Lane riding a path to grand slam glory

5 min read
A magical year for Damian Lane got even better at The Valley where he teamed up with Lys Gracieux (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry {Jpn}) to land the G1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate and give the Victorian-based jockey a shot at racing’s grand slam.

Lane won the G1 Golden Slipper aboard Kiamichi (Sidestep) in March and then combined with Mer De Glace (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}) to win the G1 Caulfield Cup and further success with the 5-year-old in the G1 Melbourne Cup would crown the most memorable of calendar years for the jockey.

And it’s a distinct possibility with the ease of Mer De Glace’s Caulfield Cup victory the strongest of indicators that he can complete the double and that’s reflected in the pre-post market with the entire currently on the second line of betting.

Lane's year has included a successful two-month stint in Japan where he won Group 1 races and his time in the land of the rising sun led to his major spring chances in Melbourne on the two Japanese visitors.

One of them was aboard the Yoshito Yahagi-trained Lys Gracieux in the Takarazuka Kinen in June and the mare brought that form to The Valley.

She produced a performance of the highest class to come from back in the field to breeze on by the 3-year-old Castelvecchio (Dundeel {NZ}), who had gone clear at the top of the straight.

“It’s just unbelievable. I grew up as a racing fan watching this race and watching my idols win it and to now be on the honour roll is such a privilege,” Lane said.

“I grew up as a racing fan watching this race and watching my idols win it and to now be on the honour roll is such a privilege.” - Damian Lane

“I want to say a special thanks to Mr Yahagi, Carrot Farm and Northern Farm who have brought these horses out here. I couldn’t have hoped for things to go any better and I’m forever grateful.

“It’s great to be associated with them and I’ll be back for Melbourne Cup day so I hope we can do some more damage then.”

Lane, who will serve out a suspension until the first Tuesday in November, had Lys Gracieux was among the tail-enders before he got her into the clear and she quickly rounded the field to be in contention near the turn.

Lys Gracieux (Jpn)

“The pace was a lot stronger than I thought it would be to the first corner so I rode her back. She got a little bit keen when the pace went out of the race,” Lane said.

“I was confident when I got her out down the aside. She didn’t get around the track that well, but she was just too good.”

“I was confident when I got her out down the aside. She didn’t get around the track that well, but she was just too good.” – Damian Lane

A half-sister to four winners, Lys Gracieux is a daughter of Liliside (Fr) (American Post {GB}) and she hails from a family that includes the dam’s close relative Robin Of Navan (Fr) (American Post {GB}), who won the G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud and the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac winner Lily’s Candle (Fr) (Style Vendome {Fr}).

Through an interpreter, Yahagi said he had concerns when Lys Gracieux was in a tricky spot back in the running but placed his trust in Lane.

“I thought we weren’t going to make it from there, but Damian Lane rode this mare in Japan and it started from there. “

Yoshito Yahagi

Yahagi had previously enjoyed stints in Australia with the late Bart Cummings and Neville Begg and experienced the Cox Plate atmosphere.

“I was here when Kingston Town won back in 1982 and this means a lot to me. Thank you to Lys Gracieux and connections and to the Australian people.”

“I was here when Kingston Town won back in 1982 and this means a lot to me.” - Yoshito Yahagi

While the Cox Plate is headed offshore, the runs of the minor placegetters were terrific with Castelvecchio making a bold bid for glory when rider Craig Williams set him alight to kick clear on straightening.

“We were jumping for joy then, but we’re very proud of him and there’s a lot to look forward to,” trainer Richard Litt said. “Craig loves the horse and we were delighted when he called and took the ride.”

Castelvecchio was making his fourth appearance for the spring and that may be it until next year for the colt.

“I’d like to see him in the paddock and then bring him back for the autumn,” Litt said.

Kiwi heading home

The New Zealander Te Akau Shark (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) went back to last from the outside gate and he wound up powerfully for jockey Opie Bosson to finish third ahead of Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and a game Mystic Journey (Needs Further).

“We’re really proud of him and I’m stoked for a great group of owners,” Te Akau Shark’s trainer Jamie Richards said. “Opie gave him a 10 out of 10 ride. I was gutted after the barrier draw so my expectations were realistic.”

Te Akau Shark (NZ) will head for a well-deserved break

Te Akau Shark’s performance won’t tempt Richards to stay on in Melbourne for a crack at the G1 Mackinnon S. at Flemington.

“It’s time to give the horse a break. He feels his runs because he puts so much into it and we’re looking forward to getting him home and bring him back in the autumn and hopefully here this time again next year,” Richards said.

Blinkers key to colt’s return to winning ways

3 min read
A new look Soul Patch (Shamus Award) emerged as a genuine classic prospect when the colt went to another level with a commanding performance that was due in no small part to the addition of blinkers.

The Ken Keys-trained 3-year-old sported blinkers for the first time in the G2 Drummond Gold Vase and aided by a smart ride from Dwayne Dunn they proved too good for the filly Moonlight Maid (Puissance De Lune {Ire}).

The G1 VRC Derby now beckons Soul Patch, who has won three of his five starts and at his previous appearance had got a long way back in the G1 Caulfield Guineas before finishing on late for eighth.

“He’s a lovely style of horse and his sectionals in the Caulfield Guineas were awesome. I just felt that he needed the blinkers to try and put him in the race a bit,” Dunn said.

“We were mindful that we didn’t want to see him over do it and run the trip and no doubt they’ve got the Derby in mind for him.

“Kenny and his team have done a fantastic job. He travelled nicely and I was able to get him into the clear and he really powered away the last bit.”

“He travelled nicely and I was able to get him into the clear and he really powered away the last bit.” – Dwayne Dunn

Soul Patch settled toward the back of the small field and took closer order before the turn and when Dunn asked him for the supreme effort the colt let down in style.

Soul Patch sported blinkers for the first time and stormed home to win the G2 Drummond Gold Vase

“That was absolutely fantastic. The blinkers switched him on and the ride and the race panned out beautifully,” Keys said.

“He’s a nice type of horse and everyone who sees him loves him. He can run all the times, he’s a fast horse, but he wasn’t picking up the bridle quick enough and Dwayne gives good advice so we put the blinkers on.”

Smart investment

Soul Patch was the only Shamus Award representative at the Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale when offered by Armidale Stud and Keys picked him up for $45,000.

He is a son of God Bless Us (Flying Spur), whose only success came as a 2-year-old, and she is out of a half-sister to the G1 Swettenham Stud S. winner Ellicorsam (Fimiston). Her daughter Ellicazoom (Testa Rossa) won the G3 Cockram S.

Soul Patch as a yearling

Runner-up Moonlight Maid completed a good day for trainer Mitchell Freedman, who had earlier won the Listed PFD Food Services Crockett S. with Broadwayandfourth (Smart Missile).

Serious Liaison (Zoffany {Ire}) finished third and a case could be made for him to have finished closer after being held up near the turn. Independent Road (Declaration Of War {USA}) was fourth off a wide run when improving.

Speed merchant

While Soul Patch set to star over longer journeys, Sartorial Splendour (Brazen Beau) is all about speed as he showed when he raced away with the G3 1300 Australia S.

The colt went to the front under Jamie Kah and they scooted clear in the straight to beat Condo’s Express (Rubick) and Three Beans (Deep Field).

“He’s not an easy horse to deal with and it’s great to see him run a strong 1200 metres,” trainer John Sadler’s son Tom said.

Sartorial Splendour as a yearling

Sartorial Splendour is a half-brother to the G2 Blue Diamond Prelude and G3 Blue Diamond Preview winner Fontiton (Turffontein) and was bought by Sadler out of Blue Gum Farm’s Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale draft for $130,000.

The colt’s dam Personal Ensign (Rubiton) won the Listed Northwood Plume S. and is from the family of the G3 SAJC Breeders’ S. and G3 Sires’ Produce S. winner Tequila Time (Stratum).

Stylish Cup audition for Hunting Horn

3 min read

Written by Richard Edmunds

With an emphatic victory in Saturday’s G2 McCafe Moonee Valley Gold Cup, Hunting Horn (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) emerged as a new candidate to break the G1 Melbourne Cup drought for champion Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien.

