Wandering Eyes

Love Poem propelled herself up the fixed-odds market for the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) with a dominant first-up performance at Te Rapa on Friday. The highly talented Snitzel filly was a stakes placegetter in all of her three starts as a two-year-old. She was runner-up to Captured By Love (Written Tycoon) on debut in the Gr.3 Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m), then finished third behind Captured By Love and Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). In her only other start, she ran second to Domain Ace (NZ) (Swiss Ace) in the Listed Star Way Stakes (1200m). Love Poem took a big step down in class for her three-year-old debut in Friday’s NZB Mega Maiden Bonus Series Maiden (1200m), and she was sent out as a $1.50 favourite. She duly asserted her superiority, tracking the front-runner Super Scheme (NZ) (Super Easy) before moving through her gears in the straight and striding clear to win by three and a half lengths. “She won really well,” trainer Stephen Marsh said. “The margin makes it look like a pretty good win, but I think her performance had even more merit than you might think at first glance. She got into a nice spot, but then the horse in front was just wanting to run her off the track a little bit. For her to overcome that, pull away and win so easily was very pleasing to see.” Love Poem’s four-start career has now produced a win and three placings, earning $64,875 for owner Lib Petagna’s JML Bloodstock. Marsh is working backwards from the New Zealand 1000 Guineas at Riccarton on November 16, for which the TAB now rates her a $10 third favourite behind Alabama Lass ($3) and Captured By Love ($4). “Love Poem is always a filly that’s shown a lot of class,” Marsh said. “She performed very well in stakes company last season against some of the better two-year-olds. It’s great to see her come back so much bigger and stronger at three. “She’ll go to the Soliloquy Stakes (Gr.2, 1400m) now, and then carry on into the 1000 Guineas.” Love Poem is by Snitzel out of the Lonhro mare Madrigals, who is a full-sister to the multiple Group One winner and quality sire Pierro. Love Poem is one of two winners out of Madrigals, the other being the Australian Group Three winner Estriella. Marsh was also pleased with the performance of another of his promising three-year-olds, Kiwi Skyhawk (NZ) (Contributer), who produced a big late finish for fourth in Friday’s SJC Foundation 3YO (1200m). “He was really good,” Marsh said. “We think he’s going to make a real Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) horse. “We freshened him up after his last-start win, and we were basically using Friday’s race as a trial. He produced exactly the type of performance we were looking for. “He’s an exciting horse and I’m looking forward to getting him down to Christchurch too. He’ll be a nice chance in the 2000 Guineas.” The TAB rates Kiwi Skyhawk a $16 chance in a 2000 Guineas market headed by Age Of Discovery (NZ) (Savabeel) ($4), Savaglee (NZ) (Savabeel) ($5) and Sought After (NZ) (Tivaci) ($8). View the full article

Rubylot, Pray For Mir and Prestige Always reign supreme at Sha Tin.View the full article

In the absence of his more experienced countryman, the Australian jockey steps in to pilot Daily Trophy to victory.View the full article

James Cummings’ champion Too Darn Hot colt Broadsiding etched his name in the Golden Rose Stakes history books with a first-up thriller defeating the fellow Godolphin-raced Traffic Warden in the million-dollar Rosehill feature on Saturday. Last season’s Group 1 Champagne Stakes – J.J. Atkins interstate double winner became the first three-year-old to take out the […] The post Broadsiding Wins Historic 2024 Golden Rose in First-Up Thriller appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Track inspection prior to abandonment of the meeting at Hastings on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Matamata is set to host the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) for the second time in three years after a slippery track forced the abandonment of Saturday’s blockbuster race meeting at Hastings. The second day of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival had promised so much, with quality fields set to compete under blue skies. But a short burst of rain late on Friday afternoon created a slippery layer on the surface of the track, which was rated Good 4 on Friday and Soft 5 on Saturday morning. The effects of that moisture were easy to see in the opening race on the card. The Kevin Myers-trained Just Charlie clearly slipped, free of any interference, while rounding the turn out of the home straight. The meeting was initially put back by one race while a Verti-Drain was deployed to that section of the track, but a delegation of jockeys and trainers were still not confident that the track would be safe for racing and the meeting was abandoned. “The Hastings track had a full renovation earlier in the year and was in absolutely beautiful condition for the first day of the carnival, so this has probably come out of the blue a little bit,” New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s chief operating officer Darin Balcombe said. “From what we can see, there was 1mm to 3mm of rain yesterday afternoon, which is probably the worst thing that could have happened, and it’s obviously just formed a bit of a slippery layer on top. We can’t say for sure until we have a full review of what’s happened, but that appears to be what the issue is. “It’s a situation we desperately need to avoid. It’s very frustrating and we’ve got to make sure that things like this don’t happen. “The track manager here, Bryce Mildon, is a very good operator and this issue has really come out of left field. “What we’re going to need to do now is thoroughly test the track and see whether the possibility of being back here for the last day of the carnival in two weeks is a reality.” In the meantime, the remainder of Saturday’s abandoned meeting has been rescheduled to be run at Matamata on Wednesday. That includes the Arrowfield Stud Plate and the Group 2 AHD Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m). Both of those feature races were also relocated to Matamata in 2022, when severe weather forced a complete washout of the Arrowfield meeting originally scheduled for Hastings. “We looked at the possibility of coming back on Sunday and rescheduling the Woodville meeting, but at this stage we wouldn’t be comfortable that we could turn the track around, make sure it’s safe and get that testing in before sending the riders back out there,” Balcombe said. “We also looked at staging the meeting at Hastings on Tuesday, but horses going back home to the north and then coming all the way back again, it wouldn’t be a possibility to do that.” New nominations will be required for all of Wednesday’s races aside from the Arrowfield, which was an early-entry race. Preference will be given to horses that were originally accepted for the Hawke’s Bay meeting. Nominations for this new meeting will close on Monday at 9am, with withdrawals closing at midday the same day. The Cambridge meeting which was scheduled for Wednesday will now run on Thursday. Nominations remain open for this meeting until 9am Monday. The Matamata meeting scheduled for next Saturday will now be run at Tauranga. Horse racing news View the full article

