Waller ready to break own record
Trainer Chris Waller needs one more Group 1 victory this season to break his own record of 18 Group 1 wins in a season. Last weekend, wins by Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) and Fangirl (Sebring) took him to 18, which he also achieved in 2018/19 with the help of Winx (Street Cry {USA}).
Among his runners on Saturday is Joliestar (Zoustar) in the G1 All-Aged Stakes. “It was a bit of a ‘slow zone' on the fence last start and it was one of those races where she was made to look a little plain,” Waller told racenet.com.au.
Chris Waller | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
“But I can assure you she is ready to bounce back. I wanted her to draw out a little bit (barrier nine) so we can let her use her full ability.”
Briasa can make it two
Jockey Tyler Schiller is confident 4-year-old gelding Briasa (Smart Missile) can make it two Group 1s in a row when the last start G1 TJ Smith Stakes winner takes on Saturday’s G1 All-Aged Stakes. “I think it will be perfect,” Schiller told racing.com of the step up to 1400 metres.
Briasa | Image courtesy of Sportpix
“He's shown in The Hunter he can run 1300 (metres) strongly, sitting three-wide the trip on a hot speed. Over 1400 I'd expect there's a little bit less tempo than last start (in the T.J. Smith) and the way he jumped, he may be just there again in the first three or four. I'm pretty sure it's going to be a hot field, but he's definitely got enough quality to come out and do that.”
Black Caviar’s influence on Werrett
Owner Neil Werrett is ever thankful for the influence unbeaten champion Black Caviar (Bel Esprit) has had on his life, and now he shares in the ownership of her close relative Nepotism (Brutal {NZ}) who is the favourite for Saturday’s G1 Champagne Stakes after winning the G3 TL Baillieu Stakes last start. “It is impossible to put into words the impact Black Caviar has had on my life,” Werrett told racenet.com.au.
“We had so many great experiences with her over many years and she is still impacting my life with her progeny and her relations. Because of her we bought All Too Hard, because of her we bought Ole Kirk, and because of her we bought Nepotism.”
Gollan’s outsider ready for All-Aged
A careful plan by trainer Tony Gollan, and a strong first up record, has Antino (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) ready for Saturday’s G1 All-Aged Stakes. “I think he’s come back as good or better,” Gollan told racingnsw.com.au.
“As he’s got older, and up in grade, he’s enjoyed kicking off in these 1400 metres races then going out to a mile. I couldn’t see why, the way the horse races, I couldn’t go further than a mile with him with the right preparation. I thought this is my chance to do that, he’s come back terrific and looks fantastic.
Antino (NZ) | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“I don’t think much will parade any better than him on Saturday and he will race very well. I’ve had him in work for quite a while and he’s certainly ready to go to the races.”
Giga Kick set for Adelaide
Rod Douglas, racing manager for Jonathan Munz's Pinecliff Racing, confirmed that their star sprinter Giga Kick (Scissor Kick) will head to Adelaide for the G1 Goodwood Handicap on May 10. “We made a decision today, spoke to Jonathan and it's too tempting with the minimum weight, so rather than go to the Doomben 10,000, he's going to go to The Goodwood,” Douglas told racing.com about the sprinter who had a jumpout on Wednesday morning.
“He ran fast time this morning, as quick as they go down there and reeled in that decent mare of the Freedmans (Austmarr). He seems good, Mark (Zahra) was happy with him, he had a bit of a blow, so he'll probably have a trial - not next week but the week after - and that will leave him with 10 or 12 days into The Goodwood.”
Sacro Catino to head to Derby
Jockey Dylan Gibbons enjoyed his first city win since returning from a shoulder reconstruction aboard 3-year-old gelding Sacro Catino (Calyx {GB}) on Wednesday at Warwick Farm. “I'm glad for Dylan as well. It's his first winner for a while,” trainer David Payne told racingandsports.com.au.
“We're going to head to the Derby in Brisbane. We've always thought he was going to stay all day. We will just get him qualified and look for a 2000 metre race in Sydney first.”
Around the nation: Wednesday’s highlights
With five meetings on Wednesday, it was Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained 2-year-old filly Perle De Chocolat (Astern) who opened proceedings at Warwick Farm, winning the first by 0.6l. The $120,000 purchase at Inglis Classic Yearling Sale from Alma Vale and Kitchwin Hills was having her fifth start. She is out of Chocolatier (Fr) (Lawman {Fr}) who won three races and placed in the Listed Golden Poppy Stakes in America.
