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The Curragh's Group 1 bonanza on day two of Irish Champions Weekend has attracted an aggregate 38 declarations after final fields for the track's four elite-level contests were confirmed Friday morning. Illinois (Galileo), with Christophe Soumillon booked to ride, is one of two Aidan O'Brien entries, the other being Queenstown (Galileo), and heads a field of nine in the G1 Comer Group International Irish St Leger. The undefeated G2 King Edward VII Stakes victor Amiloc (Postponed) is one of three overseas nominees. Ballydoyle has three of the six runners, headed by G1 Prix Morny runner-up Gstaad (Starspangledbanner), in the G1 Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes, which also features unbeaten Group 2 winners Saba Desert (Dubawi) and Zavateri (Without Parole). Soumillon will be aboard G2 Debutante Stakes winner Composing (Wootton Bassett), one of three Aidan O'Brien contenders, in the seven-runner G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes. She will be accompanied by G2 Airlie Stud Stakes victrix Beautify (Wootton Bassett) and G3 Prestige Fillies' Stakes winner Precise (Starspangledbanner) in opposition to last month's G1 Prix Morny heroine and undefeated Karl Burke trainee Venetian Sun (Starman). Last month's G1 Nunthorpe Stales heroine Asfoora (Flying Artie) will become the first Australian-trained runner to race in Ireland and has drawn stall one in the 16-runner G1 Bar One Racing Flying Five Stakes. Dylan Browne McMonagle takes over from Oisin Murphy in the saddle. Amo Racing has two Adrian Murray-trained runners confirmed for the five-furlong dash, with last year's seventh Bucanero Fuerte (Wootton Bassett) the mount of Colin Keane and David Egan aboard GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint runner-up Arizona Blaze (Gergei Prokofiev). The post Runners Confirmed for Sunday’s Group 1 Races at The Curragh, Aidan O’Brien Dominates Entries appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Half-siblings to Classic winners Look De Vega and Coeursamba are among more than 800 horses catalogued for the five-day Arqana October Yearling Sale, which begins in Deauville on Tuesday, October 21. Part 1 of the sale, which takes place over Tuesday and Wednesday, also includes a St Mark's Basilica three-parts-brother to multiple Group 1 winner Laurens, half-brothers to the Group 1 winners Woodshauna and Kew Gardens, and a full-sister to G1 Prix Marcel Boussac victrix Zellie. Also featured is the first foal, a filly by Frankel, of the G1 Matron Stakes winner Pearls Galore. She is offered by Haras de Saint Pair, which provided the co-top lot – a €500,000 colt by Kingman out of Via Pisa – at the 2024 Arqana October Sale. He shared top billing with Haras du Mont dit Mont's son of Night Of Thunder and the Listed-placed Paramount, who is now named Makerstoun and is in training with Jane Chapple-Hyam for Peter Harris. In total, this year's October catalogue, which is now available online, features 14 yearlings who are either out of a Group 1 winner or a sibling or half-sibling to a Group 1 winner, compared to eight in last year's sale. Part 2 of the Arqana October Sale is conducted over the afternoons of October 23 and 24, and the auction concludes with Part 3 on Saturday, October 25. The post Classic Siblings Headline Arqana’s October Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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By Jordyn Bublitz Arna Donnelly’s pair of juveniles announced themselves in style at Cambridge Raceway last night. Two-year-old stablemates Critical Image and Lulana ran the quinella on debut in the Harness Hoedown Tickets On Sale 25th Sept Mobile Pace. Donnelly purchased Critical Image, at the 2024 National Standardbred Yearling Sales. He was given a perfect steer by Zachary Butcher, enjoying a sweet trip in the one-one before pouncing late to score. Lulana, bred by long-time stable client Kevin Madgwick, did it the hard way. With James Stormont in the bike, she sat parked throughout before applying pressure over the last half, which was cut out in a scorching 56.4 seconds. Despite being nabbed late, she was game in defeat. Donnelly was thrilled with how both handled themselves on debut. “I thought they were both really good chances, I’d really liked the way the pair of them had been trialling and I thought they’d improve off those runs,” she said. “They were really professional considering it was their first time under the lights, it couldn’t have worked out any better.” “They smoked that last half and the pair of them have probably never been that quick in their life.” The win confirmed Donnelly’s high opinion of the pair. Critical Image now heads north for a tougher assignment in Heat 3 of the Woodlands Stud Sires Stakes for two-year-old colts and geldings at Alexandra Park next week, while Lulana will continue to target general juvenile races. “Critical Image will head up to Auckland for a sire’s stakes heat next week,” Donnelly said. “The filly isn’t paid up for anything, so she’ll just poke around where there’s two-year-old races.” Asked to compare the pair, Donnelly admitted it wasn’t easy. “Lulana was the run of the race last night and the other guy got the good trip. They’re both going to improve and win races, so I couldn’t say there’s much between them.” The stable’s night didn’t end there, with veteran pacer Baileys Pitch also saluting in the Blokes Night In The Skyline Lounge 18th Sept Mobile Pace. With Arna’s stable junior driver Kate Coppins in the bike, the win was particularly satisfying. “He’s a great old horse, he’s actually our galloping pacemaker,” Donnelly said. “It’s good for Kate too, she hasn’t had a lot of luck with him their last few starts so it’s nice for her to get the monkey off her back with him.” View the full article
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Akuta will emulate two all-time greats if he wins Sunday’s Group 3 Hannon Memorial at Oamaru. The Mark and Nathan Purdon-trained star is a $2.10 favourite to take out the Group 3 feature for a second time. His previous win was in 2022. If Akuta wins this weekend he’ll do what the likes of Blossom Lady and Johnny Globe have done before – and that is win two Hannon Memorials three years apart. Blossom Lady won in 1990 and 1993 (as well as winning the New Zealand Cup in 1992) while Johnny Globe won his Hannon Memorials in 1951 and 1954. He also won the New Zealand Cup the same year (1954). Akuta is having his fourth race this campaign after being sidelined with a serious tendon injury. He won two starts ago in Auckland and was then fifth in last Friday’s Avon City Ford New Brighton Cup at Addington, taken out by Alta Meteor. The Hannon has been raced since 1938. It is named in memory of Michael Joseph Hannon, a dentist in Oamaru who went on to become the president of the Oamaru Trotting Club from 1921 to 1938. Since then only four horses have ever won back to back Hannon Memorials – they are Palestine (1976-77), Idolmite (1980-81), Iraklis (1997-98), and Franco Ledger (2012-13). The fastest time (since it went to 2600m in 1976) is shared. The record of 3:13.4 was set by Cullen’s Creek in 2010 and then equalled by Spankem in 2019. On Sunday only two horses are backing up from last year’s race. They are Macandrew Aviator, who was third last year, and Da Vinci (7th in 2024). The two horses to win since Akuta’s last success have been Aardie’s Express (2023) and Republican Party (2024). To see the odds in the Hannon Memorial click here View the full article
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By Jonny Turner Winton breeder-owner Michelle Caig lived a harness racing dream at Ascot Park on Thursday. Caig enjoyed dual success with half-sisters Penelope Lane and Our Rose Hill, both trotting to victory. Caig bred both horses, while she also races Penelope Lane from the Brad Williamson stable. Though she has been breeding horses with good success for several decades, the thrill of winning hasn’t diminished. “This is what you dream about when you breed horses,” Caig said. Penelope Lane produced an excellent win in her debut at Wyndham in June, but the filly had galloped repeatedly in her five starts since. Though she raced greenly at times on Thursday, her ability shone through when she charged home late to score. “I can tell you that winning is a lot better than watching her gallop five starts in a row.” “She is such a thinking horse and she has got gears, and one day she will have all the manners.” “Brad has done such a great job with her, he is very cool, calm and collected.” Penelope Lane is by Volstead from Caig’s Group 1 producing dam City Lane. While Volstead has left outstanding horses since Caig paired up the stallion and mare, it was more of a punt at the time than it may seem now. “A lot of breeding is about gut feeling, when I have gone with what has been popular at the time, I often haven’t had success.” “Volstead was $4500 at the time and a bit more of a gamble.” “The best part is that Penelope Lane is eligible for the Harness 5000 because of it.” With City Lane now retired from breeding and Volstead an established sire, Caig hopes she has found a replacement broodmare in Penelope Lane. Though with her form on the track, she looks a few seasons away from entering the breeding barn. “She was a lovely foal and I have always wanted to keep her.” Caig initially raced Our Rose Hill before selling her to fellow Southland owner Art Shirley. That didn’t take away any of the thrill of watching the mare she had bred win. “Everything I sell I want to win races,” Caig said. “I have sold a few to Arty and I got just as much of a kick out of watching her win for him.” Brad Williamson also took the reins behind Our Rose Hill for trainer Alister Black. The excitement is set to continue in the coming weeks for Caig, off the track, with two of her mares due to foal this spring. View the full article