Dating back to a seventh placing with the exceptional Yeats (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells {USA}) in 2006, O’Brien has saddled more than a dozen runners in his Melbourne Cup quest. His best results have been a second with Johannes Vermeer (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in 2017 and a third with Mahler (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) a decade earlier.

Hunting Horn may not have the winning form of some of his predecessors, with the G3 Hampton Court S. the best of his two wins from 21 career starts before Saturday’s Australian debut.

But he had placed in another seven races including the G1 Belmont Derby, G2 Prix Niel, G3 Chester Vase and G3 Sandown Classic Trial, and he also ran fourth in the G1 Royal Ascot Prince of Wales’s S. and Dubai Sheema Classic.

Hunting Horn was already safely in the Melbourne Cup field, sitting 20th in the order of entry prior to Saturday’s win, but he has now moved up to $21 in the market for the Flemington feature on November 5.

The 5-year-old entire was ridden on Saturday by Ryan Moore, who kept him right in the thick of the action in third or fourth position as Sydney Cup winner Shraaoh (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) set a dawdling pace.

The intensity finally increased down the side of the course as backmarkers surged forward and swallowed up Shraaoh.

Hunting Horn emerged as one of the main protagonists at the home turn, but he had Mr Quickie (Shamus Award) and Downdraft (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) looming ominously on either flank.

Hunting Horn dug deep down the straight, however, and shook free of that pair to win by 1.25l.

Hunting Horn (Ire)

“He’s a lovely colt,” Moore said. “He’s had some tough assignments, and he’s had very good form all of the way through.

“He’s by Camelot, whose progeny have a bit of brilliance. They travel very strongly and can quicken at the end of these sorts of races.

“This horse won at Royal Ascot as a 3-year-old, and he’s had some tough tasks since then. Today was a nice spot for him, and he’s won well.”

“This horse won at Royal Ascot as a 3-year-old, and he’s had some tough tasks since then. Today was a nice spot for him, and he’s won well.” - Ryan Moore

Hunting Horn boasts some quality pedigree credentials, with his dam being a half-sister to the top-class racehorse and champion sire High Chaparral (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells {USA}).

Meanwhile, runner-up Mr Quickie’s trainer Phillip Stokes has ruled out a Melbourne Cup tilt and will instead revert to shorter distances, with the G1 Mackinnon S. a likely target.

Rail-scraping Kubrick takes Bondi Stakes

4 min read

Written by Richard Edmunds

A fearless move by horse and rider has seen Kubrick (Shooting to Win) take the honours in the inaugural $1 million Bondi S. at Randwick on Saturday.

The Chris Waller-trained colt was ridden by Brenton Avdulla, whose physio only cleared him to take the ride 24 hours out from the race.

“On Wednesday I was down in the dumps, thinking I wouldn’t be able to ride,” Avdulla said. “I saw the physio yesterday. He asked, ‘When are you planning on riding?’ I said, ‘There’s a $1 million race tomorrow.’ He just shook his head and told me to take some time off afterwards. It’s worked out alright.”

Avdulla had a key ride to look forward to, with Kubrick a two-race winner who had finished second in the G1 J. J. Atkins S., fourth in the G2 Run to the Rose and fifth in the G1 Golden Rose. He was unplaced from a wide barrier in the G1 Caulfield Guineas in his most recent start.

Saturday’s Bondi S. was Avdulla’s first ride on Kubrick, and the pair clicked perfectly for a memorable win.

After a smooth run behind Colada (Brazen Beau), Just Thinkin’ (So You Think {NZ}) and Zebrowski (NZ) (Savabeel), Kubrick was travelling sweetly at the top of the straight and poised to pounce.

But they needed room to make their run, and Colada’s jockey Robbie Dolan firmly shut the door on any hope of a gap along the rail.

Kubrick and Brenton returning to scale

Avdulla decided to make room, driving Kubrick through an extremely narrow opening.

With Kubrick’s flank and Avdulla’s foot brushing repeatedly against the rail, and Dolan’s whip flying close by, Kubrick relentlessly forced his way through on the inside of Colada.

Kubrick clawed his way past Colada and went clear, winning by 1l from his fast-finishing stablemate Pancho (Dissident). Colada was another 2l away in third.

Brenton Avdulla, Denise Martin and the winning connections

“It’s amazing what good horses can do,” Avdulla said. “Some people would be really happy with an inside draw, but I was the opposite. I was happy that he’d get an economical run through the early part of the race, but I thought he was in danger of getting stuck behind horses in the straight – and he did.

“All I said to the horse was, ‘Mate, you make some room for me.’ I reckon it was about half a run, and my foot’s on fire from the paint.

“All I said to the horse was, ‘Mate, you make some room for me.’ I reckon it was about half a run, and my foot’s on fire from the paint." - Brenton Avdulla

“But he accelerated really well, like a top-class colt. It’s always nice to ride a winner, and when the race has $1 million next to it, it’s even better.

“This colt had the right form. He wasn’t beaten far in the Golden Rose, then you forgive him last start (Caulfield Guineas) after drawing wide and not having much luck.

“Blinkers were on today, and he’s got a master trainer (Waller) who always gets them spot on.”

Charlie Duckworth

Waller’s assistant Charlie Duckworth was proud of Kubrick and Pancho’s performances.

“Any $1 million race is hard to win,” he said. “We didn’t have the most amount of luck, and at the 300 metres when there was half a gap, we were lucky to have a tough colt like him, who relished the challenge and bustled his way through and showed a nice, clean pair of heels. Everyone can forgive him now for a tough run from an awkward alley in the Caulfield Guineas.

"We were lucky to have a tough colt like him, who relished the challenge and bustled his way through." - Charlie Duckworth

“Pancho had to come around the field to make his own luck, the opposite of what Kubrick had to do. Two nice horses for the stable and it is onwards and upwards from here.”

Kubrick carries the colours of Denise Martin’s Star Thoroughbreds, who have now won three $1 million races this year with Waller-trained runners.

Fiesta (I Am Invincible) won the Inglis Sprint 3YO at Warwick Farm, while Invincibella (I Am Invincible) won the Magic Millions Fillies & Mares on the Gold Coast and later added the $500,000 G1 Tatt’s Tiara.

Chief Ironside makes amends in Mile

3 min read

Written by Richard Edmunds

Luckless on his Australian debut at Caulfield two weeks ago, recent Australian Bloodstock recruit Chief Ironside (GB) (Lawman {Fr}) bounced back brilliantly in Saturday’s G2 Schweppes Crystal Mile at The Valley.

A multiple Group 3 placegetter in England, Chief Ironside was purchased by Australian Bloodstock earlier this year and has been prepared for the Melbourne spring carnival under the watchful eye of British-based French trainer David Menuisier.

His campaign had a nightmare start on Australian debut in the G1 Toorak H. on October 12. Nothing went right for the 5-year-old, who eventually finished five and a half lengths behind the winner in 13th.

Saturday’s Crystal Mile was a very different story as Chief Ironside stormed to a $26 upset in front of a big Cox Plate day crowd.

Jockey Jamie Spencer urged Chief Ironside forward in the early stages to be prominently placed on the heels of the pace-setting Dreamforce (Fastnet Rock), Cliff’s Edge (Canford Cliffs {Ire}) and Dream Castle (GB) (Frankel {GB}).

Spencer angled Chief Ironside into clear air in the straight and sent him into full flight, sprinting up alongside Cliff’s Edge in the last 150 metres and nailing him right on the line by a short head.

Best of Days (GB) (Azamour {Ire}) dashed home from third-last to be close up in third, followed by Pacodali (Ire) (Paco Boy {Ire}) and Dreamforce. In a blanket finish, only 1l separated the first seven horses home.

“We got cover and had a beautiful trip around,” Spencer said. “He needed every yard of the straight to get there, but he did it.

“He needed every yard of the straight to get there, but he did it." - Jamie Spencer

“He’s been an on-pace horse in Europe, so I wasn’t worried about getting him into a position. But he has had a tendency to play up in the gates, and he did that last start at Caulfield.

