Wandering Eyes

Experienced seven-year-old Perfect Scenario (NZ) (Iffraaj) has accumulated plenty of travelling miles under his belt since making his raceday debut in December 2019 for owners, the Te Akau Perfection Syndicate. In that time though he has built an imposing record that he added to on Saturday with a win in the Pryde’s Easifeed Open Handicap (1600m), the tenth in a 38-race career to date. Allowed to start at the generous odds of $13.40 by punters, the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained son of Iffraaj made a steady beginning from an outside barrier (11) for apprentice Amber Riddell, who reduced his topweight of 62kgs down to a more manageable 58kgs with her 4kg claim. Despite being posted wide throughout Riddell had her mount travelling like a winner as they hit the front with 400m left to run. Perfect Scenario fought like a tiger as he held off the challenges of Adannaya (NZ) (Niagara) and Matscot (NZ) (Haradasun) to claim victory for a beaming Riddell by a neat length on the line. Co-trainer Sam Bergerson heaped plenty of praise on both horse and rider after the event. “I said to Amber there are no real instructions just give him a good warm-up before the start as he is a straight-forward sort of horse,” Bergerson said. “He has always been very good to the apprentices as he is just so genuine and a pleasure to have around the stable. “He’s still pretty woolly so there is improvement to come and I must say it was a fantastic ride by Amber as she kept him balanced the whole way. “He is such a gentleman and you’d like a whole lot more like him around the stable.” Riddell, who is the daughter of well-known Central Districts rider Jonathan Riddell, is one of six apprentice jockeys to win aboard Perfect Scenario who boasts consecutive victories in the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Weight For Age (1600m) amongst his ten career victories. “I wasn’t in an ideal position as I didn’t have any cover but he was just travelling so well,” Riddell said. “It is such a privilege to ride a really good horse like him and I’m so thankful to Te Akau for giving me the ride. “I thought at the 400m I had them covered and he just flew home. “Christchurch is my family home as my Mum is from here and my Nana is here today so it is really special.” Perfect Scenario has now won over $394,000 for his ownership group after being purchased by Te Akau Racing boss David Ellis for $165,000 from the Woburn Farm draft during the 2019 Book 1 Sale at Karaka. – Trackside.co.nz View the full article

Newtown Anner Stud's Chantez (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}–Lady Lara {Ire}, by Excellent Art {GB}) fired the opening salvo on Irish Champions Weekend with a dominant, albeit wayward, victory in Saturday's Listed Ballylinch Stud Irish EBF Ingabelle Stakes at Leopardstown. The 220,000gns October Book 1 graduate, who posted a three-length maiden victory over the same seven-furlong strip in her second outing last month, broke well from an outer gate and tracked the leaders in third through halfway. Taking closer order off the home turn, the 6-5 favourite quickened to the fore approaching the final furlong and kept on strongly, despite rolling around in front, to prevail by 3/4-of-a-length from Garden Of Eden (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}). The runner-up's Aidan O'Brien-trained stablemate and 'TDN Rising Star' Bubbling (Ire) (No Nay Never) ran on well to finish a head adrift in third. Smart filly! The well-supported Chantez (Wootton Bassett) overcomes greenness to win the Listed @BallylinchStud @IrishEBF_ Ingabelle Stakes for Ger Lyons and @ctkjockey at @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/PNj1n0kIMF — Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 14, 2024 The post Wootton Bassett’s Chantez Collects First Black Type Rosette in Leopardstown’s Ingabelle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mutasaabeq (GB) will be leaving the National Stud in Newmarket after one covering season, having been sold to stand at stud in India. The Shadwell-bred son of Invincible Spirit (Ire) and Classic winner Ghanaati (Giant's Causeway) won back-to-back runnings of the G2 Joel Stakes at Newmarket, where he also won the G2 Bet 365 Mile in the year it was transferred from Sandown. He retired at the end of his five-year-old season and covered 52 mares this spring. Explaining the difficult decision to sell one of the National Stud's five resident stallions, CEO Anna Kerr said, “The market in the UK unfortunately just did not support the stallion in year one to a sufficient level, so he is moving to a jurisdiction where he will get the support that he deserves. “It is really disappointing but we have some very nice mares in foal to him and we are looking forward to seeing what they produce. We are working closely with breeders who did use the horse to achieve the best outcome for them.” The post National Stud’s Mutasaabeq Sold to India appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2024 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington delivered a thrilling finish, with the Team Hayes-trained Mr Brightside cementing his status as a racing legend by claiming his second consecutive victory in the prestigious Group 1 race. The race, part of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, featured a competitive field of talented horses. Mr Brightside, the […] The post Mr Brightside Claims Back-to-Back Makybe Diva Stakes Wins appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Arkansaw Kid ridden by Craig Newitt after winning the Bobbie Lewis Quality at Flemington. (Photo by Jay Town/Racing Photos) Ben, Will & JD Hayes have enjoyed the back end of the Flemington program, with Arkansaw Kid ($7) taking out the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality 35 minutes after Mr Brightside claimed the feature race. Although he was beaten as an odds-on favourite at Moonee Valley last start, the son of Harry Angel has backed up after seven days to claim a tough win down the Flemington straight. Craig Newitt was legged aboard for his first ride on the four-year-old gelding, and he couldn’t have given him a better ride. Arkansaw Kid travelled well outside of Griff ($23) in the lead on the grandstand side, behind The Astrologist ($16), who ran alone on the inside rail, while Stretan Angel ($8) loomed up to challenge at the 300m mark. However, the eventual winner was left alone out in front as the other on-speed runners dropped off and the swoopers started to finish off on the outside fence. Skybird ($9), Right To Party ($3.60) and Buenos Noches ($5) all challenged Arkansaw Kid, but he was able to hold them off in the final 100m to claim a narrow victory. 2024 Bobbie Lewis Quality replay – Arkansaw Kid Ben Hayes represented the stable post-race, and he was very happy with Craig Newitt’s ride on the winner. “Last start in the Chautauqua he ended up getting a pair further back than we expected and he was just a bit fresh in the run and overraced with the fast tempo, didn’t finish off and got run over the top,” Hayes said. “He pulled up so well and we thought this race would be suitable for him. “The way he pulled up we were happy with him and thought we’d get down in the weights a bit more. It worked out perfectly. “Well done to ‘Froggy’ (Newitt). He rode him perfectly. “We’ve always had a high opinion of him and he bounced back today. “I was a little bit disappointed with his performance last week but he was back this week and strong to the line. He loved the wet track. “I think so (Gilgai Stakes next). “He’s a Group 2 winner now. Since he’s been racing in group ones and fourth in a Coolmore down the straight. Very deserving.” Craig Newitt only had three rides at Flemington on Saturday, and he claimed two black-type victories from those rides. “It has been a really good day and I only had the three rides,” Newitt said. “He’s a progressive sprinter, this bloke, on the quick back-up. “He travelled really well throughout and when I asked him to accelerate he picked up on the ground and really appreciated it. “The boys were very bullish before the race. “I haven’t had a ride for them in a while so it is good to get a winner.” Horse racing news View the full article

