Saturday preview: six things to keep an eye on

10 min read
Saturday looks a good day to take a break from those busy Christmas preparations and watch a race or two - and whilst there is no Group 1 racing there is still plenty of interest. Especially in Queensland as promising horses get ready for the big Magic Millions meeting next month.

G3 BJ McLachlan S. - Magic Millions pointer?

Current Magic Millions favourite Storm Boy (Justify {USA}) takes another step towards that feature on Saturday and should again prove hard to beat having impressed leading throughout at his Rosehill debut earlier in the month.

He has only five rivals in this feature race at Eagle Farm but another four of those have already posted nice wins with the unbeaten Astapor (Tassort) saluting by wide margins at Rockhampton and Doomben.

Mishani Aloha (Kobayashi) - currently quoted at big odds for the Gold Coast race - has also won two in a row and she too has plenty of pace and with her drawing alongside Storm Boy this should be an interesting race tactically.

Storm Boy, the current favourite for the G3 BJ McLachlan S. at Eagle Farm | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Poster Girl (Alabama Express) was a beaten odds-on favourite at her second start but the form for her debut Sunshine Coast win looks pretty good - second that day being the subsequent Listed Calaway S. winner Barbie's Sister (Spirit Of Boom).

The sole debutant in the race is the $400,000 Magic Millions graduate Customized (Capitalist), a Snowden-trained Randwick trial winner who hails from the same branch of the prolific Stolen Hour (USA) (Mr Busher {USA}) family as Giga Kick (Scissor Kick) and like that horse he is line-bred to his own family.

This is an interesting race in regard to first-season stallions with Astapor and Poster Girl by young horses who have made most encouraging starts - horses who are currently one/two in the leading first-season sire chart.

Astapor's Newgate Farm-based sire Tassort has been very nice for those breeders who supported him at a fee of $11,000 (inc GST) - three of his first eight runners being winners including the G3 Gimcrack S. winner Manaal.

Tassort | Standing at Newgate Farm

Poster Girl is by Yulong's G1 CF Orr S. winner Alabama Express whose three winners from six runners include the G3 Ottawa S. winner Karavas whilst his daughter Express Yo'self is stakes-placed.

Meanwhile Storm Boy is by the Coolmore Stud-based second-season sire Justify (USA), the US Triple Crown winner who has already been represented by six Group 1 winners in the Northern Hemisphere and by 20 winners (three stakes winners) in Australia and another three winners (from just four runners) and a stakes winner in New Zealand.

Listed Falvelon S. - consistent speedsters

It's a battle between a couple of 'as honest as they come' horses at Eagle Farm - Zarastro (I Am Invincible) and Spacewalk (Exosphere) vying for favouritism on the back of consistent and classy form.

Not since spring last year has the Tony Gollan - who won this race in 2016 with Whiskey Allround (All Bar One) - trained Zarastro finished out of the first two.

Leading throughout to record a dominant second-up victory at Doomben late last month, the 5-year-old has won four of his last six starts - finishing second on the other two occasions.

Spacewalk boasts similar statistics for his last six outings - three wins and three seconds and he has finished second in a Hawkesbury trial since running two great races in one week at Flemington.

Zarastro, the current favourite for the Listed Falvelon S. at Eagle Farm | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography

Winning the G3 Rising Fast S. and five days later running second in the Listed Century S., he is a member of the James Cummings stable - and he is a trainer who really knows how to win this race having taken it out three years running between 2019 and 2021 with Isaurian (Exceed And Excel) and Roheryn (Lonhro) two years in a row.

It would be great to see these two courageous gallopers fighting on the finish though there do look to be a couple of threats with Tony Gollan hoping for a trifecta... Zarastro's stablemates Nettuno (I Am Invincible) and Ef Troop (Spirit Of Boom) also laying claims.

The former is already a Group 3 winner whilst the latter, a dual Listed winner, was third in this race last year.

Listed Bernborough Plate - in memory of a legend

A horse who in his early days was banned from racing in the city due to his controversial owners, a horse who would win 10 races now ranked as Group 1s, a horse would could take out major weight-for-age races as well as handicaps under massive weights, who earned a cult following putting 15 wins together with his trademark strong finishes capturing the imagination of Australian racing fans... this is a horse worthy of a race named in his honour!

Bernborough | Image courtesy of Wikipedia

And also worthy of his induction in the very first year of the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, Bernborough taking his place alongside Carbine (NZ), Phar Lap (NZ), Kingston Town (Bletchingly) and Tulloch (NZ).

There may not have been a horse of the quality of Bernborough (who retired to stud in the US where he sired Group 1 winners form his Spendthrift Farm base) win the race run in his memory but there have been some pretty smart gallopers add it to their resumes - such as the popular Queenslanders Buck's Pride and Chief De Beers (Hula Chief {NZ}).

It's an even running of the 1600-metre contest this year with four of the 11 runners opening at single-figure odds. Favourite on the back of his dominant Listed Tails S. victory second-up,

Acquitted (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) should again prove hard to beat.

Acquitted (Ire), the current favourite for the Listed Bernborough Plate at Eagle Farm | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography

Love Tap (Tapit {USA}) has raced in three different states at his last three outings and keeps racing well whilst Tazaral (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) is looking for more luck having been held up for runs fresh at Rosehill on December 2.

G2 Ted van Heemst S. - the Williams stable again?

With the van Heemst family successful with their homebred Queen Alina (Mahuta) in the Listed ATA S. on Wednesday it is timely that a race named after the Lynward Park patriarch take place this weekend at Ascot.

First run in 1914 as the Grandstand Plate, a Principal race, it was renamed in 1920 - and won by the outstanding galloper Eurythmic (Eudorus {GB}) - the CB Cox S. which from 1979 has been run as a Group - under its current name since 2016.

Long regarded as a G2 Perth Cup lead-up, it has been won by a number of classy performers such as Scenic Shot (Scenic {Ire}), Delicacy (Al Maher) and Battle Heights (NZ) (Battle-Waggon {GB}) as well as the G1 Melbourne Cup winner Piping Lane (Lanesborough {Ire}).

Zoumon, the current favourite for the G2 Ted van Heemst S. at Ascot | Image courtesy of Michael McInally

Only six horses face the starter this year with Casino Seventeen (Casino Prince) vying to become the eighth Williams stable winner in 10 years; Grant training the 2014 and 2015 winners Elite Belle (Canny Lad) and Delicacy whilst he and Alana cheered home Perfect Reflection (More Than Ready {USA}) in 2016, Galaxy Star (Redoute's Choice) in 2018, Regal Power (Pierro) in 2019 and 2021 and Truly Great (Dundeel {NZ}) in 2020.

The 6-year-old - who has won two Listed races this year - got too far back from a horror gate in the G1 Northerly S. and is suited down in class and back up in distance.

It is however one of those tricky small fields in which any horse could win without surprising. Numerian (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) has a nice weight drop, Zoumon (Zoustar) was not far away in the Northerly whilst Marocchino (Maschino) will make the pace and prove hard to run down.

Group racing at Trentham - a couple of features

The first of two Trentham features is the G2 Manawatu Challenge S., a weight-for-age race contested over 1400 metres. Strongly fancied to make it two in a row is Puntura (NZ) (Vespa {NZ}) who has been kept up to the mark with a trial victory since taking out the G3 Coupland's Bakeries Mile in mid-November.

