Wandering Eyes

Three weeks later than planned, Opera Singer makes her way to the main stage in search of classic glory in the Irish One Thousand Guineas (G1) at the Curragh.View the full article

Who are the people behind the Mutual Admiration Society? The group of owners have enjoyed a whirlwind success with the unbeaten A Lilac Rolla (Ire) (Hary Angel {Ire}) and are gunning for Irish 1,000 Guineas glory. Trained by Paddy Twomey, A Lilac Rolla has gone from strength to strength and is by no means a back number in Sunday's Classic at general odds of 10-1. She has already accounted for the market leader Opera Singer (Justify) in a conditions race at the Curragh last year and American owner Amy King sees no reason why her star filly cannot uphold the form. King, who will be making the trip from Texas to see A Lilac Rolla strut her stuff at Irish racing's HQ, said, “My friend Nicholas Varney, who is a partner in the Mutual Admiration Society, has been involved with horses in Ireland for many years–he has owned plenty of racehorses. About eight years ago we decided to go in on a horse together and we've had six or seven since. Blue Uluru (Ire) (Choisir {Aus}), who was one of our first horses together, is in foal to Space Blues (Ire) and now we have been really lucky with A Lilac Rolla. It's just a dream.” King added, “We bought her for €40,000 [at Tattersalls Ireland] and have been so lucky. It's funny, somebody said she looked expensive at the time! If she were to win on Sunday it would be a dream come true. She didn't really prove herself last year so much but she did beat Opera Singer. We're just so excited.” King is something of a rarity in the world of ownership in that she chooses to have her horses based halfway across the world rather than in her home country. In Twomey, she says she has found a trainer who is aligned with her own views on how a horse is campaigned. She explained, “Nicholas has a house in Shannon and, when I was visiting him about eight years ago, I just got the bug. I love travelling back and forth to Ireland and I think the racing is much more pure in Ireland compared to America. It's all about finding a trainer who cares for the horses as much as we do. That is something really special.” King added, “We are so lucky to have our horses trained by Paddy. He cares so much about the horses and is not going to run her unless they are ready, which is very important to Nicholas and I. He is very excited about A Lilac Rolla. He is really honest in his appraisal of his horses but I think he is really happy with her.” The post Meet The US Owner Behind A Lilac Rolla Who Is Full Of Admiration For Twomey appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

French champion trainer Jean-Claude Rouget is undergoing treatment for lymphoma and is taking a two-month break from training, Paris Turf reported on Saturday. He is 70. Rouget and his family released a statement to the publication which read, “Jean-Claude Rouget will finally be absent from the racecourses for the next two months. Medical examinations led to the diagnosis of lymphoma. Perfectly supported medically, he was immediately taken care of with an adapted care protocol. He is optimistic and hopes that this salary will allow him to resume his public duties as soon as possible. His two assistants, Jean-René Dubosc (Pau), Jean-Bernard Roth (Deauville) and the whole team are mobilized to ensure the smooth running of the stables. Jean-Claude Rouget aspires to the strictest respect for this period of rest which will keep him away from his public life. He will not respond to any calls and thanks everyone for the signs of sympathy shown to him.” The post Jean-Claude Rouget Undergoing Treatment For Lymphoma, Will Take A Break From Training appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Du Jour and Easter completed the exacta in the Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes (G1T) March 3 and are set to compete against each other again in the May 27 Shoemaker Mile Stakes (G1T).View the full article

Blue Grass Stakes (G1) winner and Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up Sierra Leone breezed May 25 in a cage bit and will switch jockeys for the $2 million Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course June 8.View the full article

European import Bois d’Argent became the fourth Australian elite-level winner for Swettenham Stud’s Toronado when he clung on for a courageous all-the-way victory in the AU$1 million Doomben Cup (G1) May 25.View the full article

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'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) will have a new running mate in the GI Belmont S. at Saratoga Race Course on June 8. After watching the GI Kentucky Derby runner-up work five furlongs in 1:02.64 (5/6) on the Oklahoma Training Track Saturday morning, Brown said he was making a rider change. Tyler Gaffalione is out; Flavien Prat is in. Sierra Leone lost the Derby by a nose to Mystik Dan (Goldencents) and finished a nose ahead of Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}). Sierra Leone is owned by Peter M. Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook T. Smith. In the rugged run in the stretch of the Derby, Sierra Leone bumped several times with Forever Young as Gaffalione was unable to keep his mount from lugging in. Gaffalione was fined $2,500 by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) “for touching a rival with his left hand.” It appeared that Gaffalione was trying to keep Sierra Leone from Forever Young and used his hand to push off. Brown felt that his rider should have had his riding stick in his left hand, not the right, earlier in the drive down the Churchill Downs stretch. “He didn't have his stick in his left hand until the eighth pole, and it cost him,” Brown said. “This is not a punishment; the understanding is that's the way this horse likes to travel and you have to be prepared for this horse. We knew that. “[Gaffalione] was prepared for the first two races [GII Risen Star S.] and GI Toyota Blue Grass S., both wins] and I was a little disappointed he wasn't really prepared until the eighth pole (in the Derby). With a horse that's lugging in, you can't have your stick in your right hand and slapping him on his right shoulder until the eighth pole. I'm going to move forward with the change and see how it goes.” Exercise rider Kriss Bon was on Sierra Leone for Saturday's five-furlong move, accomplished inside of stablemate Domestic Product (Practical Joke), who was 13th in the Kentucky Derby after winning the GIII Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby. Domestic Product could run in the GI Woody Stephens S. at seven furlongs on Belmont Day. This was the second Saratoga work for Sierra Leone, who will be one of the favorites in the 1 1/4-mile Belmont. “He looked super,” Brown said. “I just wanted a steady five-eighths work to just keep him where he's at. He's very fit. I was thrilled with how he was moving.” Brown also said he is still thinking about running 'TDN Rising Star' Tuscan Gold (Medaglia d'Oro) in the Belmont. He was a non-threatening fourth behind Seize the Grey (Arrogate) in the GI Preakness S. after not caring for the muddy surface at Pimlico Race Course. Brown said he will make a decision after the horse works next weekend. MGSW SIERRA LEONE works to the inside of DOMESTIC PRODUCT a short while ago over the Oklahoma. NYRA clockers caught them covering 5 furlongs in 1:02.64, out in 1:15.78. pic.twitter.com/JgbCQrCyRo — Mary Eddy (@singmysongbird) May 25, 2024 Honor Marie Works at Churchill If the weather stays right in Kentucky, Honor Marie (Honor Code) will spend another week in Louisville before shipping to Saratoga for the Belmont. The eighth-place finisher in the Kentucky Derby had his second work since the Run for the Roses when he went five furlongs in 1:01.40 (27/51) Saturday morning at Churchill Downs. “I liked the whole thing,” trainer Whit Beckman said from Louisville. “Since the Derby, he has shown good energy. He popped out of that race–despite a real tough trip–in fantastic shape. Last week, we had a nice easy half and, this week, we just wanted a solid five-eighths, something well within himself. He looked good throughout.” Maurilio Garcia, Beckman's assistant and the regular exercise rider for Honor Marie, was aboard. HONOR MARIE (inside) getting his last 5/8 work in @ChurchillDowns before this years @BelmontStakes. He couldn't be training any better and will work once more before shipping up to Saratoga sometime next time week! pic.twitter.com/cnVyFsGz5G — Legion Bloodstock (@LegionBldstk) May 25, 2024 If the forecast is right, weather in Louisville next week will be sunny with temperatures ranging from the high 70s to low 80s. That would keep Honor Marie in the Bluegrass State for another work either Friday or Saturday. Then, the tentative plan would be to van to Saratoga on Sunday, June 1. One thing Beckman will have to do is find a new rider for Honor Marie, who is owned by Ribble Farms LLC, Michael H. Eiserman, Earl I. Silver, Kenneth E. Fishbein and Dave Fishbein. Ben Curtis, who rode Honor Marie in the Derby and to a second-place finish in the GII Louisiana Derby, broke his collarbone last weekend and is out for five to six weeks. Rafael Bejarano rode Honor Marie in his first four career starts. “You would like to have consistency carry through from race to race,” Beckman said. “There are a couple guys we are considering, but we have not made any final decisions. There are jockeys that ride [Saratoga] very well and some guys down here.” McPeek Will Take His Time…Again Trainer Kenny McPeek isn't going to rush anything when it comes to a decision on whether or not Derby winner Mystik Dan (Goldencents) runs in the Belmont. Sound familiar? Of course it does. McPeek took his time before announcing the colt would compete in the Preakness. That news came out a week before the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. “He is doing good,” McPeek, accompanied with his sidekick, Sonny the dog, said Saturday morning while watching horses train at the Oklahoma Training Track. Mystik Dan, owned by Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing LLC, Daniel Hamby III and Valley View Farm LLC, galloped down the Oklahoma and into the turn, just stretching his legs. He will do more in a work next weekend and then a decision would likely be made. “He needs to be eating good, doing good,” McPeek said. “And I want to see who is out there, who is going, who is not going. We will take our time.” McPeek also said the Belmont is still on the table for his GI Kentucky Oaks winner Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), owned by Brookdale Racing, Inc., Mark Edwards, Judy B. Hicks and Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek). Winner of four of five career starts by a combined 26 1/4 lengths, Thorpedo Anna galloped on the Oklahoma Saturday morning. McPeek did say he will not run both horses