Waller thrilled with Via Sistina
Jockey James McDonald issued a warning to rivals in the G1 Ranvet Stakes with Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock), who won this race last year and comes into the race off a last-start Group 1 win. “There’s more expectation because, last year, no one knew how good she was,” McDonald told racingnsw.com.au.
“Since she’s won the Cox Plate, she goes out a short-priced favourite every time, so there’s a great expectation. We’re not expecting her to go to any new level like she did last prep because that was fantastic. It’s pretty tough to run to that level all the time, but if she can maintain her form, that’s all we can ask and she’ll be tough to beat.
Via Sistina (Ire) | Image courtesy of Sportpix
“We expect her to bounce off that (last-start win) too. She’s got a great cruising speed, and her will to win is there for everyone to see. She’s not doing anything any different this prep, she won at 1400 metres last prep, and she ran third this year. She’s going every bit as good as last year, that’s what it boils down to, really. Chris Harwood does all her work, and he’s thrilled with the way she’s going and if he’s thrilled, then Chris (Waller) is thrilled. They are the main two that need to be happy.”
Wootton Bassett import can repeat
Co-trainer Adrian Bott thinks his import, Royal Patronage (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), can improve on his last-start Group 1 win in Saturday’s G1 George Ryder Stakes. “He had to go to a new level on his first-up performance this time in, from his first-up performance last preparation, so I think that's a pretty good indication of how well he has come back and the level improvement he has taken,” Bott told racenet.com.au.
Royal Patronage (Fr) | Image courtesy of Sportpix
“That wasn't any fluke and he is a genuine weight-for-age performer, who is ready to back that up again Saturday.” He won the G1 Canterbury Stakes last start.
Schofield confident on Ceolwulf
Jockey Chad Schofield is confident Group 1 winner Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) can run well in Saturday’s G1 George Ryder Stakes. “I know he had that little setback and had to run in the Canterbury Stakes, and to divert the plan a little bit. But his two runs back have been phenomenal, and I’m full of confidence,” Schofield told racingnsw.com.au.
“He's done nothing wrong this prep. First-up, he was huge, and his sectionals were the best of the race against those two mares. He had to go back in trip second-up, and I thought his run was as good as it could have been, his sectionals were strong, and he’s back in a race where he looks like he can stamp himself.”
Jimmysstar no hassle at The Valley
Ciaron Maher believes his Group 1 winner Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) can cope with Moonee Valley in Saturday’s G1 William Reid Stakes. “I think he'll be in the second half of the field, and making his run through them, so you always need a bit of luck,” Maher told racing.com
“Last start, when you see them run the last furlong the quickest of all their sectionals in the race, it's pretty exciting. When you see them do what he did—he ended up winning easy in the Oakleigh Plate—he was very strong through the line and gets an extra 100 metres. The Valley is obviously tighter and a different set-up, but he certainly is still on the up.”
Jimmystar (NZ) | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
As for his next targets, “The Quokka was thrown around, there's the TJ Smith, I thought the Queensland program would really suit him, but it depends what he does on Saturday.”
Rebound for Rey in William Reid
Trainer Robbie Griffith thinks Rey Magnerio (Magnus) can rebound into form in Saturday’s G1 William Reid Stakes. “He just burned his energy early (last start). He's never been able to do it at both ends, even when he kicked off his career, he was ridden back in a synthetic maiden at Pakenham,” Griffiths told racenet.com.au.
“He's got into a bit of a habit of getting a bit keen … we thought if he got a backside, he'd spit the bit out, but as soon as he tried to get behind Growing Empire, he couldn't get there. He burned the energy trying to get to the front, which is shame, if you're going to make an error, you'd rather it not be in the Newmarket but anyway, he's come through the run well.
“We've got a really good draw, that's where it went wrong at Flemington. He drew four, but down the straight, you'd rather draw 14. Everyone turned right, and he couldn't get a backside … four is good, he gets an opportunity to get cover straight away.”