Encap returning to the mounting yard after claiming the Theo Marks Stakes. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Gary Portelli and Jason Collett combined with Encap ($7.50) claiming victory in the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday, marking a year to the day of his last victory coming in the 2023 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m). The son of Capitalist was second-up after a gallant first-up display behind Jolistar in the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) at Randwick on August 24. He was made to work for the victory in a blanket finish on Saturday, however, with Bases Loaded ($4.00) showing a clean pair of heels in the final 400m despite leading out at a relatively strong tempo. Rediener ($34.00) and Boom Torque ($6.00) were both doing sensational work late, but were unable to reel in Encap, chalking up just his second win heading into his four-year-old season. Gary Portelli was delighted with the victory in his post-race assessment and suggested the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) would be the main target this time in. “Yeah, just good to see him bounce back,” said Portelli. “He was a bit plain first up, but a good gallop last Saturday. I’ve done very little with him all week and I was just hoping. “He’s been a bit of a giant killer in his career like he’s beaten some real quality horses over the time. And now he feels like he might be stepping into his own after a big win like that. “You know we’re aiming toward a Golden Eagle so I think we’re in good order right now, so what does the path look like to get there? Well probably we’ll sit down there and work out the program now after seeing what he’s done today.” Jason Collett wasn’t sure if Encap had the capacity to get by Bases Loaded in the home straight, but was impressed with the performance before suggesting the Golden Eagle must be the target this spring. “I knew I’d have a good turn of foot late,” said Collett. “I must admit, Bases Loaded did kick pretty well then kept kicking as I got close. “You’ve got to aim there as a four-year-old, that’s the race, and this is a good starting point to get towards it. He’s quite small and a bit unassuming, you look at him and there’s not a great deal of him but he’s starting to fill into that small frame. His ability, he’s got a lot of it, and that was great to see today.” Encap is now considered a $26.00 chance with horse racing bookmakers for the Golden Eagle on November 2. 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 15, 2024 First Race 1pm HKT (3pm AEST) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing resumes at Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon, with a bumper 10-race program lined up for punters. The rail moves out slightly to the A+3 position, and with scattered showers unlikely to affect the Good 4 rating, it should be a fair day of racing. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 1pm local time. Best Bet at Sha Tin: Family Jewel Family Jewel is on the one-week back up after a luckless effort over 1400m last Sunday. The son of Time Test was crowded for room the entirety of the home straight, with the four-year-old forced to produce a glorified barrier trial. Stepping up to the mile should be ideal, and with Hugh Bowman taking the reins this time from barrier four, Family Jewel should get every conceivable chance to make amends this time around. Best Bet Race 1 – #3 Family Jewel (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Caspar Fownes | J: Hugh Bowman (57.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sha Tin: Super Infinity Super Infinity was winless in three starts last preparation, and although he’s become a costly commodity, this Class 4 contest lacks depth compared to what he faced last season. Zac Purton is yet to give up on the son of Star Witness, taking the reins for the third time and on the back of two strong barrier trials heading into this first-up assignment, Super Infinity should have no excuses attempting to break his maiden status. Next Best Race 3 – #4 Super Infinity (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Mark Newnham | J: Zac Purton (59kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Sha Tin: Magic Control Magic Control was well-supported on Hong Kong debut at Happy Valley on June 12 and had to be considered extremely underwhelming. He finished 5.3 lengths away in seventh spot behind Youthful Spirits, and although he was crowded for room at times, it was largely a disappointing effort. His Sha Tin barrier trial on August 31 was too impressive to ignore, however, and provided he can reproduce the peak that allowed him to claim the Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in Australia, Magic Control should be right in this. Best Value Race 9 – #4 Magic Control (10) 4yo Gelding | T: Cody Mo | J: Matthew Chadwick (60kg) Bet with Dabble Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections September 15, 2024 2-4-6-10 1-3-5-6-12 1-3-4-6-11 2-5-6-9-10-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

Mr Brightside ridden by Craig Williams wins the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by Jay Town/Racing Photos) Mr Brightside has gone back-to-back in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington, giving his trainers Ben, Will & JD Hayes another Group 1 victory early in their training careers. Affectionately known as Mr B, the son of Bullbars has become the third horse in history to win successive Makybe Diva Stakes, joining Chiquita (1950 & 1951) and Sailor’s Guide (1956 & 1957) as the only horses to win the race multiple times. As expected, Pride Of Jenni took up the lead and careered away to lead by over four lengths at one stage, while Antino and the eventual winner tracked up behind the mare. Declan Bates went for the leader before the home turn, and as soon as she gave a kick, Mr Brightside started to work home nicely, passing Antino with ease by the 250m mark. The race favourite with top horse racing bookmakers, Via Sistina, never really got into the race, leaving Mr B and Pride Of Jenni to fight out the finish as he began to wear her down late. Mr Brightside took over in the shadows of the post and held on to claim one of his best victories of his 36-start career. 2024 Makybe Diva Stakes replay – Mr Brightside JD Hayes spoke on behalf of the stable following the win. “That was thrilling. What a spectacle,” Hayes said. “Pride Of Jenni was so brave out in front as she is and our bloke had to knuckle down to the task. “He’s a model of consistency and we’re so glad to have him. “He’s unbelievable. He truly is unique. “We don’t take it lightly to have a horse like him in the stable. “To come back now as an older horse and perform like that is huge. He’s like a fine wine. “He’s always been a point and shoot type of horse and he’s going to be super competitive (wherever he goes next).” Regular jockey Craig Williams spoke post-race and was very complimentary of his mount. “He’s a sensational horse,” Williams said. “The Hayes’ have done a great job with this horse. “Will who straps the horse told me he’s in great order. “I was very bullish about his chances today. “The way he felt, the way he pulled up. It was a harder slow today but he’s got that tenacity to win. He’s an amazing racehorse. “Now he’s one of the best milers in Australia. He is an absolute delight. “The boys even added another gear change today so they’re still working on him.” Horse racing news View the full article

