Kitchwin to build on prior success

5 min read
Emboldened by some fantastic results at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale last year, Kitchwin Hills present a draft with plenty of depth at this year's sale, which begins on Tuesday at the Riverside Complex.

Kitchwin sold 12 horses at the Riverside complex last year, achieving an average of $445,000 and headlined by a couple of huge results, with colts by leading sires Snitzel and I Am Invincible selling for over $1m.

The sale topper for Kitchwin was the Snitzel colt out of Group 1 winner Go Indy Go (Bernardini {USA}), who fetched $1.5m for a group headed by Steve Morley at Glenlogan Park.

Twelve months later, Kitchwin presents Lot 29, his full brother, who James Hetherington, Marketing and Nominations Manager, feels is potentially an improved version of last year's colt, who is now named Brabham and is currently in training with Peter and Paul Snowden.

"He is out of a really good race mare but is a really strong colt to go with it," Hetherington told TDN AusNZ.

"He's a different type of horse to the one last year. This guy looks like a real ball of speed. He should be up around that mark again. Whether he makes that $1.5m, it’s hard to say, but he should be in that top echelon of colts again," he said.

"He's a different type of horse to the one last year." - James Hetherington, Kitchwin Marketing and Nominations Manager

The Snitzel x Go Indy Go colt who sold for $1.5m at last year's Easter Sale, now named Brabham

The other seven-figure colt was by Yarraman's I Am Invincible out of Listed winner Marianne (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}), who has her second colt, by Coolmore's Vancouver catalogued as Lot 110.

All in all, Kitchwin present 10 colts and eight fillies, with a real mix of topline sires. There are four by Snitzel, three by Fastnet Rock, two by I Am Invincible and three by More Than Ready (USA).

"We had a really good sale here last year and we are trying to build off the back of that. We’ve got a pretty even bunch of 18, probably more even than last year and we are really happy with how they have come on over the last few weeks," Hetherington said.

"They are nearly all by stallions in the top four or five of the sires' table. It’s a good mix and we haven’t got all our eggs in the one basket."

"It’s a good mix and we haven’t got all our eggs in the one basket." - James Hetherington

Hetherington said while quality was the overriding factor in a successful sale, having the right mix of stallions was also important.

"We've got nice Sebring colt (Lot 236), a Written Tycoon (Lot 21) and a Hinchinbrook (Lot 190) as well. I think it’s a good mix of horse and the quality is there all the way. There is no tail to it."

"They are just a good bunch of horses who will all find their markets."

With the market strong at the top, and Easter the most select of the yearling sales, with only 450 in the catalogue, Hetherington said it was crucial to bring the best of the best.

"You don’t want to bringing something here for the sake of it, it has to be the right article." - James Hetherington

"You want to have your best here. If you don’t have a draft which mixes it with the best, you might get left behind a bit. I guess you are trying to find those ones who have the big pedigrees but type-wise can back it up," he said.

"You don’t want to bringing something here for the sake of it, it has to be the right article."

Pick of the fillies

The pick of the fillies, according to Hetherington, is Lot 287, by Medaglia d'Oro (USA) out of the Group 1 winning mare Steps In Time (Danehill Dancer {Ire}).

"Medaglia has been doing well at the moment with a few of those Godolphin fillies and she's at the right sale, in terms of those horses going well, out of champions, you are buying into a fair bit of residual there," he said.

Steps in Time is out of a Group 2 winning mare in Rare Insight (NZ) {O'Reilly {NZ}), a family that includes stakes winners Escadaire (O'Reilly {NZ}), Bonny O'Reilly (O'Reilly {NZ}), Glamour Puss (Tale Of The Cat {USA}) and Vision And Power (Carnegie {Ire}).

Lot 287 Medaglia d'Oro (USA) x Steps In Time

Kitchwin sold her first two colts by Sebring at Easter the past two years.

The recent performances of Pierata (Pierro) have been watched with pride by Kitchwin Hills, who sold him at for $160,000 as a yearling.

His younger half-brother by Rubick is catalogued as Lot 154 for Easter.

With a significant amount of quality from all the major players, and a strong market predicted, Hetherington is anticipating a big sale.

"It’s a very select sale when you get down to 400 after scratchings. When you have that top echelon, you get into a different market as we saw with the top lots at the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast. These are top-line horses who have such residual value and you’d expect it to be very strong," he said.

Lot 154 Rubick x November Flight

High-quality mares lined up for Magic Millions National Sale

3 min read
The dams of Group 1 winners Lyre (Lonhro), Levendi (Pierro) and Lasqueti Spirit (Beneteau) as well as Group 1 winner I Am A Star (I Am Invincible) are among those confirmed to go under the hammer at the 2019 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.

Magic Millions released its preview catalogue on Friday listing 25 race fillies and maiden mares and 35 broodmares for the sale which runs from May 28 to May 31 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast complex.

"The National Broodmare Sale is one of the world's great auctions and we are delighted to reveal just a taste of what you can expect when the catalogue is unveiled in about a fortnight's time," Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said.

Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch

"We will present buyers with a catalogue packed with top prospects across all sections of the market – we will have over 1100 lots in the Broodmare Sale alone."

"We also have outstanding catalogues to come for the National Weanling and Yearling Sales and we’re looking forward to a quality catalogue for the National Racehorse Sale as well," Bowditch added.

"We will present buyers with a catalogue packed with top prospects across all sections of the market." - Barry Bowditch

Lyre's recent victory in the G1 Blue Diamond S. has boosted the value of her dam Erato (Street Cry {Ire}) significantly and her current owners Australian Bloodstock, who bought her for $120,000 at the National Sale in 2017, are putting her up for sale again, in foal to Russian Revolution.

Lyre following her G1 Blue Diamond win, her dam Erato will be offered at the Magic Millions National Mare Sale

She boasts a great pedigree being a half-sister to Group 1 winner and now Darley stallion Impending (Lonhro) as well as stakes-winners Forget (Exceed and Excel) and Epidemic (Lonhro) out of the champion filly Mnemosyne (Encosta De Lago).

Levendi has not started since winning last year's G1 Australian Derby and his regally bred dam Lipari (Redoute's Choice) is set to feature in the catalogue as well. Out of Group 1 winner Tully Thunder (Thunder Gulch {USA}), she has also produced the stakes winner Marcel From Madrid (Sepoy) and is in foal to I Am Invincible.

The dam of Lasqueti Spirit, an upset winner of the 2016 VRC Oaks, Supriym Story (General Nediym), is also listed for sale. A half-sister to stakes-winner My Destiny (Stratum), she was served by Spirit of Boom last season.

The best of the race fillies/maiden mares is undoubtedly I Am A Star, who won a remarkable nine stakes races, including the 2016 G1 Myer Classic. Her dam Star Band (USA) (Dixieland Band {USA}) is a half-sister to two stakes-winners.

Gallery: A preview of the Stakes performed fillies on offer at the Magic Millions National Mare Sale

Another Group 1 winner to feature will be Global Glamour (Star Witness), who was served by Zoustar last spring

Also set to feature in the catalogue are Group 2 winners Whispering Brook (Hinchinbrook), Sedanzer (Sebring), Quilista (Scandal Keeper {USA}), Oregon's Day (Domesday) and Gift of Power (NZ) (Power {GB}) as well as Group 1-placed trio Missrock (Fastnet Rock), Contessa Vanessa (NZ) (Bullbars) and Eckstein (I Am Invincible).

In the broodmares section are the dams of recent stakes winners Pohutukawa, Thinkin' Big, Pure Elation and Houtzen.

There are also siblings to the likes of Capitalist, Yes Yes Yes, Shamrocker, OfcourseIcan and Jimmy Choux (NZ).

One of the other interesting lots will be Sous La Terre (Pierro), the half-sister to Solar Charged (Charge Forward), who is in foal to Zoustar with what would be a close relative to triple Group 1 winning filly Sunlight.

The full catalogue for the National Broodmare Sale is expected later in April, along with the full catalogue for the National Weanling Sale.

Derby a moment of Truth for Angel

4 min read

By Bren O'Brien

Breeder and owner Ross Williams has every faith that G2 Tulloch S. winner Angel Of Truth (Animal Kingdom {USA}) has the ability to back-up and win Saturday's $2m G1 Harrolds Australian Derby, it’s just a matter of whether it has all come a bit soon.

Angel Of Truth caused somewhat of an upset when he led all the way in the Tulloch S. last Saturday, but neither Williams nor trainer Gwenda Markwell were surprised that he handled the 2000m with aplomb.

"Gwenda was saying, what you see in his early race wins over shorter distances was raw ability and he will show his true ability, when he gets out over 2400m, even over 2000m, it’s a bit short for him," Williams told TDN AusNZ.

"As a type, he always looked the Derby type." - Owner Ross Williams

"As a type, he always looked the Derby type. He doesn’t carry much weight, he's very athletic and he's on his toes all the time. He doesn’t need much work and he's got good wind and recovers fast."

Trainer Gwenda Markwell with racing manager Ross McConville

Williams, who is the driving force behind the breeding operation Superhorse Trust, paid $80,000 for Angel Of Truth's dam Scarletini (Bernardini {USA}) at the 2015 National Broodmare Sale.

He was as much interested in the Animal Kingdom {USA}) foal she was carrying, as he was in the broodmare herself.

"I bought the mare in foal to him for that reason. I felt the cross was excellent for getting a Melbourne Cup horse, which is what I am after," he said.

"I felt the cross was excellent for getting a Melbourne Cup horse, which is what I am after." - Ross Williams

As a commercial breeder, Williams looks to put all his stock through the ring but couldn’t find a sale for Angel Of Truth as a yearling and retained him to race.

"I offer all my horses at the sale, but they don’t always pick them. I sold one by Testa Rossa at the Classic sale for $120,000, but I seem to have trouble getting the auctioneers to pick them," he said.

