Wandering Eyes

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

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Saturday's Observations features last year's BBAG sale topper. 4.15 Doncaster, Mdn, 2yo, 8fT DEL MARO (GER) (Camelot {GB}) bids to build on his debut second at Newmarket for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby on ground that is sure to play to his strengths as a son of the Preis der Diana heroine Diamanta (Maxios). The €850,000 BBAG September stand-out topper meets Al Shaqab and Amo Racing's newcomer Lyneham (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), a 425,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase who is a grandson of Red Evie (Intikhab). The post Godolphin’s BBAG Topper Del Maro At Doncaster appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The inaugural Thoroughbred360 was held at Newpark Hotel, Co Kilkenny on September 10. Hosted by the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA) and the Irish Equine Centre, the open industry forum focused on helping Irish breeders take their business to the next level. Over 100 attendees were on hand to hear an opening address by Minister of State Timmy Dooley TD, who spoke on the importance of the bloodstock industry to the Irish economy. ITBA and the Irish Equine Centre followed this with a brief overview of what they offer breeders – including a wide range of membership benefits, extensive education offers and discounted testing on Land Assessment and Stud Farm Hygiene Packages. Afterward, attendees spoke directly with industry bodies and businesses including Ark Equine, BBA Ireland, Belmont Equine Products, Bluegrass, Clinton Higgins, Equilume, Goffs, HRI, IEVA, ITM, NFP Bloodstock Insurance, Randox Health, TRM, and Weatherbys. Professor Wall and Meta Osborne took to the stage briefly to discuss traceability and welfare with Leo Powell, and included discussions on Professor Wall's report, emphasising protection for horses at end of life, current developments in equine traceability and looking at future-proofing the industry. The day closed with an industry panel discussion 'Where Success Starts' with Cathal Beale, Henry de Bromhead, Jacqueline Norris and Joseph O'Brien, hosted by Leo Powell as they delved into the journey of success from foal to racehorse. The post Inaugural Thoroughbred360 Deemed A Success appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Justify does Triple Crowns, that we already know, but few would have expected he would be on the verge of another so early in his second career. Responsible for the winners of this season's 2,000 Guineas and last year's Derby, he has dead aim on the St Leger on Saturday courtesy of Scandinavia as he bids to complete a remarkable turf trinity to augment his own groundbreaking one on the dirt. Scandinavia didn't start his career in the manner of Ruling Court or City Of Troy, but then not many St Leger winners produce any fireworks until well into their second season and Ballydoyle's embryonic stayer supreme has certainly turned a corner from July onwards. Having pounded his peers in the Bahrain Trophy, he upstaged his grizzled elders in the Goodwood Cup, in the process confirming how far he has come since finishing seventh in a maiden on this card 12 months ago. With Ryan Moore and Wayne Lordan out of action on one of the biggest weekends in the calendar, Tom Marquand is the chief beneficiary as he was five years ago when deputising for Shane Crosse on Galileo Chrome. “He's looked a good horse this summer, I suppose he's one of those who has just really found his mojo over these top staying trips,” he said of his choice mount in the final Classic. “He had to get really stuck in at Goodwood, but he did that really well and in the Bahrain Trophy he made relatively light work of the others.” As Moore is generally at Leopardstown on this day, it was Sean Levey who capitalised 12 months ago and it was no surprise to learn that he had been called upon again by Aidan O'Brien for the ride on Lambourn. Prior to Newmarket's July Festival, this was the one to be on all ends up, but a mixture of Scandinavia bursting onto the scene and a lacklustre Great Voltigeur effort from the dual Derby hero means he enters the fray here as the second-string. Since the near-miss of Camelot in 2012, this Classic has failed to draw the Derby winner although in fairness to Coolmore it is certain that had Australia, Auguste Rodin and City Of Troy won their Guineas they would have all been here attempting the holy quest of the Triple Crown. Lambourn was never going to Newmarket and is in many ways more a Leger-type Blue Riband winner than any of his predecessors from this stable, it's just that performance at York that tempers enthusiasm. Also in the mix from Rosegreen is Galileo's last Classic runner Stay True and the Queen's Vase winner Carmers, one of the initial products of Fiona Carmichael's huge investment in the Sea The Stars mare Signe at the 2014 Goffs Orby Sale. While it is probably true that Scandinavia has gone nuclear since trailing him at Royal Ascot, Paddy Twomey's colt hasn't exactly stopped moving forward himself and there is a danger that his Voltigeur effort under a penalty has been underestimated. Super Soumy Supersub? Leopardstown's opener to Irish Champions Weekend sees Christophe Soumillon take several high-profile rides in the void that Coolmore's number one has left. Obviously, all focus will be on his G1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes mount Delacroix (Dubawi), Ballydoyle's big hope for the latest edition who will presumably have this set up perfectly unlike in the Juddmonte International fiasco last month. There are contrasting messages as to the real merit of Tepin's final offering and it probably comes down to whether he can reproduce that unforgettable surge up Sandown's hill off a strong pace rather than a moderate one. Aidan O'Brien contends that he needs it good and honest, so Mount Kilimanjaro (Siyouni) must be here to provide it, but he doesn't have an obvious pacemaker profile so this could get interesting. On a weekend of jockeys missing out and others coming into the frame as a result, Chris Hayes takes over from the stricken Jim Crowley on Shadwell's admirable warrior Anmaat (Awtaad) who is probably the obvious one the way this renewal has taken shape. One that has a familiar rider on top is last year's third Shin Emperor (Siyouni), who is back again on slower ground which will probably suit with Ryusei Sakai having that experience of 12 months ago to call upon. In the G1 Coolmore America Justify Matron Stakes, the Prix Rothschild heroine Fallen Angel (Too Darn Hot) looks to inflict another defeat on Ballydoyle's January (Kingman), with Soumillon charged with getting that first Group 1. If Delacroix offers a slightly tricky scenario in the feature, this filly will require all of the Belgian's finesse following her three seconds and a third in her attempts so far. She is fitted with cheekpieces for the first time as Aidan O'Brien looks to unlock that extra percentage point, which she will need with the Coronation Stakes heroine Cercene (Australia) and course specialist Vera's Secret (Epaulette) in attendance. Interestingly, the sheepskin is also on the yard's G1 Comer Group International Irish St Leger hope Illinois (Galileo) at The Curragh on Sunday as the fellow Group 1 nearly-horse takes on Australian Bloodstock's Al Riffa (Wootton Bassett) and the Aykroyds' unbeaten three-year-old Amiloc (Postponed) in a fascinating affair. Where it gets more straightforward for Soumillon is in the G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes, where the faultless G2 Debutante Stakes winner Composing (Wootton Bassett) could provide that welcome armchair ride. Her G2 Airlie Stud Stakes and G3 Prestige Stakes-winning stablemates Beautify (Wootton Bassett) and Precise (Starspangledbanner) back up the assault on the unbeaten G1 Prix Morny heroine Venetian Sun (Starman). Unsurprisingly, Ballydoyle have half of the field for the G1 Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes, where the Coventry winner and Morny runner-up Gstaad (Starspangledbanner) is the flagbearer as he encounters the unbeaten Group 2 winners Saba Desert (Dubawi) and Zavateri (Without Parole). In the weekend's other Group 1, the Nunthorpe heroine Asfoora (Flying Artie) becomes the first Australian-trained runner to race in Ireland in Bar One Racing Flying Five Stakes. In another jockey-go-round, Dylan Browne McMonagle takes over from Oisin Murphy in the saddle. Amo Racing have two big chances in the dash in the Phoenix Sprint Stakes winner Bucanero Fuerte (Wootton Bassett) and the Sapphire Stakes winner Arizona Blaze (Sergei Prokofiev). The post Opportunity Knocks For The Weekend Stars appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

