Weekend News | 24th January 2020

• NEW Scallopini Wins Listed Sunshine Coast Cup

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  
  • Track: Sunshine Coast
  • Race: $125,000 Listed Sunshine Coast Cup (1400m)
  • Winner: 5YO gelding Scallopini (Snitzel-Rose Of Mulan, by More Than Ready)
  • Placings: 6YO gelding Niccanova & 4YO mare Persuader
  • Winning Sire: Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice-Snippets’ Lass, by Snippets)
  • Stud Farm: Arrowfield Stud
  • Trainer: Steven O'Dea
  • Jockey: Boris Thornton
  • Race record: 8 wins and 8 placings from 20 starts for $379,625 in earnings
  • Sales Info: $200,000 yearling at the 2016 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale
  • Vendor: Yarraman Park Stud

• NEW Probabeel Wins Listed Karaka Million 3YO Classic

  Weekend, 24th January 2020

  	Mrgn.	Runners
  	-	11. Probabeel (7) News J: O P Bosson T: J W Richards W: 54.5 kgs S: Savabeel D: Far Fetched
  	1.5L	2. Conqueror (4) News J: J B Mc Donald T: D & B Hayes & T Dabernig W: 56.5 kgs S: Fastnet Rock D: Diademe
  	4.0L	12. Hasstobegood (2) News J: V A Colgan T: R James & R Wellwood W: 54.5 kgs S: Per Incanto D: Don't Dilly Dally
  	7.0L	1. Harlech (5) News J: M J Dee T: M Moroney & P Gerard W: 56.5 kgs S: Darci Brahma D: Obsession

  • Track: Ellerslie
  • Race: $1,000,000 Listed Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m)
  • Winner: 3YO filly Probabeel (Savabeel-Far Fetched, by Pins)
  • Placings: 3YO colt Conqueror & 3YO filly Hasstobegood
  • Winning Sire: Savabeel (Zabeel-Savannah Success, by Success Express)
  • Stud Farm: Waikato Stud
  • Trainer: Jamie Richards
  • Jockey: Opie Bosson
  • Race record: 5 wins and 3 placings from 11 starts for $1,299,861 in earnings
  • Sales Info: $380,000 yearling at the 2018 NZB NYSS
  • Vendor: Waikato Stud

• NEW Morvada Wins Listed John Dillon Stakes

  Weekend, 24th January 2020

  	Mrgn.	Runners
  	-	8. Morvada (8) News J: Zac Spain T: P W Jolly W: 54 kgs S: Mossman D: Carnegie Minstrel
  	1.5L	5. Yulong January (7) News J: Jye McNeil T: C Maher & D Eustace W: 57 kgs S: King Of Prussia D: Duty With Honour
  	2.5L	1. Streets Of Avalon (4) News J: Clayton Douglas T: S P Nichols W: 59.5 kgs S: Magnus D: Kamuniak
  	3.2L	6. Guizot (6) News J: Ms L J Meech T: Aaron Purcell W: 56 kgs S: Tertullian D: Guantana

  • Track: Caulfield
  • Race: $140,000 Listed John Dillon Stakes (1400m)
  • Winner: 6YO gelding Morvada (Mossman-Carnegie Minstrel, by Carnegie)
  • Placings: 4YO gelding Yulong January & 5YO gelding Streets Of Avalon
  • Winning Sire: Mossman (Success Express-Lichen Lady, by Twig Moss)
  • Stud Farm: Vinery Stud
  • Trainer: P W Jolly
  • Jockey: Zac Spain
  • Race record: 7 wins and 12 placings from 35 starts for $424,280 in earnings
  • Sales Info: $200,000 yearling at the 2015 Inglis Easter Sale
  • Vendor: Vinery Stud

