NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACING BOARD DIRECTORS

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Applicants are sought for three positions of directors of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Incorporated. New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is responsible under the Racing Industry Act 2020 for governing, administering, promoting and advancing the sport of thoroughbred racing in New Zealand.

Applicants will bring proven corporate governance experience and understanding of governance policies and processes, strategic insight, and guidance of change.

Additional skills and attributes sought from the combination of successful candidates include:

• experience in transforming organisations in times of change;

• experience in driving culture change;

• financial management;

• creativity and critical thinking;

• experience in data-rich and IT-intensive business;

• experience in promotion-dependent business; and

• governance of property matters.

A position description is available on request from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing.

Applications should be submitted in writing to NZTR’s Secretary, James Dunne, at james.dunne@nztr.co.nz, and must reach NZTR by 5pm on October 17, 2020.

Written by Paul Vettise

The stars aligned for Robbie Griffiths to land the well-related Vinlago (I Am Invincible) and he’s now hoping it’s time for the colt to shine at Flemington.

The Cranbourne trainer bought the youngster with Peter Ford Thoroughbreds at the Magic Millions Adelaide Sale, where he was offered by the Phoenix Broodmare Farm, for $50,000.

Vinlago has performed well at his local trials and will make his debut in the Listed Darley Maribyrnong Trial S. on Saturday with Luke Currie booked for the ride.

“He was cheap and I think I was just in the right place at the right time. He’s only a little fellow and he had a few lumps and bumps and cuts on his legs when I bought him, I think that scared everyone away,” Griffith said.

“He pings along pretty well and I’m most impressed with him. He’s been very sharp and he’s got the I Am Invincible speed so I’m really looking forward to Saturday.

“I’m hoping to be standing there getting interviewed saying I got myself a bargain in Adelaide.”

Bred by Yarraman Park Stud, Vinlago is the first foal of the Encosta De Lago mare Lucky Lago, who won four races and was a multiple placegetter at Group 2 and 3 levels.

The dam is a half-sister to the G1 VRC Oaks and G3 Ethereal S. winner Pinot (Pierro) and they are out of Dizelle (Zabeel {NZ}), successful in the G1 Australian Oaks and the G2 Woodstock Mile Oaks.

Dizelle is a sister to the three-time Group 1 winner and former Hong Kong Horse of the Year Vengeance Of Rain (NZ) and the family of the G2 Tulloch S. winner Old North (Lonhro).

Due to current restrictions, Vinlago has been kept at home in his lead-up to Flemington.

“Because of COVID-19 we haven’t be able to leave home so his trials have been local at the Cranbourne training complex,” Griffith said.

“He won a recent trial and has given us the impression he will go really well. The big negative for us is that we haven’t been able to take him away from his home ground.”

Griffith singled out the Matthew Ellerton and Simon Zahra-trained General Beau (Brazen Beau) as the colt to beat.

“He is trained there and has won there and from barrier six looks the winner again, he has a massive home track advantage,” Griffiths said.

“From barrier nine I’m hoping we can jump and go alongside him and that would give us our best chance.”

Griffiths is also happy with Fidelia (Not A Single Doubt), who runs in the G2 Lexus Rose Of Kingston S., but the weather may have the final say on her chances.

“Her form reads poorly, but she has had genuine excuses. She stumbled out of the barrier and pulled up lame in the G2 Let’s Elope S., but she has been galloping beautifully heading into this,” he said.

“She hates the wet and unfortunately there is an inch of rain forecast, which is a shame, so that could literally wash away her chances. If she gets the right track conditions on the day she could easily turn her form around.”

Cover image courtesy of Goffs

Courtesy of Emma Berry, Kelsey Riley and TDN Europe

At A Glance

>> Roundhill Stud brought just one yearling to the auction and the Oasis Dream (GB) filly duly ended up as the market leader, selling to Angus Gold on behalf of Shadwell for a sale-topping £450,000 (AU$807,000).

>> A Sea The Stars (Ire) half-sister to G1 Prix de Diane winner Channel (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}) offered by Kilcarn Stud sold to the Tsui family’s Sunderland Holdings for £360,000 (AU$645,650).

>> Coolmore shuttle stallion Churchill (Ire) found favour with thirteen of his 16 lots offered over the two days sold at an average of £86,423 (AU$155,000) and a highest price of £220,000 (AU$394,294).

>> Having converted the previous year’s returns to sterling, turnover was down by 44 per cent at £21,142,000 (AU$38 million).