One of Britain's most beloved stayers, Normandie Stud's homebred Sweet William (Sea The Stars) came good again on Friday to add his name to an illustrious list who have won the G2 Doncaster Cup more than once. Left behind at the start, the 10-11 favourite was coaxed into contention by Robert Havlin and after moving to the three-year-old Pendragon (Camelot) approaching two out stormed clear for an emphatic 3 3/4-length success. “These staying races are a whole lot of fun and he's a wonderful old horse,” John Gosden said. “He answered the call–he's been running into Trawlerman and Kyprios and that's tough–but Philippa [Cooper] says that's it for the season and we'll hopefully be back this time next year.” 2023 2024 2025 SWEET WILLIAM retains his Betfred Howard Wright @DoncasterRaces Cup Stakes crown! pic.twitter.com/AmmBDD8moD — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 12, 2025 The post Sweet William Records Back-To-Back Wins In The Doncaster Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Her Nunthorpe-winning sister Winter Power was some flying machine, but if the evidence of Friday's G2 Flying Childers Stakes is a guide Revival Power (Bungle Inthejungle) could be even slicker model. Electric in the first furlong and totally dominant on the front throughout under Oisin Murphy, King Power's Listed Roses Stakes winner was in a league of her own as she registered a seriously-impressive 1 1/2-length success from Ballydoyle's Kansas (Wootton Bassett). “She's fast, but she goes again–she hasn't just got that initial speed but also that extra kick which makes the magic,” trainer Tim Easterby said of the 17-2 shot, who dipped under 59 seconds despite racing into a headwind on ground with ease. “She was actually very green last time at York and picked up when they came to her, so that must have put her right. I was very confident today, as she's done everything right. She's great in her wind, but we keep a lid on her at home. Her sister was magical, but was really hot and this filly's got a better temperament.” “Oh she's a fast filly!” REVIVAL POWER – a full-sister to Winter Power – blazes her way to Group 2 Flying Childers Stakes glory at @DoncasterRaces!@oismurphy | @EasterbyTim pic.twitter.com/7HVlaTwvmh — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 12, 2025 The post ‘That Extra Kick Makes The Magic’: Easterby Hails Flying Childers Winner Revival Power appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Roger Varian's new link-up with Godolphin is paying instant dividends with the promising Avicenna (Starspangledbanner) getting up late to capture Friday's Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster. Held up early by William Buick, the 11-2 shot who had won over course and distance on debut last month delivered a sustained effort down the wing to collar the 5-4 favourite Hankelow (Night Of Thunder) on the line. Photo finish! AVICENNA gets up in dramatic fashion to deny Hankelow in the Betfred Flying Scotsman Stakes!@WilliamBuickX | @varianstable | @DoncasterRaces | @godolphin pic.twitter.com/7li0KN7TPE — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 12, 2025 The post Varian Saddles Godolphin’s Avicenna To Flying Scotsman Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Coffee, pens, chapstick, maybe an occasional hat. Consignors often hand out little tokens to give the memories of potential buyers a nudge into recalling their barn and their horses. But chances are you've seen someone emerging from Barn 9 on the Keeneland sales grounds in the last day or two with ice cream, which likely sounds mighty good after a day going from barn to barn inspecting horses in the full sun of an early September in Central Kentucky. Jennifer and Zach Phillips of Zen Equine, who may have their first-ever consignment at Keeneland September but are not new to the game, thought long and hard about what might appeal to buyers and most assuredly found the sweet spot. It's exactly the sort of thought and care that goes into both their daily operation and their first consignment. “It's just a little novelty, an idea to get people to come see our horses,” said Jennifer Phillips. “'Oh, that's the place that has the ice cream! They also have the really nice Golden Pal; let's go back down there.' That's what we want people to think. Hopefully it's something we can do that will set us apart.” Phillips and her husband lease about 150 acres of the former Millennium Farm off of Paris Pike and primarily board mares and foals for clients. They also prep for sales, handling five last year for Keeneland's September sale and 15 for this year. While they have charge of some valuable mares and yearlings–Book 1 offerings–they are committed to discretion and don't disclose names. There may be a clue, however, in their name: Zen Equine. “Zen is a Japanese term for meditation and calmness,” said Phillips. “Our biggest clients are Japanese, so we kind of incorporated it into our name. We like to keep things nice and relaxed here.” Zen also happens to be a handy combination of their names: Zach and Jen. It's that same cleverness and good humor they bring to their business, along with a hearty dose of good, old-fashioned hard work. After more than 10 years apiece spent learning the industry's ropes under some pretty exceptional teachers, the couple made the jump into their own operation. “We just decided it was time for us to go out and do our own thing,” said Phillips. “We had a couple of horses of our own and we kind of just decided if we were going to work this hard, we might as well do it for ourselves rather than for somebody else.” Phillips went through the equine sciences program at the University of Limerick and had the good fortune to be placed with the late Gerry Dilger at Dromoland Farm for her internship. After she finished school, he offered her a job and she spent an additional five years mentored by one of the sport's top horsemen. “He was the best,” remembered Phillips. “He was so good. He was a friend to everyone. And he really wanted everyone to do really, really well. He never wanted to see anyone fail. He did his best to help all of us do so well. I know he'd be so proud looking down right now.” After Dilger passed away and Covid upended life around the world, Phillips spent three years working for Mike McMahon at Spruce Lane Farm, while Zach, meanwhile, had about a decade under his belt with Ted Campion at Dundrum Farm. “He managed that farm, they came up with a lot of Grade I winners like Rattle N Roll and Yellow Agate,” said Phillips. “They've had a serious amount of Grade I winners. Gerry used to have the swimming pool for the horses and Zach and Ted would bring horses over to swim at Gerry's pool, so we knew each other from that aspect and then we'd meet downtown.” Jennifer and Zach Phillips at last year's Keeneland September sale | Courtesy of Jennifer Phillips Jennifer and Zach had the classic Lexington love story: they knew each other professionally, ran into each other at McCarthy's Irish Bar on Upper Street in downtown, and things blossomed from there. “It was through the horses in McCarthy's, of course. Where else would anybody meet?” said Phillips with a laugh. “If somebody asks you that question, they nearly know the answer. It makes sense. That's where everybody meets is down there. Just go to McCarthy's. You're sure to find someone.” After dating for several years, they took the plunge and got married two years ago. It wasn't long after they formed Zen Equine. “Everyone sort of knows us as individuals and how we've come up and who we've worked for, but nobody really knows Zen Equine,” said Phillips. Now that they're established, it's time to “get us as a partnership out there. This is our second September sale prepping on our own, so we'd like to just to get it out there that we're here.” Zen has three yearlings catalogued at Keeneland, including two in Book 3: a Corniche filly (hip 1322) and a Golden Pal filly (hip 1547). Their final lot is a Mitole filly (hip 3207) in Book 5. They know each of the yearlings intimately. Two they foaled, while the third they've had since before she was weaned. “The Book 3 fillies are both really nice horses,” said Phillips. “Freshman sires and a freshman consignment. It's kind of like we're all starting out the same way. You never know what you're going to end up with when you have a freshman sire in there. The Golden Pals and the Corniches have been taken well, so hopefully that continues. The Mitole is actually mine. She's out of a mare that won nearly $600,000 on the track. She is tough and she passes it on because that yearling is tough. She has her own mind. I'm very excited for it because she's had some beautiful babies, so we hope she gets some runners as well.” While dipping their toes into this initial consignment, the Phillipses are already looking to the future. “Our plan is to only sell what we have here on the farm, stuff that we prep here, horses that we really know,” said Phillips. “I don't want to get to a huge size where you have hundreds of horses. I like to be able to know my horses and be able to talk to buyers: this horse looks really well in a round pen, this horse does really well on the walker, their different mindsets and how they think. I want to be able to tell people exactly the characteristics that I like about that horse. Since they've been prepped here, we have an idea of what they're like.” Eventually, you may see Zen Equine consignments in the breeding stock sales, as well. Phillips said they would like to branch out, especially as mares and foals are their primary business. “We foaled 32 mares this year. Next year is going to be 39, as of my last count,” she said. “Our primary focus is to have long-term clients and foal out mares that we know. “And then the long-term goal? I'd love to have a horse in Book 1 or go to Saratoga. We'd like to breed something like that, but we're just going to take it in small steps right now. I'm glad we've only got the three going to the sale, kind of get our feet in the door. We're very grateful to the clients that have entrusted us with their horses. They've been very, very good to us.” It's said ice cream makes everything better. Ice cream flavored with a hearty topping of solid horsemanship might be just the sort of 'Zen' that hits the right spot midway through Keeneland's marathon September sale. The post Zen Equine’s First Consignment Finds the Sweet Spot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Leon King Stable's Bentornato will make his first start since finishing second in the 2024 Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) in the $300,000 Louisville Thoroughbred Society Stakes Sept. 13 at Churchill Downs, where he will face the enigmatic sprinter Skelly.View the full article

