Arcadia Queen to undergo vet check
Current All-Star Mile favourite Arcadia Queen (Pierro) will undergo a subsequent veterinary inspection on Friday morning, after Racing Victoria stewards yesterday reported that the 5-year-old was 1/5 lame in her off foreleg.
The news comes after the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Shout The Bar (Not A Single Doubt) presented 2/5 lame in the off foreleg.
Arcadia Queen
Nature Strip to head north
Champion trainer Chris Waller has confirmed that superstar sprinter Nature Strip (Nicconi) will bypass this year’s Royal Ascot carnival, in preference for a tilt at the upcoming Queensland winter carnival.
"It doesn't look like we'll be able to get to Ascot this year, so there's some nice sprint races in Queensland worth good money and you see some horses thrive up there," Waller told Moody On The Mic.
Waller declared that Nature Strip won’t return to Victoria to contest the G1 William Reid S. at Moonee Valley on March 19, stating that he will follow a path similar to last year.
"We're just sort of following a similar path to last year because I'm taking him up to Queensland. However, he’ll be back down in Melbourne for the spring, that's for sure."
Nature Strip
V’landys stands firm on Everest date
Racing NSW CEO Peter V’landys has knocked back Moonee Valley Racing Club boss Michael Browell’s suggestion that The Everest should be rescheduled.
Browell outlined his proposal Wednesday on Melbourne radio, telling RSN927 that he would support The Everest being awarded Group 1 status if V’landys were to schedule the race two weeks after the G1 Moir S. and two weeks prior to the G1 Manikato S.
V’landys stated that the ‘world’s richest race on turf’ will remain on Saturday, October 16, despite Browell recommending that it be run a week prior.
“We have set our spring carnival around The Everest and it’s hard now to change the date,” V’landys told Racenet.
“However, I totally understand that no one wants to give up a Group 1 in order to have a proper and credible Pattern.”
Artorius primed for Slipper tilt
In-form hoop Luke Currie is confident that last start G1 Blue Diamond S. winner, Artorius (Flying Artie) can measure up in Saturday week's G1 Golden Slipper.
Artorius
Currie confirmed that the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained colt handled the clockwise circuit well in a 1050 metre trial at Randwick on Thursday morning, stating that the experience was beneficial for the exciting juvenile ahead of his autumn grand final.
“I am happy with him. He had a good blow and fitness wise it should top him off nicely,” Currie told Racenet.
“He’s had a beautiful prep with not too many runs so hopefully he can get a nice draw next week.”
Avdulla and O’Shea eye another feature
Sydney-based jockey Brenton Avdulla is expecting the John O’Shea-trained All Saints’ Eve (Sacred Falls {NZ}) to excel in Saturday’s G1 Coolmore Classic at Rosehill.
Avdulla is confident that his mount has the ability to measure up against a field of talented mares, declaring that O’Shea believes the 4-year-old has “a bit up her sleeve”.
He said there is no reason why the pair can’t claim a second Group 1 in as many weeks, after taking out last Saturday’s G1 Randwick Guineas, with Lion’s Roar (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}).
All Saints’ Eve (green cap)
“She (All Saints’ Eve) had a softish run, she did no work, only had to sprint late and she peaked so she will have taken good improvement from that run.
“She’s drawn a good gate (seven) so now I just need to give her the right run, get on the back of the right horses and there’s no reason why she won’t go close.”
Cummings confident in juvenile pair
Godolphin head trainer James Cummings is expecting talented juvenile pair Ingratiating (Frosted {USA}) and Arcaded (Street Boss {USA}) to be competitive at Rosehill this Saturday.
Cummings confirmed that last start G1 Blue Diamond S. runner-up Ingratiating is in good order ahead of the G3 Pago Pago S. stating that the colt has been enthusiastic and sharp in his work.
“He’s probably the best-performed runner in the race and his outstanding second placing in the Blue Diamond was full of class and resolve,” Cummings said.
“His trackwork this week has been full of enthusiasm.”
Ingratiating
Cummings believes that exciting filly Arcaded can bounce back from her failure in the G1 Blue Diamond S. suggesting that the inside draw diminished her chances on the day.
He said the two-time winner has trained on “beautifully” ahead of her clash in a wide open G3 Magic Night S. over 1200 metres.
“Arcaded performed brilliantly in Melbourne in the lead-up to the Blue Diamond, where the inside draw proved detrimental to her chances,” he said.
“She is an efficient, compact, no-fuss filly, who has trained on beautifully since arriving in Sydney.”
Classy Colette ready to rumble
Godolphin trainer James Cummings believes that classy mare Colette (Hallowed Crown) is ready to peak third-up.
Cummings stated that the 4-year-old has continued to improve in her work since finishing a narrow second behind superstar mare Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}).
Colette (blue cap)
He said Colette will appreciate stepping out over 2000 metres and dropping back in class.
“Her two runs this campaign in Group 1 weight-for-age company have confirmed her ability and class, and her narrow defeat in the Chipping Norton expelled the suggestion she is only a wet tracker,” Cummings said.
Almond Eye in foal
Silk Racing announced on Wednesday that champion Japanese race mare Almond Eye (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) is in foal to former Japan Cup winner Epiphaneia (Jpn).
Epiphaneia is the sire of the first unbeaten triple tiara winner Daring Tact (Jpn).
Richards backs in Belle
Te Aku trainer Jamie Richards is expecting Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) to finish the better of stablemate and defending champion, Avantage (Fastnet Rock) in Saturday’s G1 Bonecrusher New Zealand S. at Ellerslie.
Richards confirmed that the 13-time Group 1 winner has come through her shock last-start failure in the G1 Herbie Dyke S. in good order and is trending towards peak fitness third-up.
Melody Belle (NZ)
“There wasn’t much between them at Hastings over the mile (when first and second in the G1 Windsor Park Plate) and then Melody Belle was pretty dominant over 2000 metres in the G1 Livamol Classic,” Richards said.
“I love both horses and they’ve both done a wonderful job but if I have to say which I think is going better over 2000 metres, I’d say Melody Belle.”
James outed for moment of madness
Irish amateur jockey Rob James has been slapped with a 12-month suspension, after being shown to climb aboard and sitting astride a dead horse in an eight-second video that circulated on social media last week.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board tweeted the result of its investigation late on Wednesday evening and announced that a detailed decision will be published on Thursday.
The statement from the IHRB reads as follows:
“Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr. James in breach of Rule 272(i) in that he acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of horseracing. They imposed a 12-month suspension of his Qualified Riders licence and Handlers Permit with the last eight months suspended.
“The Committee also notes that Mr. James has stated to the Committee that he will not attend a Racemeeting or a Point-to-Point for the four-month period of his suspension.”
