Wandering Eyes

Royally bred three-year-old Twain (NZ) (Per Incanto) couldn’t have been more impressive on debut at Tauranga on Sunday, winning the Saddlery Warehouse Cambridge & Tauranga (1200m) for John Bell. The son of Per Incanto is out of high-performing race mare Fleur de Lune, who had a glittering career on the track highlighted by her victory in the Gr.1 Railway Stakes (1200m) in 2013. In the shades of his star dam, Twain was eye-catching when successful at the trials before kicking off his career on Sunday, where his pedigree and prior performance were noted by punters backing him in $3.20 favouritism. Benefitting from the three-kilogram claim of in-form apprentice Triston Moodley, Twain was posted three-wide early forcing him to work forward and take over the pace making role from Jethro Tull. Despite this, the gelding cruised into the home straight and swiftly put a margin on the remainder of the field, pulling away from Saint Brigid and Johnny Rondo at the finish to score by 2 ½ lengths. Bell, who prepares Twain out of his Cambridge stable, was pleased to see his expectations met by the promising three-year-old. “If he didn’t do that, I’m a bad judge. I definitely expected that from him today,” Bell said. “Triston was most impressed with him as has anyone else that has ridden him. “He has a few issues and my team at home have done a huge amount of work looking after him and they deserve this win, putting him on the tracks that suit him in his work. He’s a work in progress, and that’s why we have put him out and brought him back in. “We’ll see how he comes through today, we’re a bit apprehensive in giving him too much work so we’ll just put the work into him for each race as we see fit. “He’s pretty special.” Fleur de Lune was bred and co-owned by the late Ada Parnwell and the Stravinsky mare’s transition into broodmare life has resulted in two foals to race by Per Incanto, the other a colt named Forte who raced in Hong Kong. Twain was bred by Parnwell’s daughter Elizabeth Martin, who entrusted the gelding in the care of Bell. “He originally came to us from Elizabeth Martin’s Cambridge Thoroughbred Lodge where he was spelling to do some work with and possibly market,” Bell said. “As I say, he’s had his issues otherwise he may have gone to Australia or Hong Kong. “I did a lot of work for Elizabeth’s parents and we have a number of horses for her now. They are mostly related to Fleur De Lune, and another one named Spanish Lad who will possibly get a start at Cambridge on Wednesday. “They have some nice young horses and they’ve gone to good stallions, so they deserve every bit of success as they put a lot of effort into their horses.” View the full article

Northern apprentice jockey Joe Nishizuka experienced the highs and lows of race riding at Tauranga on Sunday and fortunately finished the meeting on a high with his first winning double. Partnering Stephen Ralph’s filly Ride Sally Ride in the opening event, Nishizuka settled in behind the speed but clipped heels with eventual winner Night Warrior near the 1000 metres, resulting in the young hoop falling from his mount. “It was just an unlucky situation, my greenness didn’t help when Wiremu (Pinn) made a decision and I wasn’t quick enough to react, so I just clipped heels which was unfortunate,” Nishizuka said. “Luckily I was fine, I went through a couple of rails on the ground but came up standing again thinking ‘that was a bit sore’. It all happens very quickly, you’re on the ground before you know it.” Walking away unscathed, Nishizuka had three remaining rides on the card and turned his fortunes around aboard $50 chance Verdi’s Opera (NZ) (Verdi), another of Ralph’s representatives who was having her eighth start in the Triton Pacific Maiden (2100m). Jumping from barrier ten, Verdi’s Opera sat three-wide throughout the staying contest and rolled up to the lead turning for home, sustaining a brave effort to score in a photo finish with the fast-closing Canulovemeagain. “She was great, she jumped out and Mr Ralph had said that if I couldn’t find cover, it was fine,” Nishizuka said. “There was a lot happening at the start and I hoped to sit behind Sam Spratt, but Pam (Gerard, mentor) had told me to look up more and try to read what will happen before it does. I tried to do that, and ended up deciding to avoid that by kicking up and sitting forward. “She was really nice and relaxed and as we got to the corner she just kept clicking up more and more. She came home really strongly and when I saw Masa (Hashizume, jockey of Canulovemeagain) coming, I did get a bit desperate because he had beaten me in a close finish at Ruakaka last week. I was pretty determined and luckily it went my way. “Mr Ralph has given me lots of rides and we’ve had a lot of placings together, so I really wanted to give him a win to thank him for the support.” Heading into the final event on the card, Nishizuka was engaged to ride a more-favoured runner in Mister Pucci ($5.80), who was successful over 1400m at Rotorua on Wednesday and was on the quick back-up for trainer Gavin Opie. The son of Puccini jumped away fairly and settled last of 11 in the running with plenty of ground to make up in the home straight, but he began to storm home in the final 100m in pursuit of Drop Of Something to produce another tight finish. Mister Pucci and the Wayne Hillis-trained gelding were unable to be split at the line, the race eventually being announced as a dead heat. “Pam gave me a lot of advice after the last race going into Mister Pucci’s run, because we knew he would be very competitive,” Nishizuka said. “The instructions from Mr Opie were to get going from the 800, he said Pucci would probably sit in behind but the gap I was going for was closed very quickly at the start so I pulled back. “I started rolling from the 800 and there wasn’t really anywhere to go, but Pucci picked up and came home so strongly and luckily we got up in time to share the win. “Mr Opie had given me a lot of support around a year ago before my injury, so it’s great to get one for him this season.” View the full article

