Weight lifted from Waller as Winx wows again

Written by

Michael Cox

6 min read

Chris Waller's emotional reaction after Winx won her 30th straight race speaks volumes about the sense of responsibility he feels for the safety of his 7-year-old and her place as racing's poster horse.

Chris Waller knows Winx (Street Cry {Ire}) has long since passed into what he calls "public property" status, and he also knows better than to read comment threads on social media, but the emotional Kiwi reacted like the weight of the world had just left his shoulders after his mare returned after a 30th straight victory.

Perhaps it is the seven-year-old's longevity that has become most stunning now, especially given performances like Saturday's race-record breaking performance have become de rigueur, but that longevity and the unprecedented public profile bring with it a sense of responsibility for Waller.

Waller's teary post-race reactions have become as much a trademark as the little blue Winx flags, big crowds and hoopla that come with every win. On Saturday a sky writer spelled out "Winx" above the Randwick sky, fans lined up 15 deep around stall 108 and a giant cake had already been baked in celebration of her expected win.

Waller is a trainer that thinks, and feels, more than most and in his quiet moments at home, and away from the circus that is a Winx raceday, he must wonder what it is Winx is out there to prove in her final preparation.

A strong sense of responsibility

"For the good of racing," is the reason he keeps coming back to, and a scan of the packed crowd, from children with faces painted with blue Ws, to hardened old racegoers returning to the track for the first time in years, it's hard to fault his reasoning.

"Obviously I am a little speechless, but you just hope that you get a trouble free run, a safe run, and they come home safe," was Waller's reaction when Winx returned, safe and sound, to another rapturous reception from the 15,330 fans at Randwick.

"Obviously I am a little speechless, but you just hope that you get a trouble free run, a safe run, and they come home safe." - Chris Waller

"It's been our decision to push on a bit further and there are always the challenges involved in that and how people perceive it," he said. "But I think it's for the better for racing that she is here."

A relieved Chris Waller after Winx's 30th straight win

For all of the positive publicity generated by Winx, what weighs on Waller most is his horse's welfare, "bringing them home safe is my priority," he always says, but he must hear whispers that connections are being greedy by stretching the mare's career into the latter part of her 7-year-old season.

'Public property'

"There are always a small percentage of people who are a bit negative as to the reasons why we are pushing on," Waller said. "But the reason to push on was Winx. We have looked after her pretty well, she is still enjoying her racing and we look after her. She doesn't have to run, but she is enjoying it. I've been working with horses all of my life and this is for the betterment of racing. We have looked after her for the reason that she is now part of racing, we learnt after a year of her winning sequence started that she was no longer our property. I get to gauge what the public want and don't want, and it's good to be doing it for the right reasons."

"We learnt after a year of her winning sequence started that she was no longer our property." - Chris Waller

" That's why we haven't headed overseas with her, we are just looking after her, people overseas can read about her in the papers and see her on TV and tune in around the world."

And as far as the Twitter trolls are concerned, Waller doesn't need the negativity.

"I don't read social media and while we put a lot of stuff out on social media it's my duty not to read it, because I take things personally," he said. "I only ever want the horses to come home safe, but if I was that fearful of that stuff I wouldn't have any runners."

A world champion

What makes it more difficult is the fact Waller has never let Bowman or his riders take the handbrake off at trackwork. "We never really open her up as such, because it's all about safety, so you are going to the races blind but you are going to the races with a world champion," he said.

Waller needn't have worried, and if he did check Twitter or Facebook he would see an overwhelming worldwide reaction to a horse that seems to have the autumn at her mercy. Perhaps, all things being equal, it was yesterday that Winx was most vulnerable; first up at 1,400m on a quick track and facing a tricky field.

Missing the start – as she had done first-up previously – had been identified by some as a potential pitfall, but once Hugh Bowman had Winx positioned within striking distance there was never a moment where it looked like she was in trouble.

"She is pretty good, she has only missed the start once, she just gets into her own rhythm and the deeper she gets into her prep the better she gets with that stuff," he said. "The only concern is just normal racing, bounce of the ball, stuff, and that's out of your control like it is in any sport. Fortunately she is 10 per cent better than her opposition and that gets her out of trouble. She looked pretty good."

"Fortunately she is 10 per cent better than her opposition and that gets her out of trouble. She looked pretty good." - Chris Waller

Those assessments, "10% better" and "pretty good", seemed wildly conservative after Winx left her rivals – most of whom she will meet again in two weeks time – with what seems zero hope of challenging her winning sequence.

"The natural improvement will be there in two weeks time," the trainer said of a planned run in the G1 Chipping Norton Stakes, where she will chase a world record 23rd top level win. "And we didn't have the benefit of a first-up run last time," Waller warned.

Chris Waller says his biggest concern and priority will always be Winx's welfare

Still, if there is the slightest early morning sign Winx doesn't want to be there in two weeks, you know she won't be.

"We will make this horse last, and that's what it is all about now," he said. "She just showed how good she is, and that's what everybody wants to see and this is all becoming more about that; making sure the fans around the world get to see her at her best, and she certainly was today."

It was a lightning mare’s time to shine again

Written by

Paul Vettise

5 min read

A bunch of supremely talented youngsters descended on the G1 Black Caviar Lightning H. at Flemington, but it was the wise old sprinting head that triumphed when In Her Time showed there was no substitute for experience.

In Her Time (Time Thief) is well used to the heat of the battle in the most competitive of short course challenges and the 6-year-old mare showed she was up for it again. She resumed in fine fashion for trainer Kris Lees and owner Peter Brown with a super Lightning strike.

A quartet of Group 1 performed 3-year-olds lined up in the dash for cash as well as a juvenile, but they all bowed to In Her Time.

The only previous winner of the feature dash at her age is the unbeaten champion Black Caviar (Bel Esprit) and while there is no comparison between the two, even the great mare would have given a nod of appreciation to In Her Time.

