Wandering Eyes

I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) will get the chance to end a frustrating run of narrow misses in feature races when he goes to Eagle Farm in two weeks for the Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Stakes (1300m). Co-trainer and co-owner Peter Moody said on Monday he is pleased with the star sprinter’s condition and recovery following his narrow Doomben 10,000 defeat, despite being not so pleased with him again being edged out in a tight photo. “He ran well but he just didn’t get the cigar and I wanted him to get that cigar,” lamented Moody, who trains in partnership with Katherine Coleman. “He came through it well. The mare (Bella Nipotina) was better on the day. We might have gotten a slightly better run, but no excuses. We had our chance and she ran us down. “He probably goes to the Kingsford-Smith in two weeks, but if he goes beyond that (possibly Stradbroke Handicap), I am not sure.” The scarcely-raced sprinter has been placed in all four runs since his most recent win in the 2023 G1 T.J. Smith Stakes. He was beaten by half a length when first-up in the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield in September, before a 0.4-length defeat in The Everest in October. First-up in the autumn, he was 0.3 lengths off them in the T.J. Smith, before his agonising 0.05-length edge out by Bella Nipotina. All the same, those four placings have earned connections around $3.5 million in prizemoney. View the full article

Leading jockeys James McDonald and Blake Shinn will on Saturday be tasked with revealing which of former New Zealand fillies Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) and Scarlet Oak (Kermadec) is best equipped for next month’s Gr.1 Queensland Oaks. Shinn takes the ride aboard Molly Bloom and McDonald will partner Scarlet Oak in the G.2 Doomben Roses (2000m) on Saturday in a race which will likely sort out the leading chance for the 2200-metre Oaks, according to their part-owner Ozzie Kheir. Kheir, who has bought into both fillies who began their racing lives in NZ, said that although the three-year-old fillies are at different stages of their development, he finds it hard to lean either way when looking ahead to the Oaks. “Saturday’s race is the best race for both of them at this stage and it will tell us a lot about our Oaks chances,” Kheir said. “Molly Bloom, she is seasoned and is a big, strong girl and she loves her racing, whereas Scarlet Oak, she has done it all in her first prep. “We’ve thrown her into the deep end and there is not a great deal of her. She’s really just doing it on pure talent and raw ability. “We have been thinking about whether to put her out, but she won so well last start she’s forced our hand to give her a chance. “She’s gone from a maiden to a Group race at her next run and then beat the older horses third start pretty convincingly.” Sportsbet too has had trouble splitting the pair, with both Scarlet Oak and Molly Bloom equal at $4.60 for the Group One classic on June 8. Molly Bloom has won four of her nine starts, including the Gr.1 NZ 1000 Guineas (1600m) last November. She ran a fast-finishing second in her Australian debut earlier this month in an 1800m Listed race on the Sunshine Coast. Scarlet Oak won her maiden over 1400m at Matamata in March, before being transferred to Chris Waller’s yard, where she followed a black-type placing at Randwick in April over 1400m with a Newcastle Benchmark win (1600m) against the older horses. View the full article

The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr stable is pinning their faith in last start winner Hezashocka (NZ) (Shocking) providing them with victory in the Gr.1 Doomben Cup. Hezashocka is coming off a last start win in the Listed Gosford Cup (2200m) at Newcastle on May 11 on a heavy track, conditions the stable hope will prevail for the 2000m Group One weight-for-age contest on Saturday. The Doomben Cup could also determine the path Hezashocka takes further into his campaign. Initially the stable was looking to the Gr.3 Premier’s Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday week, but a solid performance on Saturday may see the Gr.2 Q22 (2200m) at Eagle Farm on June 15, with its extra A$800,000 in prize money, come on the radar. “We’re thinking the Premier’s Cup, three weeks in between runs is a beautiful race for him, but we thought the Doomben Cup was a nice race to get him there,” Kent Jnr said. “If he brought his absolute A-game, he could be somewhere around the mix if the track is wet, but the tight track has to be some concern. “Jamie Kah is booked to ride with a view to backing him up into the Premier’s Cup, but the Q22 is in the mix. “If he happened to run really well in the Doomben Cup, then we might not worry about the Premier’s Cup and go to the Q22.” Hezashocka broke a near two-year drought out when successful at Newcastle and Kent Jnr said the gelding was enjoying being prepared out of their Rosehill yard in Sydney. Kent Jnr said Hezashocka had overcome some irritating niggles that had been hampering him. “He was out of form last preparation, but we’ve got him going well this prep,” Kent Jnr said. “He’s really enjoyed our Rosehill base and he loves getting on these soft and heavy tracks. “He’s also been notoriously tardy away of late, but we found a few little niggles in his hind end that we’ve been able to help those out and for the first time in a long time he began a lot better. “He put himself into the race and the big track at Newcastle, plus the extra trip, helped him. “He’s won more than $1 million in prize money for connections and that was one of the more rewarding wins last time because it was more than two years between drinks.” Hezashocka is among a capacity field of 16 runners on Saturday’s and has drawn barrier six. The Chris Waller-trained Kovalica (NZ) (Ocean Park) is the $3.20 market leader, after drawing barrier three, ahead of Huetor (Archipenko) (11) and Detonator Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry) ($10) both at $6. Hezashocka is a $21 chance to give Jamie Kah a third Group 1 win for the month. View the full article

EPSOM, UK — The names Morston (GB) and Lammtarra were being bandied about as Voyage (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}) stepped onto the track at Epsom on Tuesday morning. In 1974 and 1995 respectively, that pair came to the Derby on the back of one run, but what they lacked in experience they made up for in brilliance. Voyage's trainer Richard Hannon has had two previous runners in the Derby, the 2021 runner-up Mojo Star (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Humphrey Bogart (Ire) (Tagula {Ire}), who finished fifth five years earlier. “Both times we thought we were slightly taking a chance,” says the trainer as he watched Voyage take a lap of the parade ring after exercising at Epsom alongside Sam Hawkens (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). “But this fella, he's unbeaten, that's one thing you can say for him, but it's whether he's good enough and I don't think we can say that until after the race.” Pat Dobbs, who rode Voyage to his easy novice win at Newbury on April 19, was back in the saddle, as he will be for the Derby itself. “Pat rides all of Julie's and she's extremely loyal in every way,” Hannon says, “It's great for her to have a runner and I hope he runs well for her. She loves it. She won't sleep for two weeks now.” Of his decision to swerve a traditional Derby trial, he adds, “Running in a trial, he couldn't do any more than he's done by winning that maiden. He is a horse that has burst onto the scene and Julie was very keen to keep him there, to keep the dream alive, and that's what she's done. “It's beautiful ground out there. He latched on a bit but he does that at home. We didn't come here to see how good he was.” Wood was present at Epsom with her husband Chris and was clearly relishing every minute of the Betfred Derby gallops morning as the countdown to the race itself begins in earnest. “What a wonderful lead-up. You can't beat it, can you? I've been waiting for years to get one good enough to line up and this is it,” she says. Wood has long been a regular on the sales grounds in Britain and Ireland, particularly at the foal sales, and she selected Voyage at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale for 40,000gns when he was sold by the Castlebridge Consignment on behalf of his Italian breeders Effevi Srl and the Botti family's Razza Del Velino. “I always throw a stayer in every year,” says Wood. “A curveball!” interjects Hannon. She continues, “I always put one in every year hoping that one will be good enough to come here, and this is the lad. He's got the right page for it, and I just want to enjoy the moment. It's good to be in a place like this and it's nice that they let you have a run around the track, because it's so unique, so it's good to have a sluice round Tattenham Corner and down the hill.” She continues, “He's bred to stay and that's what he showed he did in spadefuls. That is always a good maiden at Newbury – it always throws up good horses. “We had been declared last year at the back end for a similar mile and a quarter [race] but the track was waterlogged and the meeting was off. That was just the year we had but we might have been coming here with another run under our belts. He has strengthened up over the winter and he did a racecourse gallop before he ran first time. Today is an away-day and I think it will do him the world of good.” The post A Dream Voyage for Julie Wood appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

