Wandering Eyes

The 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale released its catalog Tuesday with 4,396 horses set to go through the ring over 12 sessions. The sale will be held Monday, Sept. 9 through Saturday, Sept. 21 in Lexington, KY. “This time of year energizes Keeneland and our entire industry as we prepare to showcase an outstanding collection of quality yearlings and welcome many domestic and international horsemen and horsewomen to Lexington to participate in a vibrant marketplace unlike anything in the world,” said Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin. “Having achieved some of its strongest results in recent years and with an established record of successful graduates, the September Sale is a 'must attend' event for buyers and sellers around the world.” The format for the September Sale remains unchanged from last year with Week 1 featuring a two-day Book 1 (Sept. 9 and 10) and a two-day Book 2 (Sept. 11 and 12) followed by a dark day Sept. 13. Books 3-6 will be held during week 2. “Spanning two weeks and six books, the September Sale caters to buyers at every level, offering yearlings that fit various price points in each session,” said Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy. “As the quality of entries continues to rise, so does the competition. Shopping on the grounds from Book 1 to Book 6 provides buyers the chance to find everything on their short lists and more. Last year, we were excited to see prominent buyers signing tickets not only on the first day of the sale but all the way through to the final day.” The catalog features yearlings from the first crops of Knicks Go, Essential Quality, Charlatan, Maxfield and Yaupon in addition to household names such as Into Mischief, Curlin, Quality Road, Tapit and War Front. The catalog can be viewed in its entirety here. The post Keeneland Catalogs 4,396 Horses For 81st September Yearling Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A total of 227 entries have been received for the five Group contests scheduled to take place on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot, it was announced on Tuesday. This is the largest number since 2018 and includes a record 56-strong entry for the G1 QIPCO Champion Stakes, the feature race on the card slated for Saturday, October 19. The 56 horses entered for the Champion Stakes have won 37 Group 1 races between them, with Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) boasting the most decorated CV as a six-time winner at the top level. Aidan O'Brien has also entered star three-year-olds City Of Troy and Opera Singer, both by Justify, while another leading Irish-trained contender is White Birch (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), who defeated Auguste Rodin when winning the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh in May. Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), a spectacular winner of the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, is one of six French-trained entries. The others include Mario Baratti's G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains scorer Metropolitan (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), while the pick of the home team could be William Haggas's Economics (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), a wide-margin winner of the G2 Dante Stakes at York when last seen in competitive action in May. Metropolitan also holds an entry in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored by QIPCO) in which his rivals could include Godolphin's G1 2,000 Guineas and G1 Sussex Stakes hero Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), who won May's G1 Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh, is another Classic winner in contention, but battle-hardened older horses such as Roger Varian's G1 Queen Anne Stakes victor Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) should ensure that the three-year-olds don't have things all their own way. Opera Singer is one of 10 entries for Ballydoyle in the G1 QIPCO British Champions Filles & Mares Stakes, while last year's runner-up, Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}), could attempt to go one place better, having found only Goliath too strong when contesting the King George on her most recent start. 2022 winner Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is another notable entry, despite disappointing in the G1 Nassau Stakes won by Opera Singer at Goodwood last time. The contenders for the G1 QIPCO Champions Sprint Stakes feature a number of horses who have already tasted success at the top level in 2024, including Lockinge Stakes winner Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), Commonwealth Cup hero Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal) and July Cup scorer Mill Stream (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}). In the G2 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup, Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) can be expected to take star billing if allowed to take his chance, having returned to the top of the staying tree this year with his back-to-back Group 1 victories in the Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup. Royal Ascot runner-up Trawlerman (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}), who beat Kyprios by a neck when winning this race in 2023, could be in opposition once again, along with three-time winner Trueshan (Fr) (Planteur {Ire}) and last year's Gold Cup victor Courage Mon Ami (GB) (Frankel {GB}). The second entry stage for the Group races on QIPCO British Champions Day is on Tuesday, October 1. The supplementary stage is on Monday, October 14. The post Entries Revealed for the Five Group Races on QIPCO British Champions Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Shadwell's Group 1 winner Anmaat (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}) is aiming to make his long-awaited return to the races in the G3 Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock on Aug. 10, according to trainer Owen Burrows. The 6-year-old gelding has been out of action with a foot issue since winning the G1 Prix d'Ispahan at ParisLongchamp in May of 2023. A multiple group winner, Anmaat was successful in the 2022 edition of the Rose of Lancaster. “All being well, he's going to run, we've had this in mind for him for a bit now, so fingers crossed we don't have any last-minute hiccups. It will be nice to get him back,” said Burrows. “His form has really worked out. He worked the Saturday before last year's Eclipse and worked the best I've seen him work. “Obviously, he was up against Paddington (GB) and Emily Upjohn (GB), so it wasn't as if I was thinking we were going there and definitely winning, but I thought he'd run a big race. “He just picked up a very complex foot issue and obviously he's had plenty of time, so it will be so good to get him back. “He wouldn't want the ground very quick. Not because he can't handle it, in France they called it good to soft but it was more like good to firm, it's more the fact with him being off so long. “Looking at the forecast, there is a drop of rain due on Thursday, so good ground will be perfect, we'd have no qualms then.” The post Group 1 Winner Anmaat Ready For Rose Of Lancaster Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Some of the most highly anticipated races during the summer racing season are the 'baby' races during the boutique meetings at Saratoga and Del Mar and at Ellis Park, which attract its fair share of high-priced offspring from a variety of top national outfits. Summer Breezes highlights debuting and stakes-entered 2-year-olds at those meetings that have been sourced at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year, with links to their under-tack previews. Here is the single such horse entered for Wednesday at Saratoga: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 Saratoga 2, $80k, 2yo, f, (R), 6f, 1:44 p.m. ET Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Royal Princess (Liam's Map), OBSMAR, 50,000, :10 1/5 C-Mayberry Farm, agent; B-Michael Maker The post Summer Breezes, Sponsored By OBS: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Off a strong performance in Saturday's GI Whitney Stakes, Arthur's Ride (Tapit) jumped to sixth in this week's NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll. He currently ranks behind G1 Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador (Mineshaft), top filly and the top-ranked 3-year-old Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), National Treasure (Quality Road), Adare Manor (Uncle Mo) and Idiomatic (Curlin). GI Belmont Stakes and GI Haskell Stakes winner Dornoch (Good Magic) is the top 3-year-old colt in seventh. Rounding out the top 10 are Kingsbarns (Uncle Mo), The Chosen Vron (Vronsky) and Master of the Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). The post Arthur’s Ride Jumps To Sixth In NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Gulfstream-based Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (FTHA) awarded 16 college scholarships to children of qualified Florida-licensed backstretch employees and trainers Tuesday, the organization announced. To date, the FTHA, which aims to “foster, promote and improve business conditions in the racing industry”, has given more than $400,000 in scholarships through the Kent Stirling Scholarship Program. “This is a fitting tribute to Kent, who devoted his life to our industry and to its people,” said FTHA President Joe Orseno. “He was diligent in his efforts on behalf of the owners and trainers, but the backstretch workers always held a special place in his heart.” The post FTHA Awards 16 Scholarships Ahead Of 24-25 Academic Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dollars & Sense with Frank AngstView the full article

