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Christian steps it up with Longwood draft

Written by
6 min read
Michael Christian has been many things in his career, and he can now add yearling vendor to his resume with his Longwood Thoroughbred Farm to offer 10 yearlings at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale, which starts on Sunday.

Christian, an AFL premiership winner, a sports and racing broadcaster, an AFL Match Review Officer, a successful owner and a self-confessed 'hobby breeder' of some repute, and wife Siobhan, along with his brother Brad and his wife Pauline, took the leap into establishing a commercial breeding operation in 2018 when purchasing 235 acres at Longwood, between Seymour and Euroa.

In the distinct bright pink and dark blue livery of the new farm, Christian paces with the excitement and expectation of a new father as some of the biggest buyers in Australia gather to inspect his very first draft at Oaklands Junction this week.

"It’s the first time we've had our own draft. We've sold a lot of horses in the past through other great vendors, Rosemont and Widden and even Three Bridges. It’s really exciting and a bit nerve wracking at the same time," he said.

"It’s really exciting and a bit nerve wracking at the same time." - Michael Christian

"I had a small property for about 15 years, about 40 acres, and whilst that's great for four or five mares, I did it myself. I didn't foal down and I didn’t do a yearling prep. I grew the horses and bred the horses, they were my mares and having accumulated more mares, the next step was to get a bigger property.

"We bought a 235-acre property which was part of the old Vinery up at Longwood. It’s become a little bit more commercial and so it’s a natural growth phase. Having been in the game for a long time and breeding some nice horses, it got to a point where it became economically possible to do it ourselves."

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Gallery: Longwood Farm | Images courtesy of Longwood Thoroughbred Farm

Yearling selling is not the core business of the farm, with a focus on breeding services in what is the thoroughbred heartland of Victoria, but with the added bonus of being able to conduct yearling preparation for Christian's own foals as well as for a few select clients.

"Our main business is our breeding services. We have got a fantastic team that foal down, a great reproductive vet that gets amazing results. To offer that service to clients is great. Obviously, our own mares are part of that whole process," Christian said.

"We just want to be seen to be able to breed, raise, grow and prepare lovely horses."

Longwood puts its best forward

In the maxim of his footy days as a premiership winning Collingwood defender, Christian wants to leave it all out on the field when it comes to his yearlings this week.

Michael Christian (left) | Image by Sam D'Agostino (SDP Media) courtesy of Inglis

Lot 402 looks the colt to make a considerable impression, being by one of the sires of the moment in Yarraman Park's I Am Invincible, out of a mare which has produced Christian's multiple stakes-winning mare Eloping (Choisir) as well as brilliant stakes-winning juvenile Of The Brave (Starspangledbanner).

"The I Am Invincible colt out of Runaway Jesse, Inglis were keen to get to the Easter Sale. We put him in this sale as our headline horse and that was part of the reason," he said.

"The I Am Invincible colt out of Runaway Jesse, Inglis were keen to get to the Easter Sale." - Michael Christian

Two fillies by Coolmore's Pierro and two fillies and a colt by Newgate''s first-season sire Capitalist are the other highlights. Lot 225 is a Pierro filly out of a full-sister to Eloping in Jesse's Dream, while Lot 304 is by the same sire out of Miguelita (Danehill {USA}), making her a half-sister to stakes-placed Gasoline (Pluck {USA}) and four other winners. That filly was sold through the Inglis Broodmare and Weanling Sale last May.

Lot 49 is a colt by Capitalist out of Bella Orfana (Star Witness), who is a three-quarter sister to Group 2 winner Hallowell Belle (Starcraft {NZ}) and half-sister to Group 3 winner Fuddle Dee Duddle (Red Ransom {USA}), both bred by Christian. The half-sister to the Capitalist filly, Bella Nipotina (Pride Of Dubai), was recently runner-up in the R. Listed Inglis Millennium.

The Capitalist colt, Lot 161, is out of Feeling Positive (Not A Single Doubt), the half-sister to stakes-winners Mitraad (Northern Meteor) and Combat Kitty (General Nediym), and is being pin-hooked having sold for $155,000 as a weanling at the Inglis Great Southern Sale.

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Playing at home

Longwood will only be offering yearlings at Melbourne this year, Christian using the footy euphemism, saying they are playing with 'black shorts on' in their home state for now.

"We'll get this one out of the way, see how we go and progress from there," Christian said.

It’s certainly a step up for Christian in terms of his thoroughbred interests.

"It’s certainly been a whole new game for us. I've come from a small farm where I have done everything myself and I had a great old bloke up the road called Bill Birch, who would help me when I was called away, to now, where I have three full-time staff and three part-time staff. It’s gone from just a hobby and me doing it myself to a commercial operation," he said.

Some of the Longwood team at the Inglis Premier Sale | Image by Sam D'Agostino (SDP Media) courtesy of Inglis

"There has been lots of learnings out of that. It’s been quite a dramatic shift and it’s been challenging, but it’s been rewarding.

"Peter Morgan has been a great friend and mentor for me. I've leaned on him a lot and he has helped me a long way."

With great positivity in the Australian yearling market at the moment, albeit with some global headwinds, Christian is confident that Longwood will make an impact on its debut.

"Coronavirus is an issue but we are really hopeful that given the sales season so far has been really strong, that will continue for this Melbourne Premier Sale. Inglis have done a good job of getting the buyers here, so fingers crossed," he said.

A family affair at Three Bridges

Written by
8 min read
The close-knit Liston family have been through a few ups and downs over the past few years, however, a strong commitment to the farm and each other has seen them overcome all obstacles. Trevor Marshallsea sits down with the family to find out the history of the farm and how their Inglis Premier draft is shaping up.

There are horse breeding families, and then there are the Listons of Three Bridges Thoroughbreds.

At the top of the tree of the 1250-acre farm south-west of Bendigo – which will present 14 sparkling lots at Oaklands’ Premier Yearling Sale - sit Peter and Pauline Liston, renowned horse people with a rich equine heritage. Now married 40 years, the couple set up Three Bridges around 14 years ago.

Son Toby, a Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria board member, is in charge of day-to-day horse operations, and daughter Jana, the eldest, is general manager of administration. The Listons’ second son Sam, a helicopter pilot who flies workers to oil rigs off Broome, owns the farm over the road from Three Bridges, which is leased back to the family business.

And the youngest, Jessica, having attained a degree in horse psychology in Germany, is blazing a path in the fascinating area of horse therapy, using four-legged friends for varied purposes, including helping children in need and corporate training retreats.

Strong family-ties

The Listons feel blessed. Though off the beaten track from most Victorian studs, Three Bridges – which bred last October’s G2 Blazer S. winner Haut Brion Her (Zoustar) - is a beautiful, natural-feel thoroughbred property straddling the Loddon River. (They built a bridge a few years back, but just the one. The farm’s title in fact comes from a so-named area further down the Loddon).

And the Listons are close. In the recent past, they’ve needed to be.

Two years ago Peter, 62, was diagnosed with bowel cancer. After successful treatment, more cancer was found in the pelvis and lungs.

“It was pretty scary,” says Pauline, “sitting there wondering if he’s going to be around in a couple of years.”

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Thankfully, surgery and radiation appear to have won the battle, a state of play evident in Peter’s sunny disposition as he immerses himself in the farming side of the operation, and client relations.

But last July came another heavy bout of adversity. After Jessica and Pauline completed a novel mission of bringing 20 wild and endangered Walers from the Northern Territory to Three Bridges, one of their number crushed Pauline into a tree.

