Wandering Eyes

Shane Brown is quietly confident his mares can give bold black type accounts of themselves on Saturday. The Woodville trainer will head north with his stakes performed pair of Sanibel (NZ) (Shamexpress) and Shelbyrock’n (NZ) (Rock ‘N’ Pop) for the Listed Team Wealleans Tauranga Classic (1400m) and is expecting them to make an impression. “The bookies will probably have them quite long in the market, but I’m really happy with them and they will both cop the heavy track,” Brown said. Sanibel is proven at this level having won this race two years ago and subsequently finished runner-up in the Listed Levin Stakes (1200m). “She is going really well, she looks a treat and will get conditions to suit on Saturday,” Brown said. “We targeted this race a couple of months ago and is working out quite well. “She had a run fresh-up at Wellington, which wasn’t really a suitable race for her, but it fitted in well leading up to this, she’s a mare that likes three of four weeks between runs. “The track was a little bit good for her and they were too slick over 1100m, but she has come along nicely since. “Her form right-handed is good and she also ran fourth in the Auckland Breeders’ (Gr.2, 1400m) in November on a track that was a little bit good for her. I don’t see why she won’t be a good chance.” Another plus is the booking of Kate Hercock, who has won four times aboard the Shamexpress mare, including the 2022 Tauranga Classic. Shelbyrock’n is a four-time winner and the daughter of Rock ‘N’ Pop also ran third in last season’s edition when it was relocated to Hastings. “Bridget Grylls will ride her again and her work has been very good,” Brown said. “I was a bit disappointed with her fresh-up run, but it was her first time down the Trentham straight and Bridget said she never got into a rhythm with the pressure on all the way. “She was carrying a bit of weight (59kg) as well and, once again, it was a race that fitted in well ahead of Tauranga. “The track conditions won’t worry her at all, the wetter the better. “If you had a query it would be that it’s her first time right-handed, but she has done a lot of work that way around. “The two mares are quite hard to split, Shelbyrock’n will be right on the speed and Sanibel will get back and be swooping. I won’t be surprised if they run far better than their odds.” As long as the pair run up to expectations, there is every likelihood they will head south for the Grand National meeting. “I’ve got them both in the Winter Cup (Gr.3, 1600m) at this stage and if they go good races this weekend then they deserve to go down to Riccarton,” Brown said. View the full article

Rihaan Goyaram recorded his first winning ride aboard Niagara Sky at Pukekohe on Wednesday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Rihaan Goyaram has added his name to the growing list of successful expat Mauritian jockeys in New Zealand after he posted his first win aboard Niagara Sky at Pukekohe on Wednesday. Goyaram had been riding on race day for just two weeks before he guided the three-year-old filly to her debut win for his employer Ralph Manning. “I am very happy and very grateful for the help I have had from trainers and everybody around me,” Goyaram said. “She had two trials for a fourth and a win, and the horse has been working well over the last couple of weeks, so I knew she was a chance. I was quite confident. “I am very happy. My boss has put me on some nice horses, and it just makes work easier.” The Mauritius native first got the racing bug when he went to the track in his homeland and decided he wanted to pursue a career as a jockey, with a move to New Zealand being his best option to pursue his chosen vocation. “I used to go and watch the races in Mauritius, and I fell in love with it and decided I wanted to be a jockey,” Goyaram said. “I saw there were some nice opportunities in New Zealand for new apprentice jockeys. I contacted Mr Ralph Manning and asked him for a chance. He sorted out all my paperwork and got me here. “I was just riding retired racehorses back at home in Mauritius and when I came here I started from zero, Ralph taught me everything about racehorses. “In November it is going to be two years since I have been with him. He has taught me everything, from groundwork to track work and trials, and now race day.” Goyaram has joined a growing pool of Mauritian jockeys in New Zealand, and he said fellow expat Ashvin Goindasamy has been a great help in settling into New Zealand and helping enhance his riding talent. “When I first came here, Ashvin Goindasamy had just finished his apprenticeship with Ralph Manning and he helped me start off,” Goyaram said. “I started to meet more Mauritians around the country and it has been a good experience. It is always nice to meet another Mauritian and be able to speak in your own language for a little bit.” Goyaram is pleased to have got on the board as a jockey and will look to quickly enchance on that mark with rides at Tauranga and Te Aroha this weekend. Horse racing news View the full article

