Wandering Eyes

Romantic Warrior surged to victory over Japan's top milers in the Yasuda Kinen (G1) June 2 at Tokyo Racecourse, earning his fifth straight top-level victory in three jurisdictions.View the full article

At 6:30 Sunday morning, Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas was spotted along the horse trail outside of the Oklahoma Training Track in Saratoga Springs. He was aboard his pony, Bucky and his prized 3-year-old Seize the Grey (Arrogate) was right next to him. The GI Preakness S. winner is in town and getting ready for the GI Belmont S. Seize the Grey arrived in the Spa City early Saturday evening around 7 p.m. after a 15-hour van ride from Louisville. The trip didn't bother Seize the Grey one bit. Lukas said he had planned on just walking Seize the Grey on Sunday after the long journey. The colt would have none of that. “He was pretty sharp when I got him off yesterday,” Lukas said at his Oklahoma barn, where Seize the Grey and Bucky are the only occupants. “So, I let him jog on the [Oklahoma] track and stretch his legs. He is good. He is really good.” Seize the Grey gave Lukas his seventh win in the Preakness; he has won the Belmont four times. In the Preakness, Seize the Grey, dismissed at 9-1, beat GI Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan by 2 1/4 lengths going gate-to-wire. “I thought I had him really good for the Preakness and it turned out the way I thought it would,” Lukas said. “Since then, the two weeks that I have trained him up until [Sunday], I might have turned him up another notch. We'll see when the gate opens on Saturday.” Lukas said he plans on having Seize the Grey gallop early Monday morning. He may take him to the main track for that. Resilience Telling Mott He's Ready for Belmont Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott said he would let Resilience (Into Mischief) show him if he was ready to take a spot in the GI Belmont S. starting gate. Looks like he showed him enough. Resilience worked four furlongs on the Oklahoma Training Track in :48.00 (2/22) with assistant trainer Neil Poznansky aboard Sunday morning at 7:30. “I saw a very good breeze,” Mott said at his barn on the Oklahoma. “The horse was willing, moving well and the time was certainly fast enough. A very good work, I am pleased with it.” Mott said he would enter Resilience, owned by Emily Bushnell and Ric Waldman on Sunday. The draw for the race will be held Monday afternoon at 5 p.m. in downtown Saratoga. Resilience won the GII Wood Memorial S. at Aqueduct before finishing sixth, beaten 7 3/4 lengths by Mystik Dan (Goldencents) in the GI Kentucky Derby. Mott said he wanted to give his horse another chance to prove to him that he could get the 1 1/4-mile distance. “Makes sense to try it one more time,” Mott said of the Belmont. “If it doesn't work out, we'll move in a different direction. It's a litmus test. Antiquarian Leading Belmont Charge for Pletcher When it was announced that Fierceness (City of Light) would not run in the GI Belmont S., Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher looked up and down his shedrow to see who might be the barn's hero in the final leg of the Triple Crown. Pletcher came up with three horses and it just might be Centennial Farms' Antiquarian (Preservationist) who leads the way. He, along with Mindframe (Constitution) and Protective (Medaglia d'Oro) will represent the barn in the 1 1/4-mile Belmont. Antiquarian earned his way into the Belmont starting gate after winning the GIII Peter Pan S. at Aqueduct Race Track by 3/4 lengths. That was a welcome performance after what happened to him in the GII Louisiana Derby. Prior to the start, Antiquarian broke through the gate and ended up finishing sixth, beaten four lengths by Catching Freedom (Constitution). “Often times, when a horse breaks through the doors prior to the race, it generally does not turn out well,” Pletcher said outside his barn at the Oklahoma Training Track. “Something got him excited before he did that. To break through the doors and run down the track 100 yards and then come back and reload… certainly not the way you want to get started. It wasn't like him to behave that way.” Despite the hiccup, Pletcher said his horse ran a respectable race. Antiquarian, who was again ridden by Hall of Famer John Velazquez, made up for it in the Peter Pan, which had a field of five. He won by three quarters of a length over The Wine Steward (Vino Rosso). Protective finished third. “The Peter Pan showed more of what he is capable of,” Pletcher said. Now, another hurdle, one Pletcher thinks Antiquarian can clear in the Belmont. “We think he will appreciate the mile and a quarter,” Pletcher said. “And we also think he is improving.” Antiquarian, unraced at age two, has two wins and a third in four career starts. He will try to become the second straight Peter Pan winner to take the Belmont. Arcangelo (Arrogate) did it last year. The post Preakness Winner Seize the Grey Has Settled in at Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Eva Nieslanikova's six-year-old entire Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}–Blessing Box {GB}, by Bahamian Bounty {GB}), undefeated in Europe since returning from a five-race winter jaunt to the Middle East, made it three-for-three this term with a dominant performance in Sunday's G2 Prix du Gros-Chene at Chantilly. Ponntos was successful in April's Listed Premio Certosa and last month's G3 Prix de Saint-Georges, his second victory in the latter, and assumed his customary frontrunning role from flagfall in this straight five-furlong dash. Untroubled throughout, the 6-4 favourite had all 11 rivals on the stretch passing the quarter-mile marker and was ridden out inside the final furlong to easily register a fifth black-type triumph. Hitting the line, he had a 2 1/2-length buffer back to Mgheera (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}) with Pradaro (Fr) (Penny's Picnic {Ire}) finishing 1 1/4 lengths adrift in third. “He's a big horse with a big heart and we're all very proud of him,” said connections' representative Aisha Dachiel. “It is a very big day for us, he's in good form and we're delighted with the win. He's a six-year-old now, he's totally calm in the head and he was born for winning. Once he is fully recovered and rested, we might consider Goodwood [for the Aug. 2 G2 King George S.]. Maybe, we will see.” Pedigree Notes Ponntos, one of his sire's 15 pattern-race winners, is one of two scorers and the leading performer out of a winning full-sister to Listed Flying Fillies' S. victrix Bounty Box (GB) (Bahamian Bounty {GB}) and Listed Prix Delahante placegetter Bahamian Box (GB) (Bahamian Bounty {GB}). Hisdam's half-sister Vive Les Rouges (GB) (Acclamation {GB}) ran second in the Listed Dick Poole Fillies' S. and produced multiple Group-winning G1 Haydock Sprint Cup third Rohaan (Ire) (Mayson {GB}). The March-foaled bay's fourth dam Green Wings (Ire) (General Assembly) is a half-sister to G3 King George S. runner-up Golden Green (Godswalk). Sunday, Chantilly, France PRIX DU GROS-CHENE-G2, €130,000, Chantilly, 6-2, 3yo/up, 5fT, :57.72, hy. 1–PONNTOS (IRE), 130, h, 6, by Power (GB) 1st Dam: Blessing Box (GB), by Bahamian Bounty (Ire) 2nd Dam: Bible Box (Ire), by Bin Ajwaad (Ire) 3rd Dam: Addie Pray (Ire), by Great Commotion (€2,200 Wlg '18 GOFNOV; €6,800 Ylg '19 TIRSEP). O-Dr Eva Nieslanikova; B-Liam Butler & Churchtown House Stud (IRE); T-Miroslav Nieslanik; J-Mickael Barzalona. €74,100. Lifetime Record: SW & GSP-UAE, SW-Ity, 37-9-3-3, €409,506. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Mgheera (GB), 127, f, 4, Zoustar (Aus)–Blue Aegean (GB), by Invincible Spirit (Ire). 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (€145,000 Ylg '21 ARQOCT; €3,500 3yo '23 ARQJUL). O-European Bloodstock Management & Mme Marie-Christelle Lacaille; B-David Redvers & Framont Ltd (GB); T-Manon Scandella-Lacaille. €28,600. 3–Pradaro (Fr), 130, g, 9, Penny's Picnic (Ire)–Vaillante (Ire), by Zilzal. (€42,000 Ylg '16 ARQAUG). O-Stal Vie En Rose; B-Guy Pariente Holding (FR); T-Sofie Lanslots. €13,650. Margins: 2HF, 1 1/4, HD. Odds: 1.50, 12.00, 22.00. Also Ran: Batwan (Fr), Vicious Harry (Fr), Coeur De Pierre (Fr), Game Run (Fr), Lesslepasser (Fr), Albasheer (Ire), Tudo Bem (Fr), La Rochette (Fr). Video, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Business As Usual For Ponntos in the Gros-Chene appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The span between Memorial Day and the third leg of the Triple Crown is often a quiet one in the racing world. Not this year, though. Here's a shaking-out of a reporter's notebook from a week that generated some unexpected headlines. Louisiana's move to more lenient medication rules: TDN's survey of seven trainers–Steve Asmussen, Brad Cox, Michael Stidham, Tom Amoss, Al Stall, Dallas Stewart, Cherie DeVaux–spoke volumes about the announcement by the Louisiana Racing Commission that it would be implementing “emergency” standards that softened a number of drug-regulating standards as of June 8. Of particular concern are the changed withdrawal times for the controversial bronchodilator Clenbuterol and the substance Depo-Medrol, a steroid injected into joints to treat pain and swelling. The relaxed policies represent a drastic roll-back of the long-term national effort to implement safer medication standards while at the same time making it more difficult for horses to ship back and forth from Louisiana to states that are regulated by the more stringent Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) codes. Louisiana, along with West Virginia, are two states that are currently exempt from HISA rules because of a federal court stay that will be in effect at least until the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals makes a ruling in a separate lawsuit in which the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association is alleging that HISA is unconstitutional. While not every comment from the above-named trainers was critical, and several did advocate a wait-and-see approach that suggested the rules might be revamped in the wake of widespread outcry before the Fair Grounds season begins Nov. 17, their reactions were laced with descriptors such as “astonished,” “quite concerning” “reckless abandon,” “a big step backwards,” “unfair playing field,” “a setback,” and a “lack of regard for the safety of the horse and the riders.” Evangeline Downs and Louisiana Downs are currently the operational Thoroughbred meets in Louisiana, and their barn areas are largely populated by in-state outfits that don't ship between jurisdictions as often as the stables that compete at the higher-tiered Fair Grounds meet. Should the Louisiana commission proceed as planned, the true implications of the lax drug policy will be evident by the first week of December, which is when both Turfway Park and Oaklawn Park open for their 2024-25 race meets. Both of those tracks stand to gain significant horsepower if there is an outflux from Fair Grounds, and Louisiana's status as a well-traveled pipeline for GI Kentucky Derby prep races is at risk of being in jeopardy, with A-list aspirants for the Triple Crown series possibly being re-routed elsewhere to earn qualifying points. Belmont-at-Spa Mini-Meet: No Triple Crown being on the line actually seems to be shaping up as a plus for this coming week's four-day GI Belmont S. festival. The novelty of the brief upstate meet is generally being met with enthusiasm as the event nears, and with no horse in line to sweep the series, we'll be spared the endless kibitzing and arguing about the New York Racing Association (NYRA)'s decision to truncate the 1 1/2-miles “test of a champion” to 1 1/4 miles so the race won't have to start at an angle on the far turn. Lost in the shuffle is another Grade I distance change, this one an elongation. Friday's Acorn S. will be conducted at nine furlongs for the first time. The Acorn has been a one-mile fixture at Belmont Park (and occasionally Aqueduct) since 1931. Last year, NYRA extended it to 1 1/16 miles, but there is no established starting point for that dirt distance at Saratoga, so the only realistic options were to run the race at a mile out of the Wilson Chute, or extend it to nine furlongs. Either way, it's a little unusual for a Grade I stakes to be conducted at three different distances over a three-year period. Although moving the Belmont S. to Saratoga for two years is a necessity because of the teardown and $455-million rebuild of Belmont Park, the venue switch is also an important litmus test for how NYRA might restructure its year-round calendar once the new Belmont opens and Aqueduct closes as anticipated. NYRA management has not publicly committed to what its racing seasons might look like in the years to come. But it's difficult to imagine the New York schedule will consist of just 40 days of racing at Saratoga from mid-July to Labor Day and roughly 10 months of year-round racing at the new Belmont. A seasonal shift to Saratoga for a similar mini-meet once the Belmont S. is back at its permanent downstate home seems like a logical option, perhaps occupying some of the June downtime that currently exists on the national racing calendar once the Triple Crown series concludes. And remember, if all goes according to plan, foals of 2024 will be the next crop to compete for the Triple Crown under “normal” conditions. The Derby at Churchill on the first Saturday in May isn't going anywhere. But the 2025 series will feature a 150th Preakness run at the half-demolished Pimlico Race Course, which is also slated to undergo a teardown and rebuild. The Belmont S. next year is again scheduled for Saratoga at 10 furlongs. In 2026, the Preakness will be staged at Laurel Park with the Belmont S. reverting downstate and to 12 furlongs. The Triple Crown of 2027 will be back to traditional tracks and distances, so long as there are no major delays in any of the projects, meaning the Derby at Churchill, the Preakness at the new “Pimlico Plus” two weeks after that, and the Belmont S. three weeks after that in its second year back at its namesake track. Frankie Goes to Hollywood (Casino at Penn National): When world-acclaimed jockey Frankie Dettori embarked on a Santa Anita-based swan song in 2023 that was expected to lead to his retirement from a highly acclaimed global raceriding career, who could have predicted that the now 53-year-old master of the saddle would not only extend his stateside stay into 2024, but continue to hit the road by competing at smaller tracks like Penn National and the mid-sized Monmouth Park? Yet that's precisely what happened this past weekend, when Dettori accepted two mounts on the biggest evening of racing at Penn National and won with both of them, piloting First World War (War Front) to victory in Friday's GIII Penn Mile and scoring aboard Poolside With Slim (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) in the $150,000 Penn Oaks. Dettori then decided to continue east to