Apprentice jockey Britney Wong has arrived in New Zealand for a short stint before she returns to her homeland in Hong Kong in time for the new season which begins on September 8. The 25-year-old has ridden in more than 600 races in Australia, notching 50 wins and 125 placings in her two-year development stint there and has been granted an apprentice jockey’s licence in Hong Kong, one of the most competitive racing jurisdictions in the world. She will be the first full-time female rider on the Hong Kong roster since Kei Chiong retired from the saddle in 2017. Wong wasted little time getting accustomed to New Zealand conditions with three trial rides at Te Rapa on Tuesday for trainers Tony Pike, Barbara Kennedy and Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott. The talented rider’s time in South Australia concluded in March, but care of a burgeoning relationship between the Hong Kong Jockey Club, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and the New Zealand Equine Academy, Wong’s riding talents will be on display throughout August in New Zealand. “I joined the Hong Kong Jockey Club in 2016 and learned how to ride from scratch, I had never touched a horse before,” Wong said. “I spent a couple of years building up my skills and thanks to Hong Kong Jockey Club, I got the chance to go overseas in 2022. I spent two years in South Australia with Jon O’Connor and had good success with his great support. “Thanks to New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and the New Zealand Equine Academy, I have the opportunity to ride here over the next three weeks which I am really excited about. “I haven’t been able to race ride since March, but I have been keeping fit riding in trials at Sha Tin and Conghua. It will be great to get my racing feeling back and try to get as many rides as possible and hopefully pick up a few winners before I go home.” Successful Hong Kong riders Vincent Ho and Derek Leung both enjoyed time in New Zealand before returning home to match it with the world’s best and like Wong are both graduates of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Racing Talent Training Centre. Wong, who showed good athletic prowess in both swimming and shooting prior to joining the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said her last few years in the saddle have confirmed she is in the right profession. “I enjoy racing so much,” she said. “After those two years in Australia, I was convinced that being a jockey is what I am destined to be.” Wong is looking forward to the challenge of competing against the likes of Zac Purton and Hugh Bowman each week. “It is a very exciting challenge but at the same time quite daunting.” Wong said. “Obviously, riding against those top jockeys is not easy, but I will be able to learn plenty from them. “It’s easier to learn from them when you’re closer, you can observe and feel more and by getting involved, it’s the best way to improve.” Wong said there had been a number of people that have been instrumental in her success to date, but said her mentor was former star jockey Felix Coetzee, who is the Chief Riding Instructor at the Hong Kong Jockey Club. “Our school coach is Felix Coetzee, who was one of the greatest jockeys in Hong Kong and I’m just glad that he is happy to help the next generation,” Wong said. “He’s here for me every day whenever I’ve got a question, I can just flick him a message or give him a phone call.” Hong Kong Jockey Club management conducted a selection process following all trainers being invited to submit an expression of interest to have Wong allocated to their stable. On Tuesday it was announced that Wong will be allocated to Trainer David Hall. Recently retired champion New Zealand jockey Leith Innes will be a guiding hand over the next few weeks with Wong as part of his new role with the New Zealand Equine Academy, while he will also be managing Wong’s rides. “I’ve just taken the role over and it’s just great to have someone like Britney turn up on your back doorstep where she’s ridden 50 winners and has got a license in Hong Kong when she returns in September,” said Innes, who was busy introducing the new arrival to all of the key participants at Te Rapa on Tuesday. “We haven’t got a lot of time to work with Britney between now and the three weeks that she’s here but hopefully we can get her a couple rides and some winners and play a small hand in her development. “The relationship between Hong Kong and New Zealand is very strong and there are a lot of Hong Kong-owned horses in New Zealand that are trialling up and getting fit before they go up there. “Britney’s naturally light and claiming two kilos, she’s won 50 races, so she’s well advanced and it’s great for Hong Kong to be trusting the New Zealand Equine Academy and bringing apprentices over, so I’m looking forward to it.” Amy Chan, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Head of Racing Talent Training and Headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School played a key role to enable Wong to continue her training and prepare for the 2024/25 racing season in Hong Kong with a stint in New Zealand. “Hopefully Britney will be race-riding within a week, with valuable support from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and the New Zealand Equine Academy, whom we look forward to future collaboration with,” Chan said. “Britney has a strong passion and dedication for horse racing. She is disciplined with a great work ethic. Her strong mindset and self-belief have helped her stay resilient and focused during challenging times. Britney used to be a swimmer and her natural talent and willingness to continuously improve her horsemanship has been crucial to her early success as a jockey.” View the full article

Tom Kitten winning the 2023 Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW The James Cummings-trained pair of Tom Kitten and Zardozi hit the line locked together in a barrier trial at Rosehill on Tuesday morning, stepping out impressively ahead of a lengthy spring campaign. In Heat two of the morning, a field of five were sent around over 1000m on the course proper, with Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Zardozi striding to the front under Zac Lloyd. The four-year-old daughter of Kingman pinged the lids to take up the running but was soon swallowed up by stable companion Tom Kitten in the concluding stages, with the Godolphin duo clearing out by 1.25 lengths back to Francesco Guardi in third. The current Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) favourite Fangirl was sent around in the same jump-out, with the Chris Waller-trained mare only asked to stretch out under James McDonald to finish 1.58 lengths away in last place. Fangirl is still well supported with online bookmakers at +200 for the first Group 1 of the season, while Tom Kitten (+2500) and Zardozi (+5000) aren’t fancied, likely to figure over further distance later in the preparation. Horse racing news View the full article

The truly iconic Cox Plate start at Moonee Valley. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) The Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) announced on Tuesday that 137 horses are nominated for the 104th running of the $5 million Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley on Saturday, October 26. This year’s nominations boast an impressive lineup, including 32 Group 1 winners, 34 three-year-olds (22 from the southern hemisphere and 12 from the northern hemisphere), 20 international contenders, 13 previous winners at The Valley, and 42 trainers. Horses from five countries are represented. Australian-trained entries dominate with 114 horses, followed by 12 from Ireland, five from the United Kingdom, three from Japan, and three from New Zealand. Returning to Moonee Valley are three previous Cox Plate competitors, including last year’s close runner-up Mr Brightside from Lindsay Park. He is joined by Chris Waller’s Fangirl and Danny O’Brien’s Young Werther. Australia’s local stars feature several Group 1 winners such as Pride Of Jenni, Via Sistina, Without A Fight, Riff Rocket, Broadsiding, Southport Tycoon, Amelia’s Jewel, Atishu, Zardozi, Zougotcha, and Tropical Squall. Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien, who made history in 2014 with Adelaide’s win, has nominated 12 horses, including the highly rated Auguste Rodin, Luxembourg, Opera Singer, and Diego Velazquez. Japan is back in the Cox Plate after a hiatus since 2019’s win by Lys Gracieux. Their 2024 nominees include Mitsumasa Nakauchida’s Prognosis, Hishi Iguazu, and Killer Ability. The UK’s five entries are led by John Murphy’s White Birch. Harry Eustace has Docklands ready for the trip, and Charlie Appleby has entered Nations Pride and Measured Time. Brian Meehan’s Royal Ascot winner Jayarebe completes the UK contingent. New Zealand’s nominees, all past winners in Australia, are Sharp ‘n’ Smart, Legarto, and Mark Twain, continuing their strong tradition in the Cox Plate. Horse racing news View the full article