“So I just came into this race hoping for a good beginning and for the race to go smoothly, and both of those things happened.”

Chief Ironside (GB)

Chief Ironside has now won three of his 15 starts, placing in another four for career earnings in excess of $305,000.

Menuisier was pleased to see the entire set the record straight after what happened in the Toorak two weeks ago.

“I’m absolutely over the moon,” he said. “The boys (Australian Bloodstock) bought this horse around two and a half months ago with the view of coming here to Australia.

“We thought we’d be able to improve the horse from his previous form, and I think that’s what we’ve done.

Chief Ironside (GB) connections celebrate

“He was very unlucky at Caulfield last start. We felt he should have been in the frame, or won the race.

"I was a little bit frustrated, as the horse had done nothing wrong. It was just the circumstances, so we thought 'let's roll the dice' and carry a bit more weight and put Jamie back on him, plus he's been training great since."

It remains to be seen whether Chief Ironside will now attempt to follow in the footsteps of Turn Me Loose (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}), who in 2015 was the last horse to win both the Crystal Mile and the G1 Cantala S. during the Melbourne Cup carnival.

Menuisier will monitor the horse’s progress before making any decision on future starts.

“We will look at the program and consider our options,” he said.

Dubois unveils another talented youngster

3 min read

Written by Richard Edmunds

Eighteen months on from a G2 Todman S. boilover by Aylmerton (Siyouni {Fr}), the same trainer and sire combined for another upset in Saturday’s Forum Group Kirkham Plate at Randwick.

Jean Dubois had given 2-year-old filly See You Soon (Siyouni {Fr}) a quiet spring, only lining up for her first trial last Tuesday at Warwick Farm.

She made her debut as an unheralded fourth favourite on Saturday among a field of six, with all eyes on million-dollar yearling Close To Me (I Am Invincible) and the $670,000 purchase Anders (Not A Single Doubt). But it was See You Soon who came out well on top, with the promise of a whole lot more to come.

Jockey Jean Van Overmeire eased See You Soon back to second-last in the early stages of the 1000-metre race, with Anders setting the pace.

See You Soon

When Dame Giselle (I Am Invincible) moved up alongside Anders in the straight and sprinted to the front, she seemed to have the race at her mercy. Then suddenly See You Soon emerged on her outside, overcoming her in the last 50 metres with a decisive finishing burst.

“She’s a tough little horse,” Van Overmeire said. “She sat back, but relaxed nicely and was suited by the good tempo. When I pulled her out, she really let rip – good to see from a first-starter.

“She’s a tough little horse... When I pulled her out, she really let rip – good to see from a first-starter." - Jean Van Overmeire

“I rode her in the trial on Tuesday and thought she went very nicely. I didn’t really do too much on her and just allowed her to go through her gears. I felt like she had quite a bit in hand at the end of that trial, so we were quietly confident coming into today that she might be able to do what she’s done.

“Stepping up over 1200 metres will be even better for her, and I think she’ll also be a much better horse when she strengthens up more and has more time behind her to learn her craft.”

See You Soon with trainer Jean Dubois

Raced by her breeders Woodpark Stud, See You Soon is the fifth winner from five foals to race out of the multiple Group 3-winning mare Soneva (USA) (Cherokee Run {USA}). The only black-type performer to date is the four-time Listed winner The Blue Eye (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who has won a total of 18 races and was the champion older male in Qatar in 2016.

Dubois is keen to give See You Soon a chance in stronger company in the near future, with the $1 million Golden Gift at Rosehill on November 9 high on the wish list.

“I think she’s got class,” he said. “She’s had only one trial, and that was four days ago. It was possibly a bit too soon to run today after that, but there aren’t a lot of maiden races now, so there wasn’t much choice. We had a go, and it worked. I think she’s a really good filly.

“I think she’s got class... there wasn’t much choice. We had a go, and it worked. I think she’s a really good filly." - Jean Dubois

“I waited so long with her because she has been a bit late to develop. I wanted to have her well in the head – she can get a bit stressed, as she did before the race today. We’ve just been trying to give her time to settle.

“Of course the Golden Gift is a target now. If she pulls up well from this race, why not? It’s a very good option.”

High-priced colt does his pedigree proud on debut

3 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Ideas Man (Brazen Beau) showed he had inherited a good measure of the family ability when he made the perfect start to his career and earn posthumous honours for his dam.

The expensive colt showed an early return on his investment when he hit the line powerfully under jockey Mark Zahra to win the Restricted Listed Inglis Banner at The Valley for trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.

The son of the late Innovation Girl (Rubiton) was the highest-priced youngster in the field, having cost $575,000 when purchased out of Blue Gum Farm’s Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale draft. He was bred by Des Pope, who has remained in the ownership.

“He’s looking very cheap now. We had one out of Innovation Girl called Chloe In Paris and she was a top line horse,” Maher said.

“Unfortunately, the mare passed away last week and this is the last one out of her.”

“Unfortunately, the mare passed away last week and this is the last one out of her.” – Ciaron Maher

Innovation Girl was a quality mare and won 10 races, including the G2 Ascot Vale S. and three Group 3 contests. Her daughter Chloe In Paris (Exceed And Excel) won the Listed Bob Hoysted S. and she also produced the Group performer The Original (Dehere {USA}).

Ideas Man as a yearling

“He really looks the part this horse and he had to do everything right to get here,” Maher said. “We trialled on Monday and he was bit new and a bit green, but I thought that would bring him on.

“He stepped a little slowly, but it was a beautiful ride by Mark and he had a lot of confidence in the horse.

“He’s done a great job for the team and we’ve got a lot of 2-year-old this year and we’ve put a lot of emphasis on it so it’s really satisfying.” – Ciaron Maher

“He’s done a great job for the team and we’ve got a lot of 2-year-old this year and we’ve put a lot of emphasis on it so it’s really satisfying.

“He’s a very straight forward horse, very strong and his mother was a good 2-year-old and he is as well.”

Ideas Man was a touch slowly into stride before he mustered pace along the fence and was in behind the leaders turning for home.

Once Zahra got the colt into clear air, he produced an electric finish to win going away at the first time of asking.

Mark Zahra aboard Ideas Man

“We had a nice run and he did it well, he needed a break in the straight and got it. He’s been well-educated by Ciaron and David, they’ve done a great job with him,” Zahra said.

Bella Nipotina (Pride Of Dubai) boxed on well from fourth in the running to take second ahead of Arctic Ice (Brazen Beau), who came from last with an eye-catching finish, and Encountabull (Bull Point) was next best.

The previously unbeaten Mildred (Hinchinbrook) was in front on the turn, but she had no answer when the challenges came and she dropped out to beat three home.

No degree of separation in fillies’ feature

4 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

That racing rarity came into play at The Valley where Fascino (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) and La Falaise (Canford Cliffs {Ire)) went at it tooth and nail and couldn’t be separated at the post.

Initially, the former looked to have got in the deciding stride for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, but Henry Dwyer’s La Falaise made the last lunge so the spoils were divided in the G2 Antler Luggage Fillies’ Classic.

“How good is The Valley though, I just coming here and racing here and you’re right on top of it,” Maher said.

“I hate dead-heats and I hate losing, but if I’m going to have to dead-heat with someone I’m glad it’s Henry.”

Fascino was purchased by Maher at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale, paying NZ$400,000 for the filly, who was offered by Windsor Park Stud. She is a daughter of the multiple Group 2 winner and four-time Group 1 placegetter Miss Kipling (NZ) (Savabeel).

She has now won two of her seven starts and given Maher cause to think about a crack at the G1 VRC Oaks.

“That’s still one of the options with Fascino, but I’m not sure she will get the trip,” he said.

“That’s still one of the options with Fascino, but I’m not sure she will get the trip.” – Ciaron Maher

Fascino settle toward the back of the field before she improved three and four wide under jockey Mark Zahra and held a sustained finish to the post.

“She probably needs head gear my girl. She got a bit lost and I thought I might have just held on.” Zahra said.

Fascino (NZ) as a yearling

La Falaise’s trainer was confident his filly had either won or dead-heated.

“I said to Ciaron afterwards is there any danger of you letting me have one,” Dwyer said.