Puntura (NZ) is strongly facied to make it two in a row in the G2 Challenge S. at Trentham | Image courtesy of Race Images South

Tavattack (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) can really put in the big strides late and will strip fitter for his last two runs whilst Live Drama (NZ) (Ghibellines) seeks to atone for a somewhat unlucky fifth in the Listed Stewards S.

Belclare (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) has her fair share of ability as her record of nine wins shows and Town Cryer (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) enjoys a drop in class having made the pace in the G1 TAB Classic two weeks ago - a race in which Belardo Boy (NZ) (Belardo {Ire}) was doing his best work late. And Romancing The Moon (NZ) (El Roca) just keeps racing well as does Sugah Sweet (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}) who has earned her crack at this tougher class.

The G3 Manawatu Cup - a 2300-metre handicap - is the next race on the card and whilst the previous race is an open one, this one is dominated by Manifique (NZ) (Savabeel) who is a short-priced favourite having won her last two in convincing fashion.

Manifique (NZ), the current favourite for the G3 Manawatu Cup at Trentham | Image courtesy of Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North)

Colorado Star (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}) is nice odds and was a genuine improver third-up, Sagunto (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}) was game after being taken on in front last start, Fierce Flight (Flying Artie) showed good heart last time out and Langkawi (Helmet) went close to the prize at his most recent outing.

The juveniles at Randwick - another Magic Millions guide

The opening event on the Randwick card is one of the day's most interesting races with a group of eight 2-year-olds facing the starter including the short-priced favourite Straight Charge (Written By) who is high up in Magic Millions markets.

The horse out of a half-sister to the very fast Winning Rupert (a son of Written By's sire Written Tycoon) created a big impression with a tough defeat from a wide gate in the G3 Breeders' Plate at his debut in late September - and he has really caught the eye easily winning two recent Randwick trials.

Coming off a soft win in the Max Lees at Newcastle is Erno's Cube (Rubick) whilst Pisces (Frosted {USA}) and Climate Change (Too Darn Hot {GB}) come off nice debut wins in different states - the former knuckling down late to claim a Kembla Grange maiden whilst the latter led throughout to win at Mornington for the Shane Nichols stable.

Straight Charge, the current favourite for Race 1 at Randwick | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

She is part of the good start made by her Darley-based shuttling sire, the triple Group 1-winning Dubawi (Ire) horse who has been represented by another two winners amongst his first five Australian runners.

Fellow first-season sire Tassort has Sacred Fort attempting to break his maiden after running on nicely at his first two starts whilst there are also two horses facing the starter for the first time - Tarpaulin (Harry Angel {Ire}) and Capricious Belle (Russian Revolution).

The Godolphin colt Tarpaulin is out of the wonderful broodmare Shelters (Lonhro), the dual city-winning dam of the Group winners Aft Cabin (Astern) and Multaja (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) as well as the Listed winner Veranillo (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) whilst Capricious Belle - a $150,000 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale graduate - is out of a half-sister to the triple stakes winner Long Leaf (Fastnet Rock).

Saturday preview
Six things to keep an eye on

Global stallion value: Part 2

9 min read
In the second of this two-part series, The Thoroughbred Report discusses value in the context of yearling sales with leading international agent Craig Rounsefell of Boomer Bloodstock (FBAA).

In Part 1, we saw little change in the top order from last year, identifying Frankel (GB) and Dubawi (Ire) as the world’s joint-most-expensive stallions. As we look at Australasia, Europe and North America, it’s the latter two that dominate in terms of stud fees, with Australasia represented just once in the combined top 10.

According to Rounsefell, who has extensive experience of buying, selling, importing and managing stock of all ages in each of our jurisdictions, this is something of a misnomer.

Craig Rounsefell | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

“In my opinion you need to look at the prices in the currency they are listed to get the best reflection as breeders are paying those services fees and then selling the stock in that currency,” he told The Thoroughbred Report.

“Obviously, with the weakness of the Australian dollar, when you do the conversions our top stallions come in lower than those in the USA and Europe, although comparatively they are solidly priced.

“In addition, the prices Australian breeders can access these high-priced stallions on Southern Hemisphere covers in Europe and the US is a good comparison of where they slot in against our top-priced stallions in Australia.”

“... the prices Australian breeders can access these high-priced stallions on Southern Hemisphere covers in Europe and the US is a good comparison of where they slot in against our top-priced stallions in Australia.” - Craig Rounsefell

Publicly, the most expensive of these known to TTR AusNZ is Juddmonte Farms’ Frankel, whose £125,000 (AU$240,000) Southern Hemisphere fee in 2023 was less than half his local fee of £350,000 (AU$673,000). The price reduction is even more stark for Three Chimneys Farm’s US sensation Gun Runner (USA) at US$65,000 (AU$92,300) compared to US$250,000 (AU$385,000).

Also in the global top 10 and available this year on Southern Hemisphere time was the Aga Khan Studs' Siyouni (Fr), with his usual €200,000 (AU$333,000) reduced to €60,000 (AU$100,000) for out-of-season covers.

Stakes-producing superstars

However, when they are made available on Southern Hemisphere time, the scope of out-of-season books for these superstars is regularly described by their respective studmaster with words like ‘limited’ and ‘selective’.

That’s unsurprising, given the prepotence of the elite, as they are managed with a view to balance increasing their international profiles against protecting them physically, ensuring they have a proper rest each year.

“There are quite a few rags to riches stories on this list,” Rounsefell noted. “From Into Mischief in the US to I Am Invincible in Australia and Wootton Bassett in Europe, although these are all quite exposed now.”

Unlike last year, this year’s analysis sees a shuttler amongst the global top 10, as Wootton Bassett’s (GB) €200,000 (AU$333,000) fee puts him in joint sixth alongside Sea The Stars (Ire) and Siyouni. In general though, shuttling is not common amongst the best of the best.

Wootton Bassett (GB) | Standing at Coolmore

With his first Southern Hemisphere yearling crop yet to hit the sales, Wootton Bassett’s influence in future years may well see him eclipse his competitors on accumulated results in both hemispheres, though Rounsefell cautions against expecting instant results.

“I very much look forward to seeing his stock at the yearling sales next year and like many of these great shuttle stallions that come to Australia, if the Aussie buyers can have some patience with them, it is entirely possible he will succeed here too,” he said.

For now, though there are, like last year, two clear winners when it comes to producing elite horses.

FrankelJuddmonte Farms' Banstead Manor Stud (GB) $673,000 3911
DubawiDarley's Dalham Hall Stud (GB) $673,000 388
Into MischiefSpendthrift Farm (USA) $385,000 266
Gun RunnerThree Chimneys Farm (USA) $385,000 153
CurlinHill 'n' Dale (USA) $385,000 145
Sea The StarsAga Khan Studs' Gilltown Stud (Ire) $333,000 244
Wootton BassettCoolmore (Ire) $333,000 123
SiyouniAga Khan Studs' Haras de Bonneval (Fr) $333,000 103
Quality RoadLane's End (USA) $308,000 171
I Am Invincible Yarraman Park Stud (AUS) $275,000 222

Table: Top 10 with stakes winners for 2023

This year, Dubawi went one better than last as he saw eight individual Group 1 winners in 2023, and for the second year in a row he will be joined by another of his sons on the Darley roster. Modern Games (Ire) finally won at the elite level in his home nation this year, having taken Group 1-mile races at the Breeders’ Cup (twice), in France and in Canada, and he now settles into life alongside his father at Dalham Hall Stud.

