Wandering Eyes

Promising four-year-old Martell handled the step up to open grade with aplomb at Arawa Park on Thursday when beating home a handy field in the Arawa Park Hotel Rotorua 1230. The son of El Roca jumped well to sit outside leader Caitlyns Wish before getting some cover when apprentice jockey Ace Lawson-Carroll elected to push forward to sit parked with Digger. Turning for home, Martell was guided three-wide by apprentice Jessica Allen and under his featherweight of 52kg he was able to quickly draw level with leader Caitlyns Wish, with the pair going-head-to-head down the straight before Martell was able to get the better of his rival in the concluding stages, winning by a neck. It was Martell’s sixth win from 15 starts and trainer Jim Collett was pleased with the way he handled the step up to open grade. “He was well placed with the allowance, and he was well ridden,” Collett said. “He is a horse on the up, he has only had limited starts and he tries hard and likes that sort of ground (Heavy10). “He has matured this time in. As a three-year-old he was a bit weak, he is stronger now, he has got confidence, and he is running well.” While tempted to now tackle stakes company with his charge, Collett said he will opt to take a more cautious approach for the remainder of his preparation. “He is not ready for anything major just yet. You could get carried away and put him in a Foxbridge Plate (Gr.2, 1200m), but it is a level too far for him at the moment,” Collett said. “I may go back to Te Rapa with him for an Open sprint over 1200m before giving him another run at Hawke’s Bay. As soon as the tracks firm up, I will give him a nice, long spell and hopefully he comes back stronger again.” Looking ahead to the weekend, Collett will line-up just the one runner at Te Rapa on Saturday, with last start runner-up Tregor set to tackle the New World Taumarunui Mile (1600m). “Tregor is in good form, he is in similar form to last start,” Collett said. “I am happy with him and given a bit of luck in the race he has got to go close.” View the full article

Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall have plenty to look forward to with Social Climber (NZ) (Contributer) after the promising filly debuted in winning fashion at Arawa Park on Wednesday. Social Climber made a decent impression at the trials four weeks ago and was set to make her first raceday appearance last Saturday before that was briefly delayed with the Rotorua meeting moved to Thursday. One of four juveniles on debut in the Entain – NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1230m), Social Climber was assertive early under Jasmine Fawcett from the wide barrier and settled outside the leader in Serendipitous. Cruising into the straight, the filly got on even terms with the pacemaker and soon kicked away, putting a three-length margin on the remainder of the field headed by race-favourite Suit Yourself, who had no favours in the running and closed gamely into second. “She was very impressive, she can gallop,” Richardson said. “Jasmine had galloped her and she was pretty confident, even though it was a small field with a lot of unraced horses, so I was undecided as I didn’t know the rest of the form.” With an abundance of options coming up for a rising three-year-old filly, Richardson is keeping an open mind as to where Social Climber will be seen next. “She seems to have pulled up well, but we’ll have to wait and see over the next few weeks,” he said. “There’s some nice three-year-old races around, such as the Wanganui Guineas (Listed, 1200m) and Gold Trail Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m) so we’ll see what’s around at the time. “She’s going to be better with the cut in the ground, so she’s going to be a nice horse next autumn as a three-year-old.” A daughter of Contributer, Social Climber was purchased for $10,000 out of Archer Park’s draft at the 2023 Karaka Yearling Sales by Richardson, who races the filly alongside the Social Racing Premier Social Climbers Syndicate. “She was a very athletic filly as a yearling, but I didn’t want to put too much pressure on her as an early two-year-old,” he said. The victory also brought up a significant milestone for the Matamata horseman, being his 800th domestic winner alongside 48 successes in Australia. Of his Kiwi haul, 55 have been Group or Listed winners, including the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) with Bonny Lass and the Gr.3 Easter Handicap (1600m) with Snazzytavi this term. “I’m pretty chuffed about that too, I’ve been very fortunate with some good horses,” Richardson said. “There have been lots of highs, Defibrillate winning a Group One was a big thrill for me because I had my close mates in the horse, and I bred him with the McInteers.” Since going into partnership with Rogan Norvall in August of 2020, the pair have accumulated 69 winners and 11 at stakes level. View the full article

Consistent gelding Chairman (NZ) (Charm Spirit) will be looking to make it three wins from four starts on the Riccarton Synthetic when he heads to the Christchurch meeting on Friday to contest the Gift Station Rating 75 (1600m). The four-year-old son of Charm Spirit has been in outstanding form since joining trainer Richard Didham’s Aylesbury barn earlier this year, primarily on Riccarton’s polytrack, and Didham believes his charge is capable of furthering his tally on the track this week where he will be ridden by Leah Hemi. “Chairman is in the right race again,” Didham said. “He won a (rating) 75 1400m in his last start and it’s a 75 1600m this week, and he has already won over 1600m on the synthetic. It looks an ideal race.” Didham isn’t afraid of stepping Chairman out on the turf but said he will keep him to the synthetic surface for now. “He has only had one go on the grass for me, where he ran third and got home well that day, so that (grass tracks) is not a problem either,” he said. “There is one more synthetic day on the 24th of August, there are a couple of options for him there.” Evergreen galloper King Cougar (NZ) (Alamosa) is set to make his debut for the stable in the Prezzy Card Rating 75 (1200m) after he was purchased for $3,000 off gavelhouse.com. The 10-year-old gelding has won 11 of his 101 starts, including his last two for former trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman, and Didham can’t see any reason why he can’t add to that record. “One of our owners that we have had for many years decided to buy him,” Didham said. “He is a nice horse to take away and do anything with. He will improve with the run. “He is as sound as a bell and his work has been terrific. I can’t see why he can’t keep on picking up a cheque every week. “Tomorrow will be a nice blow out for him to get ready for some bigger stakes.” Didham will also line-up Analyst (NZ) (Darci Brahma) in the Smiths Trade & Commercial Rating 60 (1200m) and La Cerveza (NZ) (Zacinto) in the Adroy Capital Maiden (1200m). “Analyst was really good last start in a rating 75 and drops back multiple grades back to a rating 60,” he said. “La Cerveza has already placed second and fourth on the synthetic at Cambridge and he did run really well for me last prep when fourth. I have taken all the gear back off and I am expecting a nice run from him too.” View the full article