There have been 173 nominations for the 2024 Caulfield Cup. (Photo by Jay Town/Racing Photos) The countdown is underway for the 147th edition of the prestigious Caulfield Cup, with 173 nominations received for the $5 million Group 1 event over 2400 metres. This year, there’s a notable increase in international interest, with 36 overseas contenders vying for a spot in the starting field, up from last year’s 24. Leading the charge from Ireland is Aidan O’Brien, who has nominated an impressive team of 19 horses, including top contenders like Auguste Rodin, Luxembourg, and Point Lonsdale. Joseph O’Brien and Willie Mullins also feature with A Piece Of Heaven and Absurde, respectively. Japanese trainers Noboru Takagi and Naosuke Sugai are aiming to add to their country’s Caulfield Cup tally, with Warp Speed and Shonan Bashitto showing promising form. Warp Speed, owned by Mr. Yamada, is well-suited to the 2400m distance, while Shonan Bashitto, reminiscent of past Japanese winners, recently dominated the Listed Sapporo Nikkei Open. From Britain, Andrew Balding and Charlie Appleby bring formidable stables, each with four entries. Appleby’s potential contenders include the globally seasoned Rebel’s Romance, Silver Knott, and Measured Time, enhancing the race’s international flavour. Domestically, the field is rich with talent. Anthony & Sam Freedman, last year’s winning trainers, have nominated six strong runners, headlined by defending champion Without A Fight and the promising import Place De Carrousel. Chris Waller, eyeing another victory following previous successes with Verry Elleegant and Durston, boasts 24 entries, featuring stable stars like Valiant King and Via Sistina. Ciaron Maher from Victoria and the emerging partnership of Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald from New South Wales add depth with 19 and an early qualifier in Fawkner Park, respectively. Meanwhile, ten-year-old Esti Feny has secured a spot thanks to his impressive win in the Mornington Cup. Horse racing news View the full article

The stage is set for another epic edition of the Ladbrokes Cox Plate as 137 horses have been nominated for the 104th running of the prestigious $5 million Group 1 Moonee Valley race on October 26th. Leading the charge is the history-making mare Pride Of Jenni for Ciaron Maher who enters as the early favourite […] The post 2024 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Nominations Close: 137 Entries, 20 Northern Hemisphere Raiders appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Last Saturday, the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap at Flemington headlined the feature meeting of the weekend. Meanwhile, Rosehill and Doomben hosted strong support cards. In this week’s edition of The Follow Files, we have found three runners that are worth following throughout the campaign. Flemington Track rating: Soft 5 Rail position: +10m entire circuit Race 4: Benchmark 84 Handicap (1100m) | Time: 1:03.63 Horse to follow: Fortunate Kiss (3rd) Fortunate Kiss made her debut for the Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans stable and finished strongly over 1100m. In just her second try down the Flemington straight, this daughter of Divine Prophet settled at the rear of the field and let down with a blistering turn of foot. In the final 200m, Fortunate Kiss recorded the fourth-fastest section of the entire meeting (11.59s) and nabbed third place in front of the race favourite, Midtown Boss. When to bet: Fortunate Kiss will appreciate a rise in trip second-up, and if the stable can find a 1200m in the same grade, she can go a couple better next time. Race 8: Benchmark 100 Handicap (1410m) | Time: 1:23.85 Horse to follow: Holymanz (6th) Returning after an impressive autumn preparation, Holymanz was very good without much luck. This son of Almanzor attempted to run home from the back of the field but was held up from the 600m to the 150m mark before Mark Zahra could release the brakes. Even so, Holymanz recorded sectional times from the 400m (22.59s) and 200m (11.71s) that ranked inside the top 10 for the meeting. When to bet: Holymanz finished second in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes and competed in the All-Star Mile, so it is easy to make the case that 1410m was short of his best trip. A rise to 1600m second-up, and even luck, should give him every chance to win. Rosehill Track rating: Soft 5 (up to Good 4 after Race 1) Rail position: +7m entire circuit Race 7: Benchmark 78 Handicap (1100m) | Time: 1:03.48 Horse to follow: Spring Lee (2nd) Spring Lee was heavily backed with online bookmakers first-up at Rosehill over 1100m, and after settling near last on the rail, the Bjorn Baker-trained mare received no luck in the home straight. The daughter of Zoustar had to change tracks three times to get out of traffic before finding clear air in the final 150m. Unfortunately for her connections and followers, Rachel King couldn’t get the four-year-old mare out in time, and she could only manage a second-place finish. When to bet: With even luck, Spring Lee would have won the race. There is no reason to jump off this up-and-coming sprinter, and if she produces a similar finish in clear air next start, she will win. Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Horse racing tips View the full article

What Sandown Lakeside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, August 7, 2024 First Race 12:25pm AEST Visit Dabble Racing heads to Sandown for the third time in the space of a week, with eight races set for decision this Wednesday. The rail comes out 3m for the entire circuit, and a favourable forecast in the lead-up suggests the initial Soft 6 rating could improve towards a Good 4. The action is set to get underway at 12:25pm AEST. Best Bet at Sandown: Fretta Fretta produced a solid return on the Hillside track at Sandown on July 24. Despite being left flat-footed when the sprint went on, the mare picked up late and was doing her best work through the line. The Frankel mare steps up to 1600m, which seems more to her liking, and from barrier three under apprentice Tom Prebble, Fretta will get every chance to bring up a third career win at start six. Best Bet Race 6 – #3 Fretta (3) 5yo Mare | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Tom Prebble (a3) (60.5kg) +200 with Neds Next Best at Sandown: Luijzika Luijzika went from a Geelong maiden victory to being beaten by 4.7 lengths in a strong Group 3 on just her third start. That suggests not only does Ciaron Maher have a high opinion of her, but her best is yet to come. With some quiet jumpouts in preparation for her first race since February, Luijzika will be primed for this and should prove too hard to hold out. Next Best Race 4 – #7 Luijzika (4) 4yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Ethan Brown (56kg) +190 with PlayUp Best Value at Sandown: Japanese Emperor While he has not tasted success since his maiden victory almost two years ago, Japanese Emperor meets one of the easiest fields he has seen in some time. The five-year-old gelding was beaten a half-length by Legarto in Group 1 company 18 months ago as a three-year-old, and if he can recapture that form first-up, Japanese Emperor can reign supreme at a very generous price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 7 – #3 Japanese Emperor (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Mike Moroney & Glen Thompson | J: Declan Bates (61kg) +1500 with Picklebet Sandown Wednesday quaddie tips – 7/8/2024 Sandown quadrella selections Wednesday, August 7, 2024 2-4-5-7 3-4 2-3-4-9-10-11 1-2-3-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

The CEO of NZTR, Bruce Sharrock, joined Michael Felgate on Racing Pulse to give an update on the state of jumps racing in New Zealand. View the full article

Kiwi trainer Danny Walker joined RSN this morning to give an update on the talented gelding, Crocetti. View the full article

