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Everything you need to know about the Coolmore Stud Stakes

Written by
6 min read
Ahead of Saturday’s G1 Coolmore Stud S. at Flemington, we provide an in-depth look at the history of the race and preview this year’s star-studded edition.

Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

The G1 Coolmore Stud S., registered as the Ascot Vale S., is one of the great restricted sprint-races in Australia. It provides the colts the opportunity to punch their ticket to a commercial stallion career, while the fillies can also set themselves up for life post-racing by becoming an elite broodmare proposition.

First run in 1863, the race was restricted to 2-year-olds and held in the autumn (usually on Australian Cup Day) until 1965. The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) removed the race from the calendar in 1966 and the race was idle until it was rescheduled to be run as a spring 3-year-old event in 1969.

Champion sprinter Vain was first home in 1969 and he would go on to forge a tremendous career as a stallion, siring a host of elite-level scorers, including Inspired, Mistress Anne, Sir Dapper and Zegna.

Vain, winner of the Ascot Vale S. in 1969

Between 1979-2005, the race was classified as a Group 2, before being upgraded to elite-level status in 2006.

Golden Slipper winners to complete the double include Sepoy, Tierce, Courtza (NZ) (Pompeii Court {USA}), Manikato, Toy Show (Showdown {GB}) and Vain, while Blue Diamond scorers that have gone on to win his race include Star Witness, Sepoy, Alinghi (Encosta De Lago), Courtza, Zedative, Rancher, Manikato and Tolerance.

The race has long been regarded as one of Australia’s pre-eminent stallion-making races, and with an honour roll that includes Zoustar, Encosta De Lago, Bureaucracy (NZ), Zeditave, Kaapstad (NZ), Rancher, Taj Rossi and Century, that tag is well and truly justified. Furthermore, Coolmore resident Home Affairs, who won in 2021, covered 202 mares in his maiden season in 2022, while 2019 champion Exceedance is on the Vinery Stud roster and his first crop have just hit the track as 2-year-olds.

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Gallery: Some of the winners of the Coolmore Stud S. to go on to careers at stud, images courtesy of Sportpix

Legacies

The Lee Freedman-trained Encosta De Lago won the race in 1996 and he has since sired two winners - Alinghi and Northern Meteor. Encosta is also the damsire of the 2015 hero Japonisme (Choisir).

Northern Meteor is the sire of the 2013 victor Zoustar and that horse’s daughter, Sunlight, upstaged her rivals in 2018. In fact, Zoustar provided the trifecta in 2018, with Zousain and Lean Mean Machine filling the placings.

Exceed And Excel provided back-to-back winners in 2019/20 (Exceedance and September Run), before I Am Invincible followed suit in 2021/22 (Home Affairs and In Secret). ‘Vinnie’ is also the sire of Brazen Beau and he won under Joao Moreira in 2014.

Superstar jockey James McDonald has won the past two editions and he will partner Shinzo (Snitzel) on Saturday.

James McDonald will be looking to take a third consecutive victory in the Coolmore Stud S. on Saturday aboard Shinzo | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

The soon-to-be-retired Damien Oliver is a three-time winner, having partnered Alinghi in 2004, North Boy (Rory’s Jester) in 2001 and Racer’s Edge in 1994. He has the sit aboard Moravia (Snitzel) this year.

Champion trainer Chris Waller, who trains Shinzo, will be looking to lift the trophy for a sixth time, having been successful with Home Affairs, September Run, Japonisme, Brazen Beau and Zoustar.

Tony McEvoy, who now trains in partnership with son Calvin, has won the race on two occasions; with Sunlight and North Boy. The McEvoys have Veight (Grunt {NZ}) engaged.

Fillies versus colts

Since the race was elevated to a Group 1, the Coolmore Stud S. has been won by six fillies – In Secret, September Run, Sunlight, Nechita (Fastnet Rock), Headway (Charge Forward) and Gold Edition (Lion Hunter).

Interestingly, three of the past five winners have been fillies; In Secret was victorious last year, September Run was much the best in 2020 and Sunlight triumphed in 2018.

The fillies looking to improve the girls’ impressive recent record are Tiz Invincible (I Am Invincible), Stretan Angel (Harry Angel {Ire}) and Treasurway (Starspangledbanner).

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Gallery: Fillies lining up in this year's edition of the Coolmore Stud S.

The 2023 edition

This year’s race boasts 19 runners, with 16 colts and three fillies set to race for the $1.2 million winner’s cheque. With no geldings in the field and Shinzo being the only runner with a Group 1 victory, there’s much more on the line for connections of this year’s starters from a commercial standpoint.

Interestingly, Shinzo is the only runner with a Group 1 victory on his CV. A son of one of the all-time great sires and a two-time Group 1-winning mare, he became one of the most valuable horses on the planet when winning this year’s G1 Golden Slipper S.

