Wandering Eyes

By Michael Guerin Trainer Steven Reid has no concerns handing the reins on his stable star to a junior driver who has never sat behind her at Alexandra Park tonight. The Pukekohe trainer has managed to sneak his Group 1 winning filly Coastal Babe into the Hydroflow Mobile Pace tonight by using claiming junior driver Taitlyn Hanara, whose claim means the Rating 69 filly gets into the up to Rating 65 race. Coastal Babe will still have to start from the outside of the seven horses in the 2200m mobile but if she races up to her last start form that probably won’t matter, even though regular driver Matty White will be replaced by Hanara. “I am happy to have Taitlyn on and I am sure she will be fine,” says Reid. “She has plenty of experience and she has worked for Tony (Herlihy) so she has been taught how to drive properly. “I haven’t even bothered getting her across to have a trackwork drive on her (Coastal Babe) because she is a pretty straight forward filly with no idiosyncrasies.” Reid says Coastal Babe has thrived since he changed her diet and work programme because she was struggling with tying-up issues. “I jog her a lot less and she does more short, sharp work to stop her tying up and she is loving it. “That and I have taken oats out of her feed.” Hanara will have two options tonight, with Coastal Babe having the gate speed to go forward and control the race but she was also very strong to the line last start when White opted to be passive early, attack mid-race and her respect saw her secure the lead and win easily. With a fair bit of gate speed inside her tonight the second tactic may pay an easier dividend. Reid also has two maidens in Race 2 (the TAB Golden Gait Loyalty Programme Mobile Pace) tonight and thinks it is the ideal race for Shake A Leg. The three-year-old has run seven seconds and three thirds in 10 starts but the ace draw tonight should ensure he doesn’t has to leave the marker pegs and he is the master of his own destiny. “It is quite a nice field but he worked really well on Tuesday and I think he is getting better,” explains Reid. “So this really is his chance. I know it sounds funny saying that about a horse who runs second all the time but he is working like he can win.” Reid also has debutante Bazooka in the same race and says the big son of Bettors Delight has plenty to learn and is not as forward as his stablemate but is one to follow in a start or two. View the full article

By Brigette Solomon Having recently joined Graeme Rogerson’s Hamilton stables, James Stormont will link up with three good each way chances at Alexandra Park tonight. Stormont returned north after a brief stint in Canterbury and joins the Rogerson Racing Team following Dylan Ferguson’s decision to go out on his own. “We’re very happy to have James on board, he’s a great bloke and he brings a great level of experience to our young team of horses,” says Rogerson. “The four runners tonight are all lovely horses and I think they should all do a good job tonight. Wicked Wanda, driven by Stormont, is first up for the stable in Race 1, the Welcome to “Friday Night Lights” at Alex Park Mobile Pace over 2200 metres. “She’s a pretty handy sort of a mare and there’s a great bunch of owners in the Woodlands Syndicate that race her,” says Rogerson, “starting from eight makes it a bit tricky but I think she’s a good chance.” Currently a $3 favourite, the Sweet Lou four-year-old mare has shown ample ability with three wins and multiple placings including finishing third in the Group 2 Ladyship Stakes won by Millwood Nike early last year. Although unplaced, her last race day appearance back in December was in the Group 1 New Zealand Pacing Oaks. Wicked Wanda heads into the race with two preparatory workouts at Cambridge including a win over Blazing Louie on July 6. In Race 4, the Breckon Farms Mobile Pace, the stable start the ever consistent Seaclusion ($4.20FF). The four-year-old mare has finished in the placings in her six starts this campaign, including a last start third at Alexandra Park with a strong run home late in the piece to finish just 1.75 lengths from the winner Hawkeye Pierce. “She’s certainly got ability and we’ve changed some gear tonight but starts from a bad gate which isn’t ideal, although she does have some gate speed,” says Rogerson, “she’s had some runs against some good horses in her recent starts and never finished far off them.” Rogerson’s final two starters are Gaz Man and Shez Bella ($3.80FF), driven by Benjamin Butcher and Stormont respectively. The pair contest Race 5, the Happy Birthday Stacey Handicap Trot over 2700 metres. Gaz Man last raced in January and heads into tonight’s race without a workout, however he has won in a fresh state on previous occasions, and twice at this course and distance. He starts tonight off the front line. “Gaz Man is a handy enough horse and we’ll just let him do his own thing tonight,” says Rogerson, “Shez Bella is all class and the boys at the stables have done a great job with her.” “She’s still putting it all together and will need luck tonight, but I think she’ll eventually be a top grade trotter.” Shez Bella is a last start winner scoring a comfortable victory over 2200 metres on June 27 at Auckland. Driven by Zachary Butcher on that occasion, the mare settled back in running from her 20-metre handicap, taking one run at them late to easily run by the field. She starts tonight’s race on the unruly and off a 10 metre handicap. “I won’t be there tonight as I’ve recently had a triple bypass so I’m very much a couch critic at the moment,” says Rogerson “but I’m very happy with the job the staff at the stables are doing with the horses and it’s been great watching the races with Entain doing a great job at lifting the game.” Meanwhile Stormont is looking forward to his new role at Rogerson’s. “It’s good to be back in the north and the crew at Rogerson’s have been great at welcoming me in,” says Stormont, “there are some beautifully bred horses here and I’m looking forward to working with them.” “I’ve brought just one horse back with me and I’ll be looking to get another couple to make the most of the new racing programme and opportunities here in the north.” Race one gets underway tonight at 6.07pm. View the full article

The Iowa Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association and the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority are working toward an agreement that would satisfy both sides' concerns about horsemen's share of Iowa's assessment fee. View the full article

Trainer Derek Ryan is weighing options for his New Jersey-bred grade 1 winner Book'em Danno as he plots a course to the $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (G1) at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 24.View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — It's a tossup as to what is the biggest sporting event this weekend for trainer Jeremiah Englehart. The choices are these: the $175,000 GIII Sanford Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday or the Vermont Lacrosse Classic two and a half hours away in the town of Essex. Come again? Englehart will do double duty because three of his five kids are in the lacrosse travel tournament. He wont miss that. And he can't be absent from the Spa because he has to to saddle Mo Plex (Complexity) in the first 2-year-old stakes race of the Saratoga season. Englehart will leave Saratoga Friday night for Vermont where 12-year-old twins CJ and Anna and 10-year-old Eli are taking part in the lacrosse tournament. It starts on Saturday morning. After taking in the early games, Englehart will get back in the car and point it back to Saratoga for the race. Then, it's a return to the Green Mountain State Saturday night for more lacrosse on Sunday. “My parents were always there for me and my siblings,” Englehart said outside his barn at Saratoga Thursday morning. “I have always said my wife (Robin) and I will be there for my kids.” The whole family–Raelyn, who will be a freshman in high school this fall and 8-year-old Jax round it out–will be making the trip to Vermont. Englehart will be solo on the trip to Saratoga and back. “If we win (the Sanford), the drive will feel like it's five minutes,” Englehart said. Mo Plex, owned by R and H Stable, won his debut by 10 lengths under Irad Ortiz Jr. on June 20 at Aqueduct. Englehart could have waited for the $200,000 Funny Cide Stakes for New York-breds on Aug. 25, but he decided Mo Plex deserved a shot against open company. “We thought this was the right step,” he said. “Coming out of the first race, he was doing well enough where we thought it would be worth giving him a shot in the Sanford. One thing he showed me is that he doesn't care about anything. He just goes out and does what you ask him to do.” The Sanford drew a field of eight; Mo Plex is 6-1 on the morning line and drew post position eight. Ortiz returns for the ride. “This will be definitely a big test for him and, hopefully, he is up to it,” Englehart said. Pretty sure he was talking about the horse and not his kids chances in the lacrosse festival in Vermont. Travers Still In Play For Mystik Dan, But McPeek Thinking About Other Options Sure, there is a chance that GI Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan (Goldencents) could run at Saratoga on Travers Day. But that doesn't mean he will run in the GI Travers Stakes. Trainer Kenny McPeek said he will be in no hurry to run decide what is next for Mystik Dan, who was second in the GI Preakness Stakes and eighth in the GI Belmont Stakes. “It's not out of the question that he would be nominated for the [GI] Allen Jerkens [on Travers Day],” McPeek said at his office at Saratoga Thursday morning. “It's kind of a different angle because he is that fast.” Mystik Dan is at McPeek's barn at Churchill Downs and will be there for a while. After the Belmont, the horse had a “light” lung infection and it is now clear according to McPeek. McPeek said Mystik Dan needs another three weeks of galloping before getting ready to breeze. The trainer said he will be under absolutely no pressure to get him ready for the Travers on Aug. 24. “If I have to rush to make the Travers, I'm not going to do it,” he said. “It's not out of the question that he would not run until the [GI] Pennsylvania Derby [on Sept. 21 at Parx]. If he doesn't go in the Travers, it leaves it open for her.” 