the Jersey shore for four Saturday engagements at Monmouth, where he won the $100,000 Jersey Derby with Twirling Point (Twirling Candy). Although the smaller American venues were a touch out of character for the multiple winner of British riding titles (Dettori had never ridden at Penn National, and hadn't appeared at Monmouth since going 0-for-8 when the Breeders' Cup was there in 2007), the margins of victory were classic, well-timed, Frankie-styled scores: Two noses and a head. Dettori wasn't done with his flying-dismount road show after only two stops. He was booked to ride at Churchill Downs on Sunday in the GIII Old Forrester Mint Julep S. (results not available at deadline for this column), then planned to continue to Saratoga for next weekend's festival meet. The post The Week in Review: Improbable Headlines Fueled by Winds of Change appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After successfully claiming redemption in the G1 Betfred Derby on Saturday, City of Troy (Justify) has returned to Listowel and is going well since arriving late that evening. Aidan O'Brien's stable representative Chris Armstrong gave a positive report for the Derby victor, adding that the goal is to gradually build him back up to full training. “City Of Troy obviously flew over yesterday and got back last night at 10pm. He pulled out well this morning, went out, had a hand-walk and a pick of grass, had a roll and he seems in good spirits,” said Armstrong. “He will go back and do one steady canter tomorrow, and by the end of the week, we will gradually build him back up to full training. We'll give him time to get over the race and the main thing is he has come through it well and is happy in himself.” “It was an unbelievable training performance from Aidan and it was a great ride from Ryan [Moore] and worked out nicely. It is exciting for the rest of the year, hopefully it is onwards and upwards and all his options are open.” No future plans have been made yet, and all options remain on the table for the son of the American Triple Crown winner, but City of Troy has been made an odds-on favourite for the G1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on June 30. The post City of Troy In ‘Good Spirits’ After Derby Heroics appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Kembla Grange Races Where Kembla Grange Racecourse – Princes Highway, Kembla Grange NSW 2526 When Tuesday, June 4, 2024 First Race 12:35pm AEST Visit Dabble Provincial racing heads to the Illawarra region of NSW on Tuesday afternoon, with Kembla Grange set to host a quickfire seven-race program. The rail is out +9m between the 1100m marker to winning post, while the remainder is out +6m. No significant rainfall is anticipated in the lead-up, so the track should be in pristine Good 4 conditions. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 12:35pm local time. Best Bet at Kembla Grange: Tulle Tulle had no luck at Scone on May 17 and should be ready to peak second-up in the campaign. The daughter of Sepoy sat wide without cover the entire journey last time out, showing plenty of tenacity to secure a spot in the minor money. James Cummings has applied the blinkers for the first time in this, and with Zac Lloyd likely to be position from stall six, Tulle can finally shirk the maiden tag at the fifth time of asking. Best Bet Race 2 – #7 Tulle (6) 4yo Mare | T: James Cummings | J: Zac Lloyd (57kg) -125 with PlayUp Next Best at Kembla Grange: Lenape Vibe Lenape Vibe powered through the line on the Kensington circuit at Randwick on May 15 and should’ve finished much closer than the 2.5-lenth margin. He got caught up in a bumping duel at the rear of the field, blunting his turn-of-foot at the top of the straight before finding his stride in the final furlong. He should lob into the one-one under Tommy Berry from barrier three, and once asked for the ultimate effort, watch for Lenape Vibe to be careering over the top. Next Best Race 5 – #1 Lenape Vibe (3) 3yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Tommy Berry (59kg) +200 with Neds Best Value: Luna Rocks Luna Rocks was ridden out of her comfort zone at Wyong on May 2 and is worth forgiving with a change of tactics. She seems to be far more effective taking a sit behind her rivals, allowing the daughter of Hellbent to get the last shot at her opposition in the concluding stages. Watch for Tommy Berry to drag back to the rear in this BM68 contest, and provided she can hit the line like she did at Wagga two starts back, Luna Rocks will warrant respect at an each-way price with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 4 – #8 Luna Rocks (6) 4yo Mare | T: Mitchell Beer | J: Tommy Berry (56.5kg) +1300 with Dabble Kembla Grange Tuesday quaddie tips – June 4, 2024 Kembla Grange quadrella selections Tuesday, June 4, 2024 2-4-8 1-2-4 1-6-8 1-2-5-6-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

If you are looking for a million-to-one shot, then that's the likely odds on someone actually getting the $53,888 they want on StubHub.com for a seat at the historic first-ever Belmont at Saratoga Race Course. View the full article

The first-ever Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course will bring together two diverse versions of a racing partnership. View the full article

Evangeline Downs hosted the annual celebration of Louisiana-bred Thoroughbreds with an exciting Louisiana Legends Night card June 1 that was highlighted by Brittlyn Stable's grade 3 winner Ova Charged taking the Mademoiselle.View the full article

By Jonny Turner Tyler Dewe is hoping to make the perfect start from his new base by winning the South Port NZ Ltd Bluff Cup at Ascot Park on Monday. Amid a great run of form, Dewe has taken up an opportunity to train at Tom Kilkelly’s property at Tisbury. The trainer has returned to where his harness racing career began, and will be working alongside Kirstin Green. South Seas Rock will be out to make it four wins on the trot for Dewe in Monday’s feature. Having settled in to his new surroundings well, the trainer is hopeful his bold front-runner can keep his great form going. After winning three mobiles in a row, a new challenge awaits South Seas Rock in the Bluff Cup. It is one Dewe thinks the horse is up to. “He has only missed away for me once, that was in his first go, but then he made a couple of really fast beginnings in his next two starts.” “With the small field and there only being two horses off 10m, I am hoping he can make a good beginning.” South Seas Rock has been in the zone recently, running to impressive front-running victories in his last three starts. Dewe feels the horse hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, as far as his work goes. “He is still in the zone, it is just going to be how he gets away.” “If he hits it, I am expecting him to push forward.” “He doesn’t have to lead because he has gone some very good race sitting parked.” “But he does like to be handy.” Dewe also starts Jordy, who also lines up from a 10m handicap in the Bluff Cup. The pacer has been ultra-consistent through the summer and autumn and his trainer expects the six-year-old to go another good race. “I have taken the blinds off him, it did the trick when he won three starts ago.” “He has had a couple more starts without them, so we are putting them back on.” “You have to keep changing things up and keep him on his toes.” “He is a really good horse, but sometimes he doesn’t show it.” “I reckon he has been in just about every country cup in Southland and he hasn’t run out of the top five.” Dewe also starts Magnetic Daughter in race 5, the Mountfort Fishing Company Fillies and Mares Mobile Pace. The pacer made a mistake in her debut at Winton last week and her trainer is hopeful she can improve in her second start. “If she did everything right, she has a bit of speed.” “She is a bit immature and a bit inexperienced, I have changed a few things and hopefully she can do things right.” “If she did do everything right and she got a handy trip, I do expect her to be running on.” View the full article