Shinzo is the only runner in this year's Coolmore Stud S. with a Group 1 victory on his CV | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Fourteen sires have at least one runner in the race. They are Snitzel, Exceed And Excel, Extreme Choice, Grunt (NZ), I Am Invincible, Artie Schiller (USA), Harry Angel (Ire), Real Steel (Jpn), Zoustar, Capitalist, Written Tycoon, Toronado (Ire), Xtravagant (NZ) and Starspangledbanner.

Snitzel has three runners (Shinzo, Snapback and Moravia), as does I Am Invincible (King’s Gambit, I Am Unstoppable and Tiz Invincible), while Harry Angel is represented by Arkansaw Kid and Stretan Angel.

Of the 14 sires represented, Grunt, Real Steel and Xtravagant are looking for their first Group 1 winner.

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Gallery: Of the 14 sires represented, three are looking for their first Group 1 winner

The most expensive yearling was Snapback. He realised $825,000 at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, with China Horse Club/Newgate Bloodstock/Trilogy Racing buying him from Arrowfield Stud’s draft.

Two colts will race in the China Horse Club jacket, they being Don Corleone (Extreme Choice) and Snapback. Newgate Farm is a part-owner of that pair and they also have a share in Ozzmosis (Zoustar). Meanwhile, James Harron’s silks will be worn by Mexico (Capitalist) and Butch Cassidy (Written Tycoon).

Coolmore Stud Stakes

McGuire joins Coolmore Australia

Written by
3 min read
Coolmore Australia has announced the appointment of well-known and respected industry professional, Brian McGuire as part of the sales and nominations team.

Cover image courtesy of Inglis

Coolmore Australia have secured the valuable signature of industry heavyweight Brian McGuire to join their ranks later in the month.

The Irish-born bloodstock agent, who has plied his trade alongside some of the most revered names in the Australian racing industry, has been announced on Wednesday as a new member of the Coolmore operation.

Coolmore Australia told The Thoroughbred Report that they are “pleased to announce the appointment of well-known and respected industry professional, Brian McGuire as part of the sales and nominations team”.

“Brian brings with him considerable domestic and international experience, having held senior positions with Aquis Farm, Annabel Neasham Racing and Ciaron Maher Racing, as well as time spent with Dermot Farrington Bloodstock and Gai Waterhouse Racing.”

Ciaron Maher, Annabel Neasham and Brian McGuire | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

McGuire rose to prominence in Australia in 2017 with the Ciaron Maher Racing operation, acting in a client relations and bloodstock management role. He was also a key early member of Annabel Neasham’s team, when she commenced her training career in 2020, acting as racing manager.

“Most recently working as an independent bloodstock agent, Brian has been heavily active sourcing weanlings, yearlings and mares for a wide array of clients.

“This extensive experience will be invaluable for clients of Coolmore Australia, as we seek to offer them the best service possible.”

Evidently delighted with the coup, Coolmore Australia principal Tom Mangier said, “Brian is someone we have watched and worked with closely over many years. He is a hardworking and knowledgeable person, and we have a huge amount of respect for him.

“We have a great team of young and ambitious people at Coolmore and Brian will complement that team perfectly as we continue to build for the future.”

“We have a great team of young and ambitious people at Coolmore and Brian (McGuire) will complement that team perfectly as we continue to build for the future.” - Tom Magnier

It has been a busy period for the breeding operation, who in September purchased John Singleton’s Strawberry Hill Stud, to be used as a “world-class spelling farm”, as Tom Mangier told The Thoroughbred Report at the time.

McGuire was quoted as saying “It is a hugely exciting time to be joining Coolmore Australia. When you look at their current roster of stallions and note that Golden Slipper winner Shinzo is set to join them, the future looks extremely bright.”

It’s not just the Golden Slipper-winning son of Snitzel McGuire will have the pleasure of working alongside, with established forces such as Fastnet Rock and Pierro complemented by exciting prospects Home Affairs and St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) all featuring on the Coolmore Australia roster for 2023.

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Gallery: Some of the stallions on the Coolmore roster in 2023

He continued, “Couple that with the significant investment they have made to enhance their broodmare band in recent times, it makes it a very appealing move for me and my family.

“I look forward to joining a team of people that I already have a lot of respect for, and hope that combining my experience, knowledge and enthusiasm can further enhance the continued development of Coolmore Australia.”

“I look forward to joining a team of people that I already have a lot of respect for, and hope that combining my experience, knowledge and enthusiasm can further enhance the continued development of Coolmore Australia.” - Brian McGuire

McGuire commences his role at Coolmore Australia on Monday, November 20.

