Amelia’s Jewel to represent TABtouch in The Quokka
TABtouch has snapped up Group 1-winning star filly Amelia’s Jewel (Siyouni {Fr}) to represent them in the inaugural running of The Quokka.
Last seen winning the G1 Northerly S., the daughter of Siyouni (Fr) is currently spelling and her trainer Simon Miller said the $4 million race came around at the perfect time for the filly.
“We had the option of going east in the autumn for a race like The All-Star Mile but it was a tight turnaround from the Northerly S. The Quokka allows her extra time in the paddock,” Miller said.
Amelia's Jewel | Image courtesy of Western Racepix
“Owner Peter Walsh is a local boy who has invested a lot of money into WA racing and his decision to remain in Perth for the autumn demonstrates his loyalty to racing in the state.
“To have Amelia's Jewel in The Quokka, which is run on the same day as the Karrakatta Plate, a race sponsored by Peter and his Amelia Park operation, is very rewarding.”
McDonald taken to hospital
James McDonald has been taken to hospital following a fall from Karlstad (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) on the way to the barriers at Canterbury on Friday.
McDonald, who opened the card with a winner aboard Super Chilled (Churchill {Ire}), was seen clutching his shoulder after the fall.
Demiana gets off the mark
The Chris Waller-trained Demiana (I Am Invincible) broke her maiden at the first attempt when she took out The Agency Real Estate H. at Canterbury on Friday.
Raced by Star Thoroughbreds, the 3-year-old filly defeated Leandra (Choisir) by 1.66l, while Narrative (Press Statement) was another 1.71l away in third.
Purchased by her owner, trainer and the Randwick Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in 2021 and she is out of the place Lonhro mare Deipara, who is herself a daughter of multiple Group 1 winner Divine Madonna (Hurricane Sky).
Group 1 winner makes Flemington return
Helene Leadingstar (Wanted) will make his return to Australia when he lines up in the TAB Trophy for Lindsay Park on Saturday.
Helene Leadingstar landed the 2018 edition of the South Australian Derby in 2018 when known as Leicester and he was then bought to continue his career in Hong Kong.
In 31 starts in Hong Kong, Helene Leadingstar was successful on two occasions, back-to-back in March-April 2020 before being placed just twice 15 subsequent starts.
Helene Leadingstar | Image courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club
“He went up as a Group 1 winner and it is very competitive,” Hayes said. “He raced well there but has come back here to finish his career in Australia.
“Luckily, we have that connection with dad, so when Hong Kong owners are looking to move horses, we're at the top of the tree at the moment.”
Mallyon returns for Halvorsen ride
Andrew Mallyon will be hoping he can continue his good association with Halvorsen (Magnus) when he lines up aboard the gelding in the Listed Kensington S. at Flemington on Saturday.
Mallyon knocked back the opportunity of at least four rides at Eagle Farm on Saturday to continue his association with Halvorsen, who has ridden to victory on five occasions, including the gelding's first win in the G3 Standish H. in 2020.
Having finished fourth in the Listed Century S. first-up on November 3, Mallyon said he was hopeful of a big performance from the gelding.
“He was a little sluggish out of the barriers, but his last 600 metres was extraordinary," Mallyon said.
“Hopefully he can begin a little bit better and it's probably not quite as hot a race as it was on Oaks Day and if he can replicate that last 600 metres, he'll be right in the finish.”
Alpha One kicks off at Randwick
The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Alpha One (Super One) will kick off his campaign in Saturday's Merry Christmas Members H. at Randwick.
Last seen running last in the Listed Poseidon S. at Flemington on September 10, Alpha One could be set for bigger targets later in the campaign.
“If we give him the benefit of a run up here, I think he could go to a good level this time in,” Peter Snowden said.
Alpha One | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“I'm open minded about a few races and if he happened to win on Saturday, there is a 1100-metre race (in Melbourne) two weeks later that I'd look at.
“Races like the Oakleigh Plate, even The Galaxy, they're an option. I know it sounds pie in the sky stuff at the moment, but I do believe at some stage he will get to that level.”
Cotel puts unbeaten record on the line
Cotel (Charge Forward) will attempt to preserve her unbeaten record when she lines up against the older horses in the G H Mumm at Flemington.
Cotel scored a debut win at Caulfield in July and returned from a spell to claim victory at Cranbourne on November 25.
Peter Moody, who bred, owns and trains the filly, said she was in good shape ahead of her latest task.
“She was impressive against older horses first-up, so it's always encouraging to see them do that,” Moody said. “She's taking on the older mares again on Saturday and I just thought the step up to 1100 metres was going to suit her nicely.
“I suppose how she handles the straight will dictate her chances. It would be nice to see her sit off one and run it down. I think if she could find a bunny down the straight that would help her.”
Payne fined
Michelle Payne has been fined $3500 for erroneously instructing stable staff to illegally treat a horse on raceday before a Ballarat synthetic meeting in July.
Payne’s lawyer told a Victorian Racing Tribunal hearing on Friday his client was at her satellite stable on the Sunshine Coast at the time and didn’t realise the horse in question, Sky Horse (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), was due to race on the same day when instructing staff to provide the anti-ulcer treatment.
“It is a medication which does not enhance or detract from performance,” Judge Bowman told the VRT (Victorian Racing Tribunal).
Michelle Payne | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
“Completely forgetting it was a raceday involving this horse, you sent a cut and paste message to your staff at your Ballarat stables, that message included the application of Omoguard Oral Paste to Sky Horse on the morning of July 5, this was done.
“You admitted your error at the earliest possible opportunity and pleaded guilty from the outset, I again emphasise this is what can be described as a clerical error. We also note you have an excellent record.”
Alexander suspects cross contamination
Trainer Archie Alexander suspects a case of cross contamination after his horse Sylvan Sisterhood (Starcraft {NZ}) returned a positive swab.
Stewards are investigating a post-race sample which returned positive for Naproxen after the mare won her maiden at Pakenham on October 16.
The Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) also reported that it had detected Naproxen within the reserve portion of the blood sample. Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, and has analgesic (pain relieving), anti-inflammatory and fever suppression properties.
Alexander told Racing.com that initial investigations from the stable revealed the likely contamination came from a staff member taking medication for joint and muscle issues and then dealing with the mare.
An RV stewards report read: “While there are no formulations registered for veterinary use in Australia, it is commonly used in humans in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other conditions causing mild to moderate pain.”
Moroney buys Mathletic for €500,000
Mathletic (Fr) (Kingman {GB}), second by a neck in the G3 Prix de Fontainebleau, topped the Arqana Online December Sale at €500,000 (AU$794,000) after being snapped up by Ballymore Stables Australia and Paul Moroney Bloodstock.
Also second in the Listed Prix Tantieme, the dual winner is a half-brother to G3 Seaway S. winner Marbre Rose (USA) (Smart Strike {USA}), as well as the stakes-winning multiple Graded-placed Gidu (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and the Listed Prix de Saint-Cyr winner Aviatress (Ire) (Shamardal {USA}).
Mathletic (Fr) | Image courtesy of Arqana
Triple Group-placed Gregolimo (Fr) (Galiway {GB}) is also bound for Australia, after also being picked up for €220,000 (AU$349,400) by Ballymore and Moroney. Part of the Simone Brogi draft, the 4-year-old won the Listed Prix Nureyev as a 3-year-old.
