Wandering Eyes

Following Wednesday's confirmation stage, G1 2,000 Guineas winner Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) is one of 11 possible runners in the G1 St James's Palace S. on the opening day of Royal Ascot on Tuesday, June 18. Unbeaten in four starts for Charlie Appleby, Notable Speech will be tasked with trying to confirm his Newmarket superiority over runner-up Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), who also has Ascot firmly in his sights having resumed winning ways with a determined victory in the G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh last time. Other notable entries include last year's G1 National S. winner Henry Longfellow (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire})–one of four colts still in contention for Aidan O'Brien–and the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains hero Metropolitan (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), who was supplemented at a cost of £46,000 on Wednesday. The G1 Queen Anne S. which kicks off the meeting could feature up to 16 runners, including the 2023 runner-up Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}), a six-time winner at the top level and a key ride for Kieran Shoemark in his first season as the retained rider at John and Thady Gosden's Clarehaven Stables. Speaking to Boylesports, Shoemark said of Inspiral, “She had a fantastic year last year, capping it off at the Breeders' Cup. She returned in the Lockinge and needed the run [when finishing fourth], maybe more so than we anticipated. She has been in great order since.” The G1 Lockinge S. was won by Inspiral's stable-mate Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}) and he too remains in contention for the Queen Anne, along with Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and Big Rock (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}), who finished second and sixth, respectively, in the Newbury feature. Last year's G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. winner Big Rock is set to be joined on the journey from France by Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}), who was last seen gaining the first Group 1 success of his career in the Dubai Turf at Meydan in March. The other top-level race on the card is the King Charles III S. in which leading fancies Big Evs (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Regional (GB) (Territories {Ire}), Asfoora (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}) and Kerdos (Ire) (Profitable {Ire}) have all stood their ground in a 19-strong entry. Added to the race at a cost of £46,000 was the George Scott-trained Seven Questions (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), who won the G3 Palace House S. at Newmarket at the beginning of May before finishing third behind Kerdos in the G2 Temple S. at Haydock three weeks later. “Seven Questions seems to be improving all the time,” Scott said of the three-year-old. “We could not be more happy with him and we were delighted with his work this morning. He showed himself to be in great form. He is a horse who seems to be progressing with every start, so we have decided to push the button on the supplementary entry for the King Charles. “His form ties in quite nicely with a couple of the main players in the race, but at the same time, we've got to be realistic. You're not supplementing a 6-4 shot, he's probably going to be 14-1 or 16-1, but in an open race we feel it's worth taking a chance.” Elsewhere on the card, 31 two-year-olds have been entered in the G2 Coventry S. over six furlongs. They include four for Ballydoyle– headed by the G3 Marble Hill S. runner-up Camille Pissarro (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB})–and Cowardofthecounty (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), trained by Aidan O'Brien's son Joseph and an impressive winner on his debut at the Curragh. “Cowardofthecounty has had a good preparation since his debut,” said the trainer. “The plan has always been to come here since then. He made a really good debut and the form of the race has worked out well.” The post Notable Speech And Inspiral Among Star Entries For Day One Of Royal Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Space Legend the Latest Addition to Wathnan Racing Team Wathnan Racing's exciting team of horses for Royal Ascot has been bolstered further by the acquisition of the smart three-year-old prospect Space Legend (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) from Hong Kong-based owner Bon Ho. Blandford Bloodstock's Richard Brown, who has been charged with assembling some enticing prospects for the Emir of Qatar's burgeoning racing operation, confirmed the purchase on Wednesday. He said, “Space Legend is a lovely, progressive type, typical of the best by his sire. We're really looking forward to seeing how he develops in the months and seasons ahead.” The colt, who was the facile winner of a Leicester maiden in April before being narrowly touched off when second in the Listed Cocked Hat S. at Goodwood on May 25, is being aimed at the G2 King Edward VII S. by his trainer William Haggas. Bred by the Tsui family's Sunderland Holdings, Space Legend was bought as a yearling for Bon Ho for 150,000gns at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale by Mark McStay of Avenue Bloodstock. The post Space Legend the Latest Addition to Wathnan Racing Team appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority announced June 12 the release of its 2024 First Quarter Metrics Report that saw a 38% decrease in racing-related fatalities compared with the first quarter of 2023.View the full article

As California attempts to navigate a world without Golden Gate Fields, the strength of the California-bred program will play a crucial role in racing's survival.View the full article

Jockey Luis Saez returns to the Churchill Downs riding colony June 12 following his historic victory aboard Dornoch in Saturday's Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, his second victory in the past four runnings of the race.View the full article

Former champion jockey Oisin Murphy will ride G1 QIPCO 1000 Guineas runner-up Ramatuelle (Justify) in the G1 Coronation S. at Royal Ascot on June 21. Murphy replaces Aurelien Lemaitre. The filly, who earned a 'TDN Rising Star' badge on debut, was third to the re-opposing Elmalka (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio) at Newmarket. The G3 Prix du Bois and G2 Prix Robert Papin heroine was second to dual Group 1 winner Vandeek (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) in the G1 Prix Morny at two. In her 3-year-old bow, she found only Romantic Style (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) too good in the G3 Prix Imprudence at Deauville, missing by just a half-length in April. The Irishman said of the Christopher Head trainee, “I thought she ran very well in the Guineas and it looks to be one of the most competitive races of the week. “There are a lot of stars in there and there is a whole host of them who can win, but she was very good at two and has done nothing wrong this year. [Qatar Racing]'s Sheikh Fahad is part of her ownership along with the former NBA star Tony Parker and a few others.” Already successful aboard 11 Royal Ascot winners to date, Murphy will also be in action aboard Aussie raider and G1 King Charles III S. entrant Asfoora (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}) for Henry Dwyer, as well as Kitty Rose (GB) (Invincible Army {Ire}), who is bound for the Sandringham S. for Aussie co-trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent, Jr. Asfoora, a multiple group winner in Australia, was a good fourth in the G2 Temple S. at Haydock on