Wandering Eyes

Bellavinino (Get Stormy), a juvenile who recently finished second in a stakes race at Kentucky Downs, will be offered in the Inglis Digital USA September Sale which is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 25, according to a press release from the sales company on Thursday. The daughter of Get Stormy closed to finish as the runner-up in the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Fillies Stakes Sept. 8. Two starts earlier, Bellavinino won on debut by 3 1/4 lengths over the Gulfstream Park turf. Owned by C2 Racing Stable and trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., over her three starts the filly has earned $224,800, and remains eligible for a first-level allowance. Bred in Kentucky by Mt. Joy Stables, Inc., Bellavinino is the first runner and first winner out of Gauntlet mare Lancelots Lady. The extended family features Canadian black-type, including second dam SW Professor's Ride (Silent Name {Jpn}), Plate Trial Stakes hero Avoman (Old Forester), and full-siblings SW Cawaja Beach (Where's the Ring) and SW Who's Big Daddy. “This filly offers a great opportunity for someone looking for a ready-made racehorse,” said Kyle Wilson, Inglis Digital USA's Sr. Director of Sales and Recruitment. “She was looking for more distance and showed tremendous ability to overcome a difficult trip in her stakes debut. She offers a new owner exciting opportunities leading into the fall racing season.” Entries close for the Inglis Digital USA September Sale on Monday, Sept. 16. The catalog will be released Friday, Sept. 20, and the horses will sell Wednesday, Sept. 25. Click here to view the catalog and register to bid. The post Juvenile Filly Bellavinino Cataloged To Inglis Digital USA September Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Blazing Sevens, a son of Good Magic and winner of the Champagne Stakes (G1) at 2 and second in the 2023 Preakness Stakes (G1) as a 3-year-old, will stand at Darby Dan Farm in 2025.View the full article

After his racing career is complete this year, Blazing Sevens (Good Magic), the winner of the GI Champagne Stakes at two and the runner-up in the GI Preakness Stakes, will stand at Darby Dan for 2025, the farm said via a press release on Thursday. A stud fee for the future stallion will be named before the year is out and plans are being finalized syndicate him. Peter Bradley, bloodstock advisor for owner Rodeo Creek Racing, brokered the deal to stand the son of Good Magic at Darby Dan. “Blazing Sevens was an exceptional racehorse at two and was unlucky not to have won the Preakness Stakes at three,” said Bradley. “At 16.2 hands, Blazing Sevens is an A+ physical and has every chance to become a top stallion.” Blazing Sevens broke his maiden at Saratoga at first asking, winning by 6 1/4 lengths. In his second start, the dark bay finished third in the GI Hopeful Stakes over a sloppy track upstate before winning the Champagne during the Belmont at the Big A meet for trainer Chad Brown. Blazing Sevens | Sarah Andrew During his 2024 campaign, Blazing Sevens debuted a winner against optional claimers at Aqueduct Apr. 20, finished sixth in the GI Met Mile Handicap at the Spa June 8 and was last seen running fourth against optional claimers over the same surface July 11. Blazing Sevens is currently drilling at Brown's Belmont base where he recently worked going four furlongs at :49.00 (39/167) Sept. 7. “We are thrilled to announce the addition of a precocious Grade I son of Good Magic to our roster,” said Stuart Fitzgibbon, stallion director at Darby Dan Farm. “Blazing Sevens was a true standout in his two and three-year-old racing seasons. Coupled with his exceptional conformation and pedigree, Blazing Sevens is a highly desirable stallion. Blazing Sevens beat or placed against the absolute best of his generation, just missing a Classic, the 2023 Preakness Stakes, by a head to National Treasure.” Bred in Kentucky by Tracy Farmer, Blazing Sevens was a $225,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Sale graduate. Darby Dan's latest addition to their roster is out of Trophy Girl (Warrior's Reward), who is a half-sister to GISW King David (Hat Trick {Jpn}) and SW Bertsgoldenmissile (Golden Missile). Blazing Sevens's dam herself was a $750,000 purchase by Hugo Merry Bloodstock at last year's Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed Sale while a full-sister to the future sire was in-utero. The post GISW Blazing Sevens Headed For Darby Dan Stud Duty After Racing Career appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After setting a new course record in the G1 International Stakes, City Of Troy (Justify) is now the second-highest rated horse in the world on the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings, which were released on Thursday. He improved from 123 to 127 with his victory. The G1 Eclipse Stakes and G1 Derby winner is behind only G1 Dubai World Cup hero Laurel River (Into Mischief), who holds a mark of 128. Second behind City Of Troy at York is G2 King Edward VII Stakes hero Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), who is rated 125, the equal of G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes scorer Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}). GI Travers Stakes hero Fierceness (City Of Light) has moved into the top five–shared with multiple Group 1 winner Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire})–at 123. He defeated Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) (120) and Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) (120), while the 121-ranked GI Belmont Stakes hero Dornoch (Good Magic) was fourth. Crack miler Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) moved up to 122 after taking the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois by three lengths, and he was most recently second to Tribalist (GB) (Farhh {GB}) (120) in the G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp on Sunday. Rounding out the newcomers are the pair of Economics (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) (121) and Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) (120), winners of the G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano and G1 Grosser Preis von Baden. For the full list, please visit the IFHA website. The post City Of Troy Moves Up To Second In Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jerry Dixon Jr., the famed groom of Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Rich Strike during the 2022 Triple Crown season, has taken the next step in his career as a trainer.View the full article