She has been around the best of company for a while with success in last season’s G1 The Galaxy, multiple Group 2 wins and placings at the highest level in the VRC Sprint Classic, the TJ Smith S., Manikato S., Tatt’s Tiara and the Stradbroke H.

“She’s been knocking on the door and I’ve got to thank (former trainer) Ben Smith who did a wonderful job with this mare throughout her career,” Lees said. “And to Peter Brown for giving me the opportunity to train her.”

“She got a wonderful ride from Corey to hold off the fast-finishing second horse.” – Kris Lees.

The mare was transferred to Lees’ Broadmeadow operation after Smith’s licence was suspended last spring following swab irregularities.

In Her Time hadn’t been seen out since November, but Lees was confident of a bold showing from her in the hands of regular partner Corey Brown.

“She’s got a fresh record and she’s good down the straight,” he said. “She got a wonderful ride from Corey to hold off the fast-finishing second horse.”

In Her Time winning the G1 Black Caviar Lightning S.

In Her Time sat in behind the pace before launching her final run to glory with Osborne Bulls (Street Cry) arriving late to cut the favourite Sunlight (Zoustar) out of third.

“We’ll keep her fresh for the Newmarket now, she loves her races well-spaced,” Lees said.

“We’ll keep her fresh for the Newmarket now, she loves her races well-spaced.” – Kris Lees.

The successful jockey was over the moon with the result and thrilled to be associated with such a genuine performer.

“I’m rapt, especially for the mare. I joined her half-way through her career and to get this Group 1 is a job well done.

“The pace was solid and I thought I’d drawn the wrong side but then when I got her and saw the pattern of the track I elected to come to the middle of the track.

Trainer Kris Lees (left) with jockey Corey Brown (right)

“I didn’t want her racing by herself and she travelled up really sweetly and I pushed her hands and heels. She didn’t win by a big margin, but it was a tough win.

“I joined her half-way through her career and to get this Group 1 is a job well done.” – Corey Brown.

“She’s much better over 1200 metres and she’s just a true professional. She’s an absolute gem to ride.”

In Her Time is out of Hell It’s Hot (Zeditave), who won on two occasions, and she is a half-sister to the G3 Shorts H. winner Hot As Hell (County) and to the Listed winner Flaming Hot and Craig’s Dragon (Catbird).

Osborne Bulls turned in a terrific effort to finish runner-up in his first appearance since winning the G3 TAB S. in November off the back of placing in The Everest.

“She was really good. They went really quick and she got a little tired late.” – Tony McEvoy.

The favourite Sunlight also pleased trainer Tony McEvoy with her effort for third, the 3-year-old appearing for the first time since her triumph in the G1 Coolmore Stud S.

Osborne Bulls (blue silks), Sunlight (white, stars) and In Her Time (yellow, black sleeves) head the field for the Lightning S.

“She was really good. They went really quick and she got a little tired late,” he said. “I’m very proud of her and she’ll definitely improve.”

Fourth home was the winner’s stablemate Graff (Star Witness) with the 3-year-old making his first start since running fifth in The Everest.

“He’ll go back to a handicap in the Newmarket and that will help him.” – Kris Lees.

“He raced a little fiercely early and he will come on really well with that,” Lees said.

“He’ll go back to a handicap in the Newmarket and that will help him.”

It didn’t end well for the baby of the line-up with Lloyd Kennewell’s 2-year-old Jedastar (I Am Invincible) tardily into stride and she was never a factor, but all credit to her connections for having a crack. Her inclusion added greatly to the pre-race build-up.

Furore furor aplenty at Haunui

Written by

Alan Carasso

6 min read

For better than a decade, well-respected horseman Mark Chitty has served the Karaka-based Haunui Farm as its managing director with great distinction.

A respected reproductive veterinarian and former vice president of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, Chitty has raised a nice horse or two in his career and takes this simple - yet inherently complicated - approach.

“Our aim here is to maximise the genetic potential of the horses and that’s through rearing the horses well,” Chitty said when TDN AusNZ contacted him at the farm earlier this week.

Haunui’s current success story is Furore (NZ) (Pierro), who will look to add Sunday’s HK$10-million (A$1.8 million) Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) to his stunning success in the Hong Kong Classic Mile four weeks back.

Furore was imported into New Zealand in 2014, his unplaced dam Stormy Choice (Redoute’s Choice) -raced by Jonathan Munz - having been covered by the exciting Pierro during the previous breeding season. Stormy Choice was sent across to New Zealand with the intention of being bred to Ferlax (NZ) (Pentire {GB}), who was campaigned in partnership by Munz to win the 2013 G1 Australian Guineas before returning to stand at Haunui. Ferlax died at Haunui in January 2017, but is the sire of fillies out of Stormy Choice in 2016 and 2017.

Stormy Choice produced a bay colt by Pierro at Haunui on Oct. 24, 2014.

Being put on a pedestal

“He was a nice, medium-sized horse who was very easy to deal with in terms of his growth development plan,” Chitty recollected. “He was the kind of horse that you really didn’t have to do anything special with. He just grew up very easily.

He continued, “He was nice and correct, but he didn’t really stand out. He was a really easy-going horse without being what you would call outstanding. When you have 80 to 90 weanlings, I would say he was just one of those nice horses that flowed through the system. But he’s probably gone past quite a few of them now - he sits up on the pedestal a little bit!”

“He was the kind of horse that you really didn’t have to do anything special with. He just grew up very easily. " - Mark Chitty

Furore was ticketed for the yearling sales at Karaka in early 2016, right about the same time that his then 4-year-old half-brother Blizzard (Starcraft {NZ}) was being prepared for his own run at the 4-Year-Old Classics in Hong Kong. Chitty said Furore took everything in his stride at Karaka.

Furore as a yearling

“He was a horse that had a great attitude. He coped with the pressure very well,” he said. “He was one of those horses where anyone could handle him. Some yearlings, when they get to sales, they become a one-leader horse, they get a bit uptight, but he could handle everything very easily and I think that stood him in great stead as a racehorse as well.”

