Wandering Eyes

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NEWSLETTER View the full article

Yearling fillies by Rubaiyat and Ardad led the way during Saturday's Auctav Flat Yearling Sale. The duo each made €20,000 on the bids of Herald Bloodstock and Anna and Moa Sundstrom of Coulonces, respectively. Sold as lot 43, the daughter of Rubaiyat and Kaiserwiese (Sholokhov) was consigned by Haras du Long Champ. She is a half-sister to dual Group 3 winner Kronprinz (Lord Of England) and the group-placed King (Lord Of England. Later in the day, lot 72, a half-sister to the stakes-placed Love Interest (Time Test), went through the ring from Haras de Fergand. Out of the Dynaformer mare Wild Mimosa, the filly counts the Group 1 winners Summoner (Inchinor) and Compton Admiral (Suave Dancer) as half-brothers to her dam.Wild Mimosa is also a half-sister to G2 Ribblesdale Stakes second Twyla Tharp (Sadler's Wells), herself the dam of four-time Group 1 winner The Fugue (Dansili). Of the 97 horses catalogued, 89 were offered and 34 sold (38%) for a gross of €228,500. The average was €6,720 and the median was €5,500. The post Pair Of Fillies Top The Auctav Flat Yearling Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Clarke Johnstone and Sparky Lad (Smart Missile) won the first edition of the Arena Racing Company (ARC) Racehorse to Eventer Challenge at the Cornbury House Horse Trials. They earned £45,000 for their victory. Owned by Tim Boland, Sparky Lad is out of the More Than Ready mare Lady Hepburn and was formerly trained during his racing days by Chris Waller. Clarke said, “This is the biggest prize I've won during my career – the prize is amazing and the initiative is fantastic, so thank you very much to Jayne McGivern, David Howden and Arena Racing Company. Ex-racehorses are wonderful athletes and they try their best for you. I hope that this class encourages top riders to ask their local racehorse trainer whether they have a horse that might suit eventing. “That's what happened with Sparky Lad – his owner, Tim Boland, runs Limitless Lodge, which is a leading breaking and pre-training yard just north of Sydney. He pre-trained Sparky and identified him as a horse that could go on to succeed in eventing. Sparky went into training with Chris Waller and this horse is what Tim described as a 'handy horse' in that he ran more than 30 times and clocked up over A$250,000, winning four times and was placed six times. Sparky has such a beautiful mind – he is the same every day and tries very hard.” In second was Ben Lee Liles and Finch Fancy (Arvico) who earned £2,000. Lee Liles co-owns the mare with Charlie Ainsworth. Rounding out the top three was the pair of Alexander Tordoff and Jack Randall (Cityscape), owned by Louise Heard. The ARC Racehorse to Eventer Challenge attracted 44 starters in its first year. The four-day Cornbury House Horse trials continue through Sunday, September 14. For more information, please visit their website. The post Clarke Johnstone And Sparky Lad Win Inaugural ARC Racehorse To Eventer Challenge appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-Belmont The Big A, $80,000, (S), Msw, 9-13, 2yo, 7f, 1:24.84, ft, 1 3/4 lengths. FROUTIEN (c, 2, Galilean–It's Timeless, by Mineshaft) was hammered into 1-4 favoritism to improve on a debut third at Saratoga Aug. 15 and did just that, becoming the first winner for his freshman sire (by Uncle Mo) with a workmanlike victory in the Saturday opener at Aqueduct. With Kendrick Carmouche taking over from John Velazquez, at Woodbine for the afternoon to ride that track's three Grade I contests, the $700,000 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic breezer was ridden for speed and maintained a narrow advantage through an opening quarter-mile that was clocked in :22.84. Continuing to lead for the run around the turn while being urged along, Froutien kept finding into the final furlong and was always holding the late bid of the debuting Royal Riddle (Practical Joke) in the run to the line, scoring by 1 3/4 lengths. A $95,000 purchase out of last year's Fasig-Tipton New York-Bred Yearling Sale, Froutien was led out unsold on a bid of $160,000 at OBS this past March. Re-routed for the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale a couple of months later, the May 7 foal breezed an eighth of a mile in :10 1/5 over the sloppy Timonium track before hammering to Mahmoud Mouni on behalf of the Libyan-based Tagermeen Racing. Froutien is out of a daughter of MSP What Time It Is, also the dam of two-time stakes winner Never Enough Time (Munnings). The dam produced a Cyberknife colt this term and was bred back to Solomini. Galilean, who stands for $3,500 at Questroyal New York, was himself a $600,000 2-year-old in training purchase and won six of his 16 starts, all in stakes company,while under the care of John Sadler. Andy and the late Susan Beadnell also bred New York-bred Haveyougoneaway (Congrats), winner of the 2016 GI Ballerina Stakes. Sales history: $95,000 Ylg '24 SARAUG; $160,000 RNA 2yo '25 OBSMAR; $700,000 2yo '25 EASMAY. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1, $54,800. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Tagermeen Racing; B-Andy M & Susan K Beadnell (NY); T-Todd A Pletcher. Freshman #NYsire Galilean gets his milestone first winner! Andy and the late Susan Beadnell bred Froutien, who was born at their Bead Land & Cattle Co. @KendrickCarmou1 aboard the #NYbred 2yo for Tagermeen and @PletcherRacing. Galilean stands at @QuestroyalNorth. pic.twitter.com/K4SN0A3u87 — NYTB (@nytbreeders) September 13, 2025 The post Galilean Represented By First Winner At the Big A appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Capping another red-letter day for Coolmore and Team Ballydoyle and a memorable one for Christophe Soumillon, Delacroix (Dubawi) justified favouritism in style in Leopardstown's G1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes. Sent off the well-supported 2-1 market-leader, the Eclipse hero sat a way off the strong pace before delivering a jaw-dropping killer kick between the three and the two as if he had just jumped in. In command before his chief rival Anmaat (Awtaad) had time to react, Aidan O'Brien's 13th winner of this championship heat showed why Ryan Moore had picked him in the Derby as he surged up the hill. At the line, there was only 3/4 of a length between him and Shadwell's veteran which is a statement of how admirable the runner-up is, with another 2 1/4 lengths back to Royal Champion (Shamardal) who gained another Group 1 placing. “He's an incredible horse,” O'Brien said of Tepin's final foal, who was putting the deflating experience of his Juddmonte International second firmly behind him. “When you say go on him, it's over. It's unusual, but we saw it at Sandown and we saw it again today. He's a hardy boy, a big, powerful strong horse and York was just an exercise canter