In deeper than when beating up lesser lights on home soil, Godolphin's TDN Rising Star Desert Flower (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}–Promising Run, by Hard Spun) proved that she had what it takes to continue her winning sequence in Doncaster's G2 Betfred May Hill Stakes on Thursday. Untroubled in two starts on Newmarket's July Course, the Charlie Appleby-trained even-money favourite followed the early pace with William Buick content to play the waiting game. Staying on strongly to take control passing the furlong pole, the daughter of the four-time group 2 winner kept finding on the run to the line to beat Ballydoyle's Listed Churchill Stakes scorer January (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) by 1 1/2 lengths, with Flight (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) 3/4 of a length away in third. “She looked around in front and had plenty in reserve,” Buick said. “The obvious race now is the Fillies' Mile, but Charlie and the team will make the decision. She has a bit of energy flowing through her, but no badness.” A lucky escape for Ryan Moore and Ecstatic out of the stalls in the May Hill! https://t.co/h4j7YeQG0m pic.twitter.com/w297QFhKsd — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 12, 2024 The post May Hill Success For Night Of Thunder’s Unbeaten Desert Flower appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It's the Leger Lowdown, our final run-through of Classic contenders for the season and one in which the late Galileo (Ire) has three chances to notch his 101st Group/Grade 1 winner so soon after Content (Ire) brought up his century in the Yorkshire Oaks. He is the sire of the first three favourites in the betting at the time of writing, and paternal grandsire of the next two. It was the St Leger which provided Galileo with his first British Classic winner, Sixties Icon (GB), and we should have guessed then what we know now: that Galileo was going to be a great stallion. From his first crop he had the first three home in the St Leger of 2006. Don't bet against history repeating itself on Saturday with these members of his penultimate crop. DEIRA MILE (Ire) Camelot (GB)—Fastnet Mist (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) Bred by Churchtown House Stud, he was bought as a yearling at Tattersalls for 47,000gns by Federico Barberini and owner Ahmad Al Shaikh. A novice winner back in April, he finished fourth in the Derby, seven lengths adrift of City Of Troy, and has run just once since then when a close second in the Listed August Stakes at Windsor. By the 2012 St Leger runner-up Camelot, and the first winner from four runners for his Listed-placed dam, who is in turn out of a half-sister to G1 Cheveley Park S. heroine Wannabe Grand (Ire) (Danehill), G3 Ballycorus S. scorer Wannabe Better (Ire) (Duke Of Marmalade {Ire}) and the Listed winners Wannabe Posh (Ire) (Grand Lodge) and Pirateer (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}). GROSVENOR SQUARE (IRE) Galileo (Ire)—Wadyhatta (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) Bred by Lynch Bages Ltd, he was beaten just once in three starts as a juvenile, when his wins included the G3 Eyrefield Stakes at Leopardstown. Third in the G3 Chester Vase and then down the field when seventh in the Irish Derby, he has appreciated the step up to this trip and was just run down by stable-mate Tower Of London (Ire) in the G2 Curragh Cup before most recently running out the 20-length winner of the G3 Irish St Leger Trial. He is the fourth winner from as many runners out of his winning dam, a half-sister to the G1 Prix du Jockey Club third Motamarris (Ire) (Le Havre {Ire}) and the multiple Listed-placed dam of multiple Group 3 winner Tantheem (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}). His siblings include the 2020 Irish Derby winner Santiago (Ire) (Authorized {Ire}), who also won the G2 Queen's Vase, and the G1 Yorkshire Oaks and G1 Prix Vermeille third La Joconde (Ire) (Frankel {GB}). ILLINOIS (Ire) Galileo (Ire)—Danedrop (Ire) (Danehill) This Coolmore-bred half-brother to the Arc and King George winner Danedream (Ger) (Lomitas {GB}) is still lightly raced but has been a model of consistency. His career highlight to date is his victory in the G2 Queen's Vase, which was followed up by second-place finishes in the G1 Grand Prix de Paris and G2 Great Voltigeur when beaten a neck by his stable-mate Los Angeles (Ire), who heads to the Irish Champion Stakes. His full-brothers Venice Beach (Ire) and Broadway (Ire) are both Group 3 winners. JAN BRUEGHEL (Ire) Galileo (Ire)—Devoted To You (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) Only appeared on the scene this May but his has been a faultless progression with three wins, starting in a Curragh maiden and followed by the G3 Dubai International Stakes and the G3 Gordon Stakes, the latter over 1m4f. It wouldn't be a big surprise to see him step forward again. Jan Brueghel was bred by Barronstown Stud, as was his dam, who won a Galway maiden and was second in the G2 Debutante Stakes among other black-type placings. The most notable of her offspring is this colt's full-brother, the 2019 Irish Derby winner Sovereign (Ire). Another brother, Dawn Rising (Ire), won last year's Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot. SUNWAY (FR) Galiway (GB)–Kensea (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}) Retained at €300,000 at the Arqana August Yearling Sale by his breeder Guy Pariente, he won last year's G1 Criterium International and is yet to add to his tally in five starts this season. He has however posted some decent efforts in defeat, notably when finishing three-quarters of a length behind Los Angeles to take second in the Irish Derby. Super-sub Christophe Soumillon has been booked to replace Oisin Murphy, who is heading to Canada instead. Sunway is the fourth winner from as many runners out of his Listed-winning dam, whose previous matings with Galiway also produced the G1 Champion Stakes and G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere hero Sealiway (Fr). WILD WAVES (Ire) Crystal Ocean (GB)—Guenea (GB) (Sinndar {Ire}) An interesting contender as the first runner in a Classic for 2019 joint-Horse of the Year Crystal Ocean. Bred by the Guenea Partnership, the pinhooking team of Matt Houldsworth and the Gleeson brothers of Aughamore Stud bought him as a foal for 46,000gns and made a healthy return when selling him at Tattersalls October Book 1 for 135,000gns to his trainer Andrew Balding. After two reasonable efforts at two, Wild Waves won on his handicap debut over 1m4f at Kempton and backed that up with a win over the Leger course and distance in June. Most recently he was just two and a half lengths behind Table Talk in the competitive Melrose Handicap at York. He may not be quite up to this Classic test but he is certainly a staying prospect to keep an eye on next year. His breeding offers plenty of encouragement in this regard as he hails from the same female line as the current top-rated horse in Europe, Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), whose third dam Guadalupe (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}) is the granddam of Wild Waves. With the Derby winners Sea The Stars (Ire) and Sinndar (Ire) as his grandsires, there's a lot to like about his pedigree. YOU GOT TO ME (GB) Nathaniel (Ire)–Brushing (GB) (Medicean {GB}) Bred by Dullingham Park Stud and Sarabex, she first sold for 62,000gns at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale and was later bought by Alex Elliott for 200,000gns at Tattersalls October Book 1. The winner of the Lingfield Oaks Trial before running fourth at Epsom in the Oaks, she then beat Content (Ire) to won the Irish Oaks before finishing second to that same filly in the Yorkshire Oaks. She was supplemented for this race by Ralph Beckett, who won the St Leger in 2015 with the filly Simple Verse. You Got To Me's Listed-winning dam hails from the family of the GII All American Derby winner Evolving Tactics (Ire) (Machiavellian) and the G3 C. L. Weld Park Stakes winner Token Gesture (Ire) (Alzao) – who is in turn the dam of the GI Canadian International hero Relaxed Gesture (Ire) (Indian Ridge {Ire}). Victory here would provide a rare feat in the oldest Classic for her co-breeder Mark Tompkins, who trained the 1993 winner Bob's Return (Ire). The post The Lowdown: Betfred St Leger appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fasig-Tipton has catalogued 315 entries for its Saratoga Fall Mixed Sale, to be held on Tuesday, Oct. 15 in the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion beginning at 10 a.m. ET, the auction company said in a release early Thursday