Astoundingly, Frankel produced 11 Group 1 winners in 2023, and as mentioned in Part 1, he has six sons beginning stud careers next year. Three of those, Chaldean (GB), Triple Time (Ire) and Mostahdaf (Ire), make short journeys in and around Newmarket. A fourth, G1 Irish Derby winner Westover (GB), moves to Japan, as does another son of Frankel, Godolphin’s 2021 G1 Epsom Derby winner Adayar (Ire), whilst Onesto (Ire) was announced for Haras d’Etreham in France.

Gallery: Frankel's (GB) six sons beginning stud careers next year

Tied on 39 stakes winners apiece this year, and at 10.8 and 10.5 per cent stakes winners-to-runners respectively, Dubawi and Frankel are outstripping the rest. For comparison, the most expensive sire in the US, Into Mischief (USA), was responsible for six individual Group 1 winners in 2023, amongst a total of 26 stakes winners (5.3 per cent stakes winners-to-runners), and with even more runners (close to 500 so far this year compared to fewer than 400 for his European peers).

Last year, we concluded that what boosted Frankel and Dubawi to dominance on stakes winners was a combination of willingness to travel, poor local prizemoney and ample international turf opportunities.

“I would say that is a fair call,” Rounsefell said. “But I’d also add that their progeny are very versatile when it comes to ground, distance ranges and that they continue to improve with age and appear very sound animals.

“Exceptional stallions, such as Frankel, still represent value in my opinion, as your chances of producing a superior racehorse are significantly higher.

“Exceptional stallions, such as Frankel, still represent value in my opinion, as your chances of producing a superior racehorse are significantly higher.” - Craig Rounsefell

“It is a large sum for breeders to find although if they have the right mare then it is worth it as stallions such as Frankel are very rare. As Mr Hancock always tells me, ‘A good bull is half your herd and a bad bull is all of it.’

“I understand Frankel has served a full book of mares this season Southern Hemisphere time, so we will be seeing plenty of his progeny at the yearling sales in Australia in the years to come.”

Elite sales results

With the major yearling sales done and dusted for 2023, we’ve taken a look at how the global elite fare in the sales ring. Although the progeny discussed may have been conceived off a different fee, we’ve used the most recent fee (2023 for Southern Hemisphere and 2024 for Northern Hemisphere) as it's a good indicator of how stallion values were influenced by the yearling markets of 2023.

Zoustar | Standing at Widden Stud

It shouldn’t be a surprise to see that Zoustar, who is the only shuttler amongst the global elite to have had yearlings sell in both hemispheres, is firmly on top, numbers wise. He had 130 yearlings sell in 2023 from 150 offered, for an aggregate of $36,236,943 and average of $278,745.

Now with three crops sold in the Northern Hemisphere, Zoustar’s numbers there were down from last year, from just north of $50 million and $305,000 for his 2022 aggregate and average respectively. With stakes winners on the board, he appears to be gaining traction there, but he’s still got a way to go to match some of the others.

Into MischiefSpendthrift Farm (USA) $385,000 70$74,969,249 $1,070,989 28
I Am Invincible Yarraman Park Stud (AUS) $275,000 92$62,145,000 $675,489 17
Wootton BassettCoolmore (Ire) $333,000 97$47,280,799 $487,430 7
Snitzel Arrowfield Stud (AUS) $225,000 76$39,405,000 $518,486 10
Uncle MoCoolmore (USA) $231,000 75$38,116,840 $508,224 8
Zoustar Widden Stud (AUS and GB) $200,000 130$36,236,943 $278,745 7
Gun RunnerThree Chimneys Farm (USA) $385,000 63$35,397,989 $561,872 10
CurlinHill 'n' Dale (USA) $385,000 39$32,355,259 $829,622 10
FrankelJuddmonte Farms' Banstead Manor Stud (GB) $673,000 30$30,763,315 $1,025,443 9
ConstitutionWinStar Farm (USA) $169,000 68$28,422,210 $417,973 7

Table: Top 10 sires by aggregate yearling sales

Like last year, ahead on aggregate is Spendthrift Farm’s Into Mischief, whose 70 yearlings to sell totalled $74,969,249. Up eight from last year, those included a mighty 28 seven-figure lots (when converted to AUD), and were headed by a half-brother to young sire Outwork (USA) who sold at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale for US$3 million (AU$4.86 million).

In second is Yarraman Park’s I Am Invincible, who led the aggregate totals two years ago and broke $60 million for the first time this year. Averaging $675,489 across his 92 sold, he also sits fifth by that measure, behind Curlin (USA) in fourth with $829,622.

I Am Invincible | Standing at Yarraman Park Stud

The only three to have average yearling sales of over $1 million are Dubawi, Into Mischief and Frankel. Into Mischief is the odd one out here, with both Frankel and Dubawi close to the bottom by numbers of yearlings sold in 2023 (30 and 21 sold respectively) - leading to an obvious conclusion, according to Rounsefell.

“The breeders in Europe visiting these stallions are owner/breeders that are breeding to race and for the most part, are not for the commercial market,” he said.

“I guess like every industry, supply and demand dictate price and in Europe there is a much larger number of owner/breeders that have developed such deep families over generations and are always looking to continue that development with the best stallions possible.

“Whereas in Australia most breeders sell their stock at the yearling sales each year, which puts higher pressure on service fees and getting a return for their investment, particularly when it comes to the stallions at the higher end of the service fee spectrum.”

“... in Australia most breeders sell their stock at the yearling sales each year, which puts higher pressure on service fees and getting a return for their investment...” - Craig Rounsefell

The numbers certainly back that up. By region, the number of yearlings sold amongst the top 10 averaged 56 in the US, 55 in Europe and 68 in Australasia. The difference would be even starker but for Extreme Choice who, with his known early career fertility issue, had just 26 yearling sell in 2023.

As we saw last year, Australia features more prominently by this measure than any other, so it appears that our yearling market is remaining the most open and accessible of these three jurisdictions.

Hopefully that’s some minor comfort to any TTR AusNZ readers who need some hope heading into Christmas and Magic Millions in the new year.

Global stallion value
Craig Rounsefell

Trial Report: Innervisions wins battle of bluebloods

7 min read

Written by Keely Mckitterick

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Warwick Farm held 22 heats on Friday morning, including four heats for the juveniles that had plenty of intrigue, with several high-priced yearlings and bluebloods stepping out.

Among them was the first foal from Sunlight (Zoustar), a half-brother to the star mare Amelia's Jewel (Siyouni {Fr}) and a $1 million daughter of Too Darn Hot (GB).

Bluebloods go head-to-head

Heat 8 on Friday morning at Warwick Farm saw a field of blueblood colts assemble to do battle over 813 metres.

The royally bred Dawn Service (Justify {USA}) showed ample gate speed to boot up and lead the field and was closely followed by equally well-bred Innervisions (I Am Invincible) tracking his every move and eventually ended up head-to-head with Dawn Service, the first foal from the star mare Sunlight.

In the home straight, Innervisions had too much in hand for Dawn Service, who held on for third, while working home nicely in third was Huka Falls (Headwater) and Bosustow (Blue Point {Ire}) in fourth. Not asked to do much during the trial was another son of Justify (USA) and stablemate to Innervisions, French Empire.

