Daily News Wrap

West Of Swindon to be reinspected

Team Hawkes’ G1 Golden Slipper runner West Of Swindon (Wootton Bassett {GB}) was the only horse in the field not to pass the Racing NSW veterinary inspections on Friday. He will be reinspected early on Saturday morning. “Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Carly Garling has notified Stewards that all runners, except for West Of Swindon, have been assessed as being suitable to race,” reported racingnsw.com.au.

“Dr Garling advised that West Of Swindon, which was a late withdrawal from the Pago Pago Stakes last Saturday due to an issue with its near fore foot, was found upon examination to be exhibiting some mild lameness in that foot.” If he doesn’t run, Brett Cavanough-trained filly Alabama Magic (Alabama Express) will make the field.

Family knowledge to help Rivellino

Trainer Kris Lees has unbeaten 2-year-old colt Rivellino (Too Darn Hot {GB}) in Saturday’s G1 Golden Slipper. “I had his mother, so I knew the family reasonably well. She raced better than what her record suggested and it’s not hard to be a fan of the stallion,” Lees told racingnsw.com.au.

“He’s developed into (a Slipper horse), his immediate target was the Millennium with the Slipper in the back of the mind. It’s certainly come into focus post-Millennium. I think the form around him is stacking up very well.

“It’s a very even race, I don’t know how to line them up but he’s three from three and no other horse has that going into the race. So we take some confidence in that. He has plenty left in the tank, he was only second-up with a five week gap.”

Broadsiding ready for Guineas redemption

Trainer James Cummings hopes a smoother run will be the answer in Saturday’s G1 Rosehill Guineas for Broadsiding (Too Darn Hot {GB}). “We’ve elected to go to the Rosehill Guineas and we are confident that he’s going to run a race. The horse was involved in a race that was somewhat disruptive, run along so fast at Randwick in the Guineas. Whilst he lost the race, I thought he ran very well,” Cummings told godolphin.com.

“One thing that fast pace was able to do is to bring that horse right on. He has been absolutely humming since the Guineas and he should be perfectly fit for 10 furlongs now. This Rosehill Guineas gives him another good opportunity at set weights against his own age, one of the last chances he will get. He’ll be ready to go, if he can stretch his brilliance to 2000 metres.”

“He did run very good time in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley last October, It took two world-class horses to beat him home. I suspect he gets an opportunity to demonstrate some of his class against his own age at 2000 metres.”

Beiwacht and Tempted take on the Slipper

Godolphin will have two runners in Saturday’s G1 Golden Slipper, with Beiwacht (Bivouac) coming off a poor run in the G2 Todman last start, and Tempted (Street Boss {USA}) winning the G2 Reisling Stakes last start. “(Beiwacht) is a veteran of one start at Rosehill for one dominant 2l victory in the Silver Slipper. I know he’s drawn awkwardly, but I’m optimistic he can gain a good run and it could work out for that horse because he’s got the ability to put himself into a race,” trainer James Cummings told godolphin.com.

“He would be anything but the forgotten horse had he not run in the Todman and just had a quiet barrier trial between starts. He’s got the ability to bounce back this horse, he did so on debut in a similar fashion in January. He’s got some toughness and some resilience about him.”

“(Tempted) came through the Reisling in good style, handled the run back in Sydney after the Blue Diamond quite effortlessly. She is better for that run at Randwick, she’s improved again a fraction from the Reisling. She’s perfectly fit and perfectly ready to run a huge race this weekend. I think the barrier draw is an advantage for Tempted.”

Stockdale’s third Group 1 ride is in Slipper

Jockey Thomas Stockdale comes into Saturday’s G1 Golden Slipper having only ridden in two Group 1 races but is a good chance on the Ciaron Maher-trained last-start winning filly Military Tycoon (Written Tycoon). “It's something I've always been working hard for,” Stockdale told racenet.com.au.

“We do all these hard yards throughout the week riding at provincials and what not and getting up for trackwork most mornings has kept me going. That's why I always do these hard yards to search for that end goal of riding in these bigger races. For it to finally come along is surreal but it's something I've always pictured myself in these sort of races so it's good to get the opportunity.

“She is not an easy horse to ride. I've put a lot of time into her at home and having that experience with her before raceday has helped her. She is a horse that you have to work with and not fight against. You need to know what buttons to push with her and what buttons not to push and I know how to get along with her.”

Reisling second sneaks into field

Michael Freedman-trained filly Marhoona (Snitzel) snuck into the G1 Golden Slipper field thanks to a last-start second in the G2 Reisling Stakes. “Given Tempted is pretty tight in the market ($5 equal favourite) and she finished close by to her in the Reisling, maybe that's the reason why the money has come but she has come on well from that Reisling run,” Freedman told racenet.com.au.

“I think we are probably lucky to pick up someone like (jockey) Damian Lane at reasonably late notice because we only knew we were in the race pretty late.”