morning. “We have another full catalogue for Saratoga Fall this year, which is the industry's primary source of New York breeding stock,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “There are 240 weanlings catalogued–nearly all of which are New York-bred–by both leading national and New York-based sires. Also included are 75 broodmares, many of which are in foal on fashionable coverings.” “The New York-bred program is as vibrant as ever, evidenced by the strength of our recent New York-bred yearling sale this summer,” noted Browning. “With $65 million distributed annually in purse money, incentives, and awards for New York-breds, there has never been a better time to invest in the program.” The catalogue may now be viewed online and will also be available via the Equineline sales catalogue app. Print catalogues will be available by Sept. 17. The post Fasig-Tipton Catalogue For Saratoga Fall Mixed Now Online appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Aga Khan's Zarigana (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}–Zarkamiya {Fr}, by Frankel {GB}), a granddaughter of the storied Zarkava, attained 'TDN Rising Star' status with a stunning performance over seven furlongs at Chantilly in July and duly delivered a first black-type triumph with a display reminiscent of the owner's star distaffer in Thursday's G3 Prix d'Aumale at ParisLongchamp. The 4-5 favourite broke swiftly and was steadied off the tempo in sixth through halfway in this one-mile test. Angled to the outside passing the quarter-mile marker, she cruised to the fore approaching the final furlong and lengthened clear in style to easily outclass the hitherto undefeateg G3 Prix Six Perfections victrix Angeal (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) by an untroubled three lengths. Angeal's Christopher Head-trained stablemate Rosa Salvaje (Ire) (Maximum Security) finished four lengths back in third. “I loved how she travelled on that [soft] ground and, when Mickael [Barzalona] switched her out, she did it all on her own,” reflected trainer Francis Graffard. “It was really nice to watch, she is a lovely looking filly with a great temperament and the only question is would she have another gear if asked for more. Of course, if she comes out of this race well, she will come back in the [G1 Prix] Marcel Boussac. She is all class and, hopefully, we will have a nice Classic prospect for next year.” Pedigree Notes Zarigana, half-sister to a yearling filly by Dubawi (Ire), is the second foal and scorer produced by Listed Prix Thiberville victrix and G1 Prix Vermeille third Zarkamiya (Fr) (Frankel {GB}), herself kin to Group 1-winning sire Zarak (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), Listed Prix Charles Laffitte victrix Zaykava (Fr) and to the dam of dual Group 3 winner Zeyrek (Fr) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). The January-foaled bay's second dam went unbeaten through a seven-race career, annexing the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, G1 Prix de Diane and G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe along the way. ZARIGANAAAAAAAAAAAAAA La Magnifique Prix D'Aumale @paris_longchamp Longchamp – Groupe 3 – Femelles – 2 ans – 7 Pts – Souple (3.7) – 80 000€ ZARIGANA (Gb) Mickael Barzalona @mickaelbarzalon Angeal Rosa Salvaje (Siyouni… pic.twitter.com/1ru371m2Dh — French and International Horse Racing (@Vincenzo0612) September 12, 2024 Thursday, ParisLongchamp, France PRIX D'AUMALE-G3, €80,000, ParisLongchamp, 9-12, 2yo, f, 8fT, 1:44.58, sf. 1–ZARIGANA (IRE), 126, f, 2, by Siyouni (Fr) 1st Dam: Zarkamiya (Fr) (SW & G1SP-Fr, $144,304), by Frankel (GB) 2nd Dam: Zarkava (Ire), by Zamindar 3rd Dam: Zarkasha (Ire), by Kahyasi (Ire) TDN Rising Star. 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. O-H H The Aga Khan; B-H H The Aga Khan's Studs SC (GB); T-Francis-Henri Graffard; J-Mickael Barzalona. €40,000. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, €55,000. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Angeal (Ire), 126, f, 2, Wootton Bassett (GB)–Curvy (GB), by Galileo (Ire). (€110,000 Ylg '23 GOFORB). O-Teruya Yoshida; B-Coolmore Stud (IRE); T-Christopher Head. €16,000. 3–Rosa Salvaje (Ire), 126, f, 2, Maximum Security–Idle Hour, by Malibu Moon. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (€75,000 Ylg '23 ARQAUG). O-Ecurie Francky Defosse, EARL Haras de l'Hotellerie, SNIG Elevage, Frederic Sauque & Christopher Head; B-Yeguada Centurion SLU (IRE); T-Christopher Head. €12,000. Margins: 3, 4, NK. Odds: 0.80, 5.10, 5.30. Also Ran: La Guapisima (Fr), Iron Bird (GB), Relaxx (Fr), Lady Majesty Cen (Fr). The post TDN Rising Star Zarigana Wows Paris with Stunning Prix d’Aumale Triumph appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The seven-day Kentucky Downs meet set another record for wagering, totaling $90,181,408 and up eight percent over last year, according to a press release from the track late Wednesday. That included a single-day record of $21,184,941 on the Saturday, Sept. 7 card featuring six graded stakes worth $2 million for Kentucky-breds ($1 million for others). As for the meet's leaders, jockey Tyler Gaffalione finished with nine wins, to pull even with Irad Ortiz Jr. for the riding title, while Brendan Walsh's sixth victory put him in a tie for the trainer prize with Joe Sharp and Steve Asmussen. Ken Ramsey earned his 10th owner's title. The post Record Wagering At Kentucky Downs As Meet Wraps appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mario Baratti trainee Misunderstood (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}– Waldjagd {GB}, by Observatory) made all to shed maiden status on debut at Deauville in July and repeated the dose in Thursday's G3 Prix des Chenes at ParisLongchamp to become the first black-type winner for his freshman sire (by Kodiac {GB}). Breaking well from the outside stall to establish a clear buffer through the early fractions, the 13-10 favourite was shaken up with 350 metres remaining and maintained a high tempo in the closing stages to easily account for Nesthorn (GB) (Expert Eye {GB}) by 4 1/2 lengths. Cacofonix (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) was nine lengths further adrift in third. “He has a tendency to be keen and we don't have much choice but to let him bowl along in front at a good pace,” Baratti explained. “This is also why he carries a hood. He kept finding and drew away nicely, proving that he is probably a very good horse. [Jockey] Alexis [Pouchin] has suggested running him over seven furlongs. The [G1 Prix Jean-Luc] Lagardere is a possibility, but I first want to discuss it with the owners. Personally, I would like to wait for next year as he gives a lot in his races and I don't want to give him one race too many [this year].” Pedigree Notes Misunderstood is the ninth of 11 foals and one of seven scorers out of G2 Diana-Trial second Waldjagd (GB) (Observatory), herself a daughter of multiple Group-winning G1 Deutschland-Preis second Wurftaube (Ger) (Acatenango {Ger}). Wurftaube's quartet of black-type performers is headed by G1 Deutsches Derby hero Waldpark (Ger) (Dubawi {Ire}) and her descendants include G1 St Leger victor Masked Marvel (GB) (Montjeu {Ire}) and multiple Group 1-winning Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero Waldgeist (GB) (Galileo {Ire}). The February-foaled bay is a half-brother to G2 T von Zastrow Stutenpreis victrix Waldbiene (Fr) (Intello {Ger}) and Listed Prix du Pont Neuf winner Urwald (GB) (Le Havre {Ire}). He is also kin to a yearling filly by Frankel (GB) and a weanling filly by Persian King (Ire). Chênes (Gr3, m2, 1600m) à #ParisLongchamp Très facile victoire de bout en bout du favori Misunderstood (Hello Youmzain) ⁦@Haras_d_Etreham⁩ qui reste invaincu pour sa 2e sortie. pic.twitter.com/SsIGtbYKlE — France Galop (@francegalop) September 12, 2024 Thursday, ParisLongchamp, France PRIX DES CHENES-G3, €80,000, ParisLongchamp, 9-12, 2yo, c/g, 8fT, 1:44.08, sf. 1–MISUNDERSTOOD (FR), 128, c, 2, by Hello Youmzain (Fr) 1st Dam: Waldjagd (GB) (GSP-Ger), by Observatory 2nd Dam: Wurftaube (Ger), by Acatenango (Ger) 3rd Dam: Wurfbahn (Ger), by Frontal (Fr) 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. (190,000gns RNA Ylg '23 TATOCT; 95,000gns RNA 2yo '24 TATBRE). O-Haras d'Etreham & Mustapha Bekhti; B-Ecurie de Cachene & Patrick Charel (FR); T-Mario Baratti; J-Alexis Pouchin. €40,000. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, €65,000. *1/2 to Waldbiene (Fr) (Intello {Ger}), GSW-Ger; and Urwald (GB) (Le Havre {Ire}), SW-Fr. Werk Nick Rating: B. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Nesthorn (GB), 128, c, 2, Expert Eye (GB)–Swiss Range (GB), by Zamindar. 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O-Juddmonte Farms Inc; B-Juddmonte Farms Ireland Ltd (GB); T-Francis-Henri Graffard. €16,000. 3–Cacofonix (Ire), 128, c, 2, Lope De Vega (Ire)–Spaday (Ire), by Exceed And Excel (Aus). 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O/B-Wertheimer & Frere (IRE); T-Carlos Laffon-Parias. €12,000. Margins: 4HF, 9, 1 1/4. Odds: 1.30, 2.10, 3.50. Also Ran: Keanu (Fr), Giuseppe Ballocco (Fr). The post Misunderstood Makes Black-Type Breakthrough for Hello Youmzain in Paris appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ben Hayes believes that the conditions are more in Mr Brightside’s (NZ) (Bullbars) favour this time around as he prepares to take on Via Sistina in Saturday’s Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m). The pair has only met once before, in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick during the autumn, when Via Sistina finished second and Mr Brightside third in a race that they were both comprehensively beaten in by tearaway leader Pride Of Jenni. “I think at a mile, it will be a great race,” said Hayes, who trains in partnership with his brothers Will and JD. “She had the sit on us the first time we met, we had to bring the field up to Pride Of Jenni and she just ran over the top of us late. That was over 2000m and she now meets us at, probably, our best trip. “It will be a very interesting watch; I’m looking forward to racing her again.” Mr Brightside is chasing his second-successive victory in the Makybe Diva Stakes and boasts impressive statistics both over 1600m and second-up, which he’ll be on Saturday. The flagbearer for Lindsay Park will jump from barrier four and will be ridden by his regular jockey Craig Williams. “He’s arguably one of the better milers in Australia, his record at a mile is fantastic,” Hayes said. “I think with Prode Of Jenni in the race, it’s a going to be a nice, genuine tempo and he’ll have something to chase again.” Hayes is pleased with how Mr Brightside has recovered from his first-up run in the Memsie Stakes, where he was brave in defeat behind Pinstriped. “He really came through the Memsie in great order, probably the best we’ve had him pull up for a while now,” Hayes said. “He’s improved in the coat; he’s tightened up that little bit more. “He’ll look a lot different in the mounting yard on Saturday, he’s still got improvement to come coat-wise, but his fitness levels are good and he galloped great on Tuesday, so we can’t fault him.” Mr Brightside is at $3.80 in Sportsbet’s market for the Makybe Diva Stakes. View the full article

A sense of pride, not regret, is the overarching emotion when Kiwi trainer Anna Furlong watches Warmonger (NZ) (War Decree) step onto the racetrack. Furlong and her then-training partner Shane Kennedy paid NZ$165,000 for the son of War Decree at the 2022 NZB Ready To Run Sale at Karaka, almost 12 months after he was sold as a yearling for NZ$75,000. It was obvious the youngster had ability but an offer from OTI Racing following his dominant win in an Ashburton trial meant his time in their stable was short-lived. Rather than view the Queensland Derby hero and Cups contender as the one that got away, the Riccarton-based horsewoman is just happy to have played a small part in his career. Warmonger returns to the track for his first run of the spring in Saturday’s Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) and Furlong will be cheering him on from afar. “He just had that look of class about him at the sale,” Furlong said. “He was a great type, excellent mover and a good stride. “But we bought him on behalf of a client, so he was probably always going to be a seller. “It’s still a little bit bittersweet because he’s a once-in-a-lifetime horse but it’s great for the South Island – he’s by a South Island stallion, bred by Kevin Hickman, prepped for the ready to run sale from the South Island and trained by a South Island trainer. “We were all crowded in the pub when he won the Derby and there was plenty of yelling and yahooing, it was very exciting. “It’s great for us to have played a very small part in his education and we know that he’s got a very bright future. “It would be pretty mind-blowing if he can (win a Caulfield Cup or Melbourne Cup).” View the full article

Former Darwin jockey and trainer Carl Spry, who is now based in Townsville, will make a cameo appearance in the saddle at Darwin on Saturday and Alice Springs on Sunday. There will be a familiar face at Darwin on Saturday when jockey Carl Spry returns for the first time since March 2020. The colourful Spry spent five years in the Top End before relocating to Townsville, and at his final Fannie Bay meeting he celebrated with a win. Victorious in endless big races in Darwin and Alice Springs, Spry happily supported other NT meetings at Tennant Creek, Katherine, Adelaide River and Pine Creek. Spry, along with partner Sarah Acornley and their three kids, had already booked a Darwin holiday when he discovered that there were races in the NT this weekend. After Saturday’s meeting, the 40-year-old will board a flight and ride at Alice Springs on Sunday before returning to Darwin to link up with the family and spend time with friends. “It didn’t bother me if I rode or not, so you could call it a working holiday, I’m looking forward to it,” Spry said. “Darwin trainer Gary Clarke threw me on one and then Stan Tsaikos got suspended in Alice Springs on Sunday. “They were stuck for riders there, so trainer Terry Gillett arranged a few rides down there. “Terry’s daughter Dakota is also suspended, so he was stuck for riders and that’s how it all came about. “Alice is on my agenda come Sunday, Sarah and the kids will stay in Darwin.” Spry will partner Clarke’s nine-year-old mare Bel’s Banner over 1100m (0-70) on Saturday, but there’s every chance he could secure extra rides with a few starters currently devoid of riders. He will ride Gillett’s stablemates Hurn Court, Little Ditty, Supreme Goal and Morgenstern at Pioneer Park on Sunday. Queensland is Spry’s home state, he was raised at Gayndah – inland from Bundaberg – and did most of his apprenticeship out of Brisbane and Toowoomba. Spry, who has ridden throughout Australia, picked up 189 wins in the NT, which included 129 wins in Darwin and 48 wins in Alice Springs. He has endured success in Queensland at various venues such as Toowoomba (93 wins), Eagle Farm (46), Doomben (43), Townsville (34), Ipswich (34), Mackay (21) and the Sunshine Coast (17). A total of 632 wins as a jockey is not a bad return, but Spry was also an accomplished trainer, where he picked up 87 wins in the NT and Queensland. “I haven’t trained for three years and I don’t ride too much these days,” Spry said. “I still enjoy riding, but I don’t kill the body anymore. “If I feel like going around I do and if I don’t, I don’t.” Spry’s partner Sarah Acornley is a successful Townsville trainer and in recent times she has sent Altar Boy and Floral Code to the Gillett stable. Altar Boy, who is on action on Sunday, has had five Red Centre starts for four wins and a second. Horse racing news View the full article