Traffic Warden winning the Group 2 Run To The Rose. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Godolphin has continued their excellent record in the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, with Traffic Warden ($9.00) making it a hat-trick of wins across the last three editions of the three-year-old feature. Following in the footsteps of Cylinder (2023) and In Secret (2022), Traffic Warden was wound up and ready to go on the back of an impressive piece of work at Hawkesbury on August 26, and although the son of Street Boss was first-up, his class was able to offset the lengthy layoff. Zac Lloyd elected to be patient aboard the progressive three-year-old, taking a sit slightly worse than mid-field throughout the journey. It turned out to be the ideal scenario, with typical speedster and heavily-backed favourite Storm Boy ($1.90), missing the start and being forced to be roused along by Adam Hyeronimus in the middle stages. It meant a strong tempo throughout, with fellow Coolmore galloper Switzerland ($10.00) pushed out towards an early lead, while Anode ($17.00) was ridden more conservatively than in the past. When the whips were cracking with 400m left to travel, there was only one horse you wanted to be on, however, with Traffic Warden building the revs under Zac Lloyd, proving too classy despite being first-up with bigger fish to fry this time in. 2024 Group 2 Run To The Rose Replay – Traffic Warden James Cummings was on course to discuss the win of his colt and suggested all options are on the table after the Golden Rose (1400m) in two weeks’ time. “Yeah, he’s just come back perfectly and pretty exciting horse race to be a part of,” said Cummings. “There’s $100 million worth of horse flesh walking around the enclosure here and big performances like that from Traffic Warden. “Another week goes past. Another big performance from a son of Street Boss. You know, he’s run the numbers on Street Boss. He’s going pretty good. And Traffic Warden is really asserting himself now, having just done that this afternoon, as a very serious colt for the spring. “It’s obviously like not everything went ideal for other horses in the race, admittedly, but he savaged the line. You didn’t see the best of him last prep. “it’s very, very straightforward from here. His assignment should be the Golden Rose in two weeks. Gives him a group one opportunity. He had the race absolutely shot to pieces in the AJC Sires in the Autumn and only just got rolled on that wet track. “But I think he’s a better horse now and he will certainly be taking some beating in the Golden Rose. If it’s not for his stable mate, Broadsiding, he’s certainly going to arrive there a fit horse, second up and ready to fire.” Zac Lloyd was impressed with the victory and praised team Godolphin for the opportunity. “That’s a top-notch feeling,” said Lloyd. “That was incredible, to ride a colt for the team who they obviously value very highly, to get the trust in a lead-up race to the Golden Rose to get the job done, it’s a massive credit to the team and I’m very happy to get the job done.” Traffic Warden is now on the third line of betting at $5.00 with horse racing bookmakers for the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) on September 28. Horse racing news View the full article

What Sunshine Coast races Where Sunshine Coast Turf Club – 170 Pierce Ave, Caloundra QLD 4551 When Sunday, September 15, 2024 First Race 1:10pm AEST Visit Dabble Sunshine Coast Turf Club will host a competitive eight-race card this Sunday afternoon. The track was a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances, and it is expected to remain in that range throughout the meeting. The rail will be in its true position, while the Sunshine Coast races are set to start at 1:10pm AEST. Best Bet at Sunshine Coast: Colleagues Colleagues should be attempting to win his third race in four starts, but he was narrowly beaten by Diablo Bolt last start after a chequered run in the home straight. Even so, the David Vandyke-trained galloper did enough late to challenge the eventual winner. Michael Rodd jumps aboard, and although he drops back in trip to 1600m, Colleagues will get every chance to win another race on his home track. Best Bet Race 3 – #2 Colleagues (5) 6yo Gelding | T: David Vandyke | J: Michael Rodd (60kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best at Sunshine Coast: Dark Chill After a streak of good losing runs, Dark Chill produced a strong finish to win at this track over 1600m on September 1. The son of Dawn Approach settled behind the speed, peeled out wide on the home turn, and booted clear at the 200m mark to run away with a 2.8-length victory. If Jack Bruce has been able to keep his five-year-old gelding at peak fitness deep into the campaign, Dark Chill will take a power of beating again. Next Best Race 5 – #4 Dark Chill (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Jack Bruce | J: James Orman (60.5kg) Bet with Dabble Next Best Again at Sunshine Coast: Lost His Beans Lost His Beans recorded a massive win first-up at the Sunny Coast on September 1, travelling wide without cover before looping the field to win by half a length. This son of Spill The Beans has never finished outside the quinella and has won his last two starts at this track. Although he rises in trip to 1200m, if Lost His Beans gets a better run in transit, he will only have to produce a similar finishing burst to win again. Next Best Again Race 8 – #8 Lost His Beans (7) 4yo Gelding | T: David Vandkye | J: James Orman (59.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Sunshine Coast quaddie tips for Sunday Sunshine Coast quadrella selections Sunday, September 15, 2024 2-4-9 7-8-9-10-11 2-3-5-6 3-8-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Mauritian jockey has high hopes for promising four-year-old as he searches for first triumph this term at Sha Tin on Sunday.View the full article

Grinzinger Belle ridden by Damian Lane wins the Let’s Elope Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Damian Lane and Danny O’Brien have combined with consistent fresh performer Grinzinger Belle ($15), who caused a boilover in the Group 3 Let’s Elope Stakes at Flemington. The daughter of Shamexpress recorded a victory when first-up in the Group 3 Vanity Stakes at the same track and trip last preparation, and she has replicated that result with a strong front-running performance on Saturday afternoon. Lane took his four-year-old mare straight to the front in horrible conditions and showed the rest of the field a clean pair of heels throughout the 1400m journey. As the field turned for home, Grinzinger Belle gave a massive kick and put up a big margin on the chasers, as Alsephina ($7.50) and See You In Heaven ($6.50) came out of the pack to chase the leader down. However, it was all in vain, as Lane kept the mare galloping along and she careered away to win by a massive four-length victory over See You In Heaven and Alsephina. 2024 Let’s Elope Stakes replay – Grinzinger Belle Danny O’Brien was ecstatic with the victory, and he spoke post-race. “Very happy,” O’Brien said. “She won The Vanity in the autumn first-up and we thought she was in similar order today tackling a deeper field. Very classy mares in that race today. “She always travelled well in the run but I didn’t think she’d open up and win like that. “Really pleased that she’s come back as well as she did. “She’s a good kiwi-bred who is by Shamexpress who we trained and is close to our hearts. She seemed to really appreciate it (conditions). “She really cuts out at the mile but we’d aim to be here on Derby Day for the mares Group 1.” Damian Lane was complimentary of his mare in his post-race interview. “She was very good. She’s a good fresh horse,” Lane explained. “First trial was so-so and then she trailled much better last time. “She took good improvement from that and she was cherry ripe for today. “It seems as though she’s been in the paddock with plenty of weather because she wanted to face towards it so I had to explain to her that you’re better off facing your bum to the hail. “Once she figured that out she handled it quite well. “She huddled up with a couple of others and it obviously didn’t affect her performance.” Horse racing news View the full article

