Wandering Eyes

Veteran rider Franny Norton, who announced his retirement earlier this week, rode a trio of winners at Chester to end his career on a high. Norton enjoyed seven rides on Saturday, prevailing with 1-3 favourite Raneenn (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) in the EBF “Confined” Fillies' Novice Stakes for trainer William Haggas and owner Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum in the day's third race. Haggas said, “It was lovely to give him a winner on his last day. He rode the most brilliant race for us a few years ago (2017) on a horse called Fastnet Tempest (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) at Chester, when he came from last to first in a big-field handicap. I'm delighted for him that he's ridden a winner on his last day, he deserves it.” In the day's sixth race, Norton was back in the winner's enclosure with Small Fry (Ire) (Harzand {Ire}), the crowd's pick at 11-10, who captured the Camden Hells Handicap for Small Fry Partners and trainers Gary and Josh Moore. Prior to riding Small Fry to victory Norton, also a talented boxer, told Chester Races, “It was like going for a fight. I lost a couple of rounds and I'm coming back now. I'm just going to the enjoy the moment.” Fittingly, Norton was aboard the Charlie Johnston-trained Qitaal (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), also the pick of the race a 2-1 in the nightcap, to win the Abacus Securities Farewell To Franny Norton Handicap by eight lengths. Norton spent a large portion of his time in the saddle riding for Charlie's father Mark and has continued his association with the younger Johnston. The post Fanny Norton Rides A Treble On His Final Day In The Saddle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Adding yet another distance score to his impressive resume, MGSW Next (Not This Time–Bahia Beach, by Awesome Again) won the GIII Greenwood Cup Stakes for the second year in a row at Parx Racing on Saturday afternoon. Last seen taking by 22 1/4 lengths the Birdstone Stakes at Saratoga Aug. 4, the heavy favorite here started his run under a snug hold past the grandstand for the first time as former Greenwood victor Riden With Biden (Constitution) showed the way. Towards the end of the backstretch the pacesetter was ready to throw in the towel and that was the cue for the 6-year-old gelding to take control. Rounding the far turn, the distance specialist began to put on a show for the Bensalem crowd and he cantered home a winner by multiple lengths over Magic Michael (Dramedy). The final running time was 2:33.61. Lifetime Record: 23-13-0-1. O-Michael A. Foster; B-Silverton Hill LLC; T-William Cowans. NEXT wins for fun at 1/9 to make it back-to-back Greenwood Cup Stakes (GIII) at #parxracing victories for trainer Chief Stipe Cowans. Next was piloted by his regular rider @luanmachado85. #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/MuynjYT4ql — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) September 21, 2024 The post The Power Of Next Could Not Be Undone In Greenwood Cup At Parx appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Talented import Buckaroo showed he is a force to be reckoned with this spring when demolishing his rivals in The Underwood Stakes (G1) at Caulfield Racecourse Sept. 21.View the full article

Saturday's SGA Yearling Sale in Milan resulted in co-toppers as a colt and a filly each brought €70,000 when purchased by Diego Romeo's Scuderia Incolinx. Just a handful of lots into the sale, a son of Holy Roman Emperor (Ire) already named Lethal Emperor (Ity) (lot 8) hammered for €70,000 to take the early lead on the bid of Scuderia Incolinx. Consigned by Societa Agricola Alessandrucci, the bay is out of the Lethal Force (Ire) mare Lethal Island (GB), who won three times in Italy. She is the dam of three winners from three to race, and is from the same family as G3 Greenlands Stakes heroine and stakes producer Moon Unit (Ire) (Intikhab). Adaay (Ire) filly Teheran (Ity) (lot 19), from Azienda Agricola Rosati Colariati equaled that price when snapped up once again by Scuderia Incolinx. She is a half-sister to stakes winners Tawang (Ity) (Zelzal {Fr}) and Azzurro Cobalto (Ity) (Aussie Rules), with the later second in the G3 Premio Carlo d'Alessio. Both her second and third dams were stakes winners in Italy. Incolinx was also the name on the docket for lot 23, a grey daughter of Saxon Warrior (Jpn). She sold for €60,000 from the draft of Razza del Velino. Her granddam is the G3 Premio Verziere heroine Loritania (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), responsible for Italian listed winners Amabile (Ire) (Caravaggio) and Vincere Insieme (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}). At the close of trade, 78 horses sold from 110 offered (%) for a gross of €1,295,500. The average was €16,609 (-24%) and the median was €11,000 (-12%). The post Scuderia Incolinx Buys Top Three Lots At SGA Yearling Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Grass track racing returns this Sunday to the Banks Peninsula Trotting Club meeting at Motukarara, with the feature race being the Tactical Approach D G Jones Banks Peninsula Cup at 3.58pm. Trackside presenter Marc Cookson casts his eye over the 12 race card. Race 1 – Jean Anderson Memorial Trot (11.37am) With a 50% place record in his 12 start career, with the same percentage placing on grass, Schoemaker is the one for me showing his versatility in racing and ability. In a maiden trot at “The Mot” I am looking towards him with Wypout also being an include after hitting the line strong with not all favours at Methven. Race 2 – Leigh and Greg Ayers Proudly Support BPTC Mobile Pace (12.02pm) Melton Magnate is drawn closer this week after being buried on the pegs from wider over the Methven mile. Delta Kilo tried to lead from the same draw at Methven after a 6-week freshener. Same draw for him again with that run under his belt. Race 3 – Norjo Motorcycles Trot (12.27pm) Torvi wasn’t the best beginner when well supported fresh up. She