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Star eyes Epsom after purple patch

Written by
7 min read
Star Thoroughbreds is hoping to end a tough week on a high note, with D'Argento (So You Think {NZ}) looking to recreate a memorable day ten years ago when the famous purple with white stars dominated the G1 Epsom Hcp.

This week, a man who has been crucial to Star Thoroughbreds' success, Steve Brem, passed away aged 69.

Brem has been Denise Martin's go-to man at the sales for many years and he was involved in the decision to select D'Argento at the 2016 Magic Millions.

His death is a sombre note on what has been a strong start to the spring for Martin and Star.

Star Thoroughbreds' purple and white silks have spent plenty of time in the winners' stall of late, highlighted by the success of Noire (Foxwedge) in the G2 Shannon S, Invincibella (I Am Invincible) in the G2 Sheraco S. and Fiesta (I Am Invincible) in the G2 Silver Shadow S.

The 'purple patch' could be set to elevate to Group 1 level on Saturday, and not only with D'Argento, but also with Fiesta, another selection of Brem's, stepping out in the G1 Flight S.

"The horses are producing what we have hoped they would on the track. Every owner aims to have their horse racing at the elite level, and the spring to date has been tremendous. We have a realistic expectation for further success in the coming weeks," Martin told TDN AusNZ this week.

"The horses are producing what we have hoped they would on the track." - Denise Martin

A decade later

Saturday marks the 10-year anniversary of one of Martin's best-ever days at the track, when her champion Theseo (Danewin) held off her other contender Bank Robber (Dash For Cash) in the famous Randwick mile race.

"Whilst I don’t have a second runner in the Star colours this year, it certainly would be a great thrill to win the Epsom a second time," she said.

Watch: Theseo and Bank Robber go 1-2 in the 2008 Epsom Handicap

D'Argento is already a special horse for Martin. Bought for $135,000 at the 2016 Magic Millions, he went on to win the G1 Rosehill Guineas earlier this year.

"He's a grand colt, he's performed at Group 1 level before. He's returned in tremendous order and I think he's an excellent chance on Saturday," she said.

"TJ Smith was a great mentor of mine and he said to me when I started my business, 'it's the horse that gives you the idea. Look at the athlete, and the pedigree page will tell you what you have to pay for it'." - Denise Martin

"He was a lovely athletic colt at Magic Millions. He was in Gerry Harvey's draft and I recall when I first saw him, I thought he had a great quality about him."

D'Argento was from the second crop of So You Think

D'Argento was from the second crop of So You Think, a stallion who Martin hadn't really contemplated buying the progeny of before seeing the grey yearling.

"The horse took my eye for a variety of reasons, mainly because he was a beautiful walker. He had a great attitude and he just looked a lovely quality individual," she said.

"TJ Smith was a great mentor of mine and he said to me when I started my business, 'it's the horse that gives you the idea. Look at the athlete, and the pedigree page will tell you what you have to pay for it'."

The patient approach

Martin paid tribute to the patience Chris Waller showed with D'Argento early in his career. He didn’t have a start until two weeks before turning three and didn’t return to the track as a 3-year-old until January this year.

"It would be marvellous to think he could win a Group 1 on Saturday or in the coming weeks, because obviously he has the capacity to be a stallion going forward." - Denise Martin

"I think it’s been everything, it's allowed the horse to mature," she said of Waller's approach.

"He's an imposing individual these days. He looks the part and he's racing accordingly. He's an impressive horse and we're hoping after Saturday, he can go to Victoria and continue to race at Stakes level.

"It would be marvellous to think he could win a Group 1 on Saturday or in the coming weeks, because obviously he has the capacity to be a stallion going forward."

Martin expects jockey James McDonald to settle in the first half of the field in the Epsom from the inside barrier.

"Provided he gets clear running, he’ll be storming home. Hopefully, the purple and white colours salute again," she said.

Filly a 'treasure'

Fiesta has already shown this campaign she is up to the best fillies, winning the first leg of the Darley Princess Series before finishing second in the subsequent two races.

"She's an absolute treasure for her owners and for the trainer, I am sure. She always gives her best. She's raced at Stakes level company throughout her career," Martin said.

She acknowledged it will be a challenge to turn the tables on star filly Miss Fabulass (Frankel {GB}), who beat her in the G1 Tea Rose S.

Fiesta, pictured here winning the G3 Widden Stakes

"Recognising that John Singleton's filly has special qualities as well. We think our filly will give a tremendous account of herself," she said.

Martin purchased Fiesta for $150,000 at the 2017 Inglis Classic Sale, a price she said she felt was a bargain.

