Super-charged Isotope powers to impressive Gold Edition victory

Written by

Paul Vettise

5 min read

Star Queensland filly Isotope (Deep Field) produced the best performance of her burgeoning career when she came from what looked to be a forlorn position to land top honours in the Listed Gold Edition Plate at Doomben.

The Hellbent At Yarraman Park Gold Edition Plate was billed pre-race as a two-filly contest between the local Isotope and one of last season’s top 2-year-olds Away Game (Snitzel) and so it proved with them distancing their rivals and it was the local hope who earned bragging rights.

The Tony Gollan-prepared Isotope proved superior to the fresh Sydneysider in round one with the appetite well and truly whetted for round two come the R. Listed rematch in the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas on January 16.

Gollan was a relieved trainer after the Gold Edition following an electric display from his filly to remain undefeated this preparation following her resuming victory in the Listed Mode Plate at Doomben earlier this month.

Ridden by Ryan Maloney, Isotope got well back in the running, as opposed to Away Game who was given a sweet run on the pace by rider Glen Boss and took control of the race 200 metres from home.

“It was very painful to watch and I know Ryan is pretty cool, but I don’t know how we ended up where we did and it wasn’t by design, I can tell you that much,” Gollan said.

“Ryan doesn’t panic under pressure and he had a good filly underneath him and he wasn’t chasing a slow one. I’ve trained a lot of winners at Doomben and when they kick like Away Game did off the dip you're normally pretty comfortable to win the race.

“Ryan doesn’t panic under pressure and he had a good filly underneath him and he wasn’t chasing a slow one.” – Tony Gollan

“I thought at the 100 mark we were going to run a good second, but she knuckled down and got the job done and she’s just a bloody good filly.”

Isotope’s performance also fuelled Gollan’s confidence about her excelling beyond 1200 metres.

“She just cool, calm and collected and I think if there were any worries about her getting 1400 metres and relaxing there are no worries,” he said.

“She’s brilliant and I can’t speak highly enough of this filly – she’s just a really good horse.”

Tony Gollan noted to take nothing away from Away Game

Put away

Gollan confirmed Isotope won’t be seen out again until next month’s rich Magic Millions day.

“We can cool our jets now for the next four weeks and you won’t see her again until Millions day. She’ll enjoy a week out now and a couple of nice gallops and maybe a trial before the Millions,” he said.

“She’s the real deal and we beat a good filly in Away Game, take nothing away from her, but she’s pretty smart. She delivered today and I’ve liked her before she even raced.

“She’s the real deal and we beat a good filly in Away Game, take nothing away from her, but she’s pretty smart.” – Tony Gollan

“It’s good when you get a hold of a good one and I haven’t had a good one like this for a few years. She’s pretty special and can do a great job for the stable.”

Isotope was bred by Daandine Stud and offered at the Gold Coast last year with Gollan, John Foote Bloodstock and Black Soil Bloodstock signing the ticket for the filly at $170,000.

She is the first runner to the races for Great Dansaar (Choisir), the winner of three sprint races, and she is a half-sister to the dual Group 1 winner Yankee Rose (All American). Their dam Condesaar (Xaar {GB}) is a half-sister to the G1 New Zealand Derby winner Redoute’s Dancer (Redoute’s Choice).

Ryan Maloney

Maloney said Isotope was tardily away and left him to fear the worst after they got back in the field.

“She was good in the gates and an attendant wanted to get up with her and I said no leave her and she stepped slowly and couldn’t muster from the get-go,” he said.

“The horses in front of me kept coming back in my lap and the race was getting away from me. At the top of the straight I saw Away Game had a good margin and I thought I was going to run a nice second.

“The horses in front of me kept coming back in my lap and the race was getting away from me.” – Ryan Maloney

“My filly kept picking up and picking up and it was remarkable effort. Alligator Blood had a good turn of foot, but hers is just so electric and to give them that start, well I’m just gob-smacked.

“She was so far out as well and didn’t have a bunny to chase. Her work on Tuesday morning was sharp and I was fairly confident. All credit to the horse and Tony and his team, I was just the passenger.”

While all honours were with Isotope, there was plenty of merit in the performance of Away Game in her first appearance since finishing fifth against older opposition in the G1 Robert Sangster Classic at Morphettville in May.

