The Hayes Brothers’ Lindsay Park stable is gearing up for an ambitious New Zealand double, starting with Hello Romeo’s run at Ellerslie this Saturday. This promising colt, trained by Ben, Will, and JD Hayes, returns to the Tasman stage for a shot at the $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m). Meanwhile, his older stablemate Evaporate is being prepared for the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi Stakes (1500m) on Champions’ Day, March 8. Ben Hayes expressed excitement about the opportunity, saying, “Hello Romeo has raced well in Victoria and handled his work and travel exceptionally. We’re thrilled with his preparation and look forward to what he can do at Ellerslie.” Bred by Jomara Bloodstock and purchased for $150,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale, Hello Romeo is out of the Shooting To Win mare Julieta, an unraced half-sister to three-time Group One winner Humidor. Described by Hayes as a “big, strong type” from Hello Youmzain’s first crop, Hello Romeo showed early promise with a second-place finish on debut at Bendigo, followed by a win over the same course. After a short spell, he returned with a strong jump-out at Flemington, making him a prime contender for Saturday’s race. “He has a high cruising speed and naturally positions himself on pace, which suits Ellerslie’s track well,” said Hayes. Matthew Cartwright will take the reins for the race. Evaporate, a seasoned performer, has been in excellent form since returning to work. A four-time winner from ten starts, including the Group 2 Stutt Stakes, he also placed second in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas. Purchased for A$330,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, he was spelled following the Cox Plate and is now preparing for his Champions’ Day target. Hayes confirmed Evaporate would trial on Friday before contesting either the CS Hayes Stakes or the Autumn Stakes as a lead-up race. Both horses exemplify the Hayes team’s strategy of targeting premier events with well-prepared contenders.
Hello Romeo will contest the Karaka Millions 2YO (pic: Brett Holbut – Racing Photos)
NEW2025 Adelaide Yearling Catalogue Online
Wednesday, 22nd January 2025
The Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, known for propelling its graduates to success in elite races worldwide, has unveiled its 2025 catalogue online. With a rich tradition of producing top-tier gallopers, the sale embodies its motto of opportunity knocking every year. This year’s event is set for March 17 and 18 at Morphettville, featuring 455 lots ready to capture the attention of prospective buyers. Graduates like Royal Ascot star Asfoora, Hong Kong miler Galaxy Patch, and $11.9 million earner Private Eye underscore the sale’s proven track record. The 2025 catalogue includes progeny from 103 sires, including 13 first-time Australian crops. The Adelaide Yearling Sale consistently draws leading breeders showcasing future racetrack stars to a discerning audience. Managing Director Barry Bowditch highlighted its unique appeal, stating, “Magic Millions is extremely proud of the record of graduates of the Adelaide Yearling Sale. It is one of the most loved auctions in the country – our vendors and buyers love getting to Morphettville. From graduate success to the famous Adelaide visitor experience – South Australia has a lot to crow about.” The event’s reputation as South Australia’s premier thoroughbred gathering and economic driver continues to grow, reflecting its significant impact on the region. Every lot in the 2025 sale is eligible for the Magic Millions Race Series, offering 28 races and over $20 million in prize money and bonuses nationally. The combination of opportunity and prestige ensures the event’s enduring appeal. To view the 2025 catalogue, click here or download it via the Equineline Catalogue App for iPad.
