Juvenile summary: Storm Boy Millions bound

Written by

Jesse Dart and Keely Mckitterick

9 min read

There was no Group 1 racing on Saturday, but we witnessed some sensational efforts by the new generation of budding superstars. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable will be well-armed come January on the Gold Coast with their two exciting R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic bound colts, Storm Boy (Justify {USA}) and Straight Charge (Written By), among the highlights.

Cover image courtesy of Trackside Photography

Race-Day Recap

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Promising colt When Stars Align (NZ) (Zoustar) showed his talent at Trentham, securing a win on debut and bolstering his prospects of taking out the R. Listed Karaka Millions 2YO.

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The promising colt Straight Charge (Written By) put his hand up for a tilt at next month’s R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast with a dominant victory at Randwick on Saturday.

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The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable are set to be heavy-handed in next month’s R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast when Storm Boy (Justify {USA}) lived-up to the hype with an impressive victory in the G3 BJ McLachlan S. at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

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The Dan and Ben Pearce-trained Sinful Living (Safeguard) secured an arrogant victory at Ascot on Saturday, roaring away with an easy victory under visiting jockey Rachel King.

Storm Boy shows class

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Storm Boy (Justify {USA}) was presented with a different situation in Saturday’s G3 BJ McLachlan S. at Eagle Farm to his barnstorming debut success at Rosehill.

The 2-year-old colt missed the start slightly, and was roused up by Adam Hyeronimus, to lead the small field. However, the locals had other ideas, the Les Ross-trained Mishani Aloha (Kobayashi), ridden by Ben Thompson, was keen on holding the lead forcing Storm Boy wide.

Upon entering the home straight and despite the hard run, Hyeronimus clicked up Storm Boy, and after a few strides to gain balance he shot away to secure a rather authoritative 2.4l success.

Connections of Storm Boy after winning the G3 BJ McLachlan S. at Eagle Farm on Saturday | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography

Chasing hard behind Storm Boy was Poster Girl (Alabama Express) and Customized (Capitalist), who both hit the line strongly. Fading to fourth was the formerly unbeaten Astapor (Tassort).

Speaking to Sky Racing co-trainer, Adrian Bott said, “It was a lovely win. Storm Boy was a little bit awkward coming out of the barriers. He sort of looked to stumble or maybe got a check which put him on the back foot there early.

“It’s never easy coming up to Brisbane but there is still plenty of improvement in him. These small fields can be a little difficult and we always respect the locals on their home track. However, it was wonderful to see him overcome it and run strongly to the line.

“It’s never easy coming up to Brisbane but there is still plenty of improvement in him (Sotrm Boy). These small fields can be a little difficult... it was wonderful to see him overcome it and run strongly to the line.” - Adrian Bott

“We were very easy on him heading into Saturday but with three weeks into the Magic Millions 2YO Classic it will be perfect.”

The Waterhouse and Bott stable will also be represented by Straight Charge (Written By) in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. The son of Written By broke his maiden at Randwick in impressive style and shot to favouritism for the Gold Coast feature.

Storm Boy is the fifth Australasian Group winner for Justify (USA), and his 25th stakes winner overall. The son of Scat Daddy (USA) has proven successful early with daughters of the fellow Coolmore Stud sire Fastnet Rock, Storm Boy who’s dam Pelican (NZ), is a daughter of the great sire becomes the fourth individual stakes winner bred on the cross.

Storm Boy as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Storm Boy was a $460,000 purchase by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing, and Kestrel Thoroughbreds from the draft of Coolmore Stud at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Coolmore will offer Lot 33, a Pierro half-brother to Storm Boy, at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

The G3 BJ McLachlan S. also provided a milestone moment for Yulong’s Alabama Express. The first-season sire’s daughter Poster Girl picked up $55,500 for her second placed effort which boosted the son of Redoute’s Choice as the first sophomore sire to amass over $1 million in progeny earnings pre-Christmas.

Straight Charge Millions bound

It was easy viewing for backers of the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Straight Charge (Written By). The 2-year-old colt, ridden by Tim Clark, led up the field at Randwick before shooting away for emphatic 3.50l success from Erno’s Cube (Rubick) and Pisces (Frosted {USA}), a further 4l away in third.

Straight Charge was having his second start on Saturday. He was placed on debut at Randwick in the G3 Breeders’ Plate behind his stablemate Espionage (Zoustar), showing considerable ability.

Yulong’s general manager, Vin Cox, confirmed earlier in the week that a positive performance on Saturday would see the colt chase success in the $3 million R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast in January.

Straight Charge is the second foal from Matryoshka, a daughter of the Champion Sire I Am Invincible. She is a half-sister to the speedy Winning Rupert, a winner of the G2 Champagne Classic, the G3 Vo Rogue Plate and the Listed Gold Edition Plate, and his talented full sister Tycoon Evie (Written Tycoon). She counts the G3 Pam O’Neill S. among her six victories.