Isotope and Away Game had the finish to themselves with the longshot Apache Chase (Better Than Ready) third and Fleet Dove (Not A Single Doubt) was best of the rest.

Johnson reaches magical riding milestone

Written by

Paul Vettise

3 min read

Veteran jockey Chris Johnson made racing history at Awapuni where he set a New Zealand record of 2452 wins with success aboard Sassenach (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}).

Cover image by Peter Rubery courtesy of Race Images

Johnson, 56, was at his typically cool best on Sassenach and allowed the Austin Brown-trained mare to settle back in the field and weaved his way between runners late to reach his memorable milestone.

He had drawn level with David Walsh’s mark of 2451 when he guided Point Score (NZ) (Ekraar {USA}) at Invercargill and only had to wait a week to take sole charge of New Zealand’s riding record.

“It took a while to equal the record and I’ve finally got there so it’s good to get it done,” Johnson said. “In the last few days I was hoping to get that win and thought I was probably trying too hard, but I was a bit more relaxed today and it came.

“I’ve got so many people to thank and too many to name, but they know who they are. A lot of great trainers and owners have supported me and kept me in the business.”

Brace of Premierships

Johnson has twice won the New Zealand Jockeys’ Premiership and has posted 21 Group 1 victories among his tally of 136 black-type successes.

Rough Habit (NZ) (Roughcast {USA}), Canterbury Belle (NZ) (Beaufort Sea {USA}), Tycoon Lil (Last Tycoon {Ire}), Final Touch (NZ) (Kashani {USA}), Domino (NZ) (Grosvenor) and Savvy Coup (NZ) (Savabeel) have been among the best-performed horses he has been associated with.

“Racing has been good to me and I’ve been very lucky to have ridden so many great horses. They made my job easy and made me look good,” Johnson said.

“I didn’t have much to do with horses as a kid, but when I did they seemed to take a liking to me and I love them. My hat goes off to all those horses for their courage, they’ve done everything for me.”

Chris Johnson crosses the line aboard his 2451st winner Sassenach (NZ) | Image by Peter Rubery courtesy of Race Images

The Canterbury-based Johnson said he intended to continue with his riding career and had no thoughts of hanging up his saddle.

“I’ve got no plans to retire at the moment and hope to keep on going for a while longer.”

“I’ve got no plans to retire at the moment and hope to keep on going for a while longer.” – Chris Johnson

Johnson rode his first winner at his very first ride on New Year's Day 1981, guiding Noble Star (NZ) (Noble Bijou {USA}) to success at Tauherenikau for his boss, Woodville trainer Scott Hammersley.

He has also ridden with success over fences, winning several jumping features including the Grand National Hurdles at Riccarton aboard Ampac (NZ) (Norfolk Air {GB}) in 1989, Woodbine Blue Chip (NZ) (Euphronius {USA}) in 1993 and Kid Colombus (NZ) (Columbia {NZ}) in 2011.

What has made Johnson’s record all the more meritorious is that he took a break from riding for seven years from 1998, taking time out to travel overseas before returning home to work on farms and in stables before he resumed riding in 2005.

He has also battled alcohol-related issues and served a two-month drug-related suspension in 2016 before seeking help through the Salvation Army racetrack chaplain.

Paulele set to make mark in stronger company

3 min read

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Written by Paul Vettise

Paulele (Dawn Approach {Ire}) looks set to challenge for higher 2-year-old honours after keeping his perfect record intact with a stylish victory at Randwick.

The Godolphin youngster also showed he was a versatile type, having won on debut at The Valley when coming from midfield and on Saturday he made all the play out in front.

Paulele was keen through the early stages before he settled into his work and when rider Kerrin McEvoy got serious the youngster sailed clear 200 metres off the line to win by a more than comfortable 1.75l.

Watch: Paulele win at Randwick

“He’s a lovely colt and superbly-bred, well-educated and well-handled and arrived in Sydney late last week in good fashion,” Godolphin representative Darren Beadman said.

“He was very professional and was able to control the speed. When Kerrin asked him for an effort he really hit the line nicely

“The horse was able to take advantage of gate one and follow the rail and that’s a big advantage in 2-year-old racing. He’s also showed he can handle left and right-handed racing.”