really. He has all the options open to him.” At the close of play on a momentous Saturday, Aidan O'Brien could boast the St Leger and Champagne at Doncaster as the Champions Juvenile and Ingabelle as well as this feature on this card. DELACROIX is a fine winner of the €1.25m Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes! @LeopardstownRC | @BahrainTurfClub pic.twitter.com/WnGT9hdb2v — Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 13, 2025 The post ‘When You Say Go, It’s Over’: O’Brien Hails Delacroix After Stable’s 13th Irish Champion appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ed Dunlop trainee and 150,000gns Tattersalls October Book 2 graduate Pathein (St Mark's Basilica) was an unconsidered 28-1 outsider for Saturday's British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes at Doncaster and returned to the winner's enclosure with a TDN Rising Star rosette–and a free entry to next year's G1 St Leger– after delivering a taking display in the straight one-mile heat. He becomes 14th winner and third Rising Star for his freshman sire (by Siyouni) and joins Listed Ingabelle Stakes victrix Diamond Necklace and Galway maiden winner Piazza San Marco in the elevated ranks. “Ed [Dunlop] said he liked him and he showed a good attitude,” said winning rider Rab Havlin. “I wouldn't necessarily say he wants that [soft] ground, but he got away with it. He's still on the weak side and is a lovely horse to deal with, but probably a next-year project with a winter on his back. At halfway, he started travelling really well and I was thinking 'I'm going better than anything here' and he was really tenacious to the end.” The eventual winner was steadily away and settled under cover in midfield through the initial fractions. Cruising into contention on the bridle when angled into the clear with a quarter-mile remaining, he was shaken up to seize control approaching the final furlong and kept on powerfully in the latter stages to deny the promising effort of Amo Racing's 425,000gns Book 1 yearling Lyneham (Wootton Bassett) by a head. Godolphin's well-regarded €850,000 BBAG September sale topper Del Maro (Camelot) added weight to the form and finished 4 1/2 lengths adrift in third. Winning debut! St Mark's Basilica colt Pathein puts his head down to beat Lyneham at @DoncasterRaces…@EdDunlopRacing pic.twitter.com/NhoWKKZU3A — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 13, 2025 Pedigree Notes Pathein's dam Excellent View (Shamardal), who has produced Listed Dubai Dash winner Mutaraffa (Acclamation), is a daughter of Listed Empress Stakes winner and G2 Cherry Hinton Stakes runner-up Pearl Grey (Gone West), who is also the second dam of GII San Clemente Stakes runner-up Guitty (Dunkerque). She is related to pattern-race winners Time Prisoner (Elusive Quality), Balty Boys (Cape Cross), Artistic Rifles (War Command) and Emily Bronte (Machiavellian). Her colt foal is by Camelot. 6th-Doncaster, £50,000, Mdn, 9-13, 2yo, 8fT, 1:40.63, sf. PATHEIN (IRE), c, 2, by St Mark's Basilica (Fr) 1st Dam: Excellent View (GB), by Shamardal 2nd Dam: Pearl Grey (GB), by Gone West 3rd Dam: Zelanda (Ire), by Night Shift Sales history: 150,000gns Ylg '24 TATOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, £25,770. *1/2 to Mutaraffa (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), SW-UAE, $159,284. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. O-K Balasuriya; B-Lady Bamford & The Hon Alice Bamford; T-Ed Dunlop; J-Robert Havlin. The post Third Rising Star for St Mark’s Basilica as Pathein Strikes at Doncaster appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 1 winner Subjectivist will stand at Chapel Stud in 2026, the stud announced on Saturday. The dual Group 1-winning stayer was based at Alne Park Stud for his first two seasons. His first foals were born this year. Successful in the 2020 G1 Prix Royal Oak, the son of Teofilo also won the Ascot Gold Cup in 2021, as well as the G2 Dubai Gold Cup. Trainer Mark Johnston said, “I always say that, when placing horses, the opposition trumps all other factors. But, very rarely, you come across a horse where the opposition isn't a factor at all. Subjectivist was such a horse. In 2021, I truly believed that there wasn't a horse in the world that could beat him at two miles or more, in any ground.” Alne Park is ceasing the stallion side of their operation. The stud's Dan Skelton said, “We will be sorry to see him go, he is a lovely horse with a great temperament. We have had some cracking foals by him and will continue to use him. We would like to wish Chapel Stud all the best for the future.” Chapel's owner and manager Roisin Close said, “I am delighted to be able to stand Subjectivist on behalf of his owners. To add another Group 1 winner of his calibre to our roster is tremendously exciting for Chapel Stud, and for British breeders. He was a truly exceptional racehorse–tough, talented, and consistent–and he has all the attributes to make a top-class stallion.” The son of Teofilo will stand alongside Bangkok, Eldar Eldarov, Hellvelyn and Planteur. Fees for the roster will be announced at a later date. Close added, “These are difficult times for UK breeders. Like many of you, I face rising costs while the market return stands still. Too many breeders are selling at a loss, cutting back on coverings, or walking away altogether. That threatens not only individual businesses but the future of British breeding. “The same applies to UK stallion farms. Each time we lose a stallion overseas, or a stallion farm closes, the whole industry loses choice and opportunity. Supporting your local stallions is about more than this season's results–it's about safeguarding diversity and ensuring a strong future for British breeding. We need to support each other; by working together, breeders and stallion farms alike can protect what makes our industry world-class.” The post Classy Stayer Subjectivist On The Move To Chapel Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Coming off a third in the Hungerford, Marvelman (Invincible Spirit) turned Saturday's G2 Park Stakes at Doncaster into a procession to provide more big-race success for the Andrew Balding stable in 2025. Always travelling easily on the rain-deadened ground under Oisin Murphy, the 13-2 shot took command two out en route to a 3 3/4-length success from King's Gamble (Kingman). “He's really found his spark of late and was impressive today,” Balding said of the three-year-old. “He's generally very consistent and never disappoints, apart from when we really fancied him in the Jersey at Royal Ascot–his owners came over from Australia to watch him that day, too!” “He's run some good races on fast ground, but he's handled that bit of cut very well today. We'll probably head to the Challenge Stakes at Newmarket with a penalty.” Murphy added, “His work has gone to a new level in recent weeks since Newbury and we