Tyler Schiller and Amor Victorious after winning the Group 2 Shannon Stakes. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Bjorn Baker and Tyler Schiller have combined with Amor Victorious ($8.50) to claim victory in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, stamping his authority for a possible tilt towards the Five Diamonds (1800m). It was a front-running masterclass by Schiller taking all luck out of the equation, sliding forward to lead throughout from barrier five. No one wanted to take on the son of Caravaggio for the early lead, allowing Schiller to dictate terms in the middle stages, and although there was some pressure by the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Bases Loaded ($4.40), the five-year-old responded well under the urgings of Schiller. Punch Lane ($15.00), New Endeavour ($26.00) and Osipenko were finishing off well, while the short-priced favourite Celestial Legend ($3.80) was a shade disappointing after missing the start. 2024 Group 2 Shannon Stakes Replay – Amor Victorious It was all about the winner in the end, however, with Bjorn Baker confirming post-race that the Five Diamond would be the major spring target for Amor Victorious. “It was a great win,” said Baker. “Thanks to the owners, they’ve been really patient, Darby Racing of course. We like to put our horses up there and it worked out really well today. “We’ve had a bit of a frustrating run, a lot of placings. Someone said it was an easy watch, I said ‘no it wasn’t, it’s a heck of a long straight’. “His first two runs, he was up against some good horses and at the time he probably didn’t look as good as he can. I even debated whether we ran him today. “I had a talk to Scott (Darby) and he was like ‘it’s up to you’. He was full of beans and we thought with the blinkers on that might just sharpen him up a bit. “We’ve got some good races for him now, we’ve got the Five Diamonds Prelude maybe into the Five Diamonds. It was good to see him do that.” Tyler Schiller confirmed post-race that the saddle shifted at the start, giving more credence to the victory. “Straight out of the gates, I reckon (the saddle shifted),” said Schiller. “He jumped really sharp, did everything right and pretty much I just rode to Bjorn’s instructions. I just quickened up from the 600 and try to get them chasing. He did a great job to tough it out and I thought he was very brave. “I could just feel that the saddle was back further. “I could still put my irons where I could. So I was comfortable but I was just happy that the horse underneath me kept travelling. “I haven’t ridden for him for a while so it’s good to get a winner for Bjorn as well. The team is going great and they’re doing a great job.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Alice Springs Races Where Pioneer Park Racecourse – Stuart Hwy, Connellan NT 0870 When Sunday, September 8, 2024 First Race 2:35pm ACST Visit Dabble The annual Alice Springs meeting after the AFL grand final takes place on Sunday afternoon, with the five-event program attracting 44 acceptors. The Red Centre received just over 4mm of rain during the week, but it will be mostly sunny on Sunday with a top temperature of 31C. The rail will be in the true position, and Pioneer Park will be a good dirt surface. BEST BET: Omoplata Omoplata boasted two wins from 19 Red Centre starts before the six-year-old gelding produced a stunning last start performance two weeks ago. Returning from a seven-month spell, he was slow out of the inside gate over 1200m (0-58) before gaining momentum along the fence and hitting the front at the 800m. Skipping three lengths clear at the home turn, the son of More Than Ready found another gear to seal an emphatic win by seven lengths. Omoplate carries an extra 3kg, but has drawn a decent barrier and should prove hard to beat. Best Bet Race 1 – #5 Omoplata (2) 6yo Gelding | T: Lisa Whittle | J: Stan Tsaikos (58kg) Bet with Bet365 NEXT BEST BET: Talent Quest Talent Quest is aiming for five straight wins this weekend. Arriving from Victoria, the son of Your Song debuted in July last year and had four minor placings from seven starts before saluting over 1100m (0-58) on November 11. The six-year-old gelding returned from a spell in July and was victorious over 1000m (BM54) before taking out the $40,000 Red Centre Winter Series Final (1200m) at BM66 level. Talent Quest stormed home over the concluding stages to seal a narrow win over 1000m (0-64) three weeks ago. Next Best Race 2 – #1 Talent Quest (5) 6yo Gelding | T: Will Savage | J: Hannah Le Blanc (a3) (60kg) Bet with Neds BEST VALUE: Real Divine Real Divine looked like sealing victory in the home straight before having to settle for second place over 1400m (BM54) a fortnight ago when backmarker The Girl’s Boy swooped late. The six-year-old mare rarely runs a bad race and boasts four wins and six minor placings from 20 starts in the Alice. The daughter of Real Saga – an early $14 quote with horse racing bookmakers – is not without a chance as she eyes her first victory since April. Best Value Race 5 – #8 Real Divine (2) 6yo Mare | T: Kerry Petrick | J: Paul Denton (56kg) Bet with PlayUp Sunday Alice Springs quaddie selections Alice Springs quadrella selections Sunday, September 29, 2024 1-3-4 1-8-9 1-2-3-4 1-3-7-8-10 Horse racing tips
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James McDonald and Broadsiding after winning the Group 1 Golden Rose. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Broadsiding ($2.15) has created history at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, being the first galloper to claim the $1 million Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) first-up in its 46-year history. The James Cummings-trained three-year-old was heavily backed prior to the jump to suggest the son of Too Darn Hot was wound-up for the event, and the now three-time Group 1 delivered for favourite backers. James McDonald produced a patient steer aboard the superstar colt, sitting back towards the rear of the field to save every ounce of energy for the concluding stages. He was aided by a strong tempo throughout the journey, with the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained trio of Storm Boy ($5.00), Mayfair ($23.00) and Anode ($23.00) all launching across to claim the early lead. Storm Boy showed out in the final 400m but was running on empty as a wall of challengers emerged, including Broadsiding’s stable Companion Traffic Warden ($6.50), who looked to be doing enough to secure victory in his own right. Despite 105 days off the scene, it was Broadsiding getting the upper hand in the shadow of the post, however, claiming an historic victory, and giving Godolphin their first Golden Rose winner since Bivouac won the stallion making race in 2019. 2024 Group 1 Golden Rose Replay – Broadsiding It’s the 50th Group 1 winner trained by James Cummings as he spoke glowingly about his stable post-race. “Thanks, but it takes a village to run a racing stable and it doesn’t matter if it’s Leilani Lodge from 10 years ago or Godolphin now,” said Cummings. “I’ve got three great stables that are able to get their fingerprints all over horses like these. I owe it to them. “This race has been around five minutes. It hasn’t been done before (winning first-up), well it’s been done now. “I had no trouble getting Anamoe ready for a Winx Stakes over seven furlongs first-up. Plenty of good horses can do that. “The thing is, he’s by Too Darn Hot, he’s a European bred horse with a European style, and chasing over six furlongs would not have been his go. He was in the right race fresh up and that’s just our stable having the confidence to know our horses. “As for the other horse, evidently he took great benefit from the first-up run. He’s gone enormous this afternoon and he continues to prove that he’s in for a blistering preparation, Traffic Warden.” James McDonald claimed his 99th Group 1 winner in the process and couldn’t have been happier in his post-race assessment. “He’s got way more (ability) than we can ever imagine,” said McDonald. “Mate, he’s just a cool dude. The moment I’ve sat on him in the Fernhill, to see his development from race to race to race is just incredible. And he’s dead-set, he hasn’t gone up step by step, he’s skipped a couple. “He’s that kind of horse. He was feeling the pinch 100 (metres) from home and just the fighting qualities in this horse, the turn of foot, the will to win, he’s just a marvellous horse.” Horse racing news View the full article