Alain and Gerard Wertheimer's Junko (GB) (Intello {Ger}–Lady Zuzu, by Dynaformer), who collected two Group 1 contests last term, encountered heavy ground for the first time in 17 career starts and prevailed, just, in a pulsating renewal of Sunday's G2 Grand Prix de Chantilly. The 23-10 favourite tanked forward from an early position in rear to stalk the tempo in second after steady initial exchanges. Inching closer in the straight to challenge at the quarter-mile marker, he was ridden to poach a decisive advantage passing the furlong pole and came under a power drive to hold the late thrust of Marquisat (Ire) (Zarak {Fr}) by a nostril. Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai {Ire}) finished 1 1/4 lengths back in third. Junko had two pattern-race rosettes in the bag when notching a personal best in November's G1 Grosser Preis von Bayern at Munich and closed his 2023 campaign with another elite-level victory in December's G1 Hong Kong Vase. He opened this term with a runner-up finish in a Mar. 8 conditions heat at this venue and ran seventh in Meydan's Mar. 30 G1 Dubai Sheema Classic when last seen. “I love this horse and we're very proud of him,” commented racing manager Pierre-Yves Bureau. “We know his ideal distance is a mile-and-a-half and Dubai probably came a little bit too soon after a long end-of-season, but it is good to see him back to winning ways. If everything is okay, he will likely go for the [June 30 G1] Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, a race in which he ran [third] last year.” Pedigree Notes Junko, one of his sire's three elite-level winners, is the leading performer out of GIII Regret S. and GIII Edgewood S. placegetter Lady Zuzu (Dynaformer), herself kin to multiple Graded-stakes winner and GI Woodford Reserve Turf Classic and GI Woodford Reserve Manhattan H. runner-up Optimizer (English Channel)' Lady Zuzu is also kin to the dam of stakes-winning GI Belmont Derby Invitational third Cellist (Big Blue Kitten). The April foaled-homebred bay's third dam, GI Hempstead H. victrix Fantastic Find (Mr. Prospector), produced GI Acorn S. and GI Matron S. heroine Finder's Fee (Storm Cat), with the latter being the third dam of unbeaten GI Breeders' Cup Classic hero and sire Flightline (Tapit). Junko, kin to the hitherto unraced 2-year-old colt Nitoi (Siyouni {Fr}) and a yearling colt by Uncle Mo, is from the family of elite-level winners Dancing Spree (Nijinsky), Furlough (Easy Goer), Heavenly Prize (Seeking The Gold) and Oh What A Windfall (Seeking The Gold). Sunday, Chantilly, France GRAND PRIX DE CHANTILLY-G2, €130,000, Chantilly, 6-2, 4yo/up, 12fT, 2:32.95, hy. 1–JUNKO (GB), 126, g, 5, by Intello (Ger) 1st Dam: Lady Zuzu (MGSP-US, $112,615), by Dynaformer 2nd Dam: Indy Pick, by A.P. Indy 3rd Dam: Fantastic Find, by Mr. Prospector O/B-Wertheimer & Frere (GB); T-Andre Fabre; J-Maxime Guyon. €74,100. Lifetime Record: G1SW-Ger & HK, G1SP-Fr, 17-8-3-3, €2,280,935. Werk Nick Rating: D+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Marquisat (Ire), 126, g, 4, Zarak (Fr)–La Marchesa (Ire), by Duke Of Marmalade (Ire). (42,000gns Ylg '21 TATDEY). O-Godolphin; B-Mark H Dixon & Mount Coote Stud (IRE); T-Andre Fabre. €28,600. 3–Dubai Honour (Ire), 126, g, 6, Pride Of Dubai (Aus)–Mondelice (GB), by Montjeu (Ire). (110,000gns Ylg '19 TATOCT). O-Mohamed Obaida; B-Macha Bloodstock & Meridian International (IRE); T-William Haggas. €13,650. Margins: NO, 1 1/4, 2HF. Odds: 2.30, 4.80, 5.80. Also Ran: Goliath (Ger), Al Qareem (Ire), Galashiels (Ire), Just Light (Fr). Video, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Intello’s Junko Back On Song in Grand Prix de Chantilly Thriller appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jean-Pierre Dubois's homebred 3-year-old filly Sparkling Plenty (Fr) (Kingman {GB}–Speralita {Fr}, by Frankel {GB}), unsuccessful in three black-type outings this term, added to her victory in last season's Listed Prix Delahante with a power-packed display–coming from last to first and outclassing five rivals–in Sunday's G2 Prix de Sandringham at Chantilly. Sparkling Plenty, the well-backed 21-10 favourite coming back off a sixth in last month's G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, was under a firm hold and anchored at the tail of the field through halfway in this one-mile distaffers' test. Nudged closer once into the straight, she quickened stylishly to launch her challenge entering the final furlong and found another gear in the closing stages to win powering away in impressive fashion. Last month's Listed Prix Ceres runner-up Cetera (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}) finished three lengths adrift in second, with a half-length back to Ceres victrix Ribaltagaia (Blame) in third. “She had not been too lucky in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, but she really was able to show her true quality today,” said Dubois. “It was a very good ride by [Cristian] Demuro and he made a difference. She is in the [G1 Prix de] Diane, but it could come too soon and we will see. I am convinced she has a future later on in the USA, she will be suited by American racing and faster ground.” Demuro added, “I was shuffled back early, but she relaxed well and I feel it was like a public workout, ultimately. I think she would stay further, so why not in two weeks time in the Diane?” Pedigree Notes Sparkling Plenty, is the latest of three foals and one of two pattern-race winners out of an unraced half-sister to multiple top-level heroine and US champion Stacelita (Fr) (Monsun {Ger}). She becomes 48th Group-race winner for her sire. Stacelita is the dam of three stakes winners headed by MG1SW dual Japanese champion Soul Stirring (Jpn) (Frankel {GB}). Her descendants also include G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) and G1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) victrix Stars On Earth (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}). Sparkling Plenty's dam Speralita (Fr) (Frankel {GB}) is also a half-sister to the dam of last year's G1 Prix du Moulin victrix Sauterne (Fr) (Kingman {GB}). The April-foaled bay is a full-sister to G3 Jersey S. victor and G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere runner-up Noble Truth (Fr). Sunday, Chantilly, France PRIX DE SANDRINGHAM-G2, €130,000, Chantilly, 6-2, 3yo, f, 8fT, 1:40.05, hy. 1–SPARKLING PLENTY (FR), 126, f, 3, by Kingman (GB) 1st Dam: Speralita (Fr), by Frankel (GB) 2nd Dam: Soignee (Ger), by Dashing Blade (GB) 3rd Dam: Suivez (Fr), by Fioravanti 1ST GROUP WIN. (€600,000 RNA Ylg '22 ARQAUG). O/B-Jean-Pierre-Joseph Dubois (FR); T-Patrice Cottier; J-Cristian Demuro. €74,100. Lifetime Record: 7-4-0-1, €145,350. *Full to Noble Truth (Fr), GSW-Eng & G1SP-Fr, $275,141. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Cetera (Ire), 126, f, 3, Nathaniel (Ire)–Impassable (Ire), by Invincible Spirit (Ire). 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O/B-Wertheimer & Frere (IRE); T-Carlos Laffon-Parias. €28,600. 