Wandering Eyes

Extreme raceday at New Plymouth started in exactly that fashion on Saturday with torrential rain making for an uncomfortable start to the opening event, the NZB Ready To Run Sale Trainers Series 3YO (1200m). Commentator Justin Evans could hardly make out the five runners as they waited for the barriers to open although, thankfully, the rain eased and made vision for the race a little easier than expected. With race favourite Spandeedo (NZ) (Ferrando) out in front it was left to Matamata visitor Luminance (NZ) (Time Test) to head the chase after him, which she did in fine fashion as she shot past the pacemaker early in the home straight to establish what looked like a winning break. Unfortunately, that effort began to tell on her at the 150m as Staphanos gelding Tulsa King (NZ) (Staphanos) mounted a strong finish for apprentice Elen Nicholas that carried him to the front and away for an impressive victory for trainer and part-owner Aaron Bidlake. Tulsa King was having his first start for Bidlake, who purchased him for $1500 off the gavelhouse.com website, delighting his new mentor with the effort after being a conservative eight lengths from the leaders with just 300m to run. “We were pretty loud in the grandstand as I’ve only had this horse for about three months,” Bidlake said. “I don’t know much about him but I do like him. “He reminds me a lot of Eric The Viking (NZ) (Viking Ruler) with the way he works as he has got through the deep tracks at home.” Bidlake was referring to his versatile performer Eric The Viking who won five races on the flat alongside a further four over the steeplechase fences, including the 2016 Wellington Steeplechase (5500m) and the 2014 Grand National Steeplechase (5400m). Nicholas had a mud-spattered grin from ear to ear as she described the hectic conditions the race was run in. “It is a bit wet out there,” she said tongue firmly in cheek. “My horse settled lovely and was brave in the conditions and picked them all off as he handled the wetter track the best. “He was so relaxed in the running and I thought I might run second, but then he just blew past her (Luminance).” Nicholas didn’t take long to bring up a winning double as she guided Our Time Keeper (NZ) (Time Test) to victory in the second race on the card. Out of the Encosta De Lago mare Lilies, Tulsa King is a grandson of quality mare Call Me Lily (NZ) and closely related to multiple Group One winner Soriano (NZ). View the full article

Trainer Andrew Forsman has his eyes on the heavens above as he waits to see just what sort of track surface will be on offer at Te Rapa on Sunday. With plenty of midweek rain the official Saturday morning reading for the meeting was a Heavy10 with more rain and gusty winds expected over the next 24 hours. Forsman is keen to get a run under the belts for as many of the five-strong team he has nominated on the day but is mindful he doesn’t want to hinder their Spring campaign preparations with a gut-busting run on a very testing track. “You normally get a really good track to run on here at Te Rapa despite the weather, but with the rain we have had and the impending forecast I’m just not sure how many of mine will actually line-up on the day,” Forsman said. “I will wait until tomorrow (Sunday) morning to make that call but if it looks like being a true heavy10 then we might only have one of our five on deck.” Forsman was referring to impressive last start maiden winner Fat Cat (Written Tycoon) who will take his place in race seven on the programme. “He (Fat Cat) has a run under his belt and does handle it fairly wet so he will most likely run,” he said. “He is still early in his prep and carrying plenty of condition so he needs some racing to get him ready for the plans we have for him. “Our aim at this stage is to run in the Hawke’s Bay Guineas (Gr.2, 1400m) here in a fortnight so he needs to start. “He has come back a stronger horse this time in and while he is nowhere near the finished product, we think he can foot it in better grades. He will go against the older horses for this start and that will be a good test for him.” Forsman was also keen to see one of his stable stars in Hinekaha (NZ) (Savabeel) have her first up run for the Spring but has erred on the side of caution and scratched her from the 5th race of the day, the rating 75 1400m. “We were keen to start Hinekaha last week at Ellerslie but she drew wide and that put paid to that idea,” he said. “She is ready to go but we aren’t going to give her a gut-buster when she has a lot of racing ahead of her over the spring and summer months. “Our next option is a 1200m contest at Ellerslie next weekend which will be a little short for her but necessary to get her up and going.” Forsman is also in two minds whether to start his winter star Force Of Nature (NZ) (Savabeel) in the feature flat race at Te Rapa, the Power Farming – We Keep You Growing (1200m), after he blotted an impeccable form line when finishing sixth at the venue in early August. “He (Force Of Nature) didn’t pull up that well after missing out here last time, so we had him checked out and found he was quite sore in a hind leg after racing on a very heavy track that day,” he said. “We gave him a week in the paddock and he is back and going well but I’m wary of running him on a similar track to the one that tripped him up. “He has some big assignments ahead of him and we are hopeful he is going to show us just how good he is.” Maidens Rambling On (NZ) (Almanzor) and Moonbeams (NZ) (Ace High) are likely to be saved for another day as well with Forsman indicating they both have a win in the near future on the cards once they strike a better surface. While he may not have as many runners on the day as envisaged, Forsman was still a happy man after debutant Quondo (Wootton Bassett) ran out an impressive winner over 1200m at Matamata on Friday. “Quondo is a very nice horse and were confident he could go well first-up,” Forsman said. “We have him nominated for the 2000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m) at Riccarton in November and that was a very encouraging start to that plan. “Whether he gets there will be up to him, but you can only win and he has got one under his belt in good style now.” View the full article

Feeling good after opening his account aboard Harmony Fire at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, Luke Ferraris hopes he can help trainer Michael Chang Chun-wai continue his strong start to the season by prevailing aboard the veteran handler’s only runner at Sha Tin on Sunday. Gummy Gummy, who is having his first start for Chang after coming across from the retired Benno Yung Tin-pang, impressed Ferraris when winning a trial earlier this month and the South African is eager to see the six-year-old...View the full article

It’s only early days, but trainer Jamie Richards is keen to keep his “quite incredible” start to the season going after saluting with each of his past four runners to reel off consecutive doubles. With a steady stream of horses leaving his stable and winners hard to come by, Richards endured a character-building 2024-25 season the trainer himself has labelled a “shocker”. After some off-season changes headlined by a move from the Olympic stables to the main Sha Tin complex and the arrival of Ben...View the full article

While most of the attention late last term was on the battle between John Size and David Hayes and eventually on the indomitable Size’s 13th premiership, Caspar Fownes was in the background compiling his best season since the last time he won the premiership in 2020-21. Any trainer who reaches a half-century in a Hong Kong season has had a successful campaign and Fownes walked away satisfied with his 52 victories, despite finishing 17 successes adrift of Size in third place in the title race. “I...View the full article

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Multiple graded stakes winner Newgrange (Violence) has retired from racing and will stand at Sequel New York in 2026, the farm announced Friday via press release. A graded stakes winner in 2022, 2023, and 2024, the eye-catching entire has not hit to the board since his title defense last season in the GII San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita Park. He retires sound with five graded races to his tally and just north of $1-million in earnings. He was purchased for $125,000 as a yearling at the Keeneland September sale in 2020 and later changed hands to Rockingham Ranch and David A. Bernsen for $325,000 in 2022 via the Fasig-Tipton July Horses of Racing Age sale. Out of a daughter of GSW Bella Chiarra (Phone Trick), his dam's full-sister has produced GSW Amalfi Sunrise (Constitution) and GSP-UAE Gotti (More Than Ready). This is the immediate female family of MGSW & GISP David Copperfield and his full-brother GSP Smithfield. The stud fee will be announced at a later date. “Newgrange embodies everything we look for in a stallion prospect,” said Becky Thomas. “He was precocious at two, dominant at three, and proved his class and soundness competing against the best older horses. He's a horse that breeders in New York and beyond are going to love.” The post Newgrange Retired, to Join Sequel New York for 2026 Breeding Season appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mrs. S. K. Johnston Jr.'s dual grade 1-placed Zarak the Brave seeks to break through at that level in the $150,000 Lonesome Glory Handicap (NSA-1), a 2 1/2-mile steeplechase handicap for older horses, at Belmont at the Big A. View the full article

