Written by Paul Vettise

Bloodstock agents in three countries were the driving forces behind a second racing chance for Paret (Harbour Watch {Ire}) and the 5-year-old has duly made the most of it by becoming a rare Australian-bred stakes winner in the United States.

Paret began his career with champion trainer Chris Waller in encouraging fashion with a debut victory at Canterbury Park and enjoyed further success before bleeding issues halted his progress.

He suffered the second attack in March of last year, which under Australian racing rules ended his career, and he was subsequently sold to America.

Paret found his way to the stable of James Lawrence and following several black type placings he won last week’s Listed Belmont Tiller S.

Integral to the story is successful New Zealand bloodstock agent Guy Mulcaster, who enjoys a close association with the Waller stable and purchased Paret at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in 2016.

Bred by Qatar Racing, he was offered through the Tyreel Stud consignment and realised $110,000.

“He looked a good sort as a yearling and was raced by Neville Morgan and David Devine,” Mulcaster said. “We thought he was a really nice horse, but he had those bleeding issues.”

Paret showed an early return on his investment when he won at the first time of asking at Canterbury Park as a 3-year-old and added another victory at Rosehill.

The following season he again showed his liking for the Rosehill circuit with two further victories and the stable’s regard was highlighted when he ran in the G1 Epsom H., but finished well down the order.

“He’d won the four races and was a really good type, but he struck a wet track in the Epsom, which didn’t suit him,” Mulcaster said.

Paret returned for a summer-autumn campaign, but his career was curtailed after his second bleeding attack.

“A friend of ours takes these sorts of horses to America and we spoke to him and a deal was done,” Mulcaster said. “Andrew Williams also helped us with the deal so it’s all turned out well for everyone.”

The contact in the United States was Joe Miller, who Mulcaster and Williams, an expatriate New Zealander who runs a successful bloodstock agency in Sydney, know through his role as New Zealand Bloodstock’s North American representative.

Paret was unplaced in his first appearance for Lawrence in the G2 Dixie S. at Pimlico in May before he posted four black type placings ahead of last week’s Listed victory.

He won up to 1500 metres in Australia and has undergone a transformation from his new quarters, winning over 2200 metres.

“We've been working with this horse, trying to just get him to chill out and turn off and it obviously worked. What a nice horse, he gets all the credit,” Lawrence told TDN America.

“This horse gets turned out at five every morning in his own paddock. Then we train him a few days a week out back on the hills. He trains primarily on Michael Dickinson's Tapeta (track) and he just thrives on it.

“We turn him out rain or shine every day and he just loves it. He was really nervous the first time I ran him in the Dixie. I didn't have him very long, we kind of ran him off the plane. He has a lot of class and a lot of talent.

“We just wanted to get back racing. It has been a tough go for everyone in the country, just trying to make payroll and keep your help on. This is a big relief.”

Paret is the fourth winner for the unraced Enduja (Encosta De Lago), who is a half-sister to the two-time Irish Group 3 winner Cajarian (USA) (Shahrastani {USA}) and the Listed Centaurea S. winner Very Sydney (Danehill {USA}).

Headline acts in the pedigree are the former champion 3-year-old filly and G1 Nunthorpe S. winner Margot Did (Ire) (Exceed And Excel) and the G1 Prix de la Foret winner Caradak (Ire) (Desert Style {Ire}.

Enduja was subsequently sold at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National 2017 Broodmare Sale for $NZ21,000 and has a son of Ocean Park (NZ) at foot.

Her Charm Spirit (Ire) colt was purchased by Mulcaster out of Westbury Stud’s draft at Karaka the following year for NZ$100,000 and as Kavalmo (NZ) won once from Waller’s stable.

To have your job featured on the TDN Job Board, contact advertising@tdnausnz.com.au.

Cornerstone Stud: Operations Manager

Cornerstone Stud, nestled amongst the vineyards of the Barossa Valley and only an hour from Adelaide, is looking to employ an Operations Manager to manage a team of stud grooms for the forthcoming breeding season and beyond.

Cornerstone Stud is a family owned business spread across 550 acres with a hundred or so resident mares and 3 stallions. Our ethos is simply to help people realise their bloodstock ambitions within the green, clean hills of the Barossa Valley.

We are looking for candidates that will lead by example, develop stud unity and work towards a common business goal of a commercial breeding venture.

Previous experience preparing weanling and yearlings is required along with experience managing a broodmare band throughout the stud season.

Applications to:

sam@cornerstonestud.com.au

Lustre Lodge: Experienced foaling attendant required

Lustre Lodge is a boutique thoroughbred farm and has been carefully designed and constructed over the last decade to cater for the specific needs of thoroughbred broodmares and their foals and yearlings. We specialise in the following:

- Broodmare agistment and care.