The winner of two of her six starts, La Falaise settled behind the pace and once shed worked into the clear she unwound strongly for rider Ben Melham.

“I said to Ciaron afterwards is there any danger of you letting me have one.” - Henry Dwyer

“I had a good run and when the other horse (Fascino) got rolling I had to wait, but she let strongly and dug deep,” Melham said. “I wasn’t confident, I knew it was very close.”

La Falaise as a yearling

La Falaise is proving to be an outstanding purchase, having cost Forest Lodge Racing just $5000 to secure her out of Blue Gum Farm’s draft at the Inglis Melbourne VOBIS Gold Yearling Sale.

She is a daughter of the Listed St Albans S. winner Exceedingly French (Exceed And Excel) and she is out of a three-quarter sister to the multiple European Group 1 winner Old Vic (GB) (Sadler’s Wells {USA}).

Filly flies to victory

The feature sprint for the fillies, the Listed PFD Food Services Crockets S., was taken out in whirlwind fashion by Broadwayandfourth (Smart Missile). She had won a Ballarat maiden at her previous start and trainer Mitchell Freeedman was confident she could handle the rise in class.

“She’s a cracker and she’s always showed us a lot of ability at home,” he said. “She was strong through the line and I knew she was up to it after giving her a soft trial between runs.”

Broadwayandfourth settled at the tail of the field and when the field fanned out in the straight she powered between runners to beat Niccovi (Nicconi) and Villami (Foxwedge), who had gone clear into the straight.

The winner is a daughter of the Listed Dequetteville S. winner Broadway Harmony (Statue Of Liberty {USA}) and the family of the black type winners No Mischief (Mister C {USA}), Mighty Rossa (Testa Rossa) and Brooklyn Dodger (Century).

Hong Kong happenings

2 min read

Written by Alan Carasso

Sunday’s program at Sha Tin is to be conducted exclusively on the dirt track, so with that in mind, we will look at a couple of horses who have tasted success in their young careers on the turf, but are transitioning to the dirt track for the first time.

R7 - Guangzhou H. (C3) (2nd section), HK$1.45m (AU$271,171), 1200m (AWT)

AQUILA

(gelding, 4-year-old, Exceed And Excel x Dreamworker, by Encosta de Lago)

A debut second up the 1000 metre straight course last April, Aquila broke his maiden in his third start on July 10 before getting a break. Though he was rolled as the $1.80 jolly when resuming on September 25, he endured a tough trip and was beaten just over 1l into fourth.

Aquila

Aquila was produced by a winning daughter of Group 2 winner and multiple Group 1-placed Timbourina, whose sire Timber Country (USA) (Woodman {USA}) won the 1994 Grade I Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and closed his career with a victory in the second leg of the American Triple Crown, the GI Preakness S. Aquila, who has won two all-weather trials over the recent weeks, was a $160,000 Inglis Easter Yearling purchase turned NZ$280,000 graduate of the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale.

Breeder: Mr M J Alati, Marquee Stud Racing (NSW)

Consignor: Marquee Stud (INGEAS), Lyndhurst Stud (NZBRTR)

Purchaser: Lyndhurst Stud (INGEAS), Johnny Shihi (NZBRTR)

R9 -Guangzhou H. (C3) (1st section), HK$1.45m (AU$271,171), 1200m (AWT)

KA YING MASTER

(colt, 4-year-old, Snitzel x Make Me Dream {Ire}, by Sadler’s Wells {USA})

Ka Ying Master won his lone appearance at three last June and made it two straight on opening day on September 1, but was well beaten last time and was subsequently found to be a roarer.

Ka Ying Master

A NZ$525,000 Karaka yearling purchase, the bay entire-an all-the-way winner of an all-weather trial on October 8 - is a half-brother to the Group-winning Kiss Me Ketut (NZ) (Danroad) and to the stakes-winning duo of A Chance to Dream (Volksraad {GB}) and Fast Love (NZ) (Fastnet Rock). Foreign-bred descendants of Danzig (USA) have accounted for major international dirt winners such as Muarrab (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) and Rich Tapestry (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}).

Breeder: Hong Kong Breeders Club Ltd

Consignor: Highview, agent

Purchaser: Good Harvest Bloodstock

Black type results: The Valley

16 min read

G1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate, $5,000,000 2040m

Race Summary:

Following on from last week’s Caulfield Cup victory by Mer de Glace (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}), star mare Lys Gracieux (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry {Jpn}) completed a massive double for Japan with a supreme performance in the Cox Plate.

Like Mer de Glace, the mare was ridden by Damian Lane, who rode a patient race in the back half of the field as Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Black Heart Bart (Blackfriars) showed the way.

The 3-year-old Castelvecchio (Dundeel {NZ}) was close up behind the leaders and went for gold in the straight, but Lys Gracieux came with a sustained and unstoppable run through the last 150 metres. She finished over the top of Castelvecchio and went clear for a resounding victory by 1.25l.

Highly rated Kiwi raider Te Akau Shark (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) tailed the field for most of the race and was still last with less than 600 metres to travel, but he made a strong late run into third, ahead of Magic Wand (Ire) and Mystic Journey (Needs Further).

Lys Gracieux is trained by Yoshito Yahagi for owners Carrot Farm. She has now had 21 starts for eight wins, 12 placings and more than $11.1 million in prize-money.

Prior to her sparkling Cox Plate performance, Lys Gracieux had also won the G1 Takarazuka Kinen and Kyoto Queen Elizabeth II Cup, and she had picked up further Group 1 placings in the Oka Sho, Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, Victoria Mile, Shuka Sho, Hong Kong Vase and Hong Kong Queen Elizabeth II Cup.

Pedigree Notes:

Lys Gracieux is by Heart’s Cry (Jpn), who has been an outstanding Japanese stallion with 714 winners from 1058 runners including 40 individual stakes winners.

A son of the enormously influential Sunday Silence (USA), Heart’s Cry has had only eight runners in Australia but plenty of success. Lys Gracieux is his second Group 1 winner in Melbourne, following in the footsteps of the Caulfield Cup hero Admire Rakti (Jpn). A Shin Rook (Jpn) has also been stakes-placed in the Seymour Cup.

The dam of Lys Gracieux is Liliside (Fr) (American Post {GB}), who herself won five races including the Listed Prix la Camargo and Prix de la Cochere.

Liliside is a full-sister to Lily America (Fr) (American Post {GB}), who won the Listed Prix la Camargo, while half-sister The Wise Lady (Fr) (Ganges {USA}) was stakes-placed and is the dam of stakes winners Ming Zhi Cosmos (Fr) (Duke of Marmalade {Ire}) and Melodyman (Fr) (Green Tune {USA}).

Lys Gracieux is clearly the standout of Liliside’s progeny, being the only black-type performer among five winners from six foals to race.

G2 McCafe Moonee Valley Gold Cup, $500,000, 2500m

Race Summary:

Irish raider Hunting Horn (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) staked his claim for the G1 Melbourne Cup with a comfortable victory on Australian debut.

Ridden by Ryan Moore, the 5-year-old entire settled nicely in third or fourth position as the Sydney Cup winner Shraaoh (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) set a slow pace.

Hunting Horn moved into contention at the business end of the race, with Mr Quickie (Shamus Award) and Downdraft (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) looming on either side of him.

But it was Hunting Horn who produced the strongest finish, edging away to win by 1.25l. Mr Quickie held second by a neck from Downdraft.

Hunting Horn is trained by Aidan O’Brien and carries the navy blue colours of Coolmore. The Moonee Valley Cup was just his third win from 22 starts, and his second black-type win, having captured the G3 Hampton Court S. as a 3-year-old.

But he has placed in another seven races including the G1 Belmont Derby, G2 Prix Niel, G3 Chester Vase and G3 Sandown Classic Trial. He also ran fourth in the G1 Royal Ascot Prince of Wales’s S. and Dubai Sheema Classic.

Pedigree Notes:

Hunting Horn is by the dual Derby winner Camelot (GB), who has made a strong start at stud with 195 winners from 324 runners to date. He has sired 23 individual black-type winners, headed by the Irish Derby winner and G1 Mackinnon S. placegetter Latrobe (Ire).