Andrew Carston has the $100,000 Special Conditions synthetic race on his radar for Magneto (NZ) (Showcasing) in a fortnight, and he hopes to see a positive lead-in performance on Friday in the Prezzy Card Rating 75 (1200m). A winner at Group Three level as a juvenile, Magneto has shown a liking to the synthetic surface this winter with two successive victories over the past six weeks, including over capable mares Miss Nico Belle (Nicconi) and Gemma Flitz (NZ) (Telperion). “He went really well last time, he stepped up to that 75 grade and got a nice run but I thought he was really good in what was a reasonably strong race,” Carston said. “He’ll have to bring that again tomorrow, I think it’s a pretty handy lot but he’s in nice form and I would expect him to run well again. “Safely through this, he will go to the innovation race during National Week, as I’d imagine most of these will.” Zacinto gelding Bad Flamingo (NZ) has produced a win and five placings on the surface previously, with the success coming in last year’s Grand National Amateur Championship (2200m). He will be back to contest the race in a fortnight, with tomorrow’s Cavall Leitch Rating 65 & Jumpers (2200m) as a final lead-in. “I was really happy with his run last-start, he came away fairly but he’s bounced back and will improve a heap off that,” Carston said. “There’s a lot of positives for him tomorrow, he’s got a good barrier, up to 2200m and has a three-kilo claimer on so it looks like a nice race for him. He’s definitely an each way chance. “He will be heading to the amateur race after tomorrow.” Also contesting the staying event is Dame County (NZ), who will have her final race before returning to Mapperley Stud to commence her career as a broodmare. The Contributer mare has plenty of pedigree credentials to take to the paddock, being a half-sister to Group Two winner Le Baron and placegetter Queen Of Pop. “This will be her last start for us as she’s heading back to Mapperley to be a broodmare. She’s been a handy enough horse,” Carston said. “She drops back into 65 grade tomorrow, she’ll need a little bit of luck but she always tries hard.” Carston has a trio of chances in the evenly matched Gift Station Rating 75 (1600m), with last-start winner Delmonico (NZ) (Prince of Brooklyn) joined by Take That (NZ) (Shocking) and Seven Twenty (NZ) (Power). “Delmonico has only had one run on the poly and was competitive, he steps up to 75 grade but he’s definitely a chance,” he said. “Take That is hopefully heading to the amateur race as well, so he’ll probably need the run tomorrow and step-up in distance afterwards. “I thought his run the other day had a lot of merit, he’s in pretty good form and feeling happy with himself. “Seven Twenty always tries hard as well so all three of them are chances in a pretty even field.” Carston’s remaining runners include Lone Spirit (NZ) (Charm Spirit) (Kendal Dawson Maiden, 1400m), Lulo Rose (NZ) (Alamosa) (Smiths Trade & Commercial Rating 60, 1200m), Pegau (NZ) (Tivaci) (Sedgwick Rating 65, 1400m) and Brusset (NZ) (Reliable Man) (Cavall Leitch Maiden, 1600m). A filly by Reliable Man, Brusset stormed into second at her last start and will be the designated runner carrying the Red Nose silks, with LOVERACING.NZ dedicated to donating $1000 to Cure Kids with each winner in the colours. Brusset, Delmonico and Bad Flamingo will each be ridden by stable apprentice Yogesh Atchamah, who is narrowly holding onto the South Island Apprentice Premiership title by one win over Donovan Cooper. Among his rides also includes Lisa Latta’s bold stakes-winning sprinter Lincoln’s Kruz (Kuroshio), who will carry the top-weight in the Prezzy Card Rating 75 (1200m). “We need the young blood coming through the industry and Yogesh is a really good kid, he tries hard and is very professional,” Carston said. “He goes home and watches all of the replays and spends a lot of time with the mechanical horse trying to improve his riding. “I think he’s one in front in the South Island premiership at the moment, so hopefully he can hold them off and he’s got a nice book of rides tomorrow. “He deserves every success he gets.” Meanwhile, back in the local stable, Carston has welcomed back his talented charge Jon Ol Rocco (NZ) (Time Test) who won three races including a dead-heat the Timaru Cup (1600m) last season. “I’m pretty excited about him, I can’t give an exact aim for a race at this stage but he’s coming back really well and will have a trial in the middle of August,” Carston said. “He’s a lovely horse, he hasn’t done a lot wrong and hasn’t had a great deal of luck at times.” Rising four-year-old Mogul (NZ) (Rubick) has also returned, with his season including a fourth in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) and a victory down the 1200m chute at Riccarton. “We’ve determined that he’s a sprinter, we all step them out in distance as a three-year-old because they’re only that age once, but we’ll stick to that this prep,” Carston said. “He’s a really nice horse, he’s come back in good order and has developed a lot. We’ll kick him off in his grade in early September and he will be aimed at New Zealand Cup Week, which race he ends up in there, he’ll tell us.” View the full article

Hit The Road Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry) has made an outstanding impression since he crossed the Tasman and further lucrative flat and jumping options await the versatile performer. The son of Jakkalberry won seven races for Cambridge trainer and part-owner Shaun Phelan before he joined Symon Wilde’s Warrnambool stable, and the recent move has already paid off in spades. Hit The Road Jack made a successful hurdling debut earlier this month on his new home turf before he won last Saturday’s Flemington Cup (2800m) to take his Australian earnings to nearly A$120,000. “They’re looking at a hurdle race at Sandown on Sunday week and then there’s a decent hurdle race at Ballarat on August 25,” Phelan said. “If the wet weather stays around there’s also another race at Flemington over 2500m on Saturday week. “That’s the beauty of it over there, you can nominate for plenty of places and then work out where you want to be, there are so many options. “It’s been a big thrill for us, especially to win a race at Flemington.” On the home front on Saturday, Phelan will make a two-pronged attack on the Callinan Family Taumarunui RSA Gold Cup (2200m) at Te Rapa with defending champion Enchanted Elle (NZ) (Jakkalberry) and Pacheco (NZ) (Makfi). To be ridden by Niranjan Parmar, Enchanted Elle’s recent form has been mixed, but Phelan believes she has turned the corner. “We’ve had a couple of little foot issues with her, but she is very well at the moment,” he said. “We had been behind the eight ball a bit and in the last couple of weeks she has been peaking so we’re a bit confident with her if she gets the right run.” She is a younger sister to Hit The Road Jack and is destined to also embark on a hurdling career. “She was going to go around at the jumping trials last Monday, but they were cancelled. That was going to be her hit-out for Saturday,” Phelan said. “She has done plenty of jumping though and will end up like her brother soon.” Stablemate Pacheco has been bouncing between the two roles with the son of Makfi unbeaten in two hurdle starts at Te Rapa. “He is flying and the jumping has really brought him on,” Phelan said. “His run on the flat (fourth) at Ruakaka in between his jumps win wasn’t too bad at all either. “He has drawn well on Saturday (gate three) and I think he will be a decent chance as well.” Pacheco is in tip-top condition and will be ridden on Saturday by Courtney Barnes. “We’ve kept him fresh and after his last hurdle win, he had a quiet week and he’s really enjoying himself,” Phelan said. “He had a gallop during the week and wouldn’t have blown a match out, so he’s in a very happy place at the moment.” View the full article

Darwin jockey Aaron Sweeney. Not only did Darwin jockey Aaron Sweeney turn 40 on Tuesday, but his mother also arrived in town from Ireland the same day. Sweeney, who did a lot of amateur work in Ireland, started out as an amateur rider in Australia before acquiring his professional licence in 2013. Based in Canberra, he agreed to ride for Kyneton trainer Neil Dyer during last year’s Darwin Cup Carnival. Sweeney had seven Carnival wins, including the $135,000 Palmerston Sprint (1200m) aboard Dick Leech’s Early Crow and the $40,000 Jaytex Construction Cup (1300m) on Dyer’s Munster. “Winning the Palmerston was the biggest of my career – I’m going to try and do it again, but I can’t promise anything,” he laughed. Returning to Canberra, Sweeney decided to relocate to Darwin in October where he has 14 wins this season – including four wins during the 2024 Carnival. Apart from riding Gary Clarke’s Pink Panther in the $50,000 Metric Mile, it could be a big day for Sweeney as he partners Clarke’s Bel’s Banner in the $32,000 Flying Handicap (1100m) and Ella Clarke’s Wild Beau over 1200m in the $40,000 three-year-old event. It’s a high-quality Metric Mile field, with leading Darwin Cup hopes Wolfburn and Hettinger squaring off. “I rode Pink Panther two starts back and won on him, I think he’ll be competitive as the distance will suit him,” Sweeney said. “Queanbeyan trainer Joe Cleary thinks a lot of him, he obviously sent him here for a reason. “So far he’s been going good, we’re hoping for a Cup start. “Bel’s Banner has been pretty good to me, but she’s drawn a tricky gate. “She’s been knocking on the door every time I’ve ridden her, while Jarrod Todd has had a couple of wins on her. “I’ve ridden Wild Beau in its first two Darwin starts. “He’s won impressively each time over 1100m, I think he’ll be better over 1200m.” Sweeney is enjoying life in the Top End – he is now the second jockey for the Gary Clarke stable behind Todd. “It’s been good so far, I’ve been getting plenty of rides for Gary, so I can’t complain too much,” Sweeney said. “The Clarkes are looking after me, but if Gary doesn’t have anything in a race, I’m happy to ride for someone else.” Understandably, Sweeney is over the moon that his mother, as well as his niece, are in Darwin. “I haven’t seen Mum in five years because of Covid,” he said. “They’re here until August 14 for the Cup and to see a bit of Darwin. “Mum has never been to Darwin before – she visited me over Christmas and New Year’s in NSW in 2019. “It’s also good to have Mum and friends from Canberra here for my 40th birthday party on Saturday night. “I celebrated the birthday socially on Tuesday over dinner and a few beers.” Horse racing news View the full article