Brian McGuire
Coolmore Australia
Tom Magnier

Clay’s debut consignment features a powerhouse pair

Written by
8 min read
Case Clay's first consignment at Keeneland November will feature the dam of the G1 Kentucky Derby winner Mage (USA) (Good Magic {USA}), as well as the Grade 1-winning millionaire Dalika (Ger) (Pastorius {Ger}).

Cover image courtesy of Keeneland

It was almost a year ago that Case Clay stepped away from his position at Three Chimneys Farm to focus full-time on his company, Case Clay Thoroughbred Management. With services including bloodstock auction and private purchases, portfolio management and equine insurance, he has stayed busy since going solo.

Clay was in Australia for the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale this spring to oversee a successful auction for his clients offering yearlings there. They celebrated several lucrative sales, including a Dundeel (NZ) colt out of Kevikki (Smart Missile) – a mare that Clay had purchased privately for the breeding partnership – that sold for $500,000 out of the Arrowfield consignment to Katsumi Yoshida.

The Dundeel (NZ) x Kevikki (colt) that was purchased by Katsumi Yoshida for $500,000 at this year's Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale | Image courtesy of Inglis

He maintains his longstanding relationship with Three Chimneys by working to expand Gun Runner’s (USA) international presence. In April, he took a trip to Japan, visiting farms there to recruit mares for the emerging supersire.

Of course, he was recently on hand for the domestic yearlings sales as well, representing clients both buying and selling. During Book 1 of Keeneland September, Case Clay Thoroughbred Management purchased a Kingman (GB) filly from the family of Uncle Mo (USA) for US$625,000 (AU$987,100).

“It's going well,” Clay shared. “I’m really enjoying it and having a lot of fun. The goal is to try and do well for my clients, whether that is advising or buying or selling for them. I feel lucky to be working with some great people and what I’m really liking is the variety of work. It’s never the same job from one day to the next.”

“The goal is to try and do well for my clients, whether that is advising or buying or selling for them.” - Case Clay

A small but select consignment

Clay’s next undertaking is one that he admits was never really in the cards for his business until now. At the Keeneland November Sale, he will launch his first consignment. The two-horse lineup features Puca (USA) (Big Brown {USA}), the dam of G1 Kentucky Derby winner Mage (USA) (Good Magic {USA}), and Grade 1-winning millionaire Dalika (Ger) (Pastorius {Ger}).

“This was not really in the plans, but when these two mares came along and did well, it became part of the plan,” Clay explained. “I’m lucky to have clients and relationships that have confidence in me to take them to a sale. They were very much a part of this decision and very much a part of me being fortunate enough to sell them.”

Puca (USA) when racing | Image courtesy of Kentucky Derby

Clay’s father Robert Clay launched Grandview Equine not long after selling Three Chimneys in 2013. When the partnership bought several shares in Good Magic (USA), they purchased Puca, a stakes-winning half-sister to the Grade 1 winner Finnegans Wake (USA) (Powerscourt {GB}), for US$475,000 (AU$750,200). After producing her first foal by Gun Runner the following spring, Puca was sent to Good Magic in his first year at stud.

Click here to view Puca's (USA) pedigree

The resulting foal was Mage, who Grandview sold as a yearling for US$235,000 (AU$371,100). Although he won’t make it to the Breeders’ Cup this weekend due to a fever, the Kentucky Derby winner has stamped himself as a top 3-year-old this year as he collected additional Grade 1 placings in the Florida Derby, Preakness S. and Haskell S. and he will now point to the G1 Pegasus World Cup in 2024.

“My dad has been floating around since May,” Clay said with a laugh. “It’s very exciting for my parents and the partners in Grandview.”

“My dad has been floating around since May. It’s very exciting for my parents and the partners in Grandview.” - Case Clay

At 11 years old, Puca’s produce record extends past Mage. That first Gun Runner foal, a filly named Gunning (USA), was retained by Grandview and is twice stakes placed. Her 2-year-old Dornoch (USA), a full brother to Mage, was second in the Sapling S. in August and just broke his maiden at Keeneland by 6.5l for trainer Danny Gargan. Puca’s yearling colt by McKinzie (USA) sold to Mayberry Farm for US$1.2 million (AU$1.9 million) at the Keeneland September Sale.

“She’s three for three with producing black type and now has sold a US$1.2 million yearling as well,” said Clay. “Her foals are all a little bit different, but one consistency is that they’re good-looking horses. They're all commercially appealing physicals. She’s a big, beautiful mare and she’s from a good-producing family.”

Mage (USA) gets the win in the G1 Kentucky Derby | Image courtesy of Horsephotos

Puca will be offered at Keeneland November in foal to Good Magic.

“Who knows what her potential is with what she has already produced?” said Clay. “I can’t think of another Derby producer that sold in the same year with this kind of produce record from only three foals to race.”

“Who knows what her (Puca) potential is with what she has already produced?” - Case Clay

The other mare in the consignment, the German-bred Dalika, represents the scope of Clay’s international network.

