McNeil repays faith with gem of a ride to take Cup

Written by

Paul Vettise

5 min read

European-trained stayers dominated the finish of the G1 Lexus Melbourne Cup, but a fearless ride by Jye McNeil aboard Twilight Payment (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) ensured Australia played a major role in the outcome of the Flemington feature.

Joseph O’Brien, 27, again denied his father Aidan of victory in the Melbourne Cup when his bold front-runner Twilight Payment was too good in the hands of McNeil for Tiger Moth (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) with Prince Of Arran (GB) (Shirocco {Ger}) third.

In 2017, O’Brien prepared Rekindling (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}) to edge out his dad’s Johannes Vermeer (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and it was again a triumph for the Williams family with Twilight Payment handing them their seventh Cup triumph.

Enough in the reserve

Twilight Payment was also feeling the pinch close to home but had enough in reserve to see it through.

“He peaked on his run 200 metres out and I got very vocal trying to encourage him and it was very surreal crossing line,” McNeil said. “It’s been a lifetime dream and I want to thank all those close to me, Joseph and the Williams family, it’s overwhelming.”

“It’s been a lifetime dream and I want to thank all those close to me, Joseph and the Williams family, it’s overwhelming.” – Jye McNeil

Nick Williams was effusive in his praise of the part McNeil played in the Cup success and also the foresight of his father Lloyd.

“The horse was fantastic and aided by a beautiful ride from Jye to get the job done. Dad said to me two or three months ago when there was doubt about the Sydney jockeys coming here that he had booked Jye and said he’s the best young rider in the country,” he said.

“Once again Dad has been proved right and he’s an absolute genius. It was a great ride and none of the great European jockeys could have ridden him any better.”

Jye McNeil and Twilight Payment (Ire)

While ecstatic with the result, Williams also sent his condolences to the connections of Anthony Van Dyck.

“We send all our sympathy to the team at Coolmore, who put in a huge amount of money and go to every big dance,” he said. “I feel terrible for them, it’s a shocking thing to happen at any time.”

“We send all our sympathy to the team at Coolmore, who put in a huge amount of money and go to every big dance.” – Nick Williams

Runner-up Tiger Moth was gallant and Prince Of Arran again showed his great love for Australian conditions. The Chosen One belied his 40-1 starting price with a terrific effort ahead of the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained stablemates Persan (Pierro) and Sir Dragonet (Ire) (Camelot {GB}).

“I was very proud of Persan and I expected him to run well in the race with that weight (51kg) and the preparation he had,” Maher said.

“The only negative was the draw and he finished full of running, he was fantastic. We’ll map out a plan into next year and see if we can go a bit better.”

Maher was also delighted with the performance of his G1 Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet.

“The difference between winning and losing was at the start. He missed it and was four pairs further back than we wanted so I thought it was a super run,” he said.

Trainers land another early winning blow

Written by

Paul Vettise

4 min read

Lindsay Park again struck early at Flemington when Finance Tycoon (Written Tycoon) showed the benefit of headgear to continue the stable’s run of success in the G3 Darley Maribyrnong Plate.

Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes produced Crosshaven (Smart Missile) to beat stablemate Aysar (Deep Field) in the G3 Carbine Club S. in the first race on Derby Day and mirrored that with Finance Tycoon in the Melbourne Cup Day opener.

The Lindsay Park stable has won the Maribyrnong Plate five times in the last two decades and successfully defended its title having won the 2-year-old dash 12 months ago with Hard Landing (All Too Hard), who two races later ran second in the Schweppervescence Plate.

Mare on the board

He is the first winner for Darook Park (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}), a half-sister to the 2-year-old winner Silk Pins (NZ) (Pins) who was also second in the R. Listed Karaka 2YO Million and third in the G1 Diamond S.

The family also features the G2 Moonee Valley Fillies’ Classic and G1 Queen of the Turf S. runner-up Gypsy Diamond (Not A Single Doubt).

As a Gold Coast graduate, the rich Magic Millions 2YO Classic next year is an obvious target for Finance Tycoon.

“We hope he pulls up well and we’ll talk to the owners and go from there. He’ll have a spell now so it’s definitely an option,” Hayes said.

The favourite Ingratiating (Frosted {USA}), successful on debut in the Listed Maribyrnong Trial S., missed the kick before recovering and he fought on well to finish runner-up ahead of first-timer Marine One (Capitalist), who was up in the leading division all the way.

Long time coming

Hayes and Dabernig later doubled their Cup day tally when Sin To Win (NZ) (Sir Percy {GB}) posted a long overdue victory when he came with a well-timed finish for Luke Currie to land The Macca’s Run.