The Annabel Neasham-trained Innervisions, a son of Australia’s reigning Champion Sire I Am Invincible, is the third foal from Modern Wonder. A three-time winning daughter of the multiple Champion Sire Snitzel, Modern Wonder claimed the Listed Dequetteville S. and was placed in the G3 Typhoon Tracy S.

Modern Wonder is a full sister to the brilliant Away Game, a Champion 2-Year-Old Filly in Australia, winning five races, including the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic and the G2 Percy Sykes S.

Away Game was also placed in the G1 Golden Slipper, the G1 Oakleigh Plate and the G1 Robert Sangster S.

Innervisions as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Innervisions was purchased by TFI, Annabel Neasham Racing and Dermot Farrington Bloodstock for $700,000 when offered at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling.

Huka Falls, a $70,000 purchase by his trainer Clarry Conners from the draft of Alexia Fraser Bloodstock at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, showed he can gallop splitting the high-priced colts.

Huka Falls is from the Excites mare Mystic Opal, a six-time winner. She is a full sister to Amber’s Crown, the dam of the Group 3-winning sprinter Shooting For Gold (Shooting To Win).

Huka Falls as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

The third-placed Dawn Service, from the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable, dam Sunlight, was crowned the Champion 3-Year-Old Filly in Australia, winning 11 races, including the G1 Newmarket H., the G1 Coolmore Stud S. and the G1 William Reid S.

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing, alongside Kestrel Thoroughbreds, paid $1.4 million for the colt from the draft of Coolmore Stud at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Finishing strongly to the line was another Neasham runner, the Blue Point (Ire) colt Bosustow. He is from the Canford Cliffs (Ire) mare Bumbasina (Ire), making him a half-brother to the outstanding G1 Northerly S. victress Amelia’s Jewel.

Bosustow was a $900,000 purchase by the Rosemont Alliance, Suman Hedge Bloodstock (FBAA) and Annabel Neasham Racing from the draft of Segenhoe Stud at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Gallery: Other runners in Heat 8, pictured as yearlings, images courtesy of Magic Millions

The fifth-placed French Empire is the first foal from the bonny Champagne Cuddles. The daughter of Not A Single Doubt won four races, including the G2 Breeders’ Classic S., but was placed in the G1 Golden Rose, the G1 Flight S., the G1 Stradbroke H. and the G1 Kingsford-Smith Cup alongside several other notable efforts.

French Empire cost $700,000 when bought by Kia Ora Stud, TFI and Annabel Neasham Racing from the draft of Coolmore Stud at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Darby homebred salutes

The Scott Darby-bred Ride The River (Headwater) carrying the Darby Racing silks saluted in Heat 9 over 813 metres. The Headwater gelding was followed home by Colophon (Written Tycoon), Deputize (Dubious) and Caravanserai (Blue Point {Ire}) who ran home in fourth place.

Ride The River, trained by Bjorn Baker, is from the winning Mossman mare Mosscedes. She is a half-sister to the Group 2 winner Sovereign Nation (Encosta De Lago).

The second-placed Colophon from the Michael Freedman stable finished 0.75l away. Colophon is the second foal from the I Am Invincible mare Viennese Star; she won as a juvenile and was placed in the Listed Cinderella S.

The colt also hails from the family of the recent G1 Epsom H. hero Rediener (Redoute’s Choice). Colophon was a $240,000 purchase by Michael Freedman Racing from the draft of Daandine Stud at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Deputize is a son of the first-season sire Dubious and was a $500,000 purchase by Justin Fung, Aquis Stallions and Annabel Neasham Racing when offered by Noralla Stud at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Deputize as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Finishing strongly in fourth was Caravanserai. The Godolphin-owned colt is from the blue hen mare Essaouira (Exceed And Excel). She has already produced the Champion 3-Year-Old Filly Alizee (Sepoy), the G1 Golden Rose victor and Group 1-producing sire Astern.

Too Darn Lizzie sizzles

Darley’s first-season sire, Too Darn Hot (GB), has been flying with his first Southern Hemisphere-bred runners. The son of Dubawi (Ire) appears to have another winner in waiting, with his $1 million filly Too Darn Lizzie a dominant 4.25l victress of Heat 10 on Friday morning.

Those behind the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained filly made little impression in a bunched finish. Running second was Cashaway Gold (Tassort), followed by Amaretto Bo (Zousain). Cinsault (Brazen Beau), who finished fifth, arguably could have finished closer if asked for more effort, but ultimately, Too Darn Lizzie was too slick.

Too Darn Lizzie is the second foal from the Magnus mare Enbihaar, who won twice, including the G2 Blue Diamond Prelude (Fillies). Enbihaar was also placed in the G1 Blue Diamond S.

Her first foal, Extremely Wicked (Zoustar), has been placed as a two and 3-year-old to date, and she cost $550,000 as a weanling.

Too Darn Lizzie cruises to victory in Heat 10 | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Too Darn Lizzie eclipsed her half-sister’s more than respectable auction price by making $1 million to McKeever Bloodstock, Watership Down, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing from the draft of Vinery Stud at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Aptly named Runranirun does just that

The Matthew Smith-trained Runranirun (Press Statement) won Heat 11 by 1.18l, doing as her name suggests.

Long Time Lovers (Snitzel) beat Runranirun for speed early, but once given her head, the Press Statement filly had too much in hand for Long Time Lovers. However, the Snitzel filly struck on respectively.

Finishing together in third and fourth was Sweet Treats (Castelvecchio), who took some riding before settling into stride and hitting the line strongly, as did Bella Corazon (I Am Invincible).

Runranirun is from the Marju (Ire) mare Marju Rani (NZ), who hails from the family of the Written Tycoon-sired pair Trump, a victor of the G3 Gunsynd Classic and the recent G3 Blue Sapphire S. winner Run Harry Run.

M O’Gorman and D J Fairfull bred Runranirun. The latter has remained in the ownership alongside MCS Racing.

Long Time Lovers, from the Michael Freedman stable, is a daughter of the Street Cry (Ire) mare Wartime Lovers. She is a daughter of Military Rose (General Nediym), a victress of the G2 Reisling S. and the G3 Gold Coast Guineas.

Long Time Lovers | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

The filly cost Michael Freedman Racing $250,000 from the draft of Baramul Stud at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Innervisions
Huka Falls
Dawn Service
Bosustow
French Empire
Ride The River
Colophon
Deputize
Caravanseraii
Too Darn Lizzie
Cashawy Gold
Cinsault
Runranirun
Long Time Lovers
Sweet Treats

Black type fields: Ascot, Eagle Farm and Trentham

1 min read

Ascot: G2 Ted Van Heemst S., $300,000, 2100m

Eagle Farm: G3 BJ McLachlan S., $300,000, 1200m

Listed Bernborough Plate, $200,000, 1600m

Listed Falvelon, $200,000, 1200m

Trentham: G2 Challenge S., NZ$150,000, 1400m

G3 Manawatu Cup, NZ$120,000, 2300m

Black type fields
Ascot
Eagle Farm
Trentham

Worldwide Group 1s and sale dates

1 min read

Worldwide Group 1s

Sunday 24th December - 5.40pmArima KinenNakayamaJP
Tuesday 26th December - 3.27pmZabeel ClassicPukekoheNZ