- Foaling.

- Weaning.

- Yearling preparation.

- Racehorse spelling.

We are seeking a diligent and highly reliable person to join our team for the season with the possibility of ongoing work going into the yearling preparation season. Accommodation will be provided with a great remuneration package for the right candidate.

Required Skills:

· Must have previous extensive Foaling down experience and post-natal care.

· The ability to assess complicated situations and communicate them in a quick and timely manner.

· Ability to administer night treatment to mares and foals.

· Clearly record accurate foaling details.

· Strong attention to detail.

· Be reliable and able to work alone.

Roster 11 on 3 off with some flexibility. Hours 8pm – 7am.

Central Coast NSW, 25mins from the beach & 10mins to major shopping centres!

Please send all applications with references to:

Operations Manager, Paige Belsham

info@lustrelodge.com.au

Mark Newnham Racing: Stable Foreman

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Mark Newnham Racing: Stable Foreman

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Mark Newnham Racing currently has a position available for Stable Foreman at Warwick Farm. Please read through the information below before emailing robyn@mnracing.com.au

About the Role

- The successful applicant will have extensive industry experience, will be motivated, dedicated and have a genuine love of horses. You will work closely with, and under the guidance of the Trainer, Mr Mark Newnham. The right applicant will have the opportunity to learn and grow within the role and responsibility will increase with consistently demonstrated ability.

- We are offering an attractive salary package, including salary packaging options, negotiable for the right applicant.

Experience/Qualifications

Extensive knowledge of the Racing Industry and experience with:

- Safe operation of all training/racing equipment and personal safety equipment.

- Handling horses from yearlings upwards with a variety of temperaments.

- Educating horses on the ground, including swimming & barrier work.

- Rules and Regulations as set by Racing Australia, Racing Australia and other states where required.

- Occupational Health & Safety Standards.

Other Skills

- Strong organisational skills.

- Ability to communicate effectively with the Trainer, Staff, Owners and Officials where required.

- Ability to follow direction.

- Ability to manage a team of horses and staff under the guidance of the Trainer.

Duties and Responsibilities

- Implement and manage the training plan for each horse as set out by the Trainer.

- Prioritise, co-ordinate and delegate tasks on a daily basis and make adjustments where necessary based on weather and staff changes and the racing schedule.

- Report and liaise on a daily basis with the Trainer.

- Monitor and manage Horse Welfare.

- Ensure all records are updated on a daily basis in accordance with requirements of Racing Australia.

- Co-ordinate and manage staff roster.

- Attend Barrier Trials.

- Attend Race Meetings as the Stable Representative as required.

- Ensure OH&S standards are adhered to.

Widden Stud: Senior Stud Hand position

A full time position has become available at Widden Stud in the Hunter Valley, NSW for an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated person to join the team as a senior stud hand.

The successful applicant must possess:

- The ability to work in a team environment as well as perform tasks independently to a high standard.

- Strong communication and leadership skills, as they will lead a team of employees who contribute to the overall running of their breeding program.

- Experience with young foals and mare reproduction, enabling them to confidently handle broodmares and foals.

- A strong work ethic with an eye for detail, to ensure the welfare of the team and bloodstock.

- An interest in the thoroughbred breeding industry.

An attractive salary package will be offered including on farm accommodation.

Send applications to Ben Walsh: benw@widden.com

Denise Martin - Star Thoroughbreds

TDN AusNZ: Where are you from and what is your earliest racing memory?

Denise Martin: I am originally from Tasmania. My father was inducted into the Tasmanian Sporting Hall of Fame as an Icon a few years ago, because of his accomplishments in Australian rules football and cricket. He has always followed racing and I recall attending the Hobart Cup as a teenager.

Which is your favourite racehorse of all time? Why?

DM: Sebring, everyone dreams of winning a Golden Slipper and our Star colt did just that and then went on to become a very successful stallion.

TDN AusNZ: Do you have a favourite day on a racecourse? Why?

DM: Anywhere you have a winner is a favourite day on a racecourse but Doncaster and Golden Slipper days both provide wonderful racing with top-class horses featured all throughout their programs.

TDN AusNZ: Could you tell us how you got into this industry, about your job now and what you love most about it?

DM: I was very fortunate to have a wonderful career in the international hotel industry in a variety of overseas countries prior to establishing my own company. I had the belief that a syndication business would allow me to meet a large number of interesting people and at the same time combine my love of horse racing.

TDN AusNZ: Who do you believe to be a value sire for the upcoming breeding season? Why?

DM: Needs Further, he has done a tremendous job to date and given the right opportunity he's proven he can sire top class horses. There wouldn't be too many proven sires in Australia with his record which broodmare owners can access for under $15,000. Star has the exciting 3 year old filly Deroche by Needs Further. She has won 9 of 13 starts and is a last start Group 3 winner, defeating the older mares.