Haras de la Gastine resident Chachnak (Fr) (Kingman {GB} became Europe's latest first-crop sire to get off the mark when his Jerome Andreu-trained son Baliros (Fr) made a winning debut in Thursday's Prix Bernard Chabot (Grand Criterium des 2 Ans de Vittel) at Vittel. 3rd-Vittel, €12,500, Mdn, 7-25, 2yo, 8fT, 1:48.91, sf. BALIROS (FR) (c, 2, Chachnak {Fr}–Balinaise {GB}, by Dansili {GB}) raced off the pace in eighth through the initial fractions of this debut. Urged closer rounding the home turn, the 29-10 second choice improved into fourth with 350 metres remaining and kept on strongly under mainly whipless rousting inside the final furlong to deny Bohemos (Fr) (Recoletos {Fr}) by a half-length nearing the line, becoming the first winner for his freshman sire (by Kingman {GB}). Baliros is the latest of two foals and first scorer produced by a winning half-sister to G1 Prix Marcel Boussac heroine Indonesienne (Ire) (Muhtathir {GB}), herself the dam of G3 Prix d'Aumale third Bahasa (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) and Listed Grand Criterium de Bordeaux runner-up Precious Sea (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). The February-foaled bay's dam Balinaise (GB) (Dansili {GB}) is also kin to Listed Prix Ridgway victor Lumineux (GB) (Motivator {GB}), the stakes-placed duo Papua (Fr) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) and Kamran (Fr) (Green Tune) and to the dam of GIII Pebbles Stakes and GIII Honey Fox Stakes victrix Faith In Humanity (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) The winner's second dam Mydarshaan (GB) (Darshaan {GB}) is a granddaughter of stakes-winning G1 Prix de la Salamandre and G1 Grand Criterium placegetter Most Precious (Nureyev), whose quartet of black-type winners include G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and GI Ramona Handicap heroine Matiara (Bering {GB}), G2 Richmond Stakes-winning sire Pyrus (Mr. Prospector) and G1 Prix d'Ispahan third Marathon (Diesis {GB}). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, €6,250. Video, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Ecurie des Mouettes; B-Mme Lisa Lemiere Dubois (FR); T-Jerome Andreu. The post Freshman Sire Chachnak Off the Mark at Vittel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Saturday, July 27, 2024 First Race 1:12pm ACST Visit Dabble It’s Day 5 of the Darwin Cup Carnival with 67 horses accepting for the seven-event program. The winner of the $50,000 Metric Mile (1600m) qualifies for the $200,000 Darwin Cup (2050m) on August 5 and the winner of the $32,000 Flying Handicap (1100m) qualifies for the $135,000 Palmerston Sprint (1200m) on August 3. The rail will be in the true position and Fannie Bay will again be a good dirt surface Metric Mile Tip: Wolfburn The Darwin Cup has always been the plan for the five-year-old gelding after finishing third in the NT’s biggest race last year. Wolfburn hasn’t put a foot wrong with victory in open company over 1200m in April and 1300m in May before taking out the ROANT Gold Cup (1300m) in late June. The son of Snitzel was a last-start second behind the impressive Bear Story in the Chief Minister’s Cup (1600m) at weight-for-age two weeks ago. Wolfburn is a former Darwin Guineas (1600m) and Bridge Toyota Cup (1600m) winner and was second in the NT Derby (2050m). Metric Mile Race 7 – #4 Wolfburn (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Gary Clarke | J: Jarrod Todd (59kg) Bet with Picklebet BEST BET: Daniher In 13 starts for Red Centre trainer Kevin Lamprecht, Daniher has only missed a place on two occasions. The four-year-old gelding was third over 1200m (0-64) at Fannie Bay on June 8 – the former Victorian galloper’s first start since coming second over 1400m (0-64) back home at Pioneer Park on April 20. The son of Fighting Sun was a last-start winner over 1600m (0-66) on July 6. Daniher was second behind Darwin Guineas winner and NT Derby runner-up He’s Maverick over 1600m in Alice Springs on April 6, and he saluted over 1200m and 1600m in Darwin last year. Best Bet Race 6 – #4 Daniher (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Kevin Lamprecht | J: Mark Pegus (59.5kg) Bet with Bet365 NEXT BEST: Latest Bentley Latest Bentley first debuted in the Top End in 2017 and never seems to run a bad race. In 23 starts, the son of Host has posted four and seven minor placings – he has also done little wrong at Alice Springs and Katherine. The gelding ran his rivals ragged in his Fannie Bay return on June 29 when he saluted over 1200m (0-58) at $18 with horse racing bookmakers before a last start second over 1300m (0-58) when he finished half a length behind Li’l Wonder. Next Best Race 5 – #5 Latest Bentley (5) 10yo Gelding | T: Neil Dyer | J: Noel Callow (58.5kg) Bet with PlayUp BEST VALUE: Exceedingly Magic Happy to stick with Exceedingly Magic as the six-year-old mare continues to be competitive whenever she steps out on to Fannie Bay. In six starts since October, Exceedingly Magic hasn’t missed a place and was victorious over 1200m (0-62) against the fillies and mares on July 6, before a last start third behind the impressive Patriotic King over 1100m (0-66) on July 17. The former Victorian mare, who actually won first up over 1000m (Class 2) on October 21 before coming third over 1000m (0-64) a week later, returned from a spell to finish second in May and third in June over 1100m (0-64). Best Value Race 3 – #4 Exceedingly Magic (6) 6yo Mare | T: Phil Cole | J: Emma Lines (a1.5) (58.5kg) Bet with Neds Saturday Darwin quaddie tips – 27/7/2024 Darwin quadrella selections Saturday, July 27, 2024 1-2-3-6 3-4-5 1-2-4 1-4-5-7 Horse racing tips View the full article