Angel Of Truth is by Animal Kingdom

"They say my yearlings are a bit backward compared to the rest, but they go on to win races, so I'm not too sure."

Williams has had significant success with those horses he has kept, including Anatomica (Choisir), who ran fourth in the G1 Golden Slipper S., Mandylion (Nicconi) and the very promising Archedemus (Lope de Vega {Ire}) who is the favourite for the Provincial Championship on the second day of The Championships.

"They say my yearlings are a bit backward compared to the rest, but they go on to win races." - Ross Williams

Last week's success in the Tulloch S. was his biggest as an owner in terms of the status of the race and could get even bigger should Angel Of Truth cause another upset on Saturday.

Williams is realistic about his chances and knows that whatever Angel Of Truth does, he will only improve going forward.

"He's a bit immature at the moment, and I guess the question on Saturday is how he goes against seasoned horses, who are probably more mature than him," he said.

"As I said, mine take bit longer to mature. If he fails, it will be not because he hasn't got the ability, but probably because he needs more time."

Both Williams and Markwell seem to be on the same page, something that Williams said is crucial when it comes to choosing a trainer.

As well as Kembla Grange based Markwell, Superhorse also uses the services of Warwick Farm-based Joe Pride and Bathurst horseman Dean Mirfin.

"If he fails, it will be not because he hasn't got the ability, but probably because he needs more time." - Ross Williams

"I've selected those trainers because I think they are kind to the horses and they don’t damage them," he said.

"That's very important to me as both an owner and a breeder."

Pedigree Boosters

3 min read

In the build up to the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale at the Riverside Complex, we will pick out three yearlings each day who have had substantial pedigree updates in the past couple of months.

Today, we look at a Medaglia D'Oro colt who is half-sister to a recent 2-year-old stakes winner, check out a Doncaster Mile runner with a full sister in the sale, and profile a South African Listed winner who has provided a timely boost to the pedigree of a couple in the catalogue.

Lot 231 Medaglia d'Oro (USA}) x Rostova (Testa Rossa)

Rostova was a Group 1 winning mare who was sold for $850,000 in 2015, so her progeny always attract plenty of attention. This colt is the first of her yearlings to sell since Anaheed (Fastnet Rock) became the mare's first stakes-winner with her victory in the G2 Sweet Embrace S.

Anaheed's other win was in the Victory Vein S. on debut, while she was last seen when sixth in the G1 Golden Slipper S. She holds an entry for the G2 Percy Sykes S. to be held on Day 2 of The Championships.

Lot 231 Medaglia d'Oro (USA) x Rostova

Lot 444 - Fastnet Rock x Eskimo Queen (NZ) (Shinko King {Ire}) - Offered by Kitchwin Hills

This filly will have plenty of admirers already, being out of a Group 1 winning mare, but the recent form of her full brother Dreamforce will enhance interest in her. Dreamforce has been in career-best form this campaign, highlighted by his third in the G1 George Ryder S. behind Winx (Street Cry {Ire}).

Prior to that he collected his third stakes win in the G3 Liverpool City Cup at Randwick and contests the G1 The Star Doncaster Mile on Saturday. The half-brother by Wandjina, Deep Chill, is now a stakes-placegetter having run third in the recent G3 Canonbury S.

Lot 444 Fastnet Rock x Eskimo Queen (NZ)

Lot 15 - Choisir x Fly Me (Encosta de Lago)

South African galloper Sir Frenchie (Choisir) has done this family a few favours on the pedigree page and he recorded another stakes win in the Listed East Cape Sprint Cup at Fairview last week. This filly's dam Fly Me is a half-sister to Sir Frenchie's dam Volando (Viscount). Given they both share the same sire, in Choisir, there is a close family connection between this filly and the dual stakes-winner.

Lot 250, a colt by Vancouver out of Secret Silence (Fusaichi Pegasus {USA}), is also part of the same family, with his second dam, Nothings Secret (USA) (Secreto {USA}), the fourth dam of Sir Frenchie.

Lot 15 Choisir x Fly Me

Black Type Preview: Randwick - The Championships - Day 1

10 min read

A classic TJ

Randwick, G1 Aquis TJ Smith S. $2,500,000, 1200m

The TJ Smith is now firmly established as one of the country's leading sprint races and the 2019 edition promises to enhance that reputation with six Group 1 winners among the 11-horse field.

Trapeze Artist (Snitzel) is aiming for back-to-back victories in this race, coming off a last start Group 1 win in the Canterbury S. and is understandably at the top of the market. The condition of the Randwick track is probably his major concern, having won just one of seven on rain-affected tracks, although he was runner-up on the Heavy 9 in The Everest in the spring.

The horse that beat him, Redzel (Snitzel) fronts up here, looking to avenge his defeat in this race last year. There is a slight query over the 6-year-old's form this campaign having been well-beaten when top weight in the G1 Galaxy last start but he overcame a similar below-par run to claim his second win in The Everest at this track and distance in October.