"He could handle everything very easily and I think that stood him in great stead as a racehorse as well.” - Mark Chitty

Less than 24 hours after Blizzard finished a commendable third as a 16-1 chance to Sun Jewellery (Snitzel) and future Horse of the Year Werther (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) in the Classic Mile, Furore was hammered down for NZ$210,000 to the bid of Australian Bloodstock and trainer Kris Lees.

Australian beginnings

“We saw him, as we were heading into the market, as sort of a $175-200,000 animal and he just ticked over that,” Chitty explained. “We think that he made a very good price for that time. It was just tipping on three times Pierro’s service fee or so, so it was OK. It wasn’t outstanding by any means, but it was still a very good price. Anything over $200,000 in my mind is a very good price for an unbroken thoroughbred yearling.”

Trainer Kris Lees

Sent off at odds-on in his first four runs, Furore was the easy winner of a BM 71 handicap at Wyong trying 2000 metres for the first time in March 2018 and covered himself in glory next time out, filling third spot behind D’Argento (So You Think {NZ}) in the G1 Rosehill Guineas. In his final run for Lees, Furore was sixth as the 4-1 choice in the G1 Australian Derby.

Furore was having just his third start in Hong Kong when taking out the Classic Mile, having finished seventh on his 1400m debut Dec. 16 before improving to third behind Ka Ying Star (GB) (Cityscape {GB}) over the metric mile Jan. 6. The Classic Mile outcome came as a bit of a surprise to Chitty, albeit a most welcome one.

“When you saw what he did in a race like the Rosehill Guineas, well, you see that he’s back to the mile and you’d think he’d be running on nicely and that if he runs in the first three, you’d be pretty happy,” he said. “But the way that he accelerated from a good position was absolutely fantastic.”

Success for Haunui

For all that Haunui has achieved, never has a farm graduate succeeded to the extent Furore has in Hong Kong.

“We haven’t had the stallions that have really appealed,” Chitty explained. “We stood Elusive City and a number of them went to Hong Kong, but they didn’t reach the giddy heights of a Hong Kong Derby, potentially. It’s very exciting.”

“We haven’t had the stallions that have really appealed." - Mark Chitty

With that 2000-metre centrepiece another month down the road, Chitty isn’t eschewing the opportunity to dream a little bit.

Mark Chitty

“The interesting thing about a Hong Kong Derby is that most of the successful horses are sourced off race form from around the world, you have horses from Europe and Australasia. So it’s very gratifying to see a horse whose race form has been assessed and people are convinced by that horse to try to win such a prestigious race in Hong Kong.”

An esteemed professional who has already achieved much within the Thoroughbred industry, Chitty takes much pride in having played a role in Furore’s development.

“The great thing about breeding farms is when you’ve watched the development from in utero to foaling them down to developing a young horse through the winter months into the spring and then into the sales. Some horses you remember a lot more intently than others.”

Chitty clearly already possesses a soft spot for Furore and surely won’t be forgetting him anytime soon.

Sacred victory earns New Zealand Derby favouritism

4 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

History and TAB bookmakers have Surely Sacred (NZ) (Rock ‘n’ Pop) favourite to win next month’s G1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby and rightly so after a glance at his form and through the record book.

He won for the third time in his five-start career when he triumphed at Ellerslie in Saturday’s G2 Schweppes Avondale Guineas, the main lead-up to the big 3-year-old dance back at the Auckland course in March .

The Guineas became the main lead-up to the Derby when it moved in 2011 to its current date and, since then, all but one winner of the Classic has come through the 2100 metre contest.

The odd one out was tossed up the year it shifted its place on the calendar from December to February when the subsequent New Zealand Horse of the Year Jimmy Choux (NZ) (Thorn Park) was successful in the Blue Riband event.

“I think this horse is more of a genuine stayer.” – Tony Pike.

Surely Sacred is trained by Tony Pike, who produced Rangipo (Stryker) to complete Guineas-Derby double in 2016.

Surely Sacred

“I think this horse is more of a genuine stayer,” Pike said. “Rangipo was a true professional. He was having his 10th run for the season when he won the Derby.

“He was a real warrior, but I think this one has a touch of class. I hope we can do it again.”

The winner of the G2 Auckland Guineas on New Year’s Day, Surely Sacred settled back in the field before rider Vinnie Colgan urged the gelding into another gear 800 metres from home.

“They put the pressure on a fair way out and opened up the field,” Pike said. “Vinnie elected to get on his bike and that was probably the winning of the race.”

“Vinnie elected to get on his bike and that was probably the winning of the race.” – Tony Pike.

Surely Sacred got to the front half-way down the straight and he held a strong gallop to down In A Twinkling (Fastnet Rock) and Vernanme (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}).

“It was a good, tough win and there’s a bit more juice in the tank yet,” Pike said. “He’ll improve off that again.

“It’s all pretty straight forward from now over the next two weeks. It’s just about maintenance work and keeping him happy.”

Surely Sacred was bred by Waikato Stud and sold to Raffles Racing for NZ$160,000 during the Premier session of the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale at Karaka.

“It was a good, tough win and there’s a bit more juice in the tank yet.” – Tony Pike.

He is out of the Masterclass (USA) mare Not Sure (NZ), and is a half-sister to the G3 Tasmanian Derby winner Betwixt (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}). She subsequently produced Provocative (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), who won the G1 Queensland Oaks for Pike.

Surely Sacred as a yearling

Surely Sacred’s pedigree also features the Waikato Stud-bred Taupo Retreat (NZ) (Centaine), winner of the G1 November H. in South Africa.

The performance of the runner-up In A Twinkling was meritorious after drawing wide and covering ground early before rider Rosie Myers elected to go forward. He was clearly headed and found a second wind in the closing 300 metres to rally for second money.

In A Twinkling is trained by Jamie Richards and 20 minutes later Te Akau gained a measure of compensation when stablemate Weaponry (Declaration Of War {USA}) won the Listed ILT Ascot Park Hotel Southland Guineas at Invercargill.

“He’s a beautiful colt and I’ve been waiting to run him over ground.” - Stephen Marsh.