thought he'd be fine on that ground. We went a nice even pace, not flat to the boards like Quinault sometimes can do, as this ground can be tiring and I realised early it might take a bit of getting, but he powered clear for pressure.” Wow! Marvelman clears away from them to win the Group 2 Betfred Park Stakes at @DoncasterRaces! Another for @oismurphy and @AndrewBalding2! pic.twitter.com/7si2Mab7Ko — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 13, 2025 The post Improving Marvelman Routs Park Rivals appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wathnan's Fallen Angel (Too Darn Hot) loves nothing more than a trip overseas for a big prize and the grey was in the winning mood again on Saturday in Leopardstown's G1 Coolmore America Justify Matron Stakes. Fresh from regaining her mojo in Deauville's Prix Rothschild last month, the Moyglare and Irish Guineas winner who had been second to Porta Fortuna in this 12 months ago outstayed Exactly (Frankel) in the run to the line to prevail by half a length under James Doyle. Atsila (Phoenix Of Spain) was 3/4 of a length away in third. “She's so tough and very honest,” Karl Burke said of the 9-4 favourite, who was completing a double on the card. “You can't pull her around and it's taken a few rides to get to know her. She should stay a mile and a quarter, but you are better off being aggressive at a mile.” “She had got very lackadaisical at home and the sheepskins have sharpened her up,” he added. “She loves it in Ireland–maybe we should leave her here! She could go to Sun Chariot and then at Ascot on Champions Day to take on the boys.” Group 1 glory! Fallen Angel makes it FOUR top-level triumphs in the €400,000 @coolmorestud 'Justify' Matron Stakes on an afternoon to remember for @karl_burke pic.twitter.com/3J0c00rIVJ — Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 13, 2025 The post Wathnan’s Fallen Angel Battles To Matron Glory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After a dark day Friday, the Keeneland September Yearling Sale picked up right where it had left off when a colt by Into Mischief (hip 1197) brought a final bid of $2 million early in Saturday's fifth session of the 12-day auction. Bloodstock agent Justin Casse signed the ticket on behalf of Coolmore and White Birch Farm. Consigned by Gainesway, the bay colt is out of the unraced Miss Jessica J (Empire Maker), who is a half-sister to champion Jaywalk (Cross Traffic) and multiple stakes winner Danzatrice (Dunkirk), the dam of Grade I winenr Tapit Trice (Tapit). He was bred by Al Shira'aa Racing and Gainesway Thoroughbreds. The post Million-Dollar Hits Keep Coming at Keeneland: Into Mischief Colt Brings $2 Million Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There was a moment in the closing stages of Doncaster's G1 St Leger on Saturday that summed up the state of affairs at Coolmore in this pivotal era. As Galileo's final Classic runner Stay True loomed to Justify's Scandinavia, the Classic briefly looked in the balance but it was ultimately the son of the operation's heir apparent and not of the departed giant who earned the statement win. At the line, Tom Marquand had secured a neck success for Aidan O'Brien's third in succession and ninth overall in this prize from the latecomer Rahiebb (Frankel) with Stay True a length back in third. Justify has now sired the winners of the 2,000 Guineas, Derby and St Leger from his initial offerings at Stud in what is an unprecedented success story. “He's got the most beautiful temperament–speaking to Aidan O'Brien, Ryan Moore and Wayne Lordan, the thing they all said was just how straightforward he was,” Marquand said. “The ground is hard work and they all came to have a go at him, but he covered them all.” “He's an extremely special horse and one I'm privileged to be sat aboard today.” SCANDINAVIA HANGS TOUGH TO WIN THE BETFRED ST LEGER! pic.twitter.com/SLFsKk6TCo — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 13, 2025 The post Justify’s Classic Clean Sweep Complete As Scandinavia Wins The St Leger appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Christophe Soumillon was forced into switching mounts, taking up piloting duties aboard Killarney maiden winner Benvenuto Cellini (Frankel) after TDN Rising Star Montreal (Sea The Stars) was scratched, in Saturday's G2 KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes–formerly known as the Golden Fleece Stakes–and the rider continued on a winning roll as the son of Newspaperofrecord (Lope De Vega) stepped forward to claim a career high in the one-mile contest. “He's a lovely horse and a great mover by Frankel out of a very good mare,” said Aidan O'Brien. “He's been going well at home and Christophe [Soumillon] gave him a very uncomplicated ride. He's a smasher, he's got a big open stride, he's genuine and he cruises. He looks like he's going to be a lovely middle-distance horse and Christophe thinks he feels like a French Derby horse. He can go again this year, maybe in the Racing Post [G1 Futurity Trophy] or one of the French [Group 1] races [at ParisLongchamp and Saint-Cloud], and then start in one of the Derby trials next year.” The 1-2 favourite bowled along in second for the most part as Hardy Warrior (Pinatubo) set the tempo up front. Sent wide into the straight for a narrow advantage passing the quarter-mile marker, he was beyond recall thereafter and powered clear underneath the stands' side rail inside the final furlong to easily outclass the pacesetting Hardy Warrior by five lengths. Nil Bua Gan Dua (American Pharoah) was a half-length away in third, a nose in front of A Boy Named Suzie (Starspangledbanner). Benvenuto Cellini is bred to be top-class and the Frankel colt is very good in the Group 2 @KPMG_Ireland Champions Juvenile Stakes, scoring under Christophe Soumillon for Aidan O'Brien @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/AjUzUhIzdB — Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 13, 2025 The post Aidan O’Brien Domination Continues as Benvenuto Cellini Outclasses Golden Fleece Rivals appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars DAILY TROPHY - R3 (6) Dirt specialist trialled well and finds himself in a very winnable race Jay Rooney TOURBILLON GOLFER - R8 (1) Should break through after two close seconds last term Owen Goulding SOLID SHALAA - R9 (6) Three-time dirt winner is still unexposed and will benefit from the claim Phillip Woo SUPERB KID - R10 (2) Did salute two runs ago and looks primed for a big run off a solid trial Shannon (Vincent Wong) ONLY U - R2 (1) Not beaten far last start and should go...View the full article

