Daily News Wrap

Newmarket aims with Artorius

Co-trainer Sam Freedman has indicated the G1 Newmarket H. could be an autumn target for G1 Blue Diamond S. winner Artorius (Flying Artie).

Freedman, who trains with his father Anthony, told Racing.com that the 3-year-old, who was third in both the G1 Caulfield Guineas and G1 Coolmore Stud S., would target sprint races this campaign.

"I think we'll target the Newmarket H. and maybe tinker with some gear, I'm not sure he needs the blinkers," Freedman said.

"It was only his second-ever prep," Freedman said. "A lot of those 3-year-olds like Anamoe had the benefit of a third preparation.

"He's still got a lot to learn, he is still so raw but highly talented and he's still managed to place in a Guineas and a Coolmore this preparation."

Border closures set to impact WA carnival

Despite strong interest from major Eastern states stables, the upcoming Perth carnival is unlikely to involve interstate participation.

With the Western Australian border effectively remaining shut, Chris Calthorpe, who runs Air Horse Transport, told Racing.com that WA’s COVID-19 protocols will mean a 'locals-only' carnival.

“We are all very disappointed about not getting there,” Calthorpe said on Monday.

“I’ve spoken to some of the biggest stables and everyone is shattered about not being able to get there. I’ve had interest from the likes of Ciaron Maher, Adam Trinder, the McEvoys, Will Clarken and Godolphin were really keen as well as Chris Waller.

“It’s pretty disappointing. I don’t understand how they can organise a (AFL) Grand Final but can’t do this. It’s a fantastic carnival and the Club can’t do enough for you but unfortunately the border is shut for the second year in a row.”

Godolphin quartet nominated for Hunter

Godolphin trainer James Cummings is aiming to win The Hunter for the second time, with four horses nominated for Saturday's $1 million feature.

Cummings won the race with Savatiano (Street Cry {Ire}) in 2019 and has put in nominations for Kementari (Lonhro), Gravina (Sebring), Roheryn (Lonhro) and Criaderas (Lonhro) in this year's race.

The Godolphin contingent is likely to have to overcome a similarly strong representation for local trainer Kris Lees, as well as last year's winner, Sweet Deal (Casino Prince), for John Thompson.

Sprints to heat up summer in Victoria

Racing Victoria has launched a Summer Sprint Series, offering a combined $1 million in prizemoney.

The four-race series kicks off with the Listed Kensington S. at Flemington on December 11 and concludes with the G2 Australia S. at The Valley on January 29.

“The $1 million Summer Sprint Series is an exciting new initiative which we hope will lead to increases in field sizes and the quality of these races, giving connections the option of running their star sprinters in all four legs of the Series,” said Racing Victoria’s Executive General Manager of racing Greg Carpenter.

The Series offers an exemption from the Oakleigh Plate ballot for the G3 Christmas S. winner as well as a G1 Newmarket H. ballot exemption for both the G3 Standish H. and Australia S. winners.

Rose ready to bloom at Riccarton

Michael and Matthew Pitman are set to target feature race glory with 4-year-old mare Miss Tycoon Rose (Written Tycoon) in Wednesday’s G2 Coupland's Bakeries Mile at Riccarton.

The G1 1000 Guineas runner-up from last year comes into the race in strong form after two wins this campaign at Ashburton and then Riccarton.

“She's had two very bold wins this campaign and we made the decision that we wouldn't go to the well again a couple of weeks ago in case she won again and just got a bit more weight," Michael Pitman said.

“I think she gets in pretty well at the weights. Had she raced again and won the other day, she would have ended up with 57kg or 58kg. I think we've done the right thing.”

Top class senior rider Craig Grylls will replace apprentice Kavish Chowdhoory and the pair will jump from barrier two.

“There was plenty of discussion about that because Kavish has won his last four rides on her, but we've gone for the more experienced rider and I'm sure we've done the right thing there too,” Pitman said.

“I think as she progresses as an older mare she will get the mile and even out to 2000 metres.”

Moe winner for Belardo

Haunui Farm shuttle stallion Belardo (Ire) has sired his fourth Australian winner after the victory of the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Master Fontana (NZ) in a Moe maiden.

The 3-year-old, a NZ$25,000 purchase by his trainers at last year's New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, won at his third start, stepping up to 1628 metres.

Belardo, whose eldest Southern Hemisphere crop are three, has had 10 winners combined across Australia and New Zealand, highlighted by Listed winner Avonallo (NZ).

The Gift set to deliver

Adhering to the maxim of never looking a gift horse in the mouth is serving Robert Dennis and partners well.

The aptly named The Gift (NZ) (Power {GB}) looms as a leading chance to land top honours in Wednesday's G3 Valachi Downs Canterbury Breeders’ S. at Riccarton on Wednesday.

The 4-year-old was secured for free by trainer Robert Dennis, who races the 4-year-old with several partners.

“When Brendan and Jo Lindsay took over Cambridge Stud they had 10 or 15 yearling fillies that weren’t quite up to taking to the sales,” Dennis said.

“They decided not to race them themselves and rolled them out for nothing to a few trainers around the country.

“The Gift was one of them and she ended up here. I syndicated her and the rest is history and that’s how she got her name, it was very generous of the Lindsays.”

The Gift will be ridden by Krishna Mudhoo and Dennis is bullish about their chances, despite a wide barrier.

“Krishna has had a few rides on her now and he gets on really well with her. I have every confidence in him doing another good job, so I’m not too concerned about the draw,” he said.

“She’s got a stakes win and a couple of placings on the board and she’s in fine form this season and I don’t see why it won’t continue.”