The Stephen Marsh-trained Vernanme made late ground to take third in the Ellerslie age group feature after a pre-race cloud cast doubt over his participation.

A plate moved and he had to be reshod and had to undergo a veterinary examination before the G1 Levin Classic runner-up was cleared to run.

“He’s a beautiful colt and I’ve been waiting to run him over ground,” trainer Stephen Marsh said. “He’ll be spot on for the Derby.”

Bred and raced by Kevin Hickman and Vern Trillo, Vernanme is a brother to the G1 Australian Derby and G1 Australian Guineas winner Shamrocker (NZ) and a half-brother Rock Diva (NZ) (Lucky Unicorn). She won a G1 Auckland Cup for Pike and Raffles.

Rich juvenile features lined up for Godolphin youngsters

4 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

James Cummings has a vast array of 2-year-old talent at his disposal and the Godolphin trainer will cover the bases as far as the rich summer and autumn prizes are concerned.

The unbeaten Tassort (Lonhro) is the market leader for next Saturday’s G1 Blue Diamond S. at Caulfield while stablemate Microphone (Exceed And Excel) is heading in another direction.

Microphone posted his second win from three appearances in Victoria when he scored a hollow victory in the Listed Talindert S. and is now set for a road trip.

“His win was quite promising again and I liked the way he kept driving to the line.” – James Cummings.

“We’re privileged to have all these horses and we get them to the races fit and happy and Microphone is no exception to that,” Cummings said.

“His win was quite promising again and I liked the way he kept driving to the line. I think he’s a horse that is well-suited to Sydney.

“A race like the Skyline S. coming up in a couple of weeks will be ideal for him. With only three runs under his belt, he’s still got upside to him.

“The Skyline sets up nicely for him and he did all his early education in Sydney.”

“The Skyline sets up nicely for him and he did all his early education in Sydney.” – James Cummings.

Microphone, whose juvenile barn mate Tenley (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) was an impressive debut winner at Randwick, won for the first time at Flemington last month before finishing runner-up in the Listed Blue Diamond Preview.

“That was a fighting effort behind a quality galloper I Am Immortal who’s backed that up by winning the Blue Diamond Prelude,” Cummings said.

Microphone cleared the gates quickly on Saturday and rider James McDonald was able to slot in behind his pace-making stablemate Lanigera (Denman) and take advantage of a run along the rail to quickly put the issue beyond doubt.

Microphone

“It worked out perfectly and he’s a beautifully, well-educated colt with a ton of ability,” McDonald said.

“It worked out perfectly and he’s a beautifully, well-educated colt with a ton of ability.” – James McDonald.

He’s a very good straight horse and he was dominant. He gave me a great feel and he’s definitely a colt for the future.”

Microphone has yet to run beyond 1100 metres, but McDonald said he will go further.

“He will run a strong 1200 metres. He switches of beautifully and he’s got an electric turn of foot. He does what he’s told and he’s very honest.”

“He switches of beautifully and he’s got an electric turn of foot.” – James McDonald.

Microphone is a son of the Listed Dark Jewel Classic winner Sung (Anabaa {USA}) and she is a sister to Yell. He was successful three times at Group 1 level in the Orr S., Australia S. and the Futurity S.

James McDonald returning to scale on Microphone

It is also the family of the G1 QTC Sires’ Produce S. winner and G1 Queensland Classic winner Anthems (Palace Music {USA}) and the G1 Canterbury S. winner Holler (Commands).

Runner-up to Microphone was the Snitzel filly Talented and she handled a rise in class from her Geelong win in fine style while third placegetter Charleise (Foxwedge) made an encouraging debut.

“She’s a nice, big filly and while she’s quite forward, there’s a lot of improvement in her.” – Ciaron Maher.

“We only gave her a quiet jump-out at home,” said Ciaron Maher, who trains Charleise with David Eustace.

“She’s a nice, big filly and while she’s quite forward, there’s a lot of improvement in her.

“She was bred by Chris and Jane Barham, who bred Merchant Navy and it looks like they’ve got another one. Segenhoe just keep churning them out.”

Nakeeta Jane a horse transformed for autumn

3 min read

Trainer Mark Newnham said physical development was the key to Nakeeta Jane's exciting return at Randwick on Saturday.

Mark Newnham would have just been happy with "a nice Oaks trial" but when he saw Nakeeta Jane (So You Think {NZ}) strut into Randwick's theatre of the horse like she owned it before the G2 Light Fingers Stakes, his expectations quickly changed.

"I said to (jockey) Josh Parr before he went out, "she could run a nice fifth, or she could blow them away," he said after Nakeeta Jane produced the latter. "Watching them parade, if you asked somebody "which filly would you want to take home?," you would say that's the one."

"Watching them parade, if you asked somebody "which filly would you want to take home?," you would say that's the one." - Trainer, Mark Newnham

That physical assessment was a far cry from Nakeeta Jane's first prep, where, while third in the G1 Flight Stakes, she carried a frame that was yet to fill out and left her looking like a girl competing against full-grown women.

On Saturday, facing a classy field that contained many of those full-grown women that had beaten her in the spring, Nakeeta Jane returned transformed.

"She has improved physically and mentally, she paraded fantastically well today, her mind and her body have caught up now and she is on a level playing field with the other fillies," Newnham said. "Last prep she was racing fillies that had already had a solid 2-year-old campaign , but now she has had the catch-up and is outstanding."

What made Nakeeta Jane's explosive win so impressive, other than she has done it at her fourth race start, is that her main target is still 56 days away and is a race double in distance to the Light Fingers: the G1 Australian Oaks.

"The 1200m was the only issue, but on her work and the way she has returned she was capable of doing something like that." - Mark Newnham

"The 1200m was the only issue, but on her work and the way she has returned she was capable of doing something like that," Newnham said. "I had an inkling that could happen today, just because of the rapid improvement she showed last preparation.

