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Exceed and Excel celebrates a century and a half

Written by
4 min read
When Resin won the G3 Nivison Stakes at Randwick last Saturday she became the 150th Stakes winner sired by Exceed And Excel. This star shuttler is one of the very few stallions that has been embraced in equal measure by both Australian and European commercial breeders since he retired to stud back in 2004.

To put Exceed and Excel's achievements in context, it is useful to know that since the start of Pattern racing only 16 other sires have passed the 150-Stakes winner milestone.

And while it is true to say that he enjoyed the benefits of shuttling every year where some other sires rely on only one crop per year, it is equally correct to point out that Stakes winners in the sprint divisions of both hemispheres – where Exceed And Excel flourishes – are very competitive arenas.

Two-year-olds excel

The Exceed And Excels are generally excellent two-year-olds and top quality sprinter-milers who love good summer ground. He’s so good at producing Group and Stakes juveniles that no sire has lived with him since he retired to stud. Only More Than Ready – who had a head start at stud – and his own sire, the great Danehill, have sired more juvenile Stakes horses.

"In terms of Stakes winning youngsters, he’s only one behind the mighty Galileo, with Danehill in top spot."

Moreover, we can expect Exceed And Excel (currently on 144) to overhaul More Than Ready (148) in the near future. In terms of Stakes winning youngsters, he’s only one behind the mighty Galileo, with Danehill in top spot.

It is very easy to underestimate how competitive it is for spring sires in racing. There are many more stallions chasing comparatively fewer black-type sprint prizes and it’s quite normal to see sires’ career averages of Stakes winners to foals a fair bit lower than for the dominant mile-to-middle-distance stallions.

In Exceed And Excel’s case, he’s an out-and-out speed influence. In the northern hemisphere his stock have a 6.8-furlong stamina index from mares that normally register 8.4 furlongs.

"Like many good sires, some of his very best runners break the mould."

In Australia meanwhile his stamina index is even lower at six furlongs from mares that usually produce winners at an average of seven furlongs. But like many good sires, some of his very best runners break the mould: three of his four highest-rated runners in either hemisphere according to Timeform – Excelebration (133), Helmet (125) and James Garfield (124) – were at their best beyond six furlongs.

Exceed and Excel Group 1 & 2 winners

Champion sire in Australia

Given that the prevailing conditions on Australian racecourses tend to be dryer than in Europe, plus the nature of racing itself, it’s not surprising that Exceed And Excel has sired the lion’s share of his Stakes winners (84) there.

"Significantly, he does even better with elite mares with 11.9% of their progeny becoming Stakes winners."

Furthermore, it’s a testament to the type of racehorse most coveted in Australia that Exceed And Excel was able to be become Champion sire in Australia, something that is less likely to happen in Europe. So far he’s sired 9.1% Stakes winners to runners in Australia, from mares that have produced 8.4% with other sires.

Significantly, he does even better with elite mares with 11.9% of their progeny becoming Stakes winners. I say significantly because not all sires are capable of upping their game when they cover top mares. It will come as no surprise either that with the exception of Helmet and Guelph, all his southern hemisphere-foaled G1 winners have come over six furlongs.

Exceed And Excel

Great breeder return in Europe

In Europe Exceed And Excel stock include 7.1% Stakes winners to runners, which is par for the course from his mares. And, just as he does in Australia, Exceed And Excel had given breeders an even greater return from elite mares, siring 11.2% Stakes winners to runners.

So, in one sense, the Exceed And Excel of the north is just as good as the Exceed And Excel of the south. His success with elite mares is all the more commendable given that he cannot access Danehill-line mares, particularly in Australia.

"So, in one sense, the Exceed And Excel of the north is just as good as the Exceed And Excel of the south."

As time moves on Exceed And Excel has already got five stallion sons that have sired Stakes winners and his daughters are likely to be a perfect partners to other leading sires of the day. His daughters have already produced five southern hemisphere G1 winners, plus two of Europe top two-year-olds this season in G1 Middle Park hero Ten Sovereigns and Anthony Van Dyck.