Sin To Win (NZ)

“He was always travelling like he was going to win and he was just way too good,” rider Luke Currie said. “He hasn’t been running poorly, he was just finding it hard to win. This was the right race and he gave me a beautiful ride today.”

The 8-year-old had been winless since he took out the Listed Andrew Ramsden S. on the course in May, 2018, although he has regularly added to his bank account with a number of minor placings.

Sin To Win produced a spirited finish from back in the field to overhaul Naval Warfare (Ire) (Born To Sea {Ire}) and the well-fancied Yonkers (USA) (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}).

No Restriction storms to Desirable win

Written by

Georgie Dennis

3 min read

After placing in a couple of big races over the last week, Archie Alexander scored a well-deserved stakes win as No Restriction (Unencumbered) stormed home to take out the Listed Desirable S. at Flemington on Tuesday.

Ridden by Declan Bates, the 3-year-old filly raced on the fence towards the back of the field, but managed to peel out around the bend and found a gap with 300 metres to go. She then showcased an electric turn of foot to storm past the front runners and win by 1l.

The David Brideoake-trained Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) was gallant in defeat after leading the trip and holding on for second while Ripper Rita (Street Boss {USA}) was another 0.2l away in third.

Alexander, who had Chaillot (Testa Rossa) finish fourth in the G1 Empire Rose S. on Saturday and Haky (Ire) (Muhtathir {GB}) run third in the G3 Bendigo Cup last Wednesday, said he was thrilled to secure the win on one of the biggest days racing in Australia.

“It’s a fantastic week and every trainer wants to be here,” he said. “I’m delighted for the owners. There’s some really good owners in the horse and she was bred by Three Bridges who are good friends.”

Winkers key

Alexander applied winkers to No Restriction and said he was confident they would improve her.

“She’s always been a little bit spooky and green,” the Ballarat-based trained said. "She can get pulling, like she did today.

“We thought the blinkers were too much, the winkers are half-way and the faster they went, the better they went. I thought at least she’ll settle and flow, but you never really see a pattern coming out the way you imagine it."

As far as where she will race next, Alexander said no races have been planned for her and she is likely to head to the paddock.

“We won’t make any decisions today, it’s always hard on a race day, but I think we’ll go to the paddock,” he said. “I’m leaning towards the paddock, she’s not overly big and she’s done a good job today.”

“I’m leaning towards the paddock, she’s not overly big and she’s done a good job today.” - Archie Alexander

Bates said it was the perfect way to kick-off the day ahead of his first ride in the G1 Melbourne Cup.

“It’s the biggest day of the year, I’ve got a ride in the big one and I’ve got a winner on the board earlier in the day,” he said. “Everything is coming together nicely so hopefully we can have a better day later.

“I’m really pleased to win on her. I was actually quite confident coming here today. I thought Flemington would suit and she was too good.”

No Restriction as a yearling

Purchased by Alexander Racing and Rogers Bloodstock for $90,000 at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, No Restriction continues a fantastic spring for Victorian farm Three Bridges Thoroughbreds who bred and sold the 3-year-old filly.

It was fitting that her first stakes victory occurred on G1 Melbourne Cup Day as she is out of Zumbarina (Zabeel {NZ}), who is a three-quarter sister to champion stayer Might And Power (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}).

Zumbarina has a 2-year-old colt by Brazen Beau and a yearling filly by Toronado (Ire) however she was not served in 2019.

Lane gains consolation after missing out on Cup start

4 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Damian Lane got over the initial disappointment of missing out of this year’s G1 Lexus Melbourne Cup action by riding an undercard winner and one who looks to have a bright staying future.

The top jockey had been booked for the Danny O’Brien-trained King Of Leogrance (Fr) (Camelot {GB}) only for the stayer to be scratched by Racing Victoria veterinarians on race morning due to lameness.

“I’ve been in racing long enough to know that these things can happen and there’s nothing you can do about it,” Lane said.

He had a smile back on his face though after the Listed TAB Trophy, in which he combined with the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Ain’tnodeeldun (Dundeel {NZ}) for a smart win in a genuinely-run contest.

Ultimate Edition (Helmet) set up a fast tempo in front and Lane kept him within his sights before making his move and Ain’tnodeeldun surged home in the straight to account for Confrontational (Redoute’s Choice) and Grinzinger Lord (Tavistock {NZ}).

“I’ve ridden Ultimate Edition before and know he can get a bit keen and my horse was travelling comfortably all the way. He’ll come back a smarter horse in the autumn.”

“I’ve ridden Ultimate Edition before and know he can get a bit keen and my horse was travelling comfortably all the way.” – Damian Lane

Bred by Glentree Pastoral, Ain’tnodeeldun was bought out of Bhima Thoroughbreds’ draft at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale by Anthony Freedman Racing and Blue Sky Bloodstock for $240,000.

