Caballus announced for The Everest
James Harron has announced Bjorn Baker-trained Caballus (I Am Invincible) will run in his slot for this year’s The Everest. “It has been a difficult year to find a sprinter but I'm happy we have landed on Caballus,” Harron told racingandsports.com.au.
“He's a Group 1 winner of the Newmarket Handicap earlier this year and I thought his first-up run was very good.” He ran fifth in the G2 Premiere Stakes last start.
Caballus | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
Wide draw not an issue for Too Darn Discreet in Toorak
Trainer Dan O’Sullivan says the wide draw isn’t an issue for Too Darn Discreet (Too Darn Hot {GB}) in Saturday’s G1 Toorak Handicap. “I'd rather draw that (14) than (barrier) one or two,” O'Sullivan told racenet.com.au.
“You don't want to draw that bad but it makes the decision for you how you're going to ride her. I'm really looking forward to getting her back to 2000m. She's only been beaten once past 1600m and that was in the (VRC) Oaks. If she can get a Group 1 placing in this, it would be good for her owners when she goes to the broodmare sale.”
Nivison bred mare runs in The Nivison
Jason Attard-trained mare Oui Oui Oui (Yes Yes Yes) will be an emotional victory if she wins Saturday’s G3 The Nivison. She was bred and is raced by Kate Nivison’s Etak Thoroughbreds. “The Nivison family is one of the best known in NSW racing, especially in the country,” Attard told racingnsw.com.au.
Oui Oui Oui | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
“Kate’s late father Simon was a well-respected country racing administrator, and he and his wife Jill part-owned the 1984 Golden Slipper Stakes winner Inspired (ridden by Darren Beadman). Dwight, who raced for me at Newcastle earlier in the week, is raced by Jill and carries the black and yellow colours Darren wore in winning the Slipper. Understandably, Kate would love to win this race carrying her family’s name.”
Satono Glow to follow Jolie Bay’s footsteps
The last filly to win the G2 Roman Consul Stakes was Jolie Bay (Fastnet Rock), now the dam of five-time Group 1 winner Joliestar (Zoustar). John O’Shea and Tom Charlton-trained Satono Glow (NZ) (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}) will have a crack on Saturday. “I would have preferred a much better barrier, but our rider is riding in good form and it’d be incumbent on him to overcome the gate,” O’Shea told racingnsw.com.au.
“She loves the straight, she’s probably a bit unlucky not to be unbeaten so we’re happy with where she’s at. She’s very unassuming, just potters about.”
Magic Millions Digital opens
The latest Magic Millions digital sale is open for bidding with several exciting racing prospects from strong stables across the country.
Secret Hell (Hellbent) is offered by Dabernig Racing and has only had ten starts to date, including placing in three of his past five starts. Three-time winner Karnup Queen (Lucky Street) represents an opportunity to purchase a well-related mare with plenty of racing upside.
The broodmare Another Beauty (Snippetson) who is a half-sister to Quokka winner and $2.8 million earner Jokers Grin (Maschino) headlines the mares section.
Expressions Of Interest: RWWA board
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) is seeking applications for two board positions. Applications close Monday October 26.
They are seeking candidates with Board experience and in particular they want someone who has experience with regional development.
Cormier seeking distance in Gloaming
Jockey Aaron Bullock believes the 1800 metres of the G3 Gloaming Stakes will suit Group 1-placed colt Cormier (Maurice {Jpn}). “He’s dead set been against the best 1200m and 1400m 3-year-olds in the country and if you break it down he’s only been beaten a length or so by Tron Bolt in both runs back,” Bullock told racingnsw.com.au.
“The horse is going as good as ever in my opinion, he’s just needed to get out to his right distance. He’s had those two lead up runs and it’ll be a good race for him on Saturday.”
Trio for Pollard in Listed race
Trainer Todd Pollard has three runners in Saturday’s Listed Member’s Cup at Eagle Farm and is leaning towards Kintyre (Hallowed Crown) over Space Tracker (Ire) (Havana Gold {Ire}) and Zuleika (North Pacific). “There’s probably a case for all three of them to run well. But, I’d have to lean to Kintyre as Zuleika is first-up over 1400 metres and is looking to get over a trip,” Pollard told racingqueensland.com.au.
“I was lucky enough to get Zuleika after Henry (Dwyer) thought she’d be better placed up here. This is a nice race for her to kick off her campaign and she’ll progress over longer trips as she goes through her preparation. I’ve only had her for one start when she won the Tatt’s Crown.”