Hong Kong interests active at Inglis R2R Sale

Written by
4 min read
Once again Hong Kong interests have been very active at the Inglis Ready 2 Race Sale. Following strong showings in 2016 and 2017, Asian interests accounted for 17 lots sold at this year's sale. Alan Carasso takes a look at purchases of interest.

Last week’s renewal of the Inglis Ready 2 Race Sale saw 88 horses reported as sold for gross receipts of just over $8 million. For the second straight year, Asian buyers were exceptionally active at Riverside Stables, signing for no fewer than 41 horses (46.6%) 12 months on from acquiring 40 of the 79 (50.6%) of those reported as sold at the 2017 renewal. Asian interests acquired some 51 horses in 2016, a number which represented a smaller fraction of the total number sold that year.

A variety of bloodstock agents and some recognisable Hong Kong-based conditioners kept busy on behalf of their clients at the Ready 2 Race sale, picking up a combined 17 horses, including three of the top five lots and seven of the 11 to fetch better than $200,000. To follow are some pedigree/sales notes on several of the purchases, bred in all parts of the country:

Lot 24, c, Poet’s Voice (GB) x Bedizened, by Commands

Breeder: R P Stapleford (NSW)

Consignor: Musk Creek Farm, Agent

Buyer: Dennis Yip, $280,000

A $55,000 acquisition out of this year’s Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling sale, this September-foaled bay is out of an unraced half-sister to the stakes-winning Quarterman (Strategic). A half-brother to Prince Harmony (Strategic), a four-time winner and 74-rated in Hong Kong, lot 24 covered 200m at Cranbourne in :10.35 and proved the dearest lot of the sale.

Watch: Lot24 breeze- up at Cranbourne

Lot 67, c, Sebring x Fleet Riane, by Barely a Moment

Breeder: B M Nolan (Qld)

Consignor: Lionheart Thoroughbreds, Agent

Buyer: Lucky Bloodstock, $240,000

By the sire of the recently retired Group 1-winning sprinter Lucky Bubbles, this Oct. 30 foal is the most recent produce of a dam who has thrown a pair of winners by Commands from as many to race. A $155,000 Inglis Easter grad, the colt hails from the female family of GSW & G1SP Gregers (Commands) and champion South African sire Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready {USA}). He did his pre-sale gallop at Warwick Farm, covering 200m in a green :10.61.

Watch: Lot 67 breeze-up at Warwick farm

Lot 83, c, Declaration of War (USA) x Hidden Kisses, by Hidden Dragon

Breeder: A M O’Dwyer (Qld)

Consignor: Glenvale Park, Agent

Buyer: Caspar Fownes, $200,000

A bargain purchase out of this year’s Inglis Sydney Classic Sale at just $20,000, the bay colt is the second foal from his dam, an eight-time winner at the races, including a 6-1 upset over her odds-on Chris Waller stablemate Royal Descent (Redoute’s Choice) in the 2013 G3 Toy Show H. He breezed a furlong in :10.69 at Warwick Farm ahead of the sale.

Watch: Lot 83 breeze-up at Warwick Farm

Lot 87, c, Dissident x Horkins Nancy, by Made of Gold (USA)

Breeder: Ascot Heath Pty Ltd, Dissident Syndicate (NSW)

Consignor: O’Gorman Racing

Buyer: Ricky Yiu, $200,000

From the first crop of his Horse of the Year and five-time Group 1-winning sire, the bay colt is a half-brother to the SP Western Hero (West Quest {Can}) and is out of a half-sister to Perak Derby winner Fast Flying (Distorted Humor {USA}). Further down the page is G1 Golden Slipper winner Mossfun (Mossman) and Aramco (ex Mawahibb) (Magic Albert), winner of the Garden City Trophy in Singapore Oct. 21. Lot 87, who was a $65,000 Inglis Great Southern weanling and $180,000 Sydney Classic yearling, was timed in :10.80 for his under-tack preview.