• NEW Kiwi Ida Wins Gr2 Westbury Classic

  Weekend, 24th January 2020

  	Mrgn.	Runners
  	-	3. Kiwi Ida (4) News J: C W Johnson T: J & K Parsons W: 57 kgs S: Squamosa D: Empress Ida
  	0.5L	1. Volpe Veloce (12) News J: J L Waddell T: G N Richardson W: 58 kgs S: Foxwedge D: Bardego
  	0.7L	5. Rondinella (8) News J: J B Mc Donald T: R James & R Wellwood W: 55 kgs S: Ocean Park D: Valpolicella
  	0.9L	2. Santa Monica (10) News J: L G Innes T: S Ralph W: 58 kgs S: Per Incanto D: Monarch

  • Track: Ellerslie
  • Race: $100,000 Gr2 Westbury Classic (1400m)
  • Winner: 5YO mare Kiwi Ida (Squamosa-Empress Ida, by Blevic)
  • Placings: 6YO mare Volpe Veloce & 5YO mare Rondinella
  • Winning Sire: Squamosa (Not a Single Doubt-Class Success, by Success Express)
  • Stud Farm: Sun Stud
  • Trainer: J & K Parsons
  • Jockey: C W Johnson
  • Race record: 14 wins and 14 placings from 41 starts for $452,912 in earnings
  • Sales Info: $4,000 weanling at the 2015 Inglis Great Southern Sale
  • Vendor: Ponderosa Park

• NEW Cradle Mountain Wins Listed Carrington Stakes

  Weekend, 24th January 2020

  	Mrgn.	Runners
  	-	9. Cradle Mountain (11) News J: J R Collett T: Clare Cunningham W: 54 kgs S: West Quest D: From Japan
  	1.3L	3. Cellarman (2) News J: J Parr T: C J Waller W: 58 kgs S: Mossman D: Vintage Blend
  	1.4L	6. Gaulois (8) News J: Tommy Berry T: James Cummings W: 57 kgs S: Street Cry D: Celts
  	1.5L	11. Southern Lad (7) News J: B Avdulla T: J A O'Shea W: 53 kgs S: Ocean Park D: Distinctive Lass

  • Track: Randwick
  • Race: $150,000 Listed Carrington Stakes (1400m)
  • Winner: 6YO gelding Cradle Mountain (West Quest-From Japan, by Jungle Pocket)
  • Placings: 6YO gelding Cellarman & 5YO gelding Gaulois
  • Winning Sire: West Quest (Gone West-Veridian, by Green dancer)
  • Stud Farm: Grenville Stud
  • Trainer: Clare Cunningham
  • Jockey: Jason Collett
  • Race record: 7 wins and 3 placings from 17 starts for $329,420 in earnings
  • Sales Info: $4,000 yearling at the 2015 Inglis Scone Yearling Sale
  • Vendor: Toolooganvale Farm

• NEW Cool Aza Beel Wins Listed Karaka Million 2YO

  Weekend, 24th January 2020

  	Mrgn.	Runners
  	-	2. Cool Aza Beel (2) News J: O P Bosson T: J W Richards W: 56.5 kgs S: Savabeel D: Cool 'n' Sassy
  	1.5L	6. Play That Song (4) News J: J B Mc Donald T: N W Tiley W: 54.5 kgs S: Showcasing D: Supreme
  	1.8L	7. Taroni (11) News J: M J Dee T: L R Noble W: 54.5 kgs S: Showcasing D: Alagant Satin
  	6.3L	3. Bordeaux Le Rouge (6) News J: C J Grylls T: J W Richards W: 56.5 kgs S: Burgundy D: De La Vere

  • Track: Ellerslie
  • Race: $1,000,000 Listed Karaka Million 2YO (1200m)
  • Winner: 2YO colt Cool Aza Beel (Savabeel-Cool 'n' Sassy, by Testa Rossa)
  • Placings: 2YO filly Play That Song & 2YO filly Taroni
  • Winning Sire: Savabeel (Zabeel-Savannah Success, by Success Express)
  • Stud Farm: Waikato Stud
  • Trainer: Jamie Richards
  • Jockey: Opie Bosson
  • Race record: 3 wins from 4 starts for $573,560 in earnings
  • Sales Info: $150,000 yearling at the 2019 NZB NYSS
  • Vendor: Fairdale Stud