Todd Pollard | Image courtesy of Racing Queensland
Racing Queensland launches Summer Series
Racing Queensland has launched the Summer Scorcher Series for the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast with eight night race meetings starting on November 13. “Night racing has already proven to be incredibly popular with fans, industry participants and clubs, and the new Summer Scorcher Series allows us to build on that momentum with stronger prizemoney and fan engagement at our tracks,” Racing Queensland Chairman Matt McGrath told racingqueensland.com.au.
“Racing under lights opens up new opportunities to engage audiences, attract new fans and showcase our sport in a different way, and make the most of the warmer months in the Sunshine State.
“By introducing benchmark time bonuses, we're also encouraging faster, competitive racing and providing owners, trainers and jockeys with additional opportunities to earn significant prizemoney during the summer period.”
Last Leonora Cup before mines take over
Saturday marks the final running of the Leonara Cup before Raleigh Finlayson-led gold producer Genesis Minerals extending its Leonora operations into the area occupied by the existing racecourse. The historic Leonora Racing Club which has survived more than a century will relocate to a new track.
"The Leonora Cup is a great opportunity for the community to get together, interact and enjoy a day our at the races for everyone,” Leonora Racing Club president Ross Norrie told racingwa.com.au.
“It’s been a great effort to get everything ready – volunteers are the lifeblood of our club and without everyone’s help, it wouldn’t be possible. This is the final race meeting at our current site and it will be a great celebration. It will be a time to reminisce for everyone who has been involved over the years."
Dirty double at Ballarat
Both Shamus Award and Dirty Work sired doubles at Ballarat on Friday.
Shamus Award sired the maiden winner Millsy’s Award while Imperial Award stayed unbeaten for Matt Laurie with his third win from three starts. Eric Koh paid $30,000 for Imperial Award at the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale from Sullivan Bloodstock.
Dirty Work’s pair came with maiden winner Skjaldmo as well as Dirty Diana who took her record to two wins and four placings from nine starts.
Waitak set for Group 1 double
Last start Group 1 winner Waitak (NZ) (Proisir) runs in Saturday’s G1 Livamol Classic at Hawke’s Bay. “The team is pleased with him. He has had a good fortnight. We went down there for the Howden thinking that he was in a position in his campaign where he was going to improve a good deal. He was aided by the run and got the result that we had all hoped,” co-trainer Andrew Scott told Loveracing.nz.
“We think that he has genuinely improved. Craig galloped him on Tuesday morning, he is a terrific worker and puts a lot of energy into everything he does. We think he is going as good as last year, but he probably runs into a stronger field than last year. We appreciate the fact that his rivals will improve coming out of the Howden as well.
Waitak (NZ) | Image courtesy of Kenton Wright (Race Images)
“He is going to meet some nice ground down there. He has got a beautiful barrier where he is going to hopefully be aided by a nice run in the race. That is important because that is what it really comes down to on the day because the quality of the field is so even, and generally in the Group One weight-for-age races it comes down to who gets the best run in the race, and with that gate it is certainly going to aid his chances on the weekend.
“He is a happy, sound horse that we know can run out a strong 2000m. We are very hopeful of a competitive performance on the weekend.”
Cool As Bling on Guineas pathway
Saturday’s G3 Barnswood Stakes will see David Walsh-trained 3-year-old colt Cool As Bling (NZ) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}) set for the G1 NZ 2000 Guineas if he performs. “He has improved a bit with the run and I am quite happy with him,” Walsh told Loveracing.nz.
“He has got a good gate (1), so I hope he gets a nice trip in behind a few. He has always been crying out for more distance, so it should suit him. I went out and had a look at the track yesterday and they have put plenty of water on it, so that is good.
“He is nominated for the 2000 Guineas, so he will be needing to show something tomorrow.”
Repole buys 1.5% stake in Churchill Downs
Owner Mike Repole has purchased one million shares, or nearly 1.5% interest, in Churchill Downs, according to a post he made on X Thursday afternoon. Repole indicated he may purchase additional shares and looks forward to working with Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI)'s CEO Bill Carstanjen to make a positive impact and grow the sport.
“Nobody loves building epic businesses and brands in a disruptive way more than I do,” wrote Repole.
“Over the past four days, I've purchased 1 million shares and close to a 1.5% stake in @ChurchillDowns, and I may acquire more. I'm extremely excited about the possibilities.