Rising ten-year-old Interllectus (Intello) showed there was still plenty of fight left in the old dog as he refused to yield over the closing stages when capturing the Taumarunui Racing @Te Rapa 27/7 Steeplechase (3900m) on Saturday. A maiden winner on the flat back in August 2019, the Kevin Myers-prepared son of Intello has found his niche over jumps since winning at his hurdling debut back in 2020. Good enough to place fifth in the 2022 Great Northern Hurdle (4200m), Interllectus made a successful switch to the bigger fences last season and was ready to strike after finishing in the placings in two of his last three steeplechase starts in his current campaign. Rider Hamish McNeill took the bull by the horns early in the contest as he sent his mount straight to the front, disputing a slow pace with Renegade Fighter for most of the journey before taking control with 1000m left to run. Hotly pursued by stablemate Afterallthistime, Renegade Fighter and a fast-closing Captains Run, Interllectus showed plenty of courage to hold out the powerful finish of Captains Run by a neck with Renegade Fighter shading Afterallthistime for third. McNeill was quick to pay tribute to the performance of his mount. “That was a massive run,” McNeill said. “I really liked how he went at Te Aroha two weeks ago (second) and I thought today don’t die wondering as he is an old boy without a turn of foot, but he has a heart as big as himself. “He jumped out of his skin today and it was a very good race. “From what I’ve been told he could be heading towards the National and he will come in on a sneaky weight. “He does everything you want a chaser to do as jumps well, settles and gets through the ground so you can’t ask for more than that.” The Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge 149th Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) will be contested as the feature event on the card at Riccarton on 10 August. Out of the Irish mare Shanya, Interllectus is closely related to a host of outstanding European gallopers including Shankardeh, the joint Champion 3YO Female Stayer in Great Britain in 2011. Raced by a group that includes his trainer, Interllectus has now won five races from just 27 starts. View the full article