A more mature Nakeeta Jane

"We weren't game to run her in anything less than 1400m last time in because we didn't think she would keep up. But she has shown in her work and her trials this time that she can actually jump and travel. It was just a matter of her maturing. She is top class, there is no doubt about that. To be able to do what she is doing after four starts, we have a good road ahead of us I would say."

Nakeeta Jane will return to Randwick in two weeks for the G1 Surround Stakes and then follow a path to the Oaks with a filly he labeled "special."

"From what she has gone from last preparation which was a filly that was very green at the trials, to being beaten a head in the G1 Flight Stakes at her third start, you know you are working with something special," he said. " That tells me she is top class. A filly that can do that off four starts and with limited experience tells you the road ahead is pretty good, because she has improved and keeps improving. You never really know when that will finish."

Black-Type Results

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Group 1 VRC Lightning S., Flemington

Race Summary:

Already a Group 1 winner, In Her Time (Time Thief) added even more value to her future broodmare career here.

The mare settled in midpack on the inside of the pack but didn’t sit far off the leaders while running down the straight at Flemington. At the 400 metre mark she put her hat in the ring for the leading position, challenging Sunlight (Zoustar) for the lead and taking it from the 200 metres.

A late run from the back of the pack by Osborne Bulls (Street Cry {IRE}) looked to be a threat in the final 100 metres but the line came just in time with the mare finishing in front by a narrow margin with Sunlight less than a half length behind in third.

Pedigree Notes:

In Her Time is from two-time winner Hell It’s Hot (Zeditave), who has five winners from six to race. The mare’s only stakes winner, In Her Time was passed in at the Inglis Classic in 2014 with a $40,000 reserve, a feat repeated this year when Hell It’s Hot’s Artie Schiller filly went through the last ring and passed in at $150,000.

Hell It’s Hot is a half-sister to three stakes winners and the dam of one other with her dam producing 100 per cent winners from 13 to race.

Hell It’s Hot had an Under the Louvre (Excellent Art) filly in 2018 and was served by Impending (Lonhro) this past breeding season.

Group 2 Apollo S., Randwick

Race Summary:

Thirty was the magic number for world champion Winx (Street Cry {Ire}) on Saturday in her seasonal return, setting a race record.

The mare took her customary place near the back of the field and motored along in a relaxed style until Hugh Bowman gave her the cue to run. Once she switched into gear, victory assured with the mare pulling away from the field in the final 200 metres to comfortably win her 30th consecutive race.

Happy Clapper (Teofilo {Ire}) was second, finishing behind the mare for the 10th time in his career with Winx’s trainer Chris Waller also training third place finisher Egg Tart (Sebring).

Pedigree Notes:

Winx is the second foal from Listed winning Vegas Showgirl (NZ) (Al Akbar), whose first foal is Miss Atom Bomb (Encosta de Lago), the dam of Talindert fourth Nuclear Blitz (Sepoy).

Vegas Showgirl is also the dam of Group 3 winning two-year-old El Divino (Snitzel) and the unraced Boulder City (Snitzel), who entered stud this year.

Vegas Showgirl is a half-sister to Group 3 placed Black Magic Maggie (Westminster) and from the family of Group 1 winning El Khobar (Gabador)

Vegas Showgirl has a 2-year-old filly by Snitzel named Courchevel in training with Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, a yearling filly named Covent Garden (Exceed and Excel), and is in foal to Japanese superstar Deep Impact (JPN) (Sunday Silence [USA}).

Group 2 Light Fingers S., Randwick

Race Summary:

It was a winning return for Nakeeta Jane (So You Think {NZ}) at Randwick on Saturday.

The filly put herself at the front of the pack behind the leaders but still looked to have plenty of work to do at the 300 metre mark with the duelling leaders still lengths in front of the field. It wasn’t until the 150 mark that Nakeeta Jane switched into gear and started chasing the leading Madam Rouge (Zoustar) in earnest.

She took the lead from that mare inside the final 25 metres to win the race with Pohutukawa (Medaglia d’Oro {USA}) on Nakeeta Jane’s heels in third.

Pedigree Notes:

Nakeeta Jane is the tenth Group winner for her sire and 15th stakes winner overall. The mare is one of five winners from five to race for Group 2 placed Lustre Lady (Flying Spur) and the only stakes winner.

Lustre Lady is a granddaughter of Group 1 The Oaks winner Jet Ski Lady (USA) (Vaguely Noble {IRE}), who is also the granddam of Listed winner Legal Approach (GB) (Zafonic {USA}).

Nakeeta Jane is the only Lustre Lady not to go through the sales ring as a yearling with the filly having a 2018 half-brother by Pierro (Lonhro). Her dam was mated to So You Think in 2018 to produce a full sibling to Nakeeta Jane.

Group 2 Avondale Guineas, Ellerslie

Race Summary:

Surely Sacred (NZ) (Rock ‘n’ Pop {NZ}) returned to his winning ways on Saturday when winning his second Group 2 in five starts at Ellerslie.

Settling near the back of the midfield pack one off the rail, the gelding travelled comfortably in the 2100 metre race under Vinnie Colgan. With a three horse leading pack a few lengths ahead of the field at the 600 metre mark, Colgan asked his mount to move closer and received an immediate response.

Turning into the straight, he was nearly even with the leaders. While he veered a bit as he tried to take over the lead, it didn’t seem to affect his run much. In A Twinkling (Fastnet Rock), who he had passed in the final 300 metres for the lead, wasn’t willing to give up without a fight and came back at the gelding to give him a challenge in the last 50 metres to lose by a slim margin. Vernanme (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) was in the clear behind the pair to finish third while race favourite Cutadeel (Dundeel {NZ}) didn’t fire and finished 13th.

Pedigree Notes:

Bought by Raffles Racing for NZ$160,000 as a yearling at Karaka, Surely Sacred is the second-to-last foal from five-time winner Not Sure (NZ) (Masterclass), who is the dam of five winners from eight to race.