Sanibel winning the 2022 edition of the Listed Tauranga Classic (1400m). Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Shane Brown is quietly confident his mares can give bold black type accounts of themselves on Saturday. The Woodville trainer will head north with his stakes performed pair of Sanibel and Shelbyrock’n for the Listed Tauranga Classic (1400m) and is expecting them to make an impression. “The bookies will probably have them quite long in the market, but I’m really happy with them and they will both cop the heavy track,” Brown said. Sanibel is proven at this level having won this race two years ago and subsequently finished runner-up in the Listed Levin Stakes (1200m). “She is going really well, she looks a treat and will get conditions to suit on Saturday,” Brown said. “We targeted this race a couple of months ago and is working out quite well. “She had a run fresh-up at Wellington, which wasn’t really a suitable race for her, but it fitted in well leading up to this, she’s a mare that likes three of four weeks between runs. “The track was a little bit good for her and they were too slick over 1100m, but she has come along nicely since. “Her form right-handed is good and she also ran fourth in the Auckland Breeders’ (Group 2, 1400m) in November on a track that was a little bit good for her. I don’t see why she won’t be a good chance.” Another plus is the booking of Kate Hercock, who has won four times aboard the Shamexpress mare, including the 2022 Tauranga Classic. Shelbyrock’n is a four-time winner and the daughter of Rock ‘N’ Pop also ran third in last season’s edition when it was relocated to Hastings. “Bridget Grylls will ride her again and her work has been very good,” Brown said. “I was a bit disappointed with her fresh-up run, but it was her first time down the Trentham straight and Bridget said she never got into a rhythm with the pressure on all the way. “She was carrying a bit of weight (59kg) as well and, once again, it was a race that fitted in well ahead of Tauranga. “The track conditions won’t worry her at all, the wetter the better. “If you had a query it would be that it’s her first time right-handed, but she has done a lot of work that way around. “The two mares are quite hard to split, Shelbyrock’n will be right on the speed and Sanibel will get back and be swooping. I won’t be surprised if they run far better than their odds.” As long as the pair run up to expectations, there is every likelihood they will head south for the Grand National meeting. “I’ve got them both in the Winter Cup (Group 3, 1600m) at this stage and if they go good races this weekend then they deserve to go down to Riccarton,” Brown said. Horse racing news View the full article

Trainer Kelvin Tyler pictured with Lightning Jack. Photo: Race Images South Kelvin Tyler will be looking to record his fourth win in the Greenwood Amberley Cup (1600m) when he treks north to Riccarton on Saturday. The Riverton trainer has tasted success in the Riccarton feature on three prior occasions, including with Timy Tyler and twice with Lochan Ora, and he is hoping Go Lotte can etch her name next to her stable predecessors this weekend. The five-year-old daughter of Telperion has placed in her last two starts and Tyler said she is capable of going two better on Saturday. “It is hard to place these horses with the lack of grass racing, but it is a nice meeting and I have won the Amberley Cup three times,” Tyler said. “It has been good to me and it looks to be a winnable race for her, she is thriving at the moment.” Tyler is also looking forward to lining up in-form juvenile Mamaea. The daughter of Ribchester was runner-up over 1100m at Wingatui earlier this month and will be aided by her inside draw (2). “She has been up for a wee while now and you would think she is starting to get a few kinks in the armour, but she is thriving,” Tyler said. “She looks outstanding and her work has been outstanding, she loves a wet track. “1000m is probably short enough for her, she is wanting a bit more now, but I can’t fault her work at all. She will be another good chance.” Stablemate Albatross has been in a purple patch of form, winning two and placing in three of her last five starts, and Tyler doesn’t see any reason why she can’t extend that. “She has been wanting 2000m for a fair while, so she gets her chance there,” he said. “It is a winnable race for her and she gets three kilos off with Denby-Rose (Tait, apprentice jockey) on. Her work has been really good. “We have got three nice chances on Saturday.” Prior to the weekend, Tyler will head to Oamaru on Thursday, where he will be represented by Zambezi Zipper, Zac Black, and Vamos. “They are runners’ chances with Vamos probably being my best chance,” he said. Putting on his owner hat on Saturday, Tyler is looking forward to watching King Of The Castle continue his preparation for trainer Joe Pride in Australia. The Castledale seven-year-old is nominated for the Listed Civic Stakes (1400m) at Randwick and The David Bourke (1600m) at Flemington, with Tyler saying Pride is leaning towards the latter target this weekend. “He is nominated for Randwick and Flemington, and I have got the feeling that he is going to go to Flemington for a mile race,” Tyler said. Tyler said he is also looking forward to Aberlour having her first start for Pride in the coming weeks. “Aberlour won her trial on Monday at Warwick Farm and she is on track to for her first race over there in the next couple of weeks, so there is a little bit to look forward to,” he said. Horse racing news View the full article