Desert Lightning wins the Group 3 Sandown Stakes. Photo:Bruno Cannatelli Elite New Zealand racehorse Desert Lightning has made a perfect start to the next chapter of his career, capturing Saturday’s Group 3 Sandown Stakes (1500m) in his second start for new trainers Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman. Desert Lightning was a five-race winner and million-dollar earner in New Zealand for the now-retired training team of Peter and Dawn Williams. He finished fourth in the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) as a two-year-old and second in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at three, then went to a new level last season with scintillating wins in the Group 1 TAB Classic (1600m) and the inaugural $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m). The Pride of Dubai gelding made his debut for Moody and Coleman with an eye-catching third in the Listed Chautauqua Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on September 7, and he was right at the peak of his powers second-up on Saturday. Jockey Luke Nolen had Desert Lightning handily placed in third, then pounced at the top of the straight. The five-year-old sprinted to the lead before the 200m mark and dashed clear. Craig and Magnaspin launched strong late bids, but Desert Lightning kept kicking and held them at bay by a length. 2024 Group 3 Sandown Stakes Replay – Desert Lightning “I was very pleased with what he did first-up in a sprint race at Moonee Valley under a big weight,” Nolen said. “His work through the week suggested he’d bounced through that run well and would be a big chance in this race. He still has a bit of improvement left in him too, so I don’t think this is his ceiling.” Desert Lightning has now had 20 starts for six wins and seven placings, earning A$1.23 million for Sarah Green and Ger Beemsterboer’s Barneswood Farm. “We’ve been really pleased with how he’s progressed since his first-up run, and we still think he’s got a bit more to come, which is exciting,” Coleman said. “He’s a really, really nice horse. We’re incredibly thankful to the connections for putting him in our stable. “He’ll head towards the Toorak (Group 1, 1600m) now. Provided he takes the improvement that we still think he’s got to come, he’s an exciting prospect for a race like that. The mile looks like it’s really his sweet spot as far as distances are concerned, so that race stands out as the obvious target. “He’s a bit of a quirky boy. He took a little while to settle in at our stable, but he’s been doing everything right lately and we’ve been very pleased with him.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Dubbo Cup Day Where Dubbo Turf Club – Merrilea Rd, Dubbo NSW 2830 When Sunday, September 29, 2024 First Race 1pm AEST Visit Dabble Dubbo Turf Club is the destination for NSW racing on Sunday afternoon, with a massive eight-part program set for decision on Dubbo Cup Day. The $150,000 feature has Big Dance (1600m) eligibility up for grabs, and with 140 acceptors across the entire meeting, it should be a terrific day of racing. The rail is in the true position the entire way around, and with no rainfall forecast to hit the course proper, punters can expect a Good 4 surface. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1pm local time. Dubbo Cup Tip: Hollywood Hero Hollywood Hero appears to peak third-up in the campaign after two impressive performances in metro company. He was smashing the line in his most recent start at Randwick on September 21, just running out of time over the 1400m. The son of Sacred Falls drops 3.5kgs from that BM78 contest, and with Ashley Morgan set to do the steering from gate five, Hollywood Hero should be within striking distance as he steps up to the 1600m for the first time this preparation. Dubbo Cup Race 7 – #3 Hollywood Hero (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Ashley Morgan (58.5kg) Bet with Neds Best Bet at Dubbo: Ahellbenda Ahellbenda has been crying out for a step up in trip after finding the 1000m and 1100m too sharp at Hawkesbury in back-to-back starts. The daughter of Hellbent has been doing her best work late to suggest the 1400m should be ideal, and with fitness on her side third-up into the campaign, she appears perfectly placed by the Bjorn Baker barn. She can take closer order from gate five in this capacity field of 14, and with even luck turning for home, Ahellbenda should prove hard to hold out. Best Bet Race 2 – #6 Ahellbenda (5) 3yo Filly | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Rachel King (55.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Next Best at Dubbo: Broadway Follies Broadway Follies got the head down where it matters most at Bathurst on September 15. It took the Bjorn Baker-trained filly the entire straight to build into her work, eventually getting by The Impeckable in the final 50m. This BM58 contest has much more depth than what she faced last time out; however, with Zac Lloyd being legged aboard from barrier two, Broadway Follies should get every chance to prove she is a progressive type and better than country grade moving forward. Next Best Race 4 – #12 Broadway Follies (2) 3yo Filly | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Zac Lloyd (55.5kg) Bet with Dabble Sunday quaddie tips for Dubbo Dubbo quadrella selections September 29, 2024 1-2-3-5-6-19-20 2-3-5 1-3-5-6-7-11 3-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Third-season Hong Kong trainer continues push for elite-level success at Nakayama.View the full article