'Her' is 3-year-old filly Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), who has dominated her division with three wins in as many starts this year. The last two were lopsided victories in the GI Kentucky Oaks and GI Acorn Stakes. The next start for the 'TDN Rising Star' is expected to be the GI Coaching Club American Oaks at 1 1/8 miles on July 20 at Saratoga. She is scheduled to work Saturday morning on the Oklahoma Training Track. “Let's see how she performs in the Coaching Club Oaks,” McPeek said. “I will cross-nominate her to the Travers and [GI] Alabama [Stakes versus fillies] and see how the Travers is coming up and how the Alabama is coming up.” Former Canadian Horse Of The Year Taking Her Shot in Diana Only twice in her 13-race career has 2022 Canadian Horse of the Year Moira (Ghostzapper) left the Great White North to run in the United States. She'll make her third trip this weekend to compete in the $500,000 GI Diana Stakes at Saratoga on Saturday. “I would not be shipping there if I didn't think she would run well,” trainer Kevin Attard said by phone from his base at Woodbine Thursday. “She is a filly who deserves this opportunity.” Moira, now five, only left Canada to run twice in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf. She was fifth in 2022 and third last year. The Diana will be her first start since a troubled trip in the Breeders' Cup effort at Santa Anita last November. She will be ridden by Tyler Gaffalione for the first time in the Diana, which will be run at 1 1/8 miles on the inner turf course. Moira is 5-1 on the morning line. Among the nine foes she will be facing are the Chad Brown quintet of Coppice (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Gina Romantica (Into Mischief) defending champion Whitebeam (GB) (Caravaggio), Fluffy Socks (Slumber {GB}) and Chili Flag (Fr) (Cityscape {GB}). “There is no doubt that this is a tough race, but we are bringing a tough horse with us,” Attard said. “The only drawback is the long layoff but she has run well off layoffs before and there is no reason for me to think she won't run well on Saturday.” Moira has won five of 13 career start. Her last win came in the GII Canadian Stakes at Woodbine on Sept. 9, the only other time she ran at 1 1/8 miles. She won by 6 1/4 lengths. She had one win in six starts last year but was on the board in her five other starts. During her Horse of the Year season, Moira beat the boys by seven lengths in the Queens Plate. Atttard said the last Saratoga win he had was with Starship Jubilee (Indy Wind), who won the GII Ballston Spa Stakes in 2020. Attard wasn't here because of travel restrictions during the COVID pandemic. He said he can't remember the last time he was here. He'll be here Saturday. “It's been a long, long time,” Attard said. “It's a great place, an historic track and the atmosphere you just can't even explain. I'm looking forward to it. And I don't feel any pressure. It's all on her. She is the one running.” The post Saratoga Notebook Presented By NYRA Bets: It’s Going To Be A Long Weekend For Mo Plex Trainer Englehart appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — Missing from action for two months, but certainly not forgotten, beaten GI Kentucky Derby favorite and 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) is ready to make his comeback. Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher said the Repole Stable homebred is set to resume competition in the GI Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park on July 20 with stablemates Mindframe (Constitution) and Tuscan Sky (Vino Rosso). Mindframe is making his first start since finishing second in the GI Belmont Stakes on June 8. Tuscan Sky won the Pegasus Stakes on June 15 at Monmouth by 6 3/4 lengths. Fierceness has not been seen since the Derby on May 4. The next step for all three will be considered after they work Saturday morning. “We're wanting to see how they continue to train,” Pletcher said. “We're pleased with all three of them. Obviously, the upcoming breeze is going to be important to make some final decisions.” Fierceness clinched the 2-year-old male Eclipse Award with his 6 1/4-length triumph in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile and his record 13 1/2-length victory in the GI Curlin Florida Derby made him the 3-1 favorite in the 150th Run for the Roses. He ended up 15th in the Derby, beaten a couple of dozen lengths. After the Derby disappointment, Pletcher and owner Mike Repole decided to go slowly with Fierceness. He has had five breezes at Saratoga and Pletcher said the colt is doing well. “I think physically he's more mature. I think he's put on some weight,” Pletcher said. “Mentally, he's always been so laid back, I don't notice any change there. We accomplished what we wanted, which was to put some weight back on and get him back to this physical best.” Fierceness's past performances show that he has been inconsistent with losses in the GI Champagne Stakes, GIII Holy Bull Stakes and the Derby. Pletcher noted that he has managed to find trouble and that possibly the timing of his races may have contributed to the uneven results in his career. “To me, he's had two off races, in the Derby and the Champagne,” Pletcher said. “I think the Holy Bull, maybe is people are being a little harsh on him. He was third the first time out after the Breeders' Cup and he had a really rough, rough trip going into the first turn that day. I don't think that race was as bad. “Everyone says, 'Oh, he runs one good race and then he runs a really bad race.' Maybe he doesn't run as good as he's capable of every time, but I don't think it was as bad as people thought. I think the Derby was just a really hard race on him. He was close to a hot pace and he was tired after the race. It took us a couple of weeks to get him back going. I'm glad we passed the Belmont [Stakes]. I think we've got him back to where he was going into the Florida Derby, so I look for him to rebound with a good effort.” Patience has been the rule for Pletcher in his quest to find the right program for Fierceness. It is certainly not the first time in his distinguished career that Pletcher has had to figure out how to fine tune a talented runner. “I'm sure there are a ton we've had setbacks with, that's for sure,” Pletcher said, “but I can't think of a top horse that we've had that we know has remarkable ability that's had a couple of off races like that. I do think when you look at them, there's kind of excuses for all of them. In the Champagne he hopped at the start and then he got bumped around. In the Holy Bull, he got in tons of trouble going into the first turn. In the Derby, he was probably too close to the pace. We got the trip we wanted. It just turned out to maybe not the right trip for him on the day.” Regardless of how Fierceness runs in his next start, Pletcher said it is unlikely that he will be in the starting gate for Saratoga's marquee race, the GI Travers Stakes on Aug. 24. With spacing of races even more of a priority, the steppingstone to the GI Breeders' Cup Classic might be the GI Pennsylvania Derby on Sept. 21. “If you look at the Florida Derby, it was five weeks, which we liked, and laid out the plan of the Holy Bull to the Florida Derby,” Pletcher said. “We liked the spacing to give him some extra time. When you win the Florida Derby by 13 lengths, even though it seems easy, he did it effortlessly, he might have still needed more time to recover, even though all the signs leading into it were what we were hoping for. I thought he worked great over the track at Churchill. But, as usual, the track that he worked on at Churchill that day was not the same track that we ran the Derby on. That's part of the Derby.” The post Fit And Rested, Champion Fierceness Is Ready For More Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This day 12th July in horse racing news history From the extensive Horse Betting news archives we present the all the thoroughbred racing action in Australian and overseas racing news in history. Delve in and enjoy our walk back in horse racing time. Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago Geelong races preview & quaddie tips | Friday, July 14 Geelong Racecourse will host a bumper nine-race card on Friday afternoon, and HorseBetting’s James Herbert presents his best bets and … Read More Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago Mackay races tips & quaddie | Friday, July 14 Mackay Turf Club will host an eight-race card on Friday afternoon. HorseBetting’s Ciaran Jackman presents his preview and quaddie tips … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 1 year ago Pitman’s enjoy successful day at Riccarton Michael and Matthew Pitman went home happy men from Riccarton after scoring four wins and reclaiming the lead for the … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 1 year ago West Coast primed for The Cossack clash One of the most anticipated match-ups in New Zealand racing will occur at Trentham on Saturday when The Cossack and … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 1 year ago Phelan relishing Ruakaka stint Shaun Phelan is hoping an extended stay at Ruakaka will be further rewarded at Saturday’s Whangarei meeting where he has … Read More Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | July 12, 2023 Six horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips and quaddie selections for free here at … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Wednesday’s Darwin racing tips & value bets | July 13, 2022 HorseBetting’s David White brings you his race-by-race preview and top selections for the Darwin race meeting on Wednesday, July 13, … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Sandown Hillside tips, odds & quaddie | Wednesday, July 13 HorseBetting’s Brendan Bunworth shares his best bets and quaddie selections for the Sandown Hillside meeting on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Doomben racing tips & quaddie selections | 13/7/2022 Doomben is on the four-day turnaround with nine races scheduled to be run and won following a mammoth 10-race card … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago The Follow Files: Sunrise Ruby looks to scale The Kosciuszko Some good racing was contested right across the country on Saturday, July 9, so the team at The Follow Files … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Surf Dancer wins South Grafton Cup to secure Big Dance start Surf Dancer has secured the opportunity to start in the $2 million Big Dance after leading throughout to win the … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | July 12, 2022 Four horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips, best odds and quaddie selections for free … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Baxter breaks training maiden with First Crusade at Darwin She only has one horse in her stable and only recently acquired her owner-trainer licence, but Darwin trainer Chloe Baxter … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Our Playboy set for Cantala Stakes after Winx Guineas win Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr have big plans this spring for Our Playboy, who absolutely trounced his rivals in … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Punt Drunk: Punters left gobsmacked by $251 winner at Gawler The Punt Drunk team has taken a deep dive into some of the major racing stories over the weekend, headlined … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Bosson raring to go in new season Champion New Zealand rider Opie Bosson is champing at the bit to get back in the saddle as he prepares … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Thornton regains the winning feeling at Te Aroha Former top jumps jockey Craig Thornton turned back the years as he produced an impeccably judged ride aboard hardy jumper … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Last race winner makes travel worthwhile Trainer Steven Cole was having some fairly dark thoughts as he prepared his stable runners Chillax and Inca Warrior for … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | July 12, 2021 Horse racing around the country sees three meetings being held around the country on this Monday afternoon. Our racing analysts … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 3 years ago Caspar Fownes claims Hong Kong trainers’ crown Caspar Fownes has claimed victory in the gripping battle with John Size for the 2020/21 Hong Kong trainers’ championship after … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Sharrock has a stakes mission in mind for impressive two-year-old winner Unbeaten two-year-old filly Catsacharmer booked herself a place in the Listed Courtesy Ford Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Otaki in three … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Tavis Court all class at Awapuni Consistent performer Tavis Court added to an impressive career record when he bolted away with an open 1400m contest at … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Aero De Paris provides welcome holiday boost for Scott A stirring victory by handy winter sprinter Aero De Paris at Te Rapa on Saturday provided some additional holiday cheer … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Cup dream alive for Snowdens and Carif A long-term plan to aim Carif at the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups is entering its final phase as Peter and … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Oceanex starts build-up to Melbourne Cup Co-trainer Michael Kent Jr says Oceanex has come back to training at Caulfield a rounder and stronger mare in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Bell chasing Everest start for Jungle Edge Mick Bell is throwing his hat into the ring for an Everest start for Jungle Edge after the evergreen sprinter … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Tallyho Twinkletoe after a National repeat Tallyho Twinkletoe is heading back to Melbourne chasing Grand National Hurdle and Steeplechase repeat wins after a hurdle victory in … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Harlech arrives in Melbourne for spring New Zealand Group Two winner Harlech has arrived in Melbourne, with trainer Mike Moroney to aim the rising four-year-old at … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago O’Brien with bright prospects for 2020-21 Vow And Declare’s Melbourne Cup highlighted an impressive season for trainer Danny O’Brien who believes he has a strong squad … Read More United Kingdom Horse Racing News 4 years ago Cieren Fallon wins Group 1 July Cup on Oxted Cieren Fallon, son of former champion jockey Kieren, has landed in first Group One win on July Cup hero Oxted … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Knight Mariner to undergo further tests Promising Knight Mariner will be transferred to the Gatton veterinary hospital on Monday after apparently fracturing his pelvis in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Retiring Griffin in 10th Gold Coast title Dan Griffin has ridden a treble to ensure he will retire with a record 10 Gold Coast jockey premierships … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Tahlia Hope responding to treatment Apprentice jockey Tahlia Hope is responding to treatment for viral meningitis and has been moved from ICU at Frankston Hospital … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Edmonds set to rejuvenate Lady Horseowner Trainer Toby Edmonds’ ability with horses formerly trained in the southern states will get another test with Lady Horseowner at … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Bell has confidence in apprentice Poy Trainer Mick Bell believes Jungle Edge has plenty in his favour in the Sir John Monash Stakes and is happy … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Jeff Lloyd’s career at a glance Retiring jockey Jeff Lloyd’s career has been outstanding by any criteria … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Lloyd’s records will stand for decades Jockey Jeff Lloyd, who will ride his last race at Doomben, will leave records that could take decades to better … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Bowman happy to press on with Golden Halo Trainer Daniel Bowman is hoping Golden Halo can snare a late-season city win at Caulfield on the back of her … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Stats favour Tipperary in Winter Stakes Joe Pride’s Rosehill team will include a horse who has proven his stakes credentials and another hoping to make a … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago 21st birthday present delivers golden result in Grafton Cup A bargain broodmare and a birthday present from Nick and Anne-Marie King to one of their sons produced an outstanding … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Apprentice Tahlia Hope hospitalised Apprentice jockey Tahlia Hope is in ICU at Frankston Hospital in Victoria being treated for viral meningitis … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Ef Troop at crossroads in his career Classy three-year-old Ef Troop will be the master of his own destiny when he runs on his pet track at … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago From one beach to another for Cameron It has been a week of sunshine and beaches for Catherine Cameron. The Cambridge trainer has been enjoying a holiday … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Wide draw a tough task for two-year-old Trainer John O’Shea expected to head to Rosehill with two strong chances but an outside barrier draw for one has … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Ziemba to thrive in blinkers The Anderson/Heathcote training partnership has good reason to believe unbeaten Ziemba will thrive in blinkers for the first time … Read More United Kingdom Horse Racing News 5 years ago Communique shines as Masar flops Communique has continued his love affair with Newmarket to win the Princess of Wales’s Stakes, with Derby