One of the many gallopers put to the sword by Romantic Warrior this season, the four-year-old takes aim at Wednesday’s Group One Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (2,005m)View the full article

One of New Zealand’s brightest broadcasting talents, Andrew Gourdie, is set to join The NZB Kiwi ranks as Head of Communications and Content for the Southern Hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race. Commencing his position on 1 August 2024, Gourdie will play a vital role in driving all content and promotional activity for The NZB Kiwi until the race’s inaugural running on Champions Day – 8 March 2025 at Ellerslie Racecourse. Gourdie’s major responsibilities include leading The NZB Kiwi digital content strategy, front-of-camera talent for subsequent promotional interviews and videos, as well as generating cut-through for mainstream engagement. The previous Television Sports Reporter of the Year looks forward to bringing a fresh take on NZB Kiwi-related content as New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) looks to extend the race’s profile beyond the domestic racing industry. “I’m really excited to be part of the team that’s helping to bring the NZB Kiwi to life,” Gourdie said. “It’s an incredibly exciting time for racing in New Zealand. This event is a major addition to the annual sporting calendar in our country and an innovation that will be a game-changer for an industry I care deeply about. “My previous roles have given me the chance to tell some amazing stories, and I’m really looking forward to sharing the journey of the people and the world-class New Zealand Thoroughbred talent that will be involved in this race over the coming months. “I’d especially like to thank outgoing NZTR Chairman Cameron George for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to begin the build-up towards what will be a massive day for Kiwi sport,” he said. With over two decades of broadcasting experience, Gourdie has covered some of New Zealand’s finest sporting achievements and memorable moments, including the All Whites’ unbeaten run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the All Blacks’ 2011 Rugby World Cup victory, the Black Caps’ historic 2015 Cricket World Cup campaign as well as two consecutive Rugby World Cup campaigns in 2019 and 2023. Outgoing NZTR Chair Cameron George is thrilled to have Gourdie join The NZB Kiwi team. “To have an award-winning communications professional with over 20 years of experience reporting and presenting sport in mainstream media is a huge win for NZTR,” he said. “Andrew has a proven track record of developing and implementing strategies to engage with and grow mass audience numbers towards Kiwi sports. “We are confident he will be a great fit in our team and help elevate The NZB Kiwi to a level New Zealand racing has never seen before,” George said. There is plenty to look forward to following Gourdie’s appointment, with the country’s inaugural Thoroughbred slot race headlining a major revamp of the New Zealand summer racing calendar next year. The NZB Kiwi will become one of the major highlights of a newly established ‘Champions Day’ that will feature more than $9 million in total prizemoney in year one, climbing to $10 million in year two. Held on the second Saturday of March at Ellerslie Racecourse, Champions Day will also include the Trackside New Zealand Derby and three other iconic Group 1 races, positioning the meeting as a pinnacle event on New Zealand’s racing calendar. Champions Day forms part of the new summer Thoroughbred racing calendar that will boast a series of truly world-class races and meetings, offering more than $23.8 million in stakes across 51 black-type races from January to early April. View more about the revamped summer calendar details here. Last week, NZTR also announced a raft of NZB Kiwi-related initiatives that included the public auction of NZTR’s year-one Slot for The NZB Kiwi. This auction will take place at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2024 Ready to Run Sale of Two-Year-Olds, held next November at the Karaka Sales Centre. View the full announcement here. View the full article