Coolmore and Westerberg's €1.7-million Arqana August sale topper Diamond Necklace (St Mark's Basilica) backed up a TDN Rising Star performance at the Curragh last month with a first black-type triumph in Saturday's Listed Ballylinch Stud Irish EBF Ingabelle Stakes at Leopardstown. “I was quite confident when I saw the attitude she had going down to the start and she was really professional,” said winning jockey Christophe Soumillon. “She was a little impatient in the stalls and didn't jump out properly. I had to change plans because she was quite far back. She responded really well when I asked her to quicken at the two-furlong pole and she did it so easy. For her second start, doing what she does is quite amazing. She's quite mature for an inexperienced filly and it will be lovely to see her on Arc Weekend [in the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac].” Diamond Necklace was last of eight away and settled several lengths off the pace in fifth after the initial strides. Coming under pressure to close when moving into fourth in early straight, the 1-2 favourite quickened smartly to gain an edge with 100 yards remaining and lengthened clear thereafter to easily overpower Sukanya (Havana Grey) by 2 1/4 lengths. Two from two! The €1.7m filly Diamond Necklace (St Mark's Basilica) sparkles in the Irish Champions Festival opener for Christophe Soumillon, Aidan O'Brien and Ballydoyle pic.twitter.com/R7zoqiSpAO — Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 13, 2025 The post Quickfire Stakes Double for Coolmore as Diamond Necklace Seals Ingabelle Success appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Coolmore's Aidan O'Brien-trained G1 Phoenix Stakes fourth Puerto Rico (Wootton Bassett) was a five-race maiden heading into Saturday's G2 Betfred Champagne Stakes and made all for a breakthrough success in the seven-furlong contest at Doncaster, becoming the first to achieve the feat since Bog Trotter in 1990. The 15-2 chance was swiftly into stride and gained early control in murky conditions. Untroubled on the lead through halfway, he was asked to stretch with three furlongs remaining and kept on sttrongly under forceful urging inside the final quarter-mile to prevail by a length from TDN Rising Star Oxagon (Frankel). Valmont's Arqana Series Criterium d'Ete was unable to land a telling blow and finished 1 3/4 lengths adrift in third. Great result for @LeveySean and Aidan O'Brien as Puerto Rico races clear in the Group 2 Betfred Champagne Stakes at @DoncasterRaces… pic.twitter.com/u46ZVRmtNm — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 13, 2025 The post Puerto Rico Makes All for Breakthrough Triumph in Doncaster’s Champagne Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Talented New Zealand-bred gelding Golden Path (NZ) (Belardo) staked his claim for higher honours later in the spring with a strong-finishing victory to close out Saturday’s Flemington card. The six-year-old son of Belardo was second-up in the A$150,000 Ronald McDonald House Charities Trophy (1700m), having resumed with a third over 1600m at Caulfield on August 16. Golden Path had a far from easy task on Saturday from the extreme outside gate in a 19-horse field and with topweight of 61kg on his back, but he still proved superior. Blake Shinn drove him out of the pack and over the top of the tearaway leader Globe (NZ) (Charm Spirit), getting up to win by neck from fellow late closers Kingswood (Roaring lion) and Young Werther (NZ) (Tavistock). “It was a brutally run race,” Shinn said. “I got into a good spot. Globe really made us earn the win, carrying the big weight this guy had. He came off the bit early, but his class really shone through. He ran against some of the best credentialled horses in Australia last prep in Sydney and acquitted himself really well. He carried the weight today, his class shone through and I’m just delighted to get the win on him for Mick and everyone involved.” Golden Path was competitive in strong company last season, running third in the Gr.3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m), fifth in the Gr.1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m), and sixth in the Gr.1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m), Gr.2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) and Gr.2 Hill Stakes (2000m). Trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr are now likely to step him back up to stakes level. “Blake found a beautiful spot today – I think he was three back and one out from the worst gate,” Price said. “He missed a run leading into this, just because of an inflammatory marker in the blood. That’s what we take bloods for. But he came right, he was right today and he loves Flemington. “I have one owner that keeps telling me he’s live in the Caulfield Cup (Gr.1, 2400m), so what do you do? Anyway, we’ll point that way and see what happens.” Bred by the Wallace family’s Ardsley Stud, Golden Path was purchased for $35,000 from the 2021 Karaka Book 2 Yearling Sale by Pukekohe trainer Michael Rogers. After winning two of his three trials in New Zealand for Rogers, Golden Path was sold to clients of the Price-Kent team. Racing in the colours of Carl Holt, Golden Path has now had 19 starts for six wins, four placings and A$620,650 in stakes. View the full article

Group One warrior Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) became the first three-time winner of the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) with a powerhouse all-the-way victory in the A$750,000 Flemington feature on Saturday. It was the 10th Group One victory for the Bullbars gelding, who has had a total of 46 starts for 20 wins, 15 placings and A$17.97 million in prize-money. Mr Brightside beat Alligator Blood (All Too Hard) by a length and a half to claim his first Makybe Diva win in 2023, then defended that title against Pride Of Jenni (Pride of Dubai) and Antino (NZ) (Redwood) last September. After ending his seven-year-old season with an uncharacteristic failure in Hong Kong in April, then resuming with a well-beaten second behind new star Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express) in last month’s Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m), some might have suspected that Mr Brightside’s Group One-winning days might be behind him. He was sent out as a $5.30 third favourite in Saturday’s six-horse field, with betting dominated by the Chris Waller-trained pair of Via Sistina ($1.70) and Aeliana ($3.90). But anyone who writes off Mr Brightside does so at their peril. Regular rider Craig Williams sent Mr Brightside straight to the front, where he was able to dictate terms in a tactically run race. Mr Brightside threw down the gauntlet to his five rivals with a powerful kick at the top of the Flemington straight. Aeliana, Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock) and Antino chased hard, but Mr Brightside never came back to them. He maintained his momentum all the way down the straight and won by a length and a half. Fellow New Zealand-bred Aeliana ran second, just ahead of Via Sistina and a third Kiwi-bred runner in Antino. “I’m very privileged to be a part of this horse, a part of his development which gives me great pride,” Williams said. “This horse, he just carries so many racing fans and people. If you love the song, you’ve got him as well. He’s just really captivated people around Australia. He’s the best miler in Australia on his day, and still one of the best even when he’s not. He’s just a marvel – three Makybe Divas. “When I walked up with my wife today, I said, ‘We’ve got a statue of Makybe Diva now. Hopefully he’ll win this race three times and they’ll give him his own bronze statue as well.’ “I think, after my experience and what we do in Ukraine, it just makes me more grateful to be able to partner up with a horse like him, put on a show and have people come out and support our amazing industry. “This is what I dreamed of as a kid and wrote stories about at school. This is what every rider in the jockeys’ room works hard for and continues to work hard for – to win Group Ones, and especially these feature races like the Makybe Diva Stakes.” Mr Brightside has been a cherished flagbearer for the Lindsay Park training partnership of Ben, Will and JD Hayes. “For JD and Will and I, he’s the most special horse we’ve ever had,” Ben Hayes said. “We’re just the front men. He means a lot to everyone and the whole team. “He’s a 10-time Group One winner and he’s placed in 12 of them as well and won multiple Group Twos. He’s an absolute champion – no one can deny that now. Maybe people will start respecting him and tipping him! “It turned out beautifully today. It was a 10-out-of-10 ride. Tactically he got an easy time early and because he got an easy time, they couldn’t catch him, a champion like him. He’s an amazing horse and we’re so lucky to have him. “We thought he had gone the right way since the Memsie. He paraded beautifully, it was typical Mr B. His coat has come on, but the good thing is, he’s got improvement to come and we’re going to have fun placing him at his next couple of starts. I’m so proud of him and for him to come back and win, to show how good he is, makes us so proud.” Mr Brightside was bred by Ray Johnson in partnership with his late wife Martha. He was sold as a yearling for $22,000 via Janine Dunlop’s Phoenix Park at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock May Sale, where he was bought by Phill Cataldo. He then failed to meet his $50,000 reserve when re-offered at the Ready to Run Sale. An opportunity later arose for Johnson to buy him back on gavelhouse.com for just $7,750, in conjunction with Cambridge trainer Ralph Manning and good friend Shaun Dromgool. Mr Brightside finished a luckless fifth in his sole New Zealand start at Matamata for Manning, having previously won a trial. He was subsequently sold privately to clients of the Hayes stable via Australian agent Wayne Ormond. View the full article

Mr Brightside ridden by Craig Williams wins the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington. (Photo: Bruno Cannatelli) Group One warrior Mr Brightside became the first three-time winner of the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) with a powerhouse all-the-way victory in the $750,000 Flemington feature on Saturday. It was the 10th Group One victory for the Bullbars gelding, who has had a total of 46 starts for 20 wins, 15 placings and $17.97 million in prize-money. Mr Brightside beat Alligator Blood by a length and a half to claim his first Makybe Diva win in 2023, then defended that title against Pride Of Jenni and Antino last September. After ending his seven-year-old season with an uncharacteristic failure in Hong Kong in April, then resuming with a well-beaten second behind new star Treasurethe Moment in last month’s Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m), some might have suspected that Mr Brightside’s Group One-winning days might be behind him. He was sent out as a $5.30 third favourite with horse racing bookmakers in Saturday’s six-horse field, with betting dominated by the Chris Waller-trained pair of Via Sistina ($1.70) and Aeliana ($3.90). But anyone who writes off Mr Brightside does so at their peril. Regular rider Craig Williams sent Mr Brightside straight to the front, where he was able to dictate terms in a tactically run race. Mr Brightside threw down the gauntlet to his five rivals with a powerful kick at the top of the Flemington straight. Aeliana, Via Sistina and Antino chased hard, but Mr Brightside never came back to them. He maintained his momentum all the way down the straight and won by a length and a half. Fellow New Zealand-bred Aeliana ran second, just ahead of Via Sistina and a third Kiwi-bred runner in Antino. “I’m very privileged to be a part of this horse, a part of his development which gives me great pride,” Williams said. “This horse, he just carries so many racing fans and people. If you love the song, you’ve got him as well. He’s just really captivated people around Australia. He’s the best miler in Australia on his day, and still one of the best even when he’s not. He’s just a marvel – three Makybe Divas. “When I walked up with my wife today, I said, ‘We’ve got a statue of Makybe Diva now. Hopefully he’ll win this race three times and they’ll give him his own bronze statue as well.’ “I think, after my experience and what we do in Ukraine, it just makes me more grateful to be able to partner up with a horse like him, put on a show and have people come out and support our amazing industry. “This is what I dreamed of as a kid and wrote stories about at school. This is what every rider in the jockeys’ room works hard for and continues to work hard for – to win Group Ones, and especially these feature races like the Makybe Diva Stakes.” Mr Brightside has been a cherished flagbearer for the Lindsay Park training partnership of Ben, Will and JD Hayes. “For JD and Will and I, he’s the most special horse we’ve ever had,” Ben Hayes said. “We’re just the front men. He means a lot to everyone and the whole team. “He’s a 10-time Group One winner and he’s placed in 12 of them as well and won multiple Group Twos. He’s an absolute champion – no one can deny that now. Maybe people will start respecting him and tipping him! “It turned out beautifully today. It was a 10-out-of-10 ride. Tactically he got an easy time early and because he got an easy time, they couldn’t catch him, a champion like him. He’s an amazing horse and we’re so lucky to have him. “We thought he had gone the right way since the Memsie. He paraded beautifully, it was typical Mr B. His coat has come on, but the good thing is, he’s got improvement to come and we’re going to have fun placing him at his next couple of starts. I’m so proud of him and for him to come back and win, to show how good he is, makes us so proud.” 2025 Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes Replay – Mr Brightside https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Flemington-2025-Group-1-Makybe-Diva-Stakes-13092025-Mr-Brightside-Ben-Will-JD-Hayes-Craig-Williams.mp4 Horse racing news View the full article

