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McDonald’s honours no surprise to O’Shea

Written by
5 min read
James McDonald was a teenage riding prodigy who wasted no time in establishing himself among Sydney’s top echelon of jockeys and now his achievements have been acknowledged by the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame.

McDonald, who had his first ride as a 15-year-old, was a champion apprentice and graduated to senior honours when he set a national record to win the jockeys’ title with 207 winners in his fourth season in 2010/11 and within a year moved across the Tasman.

The now 27-year-old’s CV boasts a swag of subsequent Group 1 Australian victories and his achievements will be recognised with his induction into the New Zealand Hall of Fame next May, the youngest to be bestowed with that honour.

One trainer who quickly recognised McDonald’s talent when he shifted to Sydney was Group 1 winning Randwick conditioner John O’Shea.

John O'Shea

“He was a great kid to work with. He had a great work ethic and a tremendous horse sense,” he said. “He’s been fantastic from the first day he set foot over here, apart from a bit of home sickness during that first year.”

“He was a great kid to work with. He had a great work ethic and a tremendous horse sense.” – John O’Shea

At 22 and with 1000 wins already signed off, McDonald won his first Sydney metropolitan title in 2013/14 headlined by wins in the G1 Golden Slipper S. on Mossfun (Mossman), the G1 Queen Elizabeth S. with Dundeel (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}), the G1 Australian Oaks on Rising Romance (NZ) (Ekraar {USA}) and the G1 Caulfield Guineas aboard Shooting To Win (Northern Meteor).

In 2015, he was appointed as Australian stable rider for the global giant Godolphin, whose head trainer at that time was O’Shea, but later that year McDonald’s world came crashing down.

James McDonald and Astern

He was found guilty of backing his own mount Astern (Medaglia d’Oro {USA}) and was banned for 18 months.

“That was just an indiscretion of youth and unfortunately by the time it was brought to my attention that we may have had a problem it was too late,” O’Shea said.

“I was just as responsible as him. It was my tenure to look after him and it got under my guard. He didn’t do a great deal wrong and paid a very severe penalty.”

“He didn’t do a great deal wrong and paid a very severe penalty.” – John O’Shea

McDonald duly served his time and on his return was soon back among the winners.

“I made the most of the time away to refresh my approach and came back determined, definitely stronger. What happened to me was a learning curve for not only me but a lot of people, many of them my peers who saw what could happen if you broke the rules,” he said.

“I had no negativity against the stewards, after all they were only doing their job, and even though I thought it was harsh at the time, I had to pay the price.

“From the time I came back in May last year I worked on every aspect of my riding, I was determined to make it work – my weight, fitness, connection with trainers – and by the start of the new season I was ready to hum.”

James McDonald has been humbled by news of his Hall of Fame induction

Three-time Sydney Jockeys’ Premiership winner McDonald has been humbled by news of his Hall of Fame induction.

“I couldn’t believe it when I got the call, it’s a huge honour and I still get goose bumps just talking about it,” he said. “To think I’m joining great jockeys like Lance O’Sullivan, Jim Cassidy, Noel Harris and Shane Dye – these are the guys whose photos I had on the wall when I was a boy.”

“I couldn’t believe it when I got the call, it’s a huge honour and I still get goose bumps just talking about it.” – James McDonald

Meanwhile, O’Shea has been doing the rounds inspecting yearlings including those of the Darley resident Astern.

“They look to be predominantly throwing to the Medaglia d’Oro side,” he said.

Astern | Standing at Darley

O’Shea trained Astern to win five of his nine starts, including victory in the G1 Golden Rose S. and said he was quickly aware of the colt’s ability.

“He was the number one seed out of 170 yearlings we had that year and it was very evident early on in the piece.

“He was just a beautiful horse, but he continually got viral infections. After he won the Golden Rose he got a virus, before the Coolmore in the autumn he got a virus again and never really reached his full potential because of those ailments.”

Young talent

O’Shea has slowly built up his team since his departure from Godolphin and is pleased with the depth among the younger members of the stable and, in particular, has been impressed by the development of an expensive yearling buy.

“We’re going along steadily and it’s starting to take good shape now. By the time you get the autumn 3-year-olds into the joint and now we’ve got some nice young horses,” he said.