Magic Time on the way to the barriers prior to the running of the 2024 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Dual Group 1 winner Magic Time will skip the Group 1 Tatts Tiara (1400m) after finishing nearly ten lengths behind Stefi Magnetica in Queensland’s premier Group 1 race, the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m), over the weekend. Melbourne trainer Grahame Begg announced that Magic Time, who claimed the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke (1400m) and Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) this season, will be taking a break. “(Eagle Farm) was a very funny track as it was hard and loose on top,” Begg told Racing.com. “She had excuses in the Kingsford Smith as she twisted a plate when jumping and also got galloped on in the race. “I’ll give her a month and then assess whether we need to give her longer or not. It’s a tight turnaround, though.” Horse racing news View the full article

Thomas Stockdale returns to the mounting yard aboard Captain Envious after winning the Group 3 Easter Cup at Caulfield. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) The racing career of Group 2 Brisbane Cup (3200m) placed gelding Captain Envious could be over after he suffered a suspensory injury about 200 metres from the finish line in Saturday’s race. Trained by Paul Preusker in Victoria for Ultra Racing’s Sean Buckley, the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) winner seemed poised for victory when jockey Mark Zahra felt Captain Envious falter in the Eagle Farm staying feature. Despite the injury, he managed to hold on and finish third behind Alegron and Mostly Cloudy. “About the 150-metre mark he has gone amiss. He had it won and unfortunately he couldn’t do any more, the poor horse,” Preusker told Racing.com. “It could be worse, but it’s not great either. “He’ll get the best care we can give and do the rehab and hopefully get it right. “Whether he races again, that would be a bonus, but it doesn’t have to happen either.” Horse racing news View the full article

Group 1 winner Western Empire. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Grant Williams has decided to abandon Melbourne spring carnival aspirations for Western Empire. Initially aiming for the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley later this year, Williams has now opted to focus on sprint races in Perth for the horse. Western Empire concluded his winter campaign over the weekend, finishing second to Let’s Galahvant in the Group 3 Strickland Stakes (2000m) at Belmont. This marked his second consecutive defeat as the odds-on favourite, following a fourth-place finish to Magnificent Andy in the Group 3 Hyperion Stakes (1600m) two weeks prior. “He won’t be travelling,” Williams told The Races WA regarding Western Empire’s Victorian campaign. “His form was too good in the short races, so now we’ll train him for a Winterbottom and a Gold Rush. “We’ll go back and keep him short; he blew them away in the 1300 metres and blew them away in the 1400 metres. “For some reason, he’s dropped off the 1600 metres and 2000 metres. “We’ll bring him in, give him two trials, give him two races, go bang, bang, and give him a break. “If he comes back like he did and there are no issues, we can put him out again and save him for a Quokka.” Horse racing news View the full article

Royal Ascot winner Asfoora. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Asfoora delivered trainer Henry Dwyer the pinnacle win of his career by claiming the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1000m) at Royal Ascot. This victory marked Australia’s sixth triumph in this prestigious race, following in the footsteps of sprinting legends such as Choisir (2003), Takeover Target (2006), Miss Andretti (2007), Scenic Blast (2009), and Nature Strip (2022). “I’m really struggling for words,” Dwyer admitted. “We’ve come a long way from Ballarat. “Just an amazing experience from start to finish. It was a bit of an audacious plan – we copped a bit of stick back home for bringing her over because she wasn’t seen as one of our better sprinters, but we were just so confident she was really, really textbook, wheelhouse, five furlongs, and she’s proven that today. “She’s no Black Caviar or Nature Strip, but she’s a very good sprinter in her own right, and she’s proved she’s up to it.” 2024 Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (UK) Replay – Asfoora Asfoora burst from gate one, trailing Regional as they led a group of six runners up the stand side. Meanwhile, race favourite Big Evs took charge of the 11 runners on the inside rail. In the final 400m, Asfoora began to drift towards the centre of the track, challenging Big Evs with a furlong to run before surging ahead in the latter stages. Asfoora paying +500 with horse racing bookmakers triumphed over Regional (+600) by a length, with Big Evs (+275 favourite) finishing half a length behind in third. “Thrilled for connections,” exclaimed winning jockey Oisin Murphy. “It’s very brave to come from Australia with a very good horse. She performed on the day. “How good was she? Regional gave me the perfect tow to halfway, he gave me a nice lead. “She lugged a little bit right under pressure, but how good was she at the line? “It’s hard to win Group 1’s, the King Charles III Stakes is a massive race. “I’m delighted. Royal Ascot day one, to win a Group 1, brilliant.” This victory, Asfoora’s ninth from 20 starts, pushed her earnings beyond $2 million and marked Dwyer’s third Group 1 success. Horse racing news View the full article