EPSOM, UK — Some may not find an overcast morning in the middle of a deserted racecourse all that exciting but more fool them. Because all around the Epsom Downs the small temporary village that by this time next Friday will constitute the base for the Betfred Derby Festival is gradually being constructed and the sense of occasion is rising. But of course there's no Derby without horses, and four potential contenders for the race that remains the highlight of every Flat season gained an early sighter of the course on Tuesday morning before a small gathering of media and onlookers. Given that the press were invited along and hadn't merely gatecrashed, it was temporarily disconcerting to hear David Fish, the owner-breeder of Poule d'Essai des Poulains runner-up Dancing Gemini (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) state, “I normally don't do media interviews.” But Fish, who breeds in partnership with his wife Linda under their Fishdance banner, delivered his opening line with a wry smile and was soon engaging in some small talk about the rest of his bloodstock interests, which includes Dancing Magic (Ire), who was third in last year's G3 Craven S., and the Listed winner Dancing Tango (Ire), both of whom are also by the 2012 Derby winner Camelot. “Camelot is my favourite stallion,” says Fish, clearly a sound judge. “Dancing Gemini is by Camelot and his dam is by Australia and they both won the Derby, but he's got that speed, you see.” He continues, “We breed with Coolmore. We have three broodmares and we use their stallions. So we have three yearlings, three foals and five racehorses.” Fish's racing operation is split between Britain and Ireland, with Dancing Gemini's year-younger full-sister, Dancing Teapot (Ire), in training with Joseph O'Brien. “Teapot is my wife's nickname,” he explains. “I wasn't very good at chatting up girls in those days and I saw her standing there with a handbag over her shoulder and smoking a cigarette. I said 'You look like a teapot', and it went from there. That was 50 years ago and I've always called her Teapot.” Fish, who celebrates his birthday on Oaks Day, may be calling for something stronger than tea the following afternoon should Dancing Gemini fulfil a dream that his trainer Roger Teal can scarcely believe is now within his grasp. Teal, who has tasted top-level success with crack sprinter Oxted (GB) (Mayson {GB}), knows a good horse when one comes his way. Now based in Lambourn, he and his wife Sue spent their formative years in racing working in Epsom. “There are lots of good memories around here,” he says. “I worked right near the Derby start and I used to stand in Philip [Mitchell]'s garden for years and watch the runners go by. It's nice being on the other side of the fence. It'll be very exciting but it's very nerve-wracking as well. I probably won't sleep for a few nights beforehand but it will be lovely to come back and be involved in it, which isn't something I thought would ever happen.” Dancing Gemini was accompanied on his canter around Epsom by Oxted's full-brother Chipstead (GB), with Mitchell's son Jack in the saddle of the lead horse while William Cox took the ride on the Derby contender. Dylan Brown McMonagle will however keep the ride a week on Saturday. Teal continued, “William was delighted and said that he handled the track beautifully. It's on the easy side out there so it was lovely ground to do that this morning. Obviously he hasn't gone mad, he only ran nine days ago, but the whole point of coming here was just to give him a feel of the layout of the track and he looked good. “I think we're going to roll our sleeves up and come here. It's very tempting to go back to France but it would be lovely to have a crack at the English Derby and to come here with a live contender is wonderful. It's very exciting for David, his wife Linda, and all involved in the team back at home.” He added, “He's a very speedy horse but he has the breeding to get a mile and a half. He has such a relaxed manner about him and you can put him to sleep and use his burst of speed at the end of a race. He's not guaranteed to stay – no horse is – but on paper he has more of a chance of staying than not. “It's the Derby and there will be good horses wherever we go but the field has thinned out and that does help a little bit. Godolphin have lost two major contenders. It was very sad at Chester but [Hidden Law] looked to be very good before it happened. It's an open field and we've got to have a crack at it. “Dylan has already been on the phone this morning so I've got to give him a call back and let him know my decision. He's bought into what we're doing and he believes in the horse, which is an added bonus. He's very confident after riding him in France.” The post ‘We’re Going to Roll Up Our Sleeves’: Teal Dances Back to Epsom appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Last Saturday, all eyes were on Doomben for the first Group 1 of the Queensland Racing Carnival, while Flemington and Scone held strong support programs. We have found three runners from those meetings that are worth following after producing strong performances in defeat. You can add these horses to your blackbook so you can follow them next up. Doomben Track rating: Soft 7 Rail position: True entire circuit Race 5: Listed Members’ Handicap (1600m) | Time: 1:37.84 Horse to follow: Knight’s Choice (2nd) Although Knight’s Choice was convincingly beaten by Gringotts in the Listed Members’ Handicap, the John Symons & Sheila Laxon-trained gelding was first-up off a five-month break. With the benefit of two trials before Saturday’s start, the son of Extreme Choice finished off nicely to record his first placing when fresh for his career. It is expected that the stable will look to give him another run over 1600m or 1800m before targeting a 2000m race third-up. When to bet: The Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup over 1800m at Eagle Farm on June 1 will be a good race for the Symons & Laxon barn to target, but if Knight’s Choice don’t get into that race, the stable could opt for the Benchmark 85 Handicap over 1600m on the same day. Either way, this is a horse to follow throughout the Queensland Racing Carnival. Flemington Track rating: Soft 7 Rail position: +4m entire circuit Race 4: 3YO Handicap (1400m) | Time: 1:24.03 Horse to follow: Modown (5th) Modown was a hard watch for backers, as Damian Lane was made to settle in behind traffic and wait until the 200m mark before eventually getting clear running room. The son of Toronado went to make his run inside the final 200m but was then blocked by the 100m mark and went over the line hard held. If he had found clear air, there is little doubt he would have been fighting out the finish. When to bet: Littlefield and her team will be seeking to find a similar race over 1400m, and if Modown gets even luck, he should be winning next time out. Race 7: Listed Straight Six (1200m) | Time: 1:10.64 Horse to follow: Poison Chalice (4th) With a slashing run from the back of the field, Poison Chalice recorded the fourth-fastest last 400m (23.07) and the sixth-fastest last 200m (11.98) sections of the entire Flemington meeting. Considering the son of Savabeel has never won at 1200m and it was his first race down the Flemington straight, his performance was much better than it might appear at first glance. When to bet: Trainer Paul Preusker has stated that Poison Chalice is on a Winter Championship path, which would mean he’d have to contest and run well in a heat. The Benchmark 84 Handicap over 1400m on June 8 at Flemington looks to be the ideal race for him to earn his way into the Winter Championship Series Final on July 6. Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Horse racing tips View the full article