Not Sure’s second foal is Group 2 winner Betwixt (NZ) (O’Reilly), who in turn produced Group 1 Queensland Oaks winner Provocative (NZ) (Zabeel). Not Sure herself is from listed winner Icelette (Icelandic), who is also the dam of Group 1 winner Taupo Retreat (Centaine).

Not Sure had one foal after Surely Sacred, a full sister to the gelding named Of Two Minds, who is in training with Tony Pike.

Group 2 Avondale Cup, Ellerslie

Race Summary:

It was a tight finish but in the end Glory Days (NZ) (Red Giant {USA}) came out the winner of the photo in the last stakes of the day in New Zealand.

The mare watched most of the race from the back of the field, but with 700 metes left, she made a big move to pass most of the field and place herself nearly even with the leaders. With 400 metres left and her path in the centre of the track clear, Glory Days made her run and had the lead with 200 to go. The rest of the field were lengths behind her except for Blue Breeze (NZ) (Bullbars), who stuck with her and nearly nabbed her at the line in a tight photo.

In the end, Glory Days was able to keep her victory with Blue Breeze second by the narrowest of margins and Five To Midnight (NZ) (Domesday) third.

Pedigree Notes:

Glory Days is the second foal from Bilancia (NZ) (Montjeu {IRE}), who has two winners from four to run. Bilancia is a half-sister to Listed winner Kasumi (NZ) (Shinko King) and to listed placed Tariama (NZ) (Manntari).

This is also the family of Group 2 winner The Right Money (Magic Of Money) and Group 3 winners Ourforeignminister (Dubai Destination) and Bell Academy (Royal Academy).

Glory Days hasn’t been through a sales ring but her 3-year-old half-sister sold for NZ$60,000 to Bruce Perry Bloodstock and has since been named Never Not Verve (NZ) (Shocking) and placed in two starts. Her yearling half-brother didn’t meet his NZ$10,000 reserve during his time in the ring and the mare has a yearling filly by Shocking who hasn’t yet been to a sale.

Group 3 CS Hayes S., Flemington

Race Summary:

The Inevitable (Dundeel {NZ}) had done all there was to do in Tasmania with four straight victories and on Saturday, he proved he was just as good on the mainland at Flemington.

The gelding was eager in his running and never totally relaxed when sitting on the outside in midpack. By the 300 metre mark, he was ready when asked to pick it up and started to chase down Age of Chivalry (NZ) (He's Remarkable {NZ}). At the 100 metre mark, he had a slight advantage on that rival with his head in front, a margin that wouldn’t change much by the end of the race

The finish for third was just as close for the win with O’Tauto (O’Lonhro) edging out Godolphin’s Ranier (Lonhro) for third.

Pedigree Notes:

The Inevitable’s dam Gift Bouquet (King’s High) was already a stakes producer before the gelding came along as the dam of Group 3 winning Blahnik (Jeune), Listed winner Elysees (Statue Of Liberty) and Listed placed Petman (Lonhro).

Her four stakes horses are four of her 11 winners from 14 to race with Petman winning the most races for the mare at 10.

Gift Bouquet herself is a Listed winner and the best runner under her first two dams with Group 2 winner Ksar Royal (Ksar) under her third dam. The Inevitable is the mare’s final foal.

Group 3 Vanity S., Flemington

Race Summary:

The winner of her first four starts this season before finding some trouble at the spring carnival, Amphitrite (Sebring) returned a winner after a spell.

The filly sat in midpack of the strung out field, dropping off the pace and finding a spot on the rail. With 400 metres to go, the filly found a hole and went for it, pulling even with the leaders at the 200 metre mark and taking the lead with 100 metres left. At 50 metres, it was all over with Amphitrite having a comfortable three quarter length lead.

Verry Ellegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) made a huge closing run to nab Fundamentalist (Not a Single Doubt) for second by a head.

Pedigree Notes:

Bought for $50,000 at the 2017 Magic Millions Adelaide Sale, Amphitrite is the third foal and first stakes winner for Ocean Dream (Redoute’s Choice). Ocean Dream is the dam of three winners from three to race and was a two-time winner herself.

She is a half sister to Group 1 winner Marble Halls (Nassipour) and the dam of Group 1 Blue Diamond winner Sleek Chassis (Flying Spur).

Ocean Dream has a 2-year-old by Akeed Mofeed named Ocean Cruise and a yearling colt by the stallion as well. After missing to him in 2017, she returned to his court in 2018.

Group 3 Southern Cross S., Randwick

Race Summary:

Eckstein (I Am Invincible) continued I Am Invincible’s streak of having a stakes winner every weekend at Randwick on Saturday.

Returning from a layoff, the mare was ready to start her campaign. Breaking well, she settled second-to-last but as the field entered the turn looked ready to run any time jockey Sam Clipperton gave her the cue. At the 400 metre mark, it was that time and the mare switched into another gear as she joined the pack trying to chase down Dothraki (Mossman).

It took nearly the whole straight with the mare getting her head in front in the final few metres with race-favourite Brutal (NZ) (O’Reilly) close behind in third.

Pedigree Notes:

Sold for $165,000 to Australian Bloodstock as a yearling at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Eckstein is the third foal from Comrie (Choisir). Comrie has three winners from four to race with that non-winner being her 2-year-old Speedycom (Debedee), who has run once.

Comrie’s second dam is three-time Group 1 winner Canny Lass (Bletchingly), who is the dam of two stakes winners and the granddam of four others.

Comrie had a filly foal by Sooboog (Snitzel) in 2018 and was covered by Hellbent (I Am Invincible) in 2018 for a three-quarter sibling to Eckstein.

Group 3 Triscay S., Randwick

Race Summary:

Patience paid off for the connections of 5-year-old Alassio (Foxwedge), who was making her stakes debut in her ninth career start and second start in a week.

Alassio started well to sit in second behind the leading All Over Bosanova (Court Command), biding her time as the leader opened up multiple lengths on the field. By the 400 metre mark, the gap had been closed but Alassio still had some work to do to get the lead. As All Over Bosanova faded in the final 300 metres, Manicure (Exceed And Excel) was also eying the lead and the pair passed the leader at the 200 metre mark.