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) today announced a new series of races designed to spread investment in Irish National Hunt racing. Beginning on January 1, 2025, HRI will schedule 60 races throughout the calendar year which will be restricted to trainers who have trained less than 50 Irish National Hunt winners in either of the last two full Irish National Hunt seasons. Races in this series will include bumpers, maiden hurdles, beginners steeplechases and handicap hurdles. Jonathan Mullin, HRI's director of racing, said, “This series of 60 races has been designed by the HRI Programmes Committee to give trainers the confidence to attract new owners into their yards with the knowledge that there is a programme of races there to support them in that endeavour. There are already a small number of races in the calendar that provide this function and this series is a step up in quantity which is intended to deliver a body of races substantial enough for trainers to encourage owners into their business and plan campaigns for those horses.” The post HRI Announce New Initiative to Help National Hunt Trainers Attract New Owners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Istabraq, the legendary three-time Champion Hurdle winner, has died at the age of 32 at JP McManus's Martinstown Stud in County Limerick. Trained by Aidan O'Brien, Istabraq won three Champion Hurdles between 1998 and 2000, and endeared himself to the racing public with 25 victories under his belt. He also won the Royal Sun Alliance Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 1997. In a brief statement released on Thursday, McManus said, “Sadly, Istabraq passed away at 1.15am this morning at the ripe old age of 32. He was a very special horse who gave us many great days of fun and enjoyment. Our thanks to Lara Hegarty, Johnny O'Brien and all the staff at Martinstown who took such fantastic care of him over many years.” The owner added, “We are pleased that we gave him a good celebration for his most recent birthday in May. He leaves Noreen, myself and the family with wonderful memories.” Initially a smart Flat horse for John Gosden, the son of Sadler's Wells went on to become one of the greatest and most popular National Hunt horses of the modern era after joining O'Brien. As well as his Cheltenham Festival heroics, he also won four Irish Champion Hurdles, two Hatton's Grace Hurdles and an Aintree Hurdle over the course of his glittering career. Istabraq's racing days came to an end after being pulled up in his bid for a fourth Champion Hurdle success at Cheltenham in 2002 and he has since enjoyed a long and happy retirement at McManus' Martinstown Stud, celebrating his 32nd birthday in May. The post Legendary Three-Time Champion Hurdle Winner Istabraq Dies At The Age Of 32 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Coolmore and Westerberg's dual Derby hero Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) heads a field of nine for Saturday's G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Qipco S. after final declarations were confirmed for Ascot's midsummer showpiece on Thursday morning. Aidan O'Brien trimmed his team from five to three, sidelining Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) and Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}), and will also saddle Hans Andersen (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). Auguste Rodin, who has hit the heights six times in elite-level contests, finished off the radar when last of 10 in 2023's renewal and will bid to become O'Brien's fifth winner of the 12-furlong contest. “We have been very happy with Auguste Rodin and the plan always was to come here after the [G1] Prince Of Wales's Stakes,” the trainer said. “In last year's King George, it was soft ground and we probably held him up too much. When Ryan [Moore] felt he was not going to win, he eased him out of it, and the run probably was not as bad as it looked. The plan for Auguste Rodin after Ascot is the [G1] Japan Cup, which will be very exciting, and he could have a run somewhere in between. Luxembourg won the [G1] Coronation Cup over a mile-and-a-half, which we thought would suit him. He is in very good form as well.” Six Group 1 winners are in the line-up and the field also includes Godolphin's globetrotting Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), recent G1 Pretty Polly Stakes heroine Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}) and William Haggas trainee Dubai Honour (GB) (Pride Of Dubai {Aus}). Last month's G1 Irish Derby runner-up Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}) is the lone 3-year-old representative. The field is completed by Middle Earth (GB) (Roaring Lion) and French raider Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}). The post Japan Cup-Bound Auguste Rodin Heads Nine Confirmed For Saturday’s King George appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kuroyanagi on the way to the barriers prior to the running of the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) hopeful Kuroyanagi is set to return to action this weekend, with connections optimistic about a successful spring campaign. “She’s the most exciting horse we have, she could be absolutely anything,” Niki O’Shea, who trains the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) third-place finisher in partnership with Will Clarken, told Racing.com. “It’s great to have her back, we’re delighted with the way she’s been going, hopefully we can kick off her preparation on the right note.” The $390,000 daughter of Written Tycoon is scheduled to compete in the Listed Lightning Stakes (1050m) for two and three-year-olds at Morphettville this Saturday, following a trial at Balaklava featuring talented open-class horses. “She was in pretty good company that day and she’s worked well since then, so she’s on the right track,” O’Shea said. “It would be great to win, but obviously it’s hard against the older horses, first-up, and on presumably testing ground.” Kuroyanagi is currently an +700 chance to win the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield in November with top horse racing bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article

Michael Dee returns to scale on Mark Twain after winning the Roy Higgins at Flemington. (Photo by Ross Holburt/Racing Photos) Mark Twain’s stunning journey to the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) is gearing up in the Victorian capital next month, featuring four preparatory races for the Kiwi stayer. OTI Racing director Terry Henderson revealed plans on Tuesday, emphasising the five-year-old’s exclusive campaign in Melbourne ahead of the Flemington spectacle on November 5. “The 17th of August is our target to kick him off, followed by a 1700-metre race at Flemington on Makybe Diva Stakes Day (September 15), before we aim for a Turnbull (October 5),” Henderson detailed to Racing.com. “This sets us up for a possible Geelong Cup appearance to prime him for Flemington.” Mark Twain, winner of the Listed Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) at Flemington in March, will commence his campaign in a handicap at Caulfield on August 17. Horse racing news View the full article

What Bletchingly Stakes Day 2024 Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Saturday, July 27, 2024 First Race 12:10pm AEST Visit Dabble The final Saturday metro meeting in Victoria for the 2023–24 season will be held at Caulfield on Saturday, July 27, with a nine-race meeting set down for decision. The card is headlined by the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) with $200,000 on the line. The track is rated a Good 4, but with rain forecast in the lead-up, it is expected racing will be held on a deteriorating deck. The rail comes out 4m for the entire circuit, with the Caulfield races set to commence at 12:10pm AEST. Bletchingly Stakes Tip: Marble Nine Despite Recommendation being a $1.50 favourite for the Bletchingly, Marble Nine brings an element of the unknown to the Group 3 feature. With the favourite unlikely to get as easy a run out in front this time around, the race sets up perfectly for the son of Kobayashi to stalk the speed and finish over the top of his rivals. Marble Nine is undefeated through two starts on rain-affected ground, and the double-figure quote at Dabble is hard to ignore. Bletchingly Stakes Race 7 – #5 Marble Nine (1) 3yo Gelding | T: Leon & Troy Corstens | J: Ben Allen (58kg) +900 with Dabble Best Bet at Caulfield: Dom Debuts do not come any more impressive than what Dom put forward at Geelong on July 12. The two-year-old gelding managed to find the front with relative ease and dictated terms throughout before pulling away to win by 5.5 lengths. Drawn in barrier four for this 1400m event, Blake Shinn will have no issue finding the rail and dictating terms once again. Best Bet Race 1 – #2 Dom (4) 2yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Blake Shinn (57kg) +170 with Bet365 Next Best at Caulfield: Kundalini The Grahame Begg-trained Kundalini has not been seen at the races since October 14 last year, when she finished 2.66 lengths off Arctic Glamour in Listed company and was beaten just over a length by subsequent Group 1 winner Joliestar. Damian Lane will have the I Am Invincible progeny on the back of the leaders throughout, and if the gaps come at the right time, Kundalini should have no issue in disposing of her rivals. Next Best Race 5 – #6 Kundalini (2) 3yo Filly | T: Grahame Begg | J: Damian Lane (56.5kg) +200 with Neds Best Value at Caulfield: Patchouli Dream Patchouli Dream got the head down in time over 1300m in a driving finish at Randwick last time out, while she was beaten a head by Bossy Nic at this track the start prior. He drops back to the 1200m and, from barrier one, will gain every advantage in running. Lachlan King will need to be patient waiting for a gap to appear, but when it does, Patchouli Dream can run a bottler at a big price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 6 – #6 Patchouli Dream (1) 3yo Filly | T: Ben Brisbourne | J: Lachlan King (55kg) +1800 with PlayUp Caulfield Saturday quaddie picks Caulfield quadrella selections Saturday, July 27, 2024 1-4-5-6-9-11 2-3-5 1-2-7-8-9 4-5-6-9-12-15 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips
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Helena Baby will contest the Woods Contracting 1400 at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Helena Baby has established himself as a serious horse to watch in the hurdling ranks this season and will start a path towards the Great Northern Hurdles (4200m) with a flat contest on Saturday at Te Rapa. The eye-catching grey won two editions of the Listed Opunake Cup (1400m) and was placed at Group One level over 1400m before transitioning into the jumping distances effortlessly, going back-to-back at Te Aroha last month. Set to contest his first feature a fortnight ago, the Wellington Hurdles (3200m), Helena Baby was ruled out after an unfortunate incident during trackwork. “He was working out on the back track and treaded on another horse’s shoe, which drove the nails and clip into his foot,” trainer John Bell said. “He was very tender for quite some time, so we lost all that work.” Putting the setback behind him, the son of Guillotine will revert back to the flat this weekend, where apprentice Donovan Cooper will claim three kilograms off his 56kg allocated weight. “He works up in a magnificent frame of mind every morning, he’s such an athlete and a stable favourite of course,” Bell said. “One thing now is that he’s fresh and he is a sprinter, so look for the grey.” Beyond Saturday’s contest, Bell has earmarked two lead-in runs before contesting the $150,000 hurdle feature at Te Rapa on September 15. “He’ll go to Rotorua (August 18), Te Aroha (September 1) then onto the big race, the Northern,” he said. The remainder of Bell’s contingent on Saturday includes Cleese, a horse he bred himself, running in the Taumarunui RSA Gold Cup (2200m). The Sweet Orange gelding finished well into third behind Wessex at Hastings over 1400m and steps up to a preferred staying trip in the feature. “All good stayers have a good sprint in them and he had that down at Hastings,” Bell said. “He’s worked on very well, he and Manawa worked up this morning together and were pleasing, so we’re hoping to get a positive run from both of them on Saturday.” Stablemate Manawa will line up in the Bob & Colleen Donaldson Memorial (1600m), while impressive debut winner Twain will make his second appearance. The son of Per Incanto powered away from his rivals at Tauranga earlier this month and will continue his association with apprentice Triston Moodley. “He’s a very delicate, beautiful moving animal and we have to be careful with the tracks we place him on that won’t do any damage,” Bell said. Horse racing news View the full article