The rising star is Godolphin's Osborne Bulls (Street Cry {Ire}), who has been runner-up at Group 1 level his past two runs in Melbourne. He was third behind the above mentioned pair in The Everest on that heavy Randwick track and has improved in the six months since. He is also one of the most suited on the wet ground.

The same can’t be said for the star filly Sunlight (Zoustar), who has claimed back-to-back Group 1 victories in Melbourne but is a doubt to run if the ground gets into the heavy range. Tony McEvoy feels she loses her greatest advantage, her speed, on rain-affected ground and will make a decision on whether she takes her place on race morning. Her absence would rob the race of a bit of its intrigue given she looks the best sprinting filly we have seen in a generation.

Pierata (Pierro) went within a whisker of claiming his first Group 1 last time out in the Galaxy and is a horse on the up who loves a wet track. He won the G3 Sydney S. on Everest day last year in a much quicker time than that $13m race and backed that up with a third in the G1 VRC Spring Classic.

The horse who beat him that day was Santa Ana Lane (Lope de Vega {IRE}), now a four -time Group 1 winner who seems to improve with age. He was very good when fifth, beaten just 1.45l in the Newmarket and relishes soft ground.

The other two Group 1 winners in the race are Shoals (Fastnet Rock) and Vega Magic (Lope De Vega {Ire}), while Ball of Muscle (Dubawi {Ire}) is the likely leader.

On for young and old in the Doncaster

Randwick, The Star Doncaster Mile, $3,000,000, 1600m

A typically open renewal of one of Australia's great races, with a couple of genuine Group 1 quality gallopers taking on some rising stars of the turf.

Hartnell (GB) (Authorized {Ire}) is aiming to become the third horse in the past four years to complete the Epsom-Doncaster double in the same season, following in the footsteps of Winx (Street Cry {Ire}) and Happy Clapper (Teofilo {Ire}). The 8-year-old has not done anything wrong of late, running third in the G1 Futurity S. and then second in the All-Star Mile.

Stablemate Alizee (Sepoy) also comes through that formline having won the Futurity and run third in the All-Star Mile. She is a top-class mare is unbeaten over the Randwick 1600m and is a five-time winner on this track.

The 3-year-old Brutal (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}) looks ideally weighted on the minimum 49kg having chased Winx home last time in the G1 George Ryder S. He has so much upside and gets the services of veteran jockey Glen Boss, who has won this race on six previous occasions. The only negative is the fact he has drawn barrier 21.

Fifty Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is a very progressive horse tackling a Group 1 handicap for the first time with 50kg on his back. He has never been beaten in five starts on a soft or heavy track, but like Brutal has been done no favours by the barriers, jumping from 24.

Fundamentalist (Not A Single Doubt) has been placed five times in Group 1s, including last time out when tipped out by The Autumn Sun (Redoute's Choice) in the G1 Randwick Guineas. She would be a deserved winner if this race and gets 49kg and an inside barrier which should ensure she is there when the race is to be won.

Chris Waller has a great association with the Doncaster, winning it first back in 2008 and having won it six times since. His leading hope is the G1 ATC Oaks winner Unforgotten (Fastnet Rock), with plenty of back-up from Shillelagh (NZ) (Savabeel), I Am Serious (Choisir) and Life Less Ordinary (Ire) (Thewayyouare {USA}).

The international aspect comes from the Japanese galloper Kluger (King Kamehameha {Jpn}).

Moroney holds Derby keys

Randwick, Harrolds G1 Australian Derby, $2,000,000, 2400m

It's a really open rendition of the Australian Derby with Kiwi and now Melbourne-based trainer Mike Moroney holding the aces with a pair of emerging young stayers.

Arrogant (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) came through his fourth in the G1 NZ Derby and improved to test out The Autumn Sun last time out in the G1 Rosehill Guineas, just going down. He is a colt on the improve whose chances only improve as the track gets softer.

Stablemate Chapada (Bullet Train {GB}) was third in that Rosehill Guineas, overcoming a chequered package to finish home well late, albeit over two lengths from Arrogant. He was third in the G1 VRC Derby in the spring and has taken improvement through this campaign which has been aimed at this race.

Global Exchange (Dundeel {NZ}) is looking to emulate his sire in winning this race having progressed through a pair of Group 2 wins in Melbourne this campaign, however he is untested on the wet track. Fellow Victorian Stars of Carrum (Fiorente {Ire}) was second in the G1 VRC Derby, but was easily beaten by Global Exchange two runs back. He is also a query on the ground.

Madison County (NZ) steps out to the 2400m for the first time and while he has the class to beat these, the question may prove whether he has the stamina, while Surely Sacred (NZ) (Rock 'n' Pop) has been without luck his past couple of starts and could spring a surprise. The race does not end there.