The Victress will contest the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) The Victress has got the nod as Te Akau’s leading black-type chance at Riccarton on Saturday, but it might be an opposing stablemate who will lead the chase for higher honours later in the season. The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained daughter of Zousain will run in the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) with About Last Night and Dream Of The Moon to also represent the stable. Opie Bosson will be aboard The Victress, the winner of two of her four starts and she impressed with her first-up victory on the course at the end of last month. “I’d be leaning her way, in saying that Dream Of The Moon performed up to a really good level as a two-year-old and she has had the experience down the chute,” Bergerson said. “That will be a massive plus for her, but she’s still not there in the coat and has got a bit of an awkward barrier whereas The Victress can bounce from one. “She usually shows good gate speed to be right up there and Dream Of The Moon will need a bit of luck so probably leaning The Victress’ way. “About Last Night was more than game last time, so they are three nice chances.” To be ridden by Warren Kennedy, About Last Night chased home The Victress last time out while Dream Of The Moon, the mount of Wiremu Pinn, has had two trials ahead of her return to competition. All three hold nominations for the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). “Whether The Victress and About Last Night get beyond that 1200m trip is still a bit of a query, they are short, sharp sprinting types of horses so we’ll wait and see,” Bergerson said. “Dream Of The Moon is one we think will definitely step up in trip.” The stable has also formed a strong opinion of Savabeel’s son Age Of Discovery. “I’m really looking forward to the colt stepping out in race one, he has been held up by wet tracks up north and funnily enough there’s a bit of rain forecast for Riccarton,” Bergerson said. “Fingers crossed, he can step out and it is hard for three-year-olds against older horses, even in maiden company, but he is one we really like.” Vivacious and When Stars Align also give the team a strong hand in the NZB Ready to Run Sale Trainers Series Rating 65 (1200m). “They are both going well and are two more really good chances for us,” Bergerson said. Meanwhile, Campionessa will resume at Te Rapa on Sunday but there is an air of apprehension around the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2050m) winner’s return. “Her trials have been okay and we are mindful that last spring she never came up, so we tipped her out and she found form toward November and Christmas,” Bergerson said. “That is playing on our minds a little bit, but in saying that we have got her as fit as we can to go the mile first-up. “The claim will certainly hope and Ngakau (Hailey) is a more than capable young rider.” Safely through Sunday with an encouraging performance, the focus will turn to Hastings. “Hopefully, she can run well enough and the second leg (Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate, 1600m) is still an option,” Bergerson said. “Potentially, she could instead go the Matamata Cup (Listed, 1600m) and then the last leg (Group 1 Livamol Classic, 2040m). “We’ll get through Sunday first and hopefully the track is reasonable and then we can make a plan.” Horse racing news View the full article

Ladies Man winning last year’s edition of the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m). Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Taranaki trainer Allan Sharrock’s upcoming top-flight prospects can take turns for the better across two venues this weekend. Ladies Man will resume at New Plymouth on Saturday in his first step toward the defence of his Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) title while Islington Lass, who runs at Te Rapa on Sunday, is also headed toward the weight-for-age feature. While he will be racing over a distance short of his best, Ladies Man is forward to return to action in the Seaton Park Handicap (1400m) and will benefit from Ayush Mudhoo’s 4kg claim. “He’s going really well, I just had a hiccup with his feet earlier in the season,” Sharrock said. “He may go into the Livamol with two runs and not three, he’s a pretty good horse and I could still pinch one more week before at Matamata or Hawera depending on where I think he is. “I am quite excited, in the last two weeks he’s picked up nicely and had a jump-out at Waverley last week and won that and he had a quiet one the week before at Hawera.” Islington Lass will be second-up with Triston Moodley to claim 3kg off the talented daughter of Proisir. “Her preparation has gone perfectly and she looks a million dollars, she’ll be competitive on Sunday,” Sharrock said. “I’ll put the blinkers back on her and she’s a tidy mare, but whether she’s up to his (Ladies Man) class when they’re both 100 percent we’ll see, but I’d favour the boy. “I’ll dodge the Arrowfield (Group 1, 1600m) and run her the day before at Te Rapa over 1600m with Ladies Man as it saves the six-hour float ride to Hastings, we can shoot up to Te Rapa and be back the same day.” Meanwhile, stable favourite Justaskme will take aim at Saturday’s Brandlab Open (1800m) at New Plymouth following a course and distance victory last time out with Rihaan Goyaram to take the reins again. “The old boy will give Diamond Jak all he wants on a heavy track, he’s going pretty well,” Sharrock said. The nine-year-old has won 13 of his 48 starts, including the Group 2 Tauranga Stakes (1600m) and four at Listed level with two successes in the Opunake Cup (1400m) and one apiece in the AGC Training Stakes (1600m) and the Rangitikei Gold Cup (1550m). Justaskme also has a runner-up finish in the Livamol to his credit but is unlikely to make an appearance at this year’s carnival. “I may back him up at Wanganui in the Metric Mile (Group 3, 1600m), there’s rain forecast next week and I just don’t think it’s going to get wet enough at the Bay for him,” Sharrock said. Horse racing news View the full article