in the Belmont. When asked if there was a possibility he doesn't have any entrants in the Belmont, he said, “I don't think so.” If Mystik Dan runs in the Belmont, he would become the first horse to compete in all three legs of the Triple Crown since War of Will did it in 2019. Twenty-four fillies have run in the Belmont and three have won, the most recent being Rags to Riches in 2007. The last filly to run in the Belmont was Nest, who was second in 2022. If Thorpedo Anna does not run in the Belmont, she will stay with the fillies and run in the GI Acorn S. at Saratoga on June 7. The post Prat To Replace Gaffalione On Sierra Leone In Belmont appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Day two of the Curragh's Irish Guineas Festival concluded with a bang when Coolmore and Westerberg's hithero unraced 3-year-old colt Jan Brueghel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}–Devoted To You {Ire}, by Danehill Dancer {Ire}) outclassed nine rivals in imperious fashion to garner the €20,000 McDonnells Bar Newbridge Irish EBF Maiden and a 'TDN Rising Star' rosette. He becomes the 43rd Rising Star for the Coolmore icon. The June 21 G2 King Edward VII and June 30 G1 Irish Derby entry was swiftly away and raced in a close-up second through halfway in this 10-furlong test. Inching forward to match strides with Ozark Daze (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) at the entrance to the straight, the 7-2 third favourite assumed control passing the quarter-mile marker and bounded clear in taking fashion to defeat the long-time leader by a highly impressive eight lengths. “He just wasn't straight forward to train, he's a big horse and took a bit of time,” commented Aidan O'Brien. “Ryan [Moore] loved him, but said he mightn't be ready, mentally, for [Royal] Ascot as he doesn't know enough and he'd never been at a track before. He said to go to a winners' race with him and then go to the [G3] Gordon S. in Goodwood. I asked him if he'd stay further than a mile-and-a-half and he said he will, but don't go further yet, so that's all positive. Ryan also said he didn't come on the bridle until he joined the leader and then he said he came alive. He's probably a fair horse and he has the pedigree to be a mile-and-a-half horse.” Jan Brueghel is the ninth of 10 foals and eighth scorer for G2 Debutante S. and G3 Park Express S. placegetter Devoted To You (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), herself kin to a sextet of black-type performers headed by GIII Honeybee S. victrix Humble Eight (Seattle Battle). His second dam Alleged Devotion (Alleged) is a half-sister to G1 Oaks and G1 Irish Derby heroine Balanchine (Storm Bird). The May-foaled bay is a full-brother to G1 Irish Derby hero Sovereign (Ire) and G1 Irish St Leger third Dawn Rising (Ire). He is also kin to a yearling filly by St Mark's Basilica (Fr). 8th-Curragh, €20,000, Mdn, 5-25, 3yo, c/g, 10fT, 2:06.58, gd. JAN BRUEGHEL (IRE), c, 3, by Galileo (Ire) 1st Dam: Devoted To You (Ire) (MGSP-Ire), by Danehill Dancer (Ire) 2nd Dam: Alleged Devotion, by Alleged 3rd Dam: Morning Devotion, by Affirmed Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, €11,800. *Full to Sovereign (Ire), G1SW-Ire & G1SP-Eng, $1,173,919; and Dawn Rising (Ire), G1SP-Ire & GSP-Eng, $260,760. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. O-Westerberg, Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith; B-Barronstown Stud (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien; J-Ryan Moore. Impressive debut Galileo colt Jan Brueghel powers clear of his rivals late on to make a belated winning debut @curraghrace. Group races surely now await this brother to Sovereign.@coolmorestud | @Ballydoyle pic.twitter.com/Mi78chnuyy — Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 25, 2024 The post Galileo’s Jan Brueghel Impresses With TDN Rising Star Display at The Curragh appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Two-time Grade I winner Adare Manor (Uncle Mo) will be heavily favored to successfully defend her title in Sunday's GII Santa Margarita S. at Santa Anita. The Michael Lund Petersen colorbearer posted triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures in her two prior attempts for Bob Baffert this season, finishing second in the GI Beholder Mile S. Mar. 9 and capturing the GI Apple Blossom H. Apr. 13. Drawn widest of all in post five, Adare Manor is the 3-5 morning-line favorite. The field also includes Coffee in Bed (Curlin) and Super Shine (Arg) (Super Saver), separated by just a neck while finishing one-two in the local GII Santa Maria S. Apr. 21. Santa Anita's 10-race Sunday program also features the GIII Daytona S. going 6 1/2 furlongs over the hillside course. The post Adare Manor Looms Large in Santa Margarita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Coolmore partners' Ylang Ylang (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is one of five Ballydoyle fillies remaining in the G1 Betfred Oaks on May 31 after the latest entry stage. The Group 1 winner of the Fillies' Mile last October, the bay was fifth in the G1 QIPCO 1000 Guineas for Aidan O'Brien. She could be joined by the stakes-placed Rubies Are Red (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), as well as Sunday's G1 Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas runners Opera Singer (Justify), who won the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac, the dual group-placed Buttons (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), and