He is a son of the dual Listed winner Ain’tnofallenstar (Starcraft {NZ}), who is a half-sister to the G3 Schweppervescence S. winner Bachman (All American) and the former Singapore Horse of the Year Stepitup (Hussonet {USA}).

Ain’tnodeeldun, who is now likely to be spelled, having won the Listed Hill S. at his previous appearance and Sam Freedman said the inter-state travel had benefitted the colt.

“The trip to Adelaide brought him along and he came back more mature.”

Ain’tnodeeldun as a yearling

Carnival double

South Australian raiders Richard and Chantelle Jolly doubled their carnival tally when Alleboom (Spirit Of Boom) added to his burgeoning record with victory in the Schweppervesence Plate at Flemington.

The father and daughter training combination were in celebratory mode on Saturday when Kemalpasa (Magnus) successfully defended his G2 Linlithgow S. title and his 3-year-old stablemate followed his winning lead on Tuesday.

Alleboom sat on the leader Hard Landing’s (All Too Hard) quarters and under rider Craig Williams’ urgings proved superior in the closing to win his third race from six appearances.

While for obvious reasons it was a crowdless arena, Williams saw fit to salute the efforts of those present when returning to scale.

“Matthew Hill makes the racing exciting by his commentaries so I wanted to acknowledge him and also the staff here at Flemington,” he said.

“Matthew Hill makes the racing exciting by his commentaries so I wanted to acknowledge him and also the staff here at Flemington.” – Craig Williams

Williams was also aboard Kemalpasa at the weekend and heaped praise on the trainers after combining with his younger barnmate.

“It can be a bit daunting for a horse going in a straight line after training around bends and Richard and Chantelle have done a great job with him,” he said. “They had the right horse today and he ran his heart out for me.”

Alleboom was bred and sold by Gleeson Thoroughbreds at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale where Jolly Racing secured him for $72,000. He hails from the family of the two-time Group 1 winner Belle Du Jour (Dehere {USA}), the champion juvenile of her year after she triumphed in the Golden Slipper.

Alleboom as a yearling

Wednesday Trivia

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Memories of Cup no-go rekindled

3 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Pravda (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) ended her racing days more famous for what she didn’t do rather than a decorated stakes career and so irony hung heavily in the air after her son Gone West (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) won on Melbourne Cup Day at Ellerslie.

The mare was a three-time stakes winner and Group 1-placed, a more than respectable tally, but it was her behaviour at Flemington two decades ago that she’s unfortunately remembered for.

Pravda walked out on to the track for the 2000 G1 Melbourne Cup, but that was as far as the well-related mare got when she refused to take another step.

Despite the cajolings of champion jockey Lance O’Sullivan, whose brother Paul trained Pravda, the 50-1 shot wouldn’t budge and time was called and stewards deemed her a late scratching.

“I have never seen anything in my life like that,’’ Paul O’Sullivan said afterwards. “She just had an attack of nerves. When she got home she was as good as gold.”

Son does everything right

Her son Gone West showed no such unwillingness at Ellerslie on Tuesday to win for the second time in his brief career for trainers David and Emma-Lee Browne.

Gone West was bred by Dame Sian Elias and Hugh Fletcher, who raced Pravda, and was sold through the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale for NZ$40,000 to the bid of the Brownes and Sparta Bloodstock.

Gone West as a yearling

And in another tie to Flemington, he was offered through the draft of Rich Hill Stud who co-bred and sold the 2015 Melbourne Cup winner Prince Of Penzance (NZ) (Pentire {GB}).

“Pravda is still here and is as bright as a button. She’s running with Arletty and Gemstone in a retirement paddock,” Rich Hill’s John Thompson said.

“She was a good breeder and was easy to deal with, a lovely mare to have around the place.”

“She was a good breeder and was easy to deal with, a lovely mare to have around the place.” – John Thompson

Her Flemington antics apart, Pravda was a talented performer who won eight races, including the G2 Taranaki Cup and at Group 3 level in the Chairman’s H. and Manion Cup in Australia. She was also runner-up in the G1 New Zealand Oaks.

She has been a good producer with nine of her 10 foals to race successful and among them the Listed Aspiration H. winner Pravana (Anabaa {USA}) and the G3 Wellington Cup runner-up The Good Fight (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}).

Pravda is a sister to the G1 Adelaide Cup winner Cronus (NZ) and the family of the former champion Australian filly and multiple Group 1 winner Samantha’s Choice (Redoute’s Choice).