Slipper key guide to Sires

Randwick G1 Inglis Sires', $1,000,000, 1400m

The G1 Golden Slipper S. form looks a crucial guide to this race as always, with Slipper winner Kiamichi (Sidestep), runner up Microphone (Exceed And Excel) and fourth-placed Loving Gaby (I Am Invincible), all key hopes.

Kiamichi was dominant from the front on the heavy track at Rosehill and there is nothing to suggest that she won’t be able to stretch that out to 1400m, especially from an inside barrier.

Stablemate Microphone looks the type of 2-year-old who will handle most things, so the extra 200m should not worry him, especially so deep into his campaign.

Loving Gaby, meanwhile, looks the one with the most improvement left in her. She should relish a longer trip, with the only real query on her whether her upside comes now or in the winter in the paddock headed towards the spring features. Perhaps this is all too soon for her in her first campaign,

The three horses which bring different formlines are Bellevue Hill (Pierro), who looked good dominating from the front in the G3 Baillieu S. over this distance last week, Castelvecchio (Dundeel {NZ}), who possesses a big finish and looks ideally suited to the longer distance and the Kiwi filly Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel), who was super impressive winning the Karaka Million in January before enduring a difficult first-up run in Australia in the G3 Magic Night S. won by Kiamichi.

Emerging stayers eye Chairman's

Randwick, G2 Schweppes Chairman's Quality, $300,000, 2600m

This race shapes as a last step toward the G1 Sydney Cup for many of these and it boasts a massive field this year, with the emerging stayers seemingly poised to dominate.

Supernova (GB) (Intillo {Ger}) has had just two starts in Australia but looked to have plenty up his sleeve when a 2.3l winner of a BM78 race last time out.

Also on the limit weight of 53kg is Shraaoah (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), who in his second campaign in Australia and has been twice placed at stakes level and looks a stayer of some talent.

Semari (NZ) (Sebring) looks the one who'll most appreciate the wet track with that mare having broken through for her first stakes win in the G3 Epona S. last time out.

Godolphin well-primed for 2YO success

Randwick, G3 Widden Kindergarten S, $200,000, 1100m

James Cummings looks set to continue his domination of the 2-year-old races with Athiri (Lonhro) widely tipped to secure her first stakes win here. Third in the G3 Magic Night S. behind Kiamichi last time out, she missed the Slipper to target this race.

Stablemate Bivouac's (Exceed And Excel) form looks pretty strong with a win over Cosmic Force (Deep Field) earlier this campaign. He was then fourth in the G2 Todman S. but is probably better suited ridden with a sit, which he should get here.

Evening Slippers (Snitzel) is a well-bred filly on the up, having broken her maiden at Warwick Farm last time out.

Ringerdingding back in class

Randwick, G3 Cactus Imaging Carbine Club S. $200,000, 1600m

Ringerdingding (Sebring) looks well-placed back from Group 1 company the last three runs, with his main challenge likely to come from Dealmaker (Dundeel {NZ}), who was just behind him when they clashed in the G1 Australian Guineas at Flemington.

Ranier (Lonhro) won the Flemington equivalent of this race during the spring but has not quite got back to his best this campaign. An improvement from the Godolphin colt wouldn’t surprise. Fun Fact (The Factor {USA}) is the one emerging through easier races who could measure up here.

Oaks hopes on line in Adrian Knox

Randwick, G3 TAB Adrian Knox S., $200,000, 2000m

This looks a last-chance saloon to the G1 ATC Oaks for many of these fillies, with Team Hawkes' progressive Amangiri (All Too Hard) fancied to easily handle the step up to Group 2 company.

She has been really impressive winning her past two races by big margins and looks a staying filly of some promise. The only question is how she handles this run at just her fourth start.

Zalatte (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) boasts a bit more experience and gets out to the 2000m for the first time having performed with merit against the best fillies this preparation. Third-up into this looks ideal with a view to stretching her even further next week. The Victorian filly Princess Jenni (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}) is another in the improve having won at G3 company at Moonee Valley last start.

Bell tolls for Whisper

Randwick G3 Official Memorabilia PJ Bell S., $300,000, 1200m

This looks a really open fillies race, with Spanish Whisper (Lope De Vega {Ire}) coming off a very good win in the G2 Kewney S. last start, but having had a four-week break between runs, she looks to have considerable promise and does boast wet track form.

Mizzy (Zoustar) had a superb run against the open age mares in the G1 Coolmore Classic last start, having also run fourth in the G1 Surround S. her previous start. That looks more than sound form for this race.

Fiesta (I Am Invincible) is the query runner. One of the best fillies in the spring, she was excellent winning first-up, but didn’t quite measure up in the Surround and then was last in the Coolmore Classic. Her best wins this, but it’s hard to know how far off that she is.

Black Type Preview

6 min read

Mares contest for G1 glory at Te Aroha

Te Aroha, G1 Fiber Fresh NZ Thoroughbred Breeders S. $200,000, 1600m

Volpe Veloce (Foxwedge) gets her chance to add a second Group 1 to her resume when she takes on an even field of mares in the Thoroughbred Breeders S.