May 25. “Asfoora would have needed her run at Haydock on tiring ground but felt very good when I rode her yesterday morning,” Murphy added. “I rode her just over four furlongs on the grass in Newmarket and she is fit and ready to go. Hopefully she can put up a bold show.” He said of the former Natalia Lupini trainee, “Kitty Rose was trained in Ireland and has been with her Australian connections only a short time. But she's a big, powerful filly who has good form. “She is going to carry a lot of weight in the Sandringham, but it often takes a group filly to win the race and she has already proven that she is that–she's a very good ride to pick up.” Murphy Reunites With Tamfana In Diane Prior to the start of Royal Ascot, Chantilly will host the G1 Prix de Diane Longines on Sunday, June 16, and Murphy will ride 1000 Guineas fourth Tamfana (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) for trainer David Menuisier. Notably unlucky in that Newmarket showpiece, the bay was third one race before the Guineas in the Prix Imprudence. “I thought that when we would take her over a longer trip she would be better and I thought we would use the Guineas as a stepping stone for the Prix de Diane, but at the same time I did say to the owners we were running at Newmarket to win–it was not just a prep race it was a proper target,” said Menuisier. “She was travelling alongside Ryan Moore on Ylang Ylang (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and when I saw Ryan struggling and our filly still travelling I thought if she gets the gap, she surely can't get beat. Sadly she didn't get the gap.” The Frenchman, who operates out of Sussex, added on the jockey switch, “Jamie [Spencer] did absolutely nothing wrong, I said it at the time and I say it again. “Oisin has always been number one and has come down a few times this year and last year to work the filly and I always made it clear to Jamie's agent whenever Oisin is available he would ride the horse. It is nothing to do with the ride in the Guineas. “I'm not sure what else he could do he does not have wings, he could not fly over the wall of horses in front of him. I think to the day I die I won't have any regrets–first of all about the jockey booking and secondly how he rode the race. We have to move on and Oisin Murphy rides and it has always been the plan.” The post Oisin Murphy Will Ride Ramatuelle In Coronation Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Henry Cecil Open Weekend committee announced on Wednesday that the 2024 event will support the newly-formed Newmarket Housing Trust as the main charity beneficiary. Racing Welfare, a long-standing charity partner, will continue to be supported by the Open Weekend which takes place this year on September 21-22. The event has adopted a revised format for 2024, with all Newmarket trainers now set to open their doors on a bi-annual basis, having been split into two groups. 24 yards will be open to the public this year, including John and Thady Gosden's Clarehaven Stables which had not previously opened during the weekend. The likes of Sir Mark Prescott, Simon and Ed Crisford, Michael Bell and Charlie Fellowes will also welcome visitors in 2024. Several other sites across the town will be open for the public to explore, including the National Stud, Injured Jockeys Fund Peter O'Sullevan House, British Racing School, Jockey Club Rooms, National Horseracing Museum, Tattersalls Bloodstock Auctioneers and Rossdales Equine Hospital. Charlie Fellowes, chairman of the Henry Cecil Open Weekend, said, “I am incredibly proud to chair the Henry Cecil Open Weekend and to see first-hand the contribution the event has made to Newmarket. As an industry we must showcase all the elements of our sport and the event is a unique opportunity to welcome new visitors and give them exclusive behind the scenes access. “My thanks must go to all the sponsors, partners, trainers and equine sites who support the event and a special thanks to both Juddmonte and the Niarchos family for their continued support [as sponsors], all without whom the event would not be possible.” Tickets are available to purchase from Monday, July 1. Tickets are £15 when purchased in advance and £20 on the day, while children aged under 16 go for free. Further information can be found here. The post New Format And Charity Partner Announced For The Henry Cecil Open Weekend appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Legendary handler lands three-timer at city circuit with consistent five-year-old successful in Class Two featureView the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. Among this week's rulings, trainer Adolfo Macias has been suspended 18-months and fined $12,500 for the possession of levothyroxine, a banned substance under HISA. Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat ailments like hypothyroidism. Due to its metabolic properties, levothyroxine is believed to aid recovery in performance horses and help weight loss. There is also a possible link between levothyroxine and equine sudden cardiac death. There is currently no detailed explanation of Macias's ruling on the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) website. His suspension began on Nov. 2, 2023. Chris Hartman has also been suspended 15-days and fined $1,000 after his trainee, Necker Island, tested positive for acepromazine after winning the Mighty Beau S. at Ellis Park nearly a year ago. Acepromazine is a sedative ubiquitously used across U.S. backstretches. His suspension began on June 6. NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the HIWU “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 06/05/2024 Licensee: Chris Allen Hartman, trainer Penalty: 15-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on June 6, 2024; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Final decision by internal adjudication panel. Explainer: For the presence of Acepromazine–Controlled Medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from Necker Island who won the Mighty Beau S. at Ellis Park on 6/18/23. Date: 06/05/2024 Licensee: Eric Foster, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Cetirizine–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from In Color who was third at Churchill Downs on 5/2/23. Date: 06/06/2024 Licensee: Juan Carlos Perez, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on June 7, 2024; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Caffeine–Controlled Medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from Ramblin Chrome who won at Mahoning Valley on 1/18/23. Date: 06/10/2024 Licensee: Adolfo Macias, trainer Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on November 2, 2023; a fine of $12,500. Admission. Explainer: For the possession of Levothyroxine–a banned substance–from an event dated 9/20/23. There is currently no detailed explanation of the ruling on the HIWU website. Pending ADMC Violations 06/07/2024, Gabriel Hilardo Rivera, trainer: Provisional suspension for the possession of Pitcher Plant Extract, Buta-Fenil and Dexalan–banned substances–from an event dated 3/27/24. 06/10/2024, Hugo Rodriguez, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Code Runner, who finished fifth at Tampa Bay Downs on 5/14/24. 06/11/2024, Francisco Ramos, trainer: Provisional suspension for an out-of-competition medication violation for the presence of Clenbuterol–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Jim's River Runner on 5/8/24. Violations of Crop Rule One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race. Hawthorne Emmanuel Giles – violation date June 8; $250 fine and one-day suspension Emmanuel Giles – violation date June 8; $250 fine and one-day suspension Horseshoe Indianapolis Gregory Romero – violation date June 6; $250 fine and one-day suspension Santa Anita Jose Verenzuela – violation date June 8; $250 fine and one-day suspension, one strike over limit Diego Herrera – violation date June 9; $250 fine and one-day suspension, one strike over limit The TDN also publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky. Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where. New York Aqueduct Javier Castellano – violation date June 9; three-day suspension for careless riding (stayed on appeal) The post Stewards and Commissions Rulings, June 5-11 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Nurlan Bizakov's Sumbe bought the two-for-two listed winner Hot Darling (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) for a record 460,000gns during the Tattersalls Online Pop-Up Sale on Wednesday. The daughter of Boater (Ire) (Helmet {Aus}) won her debut at Chantilly in April before taking the Listed Prix des Reves d'Or at Vichy on May 15. She was consigned by trainer Amy Murphy and is from the same family as 2024 G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains hero Metropolitan (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}). The bay carried an entry in Sunday's G3 Prix du Bois at Chantilly with the sale, but her new connections are opting for either the G2 Queen Mary S. or G3 Albany S. at Royal Ascot next week. Sumbe general manager Tony Fry said, “We are going to go to Royal Ascot with her, either for the Queen Mary or the Albany but most likely the Queen Mary. We now sponsor the [G1] Prix Morny and we would hope that she may get there eventually but, for now, we will take it one race at a time. She has an active pedigree, her sire Too Darn Hot is doing fantastically and looking to the future the plan would be for her to come back for our broodmare band. We have a selection of our own stallions that would suit her, and she would be a lovely cross for them. “Today was very easy. The boss [Nurlan Bizakov] is in Kazakhstan at the moment, so it was very easy for him to bid from there and he was keeping me up to date throughout. When it is the right horse, it is a very good job.” Bred by Rabbah Bloodstock, Ltd, Hot Darling cost 25,000gns during the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 3 when purchased by Rodrigo Goncalves from Baroda Stud, agent. She raced for Daniel Macauliffe, Lemos de Souza and Anoj Don for her first two starts. Tattersalls Online sales executive Katherine Sheridan said, “We are thrilled with today's result for Hot Darling as the highest priced lot to have sold on the Tattersalls Online platform since its inception. The auction attracted worldwide attention and is a ringing endorsement of the platform and the opportunities it presents for those seeking to trade. “Our most sincere thanks extends to Amy Murphy Racing and the owners for entrusting us with the sale of this elite filly and to Mr. Bizakov of Sumbe for his support of the sale today. We look forward to following Hot Darling as she aims for the Royal Meeting next week and wish all connections the very best of luck for the future.” The post Hot Darling Snapped Up By Sumbe For Record 460K During Tattersalls Online Pop-Up Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Racing Welfare, the only charity that supports all of racing's people, including stud, stable and racecourse staff, is seeking someone with experience of the thoroughbred stud and breeding industry to lead a community engagement programme for the sector. The post of Community Engagement Officer at Racing Welfare will see the successful candidate working closely with the thoroughbred stud and breeding community to raise awareness of, and promote, Racing Welfare's wellbeing support services to the sector. More information about the role–which is a full-time position for a two-year fixed term–and details of how to apply can be found here. The closing date for applications is Monday, June 17. The post Racing Welfare Looking To Hire A Community Engagement Officer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On the heels of a clean Triple Crown season, the first quarter of 2024 (Jan. 1-Mar. 31) witnessed an approximate 38% decrease in racing-related fatalities year-over-year, according to a new Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) metrics report, which the organization released on Wednesday. The reduction by over a third took place at racetracks operating under HISA's rules. During this year's first quarter, tracks reported 0.84 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts, compared to 1.35 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts in the first quarter of 2023. Excluding Rillito Park in Arizona, which is closed for racing this year, the same tracks conducted racing during the first quarters of both 2023 and 2024. “Reducing equine fatalities is the central focus of HISA's work,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “While even one fatality is too many, we are pleased to see the progress we are making. I am incredibly proud of HISA's hard work and dedication in cooperation with our industry partners to prioritize horse welfare above all else. We continue to actively seek feedback from the horse racing community on improving our rules and making Thoroughbred racing safer and fairer, and the achievement of a Triple Crown with no equine fatalities is a testament to our collective efforts. The industry can and should celebrate its commitment to evolve and prioritize the safety and welfare of its athletes–human and equine–above all else.” This is the first time in U.S. Thoroughbred racing history that fatality metrics have been published on a quarterly basis–a reporting cadence that HISA will maintain going forward, in recognition of the seasonal variabilities in racing conditions and numbers of equine fatalities, as well as the importance of ongoing transparency regarding safety concerns. Highlights of HISA's Quarterly Metrics Report include: Equine Fatalities: Racetracks operating under HISA's rules that were open for racing reported 0.84 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts during the first quarter of 2024 as compared to 1.35 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts during the first quarter of 2023, a decrease of approximately 38% year over year. The report also sets forth the racing-related fatalities by individual racetrack. Beginning with HISA's 2024 Annual Metrics Report, to be published during the first quarter of 2025, HISA will provide training-related fatalities for the full year and each quarter of 2024 on an aggregate and per-track basis. Racetrack Accreditation: As of Mar. 31, HISA has completed accreditation visits at 24 tracks, three of which occurred during the first quarter of this year: Turfway Park in Kentucky, Laurel Park in Maryland and Sunland Park in New Mexico. Racing Participant Registration: As of Mar. 31, approximately 33,000 Covered Persons, 58,000 Covered Horses and 1,000 veterinarians were registered with HISA. Use of Riding Crop Violations: During the first quarter of 2024, HISA reported 4.74 crop rule violations per 1,000 starts, compared to 4.46 crop rule violations per 1,000 starts in the first quarter of 2023. Veterinary Treatment Records: On average, HISA received approximately 5,900 veterinary treatment records each day during the first quarter of 2024, and, as of Mar. 31, approximately 2.5 million veterinary treatment records had been uploaded to the HISA Portal since the inception of the Racetrack Safety Program on July 1, 2022. The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit will also release a separate quarterly report detailing metrics from the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program. The post Year-Over