Pravda’s final foal, a Reliable Man (GB) colt, was sold at Karaka by Rich Hill to Waverley horseman Bill Thurlow for NZ$13,000 earlier this year.

TDN Job Board

2 min read

Pride Racing - Racing Manager

One of Australia’s leading racing stables is seeking a Racing Manager to assist with the management & operations of a growing business.

The role will require the successful applicant to assist in the day management of the stable including, owner communications, logistics, website & social media management, attend race days, trial days and bloodstock sales.

Main duties and responsibilities

Core objectives include:

· Communication with owners, service providers, stakeholders, media & other governing bodies

· Business development, networking & fielding new ownership enquires

· Attending race days to saddle up & liaise with connections

· Assist at major bloodstock sales

· Assessing form, programming & handicapping

· Newsletter production

· Managing an interactive website and social media accounts

· Maintaining stable records

· Co-ordinating horse movements and completing stable returns

· Nominations & Acceptances

· Managing relationships with pre-trainers & agistment properties

· Communications with trainer and staff

· Monitoring office phone, email & database

· Co-Ordinating interstate trips for both horses & staff

· Horse Registrations

· Staff Registrations

· Stable marketing & Advertising

The above list is not exhaustive and the role may change to meet the overall objectives of the company.

Experience

· At least 2- 3 years in the racing industry

· Competent around Thoroughbreds

· Thorough knowledge of horses

· Experience in stable management practises

Knowledge

· Rules of Racing

· Understanding of Programming & Handicapping

· Horse Conformation

· Thorough knowledge of stable management practices

Skills & competencies

· Customer Service

· Excellent client communication & writing skills

· Attention to detail

· Strong IT Skills

· Time management/organisation

· Ability to work autonomously and in a team environment

· Thorough understanding & knowledge of social media

· Highly organised

· Capability to be across the management of a large stable

Personal attributes

· Professional approach

· Ability to work under pressure

· Organisational and time management skills

· Excellent attention to detail

· Confident manner

· Positive approach to change

Other

· Overnight trips away for work may be required during interstate carnivals & Sales

· Clean driving licence essential

· Video editing

· Good photography skills

We have a competitive remuneration package available for the successful applicant. With opportunities for commission-based sales.

Experience in a similar role will be considered favourably and a thorough understanding of the thoroughbred racing industry is essential.

All expressions of interest will be kept strictly confidential.

To apply, please email your CV with a covering note to Pride Racing: racing@prideracing.com.au or call 0402079460 for more information.

Black type results: Flemington

8 min read

G1 Lexus Melbourne Cup, $7,750,000, 3200m

Race summary

A bold ride by Jye McNeil saw the young jockey score his first G1 Melbourne Cup as Twilight Payment (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) lead for the majority of the race to go on and nab the second win in the race for Joseph O’Brien.

Jumping from barrier 12, McNeil sent Twilight Payment to the lead and was a considerable margin at the 1000 metre mark with Finche (GB) (Frankel {GB}) 2l behind him in second and an even bigger margin back to Tiger Moth (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in third.

The 8-year-old gelding just kept going and despite Tiger Moth running on strongly, he couldn’t catch the leader and Twilight Payment went on to win by 0.4l.

Prince Of Arran (GB) (Shirocco {Ger}) landed his third placing in the race in three years as he finishing another 0.2l away in third while The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel) backed up his G1 Caulfield Cup performance as he finished fourth.

Pedigree notes

Twilight Payment is the only winner from three to race out of winning mare Dream On Buddy (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}), who is also responsible for G2 Curragh Debutante S. runner-up Bandiuc Eile (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}).

His second dam is dual stakes-winning stayer My Renee (USA) (Kris S {USA}), who has also produced multiple Group winner Banimpire (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) and the stakes-placed My Spirit (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}).

The fourth dam in this family is G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Detroit (Fr) (Riverman {USA}), who produced Group 1-winning sire Carnegie (Ire).

G3 Darley Maribyrnong Plate, $200,000, 1000m

Race summary

Finance Tycoon (Written Tycoon) scored his first stakes victory at just his second start as he lead from point to post to win here.

The Lindsay Park-trained colt got away quickly from the gates under Luke Nolen and crossed over to lead the field on the rail, setting a very moderate tempo for a 1000 metre dash down the straight.

Short-priced favourite Ingratiating (Frosted {USA}) loomed up to Finance Tycoon in the final stages but the winner had plenty of dash left and held on to win by 0.2l.

Ingratiating finished second while Marine One (Capitalist) was another 3l away in third.

Pedigree notes

Finance Tycoon was purchased by McKeever Bloodstock for $150,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Eureka Stud and is the second foal to race out of winning mare Darook Park (Darci Brahma {NZ}).