Ken and Bev Kelso enjoyed plenty of success campaigning their former Group One star Bounding through her three-year-old spring campaign, and the Matamata trainers are set to follow that blueprint this season with another exciting filly. Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) garnered plenty of interest as a juvenile last season when winning on debut at Matamata by 9-1/2 lengths in February before finishing runner-up in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) later that month. The daughter of Alabama Express enjoyed her spell over autumn and has returned with vigour, passing her first test of the season with flying colours when winning her resuming trial at Te Rapa on Tuesday, beating Group One winner Move To Strike in their 900m heat. “I thought it was a very nice trial, Sam (Spratt, jockey) sat her off the pace a little bit and she cruised into it and won nicely under a hold. I am very happy,” Ken Kelso said. “I haven’t done a lot with her, she doesn’t need to do a lot, she is quite a lightly framed filly. She has got a lot of ability and she is a natural with what she does.” Kelso said he is now weighing up his options and whether he will head back to the trials with his filly or kick her off spring campaign at Taupo in a fortnight. The latter option appeals to Kelso, with Bounding having done the same in her three-year-old spring campaign before going on to win the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m), Gr.3 James and Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes (1400m), and finish runner-up in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), before ultimately winning the Gr.1 Railway (1200m). Kelso thinks Alabama Lass fits a similar mould and is thinking of following a similar path with the filly towards the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm 52nd New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) in November. “I have got the option of either trialling her again or going to the three-year-old race at Taupo on the same day as the trials or go to the Group and Listed trial on that day,” Kelso said. “I am going to get her home and have a look and see what she has done, how she has done in the feed bin and decide on what we do, but those are the three options we have got. “We sort of did that with Bounding. She had won as a two-year-old and went to that three-year-old fillies race at Taupo. I am conscious of the fact of giving too many big trips away, so we will play it by ear. “She has been nominated (for the 1000 Guineas) and they certainly get away with it (mile) as a three-year-old, Bounding did. She ran in a 1000 Guineas and was very unlucky and got beaten for second and then came back and won the Railway. “She (Alabama Lass) will tell us after the Gold Trail (whether she is on track for the 1000 Guineas). The next logical step is probably the Soliloquy (Gr.3, 1400m), and if you go alright in the Soliloquy you can look to be going further at Riccarton.” Legarto cruised past quality opposition in her trial win at Te Rapa on Tuesday. Photo: Trish Dunell Kelso was also rapt with the resuming trial of multiple Group One winner Legarto (NZ) (Proisir), who took out her 900m heat against a quality field. “Ryan (Elliot, jockey) has been over to ride her a couple of times in gallops and keeps telling me she is better than last year, which is a big call,” Kelso said. “He said she is more forward this year and she has switched on a bit more, and I think that was proven in the trial today. She trialled up well and travelled into the race, which she didn’t do last year, she got beaten in a couple of trials and I was a fraction disappointed. “She tracked up into the trial today on ground (Heavy10) that is not suitable to her either. It was very pleasing. She is big and strong, and she has really pleased us at home.” Another trial looms for Legarto before she will likely head to Hastings to tackle the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) next month, although Kelso said that will be weather dependent. “She will trial again in the Group and Listed trial at Taupo and all going well, and the weather comes right, she will go to the Tarzino,” Kelso said. “It is all up in the air with the weather and tracks at this stage. That is the same plan that we had last year.” While a trip across the Tasman is potentially on the cards, Kelso said the prizemoney on offer in New Zealand is also an attractive proposition. “Our money here is very good and there is no rush,” he said. “I have thrown a nomination in today for the Cox Plate (Gr.1, 2040m). We haven’t made any firm plans until after the Tarzino and probably the Arrowfield (Gr.1, 1600m).” Meanwhile, Kelso was pleased to report the arrival of the first foal out of his former Group One winner Levante (NZ) (Proisir). “She had a lovely Snitzel filly foal on August 2, nice and early,” he said. “She looks a well-marked filly and Arrowfield are quite happy with her, and mum and foal have come through it well. I am rapt for Philip and Catherine (Brown, owners).” View the full article

It looks to be the end of the road of a long and distinguished career for top jumper The Cossack (NZ) (Mastercraftsman) after suffering a suspensory ligament injury. The 11-year-old gelding is down in Riccarton and was set to meet arch-rival West Coast in the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge 149th Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) on Saturday before the untimely injury. “He was alright on Saturday and he worked on Sunday. He hasn’t shown any lameness, but he has got fill around the suspensory, we looked at the scan and it was no good,” said Paul Nelson, who trains the gelding in partnership with Corrina McChief Stipeal. Nelson, who also part-owns The Cossack, hasn’t ruled out a return to racing for the son of Mastercraftsman, but admitted that scenario is unlikely. “He is definitely out for the season and will probably be retired,” he said. Initially trained by John Bary, The Cossack showed talent on the flat as a younger horse, running fourth in the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2000m) as a three-year-old. He recorded wins in his three and four-year-old seasons but was then winless for two years and Bary elected to try the gelding over hurdles. The Hastings trainer enlisted the services of leading jumps jockey Aaron Kuru, who guided The Cossack to a runner-up effort in his hurdle debut. Kuru was impressed with the talent under him and passed his thoughts onto his good friend Nelson, who already had The Cossack on his radar as a potential jumping star. “He had a couple of hurdle races and Aaron (Kuru) rode him and said he liked him. When he became available for sale we didn’t waste much time (in buying him),” Nelson said. The Cossack finished runner-up in his first two starts for Nelson before breaking through for his maiden hurdle victory at Te Aroha in August 2020. His first prestige title came two months later when taking out the Great Northern Hurdle (4190m) at Ellerslie. He continued his dominance the following year when taking out the Waikato Hurdle (3200m), Wellington Hurdle (3100m), and Grand National Hurdles (4200m) before defending his crown in the Great Northern. The Cossack picked up where he left off in 2022 when winning all three of his jumping starts in New Zealand, including the KS Browne Hurdle (3100m), Hawke’s Bay Hurdle (3100m) and maiden steeplechase, before Nelson felt the pull to test his charge across the Tasman. The Cossack ran fifth in the Grand National Hurdle (4200m) before lugging topweight of 70kg to within a half head of winner St Arnicca in the Grand National Steeplechase (4500m). The Cossack transitioned to a career over steeples upon his return to New Zealand and added further prestige titles to his record, including the Waikato Steeplechase (3900m) Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4800m), and Wellington Steeplechase (5500m) in his final raceday outing at Trentham last month. In all, The Cossack recorded 19 wins and accrued nearly $700,000 in prizemoney in a career that spanned eight seasons. “Every win was great,” Nelson said. “It is hard to choose one highlight, but his second in Australia was up there too. He ran a good race in the hurdle, and he had to carry top weight in the steeplechase at only his second steeplechase start and he only got beaten by half a head. “He is one of those horses that don’t come around very often. He has hardly been beaten in hurdle racing and he has hardly been beaten in his steeplechasing career as well. It takes a special horse to do that.” The Cossack’s injury came at an unwelcome time, with stablemate Dictation (NZ) (Tavistock) snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in the Sydenham Hurdles (3100m) at Riccarton on Saturday when losing his rider at the final hurdle when several lengths clear of eventual winner Berry The Cash. Nelson said the gelding has come through the race well and will be looking to redeem himself when he returns to Riccarton on Saturday. “It looked like Dictation had the Sydenham won before he fell at the last. He has come through it well and he will run in the one-win hurdle on Saturday,” Nelson said. Nelson is also looking forward to lining up Nedwin (NZ) (Niagara) in the Hospitality New Zealand Canterbury 134th Grand National Hurdles (4200m). The 10-year-old gelding heads into the race in winning form, having taken out the Wellington Hurdles (3200m) at Trentham last month, and Nelson is looking for a change of luck this week. “It will be nice to have a bit of change in luck as the last few days haven’t been that good,” he said. While The Cossack has been ruled out of the Grand National Steeplechase, Nelson may have another contender in the race in Al’s Red Zed, who finished fourth in the Koral Steeplechase (4250m) last Saturday. “Al’s Red Zed is in the National Chase, but we have got to make up our mind about whether we are going to run him or not,” he said. Meanwhile, Nelson is urging the jumps racing fraternity to rally together in the wake of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s release of their consultation document on the future of jumps racing. “We need to encourage every participant in jumping to make a submission to NZTR, that is the most important thing,” he said. “I am certain there is enough support for jumps racing, but if people are lethargic about sending in a submission then we will be down the tube.” To read NZTR’s consultation document click here. View the full article