TDN AusNZ: Is there a stallion that you consider to be under the radar?, and why?

DM: Vancouver, Star purchased two of his lovely colts at this year's Magic Millions Gold Coast sale. To date he has had four black type 2-year-olds. I think he could be on a similar trajectory to fellow Golden Slipper winner Pierro, who at the end of his first crop had just two black type 2-year-olds and who is now battling it out for Australian Champion Sire honours.

TDN AusNZ: Which stallion, ever, do you think was the best type?

DM: I Am Invincible, he is a great looking sprinting-type with excellent conformation and he consistently sires similar looking progeny. Star's had fabulous success to date with his stock including Invincibella and Fiesta and we hope to have even more as we have five young fillies by the stallion trained by Chris Waller.

TDN AusNZ: Which first season sire (other than your own) do you believe is most exciting?

DM: That's a really difficult question. This year Star purchased yearlings by a number of highly credentialed first crop sires including Alpine Eagle, American Pharoah (USA), Astern, Divine Prophet, Extreme Choice, Maurice (Jpn), Shalaa (Ire), Star Turn, Winning Rupert and I really stretched the budget on an absolutely gorgeous Territories (Ire) filly at the Melbourne Premier; she was the sale's second highest-priced filly at $350,000. This could well be a vintage crop of stallions.

TDN AusNZ: What was your favourite weanling, yearling or mare purchase this year?

DM: I bought a filly by Territories this year at the Premier sale in Melbourne and I thought she was a magnificent physical specimen with an excellent pedigree. She has broken in like a very good filly and seems quite special.

TDN AusNZ: Who do you think is a rising star within the industry? (Person not horse).

DM: Sebastian Hutch from Inglis: his great drive and commitment to the industry is outstanding. He’s a classic example of the often stated principle “those who want to make it happen, will”.

Oh and very much more than an “honourable mention” to Star’s own Emma Cully who is not only a very great person but a wonderful contributor to Star’s success over the 8 years with us. (I wanted this response to be objective!)

TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry?

DM: Single channel television racing coverage would be a great start and a firm commitment from the states to work together to allow for the best possible race programming is a very close second wish on the list.

TDN AusNZ: If you weren’t in this industry what would you do?

DM: I’m very proud of Star and all we have achieved to date, but I remember throughout my hotel career that I had thought it would be lovely to be a marriage celebrant as you would surely only ever be surrounded by happy people.

TDN AusNZ: How did you keep busy in isolation?

DM: Walking and more walking. I must have been to Melbourne and back on foot by now...

To have your stallions service fee included please email olivia@tdnausnz.com.au

*new to farm

** first-season sire

Guineas victory for Kitten’s Joy’s Kameko

All the pre-race attention was focused on Pinatubo (Ire) (Shamardal {USA}) leading up to this year’s edition of the Group 1 2000 Guineas but on Saturday, it was Kameko (USA) (Kitten’s Joy {USA}) who stole the show.

Kameko raced in midpack close to the near rail in the 1600 metre race down the straight, never too far from the pace setting Persuasion (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}). Half-way through the race, Persuasion was joined by a group including Pinatubo, who entered a battle with Wichita (Ire) (No Nay Never {USA}) for the lead.

Angling closer to the middle of the track, Oisin Murphy tried to find a gap to get Kameko to the lead but his first attempt was foiled when Kameko was squeezed by Wichita as that rival drifted out. Once the running was clear, Kameko blitzed past Military March (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) and joined the battle between Wichita and Pinatubo for the lead.

Racing down the center of the track, Kameko spoiled Wichita’s winning hopes as he gained on the No Nay Never colt to flash under the line first by a neck. Pinatubo did well to finish a length behind Wichita for third with Military March giving Godolphin the second half of a third-fourth finish.

“This means the absolute world to me, it’s the stuff of dreams,” Murphy, who secured his first British classic with the win, told Thoroughbred Daily News. “To do it for these connections on a son of Roaring Lion’s sire–you couldn’t make it up. As a physical, he’s not super tall but is so broad and obviously has huge heart room. He could have hardly blown out a candle just now, so he must have a tremendous amount of ability.”

Trained by Andrew Balding, Kameko was securing his second Group 1 victory after closing out last season with a 3.25l win over Innisfree (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the Group 1 Vertem Futurity Trophy.

Not surprisingly with the Epsom Derby only a month away, talk quickly turned to that race with trainer Andrew Balding saying he was leaning that way if connections agreed.

“I would be keen on the Derby and I’ve got the feeling that Sheikh Fahad would be too,” he said. “I’ve just got to persuade David Redvers, as he’s worried about what breeders think if you win a Derby but I can’t get my head around that. There are mixed messages on pedigree, but I think he could stay a mile and a half.”