"I just thought she was very well put together. She had a steely determination and when I first saw her walk, she had enough to suggest she was a forward-going filly," she said.

"She looked as though she might race early in her career. Obviously being by I am Invincible, I felt she would be very sought after. I was particularly surprised we were able to secure a filly of that quality for a relatively affordable price."

Fiesta was a $150,000 Inglis Classic purchase

Success sells the dream

Those involved with both Fiesta and D'Argento have had a fantastic journey already.

It’s successes like these which have maintained Martin's enthusiasm for a business she has been operating for over 25 years.

"People want success, that's one of the reasons they purchase a horse in the first place," she said.

"I always ask people when they are starting out, what is it they are seeking when they are going to buy a share in a horse?"

"Most of the time the answer is that they are looking for a good time, to go to the races, and have the opportunity to have your own horse."

"If they have a horse who can compete on a Saturday, they are elated. If they have a horse who can compete at Group level racing, that's a dream come true."

Star Thoroughbred owners celebrating a successful win

She recounted a story of one of the owners of one of Star Thoroughbreds most successful horses, Sebring.

"After Sebring won the Slipper and the Sires, the owner said to me what do we do for dessert?" she said.

"I said I'm not sure I can repeat this performance, but I'll certainly try my best."

"We are trying to find high quality horses who can compete in good quality races and if you happen to find a horse that can progress through to stakes level races, it’s extremely special."

Sebring, who is currently standing at Widden Stud is counted among Star Thoroughbreds most successful purchases

Vale Steve Brem - Tributes flow across industry

1 min read

The thoroughbred industry is mourning the loss of bloodstock agent Steve Brem, who died this week aged 69.

Brem worked in a variety of roles in New Zealand, including as a journalist, as well as Managing Director of Auckland's Haunaui Farm and national secretary of the NZTBA before moving to Australia in 1997.

He worked with Gai Waterhouse until 2005 when he set up his own bloodstock business, where he worked closely with Denise Martin’s Star Thoroughbreds, selecting horses. He continued to work with the media throughout his career.

A collection of social media tributes to Steve Brem.

Arbeitsam's tall tale leads to Epsom

Written by
5 min read
Macquarie Stud's David Baxter bred Epsom Hcp contender Arbeitsam and is hoping a patient approach can result in a Group 1 upset on Saturday.

From the day G1 Epsom Hcp contender Arbeitsam (Snitzel) was foaled at Macquarie Stud, David Baxter knew the colt would need a trainer with a bit of patience to get the most out of him as a racehorse.

The third foal from Workhard (Red Ransom {USA}) had a lot of the hallmarks of his dam, notably his height, and Baxter knew that he wouldn’t be a horse who would peak in his 2-year-old year.

"He was tall, an unusually tall yearling," Baxter recalled to TDN AusNZ. "His mother is quite tall. He was well-made and a sound horse."

"We thought he'd be too big to make a 2-year-old and it sort of worked out that way. But he was always a horse with plenty of constitution. You could never give him enough to eat."

"We were hoping he had the ability, because he had everything else to go with it. He had the constitution and fortitude."

"He was always a horse with plenty of constitution. You could never give him enough to eat," David Baxter on Arbeitsam.

Slow boil now paying dividends

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott obviously saw the same characteristics in Arbeitsam, who was bought for $120,000 by Dynamic Syndications at the 2015 Magic Millions.

They started him just once at two and brought him back as a 3-year-old where the noted front-runner began to race with all the consistency he is now renowned for.

In his first 13 starts, he won six times and was placed on another five occasions, culminating in black-type success in the Listed Rowley Mile at Hawkesbury.

His fourth campaign saw him finish second in this year's Magic Millions Cup on the Gold Coast before returning to Sydney where he collected a win in the G3 Neville Sellwood S. and then, in a career highlight, ran third in the other Randwick mile, The Doncaster.

On Saturday, he'll again be the one they need to chase down when he runs in the TAB Epsom Hcp.

"I think he's beaten the handicapper." - Simon Baxter

Baxter and his team at Macquarie Stud in Wellington, New South Wales have been following the career of Arbeitsam closely and he believes the 5-year-old is well suited under the handicap conditions on Saturday.

"I thought his last couple of runs have been excellent, I would have thought, leading into a handicap like the Epsom," Baxter said.

"They were just nice runs, good gallops without riding the ears off him and now running for a third weekend in a row, he's rock hard as you can get."

"Without having studied all of them, I think he's beaten the handicapper. We had a very good horse trainer many years ago, a chap named Harry Clark, and he often used to say is the only way to win a big handicap was to beat the handicapper."

