Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale resumes
Book 2 of the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale will resume on Monday, January 15, at 11am (AEDT) (10am local). The first lot through the ring will be Lot 1021, am Anders filly offered by Murrulla Stud. Monday’s Book 2 session will conclude with Lot 1244, a Brutal (NZ) colt offered by Coolmore Stud.
Book 2 of the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale resumes on Monday | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
As usual there is an exciting variety of proven, young and first-season sires on offer for buyers. Alongside, the previously mentioned freshman sires Anders and Brutal, there is progeny by the first-season sires Pierata, Tagaloa and Ole Kirk to mention a few.
While among the offerings from the proven commodities there is yearlings by So You Think (NZ), Maurice (Jpn), Capitalist, Better Than Ready and Toronado (Ire), with 440 lots in the two day Book 2 sessions.
Giga Kick still on the sidelines
Clayton Douglas’ star sprinter Giga Kick (Scissor Kick) will undergo scintigraphy scans in the coming weeks after the 4-year-old remains plagued with a muscle injury.
Previous scans revealed the injury was deep in the gluteal muscle. However, it has taken longer than anticipated to heal and now an autumn preparation seems unlikely.
“Giga Kick had one scan and it wasn’t 100 per cent so he needs a bit longer off,” said managing owner Rod Douglas.
“He looks good, he’s a lot more mature and stronger, so it’s just a matter of being patient and waiting for it to heal.”
Hurdle suspended for four weeks
South Australian-based hoop Ryan Hurdle fell in the bad books with stewards when he rode in New Zealand at the Trentham meeting on Saturday.
Stewards found Hurdle at fault for a fall that occurred in the G1 Telegraph H. Hurdle partnered the narrowly beaten Express Yourself (NZ) (Shamexpess {NZ}). However, earlier in the event a shift inwards when not completely clear of Bonny Lass (NZ) (Super Easy {NZ}) causing a domino effect that eventually saw Jonathan Riddell, aboard Lincoln’s Kruz (Kuroshio) become unseated.
Riddell was reported to have minor injuries and was stood down for the reminder on his rides on Saturday, white Lincoln’s Kruz pulled up 3 out of 5 lame in the left foreleg and lost a plate. He will be required to pass a vet test before racing again.
Hurdle was suspended for four weeks with immediate effect, and will next be free to ride on Sunday, February 11. He was also fined NZ$2000.
Parker’s champion back in action
Kerry Parker is hopeful his headline horse Think It Over (So You Think {NZ}) can deliver another fruitful preparation this autumn as he prepares to trial at Warwick Farm on Tuesday.
“It’s just Think It Over’s first trial back, he’ll be there for a little day out and a canter around. Just get the little adrenalin pump from going to the trials,” Parker told Racing And Sports.
Think It Over | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
“The plan is to give him another trial in a couple of weeks, but all in all he’s ticking along well and going about his business well.
“He’ll be the best horse I've ever trained.”
Avdulla's Hong Kong stay extended
Brenton Avdulla has been granted an extension to his Hong Kong riding contract with the dual G1 Golden Slipper-winning rider to stay in the jurisdiction until at least July. The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced that they had extended his licence until the end of the current racing season.
“We came here with open eyes to see where it could lead, and at the moment, we’re happy here,” Avdulla told Racing.com. “We’ll see how it goes. I think anyone coming to Hong Kong, you’ve got to give it a little bit of time; no one really comes here and is successful straight away.”
Bowler avoids serious injury
Connections have advised the progressive 3-year-old Sydney Bowler (Deep Field) has avoided serious injury after being scratched from Saturday’s $3 million R. Listed Magic Millions 3YO Guineas.
The John O’Shea trainee was taken to the Gold Coast Equine Clinic after being cast in the gates. The race was delayed as barrier attendants, veterinary staff, and other officials partially deconstructed the barriers to release Sydney Bowler.
Sydney Bowler and his strapper | Image courtesy of John O' Shea Racing
“The horse has some cuts and stitches but ate up overnight and appears to have come through the incident okay,” owner Suman Hedge told Racing.com.
“We will just give him a nice holiday now to get over it.”
Stars to shine at Warwick Farm
Several stars from Chris Waller’s stable are set to step out on Tuesday at Warwick Farm in preparation for the autumn.
The opening heat will see the multiple Group 1 winners Fangirl (Sebring) and Militarize (NZ) (Dundeel {NZ}) return alongside the Group 2 victress Lazzago (Capitalist).
Waller will also bring last-start Champions S. victress Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel), the classy Espiona (Extreme Choice) and the G1 VRC Derby winner Riff Rocket (American Pharoah {USA}).
Outside of Waller's stars, the Warwick Farm meeting is also expecting the G1 Queen Elizabeth S. victor Think It Over (So You Think {NZ}), G1 Caulfield Guineas hero Griff (Trapeze Artist) and the brilliant Learning To Fly (Justify {USA}).
Caulfield's new track to kick off earlier than anticipated?
Wednesday, April 17, was meant to be the starting point for Caulfield’s new inner track. Still, the Melbourne Racing Club officials are open to the possibility it could be ready earlier after horses galloped over it for the first time this week.
Melbourne Racing Club’s executive director of racing, Jake Norton, told Racing.com, “We have the first meeting scheduled for April 17. However, we have frequent meetings at Sandown over the next weeks and months, and so if it was considered fit to race earlier than that date, we could consider an internal transfer.”
“We believe it is in condition that is fit for racing, and now is the time to prove it.”
Three jockeys rode nine Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained horses over the surface with the jockeys' feedback encouraging. The club will now wait for the results and feedback from a set of jump-outs organised for next Tuesday before official trials are conducted on January 29.