Click here to view Dalika's (Ger) pedigree

A winner at two in her native country for her breeder Gestüt Ammerland, Dalika caught the eye of Bal Mar Equine’s Paul Varga.

“Paul and I had talked a lot about buying fillies in Europe and racing them here,” explained Clay. “By good luck, I am friends with Ammerland. He used to board his horses at Three Chimneys back in the day. Crispin de Moubray is a good friend and he managed for Ammerland for many years. I called him and we were able to buy Dalika privately.”

Dalika (Ger) wins the 2022 G1 Beverly D. | Image courtesy of Horsephotos

Dalika quickly emerged as a turf force on American soil and she was a presence in the Al Stall barn for four years as she amassed four career graded stakes wins highlighted by the 2022 G1 Beverly D. S. at Churchill Downs.

“She won at seven distances, from five and a half to 11 furlongs,” said Clay. “A track record setter at Churchill Downs and Kentucky Downs, she had 32 starts and retired sound. She was kind of the dream filly. Al Stall did an amazing job training her. It’s one of those things where it was such a lucky circumstance that such a durable mare ended up in Stall's hands.”

“She (Dalika) was kind of the dream filly.” - Case Clay

Dalika is Stall’s highest-earning filly with over US$1.4 million (AU$2.2 million) in earnings.

“She is very unique to what we are training in America,” said Stall. “When she was traveling well close to the front end, she was a tough horse to get by. She outlasted the competition and she brought it most of the time. That was the best thing about her. Every time she ran we would just assume that she would come out of the race fine and usually she did. There’s a lot to like about this mare with her soundness, heart and reliability.”

Retired from racing at the start of the year, Dalika is now carrying her first foal by 2022 Horse of the Year Flightline (USA).

Flightline (USA) | Standing at Lane's End

Clay said he believes the 7-year-old’s pedigree will offer breeders ample opportunity for success.

“You’ve got breedability with her,” he said. “She’s pretty much an outcross anywhere. These German mares are durable and they have produced winners of a lot of races around the world – the Arc, the Melbourne Cup, the King George and Queen Elizabeth, the French Derby and Epsom Derby. For anyone around the world who wants to win a major Classic, the more you look into it, these German mares produce those types.”

Clay said he doesn’t plan to set expectations for his consignment until the mares are on site. Until then, he will finalise last-minute preparations, take a quick trip to the Breeders’ Cup on Friday and then return to Lexington to ship in for the weekend.

“Once you get to the sale you can get a feel for things, so I’ve left all that until later,” he said. “I plan to treat my customers and the people I deal with right and hopefully the rest takes care of itself.”

Small steps

Clay is quick to say that while he is looking forward to this latest endeavour, he has no plans of expanding his consignment into yearling sales.

“Selling mares that are in my camp is vertical integration, so it makes sense,” he said. “Mares are much more straightforward, whether you’re buying or selling them. That’s what I like about it.”

“Selling mares that are in my camp is vertical integration, so it makes sense.” - Case Clay

After a 20-year tenure at Three Chimneys, Clay has had a hand in offering many top-selling broodmares and broodmare prospects to the marketplace. One of his most memorable Keeneland November Sales was back in 2004, when the triple Grade 1 winner Take Charge Lady (USA) (Dehere {USA}) was consigned by Three Chimneys and sold for US$4.2 million (AU$6.6 million).

Clay said he hopes his past experiences serve him well going forward.

“I was super lucky to be working for Three Chimneys when there were a lot of these million-dollar plus mares going through,” he said. “Take Charge Lady was a really memorable one, as well as Mizdirection (Mizzen Mast), Composure (Touch Gold) and Life at Ten (Malibu Moon). It’s nice to have that experience to pull from and I’m looking forward to getting back in the saddle with these two mares.”

Case Clay

Black type results: Bendigo

2 min read

Cover image courtesy of Racing Photos

G3 Bendigo Cup, $500,000, 2400m

It may have taken Interpretation (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) a while to break through for his first win on Australian soil but he did it in style, charging home late to secure the G3 Bendigo Cup in determined fashion.

Out of the winner's circle since taking out the Listed Vinnie Roe S. at Leopardstown in August 2021, the 6-year-old had run some good races in the meantime and had not enjoyed the best of luck in the G3 Bart Cummings at his previous outing.

One of the 373 stakes winners for his superstar sire, Interpretation was bred by White Birch Farm out of the placed Daldiyna (Fr) (Dansili {GB}) - also dam of the Group 3-placed winner Bahamian Club (Ire) (Kingman {GB}).

Daldiyna is out of the placed Daltama (Ire) (Indian Ridge {Ire}), dam of the UAE Champion Older Female Dolniya (Fr) (Azamour {ire}), in turn dam of the G3 Prix Quincey winner Dilawar (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}).