“The horse was able to take advantage of gate one and follow the rail and that’s a big advantage in 2-year-old racing.” – Darren Beadman

Beadman also pointed to the history of The Valley race that the James Cummings-trained Paulele had won toward the end of last month.

“That race has produced horses like Yes Yes Yes and Written By so hopefully our bloke can step up and go on to bigger and better things,” he said.

“It’s been a great effort by the team and Crown Lodge are doing a fabulous job with our 2-year-olds.”

Kerrin McEvoy and Paulele returning to scale

McEvoy said he had no concerns during the running with Paulele, who reveled in the role of pace-maker.

“He’s a nice colt and stood well in the barrier and was settled. He got into a happy rhythm and gave me a nice kick.”

“He got into a happy rhythm and gave me a nice kick.” – Kerrin McEvoy

Paulele is a half-brother to the G3 Canonbury S. winner Tessera (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) and to the G3 Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. winner Montsegur (New Approach {Ire}).

Their dam Chatoyant (Flying Spur) was successful on four occasions and she is a half-sister to the G1 Myer Classic winner Bonaria (Redoute’s Choice), the G3 Illawara 2YO Classic winner Time Out (Rory’s Jester).

Another half-sibling Legally Bay (Snippets) claimed an edition of the G3 Sweet Embrace S. and is the dam of the G1 Coolmore Stud S. and G1 Royal Ascot Diamond Jubilee S. winner and young sire Merchant Navy.

Expensive colt Zarastro (I Am Invincible) made a sound debut for trainer Chris Waller and, after racing in behind Paulele, ran on well to finish second.

Bred by Fairway Thoroughbreds, Zarastro was offered at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale by Segenhoe Stud and was knocked down to Waller Racing and Mulcaster Bloodstock for $1,050,000.

Filly posts memorable Flemington win

3 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Flying filly Written Miss (Written Tycoon) continued the dream start she has made to her career and that of her rookie trainer Carol Jennings when she kept her unbeaten record intact at Flemington.

The 3-year-old had won her previous starts at Pakenham and at Ballarat with ease and while she had to work overtime on Saturday, it was enough for a narrow victory in the Lexus Holiday Plate.

Written Miss took up her accustomed role of pacemaker and was able to pinch a break on her nearest rivals nearing the 200 metre mark and she was able to see it through by a short half-head.

“She’s a tough filly and I’m having an incredible time, she’s a great horse to have and I’m surrounded by great people and a fantastic owner like James Kennedy,” Jennings said.

“To have a runner here at Flemington is surreal, let alone a winner so it’s just incredible.”

Based at Pakenham, Jennings is the Head Trainer at Kennedy Racing and has sent out six winners from her last 10 runners.

“I’m trying and aspiring to be the best horsewoman that I can be. I’m trying to keep my feet on the ground and head screwed on and it seems to be working out right, it’s a great time,” she said.

“I’m trying to keep my feet on the ground and head screwed on and it seems to be working out right, it’s a great time.” – Caroline Jennings

Jennings said she would take her time before setting any future targets for Written Miss.

“We’ll see how she pulls up and chat to the team and to the owner. We’ll make some exciting plans then that will suit her.”

Bred by Hesket Bloodstock, Written Miss was offered by Stonehouse Thoroughbreds at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale and purchased by Kennedy Racing for $175,000.

She is the only foal to have raced for dam Enquare (Stratum), who won five races including the G3 Vo Rogue Plate and the Listed Mode Plate and also finished runner-up in the G2 Blazer S.

She is a daughter of the dual Group 3 winner Skewiff (Mookta) and it’s also the family of the G1 Flight S. and G1 Thousand Guineas winner Global Glamour (Star Witness).

Written Miss as a yearling

Benbow breaks drought

Written Miss was ridden by her regular partner Jason Benbow, whose last winner at Flemington was Astro Castro (Astronomer Royal {USA}) in July 2016.

“It’s a relief and nice to see her number go up in the frame. I’m very grateful and I’m getting a lot of air time for a bloke that hadn’t been riding winners for a few years,” he said.