Rugged Taranaki visitor Liquid Les (NZ) (Echoes Of Heaven) showed just what he is capable of when given a clear run in front as he led all the way to capture the John F Grylls Memorial Classic (1400m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. The seven-year-old son of Echoes Of Heaven relishes wet tracks and had been given two runs to fit himself for Saturday’s challenge by trainer and part-owner Craig Williamson. Sent straight to the lead by rider Matt Cameron, Liquid Les set up a steady gallop before slipping a length clear rounding the home bend. Immediately tackled by the well fancied Electric Time, Liquid Les responded to vigorous riding from Cameron in the closing stages to cling to a narrow lead and claim the victory by a short head at the winning post. It was an exciting win for Williamson, who owns the horse in partnership with wife Sue, as he is the only horse that he currently races as he juggles training with ownership of the popular Oscars Kiwi Café in Inglewood. “I am lost for words,” Williamson said. “To win a race like this is the ultimate thrill for a little trainer. “He is a nice horse who just needs to be ridden right and Matt did a great job today. “He is lightly raced for his age and has a good deal of ability, but he has really tested us at times as he is a big boy and needs plenty of maintenance at times.” Williamson is currently also developing a Darci Brahma filly but admits that Liquid Les is a dream come true for his family. “We have had him since he was a weanling as we purchased him off gavelhouse.com for just $900,” he said. “Winning races with a horse like this is what you dream about and because we have to juggle training the horse with our business it can be long hours and tough work but today makes up for all that. “My staff have already been in touch to congratulate us and find out where the party will be and I’m sure the Inglewood locals will be wanting to know as well.” Out of the O’Reilly mare O’Reilly’s Secret, Liquid Les comes from an extended family that includes multiple Australian Group One winner Bounty Hawk. He has now won four of his twenty starts with more to come as he thrives on the deep winter tracks on offer over the next few months. View the full article

Lightly raced filly Cornelia (NZ) (Swiss Ace) made a return to the winner’s circle at Te Rapa on Saturday with an impressive display in the Jack & June Stewart Memorial (1200m). A daughter of Swiss Ace trained by Simon & Katrina Alexander, Cornelia made a successful debut in late December and was spelled after finishing close-up at her first test out of maiden grade. Returning at Tauranga last month, she made up late ground to finish second which saw her in demand second-up, closing a $3.60 favourite behind Bella Timing ($3.40). Speedy front-runner Shoes set a strong tempo out in front while Cornelia settled second-last for Michael McNab, giving the pacemaker a decent head-start turning for home. Cornelia posed the main danger to the leader as Shoes maintained her gallop into the final 100 metres, but the Alexander runner was too powerful in the finish claiming the victory by three-quarters of a length. The victory was McNab’s second for the meeting, after scoring earlier aboard Shaking Stevens. “She (Cornelia) ran really well first-up, I sort of thought I’d be one-one, but they’ve let Jas (Jasmine Fawcett) come off (the inside rail) so I’ve ended up a spot further back that what I thought,” McNab said. “She tracked into the race well, she’s still very new but was tidy. “I’ve had a little bit to do with Shoes so I knew she would be vulnerable late, especially first-up. But I wasn’t necessarily confident because my horse was doing a bit wrong. “She’s got good scope so she should get to a bit better grade.” Jockey Michael McNab Photo: Trish Dunell After a firing first-up effort, Katrina Alexander was hopeful Cornelia would be amongst the finish and she duly delivered. “When she ran on so well at Tauranga, where there was such a front runner’s bias, I was quite impressed because I did think she may have come up a little bit short at that distance,” she said. “It gave us a little bit of confidence coming into today, just knowing she’s coming back. “She’s tricking me a little bit, I thought she’d be a bit keener out of the barrier but maybe she’s looking for more ground. “We knew there was going to be the genuine speed and in particular from that horse, so with the draw that we had, I thought she might have just tacked on a little bit closer earlier on. But she’s got the job done anyway which was nice.” Bred and co-owned by Hawke’s Bay local Simon Tremain, the Alexander’s hope to target the Spring Carnival at Hastings with the filly. “She hasn’t done a lot of racing left-handed, she won at Taupo in that direction, but it’s been a while. I’d love to get her down to Hawke’s Bay for Simon Tremain her owner, he’d love to see her at the carnival there,” Katrina Alexander said. “We’re just playing around with distances and things here and going left-handed to see if that is the suitable option, and it’s looking like it could be.” Out of Tremain’s Mastercraftsman mare Stratosphere, Cornelia’s granddam Lamington Vegas was a Listed juvenile winner. View the full article