>> The average of £67,981 (AU$121,900) was down by 35 per cent and the median dropped by 18 per cent to £47,000 (AU$84,262).

>> The clearance rate for the final day was slightly lower than the sale overall, at 77 per cent from 143 sold, bringing a second-day tally of £9,528,000 (AU$17 million), average of £66,629 (AU$119,477) and median of £45,000 (AU$80,665).

NB: With the sale’s move from Ireland to England came a change of currency from euros to pounds

Challenging year takes toll

The weather brightened for the final session of the Goffs Orby Sale, but it has to be said that the vibe did not. True, the clearance rate remained at a respectable level, with those vendors who decided to sell continuing to be realistic in their reserves.

But there was a high number of withdrawals across the two days, with an extra bunch coming on Thursday morning as Wednesday’s results were digested. This, together with a dearth of international participation compared to normal, and minimal activity from the regular major buyers, led to results that are disappointing set against recent good years, though understandable perhaps in this grim year.

Roundhill Stud’s sole entry by Oasis Dream (GB) ended up as the market leader, selling to Angus Gold on behalf of Shadwell for a sale-topping £450,000 (AU$807,000), while the progeny of Coolmore shuttle stallion Churchill (Ire) proved popular.

Thirteen of his 16 yearlings sold at an average of £86,423 (AU$155,000) and a top price of for £220,000 (AU$394,294) paid by Jamie McCalmont for a Glenvale Stud-offered colt.

Everything about 2020 is out of the ordinary, and for Goffs, moving Ireland’s flagship yearling sale to Britain was described by Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby as a monumental decision and one that we did not take lightly.

“I do not think anyone approached the sale expecting anything other than it to be tough, but we salute our vendors for the way they adapted and read the market as evidenced by the 80 per cent clearance rate,” he said.

“While not up to recent years, it demonstrates that vendors were pragmatic in their approach and worked with us to deliver the best results in the circumstances. That said, we absolutely recognise that the returns of the last two days have been hard on many vendors and we share their pain as we have always prided ourselves on delivering the best prices for the lots we offer.

“However, we are all aware of the havoc being wreaked on all walks of life by COVID-19 and the impact on the global economy so it is understandable that there are less orders around for racehorses from buying entities, big and small.

“The Irish National Yearling Sale has long been part of the fabric of Irish life as it is a significant occasion with a rich history and tangible relevance to the bloodstock community as well as the wider Irish public.

“So to move the Orby Sale to the UK was a monumental decision and one that we did not take lightly. However, we had to take action in what we felt were the best interests of every vendor given the circumstances in which we all find ourselves as so many had entrusted us with many of their best yearlings despite the uncertainty that existed at the time of entry.”

Having converted the previous year’s returns to sterling, turnover was down by 44 per cent at £21,142,000 (AU$38 million). The average of £67,981 (AU$121,900) was down by 35 per cent and the median dropped by 18 per cent to £47,000 (AU$84,262).

Of the 474 yearlings catalogued, 389 were offered for sale and 311 of those were sold. The clearance rate for the final day was slightly lower than the sale overall, at 77 per cent from 143 sold, bringing a second-day tally of £9,528,000 (AU$17 million), average of £66,629 (AU$119,477) and median of £45,000 (AU$80,665).

Roundhill’s gem

Roundhill Stud brought just one yearling to the Goffs Orby Sale and the filly from the farm’s signature family duly ended up as the market leader, selling to Angus Gold on behalf of Shadwell for a sale-topping £450,000 (AU$807,000).

David Redvers had signalled his interest early for the Oasis Dream filly (Lot 343), but Gold joined in the bidding from outside the ring and was intent on signing up the first foal of Princess De Lune (Ire) (Shamardal {USA}) as a future broodmare prospect for the Shadwell operation.

“Sheikh Hamdan said to concentrate on finding some fillies. We had a go on the Green Room filly yesterday, but I loved this filly. She is out of a Shamardal mare who had plenty of ability and she is from a tough-running family,” Gold said.

The Shadwell team has not been as active in the 2020 yearling market as it has been in recent years, but Sheikh Hamdan has been a notable supporter of the Orby Sale in particular and it brings a degree of reassurance to see him engage in the pursuit of some select fillies. The page for this particular yearling is chock-a-block with bold black type.

Princess De Lune won her Newbury maiden with ease for Roger Charlton before suffering a setback which saw her never reclaim that early promising form in three subsequent starts.