3–Ribaltagaia, 126, f, 3, Blame–Silk Assassin, by Bernardini. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. ($40,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; 225,000gns 2yo '23 TATBRE). O-Albert Frassetto; B-Wilbert Tan (KY); T-Gianluca Bietolini. €13,650. Margins: 3, HF, 1 1/4. Odds: 2.10, 7.10, 3.40. Also Ran: Les Pavots (Ire), Rolica (Ire), Fathom (Ire). Video, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Kingman’s Sparkling Plenty Outclasses Sandringham Rivals in Style appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Due to having failed to weigh in after finishing third in a race at Nottingham, Rob Hornby has been suspended seven days from June 16-22, and will miss the Royal Ascot meeting. The incident occurred on Sunday, June 2 in a Class 5 handicap at Nottingham with the rider aboard Surrey Belle (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}), who past the post in third as a joint favourite. However, since Hornby did not weigh in, his mount was later disqualified with the stewards' report reading, “The clerk of the scales objected to Surrey Belle, placed third, ridden by Rob Hornby on the grounds of the rider failing to weigh in. Surrey Belle was disqualified and the placings revised as follows: First- Expressionless, Second- Marbuzet, Third- Merrijig and Fourth- Liberated Lad.” The report continued with a brief statement that Hornby had been interviewed, and that afterwards received his suspension and was not entitled to a riding fee. The post Rob Hornby Suspended Seven Days, To Miss Royal Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The GI Kentucky Derby winner will run in the GI Belmont S. Trainer Kenny McPeek said Sunday that he has entered Mystik Dan (Goldencents) in the 1 1/4-mile Belmont, which will be run for the first time at Saratoga Race Course on June 8. “His blood work came back good and he's been eating everything up in his tub,” McPeek said early Sunday afternoon. “It's going to be a fun weekend.” The draw for the Belmont will be held Monday evening in downtown Saratoga Springs. Mystik Dan finished second in his last start, the GI Preakness S. He has been in Saratoga for nearly three weeks and the Belmont has always been the target. McPeek had said he would take his time in making a final decision, wanting to make sure everything is going right with Mystik Dan, who is owned by Lance Gasaway, 4G Racing, LLC, Daniel Hamby III and Valley View Farm, LLC. Everything is right and here is Mystik Dan, who will become the first horse since War of Will (War Front) in 2019 to compete in all three legs of the traditional Triple Crown. Max Player (Honor Code) did it in 2020, but that series was spread out over four months because of COVID. “If you come off a Derby win and a second in the Preakness, you don't go to the Ohio Derby,” McPeek said. “And that is no disrespect to the Ohio Derby. I like that race. I've won that race [with Wild and Wicked (Wild Again) in 2003]. Our option was to skip [Belmont] and wait for the [GI] Haskell [July 20 at Monmouth].” It made more sense, McPeek said, to stay put in Saratoga and run in the Belmont rather than have to ship to the Jersey Shore. With Mystik Dan confirmed to enter the Belmont, McPeek's other 3-year-old standout, the filly Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) will run in the GI Acorn on Friday. She drew post position nine in the field of nine. Thorpedo Anna, owned by Brookdale Racing Inc., Mark Edwards, Judy B. Hicks and Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek), has won four of five career starts, including both this year. In her last start, Thorpedo Anna won the GI Kentucky Oaks by 4 3/4 lengths. McPeek had said if Mystik Dan did not run in the Belmont, Thorpedo Anna would have. “I would not be scared to line her up with them,” McPeek said. “And she might line up with them before the end of the year.” The post McPeek Confirms Mystik Dan Will Run in Belmont appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A plan was hatched by owner Peter Lau and trainer Danny Shum as early as last June to set their multiple champion Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) on a course towards the G1 W S Cox Plate in Melbourne some four months later. Having departed Hong Kong in mid-September, the gelding endured a sub-optimal period in quarantine at Werribee until the Australian government approved the shipment of his regular feed from Hong Kong to Victoria and Romantic Warrior was an underdone fourth in the G1 Turnbull S. at Caulfield Oct. 7. “I always targeted the Cox Plate, so we needed a lead-up race for him to see how he can handle the left turn. I cannot say I'm happy but I'm not disappointed,” Shum told the HKJC's Declan Schuster at the time. If the Turnbull was meant to bring out the best in Romantic Warrior, it was mission accomplished at Australia's 'Valley'–Moonee Valley–on Oct. 28, as he called on his considerable battling qualities to nose out the classy Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars {Aus}) and Alligator Blood (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}), becoming Hong Kong's first winner of Australia's weight-for-age championship. “It has big meaning for me as a trainer,” Shum told HKJC's Leo Schlink. “It makes me happy. I'm more happy than I can tell you. I was confident he would run a good race. It is a strong race. He overcame all of the challenges and the difficulties.” Romantic Warrior faced a race against time if he was to defend his title in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup six weeks later. Having cleared quarantine in the nick of time, he had to outbattle a tough customer in the form of Ballydoyle's Luxembourg (GB) (Camelot {GB}) and had to dig deep again to hold off fellow Hong Kong Derby hero Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) to win the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup in February. The Irish-bred was to remain in Hong Kong in an attempt to become the first three-time winner of the G1 FWD QE II Cup Apr. 28, but Mother Nature was to have a say, as week-long rains rendered the ground yielding on the day. Forced to sit a tough trip from an awkward draw and clearly fighting the underfoot conditions, he yet again willed himself to win, outgaming Japan's Prognosis (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the final strides. In the interim, a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun for the G1 Yasuda Kinen–a 'Win and You're In' qualifier for the GI Breeders' Cup Mile–had been discussed, but given the nature of his QE II success, it would have come as no surprise had connections called time on a Horse of the Year campaign. Instead, he was confirmed for the Japan's premier spring mile on May 10 and was poised to complete a season for the ages in front of 44,577 racegoers on an intermittently rainy Sunday at the Fuchu course in Tokyo. Shum No Stranger To Tokyo While Danny Shum was saddling his first Yasuda Kinen starter, it was not his first trip over for the race. In 2000, Shum was the exercise rider for the legendary Ivan Allan-trained Fairy King Prawn (Aus) (Danehill), who went on to become the first Hong Kong winner on foreign soil and closed the season with a defeat of the wondermare Sunline (NZ) (Desert Sun {GB}) in a memorable renewal of the Hong Kong Mile. As he was heading into the Cox Plate, Shum expressed confidence in Romantic Warrior over the course of the last 10 days, despite