What Albury Races Where Albury Racing Club – 16-46 Fallon St, Albury NSW 2640 When Monday, July 8, 2024 First Race 12:25pm AEST Visit Dabble Albury Racing Club is the destination for country racing on Monday afternoon, with an ultra-competitive eight-part program set for decision. The rail is out +5m between the 1100m to 350m markers, while the remainder is out 3.5m the rest of the way around. The sunny skies forecast in the lead-up should have the track firming from the Heavy 8 rating at the time of acceptances. However, with more rainfall likely to hit the course proper on race-day, expect the track to return to the Heavy range prior to the opening event at 12:25pm local time. Albury Best Bet: Ditterich After being transferred from Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott to the Andrew Bourke barn, Ditterich returns from a 128-day spell. His provincial form in Sydney reads well heading into this event, with a minor placing behind Bonita Queen at Hawkesbury on February 13 before a second-up failure left the son of Exceed And Excel retreating to the paddock. He returns without an official barrier trial and a gelding operation, so you do need to take him on trust, but with superior form compared to some key rivals, Ditterich is worth the risk in this wide-open country maiden. Best Bet Race 2 – #2 Ditterich (8) 3yo Gelding | T: Andrew Bourke | J: James Innes Jnr (59kg) +300 with PlayUp Next Best: Cooee Cooee is on deck for a hat-trick of wins, all of which have come at this course since debuting on May 20. He was impressive on debut before stepping up to the 1400m second-up, dispatching his rivals by a half-length. The five-year-old still possesses plenty of upside heading into this BM58 contest, and although Matthew Cahill will need to steer him to victory with 62.5kg on his back, Cooee should have the class to get the job done. Next Best Race 6 – #1 Cooee (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Ron Stubbs | J: Matthew Cahill (62.5kg) +220 with Neds Best Value: Dalroshio Despite being beaten a combined 12.4 lengths across her two starts to kick off the campaign, Dalroshio warrants plenty of respect at the each-way odds available with horse racing bookmakers. She returns to the clockwise way of going, which is where her only win came last preparation at Wagga on January 26. She’ll strip a lot fitter third-up into the preparation, and with apprentice hoop Holly Durnan taking 2kg off with the claim, Dalroshio looks perfectly placed to make an impression in this BM58 affair. Best Value Race 7 – #5 Dalroshio (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Erin Maher | J: Jack Martin (56.5kg) +1000 with Picklebet Monday quaddie tips – Albury Races Albury quadrella selections Monday, July 7, 2024 6-7 1-2-3 1-5-6-7-10 2-3-6-9-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

The United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously July 5 that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's enforcement policies violate the private nondelegation doctrine.View the full article

Acting upon the recommendation of the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission veterinarians and stewards, Delaware Park postponed racing July 6 due to the excessive heat index forecasted. The entire card is transferred to July 8.View the full article

Rider Penalties T Moodley | Rotorua 3 July; failed to make weight; fined $100. L Callaway | Ashburton 4 July; careless riding; suspended 5-12 July inclusive. Y Atchamar | Ashburton 4 July; careless riding; suspended 13-25 July inclusive. S Wynne | Ashburton 4 July; use of whip; suspended 5-12 July inclusive. L Chief Stipelas | Ashburton 4 July; failed to make weight; fined $100. L Sutherland | Manawatu 5 July; careless riding; suspended 12-18 July inclusive. L Kauri | Manawatu 5 July; failed to make weight; fined $100. J Allen | Waikato 6 July; use of whip; fined $500. T Newman | Waikato 6 July; use of whip (2 charges); fined $750. T Mitchell | Hawke’s Bay 6 July; use of whip; suspended 14-26 July inclusive. L Sutherland | Hawke’s Bay 6 July; use of whip; fined $500. B Grylls | Hawke’s Bay 6 July; medical clearance required. W Pinn | Tauranga 7 July; careless riding; suspended 14 July – 10 August inclusive. T Moodley | Tauranga 7 July; careless riding; suspended 14-24 July inclusive. B Jacobson | Tauranga 7 July; use of whip; fined $150. M Cameron | Tauranga 7 July; medical clearance required. Trainer Penalty S Marsh | Rotorua 3 July; late rider declaration; fined $200. Horse Penalties MILLENIUM DAWN | Rotorua 3 July; lame; veterinary clearance required. TIME WILL TELL | Rotorua 3 July; late scratching on veterinary advice; veterinary clearance required. MISS BEE | Rotorua 3 July; cardiac arrhythmia; veterinary clearance required. CHOUX MACHER | Ashburton 4 July; lame; veterinary clearance required. DONARDO | Waikato 6 July; lame; veterinary clearance required. SOLIDIFY | Waikato 6 July; lame; veterinary clearance required. PRINCESS ADDA | Waikato 6 July; very slow to begin; must complete trial. The post 1-7 July 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Winchell Thoroughbreds and Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen took home the exacta in the Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (G3) July 6 with Red Route One and Unload.View the full article