Hard work for Workhard

Arbeitsam was the third foal to race from Workhard, a mare that Macquarie raced with limited success with John O'Shea.

"She was only lightly raced. She was a big, tall mare by Red Ransom," Baxter said. "She went to Northern Meteor and produced a very big yearling like herself, so we decided to duck back the other way and try to get something a bit more conservative."

After a foal by Denman slipped, she went to Not a Single Doubt and the resultant filly was Payroll, who has been a multiple black-type winner in Victoria for Richard Laming.

Payroll winning the thebigscreencompany.com.au Lord Stakes at Caulfield

"She was passed in, we couldn’t get the money for her there and she was bought a day or two after by the vet Tim Roberts on behalf of the guys in Melbourne," Baxter said.

"She herself is fertile and sound. To be honest, it has been more bad luck than anything." - Simon Baxter

Twelve months later, she went to Snitzel, who in 2012 was standing for $33,000, a fraction of the $220,000 he now commands. The result was of course Arbeitsam.

Having produced two Group winners from her first three foals, Workhard is a valuable broodmare, but circumstances have conspired to see her fail to foal in the following three seasons as well as last year.

Snitzel

"She herself is fertile and sound. To be honest, it has been more bad luck than anything," Baxter said. "Last year she was in foal to All Too Hard at 30 days and empty at 50 days. Then it was too late at the end of the year. That happened to her a couple of times along the way."

"That's not a black mark against her breeding history, it was just bad timing."

Workhard has a yearling colt by Scissor Kick who will likely head to the Easter Sales in 2019.

"She herself is sound and in good order, and she was served in the first week of this year by Russian Revolution," Baxter said. "We'll know in ten days or so whether she's in foal or not."

That Russian Revolution foal would be a three-quarter sibling to Arbeitsam.

Breeding the best

Breeding top quality racehorses is what Macquarie Stud has been famous for over the past 40 years.

Flitter (Bluebird {NZ}), a dual G1 winning mare, was bred there as was Shaybisc (Biscay), who won the G1 Sires Produce S. in 1980.

Things aren't as frantic as they were when Macquarie had over 100 foals a season born at the farm, but Baxter is still very busy looking for that next Group 1 contender.

"We've been breeding horses here for 40 years and we attend yearling sales each year at Sydney and the Gold Coast," he said.

"At the moment, we are expecting 25 foals this year, but it varies with clients, they come and go a bit."

Houtzen in top order for Moir

3 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Toby Edmonds is rightly buoyed by the second-up record of Houtzen (I Am Invincible) and hoping it will again be to the fore at Moonee Valley on Friday evening.

The four-year-old will go into the G1 Charter Keck Cramer Moir S., off the back of an encouraging effort to open her campaign and she is unbeaten in three starts following a resuming run.

“She’s fit and nice and fresh and she has performed pretty well after a first-up run,” the Gold Coast-based conditioner said.

“She’s fit and nice and fresh and she has performed pretty well after a first-up run.” – Toby Edmonds.

“This year she's a lot more mature and she's handling all the travelling really well. We've kept her fresh for the 1000 metres and she’s ready to go.”

With the likes of Nature Strip (Nicconi) and Ball Of Muscle (Dubawi {IRE}) in the line-up, it’s fair to expect a hot pace.

“There's going to be good speed and we're confident she'll get a good trail and finish off strongly,” Edmonds said.

“We've always thought she'd be better if we could ride her a little bit off them. I don't mind the three weeks between runs and with blinkers on she'll be quite sharp.”

Houtzen winning the G3 P J Bell Stakes at Randwick

In fine fettle

Houtzen was a gallant second behind race rival Nature Strip, who smashed the Moonee Valley track record, in the G2 McEwen S., in her return and Edmonds said she had come through the race in grand order.

“She bounced into the feed bin and was quite bright the next morning and has been ever since,” Edmonds said.

“She’s done well and she gets her chance at a Group 1. It’s obviously a tough field but I couldn’t be any happier and hopefully all the stars are aligned for her,” Edmonds said.

“It’s obviously a tough field but I couldn’t be any happier and hopefully all the stars are aligned for her.” - Toby Edmonds said.

“There was a lot left in her that day and we went in quite underdone so for her to do that I was quite surprised and it didn't flatten her at all. That was my concern in the days after but she came through the run really well.”

The dual Group 3 winner of six of her 14 starts, Houtzen will have a light spring campaign.

“As long as she runs well, she’ll probably go to the Manikato next,” Edmonds said. “We don’t need to go too deep this preparation, maybe three or four races.”

