McEvoy declares Summer for Millions
Tony and Calvin McEvoy’s exciting juvenile Arabian Summer (Too Darn Hot {GB}) will attempt to follow in the hoof prints of the former McEvoy-trained Sunlight (Zoustar), who took out the prestigious R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
Arabian Summer will contest the 1100-metre Aquis Gold Pearl, stepping beyond the 1000 metres for the first time.
Arabian Summer | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
“One hundred per cent, the big race (R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic) is the target; we obviously had success doing it in the past with Sunlight, and the history of 2-year-olds backing up the following week is very good.
“I’m not sure what sort of track we’ll get, but she’s shown versatility on all surfaces; she needs to run out a strong 1200 metres when it comes to the big race, but the way she won the other day, I would say that shouldn’t be a problem.”
Duais looking for second Australian Cup
The Edward Cummings-trained Duais (Shamus Award) sustained an eye ulcer after finishing second in the G1 Champions S.
However, Cummings indicated the mare has come through the ulcer well and he is now looking towards winning a second G1 Australian Cup with the daughter of Shamus Award.
Sunrise salutes at Tauherenikau
The John Bary-trained Sunrise (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) took out the 2-year-old event at Tauherenikau on Sunday. The 2-year-old filly was breaking her maiden at start four, winning by 5l from Sizzle (NZ) (Brazen Beau) and Vanish (NZ) (Vanbrugh).
Sunrise (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Sunrise’s dam is the dual-winning Dawn Approach (Ire) mare Daily At Dawn. She is related to the G1 Sires’ Produce S. victor King’s Legacy, whose first yearlings will be sold at the upcoming sales.
Sunrise was a NZ$30,000 purchase by TFI and John Bary from the draft of Windsor Park Stud at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale.
Flag’s Voice Over gets the job done
On Tuesday, the second-season sire U S Navy Flag (USA) was represented by a new winner with the Peter Didham-trained Voice Over (NZ), breaking his maiden at Tauherenikau.
The 3-year-old gelding is from the Duke Of Marmalade (Ire) mare Big Voices. She is a half-sister to the G3 HDF McNeil S. winner, Tully Dane.
Voice Over cost NZ$20,000 when purchased by TE Luke from the draft of Curraghmore at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale.
More autumn aims for Legarto
Star filly Legarto (NZ) (Proisir) showed her appreciation for Flemington with an electric victory in the G1 Australian Guineas in the autumn of 2023. Her co-trainer Ken Kelso indicated the 4-year-old would chase further success at Flemington in the G1 Australian Cup.
On Tuesday, Legarto returned to action at Tauranga with a narrow victory in an 1100-metre trial.
“She’s coming up good, but while we’ll take it one race at a time, it would be lovely to get back to Flemington,” Kelso told Racing.com.
“I’ve always thought that Legarto would really enjoy going 2000 metres. She’ll run at Ellerslie on January 14 just in an open handicap with a maximum top weight of 60kg.”
McDonald returning to Australia
Champion Jockey James McDonald is set to return to Australia after spending the last five weeks in Hong Kong. McDonald signed off riding in the competitive jurisdiction with a treble on Monday’s New Year Day meeting at Sha Tin.
Friday night’s Canterbury meeting will see McDonald return to riding on Australian soil. However, McDonald has been booked to ride Voyage Bubble (Deep Field) in the G1 Stewards’ Cup on January 21 in Hong Kong.
Magic Millions announce 2024 Racing Women Hall of Fame
Magic Millions, in partnership with TAB, have announced the finalists for the 2024 Racing Women Hall of Fame. The four finalists are as follows.
Peachester Lodge owner and breeder Linda Huddy, Star Thoroughbreds founder Denise Martin, trailblazing female jockey Pam O’Neill, and legendary trainer Gai Waterhouse round out the finalists.
Former Sydney galloper steps out
The former Chris Waller-trained Skyman (GB) (Mukhadram {GB}) stepped out for his first New Zealand outing at Tauranga on Tuesday with new trainer Stephen Marsh and his owners, the Go Racing Elton Syndicate, keen for him to display the same competitive spirit that he showcased during his numerous Australian campaigns.
The 8-year-old gelding won eight of his 37 starts for the Waller stable, including four Listed races, before Go Racing boss Albert Bosma made the decision to bring Skyman to New Zealand to continue his career.
Skyman (GB) | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“Skyman came to us in great order from Chris (Waller), but the big question was did he still want to be a racehorse?” Marsh told loveracing.nz.
“He certainly had settled in well and appeared to be enjoying his new environment, so this was his first test and he passed with flying colours. As long as he pulls up well, we will head to Trentham later this month for the G1 Thorndon Mile.”
Finalists announced for 2024 National Racing Woman of the Year
The finalists for the 2024 National Racing Women of the Year have been announced. The three finalists are Vicky Leonard, managing director of Kick Collective and of The Thoroughbred Report AusNZ; Lindy Maurice, chief executive officer of Thoroughbred Careers; and racehorse trainer Annabel Neasham. The winner will receive a $50,000 Racing Women scholarship from TAB to benefit their endeavours in the thoroughbred industry. The winner will be announced at Saturday’s Magic Millions Racing Women, supported by TAB Achievement Awards.
Adam I Am takes aim Thames Cup
The Glenn Old-trained Adam I Am (NZ) (Almanzor {Fr}) will tackle the Thames Cup at Te Aroha on Wednesday.
“He is a very good horse and the step up to a mile at Te Aroha is just what he has been looking for,” Old told loveracing.nz.
“Adam I Am has only had the four starts and is still learning the game, but I believe he has the ability to be a Group winner when he gets some more experience under his belt.”
Adam I Am (NZ) | Image courtesy of Kenton Wright (Race Images)
Old knows a win will help lift his charge into the final field for the $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic at Ellerslie on January 27.
“He would need to win well to make that field on Karaka Millions night and I’m hoping that is exactly what he does.”
New winner for Justify
Coolmore Stud’s Justify (USA) sired a new winner on Tuesday at Wangaratta, courtesy of the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Aerial Bay. The 3-year-old filly was having her second career start after being placed fourth on debut at Mornington. Aerial Bay, ridden by Jamie Mott, defeated Itsukushima (So You Think {NZ}) and Ashau Valley (Outreach).
Aerial Bay is from the Exceed And Excel mare Excelsior Island. She won two races and is a half-sister to the G1 Diamond S. winner Warhorse (NZ).
The filly was passed in for $200,000 at the 2022 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale from the draft of Tyreel Stud.