“Quantico is probably the pick of them. He’ll be back at Canterbury on January 3 and he’s a very good type.”

Quantico as a yearling

Quantico (I Am Invincible) finished runner-up in his only appearance at Warwick Farm in August and showed his readiness to return with a trial win at Randwick earlier this month. He has been ridden by McDonald in all of his appearances.

He was purchased out of Yarraman Park Stud’s draft for $1.05 million with the ticket signed for by O’Shea, the China Horse Club and Boomer Bloodstock.

The colt is a son of the three-time stakes winner and Group 3 performer Hoss Amor (General Nediym) and is from the family of the G1 TJ Smith S. winner and sire Sizzling and the G1 Rosehill Guineas winner D’Argento (So You Think {NZ}).

Zoustar's elite mares

Written by
4 min read
Zoustar recently arrived at Tweenhills Stud in England for his second Northern Hemisphere season. He’s set to cover another top-class book of mares, including Mabs Cross (GB).

You might be surprised to learn that it was Zoustar that covered more elite mares than any other stallion in the land in 2018. Even in Europe where reverse shuttlers often struggle to gain a foothold, the son of Northern Meteor has caught the imagination.

He covered 147 mares at an opening fee of £25,000 (AU$47,117) and only the likes of Roaring Lion (USA) and Saxon Warrior (Jpn) attracted significantly more elite mares in their first year. And now we have the news that connections have secured the outstanding sprinter Mabs Cross (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) for his second book of mares, for which he’s advertised at £30,000 (AU$56,541).

Mabs Cross (GB) | Image courtesy of Scoop Dyga

That’s what early success on the racetrack can do for a stallion’s career and there is nothing like siring the first three home in a major 3-year-old sprint to focus the attention of breeders and yearling buyers. Zoustar’s trifecta (Sunlight, Zousain and Lean Mean Machine) in G1 Coolmore Stud S. at Flemington will live long in the memory.

Zoustar’s talent as a racehorse should not be forgotten. A son of the short-lived but very successful Northern Meteor, Zoustar didn’t have a long racing career – just nine starts in one autumn and one spring campaign – but his class still shone through, first in Queensland as a 2-year-old where he won the G2 Sires’ Produce and was runner-up in the G1 JJ Atkins.

The following spring he warmed up with a fourth place in the G3 Run to the Rose and then put in three sterling performances in quick succession, winning the G1 Golden Rose, the G2 Roman Consul and the G1 Coolmore Stud S.

Zoustar winning the G1 Coolmore Stud S.

His 2-year-old form was assessed by Timeform at a rating of 114, which placed him among the top 10 2-year-old colts and geldings of his year. At three, Timeform gave him a mark of 122 and only G1 Cox Plate hero Shamus Award and VRC Derby winner Polanski were rated higher among the season’s 3-year-olds. His 122 rating also put him behind only Shooting To Win among his sire’s progeny.

Zoustar got plenty of attention from breeders when he retired to stud, standing at a fee of $44,000 for his first four years. Predictably his first book contained many well-bred mares and even by year three and four, he was still attracting good quality mares. So there is a level of expectation among breeders, but it has to be said that Zoustar is providing the results to surpass that expectation. At the end of his second season with runners, he had already sired five Group winners and to put that achievement in context, only eight sires in the past 25 years had more at the same stage of their career.

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Gallery: Some of Zoustar's leading progeny

Moreover, five Group winners was as good as, or more than, many other successful sires – including Exceed And Excel, More Than Ready (USA) and I Am Invincible – at the end of their second season with runners. Now halfway through his third season, Zoustar is up to 10 Group winners, which is an outstanding achievement when you consider that the great Redoute’s Choice had amassed 15 by the end of his third season, and the likes of Snitzel, Zabeel (NZ), Exceed And Excel, Lonhro and a host of other current commercial sires had fewer.

When the Zoustars are good, they tend to be very good. That’s helps explain why 10 of his 13 stakes winners have won at Group level. His current strike rate of 5.8 per cent Group winners to runners also puts him among the best sires for some time.