dropping back to 1600 metres for the first time since defeating this year's G1 Al Quoz Sprint winner California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) in the Hong Kong Classic Mile in 2022. Shum was also comfortable that his charge would handle the rise in the Tokyo straight which favours a staying-type. Romantic Warrior sweated up profusely in the preliminaries, but the 13-5 favourite jumped right into the bridle from barrier seven for James McDonald and was in the thick of it early on before settling in about fifth position, as rough chances Dobune (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn} x Premier Steps {Ire}) and Win Carnelian (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}) eyeballed each other up front. Going strongly, but nicely settled on the turn, Romantic Warrior followed the move of Win Carnelian into the long Tokyo straight, but when that rival began to paddle about 400 metres from home, McDonald went for Romantic Warrior in earnest and asked his mount to take a gap and muscle his way through between Win Carnelian and Godolphin's G1 Victoria Mile runner-up Fierce Pride (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}). Namur (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}), third to Golden Sixty (Aus) in the G1 Hong Kong Mile, runner-up in this year's G1 Dubai Turf and a slow-starting eighth in the Victoria Mile, began to find her best stride and Soul Rush (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn})–just beaten by Namur in the G1 Mile Championship and fourth at Sha Tin in December–was flashing home, but Romantic Warrior found a late kick and proved best while covering his final 600 metres in a sharp :33.4. Romantic Warrior! You superstar! Relive the Yasuda Kinen with Danny Shum and his team at Tokyo… @JRA_WorldRacing | #競馬 | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/x3l4rkdn55 — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) June 2, 2024 He is the first Hong Kong-based winner of the Yasuda Kinen since Bullish Luck (Royal Academy) in 2006 and the first Hong Kong horse to succeed in Japanese Group 1 company since Aerovelocity (NZ) (Pins {Aus}) took out the 2015 Takamatsunomiya Kinen for Paul O'Sullivan and Zac Purton. “I had been working on finding the right horse to bring here to race in Japan, so it was really exciting and a happy moment,” said the winning owner. “I have had connections with Japan both in business and also within the racing circle, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to race here this time. The track here is wide and very fair and beautiful. I heard from my friends in Hong Kong about the big fan base in Japan, but it was even more than I expected.” McDonald has now won eight times from nine rides aboard Romantic Warrior, whose career earnings now top US$19 million, making him the second-richest racehorse in history. “Once he hit the front with 200 metres to run, it was going to have to be a good horse to go past him because there's not many who can pass him when he's in full flight with a furlong to go,” said the Sydney-based hoop, riding in Japan for the first time in 10 years. “He's a proven champion…and now has come to Japan and won a mile race, a little bit shorter than his best distance. He always rises to the occasion, and that's the beauty of this horse–he's got the heart of a lion and tremendous ability. “I'm just extremely proud, very honored to be traveling with such a good horse and to showcase him to such passionate racing fans,” the rider continued. “The race went perfectly as planned. We had a plan of being in the first half of the field, and he enabled us to sit in a very comfortable position throughout. Before the start, he was a bit fresh and above himself, so I felt that he was definitely on the job, and as always, he was there when I asked him for a supreme effort.” Added Shum: “James McDonald is world-class and he gave him a great ride. He loves Romantic Warrior and Romantic Warrior loves him a lot. He always tries his best for James. I wasn't too nervous because I was confident in my horse, my team and my jockey.” Romantic Warrior was also given an entry for the G1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) in three weeks' time, but Shum said his pupil is due for a spell with an eye on the 2024-2025 season. Pedigree Notes: Romantic Warrior, a 300,000gns Tattersalls October grad and the most successful horse to emerge from the Hong Kong International Sale when selling for HK$4.8 million (£444,729/US$618,437), is one of three winners from four to the races for his dam, a daughter of the English listed-winning and Group 3-placed, G2 Prix Jean Romanet and GI E. P. Taylor S. winner Folk Opera, who was purchased by Blandford Bloodstock carrying to Exceed and Excel (Aus) for €82,000 at the 2016 Goffs November Sale. The in-utero purchase, named Melodic Charm (Ire), was sold for 85,000gns at the 2018 Tattersalls October Sale and was a two-time winner at the races for Saeed Manana and James Tate before clearly benefitting from the success of Romantic Warrior when selling to the China Horse Club for 270,000gns in foal to Dark Angel (Ire) at the 2022 Tattersalls December Mares Sale. Folk Melody is also the dam of the 4-year-gelding Operation Gimcrack (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) and a 2-year-old colt by the same stallion that was bought back for 110,000gns at last year's Tattersalls October Sale and again for €130,000 at last month's Arqana May Breeze-Up. Folk Star (GB) (Le Havre {Ire}), a half-sister to Folk Melody, was knocked down to Kildaragh Stud for 37,000gns at the 2023 Tattersalls December Sale. Folk Melody is additionally the dam a yearling colt by New Bay (GB). Sunday, Tokyo, Japan YASUDA KINEN-G1, ¥347,400,000, Tokyo, 6-2, 3yo/up, 1600mT, 1:32.30, gd. 1–ROMANTIC WARRIOR (IRE), 128, g, 6, by Acclamation (GB) 1st Dam: Folk Melody (Ire), by Street Cry (Ire) 2nd Dam: Folk Opera (Ire), by Singspiel (Ire) 3rd Dam: Skiphall (GB), by Halling (300,000gns Ylg '19 TATOCT; HK$4,800,000 HRA '21 HKJUN). O-Peter Lau Pak Fai; B-Corduff Stud & T J Rooney; T-Danny Shum Chap Shing; J-James McDonald; ¥183,780,000. Lifetime Record: 2x Ch. Middle Distance Horse, Ch. 4yo, MG1SW-HK, G1SW-Aus, 20-15-3-0, $19,232,441. Werk Nick Rating: C+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Namur (Jpn), 123, m, 5, Harbinger (GB)–Sambre et Meuse (Jpn), by Daiwa Major (Jpn). O-Carrot Farm; B-Northern Farm; T-Tomokazu Takano; J-Yutaka Take; ¥73,080,000. 