The Curragh's Group 1 bonanza on day two of Irish Champions Weekend has attracted an aggregate 38 declarations after final fields for the track's four elite-level contests were confirmed Friday morning. Illinois (Galileo), with Christophe Soumillon booked to ride, is one of two Aidan O'Brien entries, the other being Queenstown (Galileo), and heads a field of nine in the G1 Comer Group International Irish St Leger. The undefeated G2 King Edward VII Stakes victor Amiloc (Postponed) is one of three overseas nominees. Ballydoyle has three of the six runners, headed by G1 Prix Morny runner-up Gstaad (Starspangledbanner), in the G1 Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes, which also features unbeaten Group 2 winners Saba Desert (Dubawi) and Zavateri (Without Parole). Soumillon will be aboard G2 Debutante Stakes winner Composing (Wootton Bassett), one of three Aidan O'Brien contenders, in the seven-runner G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes. She will be accompanied by G2 Airlie Stud Stakes victrix Beautify (Wootton Bassett) and G3 Prestige Fillies' Stakes winner Precise (Starspangledbanner) in opposition to last month's G1 Prix Morny heroine and undefeated Karl Burke trainee Venetian Sun (Starman). Last month's G1 Nunthorpe Stales heroine Asfoora (Flying Artie) will become the first Australian-trained runner to race in Ireland and has drawn stall one in the 16-runner G1 Bar One Racing Flying Five Stakes. Dylan Browne McMonagle takes over from Oisin Murphy in the saddle. Amo Racing has two Adrian Murray-trained runners confirmed for the five-furlong dash, with last year's seventh Bucanero Fuerte (Wootton Bassett) the mount of Colin Keane and David Egan aboard GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint runner-up Arizona Blaze (Gergei Prokofiev). The post Runners Confirmed for Sunday’s Group 1 Races at The Curragh, Aidan O’Brien Dominates Entries appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Challenge, presented by GaineswayView the full article

Half-siblings to Classic winners Look De Vega and Coeursamba are among more than 800 horses catalogued for the five-day Arqana October Yearling Sale, which begins in Deauville on Tuesday, October 21. Part 1 of the sale, which takes place over Tuesday and Wednesday, also includes a St Mark's Basilica three-parts-brother to multiple Group 1 winner Laurens, half-brothers to the Group 1 winners Woodshauna and Kew Gardens, and a full-sister to G1 Prix Marcel Boussac victrix Zellie. Also featured is the first foal, a filly by Frankel, of the G1 Matron Stakes winner Pearls Galore. She is offered by Haras de Saint Pair, which provided the co-top lot – a €500,000 colt by Kingman out of Via Pisa – at the 2024 Arqana October Sale. He shared top billing with Haras du Mont dit Mont's son of Night Of Thunder and the Listed-placed Paramount, who is now named Makerstoun and is in training with Jane Chapple-Hyam for Peter Harris. In total, this year's October catalogue, which is now available online, features 14 yearlings who are either out of a Group 1 winner or a sibling or half-sibling to a Group 1 winner, compared to eight in last year's sale. Part 2 of the Arqana October Sale is conducted over the afternoons of October 23 and 24, and the auction concludes with Part 3 on Saturday, October 25. The post Classic Siblings Headline Arqana’s October Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jordyn Bublitz Arna Donnelly’s pair of juveniles announced themselves in style at Cambridge Raceway last night. Two-year-old stablemates Critical Image and Lulana ran the quinella on debut in the Harness Hoedown Tickets On Sale 25th Sept Mobile Pace. Donnelly purchased Critical Image, at the 2024 National Standardbred Yearling Sales. He was given a perfect steer by Zachary Butcher, enjoying a sweet trip in the one-one before pouncing late to score. Lulana, bred by long-time stable client Kevin Madgwick, did it the hard way. With James Stormont in the bike, she sat parked throughout before applying pressure over the last half, which was cut out in a scorching 56.4 seconds. Despite being nabbed late, she was game in defeat. Donnelly was thrilled with how both handled themselves on debut. “I thought they were both really good chances, I’d really liked the way the pair of them had been trialling and I thought they’d improve off those runs,” she said. “They were really professional considering it was their first time under the lights, it couldn’t have worked out any better.” “They smoked that last half and the pair of them have probably never been that quick in their life.” The win confirmed Donnelly’s high opinion of the pair. Critical Image now heads north for a tougher assignment in Heat 3 of the Woodlands Stud Sires Stakes for two-year-old colts and geldings at Alexandra Park next week, while Lulana will continue to target general juvenile races. “Critical Image will head up to Auckland for a sire’s stakes heat next week,” Donnelly said. “The filly isn’t paid up for anything, so she’ll just poke around where there’s two-year-old races.” Asked to compare the pair, Donnelly admitted it wasn’t easy. “Lulana was the run of the race last night and the other guy got the good trip. They’re both going to improve and win races, so I couldn’t say there’s much between them.” The stable’s night didn’t end there, with veteran pacer Baileys Pitch also saluting in the Blokes Night In The Skyline Lounge 18th Sept Mobile Pace. With Arna’s stable junior driver Kate Coppins in the bike, the win was particularly satisfying. “He’s a great old horse, he’s actually our galloping pacemaker,” Donnelly said. “It’s good for Kate too, she hasn’t had a lot of luck with him their last few starts so it’s nice for her to get the monkey off her back with him.” View the full article

