The Star and Arrowfield join for Everest
Arrowfield Stud will partner with The Everest slot holder The Star Entertainment Group in slot co-ownership for the next three The Everest runnings.
“As a founding slot holder of The Everest, The Star is thrilled to extend to 2024 its commitment to a race that has changed the racing landscape,” said Matt Bekier, CEO and Managing Director of The Star Entertainment Group.
“We’re delighted to have established a long-term partnership with the leading Australian-owned stud. We are confident that together, The Star Arrowfield slot will be a winner in the years to come.”
Arrowfield Stud's Snitzel sired Redzel who won the first two events, while pensioned barnmate Not A Single Doubt sired last year's winner Classique Legend.
Classique Legend was the winner of the 2020 The Everest
John Messara also expressed his enthusiasm and desire to win The Everest as a slot holder.
“We bring complementary skills to our partnership, the race is an irresistible challenge for both of us, and we look forward to contesting it together," said Messara.
Quick Thinker to miss Sydney Cup
The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained Quick Thinker (So You Think {NZ}) has been withdrawn from Saturday’s G1 Sydney Cup after succumbing to a minor issue with his near foreleg.
The impressive last start G2 Chairman’s Quality winner will now be readied for a tilt at the Brisbane Winter Carnival.
Quick Thinker (white cap)
Lindsay Park bypasses Australian Oaks
Co-trainer Ben Hayes has confirmed that last spring’s G1 VRC Oaks winner Personal (Fastnet Rock) will bypass Saturday’s G1 Australian Oaks in preference for a tilt at next month’s G1 Australasian Oaks at Morphettville.
Hayes who currently trains in partnership with Tom Dabernig said that the talented 3-year-old will benefit from a freshen-up, after producing a lacklustre showing in last fortnight's G1 Vinery Stud S.
"She didn't handle travelling to Sydney too well and was a bit flat. However, she is eating up at the farm and seems a very happy horse, so we will just put it (Vinery failure) down to one of those days."
Personal
Kersley on track for return
Leading apprentice Fred Kersley will return from a two-month hiatus at this Saturday’s Morphettville meeting, after successfully recovering from surgery to treat a burst stomach ulcer.
Kersley confirmed that he is feeling back to his best. However, he will continue to manage his workload and ease back into competitive riding.
"I am rapt to be heading to Adelaide for some stakes races and riding the better horses for the bigger stables," Kersley told Racenet.
Fred Kersley
Addeybb looks to cement champion status
The William Haggas-trained Addeybb (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) is out to join champions of the turf, Tulloch (NZ) (Khorassan {Ire}), Grand Armee (Hennessy {USA}) and Winx (Street Cry {Ire}) in taking out consecutive editions of the G1 Queen Elizabeth S. when he steps out in Saturday’s 68th edition.
Drawn in barrier three the last start G1 Ranvet S. runner-up will again face off against arch-rival Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}), who herself has drawn in barrier two.
Bowman eyes Higgins record
Jockey Hugh Bowman can write his name alongside champion hoop Roy Higgins if he is to prevail in Saturday’s G1 The Star Australian Oaks aboard the Edward Cummings-trained Duais (Shamus Award).
Bowman, who currently sits on five victories in the race, will join Higgins as the most successful jockey in the race's history if he can secure a maiden Group 1 for the grandson of legendary horseman Bart Cummings.
Duais | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Waller seeks age-old feat
Trainer Chris Waller could equal the age-old record of leading 19 and 20th century horseman and fellow New Zealander Dan Lewis if OTI-owned import Selino (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}) is to salute in Saturday’s G1 Sydney Cup at Randwick.
Lewis who was acknowledged as the finest trainer of stayers during his time trained six winners across a career spanning more than 50 years.
Aquis acquisition salutes in style
Expensive Aquis Farm-acquisition Southern Lights (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) broke his maiden in fine fashion at Leopardstown on Wednesday.
Trained by Joseph O’Brien and bred by Ownwan Partnership, the €500,000 (AU$772,687) 2019 Goffs Orby Sale purchase was ever impressive on resumption over 2000 metres, accounting for his rivals by 2.75l after stalking the lead and being asked to extend with two furlongs to run.
Bonham departs New Zealand
Prominent owner Gary Harding has confirmed that G1 Levin Classic-winning filly, Bonham (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}), will be entered in next month’s Magic Millions Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale as a racing and breeding prospect.
The lightly raced winner of four starts will join fellow New Zealand Group 1 winner Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) in the ring.
Bonham (NZ) (white and orange silks) | Image courtesy of Race Images
“The Sale is only a bit over a month away, so I want to get her over there and settled in and give her future owner a reasonable chance,” Harding said.
Bred and sold by Little Avondale Stud, Bonham was a NZ$160,000 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale purchase by Harding.
Ellis strengthens Te Akau’s arm
Principal of Te Akau Stud, David Ellis, was active at New Zealand Bloodstock’s annual South Island Sale on Wednesday, securing the second highest-priced yearling of the session.
The second-ever online session concluded on Gavelhouse Plus with Ellis acquiring a colt by emerging sire Preferment (NZ) out of winning race mare Play Me (NZ) (Nashwan {NZ}) for NZ$55,000 via the draft of Brighthill Farm. However, the Sale topper was a filly by exciting freshman sire Almanzor (Fr) out of Next (GB) (In The Wings {GB}). She was purchased by astute bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo for NZ$85,000.