Things looked extremely bleak. She cracked no fewer than eight vertebrae in her back, and four in her neck. There were 11 broken ribs, and a punctured lung. At 60, the 2008 Victorian Wakeful Club Lady of Racing Award winner, was in intensive care in Melbourne for 10 days.

“That was pretty scary,” says Peter, almost in reciprocation. “She nearly died here on the farm, and then the air ambulance took her to Melbourne and she nearly died there.”

“That was pretty scary. She nearly died here on the farm." - Peter Liston

With the family rallying round – Sam and Jana took shifts at their mum’s bedside; Toby and Jessica having to run horses and small children – and with Pauline’s obviously unquenchable spirit, a recovery that looked doubtful instead began to look inevitable.

Pauline is back riding horses, although with some pain persisting and a spine largely fused, she’s on “light duties” compared to the days when the former harness and thoroughbred trainer broke in horses most days of the week.

Jessica and Pauline Liston with their herd of Walers from the Northern Territory

“I can’t really remember it,” she says of the accident. “I either didn’t see it coming, or I just can’t remember. I do remember lying on the ground and saying ‘I think I’ve broken my back’. But I can’t remember the helicopter ride.

“But our family were just amazing. We get through these things together.”

On a mission

The project of preserving and re-housing Walers is ongoing. With thousands bred for the Australian cavalry in World War I, many of them were turned loose from the stations that produced them. Only a few hundred are thought to still roam the Northern Territory. Jessica Liston started a GoFundMe page which enabled she and Pauline to corral and bring their selection to the considerably wetter climes of Victoria.

“It was quite funny,” Peter says. “They’d walk along down here and if they saw a puddle they’d just have to stop and drink it, often the whole puddle, because they’d evolved to drink water whenever they saw it.”

But thoroughbreds are of course what makes Three Bridges tick. After a move west for six years of running Lakewood Stud near the mouth of the Murray in South Australia, the Listons returned to the more lucrative Victorian racing scene around 2006. After looking at “about a hundred” farms, Peter says the family had an instant, strong vibe on seeing what became Three Bridges.

The Listons had an 'instant vibe' upon seeing the farm that would become Three Bridges

“The locals all said there’s no better farming land in Victoria than that between the Loddon and Tullaroop Creek,” says Peter, who was raised to the north-west in Beulah, in the Mallee country. “But we didn’t hear that until after we bought it! So we were lucky.

“Back then there were probably only two horse studs in the shire. Now there’s six or seven who’ve set up, realising this is as good a place to raise horses as anywhere.

“The locals all said there’s no better farming land in Victoria than that between the Loddon and Tullaroop Creek." - Peter Liston

“We’ve got beautiful loamy soil, undulations and river flats. In droughts, we’ve still got green lucerne on the river flats, since lucerne roots can go down 20 metres and tap into the moisture.

“We have hundred-acre paddocks and we have six or eight horses in them, so they can go around and be horses. And we’ve planted 60,000 trees. Studies have shown that in winter a horse can spend 70 per cent of its energy just keeping warm, so if you have those wind breaks they can spend more energy on just developing.”

Premier offerings

Peter speaks just as effusively about his Oaklands draft, mostly bred from some 60 mares on the property, of which Three Bridges part-owns 20. While Three Bridges previously stood stallions, Stryker and Unencumbered, it now prefers to hold shares in sires elsewhere, particularly Godolphin.

Around the top of the draft is Lot 116 by Dundeel (NZ) out of the Mossman mare Daisy Can Too, a colt, Peter says, with “an amazing athletic action and a terrific attitude”.

Lot 142 is a filly by Street Boss (USA) out of Edwina Georgie (Testa Rossa), who’s “an absolute clone” of her stakes-winning full-sister Ploverset, including sharing her “powerful massive hindquarter”.

Lot 181 is by So You Think (NZ) from Full Sun (GB) (Cacique {Ire}), an unraced British mare Three Bridges bought at a Sydney broodmare sale. “Buy international broodmares,” Peter says as a credo. “In Australia, we breed maidens from maidens. They don’t do that in England.” Having raised one Oaks-winning So You Think mare in Sopressa, Three Bridges is hoping to repeat the trick.

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There’s a colt “with great bone and a big overstep” by Zoustar out of Kuching, a half-sister to the dam of Golden Slipper winner She Will Reign, and another by Japanese stallion Maurice (Jpn) out of Up In Lights (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}). This colt’s half-brother North Pacific (Brazen Beau) topped the 2019 Premier sale at $800,000, and ran third on debut in Rosehill’s Silver Slipper S.

Lot 376, by Snitzel, is the second foal of Queensland Oaks-winning Zabeel (NZ) mare Provocative (NZ), who Three Bridges bought for $1.2 million.

“She’ll be at her peak as a 3-year-old, and her pedigree suggests she’ll be something special,” says Peter, whose draft also includes offerings by Holler, Choisir, Fiorente (Ire), Palentino, Toronado (Ire), Winning Rupert, Kermadec and I Am Invincible.

Lot 376 - Snitzel x Provocative (NZ) (filly)

Most of the Liston family will go to Oaklands, including Pauline in her first appearance there post-accident. Those who can’t will be watching closely, for Three Bridges is a family affair, where certain unplanned events have lately brought things into sharp focus.

“Sometimes you don’t realise how lucky you are,” Pauline says of her brood. “We all share a passion. All our kids are into horses, and they’re all very close and good mates with each other.

“You go through plenty of ups and downs in racing, but we’re all very fortunate to have each other. That’s why Three Bridges works.”

Which is why there’s a large promotional banner attached to one of the farm’s stables that reads:

“Our strongest asset is simple … We are family.”

Know Your Product: The advantage of knowing a stallion

Written by
6 min read
For both vendors and buyers, having hands-on knowledge of a stallion can prove a decided advantage when their progeny are being offered for sale.

With 35 first-season sires on offer at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, any additional insight a potential buyer can bring to a first crop during a busy inspection period is useful.

For one of Victoria's leading trainers Mick Price, he feels having trained three of those first-season stallions to Group 1 victories gives him an edge over the others on the buying bench when it comes to selecting their best yearlings.

Price trained now Westbury Stud-based Tarzino (NZ) to victories in the Victoria Derby and the Rosehill Guineas and he has seven yearlings on offer at Oaklands Junction. He also trained G1 Coolmore Stud S. winner Flying Artie, who is represented by 12 of his first crop as well as G1 Blue Diamond S. and Moir S. winner Extreme Choice, who has four in the sale.

TDN AusNZ spoke to Price in between yearling inspections on Friday, with the experienced trainer saying any insight you can bring to a potential purchase was advantageous.

"I believe it is of relevance. It helps as a horseman when you see the stallion and it helps even more when you've trained them," Price said.

"It doesn't go any way to whether the stallion is any good or not, but it is an insight."

Mick Price at the Inglis Premier Sale

In the case of Tarzino, Price also has the advantage of having trained his sire, Tavistock (NZ) as well. Having seen the young stallion's progeny through the ring already at the Gold Coast and Karaka, he is already developing an understanding of the characteristics that the dual Group 1 winner has passed on.

"I can see Tarzino's toughness and nervous energy in a lot of his yearlings. I suppose if you didn’t have as much intimate experience with the stallion as a trainer, you are guessing a little bit," he said.