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Highly respected British ratings agency Timeform believes that Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) could end up as the best sprinter we’ve seen this century. The David Hayes-trained superstar currently has a Timeform rating of 135, meaning that he’s currently the world’s best racehorse and has also surpassed other Hong Kong sprinting greats like Silent Witness (El Moxie) and Sacred Kingdom (Encosta de Lago) on their ratings. Ka Ying Rising’s figure of 135 also places him just behind Black Caviar (Bel Esprit) and former top British sprinter Battaash (Dark Angel), who are Timeform’s joint highest-rated sprinters this century on a mark of 136. The winner of his past 13 starts, Ka Ying Rising is currently the hot favourite for The Everest next month and returned from a spell to record a dominant win in the Chief Executive’s Cup at Sha Tin last weekend. “Hong Kong has been home to some world-class sprinters down the years, with the likes of Silent Witness and Sacred Kingdom both rated top-class by Timeform at their peak, but in Ka Ying Rising, it looks to have produced one even better than that pair,” said Timeform’s Flat Racing Editor David Johnson. “Ka Ying Rising is rated 135 on the back of his comfortable win in the Chairman’s (Sprint) Prize in April, where he comfortably beat Satono Reve (Lord Kanaloa) by much further than Lazzat (Territories) was able to do at Royal Ascot and he cemented that with a most impressive win under a big weight in handicap company at the weekend. “International competition has been an important feature of flat racing for the best part of 40 years now and Ka Ying Rising heading to Australia to take on the best sprinters from Down Under in The Everest, the most valuable race on turf, is a prospect that racing fans from all areas of the globe can look forward to.” Like Timeform, Ciaron Maher has also been impressed by Ka Ying Rising. The Melbourne Cup-winning trainer will take on Ka Ying Rising in The Everest with his sprinter Jimmysstar, but was left in awe of what the Shamexpress gelding was able to do at Sha Tin last Sunday. “It was certainly a phenomenal performance,” Maher said. “I’m sure David will be keen to get back here and fly the flag, I’m sure he’ll have him pretty right to go. If he arrives in that sort of form and travels well, he’s going to be mighty hard to beat but it’s looking like a good race.” WATCH: Ka Ying Rising in the Chief Executive’s Cup THE FREAK IS BACK! #SeasonOpener | #LoveRacing | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/72fu9dNEE0 — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) September 7, 2025 The world’s best as of September 2025, according to Timeform: 135 – Ka Ying Rising 132 – Via Sistina 130 – Field Of Gold 130 – Ombudsman View the full article
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Small fields can throw up strange results and the connections of Mark Twain (NZ) (Shocking) will be hoping for one on Saturday. Mark Twain is the $101 outsider in the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday where he tackles five opponents who are all Group One winners. Since 2000, there have been eight horses win at double figure odds including Gatting (Hard Spun) at $101 in 2019, Littorio (Bellotto) ($41) in 2011 and Hugs Dancer (Cadeaux Genereux) ($26) in 2004. Mark Twain’s main claim to fame was his victory in last year’s Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington, a race that earned him a ballot exemption for the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Unfortunately, a tendon injury robbed him of that chance, but the stayer is back looking for a second chance to line up in this year’s Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 4. The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained galloper ran last over 1200m in New Zealand on August 9 at his first run since the Roy Higgins win last year and made his way to Australia where he was due to run in the So You Think Stakes (1500m) at Moonee Valley last Saturday. But after dropping jockey Jamie Mott shortly after leaving the saddling enclosure, Mark Twain was a late scratching from that engagement. “He dropped me on the way to the barriers,” Mott said. “Unfortunately, I had to let him go because he was about to stand all over the top of me and he had a bit of a canter around for a couple of laps. “There are only six runners on Saturday so, instead of a gallop, he’ll get more out of a race, but he’s probably not up to winning that race.” Mott had hoped to get a feel of Mark Twain under race conditions with hope of sticking with the stayer as the races get longer. But Mott said Mark Twain needs to get his rating up to get closer to the weight he can ride at. “I was literally on him for four seconds the other day, so I didn’t get to have much of a feel of him but he’s a nice horse and we’ll see what he can do on Saturday,” Mott said. “If he can get a bit more weight in those big races, he’s one I’d like to ride. “Hopefully he won’t get run off his legs on Saturday and then I think the plan is to back him up in the Naturalism (at Caulfield) the week after. “Roger is a great trainer, and he really likes the horse, so hopefully he’s got him on track. “We need to get a win to get his rating up to get my weight.” View the full article
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Intention’s future program will be determined by her performance in Saturday’s Listed NZB Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m). The daughter of Bivouac has headed south for the Riccarton feature with a return trip for higher honours on the line for the Mike Breslin-trained filly. “This race has been on the cards since she came back into work with the Gold Trail Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m) moved from Hawke’s Bay to Ellerslie,” Breslin said. “I decided to give her this trip to Christchurch and it’s a defining race for her as to which direction we take through the spring. “If she copes with the trip and races well, then she has a good eight weeks before she has to go back down for the 1000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m). “If she doesn’t compete against this field, then the Guineas field is going to be even better.” Breslin said he can’t fault Intention’s condition and her progress since her unplaced resuming run last month. “She’s in really good order and she’s trained on nicely since Taupo, the set weights and penalties there meant she had 58.5kg on a very wet track,” he said. “She’s not a big filly so I was more than happy with her run and on Saturday she’ll get back on to a reasonable surface at set weights.” Intention showed an abundance of talent during her juvenile preparation, winning the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m), finishing third in the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) and fifth in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m). Unfortunately, she didn’t help her cause with persistent slow beginnings. “Jonathan Riddell has since ridden in her in two trials and we think we’ve ironed that out. The other day at Taupo when she jumped out, I thought she had missed the start again, but she had copped a decent bump,” Breslin said. “She does have to be more professional out of the gates to measure up against what does look to be a boom crop of three-year-old fillies. “I would just love her to begin well and put herself in the first six without doing any work and then we’ll see how good she is. “She’s very straight forward at home and the barrier issues came as a total surprise and got compounded as things went on as a two-year-old.” Breslin is also keen to head south in November with stablemate Crouch, an impressive open handicap sprint winner when he returned from a spell at Otaki. “I’ve mapped out a plan to get him to the New Zealand Cup (Gr.3, 3200m), although I would be reluctant to run him if it was a hard track,” he said. “If he continues to race well and the track looks like it will have some give in it, then it would be great to put him on the truck and have a crack at a $450,000 race. “He’ll run next on Saturday week in the Merial Metric Mile (Gr.3, 1600m) at Trentham.” Breslin is also expecting a decent performance from Showbastian Coe on the all-weather track in Sunday’s Happy 13th Birthday Gracie Breslin (1200m) at Awapuni. “He trialled well and he’s been a victim of the races being called off, so he’s been marking time. I’m happy with him and he races well on the poly,” he said. View the full article