Darook Park is a half-sister to R. Listed Karaka 2YO Million runner-up Silk Pins (NZ) (Pins) and Gypsy Tucker (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) who is the dam of multiple Group winner and Group 1 placegetter Gypsy Diamond (Not A Single Doubt).

Darook Park has a yearling colt by Spirit Of Boom and foal a colt by Encryption this season.

G3 The Hong Kong Jockey Club S., $200,000, 1400m

Race summary

With 100 metres to go, it looked like Lyre (Lonhro) was finally going land her first win since taking out the 2019 G1 Blue Diamond S. but it was not to be as Rich Hips (Written Tycoon) flew home to score a narrow victory.

Ridden by Michael Dee, the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained filly settled in the second half of the field on the rails and angled out at the top of the straight before getting on the back of favourite Lyre.

Lyre made her run and looked the winner before Rich Hips got to the outside to rocket home and beat Lyre by 0.5l with Wild Vixen (Foxwedge) another 0.2l away in third.

Pedigree notes

Rich Hips was purchased by First Light Racing, Busuttin Racing and Paul Willetts for $130,000 at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale from the draft of Woodside Park Stud and is the third foal to race out of winning mare She’s Curvaceous (Flying Spur), making her a half-sister to G1 VRC Oaks fourth Hipster Girl (Nicconi).

Her second dam is the stakes-placed Vital Curve (NZ) (McGinty {NZ}), who also produced G2 Matamata Breeders’ S. winner Velasco (NZ) (Flying Spur).

Velasco herself is the dam of Group 3 sinner Debellatio (Smart Missile) and Listed scorer Devoirs (Dehere {USA}), who produced Inglis Millennium winner Rulership (I Am Invincible) and G3 Blue Diamond Preview runner-up Jedastar (I Am Invincible).

She’s Curvaceous has a yearling colt by Tosen Stardom (Jpn) and foaled a filly by Rich Enuff this year.

Listed TAB Trophy, $175,000, 1800m

Race summary

Anthony and Sam Freedman’s Ain’tnodeeldun (Dundeel {NZ}) scored his third win in a row, and a second at stakes level, as he won impressively here and cemented himself as an exciting Derby prospect in the Autumn.

Ridden by Damian Lane, the 3-year-old colt raced in third position as Ultimate Edition (Helmet) set a strong tempo out in front.

Lane knew he was on the best horse in the race and bided his time around the bend before hitting the front at the 400 metre mark before going on to win by 0.75l.

Confrontational (Redoute's Choice) gave good chase but was unable to get past Ain’tnodeeldun and finished third while the lightly-raced Grinzinger Lord (Tavistock {NZ}) was another 2.25l away in third.

Pedigree notes

Ain’tnodeeldun is the sixth foal out of Ain’tnofallenstar (Starcraft {NZ}) who herself won two stakes races.

He was sold by Bhima Thoroughbreds for $240,000 to Anthony Freedman Racing and Blue Sky Bloodstock at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale and his grandam is Listed Let’s Elope S. winner Ain’t Seen Nothin’ (Nothin Leica Dane).

Ain’tnofallenstar has a yearling colt by the late Redoute’s Choice and this year foaled a brother to Ain’tnodeeldun.

Listed Furphy Plate, $175,000, 1800m

Race summary

Purple Sector (NZ) (Pins) started as the well-fancied favourite and looked to be in trouble in the final stages of the race but Craig Williams managed to get him over the line to score a narrow victory.

The gelding raced in a comfortable position just better than midfield but was boxed in at the top of the straight and didn’t find clear galloping room until the 200 metre mark. It took strong riding to run down former winner of the race Odeon (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}) but he managed to get there just in time and secure a 0.3l win.

Gold Fields (Churchill Downs) ran home well to finish second while Odeon held on to finish another 0.1l back in third.

Pedigree notes

Purple Sector is from the winning Zabeel (NZ) mare Eden Valley (NZ), who is a sister to New Zealand champion Hill Of Grace and Group 2 winner Renewable (NZ).

Their second dam, the Listed-placed Diamond Stone (Baguette), is a sister to Group 1 winner I Like Diamonds, whose daughter produced three additional stakes winners.

Eden Valley is the dam of five winners from five to race with Purple Sector her first stakes winner. She also has a Sacred Falls (NZ) 2-year-old colt who sold for NZ$160,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale this year, a yearling Vespa (NZ) colt, and she foaled to Mongolian Falcon last year.

Listed MSS Security Plate, $175,000, 1200m

Race summary

Godolphin mare Exhilarates (Snitzel) scored her first win in over a year with a tough performance here.

Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, the 4-year-old settled in amongst the pack and veered into the clear with 300 metres to go before fighting off a strong challenge by The Astrologist (Zoustar) to win by 0.2l.