"It doesn't go any way to whether the stallion is any good or not, but it is an insight." - Mick Price

Price said from his inspections, the excellent composure and temperament of both Flying Artie and Extreme Choice, who are both based at Newgate, flowed through to a lot of their first crop of yearlings.

Looking for behaviour traits among certain breeds of horses and purchasing the right ones is something Price has had considerable success with before. He was able to watch Not A Single Doubt at close quarters when he was trained by Tony Vasil at Caulfield in the latter part of his racing career and apply what he learned when his progeny hit the ground at the sales a few years later.

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"I remember seeing Not A Single Doubt in his early days, when he was on the track and then when he let down at Arrowfield. We've followed him all along and I had a feel for that stallion and we've bought three Group 1 winners out of the ring by that stallion," he said.

He has used that insight when preparing his progeny for sale, including the three Segenhoe offers at Melbourne, two colts and one filly.

"I didn't have a positive perception about him until I saw him let down and it varied the view. It’s hard to be objective. You have your likes and dislikes, but it’s all information isn't it?

"I haven't had a stallion at stud that has been a great stallion, but the general point holds that if you have information about the stallion and a good feel for that stallion, I think it is of benefit."

Prior experience aids vendor insight

From the vendors' perspective, an understanding of a stallion can also be of significant benefit when their progeny are being readied to be offered for sale.

Segenhoe Stud's General Manager Peter O'Brien has particular insight into the progeny of Pride Of Dubai, having seen the stallion himself develop as a yearling on the farm.

Peter O'Brien raised Pride Of Dubai as a yearling

"He was a massively mature yearling. A huge hip, a tonne of substance and obviously didn’t go through a sale. But if he had, a lot of people would have thought he would have been too heavy and coarse," he said.

He has used that insight when preparing his progeny for sale, including the three Segenhoe offers at Melbourne, two colts and one filly.

"He was a massively mature yearling. A huge hip, a tonne of substance and obviously didn’t go through a sale." - Peter O'Brien

"Knowing that and having a lot of Pride Of Dubais to sell, you can see the similarities, particularly in that Slippery Rose colt (Lot 436). He is very similar to Pride Of Dubai as a yearling.

"You do have to be very careful with the Pride Of Dubais. You have to do a lot of exercise with them."

While Segenhoe don't have any Vancouvers in its draft, there are 14 overall in the sale and O'Brien also brings a good understanding of that stallion, having seen him develop as a younger horse in his time at Coolmore.

"I spent time with Vancouver as a yearling. He was always very light, so when you have that in mind, before you start a prep, you build them up in the field first. It’s all very logical really," he said.

Vancouver | Standing at Coolmore

Variety the spice in Erinvale offering

Across the road from Segenhoe in Barn B, John Kenneally of Erinvale Thoroughbreds has a Pride Of Dubai of his own, in Lot 374, on offer, which has been one of the most popular on a busy week of inspections.

Kenneally's draft of 16 is remarkable in that it contains yearlings by 15 different stallions.

His key to getting the best out of them through a yearling preparation is by not treating them according to what is on their pedigree page, but what each individual horse needs.

Lot 374 - Pride Of Dubai x Promptness (USA)

"We've had them on the farm for ten weeks. We know the horses well. They are all by good stallions and there's something for everybody here. It’s good to have a variety like that," he said.

"They are all individuals and you make the assessment as they go along, depending on how they are doing.

"If they come in too fat, then you adjust that because you like to have them coming in a bit lighter, so you can gradually increase their fitness and their overall wellbeing. We do a lot of hand-walking, so you get a good long preparation with lots of walking."

The important thing for him is that the Erinvale horses are settled and ready to put their best forward for potential buyers

"We had over 50 parades yesterday. The first day or two, they are a bit on edge but by now they have settled in really well and they are doing really nicely," he said.

Gallant Chenier chasing perfect return from injury

5 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Chenier (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) has already had to overcome adversity to resume his fledgling career and success in Saturday’s G1 Kennedy Australian Guineas would cap a comeback of major proportions.

The colt has been highly rated by trainer Anthony Freedman for some time and won one of his two starts last season, he was runner-up in the other, but was subsequently ruled out of spring competition with a pelvic fracture.

“He needed a good spell and it could have been the making of him. He was a big, gangly sort of horse and even now he’s probably still six months away from being fully developed and matured,” Freedman’s Racing Manager Brad Taylor said. “He’s a serious horse.”

Trainer Anthony Freedman has a high opinion of Chenier

He returned after a 10-month break in the G3 CS Hayes S. and while Alligator Blood (All Too Hard) and Catalyst (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) received all the plaudits, Chenier did a terrific job to finish only 1.1l back in third spot behind the Queenslander.

“It was a super return and we’ve always had an opinion of him and it was good to see him justify that by finishing so close to two of our better 3-year-olds,” Taylor said.

“As Anthony said post-race, it was just a great result to finish so close to the other two. They’d had runs under their belt and he’s got plenty of improvement to come.

“As Anthony said post-race, it was just a great result to finish so close to the other two.” – Brad Taylor

“His work has been really good, Ollie (Damien Oliver) came in and rode him on Tuesday morning and was thrilled with him. He’ll give a hell of a sight and if he could do that at start number four it would be great.

“Anthony doesn’t put them in at the deep end if they can’t swim so he’s ready.”

Chenier (all blue) ran an impressive third behind Alligator Blood and Catalyst (NZ) in the CS Hayes S.

Bred and raced by Godolphin, Chenier is a son of the G2 Wakeful S. winner and dual Group 1 placegetter Zydeco (Zabeel {NZ}) and she is out of the G1 Thousand Guineas winner All Time High (Flying Spur).

She is a half-sister to the four-time Group 1 winner All Our Mob (What A Guest {Ire}) and the G2 Challenge S. winner All Archie (Archregent {Can}).

Freedman and Godolphin have another genuine wining stakes chance on Saturday at Randwick where Lyre (Lonhro) runs in the G1 Heineken 3 Surround S. She recently opened her campaign with a second placing in the G2 Light Fingers S.

“She resumed very well and it was well documented that we weren’t entirely happy with her in the spring and she was a couple of lengths below Flit,” Taylor said. “Her return was great and she looks fabulous, we can’t fault her. Her work on Tuesday morning was very good.

“Her return was great and she looks fabulous, we can’t fault her.” – Brad Taylor

“We’ve got to turn the tables on Flit and then you’ve got Funstar and Probabeel so it’s a very good field, but she’ll be around the mark.”

Lyre is running on Saturday at Randwick for the stable

Lyre is out of Erato (Street Cry {Ire}), a half-sister to the dual Group 1 winner and sire Impending and their dam Mnemosyne (Encosta De Lago) was also a two-time winner at the highest level.

The stable will also have Supreme Idea (I Am Invincible) in the G2 Drinkwise Sweet Embrace S. at Randwick off the back of her victory in the Listed Lonhro S. Prior to that, she had won on debut and in between times was unplaced in the G3 Blue Diamond Preview.

“She was good the other day leading and she just got a bit lost in the Preview. She steps up to 1200 metres and she’s a well-bred filly and hopefully we can add another bit of black type to her page,” Taylor said.

Supreme Idea winning the Listed Lonhro Plate

Supreme Idea was offered at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale by Glastonbury Farms and was purchased on Jonathan Munz’s behalf by his Bloodstock Manager Dean Hawthorne for $500,000.