What Mornington Races Where Mornington Racecourse – 320 Racecourse Rd, Mornington VIC 3931 When Sunday, September 29, 2024 First Race 1:15pm AEST Visit Dabble Feature racing in Victoria returns to Mornington Racecourse on Sunday afternoon for a competitive eight-race meeting. The Listed R.M. Ansett Classic (2400m) headlines proceedings on a track likely to remain in the Soft range with showers forecast throughout the day. The rail sticks to its true position the entire circuit, with action commencing at 1:15pm AEST. R.M. Ansett Classic Tip: Hit The Road Jack Hit The Road Jack has been racing in fine form this campaign, and having gone down by a neck to Point King in the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) at Flemington, he shapes as the one to beat in Sunday’s feature. The eight-year-old gelding draws to gain a perfect run in transit from barrier one, and with a genuinely run 2400m event expected, the race shapes up perfectly for Hit The Road Jack to absorb the pressure throughout and pounce on some vulnerable leaders. R.M. Ansett Classic Race 7 – #2 Hit The Road Jack (1) 8yo Gelding | T: Symon Wilde | J: Harry Coffey (56kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Bet at Mornington: Bridal Waltz Bridal Waltz could not have been more impressive when winning upon return at Tatura on September 10. The three-year-old filly ran her rivals ragged in maiden company by close to three lengths and in the small six-horse field, with 3kg claiming apprentice Emily Poznan on board, a similar run is likely. She will need to be quick out of the barriers to cross those drawn underneath, but with the claim coming in handy, Bridal Waltz can dance to victory once again. Best Bet Race 3 – #4 Bridal Waltz (7) 3yo Filly | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Emily Poznan (a3) (59kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Mornington: Matawai The Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)-trained Matawai has been impressive in her last two starts at Sandown, winning in determined fashion two runs back before flashing home late to be beaten a half-head when finishing fourth. With four runs under her belt this campaign, she will be rock-hard fit, unlike key market rival Alma Rise, who will want further than 1600m. Luke Currie will have the Almanzor mare settled towards the rear of the field, but with a strong finish under the bonnet, Matawai will prove too hard to hold out. Next Best Race 6 – #3 Matawai (3) 4yo Mare | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Luke Currie (59kg) Bet with Playup Sunday quaddie tips for Mornington Mornington quadrella selections Sunday, September 29, 2024 1-4-5-6-7-8 3-5 1-2-4 2-3-4-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Evergreen galloper Green Luck showed there was still plenty of life left in his ten-year-old legs as he downed his younger rivals to take out the Waimakariri Businesses North Canterbury Cup (2000m), the feature event at Riccarton on Saturday. The former Hong Kong galloper arrived in New Zealand back in 2022 after commencing his career in Australia, where he was successful in two of his three starts before heading to Hong Kong where he won another six races and more than $1million in prizemoney. Once in New Zealand he joined the stable of Paul Harris winning once before being transferred to Stephanie Faulkner upon the tragic passing of Harris earlier this year, where he took out the Gr.3 Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m) from her Timaru-based stable back in April. Faulkner had the son of Street Cry in good nick for the fourth run of his current campaign and he rewarded his loyal followers with a typically gritty effort for rider Tina Comignaghi, leading early on before taking a trail behind pacemakers Fablue and Taramea Lad. Comignaghi pushed through a gap at the 300m and Green Luck hit the front before shaking off a host of challenges to score by just on a length from Lombardi and Loftys Gift. Faulkner’s husband Peter was on hand to accept congratulations after another emotional victory. “A very big thrill as I wasn’t here when he won the Canterbury Gold Cup as I was at my sister’s wedding, so it’s nice to be here and win another Cup,” Faulkner said. “He has been building every start and getting better each time, so what more can you say.” Comignaghi was also full of praise for the veteran performer. “He is great, such a beautiful ride and tries so hard,” she said. “I think he is a horse that you can do anything you want on him as my plan was to lead, but it didn’t pan out so we took a trail and he settled so well. “You can’t tell he is as old as he is as he feels great and is a beautiful horse.” Green Luck has now won 11 races from 64 starts and added a further $28,750 to his stakes earnings which now stand at just over $1.3million. View the full article

Nine-year-old warhorse Times Ticking (NZ) (Tavistock) upstaged his younger rivals with a brilliant first-up performance in Saturday’s Marshall Batteries Open Handicap (1400m) at Riccarton. The $50,000 feature marked the beginning of a seventh season of racing for the Tavistock gelding, who had not been seen on raceday since he ran seventh in the Easter Cup (1600m) on May 4. Coming up against a talented line-up on a Good3 surface that might be expected to be too firm for his liking, Times Ticking was somewhat overlooked as an $11.70 sixth favourite in a field of nine. But after Ears Back (NZ) (Jakkalberry) and Riviera Rebel (NZ) (Pure Champion) set a red-hot pace out in front, apprentice jockey Denby-Rose Tait angled Times Ticking to the outside of the track at the top of the home straight, and the veteran launched a withering run from third-last. In contrast to the favourite Perfect Scenario (NZ) (Iffraaj), whose momentum was interrupted by traffic trouble closer to the inside, Times Ticking bounded into contention with big, powerful strides out wide. He hit the front in the final 100m and dashed clear, beating Perfect Scenario by three-quarters of a length. “I think that’s one of the most special wins of my career,” said Tait, who picked up another win earlier on the Riccarton card with Amiinit (NZ) (Eminent). “I can’t take a whole lot of the credit. I probably wanted to be a little bit handier than where we ended up, but it was just the way the race panned out. I managed to get him to the outside in the straight, and he just let down like the great horse that he is. “He’s beaten some quality horses first-up today. Who says age matters? He’s still got it, that’s for certain.” Times Ticking has had 40 starts for 12 wins, six placings and $474,000 in prize-money. Those dozen victories include the Gr.3 Spring Sprint (1400m), Gr.3 Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m) and Gr.3 Trentham Stakes (2100m). Times Ticking was trained to 11 of those wins by his co-breeder and part-owner Alby MacGregor, who decided not to renew his licence this season and has entrusted the horse to his son Dean. “This is a huge thrill,” Dean McGregor said on Saturday. “The horse is a classy old customer and it’s great that he’s come back so well. “Being a year older, you’re never quite sure how they’re going to come back, but he obviously still has a bit of ping in those legs. “I would have been a lot more confident today if we’d had a bit of rain. I thought some of the others might be a bit too quick for him on firm ground. But he’s let down very well in the straight. “Denby-Rose gave him a great ride, and her claim was a big help today too. It’s been a while since he’s carried as little as 56kg.” View the full article

