Daily News Wrap

Too Darn Hot nomination tops Inglis Digital

A nomination to Too Darn Hot (GB), a collaboration between Godolphin, Watership Down Stud and CatWalk, topped Wednesday’s Inglis Digital Sale and raised $255,000 for critical research to help those living with spinal cord injuries. “It’s a wonderful result for Catwalk. The thoroughbred industry gets behind good causes and this is extremely important,” Godolphin CEO Andy Makiv said.

“Too Darn Hot has quickly stamped himself as an elite young sire and the level of support for this nomination shows the confidence breeders have in him and in the initiative. We’re delighted that Taisen Maddern secured the nomination. He has been a great supporter and friend of Darley for many years and it came as no surprise that he bid more than anyone else.”

Purchaser Taisen Maddern will send his mare Sliders (Street Boss {USA}) to Too Darn Hot. “I actually had Sliders booked into Too Darn Hot last year but when he didn’t come out we obviously missed out and it’s been hard to get into him so I thought I’d just buy the nom when I saw it come online with Inglis Digital,” Maddern said.

“In the end it was really easy, your new website is great, very easy to navigate. Hopefully this foal can be the next Broadsiding, that’s the plan or the dream.”

The August (Late) Sale grossed $2,822,450 with the second top lot being 4-year-old gelding Cold Brew (Pierro) who was purchased by new micro-share syndicators Mustr Racing for $180,000. “It’s really exciting. We wanted our first horse to be up and running with the best still ahead and that’s exactly what Cold Brew is,” Mustr’s Cameron Hay said.

“He’s only been out of the quinella once in eight starts and he’s been winning on heavy, soft and good going so he’s a perfect first horse for us. The horse has primarily been bought for the Alpha Blokes Podcast community and people will be able to get in touch in mid-late September when the shares are getting released, just keep an eye on our socials over the next few weeks.”

Treasurethe Moment to resume in Memsie Stakes

Saturday’s G1 Memsie Stakes will see the 4-year-old debut of Matt Laurie-trained Group 1 winning mare Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express). “She's here and she's ready and we see where we stand at the moment. I'm still very mindful that she's not four until November, so she's very much racing as a 3-year-old filly, but she's shown nothing but class,” Laurie told racing.com.

“I think we can assume she's going to measure up, whether it's over the seven (furlongs), we'll find out, but certainly as we get out over a bit of ground.”

Stablemate and fellow Group 1 winner Vinrock (I Am Invincible) will make his 3-year-old beginning in Saturday’s G3 HDF McNeil Stakes. “We obviously think he's got the class and he's proven that, but we'd expect him to improve with the outing. There's probably some more short course horses in this and we think he'll be competitive but he's obviously going to get better once we get out over a little bit further.

“We're planning to get to the Golden Rose third-up, so by the time that comes around, he should look Mickey Mouse.”

Lake Forest set to return to Australia

Lake Forest (GB) (No Nay Never {USA}), the 2024 winner of the lucrative Golden Eagle at Rosehill in Australia, will return Down Under in the coming months, according to co-owner Tony Bloom's racing manager Sean Graham. Trained by William Haggas for Bloom and Ian McAleavy, the chestnut was second in the G2 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood in July and in the August 23 G1 City Of York Stakes last weekend.

Sean Graham, racing manager to co-owner Tony Bloom, said, “We know he wants seven and a half furlongs in a strongly-run race with plenty in it on quick ground, so there are a couple of races for him in Australia in October and November and that will be the long-term plan.

“There's one in Sydney and then there's one on the final day of the Melbourne Carnival, both are quite valuable. He's proven he can travel, he's proven he's tough as teak and when the ground starts to soften there won't be much for him here anyway.” In October is the G1 The Everest and while he is yet to be announced by an slot holders as under negotiations, however, most slots are still open.

Waller’s good juvenile pair to resume in San Domenico

Trainer Chris Waller will have two runners in Saturday’s G3 San Domenico Stakes at Rosehill and both are former top juvenile colts who will be beginning their spring 3-year-old campaigns. Beiwacht (Bivouac) has transferred from Godolphin’s James Cummings stable. “He’s a new addition to the stable and we’re still learning about him,” Waller told racingnsw.com.au.

“He won the Silver Slipper, he’s a well bred horse of Godolphin’s and it’ll be exciting to see him run as well.”

G1 Golden Slipper-placed Wodeton (Wootton Bassett {GB}) hasn’t run since fourth in the G1 Sires’ Produce Stakes. “It’s a bit short of his best but I just want to be well prepared going to the Golden Rose. We’re going to give him a two run prep into the Golden Rose. I’ve gone Run To The Rose (then) Golden Rose before but this time of year you have your setbacks. Whether it be wet weather, whether it be feet or a temperature which happens this time of year. He’s a good colt and I want to prove that in the spring.”

All eyes on Memsie result to determine next step for Via Sistina

Trainer Chris Waller will be watching Saturday’s G1 Memsie Stakes with interest as he plots the next step for last start G1 Winx Stakes winner Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock). “Via Sistina's come through it well,” Waller told racing.com.