Alassio had the advantage and was going to fight hard to keep it, fighting off the closing Manicure to hang on by a head at the wire. Behind the pair, I Am Excited (Snitzel) was working to keep her own placing, staying just ahead of two others at the line to finish third.

Pedigree Notes:

Alassio is the fifth foal from Listed winner Cinque (Red Ransom {USA}). Sold for $50,000 to Gai Waterhouse Racing at the Inglis Easter Sale, she is one of two winners from four to race for her dam.

Cinque is the granddam of Group 2 placed Dealmaker (Dundeel {NZ}) and is the only stakes winner from her dam. Her second dam is also the dam of Carduel (USA) (Buckpasser PUSA}), who has proven to be a prolific broodmare with champion Lailani (GB) (Unfuwain {USA}) and Group 1 placed Naheef (IRE) (Marju{IRE}), Ley Hunter (USA) (Kingmambo {USA}) and Faithful Son (USA) (Zilzal {USA}) descending from her branch of the family tree.

Listed Talindert S., Flemington

Race Summary:

Foiled by I Am Immortal (I Am Invincible) last out, 2-year-old Microphone (Exceed And Excel) was able to get his first stakes victory here.

Microphone raced in third behind fellow Godolphin runner Lanigera (Denman) and at the 300 metre mark made his move to slide up the rail and take the lead from his stablemate. In the last 200 metres, he shook off any would-be challengers to win by over a length. Talented (Snitzel) made a big run to finish second with Foxwedge’s Charleise in third.

Pedigree Notes:

Godolphin homebred Microphone becomes the third 2-year-old stakes winner of the season for his sire Exceed And Excel (Danehill {USA}).

He is from Listed winner Sung (Anabaa {USA}), who has produced three winners from four to race including the five-time winner Lieder (Street Cry {IRE}). The mare is a full sister to 2002-2003 Champion Sprinter Yell and a half-sister to Shouts (Strategic), the dam of Group 1 winner Holler (Commands).

Also the dam of a yearling colt by Teofilo, Sung was sold at the 2018 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $70,000 to Boomer Bloodstock.

Listed Birthday Cup, Morphettville

Race Summary:

It was a third straight victory and first stakes victory for Wasabi Bob (Rebel Raider) on Saturday.

Wasabi Bob settled about a length behind the leader, running comfortably behind Silent Warrior (Fastnet Rock) as that gelding set the pace. Wasabi Bob steadily closed the gap from the 800 metre mark until he took over the lead at 300 metres. He wasn’t overly eager to totally leave that rival behind but finally started pulling away in the final 100 metres.

But as he started to pull away from the tiring pacesetter, he was confronted with Excessabeel (NZ) (Savabeel), who pushed him but was never able to get within about half a length of the winner. Excessabeel finished a clear second with Royal Rumble (New Approach {IRE}) behind in third.

Pedigree Notes:

Wasabi Bob is the first foal from the placed mare Miss Sachmo (Secret Savings {USA}),who hails from the extended family of Group 1 winner Rosananti (IRE) (Blushing Groom {FR}).

None of the mare’s foals have been through the sales ring and she has been mated to Rebel Raider every year she’s been bred. She has a 2-year-old filly named Barbaraider and a yearling colt by the stallion still to hit the track and she was bred to him again in 2018.

Listed Southland Guineas, Ellerslie

Race Summary:

The third time was the charm on Saturday as Weaponry (NZ) (Declaration of War {USA}) contested his third consecutive Guineas and took home the winner’s prize.

Breaking out of the widest barrier, Weaponry pushed to the front of the field soon after the break to sit just off the pace as Fire Show (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) and Air Max (NZ) (Nadeem) battled it out up front. It wasn’t long before that duo was joined by the rest of the pack and Weaponry took over a relaxed lead while the other jockeys hustled their mounts to stay with him.

Dylan Turner gave the gelding a few reminders in the straight to keep his attention but he never looked in any real danger of losing. After attempting to stick with the winner at the top of the straight, Upscale (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) finished second and Air Max third.

Pedigree Notes:

A NZ$140,000 buy from the Curraghmore draft by David Ellis at Karaka, Weaponry is from the winning Felix The Cat (USA) mare Cat Shmea.

Cat Shmea has proven to be an outstanding broodmare with three of her six foal to race winning or placing in Group races. Her first foal was Group 1 winning Velocitea (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}), who went on to produce Listed placed Linehills (Redoute’s Choice). The mare followed that up with Group 2 placed Maastricht (Mastercraftsman) in 2011, who went on to produce Group 3 winner Loving Gaby (I Am Invincible). Weaponry was the mare’s final foal.

Daily News Wrap

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5 min read

Group 1 next for Amphitrite

Lindsay Park senior trainer David Hayes is looking forward to the coming weeks with stable newcomer Amphitrite (Sebring) following a first-up win in G3 TAB The Vanity at Flemington.

"We've only had her 11 days and she arrived in great order from the Darren Weir stable and luckily we've been able to hold her form," Hayes said.

"It's an exciting month ahead as we're heading to the All-Star Mile, hopefully she gets enough votes to get in, via the Guineas.

"She's a progressive filly and exciting to get as it's all ahead of her. With some Group 1 winners you get they may be past their best.

"I know she ran a shocker at her last start, they often do at the end of their preps, so it's a real relief to see her come back and do that."

Amphitrite's winning connections

Tasmanian too strong

Star Tasmanian 3-year-old The Inevitable (Dundeel) has most likely extended his stay in Victoria with a hard-fought win at Flemington the in the G3 CS Hayes S.

It was the diminutive gelding’s fifth victory on the bounce and set him up for a tilt at the G1 Australian Guineas.

“He’s a ripper. He’s very small and lucky to be 15 hands, but he’s got a great turn of foot,” trainer Scott Brunton said. “What a thrill.”

The Inevitable settled in midfield and one off the fence and produced a sustained finish to beat the frontrunner Age Of Chivalry (NZ) (Mr Remarkable {NZ}).