Watch: Lot 87 breeze-up

Lot 95, c, All Too Hard x Kamarla Rose, by Nadeem

Breeder: J Allis (Vic)

Consignor: Stonehouse Thoroughbreds

Buyer: Ric Wylie Bloodstock/Chris So, $260,000

By the champion 3yo and 4-time Group 1-winning half-brother to Black Caviar, this brown colt is out of a winning own-sister to dual Group 3 winner Sharnee Rose. The third dam includes Cape Derby winner Ertijaal (Hard Spun {USA}), G1 Doomben Cup hero Sense of Occasion (Street Sense {USA}), Snippets and Not a Single Doubt. A $100,000 Inglis Melbourne Premier yearling, the Oct. 1 foal galloped 200m in :10.77 at Cranbourne.

Watch: Lot 95 breeze-up

Lot 182, c, Not a Single Doubt x Umaquest, by Umatilla (NZ)

Breeder: Kambula Stud (WA)

Consignor: Musk Creek Farm

Buyer: A Lui & T Ng, $205,000

This September-foaled bay colt is out of a stakes-winning dam who has produced five winners from as many to race, including G3 HB Carr S. winner Yattarna (Exceed and Excel), the stakes-placed Fromparis Withlove (Smart Missile) and Alexandra Dreaming (Written Tycoon), a maiden winner on Sandown debut in August. A$200,000 purchase out of the 2017 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale, he turned in a breeze that was timed in :10.70.

Watch: Lot 182 breeze-up

Failed deal breeder's good fortune

5 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Joan Egan came across Bunyah (IRE) (Distant View {USA}) in somewhat fortuitous circumstances and she’s been happy to ride her luck ever since.

The Waikato breeder took an immediate liking to the mare when she was offered to her in 2005 and she hasn’t been let down by her first instincts.

Bunyah has subsequently produced five winners, including last season’s G1 Diamond S., hero Sword Of Osman (NZ) (Savabeel), who this week added the G2 James & Annie Sarten Memorial to his record.

His half-brother African Pulse (Johannesburg {USA}) won nine races while their half-sister Fortaleeza (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) was a black type performer.

Tattersalls purchase

Bunyah was initially purchased by bloodstock agent Paul Moroney at the Tattersalls Mares’ Sale for 20,000 guineas on behalf of a client, who subsequently decided against completing the deal.

She was then put on the market through other agents and came to the attention of Egan.

“I got a note from Rob McAnulty and I said to him to send me the details and I liked the pedigree,” Egan said.

View pedigree

“She was a lovely, strong and powerful-looking type and just the type of mare I liked.

“I had a share in Savabeel when he first went to stud and I sent her to him.” – Joan Egan.

“I had a share in Savabeel when he first went to stud and I sent her to him.”

The resulting foal Sazzana (NZ) won two races and left a winner and then followed African Pulse, six-time winner Big Surprise (NZ) (Lucky Unicorn), Arundel (NZ) (Duke Of Marmalade {IRE}), Fortaleeza and current star Sword Of Osman.

Savabeel

Egan’s quartet of mares are based at Trelawney Stud, who offered Sword Of Osman at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale last year and he was secured by Te Akau principal David Ellis for NZ$165,000.

“He was a real athlete, even as a foal, and the whole Te Akau team have done a great job with him,” Egan said.

“The mare’s got an Ocean Park filly foal now and she’s back in foal to Savabeel.” – Joan Egan.

“The mare’s got an Ocean Park filly foal now and she’s back in foal to Savabeel.”

Sword Of Osman as a yearling

Bunyah is a daughter of Miss Mistletoes (IRE) (The Minstrel {CAN}) and is a half-sister to the European stakes winners Governor Brown (USA) (Kingmambo {USA}) and Hataab (USA) (Woodman {USA}).