Akuta will emulate two all-time greats if he wins Sunday’s Group 3 Hannon Memorial at Oamaru. The Mark and Nathan Purdon-trained star is a $2.10 favourite to take out the Group 3 feature for a second time. His previous win was in 2022. If Akuta wins this weekend he’ll do what the likes of Blossom Lady and Johnny Globe have done before – and that is win two Hannon Memorials three years apart. Blossom Lady won in 1990 and 1993 (as well as winning the New Zealand Cup in 1992) while Johnny Globe won his Hannon Memorials in 1951 and 1954. He also won the New Zealand Cup the same year (1954). Akuta is having his fourth race this campaign after being sidelined with a serious tendon injury. He won two starts ago in Auckland and was then fifth in last Friday’s Avon City Ford New Brighton Cup at Addington, taken out by Alta Meteor. The Hannon has been raced since 1938. It is named in memory of Michael Joseph Hannon, a dentist in Oamaru who went on to become the president of the Oamaru Trotting Club from 1921 to 1938. Since then only four horses have ever won back to back Hannon Memorials – they are Palestine (1976-77), Idolmite (1980-81), Iraklis (1997-98), and Franco Ledger (2012-13). The fastest time (since it went to 2600m in 1976) is shared. The record of 3:13.4 was set by Cullen’s Creek in 2010 and then equalled by Spankem in 2019. On Sunday only two horses are backing up from last year’s race. They are Macandrew Aviator, who was third last year, and Da Vinci (7th in 2024). The two horses to win since Akuta’s last success have been Aardie’s Express (2023) and Republican Party (2024). To see the odds in the Hannon Memorial click here View the full article

By Jonny Turner Winton breeder-owner Michelle Caig lived a harness racing dream at Ascot Park on Thursday. Caig enjoyed dual success with half-sisters Penelope Lane and Our Rose Hill, both trotting to victory. Caig bred both horses, while she also races Penelope Lane from the Brad Williamson stable. Though she has been breeding horses with good success for several decades, the thrill of winning hasn’t diminished. “This is what you dream about when you breed horses,” Caig said. Penelope Lane produced an excellent win in her debut at Wyndham in June, but the filly had galloped repeatedly in her five starts since. Though she raced greenly at times on Thursday, her ability shone through when she charged home late to score. “I can tell you that winning is a lot better than watching her gallop five starts in a row.” “She is such a thinking horse and she has got gears, and one day she will have all the manners.” “Brad has done such a great job with her, he is very cool, calm and collected.” Penelope Lane is by Volstead from Caig’s Group 1 producing dam City Lane. While Volstead has left outstanding horses since Caig paired up the stallion and mare, it was more of a punt at the time than it may seem now. “A lot of breeding is about gut feeling, when I have gone with what has been popular at the time, I often haven’t had success.” “Volstead was $4500 at the time and a bit more of a gamble.” “The best part is that Penelope Lane is eligible for the Harness 5000 because of it.” With City Lane now retired from breeding and Volstead an established sire, Caig hopes she has found a replacement broodmare in Penelope Lane. Though with her form on the track, she looks a few seasons away from entering the breeding barn. “She was a lovely foal and I have always wanted to keep her.” Caig initially raced Our Rose Hill before selling her to fellow Southland owner Art Shirley. That didn’t take away any of the thrill of watching the mare she had bred win. “Everything I sell I want to win races,” Caig said. “I have sold a few to Arty and I got just as much of a kick out of watching her win for him.” Brad Williamson also took the reins behind Our Rose Hill for trainer Alister Black. The excitement is set to continue in the coming weeks for Caig, off the track, with two of her mares due to foal this spring. View the full article

Highly respected British ratings agency Timeform believes that Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) could end up as the best sprinter we’ve seen this century. The David Hayes-trained superstar currently has a Timeform rating of 135, meaning that he’s currently the world’s best racehorse and has also surpassed other Hong Kong sprinting greats like Silent Witness (El Moxie) and Sacred Kingdom (Encosta de Lago) on their ratings. Ka Ying Rising’s figure of 135 also places him just behind Black Caviar (Bel Esprit) and former top British sprinter Battaash (Dark Angel), who are Timeform’s joint highest-rated sprinters this century on a mark of 136. The winner of his past 13 starts, Ka Ying Rising is currently the hot favourite for The Everest next month and returned from a spell to record a dominant win in the Chief Executive’s Cup at Sha Tin last weekend. “Hong Kong has been home to some world-class sprinters down the years, with the likes of Silent Witness and Sacred Kingdom both rated top-class by Timeform at their peak, but in Ka Ying Rising, it looks to have produced one even better than that pair,” said Timeform’s Flat Racing Editor David Johnson. “Ka Ying Rising is rated 135 on the back of his comfortable win in the Chairman’s (Sprint) Prize in April, where he comfortably beat Satono Reve (Lord Kanaloa) by much further than Lazzat (Territories) was able to do at Royal Ascot and he cemented that with a most impressive win under a big weight in handicap company at the weekend. “International competition has been an important feature of flat racing for the best part of 40 years now and Ka Ying Rising heading to Australia to take on the best sprinters from Down Under in The Everest, the most valuable race on turf, is a prospect that racing fans from all areas of the globe can look forward to.” Like Timeform, Ciaron Maher has also been impressed by Ka Ying Rising. The Melbourne Cup-winning trainer will take on Ka Ying Rising in The Everest with his sprinter Jimmysstar, but was left in awe of what the Shamexpress gelding was able to do at Sha Tin last Sunday. “It was certainly a phenomenal performance,” Maher said. “I’m sure David will be keen to get back here and fly the flag, I’m sure he’ll have him pretty right to go. If he arrives in that sort of form and travels well, he’s going to be mighty hard to beat but it’s looking like a good race.” WATCH: Ka Ying Rising in the Chief Executive’s Cup THE FREAK IS BACK! #SeasonOpener | #LoveRacing | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/72fu9dNEE0 — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) September 7, 2025 The world’s best as of September 2025, according to Timeform: 135 – Ka Ying Rising 132 – Via Sistina 130 – Field Of Gold 130 – Ombudsman View the full article

Small fields can throw up strange results and the connections of Mark Twain (NZ) (Shocking) will be hoping for one on Saturday. Mark Twain is the $101 outsider in the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday where he tackles five opponents who are all Group One winners. Since 2000, there have been eight horses win at double figure odds including Gatting (Hard Spun) at $101 in 2019, Littorio (Bellotto) ($41) in 2011 and Hugs Dancer (Cadeaux Genereux) ($26) in 2004. Mark Twain’s main claim to fame was his victory in last year’s Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington, a race that earned him a ballot exemption for the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Unfortunately, a tendon injury robbed him of that chance, but the stayer is back looking for a second chance to line up in this year’s Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 4. The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained galloper ran last over 1200m in New Zealand on August 9 at his first run since the Roy Higgins win last year and made his way to Australia where he was due to run in the So You Think Stakes (1500m) at Moonee Valley last Saturday. But after dropping jockey Jamie Mott shortly after leaving the saddling enclosure, Mark Twain was a late scratching from that engagement. “He dropped me on the way to the barriers,” Mott said. “Unfortunately, I had to let him go because he was about to stand all over the top of me and he had a bit of a canter around for a couple of laps. “There are only six runners on Saturday so, instead of a gallop, he’ll get more out of a race, but he’s probably not up to winning that race.” Mott had hoped to get a feel of Mark Twain under race conditions with hope of sticking with the stayer as the races get longer. But Mott said Mark Twain needs to get his rating up to get closer to the weight he can ride at. “I was literally on him for four seconds the other day, so I didn’t get to have much of a feel of him but he’s a nice horse and we’ll see what he can do on Saturday,” Mott said. “If he can get a bit more weight in those big races, he’s one I’d like to ride. “Hopefully he won’t get run off his legs on Saturday and then I think the plan is to back him up in the Naturalism (at Caulfield) the week after. “Roger is a great trainer, and he really likes the horse, so hopefully he’s got him on track. “We need to get a win to get his rating up to get my weight.” View the full article