was looking for inside runs in the straight but didn’t find one when having a nice turn of foot on the way home. Look To Da Stars, the three-year-old, sat parked the last lap fresh up at Addington. The lone Nathan and Mark Purdon runner at the meeting and Blair Orange aboard second up is a must include. Race 4 – Lather Up at Woodlands Pace (12.52pm) Festus Haggen almost got his own way the entire journey at Methven with six weeks between runs. Stable and driver do well at “The Mot” and he is a must include again. Franco Chaplin cost us at Methven after blowing to pieces early. However, the trial from Mt Hutt the week prior is hard to drop. I want to give the son of Ultimate Machete another chance. Race 5 – Ranui House – Bone Marrow Cancer Trust Trot (1.31pm) Noah Magnific hit the line strongly at Methven after racing in some strong grades in the winter. Similar grade here to Methven. Each way here along with the old marvel Take After Me, who should be handy, and a watch on the fresh up Sinner Cool. Race 6 – Townley Racing (Junior Drivers) Mobile Pace (2.11pm) Opo will have to be driven differently off the second row draw this week, which could be more to his liking. In an open junior driver race, Santanna Mach looks a good top four chance Race 7 – Richard Roberton Memorial (Blue September) Trot (2.44pm) Being an invited drivers “Blue September” race, Brother Love has drawn Matthew Williamson and Sunny Louis has drawn Rory McIllwrick. Both enter an open race after efforts from the trail and lead respectively at Methven. Blair Orange has drawn Otago horse, Nubliah Chamay, who can be in this with manners and bringing her lovely grass track stats. Race 8 – BPTC Remembers Katie Cox with Fondness (Blue September) Pace (3.18pm) The well-bred Moonlite Blood was a black booker on the way he hit the line at Methven coming out of maidens. Amazing Tom was another head turner from the Grant Payne stable in that same race and beat Moonlite Blood home. Both are includes for me in this. Race 9 – Tactical Approach D G Jones Banks Peninsula Trotting Cup (3.58pm) Confessional was unlucky in the Ordeal Cup then both him and Kyvalley Hotspur ran second and third last start. Kyvalley Hotspur coming into that race fresh and doing all things right at the trials beating Highgrove, who has since come back huge. The Bob Butt-trained Aussie is only 10 metres behind and looks ready. Confessional is from Paul Nairn’s stable who could potentially line up five runners in the two mile feature, including Tectonic. Race 10 – John McDermott 75 at 75 Mobile Pace (4.32pm) Dulcinea was running on late at Methven from last getting only two lengths from Sweet Spirit. Gets a draw closer in and will have taken improvement from the run. Seven placings on grass and is a great each way Chance. Race 11 – Richard (Dick) Eivers Memorial Trot (5.07pm) Prince Teka was back at the trials on Wednesday and, as expected, was up handy trailing the leader. He drops markedly in grade here compared to his pre winter prep. Royal Dierdre is another chance from a stable who goes well on the grass this time of year. Good grass stats, standing start stats, Blair Orange drives. Tick, tick, tick. Race 12 – Craythornes Hotel/Oxford Group Mobile Pace (5.37pm) Poetry In Motion gets an awkward draw but could be getting into it late by the way this horse picked a path through late in the piece at Methven. Dennis Denuto is having start 50 on grass and has the one run under the belt this prep and will take improvement on that. Stephs Boy has more race fitness, similar draw to Methven where he went back and got into it strongly. Plus, he has won two of four races here at Mot so would play some exotics around those three to try and get out. Best Bet Race 4: Festus Haggen Next Best Bet Race 10: Dulcinea Value Bets Race 3: Torvi Race 8: Moonlite Blood View the full article

Craig “The Whale” Thompson is back with his best for Motukarara View the full article

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Officials at Parx Racing abruptly moved the GIII Turf Monster Stakes–one of five graded events on the GI Pennsylvania Derby and GI Cotillion Stakes undercard–to the main track after Freedom Eagle (Hoppertunity) suffered an unspecified injury and was vanned off the track following the running of the Alphabet Soup Handicap, an 8 1/2-furlong grass race restricted to Pennsylvania-breds earlier on the program. A statement from the track read: “Parx Racing management moved Saturday's Grade III Turf Monster Stakes from the turf course to the main track out of an abundance of caution. The $250,000 stakes, carded as the 10th race on the Pennsylvania Derby Day card with post time of 4:04 p.m., will be run at five furlongs on the main track.” Under pressure from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and local horsemen, turf racing was discontinued at the Bensalem oval on Aug. 28. That action occurred in the immediate aftermath of the Aug. 24 Parx Dash Stakes in which one of the participants broke down. The trainer of the injured horse Causes Trouble, Harold Wyner, took video footage of the turf course that showed numerous holes. PTHA President Bob Hutt demanded that the course be shut down and that the necessary repairs be undertaken, a request that first fell on deaf ears but was later acceded to once HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus became personally involved. The following day it was announced that the course would be tested and on Sept. 5, HISA announced that any divots/holes on the course had been filled in, but that the surface was noticeably dry. The course appeared to be similarly dry on Saturday. The Alphabet Soup incident was not the only one during the early portion of the program. In race five, the state-bred restricted Miss Blue Tye Dye Stakes, first-time starter Carousel Queen (Uptowncharlybrown) was bounced around bilaterally at the break and unseated jockey Dexter Haddock. Later in the race, 2-5 Anabam (Weigelia) appeared to take a bad step and was eased out of the race. An update on Anabam was