Ballydoyle's G1 Irish Champion Stakes hero Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) will face seven rivals as he breaks from stall four bidding for back-to-back renewals of the Royal Bahrain-sponsored Leopardstown feature on Saturday. Aidan O'Brien has last year's runner-up Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) engaged with first-time cheekpieces in stall seven, along with the G1 Irish Derby hero Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) in five and pacemaker Hans Andersen (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in six to make up half the field. William Haggas would have been dealt a blow by the outside draw of the current favourite Economics (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), who is the leading protagonist taking on Team Ballydoyle. Isa Salman Al Khalifa's progressive G2 Dante Stakes and G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano winner is joined by fellow 3-year-old colt Ghostwriter (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), with Jeff Smith's G1 Eclipse Stakes and G1 Juddmonte International third in two next to Susumu Fujita's G1 Tokyo Yushun third Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) in three. Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's outsider Royal Rhyme (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) completes the line-up. The post Auguste Rodin Heads Eight For Irish Champion appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aidan O'Brien has whittled his G1 St Leger team down to three sons of Galileo (Ire) after the final confirmations were made for the Doncaster Classic on Thursday morning. Wayne Lordan will partner the G2 Queen's Vase winner and G1 Grand Prix de Paris runner-up Illinois (Ire), who will be joined as expected by the unbeaten G3 Gordon Stakes-winning TDN Rising Star Jan Brueghel (Ire) and the emphatic G3 Irish St Leger Trial Stakes winner Grosvenor Square (Ire). Jockeys for the latter pair have yet to be announced. The withdrawal of Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Euphoric (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Align The Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) means that seven will line up for the extended 14-furlong test, with the chief opposition to an eighth renewal for Ballydoyle being Valmont and Newsells Park Stud Bloodstock's supplemented G1 Irish Oaks heroine You Got To Me (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) and Guy Pariente Holding and Qatar Racing's G1 Irish Derby runner-up Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}). Green Team Racing's Derby fourth Deira Mile (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) and the outsider Wild Waves (Ire) (Crystal Ocean {GB}) complete the line-up. The post Illinois Heads Ballydoyle Trio In The St Leger appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The city’s top trainers run us through their teams for the 2024-25 season, including the likes of Lucky Sweynesse, California Spangle and Beauty Eternal.View the full article

What Makybe Diva Stakes Day 2024 Where Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria When Saturday, September 14, 2024 First Race 12:10pm AEST Visit Dabble A Group 1 day of racing awaits punters on Saturday afternoon as the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) headlines a blockbuster day at Flemington. With the track a Good 4 and the rail in its true position, conditions will be perfect for what shapes as a key day moving forward in the spring. Makybe Diva Stakes Day 2024 commences at 12:10pm AEST. Race 1: BM78 Handicap (1100m) Moby Dick put in an outstanding initial campaign during the autumn, and first-up from a spell will take some beating as he heads down the Flemington straight for the first time. Despite his lack of experience at Flemington, the Toronado progeny does boast two Pakenham 1200m wins, with the key being how he handled the long run in to the winning post. Damian Lane hops on board, and with a genuine tempo expected, the race sets up perfectly for Moby Dick to launch down the heart of the track. Selections: 13 MOBY DICK 4 NADAL 1 BARAQIEL 3 HEADWALL Race 2: Listed Exford Plate (1400m) Wonder Boy flashed home late over 1200m in the Group 3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) and as he steps up to the 1400m, is sure to only benefit from the extra distance. He beat all but Growing Empire on that day and put 2.8 lengths on Stay Focused back in third. With plenty of speed in this, Craig Williams can stalk the speed throughout from the gun draw, and if Wonder Boy can rattle off similar late sectionals, he should be winning. Selections: 1 WONDER BOY 3 DETROIT CITY 2 DAGGERS 6 SI SI MILANO Best Bet Race 2 – #1 Wonder Boy (1) 3yo Gelding | T: Jerome Hunter | J: Craig Williams (57.5kg) +150 with Neds Race 3: Listed Cap D’antibes Stakes (1100m) Drifting was a smart all-the-way winner of the Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) and as she returns to Flemington, she looks set to turn the tables on Bold Bastille from when they last met. When the pair clashed over 1000m in the autumn, the Zousain filly was shortening the margin and looks to be the better of the two at 1100m and further. Jamie Kah will likely settle Drifting just off the speed, and when asked to quicken, Drifting should safely account for her rivals again. Selections: 1 DRIFTING 4 BOLD BASTILLE 7 MANOLO BLING 8 KUROYANAGI Next Best Race 3 – #1 Drifting (11) 3yo Filly | T: Peter Snowden | J: Jamie Kah (58.5kg) +240 with Playup Race 4: Listed Poseidon Stakes (1100m) Come around 1:55pm on Saturday, the $1.90 on offer with horse racing bookmakers about Growing Empire will look a ridiculous price. The three-year-old was unreal when resuming in the McNeil Stakes when travelling three wide with no cover, before producing a stunning turn of foot to salute eased down. Mark Zahra can either lead, or take a sit on this son of Zoustar. Either way, Growing Empire will prove the classy three-year-old sprinter once again. Selections: 1 GROWING EMPIRE 7 FIRST SETTLER 9 NDOLA 4 HIGH OCTANE Race 5: Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) Win and you’re into the Melbourne Cup (3200m); that is what is on offer for the winner of the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) on Saturday. Point King could not have been any more dominant when winning a BM100 at Moonee Valley when first-up for Anthony & Sam Freedman. The six-year-old gelding was going as well as anything through the line when a 3.8-length winner, which suggests the 2500m should be no issue. Point King will be charging down the heart of the track when the whips are cracking and will prove too hard to hold out. Selections: 8 POINT KING 6 BERKSHIRE BREEZE 1 VOW AND DECLARE 3 HORRIFYING Archer Stakes Race 5 – #8 Point King (4) 6yo Gelding | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Jamie Kah (54kg) +300 with Dabble Race 6: Listed Vale Black Caviar (1400m) Makram was a Flemington 1400m winner at a big price during the autumn and looks set to repeat the dose on Saturday. He produced a stunning burst to burst the bubble of boom horse Jimmysstar before losing to Atishu in Group 2 company by just over a length. Makram boasts two first-up wins from eight starts, and with Craig Williams in the saddle, he will be charging home late at a big price. Selections: 7 MAKRAM 3 ARRAN BAY 4 NICOLINI VITO 5 HOLYMANZ Best Value Race 6 – #7 Makram (6) 8yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Craig Williams (54.5kg) +1500 with Unibet Race 7: Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) Not much went right for Comrade Rosa on her Victorian debut when needing to undergo a pre-race vet check before laying in when making her run. She did well to be beaten by just under two lengths to Quintessa, who she has a handy weight swing on once again. Jye McNeil will look to get her off the fence from barrier two, because once she finds clear air, the Capitalist mare is possessed with a strong finish. With the experience of going the “Melbourne way” under her belt, Comrade Rosa looks way over the odds at $16 with Bet365 in the Let’s Elope Stakes. Selections: 6 COMRADE ROSA 1 QUINTESSA 8 ALSEPHINA 7 WOLLOMBI Let’s Elope Stakes Race 7 – #6 Comrade Rosa (2) 6yo Mare | T: Tony Gollan | J: Jye McNeil (56kg) +1500 with Bet365 Race 8: Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) The field for the 2024 Makybe Diva Stakes is compiled of eight previous Group 1 winners and looks set to be one of the better viewing spectacles of the spring. Can Pride Of Jenni bounce back? Or will Mr Brightside defend his crown? There’s