Racing Fatalities Down By Over A Third According To HISA’s Q1 Report appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A total of 55 five and six-year students from Brisley CofE Primary Academy and Rudham CofE Primary Academy both visited the Royal Studs last week, the charity Racing to School announced on Wednesday. The visit included a lecture by the Royal Studs' stud manager David Somers and his team covering the history of the stud, the thoroughbred breeding season, and the daily routines to provide the best possible care for each horse. A visit with the Royal Studs' veterinarian Camilla Scott, the farrier Dermot Barry and many of the equine residents also took place. Students were also able to visit the statue of G1 Gold Cup winner Estimate (Ire) (Monsun {Ger}) on the Sandringham Estate. John Blake, chief executive of Racing to School said, “We are extremely grateful to the management and team at the prestigious Royal Studs for once again welcoming some very lucky beneficiaries to see the workings of such an historic and special place. We know that this experience will stay with them for a long time and hopefully spark an interest in the fascinating world of breeding and in racing itself.” The post Students Visit The Royal Studs Through Racing To School appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lindsay Park has turned back the clock in their bid to win a feature handicap during the Brisbane Winter Carnival by joining forces with Regan Bayliss. Bayliss will ride the Ben, Will and J D Hayes-trained Here To Shock (NZ) (Shocking) in the Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Lindsay Park and Bayliss teamed for three Group one victories in 2017 and 2018 with Redkirk Warrior winning two Newmarket Handicaps and a Lightning Stakes down the straight at Flemington. Shortly after, Bayliss headed to Hong Kong for a stint and after returning to Melbourne when his sojourn finished, he moved to Sydney where he is currently based. Bayliss has ridden a further three Group One victories in Sydney. A quarter of Bayliss’ 528 victories to date were for Lindsay Park when David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig were at the helm. In the years since moving to Sydney and with the Hayes brothers taking over the reins at Lindsay Park, Bayliss has only had two rides in Sydney for them, finishing out of the money on both occasions, the most recent being at Scone last month. But Here To Shock enters the Stradbroke Handicap in top form, winning two of his four starts for the campaign. A winner of nine of his 29 starts, Here To Shock won the Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield on April 6 while at his most recent outing he captured the Group 3 BRC Sprint (1350m) at Doomben on May 25. Ben Hayes said the gelding has trained on brilliantly since that victory. “We’re very happy with him. He’s been training well. He’s done everything right,” Hayes said. “He’s well-weighted and he’s drawn a good gate. “He’s three weeks into the race and it has been a long-range plan for us to get him there. “He’s a horse in form and he’ll run well.” Here To Shock drew gate one in the barrier draw that was conducted on Tuesday evening and is currently a $19 chance in betting. View the full article

Top End jockey Vanessa Arnott returns to scale aboard the Jason Manning-trained Noir De Rue after winning the Chief Ministers Cup (1600m) at Fannie Bay last July during the 2023 Darwin Cup Carnival. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (FotoFinish Racepix) Jason Manning’s iron horse, the highly-credentialed nine-year-old gelding Noir De Rue, returns on Saturday as he eyes a fourth Darwin Cup Carnival campaign. The son of Blackfriars faces decent opposition in an eight-horse field over 1200m at Fannie Bay. “We never say it’s the last campaign, the old horse is going great,” Manning said. “He’s done plenty of work, he’s been back three months and to be honest he’s like a three or four-year-old. “He’s sound, he’s as honest as the day is long, and as bright as a button. “Had a nice gallop Wednesday morning – he’ll have a couple of days in the pool leading into Saturday’s event.” After forging a wonderful WA career where he had eight wins and 15 minor placings from 52 starts, Noir De Rue debuted in Darwin prior to the 2021 Carnival. Victorious first up in an open 1200m handicap in June, he then finished fourth in the Chief Ministers Cup (1600m) and third in the Darwin Cup (2050m). That was followed by seven SA starts, where he managed three seconds at Morphettville before returning to Darwin for a third in the ROANT Gold Cup (1300m) prior to the 2022 Carnival. He finished third in the Chief Ministers Cup and fourth in the Darwin Cup that year and before returning for last year’s Carnival he managed two wins in November and a second in March. Noir De Rue’s victory first up in the ROANT Gold Cup a year ago was something out of the box, especially with a 62.5kg impost, before winning the Chief Ministers Cup and finding 62kg a burden when ninth in the Darwin Cup. The gelding races infrequently as he incurs the big weights due to a 99 rating. In his only appearance since Cup Day last August, he saluted by the narrowest of margins on Australia Day against a top field over 1300m on a wet and muddy day lumping 65kg. Noir De Rue has won from 1200-2200m, so with 64kg, he must be respected this weekend. Manning’s partner, Vanessa Arnott, a long-time NT jockey, once again partners the gelding. “He normally has a couple of runs over the wet season,” Manning said. “He loves carrying the weight and loves a 1300m race, we’re sticking to a similar workload leading up to Carnival in July. “Previously, we’ve just kicked him off in the ROANT Cup, but this year we’re kicking him off in the 1200m – it’s a nice starting point. “Vanessa knows him as well as anybody, he’s drawn a middle barrier, he’ll bounce out and do his thing, and if he’s hitting the line like he does, then that’s all you can ask for. “Sometimes he just sprouts wings and runs over the top of them, he always puts in and normally performs for us. “The main thing is that he ticks off this weekend with a good run. “Hopefully, he’ll drop a couple of kilos going into the ROANT Cup in two weeks, then it’s the weight-for-age Chief Ministers and then that first Monday in August (Darwin Cup).” Horse racing news View the full article

Zoustar continued his march Down Under by breaking the record for the most expensive stallion share ever sold at public auction in Australia when topping the Inglis Digital June (Early) Online Sale at $1.3m. Interest in the Qatar Bloodstock offering was global and led to some extraordinary participation, with 15 bids for the 1/60th share placed above $1m alone. It was Bangaloe Stud who struck the winning bid with Qatar's David Redvers describing the result as “fabulous”. “I was fascinated by the whole process,” he said. “It's a very new thing for us, selling something like this online but the Inglis Digital platform is an excellent and dynamic way in which to trade.” He added, “I've been watching it from afar for quite a while now and it's clearly a proven platform. I mean this sale alone had more than 400 lots in it so it's a proven and well used platform and if we were going to put something as significant as some equity in Zoustar online, Inglis Digital was the obvious platform to use. “We were expertly guided through the whole process by [Inglis Bloodstock CEO] Sebastian [Hutch]. You are always slightly nervous putting something so valuable to public auction in case it falls below expectation but in this instance, the process and the result matched and exceeded expectations and I was delighted to do that bit of business with Inglis. “What this result