“She's gone to the farm for a few days, she comes back to the stable Wednesday and we're just plotting a path with her. I want to see the Memsie race to see where she fits in. The Makybe Diva, three weeks after the Winx Stakes, looks the logical step. She's going to be down here sooner rather than later and it could well be in the Makybe Diva.”

Manaal to resume in Cockram Stakes

Trainer Michael Freedman’s Group 1 winning 4-year-old mare Manaal (Tassort) will resume in Saturday’s G3 Cockram Stakes at Caulfield. “We’ll definitely accept (on Wednesday morning) and then just see what the field looks like and where she draws,” Freedman told racing.com.

“She looks terrific. I thought her form in the autumn was good, too, she just had no luck with barriers and pretty tough runs. I think her trials have been good. We scratched her off that very heavy track last Saturday and the only other natural option for her up here in Sydney would be three weeks away in the Sheraco. So I thought it was worth having a look at that race at Caulfield.”

Cranky Harry set to defend Murwillumbah Cup title

Thursday’s Murwillumbah Cup will see Matthew Dunn-trained Cranky Harry (Spill The Beans) attempt to defend his title, despite having not won since he won this race in 2024. “I think he is going well enough, he just hasn't had much luck,” Dunn told racenet.com.au.

“He hasn't got the right runs. He's been stuck wide. He's going as good as he was last year. He gets a bit of weight relief, a good gate, he is a go-forward horse who puts himself into the race. It's his home track, he'll love it, he likes the wet, so there are a few positives.”

Australian Bloodstock purchase Al Riffa

Australian Bloodstock have signed a contract to purchase Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), trained by Joseph O’Brien, who is the current equal favourite for the G1 Melbourne Cup. “We're under contract and the horse has vetted out and passed all the protocols so we're waiting for the bloods (tests),” Jamie Lovett told racenet.com.au.

“We'll get the results today then we'll make the payment so it's full steam ahead.” The last start Group 2 winner will stay under O’Brien’s training banner. “He'll go to Hong Kong after the Melbourne Spring Carnival and we're hoping he'll go to the two-mile race at Meydan on Dubai World Cup night.

“It's exciting for the owners to get a horse of this calibre and be able to race him on the world stage. He's by Wootton Bassett out of a Galileo mare so he's got a future as a National Hunt stallion or even more when he does retire. We're happy and, as long as he remains sound, we'll have a lovely horse for a couple of seasons' racing.”

Slipper winner to resume in AJ Moir Stakes

The strong record of G1 Golden Slipper-placed fillies heading into the G1 AJ Moir Stakes is a big factor in trainer Michael Freedman’s decision to resume Marhoona (Snitzel) there. “It is something I have always had in the back of my mind,” Freedman told racing.com.

“Her trial was in very quick time and she looked to do it well on a fairly shifty track. I think she has come up well. I’ll probably just keep her here (in Sydney) and work her the reverse direction here and then accept and have a look at the make up of the field, as to whether she went down or not.”

She Will Reign (Manhattan Rain) won both the Slipper and the AJ Moir, while Slipper-placed Coolangatta (Written Tycoon) won the AJ Moir, and Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot (Written Tycoon) placed in last season’s AJ Moir.

Spirit Of Boom pair of 3-year-olds win at Doomben

Queensland stallion Spirit Of Boom won the first two races at Doomben with a pair of 3-year-olds on Wednesday. Tony Gollan-trained 3-year-old filly Boomshanka won the first. Placed at two, she was having her fifth start and was purchased by her trainer and First Light Racing for $110,000 from Eureka Stud’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale draft.

She is the fourth foal and third winner for Loveletter (Encosta De Lago) who is a city winning half-sister to Listed winner Cuba (All Too Hard).

The second on the card was won by Michael G Nolan-trained gelding Seveer who was having his third start and was purchased by his trainer for $160,000 from Alexia Fraser Bloodstock’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft. A half-brother to Group 3-placed Kisukano (Bel Esprit) he is the fourth winner from as many to race for Kiss For Gran (Show A Heart) who is a half-sister to Listed winner Princess Margaret (Spectrum {Ire}).

Frostfire makes it two

A winner on debut at two, Michael Freedman-trained 3-year-old gelding Frostfire (Zoustar) made it two wins from five starts at Doomben on Wednesday. Sold by Widden Stud to Vinery Stud for $400,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Frostfire is a half-brother to Group 2 winner Tenley (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) and Group 3 winner Biscayne Bay (Sebring) and all three are out of winning Lonhro mare Fratianne. She is currently in foal to Zoustar.

Zousain filly wins at Gawler

Richard and Chantelle Jolly-trained 3-year-old filly Zoutrail (Zousain) won at Gawler on Wednesday at her second raceday outing, having run fourth on debut at Murray Bridge a fortnight ago. She was purchased by her trainers from Vinery Stud’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale draft for $85,000, and is the second foal and first winner for Madame Firetrail (Hinchinbrook).