Lady Shehandoah winning the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au First-up after a 112-day spell and a trip to Queensland, the Chris Waller-trained Lady Shenandoah ($5.00) has stormed over the top to break her maiden status in stylish fashion, claiming the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon. It turned out to be a masterstroke by Sydney’s leading trainer, with the three-year-old filly only needing one barrier trial leading into Saturday, proving far too classy for her rivals despite giving fitness to the well-supported favourite Mayfair ($4.80). The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained colt was happy to stride out and lead under Tim Clark, and the son of Fastnet Rock was brave throughout the 1400m journey, giving a bold kick in the home straight. Godolphin’s Snack Bar ($12.00) loomed large in the final 400m and appeared to be travelling best of those in behind, however, it was Jay Ford aboard Lady Shenandoah closing best, with 53kg on her back proving a vital difference in the concluding stages. 2024 Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality Replay – Lady Shenandoah The Snitzel filly couldn’t have been more impressive given she was only first-up into the campaign, and Chris Waller stable representative Charlie Duckworth couldn’t have been happier with the performance. “She is supremely talented,” said Duckworth. “She has probably marginally underperformed for what we expected in her two runs last preparation, purely down to racing on a soft six and heavy eight tracks. “Back on top of the surface today, she is a real talent. We just said to Jay (Ford), forget about the first half of the race because 1400-metres first-up was obviously going to be a bit of a question mark. “But she began so well, Jay had to land in the position he landed in. He was trying to be as soft as he could within the rules of racing, I think, but she had to dig deep in terms of her fitness levels late and there is plenty more to come.” Jay Ford was elated with the victory and suggested the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) would be in the realm of possibilities. “She’s high class, the stable gave me a very big push for her,” said Ford. “They said she’s quite a quality horse and she’d come back well and only had one trial. Straight to a 1400, had a lovely run rounding them up really nicely. “Got a little bit tired but wayward nonetheless but she’ll improve with more racing experience. She’s well on her way. Like you said for a maidener to come and break straight into black type augurs well for the path ahead she’s gonna take. “She’d be competitive in that (Flight Stakes)? I’d have to think so but you’d have to ask them. I’m just warming the seat for JMac but look she’s quality, whatever she contests, she’s gonna aim up to it for sure.” Lady Shenandoah is now on the third line of betting at $8.00 for the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) set to be run and won on October 5. Horse racing news View the full article

What Bathurst Cup Day Where Bathurst Thoroughbred Racing – 55 Eleven Mile Dr, Bathurst NSW 2795 When Sunday, September 15, 2024 First Race 1pm AEST Visit Dabble Country racing heads to Bathurst on Sunday afternoon, with a competitive eight-race program set for decision. The $50,000 Bathurst Cup (1800m) headlines the action, with Big Dance eligibility up for grabs. The rail sits in the true position the entire circuit, and with warm spring conditions forecast throughout the weekend, participants should be racing on a genuine Good 4 surface. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1pm AEST. Bathurst Cup Tip: Money From The Sky Money From The Sky looks perfectly placed in the Bathurst Cup after a terrific first-up effort at Rosehill on August 31. The son of Frankel lacked race-day fitness returning after a 238-day spell but never shirked the task, being produced from near-last turning for home to get within four lengths of Too Much Caviar. Stepping up to 1800m second-up should prove to be an ideal setup, and with a 4kg swing on his main rival, Money From The Sky should be able to turn the tables this time around. Bathurst Cup Race 7 – #3 Money From The Sky (3) 6yo Gelding | T: Sara Ryan | J: Benjamin Osmond (a1.5kg) (59kg) Bet with Neds Best Bet at Bathurst: News Bound News Bound demolished her rivals by five lengths debuting at Tamworth on January 25 and looks to be much better than country grade. The Rodney Northam barn elected to head straight to the paddock with the then three-year-old mare, and after 234 days off the scene, the daughter of Press Statement looks prepared for a first-up assault. Chelsea Hillier gets legged aboard once again, and with gate three allowing her to slot into the one-one throughout, News Bound should have no issues remaining undefeated. Best Bet Race 5 – #2 News Bound (3) 4yo Mare | T: Rodney Northam | J: Chelsea Hillier (58kg) Bet with Picklebet Next Best at Bathurst: Ellipsis Two strong barrier trials should have Ellipsis ready to fire on debut. Her most recent trial at Rosehill on September 5 particularly caught the eye, with the Bjorn Baker-trained filly roused along to get within a length of Gattodance. Andrew Adkins has every option available from stall two, and provided Ellipsis can replicate that trial form on race-day, watch for this filly to be rattling home to claim victory. Next Best Race 4 – #5 Ellipsis (2) 3yo Filly | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Andrew Adkins (55kg) Bet with Dabble Sunday quaddie tips for Bathurst Bathurst quadrella selections September 15, 2024 2 3-5-11 1-2-3-4 1-3-6-7-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