"When the Zoustars are good, they tend to be very good... His current strike rate of 5.8 per cent Group winners to runners... puts him among the best sires for some time." - John Boyce

Moreover, it’s a score that’s well in advance of what his mares have achieved with all other stallions. Another key indicator that Zoustar is a dominant force is the fact that he gets 12.8 per cent Group winners and 15.4 per cent stakes winners from his best mares, which have produced about 23 per cent of his runners so far.

In the circumstances, it’s not that difficult to imagine even more success in the coming years as he gets access to more and more good mares. The number of elite mares he has served has gone through the roof in recent seasons: in 2018 he covered almost as many elite mares as he did in the three previous seasons and the 2019 figures are sure to improve on that yet again.

Mare primed to return to Group winning form

5 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Pinmedown (NZ) (Pins) has two Group successes to her credit at Ellerslie and there’s a sense of timing about the Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard-prepared mare’s prospect of adding to her collection on Boxing Day.

The 4-year-old has produced two bold showings ahead of the G1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic and the step up to 2000 metres will be ideal for Pinmedown, who will be ridden by the expatriate New Zealander Michael Dee.

Pinmedown was among the country’s leading fillies last season with victories in the G2 Eight Carat Classic 12 months ago and she subsequently also claimed top honours in the G3 Sunline Vase.

This preparation, she was sound in her first two starts before she got home late at Te Rapa to finish fourth in the G3 Eagle Technology S. at Ellerslie and again found the line strongly when third in the G2 Cal Isuzu S. at Te Rapa.

“We’re very happy with her. She got well back at Ellerslie and her sectionals were good and it was a positive run from her." Gerard said.

“We’re very happy with her. She got well back at Ellerslie and her sectionals were good and it was a positive run from her." - Pam Gerard

“I wasn’t disappointed at all and had she run straight at Te Rapa she would probably have gone close to winning it. She did a few little things wrong and she’s never quite as good going left-handed," Gerard said.

Pinmedown has worked well since and even the outside barrier hasn’t dented the stable’s confidence.

Pinmedown (NZ)

“Everything is going in the right direction toward the Zabeel Classic,” Gerard said. "I think she’s much better out wider and and she gets clear air running home, she likes that best.

“I think that’s where we went wrong here last time when she came through the pack. She doesn’t really like it and she’s best off coming down the outside. She likes plenty of space so the draw’s not really a problem.”

Pinmedown was bred by Ardsley Stud and was a NZ$28,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale buy and signed for by Paul Moroney. She is from the family of the former two-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year Ambitious Dragon (NZ) (Pins).

Moroney also secured barnmate Harlech (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}), who will also be one of the top fancies in the Listed Shaw’s Wires Ropes Uncle Remus S. in his lead-up to the G1 Levin Classic at Trentham on January 18.

Harlech (NZ)

He was purchased at Karaka for NZ$100,000 from the draft of breeder The Oaks Stud and is a son of the G2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. winner Obsession (NZ) (Bachelor Duke {Ire}). They will offer a full brother as Lot 139 at Karaka next month.

Harlech has made rapid progress this time around and broke his maiden in September before winning the G2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial S.

He then headed to Riccarton and finished runner-up behind the explosive Catalyst (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) in the G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas.

“We’re happy enough with him at this stage. This obviously isn’t his main aim, but he had a nice break after Riccarton and he’s bright and feeling really good.

“This obviously isn’t his main aim, but he had a nice break after Riccarton and he’s bright and feeling really good.” – Pam Gerard

“The run will bring him on really nicely and his coat is starting to come really good again.”

The stable also has two promising 2-year-olds engaged in the Stella Artois to be run under set weights and penalties conditions.

It has accepted with Dragon Queen (NZ) (Sweynesse) and Targhee (Dissident), although the latter may be reserved for New Year’s Day.

Pam Gerard

“I really like both of them. They are going in the right direction, but Targhee is unlikely to start because of the wide draw,” Gerard said.

Dragon Queen trialled well before she made her debut last month and gave a solid account of herself when a close third.

“She was a little bit green the first time around Ellerslie. She’s a very fast little filly, she’s not big and is quite sleight,” Gerard said. “She hasn’t quite matured yet and is probably going to be a nicer 3-year-old, but she can gallop.”