• NEW Its Destinys Child Wins Gr3 Concorde Hcp

  Weekend, 24th January 2020

  	Mrgn.	Runners
  	-	3. Its Destinys Child (4) News J: A J Calder T: J & B Vance W: 59 kgs S: Castledale D: It's My Destiny
  	0.2L	9. Molto Veloce (3) News J: D S Johnson T: S B Marsh W: 53 kgs S: Pins D: Youtoofast
  	0.7L	8. Short Fuse (9) News J: C W Johnson T: G N Richardson W: 55 kgs S: Per Incanto D: Only Explosive
  	0.8L	6. Mr Universe (5) News J: M Cameron T: Team Rogerson W: 58 kgs S: Smart Missile D: Queen Of Troy

  • Track: Ellerslie
  • Race: $70,000 Gr3 Concorde Hcp (1200m)
  • Winner: 6YO mare Its Destinys Child (Castledale-It's My Destiny, by Magic Ring)
  • Placings: 4YO mare Molto Veloce & 5YO mare Short Fuse
  • Winning Sire: Castledale (Peintre Celebre-Louju, by Silver Hawk)
  • Stud Farm: Te Runga Stud
  • Trainer: J & B Vance
  • Jockey: A J Calder
  • Race record: 7 wins and 2 placings from 17 starts for $163,360 in earnings
  • Sales Info: N/A

• NEW Catalyst Wins Gr3 Mr Tiz Trophy

  Weekend, 24th January 2020

  	Mrgn.	Runners
  	-	1. Catalyst (7) News J: T N Harris T: C M Chipperfield W: 60.5 kgs S: Darci Brahma D: Evana
  	2.5L	2. Run To Perfection (5) News J: J L Waddell T: S B Marsh W: 58.5 kgs S: Sepoy D: El Shahar
  	4.8L	5. Bavella (2) News J: L G Innes T: L R Noble W: 56.5 kgs S: Snitzel D: Zonza
  	7.3L	7. Madam Hass (9) News J: V A Colgan T: R James & R Wellwood W: 56.5 kgs S: Per Incanto D: Elusive Red

  • Track: Ellerslie
  • Race: $70,000 Gr3 Mr Tiz Trophy (1200m)
  • Winner: 3YO gelding Catalyst (Darci Brahma-Evana, by Entrepreneur)
  • Placings: 3YO colt Run To Perfection & 3YO filly Bavella
  • Winning Sire: Darci Brahma (Danehill-Grand Echezeaux, by Zabeel)
  • Stud Farm: The Oaks Stud
  • Trainer: Clayton Chipperfield
  • Jockey: Troy Harris
  • Race record: 6 wins from 7 starts for $476,350 in earnings
  • Sales Info: N/A

• NEW A Beautiful Night Wins Gr3 Blue Diamond Preview-(F)

  Weekend, 24th January 2020

  	Mrgn.	Runners
  	-	2. A Beautiful Night (5) News J: John Allen T: C Maher & D Eustace W: 55 kgs S: Night Of Thunder D: Lindyhop
  	0.4L	7. Fresh (11) News J: Jye McNeil T: P & P Snowden W: 55 kgs S: Fastnet Rock D: Mother's Milk
  	2.2L	3. Unstoppabelle (1) News J: Ms L J Meech T: C Maher & D Eustace W: 55 kgs S: I Am Invincible D: Darcibelle
  	2.3L	1. Bella Nipotina (7) News J: Jamie Kah T: D & B Hayes & T Dabernig W: 55 kgs S: Pride Of Dubai D: Bella Orfana

  • Track: Caulfield
  • Race: $160,000 Gr3 Blue Diamond Preview-(F) (1000m)
  • Winner: 2YO filly A Beautiful Night (Night Of Thunder-Lindyhop, by Gonski)
  • Placings: 2YO filly Fresh & 2YO filly Unstoppabelle
  • Winning Sire: Night Of Thunder (Dubawi-Forest Storm, by Galileo)
  • Stud Farm: Darley
  • Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
  • Jockey: John Allen
  • Race record: 2 wins and a placing from 3 starts for $212,450 in earnings
  • Sales Info: N/A