New Zealand import Firestorm (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) made a perfect start to her four-year-old season with a strong-finishing success in Saturday’s A$160,000 NSW Thoroughbred Breeders Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill. The Benchmark 78 event was the third win of a 14-race career for Firestorm, who had previously shown promise in feature age-group company on both sides of the Tasman. The daughter of Satono Aladdin began her career in the Cambridge stable of Paul Mirabelli, for whom she won on debut in January of 2023 before running sixth in the Gr.3 Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m), eighth in the Gr.3 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) and sixth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). In the latter event, she produced an eye-catching late finish to get within four lengths of the winner Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High). Subsequently sold into the all-conquering stable of Chris Waller, Firestorm won on the Kensington track in March and went on to finish fourth in the Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m), third in the Listed Princess Stakes (1600m), third in the Gr.3 Drinkwise Mile (1600m) and midfield in the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m). Waller gave Firestorm two trials leading into Saturday’s resuming run, and the bay mare produced a first-up performance that suggested there could be further black-type impact to come. Apprentice jockey Ben Osmond settled Firestorm near the back of a strung-out field down the back of the Rosehill track, then hooked her out to the outside to launch her run 300m from the finish. Firestorm changed gears and powered home out wide on the track, getting up to win by half a length from the fellow Kiwi-bred mare Chica Mojito (NZ) (Zacinto). The third-placed Mare Of Mt Buller (Dundeel) completed a remarkable trifecta for Waller, with all of that trio being four-year-old mares who competed in Queensland as winter three-year-olds. “It’s a terrific result,” Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said. “The horses have all run right up to their merits. “The winner was really good. We might have ended up a bit further back than we would have liked, but she really rallied late. “I’m delighted for the owners, the Ritchies. They’ve invested quite heavily in our stable and haven’t had the best of luck, particularly with this filly. She had a chequered path into the Queensland Oaks, which was the race we bought her for. She was either drawn too wide or balloted out of various lead-up races, so she missed out on having a full crack at Group One level in that race. She seems to have come back very well as a four-year-old, so hopefully she can go on to measure up in black-type company this season.” Firestorm was bred and originally owned by Carl Ferguson. She is one of three winners from five foals to race out of the Istidaad mare Dancing Embers (NZ), who herself won three races and placed in the Listed Metropolitan Trophy (2500m) at Riccarton. View the full article

A hard-fought victory by Raziah (NZ) (Niagara0 in Saturday’s Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton Park provided trainer Tony Pike and jockey Matt Cartwright with a second feature three-year-old success within the space of a week. Pike and Cartwright teamed up seven days earlier at Hastings to take out the Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) with all-the-way winner Poetic Champion (NZ) (Super Seth). Saturday’s Canterbury Belle brought a different style of win by Raziah, but it was a similar story of impressive development between the ages of two and three. Pike sent Raziah to the South Island this spring as a maiden, but the Niagara filly had placed in two of her three starts including the Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m) at Wanganui in June. Raziah had also shown promising signs with a stylish win in a 950m trial at Cambridge on August 30. Raziah was sent out as a respected $8.40 third favourite in Saturday’s Canterbury Belle Stakes, and she took her promising career up a notch with a valuable black-type win. Cartwright rode Raziah patiently through the first half of the race and settled fourth-last before beginning to build momentum as the field left Riccarton’s 1200m chute and joined the course proper. Raziah had moved up to fourth by the top of the home straight, looming on the outside of Great Time (NZ) (Time Test), The Victress (Zousain) and Lavender Haze (Dubious). Cartwright drove Raziah home over the top of that trio. The talented filly surged to the front, then turned back a late challenge from Dream Of The Moon (All Too Hard) to score by half a neck. Bred and raced by The Oaks Stud, Raziah has now had four starts for a win and two placings, banking $67,950. “She’s a very genuine filly who’s obviously improved a lot from two to three,” Pike said. “She just had a bit of a short run-up to be taking on the good three-year-olds up at home at this stage of the spring. It’s a nice progression for her down here, and she’ll only get better as she gets up over further as well. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season with her. “Matt’s riding really well. We’ve formed a great relationship with him since he came across from Australia. He gave this filly a peach of a ride today, tracking behind the speed and getting her out at the right time.” Raziah became the third black-type winner in New Zealand for Cartwright, who rode a feature double at Hastings last Saturday. Barely two hours after his Listed win with Poetic Champion, he landed a breakthrough Group One victory aboard Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj) in the Tarzino Trophy (1400m). “It’s been a beautiful week,” Cartwright said. “This filly was the main reason I came down here today. I thought she’d trialled up very well. “Tony has done a great job with her. She wasn’t sharp early in the race, but she was really good late, so I think getting up in distance will suit her. “She’s a nice filly. She’s put away a nice enough field today, so she should take confidence from that and go on with it.” The TAB now rates Raziah a $10 chance for the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 16. She shares third favouritism with Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel), while the market is headed by Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) ($3) and Captured By Love (Written Tycoon) ($4.50). Raziah became the fifth individual stakes winner for Niagara, who stands at Hau Ora Farm for a service fee of $2,500. The dam of Raziah is Justa Secret (NZ) (Sakhee’s Secret), who is a full-sister to the dam of last season’s Group One-performed three-year-old Antrim Coast (NZ) (Roc De Cambes). Second dam Keepa Cruisin (NZ) (Keeper) herself won the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) in the blue and white colours of The Oaks Stud, and she is a half-sister to the stud’s champion mare Seachange (NZ) (Cape Cross). View the full article

Trainer Pat Keegan was a happy man after pulling the right rein with his gritty gelding Flaneur (NZ) (Highly Recommended) at New Plymouth on Saturday. Keegan, who prepares the five-year-old son of Highly Recommended as one of his three-strong team at Hawera, had pretty much convinced himself to scratch his charge with rain pouring down before the first event on the card making the track extremely heavy for racing. Having second-guessed himself in the past he took the plunge and left the horse in the race, which proved a masterstroke as Flaneur showed plenty of resilience to prevail in a titanic four-way struggle with The Letter (NZ) (Wrote), Our Lady Brooke (NZ) (Derryn) and Who’s Complainin (NZ) (Complacent). Keegan wore a beaming smile as he waited for his charge to make his way back to the winners’ circle after the race. “He did the job for us in the end as I nearly scratched him on the way here,” Keegan said.” “I’ve done that before and they have turned around and won so it worked again today.” Rider Kevin Kalychurun had been aboard for the maiden win by Flaneur on his home track at Hawera in late July and admitted he was surprised by how well Flaneur handled the testing ground.. “It’s pretty horrible out there and I wasn’t confident as last time on a track like this he didn’t show much,” he said. “Today I think the blinkers on got him worked up a bit in the gates but he got up handy early on. “Rounding the home turn everybody seemed to be going out wide and I thought I would just stay where we were and he got a dream run. “Thanks to Pat Keegan as he has always been loyal to me and it is always good to ride winners for small trainers like that.” Bred by Cambridge Stud couple Brendon and Jo Lindsay, Flaneur is out of their Zabeel mare Zaviera (NZ) who won two races before being retired to the broodmares paddock. He comes from an extended family that includes multiple Australian stakes winner Alverta (Flying Spur) along with Singapore Guineas (1600m) winner Revolte (French Deputy). Only three races on the eight-race card were completed before the effects of the heavy rain saw the meeting abandoned with surface water restricting the visibility of both horse and rider over many sections of the track. – Trackside.co.nz View the full article

Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) was among the leading two-year-old fillies in New Zealand last season, and she showed in Saturday’s A$175,000 Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes (1100m) at Flemington that she has the class to compete on Melbourne’s spring carnival stage. The Cap D’Antibes Stakes was only the second Victorian start for Bellatrix Star, who had kicked off with a late-finishing fifth in the Gr.3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on August 17. As a two-year-old, she won on debut at Wanganui and later added the Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day. The Star Witness filly also finished second in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m) and fourth in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m). “It’s good to see her frank her form with this win today,” trainer Mark Walker said. “She was one of our better two-year-olds in New Zealand last season, and it is encouraging to see that they can measure up in Australia.” Expat Kiwi jockey Michael Dee rode a patient race on Bellatrix Star on Saturday and settled her in fourth-last among a talented field of 13. Bellatrix Star appeared to be travelling well coming into the final 300m, and when Dee pushed the button, she quickened smartly to sprint past Bold Bastille (Brazen Beau) and win by a length and a quarter. “It unfolded perfectly for us,” Dee said. “She’s a horse that naturally gets back anyway. She does have a short sprint, so I was quite happy when the field spread apart in front of me. We were able to work up just behind the leaders doing no work. “Her sprint was great, and the other asset to her is she loves a wet track, so we were quietly confident that she’d be fit enough and comfortable on that surface today. She’s proven that to be right.” Walker identified the Gr.3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on September 27 as Bellatrix Star’s likely next target. “We took her to Moonee Valley one morning to give her a look around that track with the Scarbrough Stakes in mind,” he said. Raced by John Galvin’s Fortuna Racing, Bellatrix Star has now earned A$310,757 from a seven-start career that has produced three wins and two placings. Bellatrix Star was offered by Phoenix Park in Book 1 of Karaka 2023, where she was bought for $80,000 by Fortuna Racing in partnership with Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis. – View the full article

Local trainer Andrew Carston was both relieved and excited for the rest of the spring after Jon Ol Rocco (NZ) (Time Test) returned to winning form in Saturday’s Martin Collins New Zealand Cup Trial (1800m) at Riccarton Park. The Time Test gelding was one of the brightest prospects in the South Island around this time last year, winning three of his first six starts last season including a dead-heat for first in the Timaru Cup (1600m) in December. Carston took a shot at big money in the North Island in January, taking on the inaugural $350,000 The Oaks Stud Remutaka Classic (2100m) at Trentham. Lumbered with a testing topweight of 61kg, Jon Ol Rocco finished 10th but less than five lengths from the winner. Jon Ol Rocco’s remaining starts last season brought a second in the Marlborough Cup (2000m), a third in an open 1400m handicap and a failure in unsuitable Heavy8 ground in the $350,000 TAB Southern Alps Challenge (1600m). The five-year-old ran an encouraging sixth first-up over 1600m on August 31, setting him up for Saturday’s welcome return to the winners’ circle. Jon Ol Rocco and jockey Kylie Williams took up a position in fourth on Saturday as the front-running Fellini (NZ) (Belardo) set only a sedate pace. Williams got Jon Ol Rocco away from the fence coming down the side of the track, and by the point of the home turn, he was looming ominously on the outside of Fellini. The leader still had plenty to offer and fought back bravely through a head-bobbing final 400m, but Jon Ol Rocco dug deep, gradually got the upper hand and won by a half-head. “It’s good to have some nice horses coming back for the spring, and he’s right at the top of the list,” Carston said. “The horse on the inside fought well, but he’s a pretty handy horse and I’m relieved to have him back on track. “I gave his first-up run a pass mark, but I really wanted to see a performance like this from him today. Very happy with that, and now we’ll go home and have a think about what we do next.” Jon Ol Rocco was a $40,000 purchase from Jamieson Park’s Book 1 draft at Karaka 2021. His 16-start career has produced five wins, five placings and $157,350. Carston has nominated Jon Ol Rocco for the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings on October 12, as well as the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) on his home track in November. “We’ve got options both up north and closer to home, so we’ll work out a plan over the next few days,” Carston said. Williams has now recorded two wins and two placings from seven rides on Jon Ol Rocco. “It didn’t go to plan early in the race, being on the rail and having the brakes go on,” she said. “But he was happy once I got him out and he started to roll forward. He pinned his ears back in the straight and wanted to get the win. He might have come to the end of it a little bit in the last 50m, so he’ll take good improvement from this as well. “He’s definitely an exciting horse. Once he gets his manners sorted and races a bit kinder, he’ll go a long way.” View the full article

Next month’s Gr.1 Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) is looming large on the horizon for Unusual Legacy (NZ) (Unusual Suspect), who enhanced his growing reputation with an outstanding last-to-first performance in Saturday’s A$160,000 Chandon Handicap (1800m) at Rosehill. The Benchmark 88 handicap was the fifth win from only an eight-start career for Unusual Legacy, who has earned A$252,945. Trainer Chris Waller shares ownership with his wife Stephanie, along with long-term stable clients the Muollo family. Unusual Legacy kicked off his five-year-old season with a strong finish for third over 1500m at Rosehill on August 31. The step up to 1800m was expected to be ideal for the Kiwi-bred gelding, who was sent out as a $2.20 favourite on Saturday and produced a performance to match. Initially caught out wide after jumping from the extreme outside gate, Unusual Legacy was eased back to the tail of the field by jockey Kerrin McEvoy and was a long way from the leaders coming up to the home turn. But McEvoy brought him to the outside and began to move him through his gears in the straight, and Unusual Legacy lengthened stride stylishly and bounded past the leaders to score by just under a length. “He’s a really classy individual,” Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said. “He’s obviously owned by Tony Muollo and his family, along with Chris himself and his wife. Tony was one of the very first owners Chris had when he came to Sydney, so this means a lot to the Waller family as well as the Muollos. “The horse is building a fantastic record. We’re basically working backwards from the Metropolitan, so that’s the big target. Stepping up to 1800m today was always going to be a step in the right direction. “He quickened up and did a seriously good job picking up that leader down the straight, because he might have got a bit further back than we’d have liked. “He’s a horse that has definitely needed time. He’s still big and raw and will only get bigger and stronger. He’ll fill out his frame over the next year, basically. “He’s certainly got an engine. Who knows where the limit is? He stays very well and has a bright future.” The Metropolitan Handicap will be run at Randwick on October 5. Waller has also nominated Unusual Legacy for the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 19 and the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 5. Saturday’s performance made a good impression on McEvoy, who has now guided him to two wins from two rides. “He’s a nice, big horse,” McEvoy said. “He had to do a good job today, giving them a start. “I would have preferred to be in front of a couple of horses, but I had to take the medicine and settle last. He hit the line very well. “We were a long way off them straightening up, but he showed a good change of gears. He really did power and quicken to the line.” Unusual Legacy was bred by Letham Stud and is by the Wanganui nursery’s high-strike-rate stallion Unusual Suspect. From just 71 runners, Unusual Suspect has sired 43 winners headed by Listed winner Unusual Countess (NZ) and the multiple Group placegetter Unusual Culture (NZ). The dam of Unusual Legacy is the winning O’Reilly mare Celtic Legacy (NZ), who has produced four winners from six foals to race. Unusual Legacy won on debut at Otaki last November for Marton trainer Fraser Auret before being bought privately by his new connections. View the full article