Her full-siblings are the dual Australian Group 2 winner and promising young Swettenham Stud stallion Puissance De Lune (Ire) and the Listed winner and Group 2-placed Queen Power (Ire). Then there is her three-parts brother Zabeel Prince (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), who won the G1 Prix d’Ispahan, and her half-sister Serena’s Storm (Ire) (Statue Of Liberty) is the dam of dual Group 1 winner Rizeena (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}).

“She’s a stunning filly and I hope she will be good for Shadwell,” Roundhill Stud owner Bobby Donworth said. “We did a lot of head-scratching about which sale to put her in, but we felt we should support Goffs and this has worked out well.

“We also have a half-sister to Rizeena and the brother to Zabeel Prince selling next week in Newmarket so it made sense to split them up. Her dam had a huge amount of ability and she should prove to be a good broodmare.”

Churchill gets nod

The first crop of the dual Group 1 winner Churchill will take to the track next season and a number found favour with Orby buyers. Thirteen of the Coolmore sire’s 16 horses offered over the last two days were sold at an average of £86,423 (AU$155,000).

At the head of that list was Lot 336, a colt bred by Brian O’Neill and pinhooked last year by Hamish Macauley for €125,000 (AU$204,347) at the Goffs November Sale. Returned to the ring by Glenvale Stud, the half-brother to Group 3 winner Onenightidreamed (Ire) (Footsetpsinthesand {GB}) was bought for £220,000 (AU$394,294) by Jamie McCalmont.

Johnny Murtagh, Jessica Harrington, Paddy Twomey and Keith Dalgleish are among the trainers taking charge of Churchill’s Orby graduates, while Peter and Ross Doyle went to £140,000 (AU$250,250) to buy Lot 321, the Kildaragh Stud-bred and consigned colt out of the Listed-placed Orcia (Ire) (Shamardal {USA}).

The Kavanagh family has raced three generations of the colt’s female family, including his grand-dam, the French Listed winner Amathia (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}), who is a multiple black-type producer.

The National Stud’s freshman sire Time Test (GB) had just one filly at the Orby Sale, but she made it to the list of six-figure lots when sold to Daithi Harvey for £100,000 (AU$178,662) on behalf of Highland Yard.

The daughter of Sunny Again (GB) (Shirocco {Ger}) (Lot 425) was offered by Mount Coote Stud and is a half-sister to this season’s St Leger runner-up Berkshire Rocco (Fr) (Sir Percy {GB}). She will head back to Ireland to be broken in by Ben Harvey before being trained by Gavin Cromwell.

Channel’s sister to Haggas

An early highlight was provided by Lot 253, a Sea The Stars half-sister to G1 Prix de Diane winner Channel (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}) who sold to the Tsui family’s Sunderland Holdings for £360,000 (AU$645,650).

John Clarke conducted the bidding for the filly bred by Pat O’Kelly’s Kilcarn Stud and said afterwards, “Mrs Tsui absolutely loved the pedigree and though she hasn’t seen the filly herself she was very keen to buy her.”

The filly’s dam Love Magic (GB) (Dansili {GB}) is a daughter of the G1 Cheveley Park S. winner Magical Romance (Ire) (Barathea {Ire}) and a half-sister to a decent performer by Sea The Stars in Australia in the exported Werribee Cup winner Tall Ship (Ire).

The family also includes Magical Romance’s half-sister, the champion 3-year-old Alexandrova (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells), who landed the Oaks, Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks for Aidan O’Brien.

Clarke added that the filly will join William Haggas in Newmarket next year. Her dam has a filly foal by Saxon Warrior (Jpn) and is now in foal to Frankel (GB).

No hiding for this Angel

Peter Brant added to his collection of Orby yearlings when agent Demi O’Byrne outbid Richard Ryan for Yeomanstown Stud’s brother to the G3 Princess Margaret S. winner Angel’s Hideaway (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) at £355,000 (AU$636,651).

The late April colt (Lot 438) is the result of the sixth mating with Dark Angel (Ire) for the Kheleyf (USA) mare The Hermitage (Ire), a black-type earning 2-year-old in her racing days who now has three winners to her name, including G2 Mill Reef S. runner-up Perfect Angel (Ire).

“She’s been good to everybody really,” said breeder and consignor David O’Callaghan. “She’s turned into a bit of an Orby specialist and she has a colt foal by Dark Angel who will be coming next year.”