“It’s fantastic for Caroline and her first runner at Flemington and a big occasion for all those involved. It’s a great effort from the whole team at Kennedy Racing, they’ve put a lot of money into racing and they’re starting to see the results.”

Written Miss was running on empty at the post and just had enough in reserve to see off the challenge of Pioneer River (Snitzel) with Zion (NZ) (Rubick) a close third.

“I’m just very grateful she was able to find under pressure and she’ll sleep very well,” Benbow said.

Jason Benbow

Son of Mehmas stars on Day 1 at Goffs

6 min read

Cover image courtesy of Goffs

Courtesy of TDN Europe

The opening day of the rescheduled Goffs November Sale got off to a lukewarm start on Friday, with present circumstances understandably impacting trade.

At A Glance

•

Only four foals reached or surpassed the €50,000 (AU$96,075) mark and headed by a €75,000 (AU$144,110) session-topping Mehmas (Ire) colt.

•

In total, 159 of the 254 (63 per cent) offered foals changed hands for a total of €2,178,200 (AU$4,185,410), at an average of €13,786 (AU$26,490) and a median of €10,000 (AU$19,215).

•

Tally-Ho Stud’s Tony and Roger Callaghan went to €75,000 (AU$144,110) for a popular son of Mehmas offered by Ringfort Stud.

•

Avenue Bloodstock’s Mark McStay successfully pursued a son of Dawn Approach (Ire) offered by Boherguy Stud signing for the colt at €70,000 (AU$134,500).

•

McStay was back in the fray later on when he went to €60,000 (AU$115,300) to secure a colt by Dandy Man (Ire) offered by Arglo House Stud.

Modest start to trade

Last year’s opening day was highlighted by a €100,000 (AU$192,150) session topper with seven foals selling for €50,000 (AU$96,075) or more, while 69.5 per cent of the offered foals changed hands at an average of €17,957 (AU$34,500) and a median of €13,750 (AU$26,420).

It was a slightly different story on Friday when only four foals reached or surpassed the €50,000 (AU$96,075) mark and headed by a €75,000 (AU$144,110) session-topping Mehmas (Ire) colt. In total, 159 of the 254 (63 per cent) offered foals changed hands for a total of €2,178,200 (AU$4,185,410), at an average of €13,786 (AU$26,490) and a median of €10,000 (AU$19,215).

Allowances, of course, have to be made for this being the most disruptive year in recent times, and it is expected that trade should take a leap forward in each of the next two sessions.

The most expensive foal of the day saw two branches of a very prominent bloodstock family battle it out with Tally-Ho Stud’s Tony and Roger O’Callaghan eventually getting the better of Grangemore Stud’s Guy O’Callaghan, who was standing with his brother Robert.

Lot 279 is by the all-conquering Mehmas, who the successful bidders stand, and is the second produce out of the unraced Lope De Vega (Ire) mare Vida Amorosa (Ire), who was purchased in this ring in 2017 for just €1200 (AU$2300). Offered by Derek Veitch’s Ringfort Stud on behalf of breeder Tom Lacy, the chestnut colt continued the fine run of form for Ringfort this year both on the track and in the sales ring.

“He’ll come back for sale as a yearling and is a sweet colt,” Tony O’Callaghan said. “We sold his half-bother earlier in the year, but this fellow is a better model. The sire has been amazing and we are delighted to have him,” he added.

“He’ll come back for sale as a yearling and is a sweet colt.” - Tony O’Callaghan

Mehmas was also responsible for a colt (Lot 286) signed up by Paula Flannery late in the session for €40,000 (AU$76,860).

There has been plenty of publicity the past few weeks about Starfield Stud’s new stallion Far Above (Ire), and a half-brother to that G3 Palace House S. winner led proceedings throughout much of the session on Friday when selling to Avenue Bloodstock’s Mark McStay for €70,000 (AU$134,500).

Lot 73, a son of Dawn Approach (Ire), was consigned by Clare Manning’s Boherguy Stud and is out of the winning Shamardal (USA) mare Dorraar (Ire), whose Group-winning sprinting son has been her only runner so far.

“He’s a lovely horse and I’ve had some luck with the sire before. He’s been bought for an existing client who might keep him to race rather than to sell next year,” McStay said.