plenty for everyone to get excited about ahead of Saturday’s Group 1 feature. Click here for our full preview of the 2024 Makybe Diva Stakes Race 9: Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) Sans Doute charged home over the Moonee Valley 1000m when beaten a half-length behind subsequent Group 1 winner Mornington Glory. The five-year-old mare returns to Flemington, a track she is yet to taste defeat in through four attempts. The Not A Single Doubt mare will likely be at the rear of the field, but armed with a blistering turn of foot, and with just 53kg on her back Sans Doute should take a power of beating in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m). Selections: 12 SANS DOUTE 9 RIGHT TO PARTY 10 ARKANSAW KID 2 BENEDETTA Bobbie Lewis Quality Race 9 – #12 Sans Doute (9) 5yo Mare | T: Mark Walker | J: Michael Dee (53kg) +650 with Picklebet Race 10: Open Handicap (1700m) Positivity was narrowly beaten in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) when first-up and looks to have found the right race to go one better in on the weekend. The four-year-old mare was a dominant winner over 2500m in Group 3 company during the autumn, so she clearly has ability and will appreciate getting to Flemington for the first time. Damian Lane will have her out the back of the field, but armed with a strong turn of foot, there is no reason why Positivity cannot blouse her rivals in the Flemington finale. Selections: 11 POSITIVITY 12 GREEN FLY 4 MILFORD 6 BERKELEY SQUARE Makybe Diva Stakes Day quaddie tips Flemington quadrella selections Saturday, September 14, 2024 1-3-6-7-8-10 1-4-8 2-4-9-10-11-12-13 11-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Grey filly Diablo Blanco (NZ) (Super Seth) will be out to gain some valuable black-type on Saturday when she heads to Riccarton Park to contest the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m). The daughter of Super Seth, who carries the Milan Park silks of co-breeder and part-owner Tony Rider, won two of her five starts as a juvenile, including first-up this preparation over 1200m at Oamaru in July. She was also fourth in the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m), with that form being franked at Hastings last weekend where race winner Captured by Love was runner-up in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) behind star filly Alabama Lass, and runner-up Poetic Champion took out the Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m). Didham was pleased with Diablo Blanco’s last start victory on the Riccarton Synthetic last month and said she has been working well at home in the lead-up to the weekend. “She couldn’t have been more impressive last start on the synthetic and I think her work on Tuesday morning was the best I have seen,” he said. Diablo Blanco has drawn barrier four on Saturday, with the track rated a Soft7 on Wednesday and rain is forecast in the lead-up to the weekend. “I am more than happy with the good barrier draw going into Saturday,” Didham said. “We are due for some rain at Riccarton, so I don’t think a Soft or Heavy track will bother her. She is pretty versatile.” Diablo Blanco is currently a $4.20 equal favourite with Te Akau Racing’s The Victress, and Didham said he is wary of the filly and her stablemates About Last Night ($6) and Dream Of The Moon ($7.50). “There are three from Te Akau and one of them (Dream Of The Moon) we have already met – we won once and they beat us once. The other two ran first and second last week and they (Te Akau) are always going to be hard to beat.” Out of a full-sister to Group One winner I Do, Diablo Blanco is a valuable broodmare prospect, and Didham is hoping to add to her value by gaining some black-type this weekend ahead of some bigger targets later this spring. “She is really well bred so hopefully we can get some black-type with her and everyone will be happy,” he said. “If she goes a really good race we will head to the Barneswood (Gr.3, 1400m) on the 12th of October.” View the full article

Mark Oulaghan’s star jumpers West Coast(NZ) (Mettre En Jeu) and Berry The Cash (NZ) (Jakkalberry) were unstoppable in last month’s Grand National contests, and on Sunday, they are heavily-favoured to add the Great Northern equivalents to their formidable records. West Coast has largely been the benchmark for steeplechasers in New Zealand for the past two seasons, winning a multitude of prestige crowns, including three-straight editions of the Grand National Steeplechase (5600m), the first in history to do so. Contesting the Ben and Ryan Foote Racing Great Northern Steeplechase (6500m) for the first time 12 months ago at Te Rapa, the son of Mettre En Jeu displayed all of his class to take the title from race-rival Captains Run. In this year’s race, West Coast will, as he has become accustomed too, carry the 73kg topweight under regular rider Shaun Fannin, just a week after the gelding was awarded his second Champion Jumper title at the New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards. “It’s always a thrill and an honour to train a horse like him, to get those National awards is pretty satisfying,” Oulaghan said. “He’s had a reasonably busy season but he’s doing well, his run the other day at Woodville looked a little bit flat, but the speed has probably been worked out of him at this stage. “He was still plodding away at the finish, so I was happy enough. “He had another run-along this (Thursday) morning then had a swim and went on the walker at home. “Tomorrow and Saturday he’ll do a little bit of work and have a swim, he’s pretty fit and if they aren’t ready by now, it’s a bit late. “The fences are a wee bit different to the National, but he handled them last year, he’s a good jumper so I’m not too perturbed.” The Awapuni horseman has also engaged Super Spirit in the feature, coming out of his second steeplechase victory last start at Egmont. “He’s a runner’s chance for a place, but if you don’t support these races, the numbers can get a bit low and he’s won a couple so he’s one we could put in,” Oulaghan said. “He’s a funny sort of horse, he looks beaten at times, but you give him a rev-up and he can find another gear. Whether he can do that over 6400m remains to be seen, but he’s won around the course so he knows his way. “He’s an easy horse to ride, he’s going to be handy at the smaller meetings but I’m not sure he’s a National or Northern winner.” TAB bookmakers have opened West Coast as a $1.50 favourite for the Great Northern Steeplechase, slightly shorter than his stablemate Berry The Cash, who sits atop of the book in the Peter Kelly – Bayleys Great Northern Hurdles (4200m) at $1.95. The Jakkalberry gelding has won his last seven races with five of those coming over hurdles, with the most recent his gusty performance to take back-to-back Grand National Hurdles (4200m). Oulaghan opted to sit out the Northern following his victory at Riccarton last season, but with the $150,000 prize pool and a more experienced horse on his hands, Berry The Cash will travel north and take his place with the same weight to overcome as his stablemate. “Last year he was just a young horse and it was his first season jumping, so I didn’t want to do too much,” Oulaghan said. “We’d always planned to knock him off jumping after the National and that’s what we did, but this year, with the money up for the Northern, we decided to take him there as well. “He’s won with the weight so it’s obviously not a great hinderance to him, but it’s not an advantage either. “There hasn’t really been a flat race lately for him, he’s rated 73 and we had him in at Hastings the other day, but I didn’t want to run him on that firm track. “We pulled him out and took him to Woodville for a gallop on Sunday, he was a wee bit lazy by himself and straight after the gallop all he wanted to do was eat grass, but he’s galloped well this morning and he’s pretty close to the mark.” Completing Oulaghan’s representatives will be Kentucky Boy, the gelding finishing runner-up to Northern contender Ima Wonder in the Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4800m) at his most recent appearance. “We were pretty happy with that, he jumped well and if he can reproduce that form, he should be a good show in the 0-1,” Oulaghan said. View the full article

