Wandering Eyes

Heavy rains forced the rescheduling of the Aug. 3 Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes (G1T) and Troy Stakes (G2T) at Saratoga Race Course to Aug. 10.View the full article

Mick Appleby said he "never dreamed" of sending out four winners at Glorious Goodwood after beating Aidan O'Brien to be crowned leading trainer.View the full article

A 53-10 chance making his first trip to the races Saturday at Saratoga, WinStar Farm and Repole Stable's UNCAGED (c, 2, Curlin–Dark Nile, by Pioneerof the Nile) found his best stride in the final furlong and came away to post a comfortable success. Under a hustling ride from Irad Ortiz, Jr. from the opening bell, the $450,000 Keeneland September acquisition was kept busy and took up a forward position from fourth just in behind a trio of pacesetters. Pulled out into the center of the track to deliver his challenge in upper stretch, Uncaged descended on the leading group approaching the furlong grounds and did his best work through the line to score. Sea Vista (Street Sense) just outfinished the winner's stablemate Classicist (Curlin) to round out the exacta. Sales history: $450,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. O-WinStar Farm & Repole Stable; B-WinStar Farm LLC (KY); T-Todd Pletcher. UNCAGED, the 2YO son of @HillnDaleFarm stallion Curlin, breaks his maiden in the fifth race with @iradortiz up for trainer @PletcherRacing. pic.twitter.com/sLbgpmgZVK — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 3, 2024 The post Curlin Colt Uncaged A Debut Winner At Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-SAR, $100K, Msw, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:10 p.m. ET. FIRST CLASS LADY (Uncle Mo) debuts for Chief Stipelas Scharbauer and Stonestreet. Made a $900,000 purchase at last year's Keeneland September Sale, the Steve Asmussen trainee is the second registered foal, but first to the races for Stonestreet homebred and 'TDN Rising Star' Lady Pauline (Munnings). This dam, who is herself out of Puerto Rican champion D' Wildcat Speed (Forest Wildcat), is a half-sister to G1 King's Stand Stakes heroine Lady Aurelia (Scat Daddy)–the dam of SW American Rascal (Curlin)–both of whom were 'Rising Stars' in their own right. TJCIS PPS The post Sunday Insights: Classy Daughter Of Uncle Mo Ready For Spa Unveiling appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Having beaten the best sprinters around in the G1 July Cup, Peter Harris's Mill Stream (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) returns to familiar territory as he bids for a prestigious double in Sunday's G1 ARC Prix Maurice de Gheest. Starting to bloosom into the top-flight performer he now is at Deauville last summer, Jane Chapple-Hyam's project thrived in this Normandy air to record a brace of black-type successes in the Listed Prix Moonlight Cloud and G3 Prix de Meautry prior to his coming-of-age campaign this term. There is a danger that his July Cup form could be criticised, with the 3-year-olds failing to make a serious impact, but the fact was that he was the fastest on the day at Newmarket and he has a rock-solid profile heading here. Unbeaten so far and another who has performed to a high standard over this straight course, Nurlan Bizakov's Lazzat (Fr) (Territories {Ire}) drops in trip from the seven furlongs over which he dominated the G3 Prix Djebel here in April and the G3 Prix Paul de Moussac at ParisLongchamp in June. Second on the latter occasion was White Birch Farm's TDN Rising Star Havana Cigar (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), who went on to fill the same spot behind another of the Jean-Claude Rouget stable's TDN Rising Stars in Puchkine (Fr) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) in last month's G1 Prix Jean Prat here. Set free by the change in tactics in that contest, Puchkine dominated from start to finish but he may struggle to do the same to a host of hardened sprinters. The third TDN Rising Star to fill the frame in the Jean Prat was Philippe Allaire and Haras d'Etreham's Beauvatier (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), who may finally be granted the pace scenario he has been crying out for. Others to note are last year's winner King Gold (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}), who beat the re-opposing Exxtra (Fr) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) in ParisLongchamp's G3 Prix de la Porte Maillot. Darnation Bids For Classic Double… Sunday also sees the G1 Henkel-Preis der Diana take place at Dusseldorf, where Newtown Anner Stud's homebred Darnation (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) bids to become the latest filly to complete the G2 German 1000 Guineas-German Oaks double in the 11-furlong Classic. Again partnered by Adrie de Vries, the Karl Burke trainee who has subsequently been second in Newcastle's G3 Hoppings Stakes is part of an overseas contingent which includes Australian Bloodstock's acquisition Bubble Gum (Fr) (Cloth Of Stars {Ire}) who was sixth for the Fabrice Chappet stable in the G1 Prix de Diane. Germany's best chance of keeping the prize at home may come from Gestut Rottgen's G3 Diana-Trial winner Erle (Ger) (Reliable Man {GB}) from a favourable draw against the rail, while Sarah Steinberg has two live prospects in Gestut Brummerhof's Diya (Ger) (Dubawi {Ire}), a daughter of the 2019 Diana heroine Diamanta (Ger) (Maxios {GB}) who captured Mulheim's Listed Diana Trial last month, and Gestut Ebbesloh's New York City (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) who was beaten less than a length when fourth behind Erle at Hoppegarten in June before running third in the G3 Hamburger Stutenpreis over this trip last month. The post Mill Stream Bids For Summer Double in the Maurice de Gheest appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Darwin Cup favourite Bear Story. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Fotofinish Racepix) Kyneton trainer Neil Dyer is eyeing his fourth Darwin Cup (2050m) on Monday with former Irish gelding Bear Story, but champion Top End trainer Gary Clarke stands in his way. Bear Story is the $2.30 favourite with online bookmakers following his slashing first up win at Fannie Bay in the weight-for-age Chief Minister’s Cup (1600m) on July 13 when he not only won by 4.3 lengths, but also broke the track record (1.33.95). The Chief Minister’s Cup has always been a good guide when assessing the Darwin Cup with 10 horses achieving the double since 2000. Clarke’s Wolfburn, the Cup’s $3.80 second-elect, has impressed since returning from Phillip Stokes’ Morphettville stable for a third Cup Carnival with the former Darwin Guineas winner saluting four times from five starts. He won the ROANT Gold Cup (1300m) before a last start win in the Metric Mile (1600m) – he was second in the Chief Minister’s. Wolfburn, a six-year-old gelding, and Bear Story, a seven-year-old gelding, carried 59kg when they first met, but Clarke’s horse has 56.5kg and Dyer’s horse has 61kg come Monday. That perhaps gives Clarke hope as Wolfburn boasts eight wins and four minor placings from 14 Fannie Bay starts – the son of Snitzel was second in the 2022 NT Derby (2050m) and third in last year’s Darwin Cup. However, Dyer has every right to be optimistic as Bear Story – the son of Kodiac – managed three wins (synthetic surface) and nine minor placings from 18 starts in Ireland. After winning the Group 3 Dubai Diamond Stakes (2149m) at