Run To The Rose winner, Tempted. (Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au) Tempted turned a fresh start into a statement spring opener, streaking past the leaders to win the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) on her first run for Ciaron Maher. The daughter of Street Boss, a Group 2 Percy Sykes winner and luckless Golden Slipper third in the autumn, travelled sweetly from midfield under Ethan Brown and put the race to bed in a few strides, leading home a Godolphin quinella from Beiwacht. Maher could barely hide his enthusiasm, calling her a “very, very high-class filly” and noting that the Randwick trial last week had her exactly where he wanted. He added there are “a lot of options” from here, with the traditional Golden Rose path firmly in play after such a dominant first-up display. The manner of victory—switching off early, quickening on command, and sustaining through the line—reinforced the view that her best work may still be ahead this spring. It also sparked the inevitable conversation about a potential Everest (1200m) slot, a scenario Maher said would be up to Godolphin to weigh up in the coming weeks. “Three-year-olds have a good record in the race,” he said. “She might be one out of the box.” Brown’s ride was all patience and timing: hold a rhythm, slide into the three-wide line, and trust the turn of foot. Sent out around $3.90, Tempted had Beiwacht covered late, with the Blue Army’s depth evident behind her. For a filly who has mixed it with the elite since her two-year-old season, this was the sort of first-up authority that anchors a spring campaign. 2025 Group 2 Run To The Rose Replay – Tempted https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Rosehill-2025-Group-2-Run-To-The-Rose-13092025-Tempted-Ciaron-Maher-Ethan-Brown.mp4 Horse racing news View the full article

Revelare ridden by Declan Bates wins the Archer Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Revelare punched his ticket to the first Tuesday in November with a determined victory in the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m), sealing a coveted ballot exemption for the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Sent out a firm $2.90 favourite with horse racing bookmakers, the Robert Hickmott-trained stayer outstayed Mormona, with Sayedaty Sadaty holding third. Declan Bates produced a cool, patient ride, keeping Revelare within range before asking for his effort at the top of the long Flemington straight. The gelding dug in late to edge clear by a long neck, confirming his staying credentials and delivering Hickmott a live Cup contender as the stable chases a third win in the race. For Hickmott—who lifted the Cup with Green Moon (2012) and Almandin (2016)—this was the plan coming together after a minor illness scuttled an autumn “win-and-you’re-in” attempt. He’d earmarked The Bart Cummings (2500m) on October 4 as the spring gateway, but after a sharp Caulfield win at 2000m on August 30 and Saturday’s step to 2500m, the Archer proved the right door to walk through. With Cup weights due this Tuesday, Hickmott flagged a measured path into the first Tuesday, mindful of penalties if Revelare were to win again on the way through. The Bart Cummings remains a likely next stop, with the team confident there’s further improvement to come as the horse’s coat and fitness peak into spring. Revelare is now a $17 chance with horse betting sites for the 2025 Melbourne Cup on November 4. 2025 Group 3 Archer Stakes Replay – Revelare https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Flemington-2025-Group-3-Archer-Stakes-13092025-Revelare-Robert-Hickmott-Declan-Bates.mp4 Horse racing news View the full article

By Jonny Turner Take two showed Blair Orange everything he needed to see ahead of the Group 3 Placemakers Hannon Memorial at Oamaru on Sunday. After taking out last year’s edition of the Oamaru feature, the leading reinsman is back in 2025, renewing his association with star pacer Don’t Stop Dreaming. Don’t Stop Dreaming starts his march towards the New Zealand Cup on Sunday, having trialled twice for trainers Hayden and Amanda Cullen. The first of those was a quiet outing, but the second gave Orange the feel he wanted. “I’ve been happy with his two trials back, the first run was a quiet one and then last week he actually trialled really nice and punched the line as good as he could.” “He’s got a good barrier draw (1) on Sunday and I expect him to be thereabouts.” Their established star status has seen Don’t Stop Dreaming and 2023 Hannon Memorial winner Akuta dominate the market for this year’s edition. Akuta has the benefit of having three starts back this time in, which effectively hands him the favouritism tag ahead of his number one rival. Akuta returns to Oamaru for the first time in two years following a fighting fifth in the New Brighton Cup, which is sure to have helped build his fitness levels following his return from a lengthy lay off. Don’t Stop Dreaming is among a powerful book of drives Orange takes on Hannon Memorial Day. The reinsman links up with Nellie Doyle in the Group 3 Jasmyn’s Gift Stakes, who also starts fresh up at Oamaru. “I haven’t driven her at the trials in her couple of runs back this time, but from what I’ve seen she’s looked good.” “She’s a horse that’s taken some good steps in a very short time, look for her late but she’ll improve with this run.” General Jen looks one of Orange’s best winning hopes at Oamaru. The classy filly is another returning fresh after trialling well and she has a big advantage over her key rivals in a strong Nevele R Fillies Series heat, having drawn barrier 2. “She’s a lovely three-year-old and she’s got the right barrier draw over some of the harder ones.” “Hopefully we can put that to her advantage and she can be hard to beat.” Helius is another winning threat for Orange, going into Sunday’s two-year-old feature unbeaten in his only start at the races. “He’s a progressive horse, and his trial last week was nice.” “He’s got good gate speed to utilise.” “He’ll leave everything out there, he’s not paid up for anything and he’ll go to the paddock after this.” Helius’ stablemate Rockin Roman looks an each way threat for Orange on Sunday while Loveyourmother is another genuine winning hope in Oamaru’s finale. Jonny Turner’s top five for Oamaru Akuta Race fitness looks set to give Akuta a key advantage in this year’s Placemakers Hannon Memorial. It’s somewhat ironic that a horse who recently spent 20 months on the sidelines now brings a fitness edge, but that’s the case here. The progression Akuta has shown in his last two starts looks central to his chances. He heads to Oamaru in search of another Hannon title after sticking on gamely for fifth at Addington last start. Akuta worked hard inside the final lap and still finished less than two lengths from the winner. He’s sure