The University of Kentucky has terminated the employment of former lab director Scott Scanley following what they call “a serious breach of ethics and policy violations related to misconduct and mismanagement of the institution's former Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab (EACL), which provided drug testing for the equine industry,” according to a Sept. 11 press release from UK. After the initial findings from a UK Internal Audit investigation, the university announced last September that it had begun the process to revoke Scott Stanley's tenure as a faculty member, with the intention of terminating him as a university employee. The press release says that among the audit findings was confirmation that a test commissioned by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU)–a result that Stanley reported-was never performed. The findings also indicate that some other test results may have been compromised by Stanley's actions. UK says that Stanley exploited vulnerabilities in technology, governance and oversight, the audit concludes. Additionally, the investigation found that Stanley potentially engaged in business and employment relationships that constitute conflicts of interests. Specifically, Stanley purposefully chose not to disclose external work, violating university rules requiring disclosure, UK says. Stanley was charged with the following violations: Failure to perform duties: Misrepresentation, falsification of test results and fraudulent billing Failure to perform duties and/or incompetence: Lack of internal controls (to prevent tampering and manipulation of data) and lack of oversight of EACL operations Failure to perform duties and/or incompetence: Conflicts of interest/commitment and improper hiring practices The decision made Thursday by the Board of Trustees concluded a year-long process in accordance with the university's Administrative Regulations, which included: Charges presented by the provost to Stanley and the opportunity for him to respond A review and recommendation by the Faculty Advisory Committee on Privilege and Tenure to the president to initiate dismissal proceedings The opportunity for Stanley to be heard by the Faculty Advisory Committee on Privilege and Tenure A report from the committee to the president confirming adequate cause for dismissal has been established An additional opportunity for Stanley to respond before the case was sent to the Board of Trustees And, prior to a final decision to dismiss Stanley from the university, the right to a hearing before the Board of Trustees. Stanley waived that right. In lieu of the hearing before the Board of Trustees, the process concluded with a board special session on Sept. 11. Board members questioned both Stanley's attorney and the university's attorney on the matter and reviewed university and legal filings. They subsequently voted to revoke his tenure and dismiss him from university employment. “At the University of Kentucky, we are committed to advancing Kentucky through research and service of the highest quality,” said UK Board Chair Britt Brockman. “We must uphold the highest ethical standards and comply fully with university and industry regulations. Any violations of these policies are taken seriously and addressed to maintain the integrity of this work – the work of thousands of people across this institution.” In February 2024, the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) first began investigating Stanley's management of the lab. At the same time, the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) and Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) met with the college to raise concerns about the lab's management and customer service. Soon after that meeting, HIWU informed the college that they had evidence that Stanley lied about analyzing a sample. Once university officials became aware of these concerns, the university launched a thorough investigation through its Internal Audit office, working in parallel with HIWU to uncover facts and remedy issues. In the early stages of the investigation, UK auditors, based on information systems evidence, said they had confirmed that Stanley had not performed at least one contracted test and, in other cases, had not followed certain protocols in accordance with industry standards as established by HISA. In March 2024, Stanley was removed from his administrative role as director of the lab. Stanley's tenured faculty position is distinct from his role as lab director and disciplinary action with respect to his employment at the university was a separate process. In September 2024, following a months-long investigation, UK Internal Audit published its draft report and the university announced it was initiating the tenure termination process. The post Former Lab Director Stanley Formally Terminated by UK appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday, Doncaster, post time: 15:40, THE BETFRED ST LEGER S.-G1, £700,000, 3yo, Open, 14f 115y Field: Carmers (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Furthur (Ire) (Waldgeist {GB}), Lambourn (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Rahiebb (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Scandinavia (Justify), Stay True (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Tarriance (GB) (Frankel {GB}). TDN Verdict: Judged on the evidence of the first day's racing here, staying power is going to be a must and Scandinavia certainly has that. From one of Coolmore's finest Classic families, he has surged to promise in the last two months and mastered last year's Leger runner-up Illinois in the Goodwood Cup. Lambourn was so disappointing in the Voltigeur that it leaves a question mark over what looked a rock-solid Leger proposition beforehand. Winning the Derby and Irish Derby in the manner of a true stayer, he would probably be the more likely candidate of the pair if he is back to his best. Galileo's last Classic runner Stay True and the Queen's Vase winner Carmers were in front of Lambourn at York and both promise to improve significantly for this step up in trip in what will probably be an Irish-dominated affair. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 17:30, ROYAL BAHRAIN IRISH CHAMPION S.-G1, €725,000, 3yo/up, 10f 0y Field: Anmaat (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), Royal Champion (Ire) (Shamardal), Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), White Birch (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Hotazhell (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Mount Kilimanjaro (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), Zahrann (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Given the likelihood of soft ground for this, it is very hard to envisage Anmaat not having a big say. One of the few to have beaten Calandagan, he may have too much for the race's obvious favourite Delacroix who won a falsely-run Eclipse but yet is described by Aidan O'Brien as needing a strong pace. This renewal is light on heavyweight players, so Japan's Shin Emperor who was third in what was probably a stronger renewal of this 12 months ago may not have to improve on that to continue Japan's fine recent record in Europe. Zahrann is on the upgrade, but his win in the Royal Whip leaves him probably short of what is required. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 16:25, COOLMORE AMERICA 'JUSTIFY' MATRON S.-G1, €240,000, 3yo/up, 8f 0y Field: Duckadilly (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Queen Of Thunder (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Sparks Fly (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Vera's Secret (Ire) (Epaulette {Aus}), Atsila (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), California Dreamer (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}), Cathedral (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Cercene (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Exactly (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), January (Ire) (Kingman {GB}). TDN Verdict: Revived by her win in the Prix Rothschild, Fallen Angel bids for another overseas triumph with January looking to close the narrow gap between them from Deauville and become the bride for once. Second to Porta Fortuna 12 months ago, Fallen Angel holds the key but it might be a mistake to have taken Danny Tudhope off given how well they connect. The surprise Coronation heroine Cercene reverts to a mile after being put in her place by Whirl in the flag-started Nassau, while Vera's Secret is three-for-three around here and has two Group 3s over seven under her belt from her trio of visits. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Doncaster, post time: 13:50, THE BETFRED CHAMPAGNE S.-G2, £150,000, 2yo, Open, 7f 6y Field: Cape Ashizuri (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Cape Orator (Ire) (Mohaather {GB}), Gewan (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Oxagon (Fr) (Frankel {GB}), Puerto Rico (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Verdict: Under new ownership, the Acomb winner Gewan continues exactly on the Chaldean path for the same stable. Oxagon earned TDN Rising Star status with his eight-length Sandown romp, while the two “Capes” have claims. Cape Orator looked ready for this grade when bossing Deauville's Arqana Criterium d'Ete and Cape Ashizuri registered a taking debut success at Ayr. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Doncaster, post time: 15:00, THE BETFRED PARK S.-G2, £140,000, 3yo/up, 7f 6y Field: Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), Devil's Point (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), King's Gamble (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Quinault (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Room Service (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Ten Bob Tony (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Zoum Zoum (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}), East Hampton (GB) (Cracksman {GB}), Marvelman (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Zabeel Alkabeir (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Verdict: Back over seven, last year's Middle Park and Dewhurst winner Shadow Of Light bids to get back on track and it is probably a case of leaving it as late as possible to employ his deadly kick. Connections of the John Of Gaunt winner Ten Bob Tony have been patient and the ground has come right at last, while Audience needs to bounce back after a spell in the wilderness but has a flat track and his ideal trip to help. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 16:55, TONYBET SOLONAWAY S.-G2, €120,000, 3yo/up, 8f 0y Field: Chicago Critic (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Johan (GB) (Zoffany {Ire}), Lord Massusus (Ire) (Markaz {Ire}), Mutasarref (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Skukuza (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), Alakazi (Fr) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), Comanche Brave (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Expanded (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Scorthy Champ (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Copacabana Sands (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}). TDN Verdict: Comanche Brave probably has the most upside, with his Jersey third backing up a fine effort behind Henri Matisse in the G3 Ballylinch Stud Stakes here in March. Things haven't happened for last year's Vincent O'Brien National Stakes winner Scorthy Champ this term, but there is always another day for a colt of his class while there is no reason to expect a drop-off from the G3 Desmond Stakes-winning veteran Johan. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 15:20, KPMG CHAMPIONS JUVENILE S.-G2, €90,000, 2yo, Open, 8f 0y Field: A Boy Named Susie (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Benvenuto Cellini (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Hardy Warrior (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Montreal (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Nil Bua Gan Dua (American Pharoah). TDN Verdict: It's an all-O'Brien affair, as Aidan, Joseph and Donnacha supply the runners in what will be a historic moment for Irish racing's supreme dynasty. The colts that Ballydoyle choose for this staging post are pointers to their Derby thoughts for the year ahead and it is no surprise that Benvenuto Cellini and Montreal carry the standard here. Kept back since his taking maiden win at Killarney, the former is a son of Newspaperofrecord who has already produced the smart full-sister Giselle, while TDN Rising Star Montreal is a half to Cayenne Pepper who couldn't have done any more than win by eight lengths over course and distance last month. As ever, Joseph has irons in the fire in Hardy Warrior who had Montreal back in third over this track and trip in July and the maiden Nil Bua Gan Dua, while Donnacha's Futurity fourth A Boy Named Susie completes the landmark line-up. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 15:50, CMG GROUP S.-G3, €60,000, 3yo/up, 12f 0y Field: Al Aasy (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Sons And Lovers (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Trustyourinstinct (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), Fleetfoot (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Sunchart (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}), Mo Ghille Mar (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}), Acapulco Bay (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Convergent (Ire) (Fascinating Rock {Ire}), Omni Man (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Reyenzi (Fr) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), It's A Heartbeat (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). TDN Verdict: This is competitive stuff, with the perpetual Group 3 winner Al Aasy looking to see off some smart Irish runners and the Deutsches Derby runner-up Convergent. Last year's winner Trustyourinstinct looks even better in 2025, while there is a chance that we haven't seen the best of Ballydoyle's Acapulco Bay during a frustrating campaign. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 14:15, BALLYLINCH STUD IRISH EBF INGABELLE S.-L, €60,000, 2yo, Open, 7f 0y Field: Brownstown (GB) (Cracksman {GB}), Caught U Sleeping (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), Diamond Necklace (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Inbox (GB) (Ectot {GB}), Kensington Lane (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Killashee Warrior (GB) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Mighty Danu (Ire) (Coulsty {Ire}), Red Autumn (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), Sukanya (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Teewinot (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Venosa (Gun Runner). TDN Verdict: TDN Rising Star Diamond Necklace will be a warm order to kick off Irish Champions weekend in style for Ballydoyle and with good cause. The blueblood went through her Curragh debut with so much promise it is impossible not to envisage her in the 2026 Classics and anything other than a win will be deflating. Mighty Danu looked one to follow on her winning debut at Galway, while the Prestige fourth Sukanya had that form boosted on Thursday. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Curragh, post time: 16:25, COMER GROUP INTERNATIONAL IRISH ST LEGER-G1, €290,000, 3yo/up, 14fT Field: Al Qareem (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Crystal Black (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Dallas Star (Fr) (Cloth Of Stars {Ire}), Illinois (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Leinster (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Queenstown (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Waldadler (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Amiloc (GB) (Postponed {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Now that Al Riffa has proven his stamina for this trip with a clear-cut win in the G2 Curragh Cup, he holds obvious claims but last year's St Leger runner-up Illinois will be a tough nut to crack back at a trip that suits better than the marathon ones. The question is, can either live with the unbeaten three-year-old Amiloc, who gave a comprehensive beating to the Irish Champion hope Zahrann in the King Edward VII. He would be the first of his age group to win since 2019, but he is one of the best to have tried and gets eight pounds from his elders on ground he will relish. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Curragh, post time: 14:40, MOYGLARE STUD STAKES-G1, €240,000, 2yo, f, 7fT Field: Beautify (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Composing (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Pivotal Attack (GB) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Precise (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), SKydance (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Suzie Songs (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Venetian Sun (Ire) (Starman {GB}). TDN Analysis: Composing has done nothing wrong so far and it is probable that she will be able to complete the Silver Flash-Debutante-Moyglare treble here. Venetian Sun will have her own thoughts on that subject, but this will represent an entirely different test to Deauville's six-furlong Prix Morny. Her class cannot be questioned, but her stamina certainly can be especially if the ground is testing so this will answer some questions. Aidan O'Brien also has the G2 Airlie Stud Stakes and G3 Prestige Stakes winners Beautify and Precise and both are fascinating contenders, with the former bred to get a lot further than the six over which she put away Lady Iman last time. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Curragh, post time: 15:15, BAR ONE RACING FLYING FIVE STAKES-G1, €240,000, 3yo/up, 5fT Field: Art Power (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Bucanero Fuerte (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Erosandpsyche (Ire) (Sepoy {Aus}), Night Raider (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Two Stars (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Arizona Blaze (GB) (Sergei Prokofiev), Powerful Nation (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Whistlejacket (Ire) (No Nay Never), Asfoora (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}), Mgheera (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}), Nighteyes (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), She's Quality (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Vadream (GB) (Brazen Beau {Aus}), Grande Marques (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Lady With The Lamp (Ire) (King Of Change {GB}), Saratoga Special (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Having won the Nunthorpe, Asfoora owes nobody anything and she has to do it all over again on this very different track. Amo Racing's duo have in their armoury the fact that they have excelled on it, with the Phoenix, Railway and Phoenix Sprint Stakes winner Bucanero Fuerte joining the Sapphire Stakes and Marble Hill winner Arizona Blaze. After Friday's Flying Childers, King Power and Tim Easterby are flying high but Ireland-lover Art Power could put the cherry on top if able to muster one of his big efforts, while the unexposed Two Stars warrants respect at a venue he clearly appreciates. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Curragh, post time: 15:50, GOFFS VINCENT O'BRIEN NATIONAL STAKES-G1, €240,000, 2yo, c/f, 7fT Field: Dorset (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Gstaad (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Italy (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), North Coast (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Saba Desert (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Zavateri (Ire) (Without Parole {GB}). TDN Analysis: In an era where genuine two-year-old stand-offs are becoming increasingly rare, thankfully this is a proper conundrum with none of the protagonists readily written off. Ballydoyle supply the Coventry winner and Morny runner-up Gstaad and two TDN Rising Stars Italy and Dorset and it is not a given that Soumillon is on the right one. Charlie Appleby has kept the Superlative winner Saba Desert back for this since Newmarket's July Festival and he treads the proven path of the yard's 2018 and 2021 winners Quorto and Native Trail, while the July and Vintage winner Zavateri is very much in the mix along with the Tyros scorer North Coast whose stable have won three of the last five renewals. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Curragh, post time: 17:00, MOYGLARE 'JEWELS' BLANDFORD STAKES-G2, €120,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 10fT Field: Apercu (Ire) (Elzaam {Aus}), Higher Leaves (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}), Naomi Lapaglia (GB) (Awtaad {Ire}), One Look (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Snellen (Ire) (Expert Eye {GB}), Ballet Slippers (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Barnavara (Ire) (Calyx {GB}), Merrily (No Nay Never), Red Letter (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Spicy Margarita (Ire) (Earthlight {Ire}), Tarima (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). TDN Analysis: One of the weekend's less high-profile contests but always fascinating in its own right, it features a clash between Wathnan's new acquisition One Look and Juddmonte's progressive Red Letter. Both come into this off career-best wins with confidence high, while the race's outlier is Ballydoyle's three-year-old Ballet Slippers who is having a strange seasonal debut having last been seen finishing third in the Fillies' Mile. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Doncaster, post time: 16:10, THE JAPAN RACING ASSOCIATION SCEPTRE FILLIES' STAKES-G3, £85,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 7f 6yT Field: Spiritual (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Arolla (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Bright Thunder (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Chic Colombine (Fr) (Seahenge), Circe (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Fair Angellica (GB) (Harry Angel {Ire]), Fair Point (GB) (Farhh {GB}), Havana Pusey (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Jabaara (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus]), Lou Lou's Gift (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Queen's Reign (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Queen Of Mougins (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), Shuwari (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Stop The Cavalry (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Sunfall (GB) (Twilight Son {GB}), Bermuda Longtail (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Betty Clover (GB) (Time Test {GB}), Hey Boo (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), Miss Nightfall (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Third last year, Queen Of Mougins looked an improved performer on her seasonal bow in a Curragh handicap last month and is the current market-leader as a result. The 2023 Fillies' Mile runner-up Shuwari is on the way back judged on her latest win in the Listed Prix de la Cochere, while Lou Lou's Gift upped her game at Newbury last month and has the breeding to be Group-class. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 13:58, PRIX DU PETIT COUVERT-G3, €73,200, 3yo/up, 5fT Field: Spartan Arrow (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}), Ciao Pa' (Fr) (Shamalgan {Fr}), Lesslepasser (Fr) (Penny's Picnic {Ire}), Burhan (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Monteille (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}), Estepona (Fr) (Mehmas {Ire}), Rayevka (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Czech speedster Ponntos makes a fourth pit-stop in this stepping stone to next month's G1 Prix de l'Abbaye and, as always, the focus will be on his ability to hold out from the front. If or when that veteran trailblazer stutters, G1 Commonwealth Cup third Rayevka and G3 Prix du Gros-Chene victrix Monteille are best-placed to take advantage. Both have finished close-up, albeit unplaced, in subsequent Group 1 contests and this should be a case of class will out. The Andre Fabre stable is firing on all cylinders and Burhan merits respect dropping down in trip. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 14:33, PRIX DU PRINCE D'ORANGE-G3, €73,200, 3yo/up, 10fT Field: Bolster (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Daring Prince (GB) (Zarak {Fr}), Croix Du Nord (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), Daryz (Fr) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Uthred (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}), Nahraan (GB) (Make Believe {GB}), Dumonet (Ire) (Soldier Hollow {GB}). TDN Analysis: John and Thady Gosden nurtured freshly minted World's Best Racehorse Rankings topper Ombudsman through wins in Deauville's Listed Prix Nureyev and the latest renewal of this contest last year, and attempt to repeat the dose with Nawara Stud homebred Nahraan, who bids to complete the same double this time around. His mettle will be tested by dual Group 1-winning Japanese superstar Croix Du Nord, who returns off a scintillating triumph in June's G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby), and is yet another representing a country eager for a first taste of G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe glory. Daryz floundered on quick ground when last of six home in York's G1 Juddmonte International and is better judged on his victory in June's G2 Prix Eugene Adam. Antoine Griezmann's homebred Uthred posted a confidence-boosting seven-length romp in July's Listed Prix Pelleas when last seen and is no back number. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 15:50, PRIX DU PIN-G3, €73,200, 3yo/up, 7fT Field: King Gold (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}), Roshvar (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), Poet Master (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Divine Libra (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Siam Paragon (Fr) (Shalaa {Ire}), Omicrone (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), Exxtra (Fr) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Stolen Kiss (Fr) (Chachnak {Fr}), Polyvega (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). TDN Analysis: This launchpad to Arc Weekend's G1 Prix de la Foret plays host to the comeback of Karl Burke trainee Poet Master, whose last-of-nine effort in March's Listed Gladness Stakes was his lone start since posting a close fifth in last year's Foret. He encounters a solid home defence, which includes Claire Stephenson's ultra-consistent Siam Paragon, who was a below par seventh in July's G3 Prix Messidor last time, 2023 G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest hero King Gold, the multiple Group 3-placed TDN Rising Star Polyvega and Aga Khan Studs homebred Roshvar, who returns off wide-margin wins at Clairefontaine and Dieppe. [Sean Cronin]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Classic Glory On The Line In St Leger appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Irad Ortiz Jr., the five-time Eclipse Award winner as well as North America's top jockey in races won every year since 2017, has moved his tack from New York to Kentucky for the fall.View the full article

Charlie Appleby and William Buick have teamed to take the GI Rogers Woodbine Mile–a 'Win and You're In' qualifier for the GI Breeders' Cup Mile–two out of the last three years, and in the form of Godolphin's 'TDN Rising Star' Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) they appear well positioned to add to that total Saturday afternoon in suburban Toronto. When Team Godolphin raid from Europe, you can rest assured that it isn't just for the Tim Horton's. They mean business and their record bears that out. Modern Games (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) stole away with the 2022 Woodbine Mile by better than five lengths and though he returned to England for a start in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes on British Champions Day, he jetted back across to take the GI Breeders' Cup Mile at just short of 7-5. Master of the Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) returned 2-5 when scoring by 3 3/4 lengths here in 2023 and was just touched off in the GI Coolmore Turf Mile before getting up on the line to win the BC Mile at Santa Anita. Notable Speech was a cracking third as the favorite in last year's Mile and, as Appleby told Bill Finley in Friday's TDN, he can make excuses for the colt's first three runs this term. The homebred would have backed up that opinion when last seen in the G1 Prix Jacques Le Marois, as he savaged the line hard against the outside rail to just miss. Graham Motion elects to allow One Stripe (SAf) (One World {SAf}) to make his U.S. debut in an apparently ambitious spot, and that can be viewed as a confident move. Slashing winner of the G1 L'Ormarins King's Plate this past January, diving through between horses late, he can be excused his last in which he was creamed while trying to thread the needle at the rail, losing all chance. Win for the Money (Mohaymen) returns to Woodbine for the first time since causing a 13-1 upset in last year's Mile and he enters in good form, having finished third in the GIII Kelso Stakes in July and in the GI Fourstardave Stakes Aug. 2. Juvenile males and fillies compete for automatic Breeders' Cup berths in the GI Summer Stakes and GI Natalma Stakes, respectively. Appleby holds strong hands in both races, as he'll send out 'TDN Rising Star' Wild Desert (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), the morning-line selection in the Summer despite having just a Haydock conditions victory from three starts under his belt. His last appearance in the G2 Superlative Stakes at Newmarket July 12 going a straight seven furlongs is probably better than it looks on paper, as he had a horse laying all over him in the final stages and was forced to settle for a close third. Don't sleep on the 'other' Euro, Thesecretadversary (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), who's done very little wrong in four starts since mid-May. Part-owned by South African interests, the chestnut decisively accounted for an odds-on favorite from Ballydoyle in the Listed Churchill Stakes at Tipperary in Ireland last time and this slightly longer trip should suit. He's got a big, bald face, so it won't be hard to follow him. 