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s (NZTR) release of their consultation document on the future of jumps racing on Monday may have come as a surprise to many, but not leading jumps jockey Shaun Fannin. The Central Districts horseman has been a key figure in New Zealand jumps racing for more than a decade and has won multiple New Zealand Jumps Jockeys’ Premierships, but in the last couple of seasons he has been transitioning to a career a trainer and has been reducing his commitments in the saddle. Fannin is now committed to just riding his own horses, as well as Champion Jumper West Coast, who he guided to victory in the Koral Steeplechase (4250m) at Riccarton last Saturday, just two days prior to NZTR releasing their consultation document on the future of jumps racing. It was a welcome announcement by Fannin, who said the jumps racing fraternity has been seeking action from the sport’s governing body for the last few years. “It (jumps racing) has been under a bit of pressure for a few years now and we have been trying to make suggestions to help improve it for a fair while,” Fannin said. “We have been onto them (NZTR) for a while now and we have been waiting for something to happen, and luckily something has happened eventually.” The consultation period will run through to September 6, with NZTR proposing two options – the continuation of the sport with a dedicated strategy and additional investment, or a managed wind-down and eventual closure of jumps racing. Jumps racing has played a pivotal role in Fannin’s career and he believes it is a vital part of the sport in New Zealand, particularly for career development. Fannin and fellow top jumps jockey Shaun Phelan are both prime examples of this, with both horsemen now forging successful careers in the training ranks. “It (jumps racing) has been everything to my career, starting off there and then leading towards where I am today (training),” he said. “There is a lot of work that goes into jumpers, probably more so than the flat horses. A lot of people right from the grassroots level start with the jumpers, it is a real community, and without jumpers you miss a lot of your ground staff and people on the way through that can’t be jockeys, they have a huge involvement in the jumpers.” Fannin said the biggest issue jumps racing is facing at the moment is the shortage of jumps jockeys. “I think there is no lack of jumping horses around, the problem is most definitely with the riders,” he said. “There is a big opportunity with riders overseas if NZTR wanted to come together as an entity and advertise for riders to come over for a six-month period. “Joshua Parker (English jumps jockey) is over here at the moment. They can’t get rides overseas and he has ridden numerous winners since he has been over here, and he is trying to spread the word back there. “I think visas are a bit of an issue, but NZTR are a big enough entity to have some pull to be able to get work visas over here for them. I am sure that will solve most of the problems. “There are certainly a lot of jumpers around and at the moment they are having to scratch because there aren’t enough riders around.” Fannin said jumps racing is also a major player in extending the racing careers of many thoroughbreds and it helps reduce the bottleneck in rehoming retired racehorses. “They struggle to rehome a lot of horses at the moment, and this gives horses a second career after flat racing,” Fannin said. “If they got rid of jumps racing there are more horses that they have to think about rehoming and I struggle to see where they are going to place those horses.” Fannin is urging racing participants to have their say over the consultation period and submit their feed to NZTR, with the process outlined in this document: Jumps Consultation 1 Aug FINAL 2.pdf (nztr.co.nz) “It (jumps racing) is a great spectacle for everyone to be involved with,” he said. The jumps racing fraternity are contemplating their future during one of their biggest weeks on the racing calendar, the Grand National Festival of Racing at Riccarton, and Fannin is hoping he can ride West Coast (NZ) (Mettre En Jeu) to his third successive win in the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge 149th Grand National (5600m) on Saturday. “He is a wonderful horse. He gave me a wonderful ride (last Saturday) and was strong to the line. It gives me plenty of confidence heading into the National this weekend,” Fannin said. Prior to his riding engagement at Riccarton this weekend, Fannin will be wearing his training hat on Thursday at Cambridge where he and his partner Hazel Schofer will line-up Fourty Eight (NZ) (Ekraar) in the $100,000 TAB 2000. The six-year-old son of Ekraar has recorded three wins on the synthetic and Fannin is hopeful of snaring the lion’s share of the prizemoney on offer this week. “He is three from three on the synthetic, so he deserves a shot at that race,” Fannin said. “It ($100,000 synthetic innovation race) is a wonderful incentive, and it is great to see.” View the full article

What Canterbury Races Where Canterbury Park Racecourse – King St, Canterbury NSW 2193 When Wednesday, August 7, 2024 First Race 1:25pm AEST Visit Dabble Metro racing returns to Canterbury Park Racecourse on Wednesday afternoon, with a quickfire seven-part program set for decision. The rail is out +3m for the entire circuit, and although the track was rated a Soft 7 at the time of acceptances, the sunny forecast for Monday and Tuesday should result in an upgrade into the Good range prior to the opening event at 1:25pm local time. Below are our Canterbury racing tips for Wednesday, August 7. Best Bet at Canterbury: Zeitung Zeitung was sent to the paddock on the back of a dominant win at Kembla Grange on April 9. The daughter of Exceed And Excel broke her maiden by 3.5 lengths in the process, careering away with the prize under her own steam. She won a barrier trial at Rosehill on July 23 leading into this first-up assignment, and provided James McDonald can lob into the one-one from barrier four, Zeitung should prove too classy for this lot. Best Bet Race 4 – #14 Zeitung (4) 3yo Filly | T: James Cummings | J: James McDonald (57.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best at Canterbury: After Match After Match couldn’t have been more impressive when breaking his maiden on debut at Hawkesbury on July 21. The Peter Snowden-trained colt only put away a small field of four on that occasion, but he showed a blistering turn of foot in the final furlong to win by 3.5 lengths. Barrier 11 isn’t ideal, but as long as he doesn’t use up too much energy finding a nice spot, expect After Match to give a kick turning for home. Next Best Race 3 – #8 After Match (11) 3yo Colt | T: Peter Snowden | J: Tommy Berry (57kg) Bet with PlayUp Best Value at Canterbury: Behaviour Although he ran last of seven in his most recent jump-out at Rosehill on July 23, Behaviour appears ready for a first-up assault. The son of I Am Invincible was beaten by 4.7 lengths on that occasion, but he never got clear running in the final 400m. Barrier one should allow James McDonald to take closer order throughout the 1200m, and as long as he doesn’t fall into the ‘Canterbury Coffin’ from the inside draw, Behaviour should be right in this. Best Value Race 2 – #10 Behaviour (1) 3yo Colt | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (56.5kg) Bet with Neds Canterbury Wednesday quaddie picks – 7/8/2024 Canterbury Park quadrella selections Wednesday, August 7, 2024 8-14 1-2-3-4-5 1-3-5-6-9 1-2-4-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Charlie Appleby could be back at the spring carnival after a four-year absence and he has left the door open for one of the world’s best gallopers to tackle the Caulfield Cup. View the full article