Hunting Horn’s dam Mora Bai (Ire) (Indian Ridge {Ire}) was unraced, but boasts an exceptional pedigree. She is a half-sister to the multiple Group 1 winner and champion sire High Chaparral (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells {USA}), as well as the Group 2 winner Black Bear Island (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells {Ire}) and three other stakes performers.

Mora Bai is the dam of five winners, two of them at stakes level. David Livingston (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) won the G2 Beresford S. and G3 Rose of Lancaster S. and placed in the G1 National S., G3 Irish St. Leger Trial S. and Listed Foundation S.

G2 Schweppes Crystal Mile, $300,000, 1600m

Race Summary:

Chief Ironside (GB) (Lawman {Fr}) had been unlucky on Australian debut in the G1 Toorak H. earlier this month, but he bounced back in style for a Group 2 victory at The Valley.

Ridden by Jamie Spencer, the Australian Bloodstock import was prominently placed behind the pacemakers before angling into the clear in the straight to make his run. He slowly but surely gathered momentum, moving up alongside the front-running Cliff’s Edge (Canford Cliffs {Ire}) and pipping him by a short head at the finish line.

Best of Days (GB) (Azamour {Ire}) was the same margin away in third, with four others also within a length of the winner in a spectacular finish.

Chief Ironside is trained by David Menuisier and has now had 15 starts for three wins and four placings, earning $305,518 in prize-money.

Pedigree Notes:

Chief Ironside is by Lawman (Fr), who is the sire of 397 winners from 695 runners including 31 individual black-type winners.

Few of Lawman’s progeny have competed in Australia, with four winners from just eight runners. Chief Ironside is his second winner at stakes level in this country, joining the multiple Group winner and G1 Sydney Cup placegetter Libran (Ire).

Chief Ironside is out of Moment of Time (GB) (Rainbow Quest {USA}), who is the dam of two winners from two foals to race. Moment of Time herself placed in the Listed Lord Weinstock Memorial S.

Moment of Time is a half-sister to Time Away (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}), who won the G3 Musidora S. and placed in the G1 Prix de Diane and Nassau S.

Time Away is the dam of six winners including Group 2 winner Time On (GB) (Sadler’s Wells {USA}), who in turn is the dam of Group 2 winner Mot Juste (USA) (Distorted Humor {USA})

Another of Time Away’s daughters, Time Control (GB) (Sadler’s Wells {USA}), is the dam of G1 Moyglare Stud S. winner Cursory Glance (USA) (Distorted Humor {USA}).

G2 Antler Luggage Fillies’ Classic, $300,000, 1600m

Race Summary:

There was no separating Fascino (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) and La Falaise (Canford Cliffs {Ire}), who hit the line locked together in a dead heat.

Both fillies had settled in the back half of the field as Asiago (Medaglia d’Oro {USA}) set the pace, but they crept closer as the field bunched up approaching the home turn.

Fillies lined up across the track in an exciting scramble down the straight, with Fascino and La Falaise gradually edging ahead of the others to fight it out. They hit the line together, dead-heating for first place. Nudge (Fastnet Rock) was another neck away in third.

Fascino, ridden by Mark Zahra for trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, has now won two of her seven starts and $210,250 in stakes. The Henry Dwyer-trained La Falaise, who was ridden by Ben Melham, has had six starts for two wins and $220,610.

Pedigree Notes:

Fascino is by the young Windsor Park shuttle stallion Charm Spirit (Ire), who has been a prolific source of winners with 84 worldwide from 175 runners.

Fascino is his fourth stakes winner and second at Group 2 level, joining Kiwi filly Aretha (NZ). Kick On (GB) and Yourtimeisnow (GB) have been Group 3 winners in England.

Fascino is out of Lady Kipling (NZ) (Savabeel), who is the dam of two winners from two foals to race. Lady Kipling herself was a high-class racemare, winning 11 races including the G2 Cal Isuzu S., G2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. and G3 Eagle Technology S. She placed in the G1 Captain Cook S., Thorndon Mile, Otaki-Maori WFA and Levin Classic.

Since producing Fascino in 2016, Lady Kipling has produced a colt by Tavistock (NZ) and a filly by Turn Me Loose (NZ). She returned to Charm Spirit in 2019.

Joint winner La Falaise is by Canford Cliffs (Ire), who has been represented by 267 winners from 474 runners. La Falaise is his 14th stakes winner, joining a list headed by G2 Alister Clark S. winner Cliff’s Edge.

La Falaise’s dam Exceedingly French (Exceed and Excel) won two races including the Listed St Albans S. and is a half-sister to the stakes-placed Rowland (Lonhro).

Exceedingly French is the dam of two named foals, both winners. Haut Chapeau (High Chaparral {Ire}) has won over 1900 metres.

Exceedingly French produced a filly by Street Boss (USA) in 2019 and a filly by Manhattan Rain last year.

G2 Drummond Golf Vase, $300,000, 2040m

Race Summary:

Soul Patch (Shamus Award) burst into contention for next week’s G1 AAMI Victoria Derby with a power-packed performance in the Vase – a race that has previously been won by subsequent Derby winners Raveneaux (Voodoo Rhythm {USA}), Blevic (Scenic {Ire}), Helenus (Helissio {Fr}), Plastered (Laranto) and Efficient (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}).

Fabulanski (Polanski) led for a large part of the race, but he was quickly devoured down the side of the course as the backmarkers began to lodge their challenges.

It was Soul Patch and the filly Moonlight Maid (Puissance de Lune {Ire}) who emerged as the main players in the home straight, striding to the front together out wide on the track.

But after a brief struggle, Soul Patch changed gears and powered away from Moonlight Maid, opening up to win by two and a half lengths.

Moonlight Maid was similarly dominant over the rest of the field, finishing 3.25l ahead of the third-placed Serious Liaison (Zoffany {Ire}).

Soul Patch is trained by Ken Keys for an ownership group of a dozen people, and he has now won three of his five starts and $326,650 in stakes. His only time outside the placings was his last-start eighth in the G1 Caulfield Guineas.

Pedigree Notes:

Soul Patch is by Shamus Award, whose racing career hit its pinnacle at this same meeting in 2013 with his victory in the Cox Plate as a 3-year-old. He also won the G1 Australian Guineas later that season.

Standing for $11,000 at Rosemont Stud, the Snitzel stallion has sired 57 winners from 104 runners. Soul Patch is his fifth individual stakes winner, joining a group headed by G1 Queensland Derby winner Mr Quickie.

Soul Patch was bred by Tasmania’s Armidale Stud and cost just $45,000 at the 2018 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale.

His dam is the winning Flying Spur mare God Bless Us, whose dam Holy Bounty (Don’t Say Halo {USA}) placed in the G2 Sunline S. and Queen of the South S.

Holy Bounty is a half-sister to Ellicorsam (Fimiston), who won the G1 Swettenham Stud S. and is the dam of the multiple stakes winner and Group 1-placed Ellicazoom (Testa Rossa).

G3 Australia S., $200,000, 1200m

Race Summary:

There was no catching Sartorial Splendor (Brazen Beau), who scored a commanding all-the-way victory in the 3-year-old sprint.

Jockey Jamie Kah sent the John Sadler-trained runner straight to the head of the field, and it was one-way traffic from there. Sartorial Splendor ran his rivals into submission, kicking clear in the straight and still holding a comfortable margin of 3.75l at the finish line.

Favourite Condo’s Express (Rubick) made up ground down the straight for second, with Three Beans (Deep Field) alongside him in third.

Raced by a large group of owners, Sartorial Splendor has had six starts for two wins, three placings and $245,800 in prize-money. His only time outside the top three was a fifth placing in the $950,000 Vobis Gold Showdown in April.

Pedigree Notes:

It was a big day for Sartorial Splendor’s sire Brazen Beau, who began the day with three stakes winners to his name but now has five. First-starter Ideas Man provided the first leg of the double with his victory in the Inglis Banner earlier on the Cox Plate day card.

Sartorial Splendor was bred by Blue Gum Farm Aust Pty Ltd and was a $130,000 purchase at the 2018 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.