A $105,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, Houtzen is out of the Reset mare Set To Unleash, who is out of a half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Sun Classique (Fuji Kiseki {JPN}).

Houtzen as a yearling

Good times rolling again with Hypnos

3 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

It may have only been a midweek victory at a modest Waipukurau meeting, but it gave trainer Roger James a huge degree of satisfaction. (Photo: Race Images)

He sent Hypnos (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) south from his Cambridge base for the Michelle Ormsby/Bernard Booth Maiden and the good-looking 3-year-old produced a quality performance on debut for two of the stable’s longest-standing owners.

“He’s a lovely horse who let himself down in his second trial when he did quite a lot wrong,” said James, who now trains in partnership with Robert Wellwood. “I was going to take him back to the trials but thought no, race day speed is what he needs and Jason (Waddell) rode him beautifully.”

“He’s a lovely horse who let himself down in his second trial when he did quite a lot wrong.” – Roger James.

Hypnos as a yearling

Hypnos is raced by former Wellington Racing Club president Ron Dixon and his wife Fran, who have had horses with James since the late 1980s.

“I’ve had a wonderful run with them, we’ve certainly had a lot of success,” James said. “We’ve become good friends and they actually commissioned me to buy my first-ever yearling. That was Tethys and he was a Group 1 winner.”

Tethys (NZ) (King’s Island {IRE}) claimed the G1 Avondale Gold Cup and further top-flight success was to follow with two sons of Zabeel (NZ) - Cronus won the G1 Adelaide Cup and Hades triumphed in the G1 New Zealand Derby.

Cronus (red and white check) winning the G1 Adelaide Cup in 1997

“Kaatoon and Hera were two very good fillies as well and they both won a Cambridge Stud Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic.” – Roger James.

“Kaatoon and Hera were two very good fillies as well and they both won a Cambridge Stud Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic,” James said. “Hera won two Group races before she was sold.”

Skoozi (NZ) (Prince Of Praise {NZ}) was another smart performer for the trio and won the Listed Anniversary Handicap placed in the G1 Thorndon Mile and the G1 Queensland Derby.

“It’s been a while since we had a good one and I’ve been frustrated by that because they are such good owners,” James said. “Hopefully, this bloke might be one in a bit more time and when he gets over ground. He’s not the finished article yet, but he’s a good type.”

Perfect opening to career

Hypnos settled midfield on the fence before rider Jason Waddell got him into the clear before the turn and he lengthened stride impressively to deliver at the first time of asking.

He was purchased out of Westbury Stud’s draft at Karaka in 2017 by James for NZ$50,000 and is a son of the unraced Quality Dream (Elusive City {USA}).

Her dam is the G2 Royal S., winner Dreamworks (NZ) (Maroof {USA}) and Hypnos’ third dam is the Listed Doomben Classic winner and two-time Group 1 placegetter Slancyhvah (NZ) (Kaapstad).

Watch: Hypnos as a yearling

Sale-topper off to Lees' stable

3 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Elgin (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {IRE}), who topped the Hudson Conway Reduction Sale, will begin his new career in New South Wales with Newcastle trainer Kris Lees.

He was purchased on Wednesday by Australian Bloodstock for $160,000 during the opening session of Inglis’ September Online auction.

“I was the under-bidder on another, but I got the one I wanted,” Luke Murrell said. “I think this horse has got a bit of upside and we want those that can be city class and I think he can get there.

“I did a fair bit of homework on the Sale and thought he would go for about what he did.”

“I did a fair bit of homework on the Sale and thought he would go for about what he did.” – Luke Murrell.

Elgin, who was a $NZ250,000 Ready to Run Sale buy at Karaka, finished third over 1600 metres at Ballarat earlier this month in his only appearance.

Watch: Elgin breeze up at the Karaka Ready to Run Sale

“He’s got a real staying pedigree and I thought it was a great run from a horse that probably wants 2400 metres later down the track.”

Elgin is out of Sandie (NZ) (Footstepsinthesand {IRE}), who was a stakes placegetter and is a half-sister to the dam of the G1 South Australian Derby winner Zabeelionaire (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) and his sister Gondokoro, who won the G1 Queensland Oaks.

“The Inglis Digital platform has gone to another level in the last six months.” – Luke Murrell.

“The Inglis Digital platform has gone to another level in the last six months. The quality and range of stock has been outstanding and the opportunities it has offered have been fantastic,’’ Murrell said.

“Elgin is the perfect example, he’s obviously a lightly raced horse with some good upside.