Daltama's dam is the Listed winner Daltawa (Ire) (Miswaki {USA}) who did a great job with her seven winners including the European Horses of the Year Daylami (Ire) and Dalakhani (Ire), the Group 3 winner Dalghar (Fr) and the Listed winner Daymarti (Ire) (Caerleon {USA}).

Also from this family is the G1 Prix de l'Opera winner Dalkala (USA) (Giant's Causeway {USA}) and the local Group winners Four Moves Ahead (Snitzel) and Emeralds (Sebring). And further back this is also the family of the great Dubawi (Ire).

Interpretation is one of the 63 stakes winners combining Galileo (Ire) with another strain with that horse's damsire Miswaki (USA). And he is one of the six stakes winners (from 43 runners/27 winners) by Galileo out of a mare by Dansili (GB) with the best bred on this cross being the G1 Mackinnon S. winner Magic Wand (Ire).

Bendigo
Black type results

Sofia Rosa’s half-sister breaks the ice

2 min read

Written by Trent Masenhelder

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Snitzel filly Until Valhalla is a maiden no longer after shedding her maiden status at the second time of asking.

Having been touched off by Gold Dust (Exceed And Excel) at Wyong on October 8, the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained 3-year-old made all to win impressively at Randwick-Kensington under apprentice Dylan Gibbons.

The margin in the $100,000 super maiden was 1.19l, with the odds-on favourite Mogwai (Epaulette) second and Rockola (Jukebox) third.

“She jumped so well. She was still a bit new in front, she was having a good look,” assistant trainer, Johann Gerard-Dubord, told Sky Thoroughbred Central.

“The extra 300 metres suited, she was able to control the race and she was too good.

“She’s still learning, she will take a bit of racing, but she has ability and it’s good to get a result for the Mailbag Bloodstock team.

“The filly is still improving and it is good to get the maiden out of the way.”

“The filly (Until Valhalla) is still improving and it is good to get the maiden out of the way.” - Johann Gerard-Dubord

Gibbons was impressed by the filly’s victory and is confident there is plenty of upside.

“Going from 1100 metres to 1400 metres was a big help,” he said.

“I was planning on taking the box-seat if I could. When she jumped in front it was a bit of a surprise. She got there and controlled the race beautifully.

“She’s still a bit raw, but I love the way she went about it.

“She’s got a few little quirks, but she’s got a motor.

“She’s (Until Valhalla) got a few little quirks, but she’s got a motor.” - Dylan Gibbons

“If she keeps racing the way she is, it’s onwards and upwards.”

Bred by Gerry Harvey, the filly was offered by Vinery Stud at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where Ciaron Maher Bloodstock went to $425,000 to secure her.

Until Valhalla as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Until Valhalla is from the winless Encosta De Lago mare Bislieri and she herself is a half-sister to the Group 3 winner Bel Danoro. That makes Until Valhalla a half-sister to the 2016 G1 Australian Oaks heroine Sofia Rosa (NZ) (Makfi {GB}). The filly’s grandam is the Listed victress Bislotto (Bellotto {USA}).

Bislieri has a yearling colt by Snitzel and was again covered by him last December.

Until Valhalla
Snitzel
Sofia Rosa
Johann Gerard-Dubord
Dylan Gibbons

Foal Showcase

1 min read

To have your foal featured, send a landscape-oriented image to lucy@ttrausnz.com.au

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Time Test (GB) x Shirley’s Secret (NZ) (filly) | Born and bred at Little Avondale by Little Avondale and Rosy Pratt, image courtesy of Kirsty Percy

Portland Sky x Pure Humour (colt) | Born at Widden Stud

Pinatubo (Ire) x Diorissima (filly) | Born at Willow Park Stud, image courtesy of Lisa Richards

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Foal Showcase

Daily News Wrap

10 min read

Vale Towkay

Little Avondale Stud has announced the death of Towkay, aged 29.

The Group 3 winner and Group 1-producing sire, who retired from stallion duties at Little Avondale in 2017, was humanely euthanised.

Little Avondale’s studmaster, Sam Williams, said the decision was personally very tough, despite the inevitability.

Towkay

“He is the reason the farm is what it is today, we owe him a huge debt of gratitude. Not only was he a most successful sire, but he was so endearing to everyone whose path he crossed,” said Williams.

Towkay sired 28 black-type performers including three Group 1 winners highlighted by the triple elite-level scorer Viadana (NZ).

Interpretation breaks drought with Bendigo Cup win

Galileo (Ire) gelding Interpretation (Ire) snapped a longstanding winless streak when scoring a thrilling victory in the G3 Bendigo Cup. The imported stayer headed into the $500,000 contest having not saluted since August 2021.