Dundalk in 2022, Bear Story repeated the dose a year later – it was a Listed race in 2023 – in his final Irish start. In eight Victorian starts for Cranbourne trainer Clinton McDonald, Bear Story’s best result was a fourth over 1800m (BM100) at Sandown in May. He was 11th in the Blamey Stakes (1600m) and 14th in the Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington in March 2023 before coming 11th in the Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield last September. Understandably, Dyer was extremely happy with Bear Story’s debut on Fannie Bay’s dirt surface – following a 900m trial – adding that it was clear he was looking for more ground. Dyer, who made his first trip to the Top End in 2008 and only missed the 2020 Carnival because of Covid, has celebrated Darwin Cup success with Hawks Bay (2011 and 2012) and Royal Request. Clarke, the winning Darwin Cup jockey in 2000 aboard Steve Paynter’s Star Bullet, has won the race as a trainer with Lightinthenite, Zahspeed and Playoffs. After winning the Top End and Country’s trainers’ premiership for a 12th straight year, Clarke will also start Playoffs and NT Derby winner Masatora on Monday. Bear Story and Wolfburn have good gates and will be partnered by Group 1 winning jockey Noel Callow and the Top End and Country’s five-time premiership winner jockey Jarrod Todd. 2024 Darwin Cup Tips David White (horsebetting.com.au) 1 BEAR STORY 3 WOLFBURN 10 HETTINGER 11 HADOUKEN Greg Aldam (Thoroughbred Racing NT) 1 BEAR STORY 3 WOLFBURN 4 PLAYOFFS 11 HADOUKEN Andrew O’Toole (Sky Racing) 1 BEAR STORY 3 WOLFBURN 11 HADOUKEN 4 PLAYOFFS Horse racing news View the full article

Heavy rains forced the rescheduling of the Aug. 3 Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes (G1T) and the Troy Stakes (G2T) at Saratoga Race Course to Aug. 10.View the full article

Juddmonte Farms' progressive Dragoon Guard (Arrogate), a neck away from being unbeaten in his young career, carries a three-race winning streak and should jump a slight favorite in Sunday's $500,000 GIII West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer Park. The homebred son of the talented turf mare Filimbi (Mizzen Mast) was beaten a neck by future stakes winner Otto the Conqueror (Street Sense) on his seven-furlong debut at Churchill last September, but is perfect since, including an all-the-way victory over GI Santa Anita Derby hero Stronghold (Ghostzapper) in the GIII Indiana Derby July 6. Henro (Collected) was runner-up to the aforementioned Otto the Conqueror in a June 5 sprint allowance in Louisville, but made the most of his first two-turn assignment last time with a head defeat of Just a Touch (Justify) in the July 6 Iowa Derby at Prairie Meadows. A repeat of the 96 Beyer Speed Figure earned on that occasion makes him a very tough customer right back. Two other graded winners are among Sunday's field of eight. Society Man (Good Magic) is the lesser-known stablemate of MGISW Dornoch (Good Magic) who earned his own berth in the GI Kentucky Derby with a runner-up effort–at 106-1–in the GII Wood Memorial Stakes in April. Down the field at Churchill, he rebounded with a 6-1 upset of the GIII Matt Winn Stakes June 9. 'TDN Rising Star' Agate Road (Quality Road) earned his graded success on the turf in last year's GII Pilgrim Stakes, but was also runner-up in this year's GIII Sam F. Davis Stakes on the dirt. He exits an even fifth in the grassy American Derby June 29. No Longshot Price This Time For The Queens M G Having returned a fat $91 to her backers when skipping home a 2 3/4-length winner of the opening-day Schuylerville Stakes July 11, The Queens M G (Thousand Words) will start at a fraction of that price when she leaves from the outside gate in a field of nine juvenile fillies in Sunday's GIII Adirondack Stakes at the Spa. Having lit the Keeneland tote to the tune of 45-1 on debut Apr. 7, the dark bay filly was the 21-10 choice for the June 6 Astoria Stakes at this venue, but she backed out of it abruptly to finish a distant last of seven. Then she blew up the board in the Schuylerville. “Going into that race, I didn't know what to expect,” said trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. “I was just hoping to run a decent race and have something to build on, but she exceeded expectations. That was a big improvement. The race before was disappointing because she had trained decent into the race, and we thought she was a good filly.” The Queens M G should get the right race flow, as the field includes several fillies exiting wire-to-wire victories in maiden company. White Sands (Into Mischief) galloped at Belterra to break her maiden at first asking May 25 and, pitched in against the boys in the Prairie Gold Juvenile July 6, took them all the way to score by 13 3/4 lengths. Whatintheliteral (Lord Nelson) belied 13-1 odds in the Astoria after setting a pressured pace throughout, but tossed Javier Castellano at the start of the Schuylerville. Dare to Breeze (Daredevil) earned a good figure when taking out a local auction maiden by better than six lengths July 13, while Italian Soiree (Uncle Mo), a $600,000 OBS March breezer, exits a 5 1/4-length graduation from just off the pace downstate July 4 and will hope the speed comes back to the field as well. Sunday's other graded action features the GIII Pucker Up Stakes at Ellis Park, where GIII Regret Stakes winner Pin Up Betty (Constitution) looks to bounce back from a fourth in the GI Belmont Oaks against the likes of Mo Fox Givin (Mo Town), while in the GIII West Virginia Governor's Cup, Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) squares off with 'TDN Rising Star' Extra Anejo (Into Mischief). The post Dragoon Guard Looks For Four Straight In West Virginia Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As September arrives every year, we get excited about our homebred yearlings and future purchases that might come along, all for hopefully finding the Derby winner. But October is also something to look forward to with the Retired Racehorse Project, which we have been involved in since 2017. This year is a unique one; our former veterinarian Dr. Brittland Hughes has our homebred Town Of Gold in the Hunter-Jumper and Competitive Trail divisions; Am Prepared, a homebred out of the GI mare Tannery; and In the Loop, a $150,000 Keeneland purchase who won first time out for Colts Neck Stables. As I joined Mr Santulli's operation back in 2014 from my return from Saudi Arabia, I learned the importance of proper re-homing for all of our horses once retired, from monitoring horses we lost in claiming races and talking to connections when their forms are tailing off, inquiring for future re-homing plans, to being a big supporter of Second Call in New Jersey. In all my years at Colts Neck, I think RRP is one of my favorite events to watch, with my former horses growing and developing in new disciplines off the track. This year I am excited to be attending for the first time–both participating in two days of volunteering and obviously cheering on my three old trainees. Horse racing is in a crucial transition with HISA where we are seeing lots of positive stats but the general public should also understand that the reason we get up every day, 365 days a year, is for the love of the horse. Being able to watch these horses compete, whether it's on the track, in the field, or in the ring, is a treat every horse lover should appreciate. –Jorge Duarte Jr, private trainer, Colts Neck Stables