The Astrologist held on for second while Sirius Suspect (Wanted) was another 0.3l away in third.

Pedigree notes

Exhilarates was purchased for $600,000 by Godolphin at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Vinery Stud and she is a daughter of dual Group 1 winner Samaready (More Than Ready {USA}).

Her second dam is Samar (Secret Savings {USA}) who also produced dual Group winner Night War (General Nediym) and is a half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner County Tyrone (Danewin) and the dam of G1 JJ Atkins winner Almalad (Al Maher).

Samaready has a foal colt by Snitzel and was served by Coolmore shuttler Justify (USA) this season.

Listed World Horse Racing Desirable S., $175,000, 1400m

Race summary

No Restriction (Unencumbered) came to the party with a couple of minor lead-up placings, but was unwanted by the betting market and went out at odds of 40-1.

The Archie Alexander-trained filly defied her lack of support by finishing powerfully from off the pace for rider John Allen.

No Restriction overhauled the game pacemaker Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) to score by 1l with Ripper Rita (Street Boss {USA}) making use of a handy run to claim third and Sweet Reply (Deep Field) came from the tail for fourth.

Pedigree notes

No Restriction was sold by breeder Three Bridges Thoroughbreds at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale for $90,000 and was bought by Alexander Racing and Rogers Bloodstock.

She is out of the Zabeel (NZ) mare Zumbarina (NZ) and all five of her foals to race have been successful.

The dam is out of a half-sister to the former two-time Australian Horse of the Year and multiple Group 1 winner Might And Power (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), whose half-brother Matter Of Honour (NZ) (Casual Lies {USA}) won the G3 Yallambee Stud S.

Four-time Group 1 winner Mosheen (Fastnet Rock) is also a member of this family, as is the G1 Hong Kong Mile winner and sire Lucky Owners.

Black type results: Ellerslie

1 min read

Ellerslie, G3 Jarden S., NZ$70,000, 2000m

Race summary

Last year’s winner Fiscal Fantasy (Skilled) completed a top day for trainer Frank Ritchie, who had claimed the open sprint earlier in the day with Dawn Patrol (Dawn Approach {Ire}).

Fiscal Fantasy settled off the pace on the fence and rider Lisa Allpress took advantage of a rails run in the straight to power home and further boost her future broodmare value with another Group 3 success.

Charles Road (Myboycharlie {Ire}) came off a disappointing four-start Sydney campaign to finish runner-up and Vadavar (Fr) (Redoute’s Choice), who was held up near the turn, got home to take third off the favourite Sherrif (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}).

Pedigree notes

Fiscal Fantasy was bred and sold by Wingrove Park and at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale for $43,000 to Ritchie.

She is a half-sister to the G3 CS Hayes S. winner Fair Trade (Danewin) and to the dam of the R. Listed Wyong Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Jonker (Spirit Of Boom).

Their dam Villa Igea (Papal Power {USA}) was successful in a pair of minor sprint events and is out of a half-sister to the Group winners and sires Commands and Danewin.

Foal Showcase

1 min read

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

Headwater x Convene (filly) at Vinery Stud

Trapeze Artist x Our Gilda (colt) at Willow Park Stud | Image courtesy of Lisa Richards

Press Statement x Eurostar (filly) at Vinery Stud

Daily News Wrap

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McEvoy suspended

Kerrin McEvoy has been suspended after breaching the whip rule aboard Tiger Moth (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the G1 Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.

The champion jockey has been fined $50,000 and suspended for 13 meetings after hitting his horse 13 times before the 100 metre mark and 21 times in total. The suspension begins at midnight on Thursday until midnight on November 14.

Exhilarates back to winning ways

Last year's R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Exhilarates (Snitzel) returned to the winner's stall for the first time in over a year as she took out the Listed MSS Security Sprint at Flemington on Tuesday.

"James (Cummings) had this mare primed for today," jockey Kerrin McEvoy said.

"She is a competitive little girl. The other day without much cover, she overdid it a bit, and she has done that with me at times. Today it was nice to get the drop on them and save that finish."

Exhilarates (blue silks)

Purple Sector hoping to get The Gong

The colours of the late Dato Tan Chin Nam were fittingly to the fore on Melbourne Cup Day when Purple Sector (NZ) (Pins) took out the Listed Furphy Plate.

Purple Sector, prepared by Randwick trainer John Thompson, required plenty of riding from jockey Craig Williams before prevailing by 0.3l from outsider Gold Fields (Churchill Downs), with Odeon (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}) 0.1l away in third.