'TDN Rising Star' Two Out Hero (War Front) looked very good running his record to two-from-two in the Soaring Free Stakes last time and it would be no shock to see him maintain that unbeaten record here. Dance to the Music (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) represents Appleby in the Natalma, a race won by Godolphin in 2018 and 2021. A full-sister to Grade I Breeders' Cup Mile hero Space Blues (GB), Dance to the Music was green-lighted for this trip after staying on strongly to take out the G3 Sweet Solera Stakes over the straight seven furlongs at Newmarket. She's an obvious player with Buick at the controls. Deep Learning (Cairo Prince) could scarcely have been more impressive when whooshing home (final 2 1/2 furlongs in :28.92) to graduate by open lengths and become a 'TDN Rising Star' at first asking. She just needs a trip from the high draw in gate 10 and a genuinely run contest would suit. Hot Mash (Not This Time) raced right on top of a sizzling pace on Ellis Park turf sprint debut last month–to be fair, the track was very fast and hard–and she raced away to score by over seven lengths, good for an 80 Beyer Speed Figure. She's a threat, but she is liable to have some company on the engine. Road To Derby, Oaks Begins at Churchill Saturday's GIII Iroquois Stakes and GIII Pocahontas Stakes signify the beginning of the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks, respectively. Each is to be contested over the one-turn mile configuration at Churchill Downs. A field of 10 heads to the post for the Iroquois, topped by the field's lone stakes winner, Comport (Collected). A debut winner over 5 1/2 furlongs here on June 1, the $135,000 Keeneland September purchase was runner-up in the June 29 Bashford Manor Stakes before bouncing back with a popular two-length tally over Spice Runner (Gun Runner) in the Ellis Park Juvenile Stakes Aug. 10. Nothing Personal (Violence) earned a lofty 76 Beyer Speed Figure when graduating by 8 3/4 lengths over the Colonial main track Aug. 9, earning 'TDN Rising Star' honors. Dazzling Dame (Girvin) is the 2-1 choice on the morning line for the Pocahontas and is perfect from her two tries to date, a daylight defeat of fellow Maryland-breds at Laurel June 27 before wiring the field in the Aug. 17 Sorority Stakes going a two-turn mile at Monmouth Park. Nothing Personal's stablemate Embrace the Moment (Yaupon) owns the field's highest figure, a 69 Beyer earned for a front-running score at odds-on at Delaware Park Aug. 28. Despite being a two-start maiden, Miss Complicated (Complexity) will have her backers off a runner-up effort to Our Two Girls (Caravaggio) over the Ellis main track Aug. 2. The post Woodbine Mile Looks Notable Speech’s Race To Lose appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar. Neither Delightful Claire (Thousand Words) or Two Sharp (Twirling Candy) won on debut as the favorite for Rigney Racing and trainer Phil Bauer before romping at second asking for 'TDN Rising Star' honors. Bauer drew some comparisons between the talented duo and the promising Tam Tam (f, 2, by Medaglia d'Oro), a debut third as the 8-5 choice going 6 1/2 furlongs on the Travers undercard at Saratoga Aug. 23. “We've had a few horses the last few years that seemed to be ultra-talented that not necessarily fooled us, but just did everything so easy in the mornings that maybe they came up a tad short in their first start,” Bauer said. “(MGSW) Two Sharp and (GIII Prioress S. runner-up) Delightful Claire, they were 3-year-olds, but they were very similar. We thought they were gonna win first time out and just came up a little short. We're hoping that Tam Tam's in that category. She should take a big step forward in her second start.” Tam Tam, a $975,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling purchase by Richard Rigney's operation, broke on top from her outside draw and was hounded through an opening quarter in a sharp :22.22. The blinkered bay began to separate herself from the field entering the far turn and hit the top of the stretch in complete control beneath Jose Ortiz. Tam Tam looked well on her way and enjoyed a four-length advantage at the stretch call, but grew leg weary close to home. Five Bars (Maxfield) rallied impressively from last of seven for 'Rising Star' honors after getting wiped out at the start. Icecreamforevryone (Gun Runner) rallied from second last to just get up for second. Tam Tam, defeated by a half-length, earned a 59 Beyer Speed Figure. Tam Tam (red silks, inside) finishes third behind 'Rising Star' Five Bars first time out at Saratoga | Coglianese photo “I thought she did everything right, except win,” Bauer said. “If you're gonna lose a race, you might as well run like that and just know that you got some ability.” Tam Tam returned to the worktab with a five-furlong breeze in 1:02.40 (3/7) at Churchill Downs Sept. 11. She is being aimed at a 6 1/2-furlong maiden special weight at the end of the Churchill meeting. “She seems like she's one that's taken the race well and hopefully gets the job done in her next start,” Bauer said. “If anything, maybe it was a blessing in disguise that made us pump the brakes a little bit. Being that she's a talented 2-year-old, you start to dream.” The Stonestreet-bred Tam Tam is out of Princess Julia (Distorted Humor), a daughter of champion 2-year-old filly and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Folklore (Tiznow). The $400,000 KEESEP yearling purchase by Stonestreet Stables was winless in four career starts. This is also the extended female family of Japanese Triple Crown winner Contrail (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and two-time champion Essential Quality (Tapit). Tam Tam was bred on the same Medaglia d'Oro x Distorted Humor cross as top-level winners Elate, Golden Sixty and New Money Honey. Since launching 'Second Chances' in 2017, 64 maidens have been featured in these pages (through 2024), producing 25% graded stakes winners, 34% stakes winners and 48% stakes horses. The series has introduced eight future winners at the top level, led by this year's GI Kentucky Derby, GI Belmont Stakes and GI Travers S. winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief), 2023 Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin) and fellow two-time Breeders' Cup winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo). FIVE BARS rallies to break her maiden at 9-1 in the third race with @JRosarioJockey aboard for trainer Shug McGaughey. pic.twitter.com/ClGFo6ql6i — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 23, 2025 The post Second Chances: Tam Tam ‘Did Everything Right, Except Win’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ganaas (War Front–Shurakaa, by Tapit), who debuted a winner at Horseshoe Indy July 10, came to play on Friday at Churchill Downs and cleared an allowance race under the Twin Spires to remain perfect. The 2-year-old Shadwell homebred raced between runners up the backstretch, but when it was time to turn for home the colt was rolling. Geared down ahead of the wire, Ganaas got the money. Just Deeds (Liam's Map) was the runner-up. The final running time was 1:10.37. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. O/B- Shadwell Stable (KY); T-Andrew McKeever. Ganaas wins 2 in a row with Edgar Morales aboard for Andrew McKeever! pic.twitter.com/ojo4MHwgeN — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) September 12, 2025 The post War Front’s Ganaas Powers Home For Shadwell In Churchill Allowance appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Charlie Appleby hopes to work some familiar magic as he saddles Notable Speech for the Sept. 13 Woodbine Mile Stakes (G1T), a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series event for the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T).View the full article

The final British classic of the season, the St Leger Stakes (G1), features a field of seven including Goodwood Cup (G1) winner Scandinavia and dual Derby (G1) hero Lambourn Sept. 13 at Doncaster Racecourse.View the full article

Two-year-olds vie for grade 1 glory, with the bonus of qualifying for Breeders' Cup races this fall at Del Mar, in a pair of CA$500,000 mile grass races Sept. 13 at Woodbine.View the full article