winner Masar last … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Chris Munce trains Grafton Cup winner Chris Munce has trained First Crush to win the Listed Grafton Cup, a race he won twice as a jockey … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Williams chasing even more city wins Melbourne premiership leader Craig Williams has another strong book of rides at Caulfield as he looks to continue his outstanding … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago QRIC apologises on prize money release The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission has apologised for releasing incorrect information regarding withheld prize money from Weetwood day … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Sir Bacchus gets Winter Stakes start Sir Bacchus gets his chance for a stakes win after gaining a start in the Listed Winter Stakes with the … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago MRC honour Jim Moloney with Listed race The Melbourne Racing Club has announced a new Listed race named the Jim Moloney Stakes which will be run at … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Connections rapt with Crystal Dreamer Co-trainer Simon Zahra says Crystal Dreamer has had a faultless build-up to the Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Weight worry for Megablast at Caloundra Tough stayer Megablast will have to set a modern day weight-carrying record if he is to complete the Caloundra Cup-Queen’s … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Two Japanese horses confirmed Cup entries Racing Victoria has confirmed Japanese horses Chestnut Coat and Sole Impact have been entered for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Trainer has high hopes for Gallagher Gallagher will open a new campaign at Ruakaka on Saturday with the hope of a return to black type competition … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Bragging rights on line in sprint Bragging rights about who is the best horse over the Caloundra 1000 metres go on the line when four track … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Progressive jumper proving a point Point Proven is living up to his name and carrying on a proud family tradition that covers more than four … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Nelson walks knife-edge as he attempts Wellington double-double Paul Nelson is backing himself to have got The Shackler’s Wellington Hurdle (3400m) preparation pin-point perfect as he bids for … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Big track lures Schweida’s young stars The spacious Caloundra track has convinced trainer Kelly Schweida to miss the Grafton Guineas and run Shogun Sun and Bluebrook … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Zac Purton tightens grip on HK title Ex-pat Australian Zac Purton has tightened his grip on the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship with a double at Happy Valley … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 6 years ago Purton’s Happy after powerful night at the Valley The Fat Lady may not be singing just yet, but she is cueing up her aria after Zac Purton all … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Racing NSW and Canberra club to meet Racing NSW and Canberra Racing administrators will meet to discuss whether the jurisdiction should be classed as country or provincial … Read More Horse Racing Tips 7 years ago Pakenham racing free odds, form and tips for Friday, 14 July FRIDAY afternoon racing returns to Pakenham and an intriguing eight-race card awaits punters heading into the weekend. After a brilliant … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Dwayne Dunn rides Sandown treble Dwayne Dunn has taken riding honours at Sandown with a winning treble, while Craig Williams has edged to within two … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago Coyle confident he has the Energy to win the Grafton Cup EXPERIENCED galloper More Energy might be coming to the tail end of a long preparation, but the gelding’s trainer Jason … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Fradd passes 100 winners at Doomben Robbie Fradd has become the third Queensland rider this season to pass 100 winners for the season on All Pluck … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Calanda wins Ramornie for Snowden team Calanda has given trainers Peter and Paul Snowden victory in the feature sprint at Grafton, the Ramornie Handicap … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Bowman leads premiership after double Hugh Bowman leads the Sydney jockey’s premiership with a double at Canterbury edging him in front of the suspended Brenton … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Charlie’s class to shine through on Thursday PROGRESSIVE three-year-old All About Charlie is only coming to the completion of its first-ever racing campaign, but trainer Brett Bellamy … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago I Boogi gives Cameron family special win Four-year-old I Boogi has given Russell Cameron and his son Scott the first winner of their recently-formed training partnership … Read More Horse Racing News, New Zealand horse racing news 7 years ago Savile’s sights set on Melbourne’s spring GROUP one-level galloper Savile Row is set to cross the Tasman in search of a breakthrough top-tier victory that will … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Ruby Ride hurt in race fall at Doomben Apprentice Ruby Ride has been taken to hospital for checks after her mount Red Magic bled and crashed through the … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Supido favourite for G3 Monash Stakes Group One-placed sprinter Supido has been installed favourite for the Group Three Sir John Monash Stakes at his return from … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Roger Booth remembered at Sandown Riders have worn black arm bands as a mark of respect to Roger Booth in a race named in tribute … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Hypnotist conjures up another win Impressive Peter and Paul Snowden-trained colt Hypnotist has made it three from three with a win on his city debut … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Paragon to defy breeding in Queensland Cup Sydney stayer Paragon is bred to be a sprinter but looms as a major player in the Queensland Cup over … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Street Impact wins narrowly on debut Trainer Robert Smerdon is convinced Street Impact has more to offer after her narrow debut win at Sandown … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Ninth Legion perseveres for Peter Robl Veteran gelding Ninth Legion continues to impress his trainer Peter Robl, who rode him to victory on debut five years … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Apprentice Matt McGillivray gets a stay Apprentice Matt McGillivray has got a stay on an increased penalty for causing interference until it goes to a Queensland … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago TopBetta Global Tote markets recap – where did punters clean up? MAXIMISING your return on the punt is becoming more and more important in the age of corporate bookmakers. Who you … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Marcus Wilson outed on cobalt charges Gold Coast trainer Marcus Wilson has been disqualified for 12 months after pleading guilty to two cobalt related charges … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Premiership battle to continue at Sandown Craig Williams returns to city racing after a suspension with a strong book of rides at Sandown as he bids … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Royal Ascot winner sold to Hong Kong Defrocked’s Royal Ascot win has attracted a Hong Kong buyer and the gelding’s future lies in the Asian racing capital … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Ninth Legion looking for 3rd straight win Trainer Peter Robl is confident Ninth Legion has the fitness to win a third consecutive Listed race in the Winter … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Vic trainer has Sydney plans for NZ colt Lightly-raced New Zealand colt is being aimed at the early Sydney spring three-year-old races following a Hawkesbury trial win … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Mick Tubman keeping the dream alive Dreams Alive’s first win gave his trainer Mick Tubman a boost and he is hoping the gelding can build on … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago HK galloper nominated in G3 Caulfield race Former Hong Kong-trained The Cynic has staved off retirement and is set to continue his racing career in Australia … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Pepper looks for crack at Rosehill meeting Trainer Luke Pepper has abandoned plans to run Hill Spy in the Ramornie Handicap in favour of a Saturday race … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Mick Tubman keeping the dream alive Dreams Alive’s first win gave his trainer Mick Tubman a boost and he is hoping the gelding can build on … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Trainer fined $1000 for public comments Disqualified NSW Trainer Stephen Farley has been fined $1000 for comments he made publicly criticising the appeals process … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Yasnat favoured to continue winning streak After heavy tracks wins on home soil at Canberra, Yasnat will have similar conditions when she lines up at Moonee … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Nolen believes Jumbo Prince can deliver Trainer Michael Nolen is confident the trip from Toowoomba to Grafton will be worth it with Jumbo Prince to contest … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Darren Weir equals national record Darren Weir has equalled the Australian training record with Haski’s win in a country maiden race at Murtoa taking him … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Commissioned on track for Goodwood Cup Royal Ascot winner Commissioned will put his Melbourne Cup hopes on the line when he runs at Goodwood … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Monash Stakes attracts 16 nominations The Group Three weight-for-age Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield has attracted 16 nominations … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Trip To Paris nearing a return to racing Trip To Paris, runner-up in the Caulfield Cup, is nearing a return from injury and has been entered for a … Read More View the full article