NEW2025’s MM SA Carnival Spans 11 Days
Wednesday, 22nd January 2025
The Magic Millions SA Carnival for 2025, incorporating high class stakes racing, entertainment and Adelaide’s iconic yearling sale, runs from 8 March to 18 March:
Saturday 8 March - Magic Millions SA Raceday, Murray Bridge Racecourse - featuring the $200,000 Magic Millions SA 2YO Classic & $120,000 Magic Millions SA 3YO & 4YO Classic plus $10,000 Sales Credit Voucher to spend at the 2025 Adelaide Yearling Sale to the owners of the first Racing Rewards SA qualified horses home on all races
Monday 10 March - Adelaide Cup Day, Morphettville Racecourse
Thursday 13 March - Magic Millions Yearling Inspections from 8am
Friday 14 March - Magic Millions Yearling Inspections from 8am; Vendor Welcome BBQ - Morphettville Sales Complex from 4.30pm to 6.30pm
Saturday 15 March - Magic Millions Yearling Inspections from 8am; SAJC Raceday, Morphettville Racecourse
Sunday 16 March - Magic Millions Yearling Inspections from 8am
Monday 17 March - Adelaide Yearling Sale - Day One (Lots 1-227), Morphettville Sales Complex from 10am
Tuesday 18 March - Adelaide Yearling Sale - Day Two (Lots 228-455), Morphettville Sales Complex from 10am
Additional Inglis Digital Catalogue Highlights
Wednesday, 22nd January 2025
In addition to exciting broodmare Faux Pas’ listing on Inglis’ first Online Digital Sale for 2025, the 519-strong catalogue is also an outstanding showcase of diverse offerings, featuring everything from accomplished stakes performers to young prospects and top-tier breeding stock. Among the highlights is Carini, a dual stakes-winning import that has already made an impact at black-type level in Australia and is set to race at Flemington this Saturday. Similarly notable is Clear for Take Off, a European mare with a stakes performance record, offered in a compelling 3-in-1 package that includes a Zoustar colt at foot and is in foal to Cylinder. For those seeking shares in race-ready talent, the catalogue includes opportunities such as a 15% share in Communist, the Gr1 Randwick Guineas winner now trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman in Victoria. Other attractive investments include Shangri La Express, with a 10% share in a consistent performer set to contest the $3 million 3YO feature at the Gold Coast, and It’sourtime, offering two shares in a recent Gr3 Standish Handicap winner now aiming at the prestigious Gr1 Newmarket Handicap. Breeding enthusiasts are well-catered for, with offerings like Long Time Ago, a Gr3-winning mare in foal to Ozzmosis, and Shared Reflections, a Gr3 winner offered in foal to In The Congo, whose progeny have already shown promise. The yearling section includes standouts such as a Wootton Bassett x Legless Veuve colt, out of a Gr2 winner and hailing from a family of champions like Probabeel. Other yearlings feature sires of the highest calibre, including Capitalist, I Am Invincible, Russian Revolution, and Dundeel. Broodmares and mares with foals at foot are equally impressive, with sires such as Zoustar, Hellbent, Toronado, and Star Turn represented. Renowned stables like Ciaron Maher Racing, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, and Lindsay Park Racing bring extensive offerings, reflecting their proven ability to develop top-class horses.
Million Pound Bonus for Non-Euro Horses
Wednesday, 22nd January 2025
Ascot, Goodwood and York announced a £1 million 'British Midsummer Bonus' to be paid to the connections of the winners of the Gr1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot and the Gr1 Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, if the winners are trained outside of Europe, reports sportinglife.com. The two races are only a few days apart, meaning it's likely to be won by two different horses, and if the connections place in both races, a £250,000 bonus will be paid. Then, if the non-European based winners of either race go on to run in the Gr1 Juddmonte International at York, a £250,000 appearance fee will be paid to the connections, while non-European placegetters in the first two races will gain a £125,000 appearance fee from York. "We have been collectively considering how to maximise global attention on the midsummer period in Britain, when there are less major overseas events taking part than at other times of the year," said Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs at Ascot Racecourse. "The thinking behind the Midsummer Bonus is that the opening races are, effectively, the same week, and this presents an opportunity to promote the whole week and all its international options as one entity. By linking the high-summer flagship races at Ascot, Goodwood and York and promoting them together, with bonuses, we are hoping that there is a greater incentive to travel horses to the UK for this significant spell of racing with seven Group 1s. We are offering full equine travel costs, stabling and such like within the bonus scheme, along with business class flights and hotels for connections, very much as is expected at major international meetings around the world these days." William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course at York added: "The prestige of this high-summer spell of racing, when Britain can shine with the spotlight on it, is widely acknowledged and this promotion further demonstrates the commitment of all three racecourses to showcasing our racing on the global stage. York will be paying an additional £50,000 in appearance fees for any horses travelling under this scheme, should they go to the Juddmonte International, recognising of course that milers and mile-and-a-half horses can go the 10f route. The £50,000 goes up to £150,000 should any horse be placed at Ascot or Goodwood and £250,000 if they have won."