The Irish Champions Festival kicks off at Leopardstown on Saturday and, ahead of what promises to be an absorbing weekend of action at the Foxrock track and the Curragh, TDN Europe caught up with some of the leading protagonists to get the lowdown on their runners. Shadwell Team Relishing Irish Champions Stakes Challenge With Anmaat Shadwell racing manager Angus Gold says soft ground will not inconvenience the Owen Burrows-trained Anmaat (Awtaad) in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Sunday and is predicting a big effort from the evergreen seven-year-old. Anmaat has raced only twice this season, when second in the Tattersalls Gold Cup on his reappearance before chasing home Ombudsman in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. He appears the chief threat to short-priced favourite Delacroix and Gold is relishing the challenge. He said, “Anmaat is a smashing horse. We haven't seen him nearly enough due to the prevailing fast ground this season so it will be great to get him back on the track. He's run two gorgeous races this season. We thought he needed the run when second in the Tattersalls Gold Cup on his return when he came to win his race but just blew up. Certainly Jim [Crowley, jockey] felt that as well. And then at Royal Ascot, he did everything right in the St James's Palace Stakes but was just beaten by a better horse in Ombudsman. “The ground should not bother him at all. He is a superstar and we have been very lucky to have him. He has overcome lots of problems – and a pretty serious injury a couple of years ago – and managed to win the Champions Stakes at Ascot last year so he has been a star for us. Hopefully there is a bit more to come yet.” Cromwell Says The Market Has Got His Ingabelle Runners All Wrong Gavin Cromwell: double-handed in the Ingabelle Stakes Gavin Cromwell has admitted to taking a double take at the early prices on offer for his duo Mighty Danu (Coulsty) and Brownstown (Cracksman) in the opening race of the weekend, the Ingabelle Stakes at Leopardstown. A race for fillies who have not placed at Group level, Brownstown is rather fortunate to qualify for the 7f contest given she finished fourth in the G2 Debutante and G3 Silver Flash Stakes on her last two starts. Cromwell is in little doubt that she represents his best chance despite the fact the bookmakers priced her up at 14-1 compared to the general 11-1 on offer for Mighty Danu. He said, “Mighty Danu won her maiden at Galway where the ground was on the slow side so I think these conditions could bring out the best in her. I don't think she needs soft ground but she's a tough filly. Likewise Brownstown, who has put together a couple of very good runs and, to be honest, I don't think she has to improve much to be involved. I can't get my head around the fact she's not a shorter price than Mighty Danu. Anyway, that's not my department but I think Brownstown is our number one hope.” McLoughlin Hopes Duckadilly Can Put Him In The Map In The Matron Stakes The Matron Stakes has thrown up the odd shock result – think No Speak Alexander springing a 25-1 surprise in 2021 and Hydrangea winning at 20-1 in 2017 – and rookie handler Daniel McLoughlin is hoping his 50-1 chance Duckadilly (Churchill) can put him on the map in the Group 1 contest. To be fair to McLoughlin, he has never hidden the regard in which he holds the four-year-old and, while he freely admits he has never had a Group 1 horse through his hands before, he revealed he takes encouragement from the fact that regular rider Ben Coen has not dissuaded him from rolling the big dice at Leopardstown. The 23-year-old said, “I think the ground was as quick as she wanted it when she was fourth in a Group 3 here in July and we only had her half turned on for Killarney [when second] last month. That has brought her forward again and, while we've never had a Group 1 horse and we don't exactly know what it takes, we're hoping for the best and we're happy to give it a go. This has been the plan from very early on in the year and, even though she was beaten at Killarney, I didn't think it was such a bad run that we needed to abolish the plan. I asked Ben the other day and he didn't think it was a bad idea so we'll see how it plays out.” He added, “To be honest, I haven't had a horse who was good enough to lead her far enough in her work all year. And that's been a bit of a problem. When she hits the front, she pricks her ears a little and she's like that in her work as well. You could work her with a horse rated 50 or 90 and she'll get there and prick her ears thinking she's done enough. She's the best filly I have ever trained and hopefully she can put me on the map.” Kieran Lalor: 'Skydance And Leinster Will Out-Run Their Odds' Kieran Lalor | Zuzanna Lupa There can be few maidens in Ireland with a better profile than Skydance (Night Of Thunder), who has gained all-important black-type for Al Shira'aa Racing when second and third in the G3 Silver Flash and G2 Airlie Stud Stakes respectively this season. The Willie McCreery-trained juvenile was behind the Aidan O'Brien-trained Composing and Beautify in those Group contests and Kieran Lalor, racing and bloodstock manager for Al Shira'aa Racing, is looking forward to the rematch. “Skydance has been running well against Beautify, Composing and Suzie Songs all year and, bar her last run [sixth in the G2 Debutante Stakes], where she was reported to be in season, she is more than deserving of her place in the line-up. The likely soft ground is going to be pretty much the same for every filly in the line-up but we're confident that she will out-run her odds. Willie has been very happy with her in the build-up to this race and Night Of Thunder is an exceptional stallion so we're quite excited.” He added, “She's a graduate of Henri Bozo's Monceaux Stud, who, if I am not mistaken, will be represented by Diamond Necklace in the Ingabelle Stakes and Shin Emperor in the Irish Champion Stakes, which is a huge achievement, so hat tip to Henri and his team.” Al Shira'aa Racing will also be represented by a big-priced runner in the Comer Group International Irish St Leger through rapid-improver Leinster (Camelot) and Lalor says the colt is not without a chance. He concluded, “Al Riffa and Illinois are the heavyweights but I just think Leinster is really blossoming and, while I am not saying he's going to win, I think he'll make them all work for it. He was very good at the Curragh last time and I am convinced that his best days are ahead of him.” Keane Thinks Stable Star Has 'Each-Way' Claims In Irish St Leger Lalor is not the only man fancying his chances of taking out a large slice of the €500,000 Irish St Leger prize-money as Gerry Keane, trainer of Crystal Black, reports his stable star to be approaching fever pitch. He said, “We were delighted with his run at Leopardstown. Obviously we had a lousy enough start to the year because he needed his wind done and, after that, he was off for a couple of months.” Keane added, “But we feel we have him back and are happy enough with the shape he is in going there now. Whether or not he is good enough is another question but, if he comes back to his very best form, I'd like to think he has a good each-way chance.” Sprint King Eddie Lynam Triple-Handed In The Bold Lad What better way to kick-start the action on Sunday at the Curragh than the 25-runner Bold Lad Sprint Handicap over 6f. Now, races like these can prove something of a lottery but, when you have a man like Eddie Lynam on your side in any form of sprint race, you eliminate a lot of the chance that comes with betting in these contests. Lynam is rightly known as the sprint king and, given he has won this prestigious race many times in the past, is the obvious starting point for what looks like a lottery of sorts. Speaking about his trio, the handler said, “Jon Riggens is 8lbs out of the handicap, but on his best form would be capable of running well off 83, while Keke is drawn in stall one which is basically in the army camp. Now, he did win a Rockingham from stall one but, generally, the high draws are an advantage in the sprint races at the Curragh, particularly when the ground goes slow. The other horse, Heavenly Power, has been training very well and, if you asked me to pick one of the three, I'd probably pick him.” The post ‘Anmaat Is A Smashing Horse’ – Connections Weigh In On Irish Champions Festival appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Hanshin and Nakayama Racecourses: Sunday, September 14, 2025 6th-HSN, ¥14,250,000 ($97k), Newcomer, 2yo, 1800m WAYNY SU (c, 2, Into Mischief–Cariba, by Cairo Prince) is set to become the second starter for her Caress Stakes-winning dam, a full-sister to 'TDN Rising Star' Cairo Memories, a two-time graded winner on the turf and Grade I-placed on both dirt and turf; and to Memories Prevail, the dam of Panamanian Horse of the Year Sol Principe Gris (Summer Front), Grade I winner and young sire Zandon (Upstart) and $900,000 KEESEP purchase Memorized (Tapit), a maiden winner Thursday at Aqueduct. Trainer Mitsumasa Nakuchida gave an even $1 million for this Feb. 16 foal at last year's Keeneland September Sale and went back to the well again earlier this week, going to $950,000 for his yearling half-brother by Gun Runner. Yuga Kawada has the ride for the conditioner, who was represented by seven-figure auction purchases Matenro Da Vinci (Uncle Mo) and 'TDN Rising Star' Magna Victor (Maxfield) over the last two weekends. O-Susumu Fujita; B-Candy Meadows LLC (KY); T-Mitsumasa Nakauchida ウェイニースー、でかい pic.twitter.com/m3jBOng4QU — くりむぞぉ (@crmz_ffcsub) September 12, 2025 【F馬調教】内ウェイニースー 中マディソンガール 外ダノンシーマ https://t.co/rbQuK7lxxa @YouTubeより — ぺっぷ (@peppu0525) September 11, 2025 Monday, September 15, 2025 5th-NKY, ¥14,250,000 ($97k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1600mT DONA SCNHELL (f, 2, Wootton Bassett {GB}–Chiffon {Ire}, by Galileo {Ire}) was offered in utero at the 2022 Tattersalls December Mares Sale, but was led out unsold on a bid of 180,000gns and was subsequently acquired privately by Bregman Family Racing. The unraced Chiffon is a daughter of Acapulco (Scat Daddy), winner of the 2015 G2 Queen Mary Stakes and runner-up in that year's G1 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes for Wesley Ward. Dona Schnell was purchased for $350,000 at Keeneland September last fall and her yearling half-brother by Golden Pal made $180,000 to the bid of Tally-Ho Stud at KEESEP this week. Dona Schnell is bred on the same cross responsible for Group 1 winner Al Riffa (Fr) and Whirl (Ire). O-Masao Ogawa; B-Bregman Family Racing LLC (KY); T-Toru Kurita. 