Fangirl out of All-Star Mile, My Oberon in
Just a day after it was revealed 4-year-old mare Fangirl (Sebring) would represent Chris Waller in The All-Star Mile at The Valley on March 18, the stable announced the mare won’t take her place in the $5 million contest.
“After lengthy consideration in relation to Fangirl running in The All-Star Mile, the Inghams and I have agreed she is best suited to run in the G1 George Ryder next Saturday instead at her home track,” the trainer said via Twitter.
Fangirl heads to the G1 George Ryder | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Meanwhile, the Annabel Neasham-trained My Oberon (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) is into the field after receiving the final wildcard.
My Oberon was a dominant winner of the G2 Crystal Mile last year on Cox Plate Day at The Valley.
Two runners will run for Neasham, with Law Of Indices (Ire) (Power {GB}) also receiving a wildcard.
Asfoora out of Newmarket
Ballarat-based trainer Henry Dwyer has opted for his brilliant sprinting mare Asfoora (Flying Artie) to miss Saturday’s G1 Newmarket H. and head to Sydney for the G1 The Galaxy S. over 1100 metres on March 18.
“She would be better suited over the 1100 metres of The Galaxy on a softer track than facing the 1200 metres at Flemington on a firm track,” Dwyer told Racing.com.
“Jye McNeil has been engaged to ride her, and she will probably carry 51.5kg, so it’s quite enticing. Plus, there’s going to be more sting out of the track.”
Dwyer indicated after running in the G1 The Galaxy, Asfoora could head to Perth for The Quokka or Adelaide for two races, including the G1 Robert Sangster S.
Benedetta likely for Sunlight Classic
Jason Warren’s promising 3-year-old Benedetta (Hellebt) looks set to head to the revamped $500,000 Sunlight Classic at Flemington next month.
The filly took her record to four wins from five starts when she annihilated her rivals in Saturday’s $750,000 Inglis Sprint in a slick time of 1:09.24 at Flemington.
“The filly has bounced through the run; it was really satisfying to see that she backed it up on the clock and, in my view, she beat a very good field there on Saturday,” Warren told Racing.com.
Benedetta, winner of the $750,000 Inglis Sprint | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“We went away from there thinking that we had a pretty good one, and when the ratings come back and back that up, it gives you confidence moving through.
“She spent the day in the paddock today, which has been her post-race routine; we space her runs.
“An interstate assignment in either Sydney or Adelaide this autumn is unlikely; Saturday was her grand final, so we’ll give her a few days before we make any decisions.”
Sunshine In Paris to paddock
Annabel Neasham’s Group 1-winning filly Sunshine In Paris (Invader) will head for a well-deserved break, instead of contesting the G1 Coolmore Classic at Rosehill on Saturday.
The 3-year-old was last seen winning the G1 Surround S. at Randwick on February 25.
Neasham indicated the filly would be aimed at the $10 million Golden Eagle on October 28.
Begg optimistic in another interstate tilt
Cranbourne-based trainer Grahame Begg is optimistic his brilliant start to the autumn will continue on Saturday when he sends out emerging 2-year-old Maharba (Pride Of Dubai) to tackle the G3 Pago Pago S. at Rosehill.
Fresh from an interstate Group 2 double last Saturday, Begg is bullish about his last-start Listed Talindert S. winner, who is already in Sydney.
“He travelled up as a mate for Passive Aggressive, and he settled in well,” Begg told Racing.com.
“He’s coming off winning the Talindert, and there’s been some nice form behind, so I’m sure he’ll run very well.”
Maharba, winner of the Listed Talindert S. | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
Begg confirmed in-form jockey Mick Dee had been engaged to ride the gelding.
“He’s not in the Slipper; he was never nominated, so his target up there will be the G1 Sires’ Produce S.,” he said.
“We’ll let them beat themselves up in the Slipper, and hopefully, we’ll have the fresh horse on the scene.”