Straight Charge, winner in the 2YO Plate at Randwick on Saturday | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Matryoshka has had no foals for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Straight Charge was a $160,000 purchase by Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Pegasus Bloodstock from the draft of Twin Hills Stud at the 2022 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale. Lime Country Thoroughbreds reoffered the colt at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, where Yulong paid $270,000 to secure him.

When Stars Align continues Te Akau’s iron grip on New Zealand 2-year-old ranks

Promising colt When Stars Align (NZ) (Zoustar) showed his talent at Trentham, securing a win on debut and bolstering his prospects of taking out the R. Listed Karaka Millions 2YO.

The Te Akau Racing operation’s affinity with elite 2-year-old runners looks to have added another limb, off the strength of an impressive victory by When Stars Align.

Burning straight to the front under leading rider Michael McNab, the colt extended away around the home turn, and despite racing greenly had enough in the locker to defeat stablemate Unbridled Joy (Snitzel) by 1.2l in the second race at Trentham on Saturday.

The quinella for co-trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson both showed talent on their respective debuts, and will now embark under different pathways as the horizons broaden for 2-year-old runners into the second half of the season.

Unbridled Joy, who looks to be another in a long line of successful Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchases for David Ellis BAFNZ, having been bought in the 2023 sale for $650,000 out of the Westbury Stud draft. He joins Captured By Love (Written Tycoon) as promising buys from the most recent iteration of the sale, with the filly being aimed at Australian riches down the line.

As for When Stars Align, the Zoustar colt will target the R. Listed Karaka Millions 2YO in late January, having been bought by Ellis out of the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale for NZ$400,000 earlier this year.

When Stars Align (NZ), winner at Trentham on Saturday | Image courtesy of Peter Rubery, Race Images

Bergerson is bullish about his stable’s chances of featuring further in the coming weeks, telling loveracing.nz, “It always comes around pretty quickly, but hopefully we’ll be there in force again.

“We’ve got another couple of first-starters in on Boxing Day at Pukekohe who can hopefully put their hands up as well.

“We’re really happy with When Stars Align’s win today. Nabber (McNab) was pretty keen to find the fence. He worked the horse on Tuesday and said that he does have a bit of an awkward action and an awkward way of going, so he was pretty keen to find the rail and follow it. Thankfully he did.

“He’s still a pretty raw colt and doing a few things wrong, changing legs there, but it’s all in front of him. He looks like a nice type going forward.

“He’s (When Stars Align) still a pretty raw colt and doing a few things wrong, changing legs there, but it’s all in front of him. He looks like a nice type going forward.” - Sam Bergerson

“The Karaka Millions would be nice, but we’ll see how he comes through this. He’s a nice, big, strong horse. He’s still a bit immature, but it’s all in front of him.”

The dam of Where Stars Align, Shenandoah (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}), features in the 2024 iteration of the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale, with a colt by Almanzor (Fr) being offered by Wentwood Grange as Lot 395.

Nothing Sinful about promising filly

The Dan and Ben Pearce-trained Sinful Living (Safeguard) secured an arrogant victory at Ascot on Saturday, roaring away with an easy win under visiting jockey Rachel King.

After a second-placed finish at her first start earlier in the month, fast 2-year-old Sinful Living was able to pick up almost seven times her purchase price under a controlled ride by Rachel King.

Burning straight the front after leaving the barriers well, the speedy filly turned into the home straight under a good hold, and responded well when King asked her to put the race to bed. The final winning margin of 2.73l was eaten into late by Street Band (Lucky Street), but the result looked a forgone conclusion well before the winning post.

Sinful Living was picked up by co-trainers and siblings Dan and Ben Pearce, who on Wednesday took out the Listed ATA S. with Queen Alina (Mahuta), for just $10,000 at the 2023 Magic Millions Perth Winter Yearling Sale. Bought as an all-ladies owned horse, she is eligible for lucrative bonuses if she runs in the R. Listed Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic at Pinjarra in February, a race that was taken out by Super Smink (Super One) on her way to winning the G2 Karrakatta Plate in 2023.

By local stallion Safeguard, she is the first winner for Paris Memory (Redoute’s Choice) from five to race. Her page boasts a number of strong sprinters, including Hong Kong superstar Fairy King Prawn (Danehill {USA}) and the G1 Canterbury S. winner Cosmic Endeavour (Northern Meteor {USA}).

When Stars Align

Unbridled Joy

Te Akau Racing

Straight Charge

Written By

Storm Boy

Justify

Safeguard

Sinful Living

Saturday summary: Puntura notches Challenge S.

Written by

Jesse Dart and Keely Mckitterick

8 min read

Saturday saw the juveniles take centre stage. However, there were several notable performances by the older horses, including the tough and consistent Puntura (NZ) (Vespa {NZ}) in the Challenge S.