Magneto will contest the Prezzy Card Rating 75 (1200m) at Riccarton on Friday. Photo: Race Images South Andrew Carston has the $100,000 Special Conditions synthetic race on his radar for Magneto in a fortnight, and he hopes to see a positive lead-in performance on Friday. A winner at Group Three level as a juvenile, Magneto has shown a liking to the synthetic surface this winter with two successive victories over the past six weeks, including over capable mares Miss Nico Belle and Gemma Flitz. “He went really well last time, he stepped up to that 75 grade and got a nice run but I thought he was really good in what was a reasonably strong race,” Carston said. “He’ll have to bring that again tomorrow, I think it’s a pretty handy lot but he’s in nice form and I would expect him to run well again. “Safely through this, he will go to the innovation race during National Week, as I’d imagine most of these will.” Zacinto gelding Bad Flamingo has produced a win and five placings on the surface previously, with the success coming in last year’s Grand National Amateur Championship (2200m). He will be back to contest the race in a fortnight, with tomorrow’s Cavall Leitch Rating 65 & Jumpers (2200m) as a final lead-in. “I was really happy with his run last-start, he came away fairly but he’s bounced back and will improve a heap off that,” Carston said. “There’s a lot of positives for him tomorrow, he’s got a good barrier, up to 2200m and has a three-kilo claimer on so it looks like a nice race for him. He’s definitely an each way chance. “He will be heading to the amateur race after tomorrow.” Also contesting the staying event is Dame County, who will have her final race before returning to Mapperley Stud to commence her career as a broodmare. The Contributer mare has plenty of pedigree credentials to take to the paddock, being a half-sister to Group Two winner Le Baron and placegetter Queen Of Pop. “This will be her last start for us as she’s heading back to Mapperley to be a broodmare. She’s been a handy enough horse,” Carston said. “She drops back into 65 grade tomorrow, she’ll need a little bit of luck but she always tries hard.” Carston has a trio of chances in the evenly matched Gift Station Rating 75 (1600m), with last-start winner Delmonico joined by Take That and Seven Twenty. “Delmonico has only had one run on the poly and was competitive, he steps up to 75 grade but he’s definitely a chance,” he said. “Take That is hopefully heading to the amateur race as well, so he’ll probably need the run tomorrow and step-up in distance afterwards. “I thought his run the other day had a lot of merit, he’s in pretty good form and feeling happy with himself. “Seven Twenty always tries hard as well so all three of them are chances in a pretty even field.” Carston’s remaining runners include Lone Spirit, Lulo Rose, Pegau and Brusset. A filly by Reliable Man, Brusset stormed into second at her last start and will be the designated runner carrying the Red Nose silks, with LOVERACING.NZ dedicated to donating $1000 to Cure Kids with each winner in the colours. Brusset, Delmonico and Bad Flamingo will each be ridden by stable apprentice Yogesh Atchamah, who is narrowly holding onto the South Island Apprentice Premiership title by one win over Donovan Cooper. Among his rides also includes Lisa Latta’s bold stakes-winning sprinter Lincoln’s Kruz, who will carry the top-weight in the Prezzy Card Rating 75 (1200m). “We need the young blood coming through the industry and Yogesh is a really good kid, he tries hard and is very professional,” Carston said. “He goes home and watches all of the replays and spends a lot of time with the mechanical horse trying to improve his riding. “I think he’s one in front in the South Island premiership at the moment, so hopefully he can hold them off and he’s got a nice book of rides tomorrow. “He deserves every success he gets.” Meanwhile, back in the local stable, Carston has welcomed back his talented charge Jon Ol Rocco, who won three races including a dead-heat the Timaru Cup (1600m) last season. “I’m pretty excited about him, I can’t give an exact aim for a race at this stage but he’s coming back really well and will have a trial in the middle of August,” Carston said. “He’s a lovely horse, he hasn’t done a lot wrong and hasn’t had a great deal of luck at times.” Rising four-year-old Mogul has also returned, with his season including a fourth in the Group 3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) and a victory down the 1200m chute at Riccarton. “We’ve determined that he’s a sprinter, we all step them out in distance as a three-year-old because they’re only that age once, but we’ll stick to that this prep,” Carston said. “He’s a really nice horse, he’s come back in good order and has developed a lot. We’ll kick him off in his grade in early September and he will be aimed at New Zealand Cup Week, which race he ends up in there, he’ll tell us.” Horse racing news View the full article