“She hasn’t quite matured yet and is probably going to be a nicer 3-year-old, but she can gallop.” – Pam Gerard

Dragon Queen was a NZ$50,000 buy for Moroney and the New Zealand Chinese Jockey Club at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale. She was offered by Brighthill Farm on behalf of breeder the Dowager Duchess of Bedford.

The filly, whose half-sister by Preferment (NZ) will be offered as Lot 1130 at Karaka in January by Brighthill, is a grand-daughter of the multiple Group 1 winner Snap (NZ) (Kingdom Bay {NZ}).

Targhee as a yearling

Targhee has finished fourth in both of her starts, most recently at Ellerslie where she was doing her best work late over 1100 metres.

“She is a very professional filly and she’s going to like getting out over a bit more ground,” Gerard said.

Out of a half-sister to the G1 South Australian Oaks winner Tully Thunder (Thunder Gulch {USA}), Targhee was bred by the China Horse Club and was bought, also by Moroney, out of Little Avondale Stud’s draft at Karaka for NZ$130,000.

Hong Kong Happenings

3 min read

Written by Alan Carasso

In this continuing series, we take a look at Australasian-bred horses down to make their initial starts in Hong Kong--horses either unraced (PPG-privately purchased griffins) or previously raced in Australia and New Zealand (PP-private purchases) – in addition to progressive horses returning from a spell

The horses listed below have been selected based on notable pedigrees, sales history and/or previous racetrack performances. Happy Valley hosts a rare Thursday program on Boxing Day that features the Hong Kong debut of a high-priced graduate of this past March’s Hong Kong International Sale.

R5-Tsing Lung Tau H. (C4), HK$967K (AU$180k), 1200m

Noble Man

(g, 4, Exceed And Excel x So Tempted, by Jeune {GB})

A half-brother to the Listed winning and Group 3 placed Femina Fashion (Shamardal {USA}) and to dual South African Grade 1 winner Happy Archer (Dubawi {Ire}), Noble Man was scooped up by representatives of the Hong Kong Jockey Club for a whopping $800,000 at the 2017 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. Exported to Hong Kong just this past February, the bay was sent through the ring at the Hong Kong International Sale the following month and was knocked down for HK$6.5 million (AU$1,169,065).

Noble Man as a yearling

Noble Man, whose stakes placed second dam Hutt Star (Semipalatinsk {USA}) dropped Group 2 winner and Group 1 placed Lolita Star (Jeune {GB}), turned in a solid trial over the Sha Tin all-weather on December 10, finishing fourth, about 2l behind the second-placed Xponential (Equiano {Fr}). The latter defied a quote of $48 to win his local debut at Sha Tin on December 22.

Breeder: S F Bloodstock LLC (NSW)

Consignor: Newgate Farm, agent

Purchaser: Hong Kong Jockey Club

Vitality Fortune

(g, 4, Tavistock {NZ} x Tristraad {NZ}, by Volksraad {GB})

Another Hong Kong runner for the sadly departed Tavistock (NZ), Vitality Fortune, an own brother to Listed Port Adelaide Guineas runner-up Greycliffe (NZ), was a NZ$90,000 acquisition out of the 2017 Karaka Yearling Sales.

Vitality Fortune as a 2-year-old

He made for a tidy profit when reselling to Hong Kong conditioner Peter Ho for NZ$370,000 at the Ready To Run Sale later that season. Vitality Fortune’s unraced dam is a half-sister to Giovana (NZ) (Blues Traveller {Ire}), who valiadated $3.75 favouritism in the 2000 G1 Queensland Oaks and was also a three-time Group 1 winner in New Zealand.

Watch: Vitality Fortune breezed in 10.61s for the 2017 NZBRTR Sale

Breeder: Miss C A Marshall

Consignor: Lyndhurst Farm, agent (NZBJAN); Diamond Lodge, agent (NZBRTR)

Purchaser: DW Racing (NZBJAN); Peter Ho (NZBRTR)

2019 Rapid Reflections

2 min read

A quickfire round with bloodstock agent Sheamus Mills

TDN AusNZ: Favourite racing moment of 2019?

SM: Vow And Declare (Declaration Of War {USA}) winning the Melbourne Cup for sure.

TDN AusNZ: And non-racing moment?

SM: Easy. Richmond winning their 2nd Grand Final in the last three years.

TDN AusNZ: Best thing about Magics and the Gold Coast?