Cover image courtesy of Peter Rubery, Race Images

Race-Day Recap

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Sagunto (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) took out Saturday’s G3 Manawatu Cup by 6l, and in the process provided his Karaka bound Per Incanto (NZ) half-sister a timely update ahead of the sale.

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Last-start winner of the G3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile, Puntura (NZ) (Vespa {NZ}) continued his hot form in the G2 Challenge S. at Trentham, winning in the shadows of the post.

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Kris Lees continued his superb form in the Sunshine State when Acquitted scored his second stakes success in the Listed Bernborough Plate at Eagle Farm.

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The Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes-trained Gitalong (Zoustar) proved too speedy in a drama-packed opener at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

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The progressive gelding Zarastro (I Am Invincible) secured his second successive victory in the Listed Falvelon Quality at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

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Trainer Annabel Neasham may have narrowly missed out on the G1 Northerly S. with Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}), but her Perth raiding party won’t leave empty handed, with Numerian (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) taking out the G2 Ted van Heemst S. at Ascot.

Puntura rises to the Challenge at Trentham

Last-start winner of the G3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile, Puntura (NZ) (Vespa {NZ}) continued his hot form in the G2 Challenge S. at Trentham, winning in the shadows of the post.

Tough 6-year-old gelding Puntura was able to notch up his 10th career victory on Saturday at Trentham, taking out the G2 Challenge S. with a withering run down the extreme outside.

The Robert Patterson-trained galloper stood his rivals an enormous start as the field turned for home, having to make a sustained run down the centre of the track for jockey Craig Grylls to catch Belcare (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) in the final 50 metres of the 1400-metre race.

Connections of Puntura (NZ) after winning the G2 Manawatu Challenge S. at Trentham on Saturday | Image courtesy of Peter Rubery, Race Images

Having won at Group 3-level last start when taking out the G3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile, Puntura elevated again to win a weight-for-age Group 2 contest, his biggest career accomplishment to date.

He is out of recently pensioned mare Mumzahoney (NZ) (Magic Of Sydney), who has visited Vespa (NZ) in her last five servings, which has produced four foals, Puntura being the first, and most successful.

Puntura is a homebred for John and Carole Lynskey, who was never offered at public auction, retained to race for the family, who own Mumzahoney.

Numerian digs in to take out the Ted van Heemst

Trainer Annabel Neasham may have narrowly missed out on the G1 Northerly S. with Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}), but her Perth raiding party won’t leave empty handed, with Numerian (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) taking out the G2 Ted van Heemst S. at Ascot.

It wasn’t smooth sailing at the point of the corner for Numerian or jockey Clint-Johnston Porter, having to negotiate Zoumon (Zoustar) and Rachel King hanging out, forcing Johnston-Porter and Jarrad Noske on Casino Seventeen (Casino Prince) out to the middle of the track to make their dash for the post.

In the end, the wider path mattered naught, with Numerian grabbing a brave Marocchino (Maschino) in the last 50 metres and going on to score by 1l, with Casino Seventeen back in third.

Numerian (Ire), winner of the G2 Ted van Heemst S. at Ascot on Saturday | Image courtesy of Western Racepix

Numerian hadn’t been victorious since greeting the judge in the G2 The Q22 S. at Eagle Farm during the 2022 Queensland Carnival, but hadn’t been racing poorly, running a bold race when defeated by Cascadian (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) in the G1 Australian Cup in March of this year.

Both Numerian and Zoumon will progress to the G2 Perth Cup on January 1, with the former not receiving a penalty for his victory under weight-for-age conditions on Saturday.

Sagunto demolish gives update to Karaka bound half-sister

Sagunto (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) ran them off their legs in Saturday’s G3 Manawatu Cup over 2300 metres at Trentham on Saturday. The Peter and Kim McKay-trained 8-year-old gelding was an eye-catching 6l victor Fierce Flight (Flying Artie), while the third-placed Never Look Back (NZ) (Shocking) was a further 7.3l away.

Sagunto (NZ), winner of G3 Manawatu Cup at on Saturday | Image courtesy of Peter Rubery, Race Images Palmerston North

Sagunto was a NZ$120,000 purchase by Peter and Kim McKoy from the Waikato Stud draft at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale. His dam, the Savabeel mare, Queen Sabeel won a Listed race and has a filly by Per Incanto (USA) heading to the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale in the Seaton Park draft as Lot 338.

Zarastro’s sensational summer continues in the Falvelon

Ridden aggressively from the barriers by Angela Jones, progressive gelding Zarastro (I Am Invincible) secured his second successive victory in the Listed Falvelon Quality at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Trainer Tony Gollan has worked his magic on another runner sent north for a change of scenery, with talented 5-year-old gelding Zarastro scoring a statement victory in the Listed Falvelon Quality at Eagle Farm.

Given a positive ride by regular jockey Angela Jones, the son of I Am Invincible controlled the speed and gave his rivals little hope of going past him, quickening smartly when called upon to hold a 1.9l margin on Nettuno (I Am Invincible) through the line.

