Daily News Wrap

Waller eyeing Ascot return

Chris Waller has his sights set on returning to Royal Ascot next year with G1 The King’s Stand S. hero Nature Strip (Nicconi).

The Champion trainer said his decision to not back the star sprinter up into the G1 Platinum Jubilee S. will allow for further longevity.

“Long-term, the team would love to come back with Nature Strip to Royal Ascot next year,'' Waller told Racenet.

"We want to continue racing this horse for at least another 12 months and if we look after him that is achievable, but if we back him up and expect him to race every two weeks we are not going to have a great racehorse forever.”

Artorius the forgotten horse in the Field

Henry Field is buoyed by the fact that Artorius (Flying Artie) has beaten home G1 Platinum Jubilee rival Home Affairs (I Am Invincible) in two of their three clashes to date.

The Newgate Farm managing director, who owns Artorius in partnership with China Horse Club, told Racenet the Anthony and Sam Freedman colt is a genuine winning chance in the prestigious sprint feature.

BOBS racehorse nominations now open

BOBS racehorse nominations, including BOBS Extra are now open for horses foaled in 2020 that turn 2-years old on August 1, 2022.

Nomination will close on Thursday, September 1 2022.

Smart filly ticking all the right boxes

Grahame Begg is hoping a 3kg weight advantage can see his undefeated filly Passive Aggressive (Fastnet Rock) topple boom sprinter Star Patrol (Starspangledbanner) in Saturday’s Listed Creswick S. at Flemington.

Begg told RSN that the lightly raced Jonathon Munz-owned 3-year-old has trained on since her impressive last-start win at headquarters, saying she has ticked all the right boxes in the build-up to the Creswick S.

Patience paying off

David Eustace says a patient approach has been the key to Sir Davy’s (Street Boss {USA}) recent run of form.

The Colin McKenna-owned and bred galloper is shooting for five consecutive victories at Flemington on Saturday when he takes on a competitive BM90 H.

While Eustace would be surprised if Sir Davy measured up in stakes grade it wouldn’t come as a shock if he can salute again on Saturday in the 1630-metre contest.

Swords Drawn following Cups’ trail

Shaune Ritchie is expecting Swords Drawn (Camelot {GB}) to give a good account of himself in Saturday’s Listed Ipswich Cup, but believes the stayer’s best chance of a major Australian success is a fortnight away.

The Cambridge-based horseman, who trains in partnership with Colm Murray, has been pleased with the 6-year-old’s progress since he finished sixth in his Queensland debut in last month’s Gold Coast Cup.

“I think the Caloundra Cup is a better option for him, there’s usually some good give in the ground so that looks more his race, but he still needs to run on Saturday,” Ritchie said.

Hot Rod Charlie to carry the banner for Hermitage Farm

Hot Rod Charlie (USA) (Oxbow {USA}), runner-up in this year's G1 Dubai World Cup, will return to the starting gate on Saturday in the G3 Salvator Mile S., with an eye towards the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic.

The winner of last year's G1 Pennsylvania Derby and G2 Louisiana Derby has put in five works over the past month in preparation for his next start.

“He came back from Dubai in great shape and we intentionally gave him a little extended time between then and now,” the colt’s trainer Doug O'Neill said.

“He's training with great energy and good stamina. I'm really optimistic about the Salvator Mile being a good stepping stone for the rest of the year and we have the Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland circled as our ultimate goal.”

Adena Springs listed for US$55 million

Adena Springs Farm in central Kentucky, comprised of 2300 acres, 20 barns and over 250 stalls, has been listed at US$55 million (AU$78.8 milion).

Previously owned by Frank Stronach, the land was home to stallions such as Ghostzapper (USA) and Awesome Again (USA).

Icon Global and Justice Real Estate are handling the sale.