“For my business, the professionalism that the Inglis Digital team offer is exceptional, you can buy off this platform with confidence and I look forward to the Sale each month as it’s been a great option for our business.”

Maher gets Kilimanjaro

The second top lot of the September Sale, set a gross record of more than $1.5 million, was another former Macedon Lodge galloper in Kilimanjaro (IRE) (High Chaparral {IRE}), which sold to Ciaron Maher Bloodstock for $140,000.

Kilimanjaro

Outside of the Hudson Conway Reduction, the 4-year-old Aphrodite Rock (Commands) headed the race fillies and mares category.

Western Australian -based operation Gervase Park Stud went to $75,000 for the Lindsay Park-consigned mare, who is bound for the breeding barn.

Kembla winner snapped up

Recent Kembla Grange winner Silent Agenda (Redoute’s Choice) was secured by Noel Mayfield-Smith for $60,000.

He is a brother to the South African Group 1 winner Wylie Hall and a half-brother to Hong Kong Group 1 winner Absolute Champion (Marauding).

Ingham Bloodstock’s young Pierro mare L’Etoile topped the broodmare section at $42,500. The 4-year-old is out of Group 3-winning mare Jade Marauder (Fastnet Rock), a half-sister to Bliss Street (Flying Spur).

Inglis' Everest Experience will scale new heights

2 min read

Inglis is offering a unique opportunity to join in the thrill of The TAB Everest with the chance to win up to $300,000.

At this year’s Ready2Race Sale, to be held at Riverside Stables on Monday, October 15, one lucky buyer will win the 2019 Everest Experience.

The prize includes a potentially massive financial, and a guaranteed $20,000. If Inglis’ slot runner in the 2019 The Everest wins the race, the prize winner will win $300,000.

The prize is $100,000 if the Inglis representative finishes second, $50,000 for third and $20,000 if the horse finishes 4th to 12th in next year’s The Everest. The money will be in the form of credit at the 2019 Ready2Race Sale.

Opportunity to join the team

The prize also includes the benefits of being a part of the Inglis slot team in the lead-up to and on Everest Day next year.

Every time a horse is sold at next month’s Ready2Race Sale – be it at the fall of the hammer or a Passed in Lot throughout the day – the call buyers’ name will enter the draw.

The more horses you buy, the more chances you have of winning and the draw will take place shortly after the last Lot is offered at Riverside Stables on October 15.

Inglis General Manager of Bloodstock Jonathan D’Arcy described the prize as “an unbelievable experience.”

“The Everest has become one of the most talked about races on the planet in only a short space of time.”- Jonathan D’Arcy.

Inglis are offering the chance to be apart of the winning celebrations

“The Everest has become one of the most talked about races on the planet in only a short space of time,” D’Arcy said. “For somebody else to be able to share the journey, we at Inglis are experiencing with The Everest, is very exciting,’’ D’Arcy said.

“This year’s Ready2Race Sale catalogue is the strongest we have ever offered a buying bench so not only will prospective buyers have an increased chance of getting their hands on a great horse, but they can also win this great prize and team up with Inglis in next year’s The Everest journey.’’

To view the catalogue, CLICK HERE.

Daily News Wrap

8 min read

Caviar's Prince breaks through

Prince of Caviar (Sebring) has broken his maiden at Bendigo, becoming the second of Black Caviar's progeny to win a race.

The 3-year-old colt, who is owned by the same connections as his famous mum, prevailed at his fourth start, fighting off Hurricane Fighter (NZ) (Savabeel), with Sealed (Dundeel ({NZ}) in third.

He joins his half-sister Oscietra (Exceed and Excel) as a racetrack winner much to the delight of one of his owners, Gary Wilkie.

"It's a very special win, we’ve been waiting for four starts and he performed exceptionally well," Wilkie said.

"It’s nice to get the maiden out of the road and we're looking forward to see what he can do."

Co-trainer Wayne Hawkes said he wasn't sure if Prince of Caviar would continue on this campaign but that his best was still at least six months' away.

"He didn't know how to put them away but I've said it 100 times, he'll be so much better in the autumn," he said.

Prince Of Caviar breaking his maiden at Bendigo

Winx set for three-peat

Winx (Street Cry {Ire}) looks destined to become the third horse to win Australian Racehorse of the Year for a third time after nominations were released for the awards night to be held in Melbourne next Thursday.

There are five finalists in seven categories for awards, nominated by over 50 of the nation’s racing media and handicappers.

Winx is nominated for the Champion Middle Distance category, which she is expected to win as well as the overall honours as the Australian Racehorse of the Year, joining Black Caviar (Bel Esprit) and Sunline (Desert Sun {GB}) as three-time winners of the award.