The filly is a daughter of Sweet Sister (Snitzel) who is an unraced sister to the G1 Galaxy H. winner Sweet Idea and the four-time Group 2 winner Showtime.

Homesman back

Meanwhile, Homesman (USA) (War Front {USA}) will debut for Freedman in the G1 TAB Chipping Norton S. He was formerly trained at Mt Macedon by Liam Howley.

“We’re still learning about him, but he jumped out really well at Werribee the other day with the blinkers on. It’s a red hot field and he’ll roll forward,” Taylor said.

“He’s drawn a nice barrier and can put himself behind the speed. His first-up record is very good so there’s no reason why he can’t continue that.”

Homesman, who has won twice off a break, will be ridden by Ben Melham, who was aboard when the import won the G1 Underwood S. in 2018 and they were also second last year, and in the G2 Feehan S. last month.

Slipper still a wait and see game for leading jockey

5 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Tommy Berry has a few irons in the fire as far as his G1 Golden Slipper S. ride goes and he may be warming to a couple more options at Randwick on Saturday as the countdown toward the 2-year-old feature heats up.

The top Sydney jockey will combine with the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Prague (Redoute's Choice) in the in the G2 Schweppes Skyline S. and with Peter and Paul Snowden’s Tilia Rose (Written Tycoon) in the G2 Drinkwise Sweet Embrace S.

The Slipper picture will become a little clearer after the weekend, with the possibility of serious contenders emerging while others will slip down the pecking order as happened seven days ago when Cellsabeel (Hinchinbrook) was a well-beaten favourite in the G2 Silver Slipper.

Tommy Berry will partner with Prague for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace

“I love getting on the 2-year-olds, it’s an exciting time and as we saw with Cellsabeel they can go from the top to the bottom very quickly,” Berry said.

“Obviously, she pulled up lame on the day, she was two out of five, and she didn’t feel 100 per cent in the run. They said she was 100 per cent fine on the Monday and she’ll run two weeks before the Slipper.

“They have the luxury of one more run and know where they stand. She’ll either run up to her best to be a force to be reckoned with, or if she disappoints again, she’ll go out to the paddock.

“I’ve been riding a lot of 2-year-olds, and a lot of nice ones as well and there’s plenty of water to come under the bridge yet. Aim runs against Prague and I’ve had a bit to do with him as well.

“I’ve been riding a lot of 2-year-olds, and a lot of nice ones as well and there’s plenty of water to come under the bridge yet.” – Tommy Berry

“There are a nice bunch of colts around, I think the colts have probably got it slightly over the fillies in Sydney at this stage.”

Prague is unbeaten in two starts and Berry rode him in a successful debut at Canterbury Park before he claimed the G3 Canonbury S. under Tom Marquand.

Prague won the G3 Canonbury S. under jockey Tom Marquand

“It was a bit unfortunate when they changed their plans with him and where they were going to go last start as I already had a ride,” Berry said. “He was very impressive and he’s a horse that keeps improving.

“He took us by surprise a little bit at Canterbury. We thought he’d be competitive, but didn’t think he’d win first-up. He’s a horse we thought would take a bit of time .

“It’s going to be a pretty tough task on Saturday and whatever wins, if they win impressively, could be favourite for the Slipper.”

Berry guided Tilia Rose to a debut win in the spring and has been aboard the filly in both of her recent lead-up trials.

“She showed a lot in her first campaign and won over 900 metres at Newcastle in the Max Lees Classic and was very impressive in doing so,” he said.

“Her trials have been fine and we haven’t asked her to do a lot. She’s quite a light filly so she doesn’t need to do too much and we’ll find out a lot more about her on Saturday.”

Tommy Berry aboard Tilia Rose at Newcastle

Happy combination

Berry will team up with the veteran Happy Clapper (Teofilo {Ire}) later in the day in the G1 TAB Chipping Norton S. and believes he is as good as ever following the gelding’s resuming run for third in the G2 Apollo S.

“It was a good first-up run and I would have liked to have got a little bit more room from the 600 to the turn and I think he would have finished a lot closer to the first two,” he said.

“I think he’s come back in the best shape he’s ever been. He’s drawn well for him, he’s out a little bit and it will give time to press forward. There’s a bit of speed in the race with Dreamforce, Angel Of Truth and Homesman.

“They will all press up and, hopefully, we can get a nice run behind them. The mile at Randwick is his go and his best form is there. He’s back on a good surface after it was a soft 7 at his last start and that’s not his preferred surface.

Happy Clapper

“Back on top of the ground will suit him well. He’s a Doncaster H. winner, he’s placed in a Queen Elizabeth and he’s chased Winx on a number of occasions.

“He’s a Doncaster H. winner, he’s placed in a Queen Elizabeth and he’s chased Winx on a number of occasions.” – Tommy Berry

“He’s got some of the best form in the land when you dive into it. He’s got a great chance in what is a very open race.”

The market is headed by the Jamie Richards-trained Te Akau Shark (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) and Berry has been keeping tabs on the New Zealander.

“I’ve seen him at the track and he’s in great order and I think we’re all excited he’s back here,” he said. “The Kiwis will be trying to take some more of our money back.”

Te Akau Shark has been plagued by bad barriers and it’s the same story on Saturday with him jumping from 13.

“We can’t make it too easy, but at Randwick there’s a big straight to wind up,” Berry said.

Black type preview: Randwick, Ellerslie & Morphettville

10 min read

Shark to attack

Randwick, G1 TAB Chipping Norton S., $600,000, 1600m

Te Akau Shark (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) turned in a blistering run to win the G1 BCD Group Sprint and he’s going to enjoy the step up to a mile here.

Dreamforce (Fastnet Rock) was runner-up in the opening race of his campaign and he’s a proven second-up performer. He’ll be prominent for a long way from an ideal gate.

Te Akau Shark (NZ)

Fierce Impact (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) is a dual Group 1 winning miler and he’ll be sharper for his run for second in the G1 Orr S., while the veteran Happy Clapper continues to race well and another accomplished at the trip.

A softening of the track would obviously boost the chances of Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) and a step up in trip should benefit Avilius (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), while there’s life yet in Happy Clapper (Teofilo {Ire}), who was eye-catching when resuming.

Happy Clapper

Danceteria (Fr) (Redoute’s Choice) commands respect as a European Group 1 winner two runs back and there will be interest in the performance of Djukon (GB) (Jukebox Jury {Ire}). He’s won three of his five starts and must have made an impression on Chris Waller to run him first-up in this race.

Fingers points to Flit

Randwick, G1 Heineken 3 Surround S., $500,000, 1400m

Clues to the likely outcome of this contest may come from the result of the G2 Light Fingers S. in which Flit (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) was too good for Lyre (Lonhro) and Kiamichi (Sidestep).

Those three have the benefit of an outing this preparation, while Funstar (Adelaide {Ire}) is first-up and while she has won in that state, she will be much improved for the run.

Lyre

The New Zealand filly Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) is a talent and unbeaten in two appearances this preparation. The 1400 metres may be short of her best, but she can’t be taken lightly.

How Womantic (The Wow Signal {USA}) is unbeaten in Victoria, but the depth in the Sydney ranks may test her and a better prospect might be Missile Mantra (Smart Missile). She was unsighted in the Light Fingers and could improve dramatically on a better surface.

Xilong (Deep Field) has won four of her six starts and she’s yet to face a field of this quality, but she is a stakes winner with a couple of trials under her belt and an outside place hope.