Every year, there is excitement about the new two-year olds starting training in a racing yard. Who will be the next big stakes horse, Derby contender, Breeders' Cup candidate? But when I saw Town of Gold, aka Townley, I thought, gosh, he could be a really great show horse. With a flashy heart on his head, compact but correct conformation, and a curious but smart mentality, I thought this horse has potential to be an athlete–whether on the track or in the show ring. I loved his name, Town of Gold, which his Colombian trainer Jorge Duarte named after the Colombian mythical gold city 'El Dorado.' I quickly gave him the nickname Townley after my dad's middle name. As a two-year-old, he showed promise as a turf sprinter. Bred out of Speightstown, a multiple graded stakes dirt sire and Spunderful, a Medaglio D'oro turf sprint mare, Town of Gold was a well-bred homebred of Colts Neck Stables. He broke his maiden as a two-year old at Laurel Park where he put his nose down and refused to let another horse pass him. He then ran big at Aqueduct, placing in a black type stakes his first time in New York. He traveled to Florida for a winter at Palm Meadows Training Center where I was able to gallop him, enjoying the sunrise view between his pricked ears. He had a confident, safe disposition and a desire to please. After riding him, I knew he'd love the challenge of jumping someday. As I continued to watch his racetrack career progress, he unfortunately developed an intolerance to heat. Heat stroke can be a combination of environment and genetics and his mother had had similar issues with the heat. He did well in the cooler weather, however, turf season is primarily in the heat of the summer. As he got older, he still appeared game, but there was reservation in his drive to win. Many horses learn from experience and his experience with heat stroke had made him conservative compared to his rivals. In July of 2023, he ran his last race at Monmouth. I was crossing my fingers that he did not get claimed. Luck was on my side that day. Following his race, it was decided that he would be retired and I could finally start my project with this 6-year old I had loved since the age of 2. When he came off the trailer to meet me at the farm, he still thought he was a racehorse. He was high-strung, hungry, and almost impossible to catch in the field. I was excited but also worried. I had never had a thoroughbred straight off the track. Initially, I doubted myself–what had I got myself into?! But as I put in the time and patience, we started making baby steps. He would spit out an apple but he loved carrots. He could trot over ground poles, at first hitting one or two then gliding through them like a pro. He learned to pick up both leads at the canter, not just the left like most racehorses prefer. In the barn, he started to recognize me and welcome me with his characteristic nicker. Even after a long day at work, I was still excited to see my boy, my Townley. The day finally came when I decided we were ready to pop over a cross rail. I let him sniff it, and he didn't seem bothered. I gave him a nudge and we picked up a trot to the tiny cross rail. As we got to the base, he picked up his legs, tucked his knees and jumped the neatest little jump. He landed with a look like, “hey, that was kinda different but fun!” After the introduction to jumping, I knew that not only could he do it but even more so that he enjoyed doing it, which made me want to jump the moon. From that day forward, I made a goal–to compete in the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover. When I was in undergraduate studies at The University of Kentucky, I had volunteered when the RRP had first started. There were only about 50 horses competing and no one really knew about the concept of competing in second careers for retired racehorses. The Thoroughbred makeover now has over 400 entries yearly and has incentivized interest in OTTB competitions throughout the country. It has made people realize that just because a horse has retired off the track as a five-, six-, or seven-year old doesn't mean the horse's athletic abilities stop there. So as I prepare for my dream to compete in the Thoroughbred makeover project this October, I have learned so much about the heart of a Thoroughbred and the relationship you can shape with a racehorse to achieve dreams you never thought possible. I hope my story inspires others to adopt racehorses and promote the Thoroughbred for the great breed they are both on and off the track. –Dr. Brittland Hughes, former veterinarian, Colts Neck Stables, current owner/rider of Townley The post Letter to the Editor: The Importance of the Retired Racehorse Project appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. 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The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) moved Saturday's GI Saratoga Derby Invitational [Race 7] and the GII Troy Stakes [Race 10] due to heavy overnight rainfall and will shift the races to Saturday, Aug. 10, the track said in a release Saturday morning. All of Saturday's remaining turf races [Race 1, Race 4, Race 9, Race 13] have been moved off the turf. Updated post times for Saturday's now 11-race card, which kicks off at 12:05 p.m. ET., are: Race 2 [12:45 p.m.], Race 3 [1:25 p.m.], Race 4 [2:05 p.m.], Race 5 [2:45 p.m.], Race 6 [3:25 p.m.], Race 7 [canceled], Race 8 [4:08 p.m.], Race 9 [4:52 p.m., Fasig-Tipton Lure], Race 10 [canceled], Race 11 [5:42 p.m.], Race 12 [6:17 p.m.] and Race 13 [6:50 p.m.]. Any multi-race wagers that include Race 7 and Race 10 have been canceled and will be refunded. The two-day All Turf Pick 5, which kicked off Friday with the GII Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Oaks Invitational and GII National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes, will pay out to 'all' for the final three legs: the Saratoga Derby Invitational [Race 7], Fasig-Tipton Lure [Race 9], and Troy [Race 10]. The graded races that were cancelled Saturday will join an Aug. 10 card that includes the GI FanDuel Fourstardave Stakes, a “Win and You're In” qualifier for the GI Breeders' Cup Mile; as well as the GII Saratoga Special and the Galway Stakes. The post Rain Forces GI Saratoga Derby Invitational And GII Troy To Shift To Saturday, Aug. 10 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Cassie Tully is head of research and pedigrees at Coolmore. Previously a bloodstock columnist for Sporting Life, she is currently halfway through studying for an Executive MBA degree. How did you first become involved/interested in racing and bloodstock? I used to event when I was much younger but my Dad loved racing so it actually began through being a huge Barry Geraghty fan. A fascination with pedigrees dictated the way forward from there. What does your role at Coolmore entail? I'm over research and pedigrees but without wanting it to sounding clichéd, no two days are actually ever the same. The role adapts with the racing and breeding seasons and encompasses everything from mating plans to nominations to preparing for sales. Items on the agenda can vary greatly day to day. We all know that Coolmore is a world-class operation and wherever you can or want to add value, there is an opportunity to do so. Are you personally involved in breeding and/or pinhooking? Yes, my mum and I have a farm at home in Galway and have a small, growing breeding operation of three broodmares. They are back in