“He felt the winner from the 600, it’s so exciting,” rider Siggy Carr said. “The sky’s the limit with him.”

Bonecrusher next assignment

Last-start G1 Herbie Dyke S. winner On The Rocks (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}) will bid to double his top-flight tally and further enhance his future stallion value at his next appearance.

“He’s a box of fluffies and loving all the attention,” said Pam Gerard, who runs the Matamata operation of the Flemington-based Michael Moroney. “He’ll run in the Bonecrusher S. next.”

She was referring to the G1 Bonecrusher New Zealand S. at Ellerslie on March 9.

On The Rocks has won five of his 12 starts and he is out of a half-sister to Efficient (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), Group 1 winner of the Melbourne Cup, Turnbull S. and the VRC Derby.

Currie asks for time

Ben Currie has asked for a two weeks deferment of a hearing in which he will be asked to show cause why he should not be suspended.

The Toowoomba-based trainer was hit with seven animal cruelty charges including use of jiggers.

Currie already faces 28 charges from a raid on his stables in April last year and four unrelated positive swab charges.

Ben Currie

He has been instructed to appear before stewards at 10am on Monday to argue why he shouldn't be suspended until the charges are dealt with.

Currie's barrister Jim Murdoch said Currie's legal team had written to chief steward Peter Chadwick asking for a deferment.

Schabau does it again

Import Schabau (Ger) (Pastorius {Ger}) remained unbeaten in Australia with a tenacious win as a short-priced favourite at Flemington.

Schabau was successful at his Australian debut at Flemington on New Year's Day and registered his second victory taking out Saturday's Lawn H.

Trainer Robert Hickmott said the tempo of Saturday's contest was against Schabau who will now be stepped up in distance if he's to continue racing further into the autumn.

"He's a mile and-a-half plus horse, but he still showed a turn of foot," Hickmott said.

"They ran a 10.98 (second) last furlong. He did that very well and was brave to the line."

Hickmott said if Schabau pulled up well he would be back at Flemington to run in the Listed Roy Higgins Quality over 2600m on March 2.

Visitor takes the glory

Glory Days (NZ) (Red Giant {USA}) made her first visit to Ellerslie a memorable one when she dug deep to win the G2 Coca-Cola Avondale Cup.

Despite the unfamiliar surroundings, Glory Days handled her first experience of racing right-handed with aplomb as she produced a sustained finishing run to win for the ninth time in her career.

“This is my biggest moment by far,” trainer Bill Thurlow said. “It means a hell of a lot as we only have a little, wee team.

“She’s a horse we have always loved and had a lot of time for, but to come and do this is bit of a dream really.

“She has 53.5kg in the Auckland Cup, which is quite a luxury weight, so we will just keep her ticking over and come back in three weeks’ time.

Sydney a step closer

Ever Loyal (Sebring) almost certainly earned himself a trip to Sydney with a facile victory in the Dunstan Feeds H. at Ellerslie.

“That’s what we wanted to see and it was expected, he was a short price,” trainer Tony Pike said.

“He’s a pretty progressive horse so it’s onwards and upwards. There’s a nice race in Sydney for him at the end of the month, the Liverpool City Cup.

“It’s a Group 3 race handicap over 1300 metres and we want to try and get his prize money up for a possible longer-term race like the Stradbroke H.”

Placed in last season’s G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas, Ever Loyal is raced by successful Australian breeder and owner Rob Ferguson, who was formerly a part-owner of Magic Millions.

Looking Ahead - February 17

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 focus on a pair of well-related maiden contenders at the Nowra meeting while at Spendthrift Park we like the chances of an I Am Invincible filly who resumes for Leon and Troy Corstens.

Nowra Bomaderry Bowling Club Maiden $22,000 1400 metres 2.05pm

My Tunes (Your Song) is a half-brother to the G3 Japan Racing Association Plate winner and G3 Epona S. placegetter Top Of My List (High Chaparral {Ire}). Their dam is the well-performed Beauty Watch (Belong To Me {USA}), winner of a G3 Hawkesbury Gold Cup and twice a Group 1 runner-up. She is a half-sister to the G2 Magic Night S. winner Precious Glitter (Danehill {USA}) and the family of the Hong Kong stakes winner and G1 South Australian Derby placegetter Empire Gold (Second Empire {Ire}).

Trained by Anthony Cummings, My Tunes has been extensively trialled and will be ridden by Bobby El-Issa. They meet a modest line-up and with an ounce of early luck from a tricky gate the gelding can make an impact on debut.

My Tunes as a yearling

Nowra McDonald’s Shoalhaven Plate $22,000 1400 metres 2.40pm

An international pedigree will be on show when Blucarat (Pendragon {NZ}) steps out for the first time. Her unraced dam Miss Verdura (Falbrav {Ire}), whose only foal to race has been successful, is a half-sister to the G2 Prix Kergorlay winner Kassani (Ire) (Alleged {USA}) and the dual French Group 3 winner Kassana (Ire) (Shernazar (Ire). Her daughter Kastoria (Ire) (Selkirk {USA}) won the G1 Irish St Leger.

Trained by John Sargent, who races the mare with Think Big Stud, Blucarat has been given plenty of time to mature and she has placed in both of her last two trials. Winona Costin takes the reins and is a combination that could offer some value.

Pendragon

Spendthrift Park Overshare, son of I Am Invincible, at Spendthrift $23,000 1100 metres 1.35pm

Diabolical (I Am Invincible) makes her return here for Leon and Troy Corstens after finishing a sound fourth in her spring debut at Bairnsdale. She has drawn ideally and appeals as a good each way prospect for rider Dylan Dunn.

The filly is a daughter of Philocracy (Bureaucracy), who is a sister to the G2 Hardy Brothers Classic and G2 Sedgewick Classic winner Noircir, who also placed in the G1 Coolmore Classic. It is the family of the domestic and international Group 1 winner and successful sire So You Think (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}).

Diabolical as a yearling