to strip even fitter on Sunday in a race where his main dangers are either first-up or lightly raced this spring.It all points to Akuta being a deserved short-priced favourite. To place a bet on this race click here Cody Banner He can be unpredictable and provide a nervous watch, but Cody Banner will always try his heart out. There’s no questioning his ability or his will to win as he lines up in what looks a very suitable Hannon Memorial Day assignment. But as most southern harness racing followers know, he’s never been one to trust with absolute confidence. If he produces his best manners, he’s the top pick and arguably the hardest horse to beat in the race. To place a bet on this race click here Elton J Punters will need to decide for themselves whether Elton J is a rocketman ahead of his Hannon Memorial Day debut. Plenty of mystery surrounds the pacer as he makes the long trek south from Marlborough for his first Otago appearance. He’s had just one trial—against a single rival—but the stopwatch suggested he produced sharp sectionals to win. With no video replay available, the clock is the only guide. Lining up in a maiden field not overflowing with exposed form, Elton J has to be taken seriously. If early betting is any indication, he could prove very hard to catch. To place a bet on this race click here C C Arden If he can recapture anything like his best, C C Arden looks capable of delivering a slick win in Sunday’s finale. Though he hasn’t been in peak form lately, his efforts have still been respectable in strong company. Back in grade at Oamaru and armed with a favourable draw over several key rivals, he gets a prime chance to rebound. Expect driver Tim Williams to be positive from barrier 5 and for his three-year-old charge to play a big part in the finish. To place a bet on this race click here General Jen General Jen was going to be a major threat from most draws in Sunday’s three-year-old fillies heat, but landing barrier 2 sent her chances soaring. She’s all class, proven against New Zealand’s best fillies, and recent trial work suggests she’s primed for her racetrack return. Driver Blair Orange is certain to make full use of the low draw and, over 2000m, General Jen looks the one to catch. Perhaps the only surprise leading into Sunday was that she didn’t open a clear-cut favourite — something that changed quickly. To place a bet on this race click here View the full article

The A$300,000 Jericho Cup (4600m) could be on the radar for Yolo (NZ) (Zed), who continued her return to form with a four-length runaway in Saturday’s NZB Airfreight Road to Jericho (3210m) at New Plymouth. Saturday’s race carried a ballot-free entry into the Jericho Cup at Warrnambool on November 30, with NZB Airfreight offering a $5000 equine airfreight credit to the winner if they embark on that trans-Tasman mission. The Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray-trained Nassak Diamond used the New Plymouth qualifier as a springboard to Jericho Cup success two years ago, while Yolo’s trainer Kevin Myers won a similar qualifying race with Botti (NZ) (Jakkalberry) at Riccarton in 2022 before crossing the Tasman and running second to Bastida (NZ) (Pierro) in that year’s Jericho Cup. Just a few months ago, these lofty targets may have seemed a long way away for Yolo, who had scored the most recent of her four career victories back in November of 2022. But a maiden hurdle victory at Trentham in early June started to turn things around for the Zed mare, who has since reverted to flat racing and scored back-to-back wins in a 2100m Rating 75 at Otaki on September 6 and now the Road to Jericho a week later. “It was a good performance today by a mare that Kevin seems to have got back into form,” owner-breeder Sam Trotter said. “I’ll leave it up to Kevin to decide what he does with her from here, but that entry into the Jericho Cup has to be quite attractive. She might be a suitable horse for the race, considering her style of sitting back and doing nothing in the running before picking up and running home strongly in the last 600m. But it’ll be Kevin who makes that decision.” Yolo was ridden on Saturday by apprentice jockey Elle Sole, who settled in the second half of the field as Billy Boy (NZ) (So You Think) and The Finnster (NZ) (Vadamos) showed the way through the early part of the race. While the Heavy10 conditions began to take their toll on most of the field coming into the final 700m of the energy-sapping 3210m journey, Yolo moved forward with ease. She swept to the lead and strode clear, pulling away down the straight to beat Roc Up Ralph (NZ) (Roc de Cambe) by four and a quarter lengths. “That was really good,” Sole said. “It was similar to what she did at Otaki last week. She just travelled beautifully the whole way. She got herself into a nice rhythm. I just gave her a little squeeze down the side and she just went into it. It was easy from there and a pretty cool feeling.” Yolo has now had 46 starts for seven wins, 12 placings and $189,710 in prize money. She was a multiple Group performer in her three-year-old season, finishing fourth in the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m), Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m) and Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2000m). Yolo is by Zed out of the Al Akbar mare Take Three (NZ), who herself won six races and went on to even greater success as a broodmare. Seven of her progeny have been winners and have delivered more than 30 wins between them, headed by 11-race winner and Great Northern Steeplechase (6400m) heroine Kick Back (NZ) (Bahhare). “It’s been a special family,” Trotter said. “I bred and trained the mother Take Three. She did a good job herself and has given us a lot of winning sons and daughters. One of those was Portland Jimmy (NZ) (Mettre En Jeu), who started off in Fraser Auret’s stable before heading across to Australia and having some country cups success with Patrick Payne. Kevin obviously has a very successful working relationship with Patrick, so it could be a possibility that this mare might head the same way.” View the full article