Lady Shenandoah to spell
Trainer Chris Waller announced on Thursday that his star 3-year-old filly Lady Shenandoah (Snitzel), would go out for a spell rather than press on to the G1 Doncaster Handicap. Placed in both her starts at two, Lady Shenandoah is unbeaten in five starts at three, including the G1 Flight Stakes, G1 Surround Stakes, and G1 Coolmore Classic.
Team Foote not stressed about Oaks favourite
Trainers Ben and Ryan Foote are focused on ensuring their 3-year-old filly, Myakkabelle (NZ) (War Decree {USA}), is ready for Saturday’s G1 NZ Oaks, and aren’t stressed about the short-priced favourite Leica Lucy (NZ) (Derryn). “One thing that Ben has taught me is that you can only worry about your own job,” Ryan Foote told Loveracing.nz.
“I don’t know how many $1.50 favourites have won an Oaks, but we are only concerned about our filly. It’s a horse race, and anything can happen. She’s all good to go and she’s in good form. She went really well at her last-start, and any rain around won’t worry her.”
Island Life query at distance for Oaks
Trainers Steven Ramsay and Julia Ritchie are excited about last-start Group 3 winner Island Life (NZ) (Vadamos {Fr})’s chances in the G1 NZ Oaks. “It was very exciting, and after watching the race quite a few times, she actually did it quite easily,” Ritchie told Loveracing.nz.
“Her recovery that day after the race was really quick, and she pulled up very well. We’ve been very happy with her since, she’s eating well and is very, very bright, particularly this morning (Thursday) at the track.
Island Life (NZ) | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“It is a huge question mark over 2400 metres, she’s going to have to settle and relax well, but you’re only three once, and she tries her heart out. We don’t have any plans after this, and at this stage, it’s the end of her prep, but she has come through the Sunline Vase very well, and it would depend what she did on Saturday whether we go on to something else.”
Spicy Lu makes it two
Juvenile filly Spicy Lu (Tagaloa) became the first winner for her sire 10 days ago, and on Thursday, she stayed unbeaten with her second win. Trained by Nick Olive, she won at Albury by 0.19l for apprentice jockey Coriah Keatings.
A $30,000 purchase by her trainer from Vinery Stud at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Spicy Lu is out of All Salsa (Charge Forward). Her third dam is G3 Milano Premio Bagutta winner Alabaq (USA) (Riverman {USA}).
Buffalo wins at Newcastle
Trainer David Atkins dropped 2-year-old gelding Buffalo (Written By) back in grade on Thursday at Newcastle, and the juvenile promptly delivered a win by 0.35l for jockey Jason Collett. Previously seen when sixth in both the G2 Todman Stakes and G2 Silver Slipper Stakes, Buffalo had been third on debut.
Not offered at auction, Buffalo is the fourth foal and fourth winner for Contributing (Foxwedge), who is distantly related to Group 1 winner Bentley Biscuit (Peintre Celebre {USA}).
Around the nation: Thursday’s highlights
Thursday provided four race meetings for race fans in Australia, plus the night meeting at Pakenham. At Albury, 3-year-old filly One Hard Lady (All Too Hard) won on debut, while at Kyneton, 3-year-old gelding Fear No Evil (NZ) (Russian Revolution) achieved the same, and 3-year-old gelding Express Guard (Alabama Express) won his second in succession.
At Newcastle, Tommy Berry rode a treble on 3-year-old gelding Hippolyte Rock (Menari), 3-year-old gelding Insist (Extreme Choice), and Presides (Lonhro).
Can Erkelens make it three?
Trainer Justine Erkelens hopes Machine Gun Gracie (Maschino) can make it three Listed Natasha Stakes for the stable in the past seven years on Saturday. Erkelens previously won the race in 2024 with Own The Queen (Awesome Rock) and in 2018 with Friar Fox (Blackfriars). “She’s going really well and worked so good on Tuesday,” Erkelens told racingwa.com.au.
Machine Gun Gracie | Image courtesy of Western Racepix
“I couldn’t be any more happier with her. It is a step up, but that’s where we’re at, and she’s bred to stay. We just knew she was going to stay from the day I’d seen her as a yearling. I think she’ll run out the trip, and we’ll see how she goes.”