Awesome Rock adds impressive 3-year-old winner

Wednesday’s Belmont meeting saw the impressive debut of Daniel & Ben Pearce-trained 3-year-old colt Rock Fest (Awesome Rock) who smashed the field by 5.63 lengths. A trial winner leading into his debut, Rock Fest was purchased by Pearce Racing for $55,000 from Gold Front Thoroughbreds’ Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale draft.

Awesome Rock, a son of Fastnet Rock, has six stakes winners from 109 runners, and Rock Fest is a full brother to Group 3 winner Red Sun Sensation and a half-brother to Listed winner Chillis Hot (Gingerbread Man). Their dam, unraced Society Gal (NZ) (Faltaat {USA}) is currently in foal to Awesome Rock.

Spring World Pool additional dates announced

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC)'s World Pool will be active for the first time on Dewhurst Stakes Day at Newmarket, as well as Might And Power (Caulfield Stakes) Day from Caulfield, both on October 11. The HKJC-powered pools will also debut in Brazil for the first time when Gavea Racecourse hosts the G1 Grand Premio Latinamericano on October 19.

Another new addition to the World Pool is VRC Champion Stakes Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 8, with three Group 1 races featuring on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Another new development is that all races on Sha Tin's Hong Kong International Races Day on December 14 will be globally commingled this year, an increase following the four Group 1 races on the card being part of World Pool in 2024.

Other highlights from the rest of the 2025 World Pool season include October 18, where there are eight Group 1s split between British Champions Day at Ascot (five), The Everest Day (two) and the G1 Caulfield Cup, both in Australia. Cox Plate Day on October 25 will feature the full 10-race card at Moonee Valley.

Eight new inductees for Hunter Hall Of Fame

The Newcastle and Hunter Racing Hall of Fame inducted eight new members at Newcastle Racecourse on Tuesday. They were dual G1 Newmarket Handicap winner Razor Sharp (Steel Pulse {GB}) and G1 Flight Stakes winner Angst (Kala Dancer {GB}), jockeys Bill Lappin and Mervyn Maynard, former trainers Jim Johnstone and Betty Shepard as well as industry figures George Ryder and Arthur and Harry Mitchell.

Fifteen remain in St Leger

G2 Great Voltigeur runner-up Carmers (Wootton Bassett) is one of 15 horses remaining in the G1 St Leger at Doncaster next month at the latest entry stage. Trained by Paddy Twomey, he represents Fiona Carmichael. The Great Voltigeur was his first defeat.

“We were very happy with him at York last week, finishing second in the Great Voltigeur on his first time dropping in trip to a mile and a half,” said Twomey. “He travelled through the race well and hit the line strong, I thought it was a very good trial for the St Leger at Doncaster in a few weeks. On numbers it looked his best run to date, he's a progressive horse and I think stepping back to a mile and six at Doncaster will really suit him.”

A Classic victory will not be easy, as the colt currently faces eight from Ballydoyle. Leading in the betting is G1 Goodwood Cup hero Scandinavia (Justify), while G1 Derby/G1 Irish Derby winner Lambourn (Australia) also still holds an entry.

Aguiar set to join Murray in partnership

The training ranks in Ireland could be set for a massive shake-up with Robson Aguiar, widely regarded as one of the sharpest minds in bloodstock, confirming that he hopes to join Adrian Murray on the licence later this year.

The Brazilian native is due to sit the trainers' course in September and, in anticipation of being granted the licence by the authorities (IHRB), he has been busy searching for the next big-name star in Doncaster ahead of the Goffs Premier Yearling Sale. “I am doing the trainers' course at the moment and, if that goes well, the plan will be to train on a joint-licence (with Adrian Murray) later this year,” Aguiar commented.

“This sale has been lucky for us. We bought Queen Jo Jo, Brave Emperor, The Lir Jet, Arizona Blaze and Power Blue here. I have seen a lot of horses here this week and I like a few. There are a few racy horses here and, if they come my way, I will try to buy them. If they don't, that's okay.”

Juvenile stakes winner tops Fasig Digital sale at $775,000

Recent Bolton Landing Stakes winner and two-for-three 2-year-old filly Snow Face Princess (USA) (Midshipman {USA}) topped Fasig-Tipton's August Digital Sale Tuesday when selling for US$775,000 (AU$1.2 million) to Winchell Thoroughbreds.

Another highlight of the August Digital Sale was the Turning Point Bloodstock-consigned Ascot Walk (Daaher). Selling for US$550,000 (AU$848,000) to Erdenheim Farm Thoroughbreds and offered as hip 1, Ascot Walk is in foal to Cody's Wish. All three of her foals to race are stakes performers, including stakes winner Drexel Hill (Bolt d'Oro), runner-up in this year's GI Kentucky Oaks.

“We are very grateful to the buyers for supporting the sale and the sellers for entrusting us with their horses,” said Fasig-Tipton's Director of Digital Sales Leif Aaron. “The sale today was fantastic and a great way for us to end the summer digital sales season. The outlook for the fall digital sales is already very strong and we are gearing up for a big October and December. Demand this week was strong from the top of the market all the way down. What a great day for Bill Johnson and his team capitalizing on multiple big updates with their super mare Ascot Walk. Also thankful to Claiborne for consigning the very exciting Snow Face Princess to the sale.”