• NEW Windsor Wins Listed Timaru Stakes

  Weekend, 24th January 2020

  	Mrgn.	Runners
  	-	13. Windsor (10) News J: C R Barnes T: Ms T Rae W: 53 kgs S: Alamosa D: Shanro
  	0.4L	5. Monza Circuito (7) News J: Rohan Mudhoo T: M P McCann W: 53 kgs S: Showcasing D: Monzahra
  	2.2L	7. Belle Fascino (6) News J: S L Wynne T: S B Marsh W: 53 kgs S: Per Incanto D: Playing For Keeps
  	3.7L	1. Enzo's Lad (5) News J: T R Moseley T: M & M Pitman W: 60 kgs S: Testa Rossa D: Sheerama

  • Track: Riccarton Park
  • Race: $50,000 Listed Timaru Stakes (1400m)
  • Winner: 5YO gelding Windsor (Alamosa-Shanro, by Lonhro)
  • Placings: 5YO mare Monza Circuito & 6YO mare Belle Fascino
  • Winning Sire: Alamosa (O’Reilly-Lodore Mystic, by Centaine)
  • Stud Farm: Wellfield Lodge
  • Trainer: Ms T Rae
  • Jockey: C R Barnes
  • Race record: 6 wins and 3 placings from 23 starts for $75,150 in earnings
  • Sales Info: $14,000 weanling at the 2015 NZB National Broodmare, Weanling & Mixed Sale
  • Vendor: Blackbridge Stud

• NEW Hanseatic Wins Listed Blue Diamond Preview-C&G

  Weekend, 24th January 2020

  	Mrgn.	Runners
  	-	2. Hanseatic (11) News J: L Currie T: Anthony Freedman W: 57 kgs S: Street Boss D: Itameri
  	2.5L	4. Glenfiddich (2) News J: Jye McNeil T: R D Griffiths W: 55 kgs S: Fastnet Rock D: Nothin But A Dream
  	4.0L	8. Fixated (5) News J: Regan Bayliss T: D & B Hayes & T Dabernig W: 55 kgs S: Hinchinbrook D: Gaze
  	4.7L	7. Toscanini (8) News J: Jamie Kah T: C Maher & D Eustace W: 55 kgs S: Fastnet Rock D: Soubrettes

  • Track: Caulfield
  • Race: $160,000 Listed Blue Diamond Preview-C&G (1000m)
  • Winner: 2YO colt Hanseatic (Street Boss-Itameri, by Exceed And Excel)
  • Placings: 2YO colt Glenfiddich & 2YO colt Fixated
  • Winning Sire: Street Boss (Street Cry-Blushing Ogygian, by Ogygian)
  • Stud Farm: Darley
  • Trainer: Anthony Freedman
  • Jockey: Luke Currie
  • Race record: 2 wins from 2 starts for $187,500 in earnings
  • Sales Info: N/A

• NEW Scales Of Justice Wins Gr2 Australia Stakes

  Weekend, 24th January 2020

  	Mrgn.	Runners
  	-	2. Scales Of Justice (2) News J: D Yendall T: L Smith W: 58.5 kgs S: Not A Single Doubt D: Beymatilla
  	0.8L	1. Hey Doc (1) News J: L Currie T: T & C McEvoy W: 58.5 kgs S: Duporth D: Heyington Honey
  	1.0L	8. Embrace Me (7) News J: D Oliver T: D T O'Brien W: 56.5 kgs S: Shamexpress D: Party Royal
  	1.2L	6. Ringerdingding (3) News J: John Allen T: Anthony Freedman W: 58.5 kgs S: Sebring D: Maybe I

  • Track: Moonee Valley
  • Race: $200,000 Gr2 Australia Stakes (1200m)
  • Winner: 7YO gelding Scales Of Justice (Not A Single Doubt-Beymatilla, by Umatilla)
  • Placings: 6YO gelding Hey Doc & 4YO mare Embrace Me
  • Winning Sire: Not A Single Doubt (Redoutes Choice-Singles Bar, by Rory’s Jester)
  • Stud Farm: Arrowfield Stud
  • Trainer: Lesley Smith
  • Jockey: Dean Yendall
  • Race record: 12 wins and 12 placings from 28 starts for $2,301,600 in earnings
  • Sales Info: N/A