does is it demonstrates quite clearly the esteem in which Zoustar is held and it's great that the market's view of the stallion matches our thoughts on how good he is and how valuable he is.” Bangaloe Stud's Julia Ritchie said the $1.3m invested in the stallion share for Zoustar was 'worth every penny.' She explained, “I was always prepared to go close to that price and in the end he's worth it, every penny of it. That said, that was my absolute upper limit, I didn't really have another bid in me but I think it's worthwhile to be able to become involved in a superstar stallion like Zoustar. “I've been supporting Zoustar previously as a breeder and to now be able to have a share in a young stallion who is kicking it out of the park, as a breeder that's what you like to do, to support these next generation of great stallions.” The post Records Broken As Share In Zoustar Fetches $1.3m At Inglis Digital Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Riccarton trainer Michael Pitman is hoping Zoulander has done enough to qualify for a lucrative polytrack target during Riccarton’s Grand National Festival of Racing in August following his win at the synthetic track on Wednesday. Following the abandonment of racing at Phar Lap Raceway on Sunday, a six-race meeting was scheduled for Riccarton’s synthetic track on Wednesday, much to the delight of Pitman, who trains in partnership with his son Matthew. They were pleased to give their now seven-win gelding another test on the polytrack and he didn’t disappoint, taking out the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Open Handicap (1200m) by a neck over Caravella. “He won nicely and he is not a front-runner. It was an outstanding ride by Kylie (Williams), she just used her initiative, there was no pace on, and went to the front,” Michael Pitman said. “We are trying to get him ready for the $100,000 1200m polytrack race on the middle day of the Grand National Carnival. “With transferring of the race today, it just gave another opportunity to qualify, which I am appreciative of. He has probably done enough to gain a start now.” Initially in the care of Hamilton trainers Graeme and Debbie Rogerson, Pitman said he has been a delight to train since joining his barn two years ago. “He is just a genuine racehorse,” he said. “From the first day we had him I have said to a lot of people that he reminds us so much of El Chico. He has now won seven races, he is very honest and has done a good job. “When I bought him, Graeme Rogerson stayed in for a share, and he was of the opinion that if we could get him right, he would win races.” A race prior, the stable picked up a placing courtesy of Ceddy Smith in the Book A Suite Mid-Winter Xmas 22 June Rating 60 (1400m). “Ceddy Smith went well,” Pitman said. “He is not an easy horse to ride, and he (Abdul Najib) rode him well. He will keep on improving and will win one shortly.” Pitman will return to the synthetic track on Thursday to line-up a handful of runners, including Motiontime and Blanche in the Riccarton Park Function Centre Three-Year-Old (1400m). “We can win the first (race),” he said. “There are only five in it and both of our fillies, Motiontime and Blanche, are in-form. “Blanche will possibly end up in front and Motiontime can hopefully get a nice trail. Motiontime is a better horse ridden quietly, the other day she ended up in front and it wasn’t ideal.” Meanwhile, Pitman is looking forward to a rare weekend off and is excited to watch his grandson play rugby league on Saturday. “I am looking forward to seeing my grandson Benji play on Saturday,” he said. “Last year Matthew got coach of the year for the Hornby Panthers in his first year of coaching. I am pleased for Matthew, he is enjoying it with his son.” View the full article

Target Audience’s New Zealand racing career will be brief, but the youngster made it a memorable one with a debut victory at Cambridge on Wednesday. The Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray-trained juvenile led all the way to win the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1300m) on his home synthetic track. The son of Derryn attracted overseas interest following a trial success at Avondale last month and recently changed ownership. “He’ll be going up to Hong Kong, the horse was vetted after his last trial and the money came through this week,” Ritchie said. “He’s obviously a very smart horse and he can only get better.” Target Audience lobbed along in front under rider Michael McNab and kicked in the straight to defeat another first-timer in Vesphire. “He’s a lovely horse and while it didn’t look overly impressive because he walked and only just won, he’s extremely green,” Ritchie said. “He was pricking his ears throughout the race and can only improve. “We’re not 100 percent sure if this qualifies him, so he may have to have another start here and his ringcraft will be much better if he does. “If he doesn’t, then job done, and he goes to Hong Kong and hopefully performs well and flies the New Zealand flag and they come back and buy some more.” Inside family knowledge came into play when Ritchie secured Target Audience at Karaka last year. The Cambridge trainer purchased the son of Derryn out of Grangewilliam Stud’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for $70,000. He is a son of the Magic Ring mare Magic Tryst, who won on five occasions and was a multiple black-type placegetter when trained by Ritchie’s brother Craig. “Dad (Frank) and Craig also trained (granddam) Our Tristajet and they were extremely fast horses,” Ritchie said. “They would fly the gates and were hard to restrain and lead easily and usually keep going and occasionally get run down, so they were exciting sprinters to watch. “The main thing of course is that they had a ton of speed and Colm and I were very mindful that we don’t have that many two-year-old winners. “We’ve tried this year to buy a couple of horses that will be able to hit the ground running and Target Audience was one from last year.” The gelding has been a work in progress and still far from the finished article. “His greenness has stopped us from getting him to the races until this point,” Ritchie said. “He had three trials and only got mildly better, but he will in time. He’s a kind horse around the stable but gets on the racetrack and thinks it’s all a big game.” View the full article

Marroni (NZ) (Mafki) produced an improved last-start performance in his quest for an overdue return to winning ways. The son of Makfi has gone through a barren spell, but his most recent third placing at Trentham augured well for his return to the capital city track for Saturday’s Hallmark & Strone Parliamentary Handicap (2200m). These days with Waipukurau horseman Simon Wilson, Marroni hasn’t proved the easiest to place due to his past glory days. “It’s hard with a horse with his rating at 88 to find some nice races,” Wilson said. “He’s wanted a softer track and we got that at Trentham last time and he came through the race nicely. “It will probably be his last start on Saturday and then we’ll turn him out for a while.” Marroni is a multiple winner up to Group level with hopes of a change of environment again bringing out the best in the gelding. “Obviously, he’s been a very handy horse for the owners and I’m enjoying training him, and he goes to the track and around the farm,” Wilson said. “He is in the latter part of his career so it’s a nice change for him and he’s a lovely horse to have around.” Wilson will again use of the services of an apprentice on Saturday with Toni Davies to reduce Marroni’s impost to 56kg. “He needs to get a bit of weight off, so we’ll take the claim,” Wilson said. A past and successful association with the ownership group resulted