Intention’s future program will be determined by her performance in Saturday’s Listed NZB Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m). The daughter of Bivouac has headed south for the Riccarton feature with a return trip for higher honours on the line for the Mike Breslin-trained filly. “This race has been on the cards since she came back into work with the Gold Trail Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m) moved from Hawke’s Bay to Ellerslie,” Breslin said. “I decided to give her this trip to Christchurch and it’s a defining race for her as to which direction we take through the spring. “If she copes with the trip and races well, then she has a good eight weeks before she has to go back down for the 1000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m). “If she doesn’t compete against this field, then the Guineas field is going to be even better.” Breslin said he can’t fault Intention’s condition and her progress since her unplaced resuming run last month. “She’s in really good order and she’s trained on nicely since Taupo, the set weights and penalties there meant she had 58.5kg on a very wet track,” he said. “She’s not a big filly so I was more than happy with her run and on Saturday she’ll get back on to a reasonable surface at set weights.” Intention showed an abundance of talent during her juvenile preparation, winning the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m), finishing third in the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) and fifth in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m). Unfortunately, she didn’t help her cause with persistent slow beginnings. “Jonathan Riddell has since ridden in her in two trials and we think we’ve ironed that out. The other day at Taupo when she jumped out, I thought she had missed the start again, but she had copped a decent bump,” Breslin said. “She does have to be more professional out of the gates to measure up against what does look to be a boom crop of three-year-old fillies. “I would just love her to begin well and put herself in the first six without doing any work and then we’ll see how good she is. “She’s very straight forward at home and the barrier issues came as a total surprise and got compounded as things went on as a two-year-old.” Breslin is also keen to head south in November with stablemate Crouch, an impressive open handicap sprint winner when he returned from a spell at Otaki. “I’ve mapped out a plan to get him to the New Zealand Cup (Gr.3, 3200m), although I would be reluctant to run him if it was a hard track,” he said. “If he continues to race well and the track looks like it will have some give in it, then it would be great to put him on the truck and have a crack at a $450,000 race. “He’ll run next on Saturday week in the Merial Metric Mile (Gr.3, 1600m) at Trentham.” Breslin is also expecting a decent performance from Showbastian Coe on the all-weather track in Sunday’s Happy 13th Birthday Gracie Breslin (1200m) at Awapuni. “He trialled well and he’s been a victim of the races being called off, so he’s been marking time. I’m happy with him and he races well on the poly,” he said. View the full article

Debit will put her picket fence form line on the line at Te Rapa on Sunday when she contests the Power Farming – We Keep Growing 1200. The six-year-old mare placed on debut in May 2023 but has been unbeaten in her subsequent four starts, and trainer Peter Lock is looking forward to getting her back to the races this weekend. She hasn’t raced since winning over 1340m at Wanganui last November, but has enjoyed a long and slow build-up, heading to the trials on four occasions over the last three months and has showed good progression, culminating in winning her 1150m heat at Te Awamutu last month. “Every trial she has got better and better,” Lock said. “In her last trial, Courtney (Barnes, jockey) got off her and said she thought she was spot on. “She came over on Wednesday morning to Te Aroha and galloped on the course proper and she was very happy with the way she worked. “We are pretty happy with the way she is at the moment.” Debit has drawn barrier two on Sunday and Lock is hopeful the track, which was rated a Heavy 9 on Friday morning, doesn’t deteriorate any further. “It is just a shame that it’s later in the day (race six),” Lock said. “Hopefully the track will hold up a bit better, but if it drops out a little bit you are probably better off a little bit wider. “She has got a lot of speed, so she should be able to dictate where she wants to be, so fingers crossed. “It is an extremely good field of horses fresh-up, but I would be happy if she ran in the first four.” Lock will also be represented at the meeting by last-start placegetter Fabulous Gal in the Thank You For Standing With Kidney Kids New Zealand 1600. “She has come through that run extremely well,” Lock said. “She worked with Debit on Wednesday morning and I couldn’t have been happier with the way she went.” A day prior at New Plymouth, stablemate Pick of the Litter will line-up in the Kiwi Butcher (2000m) after being the fourth emergency for her intended target, the NZB Airfreight Road To Jericho (3210m). “We will run in Open 2000m, which is probably not ideal because she is only a rating 75 horse,” Lock said. “Things just didn’t go her way the other day (when sixth over 2200m), they jumped out and crawled and then sprinted home, which doesn’t suit her, she likes the pace on. “Hopefully there will be a bit more speed on down there. I think she is better left-handed than she is right-handed, and Chris Dell (jockey) is riding in good form.” She will be joined on the float trip south from their Te Aroha base by stablemate Miss Anne Lee, who will be first-up in the Wash Squad Sprint (990m). “The maidener hasn’t had a race for 12 months, but she won a trial very impressively in the Heavy ground at Waipa and we have always had a big rap on her,” Lock said. “We hold her in pretty high regard, she has got a lot of speed and likes bad ground.” View the full article

Trainer Allan Sharrock couldn’t be any happier with his Group One winner Ladies Man at this stage of his preparation, but admits he faces a near impossible task at Te Rapa on Sunday. With a rating of 110, the eight-year-old gelding is the fourth highest rated horse in the country, and has accordingly been lumbered with 66kg in Sunday’s VCE – Vision Complete Earthworks/Stronger Together 1600. With the aid of apprentice jockey Ashlee Strawbridge’s four-kilogram claim, his impost has been brought down to 62kg, within half-a-kilogram of multiple Group One winner and former New Zealand Horse of the Year Sharp ‘N’ Smart, while the remainder of the field will carry 54kg. Sharrock is realistic about his gelding’s chances under that weight, but said it is an important lead-in run for the Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) at the track later this month. “He can’t win with that weight. It is a conditioning run for the Group One in a fortnight,” he said. “With Ashlee’s claim, he gets back to 62kg. She is a hardworking girl that seems to do a good job.” Sharrock is excited about the son of Zed’s prospects over the spring and is hoping to add another feature scalp to his record. “I don’t think I have had him as sound as he is at the moment, so we are pretty happy with the way we are tracking,” he said. A day prior, Sharrock will have home ground advantage when he lines up a quintet of runners at New Plymouth. He is particularly excited about the prospects of debutant King Jakkal in the Wash Squad Sprint (990m). “He has won both of his trials,” Sharrock said. “He is not a big horse, but he is a competitor – he is aggressive. Kelly (Myers) is keen to ride him, he has drawn a good marble (4), so we are pretty hopeful.” Sharrock will have a two-pronged attack in the Brandlab (1600m), courtesy of Tisse and Indian Gold, and he said the pair are evenly matched. “There is nothing between them, they are two progressive horses,” he said. “I would probably lean towards Indian Gold, who can handle the wet conditions better than the other horse, but they will both be competitive.” Sharrock will also be represented by Swingit Our Way and I Don’t in the Kiwi Butcher (2000m) and Searton Park (1400m) respectively. “Swingit Our Way is always competitive,” he said. “She comes in with a light weight (54kg) with a good rider (Samantha Collett) and is probably a place chance. “I Don’t is working really well and I expect her to race well.” View the full article

Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are mapping out a path towards November’s Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) with Court Of Appeal following her victory in the Betavet Rating 75 (1600m) at Riccarton’s synthetic meeting on Thursday. The five-year-old daughter of Eminent jumped away well from her outside gate under Central Districts jockey Bruno Queiroz to take an early lead. She opened up a clear margin on the rest of the field throughout the running, which widened at the turn, and she ran out a convincing two-length victor. “It was a really good win and a lovely ride of Bruno’s,” Walker said. “She’s been a bit tardy out of the gates lately, but he’s a great barrier rider and got her away cleanly to lead and it was great to see her win the way she did. “Hunter (Durrant, assistant trainer) and the team have got the horses looking well in our stables down there at Riccarton, and getting good results for us in the South Island. “She was always going to take time to mature, on pedigree, and that will hopefully keep coming to the fore this year and next. We’re certainly looking forward to seeing what she can achieve this season.” Court Of Appeal was purchased as a yearling by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna Syndicates, and has now won three starts to date. Fortuna director John Galvin was pleased with Thursday’s win and is looking forward to tackling some staying feature races in the Garden City later this spring. “I think she put a stake in the ground today by winning fresh-up over a mile when she’s a genuine staying type,” he said. “She’s really blossomed down in the South Island, and I think it’s the right place for her at present. She seems to appreciate the more relaxed setting at Riccarton. “Her main targets will be the Metropolitan (Listed, 2600m) and New Zealand Cup down there in November.” View the full article

Cambridge trainer Ken Harrison is hoping it’s third time’s a charm with his stayer King Khan in Saturday’s NZB Airfreight Road To The Jericho (3210m) at New Plymouth. The son of Mongolian Khan has contested the last two editions of the race, placing in the 2023 edition before running fifth in last year’s postponed running at Waverley. Inclement weather forced the delay of last year’s edition, and with New Plymouth’s track rated a Heavy10 on Friday morning, and more rain forecast, he is hoping they aren’t met by the same fate this year. “Last year was a bit of a disaster, we had to travel two or three times to the (Road To The) Jericho,” Harrison said. “I am just hoping the rain doesn’t dampen things too much that they put the races off, but he needs the rain anyway.” King Khan has been in solid form over winter, winning one and placing in four of his last six starts, and Harrison is hoping he continues that run of form this weekend. “This prep he has been hardly out of the money and has been a lot more consistent,” he said. King Khan has drawn barrier one and will be ridden by leading hoop Craig Grylls. “He will get back anyway, he hasn’t got a lot of early pace,” Harrison said. “With Craig on, hopefully he will be running on at the end. “He seems to thrive over the longer distances, but those jumpers will be hard fit.” The winner of the NZB Airfreight Road To The Jericho (3210m) will gain a golden ticket into the A$304,000 The Jericho Cup (4600m), which will be run at Warrnambool on November 30. If King Khan were to win on Saturday, Harrison is keen to cross the Tasman and tackle the staying feature, although he said track conditions may not suit his charge at that time of year. “That’s the plan, but November 30 it is usually a drier track over there and he doesn’t handle dry tracks at all,” he said. “But maybe we can fluke a wet one over there, we will just have to wait and see.” King Khan will be joined on the float trip south to New Plymouth on Saturday by Espresso To Go, who could be making his last raceday appearance in the Hel Rimu (2000m). “He has been a bit disappointing over the last 18 months,” Harrison said. “I am not sure what is up with him. He has got to improve tomorrow otherwise he won’t be going much further.” View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, September 14, 2025 First Race 1pm HKT (3pm AEST) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin this Sunday afternoon, with a competitive 10-part program lined up between the turf and all-weather circuits. The rail moves out to the B course for all races on the turf track, and with the forecast promising sunny skies across the weekend, punters can expect the surface to be in pristine Good 4 condition for race-day. Check out our free betting tips for the Sha Tin races, with the action set to commence at 1pm HKT. Best Bet at Sha Tin: Tourbillon Golfer Tourbillion Golfer had no luck in back-to-back minor placings last season. The son of Cosmic Force was boxed in for run at a crucial stage in his latest effort behind Igor Stravinsky on July 5, but he finished off powerfully to suggest he might have won with even luck. He has won a barrier trial heading into this first-up assignment, and with star hoop Zac Purton to be legged aboard, expect Tourbillon Golfer to overcome the tricky draw and earn a much-deserved win on start three. Best Bet Race 8 – #1 Tourbillon Golfer (12) 4yo Gelding | T: Ricky Yiu | J: Zac Purton (61kg) Next Best at Sha Tin: Groovy Feeling Groovy Feeling is on the one-week backup after claiming a half-length victory at this course and distance last Sunday. He was ultra-impressive, sitting at the rear of the field before exploding down the centre of the course and fending off the fast-finishing Victory Champion. He should be sitting much closer from gate two this time, and although he cops a 3.5kg penalty, Groovy Feeling should have no issue securing his second win in as many weeks. Next Best Race 6 – #8 Groovy Feeling (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Jamie Richards | J: Zac Purton (58.5kg) Best Value at Sha Tin: Snowfield Snowfield warrants forgiving after finishing last of seven runners at Sha Tin on May 4. The Brazilian import was found to be a roarer in the post-race assessment, but a strong finish in his September 5 trial at Sha Tin suggests he’s recovered well. He should be suited dropping back into Class 3 company for the first time, and with Hugh Bowman set to gain an economical run from gate seven, Snowfield should be a major player at a good each-way price with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 10 – #1 Snowfield (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Mark Newnham | J: Hugh Bowman (61kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections Sunday, September 14, 2025 1-6-11 1-4-7 2-3-5-8-9-10 1-4-6-9 Horse racing tips View the full article