A winner of the G1 Sistema Railway S. in 2018, the Graham Richardson and Gavin Parker mare has been a wonderful money spinner for connections, winning 12 of her 24 starts and nearly $640,000.

She comes off a last-start win in the G2 International Trophy at Tauranga, having found open class weight-for-age Group 1 racing a bit rich at her two previous starts. Her record up against her own sex is excellent, including her win in the G2 Westbury Classic at Ellerslie in January.

The Roger James and Robert Wellwood trained Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) has powered through her classes and stepped up to win her first stakes race in the G3 Cuddle S at Trentham last start. She has now won five of nine and looks the most progressive of Volpe Veloce's rivals.

Luvaluva (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) returns from Australia, having finished second in her most recent start at Group 3 level. She is a quality mare who is four weeks between runs which may count against her.

Supera (NZ) (Savabeel) took on Group 1 weight for age company last start and was found wanting on a sticky track at Otaki, Back to her own sex and on firmer ground, she can measure up, having shown her class when am impressive winner of the G3 Anniversary Hcp at Trentham back in January.

Stakes double at Riccarton

Riccarton Park, Listed NZB Airfreight S. $50,000, 1600m

Emily Margaret (NZ) (Pins) is searching for a hat-trick of wins, having won the G2 Wellington Guineas and Listed NZB Insurance S. at her past two runs. On level weights, the Kevin and Pam Hughes trained filly looks hard to beat.

Secret Allure (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}) has been freshened up after campaigning over longer distances earlier this campaign and does boast some strong form over the 1600m including a win in the G3 Desert Gold S. at Trentham in January.

Riccarton Park, Christchurch Casino Easter Cup, $50,000, 1600m

Consistent mare Contessa Vanessa (NZ) (Bullbars) gets her chance to add some more black-type in what looks a winnable Easter Cup. Since her win in the G3 Sunline Vase last March, she has been placed three times in stakes company, including a third in the G3 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders' S. over this track and distance last start.

Residential ((NZ) (Pins) won that race and is looking for a hat-trick of wins, but is 1kg worse off than her chief rival here. Group 1 winner Shadows Cast (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) brings the class into the race but must lug 60kg.

WA 2YOs chase Karrakatta cash

Ascot, G2 Amelia Park Karrakatta Plate, $500,000, 1200m

WA's top 2-year-old race headlines action as Ascot and with no dominant juvenile this season, it looks as an open contest.

Jericho Missile (Smart Missile), has only been beaten once in three starts, with the David Harrison gelding tipped out narrowly by Beethoven (Helmet) last start. He is the top seed having won the WA Magic Millions race at Pinjarra two starts back.

Behind him that day was the filly Niccovi (Nicconi), who has been done no favours by the draw here again and is likely to get back and try and swoop home over the top of them from barrier 15.

Her Simon Miller stablemates Rio Del Mar (Magnus) and Amelia's On Fire (Sizzling) finished in front of her last time, and from barrier one, Rio Del Mar should enjoy a good run.

Beethoven boasts that win over Jericho Missile but comes from barrier 14, which adversely impacts his chances of settling up near the pace as he prefers.

Comin' for glory

Ascot Listed Old Comrade S. $100,000, 1600m

William Pike rides both favourites in the Ascot stakes races, with Tellem We're Comin (Blackfriars) placed at stakes level his past two and seemingly well-placed to add some black type in this race.

Variation (War Chant {USA}) who beat him home when second in the Listed Grandstand Cup, looks his chief rival along with Mizlecki (Lope De Vega {Ire}), who was fourth in that race.

Weetwood centre stage in Queensland

Toowoomba, Listed Audi Centre Weetwood Hcp, $150,000, 1200m

Toowoomba takes centre stage with its biggest day of the year highlighted by the Listed Weetwood Hcp.

Local trainer Ben Currie prepares the favourite Mishani Hustler (Exceedingly Good), who has reeled off a hat-trick of recent wins in Brisbane, the latest over the 1200m at Eagle Farm to take his record to seven wins from 11 starts. He really is in rare form at the moment and given he makes his own luck either on or outside the pace, should prove hard to run down,

Mr Marbellouz (Love Conquers All) has also built up an impressive winning record and while he was beaten into fifth in his first try in stakes company in the Listed Goldmarket S. at the Gold Coast last time out, can measure up here. He is another likely to sit near the front of the field in what should be a race run at a good tempo.

Likely to be sitting off that pace is Chris Waller's mare Sexy Eyes (Written Tycoon) who elevated herself to black-type company last time in. She may need a run or two to find her best this time in, but will be finishing off hard. Tyzone (Written Tycoon), who upset Mr Marbellouz last time out, will also be one of those coming home late.

More stakes success for Hellova?

Caulfield, Listed Ladbrokes Anniversary Vase, $140,000, 1400m

Tasmanian star Hellova Street (Helike {USA}) is looking for an amazing 11th stakes win when he fronts up at Caulfield for what looks a suitable 1400m race for him. Outpointed by Widgee Turf (Turffontein) at Flemington last time, he is yet to register a win in six starts at Caulfield.