What Hawkesbury Races Where Hawkesbury Race Club – 1 Racecourse Rd, Clarendon NSW 2756 When Thursday, May 23, 2024 First Race 12:15pm AEST Visit Dabble Hawkesbury Race Club is the destination for provincial racing on Thursday afternoon, with an ultra-competitive eight-race program set for decision. The rail is out +2m between the 1100m and 450m markers, while the rest remains in the true position. The opening race is set to get underway at 12:15pm local time, and with no rain forecast in the lead-up, it should be a pristine Good 4 surface for all participants. Best Bet at Hawkesbury: Snatchreilly Snatchreilly couldn’t have been more impressive when breaking his maiden at Newcastle on May 4. The son of Trapeze Artist was able to dictate terms on speed, storming away by 3.5 lengths when given the cue by Keagan Latham. He still has plenty of upside for the Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexious barn, and although this Class 1 contest is significantly tougher, Snatchreilly can dispatch them again to secure back-to-back victories. Best Bet Race 6 – #2 Snatchreilly (1) 3yo Colt | T: Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | J: Keagan Latham (59.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best at Hawkesbury: Watch My Girl After a sensational performance at Kembla Grange on April 27, Watch My Girl appears primed to strike third-up. The Ron Quinton-trained filly was terrific when making inroads from the rear of the field in a slowly run race, powering home to get within a head of Spirit Of Varanasi. The step up to 1600m should be ideal, and with Christian Reith likely to lob into a mid-field position with cover, Watch My Girl should be finishing best. Next Best Race 7 – #2 Watch My Girl (6) 3yo Filly | T: Ron Quinton | J: Christian Reith (59kg) Bet with Neds Best Value at Hawkesbury: Betsy’s Flag Betsy’s Flag was disappointing in her most recent outing at Warwick Farm on May 8 and didn’t seem to handle the Heavy 10 surface. Getting back on top of the ground should be ideal for the daughter of Astern, while Leeshelle Small’s 4kg claim gives her some relief at the weights. Dropping back to Class 1 company, Betsy’s Flag can give a bold sight at an each-way price with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 5 – #5 Betsy’s Flag (2) 4yo Mare | T: Joseph Pride | J: Leeshelle Small (a4kg) (57.5kg) Bet with Unibet Thursday Hawkesbury quaddie tips – 23/5/2024 Hawkesbury quadrella selections Thursday, May 23, 2024 1-3-5-7 2-3-5 1-2-7 1-2-3-4 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips
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Trainers Ken and Bev Kelso have raced two outstanding daughters of Proisir in the colours of Philip and Catherine Brown, and on Wednesday they are hoping they can unveil another at Taupo. The Browns have struck gold in the last few years with Group One winners Levante (NZ) and Legarto (NZ), and they are hoping Levakia (NZ) can reach the same lofty heights. The couple purchased her out of Curraghmore’s 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Online Yearling Sale draft for $105,000 under their Ancroft Stud banner, and Ken and Bev Kelso have been pleased with what they have seen from the filly so far. “It is the same syndicate as Legarto,” Ken Kelso said. “We bought her as a yearling online for $105,000 and she has developed into quite a nice filly.” Levakia was runner-up in her 850m trial at Te Awamutu last month and is set to make her debut in the Dylan Johnson Bloodstock (1100m) at Taupo on Wednesday, however, with the Taupo track rated a Heavy9 on Tuesday morning, and more rain forecast, she could be saved for another day. “She has shown ability at home and I thought it was a nice trial at Te Awamutu,” Kelso said. “We were going to give her another trial, but when they brought along this two-year-old race at Taupo we decided to roll the dice. But now with the weather, a question mark on the track, and probably drawn in the wrong place in one, I am not 100 percent sure we are going.” Levakia will likely head for a spell shortly in preparation for her three-year-old season. “We will probably give her a little break after this because the tracks are only going to get worse over the next couple of months,” Kelso said. Meanwhile, a number of the stable’s stars have start to return to work in preparation for their spring preparations. “We are pretty quiet, this will probably be the only runner until the end of the season,” Kelso said. “A lot of the better ones are starting to trickle back in. Legarto and My Annie Belle came back in yesterday, Alabama Lass is back in work, but Jolted will have a little bit longer because she went out a little bit later. “We will just see how the weather goes, but Legarto will probably kick off at Hawke’s Bay and Alabama Lass will hopefully be set for the Gold Trail Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m). “We will get through early spring racing here and then decide (on the remainder of their preparations).” View the full article

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh believes Bourbon Proof (Justify) can make his presence felt in strong three-year-old company next season. Marsh has formed a good opinion of the Justify youngster, but his confidence about a winning debut at Taupo on Wednesday took a severe hit when he was handed a horror gate in the Dylan Johnson Bloodstock (1100m). It will now be up to premiership-leading jockey Warren Kennedy to work his magic with Bourbon Proof from the outside barrier. “We think he is very good and if it was a month ago we would have waited for a better draw, but we want to give him a run and then set him aside for the spring,” Marsh said. “He could be a pretty serious colt but that draw makes it an almost impossible task.” Bourbon Proof placed in two trials during the summer before a break and then won his 800m heat at Avondale earlier this month. “Warren knows the colt and rode him in his last trial and really liked him, but I was certainly deflated when I saw the barrier draw,” Marsh said. “We do think he could be in some pretty good races next campaign. He will definitely spell after this race.” Stablemate Ortega (NZ) (Reliable Man) has also trialled well and will hit the ground from a more favourable gate (six) for apprentice Triston Moodley. “She will be better next preparation over a bit further, but she is the sort of filly who will jump and put herself there,” Marsh said. The stable will also be represented in Saturday’s juvenile feature at Pukekohe by Magna Memory (NZ) (Magna Grecia) in the Listed Staphanos At Novara Park Champagne Stakes (1600m). The Magna Grecia gelding has been unplaced in three runs, but improvement is expected at the weekend. “He was very good first-up and was then a touch plain, but the mile should really suit him and any rain will be welcomed,” Marsh said. Meanwhile, promising three-year-old Takeshi (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) will resume at Taupo in the Ballymore Stables –Michael Moroney/Pam Gerard Handicap (1200m) but is another handed an outside gate. “He’s had a mixed-up preparation and was ready to go before he had a foot abscess and we trialled him on a heavy track at Te Aroha the other day,” Marsh said. To be ridden by Michael McNab, the son of Satono Aladdin impressed in a brief spring campaign with a runaway debut victory at Rotorua and then finished runner-up at Pukekohe. “He’s a real take on trust job, he’ll have this one and a freshen before the spring. I think he’s very good but hasn’t really had anything go his way this prep,” Marsh said. He does, however, fancy the chances of The Green Keeper (NZ) (Staphanos) in the opening event, the DJ O’Sullivan-Master Trainer @ Wexford Stables Highweight (2000m). “He looks well placed with Troy Harris on, his mother’s got a share in the horse, and he’s going well,” he said. “I also like the two in the fillies and mares’ race.” Lovaci (NZ) (Tivaci) will be ridden by Courtney Barnes in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1300m) while Sam Spratt will guide El Amor’s (NZ) (Ardrossan) fortunes. “Lovaci has gone really good races and is well drawn (gate one) and so is El Amor (five),” he said. View the full article