O’Callaghan admitted that the last two days of trade have been tricky but said, “We bring them to sell and we’ve got most of them sold. We’ve got to keep clearing the decks.”

Value Galileos

For months now there has been talk of this season’s sales being a buyers’ market and, indeed, for those with some money to spend at the higher level with an eye on the future, some lovely broodmare prospects can be found at a much more reasonable rate than usual.

That is certainly the case for Lot 311, the Galileo (Ire) three-parts sister to G1 Irish Derby winner Trading Leather (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), who was acquired by Yuesheng Zhang’s Yulong Investments for £185,000 (AU$331,860).

“With a pedigree like that she is worth that all day long,” was the assessment of agent Michael Donohoe of BBA Ireland. “She’ll go to Jessica Harrington and she may take a little bit of time but she’ll make a lovely broodmare for Mr Zhang, who has mares in Ireland and Australia. He was very keen to support this sale.”

The March-born filly was sold by Manister House Stud on behalf of Coolmore and the same breeder also offered another daughter of Galileo through Baroda Stud (Lot 305). The filly is out of the Australian G1 Ascot Vale S. winner Nechita (Fastnet Rock) and was bought by Cathy Grassick for £140,000 (AU$251,00).

From No To Yes

Lot 388, the full-brother to champion sprinter and young stallion Ten Sovereigns (Ire) (No Nay Never {USA}), was marked as withdrawn from the sale on Wednesday, but later appeared among the results as a private sale to Mitsuru Hashida, the trainer of Deirdre (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) who runs in the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

No Nay Never (USA) recorded another Group 1 winner at the weekend when Jeff Smith’s Alcohol Free (GB) landed the Juddmonte Cheveley Park S. and his offspring at the Orby Sale included Lot 314, the second foal of the Pivotal (GB) mare Novantae (GB), who sold for £125,000 (AU$223,427) to David Redvers on behalf of Cornthrop Bloodstock.

The filly was consigned by Luke Barry’s Manister House Stud, which bred her in partnership with American agent Gatewood Bell, who bought Novantae for €33,000 (AU$53,810) at the Goffs November Mares’ Sale.

Though only placed in her racing days, the first three dams of the 7-year-old are all black-type winners and her immediate family includes this season’s exciting juvenile Master Of The Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), winner of the G2 Superlative S. for Godolphin.

Time to shine

G1 TAB Epsom H., $1,000,000, 1600m

There could be no more worthy winner than Star Of The Seas (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}), who has been a multiple Group 1 placegetter including in his last two appearances in the Winx S. and in the George Main S, to give his sire a year-on-year double of the race.

He has a top chance here from the inside gate while Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) is in grand form, but will need plenty of luck from a horror barrier 18.

Funstar (Adelaide {Ire}) is well-weighted to make a strong impression, but is another who will need things to go her way from a wide alley as will Imaging (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}).

Rock (Pierro) was impressive landing the G3 Cameron H. and can’t be ignored despite the class rise while Nettoyer (Sebring) can be tricky to follow. If caught in the right mood she is capable of an upset.

Brandenburg (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}) was sound in the G3 Bill Ritchie H. and the extra trip suits him and Wild Planet (Animal Kingdom {USA}) would only need to reproduce his winning effort in the G2 Theo Marks to be in the firing line.

Clean sweep beckons

G1 Darley Flight S., $500,000, 1600m

Dame Giselle (I Am Invincible) has bagged the first three legs of the series and it will take a supreme effort to stop her make a clean sweep.

She is up to a mile for the first time, but should get an ideal run from the inside gate and ran 1400 metres out strongly enough in the G2 Tea Rose S. to suggest she will cope admirably.

The main danger is sure to be Hungry Heart (Frankel {GB}), who has chased Dame Giselle home at her last two starts. She is one who there’s seems little doubt will relish to the step up in trip.

Montefelia (Kermadec {NZ}) has a similar profile and made late ground for fourth in the Tea Rose while there’s also been plenty of merit in the two appearances in the series of the honest Vangelic (Vancouver).

Joviality (I Am Invincible) has been in tremendous touch in the lower grades with three wins on the bounce and gains weight relief under the conditions of the race. She’s worth considering for multiple bets.

Set for an impact

G2 Quincy Seltzer S., Hill S., $500,000, 2000m

Fierce Impact (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) lowered the colours of Russian Camelot (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) in the G1 Makybe Diva S. – an outstanding form line – and he has since romped home in a trial to keep him ticking over.