Triple G1 winner Trapeze Artist is expected to win the Champion Sprinter award, while Melbourne Cup winner Rekindling (GB) (High Chaparral {Ire}) should win the Champion Stayer award.

The categories for the Champion Two-Year-Old as well as Champion Three-Year-Old colt and filly, which are separate awards, are expected to be more competitive.

Chris Waller and Hugh Bowman are already guaranteed to win the awards as the Champion Trainer and Jockey for the season as they have the most Group 1 wins.

Oliver remains in Moir doubt

Damien Oliver remains in some doubt for the ride on Spright (Hinchinbrook) in Friday night's G1 Charter Keck Cramer Moir S. at Moonee Valley.

Oliver injured his leg in a mishap in the barriers at Flemington on Wednesday and while scans confirmed it is just bruising, he is in a race against time to take the ride on Spright as well as four others on Friday.

Oliver has no commitments on Saturday as he’ll be watching the West Coast Eagles in their AFL Grand Final, but feels he should be fine to ride at Caulfield on Sunday where he has five more rides including one aboard Grunt (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ} in the G1 Hyland Race Colours Underwood S.

"I'm pretty certain I'll be right by Sunday," Oliver told RSN. "It’s a bit stiff and sore but I'm down the beach walking in the water."

"The horse pinned my legs but fortunately there's no serious damage."

McEvoy 2yos dominate Flemington jumpouts

Tony McEvoy-trained 2yos dominated the jumpouts at Flemington on Thursday morning with the trainer taking out three of the four heats as he stepped out nine runners.

The Astrologist (Zoustar) took out the first heat of the morning, looking every bit a colt who could go on and contest Victoria's first 2-year-old race, the Maribyrnong Trial at Flemington on October 6.

Balaabel (Not a Single Doubt) knuckled down to win the fillies' first heat, beating stablemate Night Passage (Not a Single Doubt), while Grand Scholar (Wandjina) was impressive in holding off I Am (I Am Invincible) in the final of the four heats.

McEvoy's Wedgetail (Foxwedge) finished second in the fastest heat of the day, beaten by Lindsay Park's Fanaar (Stratum).

McEvoy admitted he has his strongest collection of 2-year-old talent ever heading in to the new season.

"I bought up strong this year so I've got a tremendous group of babies," he told Racing.com.

"It's a time I love, it’s very exciting, with nine trialling this morning and the next 24-48 hours will determine which ones are set to go off to the races.

Stayer ready to peak in Metrop

Patrick Erin (NZ) (Gallant Guru) will be tested at Group One level for the second time in Australia on Saturday and his trainer Chris Waller believes the distance and track conditions should be in his favour.

The gelding, formerly trained in New Zealand by Brian and Shane Anderton, will step up to 2400 metres in the Gr.1 The Metropolitan after finishing fourth last time out in the Gr.3 Kingston Town Stakes.

“I am very excited by this horse’s chances, the soft track certainly won’t worry him and he is a very tough horse,” Waller said.

“Forget his age, he is typical of a horse like Who Shot Thebarman, in fact he is from the same area, if not the same farm Who Shot Thebarman was born.

“They are good, tough New Zealand horses and will excel stepping up to this trip.

“He has only had the two runs this preparation but he is a lightly framed horse and very clean-winded, so he is ready to peak on Saturday.

“The good draw (barrier 4) will afford him a nice run, he has a good jockey aboard (Corey Brown), so there is plenty to like about his chances.”

Another former New Zealand galloper that will step out for Waller in the same race is The Lord Mayor (NZ) (Rock ‘n’ Pop), who was formerly with Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott.

“He has won his last two, he ran fourth in the New Zealand Derby after doing a lot of work,” Waller said. “Based on that, I think he will improve stepping up to 2400m.

“Jay Ford rides from gate seven and he is backing up within seven days, but I don’t see that as being a problem as he is a very fit and healthy horse and I think he is a genuine light-weight chance.”

Smart 3YO likely to bypass Avondale

A horror gate is likely to keep the unbeaten filly Media Sensation (I Am Invincible) at home on Saturday.

Byerley Park co-trainer Peter Williams said the filly is a doubtful starter in Saturday’s Auckland Alarms 3YO at Avondale after she drew the outside barrier of 11.

She probably won’t be going because of the wide draw. She’s drawn 11 and there’s a fair bit of speed inside her. We’ll just see, but we’re in no hurry with her.”

Media Sensation created a big impression when comfortably winning both her starts last season.