The family has previously made an impression in Australia through the G1 Queensland Oaks winner Zagalia (Zabeel {NZ}).

Now it is the turn of Sword Of Osman, whose Sarten Memorial success put his G1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas campaign back on track after a couple of indifferent displays in his opening 3-year-old appearances for trainer Jamie Richards.

Visitor celebrates

He is raced by the Te Akau Sword Syndicate, managed by Ellis’ wife Karyn Fenton-Ellis, and an overseas member of the group was fortunate enough to have been at Te Rapa on Monday to see Sword Of Osman return to winning ways.

“To have a good horse winning is never simple, so I’m very happy and it was not an easy race. He began from a wide barrier and had a very strong opponent, so it’s a big thrill,” said Dr Phillip Mak, of Hong Kong.

“I know David (Ellis) very well and have had horses with Te Akau for about two years. They are good friends and they have had consistent results for 40 years.

“I can tell that he is very much on the ball and keeps us informed.” – Dr Phillip Mak.

“The communication is very quick and efficient, especially with Jamie training on his own for the first time. I can tell that he is very much on the ball and keeps us informed.

“The cup is always half-full with horse reports, but with Te Akau they always give a balanced report.”

The team will now head to Christchurch for next month’s Guineas full of confidence.

“A big thanks to the team at home who look after him and have done a good job to get him back on track,” Richards said.

“He took a while to come out of the winter, but we haven’t been able to fault him at home.” – Jamie Richards.

“He took a while to come out of the winter, but we haven’t been able to fault him at home.

“It was a lovely ride by Opie (Bosson), who rides him in all his gallops. He is such an important part of our team so I’m really thrilled for him.

“We’ll sit down now and make some plans as we will have three or four in the Guineas. It’s been a good race to us so why not.”

Te Akau have previously won the Guineas with King’s Chapel (King Of Kings {IRE}), Darci Brahma (NZ) (Danehill {USA}), Tell A Tale (Tale Of The Cat {USA}), Rock ‘n’ Pop (Fastnet Rock), Xtravagant (NZ) (Pentire {GB}) and with Embellish (NZ) (Savabeel) last year.

Irish Group victory a result to savour

4 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

While it wasn’t a windfall financial result, recent Group success overseas was another source of immense satisfaction for Sydney agent Louis Le Metayer.

The Astute Bloodstock principal purchased Coral Beach (IRE) (Zoffany {IRE}) as a weanling at the Tattersall’s November Sale for 85,000 guineas and on-sold her to MV Magnier for 90,000 guineas as a yearling.

Last weekend, the Aidan O’Brien-trained filly was successful in the G3 Killavullan S., at Leopardstown.

“I consider myself a talent scout and it’s not always about the deal-making.” – Louis Le Metayer.

“I consider myself a talent scout and it’s not always about the deal-making,” Le Metayer said.

“Group horses make up a very small percentage of the horse population and I was thrilled we managed to identify and secure a Group horse.

“I’m from a French family that has got a farm there and I have a strong European connection, even though I’ve been here for 15 years, and I enjoy monitoring the markets in Europe.

“When the dollar goes down I like to go over there and stay engaged and we’ve had come luck with stayers as well.

“Harlem won the G1 Australian Cup and Ventura Storm ran third. We have to take a global view on the industry.” - Louis Le Metayer.

“Harlem won the G1 Australian Cup and Ventura Storm ran third. We have to take a global view on the industry.”

Harlem, pictured here winning the G3 Red Anchor S.

Le Metayer also enjoys introducing his Australian clientele to the European scene.

“I generally arrive in England for Royal Ascot and afterwards organise a tour for clients for four days to Chantilly and stud farms on Normandy, that’s where I grew up,” he said.

“Gai (Waterhouse) said to me once 'you’re French, work on a point of difference' and that struck a chord with me.” – Louis Le Metayer.

“Gai (Waterhouse) said to me once 'you’re French, work on a point of difference' and that struck a chord with me.