Talented New Zealand import Firestorm (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) improved her perfect four-year-old record to two-from-two with another impressive win at Rosehill on Saturday, heading a Kiwi-bred trifecta in the A$160,000 EGroup Protective Services Handicap (1900m). Firestorm showed promise on both sides of the Tasman as a three-year-old last season, finishing sixth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) before relocating to Australia and running fourth in the Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m), third in the Listed Princess Stakes (1600m), third in the Gr.3 Drinkwise Mile (1600m) and midfield in the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m). The daughter of Satono Aladdin produced a bold four-year-old debut earlier this month, storming home from the back to win impressively over 1500m at Rosehill. She relished the extra 400m of her second-up assignment on Saturday and delivered more of the same. Firestorm was ridden patiently by James McDonald, who settled well back in the field before beginning to build her momentum in the straight. Fellow Kiwi-bred galloper Raf Attack (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) rounded the home turn in front and fought hard all the way down the straight, but then the backmarkers charged at him on both flanks. Firestorm flashed through on his inside, with the favourite Unusual Legacy (NZ) (Unusual Suspect) chiming in wider out. Firestorm and Unusual Legacy pulled away from the field to fight out a tight finish, with Firestorm snatching a narrow win. Raf Attack held on for third. “Firestorm has come back really well,” trainer Chris Waller said. “She’s gone to a new level in this preparation. It’s as simple as that. “She’s been given two nice rides and has scored two nice wins, and she’s going about things the right way. “I was in two minds today around where she was heading. We were stepping straight up to 1900m second-up, and I was wondering whether that would suit. She certainly put her hand up to say that she can stay. “We’re running a bit late for the Cups this spring, so we’ve just got to pick out some nice races to meet in the middle and still perhaps give her a chance to get towards something big. We’ll find a nice 2000m race for her next and then see where we’re at.” Waller was also pleased with the effort of the lightly raced second placegetter Unusual Legacy. “There was a bit of speed on today and he probably just got left a bit flat-footed,” he said. “Provided he gets in the field, he’ll back up with a light weight in the Metropolitan (Gr.1, 2400m) next Saturday.” Firestorm was bred and originally owned by Carl Ferguson. She is one of three winners from five foals to race out of the Istidaad mare Dancing Embers (NZ) (Istidaad), who herself won three races and placed in the Listed Metropolitan Trophy (2500m) at Riccarton. Firestorm has had 15 starts for four wins, two placings and A$256,303 in stakes. View the full article

Put on the spot in a pre-race interview trainer Kenny Rae was asked which of his two runners was the best winning chance in the third race on the card at Riccarton, the Prides Easifeed – Nobby Bussell Memorial Two-Year-Old (800m). Rae didn’t falter as he claimed War Decree filly Eliza James (NZ) was the better option over Vanbrugh colt Sailor Sam (NZ) and so it proved as jockey Jasmine Fawcett was merely a passenger throughout as Eliza James blew her rivals off the track with a sustained burst of speed throughout the 800m dash. Eliza James, who had displayed similar qualities in an 800m trial win at Ellerslie earlier in the month, had a wing on each hoof as she set up a sizzling speed in company with Quisiera (NZ) (Sweynesse) before leaving her struggling in her wake at the 200m. Allowed to ease slightly in the run to the line, the filly pricked her ears as she cruised home by more than two lengths in a slick 45.48s for the journey. Rae had stated his charge was very quick and a real professional and was pleased she had lived up to his comments on debut. “She is an easy horse to train although a wee bit flighty,” Rae said. “She got taken on and it was like she was sitting there saying what the hell are you doing to the other one. “Her breeder Peter Bell asked me if I wanted a share in her and I thought about whether I wanted another horse but ended up taking ten percent. After I had ridden her a couple of times in trackwork I asked him what was left and he said there was still ten percent, so I took that too. “She will stay down here until November now (for the New Zealand Cup Carnival) and might even become a permanent Cantabrian.” Fawcett was impressed by the performance and predicted there was more in store. “She is a classy little horse and I was quite confident heading into today,” she said. “In her trial she ran home in 48 seconds but today it was 45 seconds so there was massive improvement there. “She shied a little at the winning post and a little bit further will be ideal (for her) as well.” Bred by part-owner Peter Bell, who races her with a group of friends including Rae, Eliza James is out of the four-race winner Eva James (NZ) (Super Easy) and comes from an extended family that includes Gr.1 Hong Kong Champions Mile (1600m) winner Sight Winner. View the full article