Worldwide sales

8 - 11 January 2024Keeneland January Horses Of All Ages SaleLexington, Kentucky, US
9 - 15 January 2024Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling SaleBundall, QLD, Aus
18 - 19 January 2024Tattersalls January Online SaleNewmarket, UK
19 - 24 January 2024Inglis Digital January Online Sale (Late)Online, NSW, Aus
24 January 2024Goffs January SaleDoncaster, UK
25 January 2024Arqana January Online SaleOnline, Deauville, France
27 January 2024Tattersalls January SaleCheltenham Racecourse, UK
28 - 30 January 2024New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale Book 1Karaka, NZ
30 - 31 January 2024Tattersalls February National Hunt SaleCo Meath, Ireland
30 January - 2 February 2024New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale Book 2Karaka, NZ
1 - 2 February 2024Tattersalls February SaleNewmarket, UK
5 - 6 February 2024Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed SaleLexington, Kentucky, US
2 - 7 February 2024Inglis Digital February Online Sale (Early)Online, NSW, Aus
6 - 8 February 2024Goffs February SaleCo. Kildare, Ireland
11 - 13 February 2024Inglis Classic Yearling SaleWarwick Farm, NSW, Aus
13 - 14 February 2024Arqana February Mixed SaleDeauville, France
16 February 2024Tattersalls February SaleCheltenham Racecourse, UK
15 - 20 February 2024Fasig-Tipton February Digital SaleOnline, US
22 - 23 February 2024Magic Millions Perth Yearling SaleSwan Valley, WA, Aus
26 February 2024Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling SaleCarrick, TAS, Aus
23 - 28 February 2024Inglis Digital February Online Sale (Late)Online, NSW, Aus
3 - 5 March 2024Inglis Premier Yearling SaleOaklands Junction, VIC, Aus
8 - 13 March 2024Inglis Digital March Online Sale (Early)Online, NSW, Aus
7 - 12 March 2024Fasig-Tipton March Digital SaleOnline, US
11 - 12 March 2024Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling SaleBundall, QLD, Aus
14 March 2024Tattersalls Festival SaleCheltenham Racecourse, UK
18 - 19 March 2024Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling SaleMorphettville, SA, Aus
22 - 27 March 2024Inglis Digital March Online Sale (Late)Online, NSW, Aus
27 March 2024Tattersalls March SaleNewmarket, UK
5 - 10 April 2024Inglis Digital April Online Sale (Early)Online, NSW, Aus
7 - 8 April 2024Inglis Australian Easter Yearling SaleWarwick Farm, NSW, Aus
4 - 9 April 2024Fasig-Tipton April Digital SaleOnline, US
11 April 2024Goffs Aintree SaleAintree, UK
15 - 17 April 2024Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up SaleNewmarket, UK
21 April 2024Inglis Gold Yearling SaleOaklands Junction, VIC, Aus
19 - 24 April 2024Inglis Digital April Online Sale (Late)Online, NSW, Aus
23 - 24 April 2024Goffs Breeze Up SaleDoncaster, UK
25 April 2024Tattersalls April SaleCheltenham Racecourse, UK
26 April 2024Keeneland April Selected Horses Of Racing Age SaleLexington, Kentucky, US
28 April 2024HTBA Yearling SaleWarwick Farm, NSW, Aus
1 - 2 May 2024Tattersalls Guineas Breeze Up SaleNewmarket, UK
2 May 2024Tattersalls Guineas HIT SaleNewmarket, UK
2 May 2024Goffs Punchestown SalePunchestown, Ireland
6 - 7 May 2024Inglis Australian Weanling SaleWarwick Farm, NSW, Aus
9 May 2024Inglis The Chairman's SaleWarwick Farm, NSW, Aus
9 - 11 May 2024Arqana Breeze Up SaleDeauville, France
9 - 14 May 2024Fasig-Tipton May Digital SaleOnline, US
10 - 15 May 2024Inglis Digital May Online Sale (Early)Online, NSW, Aus
15 May 2024Arqana Online Sale: The Grand Steeple SaleOnline, Deauville, France
16 May 2024Tattersalls May SaleCheltenham Racecourse, UK
20 - 21 May 2024Goffs Spring Store SaleDoncaster, UK
20 - 21 May 2024Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May Two-Year-Olds In Training SaleTimonium, Maryland, US
22 - 23 May 2024Goffs Spring HIT/PTP SaleDoncaster, UK
23 - 24 May 2024Tattersalls Ireland Breeze UpCo Meath, Ireland
24 - 29 May 2024Inglis Digital May Online Sale (Late)Online, NSW, Aus
30 May - 4 June 2024Fasig-Tipton June Digital SaleOnline, US
4 June 2024Tattersalls June SaleNewmarket, UK
4 - 5 June 2024Magic Millions Gold Coast National Yearling SaleBundall, QLD, Aus
7 - 12 June 2024Inglis Digital June Online Sale (Early)Online, NSW, Aus
11 - 12 June 2024Goffs Arkle Sale Part 1Co. Kildare, Ireland
13 June 2024Goffs Arkle Sale Part 2Co. Kildare, Ireland
13 - 14 June 2024Inglis Great Southern SaleOaklands Junction, VIC, Aus
17 June 2024Goffs London SaleLondon, UK
20 June 2024New Zealand Bloodstock National Weanling SaleKaraka, NZ
21 - 26 June 2024Inglis Digital June Online Sale (Late)Online, NSW, Aus
26 June 2024Fasig-Tipton Midlantic June Two-Year-Olds In Training SaleTimonium, Maryland, US
26 - 27 June 2024Tattersalls Derby SaleCo Meath, Ireland
2 - 4 July 2024Arqana Summer SaleDeauville, France
8 July 2024Fasig-Tipton July Selected Horses Of Racing AgeLexington, Kentucky, US
9 July 2024Fasig-Tipton The July SaleLexington, Kentucky, US
5 - 10 July 2024Inglis Digital July Online Sale (Early)Online, NSW, Aus
9 - 12 July 2024Tattersalls July SaleNewmarket, UK
18 - 23 July 2024Fasig-Tipton July Digital SaleOnline, US
19 - 24 July 2024Inglis Digital July Online Sale (Late)Online, NSW, Aus
22 - 23 July 2024Goffs Summer SaleDoncaster, UK
26 July 2024Tattersalls Summer SaleNewmarket, UK
5 - 6 August 2024Fasig-Tipton The Saratoga SaleSaratoga Springs, New York, US
2 - 7 August 2024Inglis Digital August Online Sale (Early)Online, NSW, Aus
11 - 12 August 2024Fasig-Tipton New York Bred YearlingsSaratoga Springs, New York, US
16 - 18 August 2024Arqana August Yearling SaleDeauville, France
20 August 2024Arqana V2 Yearling SaleDeauville, France
16 - 21 August 2024Inglis Digital August Online Sale (Late)Online, NSW, Aus
22 - 27 August 2024Fasig-Tipton August Digital SaleOnline, US
27 - 28 August 2024Goffs Premier Yearling SaleDoncaster, UK
2 - 3 September 2024Tattersalls Somerville Yearling SaleNewmarket, UK
4 September 2024Goffs September HIT SaleDoncaster, UK
5 September 2024Goffs Yorton SaleYorton, UK
10 September 2024Tattersalls September SaleNewmarket, UK
6 - 11 September 2024Inglis Digital September Online Sale (Early)Online, NSW, Aus
14 September 2024Goffs Irish Champions SaleLeopardstown, Ireland
9 - 21 September 2024Keeneland September Yearling SaleLexington, Kentucky, US
24 September 2024Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearlings & Horses Of Racing AgePomona, California, US
20 - 25 September 2024Inglis Digital September Online Sale (Late)Online, NSW, Aus
30 September - 1 October 2024Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Fall YearlingsTimonium, Maryland, US
30 September - 2 October 2024Goffs Orby Book 1Co. Kildare, Ireland
3 - 4 October 2024Goffs Orby Book 2Co. Kildare, Ireland
5 October 2024Arqana The Arc SaleSaint-Cloud, France
3 - 8 October 2024Fasig-Tipton October Digital SaleOnline, US
4 - 9 October 2024Inglis Digital October Online Sale (Early)Online, NSW, Aus
8 - 10 October 2024Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1Newmarket, UK
14 - 16 October 2024Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 2Newmarket, UK
15 October 2024Inglis Ready2Race SaleWarwick Farm, NSW, Aus
15 October 2024Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Fall MixedSaratoga Springs, New York, US
17 - 18 October 2024Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 3Newmarket, UK
19 October 2024Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 4Newmarket, UK
19 October 2024Goffs British Champions Day SaleAscot, UK
18 - 23 October 2024Inglis Digital October Online Sale (Late)Online, NSW, Aus
22 - 23 October 2024Goffs October HIT & Yearling SaleDoncaster, UK
21 - 24 October 2024Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October YearlingsLexington, Kentucky, US
21 - 26 October 2024Arqana October Yearling SaleDeauville, France
28 October - 1 November 2024Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training SaleNewmarket, UK
1 November 2024Goffs British NH Breeders ShowcaseDoncaster, UK
4 November 2024Fasig-Tipton The November SaleLexington, Kentucky, US
1 - 6 November 2024Inglis Digital November Online Sale (Early)Online, NSW, Aus
4 - 7 November 2024Goffs Autumn Yearling & HIT SaleCo. Kildare, Ireland
7 November 2024Tattersalls November SaleNewmarket, UK
15 November 2024Tattersalls November SaleCheltenham Racecourse, UK
16 - 16 November 2024Arqana November Yearling SaleDeauville, France
15 - 20 November 2024Inglis Digital November Online Sale (Late)Online, NSW, Aus
18 - 21 November 2024Arqana Autumn SaleDeauville, France
17 - 23 November 2024Goffs November SaleCo. Kildare, Ireland
25 November 2024Tattersalls December Yearling SaleNewmarket, UK
26 - 30 November 2024Tattersalls December Foal SaleNewmarket, UK
29 November - 4 December 2024Inglis Digital December Online Sale (Early)Online, NSW, Aus
2 - 4 December 2024Tattersalls December Mares SaleNewmarket, UK
9 December 2024Fasig-Tipton December Mixed & Horses Of Racing Age SaleTimonium, Maryland, US
5 - 10 December 2024Fasig-Tipton December Digital SaleOnline, US
7 - 10 December 2024Arqana Breeding Stock SaleDeauville, France
9 - 13 December 2024Goffs December NH SaleCo. Kildare, Ireland
13 December 2024Tattersalls December SaleCheltenham Racecourse, UK
13 - 18 December 2024Inglis Digital December Online Sale (Late)Online, NSW, Aus