Much like Qatar Racing’s champion Roaring Lion (USA) (Kitten’s Joy {USA}), Kitten’s Joy son Kameko was purchased by Redvers for what now looks like a bargain at US$90,000 at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

Bred by Calumet Farm in Kentucky, the colt is the first winner from two runners out of Grade 3 winning Sweeter Still (Ire) (Rock of Gibraltar {Ire}). That mare was purchased for only US$1,500 at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale two months after Kameko sold.

A half-sister to Group 1 winner Kingsbarns (Ire) (Galileo) and Group 3 winner Belle Artiste (Ire) (Namid {GB}), Sweeter Still also hails from the family of Group 1 Dubai World Cup winner African Story (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) and Windsor Park Stud’s dual-Group 1 winning stallion Rip Van Winkle (Ire) (Galileo).

Terebellum wins Group 2 Dahlia Fillies’ S.

One day after siring the Lingfield Oaks Trial winner, Sea The Stars (Ire) saw his second stakes winner in as many days when Terebellum (Ire) won the Group 2 Dahlia Fillies’ S. by 1.25l.

The Godolphin-owned filly raced keenly in the 2000 metre affair back in third as Bubble And Squeak (GB) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) led the field with Godolphin’s Magic Lily (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) 1l behind her. Racing past the 600 metre mark Magic Lily took the lead but was soon confronted by Terebellum, who steadily gained on her before taking the lead. In the final 200 metres Terebellum’s only worry was Queen Power (Ire) (Shamardal {USA}), who was within 1l of her at one stage.

It was obvious in the final 100 metres that Frankie Dettori’s mount had more than enough left as he put away the stick and Terebellum coasted to a 1.25l victory over Queen Power with Magic Lily in third.

Bred by Alan O’Flynn, Terebellum was sold for €400,000 at the Arqana Deauville August Yearling Sale to Godolphin Australia. The filly secured her first stakes victory in the Group 2 Prix de la Nonette last year to become her Group 3 winning dam’s first stakes winner.

Terebellum hails from the family of Italian Champion Sound of Freedom (Ire) (Duke of Mamalade {Ire}) and Group 1 winner Charge d’Affaires (GB) (Kendor {Fr}) among others.

Regally bred Ambition scores Group 2 Prix Corrida

Racing over 2200 metres at Lyon-Parilly in France on Saturday, Ambition (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) lived up to her pedigree when winning the Group 2 Prix Corrida.

Racing second to last in the small field, Ambition was content to gallop along as Grand Glory (GB) (Olympic Glory {Ire}) set the pace with her ears pricked. There were no changes in the position of the field for much of the race until the final 300 metres when the jockeys finally focused their mounts on chasing down the leader with Grand Glory still looking strong until the fading stages of the race.

It took until the final 100 metres for her to be headed with Ambition taking over and winning by a neck. Grand Glory stayed on for second with Spirit Of Nelson (Ire) (Mount Nelson {GB}) edging out Amarena (Fr) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), who had to be checked when going for the lead soon after Ambition took over.

Bred on a similar cross to Friday’s Group 1 Coronation Cup winner Ghaiyyath (Ire} (Dubawi {Ire}), Ambition is the first foal out of New Approach’s (Ire) Group 1 Oaks winner Talent (GB) from the family of Group 2 winner Thomas Hobson (GB) (Halling {USA}) with Talent also a half-sister to two stakes horses.

Reliable Man’s Adrian wins Derby trial

In a weekend full of Derby trials in multiple countries Reliable Man’s (GB) Adrian (Ger) took out the Listed Racebets Derby Trial at Dusseldorf as a prep for the German Derby.

Racing over 2200 metres, Adrian went straight to the lead of the tightly bunched field and happily set an honest pace up front. While a few runners attempted to pressure him, once Adrian was let loose in the final stages, the race was all over. Adrian pulled away to win over Deia (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) with Minotauros (Fr) (Tiberius Caesar {Fr}) third.

A €52,000 Baden-Baden September Yearling Sales graduate, Adrian is a half-brother to Grade 3 winner Anna Katharina (Ger) (Kallisto {Ger}) and Listed winning Attica (GB) (Tai Chi {Ger}) out of a half-sister to German Champion 2-Year-Old Colt Aspectus (Ire) (Spectrum {Ire}).

Already Group 3-placed in a previous Derby trial, Adrian is now one of 12 stakes winners for Westbury Stud’s Reliable Man, led by Group 1 VRC Oaks winner Miami Bound and New Zealand Oaks winner Sentimental Miss.

Misriff scores first stakes victory in Listed Newmarket S.