Chairman will contest the Gift Station Rating 75 (1600m) at Riccarton’s Synthetic meeting on Friday. Photo: Race Images South Consistent gelding Chairman will be looking to make it three wins from four starts on the Riccarton Synthetic when he heads to the Christchurch meeting on Friday to contest the Gift Station Rating 75 (1600m). The four-year-old son of Charm Spirit has been in outstanding form since joining trainer Richard Didham’s Aylesbury barn earlier this year, primarily on Riccarton’s polytrack, and Didham believes his charge is capable of furthering his tally on the track this week where he will be ridden by Leah Hemi. “Chairman is in the right race again,” Didham said. “He won a (rating) 75 1400m in his last start and it’s a 75 1600m this week, and he has already won over 1600m on the synthetic. It looks an ideal race.” Didham isn’t afraid of stepping Chairman out on the turf but said he will keep him to the synthetic surface for now. “He has only had one go on the grass for me, where he ran third and got home well that day, so that (grass tracks) is not a problem either,” he said. “There is one more synthetic day on the 24th of August, there are a couple of options for him there.” Evergreen galloper King Cougar is set to make his debut for the stable after he was purchased for $3,000 off gavelhouse.com. The 10-year-old gelding has won 11 of his 101 starts, including his last two for former trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman, and Didham can’t see any reason why he can’t add to that record. “One of our owners that we have had for many years decided to buy him,” Didham said. “He is a nice horse to take away and do anything with. He will improve with the run. “He is as sound as a bell and his work has been terrific. I can’t see why he can’t keep on picking up a cheque every week. “Tomorrow will be a nice blow out for him to get ready for some bigger stakes.” Didham will also line-up Analyst and La Cerveza. “Analyst was really good last start in a rating 75 and drops back multiple grades back to a rating 60,” he said. “La Cerveza has already placed second and fourth on the synthetic at Cambridge and he did run really well for me last prep when fourth. I have taken all the gear back off and I am expecting a nice run from him too.” Horse racing news View the full article