How Womantic

Stellar prospect

Randwick, G2 Drinkwise Sweet Embrace S., $200,000, 1200m

Stellar Pauline (Not A Single Doubt) has yet to win, but she’s been a three-time runner-up in strong company. At her last appearance, she finished second in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and with the benefit of a subsequent trial she’s poised to break through.

Supreme Idea (I Am Invincible) led all the way to win the Listed Lonhro S. at her last appearance and from a handy gate should give another bold account. Bella Nipotina (Pride Of Dubai) is genuine and presents as a major player for a slice of the action. She’s been close up in decent races in her last two appearances.

Supreme Idea

Harmonium (I Am Invincible) won well enough on debut to suggest she won’t be out of place in black type company and likewise Tilia Rose (Written Tycoon), who has trialled well ahead of her return.

Hungry Heart (Frankel {GB}) gave a good account of herself on debut when second and she will be all the better for the experience and the Queensland filly Queen Kay (Zoustar) has done little wrong and could be one for longer odds.

Prague hard to beat

Randwick, G2 Schweppes Skyline S., $200,000, 1200m

Prague (Redoute’s Choice) is an exciting colt who has yet to have his colours lowered, winning at Canterbury Park and over this course and distance. He’s drawn perfectly to continue his winning run.

Aim (Star Witness) was beaten for the first time in three starts when eighth in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, but wasn’t far away. He’s since been freshened and has a trial under his belt.

Prague

Mission River (Redoute’s Choice) was stakes placed last time out after finishing runner-up to the highly-regarded Rulership (I Am Invincible) on debut so his form is sound.

Postcode (Vancouver) earned black type on debut and was put aside after running second in the Victory Vein. Both of her trials since returning to work have been encouraging and Argenteus (Written Tycoon) has also looked sharp in his trials.

Tommy Gold (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) has showed steady improvement, making late ground in both of his starts. He tends to get back in his races and a solid tempo might bring him right into the picture.

Rock ready to roll

Randwick, G3 Liverpool City Cup, $160,000, 1300m

Rock (Pierro) has an excellent first-up record, a win and two placings from three fresh appearances, and this looks a race within his grasp. He was also given a quiet trial at Rosehill on Tuesday, where race rival Imaging (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) also looked sharp.

He has the tidy European record of five wins and five runner-up finishes from 12 starts and looks set to make an impression in his Australian debut.

Cascadian (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) was Group 1 placed last preparation and he will strip all the fitter for his second placing in the G3 Southern Cross S. when resuming.

Quackerjack (Not A Single Doubt) hasn’t been seen out since he triumphed in the G2 Villiers S. He has had a couple of trials and has twice been successful off a break while Yulong Prince (SAF) (Gimmethegreenlight) is another effective in a fresh state.

Sweet chance of success

Randwick, G2 Guy Walter Proven Thoroughbreds S., $200,000, 1400m

Sweet Deal (Casino Prince) was dominant when resuming in the G3 Triscay S. and there’s every reason to expect her to be improved for the run. If that is indeed the case, she’ll take some beating.

Pohutukawa (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) was third in that race and while she’s a solid chance, she needs to find a few lengths to reverse the result.

Pohutukawa

Con Te Partiro (USA) (Scat Daddy {USA}) is a smart mare and her recent trial win showed she’s ready to make a bold first-up play while Helga (Duporth) is new to this grade, but has looked good on the way through.

Dragon to roar

Ellerslie, G1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby, NZ$1 million, 2400m

Dragon Leap (Pierro) has hardly put a foot wrong in his classic lead-up with dominant Group 2 wins in the Auckland Guineas and the Avondale Guineas.

He was barely touched to win over 2100 metres on this course last time out and he seems almost certain to give a replica performance over more ground.

Dragon Leap

The filly Two Illicit (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}) has earned her Derby chance in outstanding fashion. She put the talented Travelling Light (NZ) (El Roca) to the sword in the G2 Waikato Guineas and looks a threat to the favourite.

Sherwood Forest (Fastnet Rock) lacks a turn of foot, but he can stay and a genuine pace will help him. If the more fancied runners have any trouble running a strong 2400 metres, he can capitalise.

Reggiewood (NZ) | Image courtesy Race Images

It would be a timely first win for Tibetan (NZ) (Shocking) and he’s not out of this after strong lead-up form and the trip will be ideal. Scorpz (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) is genuine and looms as a place chance.

If there is to be an upset then punters could do worse than a serious look at Reggiewood (NZ) (Redwood {GB}). He has beaten the older horses at his last two starts and races as though the distance will be one he’ll relish.

Spring in her step

Ellerslie, G3 Haunui Farm King’s Plate, $NZ100,000, 1200m

Spring Heat (More Than Ready {USA}) is a gifted mare and she looks a leading chance after her strong-finishing effort for third in the G1 Telegraph.

Stablemates Pretty To Sea (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) and Santa Catarina (NZ) (Savabeel) had no luck between them when in behind the major players in the G3 Concorde H. and with Evaline (I Am Invincible) give trainer Stephen Marsh a good chance. The latter will need luck though from a horror gate.

Pretty To Sea (NZ)

Dame Zorro (Husson {Arg}) hasn’t had much go her way in recent runs and is much better than her last two starts may indicate while Its Destinys Child (NZ) (Castledale {Ire}) won the Concorde in good style and from a handy draw should get a similar run.

Red Chois (Ire) (Choisir) was a dominant course and distance winner last time out and she’s capable of improving on that effort and Sheezallmine (NZ) (Super Easy {NZ}) flew home for third behind her. With a better start, she can be in the mix.

Filly in top shape

Ellerslie, G3 McKee Family Sunline Vase, NZ$70,000, 2100m

Seven Seas (NZ) (Roc De Cambes {NZ}) has found her mark over ground and she looms as the filly to beat. She is at the top of her game following consecutive wins and the extra distance will aid her chances.

Meghan (NZ) (So You Think {NZ}) has also hit her straps since getting up to middle distances and she’s got more to offer while White Hibiscus (Animal Kingdom {USA}) bypassed the G2 Lowland S. midweek in favour of this. She flew home for second at Matamata and the step up in trip is ideal.

Karalino (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}) was fifth in the G2 Avondale Guineas and would have finished closer with a clearer run and is a decent each way hope, and Pineapple Girl (Olympic Glory {Ire}) came off a Sale maiden win for fourth in the G2 Fillies’ Classic. She has upset potential.

Glowing form line

Ellerslie, Listed Mufhasa Fasttrack S., NZ$60,000, 1300m

Run To Perfection (Sepoy) has a glowing form line following his run for second behind Catalyst (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) in the G3 Mr Tiz Trophy. A similar performance would see him hard to handle.

Catalyst (NZ)

Aretha (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) is a smart filly resuming and she goes well fresh while Hasstobegood (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) was third in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic and that’s a strong recommendation for this race.

Bella Mente (NZ) (El Roca) will be improved for her last outing and her fifth in the G1 NZ 1000 Guineas puts her right in the frame while stablemates Avadane (NZ) (Savabeel) and Familia (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) give trainer Lance Noble a decent hand.

Depths of stamina

Morphettville, G3 Medallion Homes Lord Reims S., $120,000 2600m

The distance will find a few of these out, but it’s unlikely to faze High Bridge (GB) (Monsun {Ger}), who is a two mile winner and has been kept up to the mark with a recent trial.