Buckaroo resumes in George Ryder

Chris Waller-trained Group 1 winner Buckaroo (GB) (Fastnet Rock) will resume in Saturday’s G1 George Ryder Stakes. “The George Ryder field this year, I think, is exceptional. It's got some great speed horses there as well as the milers and horses like Buckaroo and Kovalica who are resuming,” Waller told racing.com.

“I doubt he (Buckaroo) can win first-up but he's a high-credentialed horse. He's ready to peak through the carnival, hopefully in a Queen Elizabeth in three weeks' time.”

Wexford duo for Wellington Guineas

Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott will have two runners in Saturday’s G2 Wellington Guineas, a race they won last year with Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}). This year, they have Cheaha (Alabama Express), and Wounder (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}).

“Cheaha's best form has been over 1200 metres, so going up to 1400 metres is a test for him.” Scott told Loveracing.nz.

“But he trialled nicely last week and had a good hitout on Tuesday. We believe he's going very well.”

Yargi pair for Listed Valley Pearl

Trainers Amy and Ash Yargi will have two runners in Saturday’s Listed Valley Pearl Stakes for 2-year-olds, being debutant gelding Royal Lodge (Doubtland) and filly Petit Artiste (Earthlight {Ire}). “We've got a really big opinion of this guy (Royal Lodge). We think he's a Group-quality horse, hence the aggressive placement with him at his first start,” Amy Yargi told racing.com.

Gallery: Trainers Amy and Ash Yargi two runners in Saturday’s Listed Valley Pearl Stakes for 2-year-olds, images courtesy of Inglis

“He was actually passed in with a $60,000 reserve at the Premier and we got him for $4750 online pretty much straight after. He's shown us a ton of ability and we've got a lot of time for the Doubtland progeny, I think he'll make a really nice sire in time.” Doubtland has three winners from his first crop.

Snitzel’s juvenile double

Champion sire Snitzel had a 2-year-old double on Friday when filly Little Black Dress won in New Zealand and gelding Fortissimo won on debut at Scone for trainers Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich.

The sixteenth 2-year-old winner from Snitzel’s current juvenile crop, Fortissimo was passed in by Arrowfield at last year’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, and is the second foal of Group 3 placed Port Vendres (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}). Port Vendres is a daughter of G3 Hannover Hessen Pokal winner Lady Deauville (Fr) (Fasliyev {USA}).

Juvenile quinella for Marsh

Trainer Stephen Marsh and syndicators Go Racing enjoyed the quinella in Friday’s juvenile race at Pukekohe with Little Black Dress (Snitzel) and Mazino (NZ) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}) who were both on debut. “They’re a couple of lovely Go Racing fillies who had both shown us a bit of ability at home and at the trials, so it was pleasing to see them come out and perform the way they did today,” Marsh told Loveracing.nz.

“Little Black Dress will probably point towards the Star Way Stakes at Ellerslie on April 19. We think Mazino will come into her own over a slightly longer trip, so we’ll work backwards from the Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes in May with her.”

Little Black Dress was purchased by Go Racing from Arrowfield Stud for $240,000 at the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, and is out of G3 Ladies’ Day Vase winner Star Fashion (Street Cry {Ire}) who has left three other winners and is a daughter of Group 2 winner Elegant Fashion (Danewin).

Around the nation: Friday’s highlights

The meeting at Albury was cancelled after the track received more than 40 mm of rain overnight, and the club is in discussion with Racing NSW about the rescheduling of the Listed Albury Gold Cup. At Scone, 3-year-old gelding Nation Changing (Cosmic Force) won on debut and his sire gained a double when Whitson won at Terang. At Terang, 3-year-old gelding Compressing (NZ) (Savabeel) won on debut. Whitson and Compressing were part of a treble for jockey John Allen who also won on 3-year-old gelding Watch Capital (Capitalist).

Under The Louvre had a double at Ipswich with debutant 3-year-old gelding Bold Tee and Window Tapper. At Mount Gambier, 3-year-old filly She’s Impeccable (Deep Field) won on debut while 3-year-old gelding Jazalot (A Lot {USA}) did the same at Esperance.

Rubylot gets perfect draw for Hong Kong Derby

Listed Classic Cup winner Rubylot (Rubick) drew barrier four for Sunday’s Listed Hong Kong Derby, while the other favourite My Wish (Flying Artie) drew 14. “I’m thrilled with the barrier,” Rubylot’s trainer David Hayes told scmp.com.

“I would have hated for him to draw three times in a row wide. If he’d drawn wide, he would have had to go back but from barrier four, he can lob midfield and won’t have to do as much. I think if Brenton (Avdulla) could have chosen a barrier, that is the one he would have chosen.”

Bundle Award to send owner into dreamland

Owner Colin Lo hopes his first Hong Kong Derby runner Bundle Award (Shamus Award) can win the big one for him. “It’s been 30 years of being a horse owner, so it’s amazing to have a Derby runner for the first time,” Lo told scmp.com.