There are six horse racing meetings set for Australia on Wednesday, June 19. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Canterbury, Sandown and Royal Ascot (UK). Wednesday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – June 19, 2024 Canterbury Racing Tips Sandown Racing Tips Royal Ascot (UK) 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 June 19, 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 Wednesday, June 19. 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 June 19, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Royal Ascot (UK) – 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 throughout the Royal Ascot Carnival at Ascot (UK) this Tuesday to Saturday 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 Sandown Races 1-4 Run 2nd Or 3rd Bonus Back Up To $50 Back a runner in races 1-4 Sandown this Wednesday and if it runs 2nd or 3rd get up to $50 in Bonus Cash. Fixed Win bets only. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifecta by 10% with new Daily Trifecta Boosts. Thoroughbreds only. Check your Vault for eligibility Login to UniBet to Claim Promo 25% Boosted Winnings All Races at Sandown Paid in Bonus Cash. First Fixed Win Cash Bet. Max Bonus $250. Picklebet Terms and Conditions Apply Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Royal Ascot – Place a 3+ Leg Same Race Multi Bonus Back Up To $50 If One Leg Loses If your first 3+ leg SRM on any race at Royal Ascot fails by one leg, get a bonus back up to $50. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Royal Ascot (UK) Races 1-3 Bonus Back Up To $25 If Your Runner Finishes 2nd or 3rd Run 2nd or 3rd in Races 1-3 at Royal Ascot (UK) and receive a bonus back up to $25. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp 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 Wednesday Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd in R1-3 at Sandown & Canterbury Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed odds only. Check your Vault for eligibility Login to UniBet 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 June 19, 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. More horse racing promotions View the full article

What Royal Ascot 2024 – Day 2 Where Ascot Racecourse – High St, Ascot SL5 7JX, United Kingdom When Wednesday, June 19, 2024 First Race 2:30pm BST (11:30pm AEST) Visit Dabble The Group 1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (2000m) is the headline act for Day 2 of the Royal Ascot Carnival, with an ultra-competitive seven-race program set for decision. The forecast continues to look positive for all participants, with a genuine Good 4 surface expected. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 2:30pm local time. Check out our best bets for the Royal Ascot races on June 19. Prince Of Wales’s Stakes Tip: Auguste Rodin A classy field of 10 is set to line up in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, and although he’s been mixing his form of late, the Aiden O’Brien-trained Auguste Rodin gets the nod. The son of Deep Impact didn’t fire a shot at Meydan in the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2400m) on March 30, but showed glimpses of a return to form at Curragh on May 26 in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup (2100m) finishing within three lengths of White Birch. Ryan Moore should get the economical run of the race from stall three, and provided Auguste Rodin can replicate his electrifying best, he must be considered the one to beat. Princes Of Wales’s Stakes Race 4 – #2 Auguste Rodin (3) 4yo Colt | T: Aiden O’Brien | J: Ryan Moore (58kg) +150 with Picklebet Best Bet at Royal Ascot: Laurel Laurel has the ability to take out the Group 2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (1600m) despite being first-up in over a year. The John & Thady Gosden-trained mare was Group 1 placed last preparation in the Chariot Stakes (1600m) at Newmarket in October of 2022, going on to secure an impressive Listed victory at Kempton Park in the aftermath. She’s been put away and targeted for this a long way out, and with Ryan Moore set to take the reins from the inside draw (1), Laurel should get every chance to make a statement on return. Best Bet Race 3 – #6 Laurel (1) 5yo Mare | T: John & Thady Gosden | J: Ryan Moore (58kg) +280 with Neds Next Best at Royal Ascot: Illinois The Group 2 Queen’s Vase (2800m) is for the three-year-olds, where the Aiden O’Brien barn lines up four genuine chances. Illinois appears to be the one bringing the best form to this, however, with an impressive runner-up performance behind Ambiente Friendly at Lingfield in the Listed Derby Trial Stakes (2300m) on May 11. He should relish the step-up in trip, and with Ryan Moore electing to hope aboard Illinois, take that as a guide to which of these has the most upside. Next Best Race 2 – #4 Illinois (5) 3yo Colt | T: Aiden O’Brien | J: Ryan Moore (58kg) +210 with Bet365 Best Value at Royal Ascot: Ultima Grace Ultima Grace represents the Wesley Ward barn in the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes (1000m) and looks a terrific each-way price with online bookmakers. The daughter of American Pharoah cruised to victory at Keeneland on April 18, making every post a winner to score by 3.8 lengths. She’s drawn the right part of the track to scoot along the near-side running rail, and if Ultima Grace can pinch a break, she could prove hard to chase down. Best Value Race 1 – #24 Ultima Grace (17) 2yo Filly | T: Wesley Ward | J: Joel Roario (58kg) +1000 with Dabble Horse racing tips View the full article