by Jessica Martini, Christina Bossinakis and Jill Williams LEXINGTON, KY – The Keeneland September Yearling Sale continued to churn out double-digit year-on-year gains as its second Book 2 session concluded Thursday night with yet another son of Gun Runner leading the way. Through four sessions of the 12-day auction, 671 yearlings have grossed $307,639,000. At this same point a year ago, 640 head had sold for $252,528,000. Asked about the gross surpassing the $300-million mark after day four, Keeneland Senior Director of Sales Operations Cormac Breathnach laughed and said, “It's never been on a Thursday before.” Breathnach continued, “There were several September sales, especially in the early years, but post-2008 economic crash, and I think the COVID year, where it didn't even sniff $300 million for the whole thing. This is putting money back into the hands of the people who make this industry go. The breeders are the backbone of the sale, but also of the industry. It's such a difficult job and a lot of them are still taking hits on certain horses here this week, as good as it has been for most. So as much of that money we can get back into their hands to go forward year to year, that's a massive focus.” Through the two Book 2 sessions, 454 yearlings sold through the ring for a gross of $163,454,000. The section's average was $360,031–up 18.1% from the 2024 Book 2–and the median was $300,000, up 15.4% from a year ago. During last year's Book 2, 436 yearlings sold through the ring for a total of $132,963,000 for an average of $304,961 and a median of $260,000. “It has been consistent over the last two days,” said Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy. “There are a lot of similarities in the increases and the RNA rate–there was a little better clearance rate today. It was just a good, healthy environment. The money was here right to the end.” Through four sessions, the buy-back rate stands at 27.07%. It was 29.59% at this same point a year ago. Eighteen horses sold for $1 million or more during the 2025 Book 2, up from just five in 2024. “Today again, the top 15 sellers went to 13 different buyers by 12 different stallions and from 11 different consignors,” Breathnach said. “That's what gives you confidence going into the next eight sessions. Because we have depth to the market. We have more buyers that are coming in, the next waves are going to arrive for Book 3 and beyond and people that are still here are having to bid hard for the horses they want.” Gun Runner continued to dominate the top of the standings at the Keeneland September sale, with each of the four sessions to date topped by a son of the Three Chimneys stallion. Monday's first session–and the sale so far–was topped by a colt by Gun Runner who sold for $3.3 million to M.V. Magnier and White Birch Farm, and the partners returned to take Thursday's session-topping colt for $1.55 million from the Four Star Sales consignment. Gun Runner had to share top billing during Tuesday's session of the auction, with a colt who sold for $2.2 million, while Wednesday's first Book 2 session was topped by a $1.9-million colt. Bidding at the Keeneland September sale will have a one-day break before resuming Saturday and continuing through the following Saturday with sessions beginning daily at 10 a.m. 'Can't Go Wrong with Gun Runner': Magnier, Brant Team for $1.55-Million Colt Coolmore's M.V. Magnier and Peter Brant's White Birch Farm, who went to a sale-topping $3.3 million to acquire a colt by Gun Runner Monday, added another son of the Three Chimneys stallion to their portfolio when going to $1.55 million for a yearling (hip 969) from the Four Star Sales consignment on Thursday. All four sessions of the September sale have been topped by sons of Gun Runner. Hip 969 was bred by Three Chimneys and is out of graded winner Twenty Carat (Into Mischief). His third dam, Silk n' Sapphire (Smart Strike), produced GI Breeders' Cup F/M Turf winner Shared Account, who in turn is the dam of GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Sharing. “[Three Chimneys'] Goncalo [Torrealba] is a very good breeder, and he's out of a good mare,” Magnier said of the yearling's appeal. “So we are happy enough to get him.” Of the colt's placement in Book 2, Four Star Sales' Kerry Cauthen said, “I saw that horse back on the farm quite a while ago. He was a rangy horse who probably didn't have it all pulled together at the time. People might ask what this million-dollar horse is doing in Book 2, but he was narrow and light. But we thought he would come along and develop. And he did.” Gun Runner, whose 'Rising Star' son Brant won the GI Del Mar Futurity Sunday, has had 12 yearlings sell for seven figures this week at Keeneland. Through four days, 36 yearlings have sold for an average of $932,917 and a median of $825,000. “What can you say about Gun Runner?” Cauthen asked. “You can't go wrong right now with Gun Runner. They are in love with them and they should be.” @JessMartiniTDN Searing Goes to $1.4 Million for Flightline Colt The action around first-crop sire Flightline continued Thursday with a colt out of Layla (Union Rags) (Hip 794) realizing $1.4 million from April Mayberry, bidding on behalf of Lee Searing's C R K Stable. A full-sister to GISW Express Train, the 11-year-old mare is a granddaughter of GI Alabama Stakes heroine November Snow (Storm Cat). Mayberry also secured Express Train for Searing for $500,000 at the 2018 September sale. The Mar. 12 foal was offered by Dixiana Farms, who also bred the colt. “He's identical [to Express Train] and then throw Flightline in on top of that,” said Mayberry of Thursday's purchase. “Express Train is one of Mr. Searing's all-time favorite horses, so it's kind of a no-brainer. He looks so much like [Express Train].” In addition to Thursday's seven-figure purchase, Mayberry also signed for a colt by Tapit out of Manki (Hip 413) following a $1.3-million final bid during Wednesday's Book 2 opener. “It is definitely a seller's market right now,” Mayberry said. “We expected after watching Saratoga, everything was going to be a little bit higher and we were not wrong. If you want them, you're going to pay for them. We've been real, real picky and I think we're happy with everything we've gotten so far.” —CBossTDN Richard Drake Jumps in for $1.35M Not This Time Colt Many of the big names at this week's Keeneland September sale were still in attendance for Thursday's Book 2 finale and several of them made their presence felt when Hip 1066, a colt by Not This Time, stepped into the ring. When the dust had settled it, was Texas horseman Richard Drake who secured the third highest-priced yearling of the session for $1.35 million. Handling the bidding and signing duties for Drake was former European champion jockey Cash Asmussen. “It is going to be the first horse that Steve [Asmussen] has for Mr. Drake,” confirmed Asmussen. “He's smooth. This is the kind of horse we felt was not too big, not too small. He's very athletic.” The Mar. 15 foal is the first for the 6-year-old unraced Tapit mare Definitive, a daughter of GI Humana Distaff winner Aubby K (Street Sense) and full-sister to GSW Magic On Tap and GSP Principe Guilherme. “He's got enough pedigree out of a Tapit mare and the Winchell family [who campaigned Tapit] has been a great supporter of my family, and so Tapit is a very familiar horse for us,” explained Asmussen. “He has the pedigree and confirmation. It's a roll of the dice, as we all know. But Mr. Drake said, 'I want to roll the dice on this horse.'” Consigned by Taylor Made Sales, the dark bay was bred by Jane Lyon's Summer Wind Farm. “We have sold for Summer Wind in the past, but we haven't sold a lot for them recently. It's a privilege really,” said Taylor. “The colt was a Not This Time and it just kind of fit, so they sent him our way.” “I fell in love with him the first time I saw him–a beautiful horse, so well balanced. He reminded me of the one we sold out of Wembley in Book 1 for $1.7 million [Hip 211]. This one ended up in Book 2. I thought he was a $1-million horse, and that is aggressive to say for a Book 2 horse. I didn't know definitely that the money as going to be there, but it was.” Cash Asmussen | Keeneland photo Based on the deep buying bench seen at Keeneland this week, Taylor was also pleasantly surprised with who ultimately signed the ticket. “The list of people on that horse was two pages, but the one I didn't have on the horse was Cash Asmussen. He surprised me. I mean, he's a legend,” said Taylor. “I think Cash got an awesome athlete and I can't wait to see what he does.” According to Asmussen, the colt is the first of what looks to be growing string of horses that Drake plans to have under the care of Asmussen's Hall of Fame brother, Steve. “[Drake] has quite a few horses, but he wanted to get hooked up with Steve,” Asmussen explained. “He'd like to buy a horse that was special. We feel this horse was special.” Asmussen indicated the new acquisition will initially start at the Asmussen family's El Primero Training Center in Laredo, Texas. “Epicenter, Untapable, Tapit…that's just a few that have run off of there that Steve's had the pleasure to train,” said Asmussen. “Steve and I talked, and I'll get him ready, and then he'll go on to Steve.” And what is the plan for Drake's fledgling operation? “Well, he started with the Kentucky Derby, and then he said, 'We'll work down from there,'” Asmussen laughed. “He wants a horse that can get two turns, that could possibly be a Classic horse. But I think he'll be selective. I think that he will venture out into buying a few more horses that he thinks are two-turn horses that could be good 3-year-olds.”