Begg, who won the G2 Pago Pago S. in 2018 with Written By, said that while Maharba has typical 2-year-old qualities, he expects the gelding to improve as a 3-year-old.
Brown shows positive signs
Surgeons who performed Ethan Brown’s final surgery on Monday afternoon are reportedly pleased with the procedure. The hope is the 23-year-old jockey can now focus on his recovery.
On Tuesday morning, Brown was said to be communicating with family after reduced sedation overnight.
Ethan Brown | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
A lacerated liver and kidney issues have been of immediate concern, and now attention can turn to any secondary problems.
Victorian Jockeys’ Association boss Matthew Hyland told Racing.com the popular hoop could be out of the saddle for approximately four months.
Brown’s partner Celine Gaudray and his mother have been by Brown’s side since the accident.
Cyclone Gabrielle Relief Fund statement released by Te Akau
Te Akau Racing boss David Ellis and Karyn Fenton Ellis have released a statement regarding the success of their Cyclone Gabrielle Relief Fund.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of our owners and supporters, Te Akau Racing has successfully raised NZ$43,900 to support the victims of Cyclone Gabrielle in New Zealand. Te Akau Racing was proud to match the first NZ$10,000 in donations, dollar for dollar.
“Our hearts go out to all those so dramatically impacted by this tragedy that has devastated parts of our country. We know it is not just the physical destruction but also the emotional despair and distress that comes with events such as this. We have been deeply moved by the stories of loss, and also resilience, that have emerged from this. As a community, we must do all that we can to support those affected and help them get back on their feet,” part of their statement read.
“Many people have lost their homes, belongings, and, most tragically, their loved ones. As a community, it is heart-warming to see New Zealand, and our overseas friends, coming together to support those affected by this disaster. Our donations came from ‘far and wide’ not just New Zealand and Australia, but also Hong Kong, Singapore, the United States and other parts of Europe and Asia.”
Damian Lane to partner Sodashi
Globetrotting jockey Damian Lane will head to Japan in May to ride popular 5-year-old mare Sodashi (Jpn) (Kurofune {USA}).
Sodashi (Jpn) | Image courtesy of the Japan Racing Association
Lane will partner with Sodashi in her bid to defend her G1 Victoria Mile title.
Sodashi always attracts attention due to her rare albino coat.
Asterix in line for Sydney
Co-trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott are looking to move past Asterix’s (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) underwhelming effort last start.
The 4-year-old gelding pulled a plate during the running off the G1 Herbie Dyke S. at Te Rapa and a post-race veterinary examination found him to be lame.
“We galloped him this morning with Dragon Queen, that good horse with Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard, and he went really well beside her,” said Scott.
“We’ve got him sound again, and he’s better for recent racing. We hope he can be a surprise package on the weekend, he is a talented horse, and we think he will acquit himself well.”
Asterix will cross the Tasman to make his Australian debut at Randwick on April 1 in the G2 Chairman’s H. over 2600 metres.
“If he performs well, then I’m sure the connections will look at the G1 Sydney Cup.”
Auckland Cup tilt back on with Dunhill
The dream of winning the G2 Auckland Cup (3200 metres) with talented stayer Dunhill (NZ) (Pins) for Kelvin and Aimee Tyler is still alive.
Originally entered for Saturday’s NZ$500,000 staying feature at Pukekohe, the three-time winner hit a rough patch with a few ailments which resulted in the Tylers withdrawing the 5-year-old gelding from the race.
However, Dunhill has turned a corner in the last month, with his 5l victory in the Invercargill Gold Cup (2600 metres) cementing their decision to re-enter the Auckland Cup fray.
Dunhill (NZ) | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell
“I paid a late nomination for him this morning,” Kelvin Tyler said.
“He was originally nominated but I pulled him out because he had a few niggles. He has got over them and the last month he has just been a different horse.
“His run at Invercargill last start is the Dunhill that I expect. He was really strong through the line over 2600 metres, and I have got no doubt he will get two miles on his ear.”