Heart Of Grace (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry {Jpn}) is a promising stayer and looks a threat off the minimum. Master Chum (Clangalang) and Hasta LA War (Declaration Of War {USA}) are both well-seasoned and racing particularly well.

Mr One Eleven (Shaft) is getting on, but there was merit in his last-start victory while Eperdument (Americain {USA}) is bred to stay and looked good winning over a trip on the course last time presented.

Easier assignment

Morphettville, Listed TAB Cinderella S., $100,000, 1050m

Unstoppable (I Am Invincible) should appreciate a drop in class after her recent racing in Group company and she was a debut winner over this course and distance.

Stablemate Dottie Dee (NZ) (Brazen Beau) is on debut and has looked good at the trials and Hard Rock Girl (All Too Hard) won well enough at The Valley to include.

My Ruby (Rubick) faces a step up in class, but has looked good this far and likewise the McEvoy’s pair of Bribery (Spirit Of Boom) and Cinderella (I Am Invincible).

Black type preview: Flemington, Ascot, Doomben & Wingatui

8 min read

‘Gator gets nod again

Flemington, G1 Kennedy Australian Guineas, $1 million, 1600m

An intriguing affair that promises fireworks and it may again prove to be Alligator Blood (All Too Hard) who provides the sizzle.

He triumphed last time out in the G3 CS Hayes S. where he showed all his tenacity and, off an inside gate, he’ll again get the opportunity to dictate the race if nothing else is keen to lead.

Alligator Blood

Catalyst (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) was gallant in defeat when they last met and it’s difficult not to see him right in the fight again. A mile is his best distance and he does come in better at the weights this time.

Alabama Express (Redoute’s Choice) showed what a quality colt he is when he beat the top-flight winners Fierce Impact (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Kings Will Dream (Ire) (Casamento {Ire}) in the G1 CF Orr S. He promises to be a handful back in his own age group.

Dalasan

Dalasan (Dalakhani {Ire}) has been going well enough, but without threatening, and needs to improve but Chenier (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) can be a major player. His run for third in the CS Hayes was excellent after a lengthy lay-off.

Soul Patch (Shamus Award) also took the eye in making late ground and the distance will suit him much better. Superstorm (Pierro) has been impressing in his home state, but this is tougher and he’s likely to have to find a few lengths on some of these.

Defending champ hard to beat

Flemington, G2 Thoroughbred Club Blamey S., $200,000, 1600m

Fifty Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) won this race last year and he looks likely to go close to retaining his title. He made up late ground to run fourth in the G1 CF Orr S. and this represents an easier task.

His stablemate So Si Bon (So You Think {NZ}) was second last year and the stablemates may well run the quinella again while Ringerdingding (Sebring) is worth another chance.

Admiral’s Joker

He was good when resuming before he was unplaced in the Orr, but has never fired second-up in the past and can be in the mix.

Admiral’s Joker (Bel Esprit) continues to race genuinely and in what isn’t a stellar line-up, he’s a place hope, as is Night’s Watch (NZ) (Redwood {GB}), who has a decent second-up record.

Yulong has the form

Flemington, G3 The TAB Shaftesbury Avenue H., $160,000, 1400m

Yulong January (King Of Prussia) reeled off four wins on the bounce before he ran second in the Listed Barton S. so his form speaks for itself and he’s had a trial since last appearing.

Yulong January

Gold Fields (Churchill Downs) is a tough customer and has met and matched better fields in the past as has Sircconi (Nicconi), who should be all the better for his resuming run. The same applies to Age Of Chivalry (NZ) (He’s Remarkable {NZ}), who has twice won with the benefit of a lead-up outing.

Ef Troop (Spirit Of Boom) has been racing soundly and a place chance at worst off the minimum while Blazejowski (Dash For Cash) is also going well and he will appreciate a drop down the handicap.

Sylvia to shine

Flemington, G3 Furphy Ale Frances Tressady S., $160,000, 1400m

Sylvia’s Mother (Snitzel) won the G3 Bellmaine S. when resuming and she looks more than capable of adding this event to her burgeoning record.

Sylvia’s Mother

Spanish Whisper (Lope De Vega {Ire}) has plenty of quality and has acted well off a break before and Fidelia (Not A Single Doubt) makes strong each way appeal with the benefit of a lead-up. The Closer (Dundeel {NZ}) has won her last two and looks ready to take another step up.

Mamzelle Tess (O’Lonhro) ran well for fourth in the Bellmaine and a repeat performance would get her a share of the prize. Cazabillie (Canford Cliffs {Ire}) has solid form and could make an impact off the minimum.

Stayer to rule

Flemington, Listed Roy Higgins Quality, $140,000, 2600m

King Of Leogrance (Fr) (Camelot {GB}) produced a strong performance in his first start for Danny O’Brien. In his first run for four months, he finished runner-up on the course and can only improve as he gets over more ground.

Dabiyr (Ire) (Redoute’s Choice) put up a strong staying effort to win at The Valley and he looks sure to be competitive again while Naval Warfare (Ire) (Born To Sea {Ire}) and High Bridge (GB) (Monsun {Ger}) are always capable in these types of distance races.

Beau Balmain (Ger) (It’s Gino {Ger}) has a run under his belt and he could be a sharp improver at reasonable odds.

Filly is flying

Flemington, Listed Very Special Kids Plate, $140,000, 1000m

Vangelic (Vancouver) was a stylish winner on debut in January and a subsequent trial outing will have the filly up to the mark for this.

Time Is Precious (Snitzel) was also an eye-catching winner of the Victory Vein at her only appearance and Destination (Exceed And Excel) was beaten from a wide gate in the Listed Lonhro S. and it may pay to give him another chance.

Aqua Girl (Headwater) won well enough over this course and distance last time out to suggest she can handle a rise in class while Unstoppable (I Am Invincible) is already a stakes performer and will find this easier after last running in the G2 Blue Diamond Prelude.

Thunder to strike

Flemington, Listed ATA/Boy Hoysted H., $140,000, 1000m

God Of Thunder (More Than Ready {USA}) looks a Group winner in waiting and he gets an opportunity to take a step closer to that goal here. He was a smart winner last time when giving the runner-up 5kg and is well-suited in this.

Gift Of Power (NZ)

Gift Of Power (NZ) (Power {GB}) is a speedy mare and this is the right distance for her while Embrace Me (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) has solid claims on form having placed last time out in the G2 Australia S.

Manolo Blahniq (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}) has been around the mark in similar events to this in the past and has had a trial to ready him. Haunted (Lonhro) is another stakes winner in the line-up and has been freshened since last racing. She is unbeaten in three first-up attempts.

Queen a regal chance

Ascot, Listed Schweppes Ascot 1000 Guineas, $100,000, 1800m

Tuscan Queen (Fastnet Rock) should be all the better for her opening run for fourth and she’s also up to a far more suitable trip.

Stablemate Dark Mission (Zoffany {Ire}) is a progressive filly with consecutive wins on the board and Naughty By Nature (Trade Fair {GB}) got closest to the talented Superstorm (Sebring) when runner-up in the Listed Challenge S. so that’s a strong form line.

Montelina (Rubick) and Pambella (Playing God) were both in behind the major players in that race and a step up in distance may help them to close the gap.

No mystery here

Ascot, Listed Lex Piper S., $100,000, 1600m

Cryptic Wonder (My Admiration) won both of his trials before he successfully resumed in the Magic Millions WA Trophy. He should be improved for the run and it will surely take some holding out in this.