NEWMARKET, UK — “Bought him for Bahrain,” is an oft-repeated phrase at the sales these days. With an expansion in the Bahrain Turf Series announced only recently and the stamping of the form of some of the island's better races by Royal Ascot hero Isle Of Jura (GB), it is perhaps no surprise that it has become a target for a number of owners and trainers. Bahrain was also to the fore at the July Course during a sombre afternoon on which John Hunt was in the minds of his many friends and colleagues at the races. After a minute's silence was observed as a mark of respect following the tragic deaths of the commentator's wife Carol and daughters Hannah and Louise, the runners for the G3 Bahrain Trophy filed quietly into the paddock to start a day's racing that folk in the subdued press room and broadcasting teams didn't really have the heart for. Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, chairman of the Bahrain Turf Club, was at Newmarket to present the trophies to Charlie Appleby and William Buick for the victory of Ancient Wisdom (Fr). He would have been heartened if he'd been eavesdropping on some of the conversations at Park Paddocks this week, as the series launched to enhance racing in Bahrain appears to be gaining traction with trainers from this part of the world who are keen to join up the dots and make the most of a valuable programme throughout the Middle East over the winter, beginning in Bahrain. During Thursday's morning session China Horse Club bought out partners Qatar Racing in the progressive sprinter Jubilee Walk (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}) at 220,000gns. The gelding (lot 748) will remain with his current trainer James Ferguson, for whom he has won three of his six starts at two and three, and Matt Houldsworth, who represents China Horse Club in Europe, advised that the horse will have Bahrain in his sights. Out of the Group 3 winner Starlit Sands (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Jubilee Walk was bred by Kirsten Rausing and is a half-brother to Seychelloise (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), the dam of treble Group 2 winner Sandrine (GB) (Bobby's Kitten). Houldsworth said, “We'll take him around the Middle East and perhaps we'll go to Dubai as well. We haven't had runners in Bahrain before but it's something we're keen to do as it's obviously an emerging part of the world. We thought this horse fitted the profile nicely as he's very much on the up.” It was a similar story regarding the sale of Son Of Man (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), though his owner-breeder China Horse Club was on the other side of the transaction this time. The three-year-old (lot 780), who was placed in last year's G3 Horris Hill Stakes, will leave Jane Chapple-Hyam's Newmarket stable to join Jim Boyle in Epsom after being bought for 100,000gns by Ross Doyle. “He's a horse who could travel a bit,” said Doyle. “And it might be Bahrain where he heads – the good prize-money there is a huge attraction.” Soldier's Empire (Ire) (Bated Breath {GB}), who was sold as lot 754 by his owner-breeder Ballygallon Stud, is another three-year-old off to Bahrain. He will be trained by Fawzi Nass for HH Sheikh Sultan Aldeen MS Al Khalifa's Al Mohamediya Racing after the 90-rated colt changed hands for 180,000gns. Nass will also take charge of the Dutch Art (GB) gelding Salvuccio (GB) (lot 826), who was knocked down to Oliver St Lawrence for 100,000gns. Trained by George Boughey to win three times for Susan Roy, he is rated 97. “He is heading for the Bahrain Turf series,” Nass said. “There is a good programme for the sprinters, at least five races, if not more, for horses rated 85 to 100, and some conditions races.” Later on, the 78-rated 10-furlong winner Signalman (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) was added to this list, having been bought from Godolphin at 130,000gns. Libyan Buyers Pitch In It's not all about Bahrain, of course. There remained a vibrancy to the trade throughout the evening session, which was peppered with six-figure lots as the final-day clearance rate hovered around 95%. Libyan-based Sky Racing struck for two of the day's more expensive lots, signing for 829A, Swindon (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who is now rated 88 after his most recent win over seven furlongs at Sandown, and the 85-rated Gamekeeper (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) from the Godolphin draft, for 175,000gns and 110,000gns respectively. Working with Italian agent Alessandro Marconi, Sky Racing has horses in training in Libya and Dubai. Wild-card entry 800A, The Camden Colt (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), joined a list of four purchases by Libya's Omar Esmil Ghrghar this week when knocked down at 130,000gns. He too will head to Dubai to be trained by Bhupat Seemar, having won for Richard Hannon and achieved a rating of 89. Ghrghar was the sale's leading buyer with an outlay of 417,000gns. An Indonesian Debut King Halim Stable is believed to be the first Indonesian buyer to participate at Tattersalls, and the operation left Newmarket with an embryonic breeding operation consisting of two purchases totalling 100,000gns. The largest portion of that outlay was spent on securing a stallion prospect, the Exceed And Excel (Aus) colt Sunny Street (Ire), who won over a mile at Chelmsford for Saif Ali for a rating of 81. One of his first mates may well be Epic Effect (GB), the Ulysses (Ire) mare bought for 5,000gns on the first day of the sale. The four-year-old looks to have been well bought as, not only was she carrying to Sergei Prokofiev, who has made a promising start to his own stud career, but she is a descendant of the great Miesque through her third dam East Of The Moon. Not a bad family from which to pluck a potential foundation mare. The Chairman Reflects As twilight crept in on Thursday evening, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony assessed the trade from a smaller offering compared to the catalogue of 12 months ago. He said, “The combination of top-class racing at Newmarket's July Meeting and the quality bloodstock on offer at the Tattersalls July Sale makes this one of the most enjoyable weeks of the European racing and sales calendar and, as ever, Europe's premier midsummer sale has attracted an extraordinarily diverse crowd of buyers to Park Paddocks. “A smaller catalogue and one perhaps lacking a little of the depth which produced the record-breaking 2023 July Sale has understandably produced a set of figures which have not quite matched the heights of last year. Nevertheless there has been sustained demand at all levels of the market which has resulted in an enviable clearance rate yet again in excess of 90% and a record-equalling number of horses selling for 250,000gns or more.” He continued, “So often we reflect on the sheer number of overseas buyers drawn to sales of this nature at Tattersalls and yet again the international buyers have played a huge part in the success of the past three days. Participation from throughout the Gulf region has been prolific as ever, Australian and New Zealand buyers continue to demonstrate their appetite for quality European middle-distance performers and we have had buyers from throughout Europe, India, Japan, Libya, Turkey and first time visitors from Indonesia all making significant contributions alongside their British and Irish Flat and National Hunt counterparts. “We should also recognise the importance of the consistent support we receive from so many of the world's leading owner-breeders. Regular high-class consignments from the likes of Coolmore, Godolphin, Juddmonte and Shadwell are hugely enticing and consistently attract international owners and breeders confident that they will be able to access some of the finest bloodlines to be found anywhere in the world at Tattersalls.” With an overall clearance rate of 90%, which was identical to 2023, the aggregate from 540 horses sold – 34 fewer than last year – weighed in at 13,904,200gns. The median of 11,000gns was down by 27% and the average of 25,749gns by 13%. The post Bahrain Series Gains Traction as Buyers Target Winter Riches appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2024 Casamigos 'For Jocks and Horses' event will be held at the Adelphi Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, with all proceeds to benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) and Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund (PDJF). During the event, which will take place between 6 and 8 p.m., guests will enjoy gourmet hors d'oeuvres, a signature Casamigos cocktail made exclusively for the event and a silent auction featuring unique items and experiences. The event is expected to be attended by some of the biggest stars in racing. “We are thrilled to bring together our supporters and the local community for a night of celebration and support,” said Vanessa Banks, Director of Development and Communications at the TRF. “The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund carry out incredibly impactful work, and this event is an opportunity to give back. We thank Casamigos and The Adelphi Hotel for being gracious donors.” General admission including entry, hors d'oeuvres and a cocktail is $50, while VIP admission ($125) includes a complimentary bottle of Casamigos autographed by the Saratoga jockey colony plus all the benefits of general admission. Tickets are available online by clicking here. The post Casamigos ‘For Jocks And Horses’ To Benefit TRF, PDJF appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Friday's Observations features a son of freshman sire Ghaiyyath (Ire). 