not immmediately available. The post Turf Monster Transferred To Dirt Following Earlier Incident appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-Belmont The Big A, $90,000, Msw, 9-21, 2yo, 6 1/2f, 1:18.42, ft, 1/2 length. COMES A TIME (c, 2, Not This Time–Bachelors Walk, by Street Cry {Ire}) broke at odds of 7-1 and was prominent from the outside throughout, staying in touch from a close third and shifting up outside pacesetter Rookie Card (Adios Charlie) into the stretch. The pair dueled down the stretch with Comes a Time just collaring his rival in the final yards to win by a half-length. Insighted runner Fun to Tap (Tapit) never factored after staying wide for much of the running to come home fifth while Au Contraire stalked the early pace but faded coming for home to be seventh. Comes a Time, a $200,000 KEESEP grad last year, has a foal half-brother by Mendelssohn with his dam due back to Corniche next year. Sales History: $200,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $49,500. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Rupp Racing; B-Not This Time Syndicate & Agricola Matriarca SPA (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. The post Comes A Time A Debut Winner For Not This Time At Aqueduct appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ecoro Sieg (Twirling Candy), a smashing five-length debut winner when unveiled over 1200 meters at Niigata Aug. 17, remained perfect in two starts with a 2 1/2-length success at Nakayama Saturday, stopping the clock in 1:07.2. The final time shaved 0.6 seconds off the 2-year-old track record and was 0.3 faster than the Japanese record time for a 2-year-old at the distance. Sent off the 2-5 favorite with Christophe Lemaire once again at the controls for Hideyuki Mori, the $95,000 Keeneland September yearling turned $250,000 OBS March breezer was not the fastest away from the inside stall, but mustered for speed inside to claim command inside the opening 200 meters. He was made to work for it, however, as the first 400 meters–from a standing start–was timed in :21.8 as he took pressure from an outside rival. Maintaining a narrow advantage for the run around the turn, but still taking a fair amount of pressure, Ecoro Sieg was past the 400-meter marker in :43.8, but nevertheless kept on strongly through the wire to score comfortably. “He was a bit slow to begin, but he was amazing after that,” the winning trainer told the Japanese publication Chunichi.co.jp. “It was a bit fast!” The victory has connections thinking big for the colt's next start. “For now I will consult with the owner and I would like to consider the [GI] Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint [at Del Mar Nov. 1].” Added Lemaire: “He can run at his own speed, he's set a record and he's got the ability and it's home for him. I think I'll be able to go and I'm looking forward to it.” Mori is not bashful about pointing his runners towards overseas targets, and was the first Japanese trainer to saddle a Group 1 winner on foreign soil when saddling Seeking the Pearl to victory in the 1998 Prix Maurice de Gheest in France. He saddled his first runner at the Breeders' Cup in 2000 (Agnes World in the Sprint) and has since been represented by an additional eight starters, including Jasper Krone (Frosted) in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. When the Breeders' Cup was last staged at Del Mar in 2021, the Japanese were represented by its first two winners at the Championships–Loves Only You (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the Filly & Mare Turf and Marche Lorraine (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) in the Distaff. The post Twirling Candy Colt Sets Japanese 2YO Record, Eyes BC Juvenile Turf Sprint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The G7 Agricolture will be held at Ippodromo del Mediterraneo in Syracuse, Sicily, Italy on Sept. 28-29. There will be the G1 Grand Prix Freccia d'Europa for trotters and a trio of super handicaps each worth €34,000 Euros for Flat horses on Saturday. The next day, the Gran Premio Federnat, known as the Gentlemen's Lotteria, will take place under the trotting discipline, while the Thoroughbreds will race in the Criterium Divinazione Expo 2024. Other attractions will provide a vibrant sideshow for racing fans until 11 p.m. local time. The post G7 Agricolture Set For Syracuse Racecourse On Sept. 28-29 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday's G2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes was hit with a spate of withdrawals following the heavy rain at Newbury, but Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum's Powerful Glory (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}–Wouldntitbelovely {Ire}, by Kodiac {GB}) stepped up to provide the rescue with a game win in the testing ground. So impressive on a contrasting good-to-firm surface at Pontefract last month, the 5-2 second favourite travelled strongly in his own rhythm as the race split into three pairs across the track. Staying on strongly to enter contention approaching the furlong pole, the Richard Fahey-trained £190,000 Goffs UK 2yo Breeze Up purchase was tackled and briefly headed by the maiden La Bellota (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) but stuck to his guns for Oisin Orr to dominate the final 150 yards and prevail by a neck. “He could be top-class–that was only the second run of his career and I think he hated the ground today,” Orr said. “His ability got him through it. He could get faster the more he runs, he's bred to be quick enough and has plenty of options. He's a big, scopey horse.” Two from two! Powerful Glory keeps improving to land the Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at @NewburyRacing…@OisinOrr @RichardFahey pic.twitter.com/ISEIOdpHpN — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 21, 2024 The post Powerful Glory Stays Unbeaten In The Mill Reef appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Catch On Me (Fr) (Martinborough {Jpn}) topped Auctav's