Brett Prebble after winning the 2021 Caulfield Cup aboard Incentivise. (Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Brett Prebble, renowned for his illustrious career spanning more than a decade in Hong Kong, has officially retired from racing. The Victorian native, who also claimed victory in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m), concluded his riding career based in Sydney. His final win came aboard Eagle Nest at Rosehill on November 11. Prebble last rode in a race on February 24 at Rosehill, taking two rides that day. “It’s a real mix of emotions, but I know the time is right,” Prebble stated. “I’ve had the most incredible career. It’s not lost on me just how fortunate I am to leave my time in the saddle a fit, healthy, happy, and content 46-year-old. “Over four decades of riding I’ve seen way too many times just how incredibly dangerous, devastating and life-changing the job can be. “I’m extremely grateful, proud and genuinely satisfied with what I’ve been able to achieve both in Australia and internationally. “A CV including a Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, Golden Slipper, a 15-year career in Hong Kong with more than 800 winners including the Hong Kong Derby and basically every other major race there, as well as the most incredible Group 1 winners in Japan and Singapore.” “Reflecting on it, I know it’s real but it’s also totally surreal at the same time. “It leaves me lost for words to be honest.” Prebble’s career highlights include nine wins in 1999 and 2000 at the Melbourne Cup carnival. He started as an apprentice under Terry O’Sullivan before moving to John Meagher to complete his apprenticeship. Prebble spent 15 years riding in Hong Kong from late 2002 before returning to Australia, initially to Victoria, and then relocating to Sydney. In addition to his racing career, Prebble has owned and operated the riding gear business Persuader for 25 years and plans to focus on this venture alongside his business partner, Mark Bourke. Horse racing news View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Wednesday's Observations features the topper from the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale. 18.00 Ripon, Mdn, £9,000, 2yo, f, 5fT LADY ROXBY (GB) (King Of Change {GB}) debuts for the R N J Partnership and the Bryan Smart stable, having topped the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-Up Sale at 180,000gns. From the family of the G1 July Cup and G1 Diamond Jubilee S. winner Slade Power (Ire) (Dutch Art {GB}), she faces six in a low-key affair. The post King Of Change’s Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-Up Topper Debuts at Ripon appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Asfoora gave trainer Henry Dwyer the biggest win of his career when taking out the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1000m) at Royal Ascot. View the full article

The first post for Saturday, June 22 at Delaware Park has been moved up an hour to 11:30 a.m. ET due to a forecast of extreme heat. Seven races are scheduled for the day with approximately 30 minutes between each race. There will be no changes to the usual post time of 12:30 for the Wednesday and Thursday cards and no live racing is scheduled Friday. The post Delaware Park Moves Saturday Post Time appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every year the road to the Breeders' Cup World Championships starts months before with a series of qualifying races that are known as the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series.View the full article

The Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) June 19 at Royal Ascot features a matchup of 2024 Breeders' Cup winners Auguste Rodin and Inspiral.View the full article

Delaware Park became the latest track to alter its scheduled post time during a heat wave gripping parts of North America. First post there June 22 has been moved up an hour to 11:30 a.m. View the full article