foal and our first homebred yearlings are heading to auction this autumn so there's a lot to look forward to. If you were handed a hypothetical €100,000 sales voucher to be spent at any of the sales – be that yearlings, foals or mares – what would you look for? I'm all about the middle-distance pedigrees and the long game. There's just so many more opportunities for success in the Pattern for the middle-distance horses – both black-type and prize money-wise. It's where the most value can be found, their pedigrees hold the most residual worth, and they are the most coveted product for resale and export. And if you could own any broodmare in history, who would that be? Hate to be boring here but it's impossible not to say Urban Sea or Hasili, isn't it? How do you feel the bloodstock industry could encourage more of the younger generation to get involved in breeding? I actually think that is a natural desire for most young people who are already interested in the sport. The real issue is encouraging people, from any generation, to engage with horse racing full stop. Engagement is consistently declining and I find it beyond infuriating listening to the blame get put on the cost-of-living crisis, the fixture disruption, the weather, the domination of big owners and trainers, and so on. The country had circa 3% increase in consumer spending earlier this year which was apparently largely driven by entertainment. It's close to impossible to get GAA or large concert tickets; Meanwhile, racing's attendances, field sizes and betting turnovers were all down. I think the popularity of the major jumps festivals is papering over the cracks in Irish racing and the overall figures, creating an illusion of prosperity while Flat racing is in a state of decay. Why is there such an acceptance of mediocrity and excuses rather than proactive growth strategies and clearly communicated targets? The nature of our structure means that if any of the trio of owners, engagement, and entertainment decline, so will the other two, and along with them goes our funding streams. It's already happening. Look at the bookmakers in Britain pulling back from certain tracks in dissatisfaction with how the sport is not being grown with their levy inputs; and they are right to question. Where is the communication here and, really, where is the urgency? It is frustrating and I think the longer we bury our heads in the sand, the further it is going to decline. If we lose this generation, racing's future sounds like fiction and its history will be relegated to folklore, so I think we need to start there. Is there enough being done in regard to gender equality in the industry? That is a big topic and not one that I would succinctly capture in one thought, but I would doubt that there is a woman who wants succeed in any profession that hasn't experienced gender bias or disparity in some form. The industry is significantly male-dominated and probably lags behind on broader societal awareness on topics like these. That saying 'A woman has to work twice as hard to be considered half as good' probably reflects a reality for many. The decades of research all shows that more balanced, diverse workplaces lead to better decision-making and increases in innovation and financial performance – all the things we want. And oftentimes it's an unconscious bias in the way. The governing bodies' strategic plans are emphasising the need for gender balance at senior levels and while that is so important, I do think it's also crucial that every position remains based on merit and aptitude. Those targets and discussions should enhance, never compromise, the standards of professionalism. I suppose it's creating awareness and recognition on both individual and organisational levels within our bubble. We are such a niche, focused industry with so many facets that we can become guilty of only looking inwards. Slow, evolutionary change in a fast-changing world is, as it was for the dinosaurs, a path to the bone yard. They can be uncomfortable topics and it's easy to be dismissive, but fostering inclusive practices that elevate the best talent regardless of anything else isn't something there is an option about any more. What is the best advice you have ever been given? To welcome criticism. I think it's just a mindset re-frame to embrace other perspectives and see all feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Give us one horse to follow for the remainder of the Flat season… Rock Of Cashel (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). The post Young Guns: Cassie Tully appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sale trainer Andrew Perdon with winning jockey Stan Tsaikos after Faberge Tzar saluted at Darwin’s Fannie Bay in June. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Fotofinish Racepix) Sale trainer Andrew Perdon is hoping that leading Top End jockey Sonja Logan can weave her magic aboard Starspangled Baby in the $200,000 Darwin Cup (2050m) at Fannie Bay on Monday. Logan’s local knowledge could pay off with the seven-year-old mare, an $18 hope with online bookmakers, drawing gate 11 in the 12-horse field. “From that gate, you can provide your jockey with all the instructions in the world, but once the gates open it’s all going to be up to Sonja,” Perdon said. “Naturally, she’s a bit of an on-pacer, but if they go helter skelter there’s no point being five wide and going with them, so we’ll just have to take our medicine and ride for a bit of luck. “The widest horse Hadouken, I’d imagine it will go forward, so hopefully we’ll be able to roll in behind it and get the most economical run we can. “I’ve got full faith in Sonja that she’ll get the job done for us, she rides the track really well to be honest.” Perdon, who had always envisaged bringing horses to the NT, raced Starspangled Baby, Faberge Tzar and Dummy Spit in Alice Springs in June prior to the Darwin Cup Carnival. The plan to start Starspangled Baby in the Darwin Cup evolved some 12 months ago, and although there is plenty of excitement in the Perdon camp, the mare has yet to bring her best form to the table at Fannie Bay. A fourth in the ROANT Gold Cup (1300m) behind Wolfburn was followed by a sixth in the Chief Minister’s Cup (1600m) at weight-for-age behind Darwin Cup favourite Bear Story and a third in the Buntine Handicap (2050m) behind Hadouken. “She probably struggled a little bit, not so much the heat or the climate, more just the box life – she gets trained in the paddock back home,” Perdon said. “Just knowing the horse, she was probably running at 60 per cent in the Buntine. “No disrespect to the others, but if she brought her best form she would have won that race easily. “I think the last week or so we’ve turned the corner, she’s eating up well and her coat has finally come through. “There’s plenty of ticks, but it’s taken a while, so hopefully if there’s more improvement she’ll be better for Monday.” Starspangled Baby, who won the Bairnsdale Cup (1600m) in March, has been competitive in 18 starts for Perdon and finished second over 2040m (BM84) at Moonee Valley in December. Perdon believes Neil Dyer’s Bear Story will take some stopping on Monday, while he has plenty of respect for Gary Clarke’s Wolfburn. Faberge Tzar managed a win in Alice Springs and Darwin before finishing at the tail of the field in the NT Derby (2050m) due to a heart arrythmia, while Dummy Spit will be seeking its first NT win after four minor placings from six starts. “I just can’t get over how quick they go in the NT and due to the kick back the jockeys just want to get forward,” Perdon said. Horse racing news View the full article