Switching back to turf after his second in the Saudi Derby on dirt last out, Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) became the second stakes winner and third stakes horse from three foals out of his dam.

Racing the furthest from the rail among the leaders, Mishriff pressured Cherokee Trail (USA) (War Front {USA}) during the early stages as Godolphin’s Volkan Star was close up on the rail. With 500 metres left to run, Mishriff started pulling away from the leaders as Waldkonig (GB) (Kingman {GB}) tried to chase him down.

In the closing stages, Waldkonig had to worry more about Volkan Star nabbing him for second as Mishriff powered home to a 4l victory. Volkan Star’s late surge saw him finish second by a neck over Waldkonig with the fourth-placed Cherokee Trail 4.25l behind the pair.

One of four stakes winners from the first crop of Make Believe, Mishriff touts a very international pedigree as the son of the winning Contradict (GB) (Raven’s Pass {USA}).

That mare’s Group 3 winning dam Acts of Grace (USA) (Bahri {USA}) is a half-sister to Group 1 winner and successful sire Invincible Spirit (Ire) and Group 3 placed Kodiac (Ire) among five other stakes horses.

Also from the family of Coolmore Australia’s Pride of Dubai, Acts of Grace was imported to Australia in 2016 and has a 2-year-old filly named Miss Balooshi (Pride of Dubai), a yearling colt by So You Think (NZ), and was covered again last season by Pride of Dubai.

Honor A.P. takes home first Grade 1 in Santa Anita Derby

Second last out in the Grade 2 San Felipe S. in his stakes debut, Honor A. P. (USA) (Honor Code {USA}) went one better in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on Saturday.

The flashy colt began well and placed himself just behind the duelling leaders early in the 1800 metre race while Shooters Shoot (USA) (Competitive Edge {USA}) set the pace next to race favourite Authentic (USA) (Into Mischief {USA}). Honor A. P. continued to bide his time a few paths off the rail as the field entered the far turn as three horses duelled for the lead. Jockey Mike Smith decided to send Honor A. P. after the leaders half-way through the turn and he entered the straight near abreast with them on the far outside.

He quickly took the lead from there and galloped away from the field to win by 2.75l over the previously undefeated Authentic with 12-1 shot Rushie (USA) (Liam’s Map {USA}) third.

“He gives every indication that he can go a mile and a quarter, just the way he galloped out today,” Smith said. “I mean I had to pull him up. He just keeps going with that big stride, it’s almost as if horses have to take two (strides) to his one, it seems like. He just really reaches. John has done a great job with just putting in some really good long works into him and really galloping him out. So he had a lot of air in him today.”

With three months until the Kentucky Derby, trainer John Shirreffs said he’d prefer to run the colt at least one more time but it will depend on Honor A. P.

“It’s up to him whether we run him again before the big dance,” he said. “We have to see how the horse comes out and how he feels, but you’d always prefer to run. Running is probably the best option rather than training up to it, but we’ll wait and see how it all happens.”

An $850,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling Sale graduate, Honor A. P. is the second graded stakes winner from the first crop of Champion Older Dirt Male Honor Code. Trained by Shirreffs, he’s also the first graded stakes winner for his Shirreffs-trained Grade 1 winning dam Hollywood Story (USA) (Wild Rush {USA}).

The dam of seven winners from eight to race, dual-Grade 1 winner Hollywood Story is also the dam of Listed winning Miss Hollywood (USA) (Malibu Moon {USA}) and two other stakes horses outside of her new Grade 1 winner.

Their extended family includes Saratoga Grade 1 winner Annals Of Time (USA) (Temple City {USA}) and Argentina Group 1 winners Honey Nov (Arg) (Romanov {Ire}) and Top One Scape (Arg) (Cityscape {GB}).

Improbable flies home in Grade 1 Hollywood Gold Cup

Two-year-old Grade 1 winner Improbable (USA) (City Zip {USA}) scored his second career Grade 1 victory in the Hollywood Gold Cup at Santa Anita.

One of two runners out of last year’s Kentucky Derby to win a Grade 1 on Saturday, Improbable broke a bit slower than the leaders in the 1800 metre race but quickly went to second behind Brown Storm (Chi) (Scat Daddy {USA}). Racing a few paths off the rail at that horse’s hip, Improbable gradually drew even with the leader as they entered the turn before taking complete control.

By mid-turn, Improbable had multiple lengths on the field and looked a complete winner 400 metres out with only Higher Power (USA) (Medaglia d’Oro {USA}) able to get within 5l of him when finishing second by 3.25l with Tenfold (USA) (Curlin {USA}) third, 7.75 behind Improbable.