Lot 73 - Dawn Approach (Ire) x Dorraar (Ire) (colt)

Boherguy has 11 foals catalogued this weekend and having got her sales week off to a good start, Clare Manning said, “We sold him on behalf of a client and he is a lovely, professional horse and it was great for our client to get a result like that. It’s a nice start for ourselves as well and hopefully it will continue that way as we have some lovely foals to sell over the next few days.”

McStay back again

McStay was back in the fray later on when he went to €60,000 (AU$115,300) to secure a colt by Dandy Man (Ire) offered by Arglo House Stud. Lot 208 is a grandson of the G3 Park Express S. winner Danehill Music (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) and the dam Rip Van Music (Ire) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) has bred a winner from her first and only runner.

“He’s been bought for a pinhooking syndicate to be re-sold through Baroda Stud next year,” McStay said. “He is a lovely foal, one of the standouts today and Dandy Man has had another solid year. I didn’t think I’d have to give as much for him as I did but hopefully he’ll be worth it,” he added.

“He is a lovely foal, one of the standouts today and Dandy Man has had another solid year.” – Mark McStay

An attractive daughter of Sea The Moon (Ger) caught the eye of Grove Stud’s Brendan Holland and was eventually knocked down to him for €50,000 (AU$96,075). The Castlebridge-consigned Lot 86 is the first foal out of the unraced Exploitation (Ire) (Excelebration {Ire}), who is a half-sister to the stakes-placed Rythmique (Ire) (Casamento {Ire}).

Paul McCartan has a habit of striking gold with his pinhooks and it will be interesting to monitor the exploits both in the sales ring and on the track of Lot 81. This Mastercraftsman (Ire) filly was bought by the McCartan’s Ballyphilip Stud for €45,000 (AU$86,465).

Offered by Galbertstown Stables, the Liz O’Leary-bred filly is closely related to G1 Matriarch S. winner Off Limits (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}). The dam Eccellente Idea (Ire) (Excellent Art {GB}) also got off to a winning start as a broodmare this year when her second produce won as a 2-year-old in Norway.

Early in the day John Walsh acquired Lot 15, a filly by Churchill (Ire), for €42,000 (AU$80,700). Offered by Oak Lodge & Springfield House Stud, the foal is the second produce out of Alambra (Ire) (Shamardal {USA}) a winner in Italy and placed four times in stakes company. The same price was given for Lot 255, a colt by Footstepsinthesand (GB) purchased by Tally-Ho Stud.

The Murphys of Redpender Stud are noted judges of bloodstock, and they put their faith in Lot 180, a colt by Fast Company (Ire). Offered by Ballyogue Stud, the first produce out of Nisma (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) from the family of Group winner and Classic-placed Wind Chimes (GB) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) was knocked down to Kilkenny-based Jimmy Murphy for €40,000 (AU$76,860).

“We haven’t had one by the sire before, but he’s a proven stallion and this is a good foal with a nice pedigree so hopefully he can come back successfully next year,” he said.

Black type results: Doomben and Awapuni

4 min read

Doomben, Listed Gold Edition Plate, $200,000, 1200m

Race summary

Commanding favourite Isotope (Deep Field) had her connections and supporters concerned early in the race when she got well back after an ordinary start.

However, jockey Ryan Maloney kept a cool head and once het got her into clear air at the top of the straight the filly hit top gear to mow down her rivals.

She sailed home to collar one of last season’s top 2-year-olds Away Game (Snitzel) who was given every chance by rider Glen Boss, with the roughie Apache Chase (Better Than Ready) producing a career-best performance to land third.

Pedigree notes

Isotope, a fourth individual Group 2 winner for Deep Field, was bred by Daandine Stud and offered by the Goomburra, Queensland, operation at the Gold Coast last year.

She was purchased for $170,000 with Gollan, John Foote Bloodstock and Black Soil Bloodstock signing for the filly.

She is the first runner to the races for Great Dansaar (Choisir), the winner of three sprint races, and she is a half-sister to the G1 ATC Sires’ Produce S. and G1 Spring Champion S. winner Yankee Rose (All American).

Their dam Condesaar (Xaar {GB}), a grand-daughter of the G1 Yorkshire Oaks winner Condessa (Ire) (Condorcet {Fr}), is a half-sister to the G1 New Zealand Derby winner Redoute’s Dancer (Redoute’s Choice).