Mick Price's progressive 5-year-old Heptagon (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}) looks his main rival having strolled in in the Echuca Cup last time out. It is his first try at stakes grade however. The consistent mare Nantaali (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {IRE}) is another leading chance.

Daily News Wrap

7 min read

Vale Trevor McKee

The New Zealand and Australian thoroughbred industries are mourning the death of Trevor McKee, the trainer of the great Sunline (NZ) (Desert Sun {GB}), at age 81.

McKee trained the champion mare with his son Stephen, guiding her to back-to-back G1 Cox Plate victories in 1999 and 2000.

He retired in 2006, handing control over the Stephen, who remains one of New Zealand's leading trainers.

McKee had a stroke last year and had been struggling with ill health ever since.

Watch: A tribute to Trevor McKee

As a trainer, he also tasted success with Solveig (NZ), Royal Tiara (NZ), Flying Luskin, Moonshine (NZ) and Super Fiesta (NZ).

But it was Sunline which was his horse of a lifetime. She retired in 2002 with 32 wins from 48 starts and an amazing 13 Group 1 victories across Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong.

She won at the top level from 1200m up to the 2040m of the Cox Plate, a race she also ran a second and a fourth in.

McKee is survived by wife Noeleen and children Suzanne, Stephen and Donna.

Probabeel ready to fire

Star Kiwi filly Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) is poised to strike in Saturday's G1 Inglis Sires according to her trainers Jamie Richards.

Richards said Probabeel had come on well from her recent sixth in the G3 Magic Night S. and was ready to show her best over the 1400m at Randwick on Saturday.

Probabeel winning the Karaka Million

“She’s had three weeks into the Sires’ which we think suits her and she looked a picture this morning,” he said.

“She got through the heavy10 at Rosehill okay, but we certainly think she’s better on top of the ground and hopefully if we miss a few showers here today the track is still going to be reasonable."

“I guess the main thing is, it’s a fresh track, it hasn’t been raced on in a little while and we’re looking forward to seeing her on a slightly better surface.”

“She’s handled the travel well, she’s got a great attitude and we’re pleased with how she worked on Tuesday and Thursday."

“It’s a very good field, there’s a lot of (Golden) Slipper form in the race, so we’re under no illusions as to how difficult the task is in front of us tomorrow.”

Redzel right for TJ

Co-trainer Paul Snowden believes Redzel (Snitzel) is ready to bounce back and show his best in Saturday's G1 TJ Smith S.

Redzel was without luck when beaten into eighth in the G1 Galaxy last start but back to his favourite track, the Randwick 1200m, where he has won two Everests, he is ready to fire.

The two-time Everest winner, Redzel

"He certainly lost a little gloss when finishing well back behind Nature Strip, but I’d caution anyone about giving up on the horse as he’s ready for battle and we are very much looking forward to tomorrow’s race," Snowden wrote in his column on Racenet.

"You’ve got to forget he even went around at Rosehill as the circumstances were totally against him, being knocked out of the race at a vital stage and being forced onto the back foot with a big weight."

"He’s back to weight-for-age this time and that’s where he performs best, plus he also gets to Randwick where he has a great affinity with the track winning eight from 14 starts including the two editions of The Everest, both on wet tracks."

Fiscal success at Awapuni

Fiscal Fantasy (Skilled) has charged home to claim her maiden stakes success in the G3 Property Brokers Arohanui Hospice Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes at Awapuni.

After settling towards the back of the field, Fiscal Fantasy flew late to claim Monrecour (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}), with Lubaya (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) a length and a half back in third.

Fiscal Fantasy winning the G3 Property Brokers Arohanui Hospice Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes

Trainer Frank Ritchie was delighted to see Fiscal Fantasy claim her first black-type win at start number 18.

“When we got the wide draw I thought ‘not again’, because she has been beaten by wide draws so many times. As the day went on it didn’t look quite so bad,” he said.

“She is a real sweetheart. She has got a heart much bigger than herself, because she’s tiny. She never gives it away.”

Fiscal Fantasy will likely head to the G2 Travis Stakes at Te Rapa later this month.

Logic points to Hartnell edge

Trainer James Cummings' logic tells him that Hartnell (GB) (Authorized) is his best chance in Saturday's G1 The Star Doncaster Mile, but he has far from abandoned hope with his star mare Alizee (Sepoy).

Both Hartnell and Alizee sit near the top of markets for the famous mile race, and Cummings told Racenet that on their last run, where Hartnell beat Alizee home in the All-Star Mile, it was hard to tip against the 8-year-old.

Hartnell winning the G1 Epsom Handicap

“How does she beat Hartnell? She’s going to have to fight on because she’s worse off at the weights from the All-Star Mile,” Cummings said.

“Hartnell’s Randwick mile record is not to be questioned but her (Alizee's) Randwick 1600m form has never had anyone getting off questioning her at a mile."