Henry de Bromhead trainee Term Of Endearment (GB) (Sea The Moon {Ger}–Miss You Too {GB}. by Montjeu {Ire}) accounted for Night Sparkle (Ire) (Postponed {Ire}) and River Of Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) in May's G3 Bronte Cup at York and doubled up in game fashion to lead home a repeat trifecta in Saturday's G2 Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood. Positioned behind the leaders in fourth until well beyond the halfway mark in this 14-furlong stamina test, the 15-2 chance made continued headway in the straight to gain control soon after passing the quarter-mile marker and was ridden out in the closing stages to defeat the Bronte Cup vanquished by 3/4-of-a-length and the same. Term Of Endearment strikes for with a super-impressive victory in the Group Two @Q_REC Lillie Langtry Stakes! Congrats to @HenrydeBromhead, @wjlee24786 and winning connections pic.twitter.com/YX7GLS9idQ — Goodwood Racecourse (@Goodwood_Races) August 3, 2024 The post Sea The Moon’s Term Of Endearment On Top in the Lillie Langtry appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Carrying a large weight of expectation along with TDN Rising Star status into Saturday's Turners EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes at Newmarket, Godolphin's Desert Flower (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}–Promising Run, by Hard Spun) made what looked an easy assignment an extremely facile one to fully justify odds of 1-4. Always travelling smoothly for Billy Loughnane, the Charlie Appleby-trained daughter of the operation's four-time group 2 winner took control approaching two out, surged clear down the drip and tanked to the line for a 6 1/2-length success from Dash Of Azure (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}). CLASSY confirms the promise of her debut with a stylish success under a penalty at HQ. A 2025 1,000 Guineas candidate?@godolphin | @loughnane_billy pic.twitter.com/SGFvuIdDRd — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 3, 2024 The post Godolphin’s TDN Rising Star Daughter Of Night Of Thunder Confirms Her Class appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The fastest 2-year-old so far this season didn't graduate at either Del Mar or Saratoga. That honor belongs to–at least on the Beyer Speed Figure scale (through Aug. 2)–St Elias Stable homebred Rated by Merit (c, 2, Battalion Runner–Banner Waving, by Speightstown), who earned a 92 rating when airing by 9 3/4 lengths for trainer Michael Yates going six furlongs on debut at Gulfstream Park July 13. That is four points higher than the co-second fastest duo of Mentee (City of Light), the younger full-brother of champion Fierceness, and Colloquial (Vekoma), who ran one-two at the Belmont at Big A meeting June 15. “It was a very visually impressive race, for sure,” Yates said. “He had worked well and I expected that he would run well. It was a little bit of a 'Wow' for me.” Wow, indeed. Backed as the second choice at odds of 2-1, Rated by Merit was gunned to the front from his inside draw and was hounded by 4-5 favorite and fellow firster Forged Steel (Vekoma) through an opening quarter in :22.27. Traveling nicely while under a snug hold approaching the quarter pole, the Florida-bred kicked for home with authority, and, despite hanging on his left lead for most of the stretch, increased his advantage to the wire to win for fun. Rated by Merit returned to the worktab with a four-furlong breeze in :50.04 (5/7) at Gulfstream Park July 30. A target for his next start is still to be determined, according to Yates. “He came out of the race good,” Yates said. “Just had an easy half-mile maintenance breeze. He's doing very well.” He continued, “We're just gonna go one step at a time. Right now, we're not exactly sure what race we're gonna point to. He's gonna breeze a couple more times before we decide.” Rated by Merit hails from the third crop of Battalion Runner, who carried the Viola family's colors to a pair of in-the-money finishes in the 2017 GII Wood Memorial Stakes and GIII Dwyer Stakes. The son of Unbridled's Song stands for $2,500 at Ocala Stud. The W.S. Farish-bred and -raced Banner Waving won one of 11 career starts. She brought $19,000 from St Elias while in foal to Catalina Cruiser at the 2020 Keeneland November sale. “This is the first horse that I've trained for them,” Yates said. “He's a Florida-bred and a homebred and they were looking for a Florida-based trainer to place some horses like that with. I'm happy to have him. He's the only one that I have for them.” Yates, represented in back-to-back renewals of the GI Kentucky Oaks with Dorth Vader (Girvin) and Fiona's Magic (St Patrick's Day) in 2023-24, took out his trainer's license in 1991. The native of Ocala is also the owner and operator of the 50-acre Shadybrook Farm, the home of his dozen broodmares and a five-furlong training track. Yates currently has 28 horses in training at Gulfstream Park. “It's always nice when you have a young horse with a lot of raw talent,” Yates concluded. “That's what we do this for. You just never know where one like this is gonna come from.” Rated by Merit wins by a daylight in race 2 under @JockeyRios! #GulfstreamPark #RoyalPalmMeet pic.twitter.com/7FfDLqsChX — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) July 13, 2024 The post Yates Still Plotting Path for Top ‘Rated’ 2-Year-Old 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 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 are the horses entered for Sunday at Saratoga: Sunday, August 4, 2024 Saratoga 1, $100k, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:10 p.m. ET Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Ivory and Ebony (Spun to Run), OBSMAR, 105,000, :10 1/5 C-Potrero Stables; B-West Point Thoroughbreds, L E B, agent Lady Pippa (Practical Joke), FTMMAY, 230,000, :10 2/5 C-Pike Racing at Highlander, agent; B-Snake River Racing Stable Saratoga 6, $90k, 2yo, f, (S), 6f, 4:02 p.m. ET Boston's Phinest (Honest Mischief), FTMMAY, 190,000, :10 1/5 C-Kings Equine, agent; B-Donato Lanni, agent Saratoga Snow (Vekoma), OBSAPR, 47,000, :10 2/5 C-de Meric Sales, agent; B-Mike Dini Saratoga 7, $100k, 2yo, f, 1 1/16mT, 4:35 p.m. ET May Day Ready (Tapit), OBSAPR, 325,000, :10 C-de Meric Sales, agent; B-KatieRich Stables LLC Pediatric Princess (Mendelssohn), OBSAPR, 110,000, :10 1/5 C-Wavertree Stables Inc (Ciaran Dunne), agent; B-Seth Morris, agent for Hit The Bid Racing Sar 9, Adirondack S.