Scott Sander had an idea for a rom-com movie floating around in his head, but wasn't quite sure what the setting should be. Then it hit him. Why not horse racing, and specifically the breeding industry? That's the story behind the story when it comes to the movie Sander is working on, “Breeders.” “I thought I had what was a really good idea for a big, fun romantic comedy,” said Sander, who was this week's Green Group Guest of the Week on the Thoroughbred Daily News Writers' Room Podcast presented by Keeneland. “I knew what the idea was, and then I knew that I needed to set it in some beautiful, esoteric world that people don't normally get to see. So I came up with an idea, that I'm going to set it in the world of Thoroughbred horse breeding, not horse racing per se, but down in Lexington. There are so many beautiful farms there, which I had never been to. Then I realized, I don't know anything about horses.” But he met the right people in Lexington and got a crash education. Among others, Keeneland, Coolmore and Three Chimneys have been assisting him. Without giving away the plot, Sander said, “'Breeders' will be a comedy about traditional marriage set in the beautiful world of Thoroughbred horse breeding.” Sander realizes the sport has been hit with a lot of negative publicity in recent years and said his movie will shine a positive light on the breeding industry. “I absolutely believe people in the industry will like this,” he said. “I met one of the owners of one of the most venerable farms down there and when I met her originally, she said, 'don't you make fun of us?' Yes, it is a rom com and it's fun, but it's also an absolute celebration of the breeding world. I told her I turned it into language that I thought would work for her. This movie is going to do for Lexington what 'Sideways' did for the Southern California wine country.” The timetable for release of the movie is uncertain. Sander and his team went to work on the Thursday before the GI Kentucky Derby and got a lot done there. They hope to shoot some more in the fall, but will take the winter off because Sander wants to show the farms at their best, which is not possible when it's cold and there is snow on the ground. Asked for an estimate of when the movie will hit the theaters, Sanders said he'd hope that it will be out in 18 months. In our breeding spotlight section we took a look at the WinStar stallion Tom's d'Etat. The podcast also included the “News You Can Use” segment, which is sponsored by Darley. It featured TDN European Sales Editor Brian Sheerin, who talked about the major stories at this year's Royal Ascot meeting. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, West Point Thoroughbreds, WinStar, Darley, XBTV.com and the KTOB, the team of Randy Moss and Bill Finley took a look at the 2-year-old picture, which included several impressive debut winners during the week. They also took a look at the situation in Northern California now that Golden Gate Fields has closed and the news from HISA that breakdowns during the first quarter of the year were down by 38%. To watch the video podcast, click here. To listen to the audio podcast, click here. The post Movie Producer Scott Sander Joins TDN Writers’ Room Podcast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Maiden Watch: Week of June 11-June 18View the full article