Clubman the omen bet for Sunday
Trainers Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald have the omen bet for Sunday’s Fred Cooper Cup at Goulburn with Clubman (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). “Fred was such an integral part of our club for a long time. His leadership and can-do attitude were contributions that have been invaluable to our race club’s development,” Goulburn Race Club's CEO Robyn Fife told racingnsw.com.au.
Port Augusta renovation announced
Racing SA has announced its financial support for renovating the Port Augusta Racing Club (PARC) track. “This recognition from Racing SA affirms that Port Augusta is a vital racing and training hub for the Mid-North and Eyre Peninsula, while serving as a gateway to racing in Outback SA. We're grateful for this support, which will benefit our local racing community and the broader region, which is crucial for the future of our club,” Jeff Tansell, President of Port Augusta Racing Club, told racingsa.com.au.
The key upgrade will be the end to the use of oil on the track, improving the environment. “This renovation of the Port Augusta track demonstrates our commitment to racing in regional South Australia. The existing dirt track, last rebuilt in 1992, has served the club well for nine race days per season, plus training. With this renovation, we're not only improving the racing surface but also taking steps towards more sustainable track management,” Nick Bawden, Racing SA CEO, said.
Evans settles with VRC
Former jockey Jamie Evans has reached a settlement with the Victoria Racing Club in a civil case over historical abuse allegations. “The matter involving VRC has settled, and VRC does not consider it appropriate to comment further,” a spokesperson from the VRC told racenet.com.au. The VRC ran racing in the state until 2001.
A further civil case against trainer Gerald Ryan heads to the Victorian Supreme Court on April 1. “I'm happy that the matter with the Victoria Racing Club is now at its end and hasn't dragged on any further. I'm now looking forward to my day in court regarding the Gerald Ryan matter,” Evans said.
Happy Valley double for Bowman
Jockey Hugh Bowman took his season record to 50 wins with a double at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, aboard M Unicorn (NZ) (Savabeel) and Koepp (GB) (Equiano {Fr}). “He (M Unicorn) just has difficulty getting himself involved early, and I’d spent no energy, I felt the pace wasn’t strong, so I thought, ‘I can’t come from back and through them,’ which was my preferred option,” Bowman told hkjc.com.
Bowman will ride Lo Rider (GB) (Harzand {Ire}) in Sunday’s Hong Kong Derby. “I’m on a horse that’s certainly capable of winning. He’s going to need some things go his way, but I think it’s a very open race, and I’m delighted to be involved.”
Frankie Lor-trained Beauty Destiny (Star Turn) became the first horse to win five races at Happy Valley this season with his win. “It was a good win because he drew outside (barrier 10) and went back and if you look at most of the winners tonight, they had inside gates and were close to the speed,” Lor said.
Hong Kong nominations released
A total of 28 Group/Grade 1 winners have been entered for the FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin on April 27, which features a trio of Group 1 races. There are 95 horses vying for starts in the G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000 metres), G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600 metres), and G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize (1200 metres).
The local defence is anchored by Sprint Prize entrant Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) and miler Voyage Bubble (Deep Field), as well as the winners of the 2024 Mile and Sprint Prize last year in Beauty Eternal (Starspangledbanner) and Invincible Sage (Thronum), respectively.
Europe is also sending some prominent entries, among them the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained G1 King George winner Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), who is co-owned by American John Stewart's Resolute Racing. The gelding is pointing for the Cup. Andrew Balding's well-traveled The Foxes (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) is hoping to improve off a fourth in the 2024 Longines Hong Kong Cup, while trainer William Haggas sends four led by Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai) as well as Group 1-placed and 2024 Golden Eagle winner Lake Forest (GB) (No Nay Never {USA}). They are targeting the Cup and Sprint.
Dubai World Cup fields released
Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) is one of 35 individual Group/Grade 1 winners set for the 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup meeting at Meydan on April 5, as the likely fields were released on Wednesday.
Worth a combined US$30.5 million (AU$48.1 million) in prizemoney, the nine races are anchored by the G1 Dubai World Cup, which features Forever Young, a winner of the 2025 G1 Saudi Cup, facing off with Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), who won the 2023 edition of the race.