• NEW Catalyst Overcomes Scare in Huge Win

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  At Ellerslie in Auckland, boom 3YO Catalyst overcame a scare to brilliantly win Saturday’s Gr3 Henley Park Mr Tiz Trophy (1200m), extending his winning sequence to six. Lining up in the day's supporting 3YO feature, the Australian-bound Darci Brahma gelding was having his first start since his dominant victory in the Gr1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton in November. Despite carrying a testing impost of 60.5kg, he started as the red-hot $1.10 favourite and was expected to outclass his opposition again. That confidence took an immediate hit as Catalyst made a slow start, dropping out to a clear last in the first few strides of the race, leaving his supporters with hearts in mouths. When Troy Harris asked for the acceleration that carried Catalyst to four brilliant stakes wins through the spring, the star sophomore bounded past his opposition and shot clear, winning by an easy 2.5-lengths in slick time that could have been a lot faster had the chips fallen his way at the start.

  

  Catalyst charges away in the Mr Tiz (pic: Trish Dunell)

• NEW Melbourne Campaign Looming for Excitement Machine

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  Meanwhile, relieved trainer Clayton Chipperfield confirmed that all systems are go for Catalyst’s Melbourne campaign, which is likely to start in the Gr3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on February 15. “That was heart-stopping,” Chipperfield said after Catalyst had to overcome a poor start and navigate his way to victory in the Gr3 Mr Tiz Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie. “I thought we were in a heap of trouble, but what a turn of foot he’s got. The amount of ground he was able to make up in a short space of time, it’s just unbelievable. He’ll take plenty of improvement out of this as we head towards Australia. But we’ll be putting the hood back on – he can’t afford to fall out of the gates like that over there.” Jockey Troy Harris said the slow beginning was likely the result of a horse playing up in a neighbouring gate. “But I was never worried, I always knew he was going to pick them up,” he said. “It’s unreal riding a horse like him – he’s a machine. He had a good blow after the race, so he’s going to take a lot of improvement from this. He’s a horse who’s getting better and better all the time.” And that’s a scary prospect for his Australian opposition who lie in wait.

• NEW Moody Confirms Training Comeback Likely

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  After initially attempting to refute any ambitions to recommence his training career, popular trainer Peter Moody, who guided champion sprinter Black Caviar to 25 undefeated races, has admitted the rumours are true. According to punters.com.au, Moody told RSN 927 on Saturday that he is planning to apply for a license, having not trained since voluntarily walking away from his decorated career in 2016. That followed being handed a 6-month suspension (reduced from 12 months) for an alleged prohibited substance that was detected in Lidari ahead of the Gr2 Turnbull Stakes. Having mainted an active presence in the industry as a bloodstock agent and industry media specialist, Moody says that he doesn’t want to return to the days of running a massive stable, and intends training for himself and a small group of long term clients only. Rumours first surfaced earlier in the week when there was talk that Moody had applied for possible stables at Pakenham.

  

  Peter Moody (pic: Steve Hart)

• NEW Manuel and Vorster Come To Grief

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  At Moonee Valley on Friday evening, another superb victory by the wonderfully consistent WA galloper Scales of Justice in the Gr2 Australia Stakes (1200m) was overshadowed by the death of popular 2019 Gr1 CF Orr Stakes winner Manuel (Commands-Girl Hussler, by Hussonet). Appearing to momentarily check off the heels of the winner rounding the turn, Manuel then found some room under Barend Vorster, and then got crowded, running into the back of tiring outsider Ashlor before collapsing in an horrific fall. While Manuel was tragically put down under veterinary supervision, a conscious Barend Vorster was taken by ambulance to Royal Melbourne Hospital where, reports AAP, he was examined for a possible broken collar bone.