Everlasting (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), who was third in the G3 Salsabil S. Ralph Beckett will saddle as many as four, including Listed Cheshire Oaks heroine Forest Fairy (Ire) (Waldgeist {GB}), the stakes-placed Seaward (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Treasure (GB) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), and Listed Oaks Trial Fillies' S. victress You Got To Me (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}). Karl Burke has G3 Prix Penelope winner Making Dreams (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) entered, while Group 3 scorer Dance Sequence (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) represents Charlie Appleby, and G3 Musidora S. heroine Secret Satire (GB) (Advertise {GB}) is signed on for Andrew Balding. Rounding out the field are Group 3 winners Caught U Looking (Ire) (Harzand {Ire}) for Noel Meade and Dermot Weld's Ezeliya (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), and listed heroine War Chimes (Fr) (Summer Front) for David Menuisier. The post Ylang Ylang Anchors 15 Left In The Betfred Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Confirming the serious nature of the G1 2,000 Guineas form, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's Newmarket runner-up Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}–Rosaline {Ire}, by New Approach {Ire}) went one better to lead a Richard Hannon one-two in Saturday's G1 Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh. Held up in mid-division by Sean Levey with the pace steady, the 10-11 favourite began his delivery two out as the stable's Haatem (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}) took control and his wilting run proved perfectly-timed. Getting the yard's bragging rights only in the final yards, last year's G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere hero asserted for a head success, with Ballydoyle's TDN Rising Star River Tiber (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) running big on his 3-year-old bow 1 1/4 lengths further away. The 2,000 Guineas had already looked strong earlier in the afternoon, with the G2 Sandy Lane S. taken by the same owner's sixth-placed Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal). Classic glory! Rosallion swoops from stablemate Haatem to land the @Tattersalls1766 Irish 2,000 Guineas in a dream result for @rhannonracing pic.twitter.com/TN3iJDd8FE — The Curragh Racecourse (@curraghrace) May 25, 2024 The post Irish 2,000 Guineas Glory For Blue Point’s Rosallion appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Springing a surprise in the G2 Temple S. at Haydock on Saturday, John Connolly and Alan Spence's Kerdos (Ire) (Profitable {Ire}) became the latest from the never-ending Clive Cox manufacturing line to garner one of Britain's big sprints. Boasting just one black-type success so far in his career, having mastered the Listed Bullet Sprint S. in September, the 4-year-old had caught the eye when staying on into fifth in Newmarket's G3 Palace House S. three weeks ago but still had a jump to make to get to this level. Using Live In The Dream (Ire) (Prince Of Lir {Ire}) as a lead horse for the first half of the five-furlong contest, the 12-1 shot was sent after last year's G1 Nunthorpe S. hero by Richard Kingscote passing the two pole and edged ahead from the furlong pole for a half-length success. Improving 4yo! Kerdos steps up on his Palace House 5th as he comes home strongly to land the Group 2 Temple Stakes on ground he clearly loves! Excellent work @RKingscote @Betfred | @haydockraces pic.twitter.com/9WXpoqc0dy — Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 25, 2024 The post Profitable’s Kerdos In Temple Upset appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sunday's top tips from the Post's racing teamView the full article

Bouncing out of the 2,000 Guineas, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal–Ajman Princess {Ire}, by Teofilo {Ire}) converted successfully to leading sprinter of his generation by taking Haydock's G2 Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Sandy Lane S. on Saturday. Producing sensational splits when beating the smart filly Kalpana (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}) in a mile novice at Newcastle in March before acquitting himself with credit when sixth in the Newmarket Classic three weeks ago, the Kevin Ryan-trained blueblood travelled strongly in the front line under Tom Eaves. In command from two out, the 9-2 second favourite stretched to an impressive 3 3/4-length success from Orne (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), with the penalised G1 Prix Morny and G1 Middle Park S. hero and 8-11 favourite Vandeek (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) surrendering his unbeaten record a neck away in third. INISHERIN humbles 2x G1 winner VANDEEK into insignificance! Give us the #RoyalAscot rematch we all want… pic.twitter.com/MD1XY77i10 — World Horse Racing (@WHR) May 25, 2024 The post Shamardal’s Inisherin Impressive In The Sandy Lane appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With a long-term eye on a title defense in this fall's GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar, Patricia's Hope LLC's Nobals (Noble Mission {GB}) has begun gearing up for his 2024 campaign. The gelded 5-year-old has posted four breezes at trainer Larry Rivelli's Hawthorne base this spring, most recently stopping the