“We engage our Australian clients on what’s going on in Europe in the summer and it all ties in really well.”

Melbourne Cup make-up

With his international experience, TDN AusNZ asked Le Metayer for his opinion on the changing face of the G1 Melbourne Cup and the death of high-class Australian stayers.

‘It’s great having an international race, but you can’t have a village mentality,” he said.

“There are two reasons why we can’t breed stayers. The first is that we don’t have the training centres – at Chantilly and Newmarket they work in a straight line and that’s a lot kinder on horses.

“They can walk eight to 10 kilometres every morning and that builds stamina.

“The second problem is programming here. Eight per cent of the races are above 2000 metres and only a third of the Group races are above 2000 metres.” – Louis Le Metayer.

“The second problem is programming here. Eight per cent of the races are above 2000 metres and only a third of the Group races are above 2000 metres.

“In England, Ireland and France around 40 per cent of races are run above 2000m. Considering that European stayers are so dominant here, we obviously need to take a look at how their programming is structured and learn something from it.

“We don’t have enough opportunities to trial over a mile. A High Chaparral horse out of a Zabeel mare is obviously more likely to be a stayer, but they are forced to trial over 800 metres. It’s a real issue.

“We don’t have enough opportunities to trial over a mile.” – Louis Le Metayer.

“Australian trainers tend to start horses over 1200 metres, 1400 metres and 1600 metres and by the time they get over 2000 metres or beyond they’ve had four starts and could be at the end of their preparation.

“We’ve had Galileo, Montjeu and High Chaparral, but they’ve failed to reach the same success as up north. My view is that it is pointless to breed stayers if we don't have a suitable racing program for them to thrive on.

“The reasons we are so weak at producing stayers is we don’t have the training centres and the programming is poor.”

2YO mile racing

Le Metayer is also an advocate of increased distance opportunities for juveniles.

“We need more 2-year-old races over a mile toward the end of the season,” he said.

“We need to build a top program of races for middle distance and staying bred horses to target from the start of their racing careers as 2 and 3-year-olds, rather than running them over distances below a mile which are not suited to their pedigree, conformation and ability.”

European-bred stayers on shopping list

4 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Go Racing are continuing their global bloodstock hunt for middle distance horses to chase the lucrative prize money on offer in Australia.

Albert Bosma’s New Zealand syndication company is enjoying a 100 per cent strike rate with their European purchases and he is again heading back to next week’s Tattersalls Annual Horses in Training Sale at Newmarket.

“We’ll definitely be buying two horses and it might be three,” he said. “We put it out there that we were going over there and I’ve been very happy with the response.”

Go Racing was established in 2003 to race horses in multiple ownership with Stephen Marsh, Stephen McKee, Lisa Latta and Andrew Carston their principal New Zealand trainers.

Racing manager Matt Allnutt with Albert Bosma

Racing with Waller

They are also establishing a presence in Australia where Bosma’s long-time associate Chris Waller guides their fortunes.

“I bought my first horse Silky Red Boxer in 2001 with Chris Waller, who at that time, was just getting started in Sydney and also had a training base in Foxton in New Zealand,” he said.

“Silky Red Boxer turned out to be a multiple Group winner of $500,000 in New Zealand and Australia and was the catalyst which started Go Racing.”

With Waller and bloodstock agent Guy Mulcaster, Bosma sourced his first European purchase two years ago.

“The first horse was Alward and he was $130,000 landed in Australia, that included buying him, flying and quarantine and he’s won over $400,000.” – Albert Bosma.

“The first horse was Alward and he was $130,000 landed in Australia, that included buying him, flying and quarantine and he’s won over $400,000,” Bosma said. “He only just missed making the Melbourne Cup field last year.

“Then we bought Raqeeq and he was $180,000 landed and in only six months he’s won close to $150,000 and he’s got a lot in front of him.

“We have a definite type of horse we’re after – lightly-raced, haven’t won not more than two races so their rating isn’t too high and they’ve performed on good ground over staying distances.” – Albert Bosma.