Zarastro, winner of the Listed Falvelon Quality at Eagle Farm on Saturday | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography

Originally purchased as a yearling for $1,050,000 at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Zarastro changed hands for just $32,500 as part of an Inglis Digital Sale, an amount which he has gone on to repay in spades for his new set of connections.

Out of Adrift (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), who won the G2 Light Fingers S. when racing, and boasts an impressive set of relations, including being a three-quarter sister to the G1 WS Cox Plate winner Maldivian (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}). Zarastro is her only foal to have seen the racetrack, where he has won seven of 16 starts, placing second on an additional three occasions.

Legal Esprit (Bel Esprit) was able to secure third place, while Spacewalk (Exosphere) faded after looming as a potential challenger to run fourth.

Acquitted backs up for Lees

Newcastle-based trainer Kris Lees has made a habit of plundering Queensland riches. Lees was recently represented by the Australian Bloodstock-raced Dream Hour (Dawn Approach {Ire}) winning The Gateway in the Sunshine State securing a barrier in next year’s G1 Stradbroke H.

On Saturday, Lees was back at with the imported Acquitted (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), who a start earlier had won the Listed Tails S. at Doomben. The Australian Bloodstock colour-bearer, ridden by James Orman, defeated Without Revenge (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}) and The Vowels (Better Than Ready).

Acquitted is one of 43 stakes winners for Darley’s Night Of Thunder {Ire}).

Gitalong prevails in drama-packed Valley opener

The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Dark Halo (Zoustar) was favoured by punters to take out the opening event at Moonee Valley on Saturday. Dark Halo lined-up in a small but competitive field with two of the four runners being last start winners, but the race was turned upside down when Dark Halo, with Dylan Browne-McMonagle, reared up in the barriers and missed the start by a considerable margin.

While another son of Zoustar, Gitalong, from the Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes camp shot to the front, under Jye McNeil, and was too strong for Our Cracklin Rosie (Grunt {NZ}), who faded to third and Links (Spieth {NZ}) ran on gamely to finish third, as Dark Halo failed to beat a runner home.

It was the third consecutive victory for Gitalong, who has found form since being gelded. The 3-year-old opened his preparation with a maiden success at Hawkesbury and followed that up with a victory at Warwick Farm.

Gitalong is the first foal from the Epaulette mare Khulaasa, a victress of the G3 Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. She is a half-sister to the stakes winner Bulbula (Shamardal {USA}), who is the dam of the G2 Caulfield Sprint victor Doull (Snitzel).

The gelding is also related to Lazzago (Capitalist), a winner of the G2 Sweet Embrace S.

Khulaasa has a 2-year-old filly named Fitzalan (Too Darn Hot {GB}) and a yearling colt by I Am Invincible, she missed to that Champion Sire in 2022 and doesn’t have a 2023 produce before she was exported to France.

Gitalong was purchased by Paul Willetts Bloodstock for $200,000 from the draft of Shadwell Stud when they dispersed their Australasian stock at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale. Vinery Stud reoffered Gitalong at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where Hawkes Racing paid $425,000.

Saturday summary

Gitalong

Zoustar

Night Of Thunder

Acquitted

Sagunto

Puntura

Zarastro

Black type results: Ascot, Eagle Farm and Trentham

7 min read

Cover image courtesy of Western Racepix

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

Really knuckling down late to gamely overhaul the brave leader Marocchino (Maschino), Numerian (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) was in winning form for the first time since taking out the G2 The Q22 in June last year.

A three-time stakes winner on Australian soil and once in Ireland, the 8-year-old bred by Whisperview Trading Ltd is one of the 100 stakes winners for his former shuttling sire, a dual Group 1-winning son of Danehill (USA).

Numerian's dam Delicate Charm (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}) has produced another three winners including the Group 3-placed Montesilvano (Ire) (also by Holy Roman Emperor) and the dam of this year's G1 Cheveley Park S. winner Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio {USA}).

Delicate Charm is out of a half-sister to the G3 St Simon S. winner Kithanga (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}) whose son is the G1 St Leger hero Milan (GB) (Sadler’s Wells {USA}).

This is a strong European family, Numerian is able to count amongst his relations the Group winners Koora (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), Kemari (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Karpion (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) as well as the G1 Epsom Derby-winning successful sire Kahyasi (Ire) (Ile de Bourbon {USA}).

Ancestress of this family is the multiple Group 1 winner Majideh (GB) (Mahmoud {Fr}), dam of the big race winners Gallant Man (GB) and Masaka (Ire) (Nearco {Ity}).

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

Proving a class above his rivals after finding early trouble, Storm Boy (Justify {USA}) remains undefeated as he heads towards the Magic Millions in which he is currently fighting out favouritism with his stablemate Straight Charge (Written By) who also impressed today.