3–Soul Rush (Jpn), 128, h, 6, Rulership (Jpn)–Broad Street (Jpn), by Agnes Tachyon (Jpn). O-Tatsue Ishikawa; B-Shimokobe Farm; T-Yasutoshi Ikee; J-Joao Moreira; ¥45,540,000. Margins: HF, NO, 1. Odds: 2.60, 9.00, 3.00. Also Ran: Gaia Force (Jpn), Serifos (Jpn), Geoglyph (Jpn), Fierce Pride (Jpn), Elton Barows (Jpn), Stella Veloce (Jpn), Air Lolonois (Jpn), Red Mon Reve (Jpn), Corepetiteur (Jpn), Parallel Vision (Jpn), Win Carnelian (Jpn), Danon Scorpion (Jpn), Catedral (Jpn), Voyage Bubble (Aus), Dobune (Jpn). Click for the JRA chart. The post ‘Warrior’ Comes Out To Play In the Yasuda Kinen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Relishing the step up to a mile and a half for the first time, the Wertheimers' blueblood Aventure (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}–Balladeuse {Fr}, by Singspiel {Ire}) turned Sunday's G3 Prix de Royaumont at Chantilly into a procession to book her ticket to the G1 Prix de Diane. Held up towards the rear early by Maxime Guyon, the Christophe Ferland-trained homebred took off when asked in the straight and after surging to the front 300 metres out hit the line with seven lengths to spare over Vigatata (Fr) (Sea the Moon {Ger}) in a time over a second and a half faster than the older horses recorded in the G2 Grand Prix de Chantilly. “She had run a good race on her seasonal debut and had been working brilliantly since,” Ferland said of the half-sister to the G1 Prix Vermeille heroine and G1 Prix de Diane runner-up Left Hand (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who had been narrowly denied a successful reintroduction by Gala Real (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) in the Listed Prix de la Seine at ParisLongchamp last month. “We had decided to run this race first, as a security, and see from there if we could try the Prix de Diane. She was most impressive, no doubt. There was good rhythm in the race, she closed on the bridle and when Maxime switched her out she was flying. She is not very tall, but she has a real kick and a great action. She will tell us how she is and I'll then talk with the owners and Pierre Yves Bureau to reach a decision.” Une belle 𝗔𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 (@maximeguyon_off/@teamchferland) dans le Prix de Royaumont (Gr.3). pic.twitter.com/oCugSy8h9m — Equidia (@equidia) June 2, 2024 The post Sea The Stars’ Aventure Sensational In The Royaumont appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lining up for Sunday's G1 Qatar Prix du Jockey Club as the least-experienced, Haras de la Morsangliere's Look De Vega (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}–Lucelle {Ire}, by High Chaparral {Ire}) took the required leap forward on a remarkable stakes debut to emulate his sire and sire's sire's successes in this Chantilly Classic. Following a seven-length Fontainebleau success in November with another authoritative win in ParisLongchamp's Prix de Croissy conditions event last month, the Carlos and Yann Lerner-trained bay was always happy following the pace and when sent through to take control with 300 metres remaining gave generously for Ronan Thomas. Stretching out for a two-length triumph, the 5-1 shot was followed home by the outsider First Look (Fr) who made it a one-two for the sire. Sosie (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) was third, a further neck away with Ghostwriter (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) fourth as he had been in the 2,000 Guineas. Unbeaten Look De Vega lands the French Derby in style for @CYLerner and @RonanThomass at @fgchantilly pic.twitter.com/5iHp23TiHH — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 2, 2024 The post Look De Vega Leads Home One Two For Lope De Vega In The Jockey Club appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Exciting gallopers light up the first twilight meeting of the season as handlers dream of bigger and better things next campaignView the full article

Danny Shum’s superstar collects his fifth consecutive Group One success with a thrilling victory at Tokyo racecourseView the full article

Trainer Penalties G Lawrence | Non-raceday dated 27 May; failed to present runner free of prohibited substance; fined $1,000 (penalty suspended for 12 months). R Roper | Waikato 18 April (heard Auckland 2 June); scratched runners for unacceptable reason; fined $200. Dog Penalties TELL IVY | Christchurch 27 May; failing to pursue the lure; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. STOLEN SAPPHIRE | Waikato 30 May; marring; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. HOMEBUSH MAX | Christchurch 30 May; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. CLAWS IN LULU | Christchurch 31 May; failing to pursue the lure; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. Protest ORSON BLONDE | Waikato 7 March; raced with prohibited substance in system; disqualified from 2nd. The post 27 May – 2 June 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Rider Penalties T Moodley | Waikato 29 May; careless riding (2 charges); suspended 9-29 June inclusive. N Hailey | Waikato 29 May; failed to make weight; fined $200. L Kauri | Feilding 30 May; careless riding; suspended 9-19 June inclusive. K Mudhoo | Canterbury 31 July; use of whip; fined $500. J Allen | Auckland 1 June; use of whip; fined $500. D Weatherley | Auckland 1 June; use of whip; fined $500. J Riddell | Wanganui 1 June; careless riding; suspended 9-15 June inclusive. Y Atchamar | Otago 2 June; careless riding; suspended 10-19 June inclusive. D Cooper | Otago 2 June; careless riding; suspended 3-12 June inclusive. S Wynne | Otago 2 June; failed to ride mount to finish; suspended 10-21 June inclusive. L Hemi | Otago 2 June; careless riding; suspended 10-19 June inclusive. A Goindasamy | Otago 2 June; careless riding; suspended 10-20 June inclusive. Trainer Penalties R McKay & A Harrington | Canterbury 31 May; incorrect gear; fined $100. K & J Parsons and V Ramhit | Canterbury 31 May; failed to scratch runner by required time; fined $400. M Moroney and P Gerard | Wanganui 1 June; late rider declaration; fined $100. Horse Penalties PHARAOH’S DREAM | Waikato 29 May; bled; stood down for 3 months and veterinary clearance required. KAROSHI | Feilding 30 May; late scratching after failing to load; must complete trial. EFOREFFORT | Otago 2 June; bled; stood down for 3 months and veterinary clearance required. THE RED KRACKEN | Otago 2 June; slow recovery; veterinary clearance required. Protest PONTE VECCHIO | Waikato 29 May; caused interference; relegated from 2nd to 4th. The post 27 May – 2 June 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

The winning roll of Lofty’s Gift (NZ) (Ghibellines) continued at Wingatui on Sunday, the consistent mare going four in a row with a hard-fought victory in The Mosgiel Tavern (2200m). A daughter of Ghibellines, Lofty’s Gift won two races in the care of Shaune Ritchie & Colm Murray, and relocated to the Ascot Park stable of Robert Dennis earlier this year. Since journeying south, the mare had four starts and won the most recent three, and was allocated 54kg in the Rating 87 contest with the luxury of Donovan Cooper’s claim bringing that back to just 51kg. Lofty’s Gift was backed into $3.20 favouritism and settled comfortably midfield under Cooper, before being forced three-wide along the back straight with Lovelock controlling the pace in front. The mare claimed the lead at the top of the straight alongside Heidi Hi and Leitrim Lad and was slightly wayward under pressure, but she let down strongly from the 200m and held off the late charge of Proserve to score by a long neck. Dennis was proud of the mare’s efforts, particularly after the run in transit she had endured. “It was a super effort, she was very tough and very brave,” he said. “She did it the hard way caught out wide and was a bit of a sitting duck up the straight, but she was just too good for them again.” Despite raising her career earnings over $125,000 for owners Markwood Lodge and the Knot Enough Syndicate, Dennis explained Lofty’s Gift is fairly unassuming despite her talent on the track. “She’s honestly just another horse, doesn’t make any waves and she fits in and does her thing,” he said. “But once we take her to the races, she just puts in 100% and wants to win. “We’ll just pick out the next good staying race for her now and probably have a go at that.” The five-year-old was bred by the Anderton’s of White Robe Lodge, as the sixth foal out of their Danzighill mare Flyby. Their resident sire Ghibellines had a highly-successful afternoon at the local meeting, his progeny in Bauble, Anticipate and impressive debut winner Cloche also saluting. View the full article