timer for four furlongs in :52.60 (50/51) May 19. “He's doing good, real good,” Rivelli said. “I gave him time just for no reason. I haven't really picked out anything yet (for his return); within his next couple of works, we'll probably start dialing in on something. They got those races (turf sprints) everywhere. It could be at Colonial, Churchill, Ellis, Indiana for his comeback race. The goal is to win the Breeders' Cup (Turf Sprint) again, so we'll just try to get a couple of preps in before that race.” Nobals won four of seven starts during his 2023 season, capped by a narrow decision in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita Nov. 4. A front-running, upset winner at odds of 38-1 in the GII Twin Spires Turf Sprint S. on the GI Kentucky Derby undercard, Nobals showed a different dimension at the Championships, rallying from seventh following a masterful ride from Gerardo Corrales to light up the tote board once again at odds of 12-1. Both wins earned Nobals matching 102 Beyer Speed Figures. Nobals, just a $3,500 FTKOCT yearling, was purchased privately by Vinnie Foglia's Patricia's Hope and transferred to Rivelli following a debut win as a 2-year-old for owner/trainer Leland Hayes at Presque Isle Downs. One of eight graded winners for Frankel (GB)'s full-brother Noble Mission, Nobals was produced by the Dr. John A Chandler homebred and two-time winner Pearly Blue (Empire Maker). “It's good because you just let him run his own race, and if he's where he's at, he fires either way,” Rivelli said of his charge's versatility. “That was not the plan obviously, they just got away from him (at the Breeders' Cup). He plain and simple wasn't fast enough. The trip was perfect. Everything had to work out–the rail opened up just enough and we got through and held on.” Rivelli continued, “A lot of those guys that were in that race last year kinda fell off the map. I'm hoping that we made the right move by just giving him a break. Hopefully, those horses are all (worn) out by that time of the year and we're just coming back with a pretty nice fresh horse.” Larry Rivelli & Gerardo Corrales celebrate at the Championships | Benoit It was a career year for Rivelli in 2023. In addition to saddling his first Breeders' Cup winner, he also came within a length of capturing the GI Kentucky Derby with three-time graded winner and young WinStar stallion Two Phil's (Hard Spun). The Chicago native posted a record of 276-85-59-30 and a personal-best $4,992,862 in earnings last season. “It was the best year we've had in my career,” Rivelli said. “Almost winning the Derby with Two Phil's, then winning the Breeders' Cup all in the same year, it was great. Two Phil's is doing good at WinStar now, I think his book is full. Everything is going good, knock on wood.” Rivelli concluded, “I got a bunch of babies–a bunch of 'em–that aren't named yet that are just getting to the point where the light bulb is going off. There's a lot of could be's right now, which is good.” Who knows? There 'could be' a repeat Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner in his barn as well. REPLAY: Nobals wins the $1 Million #BreedersCup Turf Sprint! Congrats to all connections! #BC23 pic.twitter.com/hpytTFJ2d7 — Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) November 4, 2023 The post ‘The Goal is to Win the Breeders’ Cup Again’ – BC Turf Sprint Winner Nobals Gearing Up for Return appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Continuing the stellar start to his stud career of Sergei Prokofiev, Amo Racing and Giselle De Aguiar's Arizona Blaze (GB) outstayed Ballydoyle's TDN Rising Star Camille Pissarro (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) at the close of The Curragh's G3 GAIN Marble Hill S. run in memory of Theresa Marnane on Saturday. Second to the runner-up's stablemate Whistlejacket (Ire) (No Nay Never) in the five-furlong Listed First Flier S. here earlier this month, the £82,000 Goffs UK Premier graduate who was his sire's first winner also at this venue in March set off in front under David Egan. Tackled and passed by Ballydoyle's 4-6 favourite inside the final furlong, the 7-1 shot looked booked for second again but battled tenaciously to get back in front close home and score by a head. The post First Group Winner For Sergei Prokofiev In The Marble Hill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Here To Shock (NZ) (Shocking) has claimed a berth in the Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) by the barest of margins when nosing out Freedom Rally (Rubick) to land the Gr.3 BRC Sprint (1350m) at Doomben on Saturday. Prepared by Ben, Will and JD Hayes, the ever-improving six-year-old continued his strong recent form which included a win in the Gr.3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) last month, prior to a close second to Dashing (Magnus) over a mile at Caulfield. Winning jockey Michael Dee had Here To Shock on a clear path for victory only for Freedom Rally to dive late and make connections of the eventual winner sweat. “Photo finishes haven’t really been going our way over the last six months so I was glad to see him get the head down. It was a brave effort by the horse, terrific ride and just super,” JD Hayes said. “I can’t thank Rob Heathcote and his team enough. They’ve let us stay and made us feel at home and the horse as well. “It is great for Rob Slade and all the owners. This horse has really gone to another level and I was pleased he was able to cope with the speed