16.10 Newmarket, Mdn, £21,000, 2yo, c/g, 7fT MOTHECOMBE (GB) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}) debuts in a maiden that resonates with Charlie Appleby, having taken three of the last eight renewals which is no surprise given that he targets this with colts he considers of pattern-race potential at the very least. The fifth foal out of the Irish 1,000 Guineas third Devonshire (Ire) (Fast Company {Ire}), with the fourth being the yard's G3 Prestige Stakes winner Fairy Cross (Ire) by Ghaiyyath's sire Dubawi (Ire), he will have to be smart to deal with experienced peers including Juddmonte's Field Of Gold (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), a well-connected John and Thady Gosden-trained €530,000 Goffs November graduate who was third at Doncaster last month. The post Appleby Targets July Maiden With Son Of Ghaiyyath appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

6th-Saratoga, $80,000, Msw, 7-11, 2yo, f, 5 1/2f, 1:04.53, ft, neck. STRONG STATE (f, 2, Tom's d'Etat–Kram {SW, $189,697}, by Colonel John), the even-money favorite, became the second winner for her freshman sire (by Smart Strike) with a neck victory at Saratoga Thursday. The bay filly was hustled out to the early lead and was pressed by Selectively Sweet (Vekoma) through a quarter in :22.58. She put that longshot away as the half went up in :46.31, but was soon joined by Will Not Be Swayed (War of Will). That game foe battled the favorite down the stretch, but came up just short. Purchased for $18,000 at the 2023 Keeneland January sale, Strong State overcame a troubled trip to be a late-closing second in her 5 1/2-furlong debut in an auction-restricted race at Churchill Downs June 16. Strong State is trained by Al Stall, who also trained her sire, 2019 GI Clark Stakes winner Tom's D'Etat. WinStar, registering its second win as breeder on the opening-day card at Saratoga, purchased Kram, in foal to War Front, for $250,000 at the 2020 Keeneland November sale. The mare has a yearling colt by Justify, but her 2024 foal by Bolt d'Oro died. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $62,400. O-Highlander Training Center; B-WinStar Farm, LLC (KY); T-Albert M. Stall, Jr. The post Tom’s d’Etat’s Strong State Graduates at Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Far Hills, N.J., will host a seven-race, all-stakes card worth $700,000 for the Far Hills Race Meeting, the crown jewel of American steeplechasing.View the full article

The consistent Porta Fortuna takes on a field of older fillies and mares, including recent group 2 winner Running Lion, in the July 12 Falmouth Stakes (G1).View the full article

Newmarket's July Festival witnessed some smart performances from big names on the opening day and Friday's action looks set to follow that pattern with Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio) the leading lady in the feature G1 Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes. Surprisingly, she has proven adept at this mile despite showing abundant pace as a juvenile when winning the G3 Albany Stakes and G1 Cheveley Park Stakes. Runner-up in the 1,000 Guineas, the filly who races for Steven Weston, Barry Fowler, Medallion Racing and Reeves Racing went to Royal Ascot's G1 Coronation Stakes as one who had a little to find. Ultimately emerging best in that title decider contested by the elite of her sex in this category, the star of the Donnacha O'Brien stable faces a different examination over the straight course here and with the ground probably similar to the good-to-yielding on which she dead-heated for third in The Curragh's G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes. “The Coronation Stakes was probably as strong a fillies' race as you could have and all the best 3-year-olds were there, maybe barring Fallen Angel, and she proved herself top class,” her trainer said. “I would be worried if it stayed soft and her two worst runs last year–even though she never ran badly–were on ground that was slightly easier, but there isn't much rain due on the forecast and Newmarket can dry out quickly, so we're hoping it can dry out before the race,” he added. “The plan was to go either here or the Prix Rothschild. We'll probably give her a little break after this and start her back in the autumn in the Matron Stakes and hopefully end up at the Breeders' Cup at the end of the year.” Will She Roar? Following her emphatic win in the Listed Pretty Polly Stakes on the Rowley Mile course in this town last May, David Howden's Running Lion (GB) (Roaring Lion) has become something of a quandary wrapped in an enigma. Withdrawn from the start of the Oaks and disappointing in the Prix de Diane, she was ending a six-race winless sequence when storming back to her best in Royal Ascot's G2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes last time. “She was able to do her own thing at Royal Ascot and enjoyed meeting the ground,” Oisin Murphy said. “She was an impressive winner there. A mile is probably her minimum distance and it won't be to her disadvantage if the ground is on the easy side at Newmarket, but this is as good a chance as she'll get in a Group 1.” A High Rolla? Of the remainder, Scott Heider's Rogue Millennium (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) has to bounce back from a disappointing effort when fifth defending her crown in the Duke of Cambridge while the Mutual Admiration Society Partnership's A Lilac Rolla (Ire) (Harry Angel {Ire}) has to up her game despite having finished runner-up in the Irish 1,000 Guineas in May. “She's a progressive filly who has done well from two to three,” trainer Paddy Twomey said of the latter. “Her form this year has been pretty good and the Falmouth or the Prix Rothschild was always the midsummer target after she won an Irish Guineas trial and was second in the Irish Guineas itself. We'll then probably be looking at something like the Matron Stakes. I'd imagine this one is a miler and we are hoping there's a bit more to come from her still.” Moore of the Same? Thursday saw Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore carry on their momentum and they combine with the likely favourite in Friday's G2 Duchess of Cambridge Stakes as the G3 Albany Stakes third Heavens Gate (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}). That form looks typically strong and this could even be a less-competitive affair despite the rise in grade, with Godolphin's re-opposing TDN Rising Star Mountain Breeze (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) needing to find 2 3/4 lengths on that running. Qatar Racing Limited and Fergus Galvin's Mighty Eriu (Ire) (Inns Of Court {Ire}) was a surprise second at 50-1 in the five-furlong G2 Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot and is joined again by Maw Lam (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), a neck further away having also traded at those odds. The post Porta Fortuna Takes Aim At The Falmouth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

XBTV will once again offer free video workouts from this summer's prestigious Saratoga and Del Mar seasons, capturing, cataloging, and uploading content for racing's marquee meets.View the full article

Winning the first race at the 40-day Saratoga Race Course meet is about as good of an example of "15 Minutes of Fame" as you'll ever find.View the full article