Purchased by Duncan Ramage's DGR Thoroughbred Services for NZ$60,000 out of the Trelawney Stud draft at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, the 5-year-old advanced his record to four wins and six placings for $412,850 in prizemoney.

“It is lovely to see Dato Tan Chin Nam’s colours winning on Melbourne Cup Day,” Ramage said. “We weren’t able to get into the Cup this year, but it is great to win on the day itself, with some good friends in the horse including the Hayek family and Matthew Sandblom.

“Trelawney Stud has a steep history in racing, dating back to Seton Otway, who set it up.

“They have bred seven Melbourne Cup winners off the farm and we bought this horse off them at Karaka in New Zealand for NZ$60,000.”

Purple Sector’s time in Melbourne will be short-lived, with Ramage confirming he will be aimed at the $1 million The Gong (1600 metres) at Kembla Grange on November 21.

Hunting elusive Group 1

The Frank Ritchie-trained Fiscal Fantasy (Skilled) is now on the hunt for an elusive Group 1 victory after winning her third Group 3 race at Ellerslie on Tuesday.

She made it back-to-back wins in the G3 Jarden S., taking an inside passage down the straight to win by 2l from Charles Road (Myboycharlie {Ire}).

“She is a little beauty,” Ritchie said. “I bought her in Melbourne and she is diminutive to say the least and I had a bit of a problem selling her, but she has got a heart bigger than herself.”

Fiscal Fantasy was Group 1-placed in the Zabeel Classic last year and that race is once again on the cards for the 6-year-old mare.

“Last year after this race we ran her in the Zabeel Classic. That is a little while away, but she is alright with a gap between races. I can’t run her in handicaps now, she is too small.”

Mare strikes again

Progressive mare Crosscheck (Hinchinbrook) will head for a spell at the top of her game following success at Randwick on Tuesday.

The sparingly-raced mare has put together a tidy record after defeating a competitive line-up of BM72 performers in the hands of Tommy Berry.

“She’s won three from seven now and Tommy got a lovely run into the race, full credit to the mare as she’s not overly effective on wet ground,” trainer John O’Shea said.

“We’ll give her a break now and if she strengthens and can get to Saturday level that would be lovely.”

Lameness forced withdrawal

King Of Leogrance (Fr) (Camelot {GB}) was taken out of the G1 Melbourne Cup on race morning due to lameness.

The Danny O’Brien-trained 6-year-old was found to be lame in his off-fore leg when inspected by Racing Victoria stewards.

King Of Leogrance, who won the G2 Adelaide Cup in the autumn, had finished third in the G3 Geelong Cup and had been listed as long as $61 for the Melbourne Cup.

Secret’s out

Princess Secret (USA) (Khozan {USA}), winner of the Susan’s Girl S. and My Dear Girl S. for owner and trainer Daniel Pita, has been denied entry into the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies after testing positive for a banned substance.

An October 26 blood test administered by the Breeders’ Cup out-of-competition program turned up the presence of Stanozolol, an anabolic steroid expressly prohibited by Breeders’ Cup under its conditions of entry.

“All horses pre-entered for the Breeders’ Cup are subject to our stringent medication and testing protocols and must meet these requirements in order to compete,” Breeders’ Cup President and Chief Executive Officer Drew Fleming said.

Additional supplements for Fasig November

Officials at Fasig-Tipton have announced the addition of two supplemental entries to the auction house’s November Sale, to be held Sunday, November 8.

Catalogued as Hip 287 is the New York-bred Wasp (USA) (American Pharoah {USA}), who followed up on a debut second with a romping 10.25l maiden victory trying a distance of ground for the first time in the Belmont slop on October 30.

The 3-year-old bay filly hails from the female family of Grade 1 winners Evening Jewel (USA) (Northern Afleet {USA}), General Challenge (USA) (General Meeting {USA}) and Denman’s Call (USA) (Northern Afleet {USA}). Wasp is consigned by Claiborne Farm, agent, as a racing/broodmare prospect.

Bluewater Sales, agent, consigns Hip 286, a weanling colt by leading sire Into Mischief (USA) out of Greenfield D’Oro (USA) (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}), whose dam Maryfield (USA) (Elusive Quality {USA}) won the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint en route to Eclipse Award honours.

Tattersalls exploring options for December Sales

Following the UK government’s announcement of a nationwide lockdown on October 31, all possible options and dates will be considered for the upcoming Tattersalls December Sales, Tattersalls announced on Monday.

The COVID-19 cases in the UK and abroad have been rising, and as a result, the lockdown will begin on November 5 and last through at least December 2, interfering with the current sales dates.

“As has so often been the case this year, we are having to respond to events and decisions entirely outside our control, but we would like to assure vendors and purchasers alike that our overriding priority is to stage the 2020 Tattersalls December Sales prior to Christmas,” said Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony.