Daily News Wrap

11 min read

Pennyweka retired

Star Kiwi mare Pennyweka (NZ) (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}) has been retired. The Jim Wallace-trained Pennyweka won the G1 New Zealand Oaks and then travelled to Australia to claim the G1 Australian Oaks.

“After her last run at Manawatu in the mud and the slush, she didn’t recover as well as we expected. After a while, we scoped her, and she was found to have an epiglottic entrapment which got ulcerated and very enlarged,” co-breeder and trainer Wallace told loveracing.nz.

“We sent Pennyweka to the Waikato Equine people who did a surgical procedure which they expected to take care of it, but it wasn’t as successful as we would like it to be. She couldn’t race to the level that she had before, so the decision was made in consultation with the vets to call time.

Pennyweka (NZ) | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Wallace admits the ownership hasn’t decided whether they would breed from Pennyweka themselves or accept one of the many offers on the table from several interested international breeders.

“We haven’t discussed that as yet. There has been a lot of interest in her from commercial breeders throughout Australasia and further afield, but we will worry about that in the new year.

“We have got a half-brother going to the Karaka sales through Ardsley Stud (Lot 483), and the mare is safely in foal to Satono Aladdin.”

First winner for Dubious

Kitchwin Hills’ first-season sire Dubious sired his first winner on Friday at Mackay and sired the third placegetter. The Tom Bourke-trained Dubious Authority, ridden by Justin Stanley, defeated Rocket Power (Power {GB}), while Teleki, finished third.

Dubious Authority is the third foal from Seltzer (Authorized {Ire}), who hails from the family of the outstanding sprinter Ortensia (Testa Rossa).

Dubious Authority failed to meet her $50,000 reserve when she passed in for $35,000 at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling when offered by Lucas Bloodstock.

Melody Belle half-sister salutes on debut

My Annie Belle (NZ) (Snitzel), a half-sister to the 14-time Group 1 winner Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands), made a successful debut on Friday at Matamata. The Ken and Bev Kelso-trained 3-year-old was a 1.3l victress over Darci’s Angel (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) and Overstate (NZ) (Embellish {NZ}).

Racing Victoria to provide some WorkCover relief

Racing Victoria announced a series of initiatives to deliver safe workplaces and participant wellbeing on Friday. Racing Victoria has committed to subsidising 30 per cent of any rise in WorkCover costs for Victorian trainers for the next two years from February 2024 while providing a centralised service to help trainers manage workplace claims.

The WorkCover subsidy scheme and the wellbeing initiatives will be funded by a one per cent levy on prizemoney for two years. The levy will be reduced to 0.5 per cent of prizemoney in February 2026.

Racing Victoria chief executive Andrew Jones said the initiatives were critical to the industry’s growth, “We’re doing more to support trainers and stable staff by getting injured workers healthy and back to work more quickly,” he told Racing.com.

“We also provide short-term financial support for trainers affected by the recent increase in WorkCover premiums. And we are increasing our investment in ensuring participants enjoy safe and respectful workplaces across racing. All three initiatives are critical to the sustainability of our industry.”

Entain and Racing.com to broadcast New Zealand racing

A partnership between Entain New Zealand, the operators of New Zealand’s TAB, and Racing.com will see some of the region’s biggest races live on Australian screens tuned into Racing.com.

The broadcast deal will feature races from four meetings shown to audiences. The agreement will begin with the G1 Levin Classic and the G1 Telegraph H. meeting on January 13 at Trentham, followed by the G1 Thorndon Mile and the Wellington Cup meeting back at Trentham on January 20, and the prestigious Karaka Millions meeting on January 27 at Ellerslie.

The return of Ellerslie on January 14 will also be broadcast on Racing.com.

Racing.com’s media CEO, Peter Campbell, said, “New Zealand racing is thriving right now, and we’ve seen their best horses continue to come to Victoria and compete at the top level.

“This collaboration will give Racing.com viewers a glimpse of New Zealand’s established stars and the next big names emerging from the region. Adding these premium-selected races from New Zealand in January to our Victorian and South Australian racing coverage will continue our ongoing efforts. It also helps strengthen our existing partnership with Entain New Zealand. It’s a great win for all of us.”

Magic Time returns to work

Grahame Begg has advised his Group 1 winner, Magic Time (Hellbent), has returned to work ahead of an autumn preparation.