in Marroni moving south from Cambridge. “I’ve had a couple of horses for the owners before, Scutar and Vidiano, after they had finished with stable life,” Wilson said. Scutar (NZ) (O’Reilly) won three races after he relocated from Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman’s operation while Vidiano (Pierro) was successful from Peter Moody’s Victorian stable before he was also a winner for Wilson. “They gave me the opportunity to train them and mix it up with the track, the farm and the beach and this horse was the same,” he said. Marroni was successful on six occasions for Baker and Forsman, including victory in the Gr.3 Manawatu Cup (2300m). He also placed in the Gr.2 Easter Handicap (1600m) and the Gr.3 Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill. Following Baker’s retirement, Marroni added his seventh and last win for Forsman at Te Rapa in the spring of 2022. The gelding subsequently ran second in the Gr.2 Japan Trophy (1600m) and following two below par performances during a Victorian campaign, he joined Wilson’s rural stable. “It’s a relatively strong field on Saturday so we’ll take our chances and see what happens and then he’ll have a break,” he said. View the full article

It’s a case of mission accomplished in Queensland for multiple Group One winner La Crique, who will now head for a spell in the warmer climes of the Sunshine State following her victory in last Saturday’s A$500,000 Magic Millions National Classic (1600m) at Eagle Farm. Trainers Simon and Katrina Alexander felt a sense of relief and vindication by the victory after a tumultuous few months battling feet issues with their mare. “You always want those sorts of horses to showcase a good performance,” Katrina Alexander said. “It was nice to come back and prove that she can do the job, albeit wasn’t a black-type race. “It was a great sense of relief to begin with and it was an exciting run after you have had the opportunity to watch it a few more times. “We were really happy when we sent her over, she was in good nick. Travelling does take a lot out of her, it is not an easy thing for her, she does drop body condition quite quickly. “We have given her a bit of extra time this time in to settle in, she had a week extra than last time (she travelled to Australia), which was helpful. She trained on well over there and we didn’t think like we missed any work, which was really good. “I think she is maturing mentally all the time with those questions being asked of her. Hopefully next time round we will get a more continuous season with her where we can string a few races together, because it has been target racing (this season) and having to find something else.” The daughter of Vadamos felt the impact of Saturday’s run in the ensuing days, but Alexander said she has since recovered well and will now enjoy some downtime. “She came through it relatively well, she was a bit jarry on the Monday that we took her for a light bit of exercise, but that was to be expected because that track was quite firm,” she said. “We have had a lovely situation where we have been able to put her out in the paddock for a few days and she has recovered relatively quickly from it. That is all very pleasing. “She will go back into the stable to do a bit of light work to make sure that she feels better than what she did after the race. “At this stage it looks like we won’t race her again (this time in). There is nothing really terribly suitable for her that doesn’t involve her carrying a hell of a lot of weight to get over the distance we feel she needs to be over when she is in Australia. “At this stage it will be the end of the line. She will spell there and it is a better climate for that and then we will make a plan from there as to whether she stays there to be pre-trained for her next campaign or not, depending on the weather here (New Zealand).” La Crique has been plagued by feet issues this season, which resulted in her missing a large part of her autumn preparation, and Alexander is pleased they have finally got on top of the issue, but said it is another good reason to spell her in Queensland. “It just makes sense,” she said. “She is there, it is a way nicer climate at the moment, and it is dry under foot. We are really happy with her feet, they are in good order, and they have got a good quality hoof wall now, so hopefully that maintains. “It always makes you a bit nervous when you know you have got that issue and you are not there to keep an eye on it, but we have to trust the people we put her with and they will get a full run down on what her issues are that they need to keep an eye on.” Alexander has already eyed a pre-trainer in Australia, wanting to avoid the wet spring conditions in New Zealand, and said they will now start weighing up what is best for their mare in her spring preparation, mindful of not wanting to travel her too much. “It’s not that she doesn’t handle the wet track racing here in the spring, it is just to be able to prepare her on the wet training surfaces that have been a problem,” Alexander said. “We have a pre-trainer in-mind and when we get closer to that stage we will see what our racing season is looking like. There is definitely racing back here that she is more than capable and is suitable for. “However, she may come up over there and have a bit of a spring campaign (in Australia) and then really target what we really wanted to go for (this year) like the Doomben Cup (Gr.1, 2000m) later in the season. “We are trying to minimise the travel we do backwards and forwards (across the Tasman).” View the full article

Simon Dunderdale (second from right) pictured with Rt Hon Winston Peters and a local delegation at his stables in Malaysia. Photo: Supplied Expat Kiwi trainer Simon Dunderdale has spent the last two decades plying his trade around the world, with his latest stop being at Selangor Turf Club in Malaysia. Dunderdale has spent the last six years in the developing racing jurisdiction, and he said he is excited about the future of racing in Malaysia, with the closure of racing in both Singapore and Macau opening up plenty of opportunities. “I have got 58 horses in training at present, and with Singapore closing we are picking up a lot of nice owners, and there is a shipment of Macau horses about to arrive,” he said. “They are slowly starting to drip over (from Singapore). I would imagine from the middle of next year we will be looking to buy horses from elsewhere. “Malaysia is definitely on the move. There are already a few Singaporean trainers booked in to come, there are jockeys arriving, and it is looking promising. “It is a great place to live, it is a safe place, and it offers a really good lifestyle.” Dunderdale has found himself at home in Malaysia and he is enjoying plenty of success, currently leading the trainers’ premiership at Selangor Turf Club, which he extended on Sunday with three wins. “I am in front with 26 winners this year, with the next on 23,” he said. “My team has doubled pretty quickly, but I saw it coming about six months ago so I did buy quite a few young horses from New Zealand, and there have been a few that have come from Australia too. “I bought horses in all three ready to run sales in Australasia. I prefer tried horses, because it is a bit of a lottery buying a young one. I have had a bit of luck from those ones recently from New Zealand, which has been very good.” One of those Kiwi success stories has been Antipodean, who Dunderdale purchased out of Regal Farm’s 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale draft for $23,000. “I had three winners on Sunday including Antipodean, who I bought at the (New Zealand Bloodstock) ready to run sales in 2022, he is a Derryn horse who is unbeaten in his