Pop quiz: which North American third-crop sire leads his contemporaries by individual graded stakes winners in the Northern Hemisphere in 2024? It's not Justify, nor Good Magic, who are each tied with three and are the runaway leaders by 2024 progeny earnings. The correct answer is Mill Ridge Farm's Oscar Performance, who has four graded winners in 2024 and also leads the top third-crop sires by percentage of black-type winners to runners at 6.6%. In addition, Oscar Performance secured his first career Grade I winner as a sire Saturday with Trikari in the Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes, a race he also won in 2017. “The horse himself–Trikari–was such a culmination of relationships over decades for people who were so impactful in our lives,” said Mill Ridge's Price Bell. “If there's an icing on the cake, it's that he would win the same race as Oscar while carrying the same saddle towel number.” Oscar Performance raced as a homebred for the Amerman family, who entrusted Mill Ridge to help with his mating and raise him, then returned him to the farm to be syndicated and stand at stud. Amerman Racing bought Trikari at the 2022 OBS October Yearling Sale for $27,500 and now races him, as well. “Dad [Headley Bell] also worked with Mr. Strawbridge to do the mating for Trikari's mother and has been involved with the female family for four generations, going back to [fourth dam] Creaking Board (GB), when he first started working with Mr. Strawbridge in the early 90s.” After breeding three generations of the Belmont Derby winner's female family, George Strawbridge sold Trikari's dam while she was carrying Oscar Performance's first Grade I winner in utero through Mill Ridge at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton February sale to Michael Slezak, who bred Trikari with Amy Boll. Bell is quick to deflect credit for Oscar Performance's success. “The making of Oscar has been such a big team effort,” said Bell. “From the shareholders that believe in him to the breeders who bred to him to the Amermans who raced him and then gave us an opportunity to stand him and bought this yearling to race, the making of him has been a team effort. We feel like such a very small piece of the big puzzle, which is only able to be played because of the relationships. “The win on Saturday felt like a really big team win. We have always believed in Oscar Performance. When we first saw his foals in the field during the pandemic, they gave you the hope and the dream that one of them could become a great racehorse. That was validated on Saturday at the highest level.” Oscar Performance from Thoroughbred Daily News on Vimeo. America's heir apparent to the late Kitten's Joy, Oscar Performance was a Grade I winner at two, three, and four who holds North America's one-mile turf course record of 1:31.23, which is also recognized as a world record. Winner of the 2016 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, Oscar Performance retired to Mill Ridge for $20,000 in 2019 and took a customary fee dip in his third and fourth seasons, but had already done enough to validate a boost to $25,000 for 2024. “We are committed to limiting his book,” said Bell. “We limited him last year to 160 and this year to 170. In fairness, we were turning a lot of horses away. He had plenty of room in his book early in the season, but as the season progressed his book filled up.” With his third crop to the races this year–crops that are modest in number by many standards–Oscar Performance has five graded winners from his nine black-type winners. He has 54 current 2-year-olds and 43 yearlings waiting in the wings. “The market was cautious at the beginning,” said Bell, “but shareholders have helped make him to this point. The foals on the ground right now and the mares he bred this year are his best so far. It's interesting because people are breeding turf mares and getting turf horses, but now because of the success of Red Carpet Ready and Tumbarumba, people are breeding dirt mares, too. “You pinch yourself, because that's the real dream. He could be Kitten's Joy, but he could also be Medaglia d'Oro.” Both Kitten's Joy and Medaglia d'Oro are incredibly successful sons of El Prado (Ire), with one known almost exclusively for his turf prowess, but the other with spectacular success on both surfaces. Although Oscar Performance may rightfully be perceived as a turf sire–every one of his seven graded wins was on the lawn and his own sire was champion turf male of 2004–Trikari is the only one of his 2024 graded winners to date on the grass. This year's GIII Hurricane Bertie Stakes winner and GI Madison Stakes placer Red Carpet Ready was on the dirt, GIII Fred W. Hooper Stakes winner and GII Gulfstream Park Mile Stakes runner-up Tumbarumba was on the main track, and GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks winner Endlessly was on Turfway's all-weather surface. Trikari's Belmont Derby win Saturday | Walter Wlodarczyk Bell admitted it can be an uphill battle with a turf stallion in America. “It's a very small world, so if you want the best choice among turf sires and families, you can shop in Europe and source the best turf horses in European sales. It makes the necessity of having an American turf market questionable when there's a full buffet in Europe of turf value. “The interesting thing about Oscar is that physically, he doesn't resemble a turf horse. A lot of the Irishmen, like Mike Ryan and Spider Dunigan, who came through to see him in the beginning commented that he resembled Northern Dancer more than anyone else and they would know. We think that physical type has been a key to his success on the dirt. He's also pretty straight through his hocks, doesn't have a lot of bend or sickle like a lot of turf horses do. “At the end of the day, the dream of any stallion manager is that a horse will improve the mare's offspring. Oscar Performance has really moved his mares up. I think that is what really gives us great hope.” Bell said it has been incredibly gratifying to watch a horse from conception to race career to sire career get this first Grade I win as a stallion. “It's very exciting, a key part of the dream and a key part of our business. We appreciated the opportunity the shareholders and the Amermans have allowed us in standing him. There aren't as many horses syndicated today as there once were, but he reinvigorated our position in the stallion business. That win was validating.” Historically, Mill Ridge had stood a number of stallions, including top sires Gone West and Diesis (GB). The stallion barns at the farm had been empty for a number of years, however, until Oscar Performance arrived. GI Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Aloha West, whose first foals arrived this year, has since joined him. “My dad would say we were never out of the stallion business,” said Bell. “We were just waiting for the right one. Oscar Performance was the right one.” In addition to serving as general manager of Mill Ridge, Bell co-founded Horse Country. He said Oscar Performance is a popular attraction. “He has such a wonderful personality and is such a cool horse. Each guide has their own love for him and a relationship with him that they share. When you say to a guest that he's the fastest horse in the world at the mile, it really gets their attention and works to describe why he's so meaningful to us because he was raised here. “Oscar Performance has touched us and our family and the shareholders and everyone who has been involved. That includes the people who have trained his runners, broken them, all the others who are associated with each horse. He's been so generous to us. I hope that momentum continues. I feel so grateful to be associated with him and the other people who are living their dreams through him, too.” The post Saturday Sires: Oscar Performance appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Early IRT New Zealand Cup markets could be reshaped by a race in a different country on Saturday night. Australia’s two best pacers, Leap To Fame and Swayzee, clash for the third time in their careers and connections of both continue to say they are targeting the $1m IRT NZ Trotting Cup in November, where Leap To Fame is currently a $2.30 favourite, with Swayzee at $6. Swayzee, who won last year’s NZ Cup for trainer Jason Grimson and driver Cam Hart, won his first clash with Leap To Fame in last year’s Blacks A Fake at Albion Park. When they clashed again five months later, Leap To Fame turned the tables in the Brisbane Inter Dominion final. Grimson isn’t fazed by a tricky barrier on Saturday night and insists Swayzee is primed to win this week’s long-awaited third stoush with Leap To Fame in the Group 3 2138m Mr Feelgood Open Pace at 9.44pm. Swayzee, who is tough but not known for his early speed, has drawn barrier one, while Leap To Fame will come from the back row (gate 11). Leap To Fame, who sparkled winning the Wondais Mate last week, is a marginal $1.85 favourite ahead of Swayzee at $2.25. While Swayzee hasn’t raced since a surprise defeat in the Lucky Creed at Albion Park on June 22. “He was crook that night, but he was treated and recovered quickly. He’s certainly forward enough to win this,” Grimson said. “As far as the draw goes, I think it actually gives Cam (Hart, driver) options. I’m confident there will be room for him to get away from the inside if he wants, or Hot And Treacherous flies out and will be the first leader, so that would put Swayzee behind him and that’s not a bad spot to be. “I’ll leave the decisions to Cam, but I think the draw is more of a positive than a negative.” If emergency Send It doesn’t gain a run, Leap To Fame will start from three-out of the back row (gate 10), which limits trainer-driver Grant Dixon’s options early. But you can be sure he’ll be off and running as soon as the pace slackens to try and control the race from on the speed with Leap To Fame. It’s the first of two clashes between Swayzee and Leap To Fame during the Queensland Constellations. They will meet again in the $400,000 Group 1 Blacks A Fake on July 27. Grimson also has hot favourites Frankie Ferocious and Aardie’s Express in other Albion Park features on Saturday night. Frankie Ferocious is $2 favourite for the $350,000 Group 1 Rising Sun despite a shock first-up flop at Albion Park last week. “Just forget the run,” Grimson said. “He kicked the wheels at the start, got fired-up and ran himself into the ground. He’s done it before, but he’s been great since and I’m expecting to see him back to his best this time. “His work and trials before that run were terrific, so I’d go on that more than the run last week.” Aardie’s Express dominates from a lovely draw in the Group 3 Fleur De Lil for mares. She has drawn gate two, but will move into the pole if emergency Jewel Melody doesn’t gain a start. Like Frankie Ferocious, she heads into the race off a shock loss at Menangle last outing. “Not much went right. She got too keen in the run and Cam (Hart) said the run (inside the leader) came too late for her to be able muster speed and be right in the finish,” Grimson said. “This run is to top her right off for next week and the main danger is my other mare, Tay Tay, who is absolutely flying.” Aardie’s Express is headed to a rematch with Australia’s champion mare Ladies In Red in next Saturday’s $150,000 Group 1 Golden Girl at Albion Park. View the full article