With Kazushi Kimura in the irons, Gal in a Rush was content letting the race come to her. But as the field approached the final turn to head down the stretch, Kimura swung the mare eight wide where she powered her way to the wire in 1:15.54.View the full article

Juddmonte's Dragoon Guard introduced himself as a top contender in the 3-year-old division with a powerful front-running performance in the $300,000 Indiana Derby (G3) at Horseshoe Indianapolis July 6.View the full article

After a dominating frontrunning score in the $300,000 Indiana Derby (G3) at Horseshoe Indianapolis July 6, trainer Brad Cox discusses what's next for the rising 3-year-old Dragoon Guard.View the full article

After a tenacious stretch duel victory, trainer Grant Forster discusses how Chatalas looked in her $200,000 Indiana Oaks (G3) victory at Horseshoe Indianapolis July 6 and how he became her trainer a month ago.View the full article

Last-out GI Beholder Mile Stakes winner Sweet Azteca (f, 4, Sharp Azteca–So Sweetitiz, by Grand Slam) made it three in a row with a facile win in Saturday's GII Great Lady M Stakes at Los Alamitos. After attending the sizzling :21.65 and :43.96 pace set by GI La Brea Stakes winner Daddysruby (Frac Daddy), Sweet Azteca took command in the stretch before powering clear to win by about five lengths. Super Shine (Arg) (Super Saver) overcame a disastrous start to finish third. Sweet Azteca's time for the 6 1/2 furlongs was 1:14.33, a new track record at Los Al for the distance. O/B-Pamela C. Ziebarth (KY); T-Michael McCarthy; J-Juan Hernandez. SWEET ATZECA ($3.40) set a new course record for 6.5f in the $200,000 Great Lady M Stakes (G2) at @LosAlRacing. @JJHernandezS19 had her geared down crossing the line for trainer @mwmracing. Congrats to the connections! pic.twitter.com/MdWEVMQVU2 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) July 7, 2024 The post Sweet Azteca Sets New Track Record in Great Lady M appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Paul Messara. The Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich-trained Clear Thinking kept her undefeated record intact at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with suggestions the lightly raced four-year-old will now be targeted for The Kosciusko (1200m) later in the spring. The daughter of Dubawi looked be in danger of securing the hat-trick of wins when caught behind a wall of horses under Zac Lloyd in the final 400m, with the star apprentice patiently waiting for the gaps to appear. They only eventuated in the final 100m, however, with Lloyd navigating a path to victory as Clear Thinking careered away with the prize to score by a half-length. 6/7/24 Randwick Race 4 Replay – Clear Thinking (1st) “Really pleased with the effort,” said Messara speaking with Sky Thoroughbred Central post-race. “At the 100m I thought we were doing it pretty tough, and I thought it would be a nice second or a third, but she got out, got home and the win was excellent. “She’s a filly with a big future and you can’t do more than win three from three, so we’ll find out where the ceiling is next preparation. “She’s a lovely horse to have in the stable and she’s been a complete surprise for us, and coming out and doing what she’s done has been a bonus and where she goes from here will be another bonus. “She goes out now (for a spell), we’ll look to bring her back for maybe the Kosciuszko, something like that. Obviously with these three wins on the board now she’s going to be a horse that’ll feature in those discussions, and she’s got a well-earned rest. I think three runs in her first prep is enough.” Clear Thinking is now on the second line of betting at +700 with Australian bookmakers for The Kosciuszko (1200m) on October 19. Horse racing news View the full article