five starts,” he said. “He was a Class 3 horse on Sunday and he was up against the best horses here and he cleaned them up, so he is probably the best horse here. I also have a U S Navy Flag that I bought at that same sale called Military Flag and he is one of the up-and-coming three-year-olds.” Dunderdale learned his craft in New Zealand and Australia before spreading his wings further afield, riding trackwork in Japan, England, Ireland and Germany, before training in Macau and Turkey. “I was foreman for Mike Moroney and Tony Noonan in Australia, I worked for Roger James for three and a half years as a track rider, and also worked for Maurice Campbell, and in Australia I started off with Robbie Laing,” Dunderdale said. “I have been in Malaysia for six years now. I did 10 years in Turkey and prior to that I was in Macau for four years in the nineties where it was at the top of its game.” Dunderdale said he had no intention of training in Turkey, however, an opportunity presented itself and he enjoyed being the only foreign trainer in the country for a decade. “Turkey is a great place, I was only going to go to there for a short time, but I ended up staying there for 10 years,” he said. “There was a veterinary surgeon that I was very friendly with when I was working in Macau and he went over there. I went over to visit him, and I was offered a job, I wasn’t interested, but they just kept on hounding me and finally I went there. “I trained a few Group winners, I didn’t get a Group One, but I had a very good mare called Tiara.” Dunderdale said Turkey was an enjoyable but eye-opening experience. “Racing over there is a closed shop, they breed their own horses, you can’t bring in a yearling, but you can bring in a broodmare in-foal,” he said. “Even though the Turkish economy has crashed recently, the prizemoney is very good. The Derby is in a couple of weeks and that is worth NZ$1 million to the winner. “There are two race meetings in Turkey every day, one during the day and one at night. “In Turkey you only work for one owner. I worked for some pretty good owners over there and they usually gave you 30 to 40 horses. I was the only foreign trainer there and it was challenging. It wasn’t easy with the language barrier with the jockeys, it was pretty hard to get by in the early days, but I stuck it out.” Malaysia is home to Dunderdale for now and he said he has no intentions of leaving anytime soon. “I have done the hard yards here,” he said. “When I first came here it was quite low, and now there is a big focus on it with Singapore and Macau closing. I would be foolish to run away right at the moment.” Horse racing news View the full article

La Crique winning at Eagle Farm last Saturday. Photo: Grant Peters It’s a case of mission accomplished in Queensland for multiple Group 1 winner La Crique, who will now head for a spell in the warmer climes of the Sunshine State following her victory in last Saturday’s A$500,000 Magic Millions National Classic (1600m) at Eagle Farm. Trainers Simon and Katrina Alexander felt a sense of relief and vindication by the victory after a tumultuous few months battling feet issues with their mare. “You always want those sorts of horses to showcase a good performance,” Katrina Alexander said. “It was nice to come back and prove that she can do the job, albeit wasn’t a black-type race. “It was a great sense of relief to begin with and it was an exciting run after you have had the opportunity to watch it a few more times. “We were really happy when we sent her over, she was in good nick. Travelling does take a lot out of her, it is not an easy thing for her, she does drop body condition quite quickly. “We have given her a bit of extra time this time in to settle in, she had a week extra than last time (she travelled to Australia), which was helpful. She trained on well over there and we didn’t think like we missed any work, which was really good. “I think she is maturing mentally all the time with those questions being asked of her. Hopefully next time round we will get a more continuous season with her where we can string a few races together, because it has been target racing (this season) and having to find something else.” The daughter of Vadamos felt the impact of Saturday’s run in the ensuing days, but Alexander said she has since recovered well and will now enjoy some downtime. “She came through it relatively well, she was a bit jarry on the Monday that we took her for a light bit of exercise, but that was to be expected because that track was quite firm,” she said. “We have had a lovely situation where we have been able to put her out in the paddock for a few days and she has recovered relatively quickly from it. That is all very pleasing. “She will go back into the stable to do a bit of light work to make sure that she feels better than what she did after the race. “At this stage it looks like we won’t race her again (this time in). There is nothing really terribly suitable for her that doesn’t involve her carrying a hell of a lot of weight to get over the distance we feel she needs to be over when she is in Australia. “At this stage it will be the end of the line. She will spell there and it is a better climate for that and then we will make a plan from there as to whether she stays there to be pre-trained for her next campaign or not, depending on the weather here (New Zealand).” La Crique has been plagued by feet issues this season, which resulted in her missing a large part of her autumn preparation, and Alexander is pleased they have finally got on top of the issue, but said it is another good reason to spell her in Queensland. “It just makes sense,” she said. “She is there, it is a way nicer climate at the moment, and it is dry under foot. We are really happy with her feet, they are in good order, and they have got a good quality hoof wall now, so hopefully that maintains. “It always makes you a bit nervous when you know you have got that issue and you are not there to keep an eye on it, but we have to trust the people we put her with and they will get a full run down on what her issues are that they need to keep an eye on.” Alexander has already eyed a pre-trainer in Australia, wanting to avoid the wet spring conditions in New Zealand, and said they will now start weighing up what is best for their mare in her spring preparation, mindful of not wanting to travel her too much. “It’s not that she doesn’t handle the wet track racing here in the spring, it is just to be able to prepare her on the wet training surfaces that have been a problem,” Alexander said. “We have a pre-trainer in-mind and when we get closer to that stage we will see what our racing season is looking like. There is definitely racing back here that she is more than capable and is suitable for. “However, she may come up over there and have a bit of a spring campaign (in Australia) and then really target what we really wanted to go for (this year) like the Doomben Cup (Group 1, 2000m) later in the season. “We are trying to minimise the travel we do backwards and forwards (across the Tasman).” Horse racing news View the full article