SM: The lifestyle. Beach, weather, restaurants and the hospitality.

TDN AusNZ: What progeny have impressed you so far on your MM inspections?

SM: Of the new horses I would have to go with Capitalist and Shalaa (Ire).

TDN AusNZ: If you could be someone else in the industry for a day. Who would it be, and why?

SM: The head of Racing Australia. Not sure I could get everything done in a day but would love to bring together all the key stake holders and Principal Racing Authorities for a round table so I could better understand why we have had no movement on so many key issues.

Sheamus Mills

TDN AusNZ: Favourite racehorse of the decade? Domestic and international.

SM: I'll go with Vow And Declare domestically and internationally I would say Kingman (GB) - easy to forget he won seven of eight starts and four Group 1's - because he raced in the shadows of Frankel (GB).

TDN AusNZ: Greatest sporting moment this decade (not solely racing related).

SM: See above! Doesn't get any better than the two Richmond Premierships.

TDN AusNZ: Who is the most under-rated stallion in Australasia?

SM: For mine it's probably So You Think (NZ). Can get you a really good racehorse and I think his best are yet to come. Don't make the money they deserve to in the sale ring in my opinion.

TDN AusNZ: Positive change you would like to see in the industry in 2020?

SM: Might be controversial but I would like to see the construction of a thoroughbred only abattoir and a bounty paid for every thoroughbred to be returned to the industry at what ever stage of life that turns out to be. That is the only way the industry can truly say that all its animals are treated with kindness and respect. We need to be our own RSPCA in that regard.

TDN AusNZ: New Year's resolution for 2020?

SM: Take the stairs.

Black type preview: Ellerslie, Randwick, Caulfield & Wingatui

6 min read

True Enough top hope again

Ellerslie, G1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic, NZ$200,000, 2000m

True Enough (NZ) (Nom du Jeu {NZ}) continues to hold his form and has made an impressive transition to weight-for-age racing this preparation.

He won the G2 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile at Riccarton under handicap conditions and then finished a solid third in the G1 Captain Cook S. at Trentham. He found the line strongly there over a mile and should relish the step up in distance here.

Queen Of Diamonds (NZ)

His stablemate Mongolian Marshal (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}) has had an interesting lead-up and jumps from a last-start fifth over 1400 metres to a middle distance. However, he has residual fitness on his side as two runs back he was fifth in the G1 Livamol Classic.

The third member of the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman trio is Queen Of Diamonds (NZ) (Savabeel). She has been around the mark in two lead-up runs and will appreciate getting up to 2000 metres.

Pinmedown (NZ)

The Mitigator (Master of Design) isn’t favoured by the conditions of the race, but he is rock-hard fit and if he’s left alone in front he’ll take a power of running down.

Pinmedown (NZ) (Pins) is working her way back to the form that earned her a brace of Group wins last season. Most recently, she got home strongly for third in the G2 Cal Isuzu S. and the extra distance here should be ideal.

Filly due winning trick

Ellerslie, G2 Skycity Eight Carat Classic, NZ$100,000, 1600m

Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) is a gifted filly and has raced well against the best of her age group with three stakes placings from six appearances.

She got clear air late at Riccarton before charging home for second in the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas and a repeat effort should see her go one better.

Two Illicit (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}) is a progressive type and she beat the erratic, but talented, Dragon Leap (Pierro) in the Listed Trevor Eagle Memorial. She looks sure to be ultra-competitive again.

Manchu (Redoute’s Choice) and Familia (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) are two very honest fillies and give trainer Lance Noble a strong hand while Diamonds Galore (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) is a promising type and didn’t have a lot of luck when fourth last time out.

Aalaalune (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) had her chance when a beaten favourite in the G3 Eulogy S. and would need to improve. Showocross (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) lost no admirers when second to unbeaten Rondini (NZ) (Proisir) when second in the Listed Bonecrusher S.

Harlech tough to roll

Ellerslie, Listed Shaw’s Wires Ropes Uncle Remus S., NZ$60,000, 1400m

Harlech (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) is near the top of 3-year-old rankings and following his run for second in the G1 New Zealand 2000 Thousand Guineas he’s the favoured way to go here.