His dam is Personal Ensign (Rubiton), who herself won three races including the Listed Northwood Plume S. and placed in the G2 Age Classic S.

Personal Ensign is the dam of seven winners from eight foals to race. Sartorial Splendor is the second stakes winner, joining G2 Blue Diamond Prelude and G3 Blue Diamond Preview winner Fontiton (Turffontein).

Sartorial Splendor was born in the spring of 2016, and since then Personal Ensign has produced a filly by Manhattan Rain in 2018. She returned to Manhattan Rain this season.

G3 Powerflo Solutions S., $200,000, 1600m

Race Summary:

Amangiri (All Too Hard) brought the curtain down on Cox Plate day with a determined front-running victory in fillies and mares’ company.

Sent to the lead in the early stages of the race by jockey Dwayne Dunn, Amangiri was being hotly pursued by a number of challengers coming up to the home turn.

But instead of being swamped down the Moonee Valley straight, Amangiri fought back resolutely and held on, winning by a head from Seewhatshebrings (Sebring) and Vanuatu (High Chaparral {Ire}).

Amangiri is trained by Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes, and she is owned by Michael’s wife Clare and John’s wife (Michael and Wayne’s mother) Jenny.

Amangiri has now had nine starts for three wins, three placings and $258,900 in prize-money. This was her first stakes win, having previously placed in the G3 Frank Packer Plate and Angst S.

Pedigree Notes:

Amangiri is the 11th individual stakes winner for sire All Too Hard, who stands for a fee of $27,500 at Vinery Stud. He has yet to sire a Group 1 winner but has had five at Group 2 or 3 level, including Alligator Blood, who won this year’s G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude and was a close second in the G1 Caulfield Guineas.

Amangiri was co-bred by Neil Werrett, who famously part-owned All Too Hard’s champion half-sister Black Caviar (Bel Esprit).

Amangiri was an $80,000 purchase at the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Her dam Secret Indulgence (NZ) (Fastnet Rock) was a winner and is a half-sister to G1 Victoria Derby winner Amalfi (Carnegie {Ire}). Another half-sister, Petit Verdot (NZ) (Carnegie {Ire}), is the dam of multiple stakes winners Antonio Lombardo (NZ) (Pins) and Master of Arts (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}).

Further down the pedigree page, the family features the prolific stakes performers Rationale (NZ) (Sound Reason {Can}), Egoli Lass (NZ) (Kaapstad {NZ}), Wise Lass (NZ) (Straight Strike {USA}), Vigor (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}), Joey Massino (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) and Vincent Mangano (NZ) (No Excuse Needed {GB}).

Since producing Amangiri, Secret Indulgence has had two More Than Ready (USA) fillies and a colt by that stallion’s son Better Than Ready.

Restricted Listed Inglis Banner, $500,000, 1000m

Race Summary:

Saturday’s lucrative sprint for Inglis sales graduates was won by the highest-priced yearling purchase in the field.

First-starter Ideas Man (Brazen Beau), who cost $575,000 at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, raced in midfield and quickened stylishly in the straight. Just as Bella Nipotina (Pride of Dubai) and Mildred (Hinchinbrook) seemed set to fight out the finish, Ideas Man finished over the top of them to win by a head.

Bella Nipotina was second, with the fast-finishing Arctic Ice (Brazen Beau) and Encountabull (Bull Point) pipping Mildred for third and fourth respectively.

Ideas Man was ridden in Saturday’s debut victory by Mark Zahra, and he is trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace for owners Halo Racing Services Pty Ltd, Pope Racing, Renkie Racing, Ciaron Maher Racing and seven other individuals.

Pedigree Notes:

Bred by O E & D R Pope Pty Ltd, Ideas Man is by the multiple Group 1-winning I Am Invincible stallion Brazen Beau.

Standing at Darley for a fee of $49,500, Brazen Beau has sired 21 winners from 86 runners. Ideas Man became his fourth stakes winner, joining G2 Stan Fox S. winner Colada and Listed winners Avengers Queen (GB) and Accession.

Ideas Man is the seventh winner from eight foals to race for the dam Innovation Girl (Rubiton), who herself won 10 races including the G2 Ascot Vale S., G3 Debonair S., G3 Thoroughbred Club S., G3 Dermody S. and three Listed races.

Innovation Girl had previously produced two other black-type performers, with Chloe in Paris (Exceed And Excel) winning the Listed Bob Hoysted H. and The Original (Dehere {USA}) placing in the G3 SAJC Sires’ Produce S.

Innovation Girl’s unraced daughter Original Choice (Redoute’s Choice) has produced four winners including the multiple Group placegetter Brockhoff (Lonhro).

Listed PFD Food Services Crockett S., $175,000, 1200m

Race Summary:

In only the third start of her career, 3-year-old filly Broadwayandfourth (Smart Missile) stepped up to the big time with an outstanding come-from-behind win.

Jockey Ben Melham dropped back to second-last on the $17 longshot as Villami (Foxwedge) and Lankan Star (Nicconi) raced side by side in front.

Villami kicked away in the straight in what looked like a winning move, but Broadwayandfourth charged through on her inside and raced on by, opening up to win by 1l. Niccovi (Nicconi) made a big late run to snatch second from Villami.

Broadwayandfourth is trained by Mitchell Freedman for her owners and co-breeders Bungan Street Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd. She has now won two of her three starts and $158,850 in stakes.

Pedigree Notes:

Broadwayandfourth is by Smart Missile, who stands for a fee of $22,000 at Twin Hills Stud. He has sired 268 winners from 417 runners, with Broadwayandfourth becoming his 15th individual stakes winner.

Smart Missile’s standout performers have been G1 Spring Champion S. winner Maid of Heaven, G2 Thousand Guineas Prelude winner Smart Melody and the Group 2 winner and Group 1-placed I’ll Have a Bit.

Broadwayandfourth is out of Broadway Harmony (Statue of Liberty {USA}), whose two-win racing career included victory in the Listed Dequetteville S. She is the dam of three foals to race, all winners. Broadwayandfourth is the first stakes winner, with Broadway And First (Flying Spur) winning six races and Ol’ Blue Eyes (Smart Missile) winning two.

Broadway Harmony has since produced a colt by Dissident in 2017, a colt by Wandjina in 2018 and a filly by Dissident in 2019.

Black type results: Randwick, Ellerslie, Trentham & Riccarton

6 min read

Randwick, G3 ICD Property Nivison, $200,000, 1200m

Race Summary:

Madam Rouge (Zoustar) was a strong fourth when opening her spring campaign and showed the benefit of that outing here.

The 4-year-old enjoyed an economical run behind the pace and when she got a split in the straight powered through under rider Brenton Avdulla.

Reelem In Ruby (Pierro) is a consistent type, as she showed with another brave run for second and the pacemaker Ready To Prophet (Smart Missile) stayed on gamely for third.

Pedigree Notes:

A $310,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale buy, Madam Rouge is a daughter of the Listed Summoned S. winner Cabernet (Al Maher).

The dam is out of the Listed Triscay S. winner Golden Weekend (Nine Carat {USA}) while the third dam Paris Weekend (Gielgud {USA}) was a Listed Keith Mackay H. winner and she also finished runner-up in the G1 Champagne S.

Randwick, Listed Southern Cross Brian Crowley S., $200,000, 1200m

Race Summary:

Diamond Thunder (Dawn Approach {Ire}) looks set for a rewarding spring after a smart first-up success.

He led early before settling in behind the speed and finished off resolutely near the fence for the fourth win of his six-start career.

Cardiff (Snitzel) shot clear before the turn and he held a strong gallop for second with Hulk (I Am Invincible) next best.

Pedigree Notes:

A $135,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale graduate, Diamond Thunder is a son of Kwinana (Lonhro) and she is out of a half-sister to the G3 Smokefree S. winner Firm (Night Shift {USA}), who produced the G3 Research S. winner Trim (Lonhro).

It’s also the family of the G3 Auraria S. winner Faithful Thought (Water Mill {GB}), the G3 Gold Trail S. winner Sustad (NZ) (Kaapstad {NZ}) and the G3 Run To The Rose S. winner Desuetude (Strategic).