McDonald's Flight Challenge For Next Month
Wednesday, 22nd January 2025
If jockey James McDonald wants to come back to Hong Kong to ride last start Group 1 winner Voyage Bubble (Deep Field-Raheights, by Rahy) in his next run in the Gr1 Gold Cup on February 23, it's going to take a tight turnaround and a bit of good fortune, reports scmp.com. McDonald is booked to ride Romantic Warrior (Acclamation-Folk Melody, by Street Cry) in the Gr1 Saudi Cup on February 22 at 8.40pm local time, and there is a flight from there to Hong Kong leaving at just after midnight. That flight arrives in Hong Kong at 1.40pm Hong Kong time, so McDonald would need permission from the Jockey Club to arrive after the start of the meeting on the 23rd. There is, of course, a private option at a cost of around HK$1 million, which is less than he'd earn from winning on Voyage Bubble, but more than he'd earn from winning the Gr1 Saudi Cup. Romantic Warrior is already the world's highest earning racehorse, having overtaken Golden Sixy (Medaglia d'Oro-Gaudeamus, by Distorted Humor) with his last win, and a win the Saudi Cup would catapult him into a new stratosphere. Romantic Warrior's current earnings sit at A$3,083,750, HK$152,881,400, and 183,780,000¥ which equates to A$35 million. Golden Sixty's earnings of HK$167,170,600 equate to A$34.4 million.
Hallmark Dreaming of Further Karaka Glory
Wednesday, 22nd January 2025
New Zealand’s Hallmark Stud is once again set to capture attention at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sales, where Mark Baker hopes to repeat last year’s triumph. In 2024, the farm made headlines when a Proisir filly, a full-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Prowess, sold for an extraordinary $1.6 million to Peter Moody Racing. Now, with Lot 564 – another full-sister to Prowess – poised to enter the Karaka ring, anticipation is running high, according to NZ Racing Desk. Reflecting on the unforgettable sale, Baker still finds the result hard to fathom. “It’s hard to believe it happened and you’ve still got to pinch yourself,” he said. “We dreamt of seven figures, and when she made that, it was completely off the chain. It was amazing for the farm, the staff, the family – we got a huge buzz. We are very grateful to the heavy hitters that were bidding on her, both the underbidders and Peter Moody who purchased her for his client.” Donna Marie, the mare behind these outstanding fillies, has proven invaluable. Lot 564, a dark brown filly with a great brain and balanced movement, is expected to shine late in Book 1. Baker is equally thrilled about another full-sister now at foot. “She’s been a brilliant mare to us, as has [the stallion] Proisir,” he added. Hallmark’s draft includes 18 yearlings in Book 1 and five in Book 2, with standouts like Lot 521, a Too Darn Hot half-sister to Group 2 winner Shamus, and Lot 120, a Savabeel full-brother to promising stayer Hakkinen. Baker highlighted the diverse appeal of their offerings. “We’ve got a lovely Almanzor colt out of Lismore Diamond, a Capitalist filly out of Miss Foxwood, and some very precocious types, including a couple of St Mark’s Basilica’s. There’s something for everyone,” he said. With parades commencing Tuesday and the sale kicking off Sunday, Baker is optimistic. “They’ve all travelled brilliantly, and the team at New Zealand Bloodstock always does a great job. Hopefully, the horses will show themselves off well and give themselves every chance.”