With Michael Dee in the saddle, Interpretation had his head down on the line, touching off Brayden Star (GB) (Twilight Son {GB}), while Taramansour (Ire) (Dansili {GB}) was third.

“He presented super today and the team have done a sensational job,” Interpretation’s co-trainer Ciaron Maher told Racing.com.

“Micky Dee, he had to go back from a wide gate, it was a beautiful ride today and he needed all of his strength to get him over the line.”

When asked if the plan is to head to the Melbourne Cup, Maher was matter of fact, “Bloody oath,” he said.

Interpretation ran in last year’s Melbourne Cup, but failed to finish officially after being pulled up by jockey Craig Newitt. He has since been gelded.

Interpretation’s Bendigo Cup success follows that of stablemate High Emocean (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) in 2022.

Racing Victoria’s chief handicapper David Hegan confirmed Interpretation won’t be penalised for his win and the imported stayer moves to 24th in the order of entry.

Imperatriz for Royal Ascot?

Te Akau boss David Ellis admits connections of champion sprinting mare Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) will strongly consider a trip to England next year for a tilt at one or more of the Group 1 races at Royal Ascot.

Imperatriz | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

“It doesn’t have the same payoff for a colt that you could stand in both hemispheres, but it’s still a pretty exciting thing to do for the owners and something we would like to do sometime,” Ellis told Weigh In.

“When you’ve a world-class trainer like Mark Walker, and Sam Bergerson, you want to be on the world stage to promote New Zealand to the rest of the world. It’s something that we will certainly be having a talk about.”

Asfoora to be saved for Champions Sprint

Classy sprinting mare Asfoora (Flying Artie) won’t contest Saturday’s G3 Furphy Sprint at Flemington, with connections opting to bypass the race in favour of tackling the big guns in Saturday week’s G1 Darley Champions Sprint at the same track.

That means that if Asfoora is to break her Group 1 duck, she will need to beat the likes of brilliant mares Imperatriz and In Secret (I Am Invincible).

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” Dwyer told RSN.

“The reality is, as much as we like winning Group 3 and Listed races, she probably doesn’t need to win another one, she needs to win a Group 1 and there’s a chance of doing that, albeit against Imperatriz and In Secret, so we thought we might have a crack and if she runs a nice second, third or fourth, it’s good prizemoney.”

Sweet draw for Derby favourite

Commanding G1 Victoria Derby favourite Riff Rocket (American Pharoah {USA}) will break from gate five in Saturday’s 3-year-old Classic at Flemington. The Chris Waller-trained gelding, who had his colours lowered by Sunsets (Dundeel {NZ}) in the G3 Neds Classic (formerly the Norman Robinson S.) at Caulfield on October 21, will be partnered by James McDonald.

“He certainly likes Flemington, we need him to replicate his run here two starts ago to be a threat in the Derby,” Waller said.

“I think conserving energy over the 2500-metre distance is the key, he's certainly got a great turn of foot when called upon and I’m sure we can put the last-start defeat behind us provided we get a genuine-run race.

Riff Rocket | Image courtesy of Racing Photos

“He’s by American Pharoah, who was a Derby winner who won the Triple Crown in America and the last of those races was 2400 metres. His dam, I think, was competitive over 2000 metres, so there’s good genetics there to suggest the 2500 metres should be fine.”

Sunsets, meanwhile, has drawn the outside alley (16).

Last Saturday’s G2 Drummond Golf Vase winner, Apulia (Fiorente {Ire}), will jump from barrier three.

Waller with three in Empire Rose

Champion trainer Chris Waller will launch a three-pronged attack on Saturday’s G1 Empire Rose S. at Flemington, with Princess Grace (USA) (Karakontie {Jpn}), Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) and Hinged (Worthy Cause) all to take their place in the $1 million race over the 1600 metres.

Princess Grace has drawn barrier 12, Atishu will jump from gate eight, while Hinged has stall 13.

Waller won the race in 2014 with Red Tracer (Dane Shadow) and then again in 2019 with Shillelagh (NZ) (Savabeel).

The race has attracted a full field of 16 plus one emergency.

Kovalica primed for Eagle assault

Star jockey Tommy Berry is bullish about the chances of Kovalica (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) in Saturday’s $19 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill.

“I have always liked him from afar but the more I’ve had to do with him, and I’ve had a lot to do with him this preparation particularly, he is a horse that just oozes quality,” Berry told News Corp.

“You like everything about him. He’s got a great attitude that does what he has to at home and in his work.

Kovalica (NZ) | Image courtesy of Michael McInally

“He is right at the top of his game and is peaking at the moment.

“Chris is very good at getting the horse to peak for a grand final and after riding him in a piece of work on Tuesday morning, he couldn’t have him in any better shape.”

The G1 Queensland Derby hero will begin out of barrier 16.