As the busy season looms for Ruakaka, local trainer Chris Gibbs is looking forward to competing for home track spoils in the coming months after attending meetings at Taupo and Pukekohe Park this week. While many trainers further down the country opt to spell horses in search of better tracks in the spring, Gibbs does the opposite with the reality of Ruakaka’s ‘winterless north’ suiting his well-performed pair of Cakebytheocean (NZ) (Ocean Park) and Chevron (NZ) (El Roca). “We keep more horses in during this time, going right back to when I trained with Donna and Dean (Logan) for years. They kept those horses in that didn’t handle the wet tracks specifically for the meetings up here,” Gibbs said. A son of Ocean Park, Cakebytheocean has delivered five victories and six minor placings from 23 attempts, and Gibbs hopes to see the gelding back to that form on Saturday at Pukekohe in the Open 1500m. “I don’t think he really goes that well left-handed so I’m just putting a line through the run he did at Te Rapa. Each time I’ve sent him that way he hasn’t seem to run very well, so I’ll just try to stick to the right-handed tracks,” he said. “With Ellerslie out of action and Avondale and Dargaville gone, there aren’t a huge amount of options for him, but hopefully we’ll get a better result at Pukekohe. “He’s done this before, taken a couple of runs before he gets going so Saturday will give us a better idea of where we are headed with him. “Hopefully he can show his older form, and he’ll be aimed towards the ITM Stayer’s Final in July over 2100m. As he’s gotten older, he’s been looking for a bit more distance so I’m looking forward to that.” Gibbs has adopted a similar path to last season with well-performed six-year-old Chevron, competing in the earlier part of the spring before targeting home track features in the winter, culminating in a narrow second-place finish in the ITM Stayer’s Final (2100m) last July. The son of El Roca has been off the scene since the Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m) in November and will commence a new campaign at the Ruakaka meeting on June 8. “Chevron is a horse I have a lot of time for, he’ll step out in the Open 1400 up here and he’ll be in good order once he hits the track, he’ll go into it fresh without a trial,” Gibbs said. Prior to the Pukekohe meeting, his trio of Pure Delight (NZ) (Darci Brahma), Vita Amorosa (NZ) (Belardo) and Kitskah (NZ) (Reliable Man) will represent the stable at Taupo on Wednesday, with the latter lining up in the Pike Racing – Tony Pike (1400m). “She’s been in lovely form, we tried her over the mile last time and she just was found a little bit wanting. She’s got a nice draw (7), I thought that was probably a bit dictator last time, so I’d like to see her ridden a fraction quieter,” Gibbs said. “I’d like to see her three-back and one-out with a bit of luck and hopefully we’ll see her running on a bit more this time, but I’m happy with her.” Darci Brahma mare Pure Delight has accumulated four second placings and three thirds in her venture to break maidens, which Gibbs hopes she can achieve in the Joe Yorke Bloodstock (2000m). “It’s been pretty frustrating trying to get that win out of her honestly, she’s one of the more consistent maideners in the country and I would’ve liked to get that out of the way a while ago but here we are,” he said. “I’d be a little bit wary of running if we got too much rain but it looks okay, she’s in good order and the trip away should do her good. “I chatted to Lynsey (Satherley, jockey) after Vita Amorosa’s run last time over a mile and she said to keep persisting, and since we’ve put her over ground in her work she’s grown another leg. “I’d like to think the 2000m would see a bit more out of her, because she’s been disappointing, there’s no denying that.” The extended closure of the Brynderwyn Hills highway has put further distance on the journey to Auckland and Waikato meetings, a factor Gibbs hopes won’t play a part on upcoming nominations at Ruakaka. “Once the races start in June, it’ll be good. It’s frustrating with the Brynderwyns still being closed, but I’d imagine it’s just as frustrating for those travelling up for us having to go down,” Gibbs said. “Going through the winding round and adding time on isn’t great for the horses, but that’s what we get every time we go away to anywhere. “It may well sway them away from coming which is unfortunate for our club, but that’s the way it is. “There’s lots of things happening with the club so I’d love to see plenty of people supporting it if they can, especially building towards the ITM Finals in July.” View the full article

The allure of a weanling sale is the world of possibilities that are within reach over the next few seasons, both back in the sale ring and on the racetrack. The 150-lot catalogue for next month’s 2024 NZB National Weanling Sale at Karaka is stacked with the right bloodlines and credentials for buyers to pursue those big dreams, similar to that on offer at Karaka but in smaller packaging. This year’s catalogue features 20 siblings to stakes performers, along with the progeny of 15 stakes-performing mares and countless other members of elite thoroughbred families. Below is just a small selection of some of the outstanding young horses that will be going through the Sir Patrick Hogan auditorium on Thursday 20 June. Brighthill Farm will offer one of the highest-profile weanlings of the sale as Lot 24. The Sweynesse colt is the first foal out of Hasstobemagic (NZ) (Scissor Kick), who is a half-sister to this season’s multiple Group-winning Melbourne three-year-old Coeur Volante (NZ) (Proisir). Hasstobemagic was herself a stakes performer as a two-year-old, placing in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m). Lot 140 is another weanling that is sure to turn plenty of heads. Offered by Haunui Farm, the colt is by high-class Arrowfield Stud stallion Maurice, who had yearlings sell for up to $180,000 at Karaka earlier this year. This colt is the first foal out of the classy Savabeel mare Butter Chicken (NZ), best known as a placegetter in the Group Two Autumn Classic (1800m) at Caulfield as a three-year-old. Butter Chicken is also a full-sister to the recent Listed winner and leading Group One Queensland Oaks (2200m) contender Waikato Girl (NZ) (Savabeel). Their dam Scintillula (Galileo) was a Group One placegetter and has produced four winners from four foals to race. Jamieson Park’s Xtravagant colt catalogued as Lot 71 is a half-brother to the classy four-year-old Holymanz (NZ) (Almanzor). A four-time winner in Victoria for the Ciaron Maher stable, Holymanz has also finished second in this season’s Group Two Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, along with a fourth in the augural $1m Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie in January. Another Jamieson Park offering is Lot 87, a colt by leading sire Almanzor. The dam of this colt is Secret Allure (NZ) (Zacinto), whose five wins included the Group Three Desert Gold Stakes (1600m), the Group Three Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and two Listed races. She also finished fourth in the Group One New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). This is her second foal. Lot 70 is a half-brother to the Listed winner (She’s A) Treasure (NZ) (Mastercraftsman) and is closely related to Group One winners Mo’unga (NZ) (Savabeel) and Chenille (NZ) (Pentire), along with this season’s stakes-winning and undefeated two-year-old Super Photon (NZ) (Super Seth). The colt is by Satono Aladdin and is being offered by Highline Thoroughbreds. Lot 27 comes from Grangewilliam Stud’s draft and is a filly by Derryn out of Hey Pretty Katie (Beautiful Crown). That makes her a full-sister to Mischief Managed (NZ) (Derryn), who placed in last year’s Group One New Zealand Oaks (2400m). Hey Pretty Katie herself won two races and was a placegetter in the Group Three Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m). Lot 125 is a colt from the first crop of the Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) winner Noverre. The dam of this colt is Alagant Satin (NZ) (Al Akbar), who won the Group Two Eight Carat Classic (1600m) and the Group Three Eulogy Stakes (1600m). Alagant Satin is the dam of three winners from four foals to race, including the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) placegetter Taroni (NZ) (Showcasing). This colt is consigned by Curraghmore. Curraghmore’s draft also features Lot 139, a colt from the first crop of the five-time Group One winner and 2021 European Horse of the Year St Mark’s Basilica. This colt is the only St Mark’s Basilica weanling in the catalogue. Lot 139 is out of Bronte Lass (NZ) (Stravinsky), who won five races and is the dam of two winners from two foals to race including the Group Three-placed Bronte Beach (NZ) (Reliable Man). Little Avondale Stud presents Lot 145, a filly by Time Test out of the unraced Redoute’s Choice mare Chanel’s Choice. This filly is a half-sister to Whimsical (NZ) (Savabeel), who won two of her four starts including the Group Three Eulogy Stakes (1600m). Whimsical is the only foal to race so far out of Chanel’s Choice, who herself is a half-sister to the Group One Coolmore Classic (1500m) winner Steps In Time (Danehill Dancer). The pedigree page also features fellow Group One winners Glamour Puss (NZ) (Tale Of The Cat), Vision And Power (NZ) (Carnegie) and Espiona (Extreme Choice). Lot 146 is a Seaton Park filly by leading sire Proisir out of the Zabeel mare Christmas Day. Herself a winner in Australia, Christmas Day is the dam of two foals to race, who have won eight races each – including the Listed John Letts Cup (1800m) winner Pudding (NZ) (Tavistock). All weanlings offered in the National Weanling Sale are eligible to be nominated for NZB’s lucrative Karaka Millions Series. Graduates can compete in the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), followed by the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), as well as the new $1m Mega Maiden Series comprising of 40 non-Saturday maiden races located throughout New Zealand. Selling is set to take place at the Karaka Sales Centre from 11am (NZT) on Thursday 20 June. View the full article