Doomben, Listed TAB Lough Neagh S., $150,000, 1350m

Race summary

Soxagon (Rocker) had the job in front of him after drawing an outside gate, but he overcome the barrier courtesy of a fine Glen Boss ride.

They settled off the pace but once into clear air in the straight produced a terrific finish to maintain an excellent strike rate of seven wins from 21 career outings.

Emerald Kingsom (Bryannbo’s Gift {NZ}) had got to the front 200 metres from home, but couldn’t withstand the winner’s finish and had to settle for second ahead of Outback Barbie (Spirit Of Boom), who came on well from a handy sit.

Pedigree notes

The Mark Currie-trainer Soxagon is the first black-type sired by Rocker, a five-time winning son of Fastnet Rock, who also placed at Listed level.

Soxagon is a son of Strike On Goal (NZ) (Van Nistelrooy {USA}), whose three foals to race have all been successful.

She is a half-sister to the multiple winner and Group performer Dark Bishop (NZ) (Pentire {GB}) and their dam is a half-sister to the G3 VRC St Leger winner Desert Clearance (Desert Prince {Ire}) and the third dam is a half-sister to the champion American sprinter and sire Dr Fager (USA).

Awapuni, G2 Kevin Pratt Memorial Manawatu Challenge S., NZ$100,000, 1400m

Race summary

Tavi Mac (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) wouldn’t win any prizes for his looks, but he is a talented and determined performer with an excellent record.

A diminutive gelding with a sway back, he won for the 10th time in his 15-start career when he easily disposed of his rivals.

Rider Troy Harris kept the leaders within his sights and the 5-year-old scooted clear in the run home to beat Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante) and Kiwi Ida (Squamosa) who made ground late to land the third-placed cheque.

Pedigree notes

Tavi Mac provided further posthumous honours for his sire Tavistock (NZ), who was a major loss to the Australasian breeding industry when he passed in November, 2019, following complications after a freak paddock accident.

Tavi Mac is a son of the Maroof (USA) mare Bellaroof (NZ), who was successful five times up to 1400 metres.

Also the dam of the 10-time winner Darci Mac (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}), Bellaroof is a grand-daughter of the Listed Belmont Oaks winner Highden Belle (NZ) (Pevero {Ire}) and the only black-type performer in the first two generations of the pedigree.

Awapuni, G3 Bramco Granite & Marble Manawatu Cup, NZ$100,000, 2300m

Race summary

Hunta Pence (NZ) (No Excuse Needed {GB}) settled midfield for senior rider Darryl Bradley before he began to pick a path through the field 800 metres from home.

The Patrick Campbell-trained stayer finished powerfully and got the deciding stride in on the post for his second stakes win on the bounce, having landed the Listed Wanganui Cup at his previous outing.

Dolcetto (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) was gallant in defeat as he was giving the winner 6kg with the front-runner Camino Rocoso (NZ) (Shocking) third ahead of Sir Nate (NZ) (Nadeem).

Pedigree notes

No Excuse Needed (GB) stood at Waikato Stud until his passing in 2015 with his flagship representatives the Group 1 winners Daffodil (NZ) and I Do (NZ).

Hunta Pence is the only winner produced by Vanitas (NZ) (Pins), who was a minor race winner.

She is out of a half-sister to the Listed New Zealand St Leger winner Arreviderci (NZ) (McGinty {NZ}) with their dam the unraced Garonne (Thunder Gulch {USA}).

Under the third dam is the G2 Enerco S. winner Marconee (NZ) (McGinty {NZ}), who also placed at the elite level in the Caulfield S., Kelt Capital S. and the Captain Cook S.

Daily News Wrap

Exemptions required

Anyone from the northern beaches of Sydney intending to attend the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale next month will need to apply for an exemption from Queensland health authorities to enter the state.

If granted an exemption, hotel quarantine will be required which also includes Queenslanders returning home. Everyone travelling from New South Wales will require a border pass declaration and visitors from the central coast or greater Sydney will be asked to undergo a COVID-19 test on arrival in Queensland and isolate pending results.

Import cashes in

Long Arm (Ire) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) caught his connections by surprise when he made a dream start to his Australian career.