6th-NKY, ¥14,250,000 ($97k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1200m MOGENSEN (c, 2, Mendelssohn–Pioneer Queen, by Pioneerof the Nile) is the fourth to make the races out of a half-sister to GI Travers Stakes hero Afleet Express, MSW & MGSP Reporting For Duty and GI Alabama Stakes victress Embellish the Lace, prompting the owners of the latter, Alex and JoAnn Lieblong, to purchase Pioneer Queen as a KEESEP yearling in partnership for $500,000. The deeper female family includes GI Florida Derby winner Materiality and GSW/MGISP My Miss Sophia. Owner Naohiro Sakaguchi was busy earlier this week during Book 1 at the September Sale, acquiring a colt and a filly by Flightline for $1.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively. O-Naohiro Sakaguchi; B-Chiyoda Farm (KY); T-Makoto Saito The post Nakauchida Set To Unveil Yet Another Seven-Figure Purchase appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Marc Gunderson and his team at Twin Oaks Bloodstock have been among the most prolific buyers during the first four sessions of the Keeneland September sale. Through Thursday's session of the 12-day auction, Gunderson's MWG, LLC has purchased 21 yearlings for $8,545,000. Leading the group's purchases was a City of Light half-sister to Vahva who was acquired for $850,000 and a colt by Justify purchased for $800,000. “Wow. I hadn't even counted,” Gunderson said with a laugh when asked about his newly acquired yearlings. Gunderson said he had a specific plan coming into the September sale this year. “We wanted 12 top-end, high-quality competitive yearlings,” he explained. “And then we wanted to go ahead and get some precocious–bred fast, look fast, and conditioned fast–pinhooks for the top of the pinhook market. So we are going right back in the 2-year-old sales on five of them. The rest of them we are going to race.” Gunderson's purchases so far include 15 fillies and six colts. “We are filly centric,” he said. “We stay hard on the fillies. But if we find a colt that is bred well enough to stand later in life, if he wins a couple of graded races and we are fortunate enough to be the owners at that time, we will be very pleased.” Strangely enough, standing a stallion is what got Gunderson–a self-described serial entrepreneur based in Fort Worth, Texas, entrenched in the racing game nearly 30 years ago. “Back in 1997, I saw a stud, his name was Raykour and the Aga Khan had owned him,” Gunderson recalled. “He told me he was prepared to sell him and I was enamored with this beautiful animal. He acted better than my Labrador. I had run some Quarter Horses with D. Wayne Lukas and the whole group out there that was in the Quarter Horse business, but nothing at the level that this Thoroughbred was bred.” Raykour was second in the 1998 G1 St James's Palace at Royal Ascot for his breeder before transferring stateside where he was runner-up in the GI Hollywood Derby. “I was trying to develop the stallion and it wasn't going to work with a grass horse in Texas,” Gunderson admitted. “Nobody wanted that. So I moved the stallion to Maryland. I found tremendous friendship in Ronny and Carolyn Green from Green Willow Farm. I stood him at Green Willow Farm and we had far better luck, but not nearly the luck we needed.” In the process of supporting his stallion, Gunderson had built up an extensive broodmare band when his wife decided she was happier on the family's cattle ranch in Texas than with the expanding Thoroughbred population. “I decided–I really think my wife decided–we should probably get out of the business for a little while,” Gunderson said. “And it was mainly because she was operating the farms while I was traveling. Of course, I called her bluff. I didn't think she would get out because she loved the horses so much. But she didn't necessarily love the job. She came to my office in Arlington, Texas one day and asked for some of the guys to help her unload boxes of stuff. I was pretty sure at that point she was ready. So we sold out completely. That would have been in 2003 or 2004.” After a sabbatical of some 20 years, Gunderson eventually found his way back into racing. 'We came back to Keeneland one year and my son, Will, seemed to have the same passion for the sport that I did,” Gunderson said. “And we decided we would get back in the business, but we were just going to take all of the fundamental steps of crawling before we walked.” With the advice and support of people like Ledgelands' Shelley and Andrew Ritter, and Shane Ryan of Castleton Lyons, the Gundersons were soon building again. “Shelley Ritter and her husband are just super people,” Gunderson said. “I said, 'Look, I want you to take the forthright position of guidance and I am going to go ahead and do whatever it takes to be successful. But I am not going to go out here and buy a large farm until I am sure that this is something we want to do this time. We started with some yearlings. And then we sat down and discussed the concept of being in the business with yearlings or do we really want broodmares. Now we have a long-term relationship going on. “It all kind of happened around this time of year three years ago because all the sales came up. We decided to take a run at some broodmares. And Shelley was foaling out the babies. And we then we became really good friends with Shane Ryan over at Castleton. The concept of truly meeting the right people and good people in the industry got us excited to keep going.” One thing, as it often does, led to another and some eight months ago, the Gundersons purchased a 100-acre farm in Paris, Kentucky. The farm is currently home to eight broodmares and Gunderson said he could see that number increasing slightly in the future. “The concept is to keep it at the stakes-winning, stakes-producing level of broodmares,” he said. “We want to stay in the 15 range. Some of those will be homebreds and some of them will have to come from purchases. We have never really backed off from purchasing good broodmares. They have always been stakes winners or in foal to stallions like Flightline or Into Mischief, a very distinct pattern.” Gunderson refuses to be tied down to any one side of the race or sell debate. “Two questions I hate in interviews, do you want to raise or race?,” he said, even before the question can be asked. “My question back is always, 'Why am I picking?' I can afford to do both, why am I limited to having only this much fun, when I can have twice as much fun.” While still in its early days, Gunderson's Twin Oaks Bloodstock broodmare band seems filled with promise. Through Ledgelands' Twin Oaks sold a filly by Girvin for $180,000 at the 2023 Keeneland November sale. The filly sold again for $240,000 at the Keeneland September sale before topping this year's Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May sale on a bid of $1.1 million. Named Ornellaia, she was tabbed a 'TDN Rising Star' following her debut win at Saratoga in August. Gunderson recalled another streak with pride. “We bred five first-time starters and won five races, from here to California,” he said. “I don't know the odds of that, but from a small farm perspective, that is a big success.” Gunderson's yearling purchases this year include the $525,000 co-sale topping son of Practical Joke at the Fasig-Tipton New York-Bred Yearling Sale in Saratoga last month. “My perception of this market is that it is fantastic,” Gunderson said. “I run across friends here at Keeneland who are asking how they can afford to stay in this marketplace. I think as long as you are prepared to pay the price, and the quality is there, and the purses stay where they are at or above, it's going to create a marketable product. As far as economics go, global economics isn't any different than horse economics. Supply and demand and good product and large outcome–meaning the purses–it will stay together. It will be successful.” Despite the competitive market the first week of the Keeneland September sale, Gunderson still said he was finding value, thanks largely to the bonus depreciation made permanent in this year's tax bill. “We knew coming in, because we planned as a group, to identify and understand the 20% differential that is going to be built into the market,” Gunderson explained. “And again, that's just global economics. If you are looking at $1 million and you are looking at an accelerated depreciation, then you take all of your opportunity out on the front, it's 28%. Well, if you have to pay over 20% for your product, and you have an 8% margin of deductible depreciation, how does this not work?” He continued, “I researched that tax code about eight months ago and, I hate to use the term 'I bet the farm on it,' but they told me it was passing and I went full throttle on all of my businesses, my real estate, my reinvestments, my improvements, my horses. And if it didn't pass, I wouldn't have time to sit here and talk to you today because I would be scrambling to get out of all of those poor mistakes. We built it in in all of our businesses.” As would be expected from someone who has started and operated over 45 businesses, Gunderson has a plan for his racing project. “I do have a definite business plan,” he said. “And I do have a growth plan. And I do analyze it predicating it like some of my businesses. A, B, or C. If I don't have C, I don't really have a business plan because I have to have three ways in and three ways out. And we will figure out what goes on from there.” Gunderson, who got into Thoroughbred racing thanks to one stallion 30 years ago, admitted there was one aspect of the game that is not in play for his Twin Oaks Bloodstock. “I will never stand a stallion,” he said with a broad smile. “But I know a couple of really good farms right across the street from me who would love to stand my stallions.” The post A Man With Plans: Gunderson Busy at Keeneland September appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Irad Ortiz Jr., the five-time Eclipse Award winner and national money leader as well as North America's top jockey in races won every year since 2017, has moved his tack from New York to Kentucky for the fall.View the full article