Forever Young (Jpn) | Image courtesy of Dubai Racing Club
The G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic sees Godolphin's Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) aiming for a title defence, and he squares off with six other top-tier winners, among them Japan's Danon Decile (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), Durezza (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) and Cervinia (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}).
Saudi Cup runner-up Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) has been entered for the G1 Dubai Turf, where he will clash with Team Valor runner and Group 1 winner Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) and Godolphin's Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}).
Isivunguvungu (SAf) (What A Winter {SAf}) is among the field for the G1 Al Quoz Sprint, as are British Group 1 winners Regional (GB) (Territories {Ire}) and Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}). Tuz (USA) (Oxbow {USA}), who won the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen last year, and G1 Breeders' Cup Sprint hero Straight No Chaser (USA) (Speightster {USA}) lock horns in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen.
Romantic Warrior (Ire) | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
English jockey arrested for murder
English apprentice jockey Levi Williams has been charged with murder following an altercation in Newmarket on Saturday, March 8.
A fight between four men on the town's High Street resulted in two of them being taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. A 45-year-old man was released from hospital later that evening but a 71-year-old man, who had remained in intensive care in a critical condition, died subsequently on Tuesday, March 18.
A statement released by Suffolk Police on Wednesday read, “A 25-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm and subsequently bailed, was rearrested yesterday afternoon and taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning. Levi Williams, of Holland Park, Newmarket, has subsequently been charged with murder. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear before Ipswich Magistrates' Court today, Wednesday 19 March.
“A 23-year-old man who was also arrested on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm; and a 45-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of affray; both remain on police bail until 5 June and 9 June respectively.”
Williams, who is apprenticed to trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam, has ridden 12 winners since his first race ride in 2017.
Tattersalls Online Breeze up sale
The Tattersalls Online Breeze-Up Sale will take place at Dundalk Stadium on Wednesday, May 28, followed by the online part of the auction that will run from June 4 to June 5. “Following the success of the previous two years, the Tattersalls Online Breeze-Up Session has, again, been widely welcomed by consignors who are seeking an alternative route for their 2-year-olds,” Tattersalls Online Sales Manager Katherine Sheridan said.
Katherine Sheridan | Image courtesy of Tattersalls
“Complementing our live breeze-up portfolio, the Tattersalls Online Breeze-Up Session provides vendors with a cost-effective opportunity to breeze using state-of-the-art facilities at Dundalk whilst reaching a large domestic and international market via the Tattersalls Online platform. The innovative format of the sale and the additional resources available for buyers caters for a broad buying bench. With participation in previous years from purchasers located in Britain, Ireland, Italy and the Gulf Region, we are looking forward to further growth of the concept this year.”
Kerrin joins Inglis Digital USA
Joshua Kerrin has joined the staff at Inglis Digital USA as a sales and recruitment associate. Kerin will focus on helping the auction company recruit horses, with a focus on building and maintaining relationships in the bloodstock sector. He will be based at the company's Lexington office and he will work with Senior Director of Sales and Recruitment Kyle Wilson.
Kerin began his life with racehorses on the Standardbred side, working on his grandfather's farm. He made the switch to Thoroughbreds at age 13, when he went to work for Cox Plate-winning trainer Colin Little. He also spent time working with trainer Ciaron Maher before moving to America to continue his education at Colorado State University.
Joshua Kerin | Image courtesy of Inglis
“Josh brings a wealth of knowledge and years of experience with him to the Inglis Digital USA team,” Wilson said. “We're thrilled to have him on board and ready to get him started working with our existing and future clients.”
Spirit Wind sold post-auction
Spirit Wind (USA) (Bahamian Squall {USA}), a multiple Graded stakes winner of more than US$730,000 (AU$1.15 million), was sold post-RNA for US$500,000 (AU$790,000) to Willingham Stud, Fasig-Tipton announced Wednesday. Spirit Wind was initially not sold on a final bid of US$450,000 (AU$712,000) in Tuesday's Fasig-Tipton March Digital Sale.
Willingham Stud in England was purchased by Yulong last year.