Money Matters (Canford Cliffs {Ire}) was only fifth in that race, but he had won all three of his previous start so he deserves another chance. Bogart (Redoute’s Choice) was a winner over 1400 metres last time out and the step up in trip should suit him even better.

Kelvin (Heritage) has a tidy record and is resuming here, but has gone well in both lead-up trials so he’s a chance and Fuhrer (Universal Ruler) has the benefit of a run for second at Bunbury. He’s proven at the trip and may be one for better value.

Time to turn tables

Doomben, Listed Sky Racing Tattersall’s Members’ Cup, $125,000, 1600m

Spectroscope (USA) (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) was beaten by New Universe (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) when they last met, but the former is better off in the weights this time.

Hallelujah Boy (Jpn) (Tosen Phantom {Jpn}) was runner-up when resuming so he should strip fitter for that and Silvera (High Chaparral {Ire}) got home well for third behind New Universe last time and a similar effort puts him in the thick of it again.

Impasse (Sepoy) is racing well and Turnberry (Snitzel) was solid at his last appearance and they look the best of the lighter-weighted contenders.

Visitor to make trip pay

Wingatui, Listed NZB Airfreight S., NZ$50,000, 1400m

North Island visitor Trifolium (Krupt) has run well in strong age group company and this looks a gilt-edged opportunity for her to land a black type blow.

Live Drama (NZ) (Ghibellines) was runner-up in the Listed Gore Guineas before winning at Riccarton where she got the better of Miss Federer (NZ) (Swiss Ace), a race rival again.

All About Magic (Showcasing {GB}) was third in the Listed Dunedin Guineas and a similar effort puts her in the frame while Siracusa (Sebring) is a talented filly. She is first-up and can be a major threat with a bit of luck from an awkward alley.

Pedigree Boosters - Inglis Premier Sale

2 min read

In the build up to the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale, we will pick out three yearlings each day who have had substantial pedigree updates in the past couple of months.

Today, we look at a half-sister to a recent stakes-placed 2-year-old, check out a Maurice (Jpn) colt who is a sibling to last year's sale topper as well as a filly by Fighting Sun from a very much in-form family.

Lot 70 - Sebring x Bulbula (Shamardal {USA}) - On Account Of Yarraman Park Stud

View pedigree: Lot 70

This Sebring filly's half-sister Aryaaf (Epaulette) won the G3 Ottawa S. at Flemington last November and returned to run second at stakes-level in the G3 Chairman's S. earlier this month, before an unplaced run in the G1 Blue Diamond S.

It’s a very strong pedigree already, with the dam Bulbula a juvenile stakes winner, while the grand-dam Taameer (NZ) (General Nediym) won a Listed race and as well as producing another stakes-winner in Khulaasa (Epaulette).

Lot 70 - Sebring x Bulbula (filly)

Lot 501 - Maurice (Jpn) x Up In Lights (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}) - On Account Of Three Bridges Thoroughbreds

View pedigree: Lot 501

This colt's half-brother by Brazen Beau was the sale-topper at Premier last year, going to Orbis Bloodstock for $800,000. Called North Pacific, he made an impression on debut last week in the Silver Slipper S., finishing third for Team Hawkes and looks to have considerable promise.

That family has a couple of Group 1 winners on the page in Metal Bender (Danasinga), the half-brother to the second dam Love The Limelight (Octagonal), and Keeper (Danehill {USA}), the half-brother to the third dam Jacqwin (Bluebird {USA}).

Lot 501 - Maurice (Jpn) x Up In Lights (NZ) (colt)

Lot 514 - Fighting Sun x White Gold (NZ) (Colombia {NZ}) - On Account Of Springmount

View pedigree: Lot 514

This filly has enough of a halo around her, being a half-sister to G1 Australian Guineas winner Mystic Journey (Needs Further), but another of the family, Mystical Pursuit (Needs Further), out of another of the half-sisters, Oh So Gold (Savoire Vivre {GB}), won two races in a row over the summer before being edged out by a small margin in the Listed Strutt S. earlier this month.

Another half-sister to this filly, Emerald Crown (Needs Further), ran third in a recent Sandown mid-week race, while Mystical Pursuit's full-sister, Secret Gold, won a recent race at Launceston.

Lot 514 - Fighting Sun x White Gold (NZ) (filly)

Yearling Showcase

2 min read

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

Vancouver x Paper Round (colt)

Lot 345 - Inglis Premier Sale

Vendor - Daisy Hill Farm

View pedigree: Lot 345

TDN AusNZ: How did you decide on this particular mating?

Shane Freeman, Daisy Hill: "This mare was originally bought for Americain as a breed to race. It was a last minute change and at the time most stallions were fully booked. This family has a Melbourne Cup winner in Fiorente and the people’s horse Tom Melbourne. We were thinking much like Pierro (being a Slipper winner) that Vancouver’s progeny will be better at three and over a bit more ground."

TDN AusNZ: What was the foaling down like and initial comments on the foal?

Daisy Hill: "He was much anticipated, his brother was an absolute belter of a foal and we were excited to see this fellow.

He was a very nice foal, good size with plenty of quality (as you can see in his photo). We are extremely happy with what the mare has produced once again."

Lot 345 - Vancouver x Paper Round (colt)

TDN AusNZ: What was the horse like as a weanling?

Daisy Hill: "As mentioned previously he was a cracking foal, we were seriously considering selling him as a weanling because he would have been a bit of a standout. We’d just sold his brother quite well last year (at Melbourne Premier) and decided to keep him for the yearling sales instead."

TDN AusNZ: How is the horse handling prep so far? Does it have a nickname? Particular traits/personality?

Daisy Hill: "He is a little bit quirky! We call him Paper and he is ticking over well during his yearling preparation. He’s quite an athletic type with a great walk."

@tdnausnz #yearlingprep

Daily News Wrap

7 min read

Maloney has open mind

Ryan Maloney isn’t treating the G1 Australian Guineas as a match race between his mount Alligator Blood (All Too Hard) and Catalyst (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}).

They are the two favourites for their highly anticipated return clash on Saturday and Maloney is solely focused on giving Alligator Blood every chance to excel over the 1600 metres.

Ryan Maloney aboard Alligator Blood

"I certainly won't be riding my race to try to beat Catalyst because nine times out of ten, when you think you've got one horse to beat it's usually another one that comes out and beats you," he said.

"I think it's a lot more wide open than a two-horse race. You've got Chenier who was closing on us the other day, so he looks perfectly suited at a mile.

"Alabama Express comes off a good last-start win doing it tough and beating the older horses. I think you can throw a blanket over them.”

Probabeel good to go

Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) returns to the scene of her best Australian performance when she runs in the G1 Surround S. at Randwick.

She was arguably unlucky not to have snared the G2 Tea Rose S. in the spring when she was momentarily held up for a run and charged late to fail by a nose to overhaul Funstar (Adelaide {Ire}).

"I think that was probably her best run in the Tea Rose," trainer Jamie Richards said. "That was 1400 metres on good ground and I think we're going to get the same sort of conditions on Saturday.

"Funstar did seem to appreciate getting her toe into the ground a little bit, which I'm sure will happen again at some stage. It's bound to rain.”

Probabeel (NZ)

Seth to Sydney

The G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Super Seth (Dundeel {NZ}) will make his next appearance in the G1 Randwick Guineas, but could still run in the All-Star Mile a week later.

The $5 million All-Star Mile is also still in the mix for the Anthony Freedman-trained colt, who was among the top 10 horses voted into the race by the public.