Having saddled more than 500 winners on synthetic surfaces in his multiple graded stakes-winning career, Kevin Attard said his interest was piqued last week when the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) said in a release it would be utilizing an all-weather Tapeta track as its exclusive winter racing surface at the new Belmont Park when it opens in 2026. “It's definitely something I've contemplated for a bit now. The fact that a synthetic track is going in there is a little bit more enticing for myself and I'm sure for a lot of other Canadians,” said the trainer who is based primarily at Woodbine. “It's a lot closer to home than Florida and you don't have to worry about the climate change for your horses. I think it's something we'll have to explore and hopefully have a string of horses up there when the Tapeta opens up.” Attard usually winters in Florida following the end of the meet in Toronto which spans April to December, but he said an option that's closer to home in both distance and climate is intriguing. “The Tapeta in Florida and the Tapeta at Woodbine are different–weather plays a big role in how it plays,” Attard said. “I think until it's there and people figure it out and get a hold of it, it's hard to say how horses will transition from one Tapeta to another. Some of them are a lot tighter than others–you would assume the track in New York, with a climate that is similar to Woodbine here in Toronto–that the tracks would be pretty similar. So, it might be an easier transition for our horses to go from here to New York.” Construction at Belmont Park The one-mile Tapeta oval currently under construction at the new Belmont Park will mark a third racing surface at the modernized facility along with the traditional outer dirt main track and two turf courses. Belmont Park also offers a year-round dirt training track and a Tapeta pony track as additional options for training horses. “I've seen some sketches of the new Belmont Park, and it looks like it's going to be a state-of-the-art facility,” Attard said. “Eventually, it will have three surfaces at one place and that's exciting. There's a lot of history there and change is something that's hard to accept, but the sport is evolving, and we all need to evolve around it.” NYRA's shift from dirt to Tapeta through the winter months is expected to enhance equine safety and provide additional opportunities for the year-round horse population. Attard said he was pleased to see that the new Belmont Park, like Woodbine, will offer a variety of training options as it is a key component to how he manages his sizable string. “At Woodbine, we also have a dirt surface to train over and we're fortunate in that sense,” Attard said. “We use both surfaces and try to balance it out a little bit because I think they use different muscle groups training over Tapeta and training over dirt and that's why you get two different types of injuries over the surfaces.” The post Attard: Belmont’s Tapeta Surface `Intriguing’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group winner Arabian Crown (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) is recovering well from his spring setback that ruled him out of early Classic contention, and trainer Charlie Appleby has penciled in the G2 Great Voltigeur on Aug. 21 as a likely starting point. The Godolphin runner, successful in the Listed Stonehenge Stakes and G3 Zetland Stakes at two, claimed Sandown's G3 Classic Trial Stakes by 3 1/4 lengths in April. He sustained his setback in mid-May and has been recovering in the interim. “He's very much on the comeback trail and it is very much nip and tuck if I get him there [York] on time and he's very much a horse for the future, so I won't be forcing the issue,” said the Moulton Paddocks handler, who will be heading to Berlin to cheer on England in Sunday's Euro 2024 final. “It's probably good to have Ancient Wisdom around [for the race] and it has probably helped us. Even though it is always nice to have two in a race, but I'm not going to force Arabian Crown. “He's very much on the comeback and we hope to see him again later this year. He's a horse who appreciates a bit of cut in the ground, so he's an autumn, back-end horse.” The post Arabian Crown Camp Eyeing Great Voltigeur as a Likely Starting Point appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Some of the most highly anticipated races during the summer racing season are the 'baby' races during the boutique meetings at Saratoga and Del Mar and at Ellis Park, which attract its fair share of high-priced offspring from a variety of top national outfits. Summer Breezes highlights debuting 2-year-olds at those meetings that have been sourced at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year, with links to their under-tack previews. To follow are the horses entered for Friday at Saratoga: Friday, July 12, 2024 Saratoga 6, $80k, 2yo, (R), 5 1/2f, 4:05 p.m. ET Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($) Fire Pit (Cairo Prince)–AE, OBSAPR, 35,000 C-Randy Miles, agent; B-Travin Stable Replevin (Tom's d'Etat), OBSAPR, 50,000 C-Halcyon Hammock Farm, agent; B-Ad Hoc Stable Inc Pacific Highway (Malibu Moon), OBSMAR, 50,000 C-A G Sales, Agent; B-Flatbird Stable Storm the Streets (Street Boss), FTMMAY, 26,000 C-Pick View LLC, agent; B-Joe Sharp, agent The post Summer Breezes: Friday, July 12, 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has launched a new outreach program called the Students of Thoroughbreds and Racing (STAR), which will begin July 27 at Saratoga Race Course and continue on Saturdays and Sundays through September 1, the association said in a Thursday release. NYRA STAR is designed to give children, ages 12 and under, and their families, insider access. Participants will experience the sport through exclusive on-track events, educational opportunities and kid-friendly communications. Membership for NYRA STAR is free of charge. New members can join at any time, but they must visit the NYRA STAR booth in the Family Zone on Saturdays or Sundays, beginning July 27, to receive their printed ID card and lanyard. Click here for more information about the program. The post NYRA Launches Youth Outreach Program During Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Owners of horses of racing age currently not nominated to the Breeders' Cup program can nominate their runners at discounted rates on or before Monday, July 15 for competition in this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships, the organization said in a press release on Thursday. All horses must be nominated, either as a foal or as a racehorse, in order to compete in any of the 14 Breeders' Cup World Championship races with annual purses and awards totaling more than $34 million. In addition, a Breeders' Cup nominated horse is eligible to participate in all Breeders' Cup purse and awards programs for its entire racing career without any further nomination payments due. Click here for a complete list of eligibility requirements, plus awards and benefits. The post Discount For Breeders’ Cup Horses Of Racing Age Nomination Ends July 15 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Shadwell's Mohaather (GB) (by Showcasing {GB}) became the latest first-crop sire to get off the mark on Thursday as his daughter Serving With Style (GB) scored at Carlisle. Sent off the 13-8 favourite for the track's maiden over nearly seven furlongs, Victorious Racing and Fawzi Nass's £75,000 Goffs UK Premier Sale graduate was in rear early after a tardy start. Staying on between rivals to take command 150 yards from the finish, the Karl Burke trainee was pushed out by Clifford Lee to score by 3/4 of a length from Lady Chartwell (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}). The dam Queens Park (Fr) (King's Best), whose yearling filly by Pinatubo (Ire) was a 250,000gns purchase by Blandford Bloodstock at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale, is responsible for the Listed Blenheim Stakes winner and G2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte third Sir Boris (Ire) (Due Diligence). The post Shadwell’s Mohaather Off the Mark at Carlisle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack will move their first race post time to 1:00 p.m. EST beginning July 15.View the full article