“Every season, only 14 owners can get into this race. If you can win, for sure you will be in a dreamland. He’s got a tremendous turn of foot, he showed everybody that in the last race, so we’re all very excited. Hopefully he can step up a bit on Sunday.

“Nearly 20 years ago, I got a PP special permit with David Hall and his name was Bundle O’ Gold in Australia. After that, my kids were so young – six or seven years old – and they just kept on saying Bundle, Bundle, Bundle. So I said ‘OK, that’s it’ and we kept going with the Bundles.”

Purton back at the trials

A trial win on Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) on Friday showed jockey Zac Purton’s injury recovery is on track. “I feel pretty good. I’m at the track riding work and riding trials because I feel like we can go again. I’m gearing up for a return next week unless I pick up a ride in the Derby,” Purton told scmp.com. He broke his toe in a race fall on February 9.

“(Ka Ying Rising) just did what we expect from him this morning – he just keeps improving all the time. He seems to do it easier all the time. His mental attitude towards it, he seems to be handling it better all the time. He enjoyed himself. I’m looking forward to the races ahead.” His next run is in the G2 Sprint Cup on March 30.

Irish 2000 Guineas added to World Pool

The Group 1 fixture at the Curragh on Saturday, May 24, featuring the Irish 2,000 Guineas, has been added to the World Pool schedule for 2025, with all races on the card set to be globally commingled. Another change to the schedule comes at Newbury on Saturday, May 17. All seven races on the card, including the G1 Lockinge Stakes, will now be part of World Pool, up from five in 2024.

Sam Nati, head of commingling at the HKJC, said, “We are already looking forward to what will be a busy Q2 for World Pool as we anticipate our return to the UK and Ireland for 2025, and we're delighted to have strengthened our offering with a new race day added at the Curragh and to have extended Newbury's Lockinge card to a full World Pool meeting.

“We're committed to adding the best races from around the globe to the World Pool calendar, so extending our involvement in Lockinge day and taking in the Irish 2000 Guineas is an exciting development. We look forward to bringing these new races to our global customers as well as returning to some of our best performing meetings at Royal Ascot and on Derby day.”

British TBA CEO resigns

The British Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) announced on Thursday that its chief executive, Claire Sheppard, is to step down in the autumn following eight years in the role, with the recruitment process for a new CEO already underway.

“While working at the TBA, I am very proud of what the organisation has achieved for British breeders and the industry over the last eight years,” read a statement from Sheppard, who has been responsible for developing initiatives such as the Great British Bonus Scheme during her time in the role, as well as having to navigate the breeding sector through Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I am extremely grateful to the TBA's loyal and highly knowledgeable team who have taught me so much during my tenure and have been extremely fortunate to work alongside two committed chairmen over that period, including Philip Newton and former chair, Julian Richmond Watson. I am very grateful to them, and to all the TBA trustees for the ongoing support they have given me.”

Stronach Group announce betting innovation

Thoro-Graph, the creator of North American handicapping products, and 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, operator of the online betting platforms 1/ST BET and Xpressbet, have partnered to bring the Thoro-Graph Player Services program to horseplayers around the country, the Stronach Group said via a release Thursday.

Thoro-Graph Player Services is a free, membership-based online portal that links users to wagering with the online platforms. “By partnering with Thoro-Graph, we have created a powerful alliance for horseplayers,” said 1/ST TECHNOLOGY President, Keith Johnson.

“By linking these great brands, Thoro-Graph Player Services members can maximize their perks, benefits, and winnings by utilizing two of the most trusted names in horse racing.”

Safety issues in Puerto Rico analysed

The Puerto Rico Horse Owners Association, Inc. (PRHOA) has agreed to drop a year-old federal lawsuit over allegedly unsafe surface conditions at Camarero Race Track after the owners of the island's only racing venue finally agreed to a long-sought demand by the plaintiffs to allow John Passero, the noted track-safety consultant who once served as the track superintendent at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, to inspect the track.

After a February 10-12 inspection by Passero deemed that Camarero's dirt surface “was generally in good condition (and) not suffering at the time of the inspection of the safety issues raised by PRHOA in its complaint,” and after Camarero management agreed to pursue “several recommendations” made by Passero, both the PRHOA and the defendants (Camarero's owners and the Gaming Commission of Puerto Rico) entered into a “confidential” settlement agreement that included jointly dropping the lawsuit. “In view of Mr. Passero's conclusions, there was no need to continue with the instant litigation,” stated a court document jointly filed by plaintiffs and defendants on March 13.

On March 19, six days after the joint request to drop the lawsuit, the judge handling the case in United States District Court (District of Puerto Rico) signed an order and judgment “dismissing this action with prejudice in its entirety,” further noting that, “No attorneys' fees or costs are levied upon any party. This case is now closed for statistical purposes.”