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh. Photo: Trish Dunell Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh believes Bourbon Proof can make his presence felt in strong three-year-old company next season. Marsh has formed a good opinion of the Justify youngster, but his confidence about a winning debut at Taupo on Wednesday took a severe hit when he was handed a horror gate in the Dylan Johnson Bloodstock (1100m). It will now be up to premiership-leading jockey Warren Kennedy to work his magic with Bourbon Proof from the outside barrier. “We think he is very good and if it was a month ago we would have waited for a better draw, but we want to give him a run and then set him aside for the spring,” Marsh said. “He could be a pretty serious colt but that draw makes it an almost impossible task.” Bourbon Proof placed in two trials during the summer before a break and then won his 800m heat at Avondale earlier this month. “Warren knows the colt and rode him in his last trial and really liked him, but I was certainly deflated when I saw the barrier draw,” Marsh said. “We do think he could be in some pretty good races next campaign. He will definitely spell after this race.” Stablemate Ortega has also trialled well and will hit the ground from a more favourable gate (six) for apprentice Triston Moodley. “She will be better next preparation over a bit further, but she is the sort of filly who will jump and put herself there,” Marsh said. The stable will also be represented in Saturday’s juvenile feature at Pukekohe by Magna Memory in the Listed Staphanos At Novara Park Champagne Stakes (1600m). The Magna Grecia gelding has been unplaced in three runs, but improvement is expected at the weekend. “He was very good first-up and was then a touch plain, but the mile should really suit him and any rain will be welcomed,” Marsh said. Meanwhile, promising three-year-old Takeshi will resume at Taupo in the Michael Moroney/Pam Gerard Handicap (1200m) but is another handed an outside gate. “He’s had a mixed-up preparation and was ready to go before he had a foot abscess and we trialled him on a heavy track at Te Aroha the other day,” Marsh said. To be ridden by Michael McNab, the son of Satono Aladdin impressed in a brief spring campaign with a runaway debut victory at Rotorua and then finished runner-up at Pukekohe. “He’s a real take on trust job, he’ll have this one and a freshen before the spring. I think he’s very good but hasn’t really had anything go his way this prep,” Marsh said. He does, however, fancy the chances of The Greenkeeper in the opening event, the DJ O’Sullivan-Master Trainer @ Wexford Stables Highweight (2000m). “He looks well placed with Troy Harris on, his mother’s got a share in the horse, and he’s going well,” he said. “I also like the two in the fillies and mares’ race.” Lovaci will be ridden by Courtney Barnes in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1300m) while Sam Spratt will guide El Amor’s fortunes. “Lovaci has gone really good races and is well drawn (gate one) and so is El Amor (five),” he said. Horse racing news View the full article

Ruakaka trainer Chris Gibbs. Photo: Trish Dunell As the busy season looms for Ruakaka, local trainer Chris Gibbs is looking forward to competing for home track spoils in the coming months after attending meetings at Taupo and Pukekohe Park this week. While many trainers further down the country opt to spell horses in search of better tracks in the spring, Gibbs does the opposite with the reality of Ruakaka’s ‘winterless north’ suiting his well-performed pair of Cakebytheocean and Chevron. “We keep more horses in during this time, going right back to when I trained with Donna and Dean (Logan) for years. They kept those horses in that didn’t handle the wet tracks specifically for the meetings up here,” Gibbs said. A son of Ocean Park, Cakebytheocean has delivered five victories and six minor placings from 23 attempts, and Gibbs hopes to see the gelding back to that form on Saturday at Pukekohe in the Open 1500m. “I don’t think he really goes that well left-handed so I’m just putting a line through the run he did at Te Rapa. Each time I’ve sent him that way he hasn’t seem to run very well, so I’ll just try to stick to the right-handed tracks,” he said. “With Ellerslie out of action and Avondale and Dargaville gone, there aren’t a huge amount of options for him, but hopefully we’ll get a better result at Pukekohe. “He’s done this before, taken a couple of runs before he gets going so Saturday will give us a better idea of where we are headed with him. “Hopefully he can show his older form, and he’ll be aimed towards the ITM Stayer’s Final in July over 2100m. As he’s gotten older, he’s been looking for a bit more distance so I’m looking forward to that.” Gibbs has adopted a similar path to last season with well-performed six-year-old Chevron, competing in the earlier part of the spring before targeting home track features in the winter, culminating in a narrow second-place finish in the ITM Stayer’s Final (2100m) last July. The son of El Roca has been off the scene since the Group 3 Counties Cup (2100m) in November and will commence a new campaign at the Ruakaka meeting on June 8. “Chevron is a horse I have a lot of time for, he’ll step out in the Open 1400 up here and he’ll be in good order once he hits the track, he’ll go into it fresh without a trial,” Gibbs said. Prior to the Pukekohe meeting, his trio of Pure Delight, Vita Amorosa and Kitzkah will represent the stable at Taupo on Wednesday, with the latter lining up in the Pike Racing – Tony Pike (1400m). “She’s been in lovely form, we tried her over the mile last time and she just was found a little bit wanting. She’s got a nice draw (7), I thought that was probably a bit dictator last time, so I’d like to see her ridden a fraction quieter,” Gibbs said. “I’d like to see her three-back and one-out with a bit of luck and hopefully we’ll see her running on a bit more this time, but I’m happy with her.” Darci Brahma mare Pure Delight has accumulated four second placings and three thirds in her venture to break maidens, which Gibbs hopes she can achieve in the Joe Yorke Bloodstock (2000m). “It’s been pretty frustrating trying to get that win out of her honestly, she’s one of the more consistent maideners in the country and I would’ve liked to get that out of the way a while ago but here we are,” he said. “I’d be a little bit wary of running if we got too much rain but it looks okay, she’s in good order and the trip away should do her good. “I chatted to Lynsey (Satherley, jockey) after Vita Amorosa’s run last time over a mile and she said to keep persisting, and since we’ve put her over ground in her work she’s grown another leg. “I’d like to think the 2000m would see a bit more out of her, because she’s been disappointing, there’s no denying that.” The extended closure of the Brynderwyn Hills highway has put further distance on the journey to Auckland and Waikato meetings, a factor Gibbs hopes won’t play a part on upcoming nominations at Ruakaka. “Once the races start in June, it’ll be good. It’s frustrating with the Brynderwyns still being closed, but I’d imagine it’s just as frustrating for those travelling up for us having to go down,” Gibbs said. “Going through the winding round and adding time on isn’t great for the horses, but that’s what we get every time we go away to anywhere. “It may well sway them away from coming which is unfortunate for our club, but that’s the way it is. “There’s lots of things happening with the club so I’d love to see plenty of people supporting it if they can, especially building towards the ITM Finals in July.” Horse racing news View the full article