“It’s awesome, walking back it’s just kind of getting it into my head, I just won the Hollywood Gold Cup, there’s so much history in that race. To be a part of it, I’m blessed,” said jockey Drayden van Dyke. “It was how he has been working in the mornings, I worked him several times going seven furlongs and these gallop outs that he would give me were just unbelievable. He was doing unbelievable for this race, he was sitting on a big one and he ran a big one.”

Second in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby and fourth in the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby last year, Improbable was given three months off after finishing sixth in the Grade 1 Preakness S., his worst career finish. The colt finished fourth and fifth respectively in the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby and Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile to end his season before kicking this year off with a second in the Oaklawn Mile S.

A US$110,000 weanling-turned US$200,000 yearling, Improbable is owned by the partnership of WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, and SF Racing. The colt’s third dam is Listed winning Turkish Tryst (USA) (Turkoman {USA}), who is also the dam of Grade 1 winner and successful sire Hard Spun (USA) (Danzig {USA}).

Vekoma snatches first Grade 1 in Carter

One of four stakes winners on the day to run in the last two editions of the Kentucky Derby, Vekoma (USA) (Candy Ride {Arg}) added a first Grade 1 win to his resume in the Runhappy Carter Handicap at Belmont Park.

Racing as the favourite in the 1400 metre race, Vekoma went straight to the front on the sloppy track before settling behind American Anthem (USA) (Bodemeister {USA}) for much of the race. As they hit mid-turn, Vekoma started his move and had the lead as they entered the straight. Relishing the sloppy conditions, Vekoma left the rest of the field in his wake as he flew home to win by 7.25l over Network Effect (USA) (Mark Valeski {USA}) with the pacesetting American Anthem in third.

"He's a really nice horse. I really like the way he did it today,” said jockey Javier Castellano. “The way he handled the track today was amazing. I didn't have any concern before the race because I rode him in the slop in the Kentucky Derby and he loved it, a mile and a quarter was just too far. He cut back in distance and we got what we were looking for today."

Off Saturday’s victory, trainer George Weaver earmarked the July 4 Metropolitan Handicap as the next start for the colt over the same track.

A $135,000 Keeneland September graduate, Vekoma is one of two winners from two to race out of Grade 1 winning Mona de Momma (USA) (Speightstown {USA}). The four-year-old, who won last year’s Grade 2 Toyota Blue Grass S. before finishing 12th in the Kentucky Derby, hails from the family of successful sires Mr. Greeley (USA) (Gone West {USA}) and Street Sense (USA) (Street Cry {USA}).

It was the fifth career win in seven starts for the Candy Ride son with Vekoma undefeated in 2020 with two victories.

Swiss Skydiver adds Grade 2 Santa Anita Oaks to resume

Skipping tomorrow’s Group 1 1000 Guineas in England due to logistical issues, Swiss Skydiver (USA) (Daredevil {USA}) instead flew to California where she easily annexed the Grade 2 Santa Anita Oaks.

Running as the favourite in the four horse field, Swiss Skydiver went straight to the lead in the 1700 metre race with American Pharoah’s (USA) Mereneith (USA) racing at her hip. Swiss Skydiver galloped happily with her ears up down the backstretch with jockey Mike Smith sitting calmly on the filly.

As the rest of the jockeys asked their mounts to pick up the pace coming into the turn, Smith and Swiss Skydiver looked comfortable while starting to pull away from the field. It was over from the time they broke from the gate with Smith not needing to move on his mount to pull away to a 4l victory over Speech (USA) (Mr. Speaker {USA}) with Mereith third.

A $35,000 Keeneland September Yearling Sale purchase by trainer Kenny McPeek for owner Peter Callahan, it was the third straight victory for Swiss Skydiver. The filly has been a prominent figure on the Kentucky Oaks trail in 2020 with wins in both the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Oaks and Grade 3 Fantasy earlier this year.

“She’s good, just keeps getting better too,” said McPeek. “I was reluctant to bring her. We thought maybe we ought to wait for the Ashland with a short field and everything. She’s easy to be around, she loves to run. They asked me to bring her vet records, I said ‘There aren’t any!’ They went 22 and changed speed early, which kind of surprised me, but she’s got it in her. She’s getting better too, I think.”

From the first crop of More Than Ready’s (USA) Grade 1 winning son Daredevil (USA), the filly is a half-sister to Verrazano’s (USA) Listed-placed Miss Hot Legs (USA) and from the family of Grade 1 winner Mistical Plan (USA) (Game Plan {USA}).

Newspaperofrecord back on track in Intercontinental

Undefeated as a 2-year-old before making only three starts last year, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Newspaperofrecord (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) showed flashes of her 2-year-old brilliance when winning the Grade 3 Intercontinental S.

The 4-year-old went straight to the lead where she battled with Jakarta (USA) (Bustin Stones {USA}) a few lengths in front of the field early on. Newspaperofrecord soon took a clear lead and opened up by multiple lengths half-way through the 1400 metre race.