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Debit will put her picket fence form line on the line at Te Rapa on Sunday when she contests the Power Farming – We Keep Growing 1200. The six-year-old mare placed on debut in May 2023 but has been unbeaten in her subsequent four starts, and trainer Peter Lock is looking forward to getting her back to the races this weekend. She hasn’t raced since winning over 1340m at Wanganui last November, but has enjoyed a long and slow build-up, heading to the trials on four occasions over the last three months and has showed good progression, culminating in winning her 1150m heat at Te Awamutu last month. “Every trial she has got better and better,” Lock said. “In her last trial, Courtney (Barnes, jockey) got off her and said she thought she was spot on. “She came over on Wednesday morning to Te Aroha and galloped on the course proper and she was very happy with the way she worked. “We are pretty happy with the way she is at the moment.” Debit has drawn barrier two on Sunday and Lock is hopeful the track, which was rated a Heavy 9 on Friday morning, doesn’t deteriorate any further. “It is just a shame that it’s later in the day (race six),” Lock said. “Hopefully the track will hold up a bit better, but if it drops out a little bit you are probably better off a little bit wider. “She has got a lot of speed, so she should be able to dictate where she wants to be, so fingers crossed. “It is an extremely good field of horses fresh-up, but I would be happy if she ran in the first four.” Lock will also be represented at the meeting by last-start placegetter Fabulous Gal in the Thank You For Standing With Kidney Kids New Zealand 1600. “She has come through that run extremely well,” Lock said. “She worked with Debit on Wednesday morning and I couldn’t have been happier with the way she went.” A day prior at New Plymouth, stablemate Pick of the Litter will line-up in the Kiwi Butcher (2000m) after being the fourth emergency for her intended target, the NZB Airfreight Road To Jericho (3210m). “We will run in Open 2000m, which is probably not ideal because she is only a rating 75 horse,” Lock said. “Things just didn’t go her way the other day (when sixth over 2200m), they jumped out and crawled and then sprinted home, which doesn’t suit her, she likes the pace on. “Hopefully there will be a bit more speed on down there. I think she is better left-handed than she is right-handed, and Chris Dell (jockey) is riding in good form.” She will be joined on the float trip south from their Te Aroha base by stablemate Miss Anne Lee, who will be first-up in the Wash Squad Sprint (990m). “The maidener hasn’t had a race for 12 months, but she won a trial very impressively in the Heavy ground at Waipa and we have always had a big rap on her,” Lock said. “We hold her in pretty high regard, she has got a lot of speed and likes bad ground.” View the full article
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Trainer Allan Sharrock couldn’t be any happier with his Group One winner Ladies Man at this stage of his preparation, but admits he faces a near impossible task at Te Rapa on Sunday. With a rating of 110, the eight-year-old gelding is the fourth highest rated horse in the country, and has accordingly been lumbered with 66kg in Sunday’s VCE – Vision Complete Earthworks/Stronger Together 1600. With the aid of apprentice jockey Ashlee Strawbridge’s four-kilogram claim, his impost has been brought down to 62kg, within half-a-kilogram of multiple Group One winner and former New Zealand Horse of the Year Sharp ‘N’ Smart, while the remainder of the field will carry 54kg. Sharrock is realistic about his gelding’s chances under that weight, but said it is an important lead-in run for the Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) at the track later this month. “He can’t win with that weight. It is a conditioning run for the Group One in a fortnight,” he said. “With Ashlee’s claim, he gets back to 62kg. She is a hardworking girl that seems to do a good job.” Sharrock is excited about the son of Zed’s prospects over the spring and is hoping to add another feature scalp to his record. “I don’t think I have had him as sound as he is at the moment, so we are pretty happy with the way we are tracking,” he said. A day prior, Sharrock will have home ground advantage when he lines up a quintet of runners at New Plymouth. He is particularly excited about the prospects of debutant King Jakkal in the Wash Squad Sprint (990m). “He has won both of his trials,” Sharrock said. “He is not a big horse, but he is a competitor – he is aggressive. Kelly (Myers) is keen to ride him, he has drawn a good marble (4), so we are pretty hopeful.” Sharrock will have a two-pronged attack in the Brandlab (1600m), courtesy of Tisse and Indian Gold, and he said the pair are evenly matched. “There is nothing between them, they are two progressive horses,” he said. “I would probably lean towards Indian Gold, who can handle the wet conditions better than the other horse, but they will both be competitive.” Sharrock will also be represented by Swingit Our Way and I Don’t in the Kiwi Butcher (2000m) and Searton Park (1400m) respectively. “Swingit Our Way is always competitive,” he said. “She comes in with a light weight (54kg) with a good rider (Samantha Collett) and is probably a place chance. “I Don’t is working really well and I expect her to race well.” View the full article
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Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are mapping out a path towards November’s Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) with Court Of Appeal following her victory in the Betavet Rating 75 (1600m) at Riccarton’s synthetic meeting on Thursday. The five-year-old daughter of Eminent jumped away well from her outside gate under Central Districts jockey Bruno Queiroz to take an early lead. She opened up a clear margin on the rest of the field throughout the running, which widened at the turn, and she ran out a convincing two-length victor. “It was a really good win and a lovely ride of Bruno’s,” Walker said. “She’s been a bit tardy out of the gates lately, but he’s a great barrier rider and got her away cleanly to lead and it was great to see her win the way she did. “Hunter (Durrant, assistant trainer) and the team have got the horses looking well in our stables down there at Riccarton, and getting good results for us in the South Island. “She was always going to take time to mature, on pedigree, and that will hopefully keep coming to the fore this year and next. We’re certainly looking forward to seeing what she can achieve this season.” Court Of Appeal was purchased as a yearling by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna Syndicates, and has now won three starts to date. Fortuna director John Galvin was pleased with Thursday’s win and is looking forward to tackling some staying feature races in the Garden City later this spring. “I think she put a stake in the ground today by winning fresh-up over a mile when she’s a genuine staying type,” he said. “She’s really blossomed down in the South Island, and I think it’s the right place for her at present. She seems to appreciate the more relaxed setting at Riccarton. “Her main targets will be the Metropolitan (Listed, 2600m) and New Zealand Cup down there in November.” View the full article