Bred by Katom and sold by Coolmore Stud to Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing and Kestrel Thoroughbreds for $460,000 at this year's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Storm Boy is the 25th stakes winner (the fourth locally) for his Coolmore-based American Crown-winning shuttling sire.

The well named colt is the first foal produced by the lightly raced Moonee Valley winner Pelican (NZ) (Fastnet Rock) whose second foal is a Pierro colt and whose third - born in mid-October this year - is a filly by St Mark's Basilica (Fr).

Pelican is one of the four winners produced by the star New Zealand-bred mare Seachange (NZ) (Cape Cross {Ire}) - the seven-time Group 1 winner who also produced the Group 3-placed dual city winner Divan (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}).

Seachange is one of two Group 1 winners produced by the placed Just Cruising (NZ) (Broad Reach {NZ}), also dam of the G1 Levin Classic winner Keepa Cruisin (NZ) (Keeper) - in turn dam of the Listed winner Espresso Martini (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}).

Storm Boy is the fourth (from 14 runners/12 winners) Justify stakes winner out of Fastnet Rock mares - a cross which provides for the duplication of the terrific mare Crimson Saint (USA) (Crimson Satan {USA}) via her grandson Storm Cat (USA) and son Royal Academy (USA).

Listed Bernborough Plate, $200,000, 1600m

Once into clear running, Acquitted (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) was off and away, impressive recording his second Listed win in a row.

One of the 43 stakes winners for his former Darley shuttling sire, he is out of the lightly raced Blameless (Ire) (Authorized {Ire}) whose dam is the dual Group 1 winner Crystal House (Chi) (Golden Voyager {USA}) who earned the titles of Chilean Horse Of The Year and Champion 3-Year-Old Filly.

The dam of the Dubai Group 2 winner Desert Fire (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}), Crystal House is out of Cristalline (Chi) (Northair {USA}) who was also crowned Chilean Champion 3-Year-Old Filly.

And she produced yet another winner of that title - the G1 Chilean Oaks winner Crystal Clear (Chi) (Golden Voyager) whose grandson is the Group 1 winner Califat (Chi) (Until Sundown {USA}).

This is a prolific Chilean family, one which has also produced the Champion 2- and 3-Year-Old Colt Crisantemo (Chi) (Fappavalley {USA}) and the G1 Gran Premio El Derby hero Cefalu (Chi) (Dushyantor {USA}) who ventured to Australia, winning the Listed JRA Cup at Moonee Valley.

Bred by Lannister Holdings, Acquitted boasts a cross of the terrific mare Where You Lead (USA) (Raise A Native {USA}) via her descendants Deploy (Ire) and Rainbow Quest (USA) - noting that he is one of the 37 stakes winner bred on this Dubawi (Ire)/Rainbow Quest combo - and one of the three by Night Of Thunder.

Listed Falvelon, $200,000, 1200m

It was a case of deja vu with Zarastro (I Am Invincible) racing away to an easy win at Listed level - as he did four weeks ago when taking out the Listed Recognition S. at Doomben.

A good advertisement for Inglis Digital - the $1,050,000 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale graduate was purchased for just $32,500 by the Tony Gollan stable in October last year.

Bred by Fairway Thoroughbreds, he is one of the 101 stakes winners for his Yarraman Park-based Champion Sire. He is the first live foal for the G2 Light Fingers S. winner Adrift (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}).

Missing last year after foaling a full brother to Zarastro, Adrift has a 2-year-old daughter by the same sire - Seascape retained to race by Fairway; trained by Michael Freedman. Her 3-year-old Helmsman (Merchant Navy) was out of the placings in his only trial.

Adrift is one of the 11 winners produced by the unraced Stray (NZ) (Tale Of The Cat {USA}), also dam of the R. Listed Karaka Million winner Imperial Win (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) and grandam of the G1 Railway S. winner Entriviere (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}).

A descendant of the outstanding matriarch Myrtlewood (USA) (Blue Larkspur {USA}), Stray is half-sister to Maldivian (NZ) (Zabeel), winner of the G1 W.S Cox Plate, the G1 C.F Orr S. and the G1 Caulfield S.

Zarastro is one of the nine winners - from as many runners - for I Am Invincible out of mares by Zabeel.

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

Kept up to the mark with a trial win since taking out a Group 3 contest at Riccarton Park in mid-November, Puntura (NZ) (Vespa {NZ}) was again in good form charging home out wide in this shorter contest.

One of the five stakes winners for his Mapperley Stud-based Group 1 winning sire - a son of Elusive City (USA), Puntura is a home-bred for Carole and John Lynskey out of their two-time winning mare Mumzahoney (NZ) (Magic Of Sydney) who has produced another three winners.

Two of whom have been successful at metropolitan level - Margherita Veloce (NZ) (also by Vespa) and Four Degrees (NZ) (Shocking).