The G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. victress earned a guaranteed ticket into The All-Star Mile. However, Begg has said Magic Time will unlikely contest the event.

Magic Time | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

“She hasn’t had long enough out to contest The All-Star Mile,” Begg told Racing.com.

“I’d rather just keep her to the shorter races, and then she can target Brisbane. Magic Time would possibly target the Newmarket H. first-up.”

Racing Victoria and Thoroughbred Breeders’ Victoria to drive demand

Thoroughbred Breeders’ Victoria and Racing Victoria will look to drive demand for Victorian-bred yearlings at the upcoming yearling sales, starting with more than $300,000 in VOBIS prizemoney, bonuses, and vouchers to be offered in early 2024.

The lucrative scheme will begin on Monday, January 1, when the inaugural VOBIS Platinum vouchers will be awarded at the Flemington and Mornington meetings.

While January 6 will host The Coast Raceday at Geelong, where four VOBIS Gold races are scheduled, and every TAB meeting held in Victoria in the week leading up to the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale will feature at least one VOBIS Gold race carrying a $20,000 VOBIS Gold bonus and an additional $30,000 in VOBIS Platinum vouchers.

The vouchers can be redeemed the following week on an eligible yearling being offered on the Gold Coast.

Racing Victoria executive general manager -racing Matt Welsh told Racing.com, “We encourage trainers to target the VOBIS Gold races across Victoria in the first week of January so that they and their owners can head to the Gold Coast with valuable VOBIS Platinum vouchers in their luggage.”

In-form filly to make it four in a row?

Shane Nichols will head to Moonee Valley on Saturday with his smart filly, Our Cracklin Rosie (Grunt {NZ}). The 3-year-old will be chasing her fourth consecutive victory in the Summer Membership On Sale Now H. over 1100 metres.

Our Cracklin Rosie’s best three wins have come at Mornington and Moonee Valley twice.

Our Cracklin Rosie | Image courtesy of Racing Photos

“I had always fancied Our Cracklin Rosie a bit,” Nichols told RSN.

“She worked up really well early on, but the blinkers going on have been a change for her. She was going to win one day; she hit the front but then waited, so we put the blinkers on.

“She keeps stepping up and seems really well in herself.”

In foal Mazzolino chasing Group 1 glory

The Stephen Marsh-trained Mazzolino (NZ) (Savabeel) will chase a maiden Group 1 victory in the Zabeel Classic on Tuesday at Pukekohe. The 4-year-old is a full sister to the multiple Group 1 Atishu (NZ) and is in foal to Waikato Stud’s promising young sire Super Seth.

“Mazzolino is in foal to Super Seth. She is working great and has almost got a glow on,” Marsh told TAB NZ.

Mazzolini (NZ) | Image courtesy of Kenton Wright (Race Images)

“I liked her run (for fourth) in the Wanganui Cup and she has bounced out of it super. We trialled her up at Ellerslie the other day and I think she is going super, and blinkers have been applied.

“It is certainly a step up. It is a nice, even field without it being over the top. I think Mazzolino is up to it.”

Impendabelle to tackle boys

Tony Pike’s classy filly Impendabelle (Impending) is set to tackle the boys in the G2 Auckland Guineas at Pukekohe on Boxing Day.

The daughter of Impending was last seen finishing second in the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas behind Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High).

“Coming back in trip we decided to go against the boys in the Guineas rather than the Eight Carat,” Pike told TAB NZ.

“We have got plenty of depth in our 3-year-old ranks this year, which is good to see. Impendabelle has come back from Christchurch in great order. She had 10 days in the paddock when she got home.

“She had an exhibition gallop with Not Guilty at Tauranga last Friday, and I was really pleased with her work.”

Depending on the outcome of Tuesday’s race, Pike is considering the G1 Levin Classic at Trentham on January 13 or the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO at Ellerslie on January 27.

Waller Guineas dreaming with Chrysaor

Champion Trainer Chris Waller hopes to be represented by the Group 2-winning colt Chrysaor (Better Than Ready) in next month’s $3 million Magic Millions Guineas.

“The ‘Magics’ is why he’s here and the reason we gave him that tick over trial (on December 5) to make sure he’s doing everything right,” Chris Waller Racing’s assistant trainer and racing manager Charlie Duckworth told RSN.

Chrysaor | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

“We should see him cherry-ripe for the Magic Millions in three weeks; that’s the main target. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be in work.

“He should take a bit of beating both on Saturday and in the Magic Millions Guineas. He’s a talented animal.”

Chrysaor will resume Saturday at Randwick in Race 8, the Schweppes H. over 1400 metres.

Snowden commends honest mare

Paul Snowden, co-trainer alongside his father Peter, concedes Miss Hellfire (Hellbent) probably won’t be joining the stable’s hall of fame. However, the daughter of Hellbent’s honesty makes her a valuable team member.

Miss Hellfire has won two of her 17 starts and placed on another eight occasions.

“I was talking to one of the owners about her record. She’s got eight placings to her name, and three or four of those could have been wins if we just had the rub of the green at vital stages,” Snowden told RSN.

“She is very honest and has been a good horse for the owners.”

Miss Hellfire will contest The Agency Real Estate H. over 1200 metres at Randwick on Saturday.

Pletcher-Forte team granted temporary restraining order on Hopeful disqualification

The Schenectady Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order Thursday that put a halt on the New York Gaming Commission’s efforts to disqualify the recently retired Forte (USA) from his win in the 2022 G1 Hopeful S. at Saratoga and suspend trainer Todd Pletcher.

Forte (USA) | Image courtesy of Horsephotos

Acting on behalf of Pletcher and owners Mike Repole and Vinnie Viola, attorney Drew Mollica filed an Article 78 appeal. Article 78 appeals are lawsuits mainly used to challenge an action or inaction by agencies of New York State and local governments. The New York Gaming Commission has alleged that Forte tested positive for meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug widely prescribed to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and sold under the brand name Mobic. Forte was disqualified, and Pletcher was issued a 10-day suspension and fined US$1000 (AU$1500).

The Forte team has used Dr Steven A. Barker, considered one of the foremost experts in equine drug testing and research, as a witness, and Barker has said that 500 picograms or .5 nanograms of meloxicam was detected in Forte’s system. Barker said he believes that such a low level of the medication would not impact a horse’s performance and that the small amount is indicative of environmental contamination.

City Of Troy and Henry Longfellow to likely be kept separate during Classic campaigns

City Of Troy (USA) (Justify {USA}), a winner of the G1 Dewhurst S. and the Cartier Champion 2-Year-Old Colt, will likely not have to contend with stablemate Henry Longfellow (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas, Aidan O’Brien confirmed.

The former, all being well, would then head to the G1 The Derby at Epsom, while the latter, a winner of the G1 National S., is possible for the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas before a crack at the G1 St James’s Palace S. at Royal Ascot in June or the G1 Prix du Jockey Club in France. Both the Coolmore partners’ colts received heavy praise from O’Brien during their juvenile seasons.

“I’d imagine that City Of Troy and Henry Longfellow will be kept apart for as long as the lads want to do that,” O’Brien told Sporting Life.

“We’re obviously thinking that City of Troy will be trained for Newmarket and then Henry Longfellow might be trained for France.

“If everything went well with City Of Troy at Newmarket, he could go straight on to Epsom whereas the other horse could do the Curragh and Ascot or something like that. There’s lots of scenarios that could happen I suppose.”