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Cambridge trainer Ken Harrison is hoping it’s third time’s a charm with his stayer King Khan in Saturday’s NZB Airfreight Road To The Jericho (3210m) at New Plymouth. The son of Mongolian Khan has contested the last two editions of the race, placing in the 2023 edition before running fifth in last year’s postponed running at Waverley. Inclement weather forced the delay of last year’s edition, and with New Plymouth’s track rated a Heavy10 on Friday morning, and more rain forecast, he is hoping they aren’t met by the same fate this year. “Last year was a bit of a disaster, we had to travel two or three times to the (Road To The) Jericho,” Harrison said. “I am just hoping the rain doesn’t dampen things too much that they put the races off, but he needs the rain anyway.” King Khan has been in solid form over winter, winning one and placing in four of his last six starts, and Harrison is hoping he continues that run of form this weekend. “This prep he has been hardly out of the money and has been a lot more consistent,” he said. King Khan has drawn barrier one and will be ridden by leading hoop Craig Grylls. “He will get back anyway, he hasn’t got a lot of early pace,” Harrison said. “With Craig on, hopefully he will be running on at the end. “He seems to thrive over the longer distances, but those jumpers will be hard fit.” The winner of the NZB Airfreight Road To The Jericho (3210m) will gain a golden ticket into the A$304,000 The Jericho Cup (4600m), which will be run at Warrnambool on November 30. If King Khan were to win on Saturday, Harrison is keen to cross the Tasman and tackle the staying feature, although he said track conditions may not suit his charge at that time of year. “That’s the plan, but November 30 it is usually a drier track over there and he doesn’t handle dry tracks at all,” he said. “But maybe we can fluke a wet one over there, we will just have to wait and see.” King Khan will be joined on the float trip south to New Plymouth on Saturday by Espresso To Go, who could be making his last raceday appearance in the Hel Rimu (2000m). “He has been a bit disappointing over the last 18 months,” Harrison said. “I am not sure what is up with him. He has got to improve tomorrow otherwise he won’t be going much further.” View the full article
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What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, September 14, 2025 First Race 1pm HKT (3pm AEST) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin this Sunday afternoon, with a competitive 10-part program lined up between the turf and all-weather circuits. The rail moves out to the B course for all races on the turf track, and with the forecast promising sunny skies across the weekend, punters can expect the surface to be in pristine Good 4 condition for race-day. Check out our free betting tips for the Sha Tin races, with the action set to commence at 1pm HKT. Best Bet at Sha Tin: Tourbillon Golfer Tourbillion Golfer had no luck in back-to-back minor placings last season. The son of Cosmic Force was boxed in for run at a crucial stage in his latest effort behind Igor Stravinsky on July 5, but he finished off powerfully to suggest he might have won with even luck. He has won a barrier trial heading into this first-up assignment, and with star hoop Zac Purton to be legged aboard, expect Tourbillon Golfer to overcome the tricky draw and earn a much-deserved win on start three. Best Bet Race 8 – #1 Tourbillon Golfer (12) 4yo Gelding | T: Ricky Yiu | J: Zac Purton (61kg) Next Best at Sha Tin: Groovy Feeling Groovy Feeling is on the one-week backup after claiming a half-length victory at this course and distance last Sunday. He was ultra-impressive, sitting at the rear of the field before exploding down the centre of the course and fending off the fast-finishing Victory Champion. He should be sitting much closer from gate two this time, and although he cops a 3.5kg penalty, Groovy Feeling should have no issue securing his second win in as many weeks. Next Best Race 6 – #8 Groovy Feeling (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Jamie Richards | J: Zac Purton (58.5kg) Best Value at Sha Tin: Snowfield Snowfield warrants forgiving after finishing last of seven runners at Sha Tin on May 4. The Brazilian import was found to be a roarer in the post-race assessment, but a strong finish in his September 5 trial at Sha Tin suggests he’s recovered well. He should be suited dropping back into Class 3 company for the first time, and with Hugh Bowman set to gain an economical run from gate seven, Snowfield should be a major player at a good each-way price with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 10 – #1 Snowfield (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Mark Newnham | J: Hugh Bowman (61kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections Sunday, September 14, 2025 1-6-11 1-4-7 2-3-5-8-9-10 1-4-6-9 Horse racing tips View the full article
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by Jessica Martini, Christina Bossinakis and Jill Williams LEXINGTON, KY – The Keeneland September Yearling Sale continued to churn out double-digit year-on-year gains as its second Book 2 session concluded Thursday night with yet another son of Gun Runner leading the way. Through four sessions of the 12-day auction, 671 yearlings have grossed $307,639,000. At this same point a year ago, 640 head had sold for $252,528,000. Asked about the gross surpassing the $300-million mark after day four, Keeneland Senior Director of Sales Operations Cormac Breathnach laughed and said, “It's never been on a Thursday before.” Breathnach continued, “There were several September sales, especially in the early years, but post-2008 economic crash, and I think the COVID year, where it didn't even sniff $300 million for the whole thing. This is putting money back into the hands of the people who make this industry go. The breeders are the backbone of the sale, but also of the industry. It's such a difficult job and a lot of them are still taking hits on certain horses here this week, as good as it has been for most. So as much of that money we can get back into their hands to go forward year to year, that's a massive focus.” Through the two Book 2 sessions, 454 yearlings sold through the ring for a gross of $163,454,000. The section's average was $360,031–up 18.1% from the 2024 Book 2–and the median was $300,000, up 15.4% from a year ago. During last year's Book 2, 436 yearlings sold through the ring for a total of $132,963,000 for an average of $304,961 and a median of $260,000. “It has been consistent over the last two days,” said Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy. “There are a lot of similarities in the increases and the RNA rate–there was a little better clearance rate today. It was just a good, healthy environment. The money was here right to the end.” Through four sessions, the buy-back rate stands at 27.07%. It was 29.59% at this same point a year ago. Eighteen horses sold for $1 million or more during the 2025 Book 2, up from just five in 2024. “Today again, the top 15 sellers went to 13 different buyers by 12 different stallions and from 11 different consignors,” Breathnach said. “That's what gives you confidence going into the next eight sessions. Because we have depth to the market. We have more buyers that are coming in, the next waves are going to arrive for Book 3 and beyond and people that are still here are having to bid hard for the horses they want.” Gun Runner continued to dominate the top of the standings at the Keeneland September sale, with each of the four sessions to date topped by a son of the Three Chimneys stallion. Monday's first session–and the sale so far–was topped by a colt by Gun Runner who sold for $3.3 million to M.V. Magnier and White Birch Farm, and the partners returned to take Thursday's session-topping colt for $1.55 million from the Four Star Sales consignment. Gun Runner had to share top billing during Tuesday's session of the auction, with a colt who sold for $2.2 million, while Wednesday's first Book 2 session was topped by a $1.9-million colt. Bidding at the Keeneland September sale will have a one-day break before resuming Saturday and continuing through the following Saturday with sessions beginning daily at 10 a.m. 'Can't Go Wrong with Gun Runner': Magnier, Brant Team for $1.55-Million Colt Coolmore's M.V. Magnier and Peter Brant's White Birch Farm, who went to a sale-topping $3.3 million to acquire a colt by Gun Runner Monday, added another son of the Three Chimneys stallion to their portfolio when going to $1.55 million for a yearling (hip 969) from the Four Star Sales consignment on Thursday. All four sessions of the September sale have been topped by sons of Gun Runner. Hip 969 was bred by Three Chimneys and is out of graded winner Twenty Carat (Into Mischief). His third dam, Silk n' Sapphire (Smart Strike), produced GI Breeders' Cup F/M Turf winner Shared Account, who in turn is the dam of GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Sharing. “[Three Chimneys'] Goncalo [Torrealba] is a very good breeder, and he's out of a good mare,” Magnier said of the yearling's appeal. “So we are happy enough to get him.” Of the colt's placement in Book 2, Four Star Sales' Kerry Cauthen said, “I saw that horse back on the farm quite a while ago. He was a rangy horse who probably didn't have it all pulled together at the time. People might ask what this million-dollar horse is doing in Book 2, but he was narrow and light. But we thought he would come along and develop. And he did.” Gun Runner, whose 'Rising Star' son Brant won the GI Del Mar Futurity Sunday, has had 12 yearlings sell for seven figures this week at Keeneland. Through four days, 36 yearlings have sold for an average of $932,917 and a median of $825,000. “What can you say about Gun Runner?” Cauthen asked. “You can't go wrong right now with Gun Runner. They are in love with them and they should be.” @JessMartiniTDN Searing Goes to $1.4 Million for Flightline Colt The action around first-crop sire Flightline continued Thursday with a colt out of