Group 1 star Prowess (pic: Bruno Cannatelli)
Immediate He Who Dares Te Akau Return
Wednesday, 22nd January 2025
Te Akau Racing's David Ellis spent $825,000 on a Snitzel colt from the Haunui Farm draft at Karaka last year, and the colt, now named He Who Dares (Snitzel-Rondinella, by Ocean Park) won on debut on Monday, reports racingnews.co.nz. "It was a really good win and we love travelling colts away overnight, which is what he did going to Wanganui," co-trainer Mark Walker said. "The trip away helps them mature mentally and he raced like a colt that took it all in his stride. It was a good positive ride of Craig's, electing to press forward when one rushed up early in the race and the colt was up to the challenge. Obviously he has a lovely pedigree, with plenty of depth, and he's got all the attributes he needs for a nice young colt. Given his pedigree, whatever he does as a two-year-old is a bonus because we think he'll be better at three." Bred by Frantic Bloodstock and Haunui Farm, He Who Dares has a half-sister by Savabeel going through the NZB National Yearling Sale later this week as Lot 255. He is the first foal of Group 1 placed Rondinella (Ocean Park-Valpolicella, by Red Ransom) who is a half-sister to three stakes winners being Gr2 MRC Autumn Classic winner Vilanova (Commands), Gr2 Sir Tristram Fillies Classic winner Vavasour (Redoute's Choice), and Gr3 La Trice Classic winner Celebrity Dream (Thorn Park), with all four are out of Gr3 Manawatu Classic winner Valpolicella.
He Who Dares Wins on debut (pic: Peter Rubery)
Invincible Runners Hold Sway
Wednesday, 22nd January 2025
Wednesday's Hawaii Five Oh @ Vinery Stud Handicap on the Randwick Kensington track sees a field of nine 2 and 3YOs set to face the starter over 1250m. One of just two runners in the field making their debut, the C J Waller trainer Sum Invictus (I Am Invincible-Apamurra, by Lonhro) comes into the race off a narrow barrier trial victory over 1030m at Rosehill. Purchased for $450,000 from the draft of Torryburn Stud at the Inglis Easter yearling sale by his trainer as well as agent Guy Mulcaster Bloodstock, the 3YO gelding comes from the family of Group 1 winners Alizee and Astern, being out of the imported Lonhro mare Apamurra whose Home Affairs yearling colt was sold at the recent Magic Millions yearling sale to Henry Dwyer Racing for $130,000. With Kerrin McEvoy in the saddle, Sum Invictus jumps from barrier 3. Another well-related I Am Invincible 3yo in the field is the Katsumi Yoshida raced Sensational Wind (I Am Invincible-Gust Of Wind, by Darci Brahma). Trained by Ciaron Maher, the $1.1m Inglis Easter yearling sale was secured from the draft of Segenhoe Stud, who will offer the Stay Inside half-bother to the filly at this year's Easter sale as Lot 395. Bred to appreciate much further than Wednesday's 1250m, Sensational Wind finished fifth on debut in July and has been readied for her campaign return with two barrier trials. While connections would be looking for a solid effort, she is a filly that should be watched as she steps up further, especially as her dam was a winner of the Gr1 Australian Oaks over 2400m.
Te Akau Poised for 20 Years as Top Buyer
Wednesday, 22nd January 2025
After 19 consecutive years of dominance in the Karaka sales auditorium at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale, Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis will return to the South Auckland venue later this week to yet again make his presence felt. He whet his appetite for buying quality yearlings at Magic Millions’ Gold Coast Yearling Sale earlier this month where he was on the buyers’ sheet for 21 yearlings. “Overall, it was a really good sale,” Ellis told loveracing.nz. He revealed he was particularly taken by Lot 37, the Snitzel colt out of Group 1-winning mare Toffee Tongue, who is a full-sister to multiple Group 1 winner and Hong Kong Horse of the Year Werther, Group 3 winner Gobstopper, and Group 1 performer Milseain. Ellis went to A$625,000 to purchase the colt out of Bhima Thoroughbreds’ draft and he believes they will have plenty of fun racing him out of their Cranbourne barn. “He is one of the nicest colts I have bought,” Ellis said. “We thought we would have to pay a lot more for him, he has been very popular. He is going to race from our Cranbourne stable and we will get him ready for a race like the Blue Diamond (Gr1, 1200m).” Ellis didn’t let the dust settle following his Gold Coast trip, returning to New Zealand to continue his on-farm inspections of Karaka-bound yearlings, and he is looking forward to fine-tuning his short-list this week. “I have