NH Sale on Friday on a €120,000 bid from Guy Petit. The winner, out of the stakes-placed Nan's Catch (Fr) (Loup Solitaire), was consigned by Haras de Fresneaux. Lot 128B is a half-brother to graded-placed jumper Catch One (Fr) (Smadoun {Fr}) and the listed-placed hurdler Cardigan Bay (Fr) (Turtle Bowl {Ire}). The other six-figure lot of the sale was the 3-year-old filly Clotilda (Fr) (Clovis Du Berlais {Fr}) (lot 101B), a €100,000 sale to Tom Malone Bloodstock. Ecurie Butel & Beaunez sent the grey daughter of Goldflake (Fr) (Turgeon) through the ring, and she has placed four times from eight starts. La Grande Zohra (Fr) (Martaline {GB}) (lot 6) caught the eye of Horseracing Advisory at €80,000. The Ecurie Alexandre de Jesus-consigned 7-year-old mare is carrying to Saint Des Saints (Fr). She is a half-sister to star Grade 1 chaser Fastorslow (Fr) (Saint Des Saints {Fr}). The first lot in the ring was the established stallion Morpheus (GB), an Oasis Dream (GB) half-brother to none other than champion sire Frankel (GB). Offered by Haras de la Beauvoisiniere, he was purchased for €18,000 by Nigel Riley. There were also a pair of prominent names in the unsold column–first, smart jumps sire Martinborough (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), who was consigned by Haras de la Baie, with bidding reaching €390,000 as lot 97B. The second was G1 Deutsches Derby hero Sisfahan (Ger) (Isfahan {Ger}) (lot 123B), who was offered as a stallion prospect, but ultimately did not meet his reserve at €200,000. He was part of the OH Consignment. Of the 141 horses offered, 73 sold for a gross of €1,546,000 and a clearance rate of 52%. The average was €21,178 and the median was €15,000. The post Son Of Martinborough Brings Top Price At Auctav NH Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Coming into Saturday's G3 Firth Of Clyde Stakes at Ayr as the 16-5 favourite having won a decent maiden at Newbury last month, Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy's Sky Majesty (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}–Majestic Alexander {Ire}, by Bushranger {Ire}) continued her steep upward trajectory with a battling success to double her tally. Travelling strongly early settled in mid-pack by Callum Rodriguez, the William Haggas-trained 150,000gns Tattersalls Book 2 graduate worked her way into contention approaching the final furlong and after gaining a narrow advantage hung tough throughout the closing stages for a neck success from Maw Lam (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}). Still unbeaten Sky Majesty, part-owned by @OfficialBHAFC chairman Tony Bloom, makes it 2-2 by landing the Group 3 Firth Of Clyde.@VirginBet | @ayrracecourse pic.twitter.com/RetVainZ3A — Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 21, 2024 The post Blue Point’s Sky Majesty Takes The Firth Of Clyde appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars CHEVAL VALIANT - R5 (2) Ran well first up and can bowl along out in front with the weight off Jay Rooney YOUNG CHAMPION - R10 (6) Talented galloper who looks well placed for a third straight win Jack Dawling YOUNG CHAMPION - R10 (6) Exciting youngster can continue ascendancy after long break Phillip Woo BALLISTIC WIN - R8 (3) Is a winning chance after an unlucky third on opening day Shannon (Vincent Wong) DRAGON AIR FORCE - R5 (5) Improving galloper who has been performing very well at the trials and can win Racing Post Online SANTORINI - R4 (1) Hit the line nicely last start and can produce another win today Tom Wood CHEVAL VALIANT - R5 (2) With a light weight off the front he could be difficult to run downView the full article

A tenacious victory in Saturday’s A$200,000 Gr.3 Catanach’s Jewellers MRC Foundation Cup (2000m) at Caulfield has earned Kiwi mare Positivity a golden ticket into next month’s Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m). The MRC Foundation Cup offers a ballot-free Caulfield Cup entry for its winner every year, and the top-quality mare Jameka scored memorable wins in both races as a spring four-year-old in 2016. Positivity is also a four-year-old on an upward trajectory. The daughter of Cambridge Stud stallion Almanzor won the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m) at Ellerslie and Gr.3 SA Fillies’ Classic (2500m) at Morphettville during her three-year-old season, and she was runner-up in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham. The Andrew Forsman-trained mare resumed with an eye-catching second in the Listed Heatherlie Handicap (1700m) at Caulfield on August 31, and the step up to 2000m on Saturday played right into her hands. Positivity enjoyed a handy run in fourth for jockey Harry Coffey, then tracked up nicely behind front-runners Just Fine and Future History coming up to the home turn. Future History kicked hard at the top of the straight and looked like the winner, but Coffey brought Positivity up alongside him and she slowly but steadily ate into his margin. Gear Up and Saint George joined in down the outside in a four-horse scramble to the line, but it was Positivity who found the most out of all of that quartet in the last few strides. She dug deep and held them all out, claiming victory by a short head. “That’s a pretty incredible feeling,” Forsman’s Flemington stable representative Chloe Cumming said. “She’s been super in her work coming into this and she looks amazing, and so to see her get it on the line is pretty incredible. “She’s come a long way since she came over in the autumn. She’s acclimatised and she’s been thriving since she’s been over here. She’s been loving it. “We’ll have to see how she pulls up from this win, talk to Andrew and see what he wants to do with it (Caulfield Cup ballot exemption).” Positivity has now had 10 starts for four wins, two placings and A$452,095 in stakes for her owner, major New Zealand industry supporter Ben Kwok. “It’s awesome for this horse to run some consistent races and get rewarded today,” Coffey said. “She’s a real scopey, lengthy type. I don’t reckon she actually knows