The Williams stable has the Sarah Green and Ger Beemsterboer-owned filly entered for the Gr. 1 Gavelhouse.com 1000 Guineas at Riccarton on November 17 and she already has two trials under her belt.

“Her first trial at Te Rapa was good but her second trial (at Avondale) was a bit disappointing,” Williams said. “She’s had a couple of minor issues, mainly seasonal and that she’d done a bit well, but she looks like she’s over that now. She’s had two starts for two wins and you can’t do any better than that.”

Bel Esprit nomination auctioned for Behind The Barriers

A 2018 nomination to Bel Esprit will be auctioned from 9am Friday through Inglis Digital as part of Sun Stud’s Behind The Barriers promotion.

Behind The Barriers is an initiative designed to combat mental illness in the thoroughbred industry, where 1 in 3 workers are sufferers.

Bel Esprit stands at $11,000 inc. GST with the winning bid announced on Racing.com following the Group One AJ Moir Stakes at approximately 10pm on Friday.

To register, visit Inglis Digital

Bel Esprit

Chelsea kicks early winning goal

Matamata teenager Chelsea Burdan won’t ever forget her first race day ride.

The apprentice got her career away to a dream start at Waipukurau on Thursday when she guided stable runner Lady Zeraph (NZ) (Makfi {GB }) to a narrow victory in the New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance Pearl Series Race.

They settled just off the pace and Burdan brought the 4-year-old home with a sustained finish to score by a nose.

Trained by Jamie Richards, Lady Zeraph was making her first appearance of the season and she has now won two of her four starts.

She was a NZ$120,000 purchase by Te Akau principal David Ellis out of Wellfield Lodge’s Karaka draft in 2016.

Lady Zeraph is a daughter of the Zabeel (NZ) Zatiger, who was a multiple winner and placed in the G3 Manawatu Cup.

She is a three-quarter sister to the stakes winner and G1 Caulfield Cup runner-up Laebeel (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) and the dam of the multiple Group 3 winner Larry’s Never Late (NZ) (Pentire {GB}).

Looking Ahead - September 28

3 min read

Looking Ahead puts the spotlight on runners of interest across Australia and New Zealand. Whether they are a particularly well-bred or high-priced runner having their first or second start, a promising galloper returning to the track or a horse which has trialled particularly well, we’ll aim to give you something to follow.

On Friday, at Moonee Valley we check out a million dollar yearling stepping up in class as well as another Frankel looking to add to the sire's recent success, while at Dubbo, we feature a Dundeel filly looking to break her maiden.

Moonee Valley Race 1, WM Waste Management Plate, $120,000, 1200m, 6.30pm AEST

Octane (I Am Invincible) is a promising 3-year-old who looks capable of making his mark in good company. Trained by Ciaron Maher and Peter Eustace, he was runner-up on debut before going one better in style at Wangaratta.

A $1.4 million Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale buy, he has a pedigree to back his claims and is a half-brother to the G1 Newmarket H., winner The Quarterback (Street Boss {USA}) and the dual Group 2 winner Philippi (Host {CHI}). They are out of the Encosta de Lago mare Soorena, a half-sister to the stakes winner Spinning Jenny (Hard Spun {USA}).

Octane as a yearling

Moonee Valley Race 5, G2 Carlton Draught Stutt S., $200,000, 1600m, 8.45pm AEST

Farooq (Frankel {GB}) has made a strong start to his career for the in-form Tony McEvoy stable and can bounce back from an unplaced run in the Listed Antler Plate at Flemington.

The blueblood is a son of the G1 Robert Sangster S., winner Rostova (Testa Rossa), who is closely-related to the G1 Railway H., winner Imananabaa (Anabaa {USA}). Bred and raced by Sheikh Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Farooq is also from the family of the G2 Maribyrnong Plate winner and Group 1 placegetter The Heavyweight (Zeditave).

Dubbo Race 4, 'The Beatlez Go Bush' Mdn, $22,000, 1300m, 2:40pm AEST

The well-bred Sweet Love (Dundeel {NZ}) makes her second appearance in a 1300m at Dubbo having performed with some credit when third on debut, when she was the only horse to finish off well along the inside. She's drawn a very wide alley in this race, but her pedigree suggests she will relish the step up to 1300m.

The first crop of Dundeels have been performing well early in their 3-year-old season and this guy is strong on the dam side as well being out of the Group winner Sharnee Rose (Nadeem), who Arrowfield paid $575,000 for as a broodmare.