Layla (Union Rags) (Hip 794) realizing $1.4 million from April Mayberry, bidding on behalf of Lee Searing's C R K Stable. A full-sister to GISW Express Train, the 11-year-old mare is a granddaughter of GI Alabama Stakes heroine November Snow (Storm Cat). Mayberry also secured Express Train for Searing for $500,000 at the 2018 September sale. The Mar. 12 foal was offered by Dixiana Farms, who also bred the colt. “He's identical [to Express Train] and then throw Flightline in on top of that,” said Mayberry of Thursday's purchase. “Express Train is one of Mr. Searing's all-time favorite horses, so it's kind of a no-brainer. He looks so much like [Express Train].” In addition to Thursday's seven-figure purchase, Mayberry also signed for a colt by Tapit out of Manki (Hip 413) following a $1.3-million final bid during Wednesday's Book 2 opener. “It is definitely a seller's market right now,” Mayberry said. “We expected after watching Saratoga, everything was going to be a little bit higher and we were not wrong. If you want them, you're going to pay for them. We've been real, real picky and I think we're happy with everything we've gotten so far.” —CBossTDN Richard Drake Jumps in for $1.35M Not This Time Colt Many of the big names at this week's Keeneland September sale were still in attendance for Thursday's Book 2 finale and several of them made their presence felt when Hip 1066, a colt by Not This Time, stepped into the ring. When the dust had settled it, was Texas horseman Richard Drake who secured the third highest-priced yearling of the session for $1.35 million. Handling the bidding and signing duties for Drake was former European champion jockey Cash Asmussen. “It is going to be the first horse that Steve [Asmussen] has for Mr. Drake,” confirmed Asmussen. “He's smooth. This is the kind of horse we felt was not too big, not too small. He's very athletic.” The Mar. 15 foal is the first for the 6-year-old unraced Tapit mare Definitive, a daughter of GI Humana Distaff winner Aubby K (Street Sense) and full-sister to GSW Magic On Tap and GSP Principe Guilherme. “He's got enough pedigree out of a Tapit mare and the Winchell family [who campaigned Tapit] has been a great supporter of my family, and so Tapit is a very familiar horse for us,” explained Asmussen. “He has the pedigree and confirmation. It's a roll of the dice, as we all know. But Mr. Drake said, 'I want to roll the dice on this horse.'” Consigned by Taylor Made Sales, the dark bay was bred by Jane Lyon's Summer Wind Farm. “We have sold for Summer Wind in the past, but we haven't sold a lot for them recently. It's a privilege really,” said Taylor. “The colt was a Not This Time and it just kind of fit, so they sent him our way.” “I fell in love with him the first time I saw him–a beautiful horse, so well balanced. He reminded me of the one we sold out of Wembley in Book 1 for $1.7 million [Hip 211]. This one ended up in Book 2. I thought he was a $1-million horse, and that is aggressive to say for a Book 2 horse. I didn't know definitely that the money as going to be there, but it was.” Cash Asmussen | Keeneland photo Based on the deep buying bench seen at Keeneland this week, Taylor was also pleasantly surprised with who ultimately signed the ticket. “The list of people on that horse was two pages, but the one I didn't have on the horse was Cash Asmussen. He surprised me. I mean, he's a legend,” said Taylor. “I think Cash got an awesome athlete and I can't wait to see what he does.” According to Asmussen, the colt is the first of what looks to be growing string of horses that Drake plans to have under the care of Asmussen's Hall of Fame brother, Steve. “[Drake] has quite a few horses, but he wanted to get hooked up with Steve,” Asmussen explained. “He'd like to buy a horse that was special. We feel this horse was special.” Asmussen indicated the new acquisition will initially start at the Asmussen family's El Primero Training Center in Laredo, Texas. “Epicenter, Untapable, Tapit…that's just a few that have run off of there that Steve's had the pleasure to train,” said Asmussen. “Steve and I talked, and I'll get him ready, and then he'll go on to Steve.” And what is the plan for Drake's fledgling operation? “Well, he started with the Kentucky Derby, and then he said, 'We'll work down from there,'” Asmussen laughed. “He wants a horse that can get two turns, that could possibly be a Classic horse. But I think he'll be selective. I think that he will venture out into buying a few more horses that he thinks are two-turn horses that could be good 3-year-olds.”—CBossTDN First-Crop Yearling Sire Life Is Good Gets First Keeneland Millionaire Minutes before 8 p.m. Thursday evening and just a dozen hips before the end of Book 2, the hammer dropped at $1.25 million for a colt by WinStar's first-crop yearling sire Life Is Good, with Hunter Rankin signing the ticket on behalf of the Boersma family's Flying Dutchmen. MGISW Life Is Good, a son of Into Mischief, also had a yearling filly sell for $1.025 million to Repole Stable last month at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga. “When you're buying horses, they're all undefeated right now, so you've got to be excited,” said a jubilant Rankin. He said this is the third Life Is Good yearling Flying Dutchmen will have in the barn. “We bought one last year as a weanling that we love (a $400,000 colt out of Lady Aces {Constitution} at Keeneland November). We have a homebred that we really like, too, and here at this sale, we've liked a bunch of them, but this guy just came from a really good pedigree and really great breeders. It's really hard to overestimate how much that means to us in terms of where they were raised.” Hip 1142 | Keeneland photo Bred and consigned by Hinkle Farms, who also bred his first two dams, the bay colt, sold as hip 1142, is out of the unraced Indian Bay (Indian Charlie), making him a half-brother to Japanese GSW & G1SP Shivaji (First Samurai) and to U.S. SW & MGISP Tarabi (First Samurai), as well as to this year's GI Santa Anita Derby third Westwood (Authentic). The family is replete with black-type, but also with top sales horses. A Not This Time daughter of Stave (Ghostzapper)–a half-sister to Indian Bay–brought $2 million Monday when selling to Cindy Heider. A Constitution son of that same mare, since named Matenro Hour, sold for $1.1 million to Yuichi Fukunaga at this sale last year. Rankin signed for 10 yearlings for Flying Dutchmen through the first two books at Keeneland September, including a $1-million filly by Not This Time. “It's hard to say if this is going to be the best one,” said Rankin, “but if you keep buying horses like him, you're going to be successful. It was really hard to get him. I know we outbid some really good people, and obviously, maybe [it was] a little more than what we'd hoped to spend, but if you want to put nice horses in the barn, you have to spend real money.” Rankin touched on the emotions behind buying at this level. “You can't take this stuff for granted. It's really special,” he said. “This family, they're such special people and they get excited with every horse we buy, as we all do. The horse will be named within 24 hours. It's a really cool thing to be a part of.” ––JillWilliamsTDN Not This Time Filly Goes Dutch After buying five colts over the first three sessions of the Keeneland September sale for an average of $485,000, Hunter Rankin of Flying Dutchmen went to a cool $1 million Thursday afternoon to add a Not This Time filly to the operation's haul. Consigned by Warrendale Sales as hip 887, the bay daughter of 2017 GII Golden Road Stakes victress Road to Victory (Quality Road) is a half-sister to 2024 Sir Barton Stakes winner Corporate Power (Curlin). She was bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, who picked up her dam for $1.45 million at Fasig-Tipton November in 2019. “We loved the family,” said Rankin, “and Barbara [Banke] is so great to buy from. [Stonestreet] raises their horses the right way, so we loved her and we were really going to try to get her. That was at the upper end of what we wanted to pay, but it was great. “Hopefully she's a great race filly, but she's got such a great pedigree her behind her already. We're trying to buy fillies that will ultimately go to our farm and be bred there.” All eyes on hip 887 as the Not This Time filly out of G2W Road to Victory sells for $1 million! Consigned by @WarrendaleSales, Agent for Stonestreet Bred for Brilliance, and purchased by Flying Dutchmen. #KeeSept pic.twitter.com/2RDb9F0Sl8 — Keeneland Sales (@keenelandsales) September 11, 2025 Like so many others, Rankin couldn't help but feel the strength of the yearling market. “People set the values of what horses are worth,” he said. “Right now they're worth a lot of money. It's exciting obviously for the industry with a lot of new blood coming in, but it's been hard to be competitive. We've been outrun a lot, but we're happy to get this one.” He added: “Everybody says there's so many problems with the