today and he was strong through the line.” The BRC Sprint-Stradbroke double has only been done once, but Hayes said the son of Shocking is up for the challenge. “It is hard to do but he’s a horse in form and that is a force to be reckoned with. Maybe he can upset history a bit,” he said. Winning jockey Michael Dee claimed a double on the day and was pleased to get the nod in the tight finish. “I thought I might have just held on, but he didn’t want a metre longer. It was a good tough effort but I’m glad the winning post came up,” he said. “I was very happy after two furlongs and then there was a bit more speed coming across from out wide. It got messy there approaching the 1000m. “I had to concede a position or else we would have been in an average spot but I’m glad it all worked out. It was tough to hold out any challengers.” Formerly trained by Brent Stanley, the Lindsay Park trained galloper took his earnings to A$885,180 with his BRC Sprint victory and now gets a shot at the A$3 million Stradbroke Handicap to be run at Eagle Farm on June 15. Sporting the colours of syndicator Slade Bloodstock, Here To Shock has now won nine of his 29 starts, with a further six placings. Rob Slade went to $70,000 to purchase the then colt out of the Lonhro mare Frescoes from the 2019 Cambridge Stud yearling draft at the Book 1 Sale at Karaka. Bred by The Sunlight Trust, Here To Shock is a half-brother to Listed winner Turn The Ace (NZ) (Turn Me Loose). View the full article

By Mike Love Woodend beach trainer Bob Butt heads to Timaru on Sunday with a team of four, three of which step out for the first time under his care. Race 1 the Bronsan Transport LTD Passing Lane Trot over the 2600m stand will see Pandemic front up again after a third on debut. “He’s quite a nice horse. He’s come through his debut run well. He’s got the ability to win a maiden pretty quickly.” Despite Butt’s confidence around the Love You gelding, there is a belief that the best is still a year away. “He’s just not the best gaited just yet. He’s a big rangy bugger, so it will be good to give him a spell after a maiden win.” The first of Butt’s newcomers is Dreamalittledream in race six, The Two Noels Handicap pace over 2600m. The four-year-old A Rocknroll Dance mare won on debut for then Gore trainer Tony Stratford in November 2023 before failing at Timaru and heading Butt’s way. “She trialled well, she seems well and her work is good. With a bit of luck she will be a good winning chance.” “She’s my best chance of the day.” Four-year-old Sweet Lou gelding Zamperini will line up in race 7, the Night ‘N’ Day Park mobile pace over the 2050m. Zamperini was sent up to Butt for beach work by his former Branxholme trainer Nathan Williamson. “He probably just lacks a bit of top-end speed, but he seems pretty honest. Hopefully they’ll go hard up front and that will give him his best chance to be in the finish.” No Perfect Princess in race 10, the Catering South Canterbury Mobile Pace over the 2050m rounds out Butt’s runners. The four-year-old Vincent mare lands a tricky draw of one the second line. “It might work out alright – we will be on the fence which is not a bad place for Timaru. If she gets a bit of luck she’s a top four chance. Purdon’s one (Eyeliner) has a good draw and will be hard to beat so if we can be three or four back the fence all the way it will be okay for her fresh up run.” Butt is also engaged to drive Luvavici in race 3, the Lone Pine Building trot for trainer Paul Nairn, and Betting Gift in race 4 the Turf Services Readylawn Timaru pace for trainer Bruce Negus. Racing commences from 11:40am. View the full article

Golden Path returned to winning form at Randwick on Saturday. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Victorian raider Golden Path has returned to the winner’s circle with a well-timed run to score in the Benchmark 88 Handicap (2000m) at Randwick for trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr. The son of Belardo was perfectly handled by jockey Chad Schofield, with Golden Path collaring Father’s Day late with Toesonthenose in third. It was the third victory from ten career starts for Golden Path, who made a good early impression from his new quarters after being purchased out of New Zealand. A winner on debut for the stable before going on to win the Silver Bowl Series Final (1600m) as a late three-year-old, the gelding had struggled to reach those early heights as a four-year-old. Following his last start fifth in the A$500,000 The Coast (1600m) at Newcastle, the decision was made to step the galloper up in distance and he relished getting out to 2000m. “He’s a horse that we profiled to get 2000m this time around,” Assistant Trainer Ben Elam said. “He had to work hard for it, the leader skipped away and it was a very honest gallop. “They dropped off mid-section and I thought if the leader skipped away he is going to have to work very hard, but he really pinned his ears back which was good to see because sometimes he can think about it. “We are at a stage now where it was a good time to test him at 2000m and now he has ticked that box.” Schofield made all the right moves at the right time to ensure Golden Path didn’t get too far back on a recently renovated track that was difficult to make up significant ground. “I rode him the other day at Newcastle over a mile and he just kept finding the line like a horse that wants a bit further, so they stepped him up in trip today,” Schofield said. “I was a bit worried about the draw (7) and where we’d end up. I didn’t want to be too far back with how the track is playing but he broke well and we got into a lovely position. “The horse we were following started to get detached so I had to hook out at the 600m and make our own run. It was a good duel up the straight and he was a strong horse late.” View the full article