Irad Ortiz Jr. only had to give his mount a few reminders down the stretch as she galloped home a winner by 4l over stablemate Regal Glory (USA) (Animal Kingdom {USA}) to lead home a Chad Brown-trained top four.

“She ran brilliantly… I wasn't looking to really let her rip off fractions like that, knowing I have to get her out to a mile next time and on short rest in the Just a Game [on June 27],” said Brown. “I have a little something to work with there, but she's a top-class horse and we'll let her tell us if she's ready to run back in that timeframe. If so, it would be terrific. If she needs more time, we're always going to do right by her.”

A 200,000gns Tattersalls October Yearling graduate, Newspaperofrecord is one of 10 Group 1 winners for former shuttle stallion Lope de Vega (Ire).

The filly is out of Group 3 winner and Group 1-placed Sunday Times (GB) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), who is also a half-sister to the dam of Group 1 Irish Derby and Group 1 Mackinnon third Latrobe (Ire) (Camelot {Ire}).

Code Of Honor returns with Westchester victory

One of last year’s top 3-year-olds, Code Of Honor (USA) (Noble Mission {GB}) showed he’s come back just as strongly as he left with a 0.5l victory in the Grade 3 Westchester at Belmont Park.

Racing over 1700 metres, Code Of Honor raced wide down the backside in midpack on the sloppy track. As the field entered the turn, Godolphin’s Endorsed (USA) (Medaglia d’Oro {USA}) took over the lead but Code Of Honor was looming large as he circled the field.

Endorsed still had a sizeable lead as they entered the stretch with Code Of Honor challenging him with 100 metres left to run. The duel was short lived with Endorsed yielding but still staying within 0.5l of the winner at the line with the third place Forewarned (USA) (Flat Out {USA}) 6l behind the duo.

"I think he beat a pretty good horse in Endorsed,” said trainer Shug McGaughey. “They were pretty far in front of the rest of them. Coming off that long layoff, I was very pleased. I figured he'd like the track. Sometimes when it's like that and its open, anything can win, but I think the two best horses ran one-two.

While the stakes schedule has had to be remodelled after the early season delay due to COVID-19, McGaughey said Code Of Honor could see a Grade 1 sooner rather than later with the Grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap on July 4 a potential target moving forward.

The winner of four of eight races as a 3-year-old, including the Grade 1 Runhappy Travers S. and Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup, Code Of Honor was named a finalist for the Eclipse 3-Year-Old Colt category for his season.

The best runner for Frankel’s (GB) multiple Grade 1 winning brother Noble Mission (GB), the 4-year-old colt is out of Grade 3 winner Reunited (USA) (Dixie Union {USA}) and bred on a similar cross to Australian Group 1 winner Foundry (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).

Code Of Honor is a half-brother to Grade 2 winner Big League (USA) (Speightstown {USA}) and from the family of Japanese Group 3 winner Live Concert (USA) (Singspiel {Ire}).

Air Force Blue sires first winner

Air Force Blue (USA) (War Front {USA}) has started his stallion career with a 100 per cent strike rate after his daughter Beauty Queen (USA) won on debut at Gulfstream Park as his first runner.

Settling in midpack early in the 900 metre race, Beauty Queen made a move around the turn to race just behind the leaders. The filly was able to collar them in the final 100 metres, getting stronger as the race went on to win going away by 1.75l.

Watch: Beauty Queen (USA) win on debut at Gulfstream Park

Hailing from an active family, the filly’s relatives include this year’s Grade 3 UAE 2000 Guineas winner Fore Left (USA) (Twirling Candy {USA}) and last year’s Grade 2 King Edward S. winner Synchrony (USA) (Tapit {USA}) fourth in the Grade 2 Fort Marcy S. at Belmont on Saturday.

Shuttling to Coolmore Australia in 2017, Air Force Blue’s first Australian runners will hit the track later this year with 59 live foals reported for the stallion from that crop.

$3.65 Million Cezanne wins on debut

Patiently handled by trainer Bob Baffert, Cezanne (USA) (Curlin {USA}) paid off his connections’ patience when cruising to an impressive debut victory 15 months after bringing US$3.65 million at the Fasig-Tipton Select 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale last year.

Making his debut over 1300 metres on dirt, the colt raced just behind the leader in a tight pack. After about 300 metres, Cezenne found a hole and challenged for the lead, drawing even with the leader. The colt proved to be a little green in the stretch but was too much the best to be bothered, winning by 2.25l

.

Owned by the Coolmore partners and St. Elias Stables, the colt is the third stakes winner for the regally bred Achieving (USA) (Bernardini {USA}) after Grade 3 winner Arabian Hope (USA) (Distorted Humor) and Listed winning Counterforce (USA) (Smart Strike {Can}).