• NEW Karaka Trio Siblings to Recent Gr1 Winners

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  The NZB National Yearling Sales Series gets underway on Sunday, with a catalogue overflowing with equine talent. Three youngsters that will invariably pick themselves as go to inspections are the below trio whose siblings are recent Gr1 winners:
  • Lot 86 is a half-brother to New Zealand’s superstar mare Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands), who lifted her tally of Gr1 victories to 10 with a brilliant performance in the Gr1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in early November. She also finished second in the Gr1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) the following week.
  • Lot 145 is a half-brother to Julius (NZ) (Swiss Ace), who capped a remarkable comeback from serious injury with a brilliant win in the Gr1 Sistema Railway (1200m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day.
  • Lot 336 is a half-brother to the Gr1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) winner Loire (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice), who also placed at Group Three level last week in the Desert Gold Stakes (1600m). Loire is the second Gr1 winner out of the dam, Syrah (NZ) (Traditionally), who had previously produced the Gr1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) winner A Touch of Ruby (NZ) (Pins).

  

  Gr1 winner Julius has a half-brother for sale (pic: Trish Dunell)

• NEW Maher-Eustace Stable Has World Cup Entry

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  The burgeoning stable of Victorian pair Ciaron Maher and David Eustace reportedly has an entrant for March’s Dubai World Cup (2000m). According to punters.com, 5YO French import Olmedo (Declaration of War-Super Pie, by Pivotal) is one of 176 early entries for the US$12 million feature race on Meydan’s World Cup meeting card. Trained by France’s Jean-Claude Rouget, Olmedo boasts a Gr1 victory, and will soon transfer to his new Australian trainers who have also entered him for the US$6 million Dubai Turf (1800m) and US$6 million Dubai Sheema Classic along with fellow import, Zipping Classic winner Southern France.

• Queen Elizabeth S. Again Australia’s Top Race

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  Nine Australian Turf Club races have been officially rated in the top 100 of the world’s highest-rated races at the Longines World’s Best Race and Racehorse awards. Racing NSW reports that, for the third consecutive year, the Gr1 Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Randwick was ranked the highest rated race in Australia, along with being equal sixth highest in the world. Australia’s champion mare Winx won last year’s Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes – her third in a row – beating Japanese runner Kluger and star Godolphin galloper Hartnell. The Gr1 TAB Chipping Norton Stakes at Royal Randwick – also won by Winx in a fourth straight victory in the event – was rated the equal thirteenth highest race in the world. Other ATC races to feature in the top 100 were the Gr1 Colgate Optic White Stakes, Gr1 Aquis TJ Smith Stakes, Gr1 George Ryder Stakes, Gr1 Golden Rose Stakes, Gr1 Winx Stakes, Gr1 Ranvet Stakes and Gr1 Doncaster Mile. Australian Turf Club General Manager of Racing, Wagering and International James Ross said: “These international race ratings continue to demonstrate the great strength and depth of Sydney’s world-class racing across a range of distances. To see races such as the Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes feature so consistently amongst the best races of the Longines World’s Top 100 Thoroughbred races illustrates the strong position our flagship races have achieved on the international racing calendar.”

• Blue Army Juveniles Starting To March

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  At around this time last year, the powerful Godolphin operation, and its ancillary training wing run by Anthony Freeman from Pinecliff on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, marched to the beat of a steady drum. Dominating the feature 2YO landscape, almost at will, victories included Exhilarates (Magic Millions 2YO Classic), Lyre (Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes), Pin Sec (Black Opal Stakes) and Kiamichi, Microphone (subsequent Gr1 Sires Produce winner) & Lyre filling the first three placings in the Gr1 Golden Slipper. While Godolphin does own this year’s Magic Millions place-getter Conceited, starting on Saturday the build-up to the Blue Diamond Stakes begins in earnest. Freedman saddles Godolphin’s Hanseatic in the Blue Diamond Preview for colts & geldings, where the son of Street Boss is a $2.50 favourite. Conversely, in the fillies division a race later, James Cummings is responsible for promising Medaglia d’Oro filly Geist, who is rated a $9.50 chance in an open race behind $3.50 favourite Fresh. Meanwhile, James Cummings goes into Friday night’s Gr2 Australia Stakes confident that afore-mentioned Microphone is primed to be in the finish of the Moonee Valley sprint under lights.