Kolding (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) won the G1 George Main S. in excellent fashion and doesn’t look like he’ll have any trouble carrying that form over to an extra 400 metres here.

Avilius (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) was never a threat in the George Main, but at this trip it will be surprising if he’s not more competitive.

Danceteria (Fr) (Redoute’s Choice) was disappointing last preparation, but his best form includes a Group 1 victory in Germany and has won fresh in the past so has to be accorded some chance.

An each way chance might be Dadoozdart (GB) (New Approach {Ire}). A middle-distance black type winner in France, the 5-year-old worked home well enough for fourth in the G3 Bill Ritchie H. to be worth a second thought in this.

Match race on cards

G2 Bisley Workwear Premiere S., $500,000, 1200m

This shapes as a race in two on paper between the gun sprinters Nature Strip (Nicconi) and Classique Legend (Not A Single Doubt), who will square off again in The Everest.

Nature Strip was satisfactory when resuming for second in the G3 Concorde S. and, following a hiccup when he lost rider James McDonald in a trial, returned to do everything right in a 900 metre heat at Rosehill earlier in the week.

Classique Legend was outstanding in the G2 Shorts when he came from the back of the field to trump his rivals. That was his first outing for three months so is sure to be sharper and he will take a power of beating.

Libertini (I Am Invincible) is a gifted mare and a smart trial winner while Standout (Exceed And Excel) and Fasika (So You Think {NZ}) will need to improve on their latest efforts to be in the frame and look place prospects at best.

Tofane well-placed

Flemington, G2 Gilgai S., $300,000, 1200m

Group 1-winning sprinting mare Tofane (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) will derive benefit from her resuming run for third in the G2 Bobbie Lewis and she has won two of her three second-up runs.

She was only 0.3l behind the winner Zoutori (Zoustar), who promises to be a worthy rival again, and does meet him 3kg better off this time.

Santa Ana Lane (Lope De Vega {Ire}) hasn’t raced since he was sixth in the G1 Goodwood in the autumn and has won twice off a break in the past. He will no doubt improve with the run, but is a top-class act at best.

Dollar For Dollar (High Chaparral {Ire}) was gallant when runner-up in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. and he looks sure to give a great sight again while The Inevitable (Dundeel {NZ}) was tidy enough on his return to warrant consideration.

Hot prospect

Flemington, TAB G2 Edward Manifold S., $300,000, 1600m

Thermosphere (Exosphere) finished fifth last time out in the G2 Tea Rose S. and has been competing in better quality races with distinction.

Miss Guggenheim (Dundeel {NZ}) is coming off a smart maiden win at Geelong where she was ridden by Damien Oliver, who sticks with her after riding stablemate Café Rizu (Rubick) last time pout.

Divine Diosa (Teofilo {Ire}) had the edge on Queen Of Rocks (Fastnet Rock) when they last met and both are hopes again in an open line-up.

Chica Fuerte (Hinchinbrook) was runner-up when resuming and sure to improve while Succeed Indeed (Akeed Mofeed {GB}) and A Pinch Of Luck (Shamus Award) are last-start winners and on those performances look capable of making a mark at black type level.

Silhouette (Teofilo {Ire}) came from well back to run seventh in the Listed Jim Moloney and from a better gate can be more competitive at odds.

Worth another chance

Flemington, G2 Rose Of Kingston S., $300,000, 1400m

Rubisaki (Rubick) was below par when unplaced in her resuming run in the G3 Cockram S., was unbeaten through six starts last preparation and is worth another chance.

Pretty Brazen (Brazen Beau) is in a purple patch of form with victory in the G2 Let’s Elope S. and a third in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke. She’s a top chance if she handles another quick back-up.

Perfect Jewel (Redoute’s Choice) drew attention to her prospects when second in the G2 Stocks S. and Savatiano (Street Cry {Ire}) was a beaten favourite in the Let’s Elope and a better guide may be her previous win in the G2 PB Lawrence S.

Fabric (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) is up in grade, but finished powerfully to win at Caulfield last time out to press her claims. Bonvicini (Myboycharlie {Ire}) was third in the Let’s Elope and while her second-up record is poor, she’s worth a second look on that performance.

Stick with Schabau

Flemington, G3 The Bart Cummings, $500,000, 2510m

Schabau (Ger) (Pastorius {Ger}) has placed in both of his runs this preparation and third-up should be more of a force to be reckoned with.