Lloyd makes Singapore move
Jaden Lloyd will fulfil a bucket list trip to Singapore to ride before racing ceases in the jurisdiction. Lloyd hopes to emulate his father, Jeff Lloyd’s feat of winning the G1 Gold Cup later in the year.
“The prizemoney has increased for the final year. It’s actually very good prizemoney, and everyone knows it is shutting down, but it’s good to have on the resume,” Lloyd told Punters.
“I have always wanted to go up there and ride, and I was running out of time, so I thought it was a good decision to get away from everything here for a bit and try my luck in Singapore.
Jaden Lloyd | Image courtesy of Micheal McNally
“A couple of jockeys have already left, so they were looking for riders. Hopefully that presents a few opportunities.
“There are some really good riders up there still like Vlad Duric. I just want to go up there and work hard.”
Jenni’s All-Star Mile tilt
Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) saw her star rise during Melbourne Cup Week, becoming a dual Group 1 winner of the G1 Empire Rose S. and the G1 Champions Mile. The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained mare has returned to training and will chase further riches during the autumn with The All-Star Mile firmly in the plans.
Stable representative Jack Turnbull told RSN927, “Pride Of Jenni is going tremendous; she’s trialled up well, and her trackwork has been really good. She carries residual fitness through her last preparation. She put on 40kg, even for a short break, she appears to be a bit more mature mentally; she’s not as hard on herself.” He said.
“Declan Bates came out, trialled her, and she’ll have another before we look to go racing, but the end goal will be The All-Star Mile. It’ll be a matter of how she trials next as to where she goes first-up but we’re really pleased with her and she’s going as good as we could hope for.”
Everest big on Moody’s Wish list
Peter Moody, who trains I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) in partnership with Katerine Coleman, advised the 2024 campaign of the G1 TJ Smith S. hero will be centred around another tilt at the $15 million The Everest.
I Wish I Win was runner-up to Joe Pride’s Think About It (So You Think {NZ}) in the 2023 edition of the race.
Moody told RSN927, “That is his sole target. Everything is about having him back in Sydney in October.”
First foals for Champion Flightline
Unbeaten Horse of the Year and Champion Older Male Flightline (USA) was represented by his first two foals Friday evening. Juju’s Map (USA) (Liam’s Map {USA}) foaled a filly late January 12 at Taylor Made in Kentucky, and Lady Scarlet (USA) (Union Rags {USA}) foaled a colt in the early hours of January 13 at Thirty Year Farm in New York. Both are first foals for the mares.
Juju’s Map, owned by Albaugh Family Racing Stables LLC, won the G1 Darley Alcibiades S. and was runner-up in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.
“We are delighted with this Flightline filly out of Juju’s Map. She has lots of leg and class to her. Juju’s Map has been a great mum,” said Melissa Couture, Taylor Made broodmare manager.
Flightline (USA) | Standing at Lane's End
Lady Scarlet, winner of the G2 Miss Preakness S., campaigned for owners Paradise Farms Corp and David Staudacher while racing.
“He’s a good-looking boy. A solid, straightforward colt with ample bone, eager to latch on and entertain a large audience on the first day. We’re equally excited that one of the first, of what we’re sure will be many spectacular Flightlines, is a New York-bred,” said Kristen Esler, co-owner of Thirty Year Farm with her husband, Matt.
Flightline stands for US$150,000 (AU$224,300) at Lane’s End in 2024.
Vale Falbrav
Group 1-winning globetrotter Falbrav (Ire) died at Shadai Stallion Station in Japan on Friday, Netkeiba reported on Saturday. The eight-time Group 1 winner, who was pensioned in 2015, was 26.
“Falbrav passed away at the age of 26 in Shadai Stallion Station, Japan,” the Japanese news site posted on X. “Rest in peace.”
Eisuke Tokutake, manager of Shadai Stallion Station, told Sanspo.com, “He had a little colic and was a little sick since the end of last year.”
Falbrav won eight Group 1 races in five different countries and bowed out of racing as a 2l victor of the G1 Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile hero takes aim at Holy Bull
Repole Stable’s G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Fierceness (USA) (City Of Light {USA}) is set to make his sophomore debut in the G3 Holy Bull S. at Gulfstream Park on February 3.
“He’s been working super, and everything is going according to plan, so far,” Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher said. “We’re targeting the Holy Bull.”
Champion Epicenter welcomes first foal
The first foal for 2022 Eclipse Award-winning Champion 3-Year-Old Male and G1 Runhappy Travers S. winner Epicenter (USA) arrived at Twin Creeks Farm on Saturday when the stakes-placed Peaceful (USA) (Declaration Of War (USA)) produced a quality filly. Peaceful won a Saratoga Allowance and was placed in the Listed Smart & Fancy S.
Epicenter (USA) | Standing at Coolmore
The Coolmore stallion will stand the 2024 season for US$40,000 (AU$59,800).
White Abarrio working towards Saudi Cup
North American Horse of the Year candidate and G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner White Abarrio (USA) (Race Day {USA}) will kick off his 5-year-old campaign in the G1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racetrack on February 24. A subsequent start in the G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan on March 30 could be in the cards as well.
“He’s gonna go over (to Saudi Arabia) from Santa Anita basically 10 days before,” C2 Racing Stable’s Mark Cornett said. “That’s when the plane goes over there from Miami. So, he’ll fly into Miami from Los Angeles, then he’ll get on the flight with the rest of the horses from the United States going over to Riyadh.”
Cornett continued, “He’s on his game, I’ll tell you that. We backed off him a little bit (after the Classic). He’s been working very well. They’re easy works, nothing serious yet. The horse is such a good work horse.”