What Sunshine Coast Races Where Sunshine Coast Turf Club – 170 Pierce Ave, Caloundra QLD 4551 When Friday, June 14, 2024 First Race 3:22pm AEST Visit Dabble Sunshine Coast Turf Club will host a very competitive seven-race twilight meeting on Friday evening, with the opener scheduled to jump at 3:22pm AEST. The track is rated as a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances, but with no rain forecast on Thursday and Friday, the surface should improve and could firm into the Good range. The rail will be in the +7m position from the 400m mark to the winning post and in the +9m position for the remainder of the circuit. Best Bet at Sunshine Coast: Ring Me Up Ring Me Up heads to the Sunshine Coast seeking her first win this preparation following an unlucky eighth-place finish over 2180m at Ipswich last start. The Chris Waller-trained filly was strung up behind runners and had to follow the eventual runner-up once a gap appeared. This girl was impressive over 1800m at Eagle Farm second-up, and if she gets a similar run in transit, Ring Me Up should return to the winners’ circle. Best Bet Race 7 – #2 Ring Me Up (1) 3yo Filly | T: Chris Waller | J: James Orman (57.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sunshine Coast: Termagant After recording a dominant victory in her second career start, Termagant was sent out for a four-month spell and has been given a trial at Doomben over 1000m in readiness for this fresh run. Before her break, the Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted-trained filly thrashed her rivals at this track and trip, winning by five lengths thanks to a great ride by Justin Huxtable. Emily Lang rode this daughter of Deep Field on debut, and with her getting back in the saddle, expect Termagant to settle midfield before running home strongly down the outside. Next Best Race 2 – #10 Termagant (14) 3yo Filly | T: Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted | J: Emily Lang (59kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Sunshine Coast: Rothesay’s Lad Rothesay’s Lad appeared to have a maiden win within his grasp with 100m to go last start; however, the John Symons & Sheila Laxon-trained gelding was run over in the final strides by Kariaction at this track and trip. The son of Rothesay will have taken a lot out of that runner-up finish, and with a firmer track expected, his chances should only improve. From barrier 10, Jim Byrne will be able to push forward to settle in the one-one position, and if he shows a similar finish, Rothesay’s Lad can give us a good sight at each-way odds with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 3 – #6 Rothesay’s Lad (10) 3yo Gelding | T: John Symons & Sheila Laxon | J: Jim Byrne (58kg) Bet with PlayUp Friday quaddie tips for the Sunshine Coast Sunshine Coast quadrella selections Friday, June 14, 2024 2-3-6-10-11 3-5-6-8-9 2-6-7 2 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Marroni will contest Saturday’s Hallmark & Strone Parliamentary Handicap (2200m) at Trentham. Photo: Grant Matthew (Race Images Palmerston North) Marroni produced an improved last-start performance in his quest for an overdue return to winning ways. The son of Makfi has gone through a barren spell, but his most recent third placing at Trentham augured well for his return to the capital city track for Saturday’s Hallmark & Strone Parliamentary Handicap (2200m). These days with Waipukurau horseman Simon Wilson, Marroni hasn’t proved the easiest to place due to his past glory days. “It’s hard with a horse with his rating at 88 to find some nice races,” Wilson said. “He’s wanted a softer track and we got that at Trentham last time and he came through the race nicely. “It will probably be his last start on Saturday and then we’ll turn him out for a while.” Marroni is a multiple winner up to Group level with hopes of a change of environment again bringing out the best in the gelding. “Obviously, he’s been a very handy horse for the owners and I’m enjoying training him, and he goes to the track and around the farm,” Wilson said. “He is in the latter part of his career so it’s a nice change for him and he’s a lovely horse to have around.” Wilson will again use of the services of an apprentice on Saturday with Toni Davies to reduce Marroni’s impost to 56kg. “He needs to get a bit of weight off, so we’ll take the claim,” Wilson said. A past and successful association with the ownership group resulted in Marroni moving south from Cambridge. “I’ve had a couple of horses for the owners before, Scutar and Vidiano, after they had finished with stable life,” Wilson said. Scutar won three races after he relocated from Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman’s operation while Vidiano was successful from Peter Moody’s Victorian stable before he was also a winner for Wilson. “They gave me the opportunity to train them and mix it up with the track, the farm and the beach and this horse was the same,” he said. Marroni was successful on six occasions for Baker and Forsman, including victory in the Group 3 Manawatu Cup (2300m). He also placed in the Group 2 Easter Handicap (1600m) and the Group 3 Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill. Following Baker’s retirement, Marroni added his seventh and last win for Forsman at Te Rapa in the spring of 2022. The gelding subsequently ran second in the Group 2 Japan Trophy (1600m) and following two below par performances during a Victorian campaign, he joined Wilson’s rural stable. “It’s a relatively strong field on Saturday so we’ll take our chances and see what happens and then he’ll have a break,” he said. Horse racing news View the full article

Target Audience winning at Cambridge on Wednesday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Target Audience’s New Zealand racing career will be brief, but the youngster made it a memorable one with a debut victory at Cambridge on Wednesday. The Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray-trained juvenile led all the way to win the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1300m) on his home synthetic track. The son of Derryn attracted overseas interest following a trial success at Avondale last month and recently changed ownership. “He’ll be going up to Hong Kong, the horse was vetted after his last trial and the money came through this week,” Ritchie said. “He’s obviously a very smart horse and he can only get better.” Target Audience lobbed along in front under rider Michael McNab and kicked in the straight to defeat another first-timer in Vesphire. “He’s a lovely horse and while it didn’t look overly impressive because he walked and only just won, he’s extremely green,” Ritchie said. “He was pricking his ears throughout the race and can only improve. “We’re not 100 percent sure if this qualifies him, so he may have to have another start here and his ringcraft will be much better if he does. “If he doesn’t, then job done, and he goes to Hong Kong and hopefully performs well and flies the New Zealand flag and they come back and buy some more.” Inside family knowledge came into play when Ritchie secured Target Audience at Karaka last year. The Cambridge trainer purchased the son of Derryn out of Grangewilliam Stud’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for $70,000. He is a son of the Magic Ring mare Magic Tryst, who won on five occasions and was a multiple black-type placegetter when trained by Ritchie’s brother Craig. “Dad (Frank) and Craig also trained (granddam) Our Tristajet and they were extremely fast horses,” Ritchie said. “They would fly the gates and were hard to restrain and lead easily and usually keep going and occasionally get run down, so they were exciting sprinters to watch. “The main thing of course is that they had a ton of speed and Colm and I were very mindful that we don’t have that many two-year-old winners. “We’ve tried this year to buy a couple of horses that will be able to hit the ground running and Target Audience was one from last year.” The gelding has been a work in progress and still far from the finished article. “His greenness has stopped us from getting him to the races until this point,” Ritchie said. “He had three trials and only got mildly better, but he will in time. He’s a kind horse around the stable but gets on the racetrack and thinks it’s all a big game.” Horse racing news View the full article