The lightly-tried 5-year-old won two of his three starts in Ireland before relocating to Peter Gelagotis’ Moe stable.

“This was meant to be a warm-up for him so it’s exciting,” the trainer’s brother Manny said.

Long Arm was partnered by Jordan Childs and came with long strides to claim the #Lovethehorse Trophy at the expense of Think ‘N’ Fly (So You Think {NZ}).

Frodo too fast

Pocket rocket Tavi Mac (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), who affectionately carries the moniker Frodo due to his diminutive stature and ungainly build, captured the biggest victory of his burgeoning career when he dashed away from his rivals in Saturday’s G2 Kevin Pratt Memorial Manawatu Challenge S. at Awapuni.

Tavi Mac (NZ) | Image courtesy of Race Images

“He has a special place in my heart, this horse,” trainer Allan Sharrock said. “He’s not the best horse I’ve ever trained, but he is the toughest I’ve ever laid a hand on. The tenacity he shows every time he lines up is just amazing.

“He’s developed a cult following and everyone wants to get their picture taken with him, which is just fantastic. I think the best thing about him now is that he is finally learning how to race.”

Distance suited

Seberate (Sebring) appreciated a drop back in distance to claim the Myer Giftorium H. at Flemington.

Seberate

“He’s been a very consistent horse this preparation, almost frustrating, and we’ve played around a bit with the distances but I think 1400 metres is his trip,” co-trainer Ben Hayes said.

Seberate, who was ridden by Lewis German, has now won four races and was runner-up in the G2 VRC Sires’ Produce S. as a 2-year-old.

First for Brazen Beau

Brazen Beau sired his first New Zealand winner when On The Bubbles was successful on debut to head a quinella for the Darley stallion in the New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance Pearl Series Race for the 2-year-olds at Awapuni.

Trained by Jamie Richards, he showed an abundance of gate speed to lead for rider Johnathan Parkes and kicked strongly in the run home to beat Brazen Blue.

“He had his first two trials as a colt and had a few issues so we gelded him and his work since had been good and strong,” Richards said.

Bred by Burnewang North Pastoral, On The Bubbles was bought for $60,000 by Ben Kwok and agent Bevan Smith at the Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale. He was then purchased for NZ$90,000 by Te Akau’s David Ellis out of Leanach Lodge’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale.

On The Bubbles is out of More Bubbles (Sebring) who is a half-sister to the G1 Myer Classic winner Politeness (Street Sense {USA}).

Thrilling finish

Hastings visitor Hunta Pence (NZ) (No Excuse Needed {GB}) overcame his apparent dislike of the Awapuni track to register his biggest career victory when he took out the G3 Bramco Granite and Marble Manawatu Cup in a desperate finish on Saturday.

The 8-year-old had failed to finish in a dividend bearing placing in 10 previous trips to the Palmerston North circuit, but trainer Patrick Campbell was confident of a good showing.

Hunta Pence (NZ) (orange and white) | Image courtesy of Race Images

“I’ve always thought he was best at around 2000 metres as a couple of times when he has stepped up to 2200 metres and further he has just been found wanting in the last 200 metres,” he said.

“That happened in this race twice and also in the Hawke’s Bay Cup, but leading in I couldn’t fault him.”

Group 1 winner retired

Te Akau Racing has announced the retirement of its Group 1 winner Cool Aza Beel (NZ) (Savabeel).

The curtain has come down on the career of the 3-year-old, who ends his racing days in sound health, who claimed the G1 Sistema S. and the Karaka Million and successful in four of his six starts for trainer Jamie Richards.

Te Akau, who will look to place Cool Aza Beel at stud, was purchased out of Fairdale Stud’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for NZ$150,000. He is from the family of the dual Group 1 winner Malaguerra (Magnus) and the G1 Coolmore Classic winner Aloha (Encosta De Lago).

Fairdale will offer Cool Aza Beel’s half-brother by Iffraaj (GB) as Lot 321 at Karaka next month.

Work in progress

Trainer Tony Pike believes Dawn Parade (Dawn Approach {Ire}) is a potential star of the future once he puts it all together.

The Cambridge trainer produced the 3-year-old to win the Print House 1400 at Te Rapa at his second start.