  

  Microphone won the Gr1 ATC Sires Produce Stakes (pic: Steve Hart)

• Multi-million Dollar Yearling on Debut

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  Mount Fuji (Snitzel-Ichihara, by General Nediym) sold at last year's Inglis Easter Yearling Sale for a whopping $2.8 million and the stunning looking colt will make his raceday debut in the opening race over 1000m at Randwick on Saturday. Offered by Corumbene Stud, the colt was sold to James Harron Bloodstock. He will start third favourite at $4.80 with the TAB, and has been sighted at the trials where he ran second to Barbaric (I Am Invincible-Mimi Lebrock, by Show A Heart) over 900m. Mount Fuji's dam Ichihara won six races, four at stakes level, including the Gr2 Magic Night Stakes, and she is a full sister to Listed winner Isurava, who is the dam of Gr1 placed and Gr2 winner Menari (Snitzel), making Mount Fuji, a three-quarter brother to Menari. This is the family of thirteen-time Gr1 winner Tie The Knot, and his Gr1 winning dam Whisked. Mount Fuji is the second foal of Ichihara, and her first foal Omar (Snitzel) has won three of his seven starts to date.

  

  Mount Fuji was a $2.8 million yearling (pic: inglis.com.au)

• Affinity Beyond Looks To Extend Improvement

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  Trainer Luke Pepper is upbeat about Affinity Beyond (Starspangledbanner-Gibraltar Range, by Rock of Gibraltar) now she's won two in succession, reports racingnsw.com.au. The previously wayward but talented filly broke through for a win at Canberra in mid-December, then won at Murrumbidgee over 1000m in near track record time. She will be favourite for the TAB $75,000 Class 2 over 1100m at Randwick on Saturday with two Highway races scheduled for the bushfire appeal fundraising day. "We've always had a big opinion of her, super quick filly but she had some issues so we spelled and sent her back for more education," explained Luke, the former track work rider for champion international sprinter Takeover Target. "Basically she was field shy, highly strung and resented other horses around her. She's always had exceptional ability, still real busy and can be wayward, but this prep she's bringing that ability to the races. It's always exciting when your owners are looking at a realistic chance of winning three straight and this time on the big stage. The way she's been winning, tells us she's ready for the next step." Affinity Range was sold by Rosemont Stud at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale for $55,000 and now has two wins from six starts.

• Bosson Hungers for More Karaka Million Success

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  In search of a fourth straight win in New Zealand’s richest juvenile race, Champion New Zealand jockey Oppie Bosson will team up with Cool Aza Beel (Savabeel) in Saturday's Karaka Million 2YO (1200m), as well as partnering last year's winner Probabeel (Savanbeel) in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m). The latter completed a treble of Karaka Million wins for Bosson and Te Akau at the same meeting last year after earlier success with Melody Belle (2017) and Avantage (2018), both of which have gone on to be exceptionally talented racehorses. According to NZ Racing Desk, that recent strike-rate prompted some good-natured ribbing this week from Pukekohe trainer Nigel Tiley, who will saddle $1.90 Karaka Million favourite Play That Song. Bosson, who guided the Tiley-trained Silent Truth to win at Avondale on Wednesday and declared Play That Song as the horse to beat on Saturday, said he would be putting thoughts of winning four in a row at the back of his mind and concentrating on the job at hand with Cool Aza Beel. "He's a different type of horse to the other three but he's still got that natural ability," Bosson said. "He's come through his Tauranga win really well. He looks outstanding," revealed Bosson of the Fairdale Stud-bred and sold Cool Aza Beel.

