, and Shahinian still feels robbed of the GI Juvenile Turf, believing that overwatering exposed him to a mugging on the outside. In fairness to McLaughlin, Soldat reverted to dirt to win an allowance by 11 and followed up in the GII Fountain of Youth. By the time he reached the Derby, “he'd starting to feel some stuff” and duly faded in the stretch. But it had been some ride. So, too, was Cairo Prince. He came onto Shahinian's radar at Keeneland January, the best short yearling he'd ever seen. He tried Clarke, but $200,000 sounded a stretch. Then the horse resurfaced in the same ring that September, and this time they lined up partners. They needed $250,000 but made many multiples when Godolphin came in, after he won the GII Holy Bull by six lengths. Now the Clarkes have a horse that could top them all. The program has been streamlined, and needs to be viable, but there was never any danger of offering Gosger as a yearling. Shahinian liked him too much, and the family trusted his judgement. As we keep saying, he's not one to pretend that his every call has paid off. But Gosger's graphlines are narrowing with the crop leaders. In the Haskell, Gosger (outside) finishes second with Goal Oriented running third | Sarah Andrew “He's a young, developing horse that we didn't rush,” Shahinian stresses. “He didn't get to the races until December. He'd popped a little cherry splint, right below the knee. Lots of people would pinfire, blister it. I said, 'No, he goes to the farm, gets turned out.' Dr. Bramlage said 60 days. I gave him 90. I'm never in a hurry. If they're precocious, they'll tell you. And if they need time, you give them time. My biggest flaw is, I kind of like horses! So the timetable, the calendar, never rules. The horse rules. You will have terrible regrets if you damage horses that don't have a say in the matter. So I protect them.” Even as it is, Gosger has come a long way quickly. “He's had five starts in his life,” Shahinian says. “He'll be even better a year from now. Brendan Walsh is an excellent trainer, pays extraordinary attention to how his horses are doing. Horse training and management is like tennis. You hit 'em a shot and see how they return it. If they don't, you don't hit that next shot until they're telling you they're ready.” Certainly he's delighted that the Clarke family have bred such a good horse. “Other than helping them, I'm happily self-unemployed,” he sums up. “My job in life is to have as much fun as I can without hurting anybody. I live on a farm, a little apartment over a ten-stall barn. I wanted somewhere where I can let the bird-dogs out and they don't get hit by a car. That was my only requirement and, three or four bird-dogs later, it still is.” The post Gosger A Fitting Memorial To Clarke appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Multiple graded stakes-winning trainer Richard Robert Root died Aug. 25. He was 82.View the full article

Joe Murphy has raised the possibility of stable star Cercene travelling to Del Mar for the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf in November. A winner of the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Australia filly went on to finish second to Whirl in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood over a-mile-and-a-quarter before reverting to a mile when fifth in the Matron Stakes at the Irish Champions Festival. While unable to land a telling blow, Cercene was only beaten three lengths and Murphy feels she could have finished closer with a clearer passage. He said, “We were a bit unlucky, she got squeezed up in a gap and had to take a pull and come around again. When you have to do that in a Group One you're in trouble, but I liked the way she ran on at the finish.” While keen to let the dust settle on her recent outing, Murphy is not against the idea of stepping his stable star back up in trip. He concluded, “We're contemplating the Breeders' Cup, but it's a bit too soon to say. We'll have a better idea in a week, but we're very happy with the way she came out of the race.” The post Murphy Team Eye Tilt At Breeders’ Cup With Cercene appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article