Russian Emperor performs well in adverse conditions. Rain is at the top of trainer Chief Stipelas Whyte’s wish list and the Hong Kong Observatory has currently bestowed a favourable forecast upon him and stable star Russian Emperor. Seeking a third straight HK$13 million Group 1 Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, Russian Emperor thrives on wet tracks and is set to receive his preferred conditions with daily rainfall expected until early next week. “It’s (rain) not going to inconvenience me or my horse. Let’s hope it sticks around until the weekend,” Whyte said. “I sat on him this morning (Tuesday, 21 May) for a turf gallop – he felt amazing, he strode out beautifully and he loved getting his toe in. It was a good piece of work and he’s on song.” The Irish-bred son of Galileo famously won the 2022 Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on yielding ground over Golden Sixty. The two-time Hong Kong Champion Stayer (2021/22 & 2022/23) Russian Emperor clocked 1m 21.8s (30.2, 28.8, 22.8) this morning. “He’s been primed for this race. It’s been well documented that this is the race that I have had in mind all year and he comes good this time of the year. If the rain sticks around it’s going to enhance his chances but Rebel’s Romance is a really good horse – the way he won in Dubai, he looks like a proper individual,” Whyte said. Rebel’s Romance arrives in Hong Kong as the third international to contest the Champions & Chater Cup after Chemical Charge (2018) and Happy Grin (2019). Five G Patch, La City Blanche, Straight Arron, Senor Toba, Moments In Time and Massive Sovereign also hold entries. Russian Emperor – a seven-year-old – finished seventh earlier this month in the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap (2400m) under jockey Hugh Bowman. “I think he rolled into the race beautifully on the bend, he knocked up over the 150 metres, but he was entitled to with the preparation that he has had. He has that distance into his legs now and he’s stripped fitter, it’s three weeks between runs so the timing has worked out well,” Whyte said. Russian Emperor has won three times in Hong Kong – each time at Group 1 level. “He’s been the star of my yard and the making of my young career (as a trainer). He’s going to be very sadly missed when the day comes that he has to retire. “He’s been like a kid to me, we’ve done a lot together. I’m pretty much the only one that’s ever galloped him – so we have a very tight bond,” Whyte said. Since 1975, River Verdon (1991-1994) has the most wins in the race, while the only three-time victors are Super Win (1975-1977), Silver Lining (1978, 1979 & 1981) and Viva Pataca (2006, 2007 & 2009). Whyte – Hong Kong’s legendary jockey-turned-trainer – has a team of five entered at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, including Majestic Knight in the HK$2.84 million Class 2 Wiltshire Handicap (1200m). “He’s held his form well. I think he’s improved over the last six months and he’s developed into a lovely strong individual. He’s as honest as the day is long,” Whyte said. The five-year-old is a two-time winner in the grade. He will seek back-to-back wins under Bowman and has been assigned 135lb as he rises in trip from 1000m. “1200 (metres) is not a concern, I think the concern is the gate (nine). He’s got his work cut out but the trip is not a concern at all,” Whyte said. Wednesday’s nine-race fixture at Happy Valley commences at 6.40pm HKT with the Class 5 Chester Handicap (2200m). Horse racing news View the full article

Star sprinter-miler cruises through trial ahead of potential Premier Cup run, while legendary trainer confirms La City Blanche and Five G Patch are ready for Champions & Chater CupView the full article

The Oaks Stud in Cambridge have announced their service fees for the forthcoming breeding season with the roster to be headed by leading second season sire U S Navy Flag at $15,000 + GST. The son of War Front was represented by Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1600m) winner Pendragon, who also finished runner-up in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m). Other highlight progeny include multiple stakes winner Chantilly Lace, Gr.2 Edward Manifold Stakes runner-up Aprilia and multiple Group One performer To Catch A Thief. The Symon Wilde-trained Navy King was a strong winner at Flemington last weekend, while impressive Ellerslie winner Fortunate Son was recently sold to Hong Kong. Savabeel’s Group One winning son The Chosen One will stand his third season at stud at a fee of $4,000 + GST. Timeform Rated 118, The Chosen One will be represented by two weanlings at the New Zealand Bloodstock Weanling Sale on June 20 at Karaka. Venerable sire Roc de Cambes, who sired recent Gr.2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) winner Antrim Coast, completes the roster at $3,000 + GST. View the full article

What Ipswich Races Where Ipswich Turf Club – 219 Brisbane Rd, Bundamba QLD 4304 When Wednesday, May 22, 2024 First Race 11:59am AEST Visit Dabble The Ipswich Turf Club will host a very competitive nine-race card this Wednesday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances; however, there is no rain forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday, so it is expected that the surface will improve into the Good range. The rail will be in the +6m position for the entire circuit, with racing scheduled to kick off at 11:59am AEST. Best Bet at Ipswich: Taltarni Fields The Kelly Schweida-trained Taltarni Fields broke his maiden at the fourth time of asking last start, leading every step of the way to record a dominant 2.8-length victory at this track and trip. Although this son of Deep Field will race out of maiden grade for the first time, he has shown enough ability to suggest he can handle the class rise. From barrier nine, Cejay Graham will push forward to take up the lead, and if Taltarni Fields isn’t pestered mid-race, he can win again. Best Bet Race 7 – #3 Taltarni Fields (9) 3yo Gelding | T: Kelly Schweida | J: Cejay Graham (a1.5) (58.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Ipswich: Barassi Tony Gollan and James Orman will combine with Barassi as he entire rises to 1100m second-up after struggling to run out a strong 1000m fresh at Eagle Farm on April 20. Since that run, the lightly raced son of I Am Invincible has been to the trials to record a 4.8-length victory. If Orman can push forward and settle outside the leader, Barassi will give a good kick at the top of the home straight and run away with the victory. Next Best Race 4 – #6 Barassi (9) 5yo Horse | T: Tony Gollan | J: James Orman (56.5kg) Bet with Dabble Best Value at Ipswich: Almairac After recording back-to-back wins in Victoria, Almairac from the Cliff Brown yard will have his first start in Queensland fresh off a two-month break. This son of Golden Horn was last seen claiming a narrow victory over Kentucky Nick at Yarra Glen, where he carried 59kg in his third career start. With only 54kg on his back and Craig Williams taking the reins, Almairac will get the run of the race from barrier two, and with even luck, he will prove hard to beat. Best Value Race 5 – #4 Almairac (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Cliff Brown | J: Craig Williams (54kg) Bet with Picklebet Wednesday quaddie tips for Ipswich races Ipswich quadrella selections Wednesday, May 22, 2024 5-6-7-8 3-7-14 1-2-3-7-9-13 4-5-9-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