Retired from stud duties with her final foal being a full brother to Puntura foaled last year, Mumzahoney hails from the family of the stakes winners Foxbay (NZ) (Zephyr Bay), Ellakapella (NZ) (Pompeii Court {USA}), Warrentherooster (NZ) (Savabeel) and Jason Belltree (NZ) (Ferlax {NZ}).

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

The first horse since Lomondy (NZ) (Noble Bijou {USA}) in 1986 and 1989 to win this race twice - and the first to record consecutive victories since Bandon (NZ) (Jekyll {GB}) in 1965 and 1966, Sagunto (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}) certainly knows how to shine on this day.

Bred by Waikato Stud and purchased by the McKay family for NZ$120,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, Sagunto is one of the 96 stakes winners.

He is one of the four winners (from five to race) for the Listed Breeders S. winner Queen Sabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) who has also produced the Flemington winner Tyrannize (NZ) (also by O'Reilly).

Served last spring by Tivaci after producing a filly by Per Incanto (USA), Queen Sabeel is one of the five winners for the metropolitan winner Vanessatheundressa (NZ) (Carnegie {Ire}) who also produced the Group 3-placed Vandancer (NZ) (Savabeel).

Vanessatheundressa's dam is the Listed Queen Adelaide S. winner Voguessa (Almurtajaz {NZ}), half-sister to the durable Group 2 winner Gypsy Rogue (Gypsy Kingdom) from the family of the champion Vo Rogue (Ivor Prince {USA}).

Ascot

Eagle Farm

Trentham

Black type results

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Job Board

3 min read

On today's Job Board

•

Silverdale Farm - Assistant Stud Manager

Silverdale Farm - Assistant Stud Manager

Silverdale currently has an exciting and unique opportunity for an Assistant Stud Manager to join its expanding team. Become a part of a growing and forward-thinking business that aspires to be an employer of choice in the thoroughbred industry.

This position would also ideally suit a couple (with family) should the partner have skills in horse care, gardening, photography, social media, administration skills, etc.

Candidates must be motivated, have a 'can-do' attitude and be passionate about working with horses. Previous experience working on stud farms is a must.

• Opportunity to use your experience and skills working with horses.

• Use your leadership skills.

• Unique state-of-the-art horse breeding farm and facilities.

• Great benefits for successful applicant.

• Modern accommodation and great staff facilities.

• Potential opportunity for a couple looking to both work and live on a farm.

• Work vehicle provided.

The Assistant Stud Manager role:

• Work closely with Rob Petith, our Stud Manager, in the day-to-day running of a commercial thoroughbred farm.

• Management of staff rostering, daily planning, and assigning daily tasks.

• Preparation of yearlings and weanlings for sales.

• Assist farriers and veterinarians – booking and coordinating.

• Experience in foaling mares (including post-natal care).

• Handling, exercising and caring for horses of various ages.

• Overseeing the daily care and supervision of horses, paddocks and stable work.

• Feeding, grooming, mucking boxes, general farm cleaning and tidying.

• If a couple is applying, a combination of horse and aligned skills is considered.

• Managing daily worksheets, billing and record keeping.

• Responsible for training of new staff.

• Participation and planning with the Silverdale Academy Intern Programs and coordination of Silverdale Intern Program – on-site learning skills.

Desirable Experience:

• Strong ability to lead a team.

• Focused attention to detail.

• Able and willing to be ‘hands-on’.

• Must have experience in areas of broodmare management, handling and yearling sales preparation.

• Must have proven experience in similar operations with health and safety management practices.

• Ability to effectively organise and supervise a small team.

• Equine nursing skills are an advantage.

Benefits:

• In return for your skills, expertise, and commitment, you will be rewarded with a generous salary commensurate with your qualifications, experience and skill level.

• Relocation costs for successful applicants interstate.

• Incentives offered for further training and upskilling.

• Utilise our great staff facilities, including accommodation, gym, rock climbing wall, tennis court, swimming pool and staff pavilion with a full-sized pool table.

Silverdale Farm is a unique 260-acre private elite thoroughbred farm located in the beautiful Southern Highlands region in NSW, southwest of Sydney near Bowral. Living and working in the Southern Highlands has many benefits, such as excellent schools, top medical providers, a supportive community, and close proximity to Sydney and Wollongong beaches, racetracks, and extensive shopping and entertainment facilities.

Please send a resume with a brief cover letter to: dtiller@silverdalefarm.com.au

Visit our website here

Job Board

Black type fields: Pukekohe, Randwick, Caulfield and Wingatui

1 min read

Pukekohe: G1 Zabeel Classic, NZ$450,000, 2050m

G2 Eight Carat Classic, NZ$225,000, 1600m

G2 Auckland Guineas, NZ$225,000, 1400m

Randwick: G3 Summer Cup, $250,000, 2000m

Caulfield: Listed Christmas S., $200,000, 1100m

Listed Lord S., $175,000, 1700m

Wingatui: Listed Hazlett S., NZ$80,000, 1200m

Black type fields

Pukekohe

Randwick

Caulfield

Wingatui

Daily News Wrap

Barrett breaks through for first city success

Canberra-based apprentice Jake Barrett achieved a major milestone on Saturday, riding his first city winner aboard Belleistic Kid (The Brothers War {USA}) in the fifth contest at Randwick.