—CBossTDN First-Crop Yearling Sire Life Is Good Gets First Keeneland Millionaire Minutes before 8 p.m. Thursday evening and just a dozen hips before the end of Book 2, the hammer dropped at $1.25 million for a colt by WinStar's first-crop yearling sire Life Is Good, with Hunter Rankin signing the ticket on behalf of the Boersma family's Flying Dutchmen. MGISW Life Is Good, a son of Into Mischief, also had a yearling filly sell for $1.025 million to Repole Stable last month at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga. “When you're buying horses, they're all undefeated right now, so you've got to be excited,” said a jubilant Rankin. He said this is the third Life Is Good yearling Flying Dutchmen will have in the barn. “We bought one last year as a weanling that we love (a $400,000 colt out of Lady Aces {Constitution} at Keeneland November). We have a homebred that we really like, too, and here at this sale, we've liked a bunch of them, but this guy just came from a really good pedigree and really great breeders. It's really hard to overestimate how much that means to us in terms of where they were raised.” Hip 1142 | Keeneland photo Bred and consigned by Hinkle Farms, who also bred his first two dams, the bay colt, sold as hip 1142, is out of the unraced Indian Bay (Indian Charlie), making him a half-brother to Japanese GSW & G1SP Shivaji (First Samurai) and to U.S. SW & MGISP Tarabi (First Samurai), as well as to this year's GI Santa Anita Derby third Westwood (Authentic). The family is replete with black-type, but also with top sales horses. A Not This Time daughter of Stave (Ghostzapper)–a half-sister to Indian Bay–brought $2 million Monday when selling to Cindy Heider. A Constitution son of that same mare, since named Matenro Hour, sold for $1.1 million to Yuichi Fukunaga at this sale last year. Rankin signed for 10 yearlings for Flying Dutchmen through the first two books at Keeneland September, including a $1-million filly by Not This Time. “It's hard to say if this is going to be the best one,” said Rankin, “but if you keep buying horses like him, you're going to be successful. It was really hard to get him. I know we outbid some really good people, and obviously, maybe [it was] a little more than what we'd hoped to spend, but if you want to put nice horses in the barn, you have to spend real money.” Rankin touched on the emotions behind buying at this level. “You can't take this stuff for granted. It's really special,” he said. “This family, they're such special people and they get excited with every horse we buy, as we all do. The horse will be named within 24 hours. It's a really cool thing to be a part of.” ––JillWilliamsTDN Not This Time Filly Goes Dutch After buying five colts over the first three sessions of the Keeneland September sale for an average of $485,000, Hunter Rankin of Flying Dutchmen went to a cool $1 million Thursday afternoon to add a Not This Time filly to the operation's haul. Consigned by Warrendale Sales as hip 887, the bay daughter of 2017 GII Golden Road Stakes victress Road to Victory (Quality Road) is a half-sister to 2024 Sir Barton Stakes winner Corporate Power (Curlin). She was bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, who picked up her dam for $1.45 million at Fasig-Tipton November in 2019. “We loved the family,” said Rankin, “and Barbara [Banke] is so great to buy from. [Stonestreet] raises their horses the right way, so we loved her and we were really going to try to get her. That was at the upper end of what we wanted to pay, but it was great. “Hopefully she's a great race filly, but she's got such a great pedigree her behind her already. We're trying to buy fillies that will ultimately go to our farm and be bred there.” All eyes on hip 887 as the Not This Time filly out of G2W Road to Victory sells for $1 million! Consigned by @WarrendaleSales, Agent for Stonestreet Bred for Brilliance, and purchased by Flying Dutchmen. #KeeSept pic.twitter.com/2RDb9F0Sl8 — Keeneland Sales (@keenelandsales) September 11, 2025 Like so many others, Rankin couldn't help but feel the strength of the yearling market. “People set the values of what horses are worth,” he said. “Right now they're worth a lot of money. It's exciting obviously for the industry with a lot of new blood coming in, but it's been hard to be competitive. We've been outrun a lot, but we're happy to get this one.” He added: “Everybody says there's so many problems with the business, but there's also a lot of enthusiasm and there's a lot of new people here who I don't recognize. Obviously it's hard when you're trying to buy against all these people, but in terms of health of the market, it's great. I know there's tax things, but I don't think it's just that. I think there's genuine interest and genuine new interest with the business.” ––JillWilliamsTDN Nothing But Net: Jack Christopher Colt Stars for Ledgelands Shelley and Andrew Ritter's Ledgelands, which has been consigning at the Keeneland September sale since 2016, enjoyed its biggest result to date when its homebred colt by Jack Christopher (hip 854) sold for $500,000 to the bid of Katsumi Yoshida Thursday at Keeneland. The Ritters had purchased Pathos (Successful Appeal), with the colt in utero, for $26,000 at the 2024 Keeneland January sale. “Not $500,000,” Andrew Ritter said when asked what his expectations were for Thursday's sale. “Maybe $200,000-$300,000.” The Ritters first became aware of Pathos when she went through the sales ring at OBS at the 2023 Winter Sale where she sold for $30,000. The couple missed out on the mare that day, but didn't hesitate when given a second chance last January. “We saw her before down in Ocala and we liked her,” Andrew said. “But then she went to somebody else. When she came up for sale again, we hit it.” Of the bargain price, he added, “It was blind luck.” Shelley Ritter said the colt impressed them right away. Hip 854 | Keeneland photo “We loved him from the start,” she said. Her husband added, “He came out gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. He was the best on the farm from the time he was born.” The Ritters confirmed this was the highest they have ever sold a horse for, although they had a close second at Keeneland last September. “We didn't cry this time,” Andrew said. “Last year, we cried. The one last year was a Yaupon that brought $475,000. We bought that mare for $1. That was pretty exciting.” Of the Ledgelands operation, Shelley said, “We have 25 mares. We do it all. A little bit of everything.” Andrew added, “We've had a fair amount of success with Indiana-breds. And we have one running at Woodbine now, an allowance horse.” Bumble of Love (Hampton Court {Aus}) carried the Ritters colors to a pair of stakes wins at Horseshoe Indianapolis in 2021 and 2022. As for the 3-year-old Pathos, Shelley said, “She is in foal to Charge It and she has a Complexity [weanling].” @JessMartiniTDN The post Gun Runner Colt On Top Again As Book 2 Posts Double-Digit Gains appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Gerard O’Reilly could get his night off on the right note at Addington tonight. Th Ashburton-based trainer-driver has four drives, starting with Jukebox Gypsy in Race 1, the IRT. Your Horse. Our Passion. Mobile Pace (5.31pm). After three seconds in her last four starts the Rock N Roll Heaven four-year-old is well placed, and heavily supported, to get just her second career victory at start number 31. Drawn 4 over 1980m, she’s currently a $2.15 favourite. “She’s shown enough gate speed to get across them and then we will take it from there,” says O’Reilly. “If she can settle handy she’s always finishing her races off well.” So could tonight be the night? “Hopefully,” says O’Reilly. At her last start, at Ashburton on August 31, she was a close second to Oneroa. Third in the same race was the Mark Jones-trained Zoom X who she will meet again tonight. The Bettor’s Delight three-year-old was an eye-catcher after being four back the fence. He’s currently a $4.50 second favourite. O’Reilly also trains and drives Bettor Be Sharp. He is at big odds ($35) in Race 5, the Chris “Grocer” Griffin Memorial Mobile Pace (7.33pm). “He’s had a good spell and has come back in good fettle and he’ll keep improving,” says O’Reilly. “But he’s up in grade now and needs a bit of luck.” The market is dominated by the Telfer-trained Bettors Anvil ($1.70). In the night’s feature, the $50,000 Woodlands Stud Sires’ Stakes Harness 7000 (8.02pm) another Telfer runner and last start winner Tact Teva is all the rage ($1.80) while O’Reilly will drive Irish Dream for trainer Colin DeFilippi. “When Bruce Negus qualified him I drove him then and he has always given a good feel,” says O’Reilly, “if he gets a nice run he won’t disgrace himself.” “He’s another that is still learning.” And in the last of the night, the Gold Band Taxis Mobile Pace (9.29pm) O’Reilly will drive Swift Major for his brother Kerry. He was third on debut at Addington on August 22 behind the Dunn-trained Scrunch and Candy Cane. “He ran home really well a few weeks back,” says O’Reilly, “he’s a big horse and goes near enough and so if he gets a nice run as well he’ll be finishing it off good.” He’s currently at $10, with the Bob Butt trained and driven Crystal the top pick at $2.10. View the full article