Martell winning at Arawa Park on Thursday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Promising four-year-old Martell handled the step up to open grade with aplomb at Arawa Park on Thursday when beating home a handy field. The son of El Roca jumped well to sit outside leader Caitlyns Wish before getting some cover when apprentice jockey Ace Lawson-Carroll elected to push forward to sit parked with Digger. Turning for home, Martell was guided three-wide by apprentice Jessica Allen and under his featherweight of 52kg he was able to quickly draw level with leader Caitlyns Wish, with the pair going-head-to-head down the straight before Martell was able to get the better of his rival in the concluding stages, winning by a neck. It was Martell’s sixth win from 15 starts and trainer Jim Collett was pleased with the way he handled the step-up to open grade. “He was well placed with the allowance, and he was well ridden,” Collett said. “He is a horse on the up, he has only had limited starts and he tries hard and likes that sort of ground (Heavy 10). “He has matured this time in. As a three-year-old he was a bit weak, he is stronger now, he has got confidence, and he is running well.” While tempted to now tackle stakes company with his charge, Collett said he will opt to take a more cautious approach for the remainder of his preparation. “He is not ready for anything major just yet. You could get carried away and put him in a Foxbridge Plate (Group 2, 1200m), but it is a level too far for him at the moment,” Collett said. “I may go back to Te Rapa with him for an Open sprint over 1200m before giving him another run at Hawke’s Bay. As soon as the tracks firm up, I will give him a nice, long spell and hopefully he comes back stronger again.” Looking ahead to the weekend, Collett will line-up just the one runner at Te Rapa on Saturday, with last-start runner-up Tregor set to tackle the New World Taumarunui Mile (1600m). “Tregor is in good form, he is in similar form to last start,” Collett said. “I am happy with him and given a bit of luck in the race he has got to go close.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Mackay Newmarket Day 2024 Where Mackay Turf Club – 9 Peak Down Hwy, Ooralea QLD 4740 When Friday, July 26, 2022 First Race 12:14pm AEST Visit Dabble Mackay Turf Club will host a very competitive eight-race program this Friday afternoon. With no rain on the forecast, the track is expected to remain in the Good range after being posted as a Good 4 at the time of acceptances. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit, with the opening race set to jump at 12:14pm AEST. Mackay Newmarket tip: Tiger Legend Tiger Legend proved way too good for his rivals in the Battle Of The Bush Final at Eagle Farm before running home strongly from the back in the Rockhampton Newmarket. The John Manzelmann-trained gelding led all the way to victory two starts back but he was made to settle back in the field from a wide barrier in the Newmarket, and he ran out of time to run down the leaders. From barrier four, Ashley Butler will be able to settle on speed, and with even luck, Tiger Legend can win again. Mackay Newmarket Race 7 – #1 Tiger Legend (4) 5yo Gelding | T: John Manzelmann | J: Ashley Butler (59kg) +450 with Picklebet Best Bet at Mackay: Papasito Following an all the way victory at Rockhampton over 1300m two starts back, Papasito carried a massive weight (61kg) and was run down late over 1560m at this track. This three-year-old gelding from the Clinton Taylor yard will drop back in grade to race against his own age group and will carry a lot less weight. Although he will jump from barrier nine, Justin Stanley can push forward on Papasito and attempt to replicate his most recent win. Best Bet Race 2 – #2 Papasito (9) 3yo Gelding | T: Clinton Taylor | J: Justin Stanley (56.5kg) +125 with Neds Next Best at Mackay: Fighting Commando Fighting Commando claimed the Amateurs Cup at this track and trip on May 11, and the Ricky Vale-trained gelding was well beaten by Acrophobic over 1560m last start. This son of Fighting Sun led all the way to victory in the Amateurs Cup but was ridden off the speed recently and could reel in the runaway leader in the concluding stage. Now that he rises in trip to 1800m again, expect Fighting Commando to perform much better and play a prominent role in the finish. Next Best Race 4 – #1 Fighting Commando (3) 7yo Gelding | T: Ricky Vale | J: Ryan Wiggins (59kg) +270 with Dabble Friday quaddie tips for Mackay Newmarket Day Mackay quadrella selections Friday, July 26, 2024 1-2-5-13 2-9-10-13 1-2-3-13 2-9-11-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Belmont Sprint Day Where Belmont Racecourse – Saintly Entrance, Burswood WA 6100 When Saturday, July 27, 2024 First Race 11:44am AWST Visit Dabble The Listed Bolton Sprint will headline the nine-race program at Belmont this Saturday afternoon, with the opening race scheduled to jump at 11:44am AWST. With more rain forecast for Thursday and Friday, it is expected that the track will remain in the Soft range after being posted as a Soft 7 at the time of acceptances. The rail will move out to the +4m position for the entire circuit. Bolton Sprint Tip: Red Fifty Three Red Fifty Three will return from a four-month break in the Bolton Sprint, where the Grant & Alana Williams-trained gelding will attempt to record his first win in Listed grade first-up. This son of Gingerbread Man was very good when he won fresh over 1200m at Ascot last preparation, winning by a half length in a Benchmark 72+ Handicap. William Pike rode this gelding in his lone trial over 950m in readiness for this start. If Pike can settle midfield off the fence from barrier three, Red Fifty Three can return with a victory. Bolton Sprint Race 7 – #12 Red Fifty Three (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Grant & Alana Williams | J: William Pike (54kg) +290 with Dabble Best Bet at Belmont: Berbere Team Williams and William Pike will also combine with Berbere in the last race of the day. This four-year-old gelding recorded a dominant all-the-way victory over 1400m in his most recent start, claiming a 3.8-length win second-up for the preparation. The son of Gingerbread Man will stay in a similar grade at the same weight and jump from barrier six. If Pike can push forward and settle on speed, Berbere should prove too good once again. Best Bet Race 9 – #2 Berbere (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Grant & Alana Williams | J: William Pike (58.5kg) +120 with Neds Next Best at Belmont: Allez Allez From his last four runs this campaign, Allez Allez has recorded two wins and two second-place finishes, showing that he is going as well as ever. Last start, the Michael Lane-trained gelding led for the majority of the 1400m journey but was overrun by Triple Jay in the final 200m to go down by a long neck on the line. With a wet surface and good speed expected, this son of Danehill Express will get favourable conditions, and he will be able to settle behind the leaders from barrier five. If Brad Parnham ups the ante on the home turn and allows Allez Allez to boot clear with 300m to go, he will prove very hard to run down. Next Best Race 5 – #4 Allez Allez (5) 7yo Gelding | T: Michael Lane | J: Brad Parnham (56.5kg) +230 with PlayUp Best Value at Belmont: Bird’s The Word Bird’s The Word has been a model of consistency recently, recording three placings and a win over his last four starts for Daniel & Ben Pearce. The son of Galah settled midfield on the fence and ran home strongly along the rail to finish second behind Boots Like Bruce over 1200m at this track. Now that he drops in class and finds a wet track, it is expected that Bird’s The Word will relish the conditions and give a good sight at each-way odds with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 8 – #1 Bird’s The Word (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Daniel & Ben Pearce | J: Chris Parnham (61kg) +800 with Bet365 Saturday quaddie tips for Belmont races Belmont quadrella selections Saturday, July 27, 2024 1-2-4-8 2-3-12-13 1-9-11 1-2-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Randwick Races Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, July 27, 2024 First Race 11:20am AEST Visit Dabble Metropolitan racing returns to Royal Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with a bumper 10-part program set for decision. The rail is out +11m between the 1600m to 1000m markers, while the 1000m marker to winning post is out +8m. The weather in the lead-up should all but ensure a genuine Good 4 surface for race-day, however, with the rail out significantly, expect the track to play favourably to on speed gallopers. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 11:20am local time. Best Bet at Randwick: Fleetwood Fleetwood was an impressive two-time winner this campaign before heading to Melbourne, where things simply haven’t gone to plan. He should’ve made it a hat-trick at Caulfield two starts back but staggered out of the barrier due to some minor interference, showing a stunning turn-of-foot to close within 4.5 lengths of Whistlefield. He was then simply outclassed down the Flemington straight on July 6, but with a drop back to BM88 company seemingly ideal as he returns to his favoured Randwick circuit, expect Fleetwood to prove too strong for this lot. Best Bet Race 7 – #4 Fleetwood (4) 3yo Gelding | T: James Cummings | J: James McDonald (55.5kg) +120 with PlayUp Next Best at Randwick: Vivy Air Vivy Air returns after a 105-day spell and a change of stables, with the Ciaron Maher barn taking over from Archie Alexander. The daughter of Hellbent has always shown plenty of promise in the past, being sent around in some key spring features, including the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on November 18. This BM72 must be considered a dramatic drop in grade compared to what she’s faced in the past, and although her best trip may be further than the 1300m, Vivy Air warrants respect first-up for the new stable. Next Best Race 8 – #1 Vivy Air (6) 3yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Mark Zahra (59kg) +600 with Neds Best Value at Randwick: Peace Officer Peace Officer should relish getting back on top of the ground after finding conditions too testing at this course and distance on July 13. The four-year-old struggled to make an impression on the Soft ground, but still whacked away to finish within 3.5 lengths of Ha Ha Ha. Zac Wadick takes the reins from barrier 12 this time, and although he may need some luck navigating a passage throughout the 1600m journey, the $16.00 available with online bookmakers seems too big for Peace Officer in this wide-open BM72 contest. Best Value Race 3 – #1 Peace Officer (12) 4yo Gelding | T: Clarry Conners | J: Zac Wadick (a3) (61kg) +1500 with Bet365 Saturday quaddie tips for Randwick Randwick quadrella selections Saturday, July 27, 2024 2-4 1-4-7 3-4-10-11 3-6-10-12-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Doomben Races Where Doomben Racecourse – 75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007 When Saturday, July 27, 2024 First Race 12:03pm AEST Visit Dabble The Brisbane Racing Club will host a very competitive nine-race card at Doomben this Saturday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances; however, with little to no rain forecast before the meeting, it is expected that the surface will improve into the Good range. The rail will be in the +2.5m position for the entire circuit, with racing scheduled to kick off at 12:03pm AEST. Best Bet at Doomben: Madame Odette Madame Odette has finished second in both of her last two starts for the Tony Gollan stable, with her most recent performance being the best of her preparation to date. The daughter of Churchill was held up slightly in the home straight, but once she got into clear air, she picked her way through the field. The mare let down with a blistering turn of foot and just missed in a photo finish over 1600m. Now that she is fourth-up and at peak fitness, Madame Odette can breakthrough for a deserving victory. Best Bet Race 2 – #8 Madame Odette (9) 4yo Mare | T: Tony Gollan | J: James Orman (58kg) +130 with PlayUp Next Best at Doomben: Set To Shine Tony Gollan and Angela Jones will combine with Set To Shine for the third straight start as they seek to record back-to-back wins following a narrow victory over 1300m at Eagle Farm. The four-year-old mare had been working her way up to a win with two runner-up finishes, and she was able to hold off the fast-finishing Notacluehoworwho in a Class 2 Handicap. Despite the rise in weight, Jones can settle on speed from barrier three and give Set To Shine every chance to win again. Next Best Race 3 – #7 Set To Shine (2) 4yo Mare | T: Tony Gollan | J: Angela Jones (58.5kg) +340 with Neds Best Value at Doomben: Sneak Preview Sneak Preview appears to be getting close to peak fitness after two solid runs in his last two starts. The David Vandyke-trained gelding took solid ground off the leaders at Rockhampton over 1600m previously, and he should appreciate a rise in trip to 2020m fifth-up. The son of Smart Missile will be able to settle worse than midfield from barrier seven, and with a fast tempo expected from the leading division, Sneak Preview will be one of the strongest late and prove hard to hold out. Best Value Race 6 – #1 Sneak Preview (7) 8yo Gelding | T: David Vandkye | J: Ryan Maloney (60kg) +850 with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Doomben races Doomben quadrella selections Saturday, July 27, 2024 1-2-6-10 1-2-7 3-5-11-15 2-4-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Top Darwin jockey Jarrod Todd rides Masatora to victory in the 2024 NT Derby at Fannie Bay (Picture: Darwin Turf Club) Having claimed a fifth straight Top End jockeys’ premiership, Jarrod Todd is eyeing a big finish to the 2024 Darwin Cup Carnival. That’s after he cleaned up last Saturday with four wins, which included victory on Gary Clarke’s Masatora in the $135,000 NT Derby (2050m). Masatora, who arrived from Ciaron Maher’s Cranbourne stable, was a first-up seventh at Fannie Bay in the Darwin Guineas (1600m). After partnering Clarke’s Style And Grace and Captain George to success, Todd also got Hadouken home in the $50,000 Buntine Handicap (2050m) for Gold Coast trainer Peter Robl. “To get a winner or two is awesome, but to get four is even better, it was a great day,” Todd said. “You’re only as good as the cattle you’re on, but when you’re on a Clarke horse you’re always a chance. “Masatora came up here with the Derby as his main target, they said he was a real stayer. “I said to Gary after the Guineas that if he ran two or three lengths closer you’d be pretty happy, but first start on the track I thought he went really good. “I was pretty confident going into the Derby after his Guineas run, he was always going to improve. “Talented three-year-olds can run up to the mile, but past that some can struggle. “Just rapt to get the job done, I was surprised that he paid $21.” The victory meant Masatora qualified for the $200,000 Darwin Cup (2050m) on August 5. The gelding pulled up well and has been nominated for the Cup, with Clarke suggesting that he will start before returning to Victoria, where a jumping career awaits. Speaking of the Cup, Clarke has also nominated Wolfburn (third in 2023), Playoffs (2022 winner), Pink Panther and Tanaawol, but Todd has yet to settle on a ride. “It’s a nice spot to be in when you’ve got some nice options,” Todd said. “I’m riding Wolfburn this weekend in the Metric Mile, he’s been ultra consistent.” Hadouken is a serious threat in the Darwin Cup, according to Todd, with Robl hoping that he may ride the horse, but that seems unlikely. Meanwhile, Todd is undecided whether to ride Spaceship, Flying Annie, Rising Sphere, Lumber Punk or Seguso in the $135,000 Palmerston Sprint (1200m) on August 3. “You wouldn’t mind putting your backside on either of them, they’re nice horses,” he said. Todd is booked to ride five-year-old mare Flying Annie in the Flying Handicap (1100m) on Saturday, with the winner sealing a Palmerston berth. “I thought Flying Annie’s run the other day behind Ideas Man was really good,” he said. “He’s one of the main ones to beat in the Sprint. “Flying Annie is going well, she’s drawn a good gate and has only 54.5kg on her back.” Two years ago, Clarke and Todd combined to win four of the eight Darwin Cup Carnival feature races, with Adam Nicholls also winning the Guineas for Clarke on Wolfburn. Horse racing news View the full article