Unique Ambition took on black-type company over a range of distances as a three-year-old last season, but trainer John Sargent believes her first-up win in Saturday’s A$120,000 Midway Handicap (1300m) at Rosehill will be a step towards a successful campaign as a miler. The New Zealand-bred daughter of Tavistock was a winner at Newcastle and Scone last season, and she also finished 10th in the Gr.2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m), 10th in the Gr.1 Flight Stakes (1600m), eighth in the Gr.3 PJ Bell Stakes (1200m), 10th in the Gr.3 James Carr Stakes (1400m) and 16th in the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m). Unique Ambition had pleased Sargent with her progress leading into Saturday’s four-year-old debut, and she came out and delivered a stylish first-up performance. After settling in third for jockey Blake Shinn, Unique Ambition was briefly held up for a run early in the home straight. But Shinn found a way through and Unique Ambition did the rest, quickening impressively to win by a length and a half. “Blake gave her a great ride and she’s won well,” Sargent said. “She’s very clean-winded and doesn’t need a lot of work. She just had one easy trial, which is the same as what she did the last couple of times she’s won fresh up. “I think she’ll get out to a mile in this preparation. We tried her in the Queensland Oaks as a three-year-old, but she just didn’t see that distance out. I think she’ll be at her best around a mile. “We’ll just look to work her through the grades this season and get her some confidence, which got knocked last season on bad tracks and things like that.” Unique Ambition was bred by Go Bloodstock and was offered by Curraghmore at Karaka 2022, where DGR Thoroughbred Services and John Sargent Racing bought her for $220,000. From a 10-start career, Unique Amibition has so far recorded three wins and two placings and banked A$159,450. The dam of Unique Ambition is the unraced Thorn Park mare Key To Success, who is a half-sister to the Group Two winner and Group One-placed Lady Kipling. Key To Success is the dam of two winners from three foals to race. View the full article

Trainer Mark Walker achieved another notable milestone when Age of Discovery (NZ) (Savabeel) bolted home in the Rangiora New World Guineas Trial (1400m) at Riccarton. The win was victory number 2000 for Walker in a stellar career that has seen him dominate in New Zealand and Singapore for Te Akau Racing whilst he is also quickly establishing his presence for the Te Akau team from their Cranbourne base in Australia. One of the hallmarks of Walkers mentorship has been his uncanny ability with the younger horses and Age Of Discovery looks another potential topliner in the making. Successful on debut at the venue over 1200m a fortnight again, Age Of Discovery was backed off the board on this occasion, starting at $1.30 on the tote and he never gave his multitude of supporters a worry as he made it two wins from just two starts. Allowed to find his feet and a good rhythm early in the piece by rider Wiremu Pinn, the son of Savabeel looked to be travelling sweetly as Pinn angled him into the clear from a rearward position approaching the home turn. Once he balanced up Age Of Discovery swept to the front at the 200m and eased to the line a length and a half to the good of Cloche and Simsala who chased bravely but to no avail. Walker, who prepares the colt with co-trainer Sam Bergerson, was pleased with the performance of both horse and rider as he looks ahead to bigger targets including a possible tilt at the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on 9 November. “Dave (Ellis) bought him out of Windsor Park’s draft and we’ve always thought quite a bit of him,” Walker said. “First prep, you’re always a bit mindful that they have to get through the early races, but you’d think he’d love a mile here. “Wiremu (Pinn) rode him confidently and he’s riding really well. We’ve taken him under our wing and if we can keep him on the straight and narrow he’s as good as any rider going around. “Our theory is that the more practice he (Age Of Discovery) has here at Riccarton the better, so we’ll probably come back here for the War Decree (Gr.3, 1600m) at the end of October. “He’s a really exciting colt and we’ve got him on the right track towards the 2000 Guineas. It was pleasing, just the way he did it today, to see him relax beautifully and really attack the line.” Not one to trumpet his achievements Walker has won 11 Champion Trainer titles, trained 36 Group One winners, recorded his 1000th domestic win in 2022, the same year in which he recorded the fastest 100 wins and NZ record 203 wins in a season. To date, he has trained 1279 wins in New Zealand, 684 in Singapore, and 37 following victory overnight by Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) in the Scarborough Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) at Moonee Valley. “I’m very thankful to have had the opportunities that I’ve had over the years. I’m still quite young (53), plenty of life left in me and I’m looking forward to training the next thousand,” he said. Bred by Windsor Park Stud from their Fastnet Rock mare Bayrock, Age Of Discovery was a $625,000 purchase by Te Akau Racing boss David Ellis from their Book 1 draft at Karaka in 2023. He is the younger brother of Australian stakes winner Hindaam (NZ) (Savabeel) while Gr.1 Coolmore Stakes (1200m) and Gr.1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes (1200m) winner Merchant Navy features in his extended pedigree. View the full article

Zac Lloyd steers Makarena to victory in the Group 2 Golden Pendant. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Team Hawkes and Zac Lloyd have combined to claim the Group 2 Golden Pendant (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, with Makarena ($4.60) holding off the fast-finishing Amelia’s Jewel ($2.70) to score an impressive second-up victory. The daughter of Snitzel put the writing on the wall first-up in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) on September 14, being forced to cart up a talented list of fillies and mares before fading to finish 2.4 lengths away. Lloyd was happy to adopt similar tactics, this time electing to sit outside the leader as Makarena and Tropical Quall ($10.00) pressed forward to go along at a steady tempo throughout the 1400m journey. Amelia’s Jewel had no excuses lobbing into the one-one, while Semana ($3.00) shocked most punters by being dragged back towards the rear of the field under Dylan Gibbons. The race turned into a sit-and-sprint as Makarena made the first move turning for home, kicking off the bend to maintain an unassailable margin as only Amelia’s Jewel and Arctic Glamour ($9.50) made any significant inroads in the concluding stages. 2024 Group 2 Golden Pendant Replay – Makarena It was well-deserved win for the consistent four-year-old as Michael Hawkes spoke post-race about the victory and the possibilities throughout the campaign. “She showed her true colours today,” said Hawkes. “It was all about really just trying to get her in a rhythm. Last start, nothing really went right for her, she just wanted to chase, the horse went off out in front and nothing went to plan. “But today was a different race, 1400m, Zac (Lloyd) got her into a beautiful rhythm and she travelled well. “She’s still learning. She got to the front and had a bit of a look around but when it counted, Zac just gave her a little nudge and away she went. “She is only second-up today so she is in for a really nice prep. She has got that Group win under her belt that we wanted and we’ve always had a really high opinion of her. “The Invitation is there, Golden Eagle. It’s all there. There’s no rush.” Zac Lloyd spoke post-race and was delighted with the performance as well. “Really good,” said Lloyd. “It’s just good to have her back. “It’s been Michael and Clare’s birthday this week, so extra special win for them. They’ve always been great supporters of mine since I moved to Sydney and to repay them with wins like this is very fitting. “I was very happy with the way she was parading. Last prep she was a bit hot, a bit fizzy, and that showed in her races. She used to over-race a bit whereas today she was very tractable. “I was able to get a slipstream off Tropical Squall for a bit and then at the 600m I popped out. And I felt like the winner the whole way. She really handled that race well and dictated it.” Makarena is now a $21 chance with horse racing bookmakers for the Golden Eagle (1500m) on November 2. Horse racing news View the full article