what’s going on fully yet, still a lot of raw ability there, but it’s good for her to win this race today. “Obviously not only is this race special because of what’s attached to it with all the charities involved, but it’s a race that springboards a lot into the majors in the spring, so any horse that wins it, you know they’re going the right way. “All you can do is win. That’s two really consistent runs in a row, so I suppose she’s going to get into the Caulfield Cup with no weight. I might have to get on the brown rice diet to ride her. But all you can do is win, and that’s what she’s doing, so she’s going the right way.” Kwok purchased Positivity for $160,000 out of the Woburn Farm draft during the Book 1 Yearling Sale at Karaka. She was bred by the late Sir Patrick Hogan in partnership with Lady Justine Hogan and Peter Walker. Positivity is out of Walker’s Group One placegetter Pussy O’Reilly and from an extended family that includes stakes winners Pussy Willow, Dopff and Valpolicella. View the full article

Super-talented Per Incanto gelding Jimmysstar kicked off his new preparation with a brilliant first-up performance in Saturday’s A$150,000 Tour d’Horse Sprint (1100m) at Caulfield. The winner of two of his three starts in New Zealand for Hastings trainer Guy Lowry, a majority share in Jimmysstar was sold to clients of Ciaron Maher in September of last year. He started his Australian career on a perfect note with victories in all of his first three starts, including a Benchmark 84 handicap at Caulfield and the A$175,000 Shooting Stars (1500m) at Cranbourne. The chestnut spent the rest of the season in black-type company and finished second in the Listed Elms Handicap (1400m) seventh in the Gr.3 Newcastle Stakes (1400m), third in the Listed Brisbane Mile (1600m) and seventh in the Listed Luskin Star Stakes (1300m), often without much luck in the running. Maher sent Jimmysstar out for a spell after that last-start Luskin Star Stakes run in May, and his return to racing at Caulfield on Saturday was a very different story. The five-year-old was patiently ridden by Blake Shinn and charged home from third-last, catching Ashford Street right on the finish line and winning by a nose. “It was an exciting run by the horse,” Shinn said. “He was always going to settle back, but we were a long way from them. He wasn’t really travelling that well because of the fast tempo of the race, but I had to bide our time and try and get him as comfortable as he can be. This is a distance probably short of his best, but his class shone through. He really savaged the line. Ciaron trusted the horse that he could sprint well at this distance and all the credit goes to him and his team. “His attitude pre-race tells me that he’s certainly a more mature horse now. He’s always promised that he could measure up to some better-class races. It probably just happened a little bit too soon for him last prep. But this is a great start to his campaign and I can only see him going forward from here.” Jimmysstar has now had 11 starts for six wins and three placings, earning more than A$389,000 for an ownership syndicate headed by Ozzie Kheir but still including his breeders Little Avondale Stud and Pete and Christine Algie. “Jimmy, he’s great for Ozzie and the team,” Maher said. “He’s furnished and he always works like a sharp horse. I know he can get out over a trip, but he’s certainly furnished mentally and physically, and what a way to start back. I told Blake I thought he could win in the last 20, and I meant metres, not centimetres. “He can progress through the grades again. He’s always shown that sort of X-factor ability. He’s a cool little horse.” Jimmysstar is by Little Avondale’s headline stallion Per Incanto out of Anniesstar. The Zed mare won five races including the Listed Feilding Gold Cup (2100m), while her full-brother Jacksstar was a seven-time winner up to Group Two level and also placed in the Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m). Half-brother Bourbonaire placed in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m). Anniesstar is the dam of three named foals, and all of them have been winners. Charms Star is a two-time winner headed by the Gr.3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2000m), and she was also runner-up in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and Queensland Oaks (2200m) as a three-year-old. Golden Cup has been a three-time winner in Malaysia. View the full article

A pair of classy three-year-olds from last season made a bold return to racing at Ellerslie on Saturday, with Cambridge Stud homebred Luberon digging deep to just pip Pericles in the Sistema (1200m). Luberon has been a first-crop flagbearer for Cambridge Stud stallion Embellish, starting with a black-type placing in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m) as a spring two-year-old. She added two wins as a three-year-old last season, along with a placing in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) and a brave fourth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). Her up-and-down season also saw her throw away a likely victory in the Gr.3 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe when she veered across the track in the home straight and collided with the outside running rail, and in her final three-year-old appearance, she finished at the tail of the field when strongly supported in the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m) in January and was found to have a heart murmur. Trainer Lance Noble gave Luberon a long spell and then trialled her three times leading into Saturday’s four-year-old debut, recording a win and two second placings. Among her opposition at Ellerslie was the Pam Gerard-trained Pericles. The Rubick gelding was a three-time winner last season including the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1200m) in February, which was run over the same course and distance as Saturday’s Rating 75 sprint. The race presented stern first-up challenges for Luberon and Pericles, carrying 