Written Tycoon enjoyed a city double at Warwick Farm with Media World and Poppin’ Champagne both winning. He also sired Doomben winner Editing. Jockey Martin Harley rode a treble at Doomben on 2-year-old colt Cool Archie (Cool Aza Beel {NZ}), 3-year-old gelding Ruins Of Rome (Castelvecchio) and Chillaxing (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).
At the Caulfield Heath, the Michael Kent-trained Terilee (Territories {Ire}) was impressive on debut, ridden by Craig Williams she defeated Whateley (Written Tycoon) by 3l. Terilee was purchased for $52,500 from the 2023 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale Showcase Session from the draft of Noorilim Park.
At Pinjarra in WA, 2-year-old gelding Brazen Butcher (Snippetson) won at his second start for trainer Trevor Andrews. A $6500 purchase through Inglis Digital, Brazen Butcher is out of unraced Brazen Angel (Brazen Beau) who is a half-sister to Group 3 winner Snippets Land (Snippetson). In South Australia, at Balaklava, 2-year-old Jill On Ice (Sir Prancealot {Ire}) won at her second start. She is the second winner for her dam Bonita Ice (Wilander) who was a winner at the same track.
Trainer Yiu’s pair for Champions day
Trainer Ricky Yiu will saddle up Voyage Bubble (Deep Field) and Straight Arron (Fastnet Rock) on Champions Day, with Voyage Bubble taking on the G1 Champions Mile. “He's fine. He's had trials over a mile at Conghua and Sha Tin. He's in good hands and I can't fault him at this stage. He's a good eater and a very happy horse. I think he's ready to race any time,” Yiu told hkjc.com.
Ricky Yiu | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
“We're really looking forward to his run on the 27th. I think he'll do well again, that's for sure. We're running on our home track, so we have a little bit of an advantage. He (Mr Brightside) will have to travel to Hong Kong from Australia and it's not easy for overseas horses to adapt but anything can happen.”
FBAA professional development
The Federation of Bloodstock Agents Australia held their third Continued Professional Development Day last week with Vin Cox overseeing proceedings. “The FBAA is trying to raise the standard of bloodstock agents in Australia and this day is one way we do this through upskilling our members,” Craig Rounsefell told TTR on Wednesday.
“We are thankful to speakers who gave up their time. These Professional Development days been very popular among member, and this year we focused on veterinarian work and research, which makes our agents better placed to advise clients on the risks associated. We look to hold this every year, on the day after the Easter Yearling Sale, when we have access to international speakers and our agents are all in town.”
Seven industry leading speakers which included currency exchange, veterinary advancements and case studies, industry sustainability discussion, insurance and artificial intelligence topics. Veterinary surgeon Dr. Steve Hance educated participants on yearling sale veterinary x-ray procedures, while veterinarians Dr. Dave Keenan and Dr. Frances Peat of Matamata Veterinary Services outlined their research on sesamoids and stifles, and associated racing outcomes across a large population study. Dr. Angus Adkins spoke about the newly adopted Havemeyer grading system for scoping.
The Kiwi contestant rises to Group 3
Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained 3-year-old filly Zormella (NZ) (Almanzor {Fr}) ran eleventh in The Kiwi at just her third start, but is a last start winner and will run in Saturday’s G3 Championship Stakes at Ellerslie. “She couldn’t have been more impressive than what she was, it was there for all to see,” James told Loveracing.nz of her last win.
Zormella (NZ) | Image courtesy of Kenton Wright (Race Images)
“She did a little bit of work early, then relaxed well and kicked clear. We’re going to see on Saturday, but we’re of the belief that it (2100 metres) will suit her better than the mile. It’s a big step up in quality of field, but we’re pretty certain she’ll be competitive. We’ll see how she goes on Saturday and how she comes through it before making any further decisions going forward.”
Sacred Satono stretches to a mile
Group 1-placed twice in sprints this season, 5-year-old entire Sacred Satono (NZ) (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}) will run in Saturday’s G3 Easter Handicap over a mile. “He has gone a couple of good races so he’s probably looking for 1400 metres to a mile, so we will see how he goes,” co-trainer Cooksley told Loveracing.nz.
He will be joined by stablemate Meaningful Star (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) who hasn’t raced since running fifth in the G1 Bonecrusher Stakes. “He is coming off not a bad run in that weight-for-age five weeks ago. He has been freshened so he should go alright.”
Seven figure Tapit colt tops Ocala Day 1
A colt by Tapit (USA) brought the high price of US$1 million (AU$1.57 million) during a day which featured lively trade at the top of the market at the opening session of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training Tuesday in Central Florida.