He was a last-start third behind Lord Belvedere (GB) (Archipenko {USA}) and meets that runner better off in the weights this time.

Shared Ambition (Ire) (Born To Sea {Ire}) earned a trip to Melbourne with his last-start second in the G3 Kingston Town S. and a strong chance on that showing while Persan (Pierro) and In Good Health (Congrats {USA}) are emerging stayers and more seasoned than most in this.

Creedence (Helmet) also fits into that category with wins in each of his last two starts and Sound (Ger) (Lando {Ger}) is also going well and drops 4.5kg on his latest outing.

Set to atone

Hastings, G1 Windsor Park Plate, $200,000, 1600m

Avantage (Fastnet Rock) didn’t help her cause in the G1 Tarzino Trophy with a tardy getaway and recovered to finish third. With a cleaner start from an ideal gate she can bounce back.

Trainer Jamie Richards holds a decent hand with Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) and Prise De Fer (NZ) (Savabeel). A question mark over the former is her lack of recent racing, but she is all class, while the latter was a string third in the G2 Foxbridge Plate and the rise in trip will suit him ideally.

Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) gave a grand sight when fourth on the first day and will strip fitter for the outing and Two Illicit (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}) won in a lower grade when resuming and she’s a quality performer with each way prospects.

Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante) made use of a perfect barrier to upset in the Tarzino and while he’s drawn wider, he deserves respect again. Supera (NZ) (Savabeel) finished runner-up and the mile gives her another royal chance.

Loire (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice) and Vancooga (NZ) (Proisir) both made late ground in the Tarzino, but may need further to show their best. Germanicus (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) had no luck in the opening day feature at Hastings and from a better draw can’t be discounted.

No need to say more

Hastings, G2 Dundeel at Arrowfield Hawke’s Bay Guineas, $100,000, 1400m

The unbeaten Need I Say More (No Nay Never {USA}) was a dashing winner when resuming at Te Rapa and only looks to need luck from a tricky gate to shine again.

Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) was an impressive winner on debut and in a manner that suggested he won’t be troubled by a rise in grade. Stablemate Suffused (Choisir) was a good second on the first day and looks a place chance again, at worst.

Kobe Rocks NZ) (Rock ‘N’ Pop) was fourth in that race and he’s a chance on that effort of a minor slice of the prize while Bourbonaire (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) didn’t have much luck last time out and his previous victory might be a better guide to his prospects.

The first day of a big weekend of racing at Longchamp sees Saturday kick off with a Group 2 event and end the stakes action with a Group 1 over 4000 metres.

Sidestep colt kicks off Arc weekend

Sidestep is represented in the very first race at Longchamp on Saturday when Step By Step (Fr) looks for his first Group stakes success in the G2 Qatar Prix Chaudenay over 3000 metres. Already a Listed winner, the 3-year-old is one of two stakes horses for his dam, a half-sister to Group 1 winner Amarette (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}). Another stakes winning half-sister is the dam of two-time Australian Group 1 winner Almandin (Ger) (Monsun), one of nine stakes winners under Step By Step’s second dam.

By former New Zealand shuttle sire Makfi (GB), Mykiss (Fr) is out of a half-sister to the dam of Himalaya Dream (Fr) (Stormy River {Fr}). That gelding spent most of his career in Australia, winning three races in the country.

Zelding strikes again in Prix Dollar

Top broodmare Zelding (Ire) (Warning {GB}) is almost always represented on big stakes weekends and Saturday is no exception. Coming off a Group 3 victory, his fourth career win in five starts, Glycon (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) faces a field of seven others in the G2 Qatar Prix Dollar. He is out of a stakes winning and Group 1-placed Singspiel (Ire) half-sister to Beauty Is Truth (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}), whose runners include G1 Ranvet S. winner The United States (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).

Raging Storm (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) has strong connections to Australasia as a 4-year-old out of New Zealand-bred, Australian winner Entrust (NZ) (Danehill {USA}). Three of Entrust’s five winners came in Australia with the mare exported to Ireland the year she conceived this colt. His granddam Ajfan (USA) (Woodman {USA}) was imported to New Zealand in 2002 and is also the granddam of multiple New Zealand stakes performers with her US-bred daughter El Laoob (Red Ransom {USA}) also imported to Australia in 2011. Currently in New Zealand, El Laoob was bred to Sacred Falls (NZ) last season.