Jaylah Kennedy guides Hard To Cross home to win at Sandown. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Sandown specialist Hard To Cross made it four wins from five starts at the venue when he posted a comfortable victory in the Benchmark 84 Handicap (1600m) on Saturday. In the process the Patrick Payne-prepared son of All Too Hard headed home a kiwi-bred one-two with seven-year-old Jimmy Choux gelding Trosettee, a stablemate of the winner, charging home late to claim second. Apprentice Jaylah Kennedy, the daughter of Dunedin-based trainers Terry and Debbie Kennedy, handled the four-year-old to perfection as she settled Hard To Cross one-off the fence in fourth place as Georgie Get Mad set up a solid tempo in front. Kennedy bided her time before asking the gelding for his best at the 200m where he charged to the lead before holding out Trosettee by three-quarters of a length at the line. Payne stable representative Neil Greaves was thrilled with the effort of both the horse and apprentice, who has been kicking home winners on a regular basis. “Horses just seem to run well for her, and she rode that one perfectly,” Greaves said. “She has been riding a heap of winners and although Patrick is a little better qualified to assess her riding skills, I think it is there for people to see. “Luke Currie also rode the runner-up perfectly as well, so we are pretty happy with the way things turned out. “I can’t see the reason why they (both horses) wouldn’t keep going the next two to three weeks as there are similar races here and Patrick likes to take a claim where he can if it suits the horse.” Kennedy was delighted to get the win on Hard To Cross at her first ride on the horse. “He has been presented in terrific order and placed really well with the light weight and when I settled that close it doesn’t always pan out like that, but with the 52.5kgs he was pretty dominant,” she said. “I was lucky I had the horse underneath me to put me in the forward position and he was very good. “I hit the front fairly early, but I was travelling so strongly and if something had come up and contested with me, he would have pinned the ears back and kept rolling.” Horse racing news View the full article

Here To Shock (outside) ridden by Michael Dee has taken out the Group 3 BRC Sprint at Doomben. Photo: Darren Winningham The team Hayes-trained Here To Shock (+700) has booked his ticket to the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) after fending off Freedom Rally (+400) in the shadows of the post to claim the Group 3 BRC Sprint at Doomben on Saturday afternoon. The six-year-old son of Shocking has always been a consistent-type, never missing the frame across his three starts heading into Saturday’s $300,000 feature. Michael Dee was able to stalk the speed from barrier four, settling two-back and one-off the inside running rail to guide Here To Shock into the clear, chasing a strong tempo throughout the 1350m journey. The same can’t be said for the luckless runner-up Freedom Rally, with the Tony Gollan-trained four-year-old bombing the start from barrier one, with Craig Williams forced to take his medicine towards the rear of the field. It left punters with a grandstand finish to end the day at Doomben, as Here To Shock bounced off the canvas to claim victory, while Freedom Rally backers will need to wait until next start for the progressive gelding to make amends. 2024 BRC Sprint replay – Here To Shock Co-trainer JD Hayes was on course to discuss the win, suggesting Here To Shock has gone to another level this campaign as he seeks to claim the BRC Sprint/Stradbroke double. “Photo finishes haven’t really been going our way over the last six months so great to get the head down,” said Hayes. “Brave effort by the horse, terrific ride and just super. “I can’t thank Rob Heathcote and his team enough. They’ve let us stay and made us feel at home. “This horse has really gone to another level and I was pleased he was able to cope with the speed. He was strong through the line. “It is hard to do (the double) but he’s a horse in form and that is a force to be reckoned with. Maybe an upset this year.” Michael Dee spoke for the second time after claiming the Pam O’Neil Stakes earlier in the afternoon and was delighted with the win. “I thought I might have just held on,” said Dee. “Good tough effort but I’m glad the winning post came up. “I was very happy after two furlongs and there was speed coming across from out wide. It got messy there approaching the 1000-metres. “Had to concede a position or else we would have been in an average spot. Glad it all worked out. It was tough to hold any challengers.” Here To Shock is now a +1400 chance with top online bookmakers for the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) on June 15. Horse racing news View the full article