A total of 153 juveniles had sold by the end of Tuesday's session for a gross of US$19,615,000 (AU$30.8 million). The average was US$128,203 (AU$202,000) and the median was US$60,000 (AU$94,000).
Hip 249 - Tapit x Palacio De Amor (colt) | Image courtesy of Ocala Breeder's Sales
“I bought the horse for a partnership that is just forming, so they will remain anonymous at this point. Trainer to be decided,” bloodstock agent Gayle Van Leer said.
Van Leer said the colt reminded her of another seven-figure son of Tapit, GI Arkansas Derby winner Sandman (USA), who sold for US$1.2 million (AU$1.89 million) at OBS last March. “He reminded me an awful lot of Sandman, who I fell in love with and he's my Derby horse. He is just a smooth-moving horse and he just caught my eye immediately during the under-tack show.”
Santa Anita to host Equestrian Arm of 2028 Olympics
The equestrian portion of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be conducted at Santa Anita Park. The decision brings a sense of continuity to the Olympics, as the track also hosted the equestrian disciplines when the event was last in Los Angeles, in 1984. The decision also caught many off guard.
“The 2028 Olympics will be held July 14-30, at a time when Santa Anita Park is traditionally closed for racing and training,” said Nate Newby, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Santa Anita, when asked about possible disruptions to the regular horse population. “Our goal as we work with the LA28 team over the coming months and years is to minimise any potential disruption to racing operations while maximising exposure for Santa Anita Park.”
G3 Nell Gwyn Stakes won by Juddmonte’s Zanzoun
Tuesday's G3 Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket had an open look to it on paper, but Juddmonte's Zanzoun (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) emerged front and centre to provide more Classic options for her owner-breeders. Always travelling strongly under the patient tactics employed by Kieran Shoemark, the John and Thady Gosden-trained 9-1 shot rolled down the hill and to the fore before outstaying Celestial Orbit (GB) (No Nay Never {USA}) for a 1.75l success. Remaat (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) was a further half a length away in third.
“She enjoyed the ground, settled early which was pleasing and travelled very well,” John Gosden said of the Southwell maiden winner, whose dam Franconia (GB) (Frankel {GB}) was a Listed winner for this stable. “She likes to get her toe in, so we'll always be looking for this kind of ground for her. Her mother was a nice filly who stayed a mile and a quarter, but I think a mile is going to be this one's limit. I think she's more one for France (for the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches) than the 1000gns.”
Classic target for Kirsten Rausing’s Almeric
Kirsten Rausing homebred Almeric (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}) is bound for a Classic campaign after registering a career best on seasonal return in Tuesday's Listed Feilden Stakes at Newmarket.
The G2 Dante Stakes and G1 Irish Derby entry, who bettered a debut fourth at Sandown in September with a breakthrough score at York the following month, was driven out in the latter stages to defeat King Of Cities (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) by a length. The runner-up was 7.5l clear of third-place finisher Nightwalker (GB) (Frankel {GB}).
Trainer Andrew Balding said after the race that the Prix du Jockey Club is an option for the colt after the Dante Stakes at York. “He's got a French Derby entry I think and certainly an Irish Derby entry and a German Derby entry. We're delighted to win today and we'll just have to see how things pan out. I think the likelihood is we'll look at York and France would be the preferred option, I think.”
Well-bred Kingman wins on debut
One of the choicest-bred horses running on the opening day of Newmarket's Craven meeting, Godolphin's Victory Queen (GB) (Kingman {GB}) made her class tell first time in the fillies' mile maiden. Sent off at 10-3, the Charlie Appleby-trained half-sister to the 2000gns and G1 St James's Palace Stakes hero Coroebus (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) raced freely towards the front end from the outset. Committed by William Buick running down into the dip, the homebred asserted to score by a fast-diminishing half-length margin from Zgharta (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}).
“It's her first and run and she was learning on the job a bit, but she's done it all quite smoothly,” Charlie Appleby's assistant Alex Merriam said. “She was up against a few more experienced horses and on this ground especially I think it's an advantage if you'd had a run, so hopefully she'll improve for it. Speaking to Charlie there I think we'll probably find another novice for her and just creep away and see how we go, nothing too exciting yet.”
Her dam, G3 Oh So Sharp Stakes-winning First Victory (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), is out of Eastern Joy (GB) (Dubai Destination), who has proven a prolific producer for the operation with Thunder Snow (Ire) (Helmet), Ihtimal (Ire) (Shamardal) and Always Smile (Ire) Cape Cross {Ire}) the pick of her progeny.