-GIII, $200k, 2yo, f, 6 1/2f, 5:45 p.m. Italian Soiree (Uncle Mo), OBSMAR, 600,000, :10 C-Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds, agent; B-Seth Morris, agent for Hit The Bid Stables The post Summer Breezes, Sponsored By OBS: August 4, 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Mike Love Sam Thornley has a great chance to overtake Carter Dalgety in the junior drivers premiership at Addington on Sunday. With Dalgety leading the premiership on 38 wins on an overseas venture in the United States, Thornley who is sitting on 37 wins has a good opportunity today with five each way chances. “It’s not really on my mind much. It’s still a long way until the end of the season, so we will see what happens,” said Thornley. “It’s definitely a goal to do a little bit better than last year.” Thornley is only ten wins away currently from his season personal best of 47. In race 1,the Come Race With Us ‘3 Codes Syndication’ Mobile Pace, Thornley will combine with the Peter and Mitchell Robertson trained Fear Gogh. Drawn barrier one, the-three-year old Vincent filly looks set to get a soft run behind the well drawn favoured runners Huzuni ($2.70FF) and Woodlea Diamond ($2.20FF). “She’s gone some good races. But also a few disappointing races. I think they are confident with it. It’s got spreaders on this week so with a nice draw hopefully we can get some of it.” In race 2 the Thanks To Vets, Farrier & Staff At Overport Lodge Pace, Thornley links up with his employee Ken Barron’s runner Kalatra ($9.50FF). The four-year-old daughter of Bettors Delight draws one the second line which may (or may not) work out. “It can get a bit keen. But if things went its way it has the ability to do well. It had a few problems toward the end of its last campaign, but now with a freshen up hopefully that has helped. ” The race is headlined by short priced favourite Moet Shard ($1.80FF) for trainer Jeff Whittaker and will go around the shortest favourite of the day. Race 4, the Mark Jones Thanks His Owners For Their Support Pace, Foveaux Gambler ($19.00FF) at nice odds gives Thornley a chance in what is an open affair for the junior drivers’ race. The five-year-old Betting Line gelding will have his 89th start today, chasing victory number nine. “He likes to sit on the fence and not do much which he will get a chance to do. It’s not a strong field but it is an even field. If we step okay and be handy we should have a good chance.” Thornley says his best drive of the day is Icee Styxie ($5.50FF) in race 5, the Krystal Williams Racing Mobile Pace. The Trent Yesberg trained Bettor’s Delight mare can operate in a fresh state, placing in the past. A recent second at an Ashburton trial suggests a forward showing. “The draw should be okay. It will be a chance. It’s been running well at the trials, which I’ve been driving in, so I’m expecting a good run.” “She’s my best chance of the day.” Steering correctly may be the key for Wolf Of Wall Street ($7.50FF) in the final race of the day, the Thanks To The People That Keep Our Stables Going mobile pace over 1980m. “It’s been going good in good races but hasn’t been steering too well on the bends. There’s been a few gear changes so hopefully they’ve done the job. We will still need a bit of luck!” Thornley has driven 135 winners and won almost $1.6 million in stakes. Racing commences from 12:59pm. View the full article

Top Darwin jockey Sonja Logan is all smiles after sealing the $135,000 Palmerston Sprint (1200m) aboard the Chris Pollard-trained Early Crow at Fannie Bay on Saturday. Picture: Darwin Turf Club Early Crow defended his Palmerston Sprint (1200m) title at Fannie Bay on Saturday with a barnstorming victory in the $135,000 feature on Day 7 of the Darwin Cup Carnival. The six-year-old gelding repeated the efforts of the Gary Clarke-trained Captain Punch (2018 & 2019) and Nev Connor’s Jade City (2007 & 2008) as runners who have gone back to back in the premier NT race for the sprinters. With former trainer Dick Leech currently serving a suspension, the son of Kuroshio had one start for Clarke in the $100,000 Pioneer Sprint (1200m) in Alice Springs in April, where he finished 10th before ending up with Top End trainer Chris Pollard. Leech’s entire team was transferred to Pollard, who celebrated his biggest win as a trainer when Early Crow made it 11 wins from 28 starts. After a first-up fifth behind Star Magnum in open company over 1100m at Fannie Bay, the gelding bounced back to form when he surged home to win the 1200m weight-for-age on July 20. Early Crow was clearly back to his best, and despite starting at $9 with online bookmakers, he was definitely in the mix in one of the more open Palmerstons in recent years. With Sonja Logan on board, the former Queensland galloper jumped well from gate five before settling fourth on the fence as Ideas Man ($13), Star Magnum ($8) and Zourata ($18) set the early pace. Early Crow, who had Seguso ($12) for company, was easily three lengths adrift of the leading trio at the 600m before picking up speed, and by the home turn Pollard’s horse was posing a serious threat. Once circling the leaders, Early Crow’s only concern was Chris Nash’s Ideas Man, who finished second in last year’s Palmerston, had slipped to a narrow lead entering the home straight. At the 200m, Early Crow had the race sewn up before getting home by 2.3 lengths from Lumber Punk, previously trained by Leon and Troy Corstens at Flemington, with Ideas Man grabbing third place ahead of Star Magnum. For Logan, who was recovering from a broken nose and missing teeth this time last year following an assault outside her home, it was her second Carnival triumph after saluting aboard Kym Healy’s He’s Maverick in the Darwin Guineas (1600m). In a dramatic prelude to the Palmerston, Terry Gillett’s outstanding mare Dakota Lee from Alice Springs was scratched on Friday after failing a veterinary test. 2024 Palmerston Sprint Replay – Early Crow Horse racing news View the full article

The Chris Waller-trained Medatsu ran out a gritty winner of the Jockeys Appreciation Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday as the four-year-old gelding recorded his first Sydney metropolitan victory. Medatsu commenced his career in New Zealand under the tutelage of Clint Isdale for whom he had placed in three of four starts, including finishing third in the Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m). Transferred to Waller’s Sydney operation last spring, the Kiwi import was a good winner at Kembla Grange over 2000m before finishing down the track in the Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m). After a lengthy spell, the son of Staphanos was sent out a $21 chance fresh-up and came from last to loop the field just before straightening under a clever Tommy Berry ride and fought gamely to defeat Until Valhalla and Autumnation. “There was good pace early but they backed off through the mid-stages and Tommy had the initiative to get rolling a bit earlier,” Waller said. “I didn’t know if he would sustain the run because he did get going early but to the horse’s credit he certainly did. “Tony Muollo and his brother Luigi thought enough of him to send him to Australia and have a little look at those spring three-year-old races, but he must have just had a little problem. He has had a decent break, and he has shown why he was brought to Australia with his performance today.” Winning jockey Tommy Berry confirmed that Waller had given him an open book to put the gelding into the race a little bit early. “I’m not sure if he would have liked it to be as early as I did, but I just thought because they had gone very steady, I didn’t want to make my move a bit late and have everyone start popping before the corner,” Berry said. “I made my move when it was a bit early for everyone else to make their runs and he sustained it really well. “Full credit to Chris and his team. They had a really good foundation in this horse first-up. “He is a progressive staying type and obviously Chris had a big opinion of him running him in a Group One at his second start here in Australia which you don’t see him usually do. He has had a little bit of time off and matured quite nicely and this is the start of what is to come from him.” Bred by Luigi Muollo’s Explosive Breeding Ltd, Medatsu is by Novara Park stallion Staphanos and is out of the Mastercraftsman mare Christine Ann. He is a half-brother to Listed winner Rocababy. View the full article