By Adam Hamilton The $1m IRT NZ Trotting Cup is still more than three months away, but one of the most defining lead-up races is just days away. Defending champion Swayzee, Aussie champ Leap To Fame and Swayzee’s stablemates Nerano and District Attorney could all be at Addington on the second Tuesday in November. That quartet headlines a strong and fascinating $400,000 Group 1 Blacks A Fake (2680m) at Albion Park on Saturday night (10.41pm). Leap To Fame is a commanding $2 favourite in current markets for the NZ Cup, with Swayzee is at $10 and Nerano at $12. In between them, Jason Grimson’s latest exciting stable addition, Major Moth, is $7. Major Moth, a former top juvenile with Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin, looked sharp when second in a Menangle trial yesterday (Wednesday) and will step-out at Albion Park in coming weeks. “He could be an NZ Cup horse,” Grimson said. “If Swayzee goes back, which is likely, then it would make sense to take another one or two across with him. “I’ll be nominating a heap of them and will decide who goes a few weeks out from the race, but I’m very keen to get back and give it another crack.” Leap To Fame looks close to certain to head to NZ for the first time in his stellar career. Owner Kevin Seymour said a final decision would be made after the Victoria Cup in October and when/if suitable transport back to Australia can be locked-in. “That’s crucial,” he said. “We want to go to NZ, but can’t compromise his Inter Dominion chances. “So, we’ll need to be sure we can get him out of NZ quickly and hopefully directly from Christchurch to Sydney.” So, who wins this Blacks A Fake? Will Leap To Fame exact revenge on Swayzee for last year’s defeat and take his record to 3-1 against the NZ Cup hero? There’s no doubt Leap To Fame is the best horse in the race and has had a perfect build-up, but the barrier draw has added so much intrigue. The one draw his trainer-driver Grant Dixon didn’t want was barrier one. Leap To Fame will be crossed at the start and then Dixon has the almighty task of trying to avoid being buried on the inside, possible three-back if Turn It Up leads then takes a trail as he does in most staying races. “I drew one and got off three starts back, but everyone will be awake this time and doing everything they can to keep me in,” Dixon said. “It’ll be tricky, but I can’t overthink it. “It’s a race which is more about my drive than the horse’s ability. The pressure is on me.” Grimson admitted his five runners, most notably Nerano, would be hellbent on keeping Leap To Fame on the marker pegs. Nerano follows out Turn It Up, meaning he will quickly be alongside Leap To Fame at the start. “There’s a lot riding on Leonard Cain’s drive (on Nerano),” Grimson admitted. “If Leap To Fame gets stuck on the inside, my horses are right in the race, but if he gets off, he’s a lot better than he was last year and will be very hard to beat.” View the full article

Te Akau Racing are hoping they can add to their southern haul at Riccarton’s Synthetic meeting on Friday, where they will be represented by a trio of runners. Their Riccarton barn’s season tally currently sits at 62 wins for the season, which could be furthered on Friday by Treaty Of Paris, Rue de Rivoli and Kith ‘n’ Kin. New Zealand’s leading racing stable have established a permanent training base at Riccarton, in addition to Matamata, Singapore, and Cranbourne, which has been overseen by Hunter Durrant, Ashley Handley, and Kendyll Lee. Te Akau Racing has a strong record of training horses in the South Island, highlighted by seven victories in the GR.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and six in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). Te Akau principal David Ellis and trainer Mark Walker originally leased Belmont Lodge stables at Rangiora, in 2002, owned by clients Geoff and Jenetta Taylor, where stable foreman Gus Clutterbuck and his wife, Karen, helped pave the way for Walker to win five premierships before the same combination set up stables for Te Akau in 2011 at Kranji racecourse in Singapore. “We’ve had a long association of training horses in the South Island, and in essence it’s been great to give young horses the experience of travelling and training in a different environment,” Walker said. “We’ve had plenty of success with two and three-year-olds, winning stakes races, during their preparations geared around the Cup Carnival each year in November at Riccarton. “With a permanent base established, it means we’ve got access to the South Island racing calendar all year round and it gives us the opportunity of placing horses to the best advantage. “It’s great for improving the commercial viability of fillies and mares if they can win black type races in the South Island, and it’s also worked with success this season with the sale of Nucleozor to Hong Kong after he won the Welcome Stakes (Listed, 1000m). “Training down there was great when we had the stables at Rangiora, with Gus and Karen (Clutterbuck) in charge, and now under the tutelage of Hunter Durrant at Riccarton it’s been great for continuing to develop horses.” Durrant has enjoyed leading the Riccarton stable and contributing to Te Akau Racing’s overall premiership success. “It’s certainly not just me, but Ashley and Kendyll have been a big part of the success here, as have all our staff,” Durrant said. “We’ve got really good senior horse people that can step in for each other and know the routine. Naomi Warrander is here every morning and rides a lot of work, and Ashvin (Goindasamy), and Jason (Laking) ride work for us here too. “I try and ride as many as I can as well, so that I’ve got an understanding of how they’re going. It’s a big help to get a feel for them. “Everyone knows their roles and most importantly the horses that come down here just seem to settle in so well. “Even some of the busier horses, like Insatiable and quite a few of the mares, just come down here and relax and can focus on their job as a racehorse. The environment is more open, they can get outside in the yards, and training facilities are set up pretty well so that we can jump horses and work them in different ways. “I enjoyed my time down here when first spending three months with the Te Akau horses leading into Cup Week two years ago, and then Dave (Ellis) gave me the option to come here full-time this season. I was keen to come back. I like the city of Christchurch and its a pace of life. “I think people realise that Te Akau is helping to bolster the quality of racing in the South Island, and given the field sizes and horses it’s continuing to strengthen. “I think the number of wins we’ve had from a 20-horse barn here this season has been a great help for the owners and also adding to the overall total wins for Mark (Walker) and Sam (Bergerson). Roughly, the Riccarton stable has provided 30 percent of the wins and stakes wins. “We won four races on a day at Riccarton, which was one of the highlights for the season. Horses like Perfect Scenario thrive down here and it was great to see him defend his title in the Weight-For-Age at Wingatui. “And the calibre of two-year-olds we have had here this season has been really good: Nucleozor, Discretion Rules, and even Quintefeuille and Colonel Warden who were stakes placed here on debut. “Nucleozor had a great brain on him, like an older horse that had been there, done that, and nothing was ever an issue. You could work him on his own like a pony and knew you had a good horse underneath you. He was unbeaten, had plenty of gears, and he should be able to match them in Hong Kong.” View the full article