4th-BAQ, $85K, Msw, 2yo, 6fT, 2:37 p.m. ET. A $500,000 grad from the Fasig-Tipton October Yearling sale, FOURTH DIMENSION (Not This Time) makes his first start for Wathnan and trainer Bill Mott. Initially going for $200,000 during Keeneland January, the dark bay is out of Aureum (Medaglia d'Oro), who was a 220,000gns purchase at the 2021 Tattersalls July sale by Blandford Bloodstock. Aureum–who also produced current filly 3-year-old in-training Loveontheleftbank (Invincible Spirit {Ire})–is herself a half-sister to MGISP Nemoralia (More Than Ready), the dam of GII Lake Placid Stakes heroine May Day Ready (Tapit). Nice Guys homebred Let's Be Frank (Liam's Map) is out of a dam who is a full-sister to GI Kentucky Oaks champ Serengeti Empress (Alternation), while Phnom Penh (Medaglia d'Oro) is the second to the races for MGSW Cambodia (War Front). TJCIS PPS 5th-CD, $120K, Msw, 2yo, f, 6f, 2:49 p.m. ET. Baracca (Oscar Performance) is set for her unveiling for the Heider Family and trainer Brendan Walsh. Her productive dam SW Shop Again (Wild Again) claims GISW Power Broker (Pulpit) and SW Fierce Boots (Tiznow), plus the dam of GI Preakness & GI Pennsylvania Derby victor Seize the Grey (Arrogate). The first foal for her dam, Bonne Sante (Instilled Regard) counts among her extended female family champion 2-year-old filly British Idiom (Flashback). Stonestreet homebred Frolicking (Not This Time) is out of a dam whose half-sister is GISW Pauline's Pearl (Tapit). Last but not least, Winchell took home Not a Lady (Into Mischief) for $775,000 during Keeneland September before sending the filly to Steve Asmussen. TJCIS PPS The post Saturday Racing Insights: Not This Time Colt Uses BAQ Gate As A Wormhole To Access Maiden Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Irad Ortiz, Jr., a five-time Eclipse-champion jockey and this country's leading rider by races won in each of the last eight seasons, will relocate from New York to Kentucky for the fall season. He will join a riding colony that also includes his brother Jose Ortiz, who is also represented by agent Steve Rushing. “My agent and I have talked about this for a little while now,” Ortiz Jr. said. “There's a lot of business in Kentucky and the racing is really strong.” The veteran reinsman had four rides on opening night of the September meet on Thursday and won two of those, new 'TDN Rising Star' On Time Girl (Not This Time) for Brad Cox in race four and Show Time (Into Mischief) in the evening's finale for Norm Casse. Ortiz, Jr. is named to ride 21 horse this weekend, including Taken by the Wind (Rock Your World) for Ken McPeek in the GIII Pocahontas Stakes, favored Alpine Princess (Classic Empire) in the GII Locust Grove Stakes for Cox and the McPeek-trained No More Cents (Goldencents) in the GIII Iroquois Stakes. The post Ortiz, Jr. Shifting Tack To Kentucky For Fall Season appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin For the majority of racehorses their problem is not having enough speed. Not Loteria. Her problem is controlling all the speed she has. The rapid going four-year-old recorded her third career win when overcoming an unruly starting position in a Metro Trot heat at Alexandra Park on Friday night and did it in style. She smashed favourite Pretty In Pink after looping the field in the middle stages and racing to a two-and-three-quarter length win looking to have a few gears still left. Loteria is trained by Sammy Kilgour and driven by her fiancee Joshua Dickie with the pair partially co-training her before their day jobs working at Stonewall Stud. “I usually work her at John’s (Dickie, Joshua’s Dad) before I go to Stonewall to work but on fast work days Josh will come home at lunchtime and drive her,” explains Kilgour, who part owns Loteria. “We are both so lucky to work with the creme of the crop at Stonewall but to win a race with one of our own is very special.” Kilgour and Dickie brought Loteria back to New Zealand from Victoria when they moved here nearly two years ago but she has been a work in progress since. “She as always had that ability but she just wants to go too fast,” explains Kilgour. “We have worked on it and she is getting better but when she galloped in a juniors race last start she got put on the unruly. “That might have helped her tonight but she also loves all this mobile racing and we have a few more of those coming up, including the final of this series, which should really help her.” A few more wins might even help Dickie and Kilgour finally get married. “We haven’t set a date yet and to be honest it is so expensive to get marrried. She might need to keep winning some races.” Later in the night the other Metro Trot heat was won in effortless style by Pantani, who picked a great night to get things right as all the favourites around him galloped. He bolted in for driver Benjamin Butcher and trotted much more smoothly against the markers so may be ready to return to his form of last season. Earlier Belle Niege just got up to justify her hot favouritism in the main trot, making it three wins on end. She was forced back to last as several inside her seemed keen to be involved in the early rush but was still too good for a brave It Ain’t Me Babe to give junior driver Crystal Hackett her 50th winner for the season, a new milestone in her blossoming career. Not quite so popular with the punters was a total Alexandra Park rarity when Tony Herlihy reined a 60-1 fixed odds winner for Arna Donnelly in Final Change. It is rare enough that Herlihy drives for the top Cambridge trainer but in his 3700-plus wins in New Zealand it would be doubtful Herlihy has reined home 60-1 or longer winners more than a handful of times. He backed it up in the next on the card when he launched Te Ahi for an all-the-way win in the Tactical Approach at Alabar Northern Trotting Champs at 20-1 fixed, so a remarkable 1281-1 back to back race double from The Iceman. Te Ahi is trained by Graeme Rogerson, whose harness horses are looked after by James Stormont, so he deserves at much of the training credit for winning the $25,000 feature trot. The Nevele R Fillies heat was taken out in effortless fashion by Sweet Maggie Mae, who blasted straight to the lead for Andre Poutama and never looked like being beaten. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Tarragindi is so good trotting trainer Phil Williamson is putting his money where his mouth is. And that means the easy Friday night winner from Addington will be in the $500,000 Ascent at Addington on Show Day. The three-year-old made it four wins in nine starts with a 57.9 second last 800m to bolt away by four lengths on Friday, suggesting he is getting better with every run. He didn’t need that win to convince Williamson and wife Bev, who owns Tarragindi, he deserves a shot at the trot slot race as they had already agreed to pay the $30,000 to be in the big dance. Tarragindi got within a head of the clear star of last season’s juvenile crop in Meant To Be last year and Williamson is certain he has a better horse on his hands this year. “He did a big job last year because he was taking on Meant To Be at only our second and third starts,” says Williamson. “I am not saying we will beat him but I think we can give him a run for his money so we decided to buy a slot and are excited about it. “And he has the NZ Trotting Derby too to aim at so he has some really good races coming up. “He is definitely my next good horse.” While Tarragindi was red hot on his way to winning, the stakes feature of the night at Addington could hardly have been more different as Berrettini won the Woodlands Stud Harness 7000 race at 50-1. Trained by John “Coaster” Howe he was patiently driven by Robbie Close and prevailed in a punishing finish after early tempo saw the undoing of the leaders, including hot favourite Tact Teva. It was Berrettini’s third win from eight starts for breeders and owners, popular Canterbury couple Phil and Christine Smith. That capped a great recent run for the Smiths, including an Addington double last month with Berrettini and Cormoran Strike. “Coaster and I had a plan, because he was stepping up in class, to drive him quietly but I said to him before the race, stranger things have happened,” said Close. “But all the credit has to go to him and it is great for the owners who have put so much into the game.” While Tact Teva had a rugged night at the office his stablemate Bettors Anvil returned with a blazing win a race earlier. He sat back off a good speed and went like the very good three-year-old he is to round up his older rivals easily. “He will be in all the good races from now on and they are going to be really exciting because you have Marketplace and some real depth around him.” But perhaps the training performance of the night went to Bob Butt after Dynasty sprinted hard to win the $25,000 Woodlands Second Mares Sprint. She was fresh up for over two months and had all the favourites in front of her starting the last 400m yet exploded to win like a future Group 1 mare and suggest the coming mares series races are going to be spectacular. View the full article