“We have a definite type of horse we’re after – lightly-raced, haven’t won not more than two races so their rating isn’t too high and they’ve performed on good ground over staying distances.

“They can step straight into $125,000 races in Australia and have a lot of earning capacity on the way through the grades.

“It’s economical to get these horses at the end of October at Tattersalls and they can be racing by March.

“We’re not waiting to find out if they’ve got any ability and they are just genetically superior over ground to the Australian breed.” – Albert Bosma.

“We’re not waiting to find out if they’ve got any ability and they are just genetically superior over ground to the Australian breed.

“The prices have got a bit more expensive, but there are 1600 horses for sale and we do our homework and it’s good value for money.”

Bosma said Go Racing would also be sending more of their New Zealand-trained horses to campaign across the Tasman by their Kiwi trainers.

Double strike

This was highlighted by wins of the Marsh-prepared Mark Two (NZ) (Pins) and Campari (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}), who runs at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, in $35,000 maiden events at Gosford earlier this month.

“I said to Stephen five months ago that we can’t ignore the prize money in Australia and that we have to start campaigning horses over there,” Bosma said.

“We’ll be identifying maiden and one win horses and they can make a lot of money through the grades.

“This way, Stephen gets to keep the horses rather than them going to Australian trainers. We will continue to do this and chase the money for our owners.”

Internationals out on force at Geelong

3 min read

There will be keen interest in the performance on Wednesday of Withhold (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}) when he attempts to win a spot in the G1 Melbourne Cup.

The Roger Charlton-trained 5-year-old will make his Australian debut in the G3 bet365 Geelong Cup and attempt to follow the leads of fellow internationals Media Puzzle (USA) (Theatrical {IRE}), Americain (USA) (Dynaformer {USA}) and Dunaden (FR) (Nicobar {GB}) who previously won both Cups.

To be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, Withhold has yet to run in black type company but he has fashioned an excellent staying record in England.

He has won four of his 11 starts and his depths of stamina can’t be questioned having been successful three times at 3200 metres and beyond.

Northumberland success

Withhold clinched his trip Down Under with a last-start victory against a 20-strong field in the Northumberland Plate H., off an eight-month break.

His dam Coming Back (GB) (Fantastic Light {USA}) won over 2000 metres and she has a 100 per cent winning strike rate with her five foals to race.

Withhold winning at Newcastle Racecourse, UK

She is from the family of the G1 English Derby winner Commander In Chief (GB) (Dancing Brave {USA}), the former champion European 2 and 3-year-old colt Warning (GB) (Known Fact {USA}) and the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner Full Mast (USA) (Mizzen Mast {USA}).

Chris Waller also has a pair of internationals, Finche (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Casterton (IRE) (Fastnet Rock), making their first Australian appearances.

Group victory

The former has won three of his seven starts and at his most recent appearance in August he triumphed over 2500 metres in the G3 Prix de Reux. Casterton is similarly lightly-tried with three wins from 13 starts and last time out he finished sixth in the Listed Prix Kergolay.

Waller’s other contender is One Foot In The Grave (IRE) (Fastnet Rock), who was runner-up in the St Leger S., at Randwick earlier this month.

Darren Weir will field five runners with perhaps Yogi (NZ) (Raise The Flag {GB}) his best hope following a solid performance to finish third in the G3 The Bart Cummings at Flemington.

Derby trial

The Listed Roderick Insurance Brokers Geelong Classic will provide what looks to be an open line-up with chances to further their G1 VRC Derby prospects. Tony McEvoy has the first two in the book with Farooq (Frankel {GB}) and Just Rolling (Sebring) involved.

Luke Currie has been aboard both colts in recent starts and he will partner Just Rolling, who was a last-start second at Moonee Valley.

Louise The Legend (Masterprint) has been genuine this season for Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young and following his fourth placing in the Listed UCI S., a step up in distance looks ideal for him.