There are seven horse racing meetings set for Australia on Sunday, July 7. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Warrnambool. Sunday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – July 7, 2024 Warrnambool Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on July 7, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? Full terms. 2 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 5 Next Gen Racing Betting PickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Sunday, July 7. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for July 7, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Sunday Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd in R1-3 at Warrnambool Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed odds only. Check your Vault for eligibility Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Grafton All Races | Same Race Multi 3+ Leg Bonus Back If 1 Leg Fails Up To $50 Place a 3+ leg Same Race Multi bet on any race at Grafton this Sunday and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Market available from approximately 8:30am local track time on race day. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Any Australian Racing 3+ Leg Multi | If 1 Leg Fails Bonus Back Up To $50 Place a 3+ leg Fixed Win/Place Multi across Australian Thoroughbred, Harness or Greyhound racing this week and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Available once daily. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Bet and win up to 4th place! Picklebet Terms and Conditions Apply Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% of winnings in cash Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds only. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for July 7, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. Horse racing promotions View the full article

The Kym Healy-trained He’s Maverick, ridden by Sonja Logan, finishes strongly on the outside to nail the Tayarn Halter-trained Super Defense, ridden by Jade Hampson, to seal victory in the Darwin Guineas (1600m) at Fannie Bay on Saturday. No surprise to see leading NT jockey Sonja Logan wave her whip in delight after winning the $75,000 Darwin Guineas (1600m) aboard He’s Maverick for SA trainer Kym Healy at Fannie Bay on Saturday. Despite all of her success in recent years, it was only Logan’s second feature after Sanblas won the 2021 NT Derby (2050m) for Murray Bridge trainer Heather Lehmann. Soon after the Derby, Logan, formerly Sonja Wiseman, was sidelined for three months following a fall during Carnival. Exactly two years later (July 28), Logan suffered a broken nose and the loss of two teeth when assaulted late at night outside her Darwin abode by a group of men when she went to retrieve something from her car. Following treatment and recovery, Logan returned for the final two days of Carnival before marrying partner and Darwin trainer Tom Logan. Subsequently, Logan, 32, could be forgiven for celebrating on Day 1 of the 2024 Carnival. He’s Maverick, a $4.40 hope with top online bookmakers, started poorly and was squeezed for room at the 1500m before settling in last place in a field of 11 passing the 1400m. The son of Ambidexter made up ground along the back straight to trail the leading five runners passing the 1000m – Logan flicked the switch down the side at the 500m. Forced four deep swinging for home, He’s Maverick had momentum and along with Tayarn Halter’s Super Defense ($15), camped on the fence and never far from the lead, and Phil Cole’s Rhesus ($3 fav), who tracked Super Defense, he had just 300m to catch Paul Gardner’s Better Not Fuss ($21) and Chloe Baxter’s filly Tilussion ($61). Second to the fast-finishing He’s Maverick over 1300m for the three-year-olds two weeks ago, Super Defense – ridden by apprentice Jade Hampson – looked like turning the tables before the Strathalbyn horse swooped to win by a long neck. Rhesus, less than a length away in third place, did little wrong as Cole and apprentice Emma Lines attempted to emulate Tubthumper’s success of 2023. Better Not Fuss, ridden by WA jockey Alan Kennedy, a debut Top End winner over 1600m (0-64) a fortnight ago, jumped from gate 10 and showed ticker to finish fourth after winning the NT Guineas (1600m) in Alice Springs in March. 2024 Darwin Guineas Race Replay – He’s Maverick (1st) After finishing third in the NT Guineas, He’s Maverick saluted over 1600m against the three and four-year-olds in Alice Springs before winning first up at Fannie Bay for Cole when Healy returned to SA. Should He’s Maverick win the Derby, he will pick up a $50,000 bonus for connections as winner of the “Darwin Double”. For Healy, who made his first trip to NT in 2010 when he appeared at Alice Springs, before debuting at Tennant Creek (2012) and Darwin (2014), it was his first Top End feature since Pretty Blonde’s 2014 Darwin Cup victory. “A very tough and gutsy win – I thought he was a chance, but he really lifted off the canvas and got the job done,” Healy said. “They weren’t making ground all day and when he was out the back at the start Sonja thought she was in a lot of trouble. “Sonja said that she would like to be third or fourth in the run. “She was back last at one stage, but she got him going, he just kept working into the race. “He was making ground in the home straight, but still had a fair bit of ground to make up. “With 100m left to go, I thought Tayarn’s horse had kicked clear. “The last 50m He’s Maverick just grew wings, he hit the line super.” Horse racing news View the full article