by Jessica Martini & Christina Bossinakis SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – The Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale, a record-setter during its last two renewals, opened with a power-packed start-to-finish session Monday evening in the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion. “We won the first half,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning, Jr. “It was a really strong start to the opening session of the 2024 Saratoga yearling sale. We averaged over $500,000 tonight and the median was $400,000. Our RNA rate at an elite sale at 20% is pretty remarkable. We always aim for zero, but that's certainly encouraging. It was a very, very encouraging start to this sale.” For the session, 77 yearlings grossed $38,910,000 for an average of $505,325 and a median of $400,000. With 20 horses reported not sold, the buy-back rate was 20.6%. Those figures are well ahead of last year's opening session, and the average and median are ahead of the 2023 auction's record-setting cumulative average and record-tying median. During the two-day 2023 Saratoga sale, 154 yearlings grossed a record $75,055,000 for an average of $487,370 and a median of $375,000. “Since we were over $500,000 tonight, I hope we are over $500,000 for the entire sale because it has a really good ring to it,” Browning said. “$502,000 sounds a whole lot better than $498,000, but the key is to deliver as good a result as we can for the men and women who brought quality products to the sale.” Six yearlings topped the seven-figure mark during the session, led by a colt by Not This Time purchased by Amr Zedan for $3.4 million from the Nardelli Sales consignment. Ten yearlings brought seven figures during the entire 2023 auction. The opening session of the Saratoga sale was held just hours after strong thunderstorms swept through the upstate New York town and on a day which saw upheaval in the global economic markets. Neither were concerns, according to Browning. “Our job is to focus on what we can control,” Browning said. “We have absolutely no control over the stock market or the weather. Our world has gotten used to a little volatility, particularly in the markets. Relatively speaking, over the last 12 months, most people are in a much better financial position. If you are invested in the market, you are probably in better shape in August of 2024 than you were in August of 2023. And a lot of people who are participating, particularly in this upper part of the market, are a little bit more immune to fluctuations. But they are also used to fluctuations.” The Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale continues with a final session beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Zedan Strikes Again at Saratoga Amr Zedan, who came to Saratoga for the first time last year and walked away with the $4-million sale topper, was back in town again Monday and, bidding alongside trainer Bob Baffert and bloodstock agent Donato Lanni, went to $3.4 million for a colt by Not This Time (hip 72). Zedan and company did their bidding from the balcony, answering each volley from St. Elias Stable's Vinnie Viola, with West Point Thoroughbreds' Terry Finley sitting alongside, in the seats downstairs. “He's a beautiful horse by a really hot sire, from a good family,” Baffert said. “We knew he was going to be expensive, but we didn't know he would be that expensive. We came here trying to buy a horse that you could get to the Derby with, so that's why we bought him. We loved him. He stood out pretty well. Hopefully, he works out.” Zedan also campaigned the first stakes winner for Not This Time, the Grade I-winning 'TDN Rising Star' Princess Noor. The dark bay colt, consigned by Nardelli Sales, is out of stakes-placed Kayce Ace (Tiznow), a full-sister to multiple Grade I winner Colonel John, and was bred by Bill and Susan Casner. He is a half-brother to graded winner Comical (Into Mischief). NOT THIS TIME (@TMStallions) colt sells for $3,400,000 to @DonatoLanni, agt for @ZedanRacing, at The Saratoga Sale! Nardelli Sales, agt, consigned the colt, who is out of a full sister to MG1W Colonel John. Colt bred by Susan Casner (KY) #FasigSaratoga pic.twitter.com/HqB1TOzQp0 — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) August 6, 2024 “He was such a lovely horse, I didn't know what to expect,” admitted consignor Kim Nardelli, basking in her highest sale to date. “We knew he was a million-dollar horse, but how many we didn't know. It was a wonderful experience. “I was on the phone with the owner [Bill Casner], he's in Africa now with his family and couldn't be here,” Nardelli continued. “He was so excited. It was very surreal for everyone.” Casner, co-founder of WinStar Farm, purchased Kayce Ace's dam Sweet Damsel (Turkoman) privately on behalf of his wife and the mare was bred to WinStar stallion Tiznow. Her first foal for the Casners was Colonel John, who won the 2008 GI Travers S. and GI Santa Anita Derby in the farm's colors. Sweet Damsel is also the dam of Mr. Hot Stuff (Tiznow), who was third in the 2009 Santa Anita Derby. Kayce Ace produced a colt by WinStar stallion Life is Good this year. Zedan warmed up for his session-topping purchase with the acquisition of a filly by Gun Runner (hip 39) for $550,000 from the Buckland Sales consignment. Of last year's $4-million sale topper, a colt by Curlin out of champion Beholder, Baffert said the 2-year-old was in light training in Florida. @JessMartiniTDN Stewart Firing on Day 1 at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Cue the bid spotter. Get the iPhone shot set for a social media shot. And the leg begins a frenetic twitch in the moments leading up to the target yearling entering the arena. John Stewart, the principal behind the appropriately named Resolute Bloodstock, had his eyes trained on several of the top money-generating yearlings on the opening day of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale. And when the decision was made that he really wanted one, he proved impossible to beat, as seen on five occasions Monday. Leading the fray was Hip 75, a colt by Gun Runner who realized a $1.7 million final bid from the Bluewater Sales consignment. Bred by Cypress Creek Equine, the grey is closely related to GI Clark Handicap winner Leofric (Candy Ride {Arg}). The colt is out of the unraced Lady Godiva (Unbridled's Song), a $600,000 purchase by Bluewater Sales from the Fasig-Tipton November Sale in 2018. This represents the family of GI Preakness Stakes winner National Treasure (Quality Road) and other elite-level scorers Well Chosen and Telling. Selling tonight at @FasigTiptonCo Saratoga Hip 75, a colt by Gun Runner out of the Unbridled's Song mare Lady Godiva, consigned by @BluewaterSales. A half-brother to GI winner LEOFRIC. pic.twitter.com/7LMrKaZPWf — TDN (@theTDN) August 5, 2024 The founder and managing partner of MiddleGround Capital also extended to $1.5 million for Hip 57, a colt from the first crop of the MGISW 'TDN Rising Star' Charlatan (Speightstown). The Feb. 22 foal was consigned by Warrendale Sales. “I told my team earlier he was going to go for $1.5 million,” Stewart admitetd. “It's good it ended up in that range. It was a good price and I feel really good about that. I could have probably gone a little higher and I was prepared to go higher if it did. There were a few horses here that were 100% were going to go home with me and that was one of them.” Warrendale's Kitty Taylor was equally pleased with the price the colt comanded. “We expected him to sell very well. I don't think anyone can ever really say that they can confidently expect over a $1 million because a lot of things can go wrong in a sale and everything needs to go right. So we are thrilled,” said Taylor. The chestnut was bred by Barbara Banke's Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings. “We think Charlatan is going to emerge as a good stallion as well, so we like that cross,” Stewart added,. “Stonestreet also bred the horse and that says a lot. Any time Barbara Banke is associated with something, it gives you a lot of confidence as a buyer.” According to Taylor, the yearling appeared to be stamped by his talented young sire. “This colt looks so much like the sire and he has a stallion's pedigree, so that really moved people on the horse,” she said. “And he was a beautiful physical.” The Feb. 22 foal is out of unraced Goldfield (Yes It's True), already responsible for GI Champagne Stakes winner and leading 2024 freshman sire Complexity and GSW Valadorna (Curlin), who also finished runner up in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Valadorna is in turn the dam of 'TDN Rising Star' Tuscan Gold (Medaglia d'Oro), third in this year's GII TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby. “How often do you get to buy a half to a stallion?” Stewart asked. “Especially one like Complexity and with what [his offspring are] doing on the track right now. I already have a couple of Complexitys and one who is a stakes winner, so we've done well with them.” Stewart campaigns Complexity's daughter Mensa, a $740,000 Fasig-Tipton Digital purchase who romped in the July 19 Victoria Stakes at Woodbine. He continued, “His physical is almost perfect. We went through probably 50% of the horses with a physical inspection and I looked at the horses as well. It takes a lot to go through our whole process, to go through the 120 horses and get down to six or 10 that we are going to try and buy. All of these horses are really good physical specimens so you can't really knock a lot of them. But this horse had everything going for it, so it gives us a lot of confidence.” Stewart also signed for a trio of fillies Monday, led by Hip 37, a daughter of Curlin who brought $850,000, the second-highest priced filly of Monday's session. “We really like Curlin,” he explained when asked about the filly's general appeal. “We have several Curlins as well. We are trying to build our families and our broodmares. All the fillies that we buy, we are looking at as potential broodmares. We really liked how this filly lined up for a future breeding mare. A really beautiful physical specimen. We're excited about that.” Consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, the dark bay filly is out of Elle Sueno (Street Cry {Ire}), dam of GII Golden Rod winner and GI Acorn Stakes third Dream Lith (Medaglia d'Oro), herself a $1.2 million purchase at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale in 2022. Bred by Cypress Creek Equine, the Feb. 4 foal is a granddaughter of Grade I-scorer Mi Sueno (Pulpit), who in turn is a daughter of GI Ashland Stakes victress and millionaire Madcap Escapade (Hennessy). “One of our trainers, Chad Brown, really liked that horse. That's more than likely where she's going to go,” Stewart confirmed. “When you have something that Chad Brown likes and it lines up in our program, we wanted to make sure we got her before we left.” Rounding out Monday's purchases, Hip 106, a half-sister to GI Frizette Stakes winner Nickname (Scat Daddy) by Triple Crown winner Justify realized $775,000 from the consignment of Hunter Valley Farm, agent, while a daughter of Munnings out of Ghoul's Night Out (Ghostzapper) offered as Hip 54 by Darby Dan Farm brought $600,000. Bred by Hill 'n' Dale, the Apr. 2 foal was purchased for $120,000 at Keeneland last November. At Day 1's conclusion, Stewart secured a total of five yearlings for gross receipts of $5,425,000, with an average of $1,085,000 and a median of $850,000.