Darby Racing’s new recruit Nkosi (Shamus Award) collected his second win from three Australian starts with a dominant front-running performance in the A$160,000 TAB Handicap (1800m) at Rosehill on Saturday. The Bjorn Baker-trained four-year-old made a winning Australian debut at Wyong last month, scoring by four lengths over 1600m, then finished seventh in a 1500m race at Rosehill on August 30. The step up to 1800m proved to be ideal for the New Zealand import, who was sent forward by jockey Dylan Gibbons and controlled the race from the front. Nkosi kicked hard in the straight and put himself well out of reach for the chasers, who were headed by Glad You Think So (So You Think) two and a quarter lengths behind. “Going up in trip on and the blinkers going on helped him a little bit,” Baker said. “His last start was a bit of a sprint home, which probably didn’t suit him.” Nkosi is by Shamus Award out of the New Zealand-bred O’Reilly mare Sailing Past (NZ). Second dam Tropical Beat (NZ) is a half-sister to Gr.2 Moonee Valley Fillies’ Classic (1500m) winner My Emotion (NZ) (Savabeel), while another half-sister is Midnight Revels (NZ) (Don Eduardo), the dam of Gr.1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) winner Seabrook (NZ) (Hinchinbrook). The third dam Midnight Rock (NZ) (Belardo) is a half-sister to Group One winner Aloha, dam of the high-class Libertini (I Am Invincible). Woburn Farm bought Nkosi for A$30,000 from the 2022 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale, then offered him in Book 1 of Karaka 2023 where he failed to meet his $80,000 reserve. Nkosi began his career with four starts in New Zealand from the Cambridge stable of Tony Pike, winning the most recent of them at Ellerslie on May 7 before being purchased privately by Darby Racing. From a seven-start career, Nkosi has now recorded three wins and has earned A$120,579. “Thanks to the owners for trusting us to buy a horse that had won one race in New Zealand, using our eye,” Darby Racing director Scott Darby said. “We’ve passed him on to the master team, the Baker team, who really are improving horses. “I know it didn’t work out with this horse last start, when we went back in distance. But with the blinkers on today and going up to 1800m, Dylan gave him a great ride and he won well. This is a very promising horse.” View the full article

Exciting three-year-old Miss Starlight (NZ) (Sweynesse) thrust her name squarely into contention for future Group One honours when she destroyed a quality field of fillies in the time-honoured feature race at Riccarton on Saturday, the Listed NZB Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) The unbeaten daughter of Sweynesse went into the contest with a pair of wins on the Riccarton synthetic track under her belt but no one was sure how she would take the leap to the grass surface. The John and Karen Parsons owned and bred filly answered that question in emphatic fashion as she sat outside leader Spark (NZ) (Time Test) for the majority of the journey before dashing clear early in the home straight for rider Tina Comignaghi. Chased hard by the well supported North Island raider Bona Sforza (Written By) and the late closing Intention, Miss Starlight never looked like yielding as she maintained a powerful gallop to score decisively by nearly two lengths in a smart 1.10.58 for the 1200m journey on a Soft5 surface. Comignaghi confirmed her mount had created a deep impression on her with the performance. “She is a very special filly as today she stepped up,” Comignaghi said. “She has never had to go on the grass or had much competition but she proved she is a really special horse. “I didn’t know what she was going to do (from the starting gates) as once she jumped good and another time she didn’t, but she travelled well so I pushed forward. “I had a handful (of horse) into the straight and I thought I had a chance but I didn’t know she would do that. “She is a very exciting filly for the rest of the Spring.” Miss Starlight holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on 8 November with TAB Bookmakers establishing her as the $10 Fixed Odds third favourite behind Lollapalooza (NZ) (El Roca) ($3.20) and Tajana (NZ) (Darci Brahma) ($5). Bred by Karen Parsons out of her five-race winner Firelight (NZ) (Fantastic Light), Miss Starlight is closely related to the ill-fated multiple Group One winner Tavistock who was establishing himself as a world class stallion at Cambridge Stud before his untimely death in 2019. View the full article

Stratford trainer Tony Dravitzki broke new ground in his career with back-to-back victories at New Plymouth on Saturday. Dravitzki, who has held a trainer’s licence since the 2009-10 season and has only four horses in work, went into Saturday’s meeting with a total of 22 wins to his name from 352 runners. He wasted little time in increasing that number to 24. Last-start Hawera maiden winner Im Bartholomew (NZ) (Complacent) provided the first leg of the double in the $40,000 Taranaki Pine Dash (990m). Just over 35 minutes later, the stable’s headline horse Tobias took his career earnings past $200,000 with an all-the-way win in the $50,000 Kiwi Butcher (2000m). “This is very special,” Dravitzki said. “It doesn’t happen to trainers like me, so we’ll take it, that’s for sure.” Saturday’s victory broke a year-long win drought for Tobias (NZ) (Complacent), whose last success was in the Interprovincial (1600m) at New Plymouth in August of last year. But the eight-year-old son of Complacent had produced a string of solid performances through the winter, most recently a fourth in his Interprovincial title defence, and Dravitzki decided to step him up to 2000m on Saturday. It could not have gone any better. Apprentice jockey Elle Sole allowed Tobias to stride forward and take up the lead coming down the straight with a lap to go. He controlled the race from that point on and kicked away as he rounded the home turn. Rosetown Princess (NZ) (Redwood) and Swingit Our Way (NZ) (Zed) chased bravely through the last 200m, but no one was handling the gruelling Heavy10 ground better than Tobias. He stayed well out of reach, crossing the finish line a length in front of Rosetown Princess. “He’s a tough horse in conditions like these,” Dravitzki said. “At the start of the day, I thought he was my best chance today. When the other horse won, it made him look even better. “I never really doubted that he’d get 2000m, and the track certainly helped him today.” Tobias has now had 32 starts for eight wins, four placings and $201,727 in stakes. He has a particular affinity for New Plymouth, where his 12 starts have produced five wins and two placings. Sole is forming a highly successful partnership with Tobias. Saturday’s victory was the 21-year-old’s fourth win from just eight rides on the gelding. Dravitzki was also delighted with Im Bartholomew, who finished strongly down the outside to win his Rating 65 sprint assignment by two and a half lengths with Mereana Hudson in the saddle. The five-year-old Complacent gelding is now a two-time winner from six starts. He boasts a two-from-two record in New Zealand, having begun his career with four starts in Victoria. “It’s been a long journey with this horse, he’s been around a bit, but he’s shown up in both starts for me so it’s good,” Dravitzki said. “This run wasn’t really planned. We decided to run him here to get him ready for his next two starts. I thought the 990m might be too short for him. But these track conditions might have found them out a bit. “He has the action of a better-ground horse, and he’ll get out over a bit further. He might be another Tobias, I think – a good miler.” View the full article