Harron and TFI join forces
James Harron Bloodstock and Tony Fung Investments will join forces for the 2025 yearling sales. This landmark collaboration will see Tony Fung Investments participating in acquisitions for both the JHB Colt Partnership and the JHB/Michael Freedman Filly Partnership.
“As the market continues to evolve, so must we,” said James Harron in a press release. “Historically, we’ve been fierce competitors in the sales ring with Tony and his team. However, given our shared focus on acquiring and developing elite horses to maximize on-sale value and build enduring stallion equity for our partners, this partnership is a natural next step. I have tremendous respect for the achievements of Tony and his team, and believe this alliance represents a great opportunity for all involved.”
James Harron | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
They have previously purchased G1 Golden Slipper winners Capitalist and Farnan, dual Group 1 winner King’s Legacy, as well as group winning stallions Prague and Anders.
"When I first landed in Australia, I asked my team who was the competitor we ought both fear, and look to for inspiration, and my team unequivocally said the team at James Harron Bloodstock," said John Fung, Tony Fung’s son. "Over the November sales in Kentucky, our teams began developing the idea to combine our energies and maximize value for the foreseeable future. Today, I am thrilled that we have found our way to this exciting collaboration. I look forward to learning from James and his team over the next few years, and to all the opportunities which the upcoming sales present. I truly think that my family’s future in this industry has been enhanced by this partnership.”
Too Sweet now top of Karaka Millions 2YO Order
New Zealand Bloodstock announced late on Wednesday that G2 Eclipse S. winner Too Sweet (NZ) (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}) now leads the order of entry for the R-Listed Karaka Millions 2YO Classic.
Too Sweet (NZ) | Images courtesy of Kenton Wright (Race Images)
The full order is here: https://www.nzb.co.nz/sponsorships/karaka-million/2025-2yo
Willydoit now favourite for NZ Derby
Willydoit (NZ) (Tarzino) firmed up his G1 New Zealand Derby favourite’s tag when he made it back-to-back wins at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. “It is a pretty big statement. It looks like he is a well above average horse,” co-trainer Shaun Clotworthy, who trains in partnership with his wife Emma, told Loveracing.nz.
“He has got a nice turn of foot and he will get a Derby distance. He is a pretty relaxed individual and he doesn’t take too much out of himself. We will just see how the horse pulls up, but that (Guineas path) looks the logical programme.”
Corstens/Larkin-trained duo for Gold Coast
Nathan Bennett syndicated and Corstens/Larkin-trained duo of Stay Humble (Deep Field) and Stay Silent (Deep Field) will run at the Gold Coast on Saturday. Stay Humble runs in the $250,000 Sunlight Consolation and Stay Silent in the $250,000 Magic Millions Maiden. “We’ve got Stay Humble and Stay Silent racing this coming Saturday and the door is open for them to go to the Guineas the following week if they run well,” Bennett told racing.com.
Snitzanova (Snitzel) is already committed to the Magic Millions Guineas. “She hasn’t taken a backwards step,” Bennett said of the Ciaron Maher-trained filly. “She’s a pretty tough filly that one.”
New Years Cup chance for apprentice
Deagon trainer Patrick Busuttin hopes to celebrate a win in the New Years Cup with Likeabeel (Foxwedge) at Kilcoy on Thursday with his daughter Julie. “Julie’s ridden 14 winners so far and she’s only been riding for five months,” Busuttin told racingqueensland.com.au.
Likeabeel | Image courtesy of Michael McInally
“She’s 18 and has just finished her final year at school and was awarded the student of the year from all the school-based apprentices. There were 60 school-based apprentices and her studies counted to her grades at the end of the year. We didn’t know she was getting the award and it was a great plug for racing.”
“He’s stepping up to 1500 metres which suits him a lot better and we’re hoping the predicted rain comes,” Busuttin said of Likeabeel.
Holymanz ready for second Coastal Classic
Ciaron Maher is confident that Holymanz (NZ) (Almanzor {Fr}) can make it back-to-back wins in the Coastal Classic this Saturday at Geelong. “He’s been racing very consistently and competitively without winning,” assistant trainer Jack Turnbull told racing.com.
Holymanz (NZ) | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
The stable also has Night Endeavor (Fr) (Shalaa {Ire}) in the race. “Night Endeavor is second up, he was good first up, albeit on a wrong track and a trip that wasn’t long enough. Of the two, you’re leaning towards Holymanz, it’s going to be a good race for him.”
Full sister to Atishu wins at Flemington
Dream All Day (NZ) (Savabeel) looks exciting after the full sister to Group 1 winner Atishu (NZ) won at Flemington on Wednesday. “We have done a speed gene DNA test on her, and she came up a TT, which is what makes her exciting in my opinion,” co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr said.
“It means she’s bred to get 2000 and 2400 metres, so with that turn of foot and class, she might be a nice addition to the stable. She has a fantastic pedigree as she’s a full sister to Atishu and the dam has left another stakes winner (Mazzolino), so she’s got a really good record of producing stakes-class fillies. We’d love to add to that with this girl. We are big buyers of New Zealand horses in general, but we buy a lot of horses from Waikato, so we’re very fortunate they have us this nice filly to train.”
Her dam, Posy (NZ) (No Excuse Needed {GB}), hasn’t had a foal since Dream All Day.
Riordan wins Flemington opener
Liam Riordan made the best possible start to 2025 at Flemington on New Year’s Day, winning the first Victorian metro race of the year on Simon Zahra’s promising 3-year-old filly Xarpo (The Autumn Sun). “It’s really good, I think I’ve been riding pretty well lately, and it’s all about opportunities,” Riordan told racing.com.
“I’m going to try and ride in the city every meeting now if the opportunities present, rather than just going to the country to chase better rides. Being a lightweight jockey obviously helps me to capitalise on that, and so does being based at Flemington.”
Hobart Cup for Flemington winner
Patrick and Michelle Payne trained 4-year-old mare Zambezi Khan (NZ) (Mongolian Khan {NZ}) could head to Tasmania for the Hobart and Launceston Cups after a good win at Flemington on Wednesday. “We’ve got a couple to head down there and she might join them,” Michelle Payne told racing.com.
Zambezi Khan (NZ) winning the Australian Trainers’ Association Plate at Flemington | Image courtesy of Colin Bull
Around the Nation: Wednesday’s highlights
New Year’s Day saw 14 meetings across Australia. At Gundagai, 3-year-old filly Royal Detective (Royal Symphony) won on debut. At Mornington, 3-year-old gelding Sponge Bob (Flying Artie) won on debut, while at the same meeting 3-year-old filly Miss Artie (Tassort) made it two wins in succession. At Murray Bridge, 3-year-old gelding Streetcar Fury (Exceedance) won on debut.