Parr keen to make the most of Golden opportunity

Joshua Parr believes Japanese visitor Obamburumai (Jpn) (Discreet Cat {USA}) is a live chance in Saturday’s $10 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill.

Parr picked up the ride this week after Yutake Take was ruled out due to injury.

“I’m actually very disappointed he (Take) isn’t coming, I was looking forward to sharing the jockeys’ room with him,’’ Parr told Racing NSW.

“I’m excited though to be picking up the ride.

“He’s a classic athlete, a combination of strength, stamina and speed all in the one package. I’m quite taken by what I felt, his work was very impressive.”

New winner for The Autumn Sun

The Team McEvoy-trained Alectrona became The Autumn Sun’s 14th first-crop winner and 10th of the 2023/24 season when she broke her maiden status at Bendigo.

Alectrona, who was fifth behind Legacies (Justify {USA}) in the Listed ANZAC Day S. in April, was well-handled by Harry Coffey, leading throughout to score by 3.25l in the 1400-metre event.

The 3-year-old filly is from the Listed-winning Real Saga mare Sagaronne and she herself is a daughter of the Group 3 victress Lasoron (Oarsman).

McEvoy Mitchell Racing/Belmont Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) paid $240,000 for Alectrona at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. The filly was consigned by her breeder - Rothwell Park.

Fellow second-season sires Santos and Lean Mean Machine also had a winner on Wednesday.

Lunar Flare due a date with So You Think

Group 2-winning mare Lunar Flare (Fiorente {Ire}), who was retired after sustaining a career-ending injury during Friday’s G2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup, will be covered by Coolmore’s brilliant stallion So You Think (NZ).

Lunar Flare won nine races and more than $2 million in prizemoney.

Neasham pair out of Cup

Annabel Neasham has withdrawn King Frankel (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and Fancy Man (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai) from Tuesday’s G1 Melbourne Cup, meaning just 30 stayers remain entered for the great two-mile race.

King Frankel was 15th in the order of entry for the Melbourne Cup, while Fancy Man was outside the top 24 in 28th.

Hasta La War (Declaration Of War {USA}) has also been ruled out.

Meanwhile, Kerrin McEvoy has been booked to ride Ashrun (Fr) (Authorized {Ire}) in the Cup, Zac Lloyd will partner Athabascan (Fr) (Almanzor {Fr}) should he get a start, while while Billy Egan has been booked for the 2019 Cup hero Vow And Declare (Declaration Of War {USA}).

The final field of 24 runners will be declared on Saturday.

Racing set to return to Te Aroha

The long-awaited return of racing to Te Aroha following track renovations will take place on Friday, having been postponed from its initial Wednesday time slot due to adverse weather.

Te Aroha received 85mm of rain on Monday night and the decision was made to postpone the Wednesday meeting following a track inspection on Tuesday.

Arcangelo scratched from Classic; retired to Lane's End

After missing the last three days of training with a foot issue, leading 3-year-old Arcangelo (USA) (Arrogate {USA}) was withdrawn from Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita and will be retired to begin his career at stud at Lane's End Farm in 2024. A powerful winner of this year's GI Belmont S. and GI Travers S., the gray had a warm hind foot and had a shoe pulled on Saturday.

“We're just running out of time,” trainer Jena Antonucci said late Tuesday morning. “Horse first. Unfortunate to miss the opportunity, but to have a healthy horse is our priority, so we'll work through diagnostics the next couple of days and assess what is truly going on and make the right decisions for the horse.”

Practical Move dies from cardiac event

Practical Move (Practical Joke {USA}), winner of this spring's GI Runhappy Santa Anita Derby and second choice for Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, died after suffering an apparent cardiac event following a routine gallop early Tuesday morning at Santa Anita. His rider was uninjured.

Practical Move collapsed suddenly while jogging back along the outer rail in the stretch and was immediately tended to by the onsite veterinary team as well as his trainer Tim Yakteen.

A statement from Breeders' Cup read, “Breeders' Cup is saddened to report the loss of Practical Move after what is suspected to be a cardiac event while returning from his gallop this morning at Santa Anita Park. His rider was uninjured, and the horse was immediately tended to by veterinarians from the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB), 1/ST Racing, and Breeders' Cup.”

Kadeen tops Goffs Autumn HIT Sale

New Approach (Ire) colt Kadeen (Ire) made a sale-best €100,000 (AU$166,800) at Tuesday’s Goffs Autumn Horses In Training Sale.

Consigned as Lot 85 by the Aga Khan Studs, the colt, who is from the Listed Cooley S. winner Kadra (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), was purchased by Gordon Elliott and Bective Stud.

He boasts one win and three placings from four starts.

Of the 121 horses offered, 92 sold, with the aggregate finishing up at €1,275,700 (AU$2,128,000). The average was €13,867 (AU$23,100), while the median €7500 (AU$12,500).