“Churchill has tremendous assets, led by what I believe is the global crown jewel of horse racing, the @KentuckyDerby. Last year's Derby peaked at 24.4 million viewers. To me, that's a major proof point of how BIG this sport can become.
“As the owner of Repole Stable, one of the largest, most successful and recognizable stables in the country, I see firsthand the potential of what I believe is one of the most undervalued sports nationally and globally.
“Horse racing needs more education, real marketing, innovation, and evolution. It also needs stronger leadership and greater accountability from the Old Guard racing entities that, in my opinion, have held the industry back for far too long.”
Ka Ying Rising still leads the World Thoroughbred Rankings
After repeating in the G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Daryz (Sea The Stars) is now rated 128, up from 126, on the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings (WBRR).
That metric sees the Aga Khan Studs colourbearer sitting third in the list behind Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) at 135 and fellow European runner Ombudsman (Night Of Thunder) at 131.
For his Arc win, Daryz beat Bay City Roller (New Bay), whose mark went from 122 to 125 into a joint-sixth. Daryz also beat that rival in the G2 Prix Foy before the Arc.
Dam of Voyager added to Keeneland November
Keeneland has supplemented eight horses to Book 1 of the November Breeding Stock Sale on Tuesday, Nov. 3, according to a press release from the sales company on Thursday.
The two broodmares are Chart (hip 263) and Gran Nighthawk (hip 266). Chart is the dam of 2026 GI Johnnie Walker Natalma winner and Schuylerville Stakes runner-up Voyager. In foal to Constitution, the 9-year-old mare by Lea is a Grade III winner from the family of Irish highweight Spirit of Valor; Grade I winner Furiously; Grade II winner Brilliant; and stakes winner and Grade II-placed Street Life.
Gran Nighthawk is the dam of undefeated juvenile Repo Man, who won the Oct. 4 GIII Zuma Beach Stakes at Santa Anita. In foal to Yaupon, the 11-year-old daughter of Awesome Again is a full-sister to multiple graded stakes winner Awesome Baby.
MyRacehorse expands into Canada
MyRacehorse is expanding into Canada by partnering with Woodbine Entertainment in order to give racing fans across the country the opportunity to experience Thoroughbred racing as owners, the Canadian track said via a release on Thursday.
MyRacehorse enables virtually anyone to participate in ownership, which includes behind-the-scenes content and insights, opportunities to attend morning training and paddock tours, and race day experiences.
“MyRacehorse has demonstrated how fractional ownership can bring more people into the sport and give them a meaningful connection to racing,” said Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “Their proven track record and commitment to the ownership experience make them a strong partner for Woodbine. We're proud to work together to bring this opportunity to Canadian fans and welcome a new community of owners to our racetrack.”
Turf Paradise in financial strife
After a one-year revival in which a new leaseholder, Skyfall 7 LLC, seemingly turned around both the business and reputation of the formerly foundering Turf Paradise, chaos has once again descended upon Arizona's lone remaining Thoroughbred track, seven weeks before the start of the Nov. 27-May 1 meet.
This week began with published news reports that key members of the track's management team, including Tom Ludt, the general manager, were no longer employed by Turf Paradise.
On Thursday, when queried during the monthly Arizona Racing Commission (AZRC) meeting about the vacancies, the status of the upcoming meet, and the company's financial status, Gary Hartunian, who heads Skyfall 7, took a defiant tone when asked to explain what was going on.
“All the bills have been paid except for there's a couple situations that I'm dealing with, but it's really, you know, none of anybody's concern, because it's a business, and I'm running it, you know?” Hartunian said. “So it's all good. I mean, I don't know what your concern is. I mean, I don't get this. To me, it's kind of getting annoying.”
Then, after Hartunian explained his side of the story and reiterated several times that Turf Paradise was on the cusp of a “great” season, the Arizona Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (AZHBPA)'s executive director, Leroy Gessmann, told the commission that more than half a million dollars had recently gone missing from the Turf Paradise purse account.
“We met with Gary Hartunian of Skyfall on Monday and he reported that he intends to run as scheduled,” Gessmann said. “But the HBPA has the following concerns that have been verified: Number one, there's no general manager. Number two, there is no track vet. Number three, there is no track maintenance supervisor. As of [Wednesday], there was no concessionaire; he now indicates there may be one in place.
“Then, our main concern was that several hundred thousand dollars were missing from the purse money account,” Gessmann said. “Mr. Hartunian has put $360,000 of it back. But we, as of this morning, are still owed $182,000. We are working with our attorney to try and get that returned.”