Randwick, Listed Club NSW City Tattersalls Club Cup, $140,000, 2400m

Race Summary:

Master Of Wine (Ger) (Maxios {GB}) continued his impressive march through the grades with an impressive win.

He raced in the back division of the field before inching closer near the turn and came down the outside with a sterling finish to win going away.

Maurus (GB) (Medicean {GB}) followed up a solid run for third at his previous start by taking the runner-up cheque and the grey Master of Arts was best of the rest.

Pedigree Notes:

The winner is out of Magma (Ger) (Dubai Destination {USA}) and she is a half-sister to the dual German Group 3 winner Matchwinner (Ger) (Sternkonig {Ger}).

Their dam Mahamuni (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells {USA}) is a sister to the G1 EP Taylor S. winner Insight (Ire) and the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas winner Saffron Walden (Ire).

She is also a half-sister to the G1 Prix de la Foret winner Dolphin Street (Fr) (Bluebird {USA}), who enjoyed success as a stallion in Australia.

Ellerslie, G3 Barneswood Farm Soliloquy S., NZ$70,000, 1400m

Race Summary:

Travelling Light (NZ) (El Roca) was unbeaten in two appearances going into the race and she maintained her perfect record, but only just.

The filly was cluttered up in the straight and once she got clear she roared home to narrowly beat Bavella (Snitzel).

Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) got a long way back in the running and closed off well for third money.

Pedigree Notes:

A half-sister to the Group 2 performer The Great Southern (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}), Travelling Light is prepared by Ben Foote, who also trained her mother Cissy Bowen (NZ) (Colombia {NZ}) to win five races.

A sister to the Listed Macau Derby Trial winner Tiger King, Cissy Bowen is out of a half-sister to the Listed Anniversary H. winner Sovereign’s Ace (NZ) (Sovereign Prince {GB}).

Trentham, G3 Gee & Hickton Funeral Directors Thompson H., NZ$70,000, 1600m

Race Summary:

Mauna Kea (NZ) (Per Incanto) appreciated a drop back in class and a heavy track for the biggest win of his career.

Unplaced at his previous start in the G1 Livamol Classic, the 6-year-old sat on the leader’s quarters before going to the front 400 metres from home and he held on strongly.

Jessigee (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}) raced in the trail and she rounded off well in the straight for second with Polly Grey (NZ) (Azamour {Ire}{) making late ground for third.

Pedigree Notes:

Mauna Kea is a son of City Class Rose (NZ) (City Of A Hill {USA}), who was a minor winner over 1600 metres.

She is a half-sister to the dam of the dual Listed winner Keeper Special (NZ) (Keeper) and the dam of the G3 Rotorua S. winner Let Her Rip (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}).

The multiple Group 1 winner Vite Cheval (NZ) (Vice Regal {NZ}) also features further back in the pedigree.

Trentham, Listed Hanley Formula Wellesley S., $50,000, 1000m

Race Summary:

Play That Song (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) remained unbeaten for trainer Nigel Tiley after following up a debut win with a black type success.

In a small field the filly raced on the pace and, after hitting the front 200 metres from home, surged clear to score with authority.

Power ‘N’ Glory (NZ) (Power {GB}) made a decent debut in finishing second ahead of Amosia (Squamosa).

Pedigree Notes:

A NZ$40,000 Karaka graduate, Play That Song is a daughter of Supreme (NZ) (Falkirk {NZ}), a half-sister to the G3 Kenilworth Chairman’s H. winner Golden Parachute (NZ) (Montjeu {Ire}).

The second dam Maxamore (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}) won the G2 Matamata Breeders’ S. and also featuring in this pedigree is the G2 Hawke’s Bay Cup winner and multiple Group 1 placegetter Maxam (NZ) (Gaius {Ire}).

Riccarton, G3 War Decree S., NZ$80,000, 1600m

Race Summary:

Sherwood Forest (Fastnet Rock) was tardily out of the barrier and settled toward the back of the field.

Rider Troy Harris had the Tony Pike-trained runner on the move near the turn and the strapping 3-year-old finished powerfully.

Chuck A Luck (NZ) (Niagara) was nearer the pace all the way and fought on soundly to take second ahead of All About Magic (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}).

Pedigree Notes:

A $100,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, Sherwood Forest is a brother to the Listed Morphettvile Guineas winner Royal Ocean.

Their dam Chasing Mammon (Giant’s Causeway {USA}) is a half-sister to the dual Listed winner Zelsnitz (Snitzel) and they are out of Eishin Maysville (USA) (Jade Hunter {USA}).

She is a half-sister to the multiple Group 1 winner and champion sire Holy Roman Emperor (Ire) (Danehill {USA}).

Riccarton, Listed Christchurch Casino Spring Classic, NZ$50,000, 2000m

Race Summary:

Chief Sequoyah (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) produced a major form reversal to win, having been beaten in a lowly Rating 65 race in his lead-up.

The 5-year-old turned that around by leading all the way and, after slipping clear 300 metres from home, he stayed on strongly.

King Of The Dance (Animal Kingdom) got going too late and had to settle for second and the genuine Zentessa (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) was third.

Pedigree Notes:

The winner is out of Fantasy Rose (NZ) (Fantastic Light {USA}), whose three foals to race have all been successful.

She is a daughter of the G2 Wakeful S. runner-up Tempest Command (Marauding {NZ}), a half-sister to the two-time black type winner Victory Dash (Victory Prince).

Also featuring on the pedigree page is the G2 Shannon S. winner Washington Heights (Commands) and the dual Listed winner Supply And Demand (Sebring).

Foal Showcase

1 min read

To have your foal featured, send a landscape-oriented image to olivia@tdnausnz.com.au

Churchill x Rotterdam (filly) Coolmore

Pierro x Reply Churlish (filly) WillowPark, Lisa Richards

Puissance De Lune (Ire) x Stiletto Rock (filly) Swettenham Stud

Merchant Navy x Loyal Hero (filly) Willow Park, Lisa Richards

Hellbent x Miss Charming (filly) Vinery Stud

Churchill x Readyforcatherine (colt) Coolmore

Daily News Wrap

7 min read

Mission accomplished

Madam Rouge (Zoustar) boosted her future broodmare value with victory in the G3 IDC Property Nivison S. at Randwick.

Charlie Duckworth, representing trainer Chris Waller, said the focus had been to get a stakes win for the 4-year-old and the stable would now consider further spring options.

Madam Rouge (black and white check cap)

"We have thought about the Golden Eagle, but that's unlikely," he said. "It's probably a bit rough from 1200 to 1500 metres in the Eagle."

He said a more likely option was the Hot Danish S. in two weeks.

"If there's a half-million dollar race there ready to be taken then we'll try to take it," Duckworth said.

Cup not off the table

Co-trainer Michael Hawkes hasn’t totally dismissed a G1 Melbourne Cup bid with Master Of Wine (Ger) (Maxios {GB}) following his win in the Listed Club NSW City Tattersalls Club Cup at Randwick.

Master Of Wine (Ger)

"It is tempting, but as we always do race day, we've got to get them home and see how they are," Hawkes said. "It's a quick back up next week, but we'll let the dust settle.

"He would probably benefit from a good break and come back in the autumn, that's what I personally feel, but we don't make those decisions race day."

"He's a really nice horse in the making and hopefully this time in 12 months he's going to be something."

Thundering on

Diamond Thunder (Dawn Approach {Ire}) has continued trainer Mark Newnham's run of success this spring with a first-up victory in the Listed Brian Crowley S. at Randwick.

The 3-year-old will now be aimed towards the Magic Millions Trophy next year after picking up his second black-type win.

Diamond Thunder

"He's come back in good shape. He had a good break after Queensland in the winter and I wanted to give him this run then a bit of a freshen up to the Magic Millions in January," Newnham said.

Cahill side-lined

Leading Queensland jockey Michael Cahill has fractured a foot and will have further tests before it is determined how long he will be out of the saddle.

Cahill was the star of the winter carnival winning two Group 1 races and started the new season in fine form to be second on the metropolitan premiership with 19 winners.