58.5kg and 59kg respectively and taking on the likes of proven black-type performer Merchant Queen and unbeaten up-and-comer Twain. But the quality the two topweights showed as three-year-olds last season brought them to the fore. Luberon and Pericles both settled in midfield as Merchant Queen set the pace through the early stages. Twain charged forward mid-race and passed Merchant Queen with 600m remaining, pinching a break on the field and rounding the home turn with a clear lead. Luberon and Pericles came to the middle of the track and began to move through their gears, clawing their way past a gallant Twain and setting down to fight a two-horse war to the finish. There was nothing between them through the final 50m and they hit the finish line as one, but the photo finish found a fraction of a nose in Luberon’s favour. “That was a very good first-up performance,” Noble said. “She’s always shown a lot of ability, and we thought she had come back in good order this time in. But it wasn’t easy for her today with 58 kilos on her back and racing three wide most of the way around Ellerslie. If she’d stuck on into third, you would have been more than happy with that as a resuming run. “For her to show the ticker that she did, find the line so strongly and get the win, it was a very pleasing way to start her season.” Luberon has now had nine starts for four wins, two placings and $139,375 in stakes, and there could be bigger and better things to come. “We don’t really have any specific targets in mind,” Noble said. “This will probably lift her rating a little bit. I think we’ll look to keep her fresh and stick to sprinting, so depending on how she’s going and where her rating ends up, we’ll try to find some suitable races over those sorts of trips. Something like the Counties Bowl (Gr.3, 1100m) in November could be a nice chance to try for some black type.” View the full article

Chris Waller‘s Buckaroo produced a dominant performance to claim victory in the 2024 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield. The gelding, ridden by Joao Moreira, stormed home to a convincing 3.5-length win over Huetor, with Pericles finishing third. Buckaroo, coming off two strong lead-up races in Sydney, relished the step-up in distance to the 1800m. Despite a […] The post Buckaroo Blazes to 2024 Underwood Stakes Glory appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Chris Waller’s exceptional mare, Fangirl, showcased her brilliance with a commanding victory in the $1 million 7+ Sport Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick. This win sets her up perfectly for her title defence in the 2024 King Charles III Stakes back at the track on October 19. The six-year-old daughter of Sebring redeemed her third-place […] The post Fangirl Dominates 2024 7 Stakes Results at Randwick appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Angel Capital ridden by Ben Melham wins the Caulfield Guineas Prelude at Caulfield. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Clinton McDonald and Ben Melham have combined with Angel Capital to claim victory in the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon. The son of Harry Angel was given an 11 out of 10 ride by Melham as he weaved his way through traffic before sprinting past his rivals to take out the 1400m contest. Since returning to Melbourne to race on firmer tracks, Angel Capital has recorded back-to-back wins en route to the Group 1 Caulfield Guines in three weeks. Wanaruah and Feroce set a solid tempo at the front and looked to up the ante before the home turn, as many of the backmarkers began to struggle with 500m to go. Meanwhile, the likes of Private Life, Public Attention and the eventual winner were trucking along behind the speed and were ready to pounce. Melham switched back to the inside running rail to take over with 150m to go, and he was able to hold off the fast-finishing Public Attention and Wanaruah, who filled the placings. 2024 Caulfield Guineas Prelude replay – Angel Capital Clinton McDonald spoke about the victory post-race. “Big thanks to the staff, especially Tarni, who looks after him. So, it’s just nice to put yourself on the line and see the horse reward you like that,” McDonald said. “We do think he’ll run a mile. “Obviously, that was a great winner, so he had to get back to the worst ground and lost momentum, and the horses down the outside had the momentum. “So, we think he’s a proper colt, he’s showing us that now, and I’m just spewing a half of a bet with the track being a bit shifty! “Well, we know how to win both (Coolmore Stud Stakes and Caulfield Guineas). “We did it with (Weekend) Hustler, so we might do it with this colt. “He does things at home that only the real good ones do, and we’re pretty happy with him.” Ben Melham echoed similar thoughts to McDonald in his post-race interview. “Yeah, well, our opinions never changed of him,” Melham said. “I’ve always had a really high opinion of him. “I was a bit concerned going to the barriers today because he’s just been going that well and the more work we do with him. “He came in today, I thought he was a bit above himself, and his horse is a little bit windy, so you’ve got to keep him in a nice rhythm, and from a better draw today, I had to give him a little squeeze away, and I was really happy the way he handled himself. “He relaxed really well, he was a bit sticky coming into the corner. “I was just waiting on a run and the inside wasn’t really my preference, but that’s where it opened up and I knew I had plenty of horse, so I had to go there and his ability shone through at the finish. “Well, I knew I had plenty of horse under me, but I had the better chances on my outside in the better ground, so it just adds more merit to his win, I think. “He was strong through the line there, so he’d probably head to the mile at this stage and if he gets things right, he’s, you know, you have a lot of chances for sure.” Angel Capital is a $7 chance with top horse racing bookmakers in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas futures markets. Horse racing news View the full article