The husband-and-wife training partnership of Peter and Jessica Brosnan will be well represented at the Te Aroha meeting on Monday with one runner in each of the four jumps races on offer. The Matamata-based family operation has been to the fore through the deeds of Auld Jock (Adelaide), who will be seeking his third jumping success in a row when he tackles the race the pair sponsor, the P&J Brosnan Training 0-1 Win Hurdle (3100m) which is race three on the ten-race programme. “We’re hopeful of a good showing from all of our horses as they have been performing well of late,” Peter Brosnan said. “Auld Jock has mixed hurdling and steeplechasing this time in and has won both of his races, so we are keen to see him take another step in his progression in a field with some pretty handy types in it. “He did the groundwork last year and looks pretty exciting. “There are a lot of opportunities coming up and I guess our only worry is backing him up three weeks in a row, however the race is virtually on our back doorstep, and he is a very happy horse at the moment. “This race is a good test for him and if he comes through it okay then we might look to the Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4800m) a little later on, which is a race we have had in mind for him for a wee while.” Civil Unrest (NZ) (Civics) will kick off the day as he tackles a maiden hurdle event over 3100m, followed by last start placegetter Rocem (NZ) (El Roca) who will take on a similar event a race later. “Civil Unrest was sent to us to be a jumper and has had a trial in that role, but it will be a test for him first up in quite a good field,” Brosnan said. “As long as he can go a nice race then everyone will be happy. “Rocem is an interesting character who can run hot and cold, so our challenge is going to be keeping her on an even keel during the season. “She has the ability but makes a few mistakes, although if she can put it all together during this campaign, I think she will be a very nice horse next year.” Rugged hurdler Ima Wonder (NZ) (Eighth Wonder) rounds out the quartet for the Brosnans as she tackles her first steeplechase event after enjoying success over the smaller hurdles including a third-place finish in last season’s Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) at Te Rapa. Raced by jumping legend Ann Browne and the estate of her late husband Ken, the eight-year-old mare is a daughter of former Great Northern Steeplechase (6400m) winner Ima Heroine. “This will be the first go at chasing for Ima Wonder and we have Portia Matthews riding her, who is in really good form at present,” Brosnan said. “She has done some schooling and has had a 1400m trial and I think her fitness is coming along nicely. “We are very hopeful for a good season as she is making nice progress and up against the maiden chasers, we think she can go a cheeky race.” View the full article

Promising three-year-old Pokuru Gold (NZ) (Darci Brahma) headed to Pukekohe on Saturday and extended his perfect record to three out of three, but this time he really had to work for it. The Darci Brahma gelding was sent out as a $1.40 favourite for the Auckland Co-Op Taxis (1200m) after scoring dominant victories in both of his two previous appearances. He romped home by three and a half lengths on debut on the Cambridge synthetic track back in September, then resumed at Te Rapa on May 18 and picked up right where he left off with another clear-cut win by two and a half lengths. Pokuru Gold jumped smartly from the Pukekohe starting gates on Saturday, then was crossed by both Naxos and Murch. He travelled well just behind the leaders in the hands of Opie Bosson, but then got squeezed backwards when the field tightened up at the home turn. Bosson got him into the clear and began to move him through his gears, and Pokuru Gold soon worked his way past the front-running Murch. But his job was far from over, with lightly raced filly Rareza finishing strongly from off the pace. Pokuru Gold lifted again when Rareza drew up alongside him, and he fought that rival off and won by a long neck. “That was a good effort,” Bosson said. “He got shunted back straightening up, but he was good enough to pick himself up well and fight hard to the line. “He’s quite unassuming, very laid-back and only does what he has to, but he can definitely gallop.” Pokuru Gold is trained by Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson for owner-breeder Ian Farrelly. His three-from-three career has so far banked $53,485 in stakes. “It was a really good win today,” assistant trainer Nicole Shailer said. “He’s a promising three-year-old. That’s his third win now and he seems to love the wet. If he comes through this well, we’ll look at a 1000m race at Trentham in a couple of weeks (June 15).” Pokuru Gold is the first named foal out of the winning Stravinsky mare Pokuru Nugget, whose dam Pokuru Star is a sister to the dams of Group One stars Embellish, Diademe and Sacred Star. View the full article

Progressive three-year-old Eliud (NZ) (Almanzor) took a rise in class with ease at Wanganui on Saturday when racing away with the Property Brokers 3YO 1600. The Almanzor gelding has been held in high regard by Cambridge trainer Tony Pike for some time, and he delivered on that promise at his fourth start at Taranaki in May with a comprehensive maiden success. Pike set a stronger task for Eliud in the open three-year-old contest on Wanganui’s feature day, where he sat a $2.20 favourite in a competitive field that included Bozo, who finished fourth in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at $5.20, and Listed winner Loch Katrine ($5.40). In the hands of Michael McNab, Eliud jumped positively from gate four and assumed the role as a rolling pacemaker heading along the back straight, staying well away from the fence. His main rivals in Bozo and Loch Katrine remained within chasing distance of the favourite turning for home and the former looked like she may be looming up to Eliud, but once McNab pushed the button at the 200 metres, he stormed clear to win by an extending 3 ½ length margin. McNab shared Pike’s opinion of the gelding in his early preparations, and was thrilled to see that on display despite the Heavy 10 track conditions. “He’s always shown good ability at home, he was a bit disappointing in his first couple of starts but he’s come back this prep really well,” McNab said. “I cantered a long way down the back in my prelim to have a good look at it, and where I was is the best spot. “My main aim was just to keep him comfortable and not break stride or dip in the ground. That was the key for him and he picked up really well so it was good.” With all still to play for in the final two months of the New Zealand Jockey’s Premiership, McNab tightened the gap on Warren Kennedy with winning trebles at both the Cambridge and Riccarton Synthetic meetings bringing his tally to 114, two shy of Kennedy. Eliud is out of a lightly-tried Rip Van Winkle mare in Pendleton, who among her four career victories in just nine starts picked up the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m). He was offered by breeder Kevin Hickman’s Valachi Downs at the 2022 Karaka Yearling Sales and was purchased for $320,000 by Waikato Bloodstock, with $35,380 returned on that investment in five starts. View the full article