After a small break, American Pharoah’s (USA) Ocean Atlantique (USA) makes his reappearance here against his elders. The colt is out of a half-sister to champion Leroidesanimaux (Brz) (Candy Stripes {USA}) and Group 1 winner Uapybo (Brz) (Blush Rambler {USA}) with Ocean Atlantique’s third dam Kerali (GB) (High Line {GB}) also the dam of bluehen mare Hasili (Ire) (Kahysi {Ire}).

Group 1 action starts in Prix de Royallieu

Three stakes races into the card, the first Group 1 of the weekend takes place in the G2 Qatar Prix de Royallieu over 2800 metres.

Dubawi’s (Ire) Mashael (Fr) is the first winner out of her Galileo (Ire) dam Al Jassasiyah (Ire), who is a full sister to G1 Epsom Oaks winner Was (Ire) and Lloyd Williams’ Group 3-winning Australian import Douglas Macarthur (Ire). Mashael’s second dam is also a half-sister to champion and former shuttle stallion New Approach (Ire) with one of their half-sisters also the granddam of multiple G2 Bobbie Lewis H. winner Zoutori (Zoustar).

Out of a Montjeu (Ire) three-quarter sister to classic winner Ask (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells {USA}), Monica Sheriff (GB) (Lawman {Fr}) also hails from the family of Australian Group 1 winner Kingdom Of Fife (GB) (Kingmambo {USA}). The 4-year-old looks to get back to her winning ways here after five straight victories in 2019.

Group 3-winning Spirit Of Appin (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}) is one of three group winners from 11 winners for Oshiponga (GB) (Barathea {Ire}). Oshiponga’s siblings include Group 1 winner Miss Keller (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), whose foals have all been imported to run in Australia.

One of three Lope De Vega (Ire) runners in the field, Palomba (Ire) is one of three winners from three to race out of Australienne (Ire) (Monsun {Ger}). That mare is a half-sister to G1 Melbourne Cup winner Americain (USA) (Dynaformer {USA}) among four stakes horses out of Group 2 winner America (Ire) (Arazi {USA}).

Three-year-old filly Paix (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}) is out of a Group 3-winning half-sister to Prudenzia (Ire) (Dansili {GB}), the dam of G1 Mackinnon S. winner Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) who returns to the Spring Carnival this year. Also in this family is multiple Australian stakes winner Dr Drill (GB) (Dansili), who is in training with Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.

American Pharoah’s Group 2-winning daughter Pista (USA) makes her first trip to France for Melbourne Cup winning trainer Joseph O’Brien in this race. The great-granddaughter of bluehen Coup De Genie (USA) (Mr. Prospector {USA}) has won three straight since August 1st and looks to take her record to four-from-five here.

A Group 3 winner two starts ago, Wonderful Tonight (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) is one of two stakes winners out of a half-sister to multiple Australian stakes-placed Mr Garcia (GB) (Paco Boy {Ire}). This is also the family of multiple stakes winner Inverloch (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) and European champion Camelot (GB), the sire of dual Group 1 winner Russian Camelot (Ire).

Yulong Investments runner among entries in Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein

The G2 Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein sees Shaman (Ire) (Shamardal {USA}) kick off the eight horse field in the 1600 metre race in the draw. The son of multiple stakes winner Only Green (Ire) (Green Desert {USA}) is a half-brother to Listed Albury Gold Cup winner Green Sweet (USA) (Smart Strike {USA}), who was in training with Danny Williams for much of his Australian career.

Zhang Yuesheng’s Italian and German champion Ancient Spirit (Ger) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) looks for his first win since a double in June here. A half-brother to a Group 1 winner himself, Ancient Spirit’s second dam is a three-quarter sister to G1 Melbourne Cup winner Almandin (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}).

Group 3 winner Maamora (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) is a half-sister to Harlech (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), whose first foal is Frankel’s (GB) G2 Sweet Embrace S. winner Hungry Heart. Harlach visited Snitzel in 2017 and 2018 for a colt and filly respectively, before taking a break last season.

Prix du Cadran rounds out day

The G1 Qatar Prix du Cadran rounds out the first of two strong days of racing Longchamp on Saturday with an eight horse field over 4000 metres.

The winner of two of his three races since his move to the Czech Republic earlier this year, Cacophonous (GB) (Cacique {Ire}) makes his Group 1 debut here. The gelding is a half-brother to Australasian runner Zee Zeely (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}), who spent a few years in Australia before moving to New Zealand in 2017.