I Am Me winning The Shorts. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au I Am Me ($2.60) has made it back-to-back wins to kick-off her spring campaign, getting the head down to claim victory in The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon. The Ciaron Maher-trained mare got the perfect run in transit, similarly to her first-up success in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) a fortnight ago, sitting one back on the inside running rail before exploding in the final furlong. It was another tight finish for the daughter of I Am Invincible, with the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) winner Stefi Magnetica ($9.50) looming large in the shadows of the post under Zac Lloyd, narrowly running out of time as James McDonald pushed out I Am Me to cling on by a half-head on the wire. The six-year-old must be considered a possible contender for $20 million Everest (1200m) with plenty of slots still available, and the Ciaron Maher team suggested that’s still the goal this preparation. The Shorts 2024 Replay – I Am Me Stable representative Johann Gerard-Dubord was on course to discuss the victory and where to next for I Am Me. “To do it first up, obviously, is one thing, but to repeat it two weeks later like that is a good effort,” said Gerard-Dubord. “Especially after a hard run like that, two weeks back up, there’s always a bit of a question mark, but she’s come back better. “Doing it every second week, it’s never easy. There is a a four-weeks gap to The Everest, which could be ideal. We’ll just have to see how she comes through that first. “She will tell us, but she’s done a perfect job so far.” James McDonald was impressed with the victory and suggested The Everest was within the realm of possibilities. “She’s quality and she just wears a heart on her sleeve,” said McDonald. “She always felt in control of the race and even from a furlong from home, I felt like I was always going to win, even though they were so close. “She’s won the first two lead-ups to the great race, so she’s ticking a lot of boxes. “I think I won on her over six furlongs and she won by the same sort of margin. So she does what she has to do, and she’s a big broodmare who will run a tremendous race in a race like that.” I Am Me is now an $18.00 chance with horse racing bookmakers for The Everest set to be run and won on October 19. Horse racing news View the full article

Buckaroo ridden by Joao Moreira wins the Group 1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield Racecourse on September 21, 2024. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Buckaroo ($8.50) has recorded back-to-back victories as the Chris Waller-trained gelding stormed clear in the concluding stages to take out the Group 1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. Following his narrow victory in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes, the son of Fastnet Rock has continued his winning ways by rounding up his rivals on the home turn before sprinting away from the rest of the field. Duke De Sessa ($15) jumped well from the barriers to take up the lead, ahead of Pericles ($4.40) and Muhnamek ($31), who settled behind the leader on a solid tempo in the 1800m contest. Joao Moreira was able to find cover on the back of Vow And Declare ($34) midfield in the three-wide running line before peeling even wider to make his run on the eventual winner. As the leaders swung out to the middle of the track, it was evident that Buckaroo had their measure at the top of the straight, and he quickly swept on by at the 200m mark. Huetor ($71) ran on strongly from the back of the field to nab second behind Pericles, who held on for third place. 2024 Underwood Stakes replay – Buckaroo Charlie Duckworth was on course to represent the winning stable in the post-race interview. “Yeah, obviously we’re completely blown away, to be honest,” Duckworth said. “We obviously wanted to be a bit more positive than what we were out of the gates, but he was a fraction slow away so Joao just had to do what Joao does best and take it into his own hands. “He had to circle and get going early, but gee was strong late, and he was obviously far too good today. “So, I had a good chat to Tommy Berry this morning, he sort of gave us a few, few pointers as to how or the reason why he felt he went so well last start, and which obviously then relaid to Joao. “I was actually talking to Ozzie yesterday, I said is he is he a 2400 metre horse or is he a 3200 metre horse or is he a Cox Plate horse because obviously Joao’s here for the Melbourne Cup and can only ride sort of 54 or 53 (kilos) at a push. “So trying to work out where where he where he will ride on on those big days, but he might have answered his own question. “Time will tell I suppose see how he comes through it and Chris can make the big calls but I’m more than happy to be a small part of the team.” Joao Moreira was elated with the victory, and he spoke post-race. “It feels amazing, you know. That’s what horse racing is about,” Moreira said. “When you get one up, the feeling doesn’t get any better. “Impressive the way how he won, isn’t it? “He has a tricky manner in the gate. He wasn’t really kind for me in there. “Began a little bit worse than what we were hoping. Found itself a little bit too far back. “But as the race disenrolled itself, it kind of got him into the race. “When I turned for home on the outside, with him having great momentum, I was always confident he was going to get up. “He’s begging for more ground and I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins another one.” Buckaroo is a $15 chance with top horse racing bookmakers in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup futures markets. Horse racing news View the full article