business, but there's also a lot of enthusiasm and there's a lot of new people here who I don't recognize. Obviously it's hard when you're trying to buy against all these people, but in terms of health of the market, it's great. I know there's tax things, but I don't think it's just that. I think there's genuine interest and genuine new interest with the business.” ––JillWilliamsTDN Nothing But Net: Jack Christopher Colt Stars for Ledgelands Shelley and Andrew Ritter's Ledgelands, which has been consigning at the Keeneland September sale since 2016, enjoyed its biggest result to date when its homebred colt by Jack Christopher (hip 854) sold for $500,000 to the bid of Katsumi Yoshida Thursday at Keeneland. The Ritters had purchased Pathos (Successful Appeal), with the colt in utero, for $26,000 at the 2024 Keeneland January sale. “Not $500,000,” Andrew Ritter said when asked what his expectations were for Thursday's sale. “Maybe $200,000-$300,000.” The Ritters first became aware of Pathos when she went through the sales ring at OBS at the 2023 Winter Sale where she sold for $30,000. The couple missed out on the mare that day, but didn't hesitate when given a second chance last January. “We saw her before down in Ocala and we liked her,” Andrew said. “But then she went to somebody else. When she came up for sale again, we hit it.” Of the bargain price, he added, “It was blind luck.” Shelley Ritter said the colt impressed them right away. Hip 854 | Keeneland photo “We loved him from the start,” she said. Her husband added, “He came out gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. He was the best on the farm from the time he was born.” The Ritters confirmed this was the highest they have ever sold a horse for, although they had a close second at Keeneland last September. “We didn't cry this time,” Andrew said. “Last year, we cried. The one last year was a Yaupon that brought $475,000. We bought that mare for $1. That was pretty exciting.” Of the Ledgelands operation, Shelley said, “We have 25 mares. We do it all. A little bit of everything.” Andrew added, “We've had a fair amount of success with Indiana-breds. And we have one running at Woodbine now, an allowance horse.” Bumble of Love (Hampton Court {Aus}) carried the Ritters colors to a pair of stakes wins at Horseshoe Indianapolis in 2021 and 2022. As for the 3-year-old Pathos, Shelley said, “She is in foal to Charge It and she has a Complexity [weanling].” @JessMartiniTDN The post Gun Runner Colt On Top Again As Book 2 Posts Double-Digit Gains appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Gerard O’Reilly could get his night off on the right note at Addington tonight. Th Ashburton-based trainer-driver has four drives, starting with Jukebox Gypsy in Race 1, the IRT. Your Horse. Our Passion. Mobile Pace (5.31pm). After three seconds in her last four starts the Rock N Roll Heaven four-year-old is well placed, and heavily supported, to get just her second career victory at start number 31. Drawn 4 over 1980m, she’s currently a $2.15 favourite. “She’s shown enough gate speed to get across them and then we will take it from there,” says O’Reilly. “If she can settle handy she’s always finishing her races off well.” So could tonight be the night? “Hopefully,” says O’Reilly. At her last start, at Ashburton on August 31, she was a close second to Oneroa. Third in the same race was the Mark Jones-trained Zoom X who she will meet again tonight. The Bettor’s Delight three-year-old was an eye-catcher after being four back the fence. He’s currently a $4.50 second favourite. O’Reilly also trains and drives Bettor Be Sharp. He is at big odds ($35) in Race 5, the Chris “Grocer” Griffin Memorial Mobile Pace (7.33pm). “He’s had a good spell and has come back in good fettle and he’ll keep improving,” says O’Reilly. “But he’s up in grade now and needs a bit of luck.” The market is dominated by the Telfer-trained Bettors Anvil ($1.70). In the night’s feature, the $50,000 Woodlands Stud Sires’ Stakes Harness 7000 (8.02pm) another Telfer runner and last start winner Tact Teva is all the rage ($1.80) while O’Reilly will drive Irish Dream for trainer Colin DeFilippi. “When Bruce Negus qualified him I drove him then and he has always given a good feel,” says O’Reilly, “if he gets a nice run he won’t disgrace himself.” “He’s another that is still learning.” And in the last of the night, the Gold Band Taxis Mobile Pace (9.29pm) O’Reilly will drive Swift Major for his brother Kerry. He was third on debut at Addington on August 22 behind the Dunn-trained Scrunch and Candy Cane. “He ran home really well a few weeks back,” says O’Reilly, “he’s a big horse and goes near enough and so if he gets a nice run as well he’ll be finishing it off good.” He’s currently at $10, with the Bob Butt trained and driven Crystal the top pick at $2.10. View the full article
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Check out the best horse racing bookmaker offers available on Friday, September 12. Take advantage of bonus-back deals and exclusive promos to give your bets an edge. Browse today’s specials from leading online bookmakers and get extra value for your wagers. Top Australian racing promotions for September 12, 2025, include: Today’s horse racing promotions Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Geelong Races 1-6 | Bet Back Run 2nd or 3rd Activate your Bet Back Tool in your Betslip on Races 1-6 at Geelong this Friday and if your runner comes 2nd or 3rd, get up $50 back as Bonus Cash. Bet Back Tool is only available to use on the day of race, on Fixed Win bets, and on races with 5 or more runners. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Copycash – Get Copied. Get Paid. Get paid $0.10 every time someone uses Copy Bet to copy your bets. Eligible Customers Only. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Place Your Next Bet & Get Your Stake Matched Up To $50 First enter the code “BET50” and your next bet will be matched in Bonus Cash up to $50. Single bets only. Available only on Friday. Neds T&Cs Apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo 10% Winnings Boost! – Tuncurry & Mackay Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in betslip. Cash bets only. Max bonus $100. Eligible customers only Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Bet Boost | Friday Thoroughbred Meetings Get a bet boost on thoroughbred races around Australia on Friday. Eligible customers. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Daily Exotic Boosts Boost your exotics by up to 20%. Available on Exactas, Quinellas, Trifectas & First Fours. Excludes Quaddies. Check your vault for eligibility. Login to Unibet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% winnings in cash Max Payout $2000. Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds win bets on Australian thoroughbred races only. Excludes boosted, multi, live and bonus bets. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector | If Your Horse Drifts, You Get The Bigger Price Only available on Australian Horse Racing Fixed Price Win bets placed from 8am AET the day of the race. Eligible customers. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo How does HorseBetting.com.au find these racing offers? HorseBetting.com.au reviews Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers to share the best thoroughbred promotions for September 12, 2025. With bookmakers always competing for your business, if one doesn’t have a deal, another usually will. Rely on HorseBetting.com.au for daily racing bonuses and betting specials. We help you find better value with competitive odds and ongoing offers for existing customers. Simply log in to your betting account to see what’s on offer. For extra help picking winners and making the most of your bonuses, don’t miss our free daily racing tips. View all horse racing promotions View the full article