Taken straight to the front in the BM74 H., Barrett was able to execute a perfectly timed ride on the 4-year-old gelding, who would go on to score by 1.9l.

“It’s a dream come true,” Barrett told Channel 7 after the race. “Five years ago I could barely sit on a horse, and to ride a winner at Randwick today, I shouldn’t say it but I could retire now and be happy!

“I thought he (Belleistic Kid) would jump well, he seems to be a horse that every time he draws wider, doesn’t sit in the gates longer, he tends to show a bit more natural toe.”

Progressive filly scores at Trentham

The Guy Lowry and Leah Zydenbos-trained Bedtime Story (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) made it two wins on the trot when she scored at Trentham on Saturday. The lightly raced 3-year-old filly was a last-start victress at Hastings after placing on debut at Woodville in October. Bedtime Story, ridden by Kozzi Asano, defeated Party Rocking (NZ) (Belardo {Ire}) by 1.5l.

The filly is from the unraced Tavistock (NZ) mare Happy Endings (NZ), who is the dam of the G2 Westbury Classic winner Dragon Queen (NZ) (Sweynesse).

Bedtime Story failed to meet her reserve of NZ$120,000 when offered by Brighthill Farm at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale.

Happy Endings has a colt by Savabeel (Lot 118) in the Brighthill Farm draft heading to the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale.

Magic Pharoah provides Mary a milestone

Scone-based horseman Lou Mary achieved a milestone on Saturday, when his charge Magic Pharoah (American Pharoah {USA}) gave him his first Randwick winner in sensational style.

“It was sensational,” Mary told Sky Racing.

“It was a really good ride from Tommy (Sherry). I actually thought we had no hope at the 300 metres, and she (Magic Pharoah) just kept coming. She’s got a big heart and she’s got a stack of ability this mare.”

Mary trains a small team of 16 and seldom ventures to the city but felt the 4-year-old mare was up to the task.

“You’ve got to have the right horses. We’ve only got a small team, but this mare showed early on that she’d be up to this.”

Hong Kong move the right time for Eustace

In an interview with Channel 7’s Emma Freedman, David Eustace admits the decision to leave Ciaron Maher Racing was a hard one and not taken lightly but ultimately the opportunity was too good to refuse.

“I went to Hong Kong after Royal Ascot and they (HKJC) reached out after that,” Eustace said.

“It’s been something that’s been playing on my mind, so it wasn’t taken lightly at all by me.

David Eustace | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

“But I think it’s the right time and a great opportunity for me.

“Hong Kong racing’s probably been a part of my life since a very young age. My uncle (David Oughton) trained there, and I remember him 20 years ago having winners, and good winners.

“It’s a pressure cooker, very competitive, and that’s something that’s going to be a great challenge and really excites me as well.”

Oakfield Wallaby building nice record

The Kris Lees-trained Oakfield Wallaby (Dissident) took her record to seven starts and four victories on Saturday at Wyong. The 4-year-old mare has been building a tidy resume with wins at Coffs Harbour, Scone and Tuncurry before her latest success.

Oakfield Wallaby, ridden by Grant Buckley, scored from Obvious Step (Sidestep). She was a $70,000 purchase by Bruce Mackenzie when offered by Sledmere Stud at the 2020 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale.

Oakfield Wallaby’s dam Grasslands, a daughter of Snitzel, won twice and is a full sister to the outstanding galloper Away Game.

Grasslands will be represented by Lot 263, a Zoustar colt, offered by The Chase at the 2024 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.

Joint cooperation committee formed by Japanese, British and Irish racing industries

A partnership to encourage international initiatives and working practices between the Japanese and British and Irish horseracing industries was announced by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and Japan Racing Association (JRA) on Friday.

The creation of the Joint Cooperation Committee is to serve as a formal platform for members within the British and Irish horseracing industries to engage with their counterparts in Japan via the JRA. It will consist of agreed representatives from key shareholders in the respective territories including the BHA, HRI, Racecourse Media Group (RMG), and principal courses like The Jockey Club Racecourses, York, Ascot, Goodwood, and Leopardstown.

The group's earliest groundwork includes a variety of schemes, and marketing and media initiatives to promote Japanese horses and connections travelling to Great Britain and Ireland, and vice versa by raising awareness of those markets among domestic participants, media, bettors, and fans. Another goal is to create a direct regulatory partnership which will perform its duties but not cut across pre-existing arrangements. Ultimately, the goal is to further internationalise the sport of horse racing and support the breeding industries.