Fangirl cruises to victory in the 7 Stakes. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Chris Waller & James McDonald combined with Fangirl ($1.75) claiming a dominant victory in the $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon. The three-time Group 1 winning mare was simply too classy for her seven rivals on Saturday, putting the writing on the wall after an excellent return in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) on August 24. McDonald was happy to take the six-year-old back to last throughout the trip, with a strong tempo courtesy of the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained outsider Major Beel ($51.00) carting across from barrier four. Zougotcha ($5.00) was sent forward to sit on his hammer, while My Oberon ($26.00) and Royal Patronage ($4.40) slotted into perfect stalking positions midfield. The leaders quickly came back to the rest of the field, and when James McDonald pulled Fangirl to the centre of the course, it was all over as she showed a superior turn-of-foot, while My Oberon put in the big strides to fill out the quinella. It was all about the winner in the end, however, with Fangirl justifying the short price with horse racing bookmakers to get her spring campaign back on track. 2024 7 Stakes Replay – Fangirl Chris Waller spoke for the third time on Saturday afternoon and continued to praise the performance of both jockey and horse. “She had to give them a good start,” said Waller. “I was thinking, thank God, we’ve got James (McDonald) aboard. “So many things go through your mind, whether a jockey or a trainer on race day, and that’s why you’ve got the good jockeys like your Corey Browns and Nash Rawillers, your Kerrins, and I’m lucky they ride for me, and they make my job look a damn lot easier, because it’s not easy. “We didn’t go out there with any pre-race plan, but just wary that it would be hard to make up ground, but she showed an amazing turn of foot, and she was brilliant. Especially when they’re spinning out a couple of 12 seconds up in front. “It was terrific, I thought.” James McDonald was elated with the victory and gave full credit to his mount. “She’s so good,” said McDonald. “I wasn’t pleased with the position we’re in today. “I was looking up, and I was saying, ‘Zougotcha…. Oh! Royal Patronage, beautiful! That was the only saving grace, but in saying that she still had to do it the hard way. “We’ve all come to realise that she’s one-dimensional, so we all know where she’s going to be, and I think Chris and I, we put our heads together, and obviously we’re going to ride her to her strengths, which we’ve obviously nailed down. “Today, smaller field, it’s going to work out alright but again, the next race we’re going to have to come up with a bit more.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, September 22, 2024 First Race 1pm HKT (3pm AEST) Visit Dabble The Group 3 Celebration Cup (1400m) headlines a bumper 10-race program at Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon, with locals gathering to send off champion of the turf, Golden Sixty. The rail is in the B+2 position for all turf races throughout the meeting, and with some rainfall forecast on the day, punters should anticipate a possible downgrade into the Soft range at some stage. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1pm local time. Celebration Cup Tip: Packing Treadmill In a race devoid of a natural leader, Packing Treadmill could be the one to take luck out of the equation in the 2024 Celebration Cup. He was disappointing first-up in Class 1 company behind Ka Ying Rising but was never in contention after drifting back to last from barrier nine. Lyle Hewitson sticks aboard the consistent six-year-old gelding, and with barrier four allowing him to get across and lead in this small field of seven, watch for Packing Treadmill to pinch a break and give followers a bold sight in the feature. Celebration Cup Race 7 – #4 Packing Treadmill (4) 6yo Gelding | T: Francis Lui | J: Lyle Hewitson (55.5kg) Bet with Neds Best Bet at Sha Tin: Wunderbar The John Size-trained Wunderbar returns after a 35-week spell and looks to be one of the horses to follow in the 2024/25 Hong Kong racing season. The lightly raced four-year-old matched motors with Ka Ying Rising at the end of last preparation, and with that horse going on to stamp himself as a potential leading hope in the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) in December, this guy could be a star on the rise. He needs to lug 61kg at the top of Class 3 company, but with Zac Purton in the saddle from gate two, punters can expect Wunderbar get the job done. Best Bet Race 9 – #1 Wunderbar (2) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (61kg) Bet with Picklebet Next Best at Sha Tin: Ballistic Win Ballistic Win was luckless first-up at this course and distance on September 8 and should’ve been winning provided he could get off heels at a crucial stage. He should have no such issues from barrier three this time around, with Ben Thompson likely to lob into the one-one throughout. Family Jewel already franked the form saluting last Sunday, and provided he doesn’t get held up behind a wall of horses again, Ballistic Win can make amends in similar fashion. Next Best Race 8 – #3 Ballistic Win (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Benno Yung | J: Ben Thompson (61kg) Bet with Dabble Best Value at Sha Tin: Stellar Swift Stellar Swift was winless across his five starts last season but should appreciate the step back into Class 4 company. The David Hayes-trained gelding was looking for the paddock after being demoralised by 8.8 lengths at Sha Tin on June 15; however, he appears to be bouncing back nicely after two strong barrier trials at Conghua. He draws barrier two to get within striking distance of his rivals turning for home, and with this clearly his easiest assignment to date, expect a bold showing by Stellar Swift at an each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 3 – #2 Stellar Swift (2) 4yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Andrea Atzeni (61kg) Bet with Playup Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections September 22, 2024 2-4-6 1-3-5-7 1 1-2-5-6-8-9-11 Horse racing tips View the full article