been spending the last week looking at yearlings in the Waikato and Auckland and there are some really top yearlings there and I am really looking forward to the sale,” he said. “We have got a short list that Reece Trumper, Marcus Corban and I have identified. We will get them vetted and we will finish up with a short list again, and we will go and inspect them this week at Karaka. We will try to buy the best colts and fillies in the sale.” Prior to the yearling sale commencing, Ellis will head to Ellerslie on Saturday where Te Akau Racing trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson will be out to continue their dominance at the renowned Karaka Millions meeting, with the stable having won seven of the last eight editions of the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m). “We didn’t win one last year, but we finished second with Damask Rose and she is one of the favourites for the three-year-old race this year,” Ellis said. “We will have three, possibly four in the Karaka Millions 2YO race. We have got Blake Shinn, one of the all-time great jockeys in Australia coming over to ride for us with Craig Williams.” Te Akau will also be well-represented on the undercard, with Group 1-winning stablemates Move To Strike and Captured By Love set to feature in the Gr3 Cambridge StudAlmanzor Trophy (1200m) and Gr1 Sistema Railway (1200m) respectively. “We have got a really exciting team racing on Saturday night. It is one of the great nights of racing in the world,” Ellis said. “It is certainly a very exciting time for people to be investing in New Zealand racing. With the prizemoney going up to the level it has, it’s very exciting.”
Freedman's Profound Filly Looks the Goods
Wednesday, 22nd January 2025
Producing the goods in her only trial to date, winning by a length and a half over 850m on her home track of the Gold Coast, Lee Freedman's 2YO filly Profoundly (Farnan-Profound Wisdom, by Al Samer) heads to Doomben on Wednesday where she will make her debut. A first crop runner by Kia Ora Stud's Gr1 Golden Slipper winner Farnan who has been represented by two winners to date highlighted by the Gr3 Breeders' Plate placed North England, if successful on Wednesday, Profoundly will become the third individual winner for her sire. One of seven runners in the field of 10, the $65,000 Sledmere Stud, Inglis Classic yearling sale graduate has drawn barrier 7 with Taylor Marshall in the saddle. With 29 yearlings by Farnan at the upcoming Inglis Classic yearling sale, any runner success by the former G Waterhouse & A Bott-trained colt will further highlight his upcoming progeny. From the raced runners in Wednesday's field, Liam Birchley's Whatta Mission (The Mission-Diamond Masque, by Align) looks the hardest to beat off the back of her last start second over 1000m at the Sunshine Coast.
Caulfield and The Valley for Mystery Island
Wednesday, 22nd January 2025
Japanese-bred Mystery Island (Victoire Pisa) returned to action with a stylish jumpout win at Camperdown on Monday, as trainer Shane Jackson plots the talented stayer's upcoming campaign. Last year's Warrnambool Cup winner put a big space on his rivals in the 1400-metre heat, sharing the lead through the first 1000m but quickly pulling clear in the straight under John Allen. According to racing.com, Jackson was very pleased with the work and said Mystery Island is on track to return at Caulfield in just under a fortnight, with the view of pushing onto (and going one better in) the Listed Torney Night Cup at The Valley later in February. "He jumped out really well. We weren't here to ask any questions of him, but Johnny said he travelled brilliantly and really stretched out in the last 400m," Jackson said. "He'll run on the first of February at Caulfield in a Benchmark 100 over 2400m, which will get him out to that trip he wants, and then push on to the Torney Night Cup. It's 2500m, a Listed race and he ran second in it last year, just beaten, so he should be very competitive in a race like that." With Mystery Island's rating sitting at 89, the program isn't exactly chock full of suitable staying contests. However, as Jackson feels his galloper races best with a slight gap between runs, he will take the schedule as it comes and has a Warrnambool Cup defence in May picked out as a long-term target. "There isn't a whole heap of options for him at the moment, but he's a horse who's better if you space his runs anyway … we won't over-race him," Jackson said. "As long as it's not a Heavy 10, we'll be back at Warrnambool. The Carnival will be here before we know it, it sneaks up quite quickly on you."