Achieving herself is the half-sister to three stakes winners and is a granddaughter of top broodmare Better Than Honour (USA) (Deputy Minister {USA}). The dam of Grade 1 Belmont S. winners Rags to Riches (USA) (A.P. Indy {USA}) and Jazil (USA) (Seeking The Gold {USA}), Better Than Honour is a daughter of bluehen mare Blush With Pride (USA) (Blushing Groom {USA}).

Charlatan to miss Kentucky Derby

Charlatan (USA) (Speightstown {USA}), winner of the first division of the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, will be forced to miss the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby in September after he was found to have a small ankle injury trainer Bob Baffert said on Saturday. The story was first reported by the Paulick Report on Saturday.

When an x-ray couldn’t address why Charlatan had filling in his ankle, the colt was sent for an MRI that picked up the injury.

“It is so small that the X-ray couldn’t see it, but the MRI picked it up,” Baffert told Thoroughbred Daily News. “You can see a tiny little something thing irritating the area. His ankle had a little fill in the front. We will take it out immediately and flush it. It is really small, but we have these MRIs now that are pretty good. You can really see a lot. It is minor, but we just have to do right by the horse. He will be back.”

With the colt set to miss at least 45 days, the first two legs of the Triple Crown are off the table as is Baffert’s goal of sending the colt to the Grade 1 Haskell. While Baffert said the October 3 Preakness may be a future target, he admitted it is a longshot.

“He will be ready for something in the Breeders’ Cup for sure, whether that be the [Dirt] Mile or what not,” he said. “The Preakness may be on the table depending, but it is a longshot. It is still an option, but it is a long ways off.”

Racing for SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stable, Stonestreet Stables, Fred Hertrich III, John Fielding and Golconda Stable. Charlatan is undefeated in three starts with the Arkansas Derby his first stakes victory. It was announced the week after that victory that Charlatan’s breeding rights had been secured by Hill ‘n’ Dale.

Set to have an exciting hand for this year’s Triple Crown races, Baffert’s barn suffered a blow last week as well when fellow Arkansas Derby winner Nadal (USA) (Blame {USA}) had to be retired after suffering a condylar fracture.

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 are concentrating our efforts at the Warwick Farm meeting where we are keen on a trial-winning 3-year-old having his first start and a pair of juveniles on debut with both boasting rich Group 1 pedigrees.

Warwick Farm, Race 1, 12.15pm AEST, Queen’s Birthday Plate, $54,000, 1100m

Deep Space (Deep Field) has a smart pedigree to back his claims and he’s also looked good at the trials for trainer Kris Lees. He was runner-up at Gosford in his first appearance and then had no trouble going one better at Wyong toward the end of last month.

A $160,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, Deep Space is out of Sherocksmyworld (Fastnet Rock), who won twice as a 2-year-old, and she is a daughter of the dual Group 3 winner Solvini (NZ) (Bertolini {USA}). The Group 1 winners Culminate (NZ) (Elnadim {USA}), Eileen Dubh (NZ) (Storm Creek {USA}) and Captivate (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}) are all members of this family.

Warwick Farm, Race 2, 12.50pm AEST, Iron Jack Plate, $54,000, 1200m

Ossabuco (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) was secured for $450,000 at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale and is a son of Prompt (Exceed And Excel), who didn’t distinguish herself on the track but she has in a broodmare role. She is the dam of the G1 Tattersalls Tiara winner Prompt Response (Beneteau) and her G3 Maribyrnong Plate-winning brother Prompt Return.

There is also a strong international flavour to this family through the G1 Royal Ascot King’s Stand S. winner Sayf El Arab USA) (Drone {USA}) and Group 2 winner Monde Bleu (GB) (Last Tycoon {Ire}). Trained by Chris Waller, Ossabuco finished runner-up in his latest trial and encouragingly James McDonald retains the ride.

Warwick Farm, Race 3, 1.25pm AEST, Sky Racing Active Plate, $54,000, 1200m

McDonald also looks to have a top chance here with the Mark Newnham-trained Miravalle (Redoute’s Choice). She won her 1050 metre Randwick trial by 3.3l last month and from a handy gate looks a filly to follow.

She was a $460,000 Gold Coast buy and is a half-sister to the former champion 2 and 3-year-old and dual Group 1 winner Yankee Rose (All American), also runner-up in the G1 Golden Slipper S. They are out of Condesaar (Xaar {GB}) and she is a half-sister to the G1 New Zealand Derby winner Redoute’s Dancer (Redoute’s Choice).

We hope you enjoyed reading today's edition of TDN AusNZ. If you have any feedback or ideas, please don't hesitate to reach out.

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