"She’s looking like having two high pressure targets this week and next week. That tells you she’s thrived since her last run.”

Hugh Bowman has switched off Alizee to ride Hartnell with Blake Shinn now riding the mare.

Berry counting on Madison

Tommy Berry takes the ride on Madison County (Pins) in Saturday's G1 Harrolds Australian Derby and is determined to atone after what he admits was a poor ride when the 3-year-old was beaten last start.

Madison County finished second to Angel Of Truth (Animal Kingdom {USA}) in the G2 Tulloch S, but the jockey is confident he can go one better over the 2400m of Saturday's race.

Madison County

“I thought he should have won last time and blame myself for getting him beaten as I just chose the wrong part of the track to make a challenge in," Berry said.

“It was very cut up and if I had been a little more patient and gone to the inside, I think he would have won the race.”

But the soft track doesn't concern Berry, who believes the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman trained Madison County has the class to win the race.

“He worked on a soft track at Warwick Farm on Tuesday and it was just the sort of gallop you want to see heading into a Group One race,” Berry said.

“I think it was certainly a lot better underfoot and that suited him, so I’m not that worried if we do get it worse than that on Saturday."

Quadara outed for six months

Seymour trainer Michael Quadara has been suspended for six months after being found guilty of riding a horse towards an oncoming horse and rider last December.

The Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board issued the penalty after finding the charge, under AR 228 (b) proven.

AR 228 (b) states: "A person must not engage in misconduct, improper conduct or unseemly behaviour."

The RAD Board found that on December 1 last year, while riding on the sand track, he rode his mount towards another horse (Deck Of Cards) ridden by Don Dwyer, forcing Dwyer to take evasive action.

Looking Ahead - April 6

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 Saturday, a daughter of a Group 1 winning mare debuts in stakes company at Randwick, Team Hawkes step out a Per Incanto (USA) youngster at Caulfield and a Tony McEvoy filly from a nice family returns to the track in Adelaide.

Randwick Race 1, 12:10pm AEDT, G3 Widden Kindergarten S, $200,000, 1100m

Libertini (I Am Invincible) kicks off her career in stakes company which may give an indication of the standing she is held in by trainer Anthony Cummings. A homebred by Gerry Harvey, she is the third foal of Group 1 winning mare Aloha (Encosta de Lago). The other two, Hualalai (Street Cry {Ire}) and Sawaiki (More Than Ready {USA}) are already winners.

Aloha is out of black-type winning mare Tennessee Midnight (Danehill {USA}), the half-sister to Group 1 winner Malaguerra (Magnus) who also produced Midnight Rock (Rory's Jester), the dam of G3 winner My Emotion (NZ) (Savabeel) and the grand dam of G1 winner Seabrook (Hinchinbrook).

Libertini was third in a recent trial at Randwick.

I Am Invincible, sire of Libertini

Caulfield Race 1, 12:25pm AEDT, Thomas North Hcp, $125,000, 1100m

Peak (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA} makes his debut for Team Hawkes in what looks a winnable race at Caulfield. His Little Avondale-based sire has had a good season with a couple of Group 1 winners on the resume in NZ. This colt was a rare offering by Per Incanto at the 2018 Magic Millions, selling for $150,000 to his trainers.

He is out of Listed winning mare A Chance To Dream (Volksraad {GB}), who is a half-sister to stakes winning pair Kiss Me Ketut (Danroad) and Fast Love (Fastnet Rock). It looks to be a staying pedigree on that side with the likes of G1 Epsom Oaks winners Midway Lady (USA) and Eswarah (GB) on the page.

But he certainly appeared not to lack any speed when winning a recent Flemington jumpout.

Peak as a yearling

Morphettville Parks Race 1, 1:11pm AEDT, David Ward's 50th Hcp, $100,000, 1000m

Troodles (Star Witness) showed enough in her first campaign to think she can break through for her first win here. She finished third on debut at this track before contesting a top-quality early 2-year-old race at Moonee Valley, where she faded to finish 10th before being spelled.

She was a $75,000 purchase from last year's Inglis Classic Sale from Varella (Rock of Gibraltar {Ire}), the half-sister to Group 1 winner In Top Swing (Beautiful Crown {USA}) as well as stakes-placed Bella Sorellastra (Lope de Vega {Ire}) and Bella Inez (Beautiful Crown {USA}), who produced the stakes-winning pair Hallowell Belle (Starcraft {NZ}) and Fuddle Dee Duddle (Red Ransom {USA}).

Troodles as a yearling

2YO & 3YO Winners By Sire

NSW/ACT Race Results

Tamworth (Country)

Canberra (Country)

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

VIC Race Results

Benalla (Country)

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

QLD Race Results

Mackay (Provincial)

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

NZ Race Results

Awapuni

AUS Sire Premiership

AUS General Sires Premiership

NZ Sire Premiership

NZ General Sires Premiership

Thanks for reading!

1 min read

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