Some value might be to have around the Danny O’Brien-trained Grizinger Star (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}). He has improved with each outing broke his maiden over the Geelong Classic trip of 2200 metres when last seen at Ballarat earlier this month.

Black-Type Entries

VIC: Geelong

Group 2

Listed

The Daily Wrap

5 min read

Winx in top order for Saturday

The Winx (Street Cry {IRE}) fan club was out in force at Moonee Valley on Tuesday morning to see the champion mare stretch her legs ahead of Saturday’s G1 Cox Plate.

With Hugh Bowman keeping her under a tight rein, she worked over 1000 metres and finished off her closing 400 metres 24.39s.

“Hugh just let her use herself around the bend, making sure everything was right,” trainer Chris Waller said.

“Just as you would with a race-car before a big race, making sure everything is in order.”

Waller said only two things could deny Winx a fourth consecutive Cox Plate.

“That's bad luck or a champion. The next champion could be there waiting in the wings and be ready to pounce.

“So long as there's not too many traffic problems because in most sports you need the bounce of the ball to go your way.

“Fortunately her class gets her out of most situations, but you can't take it for granted.”

Winx will jump from barrier six in an eight-horse line-up, the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Benbatl (GB) (Dubawi {IRE}) in gate three.

Last year's runner-up Humidor (NZ) (Teofilo {IRE}) has drawn seven and the Aidan O'Brien-trained Rostropovich (IRE) (Frankel {GB}) came up with eight.

Cumani to retire

Legendary trainer Luca Cumani is to retire later this year after more than four decades at Bedford House Stables in Newmarket.

“I wouldn’t say it’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time, but I’ve come to realise the time is right,” he said.

“I’ve been very lucky and privileged to have won big races all around the world and I no longer have the material to do so.

“I’ve been to Churchill Downs and Melbourne, and now we’re having more runners at Wolverhampton and Chelmsford and it’s not quite the same.”

Cumani has won numerous prestige races, including the G1 Epsom Derby with Kahyasi (IRE) (Ile de Bourbon) and High Rise (IRE) (High Estate {IRE}).

Born and raised in Italy, served as Sir Henry Cecil’s assistant trainer in his early days and his first runner in his own right was a winner – Three Legs (GB) (Petingo {GB}) in the G3 Duke of York S., and ridden by Frankie Dettori’s father Gianfranco.

Cumani’s son Matt is an established trainer at Ballarat and daughter Francesca is a prominent racing broadcaster.

Luca Cumani

No Cup for Kiwi stayer

The well-performed Jon Snow (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) is out of G1 Melbourne Cup reckoning.

Trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman canned plans for Flemington after the 5-year-old tailed the field home in the G1 Caulfield Cup.

“He got caught three and four wide and you can’t win from there, even with a turbo jet,” Baker said.

“We’ll bring him home and freshen him for the weight-for-age race at Wellington in December.”

The G1 Rydges Wellington Captain Cook S., is the target race in question.

Charm Spirit running hot

Shuttle stallion Charm Spirit (IRE) (Invincible Spirit {IRE}) has enjoyed further success across Europe.

His tally of first-crop 2-year-old winners is now 23 and three behind division leader No Nay Never (USA) (Scat Daddy {USA}) (who leads on 26 after a winner in America) by individual winners.

First to hit the board was impressive Longchamp debutant Shendam, who was a dominant winner over 1800 metres in the colours of his breeder The Aga Khan.

Then followed consistent performer Napanook, who won a juvenile event over 1200 metres in England.

On Sunday in Ireland, Charm Spirit’s smart daughter Chicago May continued her seasonal progress when she was again successful over 1200 metres at Naas

On the same day in Madrid, another daughter Belavia proved too strong for her opposition on debut with a comprehensive victory over 1500 metres.

Triple Group One winning miler Charm Spirit shuttles to Windsor Park Stud, Cambridge, where the highest-earning son of Invincible Spirit is serving his fourth consecutive season.