First Light spaced his rivals in the Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality. Photo: RacingNSW The Chris Waller-trained First Light ($4.40) has booked his ticket to the Group 1 Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) after a dominant display in the Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality (2400m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon. It was a big step-up in grade for the son of Dubawi after contest BM78 company last time out, however, he seemed to relish the Soft 6 conditions on offer as he picked up his first win at Rosehill at start 12. Tommy Berry was happy to bide his time at the rear of the field, sitting last amongst the small field of seven throughout the journey, as James McDonald and Changingoftheguard ($5.00) strode to the front ticking over some moderate sectionals. The race didn’t change complexion in the middle stages, with Canberra Legend ($9.00) sitting to his outside, while Campaldino ($4.80) and well-supported favourite Strathtay ($3.20) were stalking every step of the way. When asked for an effort in the final 600m, First Light slowly started to build the revs, and there was only one horse you wanted to be on as the six-year-old bound clear to score by 3.1 lengths, leaving Changingoftheguard and Strathtay to fight out the minor placings. 2024 Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality Replay – First Light Chris Waller was on course to represent the stable and confirmed the major possibility of First Light backing up into next Saturday’s Group 1 staying feature. “It was an exciting win,” said Waller. “Tommy just let him do his own thing, flopped out of the barriers, minded his own business and joined in at the top of the straight. And he came away for a really good win. “We are (well represented in the Metrop) but it’s a Group One race so I’ll have a talk to Mrs Rupert and her team and see what they’ve got to say. “They bred this horse in England and sent him out, and I’m sure it would mean a lot to them, a Group win and a Group One placing or a win (in The Metrop) wouldn’t be the worst thing. “We’ve found in the past, backing horses up, it’s not always the worst thing in a staying race, they need to be fit. He can go home and won’t have to do any more galloping, he’s had his gallop today.” Tommy Berry was confident thanks to the guidance of Chirs Waller pre-race and credited his mounts adaptability to get through conditions. “He was (dominant),” said Berry. “I had a really good feeling about him today on the back-up. Chris just wrapped up his preparation perfectly and I know he really likes wet ground. I said to Chris before the race, I said ‘I just would have loved it to be a bit softer’, and he goes, ‘he’ll be right’. “So that gave me the confidence to ride him like I usually do and forget about the first half of the race, and when he’s in a field where it’s not that big and he doesn’t have as much ground to make up, he’s quite dynamic.” First Light is now a $15.00 chance with horse racing bookmakers in the Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) on October 5. Horse racing news View the full article

Moonee Valley witnessed a sensational upset on Friday under the lights with the Ciaron Maher-trained Southport Tycoon securing a thrilling final stride success over his stablemate Growing Empire in the Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes 2024. The $2 million Group 1 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (1200m) looked like it would go the way of the punters with the […] The post Southport Tycoon Steals 2024 Manikato Stakes Win at The Valley appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

The Paul Gardner-trained Red Wraith heading for victory on Darwin Cup Day. Picture: Darwin Turf Club The bookies couldn’t split them during the week, and little should separate Red Wraith and Garrucha in the feature race at Alice Springs on Sunday. Both are last start winners, with Paul Gardner’s Red Wraith – the early $2.80 favourite with horse racing bookmakers – and Dan Morgan’s Garrucha ($2.90) squaring off in a five-horse field over 1100m (BM76) at Pioneer Park. Ray Viney’s Kickatorp ($4.20), Greg Connor’s Flying Start ($7.50) and Lisa Whittle’s Lunar Solar ($12) complete the field. It might well be a small field, but it’s an exceptional field and Gardner agrees Red Wraith, who boasts seven wins and five minor placings from 15 Alice Springs starts, will have to be at his best. The five-year-old gelding impressed three weeks ago when he led early over 1200m (BM76) before extending his advantage at the 600m to overcome Flying Start by 3.8 lengths. Red Wraith ($1.75 fav) carried 56kg with local apprentice Lek Maloney in the saddle, but he will lump an extra 3kg on Sunday with Gardner booking Darwin jockey Adam Nicholls. “He took a little while to get going in Darwin, I just think he didn’t handle the track to start with and showed his true form on Cup Day,” Gardner said. “He needs to roll along, that’s his pattern because once you take hold of him he doesn’t gallop freely. “He doesn’t have to lead, but he’s got to be handy. “It was a good win last start, he went well, but before that Greg’s horse beat him. “Flying Start goes good and is going to be hard to beat.” Garrucha, a five-year-old gelding, has had five starts for Morgan since transferring from the stable of former Alice Springs trainer Russell Bell earlier this year. The son of Street Boss managed three wins and a second before pinging the gates two weeks ago and blitzing his rivals by 5.8 lengths over 1000m (0-70) after returning from a four-month spell. “Dan’s horse is an up and coming sprinter – his form is second to none,” Gardner said. “Garrucha will run on the pace and he keeps charging to the line. “Since Dan has taken over the horse his form has been really good, he’s done nothing wrong. “There are other horses in the race that go well too and there’s no reason why one of them couldn’t win.” Nicholls, faultless aboard Red Wraith on Darwin Cup Day, partnered the horse last October when he won his first Alice Springs race following his arrival from South Australia. Fellow Top End jockey Sonja Logan, who has also had success aboard Red Wraith in the past, retains the ride on Garrucha (57kg) on Sunday. Horse racing news View the full article