Shenanigans (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) lacks experience, but has plenty of talent and the roomy Ellerslie track should suit, while the filly Travelling Light (NZ) (El Roca) was third in the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas and the drop back in trip will help her chances.

Sai Fah (NZ) (Rios) is genuine and handles all types of tracks and Bella Mente (NZ) (El Roca) flew home when clear for fifth in the Guineas at Riccarton. She’ll be a threat with a touch more luck in the running.

Harlech (NZ)

Avantage class act

Ellerslie, Listed Hallmark Stud H., NZ$60,000, 1200m

Avantage (Fastnet Rock) resumes here after a disappointing spring in Australia and a trial win hinted that she can bounce back, despite an awkward gate.

Take no notice of Marzemino’s (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) last-start defeat as she had an interrupted run and lost a plate. Her previous winning form is hard to dismiss.

Mr Universe (Smart Missile) was an eye-catching last-start winner and he looks ready for black type racing while Spring Heat (More Than Ready {USA}) was impressive when resuming and is another to make each way appeal.

Avantage (orange cap)

Tamarack a top chance

Randwick, G3 Summer Cup, $160,000, 2000m

Tamarack (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) has come to good form since getting out over more ground and he looks a strong lighter weighed prospect. He has finished third in each of his last two outings and wasn’t far away either time.

Luvaluva (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) made late ground in The Gong and has since trialled. She will be much better suited at 2000 metres as well.

Luvaluva (NZ)

A better showing can also be expected from Live And Free (NZ) (Savabeel) now he’s up to this trip while Alward (Ire) (Aqlaam {GB}) missed out in the Listed Xmas Cup, but his prior form was excellent.

Taikomochi (Snitzel) is always dangerous if he gets his own way in front and Black On Gold (Sebring) hinted a win wasn’t far away when runner-up in the Listed ATC Cup and he’s since trialled well.

Topweight fancied

Caulfield, Listed Ladbrokes Lord S., $140,000, 1700m

Gold Fields (Churchill Downs) won two stakes races on the bounce before he was undone in the G2 Villiers S. He has 60kg to shoulder, but should find this an easier assignment.

Gold Fields

Future Score (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) won well when resuming at Pakenham while runner-up and race rival again Odeon (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}) is slightly better off at the weights so they are both strong chances.

There’s been nothing wrong with Al Passem’s (Al Maher) last two efforts and he looks competitive once more, while both Kardashing (Redoute’s Choice) and Living The Dream (Artie Schiller {USA}) bring winning form from the lower grades and no reason they can’t excel at this level.

Dream result beckons

Caulfield, Listed MRC Christmas S., $140,000, 1200m

Crystal Dreamer (Stratum) won the G3 Heath S. three runs back and there’s been enough in his last two efforts to suggest he’ll run very well.

Crystal Dreamer

Stablemate Thermal Current (Exceed And Excel) continues to be competitive and his chances will be helped if he can run handier from a good gate while Mystiko (NZ) (Sakhee’s Secret {GB}) was a sound last-start third at Flemington and he likes Caulfield.

Ef Troop (Spirit Of Boom) returned to winning ways at Morphettville and he has held his form well in the past and All Too Royale (All Too Hard) is fresh and has won three times when produced off a break.

Stablemates to dominate

Wingatui, Listed Southern Wide Realty Hazlett S., NZ$50,000, 1200m

The Michael and Matthew Pitman-trained pair of Enzo’s Lad (Testa Rossa) and Sensei (Dream Ahead {USA}) are quality sprinters and they are a formidable sprinting duo and the likely quinella.

Enzo’s Lad (white cap)

Don Carlo (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) has drawn well off the back of a dominant win at Riccarton and Rocanto (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) is a seasoned campaigner and with two wins from his last three starts has plenty of appeal.

Morweka (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) has a similar profile with a recent trial win added in while the stakes-performed Pipi Rea (NZ) (Pins) is from the in-form Parsons yard and she’s capable of being in the mix if she brings her best form.

Yearling Showcase

1 min read

To be included in the yearling showcase send an email to olivia@tdnausnz.com.au and tag us in your socials

Nicconi x Rock Style (colt)

Lot 595 - Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale

TDN AusNZ: Could you tell us about this yearling's breeding?