Black-Type Entries - Saturday 29th September

NSW: Randwick

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Listed

VIC: Mornington

Listed

Nature Strip targets G1 breakthrough

4 min read

Night racing returns to Moonee Valley on Friday night, with the traditional staging of the G1 Charter Keck Cramer Moir S. one of only two Group 1 races over 1000m on the Australian calendar.

Nature Strip (Nicconi) is aiming for a fifth-straight win in his final step to The TAB Everest, the world's richest turf race at Randwick on October 13, having broken the 1000m track record here at his previous start in the G2 McEwen S.

The weight-for-age conditions of the race certainly suit him winning his first Group 1 as he meets Houtzen (I Am Invincible) on the same terms as when he beat her last time off a barrier which should prove more suitable for him.

Houtzen is unbeaten second-up and did win at this meeting 12 months ago so can not be dismissed.

Brave Smash (JPN) (Tosen Phantom {Jpn}) is also bound for The Everest and has been building nicely through his campaign, with two thirds.

The step back to 1000m, a distance he has never raced over, is a concern for him, but you can expect him to be working home well along with his stablemate Voodoo Lad (I am Invincible), who has had an excellent preparation and is twice a winner at Moonee Valley.

The in-form veteran Ball of Muscle (Dubawi {Ire}) beat both of those horses in The G3 Heath and several The Everest contenders last start in the G2 The Shorts. He is in the form of his life and he was second in this race way back in 2015.

Viddora (I Am Invincible) was a narrow runner-up in this race last year and resumes here with his connections still hopeful of attracting the attention of the final Everest slotholder.

Star set for Stocks

A relatively small field of mares tackle the G2 Sporting Globe Stocks S. headed by Group 1 winner I Am A Star (NZ) (I Am Invincible). She is coming off a narrow win in the G2 Let’s Elope S. at her most recent start and looks to have a class and fitness edge on her rivals.

Sheezdashing (Myboycharlie {Ire}), who finished third behind I Am a Star last time, is considered her main threat but the 1600m may still be short of her best distance. She was twice Oaks-placed as a filly and looks to have returned in good form as a 4-year-old.

Mrs Gardenia (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) was beaten 4.5l in the Let's Elope S and is the other mare given a chance by the market.

3YO's Stutt their stuff

The G2 Stutt S. has been won by some very good horses over the years and Leonardo Da Hinchi (Hinchinbrook) looks a good chance to join that honour roll.

He was narrowly beaten by the highly-rated Brutal (NZ} (O'Reilly {NZ}) last start and progresses to the 1600m for the first time. Brutal's stablemate Outrageous (All Too Hard) meets him here having campaigned in New South Wales this spring.

He was fourth in the G3 Spring S. last time out and looks a horse who will greatly appreciate the step out to the mile.

It's a similar story for Muswellbrook (Denman), who was beaten over 1500m at this track last time.

Farooq (Frankel {GB}) didn’t measure up against Leonard Da Hinchi and Brutal last time but looks a horse who will improve considerably through this campaign.

Trap searches for hat-trick

The G3 DrinkWise JRA Cup sees Trap For Fools (Poet's Voice {GB}) look to make it a hat-trick of Moonee Valley wins. The former WA galloper has already notched 13 wins in a 27-start career and his strong on-pace style should suit him here.

Import The Taj Mahal (Galileo {Ire}) is expected to improve significantly third-up into this race and offers the obvious challenge, while Australian Cup winner Harlem (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}) gets to his winning distance range third up.

The 3-year-old fillies contest the G3 Pro Star Entertainment Scarborough S, where the lightly raced Golden Halo (Your Song) tops a very open market.

The super consistent Humma Mumma (Denman) is expected to be competitive again, while the Sydney filly Meryl (Epaulette) adds further intrigue to what is a difficult race to predict.

NSW Race Results

Hawkesbury (Provincial)

Armidale (Country)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000+)

VIC Race Results

Bendigo (Country)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000+)

NZ Race Results

Waipukurau

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000+)

Thanks for reading!

1 min read

We hope you enjoyed reading today's edition of TDN AusNZ. If you have any feedback or ideas, please don't hesitate to reach out.

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Managing Director - Vicky Leonard | vicky@tdnausnz.com.au

Editorial | editorial@tdnausnz.com.au

Australian Editorial - Bren O'Brien | bren@tdnausnz.com.au

New Zealand Editorial - Paul Vettise | paul@tdnausnz.com.au

Advertising | advertising@tdnausnz.com.au

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Photography is largely supplied by The Image is Everything - Bronwen Healy and Darren Tindale, and complemented by Sportpix, Trish Dunell (NZ), Racing.com Photos and Western Racepix.