A son of Group 1 winner Almerita (Ger) (Medicean {GB}), Alkuin (Ire) (Maxios {GB}) is a half-brother to Kris Lees-trained Articus (Fr) (Areion {Ger}). A multiple winner in Australia, that horse was also a Group 3 winner in Australia and is one of two to of Alkuin’s siblings to race in Australia alongside Australian winner Ay No Digas (Ger) (Singspiel {Ire}), who was last in training with Brent Albuino. There is Australian success throughout the family with their dam also a half-sister to the dam of multiple Australian stakes winner Gris Caro (GB) (With Approval {Can}).

One of three Group 1 winners for his dam, Call The Wind (GB) (Frankel {GB}) hails from the family of Australian Stakes winners Glorious Sinndar (Fr) (Sinndar {Ire}), Assign (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), and Observational (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) with all three under his second dam. The winner of three of his four starts this year, Call The Wind comes into the race off a Group 2 victory in August.

Zhang Yuesheng-owned Barbados (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) was last seen finishing fourth in the G1 Irish St. Leger and stretches out almost 1200 metres more in this affair. On the board in three of his five starts since his ownership change saw him switch to Jessica Harrington’s barn, the Galileo 4-year-old is searching for his first stakes win here.

So You Think (NZ) has the German-bred Think Of Me representing him in this race, one of two winners out of her dam. A Listed winner, Think Of Me has never been worse than second in her six race career and stretches past 3100 metres for the first time in her career.

Related to another runner on the card in Ancient Spirit (Ger) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Apadanah (Ger) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) is one of two stakes horses out of her dam. That mare is a half-sister to the dam of Ancient Spirit with Apadanah’s granddam a three-quarter sibling to Almandin (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}).

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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 like the chances at Randwick of a well-related 2-year-old, an expensive colt in action at Flemington and at Newcastle we are siding with a 3-year-old who scored well enough last time out to suggest he can continue his winning form.

Flemington, Race 1, 12.05pm AEST, Listed Darley Maribyrnong Trial S., $175,000, 1000m

Trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace will be represented by a well-credentialled individual here in Fake Love (I Am Invincible). The filly hasn’t been to any official trials, but is sure to be ready for the challenge and has a pedigree to strongly suggest she can be a major player.

Bred by Segenhoe Stud, Fake Love made $380,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Weanling Sale and subsequently failed to meet her $450,000 when re-offered 12 months later. She is a daughter of Anatina (Fastnet Rock), a dual Listed winner and runner-up in the G1 Galaxy H. It is a speedy family that includes the Listed Mode Plate winner Sugar Boom (Spirit Of Boom) and the G2 Villiers S. winner Quackerjack (Not A Single Doubt).

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Flemington, Race 2, 12.40pm AEST, Seppelt Wines Poseidon S., $175,000, 1100m

Pioneer River (Snitzel) was purchased out of Sledmere Stud’s draft at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale for $1.1 million by Sun Bloodstock. A half-brother to the G3 Mr Tiz Trophy winner No More Tears (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}), the colt is out of Ocean of Tears (NZ) (Minardi {USA}) who is a half-sister to the G2 Reisling S. winner Hips Don’t Lie (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}).

She is the dam of the Listed winner and Group 1 placegetter Lake Geneva (Fastnet Rock), whose sister Ennis Hill won the G3 Chairman’s S. Pioneer River was a winner and stakes-placed last season and with one run under his belt this preparation should be ready to produce his best form here.

Newcastle, Race 1, 1.19pm AEST, Sage Painting H., $35,000, 1600m

The Mark Newnham representative The Mediator (Sebring) hasn’t taken long to open his account and following a resuming third the colt bolted home at Kembla Grange. With the further benefit of Tyler Schiller’s 3kg claim, he can make it two on the bounce.

The Mediator is a brother to three multiple winners, including Positive Problems and Sebring Dream who are both Group placegetters. Their dam is the unraced Dream ‘N’ Believe (Shamardal {USA}) and she is out of a half-sister to the G2 Sandown Guineas winner and sire King Ivor, the multiple Group 3 winner Snake Eyes (USA) (Dixieland Band {USA}) and the G3 Sandown Classic Trial winner and sire Linney Head (USA).

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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Paul Vettise | paul@tdnausnz.com.au

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John Boyce | John Berry | Jo McKinnon | Alan Carasso | Emma Berry | Rob Waterhouse | Anthony Manton | Trevor Marshallsea | Melissa Bauer-Herzog

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