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What Flemington Races Where Flemington Racecourse – 448 Epsom Rd, Flemington VIC 3031 When Saturday, September 13, 2025 First Race 12:10pm AEST Visit Dabble The Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) headlines a 10-race meeting at Flemington this Saturday as the Melbourne Spring Carnival ramps up. A clear forecast for the rest of the week points to a Good 4 track throughout the card, while the rail will be set true. See our free betting tips for Makybe Diva Stakes Day 2025, with the action commencing at 12:10pm AEST. Makybe Diva Stakes tip: Mr Brightside Mr Brightside was massive in defeat behind Treasurethe Moment in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) first-up, sticking on boldly to finish 2.5 lengths back in second. The small field of six is set to work perfectly for the eight-year-old gelding, and from barrier one, Craig Williams will have the option to lead from the outset. He has six wins from eight second-up starts, and if Williams can pinch a couple of cheap sectionals, Mr Brightside will be every chance to claim a third consecutive Maykbe Diva Stakes. Makybe Diva Stakes Race 8 – #1 Mr Brightside (1) 8yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Craig Williams (59kg) Bobbie Lewis Quality tip: Star Patrol Star Patrol has only raced four times since winning the 2023 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m), and he was far from his best in his two runs last spring. However, with a couple of handy jumpout performances under his belt, the best may be yet to come. Ben Melham hops back on board, and with plenty of speed engaged, Star Patrol will look to unleash a strong finish and ultimately prove too hard to hold out. Bobbie Lewis Quality Race 6 – #5 Star Patrol (6) 7yo Gelding | T: Clinton McDonald | J: Ben Melham (55kg) Archer Stakes tip: Revelare Revelare bounced back from a poor first-up run with a determined 2000m victory at Caulfield and now gets his chance to book a Melbourne Cup ticket in the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m). This will be his first crack at the trip, but everything the So You Think gelding has shown over the last 12 months suggests he will relish the extra distance. Declan Bates will need a touch of luck early from barrier 11, but if the pair can find a back to follow entering the home straight, Revelare has the turn of foot to overhaul the leaders. Archer Stakes Race 7 – #4 Revelare (11) 5yo Gelding | T: Robert Hickmott | J: Declan Bates (55.5kg) Let’s Elope Stakes tip: Lazzura Lazzura was a dominant winner of the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) first-up on a Heavy 10 at Randwick, showing her class late under an inch-perfect steer from James McDonald. She looks set to gain a perfect run in transit from barrier six, and as long as she handles the ‘Melbourne way’ on her Victorian debut, Lazzura should prove too hard to hold out in the 2025 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m). Let’s Elope Stakes Race 9 – #3 Lazzura (6) 4yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (57.5kg) Best Bet at Flemington: She’s An Artist She’s An Artist is set to return from a short spell as she looks to bring up a third career win on just her fourth start. The four-year-old mare has not been seen since finishing second to subsequent Group 3 winner Bridal Waltz in the Listed Creswick Stakes (1200m), but as she steps back to 1100m, she looks hard to roll. Craig Williams hops back on board, and with two wins from as many starts at the trip, look for She’s An Artist to dictate terms and sprint clear late. Best Bet Race 1 – #10 She’s An Artist (5) 4yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Craig Williams (58kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Flemington Flemington quadrella selections Saturday, September 13, 2025 3-4-6-12 1-2-3-5-6 3-10-11 1-4-6-8-12 Horse racing tips View the full article
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What Run To The Rose Day 2025 Where Rosehill Gardens Racecourse – James Ruse Dr, Rosehill NSW 2142 When Saturday, September 13, 2025 First Race 11:50am AEST Visit Dabble Rosehill Gardens is the destination for feature racing in Sydney this Saturday afternoon, with the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) headlining a bumper 10-part program that kicks off at 11:50am AEST. The rail moves out +6m for the entire circuit, and although the track is rated a Soft 6 leading into the weekend, expect the surface to be upgraded closer to a Good 4 with sunny skies predicted on Friday and race-day morning. Check out HorseBetting.com.au’s best bets and quaddie selections for the Rosehill races on September 13, 2025. Run To The Rose Tip: Tempted Despite posting three wins across six starts in her debut season, Tempted could easily have been an undefeated filly heading into this three-year-old campaign. The daughter of Street Boss finished a luckless third in the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) on March 22 and then swamped her rivals in the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) before spelling. She returns on the back of one soft barrier trial and may need the run, but the gun draw in gate seven makes Tempted hard to resist at $5 with horse racing bookmakers. Run To The Rose Race 8 – #9 Tempted (7) 3yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Ethan Brown (55.5kg) Theo Marks Stakes Tip: Autumn Glow Autumn Glow was sensational on return in the Group 3 Toy Show Quality (1100m) at Randwick on August 23, powering clear in testing conditions to keep her undefeated record intact. The Chris Waller-trained mare can only improve with that performance under her belt, and the firming conditions should suit as she steps out to 1300m for the first time this preparation. Kerrin McEvoy hops aboard from gate six, and provided he can keep the potential superstar out of trouble throughout the journey, Autumn Glow should take a power of beating in the 2025 Theo Marks Stakes. Theo Marks Stakes Race 9 – #5 Autumn Glow (6) 4yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: Kerrin McEvoy (54kg) Sheraco Stakes Tip: Joliestar Joliestar scaled new heights with back-to-back Group 1 wins last campaign and appears to be resuming in terrific order. The five-year-old mare comes in off two strong trials, while she is bound to have residual fitness on her side after trekking up north to secure the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm on June 7. She will be getting back towards the rear of the field from gate seven, but with the likes of Gangsta Granny and Lilac likely to set a strong tempo, expect Joliestar to have no issues rounding them up in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m). Sheraco Stakes Race 7 – #2 Joliestar (7) 5yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: Zac Lloyd (59kg) Ming Dynasty Quality Tip: Federalist Federalist represents good each-way value as he returns after 147 days off the scene. The son of I Am Invincible was thrown in the deep end as a two-year-old and never shirked the task, producing good closing figures behind the likes of Nepotism and Within The Law in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m). He appears to be flying on the back of two barrier trials, and with the camp electing to kick off the three-year-old season in the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m), it should be taken as a strong lead for how formidable Federalist could be this spring. Ming Dynasty Quality Race 6 – #5 Federalist (12) 3yo Colt | T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | J: Tyler Schiller (54.5kg) Best Bet at Rosehill: Tazima Tazima has been a model of consistency since arriving in Australia, posting a win and two minor placings across his four starts. He looked the winner in his latest outing at this course on August 30 but peaked on the run as stablemate Travolta got the upper hand with 200m left to travel. That horse has placed in stakes class since, and with Tazima set to get the ideal run from barrier two, this guy should have no problem stretching out to 2400m and securing his second win for Chris Waller. Best Bet Race 3 – #4 Tazima (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Adam Hyeronimus (57kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Rosehill Rosehill quadrella selections Saturday, September 13, 2025 2-4-8 1-3-6-9-10- 5 1-2-5-6 Horse racing tips View the full article
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Standing out in the back of Keeneland's pavilion, agent Cash Asmussen signed the ticket on a colt by Not This Time at the second Book 2 session of the September sale. Acting on behalf of Texan Richard Drake, the former European champion rider extended to $1.4 million for the Taylor Made Sales consigned colt. The first foal out of the Tapit mare Definitive, hip 1066 was bred Summer Wind Equine. The post Cash Asmussen Signs Ticket on $1.4 Not This Time Colt at KEESEP appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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With Turf Paradise in the process of a racing permit transfer to a new leaseholder that puts the 69-year-old track on the cusp of a possible regime change, stakeholders who spoke about the longer-term future of racing in greater Phoenix were cautiously optimistic during Thursday's Arizona Racing Commission (AZRC) meeting. But representatives of the Arizona Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (AZHBPA) did articulate short-term concerns that at times vacillated between glass-half-full and glass-half-empty, echoing a nagging tone of uncertainty familiar to anyone who has followed the ups and downs of recently tumultuous racing seasons at the state's main commercial Thoroughbred track. AZHBPA president J. Lloyd Yother told commissioners at the Sept. 11 meeting that Turf Paradise is flooded with stall applications for the Nov. 10–May 2 meet, with an expected influx of 3,000 horses. But, Yother added, Turf Paradise's backstretch barn area is not right now able to handle that surge of capacity because of ongoing structural work to the stables. “We've got