Sunshine In Paris winning the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au The Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained Sunshine In Paris ($3.90) has made it back-to-back wins in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, all but assuring herself a slot in the $20 million Everest (1200m). The daughter of Invader returned first-up after a 147-day spell on Saturday, and although she was giving race-day fitness away to most of her rivals, including the short-priced favourite Joliestar ($1.80), it simply didn’t matter. The classy five-year-old was dragged back towards mid-field under Tommy Berry, bidding his time in behind a hot tempo courtesy of New Zealand import Belclare ($16.00). Makarena ($5.00) was well-supported prior to the jump and was given every chance slotting onto the back of the leader, while Mumbai Muse ($18.00) was the first to make strong inroads turning for home. Mumbai Muse hit the front with 200m left to travel, but Sunshine In Paris let down with a blistering turn of foot to claim victory, while Joliestar was left a shade flat-footed second-up. It was all honours to the winner considering the setup on Saturday, and now it’s full steam ahead towards the Everest in five weeks’ time as co-trainer Annabel Neasham confirmed post-race while praising the team’s consistent mare. “You looked at her and you went you’re going to take some improvement today but my goodness gracious. That’s a statement. She’s back in business,” said Neasham. “I knew she was never going to be pick of the yard today but to do that today first up. She’s probably not quite as wound up as I had her in the Sheraco 12 months ago because we needed a slot then but we’ve got one this year so we’ve just managed to go really slowly with her this preparation and we thought this would just be perfect. “She goes so well fresh but we thought we’d run her here and then probably straight to the Everest in five weeks and that was a pretty good performance.” “I’d like to just go straight there because she does go so well fresh, that was always the plan last year as well. So see how she comes through, we’ve got a bit of time up our sleeve.” Tommy Berry gave her a glowing endorsement post-race as well, suggesting there’s more to come from Sunshine In Paris. “I’m not sure if I’m smiling about today or what’s to come with her,” said Berry. “You saw in the yard, she has just got so much improvement when it comes to her coat. I couldn’t hide my excitement after I galloped her last Saturday. She just put in one of those bits of work where you get goosebumps. “She was the meat in the sandwich today. She was in the middle, she was taking Joliestar into the race and when I first let down I thought, well she can’t beat me because they don’t go any quicker than what I’m going. I just had to pick up Mumbai Muse, who I know very well and who is very tough. “But it was like a target was put on her and she ran in towards her, she copped a smack over the head at the 100. She was just terrific.” Sunshine In Paris is now on third line of betting at $8.00 with horse racing bookmakers for the Everest (1200m) on October 19. Horse racing news View the full article

What Seymour Races Where Seymour Racing Club – 55 Kobyboyn Rd, Seymour VIC 3660 When Sunday, September 14, 2024 First Race 1:40pm AEST Visit Dabble The Seymour Racing Club is the destination for a competitive eight-race meeting on Sunday afternoon. Clear skies are forecast throughout the day, and with the track already a Good 4, it should be in pristine condition. The rail comes out 7m for the entire circuit, with the action commencing at 1:40pm AEST. Best Bet at Seymour: Tochka Tochka was a class above when saluting on debut at Warracknabeal on August 31. The Russian Revolution progeny draws barrier five, which should suit her perfectly after leading throughout first-up. Jarrod Fry will look to find the rail and dictate terms over the 1000m, and with a repeat of what she put forward at Warracknabeal, Tochka should be winning again. Best Bet Race 8 – #11 Tochka (5) 3yo Filly | T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | J: Jarrod Fry (57kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best at Seymour: Dhanush Dhanush seemed to struggled over 2100m at Benalla last time out, as he got too far back struggled to sustain a long run. However, the gelding’s effort the start prior over 1610m at Warracknabeal suggests the Seymour mile will be perfect for him. As long as Liam Riordan has him in striking distance on the home turn, Dhanush should prove too strong late. Next Best Race 4 – #1 Dhanush (14) 4yo Gelding | T: Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin | J: Liam Riordan (59.5kg) Bet with PlayUp Next Best Again at Seymour: Superior Zara Superior Zara has been racing in fine form, and in arguably tougher races than this. The four-year-old mare was left a little flat-footed when going down by two lengths behind Freak Of Nature at Sandown last time out, but that followed a sharp sprinting performance at Bendigo. Anything resembling that run two starts back should be more than enough to get the job done. Next Best Again Race 6 – #12 Superior Zara (13) 4yo Mare | T: Simon Zahra | J: Jordan Childs (58kg) Bet with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Seymour Seymour quadrella selections Sunday, September 15, 2024 1-4-6-7 5-7-9-12 2-4-5-8-12 4-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Point King (inside) ridden by Jamie Kah, wins the Archer Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) The famous colours of Team Williams will be represented on at least one runner in the 2024 Melbourne Cup, thanks to Point King’s tough victory in the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday. The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained gelding returned with a dominant victory over 2040m at Moonee Valley first-up, and even though he won again, this victory was nothing like the last. Jamie Kah, who piloted the son of Zoffany first-up, gave her mount every chance from barrier four as she allowed him to settle behind the leading duo of Good Oil ($71) and Dashing Duchess ($9). As the leader began to slow and fall back through the pack, Kah worked off their backs and cruised into the home straight before shaking the eventual winner up as Hit The Road Jack ($18) challenged for the lead. With the likes of Berkshire Breeze ($3.40) and Horrifying ($7) finishing off with their runs down the outside, Point King ($4.80) and Hit The Road Jack continued to grind away and fight out the finish. To the winners credit, he never let the runner-up go past him, and he kicked late to record a tough win to book his spot in the race that stops the nation on November 5. 2024 Archer Stakes replay – Point King Representing the ownership group, Nick Ryan spoke post-race about the win. “It was a good win. Jamie gave him a great ride,” Williams said. “She’s in good form, Jamie. I thought once he got to the front he looked to idle a bit to me. “He’s done a good job there and stepping up from 2000-metres at Moonee Valley, it is a solid 2500-metres at Flemington and to do that today, in a genuinely run race in the conditions, I thought he did a good job. “He’s a horse we like. “He’s still on the up and he’s lightly raced. “He put four in-a-row together over there at lower grade and up to listed level. Any horse that wins four in-a-row at any level is a good horse. “Probably better on top of the ground.” Following the race, Jamie Kah was very happy with the win. “I was exactly where I wanted to be,” Kah said. “Last start it was a blessing because he was a bit slow away. “He’s a real thinker, this horse and I think with horses in front of him to chase down it really sparks him up. “He’s got the class. He’s a very classy animal. “When he gets around these horses it really sparks him up. “He’s got all the talent in the world but he’s a real thinker. Once he sorts his brain out he’ll be right in the race.” Point King is rated a $21 chance in Melbourne Cup futures markets with top horse racing bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article