Daily News Wrap

Looking Ahead - November 2

3 min read

Looking Ahead puts the spotlight on runners of interest across Australia and New Zealand. Whether they are a particularly well-bred or high-priced runner having their first or second start, a promising galloper returning to the track or a horse which has trialled particularly well, we’ll aim to give you something to follow.

We kick off on Thursday at Warrnambool, where a Hellbent colt and a Pierro filly debut for the all-conquering Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable. Then, it’s off to Western Australia, with a well-related Kermadec (NZ) filly lining up at Northam.

Warrnambool, Race 2, 2pm AEDT, Jericho Packages Still Available Mdn Plate, $37,500, 1200m

Tuck, 3-year-old colt (Hellbent x Catalonia {Flying Spur})

Wallings Bloodstock bred this colt, who was consigned by Tyreel Stud at the 2022 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. He was knocked down to Rosemont-Victorian Alliance, Suman Hedge Bloodstock (FBAA) and David Redvers Bloodstock for $200,000.

Tuck is out of a two-time winner who was placed in Listed grade and she herself has thrown the R. Listed-winning 2-year-old Espaaniyah (I Am Invincible).

Tuck as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis

The colt’s second dam, Montmelo (Viscount), placed in Group 2 class and she is a three-quarter sister to the Listed scorer Le Mans (Quest For Fame {GB}) and Interlagos (Quest For Fame {GB}) - the dam of the Listed victress Brasileira (Commands). Montmelo has produced the Group 3 winner Jorda (Exceed And Excel) and the stakes performer Pursuits (Lonhro).

Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Tuck placed third in a Cranbourne trial on August 7.

The colt will be handled by Declan Bates.

Warrnambool, Race 4, 3pm AEDT, Subway Warrnambool F&M Mdn Plate, $37,500, 1400m

Lively, 3-year-old filly (Pierro x Japhils {Choisir})

This filly was offered by her breeder - Highgrove Stud - at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, and she was bought for $400,000 by Milano Bloodstock and Ciaron Maher Bloodstock.

Lively is from a three-time winner who earned black type when claiming the Listed Nitschke S. in 2015.

Lively as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

This Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained filly is a half-sister to the Sandown-Hillside winner and Listed placegetter Perceptive (Written Tycoon).

Lively is closely related to the stakes winners Millstreet (GB) (Polish Precedent {USA}) and Campsie Fells (UAE) (Indian Ridge {Ire}).

She will debut under Linda Meech.

Northam, Race 4, 6.37pm AEDT (3.37pm local), Celebrating Past And Present Sponsors Mdn, $25,00, 1300m

Kermelia, 3-year-old filly (Kermadec {NZ} x Ezee Ezee {NZ} {Zabeel {NZ}})

A hombred for Peter Walsh’s Amelia Park Racing & Breeding, Kermelia is from a two-time winner who is a three-quarter sister to the triple Group 1 hero Efficient (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), and a half-sister to the elite-level scorer On The Rocks (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}).

Other stakes winners on the filly’s page include Guillotine (NZ) - and he is also a Group 2-producing sire, and Dancing Flojo (NZ) (Amazing Dancer {USA}).

Kermadec (NZ) | Standing at Darley

The Daniel and Ben Pearce-trained filly won a Lark Hill trial on October 2, before placing fifth in her second trial at the same venue a fortnight later.

Clint Johnston-Porter has the ride.

Looking Back

In Race 2 at Randwick-Kensington, Ragga Ragga (Toronado {Ire}) was heavily supported and led into the straight before fading to finish sixth, while Tulle (Sepoy) ran well to place third. At Doomben, Leitzel (Trapeze Artist) was unplaced in Race 5.

Looking Ahead
Looking Back

Debutants

1 min read
First-time starters lining up on Thursday, November 2

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

First Season Sire Runners & Results

1 min read

First Season Sires’ Results

Results: Wednesday, November 1

No first season sires' results

First Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Thursday, November 2

No first season sires' runners

First Season Sire Results
First Season Sire Runners

Second Season Sire Runners & Results

Second Season Sires’ Results

Results: Wednesday, November 1

Second Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Thursday, November 2

Second Season Sire Results
Second Season Sire Runners

NSW Race Results

Randwick-Kensington (Metrpolitan)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

VIC Race Results

Apiam Bendigo (Country)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

QLD Race Results

Doomben (Metropolitan)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

WA Race Results

Ascot (Metropolitan)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

SA Race Results

Strathalbyn (Provincial)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

TAS Race Results

Launceston (night) (Metropolitan)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

Australian Sires' Premiership

Australian 2-Year-Old Sires' Premiership

New Zealand Sires' Premiership

New Zealand 2-Year-Old Sires' Premiership

Thanks for reading!

1 min read

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The Final Say