A brilliant spring return by Joliestar has her sitting high in Everest markets. Exciting mare Joliestar made a clear Everest statement with her thumping first-up win in the Show County Quality, now her challenge is to back it up. The four-year-old has rocketed into $5 equal favouritism for the $20 million showpiece and could firm further if she repeats her fresh effort in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday. Trainer Chris Waller is the first to admit Joliestar must produce a similar standard again to bed down her Everest credentials. “At that level, it is not just about one run, it is about consistently racing well at that level,” Waller said. “She has come through her first-up run really well. “She was very impressive first-up, she trained on well and it looks like she has gone to a new level again.” With James Mcdonald in Melbourne to ride Via Sistina in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), Kerrin Mcevoy takes over the reins on Joliestar. McEvoy partnered the Group 1 winner to her maiden victory at Warwick Farm last year and has had a long association with her owners, the Lindsay family’s Cambridge Stud. “I think that is always a big thing when you are hopping on a horse with her profile,” Waller said. “Firstly you need an experienced jockey, which Kerrin is, then it is great for the jockey to have a relationship with the owners – it’s a big deal. “Kerrin will fit in well.” Waller will also have strong representation in the The Marks Stakes (1300m) with Epsom Handicap winner Rediener, Molly Bloom, Osipenko and Tannhauser all slated to resume in the race. View the full article

Over the next two Saturdays, Dom Sutton will be in a better position to ascertain whether his exciting three-year-old geldings Detroit City and Feroce (NZ) ( Super Seth) can continue towards their potential spring goal of the Caulfield Guineas. The Ballarat-based trainer’s undefeated Detroit City will return to the same track and distance which provided him with his last-start victory when he contests the Exford Plate at Flemington on Saturday, while a week later Feroce will contest the Caulfield Guineas Prelude. Sutton said races such as the Exford Plate are events which showcase one way or the other whether a three-year-old is up to the required standard for next month’s Caulfield Guineas. “It’s a good field with horses that have got big aspirations going deeper into the spring, so it will tell us where we fit into the picture,” Sutton said. “We’re going up to Stakes level and we’re taking on horses like Daggers and Wonder Boy. “You’ve got the Caulfield Guineas in the back of your mind, but you have to keep taking the right steps to warrant running in it. So, if he takes the next step and goes close to winning, which is what we want to see, we will head to the Caulfield Guineas and he will have another run before it.” Detroit City hasn’t started since he won over 1410 metres at Flemington on August 3 but finish second in a 1000-metre trial at Stawell on August 27. “He’s been kept up to the mark and had a couple of nice pieces of work at home on the course proper since,” he said. Feroce was held up for a run for the entire straight when he finished seventh at Caulfield in the McNeil Stakes and Sutton saw enough in the effort to push on towards the Caulfield Guineas. “It was pretty much a track gallop. He went to the line hard held and I think if he had got clear air he would have run a place, so I think he’s definitely in the mix with some of the better three-year-olds in Victoria,” he said. View the full article

The Victress has got the nod as Te Akau’s leading black-type chance at Riccarton on Saturday, but it might be an opposing stablemate who will lead the chase for higher honours later in the season. The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained daughter of Zousain will run in the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) with About Last Night (NZ) Capitalist) and Dream Of The Moon to also represent the stable. Opie Bosson will be aboard The Victress, the winner of two of her four starts and she impressed with her first-up victory on the course at the end of last month. “I’d be leaning her way, in saying that Dream Of The Moon performed up to a really good level as a two-year-old and she has had the experience down the chute,” Bergerson said. “That will be a massive plus for her, but she’s still not there in the coat and has got a bit of an awkward barrier whereas The Victress can bounce from one. “She usually shows good gate speed to be right up there and Dream Of The Moon will need a bit of luck so probably leaning The Victress’ way. “About Last Night was more than game last time, so they are three nice chances.” To be ridden by Warren Kennedy, About Last Night chased home The Victress last time out while Dream Of The Moon, the mount of Wiremu Pinn, has had two trials ahead of her return to competition. All three hold nominations for the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). “Whether The Victress and About Last Night get beyond that 1200m trip is still a bit of a query, they are short, sharp sprinting types of horses so we’ll wait and see,” Bergerson said. “Dream Of The Moon is one we think will definitely step up in trip.” The stable has also formed a strong opinion of Savabeel’s son Age Of Discovery, who will debut in the Watch trackside.co.nz Maiden (1200m). “I’m really looking forward to the colt stepping out in race one, he has been held up by wet tracks up north and funnily enough there’s a bit of rain forecast for Riccarton,” Bergerson said. “Fingers crossed, he can step out and it is hard for three-year-olds against older horses, even in maiden company, but he is one we really like.” Vivacious and When Stars Align also give the team a strong hand in the NZB Ready to Run Sale Trainers Series Rating 65 (1200m). “They are both going well and are two more really good chances for us,” Bergerson said. Meanwhile, Campionessa will resume in Sunday’s Waitoa FreeRange Chicken Mile (1600m) at Te Rapa but there is an air of apprehension around the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2050m) winner’s return. “Her trials have been okay and we are mindful that last spring she never came up, so we tipped her out and she found form toward November and Christmas,” Bergerson said. “That is playing on our minds a little bit, but in saying that we have got her as fit as we can to go the mile first-up. “The claim will certainly hope and Ngakau (Hailey) is a more than capable young rider.” Safely through Sunday with an encouraging performance, the focus will turn to Hastings. “Hopefully, she can run well enough and the second leg (Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate, 1600m) is still an option,” Bergerson said. “Potentially, she could instead go the Matamata Cup (Listed, 1600m) and then the last leg (Gr.1 Livamol Classic, 2040m). “We’ll get through Sunday first and hopefully the track is reasonable and then we can make a plan.” View the full article