“Naturally our preferred option is to stage the December Sales on the existing scheduled dates and we are currently seeking clarity from the government as to whether bloodstock auctions are allowed to take place during the lockdown period. In the meantime in consultation with both Goffs and Arqana, we will be looking to establish viable alternative dates with the joint aim of providing the industry with workable solutions to the challenges we all face.

“We will endeavour to provide the industry with definitive answers as soon as possible and while we regret the uncertainty and disruption caused by the new lockdown, we will continue to do everything in our power to stage sales at Tattersalls as safely as possible and at all times in full compliance with prevailing regulations.”

Remote UK phase of Godolphin Flying Start begins

The UK phase of the Godolphin Flying Start program for first-year trainees has begun remotely from Ireland, Godolphin announced on Monday. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the change. This segment will contain bloodstock insurance, racing administration, nominations sales, marketing, HR, racing and veterinary management, as well as an introduction to the legal system.

Other changes include the practical experience with yearlings will be undertaken at Kildangan Stud, while the two-week course on exercising racehorses will be completed at the Racing Academy and Centre for Education (RACE) instead of the British Racing School. Later on in the two-year course a UK study tour has been scheduled.

In Australia, the Godolphin Flying Star second-year trainees are taking part in the program with little change to the course structure. They quarantined for two weeks and are now based in Scone, New South Wales where they are completing practical rotations in the surrounding area, as well as visiting Hunter Valley stud farms. The trainees also completed their Leadership module at Macquarie University Graduate School of Management in Sydney.

“It has been important for us to be reactive to the everchanging environment presented by COVID-19, but it brings me great satisfaction that despite the challenges, the groups of trainees in both Australia and Ireland have adapted well and have been able to achieve many of the same learning outcomes as previous year groups,” said Godolphin Flying Start Director Clodagh Kavanagh.

Looking Ahead - November 4

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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 believe an in-form 3-year-old can break through at Bet365 Park Kyneton where we also like a well-related filly on debut. At Goulburn, we focus on another 3-year-old who is racing well and poised to double his winning tally.

Bet365 Park Kyneton, Race 2, 1pm AEDT, Cams Security 3YO Plate, $35,000, 1200m

Kiani (Headwater) has been placed in all three of her runs, including consecutive runner-up finishes, and against a modest line-up she has a golden chance to post the first winning strike of her career. John Allen will ride the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained filly, who also has the benefit of an inside gate.

Headwater, sire of Kiani | Standing at Vinery Stud

Maher purchased Kiani out of Carramar Park’s draft at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale for $100,000 and is a half-sister to the multiple winner Intense Focus (Mossman). Their dam Brilliant Snitzel (Snitzel) was successful as a 2-year-old and is a half-sister to the dual stakes winner Made Of Diamonds (Made Of Gold {USA}), who also produced Listed winner Untamed Diamond (Snitzel).

Bet365 Park Kyneton, Race 3, 1.35pm AEDT, Furphy Lager Plate, $35,000, 1100m

The Danny O’Brien-trained Sugartown (Shamus Award) hasn’t been to any official trials, but plenty of confidence can be drawn from the filly’s pedigree. She is a half-sister to the G2 Caulfield Sprint and G1 Golden Rose S. placegetter Graff (Star Witness) and to his sister Steel Diamond, a multiple winner and black-type performer.

Shamus Award, sire of Sugartown | Standing at Rosemont Stud

They are out of the G3 Jansz S. winner Dinkum Diamond (Keep The Faith) and she is a half-sister to the two-time Group 3 winner Dawn Passage (Dawn Approach {Ire}) and their dam is the G3 Dermody S. winner Raja Lane (Devaraja {NZ}).

Goulburn, Race 4, 3.10pm AEDT, Goulburn Soldiers’ Club H., $30,000, 1400m

General Dubai (Pride Of Dubai) has come back well from a break and followed a first-up third with success at Newcastle under Rory Hutchings, who takes the ride again. He was then a sound third behind the talented Perfect Radiance (Snitzel) and the move up to 1400 metres should be ideal for the gelding.

Pride Of Dubai, sire of General Dubai | Standing at Coolmore

Prepared at Randwick by Peter Robl, General Dubai is a half-brother to the G2 Tea Rose S. winner Longport (Casino Prince), who was also runner up at Group 1 level in the Flight S. and Vinery Stud S., and to the Listed AJC Breeders’ Plate winner Run For Wilson (Shamardal {USA}). They are out of Ocean Bridge (Dolphin Street {Fr}), who won three races, and the family of the G3 Devon Park Stud S. winner Fuss (At Talaq {USA}).