He added, “He’s the first horse we’ve had come along to show such class and courage, without us feeling that we’ve got to the last gear yet.

“He always had lovely balance, a lovely shape and a lovely mind. He was a lovely size of a horse, not too big and not too small. He looked like the ideal horse all the way along really.”

Daily News Wrap

Looking Ahead - December 23

4 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.

Three well-related individuals are set to make their race debuts on Saturday across Australasia. Among them is a $650,000 son of the multiple Champion Sire Snitzel.

Trentham, Race 2, 11.15am AEDT (1.15pm local), JAPAC Homes, NZ$40,000, 1100m

Unbridled Joy, 2-year-old colt (Snitzel x Joy Forever {High Chaparral {Ire}})

On Saturday, the flying Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson stable will debut an exciting colt by the multiple Australian Champion Sire Snitzel, Unbridled Joy, at Trentham.

The Te Akau Racing-owned colt is the third foal from the High Chaparral (Ire) mare Joy Forever. She comes from a vast black-type family that includes the talented galloper Light Up The World (Rory’s Jester). Among the daughter of Rory's Jester's eight career victories is the G2 Challenge S. and the then G3 Queen of the Turf S. alongside the G3 Premiere S.

Snitzel | Standing at Arrowfield Stud

Unbridled Joy is also from the family of the late Group 1-producing sire Thorn Park. The sire of the brilliant Ocean Park (NZ), Thorn Park also showed plenty of ability on the track, scoring the G1 Stradbroke H., the G2 Hobartville S. and the G2 Premiere S. in a career that netted nine victories.

Unbridled Joy was a $650,000 purchase by David Ellis (BAFNZ) from the draft of Westbury Stud at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Eagle Farm, Race 6, 4.12pm AEDT (3.12pm local), G3 Magic Millions BJ McLachlan S., $300,000, 1200m

Customized, 2-year-old colt (Capitalist x Single Sapphire {Not A Single Doubt})

Peter and Paul Snowden’s exciting prospect Customized, a son of the former Snowden Team-trained G1 Golden Slipper victor Capitalist, will debut at Eagle Farm in a competitive edition of the G3 BJ McLachlan S.

Customized is the second foal from the dual winner Single Sapphire. Like her son and his sire, Single Sapphire was purchased by James Harron Bloodstock. She cost $520,000 2017 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Customized as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Single Sapphire is closely related to the G2 Sires’ Produce S. winner Twilight Royale (Testa Rossa), the dam of the recent G2 Sandown Guineas winner Serasana (Snitzel).

Customised was a $400,000 purchase by James Harron Bloodstock Colt Partnership from the draft at Newgate Farm at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Randwick, Race 1, 12.30pm AEDT, Drinkwise Plate, $160,000, 1100m

Capricious Belle, 2-year-old filly (Russian Revolution x Anacapri {Onemorenomore})

Randwick’s Saturday meeting will see the debut of the Gary Portelli-trained Capricious Belle. The daughter of Russian Revolution is the third foal from the unraced Onemorenomore mare Anacapri.

The filly hails from an extensive family. Her dam Anacapri is a half-sister to Long Leaf, a victor of the R. Listed Karaka Millions 3YO Classic and the Listed Blue Diamond Preview (Colts and Geldings) alongside the Listed Merson Cooper S.

Capricious Belle as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis

Capricious Belle’s third dam, Parfore (NZ) (Gold Brose), is the dam of the Group 1 winners Tiger Tees (NZ) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Terravista (Captain Rio {GB}). In addition, Parfore has also produced the hardy 13-time winner Ball Of Muscle (Dubawi {Ire}).

The filly cost $150,000 when purchased by Laurel Oak Bloodstock (FBAA) from the draft of Fernrigg Farm at the 2023 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.

Looking Back

Friday's selections didn't have much luck. Our best result was Presides (Lonhro), who finished fourth at Cranbourne. The Pierro filly La Magia was unplaced at Yarra Valley and rounding out our selections was Tropical Breeze (Denman), who also failed to run a place at Wagga.

Looking Ahead
Looking Back

Debutants

1 min read
First-time starters lining up on Saturday, December 23

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

First Season Sire Runners & Results

1 min read

First Season Sires’ Results

Results: Friday, December 22

First Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Saturday, December 23
First Season Sire Results
First Season Sire Runners

Second Season Sire Runners & Results

Second Season Sires’ Results

Results: Friday, December 22

Second Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Saturday, December 23
Second Season Sire Results
Second Season Sire Runners

NSW Race Results

Lismore (Country)

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

VIC Race Results

bet365 Yarra Valley (Country)

Cranbourne (night) (Country)

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

QLD Race Results

Mackay (Country)

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

SA Race Results

Oakbank (Provincial)

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

TAS Race Results

Devonport Tapeta Synthetic (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 First Season Sires' Premiership

New Zealand Sires' Premiership

New Zealand First Season Sires' Premiership

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We hope you enjoyed reading today's edition of TTR AusNZ. If you have any feedback or ideas, please don't hesitate to reach out.

TTR AusNZ 2023 Media & Advertising Guide

Edition dates over the holidays

Saturday 23rd DecemberYes
Sunday 24th December Yes
Monday 25th DecemberNo
Tuesday 26th DecemberNo
Wednesday 27th DecemberYes
Thursday 28th DecemberNo
Friday 29th DecemberYes
Saturday 30th DecemberNo
Sunday 31st DecemberYes
Monday 1st JanuaryNo
Tuesday 2nd JanuaryYes

TTR AusNZ will be printing and distributing daily editions at the following major sales for 2024:

Magic MillionsGold Coast Yearling SaleJanuary 7-13
InglisClassic Yearling SaleFebruary 10-13
InglisMelbourne Premier Yearling SaleMarch 2-5
Magic MillionsGold Coast March Yearling SaleMarch 11
InglisAustralian Easter Yearling SaleApril 3-8
InglisAustralian Weanling SaleMay 5-8
InglisChairman's SaleMay 9
InglisAustralian Broodmare SaleMay 10
Magic MillionsGold Coast National SaleMay 21-30

TTR AusNZ Team & Contacts

President - Gary King | gary@ttrausnz.com.au

Managing Director - Vicky Leonard | vicky@ttrausnz.com.au

Editorial | editorial@ttrausnz.com.au

Trent Masenhelder | trent@ttrausnz.com.au

Jesse Dart | jesse@ttrausnz.com.au

Keely Mckitterick | keely@ttrausnz.com.au

Oswald Wedmore | oswald@ttrausnz.com.au

Lewis Lesbirel and Richard Edmunds

Advertising | advertising@ttrausnz.com.au

Client Relations - Abbey Hassett | abbey@ttrausnz.com.au

Content Manager - Lucy Prudden | lucy@ttrausnz.com.au

Advertising | advertising@ttrausnz.com.au

Accounts | accounts@ttrausnz.com.au

Charitable initiatives

At TTR AusNZ, we think it’s our obligation to positively help the industry by providing free advertising, and as such, all ads for industry charitable initiatives are free in TTR AusNZ and always will be.

If you need to raise awareness to a charitable initiative, email: advertising@ttrausnz.com.au

Regular Columnists

Caitlin Smith | John Berry | Alan Carasso | Emma Berry | Kristen Manning

Photography is supplied by Ashlea Brennan, The Image Is Everything - Bronwen Healy and Darren Tindale, Sportpix, Trish Dunell (NZ), Racing Photos, and Western Racepix.

The Final Say