an issue there of about 1,400 [stalls] that needs to be solved prior to Oct. 1, which is when the horsemen come in,” Yother said. And while Yother termed the demand for stall space as “new life breathed into the track, which is tremendous [and] what we've been trying to accomplish for a number of years,” his colleague at the AZHBPA, executive director Leroy Gessmann, pointed out that owners and trainers would be racing for less money at the 2025-26 meet. “The purses aren't what we want, and the purses are probably 20% less than last year, maybe a little more,” Gessmann said. Part of that reduction can be attributed to an ongoing legal challenge to a $1-million state appropriation to Turf Paradise. According to a Sept. 10 story in the Phoenix-area Daily Independent, Arizona's attorney general has agreed with litigants who allege in court filings that money earmarked in the state budget violates the “gift clause” of the Arizona Constitution. All of this is happening against the backdrop of Turf Paradise owner Jerry Simms leasing the track and its network of 38 off-track betting (OTB) facilities to a limited liability company headed by Gary Hartunian, a California-based real estate businessman who races horses under the stable name Rockingham Ranch. Tom Ludt, a veteran racing industry executive, will be transitioning into the general manager's role while the Turf Paradise permit process plays out at the AZRC level. As one of his first official acts as the new GM at an AZRC meeting, Ludt was asked by commissioners to clarify the new leaseholders' intentions amid speculation that the existing property could be redeveloped by the new group, with a new track to be built elsewhere in the Phoenix area. “It's to be determined. We're not abandoning the property. It's a two-year lease with options to go forward,” Ludt said. “What will determine [future plans], once we get permitted, is we'll start looking at properties. But we're always going to be upgrading and looking at the current facility. “To answer the question of where or when, we'll determine that. [And] what we will be doing is Maricopa County racing for the long term, whether it's physically at the current address or a new location. “That will be one of my priorities of life as I get here,” Ludt said. “But we're way too early to get into that,” Ludt added. “That's why we wanted the ability to lease this for a while. Under the agreement, we will be responsible for maintaining the property and doing the upgrades, so it will all be under our responsibility. We're retaining the name Turf Paradise. That's in the agreement,” Ludt said. “The public needs to know this: I am not an interim [hire]. I'm doing this general management on a short-term basis pending the approval of the new permit,” Ludt said. “Gary Hartunian and I have spent an enormous amount of time [and] Turf Paradise has been very cooperative. We're fully aware of what we're getting into. Some will question my sanity, and they probably should. “I've been in the horse business for 30 years,” Ludt pointed out with a survivalist's self-deprecating touch of humor. “But I'm still here.” Ludt continued, focusing forward: “I don't want anybody to think that we don't know what we're doing. We understand the circumstances of the purses. That million dollars [from the state appropriation] is being withheld, and I've been involved in those negotiations with the horsemen. We're not going to [factor into the purse account] money that we're not guaranteed to get. So yes, the purses aren't what we'd like. Obviously the horsemen seem to think there's a bright future. They're submitting their applications.” Ludt added that the new leaseholders are also banking on a long-term future. “That's why we're making this investment,” Ludt said. Gessmann said that although the purses are lower than last season, he doesn't believe they'll be reduced further. “I do want to assure the horsemen that those purse levels have been carefully established,” Gessmann said. “I worked very closely with [Turf Paradise] on coming up with what the purses are. [So] they may increase, but they will not decrease, [and] what is in the [first condition] book is what the purse levels are [for the meet].” In recent years, disagreements between the Arizona racing community and Simms have roiled in the courts and at AZRC meetings. Prolonged fights over race dates, OTB privileges, simulcast signals, and purses have all been topics of heated debate. Within a four-month period in 2023-24, two separate sales of Turf Paradise fell through after Simms had expressed confidence to the AZRC and to horsemen that the deals were moving forward without trouble. On Thursday, Simms told the commission that workers have been going full-tilt over the summer to make structural improvements to the barn area. “Normally, we would spend, getting ready for a season, $30,000 or $40,000 in repairs and so on,” Simms said. “This year we've spent $1.5 million, and we're far from done with some of the roofs.” Yother agreed that “there has been a lot of activity going on this year, and things are moving, I feel, in the right direction.” But Yother and Simms have repeatedly been at odds over the years about the scope and specifics of the actual work that needs to get done, and Thursday's meeting was no exception. Simms, for example, told the commission that barn D1 is getting a new roof. Yother disputed that: “They are actually coating the top of that barn. I was out there yesterday, and they're just sealing that barn. “Maybe that's [Simms's] interpretation of a new roof.” Yother said that regardless of what's being done on barn D1, six other barns still need extensive roof work in the next three weeks before stable area opens. “I commend [the new leaseholders] that are giving us a second shot and coming into Arizona so they can get in line for the possibility of a new track or an existing track,” Yother said. “But what really scares me is we've got 1,620 [currently available stalls]. We've got 3,000 horses coming, [leading to the possibility of] horses getting here with no place to go.” The post Long-Term Optimism, Short-Term Concerns With Turf Paradise On Cusp of Regime Change appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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On Time Girl (f, 2, Not This Time) became the 12th 'TDN Rising Star' for her leading young Taylor Made sire–his eighth this year–at Churchill Downs Thursday evening. Off as the 2-1 second choice following a 2 1/2-length debut victory for Brad Cox at Ellis Park Aug. 3, the Albaugh Family homebred raced in between rivals in the early stages and made a flashy move into second heading into the far turn. She set her sights on the leader at the top of the stretch and leveled off with powerful strides to win impressively by four lengths. Longshot Boom Boom Bell (Combatant) was second. Heavily favored 'Rising Star' Tennessee Belle (Yaupon), a runaway maiden winner at Saratoga at second asking Aug. 16, never fired and finished eighth. On Time Girl is a daughter of GIII Pocahontas S. winner and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies third-place finisher Girl Daddy (Uncle Mo), a $500,000 KEESEP yearling purchase by Dennis Albaugh's operation. After producing a full-sister to On Time Girl this year, Girl Daddy was bred back to Flightline. On Time Girl is bred on the same Not This Time x Indian Charlie cross as GISW Sacred Wish. The Albaugh Family also owned and bred Not This Time, who concluded his career with a painful second in the 2016 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile. 4th-Churchill Downs, $116,180, Alw, 9-11, (NW2L), 2yo, f, 6f, 1:10.43, ft, 4 lengths. ON TIME GIRL, f, 2, by Not This Time 1st Dam: Girl Daddy (GSW & GISP, $321,240), by Uncle Mo 2nd Dam: Cara Marie, by Unbridled's Song 3rd Dam: Miss Kilroy, by A.P. Indy Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $131,990. Click for the Equibase.com chart or Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O/B-Albaugh Family Stables LLC (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. *$375,000 RNA Ylg '24 KEESEP. On Time Girl stays perfect in R4 at @churchilldowns under @iradortiz for trainer @bradcoxracing! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/XPKNR9x6cT — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) September 11, 2025 The post On Time Girl Another ‘Rising Star’ for Not This Time appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Race 2 BRANDED KIWI MAIDEN 1200m CHAMPAGNE DIBLU (O Bosson) – Trainer Ms. A Furlong reported to Stewards, that she was satisfied with the gelding’s post-race condition and intends to nominate CHAMPAGNE DIBLU for the Ashburton Racing Club Trials on Tuesday, 16 September. Race 5 ECOGLO NZ 1200m BLUE VEIN (T Moseley) – Trainer Ms. M Cunneen advised Stewards, BLUE VEIN has been retired from racing. The post South Canterbury Racing Club Phar Lap Raceway, Timaru Sunday 7 September 2025 appeared first on Racing Integrity Board. View the full article