Aquis Farm Racing & Bloodstock Manager, Brian McGuire: "Nicconi has had a fantastic year. Headlined by triple Group 1 winner Nature Strip, who heads to Royal Ascot in June. This colt is a big, strong athletic type by a sire who keeps producing stakes winners."

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@tdnausnz #yearlingshowcase

Daily News Wrap

5 min read

Trial wins

Trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace are having a grand run with their 2-year-olds and they produced a further two juvenile trial winners at Canterbury Park on Monday with both partnered by Tommy Berry.

First out was Cellsabeel (Hinchinbrook) to comfortably claim the 900 metre for fillies and she is a daughter of the G1 Railway H. winner Our Egyptian Raine (NZ) (Desert Sun) and a $400,000 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale buy for Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum. She was presented by Cressfield.

She finished fourth in last month’s Golden Gift on debut while 900 metre colts and gelding’s trial winner Prague (Redoute’s Choice) has yet to race.

A half-brother to the dual Group 1 winner Stratum Star (Stratum), he was a $1.6 million purchase for Aquis Farm and Phoenix Thoroughbreds at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where he was offered by Bhima Thoroughbreds.

Favourite trip

Alward (Ire) (Aqlaam {GB}) will be back to his pet trip of 2000 metres in Thursday’s Listed Summer Cup after another defeat over longer.

The Chris Waller-trained import has yet to win in 11 attempts beyond 2000 metres, but has seven wins at the distance of Thursday's feature at Randwick.

His most recent victory was in the Listed ATC Cup, in which his stablemate Black On Gold (Sebring) ran second and Tamarack (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) was third.

At his most recent start, Alward finished sixth in the Christmas Cup over 2400 metres after recording consecutive 2000 metre victories.

Guineas spot on line

Smart Queensland 3-year-old Profit (Dundeel {NZ}) will chase a place in the $2 million Magic Millions Guineas when he steps out at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

A placing, at worst, in the G3 Vo Rogue Plate is more than likely to see him nail down a spot in the Gold Coast feature.

Trainer Chris Anderson had considered a trip to Sydney, but the situation with the bush fires counted that option out.

Profit hasn’t raced since he was successful over 1800 metres at Eagle Farm in the spring, but has won two trials at Doomben.

Saudi Cup confirmed

Upset over the reduction in the purse for the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S., owner Gary West has confirmed that his 3-year-old star Maximum Security (USA) (New Year’s Day {USA}) will pass the Gulfstream race and point instead to the $20 million (AU$29 million) Saudi Cup in February.

Maximum Security (USA)

When it was announced last week that the Pegasus format had undergone significant changes, including a reduction in the purse from US$9 million (AU$13 million) to US$3 million (AU$4.3 million), West said at the time that he was “50-50” to pull his horse from the race. Seven days later, West was no longer considering the Pegasus.

“The Saudi race will be the next race for Max,” West said. “If a horse owner had a shot to win a $20 million race or a race for less than $3 million within a month, I am not sure why they would run for less. As of this minute, Max will not be running in the Pegasus and I can’t imagine anything that would change that decision.”

Wangaratta abandoned

Poor air quality has resulted in a second Victorian meeting being abandoned in the past week.

The cancellation of the Wangaratta meeting on Monday follows Bairnsdale being called off last Wednesday.

Conditions in Wangaratta were clear on Sunday evening, but smoke haze from bushfires in New South Wales began to affect the air on Monday morning with the quality described as very poor.

The Bureau of Meteorology advised air quality would deteriorate further throughout the day making it unsuitable for racing, while EPA Victoria also advised people in the area to remain indoors.

Hopes for repeat

Robert Wellwood recorded his first black-type win as a trainer at Ellerslie on Boxing Day last year and he is hoping it will be a fruitful day once again at the Auckland track on Thursday.

“It was a big thrill to do it on Boxing Day at headquarters,” he said. “It was a good day, so it would be nice if we could back it up and do it again.”

Robert Wellwood (left) and Roger James (right)

That first feature win came courtesy of Hypnos (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) in the Listed Shaw’s Wires Ropes Uncle Remus S., and Wellwood, who trains in partnership with Roger James, will take a strong contingent into the race this year with Group performers Shenanigans (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) and Hasstobegood (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}).