Bois D’Argent (inside) ridden by Blake Shinn claims victory in the Group 1 Doomben Cup. Photo: Darren Winningham Annabel Neasham has claimed her second win in the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m), with Bos D’Argent (+2500) causing a major boilover on Saturday afternoon. Her recently retired Group 1 star, Zaaki (2021), was her only previous winner in the race prior to Saturday, as Bois D’Argent made-all to collect his first-ever Group 1 prize, courtesy of a front-running masterclass by Blake Shinn. He pinged the lids from barrier eight, taking his time to cross to the lead, with a group of six or seven horses spread across the track. It was the eventual winner that would end up getting across comfortably in the end, while stable companion Naval College (+4000) and Peter & Paul Snowden two-time Doomben Cup winner Huetor (+1200) lobbed into lovely trailing positions. Detonator Jack (+400) cruised across into the one-one under James McDonald, with other leading chances Kovalica (+250) and Numerian (+750) holding positions slightly worse than mid-field turning into the straight. Bois D’Argent gave a strong kick under Shinn as a wall of horses mounted a late challenge, with New Endeavour (+1000) getting the split as Craig Williams pulled the whip. It was a head-bobbing go on the wire, but there was a slight margin in favour of the inside as Bois D’Argent fended off another honest performance by the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained import. 2024 Doomben Cup replay – Bois D’Argent Annabel Neasham was on course to represent the stable and credited everyone involved in her team for the victory. “Well, he was the one I was saying was way over the odds,” said Neasham. “You pick back through his form and he’s no worse than the rest of these better horses in this field. He ran fourth in a Caulfield Cup where he was a bit unlucky, the Tancred didn’t really work out for him that day but he ran really well, and I’m just do happy for Grant Morgan and his team cause he’s been a good support and a great bunch of owners in him. “A beautiful ride by Blake (Shinn), he rated him beautifully, and New Endeavour kept us honest with a flashback of last week, but it was small margin, but a margin nonetheless. “I’m just so happy for the team, they’ve done a great job to get four horses here and they all looked to run really well, so, delighted.” Blake Shinn was emotional as he spoke post-race about the win and what it means to snag his second Doomben Cup as a jockey. “I’m a bit emotional for this one because obviously my last one was Streamer with Guy Walter, so after I realised I’d won it, straight in my mind was Guy, so it was pretty touching to be able to do it,” he said. “The horse was amazing, full credit to Annabel, she’s a lovely woman and to win a race for her of this magnitude is pretty special.” “It was a great race and Annabel was very confident that he would run well. Anyone could have won this race today and he was fortunate he too good. I’m absolutely thrilled.” Horse racing news View the full article

Chief Stipelas Whyte thrilled with stable star’s improvement from his last run as he bids for famous three-peatView the full article

Fresh off a seven-month spell, promising winter sprinter Spencer (NZ) (Derryn) produced a stunning performance to claim one of the feature events on the programme at Trentham, the Metro Interiors Autumn Sprint Final (1200m). Trainer Erin Hocquard was confident of a good performance after the four-year-old had performed well in gallops and jump-outs leading into the contest, however she was in two minds as to whether the testing Heavy10 track may trip him up after such a long break away from racing. As it turned out, he simply relished the underfoot conditions in the hands of Lisa Allpress as he rewarded the support of punters who backed him into $7.50 in the Fixed Odds market from an opening quote of $13. Allpress had him travelling sweetly one off the fence in behind the early speed before sticking closer to the rail as runners fanned wide at the top of the straight. The son of Grangewilliam Stud resident sire Derryn issued his challenge at the 300m and quickly shot to the lead for Allpress, before holding out a stern challenge from Cambridge visitor Super Wraith (NZ) (Super Easy) to collect the major spoils in the $50,000 event. Allpress was impressed with the effort and also had plenty of praise for his trainer. “Erin is doing a super job as she has her horses in great condition and looking so well,” Allpress said. “I hadn’t ridden this guy before, but I went to the jump outs to ride a few and she was looking for a rider for him that day. “He really impressed me the way he went so I asked to stick with him, and we got the result today. “He travelled well throughout, and I had to stick closer in after he drew barrier two, but when I asked him to go, he really kicked and beat a very nice field. “I just think he’s a real little racehorse who doesn’t mind rain affected tracks, which he is going to get from now on. “Looking at his record he won over 1400m in his last campaign so the way he felt today I think he can certainly get over a little more ground.” The victory also brought up a winning treble for Allpress who had earlier taken out race one aboard First Gear (NZ) (Derryn) for trainer Kevin Gray, followed by a win aboard The Ugly Sister (NZ) (Tivaci) for trainer Paul Pertab. “First Gear is very promising and was simply too good today,” she said. “He hasn’t finished winning and I thought The Ugly Sister was also very determined as she fought back hard in the closing stages for a good result.” Bred and raced by members of Taranaki’s well-known Schumacher family, Spencer has now won three of his eleven starts with the promise of more to come over the next few months. View the full article