The 3-year-old was narrowly beaten in last Saturday's G1 Futurity S. at Caulfield by Streets Of Avalon (Magnus) and Freedman Racing has confirmed the next stop will be Sydney.

Super Seth

Spectator ban

The Japan Racing Association (JRA) has announced that, though racing will continue to take place at its tracks, spectators will not be allowed access to racecourses from the end of February until further notice in an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus.

The JRA’s decision follows news on Wednesday that racing in Korea has been suspended from February 28 to March 9.

“In measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the Japan Racing Association has announced that the public will not be permitted to enter JRA racecourses from Saturday, 29 February until further notice. JRA races will be held without any spectators,” a JRA statement said.

“In addition, there will be no sale of betting tickets and pay out for winning tickets on race days or pay out on weekdays at all JRA racecourses and off-track betting facilities, including WINS, Park WINS and J-PLACE until further notice. During this time, the sale of betting tickets and pay out for winning tickets will be held only via telephone or online betting.”

Potent combination

Hugh Bowman has grand form for Godolphin and the combination is chasing more carnival glory with two Group 1 chances at Randwick.

Bowman will ride Avilius (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) in Saturday's Chipping Norton S. and top filly Flit (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) in the Surround S.

Hugh Bowman will ride Flit in the Surround S.

Two weeks ago Bowman and James Cummings teamed up for a feature race double at Randwick with Alizee (Sepoy) in the G2 Apollo S. and Flit in the G2 Light Fingers S. and the champion jockey is rapt to again link with the in-form team.

"Godolphin, I've had some luck for them but the stable is just on fire," Bowman said.

3YO in top shape

Trainer Kelly Schweida believes The Odyssey (Better Than Ready) is the fittest he has been for a return to racing in the QTIS 3-Year-Old The Jewel Plate Prelude at Doomben on Saturday.

He will be having his first start since he was unplaced in the QTIS Magic Millions last month after running third in a race won by star galloper Alligator Blood.

"He can come back from a break looking pretty big, but this time he has only had a short break and he is the fittest he had probably been for a first-up race," Schweida said.

"The Odyssey has had a jump-out but no trial. He has drawn well and this looks a nice race to start off."

The Odyssey

Colt breaks through

I Am Invincible colt Akwaan has broken through for his first victory in South Africa following an easy win over 1400 metres at Vaal on Thursday.

Trained by Mike de Kock for Shadwell, the 3-year-old had placed twice from four previous appearances.

A $500,000 Inglis Sydney Easter Yearling sale when offered by Coolmore, Akwaan is out of stakes-winning mare Born To Rock (Fastnet Rock) and she has also produced the multiple winner See Me Rock (Sepoy).

Marsh bullish

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh is upbeat about his chances of causing another upset in the G1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Marsh produced Crown Prosecutor (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) at NZ$105 to win last year's Derby while Scorpz (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) will be at double figures.

“He'd gone first-up at a mile at Te Aroha and just went into the Avondale Guineas a little above himself," Marsh said. "He just over-did it on a slow pace, but he's trained on really well.

“His draw (barrier two) might be a little tricky, but we're very happy with him. His work this week has been terrific."

Sprinter ready

Veteran sprinter I'm A Rippa (Love Conquers All) has bounced back from a hoof injury which prevented him from running on Magic Millions Day and is ready for Doomben.

Trainer Tony Gollan said in all the drama of Magic Millions Day this year, I'm A Rippa's accident was almost forgotten.

An oil tanker overturned on the main route to the Gold Coast causing traffic delays.

"He was caught up in the traffic problems with the highway crash on the way to the Gold Coast and then pulled a plate and stabbed his hoof once he got to the track," Gollan said.

Gollan has given I'm A Rippa time to get over the injury and sees Saturday's Members at Tattersall's Open as ideal. "He has had a jump-out and his work has been sound so he looks ready to race," he said.

I'm A Rippa

Lasix for 2YOs

Keeneland and Churchill Downs will ban the race-day use of Lasix in all 2-year-old races under the International Medication Protocol authority granted in 810 KAR 8:050 of the Kentucky Administrative Regulations beginning with Keeneland’s 2020 Spring Meet and following at Churchill Downs Racetrack’s 2020 spring meeting.

The tracks also jointly announced major changes in racing and training policies to strengthen safety protocols at both race tracks.

Reforms include mandatory veterinary inspections prior to workouts and race entry and enhanced reporting and transparency requirements for trainers and attending veterinarians with regard to the fitness of horses to work and race.

Looking Ahead - February 29

3 min read

Looking Ahead puts the spotlight on runners of interest across Australia and New Zealand. Whether they are a particularly well-bred or high-priced runner having their first or second start, a promising galloper returning to the track or a horse which has trialled particularly well, we’ll aim to give you something to follow.

Today, we look at a couple of well-related youngsters from Peter and Paul Snowden’s stable stepping out at Randwick while at Flemington an unbeaten filly from Gerald Ryan’s team has caught our eye.

Randwick, Race 2, 1.30pm, G2 Sweet Embrace S., $200,000, 1200m

Tilia Rose (Written Tycoon) was a stand-out at the trials before she made her November debut at Newcastle and duly won the Max Lees Classic under jockey Tommy Berry. She was then given a break and has again impressed in her trials since returning and with Berry in the saddle again they look a strong combination.

Written Tycoon, sire of Tilia Rose | Standing at Woodside Park

Trained by Peter and Paul Snowden, Tilia Rose is a daughter of Prevail (Redoute’s Choice), who is a half-sister to the Listed Talindert S. winner Weatherley (Beneteau). It’s a family with an abundance of 2-year-old form and includes the G2 Reisling S. winner Hips Don’t Lie (Stravinsky {USA}) and the stakes winner and G1 Golden Slipper S. placegetter Lake Geneva (Fastnet Rock).

Randwick, Race 3, 2.05pm, G2 Schweppes Skyline S., $200,000, 1200m

The Snowden stable also looks to have a strong claim in this with the expensive yearling Argenteus (Written Tycoon), who was purchased at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $900,000. The colt is a half-brother to a multiple winner, with their dam Golden Penny (Blevic) an eight-time winner and twice successful at stakes level.

Argenteus faces a stiff test here on debut, but has looked smart at the trials and won his final outing on this course earlier this month, beating his stablemate and race rival Aim (Star Witness). He has the benefit of the inside gate and rider Ben Melham should be able to give him every opportunity to repay part of his high purchase price.

Argenteus as a yearling

Flemington, Race 3, 1.45pm, Listed Very Special Kids’ Plate, $140,000, 1000m

Time Is Precious (Snitzel) was bought at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $120,000 and quickly showed a return on that investment when she led all the way to win the Victory Vein in her first appearance. She has been given a break since and has enjoyed a couple of quiet trials to have her back up to the mark to resume.

Trained by Gerald Rayan, the filly is a half-sister to three winners and their dam Rose Of Sharon (Encosta De Lago) was a dual black-type winner and finished third in the G1 Queensland Oaks. She is also a half-sister to the two-time Group 1 winner Lotteria (Redoute’s Choice) and the family of the multiple Singapore stakes-winner Inferno (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}).

Snitzel, sire of Time Is Precious | Standing at Arrowfield

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

NSW Race Results

Wagga Wagga (Country)

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

VIC Race Results

Sale (Country)

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

QLD Race Results

Kilcoy (Provincial)

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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