Sharp out of Guineas
Last year’s G1 Spring Champion S. winner Sharp ‘N’ Smart (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) has been ruled out of Saturday’s G2 Wellington Guineas, reportedly suffering from a stone bruise.
Instead, the Graeme and Deborah Rogerson-trained 3-year-old will be sent to Trentham in two weeks' time to take on the G1 Thorndon Mile.
“He is going to run in the Thorndon in two weeks and he may trial on Tuesday,” Rogerson said.
Sharp 'N' Smart (NZ) | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“He will make the Thorndon interesting. It is set weights and penalties, so they will have to give him a bit of weight.
“It will be a good race because you have got La Crique and a few others, but I think he has the makings of a good horse.”
Begg’s Pair
Trainer Grahame Begg will field two stablemates in the G3 Standish H. at Flemington on Saturday. The 5-year-old Written Tycoon mare Rose Quartz, second last time out in the Listed Christmas S., will join Vespertine (Epaulette), whose last start provided victory in the Listed MSS Security Sprint.
That was at the same Flemington track at which the two will compete on Saturday, and Begg admitted he isn’t normally inclined to run his horses in the same race.
“I hate running my horses against each other, but this is a suitable race for both of them as they like the straight and they are mares chasing a Group win,” Begg said.
“It's very difficult to split them. Both have got good cases to put their hand up to be there and be competitive.”
Walker’s rapid century
Kiwi trainer Mark Walker set a record at Tauranga on Friday when he recorded the fastest ever century of winners in a season, after he recorded a double on the day to bring him to the magic 100.
Te Akau principal David Ellis was delighted with the achievement.
“What a great achievement by Mark (Walker) to reach 100 wins in such quick time this season and it’s hugely rewarding for everyone involved,” Ellis said.
Mark Walker | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell
“Everyone that works for Te Akau gives 110 per cent and without that type of commitment you just can’t get these sorts of results.
“He’s included 15 stakes winners within the century and it looks as though there are some nice chances of increasing the black type winners tomorrow at Trentham.”
Gelagotis’ suspension begun
Victorian trainer Peter Gelagotis has begun a six-week suspension after an appeal against his 2019 TC02 charge failed. In June of 2019 he sent a horse to race at Sandown with an elevated level of the measure and was allowed to continue training after he lodged an appeal.
With the suspension taking effect from January 12, Racing Victoria stewards have allowed his horses to transfer to alternative stables. However, Racing Manager Manny Gelagotis said that new stable practices will mean a repeat incident is unlikely.
“The stable, including its staff, was challenged strongly on this unfortunate matter over three years ago and was totally exonerated on all matters of administration,” Gelagotis told Racing.com.
“Peter and the staff were given high praise for being good characters and credible witnesses during the investigation process.
“Whilst we disagree strongly with the umpire’s decision, we will learn from the experience.
“We now operate in a far better facility at Pakenham, which ensures greater security for the on-course stables, including surveillance which we are very happy about from an integrity point of view.”
Laws Of Indices entered for Saudi Cup
Last seen running third in the G1 Hong Kong Mile, the Annabel Neasham-trained Laws Of Indices (Ire) (Power {GB}) is the sole Australian entrant for the world's richest race, the $28.6 million Saudi Cup.
Laws Of Indices is the first Australian-trained horse to be entered for the race, which has been run just three times.
Law Of Indices (Ire) | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
The 5-year-old is yet to win since being transferred to Neasham's yard, but he has Group 1 placings in the G1 George Ryder S. and G1 Toorak H.
Zarak stallion share heads Tattersalls Online January Sale entries
The Tattersalls Online January Sale has attracted 65 entries to commence a highly anticipated year of thoroughbred sales for the Tattersalls group.
The sale highlight is stallion share in leading young sire Zarak (Fr) as well as numerous highly sought-after Breeding Rights ahead of a busy breeding season.
The catalogue also comprises 36 horses in/out of training, a selection of broodmares, a pair of 2-year-olds, a yearling by Eqtidaar (Ire) and a single point-to-point entry.
Keeneland January strong and steady to the finish
In the end, not even Mother Nature could slow down the steady progress of the Keeneland January Horses of Racing Age Sale, which concluded on Thursday in Lexington on par with its 2022 renewal despite a short delay to the start of the final session due to tornado warnings in the area.
“We've got to be very happy with the way the sale turned out,” said Keeneland's Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy. “It's been very busy in the barns. A lot of sellers have been very pleased with how the horses have been received.”
At the close of business on Thursday, 962 horses had sold for US$45,408,300 (AU$65,324,879). The average was US$47,202 (AU$67,900) - up 3.18 per cent from a year ago, while the median was US$19,000 (US$27,300), down five per cent from the record-equaling 2022 figure of US$20,000 (AU$28,700).