–@CbossTDN .@rresoluteracing have been busy! They signed the ticket for Hip 75, a Gun Runner colt, for $1,700,000 at #FasigSaratoga. pic.twitter.com/sb7ZKQLYzB — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) August 6, 2024 West Goes High for the Lows Late in Monday's session, bloodstock agent Jacob West was still running full tilt, seen switching camps throughout the evening to buy several of the evening's top yearlings. Among them was Hip 85, a filly by Curlin who ended the session as the second-highest overall price and the top-priced filly on Day 1 when going to Robert and Lawana Low for $1.9 million. “We loved her right from the start,” said Robert Low. “She had the physical, the pedigree, really all of the parts, so we were hooked. And that cross is wonderful, so we are very excited to own her.” Low confirmed the filly will initially go to J.J. Pletcher in Ocala, Florida, before heading to the Low's regular trainer, Todd Pletcher. According to West, seated next to Low throughout the bidding process, the filly reminded him of another stalwart filly that has already proven herself of the track. “She was a little bit of a collector's item to be quite honest,” West said. “First time I saw her on the sale's grounds on Friday, I actually texted Mr. Low and told him that I think we found the next [MGISW] Nest (Curlin). I hate to put a comparison like that on such a young horse, but if I'm being honest, she reminded me of her. [Mr. Low] said if I love her that much, we could try to buy her.” Nest annexed a trio of Grade I stakes in her racing career and over $2 million in earnings. She sold for $6 million at Fasig-Tipton in the fall of 2023. The bay, who is the first foal out of the stakes-winning and graded-placed mare Matera (Tapit), was consigned by Gainesway, acting as agent for her breeder Don Alberto Corp. Matera was purchased by Don Alberto for $1.4 million at Keeneland September in 2018. The 7-year-old mare is out of Grade III winner Miss Macy Sue (Trippi), who notably went on to produce dual Grade I winner Liam's Map (Unbridled's Song) and GSW and GISP leading sire Not This Time (Giant's Causeway). “It's such a live family,” West continued. “She comes from Don Alberto and you have a lot of faith in them. They do their matings right and they raise them the right way. Led by Carlos Heller and Reed Ringler, their whole staff does a great job and we have confidence in buying off them.” For the Lows, West also signed for Hip 4, a colt by Liam's Map out of Capture (Curlin) on Monday. Consigned by Summerfield on behalf of Stonestreet, the colt was secured for $100,000. The Lows, seen on occasion at the Saratoga sale and during Book 1 at Keeneland, made a productive appearance at Fasig-Tipton on Day 1. “They want to be there for the big Saturday races but they only come to a couple of the sales,” said West. “But they really love the game. They are such great owners. I can't say it enough. They take bad news better than they take good news. They are incredibly patient with their horses. They are just great people.”–@CbossTDN Well-related CURLIN (@HillnDaleFarm) filly sells for $1,900,000 to @Westbloodstock, agt for Robert & Lawana Low, at The Saratoga Sale! Consigned by @Gainesway, agt for @hsdonalberto, the filly is out of a SW 1/2 sister to G1W Liam's Map and GSW Not This Time. #FasigSaratoga pic.twitter.com/uXQxW3gTRg — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) August 6, 2024 Tapit Colt to Flying Dutchmen The Boersma family's Flying Dutchmen got into the million-dollar action at Fasig-Tipton Monday with the $1.5-million purchase of a colt by Tapit (hip 97) out of graded winner Mopotism (Uncle Mo). The yearling was consigned by Lane's End, as agent for his breeder Don Alberto Corporation. “We wanted to buy a really nice colt here or at Keeneland and we didn't know if we would get him. That was kind of our limit,” said the farm's Hunter Rankin. Travis Boersma, co-founder of the Oregon-based coffee chain Dutch Bros., had been racing under the Boardshorts Stables banner, but the operation has been rebranded Flying Dutchmen. “We just bought a farm in Lexington,” Rankin said. “We are trying to buy nice horses. We are trying to buy fillies that will fit a broodmare band and try to buy a few nice colts. We are not going to buy anything close to him any time soon, probably, but we wanted to buy one or two really nice colts this year to have something to race for next year. We will do our best with this guy and see what happens.” The Flying Dutchmen are back in action for a $1,500,000 TAPIT (@Gainesway) colt at The Saratoga Sale! @LanesEndFarms, agt for @hsdonalberto, consigned the colt, the second foal out of G2W/MG1P Mopotism. #FasigSaratoga pic.twitter.com/Mycy3MQmT2 — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) August 6, 2024 Of potential trainers for the colt, Rankin said, “We haven't decided yet. We have horses with Brian Lynch, Brendan Walsh, Graham Motion and John Sadler, so it will probably be one of those four guys.” While a trainer is yet to be determined, the yearling is expected to have a name within hours. “He will probably have a name by tomorrow,” Rankin said. “The family will vote on it tonight.” All totaled, Flying Dutchmen bought three horses, including hip 62, a Nyquist half-sister to GI Derby City Distaff victress Vahva (Gun Runner). Don Alberto purchased Mopotism, winner of the 2018 GII La Canada Stakes, for $1.05 million at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton November sale. The mare's first foal, a colt by Curlin, was purchased by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners for $825,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale. @JessMartiniTDN Into Mischief Colt First to a Million at Fasig A colt by Into Mischief (hip 30) became the first yearling to hit seven figures during Monday's opening session of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale when bringing a final bid of $1 million from Coolmore's M.V. Magnier, in partnership with Peter Brant's White Birch Farm. The colt is out of Distorted Music (Distorted Humor) and is a half-brother to graded winner She Can't Sing (Bernardini). “Into Mischief is a very good stallion and [his son] Practical Joke is absolutely flying [at stud] at the moment,” said Magnier. “The mare has bred a good horse before and Distorted Humor is a nice broodmare sire. Peter Brant and all the guys really liked the horse.” The colt was consigned by Darby Dan Farm and the farm's Renee Logan signed for him for $650,000 on behalf of an undisclosed client as part of the Lothenbach dispersal at the Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale in February. On Monday, he became the third seven-figure offering from the mare this year. She Can't Sing was purchased for $1.1 million by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa at Fasig-Tipton in February and half-brother Sandman (Tapit) sold for $1.2 million at the OBS March sale. Distorted Music, who was purchased by the late Bob Lothenbach for $190,000 at the 2011 Keeneland September sale, sold for $375,000 to Springhouse Farm at the Winter Mixed sale. “We will bring him back to Ashford and we will probably leave him in America, I would think,” Magnier said of plans for the yearling. Robert Clay, standing out back alongside Alex Solis and just feet from the Coolmore team, were among the underbidders on the colt. @JessMartiniTDN Thank you to our buyers and consignors for supporting The Saratoga Sale. Session 1 has ended. The sale resumes Tuesday at 6pm. #FasigSaratoga Results https://t.co/sLtVvJRQ5Y pic.twitter.com/HdWHRjJ6ct — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) August 6, 2024 The post $3.4 Million Not This Time Colt Tops Frenetic Opening Session at Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A half-brother to an unraced Curlin 2-year-old colt who brought $825,000 from Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners in this ring last year, hip 97 nearly doubled that return when hammering to Flying Dutchmen for $1.5 million at Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga sale Monday night. By Tapit, the colt is the second foal out of 2018 La Canada Stakes winner Mopotism (Uncle Mo), who also placed in four Grade I events. Flying Dutchmen is reported to be the same entity as Travis Boersma's Boardshorts Stables. Lane's End, agent consigned the Feb.19-foaled colt for his breeder, Don Alberto Corporation, who bought Mopotism at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton November sale for $1.05 million. As a broodmare sire, Uncle Mo is responsible for 2024 GI Kentucky Oaks winner Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) and 2024 GI Arkansas Derby victor Muth (Good Magic). The Flying Dutchmen are back in action for a $1,500,000 TAPIT (@Gainesway) colt at The Saratoga Sale! @LanesEndFarms, agt for @hsdonalberto, consigned the colt, the second foal out of G2W/MG1P Mopotism. #FasigSaratoga pic.twitter.com/Mycy3MQmT2 — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) August 6, 2024 The post $1.5-Million Tapit Colt to Flying Dutchmen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