Comedy Town pulls the upset and defeats Run Classic and Sibelius in the July 6 Smile Sprint Stakes at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Chatalas (Gun Runner), all-the-way winner of last year's GII Chandelier Stakes prior to a down-the-field finish in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies while under the care of Mark Glatt, was sent to trainer Grant Forster this term with an eye on the age-restricted dirt stakes east of the Mississippi. The plan was off to an auspicious beginning Saturday when the bay, having her first start of 2024, fought back tenaciously at the fence to take Saturday's GIII Indiana Oaks. Sent straight into the lead from the inside post by Antonio Fresu, Chatalas set a comfortable pace through the opening stages, getting the quarter in :23.72 and the first four furlongs in :47.48. Little Jamie (Collected) was content to track from a close-up second, while heavily favored 'TDN Rising Star' Impel (Quality Road) was allowed to settle a few lengths off the leaders. Little Jamie began to pour on the pressure at the quarter pole, drawing alongside the front-runner as Impel came under a Florent Geroux ride while making little impression on the top two. Neither did it look particularly promising for Chatalas, who surrendered the lead to Little Jamie just outside the eighth pole, but just when it looked like a lost cause, Chatalas came back on her rival for a hard-fought success. Impel looked destined to finish off the board, but found late energy to win a photo for third. A debut winner sprinting over the Del Mar main track last July 30, Chatalas was a well-beaten fourth to 'Rising Star' Tamara (Bolt d'Oro–Beholder) in the GI Del Mar Debutante Stakes prior to her wire-to-wire win in the Chandelier. A distant ninth in the Juvenile Fillies after being bothered significantly at the break, Chatalas was fourth–placed third–in the GII Starlet Stakes Dec. 9 ahead of neck defeat in the grassy Blue Norther Stakes Dec. 29. Pedigree Notes: Fleetwood Bloodstock paid $130,000 for dam Indian Safari in foal to Union Rags at the 2015 Keeneland November Sale, and Chatalas is the most recent of the mare's five winners from six to face the starter. The current 2-year-old from the mare, the filly Yellow (Bernardini) who cost Repole Stable $230,000 at Keeneland September, was runner-up on debut at Aqueduct July 4, while her more recent produce include a yearling filly by Liam's Map and a colt foal by that Lane's End stallion. Saturday, Horseshoe Indianapolis INDIANA OAKS-GIII, $200,000, Horseshoe Indianapolis, 7-6, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 1:42.93, ft. 1–CHATALAS, 121, f, 3, by Gun Runner 1st Dam: Indian Safari, by Indian Charlie 2nd Dam: Hopes and Dreams, by More Than Ready 3rd Dam: Nokia, by Theatrical (Ire) O-Rancho Temescal Thoroughbred Partners, Dan J. Agnew, and William Chatalas; B-Dan Agnew (KY); T-Grant T. Forster; J-Antonio Fresu. $118,800. Lifetime Record: 7-3-1-1, $370,000. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Little Jamie, 115, f, 3, Collected–Sudden Heat, by Congrats. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. O/B-J and J Stables (Williams, Jr.) (KY); T-Robert Medina. $39,600. 3–Impel, 121, f, 3, Quality Road–Your Love, by Flatter. O/B-Juddmonte (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. 'TDN Rising Star' $21,780. Margins: HD, HF, HF. Odds: 10.90, 9.50, 0.30. Also Ran: Band of Gold, Neon Icon, Dancing Princess. Scratched: Charlene's Dream, Just Be Quiet. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. The post Gun Runner’s Chatalas Causes Upset In Indiana Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Making his first start around two turns and looking for a third straight victory in succession, Juddmonte homebred DRAGOON GUARD (c, 3, Arrogate–Filimbi, by Mizzen Mast) was sent for the lead from his outside draw and made every pole a winning one in Saturday's GIII Indiana Derby at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Pegged at 7-2 on the morning line and sharing the grey/roan coloring that runs rampant in his pedigree, Dragoon Guard was given a positive ride from Florent Geroux and led his rivals into the first turn as Informed Patriot (Hard Spun) chased from second, with favored GI Santa Anita Derby hero Stronghold (Ghostzapper) in the box seat from third. Clicking off even fractions of :23.74 and :47.24, it can be argued that Dragoon Guard landed the deciding blow through the next internal quarter mile, going from the 4 1/2-furlong pole to the five-sixteenths in a crisp :23.53. Dragoon Guard was firmly in front as they hit the stretch and Stronghold was pulled out to offer whatever he had left to give, but the grey colt spurted away to win off as much the best. Dragoon Guard is the 23rd stakes winner and 14th graded winner for the much-missed Arrogate. Lifetime Record: 4-3-1-0. O/B-Juddmonte (KY); T-Brad Cox. Dragoon Guard steps up to win the G3 Indiana Derby under @flothejock for trainer @bradcoxracing and owner @JuddmonteFarms! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/HsXrRTO1iO — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) July 6, 2024 Saturday, Horseshoe Indianapolis INDIANA DERBY-GIII, $300,000, Horseshoe Indianapolis, 7-6, 3yo, 1 1/16m, 1:42.26, ft. 1–DRAGOON GUARD, 124, c, 3, by Arrogate 1st Dam: Filimbi (GSW & MGISP-USA, SW-Fr, $670,763), by Mizzen Mast 2nd Dam: Flute, by Seattle Slew 3rd Dam: Rougeur, by Blushing Groom (Fr) 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. O/B-Juddmonte (KY); T-Brad H. Cox; J-Florent Geroux. $176,400. Lifetime Record: 4-3-1-0, $335,360. Werk Nick Rating: C+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Stronghold, 124, c, 3, Ghostzapper–Spectator, by Jimmy Creed. O/B-Eric Waller & Sharon Waller (KY); T-Philip D'Amato. $58,800. 3–Informed Patriot, 124, c, 3, Hard Spun–Yawkey Way, by Grand Slam. ($90,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-J. Kirk Robison and Judy Robison; B-Gainesway Thoroughbreds LTD & Whisper Hill Farm (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. $32,340. Margins: 2HF, 3, 2 3/4. Odds: 1.90, 1.20, 17.40. Also Ran: E J Won the Cup, Real Men Violin, Woodcourt, Kitty Hawk. Scratched: Sir Greylind. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. The post Dragoon Guard Another Graded Winner For the Late Arrogate In Indiana Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Rodolphe Brisset's patience with Mullikin was rewarded July 6 when the son of Violence posted his first black-type victory in the $194,000 John A. Nerud Stakes (G2) at the Belmont at the Big A meeting.View the full article

Amerman Racing's Trikari added a top-level win to his growing résumé in the $727,500 Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes (G1T) July 6 at the Belmont at the Big A meeting.View the full article

There was a storybook ending for Godolphin's Cinderella's Dream in the Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes (G1T) at Aqueduct Racetrack, as she rallied late under William Buick to score for Godolphin and British trainer Charlie Appleby. View the full article