He withdrew halfway through the Sunshine Coast meeting on Friday night sand was not fit to ride at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Cahill visited a doctor on Saturday morning and an X-ray confirmed he had a fracture high up on his right foot.

Career highlight

Tenacious 6-year-old Mauna Kea (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) scored the biggest win of his career to date when his never-say-die attitude paved the way for a gritty victory in the G3 Gee & Hickton Funeral Directors Thompson H. at Trentham.

He has proven a model of consistency since breaking through for his first victory in May 2018 with a further seven wins to the Leger, however a stakes victory had proved elusive until Saturday’s contest.

“He comes back quickly from his races, but he does like them spaced out. It takes him about three or four days and then he blossoms,” trainer Paul Moseley said.

Top Guineas trial

Cambridge galloper Sherwood Forest (Fastnet Rock) showed he will be a force to be reckoned with at the top level next month when he stormed home to take out the G3 War Decree S. at Riccarton on Saturday.

The Tony Pike-trained 3-year-old has been touted as a serious contender for the G1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand 2000 Guineas in a fortnight and his admirers would have been well satisfied with his latest performance.

“Troy (Harris) got him some cover and then plenty of clear air and he was a touch too good for them,” stable representative Dean Williams said.

Well-bred filly strikes

A half-sister to the reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) has made the perfect start to her career.

Exaltation (Not A Single Doubt) came with a hefty price tag and delivered at the first time of asking over 1200 metres in the Helston Maiden at Riccarton for trainer Jamie Richards.

The filly was purchased by Te Akau boss David Ellis at Karaka where he purchased her out of Haunui Farm’s draft for NZ$900,000.

Arqana comes to close

Arqana’s four-day October Yearling Sale drew to a close on Friday with an abbreviated final session of 82 yearlings.

Sixty-four of those found new homes, adding a further €636,000 (AU$1,032,806) to the sale’s aggregate, which wrapped up at €17,692,000 (AU$28,730,212), down four per cent from last year’s €18,493,700 (AU$30,032,782) when 34 more horses were sold.

Sharing top honours during the final session were a colt from the first crop of Goken (Fr) and a filly by Goken’s sire Kendargent (Fr), which each fetched €26,000 (AU$42,221) . The colt is a half-brother to black type winner Wootton’s Colt (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and he was bought by Tina Rau. The filly is a granddaughter of GI Beverly D. S. winner England’s Legend (Lure) and was bought by Agence BHB.

First winner

The Kevin Rohloff-trained Cardinal O’Ceirin (NZ) delivered a special result for breeder and owner Wayne Keenan at Trentham where he opened his own winning account and that of his sire Dial A Prayer (NZ).

Unraced due to injury, the stallion is a son of the Group 3 winner O’Ceirin’s Angel (NZ) (Al Akbar {NZ}) and stands at Grangewilliam Stud on Keenan’s behalf.

“It’s unbelievable, it’s taken a while and I’m really thrilled,” he said.

Eight Rings to Coolmore

Coolmore Stud announced on Friday morning that they have acquired the breeding rights to Eight Rings (USA) (Empire Maker {USA}), who is expected to be one of the favourites for next Saturday’s G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita, and will stand him at Ashford Stud in Kentucky upon conclusion of his racing career.

Bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm, the US$520,000 Keeneland September yearling won the G1 American Pharaoh S. this season. Eight Rings is trained by two-time Triple Crown winner Bob Baffert for an ownership ground that is comprised of SF Racing, LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, LLC, Frederick Hertrich, III, John D. Fielding and Golconda Stables.

“We are excited that Eight Rings will have the opportunity to stand at Coolmore following retirement” said Tom Ryan of SF Racing. “As a member of the first racing stable of our co-ownership group, we are particularly proud of Eight Rings and it is important to all of us that he be given the best possible chance at stud. We have the utmost respect for Coolmore and their ability to support world-class stallion prospects, which we hope and expect Eight Rings to be.”

Tapit at US$200,000

Gainesway's Tapit (USA) (Pulpit {USA}) will stand for US$200,000 (AU$293,230) during the 2020 season, which is a $25,000 (AU$36,652) decrease from 2019. “Tapit continues to have a tremendous impact on the breed,” said Gainesway’s Antony Beck. “We’re thrilled to watch the success of his sons at stud. Constitution (USA) and Frosted (USA) have been exceptionally well received. And we’re very happy to have several of his promising young sons standing at Gainesway in Anchor Down (USA), Tapizar (USA) and Tapwrit (USA).

Empire Maker (USA) (Unbridled {USA}), who will be represented by Eight Rings (USA) in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, will have his fee announced at a later date.

Tapit | Image courtesy of Gainesway

Looking Ahead - October 27

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 Sunday, we zero in on the meeting at Sale where we have found two maiden prospects from potent international families and a 3-year-old who performed particularly well on debut to finish second and looks primed to go one better.

Sale, Race 1, 12.40pm, TAC Maiden Plate, $35,000, 1100m

Batal (Snitzel) boasts an international pedigree of the highest order and is a half-brother to the G1 Greyville Thekwini S. winner Amanee (Pivotal {GB}) and to the dam of the G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Karakontie (USA) (Bernstein {USA}).

Snitzel, sire of Batal

The Mick Price and Michael Kent-trained 3-year-old is a son of the French black type winner Moon Is Up (USA) (Woodman {USA}) and she is a daughter of the former champion performer Miesque (USA) (Nureyev {USA}), winner of 10 Group 1 titles and the dam of the multiple Group 1 winner and champion sire Kingmambo (USA) (Mr Prospector {USA}). Batal ran sixth in his only appearance last season and following a break a sound trial should see him in top order for this assignment.

Sale, Race 2, 1.15pm, Ladbrokes Cash In Maiden, $35,000, 1400m

Final Man (Reward For Effort) gave a strong account of himself at the first time of asking when he got home well to finish runner-up over 1200 metres. The extra distance will suit him and with Brian Werner to take the ride again they look a combination to follow.

Reward For Effort, sire of Final Man

Trained by Nick Harnett, Final Man is a half-brother to two winners with their dam the unraced Chowder Bay (NZ) (Strategic). She is a half-sister to the G3 Tramway H. winner Primus (Flying Spur) and the family of the G1 Queensland Oaks winner Miss Danehill (Danehill {USA}) and her G2 Craiglee S. winning half-brother Pentatstic (NZ) (Pentire {GB}).

Sale, Race 3, Wynne’s Coaches Maiden, $35,000, 1400m

Let’s Go Home (High Chaparral {Ire}) has made a solid start to her career with recent placings over this course and distance and most recently at Mornington. Both times she took up a handy spot in the running and boxed on gamely.

High Chaparral (Ire), sire of Let's Go Home

Prepared by David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig, the lightly-tried 4-year-old will again be partnered by Daniel Stackhouse and against modest opposition looks a strong hope. She is a half-sister to three winners and her second dam is a blood sister to the former champion French filly and nine-time Group 1 winner Triptych (USA) (Riverman {USA}) and the family of the G1 Caulfield Cup winner Tawqeet (USA) (Kingmambo {USA}).

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

NSW Race Results

Randwick (Metropolitan)

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

VIC Race Results

The Valley (Metropolitan)

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

QLD Race Results

Eagle Farm (Metropolitan)

Gold Coast (Provincial)

Gympie

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

WA Race Results

Ascot (Metropolitan)

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

SA Race Results

Morphettville (Metropolitan)

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

NT Race Results

Darwin (Metropolitan)

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

NZ Race Results

Trentham

Riccarton

Ellerslie

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

Aus Sire Premiership

Aus General Sires' Premiership

NZ Sire Premiership

NZ General Sires' Premiership

Thanks for reading!

1 min read

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Editorial | editorial@tdnausnz.com.au

Bren O'Brien | bren@tdnausnz.com.au

Paul Vettise | paul@tdnausnz.com.au

Richard Edmunds

Advertising | advertising@tdnausnz.com.au

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Regular Columnists

John Boyce | John Berry | Jo McKinnon | Alan Carasso | Emma Berry | Rob Waterhouse | Anthony Manton | Trevor Marshallsea

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