TIMONIUM, MD – The Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale opened with a steady session which gained steam throughout the day Monday at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. “It was a very good start to the May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning, Jr. “The results were basically identical to last year, from a statistical standpoint. We were very encouraged.” A total of 142 horses sold Monday for a gross of $13,162,000. The average of $92,690 dipped 12% from last year's opening session and the median of $48,500 fell 19%. From a catalogue of 275, 191 horses went through the ring with 49 failing to meet their reserve for a buy-back rate of 25.7%. Bloodstock agent Pedro Lanz, bidding on behalf of the Saudi-based KAS Stables, acquired the day's highest-priced offering when going to $650,000 for a filly by Bernardini late in the session. The KAS Stables purchase punctuated a deep buying bench from the Middle East, which also featured Dubai-based trainers Michael Costa, who purchased a colt by Vekoma for $400,000, and Bhupat Seemar, whose two purchases were led by a $325,000 son of Medaglia d'Oro. Bloodstock agent Case Clay, bidding on behalf of Qatar's Wathnan Racing, paid $500,000 for a filly by Justify. “There was strong international participation today, which I think really helped bolster the results,” Browning said. “We've seen a little weakness in the earlier 2-year-old sales compared to last year and I thought the international participation really helped reinforce [the market] and get us consistent to prior year levels.” Expectations are high for Tuesday's second and final session of the auction. “From the conversations on the sales grounds, the quality of the horses tomorrow might be a little more consistent overall than it was today,” Browning said. “So that bodes well for another strong day tomorrow.” The Midlantic May sale concludes with a session Tuesday beginning at 11 a.m. Bernardini Filly Provides Late Sparkle With just a few hips left to go through the ring in Timonium Monday, bloodstock agent Pedro Lanz, acting on behalf of KAS Stables, made the day's highest bid when going to $650,000 to acquire a filly by Bernardini (hip 276) from the Crane Thoroughbreds consignment. The filly is out of the unraced Rubies Are Red (Medaglia d'Oro), a half-sister to Tapit. She worked a furlong in :10 flat during last week's under-tack show and continued on with a head-turning gallop-out. Lanz called the work, “Maybe the fastest workout of the sale,” before adding, “And when you see the pedigree, the second dam Tap Your Heels. She's a million-dollar filly. We are happy to get her. There is no better filly in the sale.” While Lanz has been active buying horses to send to KAS Stable's Saudi base, he said this filly might be staying in the U.S. “We are starting some operations here in the U.S.,” Lanz said. “We have two colts here. I don't know yet, but it's possible the filly will stay here. I have to talk to them. We are still in shock.” The filly, who was bred by Walmac Farm, is one of a group of 2-year-olds Crane Thoroughbreds is offering on behalf of Robert Garrett and his agent Rusty Roberts. She was purchased privately after RNA'ing for $200,000 at Keeneland last September. “I am thankful that Rusty Roberts and Robert Garrett gave me a chance to bring a group here and it was great,” Clovis Crane said. “I am just thankful for the opportunity. The filly just did what we thought she would do and it's very exciting.” Of the juvenile's appeal, Crane added, “She's just outstanding. What a crackerjack. She just allowed us to do everything that we wanted to do with her and it turned out great. I am just so thankful for the opportunity.” Another Bernardini Score for Garrett Robert Garrett is in just his second season of pinhooking, but the Oklahoman who began buying horses after selling his power line company in 2021 admitted he is hooked after watching his filly by Bernardini (hip 276) bring a session-topping $650,000 late in Monday's first session of the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May sale. Garrett, through agent Rusty Roberts, acquired the filly privately after she RNA'd for $200,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale. Hip 276, a filly by Bernardini | Fasig-Tipton “Rusty Roberts is my agent–he's been doing it since he was 18 years old and he's really good at it,” Garrett said. “That's how we came to find her. They RNA'd her and we bought her off the farm at Walmac Farm. She RNA'd for $200,000 and we gave a little less than that.” The yearling was sent to Bobby Capps, a professional bull rider in northern Oklahoma, to be broken and from there was sent to Clovis Crane for sales prep in Pennsylvania. “Bobby does a great job with breaking the horses,” Garrett said. “And Clovis gets them ready–he swims them and everything. He and his family do a lot of hard work. And that's the result.” Asked about his exceptions coming into the sale, Garrett said, “We didn't know she was going to go that fast and we darn sure didn't know she was going to gallop out that fast.” While the filly was in the ring Monday, Garrett admitted, “It was nerve wracking. We were expecting north of $500,000. It will pay the bills for the rest of them we got selling tomorrow. We have three selling tomorrow.” Garrett's first pinhooking results last year included a colt by Bernardini, who had been purchased for $110,000 as a yearling and sold for $300,000 at the OBS March sale. “The Bernardinis have been pretty good to me, even though it's the tale end of them,” Garrett said. “I think he's smiling down on my family right now.” With Monday's profit in his pocket, Garrett is looking forward to a productive season at the yearling sales this fall. Good Magic Colt to Shah Kaleem Shah, flanked by trainer Steve Asmussen and bloodstock agent Ben McElroy, signed the ticket at $525,000 to acquire a colt by Good Magic (hip 168) for $525,000 during Monday's first session of the Midlantic May sale. The chestnut was consigned by Wavertree Stables. Steve Asmussen, Kaleem Shah, Ben McElroy | Fasig-Tipton The colt, who worked a furlong last week in :10 2/5, is out of Mellonbrook (Discreet Cat). The mare is a half to stakes winners Trooper John (Colonel John) and Sky Haven (Sky Mesa). Among the horses Asmussen currently trains for Shah is Bellamore (Empire Maker), who won the GIII Houston Ladies Classic S. in January and was second in the GII Azeri S. “This is the first 2-year-old purchase of his that I've received,” Asmussen said. Asked what Shah was looking for in his 2-year-old purchases, Asmussen smiled and said, “It's as simple as fast. Sometimes we try to make it difficult, but it is a race.” Ron Fein's Superfine Farm purchased the colt for $220,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton October sale. Wathnan Makes American Strike Bloodstock agent Case Clay signed the ticket at $500,000 to acquire a filly by Triple Crown winner Justify (hip 171) on behalf of Wathnan Racing, the operation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. “She's a beautiful filly by Justify who worked well,” Clay said of the filly. “She will stay in the U.S. and run here.” Wathnan Racing scored a pair of high-profile victories at last year's Royal Ascot meeting with Gregory (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}) winning the G2 Queen's Vase and Courage Mon Ami (GB) (Frankel {GB}) taking the G1 Ascot Gold Cup. From a limited number of U.S. starts, the Wathnan colors were most recently carried stateside by Immensitude (Fr) (Lawman {Fr}). A group winner in France, the 4-year-old filly was third in a Keeneland allowance for Bill Mott Apr. 21 in her first start in the country. Clay purchased Edgartown (Quality Road) for Wathnan for $350,000 at last year's Keeneland November sale. The 3-year-old, fifth in the GIII Kitten's Joy S. at Gulfstream in February, is trained by Graham Motion. As for a trainer for Wathnan's newest acquisition, Clay said, “Not yet. We will just get with the team and make a decision from there.” Consigned by Steve Venosa's SGV Thoroughbreds, hip 171 is out of Puerto Rican champion Mia Karina (Jazil). She worked a furlong last week in :10 2/5. The filly was purchased by a pinhooking partnership for $230,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton July sale. “She was originally in the March sale and we just felt she wasn't ready,” Venosa said. “We decided to give her the extra time and we were rewarded for our efforts. It was a team effort with everybody back at the barn and we are blessed by what she brought her.” MyRacehorse Strikes for Bolt d'Oro Filly The MyRacehorse team, fresh off a win with Seize the Grey (Arrogate) in Saturday's GI Preakness S., kicked off the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May sale with the purchase of a filly by Bolt d'Oro (hip 26) for $450,000 from the De Meric Sales consignment Monday in Timonium. Hip 26, a colt by Bolt d'Oro | Fasig-Tipton “She was very athletic,” MyRacehorse California racing manager Joe Moran said of the filly's appeal. “She had a great presence to her. And she came to the sale and performed. She kind of checked all of the boxes for us. She was one early on that we were hoping to strike and get on the board early. And everything went to plan.” Shortly after going through the ring, the team added a new partner on the filly when Ramiro Restrepo's Marquee Bloodstock joined the ticket. “He was actually the direct underbidder on her and he loved her,” Moran said of Restrepo. “We decided it was a great story to team up with them. We have never partnered up with Ramiro. He's a great guy and we've always talked about it. So it was great to get that done.” Restrepo has had success buying out of the Midlantic where he and trainer Gustavo Delgado and assistant Gustavo Delgado, Jr. purchased future GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage (Good Magic) for $290,000 in 2022. “She is going to go to Gustavo Delgado,” Moran said. “She is one that we think will be early and be a Saratoga type. We will give her a little freshening and get her to Gustavo and get his opinion on her. This will be the first horse we have with Gustavo. We thought it would be a great story with them winning the Derby last year and us coming off the Preakness win.” Hip 26 is out of Final Reward (Arch), dam of graded-placed Yatta (Yoshida {Jpn}). Her third dam produced champion Kitten's Joy. Asked if the excitement of the Preakness win carried into the sales ring Monday, Moran said, “Oh absolutely. It gets you excited, but you have to stay disciplined and stay focused. She was just one that was high on our list.” Of the filly's final price, Moran said, “We thought she would sell well. It maybe took a tick or two more than we wanted, but she was just one that we felt if we brought her home, she would be a good one. So we were willing to stretch a little bit.” The juvenile, who RNA'd for $170,000 at the Keeneland September sale last fall, sold to De Meric Sales for $135,000 at the OBS October sale the following month. She worked a furlong at last week's under-tack show in :10 2/5. “She was a beautiful filly,” Tristan de Meric said of the filly. “She trained great all year. We actually brought her up here because she had a turfy pedigree and she always trained so well at home on the dirt that I thought people would appreciate her a little bit more up here. And it all came together.” My Racehorse came back later in the session to purchase a colt by Practical Joke (hip 234), in partnership with Peter Leidel, from the Wavertree Stables consignment for $300,000. Vekoma Colt Heads to Dubai Trainer Michael Costa secured a colt from the first crop of Grade I winner Vekoma (hip 137) for $400,000 Monday in Timonium. The dark bay, consigned by De Meric Sales, is out of Lightning Twice (Malibu Moon), a full-sister to graded winners Winding Way and Kauai Katie. “He's a very athletic horse,” Costa, who is based at Jebel Ali Racecourse in Dubai, said. “We looked at a few by the stallion at earlier breeze-up sales, but it just wasn't there. This is one that stood out. He breezed really well (:10 2/5). He looks like one that will do well to follow a Derby campaign in Dubai.” Costa was busy buying yearlings at Keeneland last September, where he purchased 12 head for $3,505,000, and was looking to fill out the roster with some juveniles this spring. “We purchased a good bunch of yearlings from Keeneland earlier in the year and this colt was just one that we thought fit in the mode of what was left of what we needed,” he explained. “We had to pay a little bit for him, but a bit of competition shows you might be on the right one.” The De Merics purchased the colt for $17,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale. “He was an unbelievable horse when we bought him,” Tristan De Meric said. “I was surprised when we were able to get him for what we did. He had stifle surgery and it cleaned up beautifully. He was a miniature horse at the sale–he's a May 31 foal–but the angles were all there and he moved like a really good horse. And it all came together for him.” The post $650K Bernardini Filly Leads ‘Encouraging Start’ to F-T Midlantic May Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There are four meetings set for Australia on Tuesday, May 21. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Ballarat. Tuesday’s Racing Tips – May 21, 2024 Ballarat Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on May 21, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? Full terms. 2 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 5 Next Gen Racing Betting PickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Monday, May 21. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for May 21, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifectas by 10%. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for May 21, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