Right To Party ridden by Jye McNeil wins the Aurie’s Star Handicap at Flemington. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Right To Party ($3.80) has come with a withering burst to claim the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday afternoon. The daughter of Zoustar has been racing in a rich vein of form, making it a hat-trick of wins at the course and distance with Jye McNeil in the saddle. It was another patient steer aboard the lightly raced four-year-old that paid dividends, with McNeil allowing Right To Party to settle towards the rear of the field throughout the 1200m contest, leaving Zarastro ($4.40) and The Astrologist ($5.00) to battle it out for the early lead. Jamie Kah was able to dictate terms aboard the Brisbane raider in the middle stages, allowing Zarastro to stride clear under a hold with 400m left to travel. Rocketing By ($23.00) and Nicolini Vito ($6.00) launched their claims from behind the leading pair, while track and distance specialist It’sourtime ($7.00) was making his run down the grandstand side of the course. Zarastro looked to be bounding clear with the prize in the final furlong, however, it was the well-supported favourite, Right To Party, passing by all challengers on her way to claim her first Group level victory. 2024 Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap Replay – Right To Party Co-trainer Anothony Freedman was on course to represent the stable and spoke to the improvement of Right To Party, crediting his fellow trainer for change of fortune. “We liked her from day one, but she just wasn’t doing it, and we were probably training her wrong,” said Freedman. “To Sam’s (Freedman) credit, he’s turned this mare around and we did nearly nothing with her, she’s obviously just great up the straight, and I think a bigger field will suit her too. If we can get her into one of those big sprints she could do some damage potentially right down in the weights. “I think she’s matured mentally, and she’s got into the habit of winning now, and obviously the straight has opened up doors for her so I’m sure there will be other races for her, and big gaps between runs as well. Jye McNeil spoke after the victory and was impressed with how well she’s going through the grades in preparation for a possible spring campaign. “We’re just admiring how good she is and how she keeps rising to the occasion,” said McNeil. “She’s really matured as an athlete, going the right way, and definitely doing everything we’ve asked her. “It was a nice enough tempo and she just relaxed beautifully. I identified It’sourtime as the one to follow and he dragged me right into the race, and then she obviously was able to put them away with her brilliant finish as we’ve seen over her couple (wins), and she’s an exciting filly.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Sandown Lakeside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Sunday, August 4, 2024 First Race 12:15pm AEST Visit Dabble A rare Sunday meeting at Sandown awaits punters on the weekend with eight-races set down for decision. Consistent rain in Melbourne’s south-east means the track has come up a Soft 7, while the rail will stick to its true position the entire circuit. Racing at Sandown is set to commence at 12:15pm AEST. Best Bet at Sandown: Flamin’ Romans Flamin’ Romans was a dominant Geelong winner on July 12 over 1741m, and as he steps up to the 2100m for the first time, he shapes as the clear best bet of the day. The five-year-old gelding gave his rivals a start and a beating, and considering he was doing his best work through the line, the step up in trip should be no issue. John Allen will have him midfield with cover, and with a strong finish under his belt, Flamin’ Romans should prove too hard to hold out. Best Bet Race 8 – #1 Flamin’ Romans (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: John Allen (61kg) +200 with Neds Next Best at Sandown: Hughes Hughes has been racing well without winning in recent times and as he steps back to BM64 grade, the son of Russian Revolution should be winning on Sunday. Having been beaten a length in BM70 company at the Sandown Lakeside 1400m on July 17, a return to the track and trip should bring the best out of him. Blake Shinn will need a touch of luck from barrier nine, but if Hughes can land the one-one, the race is his to lose. Next Best Race 5 – #3 Hughes (9) 5yo Gelding | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Blake Shinn (61kg) +250 with PlayUp Best Value at Sandown: Capper Thirtynine Capper Thirtynine has strung together consecutive victories and despite the rise in grade, the son of Vancouver can strike at an each-way price with online bookmakers. The four-year-old gelding has come from a midfield position at both of his last two starts and finished off strongly to reel in his rivals late in the piece. Sunday’s race sets up similarly for Capper Thirtynine, and as long he doesn’t get tapped three wide with no cover from barrier 10, he can cause a minor upset early on the Sandown card. Best Value Race 2 – #3 Capper Thirtynine (10) 4yo Gelding | T: Nick Ryan | J: Ben Melham (60.5kg) +1100 with Picklebet Sandown Sunday quaddie tips – 4/8/2024 Sandown quadrella selections Sunday, August 4, 2024 3-6-7 3-4-6-9 1-2-3-4-5 2-5 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Forbes Cup Day 2024 Where Forbes Jockey Club – Racecourse Road, Forbes NSW 2871 When Sunday, August 4, 2024 First Race 12:10pm AEST Visit Dabble Country racing heads to the central west region of NSW on Sunday afternoon, with the $50,000 Forbes Cup (1600m) headlining a stacked eight-race program. The rail is in the true position the entire circuit, and with pristine conditions forecast in the lead-up, participants should be racing on a genuine Good 4 surface. The opening race is scheduled to get underway at 12:10pm AEST. Forbes Cup Tip: All In The Mind All In The Mind was impressive picking up his first Australian victory at Canterbury on July 24 and appears primed to continue his winning ways. The six-year-old was ridden closer throughout the 1550m journey on that occasion, stalking his rivals before unleashing a blistering turn-of-foot between gallopers to score by a length. The $2 million Big Dance (1600m) on the first Tuesday of November seems like an ideal target for the Bjorn Baker-trained gelding, and this looks like All In The Mind’s perfect opportunity to book his ticket. Forbes Cup Race 7 – #4 All In The Mind (3) 6yo Gelding | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Jake Pracey-Holmes (59.5kg) Bet with Neds Best Bet at Forbes: Miss Jennifer Miss Jennifer brings strong metro form to this BM82 and looks perfectly placed to pick up her third win of the campaign. The daughter of Sacred Falls was a back-to-back winner to start the preparation but was simply outclassed in her last three appearances as metro company proved a bridge too far for the lightly raced six-year-old. This contest is much weaker on paper, and with Miss Jennifer boasting a Highway Handicap win on the resume, it would come as a shock if she didn’t figure in the finish. Best Bet Race 4 – #3 Miss Jennifer (7) 6yo Mare | T: Danny Williams | J: Nick Heywood (57kg) Bet with Picklebet Next Best at Forbes: Bamboula Bamboula was luckless on debut at Dubbo on July 15 and should’ve finished much closer than the 1.4-length margin may suggest. The late blooming five-year-old was caught wide without cover throughout the 1300m journey, but still showed tremendous fight, charging down the outside running rail under Dylan Stanley. He should take improvement with race-day fitness on his side, and provided Stanley can manage to find cover this time from gate seven, watch for Bamboula to be storming over the top to break his maiden at the second time of asking. Next Best Race 3 – #1 Bamboula (7) 5yo Gelding | T: Jim McMillan | J: Dylan Stanley (a2) (59kg) Bet with PlayUp Forbes Saturday quaddie – 4/8/2024 Forbes quadrella selections Sunday, August 4, 2024 1-2-4-6 2-4-5-9-13 4 1-2-7-8-9-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips
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Crocetti, one of the brightest stars in last season’s outstanding three-year-old crop, showed he was back bigger and better after he provided a display of guts and determination to take out Saturday’s Alibaba’s Flying Carpets Kerikeri Cup (1100m) at Ruakaka. Taken north by trainers Danny Walker and Arron Tata for a firmer surface to kick off his new campaign, that plan almost came unstuck as steady rain throughout the day saw stewards downgrade the official track rating to a Heavy8 before start time in the feature flat event. Walker rolled the dice and left the strapping son of Zacinto in the field and he duly obliged under apprentice Triston Moodley in a driving finish with another class galloper in Master Fay, who was also kicking off his latest campaign. Moodley had Crocetti nicely placed in third along the rail throughout and elected to stay closer to the rail in the home straight, as the rest of the field swung wide for better going. Just as he hit the front with 200m to run, Crocetti was challenged by Master Fay who stormed down the outer to join issue as the pair slugged it out to the winning post, where the decision went in the favour of Crocetti by a head at the line. Walker breathed a sigh of relief after the judge confirmed the placings in a race which is quickly taking centre stage as a major lead-up event to the early spring features with horse like Imperatriz and Dragon Leap successful in recent years. “He hated that track as he was dipping and diving in it but he’s a tough bugger,” Walker said “Turning for home he (Moodley) was planning to come out to the middle, but they were all there and he would have looked stupid doing it, so he had to take that (inside) run.. “That’s why they are good horses but if we got beaten, I would’ve been happy though I’ll never run him on a track like that again. “He could go to the Tarzino next, but the track would have to be good.” Walker was referring to the first Group One feature of the new racing season, the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings on 7 September where his charge sits as the $3.50 equal Fixed Odds favourite with glamour mare Legarto. Out of the O’Reilly mare Gracehill, a sibling to Group Three winners Killarney and Crosshaven, Crocetti is the grandson of well performed mare Irish Colleen who numbered the Gr.2 Concorde Handicap (1200m) amongst her seven career victories. He has now won eight of his nine starts including the Gr.1 New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas (1600m) and over $795,000 in prizemoney for owner Daniel Nakhle. View the full article

The opening stakes race for the season delivered an incredible finish between a trio of talented gallopers, but after a tense wait, the Gr.3 Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m) went the way of Adrian Bull’s Jay Bee Gee. Jay Bee Gee had run in just one race since finishing back in the field in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) last November, with Bull returning to Riccarton to win the Amberley Cup (1600m) in June before preparing him for Saturday’s contest, concluding with a trial victory at Foxton on July 26. The unique preparation turned out to be the perfect winning formula for the son of Complacent, who got in on the minimum of 53kg under Kelly Myers, while defending champion Belardo Boy was tasked with the 60kg top-weight and sat a $5.50 second-favourite, with Freeze Frame on top of the market at $5.10. Jumping from barrier 16, Myers ensured she wouldn’t be caught wide going forward to sit outside the early leader in Green Luck, with the initial pace short-lived as Craig Grylls sent Bradman onto the speed at the 1000 metre mark. Bradman left much of the field flat-footed and Jay Bee Gee went with him, the gelding looking to be running into second for much of the straight before Freeze Frame came scorching down the outside and the trio went to the post in unison, with a photo-finish required between the latter pair leaving an anxious wait for connections. The judge’s call eventually announced Jay Bee Gee the victor, with Te Akau’s charge Freeze Frame going down by the barest of margins and Bradman a further nose behind in third, while Justaskme was gallant running into fourth. Hunterville-based Bull and his emerald green colours are no stranger to the winner’s circle at Riccarton Park, having won the 2017 edition with former star Nashville, a horse Myers fittingly rode to victory in the Gr.2 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) and the Gr.1 Otaki WFA Classic (1600m) over a decade ago. Myers cut an emotional figure post-race, paying tribute to Bull’s late wife Robyn, who sadly passed in late September last year. “I’m just so over the moon, I can’t explain how happy I am for Adrian and his family, Robyn will be up there looking down on us,” she said. “They are great family friends of ours, and they’ve been huge supporters of myself and Rosie (Fell, sister). We love winning a maiden race in these colours, so to win a Winter Cup for them is very special. “I didn’t think we were going to get past Bradman, he put up a really tough fight. I think Warren helped us more than anything, finishing down the outside and I had a feeling I had my nose in front, but I saw Warren throw his hand in the air and I thought oh well, he’s obviously thought he’s got it. “I was just really quietly hopeful cantering back. I thought it was a dead-heat and I would’ve been happy with that, but to get it on our own is just awesome.” The victory capped off a wonderful return to race riding over the past eight months for Myers, who made a much-welcomed comeback to the jockey ranks in December and picked up 30 winners in the second-half of last season. “I’m just really happy to be out there again,” she said. “My manager asked me what my goals are for the season and I think I’d like to double last season’s tally so about 60 winners, and a Group One would be nice.” Jay Bee Gee was bred by Pencarrow Thoroughbreds and was purchased by Adrian, Robyn and their son Harry out of Bradbury Park’s draft for $26,000 at the 2019 Karaka Yearling Sales. The feature victory increased his stakes earnings to $175,135, with six wins from 20 starts. The gelding’s dam Huluava, by Pins, also produced the family’s talented multiple-stakes winner William Wallace, and her most recent foal, Branciforti, has won four races in the care of David Greene. In a fairytale finish to the Riccarton meeting for Bull, he prepared another half-sister to Jay Bee Gee in Harmonious to put away the field by five lengths in the Group 1 Raceday Party – 14 September Rating 65 (1600m), her second victory in 14 starts. View the full article