Nature Strip world's highest rated
Nature Strip (Nicconi) has overtaken G1 Dubai Sheema Classic and Saudi Cup winner Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) and G1 Dubai World Cup victor Mystic Guide (USA) (Ghostzapper {USA}) as the highest-rated horse on the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings, having been assigned a mark of 123 for his victory in the G1 TJ Smith S. on Apr. 10. Mishriff and Mystic Guide now sit a joint second at 122.
Just trailing in their wake on 121 are Addeybb (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}), Eduardo (Aus) (Host {Chi}) and Palace Pier (GB) (Kingman {GB}).
Nature Strip | Image courtesy of Bradley Photos
V’landys unsuccessful in defamation suit
Racing NSW boss Peter V'landys has lost his defamation suit against the ABC.
The powerful racing figure was suing the network over his representation in the channels animal cruelty feature that aired on the 7.30 Rprogram.
V’Landys alleged the program defamed him and damaged his reputation after claiming he was denied procedural fairness because he was not shown hidden camera footage that was recorded a Queensland abattoir before or during his interview for the program.
Peter V'landys
Walker details gruesome fall injuries
Jockey Michael Walker has detailed the full extent of his injuries suffered in a fall at Pakenham on Thursday night.
"I can't believe it, it was one of the most harmless falls I've ever been involved in and could be the worst," Walker told Racing.com.
"I knew straight away I was in trouble because the pain in my leg was excruciating. I knew it was broken straight away and the pressure build up was a bit scary. The break is one thing, I've dealt with broken bones before, but I'm shattered about shattering the ACL.”
Jakk on track for another Derby
Co-trainer Ciaron Maher has confirmed that star 3-year-old stayer Explosive Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry {Ire}) will press on to the G1 Queensland Derby, in attempt to secure a fourth Derby this season.
Maher who trains in partnership with David Eustace said the entire has come through his last start success in the G1 SA Derby in superb order.
Chequerboard to measure up
Co-trainer Ben Hayes expects Chequerboard (Fastnet Rock) to run a bold race in the Group 3 Fillies’ Classic at Morphettville on Saturday.
“She did a really good job last start to beat the older horses and she was really strong through the line,” Hayes told RSN927.
“Her base fitness is very good and while it’ll be interesting to see her out to this trip for the first time I expect her to suit from a strong tempo and run a really good race.”
First round blood tests clean
Per the condition of entry agreement into the G1 Preakness S. between the Maryland Jockey Club and trainer Bob Baffert reached earlier this week, Baffert-trained horses Medina Spirit (USA) (Protonico {USA}), Concert Tour (USA) (Street Sense) and Beautiful Gift (USA) (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) underwent three rounds of out-of-competition blood sample testing.
The Maryland Racing Commission (MRC) took two samples, one on May 6 and the other on May 10. A third sample was taken by 1/ST RACING and the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) on May 11.
Samples drawn May 6 and 10 by the MRC were sent to Industrial Laboratories in Colorado, while the samples drawn by 1/ST RACING and MJC on May 11 were sent to the University of California at Davis Maddy Laboratory.
The May 6 samples were screened for both prohibited and therapeutic substances and were reported clear for all horses on Thursday by Industrial Laboratories.
Results for the May 10 and 11 samples will be available Friday, and are expected by 3.00pm US Eastern time.
Perfect start for apprentice
Yuto Kumagai made his very first ride a winner when he scored aboard Patch Prince (Exceed And Excel) in the Matamata Post & Rails Mdn on Friday.
The apprentice jockey arrived in New Zealand from Japan three years ago having never sat on a horse, but has made giant strides in between times under the tutelage of Matamata trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott.
The 25-year-old became the 46th jockey this century to win with his first New Zealand ride.
New recruit ready to run
Co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr expects a bold showing from new recruit River Views (Written Tycoon) over 1000 metres at Flemington on Saturday.
Unplaced in the Inglis Banner in October in his only previous start, when trained by Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes, the 2-year-old won a trial at Cranbourne earlier this month.
"He's a beautiful, sound, genuine gelding,” Kent Jnr told Racing.com. “He's trialed super, both at Sandown and then at Cranbourne in good time, won by a good margin.
"He's a fast horse. I think the 1000 metres at Flemington is a nice chance for him to win a metropolitan race.”
High hopes for Hayes
David Hayes hopes to see Fantastic Treasure (Written Tycoon) add a fifth victory to his unbeaten career record in Sunday’s Crystal H. at Sha Tin.
“He’s going to have a six-week break after this and then be ready in September,” Hayes said. “He’s my number-one seed. If he was racing at home (Australia), he would be definitely a young Group-race horse.”
David Hayes (centre)
Hayes will consider a shot at next season’s Four-Year-Old Classic Series, made up of the Hong Kong Classic Mile, Hong Kong Classic Cup and Hong Kong Derby.
Cole celebrates double
Matamata trainer Cody Cole had a successful day on his home track on Friday, saddling a winning double.
Cole won the Cunningham Decorating Services 2YO with first-starter Iffshecan (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}), then added the PGG Wrightson/FastTrack 5K Bonus 1400 with talented mare Sweet Molly Malone (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}).
“We couldn’t have asked for a better result for all involved at Matamata today,” Cole posted on Twitter. “Two runners for two winners!”