Jon Ol Rocco fighting to win Saturday’s New Zealand Cup Trial (1800m). Photo: Ajay Berry Local trainer Andrew Carston was both relieved and excited for the rest of the spring after Jon Ol Rocco returned to winning form in Saturday’s New Zealand Cup Trial (1800m) at Riccarton Park. The Time Test gelding was one of the brightest prospects in the South Island around this time last year, winning three of his first six starts last season including a dead-heat for first in the Timaru Cup (1600m) in December. Carston took a shot at big money in the North Island in January, taking on the inaugural $350,000 The Oaks Stud Remutaka Classic (2100m) at Trentham. Lumbered with a testing topweight of 61kg, Jon Ol Rocco finished 10th but less than five lengths from the winner. Jon Ol Rocco’s remaining starts last season brought a second in the Marlborough Cup (2000m), a third in an open 1400m handicap and a failure in unsuitable Heavy 8 ground in the $350,000 Southern Alps Challenge (1600m). The five-year-old ran an encouraging sixth first-up over 1600m on August 31, setting him up for Saturday’s welcome return to the winners’ circle. Jon Ol Rocco and jockey Kylie Williams took up a position in fourth on Saturday as the front-running Fellini set only a sedate pace. Williams got Jon Ol Rocco away from the fence coming down the side of the track, and by the point of the home turn, he was looming ominously on the outside of Fellini. The leader still had plenty to offer and fought back bravely through a head-bobbing final 400m, but Jon Ol Rocco dug deep, gradually got the upper hand and won by a half-head. “It’s good to have some nice horses coming back for the spring, and he’s right at the top of the list,” Carston said. “The horse on the inside fought well, but he’s a pretty handy horse and I’m relieved to have him back on track. “I gave his first-up run a pass mark, but I really wanted to see a performance like this from him today. Very happy with that, and now we’ll go home and have a think about what we do next.” Jon Ol Rocco was a $40,000 purchase from Jamieson Park’s Book 1 draft at Karaka 2021. His 16-start career has produced five wins, five placings and $157,350. Carston has nominated Jon Ol Rocco for the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings on October 12, as well as the Group 3 TAB Mile (1600m) on his home track in November. “We’ve got options both up north and closer to home, so we’ll work out a plan over the next few days,” Carston said. Williams has now recorded two wins and two placings from seven rides on Jon Ol Rocco. “It didn’t go to plan early in the race, being on the rail and having the brakes go on,” she said. “But he was happy once I got him out and he started to roll forward. He pinned his ears back in the straight and wanted to get the win. He might have come to the end of it a little bit in the last 50m, so he’ll take good improvement from this as well. “He’s definitely an exciting horse. Once he gets his manners sorted and races a bit kinder, he’ll go a long way.” Horse racing news View the full article

Multiple Group One winner Sharp ‘N’ Smart. Photo: Trish Dunell Co-trainer Graeme Rogerson is looking forward to stable star Sharp N Smart taking the second step on a journey to the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) in November when he steps out at Te Rapa on Sunday. Rogerson, who prepares the son of Redwood in partnership with wife Debbie, has found it hard to keep his enthusiasm in check this season as the former Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) winner has provided plenty of signals that he is back to the form that saw him claim Group One victories in both New Zealand and across the Tasman during his three-year-old season. A somewhat disappointing four-year-old campaign signalled to Team Rogerson that not all was right with the horse and he was put aside for a decent break after finishing towards the rear in the Group 1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie in March. An eye-catching trial at Sunday’s venue early last month preceded a campaign opener in the Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) where he finished near last but put a massive flashing red light on his head as he smoked home over the final 300m after being tailed off by more than six lengths behind the main pack rounding the home bend. Rogerson had a smile on his face that day and it hasn’t left in the intervening five weeks. “His run in the Foxbridge was tremendous and his last furlong that day was just amazing,” Rogerson said. “He was a pretty sick horse during his four-year-old prep and we never saw anywhere near the best of him. “This time in he has given us plenty of signals he has shaken all that off and he is ready to climb back to the top this spring. “He has a hell of a weight tomorrow (63.5kgs) with no claim, but in saying that I think he could still win if we get a dry track. “I think it’s a Soft 7 at the moment but if the rain holds off and we keep getting the wind that track will dry out pretty quick. “If he did happen to win that would be the end of him in handicap races here though as he would be weighted completely out of it.” While Rogerson has his attention on the immediate task at hand, he and his wife have mapped out a clear plan for the Melbourne venture. “He may have one more in New Zealand but he could also go straight to Melbourne as well,” he said. “The handicapper has told us he is fully qualified for the Melbourne Cup and we are just waiting now to see what sort of weight he gets allocated. “He is also in the Caulfield Cup (Group 1, 2400m) but he needs to qualify for that, which we will do in one of the lead-up races. “It’s exciting to be heading over there with a horse like him as we know he can compete at that level.” Horse racing news View the full article