“Shenanigans is a horse with a lot of raw ability. He has still got a lot to learn before being the finished product,” Wellwood said.

“Hasstobegood ran nicely the other week at Ellerslie, but we are just unsure as to whether she gets 1400 metres or a mile, so we are going to learn a bit on Thursday about where we are going to head with her.”

On back-up

Talented 3-year-old Peloton (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}), an impressive last-start winner, will get another opportunity to showcase his staying credentials with trainer Andrew Campbell likely to back him up at Matamata this weekend.

“He came through the win in terrific order and is bouncing around like a 2-year-old,” Campbell said.

“He won well enough to carry on with and we thought we will try him one more time over ground. He might not stay, but I am pretty confident he will.”

Peloton has won two of his seven starts to date and has one minor placing from his seven career starts.

Meeting transferred

Racing Victoria has transferred the meeting scheduled at Ballarat on Sunday, January 19 to Werribee.

In addition to the Ballarat Turf Club’s annual track renovation period following the Ballarat Cup meeting in November, significant drainage works including sand slitting and sand banding were undertaken at sections shortly after the winning post and at the 1700 metre mark.

With these works conducted alongside the annual renovation, the track needs further time to recover than usual.

Looking Ahead - December 24

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.

At the Boxing Day meeting at Randwick, we fancy the chances of an expensive youngster to make his first appearance for Team Snowden, a Chris Waller-trained filly can show sharp improvement from the inside gate and a filly from the stable of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott can continue on her winning way.

Randwick, Race 1, 1.05pm, Headwater @ Vinery H., $60,000, 1100m

Lord Of War (Snitzel) is a half-brother to the G3 Ming Dynasty H. winner Danawi (Exceed And Excel), the only foal to have raced for the G1 Epsom H. and G1 Flight S. winner Secret Admirer (Dubawi {Ire}). She is out of a half-sister to the G1 Metropolitan H. winner Donegal Mist (NZ) (Balmerino {NZ}) and the family of the G1 Galaxy H. winner and sire Mr Illusion (NZ).

Snitzel, sire of Lord Of War

A $675,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale graduate, Lord Of War is from the Peter and Paul Snowden yard and has looked smart at the trials. He’s had three preparatory outings and won the latest of them at Kembla Grange.

Randwick, Race 2, 1.45pm, TAB Long May We Play Plate, $50,000, 1300m

Saigon (I Am Invincible) was a $200,000 Inglis Sydney Easter Yearling Sale buy and was fourth in her sole 2-year-old appearance and had a couple of trials before making her seasonal debut at Gosford. She went back from a wide barrier and made good ground to finish fifth and from an inside gate here she should enjoy a much more economical run.

Saigon as a yearling

Prepared by Chris Waller, Saigon is the first foal of Saigon Tea (NZ) (Thorn Park), who won seven races including the Listed Christmas Cup. She is a daughter of the G2 Championship S. winner and G1 Australasian Oaks placegetter Boulevardofdreams (NZ) (Daggers Drawn {USA}) and further back in the pedigree are the Group 1 winners Silver Liner (NZ) (Sovereign Edition {Ire}) and Victory Smile (NZ) (Victory Dance {Ire}).

Randwick, Race 3, 2.20pm, Hyland Boxing Day Sale H., $60,000, 1100m

Miss Spiteful (Snitzel) was bought at the Gold Coast for $260,000 and is out of Simply Spiteful (USA) (Speightstown {USA}). She was a stakes winner, as was her half-brother Praetereo (USA) (Giant’s Causeway {USA}), and their dam is a half-sister to the two-time Group 3 winner Tasha’s Miracle (USA) (Harlan’s Holiday {USA}).

Miss Spiteful as a yearling

A feature name in the immediate pedigree is the G1 Belmont Mother Goose S. winner Off The Tracks (USA) (Curlin {USA}), also twice placed at the top level. Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Miss Spiteful looked good in the spring when a runner-up on debut and going one better at her only other start. The filly has finished second at the Hawkesbury trials since and a bold showing is anticipated.

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

NSW Race Results

Bathurst (Country)

Tamworth (Country)

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+)

Aus Sire Premiership

AUS Second Season Sires' Premiership

NZ Sire Premiership

NZ Second Season Sires' Premiership

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1 min read

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