“He’s a horse of immense talent, but he still does a few things wrong. He’s certainly got all the talent,” Pike said.

The G1 Levin Classic-nominated Dawn Parade sat outside the leader Moana (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}), who was placed in the G2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas in the spring, and proved too good for the filly in the closing 200 metres.

Varian fillies disqualified

The Roger Varian-trained fillies Angel Power (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) and Queen Daenerys (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) have been disqualified from Listed wins at ParisLongchamp in September as a result of the well-documented Gain feed contamination saga that also saw Aidan O’Brien scratch his four runners from the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

France Galop has revealed that 12 horses tested positive for the prohibited substance Zilpaterol as a result of the feed contamination, but all the trainers involved-including Varian, who was the only overseas trainer affected-have been cleared of any wrongdoing.

“I am very disappointed for the owners of Angel Power (King Power Racing) and the owner of Queen Daenerys (HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa), that through no fault of our own these two horses were found to have traces of Zilpaterol in their system,” Varian said.

Lasix banned

The 2021 stakes races run at Gulfstream Park will be carded Lasix-free, effective from January 1.

The move to medication-free racing reflects the commitment made in April by major racing organizations and associations to eliminate Lasix in all stakes races in 2021 and is consistent with the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities (IFHA) standards.

Gulfstream Park will be the first racetrack in Florida to move to medication-free racing.

The medication-free format for stakes races will apply to the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational and the GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational set to take place on January 23 as well as the GI Florida Derby and GII Fountain of Youth.

Looking Ahead - December 20

Taree, Race 1, 1.10 AEDT, tab.com.au Plate, $22,000, 1300m

Bondi Bikini (Snitzel) has been given a thorough grounding at the trials with five outings over a couple of preparations. The filly finished runner-up at Newcastle in her latest appearance and also has the pedigree to instil confidence in her first-up prospects.

Snitzel, sire of Bondi Bikini | Standing at Arrowfield Stud

Prepared by Kris Lees, Bondi Bikini is a sister to the winner and G1 Champagne S. runner-up Bondi and they are out of Bondi Blonde (Red Ransom {USA}). She is a half-sister to the G2 Wakefield Challenge S. winner and sire Danroad and to the G3 Lord Mayor’s Cup winner Strawberry Boy (Redoute’s Choice).

Taree, Race 4, 2.55pm AEDT, NPC Electrical Heat Of The Rising Star H., $22,000, 1250m

Lees also looks to have a top prospect in this with No Laughing Matter (Exosphere), who has hardly put a foot wrong in a brief career. She was a 2-year-old winner last preparation and opened her current campaign with a strong showing for second at Newcastle and can go one better from a perfect barrier.

No Laughing Matter as a yearling

Laughing Matter was purchased out of Moobi Farm’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale draft for $38,000 by Australian Bloodstock. She has an interesting pedigree and is a daughter of the winning Distorted Humor (USA) mare Laughing who is a half-sister to the Champion Panamian filly Outskirt Lady (USA) (Purge {USA}). Their dam is a half-sister to the dual North American Group 1 winner Better Lucky (USA) (Ghostzapper {USA}) and the G3 Woodbine Marine S. winner Sahara Heat (USA) (A.P. Indy {USA}).

Sale, Race 2, 1.55pm AEDT, Sanlam Private Wealth 3YO Plate, $35,000, 1006m

Queen Ryker (Exceed And Excel) was offered at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale by Marquee Stud and purchased for $125,000. She is a sister to the winner and G2 Roman Consul S. runner-up Knight Templar and to the multiple Listed placegetter Luqyaa. They are out of the G3 Tatt’s Winter S. winner Charmview (Royal Academy {USA}) and she is a half-sister to the Listed Santa Anita Reb’s Policy H. winner Grandiser (Dehere {USA}) and the family of the G1 South Australian Derby winner Shiva’s Revenge (NZ) (Nassipour {USA}).

Queen Ryker as a yearling

Trained by Peter and Paul Snowden, Queen Ryker was placed as a juvenile before she was given a break. The filly showed improvement on a resuming sixth to finish third at Yarra Valley and third-up in the hands of Michael Poy should be a serious contender.

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

NSW Race Results