The Irv Naylor Stable, a powerhouse on the National Steeplechase Association circuit since 2010, became the sport's leading purse earner with a pair of victories at the May 18 Radnor Hunt Races in Malvern, Pa.View the full article

A vote on restructuring some of the time frames related to Thoroughbred claiming rules in New York got put off for at least a month on Monday when New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) member John Crotty questioned whether it was in the best interest of equine safety to reduce by 10 the number of days that a claimed horse is restricted from running back for a claiming tag less than 25% greater than the price at which it was claimed. The change from 30 to 20 days under the above scenario was only part of a larger revamp of the “Who May Make Claim” rules in New York that had been in the planning stages since last summer. Ironically, it was Crotty himself who originally made the motion to support the entire package of proposed claiming rules at the Aug. 3, 2023, NYSGC meeting. Neither Crotty nor any other commissioner had voiced concerns over the proposal nine months ago, and the measure to publish the proposed changes in the New York State Register and to invite public commentary on them passed by a 6-0 vote last Aug. 3 with zero public discussion among commissioners. According to NYSGC meeting materials that accompanied the May 20 agenda, the overall claiming rules proposal had been “developed after meetings with the New York Thoroughbred racetracks and horsemen's organizations.” The materials also noted that the New York Racing Association had expressed written support for the changes, and that the NYSGC staff recommended the commission's approval. But after NYSGC executive director Robert Williams read the measure into the record in preparation for a vote on Monday, Crotty asked if the commission wasn't about to change a run-back time restriction it had codified a number of years ago in the interest of equine safety. Williams replied that he believed “there was an element to that” in 2014. “And now we're getting away from that?” Crotty asked. “So why are we walking that back now?” Williams replied that, “There has been no indication or incidents of breakdowns of the horses [under that run-back time frame]. We're the only ones in the Northeast that [have] that time restriction, so I would suggest that's not accurate.” Williams then tried via phone to link in NYSGC equine medical director Scott Palmer, VMD, to get his opinion. But Palmer wasn't on the line. Brian O'Dwyer, the NYSGC's chairperson, then suggested the rulemaking could be tabled until the next meeting. “We can do it. It's fine,” said a clearly frustrated Crotty. “If you have a question, John, I'd rather put it over and get our medical director's opinion,” O'Dwyer said. After the other commissioners agreed to the tabling of the agenda item, Crotty tried again to articulate his concerns about the run-back time restriction. “It seemed like we undertook those steps for purposes of safety, and now we're sort of rolling it back,” Crotty said. Replied Williams: “Honestly, in the 24 recommendations that came out of the 2011 task force report, I wouldn't suggest that [the run-back period after claiming races] was the primary recommendation.” Last Aug. 3, a brief written by NYSGC general counsel Edmund Burns outlined the following rationale for the run-back time portion of the rule change: “A review of recent data…indicates that horses generally run on a 28-day schedule and condition books generally schedule a value class every 28 days. Under current regulations, a claimant who wants to start a horse again in the same class may be effectively forced to wait 56 days from the date of the claim. The position has been advanced that such period is unnecessarily long and causes issues for owners, trainers and the racetrack, which seeks to fill competitive races… “By reducing the requisite waiting period, owners will have a greater opportunity to start a horse for the price at which the horse had been claimed, given that the owners would be able to gain access to races that had already been written in the track's condition book 28 days in advance,” Burns wrote. According to the NYSGC's May 20 meeting materials, other aspects of the rules package included: Allowing claimants who have raced on a circuit within 120 days, which would increase the number of owners qualified to make claims. Allowing 30 additional days for holders of a certificate of eligibility who have lost a “shake” for a claimed horse, providing an owner with an opportunity to claim when the owner has not been successful in claiming a horse within the first 30 days of a race meeting. Beyond the 20-day restriction against running a claimed horse again for a claiming price less than 25% greater than the claiming price, the establishment of a further 10-day period in which a claimed horse may start for a price equal to the claiming price. Extending from 30 to 60 days the prohibition against running a claimed horse outside of New York State, with an exception for horses claimed at Finger Lakes, in which case the horse may run elsewhere after 30 days from the end of a Finger Lakes racing season. The post NY Claim Rule Change Delayed by Commissioner Who Made Motion to Propose It Last August appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After last-minute questions were raised about whether the proposal could be harmful to equine safety, New York regulators punted May 20 on a plan to finalize rule changes backers said would expand the number of owners eligible to claim Thoroughbreds.View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Tuesday's Observations features a full-sibling to a pair of high-class Group 1 winners. 15.10 Nottingham, Mdn, £7,000, 3yo/up, 8f 75yT MUTAAWID (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is the seventh foal out of Shadwell's broodmare supreme Handassa (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who has gifted the operation both this newcomer's G1 Prince of Wales' S. and G1 Juddmonte International-winning full-brother Mostahdaf (Ire) and Invincible Spirit's G1 Falmouth S. and G1 Sun Chariot S. heroine Nazeef (GB). Like that high-class pair, he is in the care of John and Thady Gosden. The post Observations: Mostahdaf’s Brother Debuts at Nottingham appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The ballot for the 2024 election of 19 Breeders' Cup Members, the Breeders' Cup Limited announced Monday. The Breeders' Cup election website will open May 27 for 2023 Breeders' Cup foal and stallion nominators to begin the voting process. Voting will close June 3. Of the 20 candidates on the ballot, 17 are incumbent Members standing for re-election. The 19 individuals receiving the most votes will each serve a term of four years. Members are elected every other year by Breeders' Cup foal and stallion nominators through a proportional voting system based on the level of nominations paid to the organization. There are a total of 39 elected Breeders' Cup Members. The Members meet each July and elect individuals to the Breeders' Cup Board of Directors, which oversees the activities of the organization. The 20 candidates for the Members' election are: Conrad Bandoroff* Maria Niarchos-Gouazé* Barbara Banke* David O'Farrell* Boyd Browning * Bill Oppenheim* Chief Stipe Cauthen* Bernie Sams* Matt Dorman Alex Solis II* Craig Fravel* Edward (Ned) Toffey Eric Gustavson* Elliott Walden* Bret Jones* Barry Weisbord* Gray Lyster* Aron Wellman* Clem Murphy* Jacob West *Indicates current, incumbent Members For more information, click here. The post Breeders’ Cup Releases Ballot for 2024 Members’ Election appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article