Frankel colt has measure of rivals in Al Rashidiya

The bred-in-the-purple Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}) gave the boys in blue their eighth G2 Al Rashidiya winner when drawing off to win by 3.25l in the 1800-metre grass contest on Friday.

Measured Time is the 135th stakes winner and 92nd Group winner for Frankel (GB). His dam Minidress (GB) (Street Cry {Ire}) was placed in the Listed Height Of Fashions S. and is the dam of Rebel’s Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), a 10-time winner in Great Britain, the United States of America, Germany and the United Arab Emirates.

Rebel’s Romance has claimed races the calibre of the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf.

First Light shines at Randwick

It may have taken until start 16 for First Light (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) to secure his first Australian victory, but the 6-year-old gelding is starting to make up for lost time, winning for the second start on the bounce in the second race at Randwick on Saturday.

Settling towards the rear of the field for jockey Tommy Berry, the Chris Waller-trained gelding travelled boldly into the race, taking favourite I’m A Dirty Rascal (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and extending away to win by 2.4l.

Dubawi (Ire) boasts an imposing record when his progeny travel to Australia, boasting 74 per cent winners to runners, and 22 individual stakes winners.

Gaudray notches half-century aboard Call The Union

Apprentice Celine Gaudray has been enjoying a summer to remember, and that continued on Saturday when notching up her 50th metropolitan winner aboard the Trevor Rogers-trained Call The Union (Shamus Award).

Gaudray was able to slice through and make a run on the post-time favourite, going past Musgrave (NZ) (Preferment {NZ}) to win by 1l in the fourth race at Moonee Valley.

Commencing her riding career in 2020, Gaudray is in career-best form, striking at 24 per cent from her last 50 rides, and sits tied-sixth in the Victorian Metropolitan Jockeys’ Premiership.

Carrington Park Stud will offer Lot 1430, a Headwater, half-sister to Call The Union, at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Daily News Wrap

Looking Ahead - December 24

Ipswich, Race 1, 12.12pm AEDT (11.12am local), Follow Socials @Ipswichturfclub H., $28,000, 800m

Lucky Man, 2-year-old colt (Better Than Ready x Trickett {General Nediym})

Toowoomba-based trainer Paul Nolan Jnr will unveil his 2-year-old prospect Lucky Man in the opening race at Ipswich, an 800-metre scamper.

Out of a winning daughter of General Nediym, Trickett, Lucky Man is well-related throughout his page. He is a full brother to a three-time juvenile victor, Better Rain, and is a half-sibling to a further two winners over sprinting trips.

Lucky Man as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

He is also related to the G3 Breeders’ plate winner Empire Of Japan (Snitzel) and the G2 Run To The Rose H. winner Menari, who subsequently became a stallion.

Lucky Man has yet to be sighted in public trials, and will have apprentice Jake Molloy in the saddle to steer him from barrier five in a field of 10.

Paul Nolan Jnr went to $47,500 to secure him at the start of the year, when he was offered by Yarramalong Park at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale.

Tamworth, Race 3, 3pm AEDT, East West Enviroag Mdn H., $27,000, 1000m

Vercelli, 3-year-old filly (Maurice {Jpn} x Zelrosa {Snitzel})

Racing at Tamworth will host the debut of the well-related Vercelli, who will head north from her home track of Scone to compete in the 1000-metre maiden.

Prepared by the training partnership of Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich, the daughter of Maurice (Jpn) has been readied for this assignment with two barrier trials, the best being a narrow second over 900 metres at Scone.

Maurice (Jpn) | Standing at Arrowfield Stud

Her dam, Zelrosa, who was victorious over 1100 metres, is a full sister to Switzerland (Snitzel), a winner of the G1 Lightning S., the G2 Danehill S. and the G2 Challenge S., the latter being achieved in track record time. Switzerland went on to produce the G3 Maribyrnong Plate winner Hard Landing (All Too Hard). Her other full brother, Sooboog, won the G3 Aurie’s Star H., and has since gone on to carve out a stallion career for himself.

Vercelli was bred by Arrowfield Stud, and has never been offered at public auction. Should she be successful, she will be the first foal of Zelrosa to win, and Maurice’s 102nd Australian winner to date.

Looking Back

At Trentham on Saturday, Unbridled Joy (Snitzel) was able to grab second, while Customized (Capitalist) closed off nicely for third in the G3 BJ McLachlan S. at Eagle Farm. At Randwick, Capricious Belle (Russian Revolution) wasn't able to trouble the judge in her racetrack debut.

Looking Ahead

Looking Back

Debutants

1 min read

First-time starters lining up on Sunday, December 24

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

First Season Sire Runners & Results

1 min read

First Season Sires’ Results

Results: Saturday, December 23

First Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Sunday, December 24

First Season Sire Results

First Season Sire Runners

Second Season Sire Runners & Results

Second Season Sires’ Results

Results: Saturday, December 23

Second Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Sunday, December 24

Second Season Sire Results

Second Season Sire Runners

NSW Race Results