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“Zurdo” Estrada earned his nickname back when he was a kid in Mexico running up and down the soccer field. He would always kick the ball with his left foot so everyone called him Zurdo, the term word for left-handed. The nickname stuck and even still today, it's what everyone knows him as on the Santa Anita backside. Estrada began working as a hot walker at Bay Meadows Racetrack in San Mateo, California in 1989. He instantly fell in love with the sport and after a few short months, made his way up to becoming a groom. Over the years since, he has taken on a handful of jobs outside of the industry only to catch a glimpse of a horse race on television and quickly return to racing. “I love the horses,” Estrada said with a smile and a shrug. “When I stay with the horses, I feel relaxed. Now it has been 30 years. All my life, I've loved horses.” Estrada has worked for trainers like Mark Glatt, James Cassidy and Bobby Frankel. During his time with Frankel, he became a Breeders' Cup-winning groom when Intercontinental (GB) (Danehill) claimed the 2005 GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf. About 10 years ago, Estrada was forced to step away from the track when he had to have back surgery. He went back to his home in Mexico, but was miserable being away from the animals he loved. Zurdo Estrada spends time with Sweet Azteca after morning training | Katie Petrunyak “When I was there, there was no work for me because I needed to keep my back relaxed and stay strong so I could come back,” Estrada recalled. “The doctor told me I needed a couple of years to relax.” After three years, Estrada returned to California and took a job as a hot walker for Chief Stipe O'Neill. The first horse assigned to him was Nyquist (Uncle Mo), a 3-year-old colt who had won the 2015 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile the year prior. One of Estrada's fondest memories came just after his return to racing when Nyquist won the GI Kentucky Derby. “When you have a horse in a big race like that, you feel your blood rushing and your heart beating,” said Estrada. “It's exciting. Also during his time with O'Neill, Estrada was the groom of 2017 GII Blue Grass Stakes winner Irap (Tiznow). Last year, Estrada began working for trainer Michael McCarthy. He quickly developed a soft spot for one of his first charges, a big, grey filly named Sweet Azteca (Sharp Azteca). Estrada said that for the most part, the filly's personality matches her name, but she still has a bit of a sassy side. “If you are going to work with her all day, you need a little piece of carrot to give her and she's happy,” Estrada shared with a smile. “If you don't give her anything, she'll try to push you away. But I still love her.” Sweet Azteca broke her maiden on debut as a 3-year-old last year. This year, after a third-place placing in the GIII Las Flores S., the homebred for Pamela Ziebarth has dominated throughout California. Her win in the GI Beholder Mile Stakes over MGISW Adare Manor (Uncle Mo) has been Estrada's favorite victory to date, but she has also reeled off wins in the GII Great Lady M Stakes, where she set a new track record, and in her most recent start, the GIII Rancho Bernardo Handicap. Estrada said that with every win, the speedy filly's competitiveness seems to grow. “In the morning she always goes in the first set,” he explained. “She used to go in the second or third set but would start getting nervous. If she goes early, she is relaxed for the day.” Sweet Azteca is now pointing toward the GIII Chillingworth Stakes on Oct. 5. going 6 ½ furlongs. Trainer Michael McCarthy has an eye toward the GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint for his star trainee. “When he told me she was going to the Breeders' Cup, I started working a little bit more with her, putting more attention into every piece of her,” said Estrada proudly. Estrada lives above the stable at Santa Anita and quite literally lives and breathes racing. Throughout his life, the horseman has learned that he is most content when he is around horses, so he plans to continue his role as a groom for as long as he can. He said the best part of his day is when he spends time with each of his horses after training has wrapped up for the morning. All is quiet and he can enjoy an afternoon spent in good company. “I try to finish a little late because I don't want to stay in my room or go outside,” he said. “I want to stay with the horses. I take like 25 or 30 minutes with each horse inside the stall, working and massaging and playing with them. I might work all day, but it's much better for me.” The post Breeders’ Cup Connections: “Zurdo” Estrada Happiest With His Horses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Apprentice jockey Micah Husbands guided The Dove Rules (Bucchero) to victory in Friday's Race 8 feature at Gulfstream Park to earn his first career win in the U.S. A winner of 11 races in Canada, the 21-year-old native of Barbados is the nephew of eight-time Sovereign Award-winning jockey Patrick Husbands. “It's a thrill, a dream come true. I grew up watching races here, watching Joel Rosario, Mike Smith, Johnny Velazquez,” said Husbands, who closed from well off the pace to prevail over favored American of Course aboard the Saffie Joseph Jr.-trained The Dove Rules. Joseph, also from Barbados, provided Husbands with his first U.S. mount, Clay Soldier (Bucchero), who finished third in the previous race. The seven-pound apprentice, whose late father Fazal Razack rode in Trinidad, ventured to Canada when he was 15 and was eventually adopted by his uncle Patrick to hasten the process of becoming a Canadian citizen. He rode in only 22 races between July 3, 2022 and July 28, 2022, winning aboard his first and final mounts, before his student visa expired and he was not allowed on the grounds of Woodbine until the citizenship process was completed. Husbands, who galloped horses on trainer Kevin Attard's farm during that period, returned to race-riding at Woodbine this August following a two-year hiatus. He rode seven winners from 47 mounts between Woodbine and Fort Erie. The Dove Rules (inside), with @micah_husbands, reaches the wire first in race 8. #GulfstreamPark #SunshineMeet pic.twitter.com/spi8v8HDWc — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) September 27, 2024 The post Apprentice Micah Husbands Notches First U.S. Win At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article