Charm Spirit

Summer targets for Embellish

Group 1 Embellish (NZ) (Savabeel) is being aimed toward the summer carnival at Ellerslie.

“He could start off in an open 1300 metre race at Tauranga on November 3 and could be a chance for a race like the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile at Ellerslie (January 1),” Jamie Riuchards said.

A brother to the Group 1 winner Diademe and closely related to two-time Group 1 winner Sacred Star (Flying Spur) .

Embellish is raced by the Te Akau 2016 Breeding Syndicate along with Cambridge Stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay.

The 4-year-old, who won last season’s G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas, is back in work following a good break after he finished eighth in the G1 Australian Guineas in the autumn.

He recently won an open trial at Te Awamutu - “he looks to be back on track,” Jamie Richards said. “He’s taken a bit of time this year, but Opie (Bosson) was pleased with his trial.”

Guineas odds slashed

A Sydney-trained 3-year-old is a major mover in the G1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas market.

The Chris Waller-prepared Orcein (Snitzel) has come in from a 100 to one chance to NZ$18 for next month’s Classic at Riccarton.

Fourth in last season’s G3 Magic Millions McLachlan, the chestnut has won one of his nine starts and finished runner-up at Randwick last time out.

A A$360,000 Gold Coast yearling, Orcein is a half-brother to the black type performer Anchor Bid (High Chaparral {IRE}). They are out of the Zabeel (NZ) mare Zapurple (NZ) who won the G3 South Australia Fillies’ Classic.

Looking Ahead - 24th October

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.

Today, we have a look a couple of likely maiden runners at Warwick Farm and at Ipswich focus on a promising daughter of Spirit Of Boom.

Warwick Farm Membership Now Open Plate $50,000 1300m 2.00pm

Chris Waller has a strong hand in the race and Taj (So You Think {NZ}) might be his best chance. A sound second on debut, he is sure to have derived benefit from that experience and will have a two kilo pull on the field courtesy of Sam Weatherley’s claim.

His dam Little Surfer Girl (Encosta de Lago) was more than handy and won three times at Listed level and was Group 3 placed. She is a daughter of the three-time Group 1 winner Special Harmony (Spinning World {USA}), who is out of the G3 WATC Sires’ Produce S., winner Marooned Lady (Marooned {GB}), the dam of the Group 2 winning siblings King Canute (King Of Kings {GB}) and Redwoldt.

So You Think

Warwick Farm TAB Rewards Plate $50,000 1300m 2.35pm

Singing Sand (Poet’s Voice {GB}) is out of the French black type performer Sabkha (USA) (Green Desert {USA}), who has left six winners including Zubbaya (Dubawi {IRE}), who claimed the Listed Alexandra S. The dam’s grandmother Niodini (USA) (Nijinsky {CAN}) was successful twice at Group 3 level in England.

Trained by James Cummings, Singing Sand finished in the money in two of her three appearances last season and has had a pair of quiet trials ahead of her return.

Ipswich Active Body Conditioning Maiden $20,000 1200m 12.43

Frangipani Moon (Spirit Of Boom) won both of her trials for David Vandyke and finished an encouraging second on debut before she was turned out. The 3-year-old was successful at the trials again last month and from a good gate looks a strong chance to open her account.

The filly is out of the winning Jet Spur mare Purfectress, who boasts an international pedigree. Her third dam Courageous Dancer (IRE) (Cadeaux Genereux {GB}) was a black type performer in England and the family also includes the G2 Champagne S., winner and G1 Dewhurst S., placegetter Sure Blade (USA) (Kris {GB}).

Spirit Of Boom

NSW Race Results

Muswellbrook (Country)

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

VIC Race Results

Kilmore (Country)

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

AUS Sire Premiership

AUS 3YO Sires' Premiership

NZ Sire Premiership

NZ 3YO Sires' Premiership

Thanks for reading!

1 min read

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