Five open seats on the Board of Directors for the Maryland Horse Breeders Association (MHBA) have been filled, with four of the positions filled by returning members and one by a new member. Returning to the board are veterinarian Brooke Bowman, DVM; owner-breeder Michael Horning; Country Life Farm and Merryland Farm co-owner Josh Pons; and Northview Stallion Station's general manager David Wade. Trainer Phil Schoenthal is joining the MHBA Board for the first time. The five elected will serve for the next three years and will join current directors William K. Boniface, Amy Burk, Henry “Tim” Clark, Charles Fenwick, Jr., Lisa Hofstetter, T. K Kuegler, Grace Merryman, Kent A. Murray, Gina Robb, and Thomas Rooney. The MHBA's Annual General Membership meeting will take place on Wednesday, in person at the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center in Reisterstown and on Zoom. Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA) interim CEO Corey Johnson will serve as guest speaker. The post MHBA Sets 2024 Board appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was a day that had everything. From Rosallion landing the St James's Palace S. to yet another Australian sprinter showing the Euros how it's done, day one of the royal meeting did not disappoint. Here are some of the talking points. Faux Pas For The French Anyone who backed the French raiders Big Rock (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) and Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) in the Queen Anne knew pretty early that they were not going to get off to a winning start at the royal meeting. After Christophe Soumillon elected to ignore the rest of the field and make his effort on the far side aboard Big Rock, Maxime Guyon felt it would be best to follow his fellow countryman. It proved to be a spectacular faux pas for the French raiders and, what's even worse for Guyon who broke from stall seven, is that the winner, Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), came from two doors down in stall nine. Big Day For Eustace That race provided a big moment for trainer Harry Eustace. Despite not winning the Queen Anne, last year's Britannia winner Docklands (GB) (Massaat {Ire}) confirmed that he belongs at the highest level when staying on for second. A breakthrough Group 1 does not look beyond Docklands on that evidence and Eustace could have a potential candidate to take in big-race international targets. Wathnan Hitting The Crossbar Speaking of enhancing your reputation in defeat, Wathnan Racing did exactly that when recent breeze-up purchases Electrolyte (Ire) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}) and Columnist (GB) (Ardad {Ire}) finished second and third in that order in the Coventry. Bloodstock agent Richard Brown may have been shopping the breeze-up sales with the equivalent of a blank cheque but you still need to come up with the goods. Had Electrolyte or Columnist raced in the same group as the winner Rashabar (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), who knows, maybe Wathnan would have been off the mark for the week in the Coventry. It didn't get any easier for the owners who had to fill the placings yet again in the Wolferton but there are bigger bullets to fire later in the week and one would imagine recent recruit Haatem (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}) will be very hard to beat in the Jersey S. on Saturday. Unadulterated Speed How good are those Australian sprinters? By no means a star Down Under, Asfoora (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}) picked off the best of the European sprinters in the King Charles III S. Ed Bethell was left ruing his decision not to opt for the six-furlong Group 1 on Saturday with the runner-up Regional (GB) (Territories {Ire}) after the race but perhaps the trainer was being a little hard on himself. Meanwhile, Big Evs (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) just appeared to be going too fast for his own good by blazing a trail out in front before being swallowed up by the front two. One would imagine that the Nunthorpe would be tailor-made for Big Evs and he could be hard to beat at York. The Real Deal It was billed as a big day for Blue Point, with Big Evs and Rosallion (Ire) holding leading chances in the feature Group 1s on day one, and so it proved with the latter putting in a spellbinding performance to win the St James's Palace S. Rosallion has now won three Group 1s in three different countries and built on that hard-fought Irish 2,000 Guineas victory with another top-class display at Ascot which can be viewed as something of a coming of age performance. Of course, Blue Point has some deep Royal Ascot history himself, given he won the King's Stand and Diamond Jubilee sprints within the space of a week back in 2019. When he joined the Darley roster, it would have been easy to see him siring very fast horses but Tuesday proved that he is not only about speed and precocity. He can get you much more than that and, in Rosallion, he has produced a genuine top-notcher. Willie In The Bumper What more can you say about that man? Willie Mullins took the Copper Horse Handicap 12 months ago with Vauban (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), a leading fancy for Thursday's Gold Cup, and who's to say where this year's winner Belloccio (Fr) (Belardo {Ire}) might end up. Word on the street was that Mullins might not have been bringing his usual power-packed team to Royal Ascot this year but how wrong that proved with Belloccio taking the race with something to spare. Regardless of the code, be it Flat or jumps, there really is no stopping the Mullins juggernaut. The post Royal Ascot Talking Points: Wathnan Racing Out Of Luck With Two Near Misses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A mandatory evacuation for horses and humans at New Mexico's Ruidoso Downs was issued Tuesday after the South Fork Fire was reported by government officials at nearly 14,000 acres with zero percent containment. Officials were alerted Monday morning to the fire, which is burning on Mescalero Tribal land, U.S. Forest Service land, and within the areas surrounding Ruidoso. Ruidoso Downs is located within the Village of Ruidoso. “The racetrack right now is in great shape,” said New Mexico-based trainer Todd Fincher, who has 70 head on the premises. “Huge fire destroying the town, but I left there this morning and everything was very good at the track. Some people have moved their horses and some haven't. I haven't yet, but we are on alert. Hopefully it won't get close to the track or affect the horses.” Ruidoso's most recent day of live Thoroughbred racing was conducted Sunday with the next card originally scheduled for this coming Friday. Social media had a number of images showing road access limited in and out of the track with air quality also being a major concern. The Downs at Albuquerque, approximately 200 miles away, was accepting horses with room for about 1,000 equines. According to New Mexico Fire Information, the South Fork Fire is a full suppression fire, with air and ground resources utilized from tribal, federal, state, and local agencies. Cell service is limited in the greater area. Tuesday brought an additional concern of increased winds while approximately 500 structures have already been impacted. The post Fire Sparks Mandatory Evacuation at Ruidoso Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article