About two-thirds of the way through Monday night's boutique Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale, it was Robert and Lawana Low, through West Bloodstock, agent, who successfully bid $1.9 million for a bay Curlin filly from a power-packed family. Don Alberto Corporation bred hip 85 in Kentucky after purchasing her dam, MSW & GSP Matera (Tapit), for $1.4 million as a 2018 Keeneland September yearling. The filly is the first foal out of Matera, whose dam, Taylor Made-based blue hen Miss Macy Sue (Trippi), produced sires Liam's Map and Not This Time. The filly, a Mar. 13 foal, was consigned by Gainesway, agent for Don Alberto Corporation. The cross of Curlin over Tapit produced 2023 Horse of the Year Cody's Wish. The filly represents the highest-priced filly of the evening thus far. Well-related CURLIN (@HillnDaleFarm) filly sells for $1,900,000 to @Westbloodstock, agt for Robert & Lawana Low, at The Saratoga Sale! Consigned by @Gainesway, agt for @hsdonalberto, the filly is out of a SW 1/2 sister to G1W's Liam's Map and Not This Time. #FasigSaratoga pic.twitter.com/IRIz44VSEc — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) August 6, 2024 The post Robert and Lawana Low Strike for $1.9-Million Curlin Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hip 75, a Bluewater Sales-consigned Gun Runner colt out of Lady Godiva (Unbridled's Song). was another high-profile purchase for John Stewart's Resolute Bloodstock during the opening session of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale, as he was extended to $1.7 million after a protracted bidding duel. An Apr. 17 foal, the gray is closely related to GI Clark Handicap winner and sire Leofric, a son of Gun Runner's sire Candy Ride (Arg), and his dam hails from the Peter Blum family of Grade I winners Well Chosen, Telling and this year's dual Grade I winner National Treasure. Hip 75 was bred by Cypress Creek Equine, who also bred hip 37, a filly by Curlin–Elle Sueno who was knocked down to Resolute for $850,000. Hip 75 was the fourth session one purchase for Resolute for gross receipts of $4.65 million. Selling tonight at @FasigTiptonCo Saratoga Hip 75, a colt by Gun Runner out of the Unbridled's Song mare Lady Godiva, consigned by @BluewaterSales. A half-brother to GI winner LEOFRIC. pic.twitter.com/7LMrKaZPWf — TDN (@theTDN) August 5, 2024 The post Stewart Spending Spree Continues With $1.7m Gun Runner Colt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article