• Inglis Releases Stunning Easter Catalogue Online

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  A “truly stunning’’ catalogue of 514 of the southern hemisphere’s best yearlings will be offered at this year’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. According to Inglis, the catalogue again lives up to the long-held expectation of Easter being the ‘Best of the Best’. It contains siblings to 181 stakes-winners including 52 Gr1 winners such as The Autumn Sun, Sunlight, Loving Gaby, Jameka, More Joyous, Kenedna, Estijaab, Invincibella, Pinot, Shadow Hero, Unforgotten, Lucky Bubbles, Starspangledbanner, Irish Lights, Overreach, Regal Power and many more. There are also the progeny of 170 stakes-winning mares including More Joyous, Srikandi, First Seal, Miss Finland, Bonaria, Fenway, Plucky Belle, Princess Coup, Snitzerland, Diamond Drille and Response to name but a few. Out of  58 sires represented in the catalogue, the top 10 by numbers are Snitzel (67 yearlings), I Am Invincible (48), Capitalist (26), American Pharoah (25), Not A Single Doubt (25), Fastnet Rock (24), Sebring (24), Exceed And Excel (18), Zoustar (18) and Pierro (18). Outstanding campaigners such as Redoute’s Choice, Hinchinbrook, Dundeel, Written Tycoon and many others are also well represented as are international star sires including Deep Impact, Frankel, Into Mischief, Kitten’s Joy, Lord Kanaloa and Siyouni. There are also 15 first season sires represented including American Pharoah, Capitalist, Shalaa, Astern, Extreme Choice, Flying Artie, Maurice and Tivaci. There are over 60 individual vendors represented with Arrowfield Stud again the leading vendor with 63 entries ahead of Coolmore Stud (36), Widden Stud (26), Newgate Farm (25) and Newhaven Park (19). Click here for the online catalogue.

  

  Golden Slipper winner Estijaab has a sibling at Easter (pic: Steve Hart)

• Big Buying Bench Expected for 2020 Inglis Easter

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  The 2020 Australian Easter Yearling Sale will be held over the two days of Tuesday April 7 and Wednesday April 8 at Riverside Stables in Sydney. Inglis’ General Manager of Bloodstock Sales and Marketing Sebastian Hutch said the Easter catalogue had something for everyone and that recent results further proved its standing as the number one sale in the southern hemisphere. “It is a phenomenal group of yearlings in every respect and we are very grateful for the opportunity to offer them to the market,’’ Hutch said. “The quality is extraordinarily high and it is a great compliment to the standing of the sale that breeders and vendors are yet again sending their best yearlings in great quantity.” Hutch added, “The stats are there for all to see and it is a simple fact that buyers are more likely to source a top-class horse at Easter than at any other sale in the Southern Hemisphere. Since 2018 alone, Inglis Easter has produced more Gr1 winners than any other Australasian sale, including the likes of The Autumn Sun, Merchant Navy, Estijaab, Trapeze Artist, Exceedance, Loving Gaby, Super Seth, Russian Revolution… the list goes on and on.” He pointed out, “That list covers a wide range of price brackets too, including each of Funstar, Aristia (see below) and Land Of Plenty all selling at Easter for no more than $80,000 apiece.” The sale is expected to attract incredibly strong interest from both domestic and international buyers, something Hutch says, “we expect to heighten even further as soon as people get a chance to read the full catalogue.” Selling will begin at 10am both mornings. Hard copies of the Easter catalogue will be available within a fortnight. Click here for the online catalogue.

• Tasmania's Secret Well and Truly Out

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  Buyers are quickly starting to wise up to the exceptional yearling value that be found in Tasmania for relatively inexpensive forays. And it's no one-hit wonder either, with more and more of the sale's 'cheap' graduates going on to record fabulous careers both locally and on the mainland. With recent graduates including Mystic Journey, Palentino, The Cleaner and Soul Patch, it's easy to understand why the sale is statistically the best return on investment yearling sale in Australasia. This year's 146 lot catalogue features youngsters by an impressive line up of 57 individual sires including the first crops of 12 stallions. The 2020 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale will be held from 12 noon on Monday 24 February, the day after the $75,000 Magic Millions 2YO Classic (plus $10,000 Racing Women's Bonus) and $65,000 TasBreeders Magic Millions 3YO & 4YO Classic are run on Tasmanian Oaks Day (Sunday 23 February, Mowbray Racecourse). To view the catalogue click here or download via the Equineline iPad app. Printed copies will be distributed in the next 10 days.

• Three Way Tie In World Thoroughbred Rankings

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  Enable (Nathaniel-Concentric, by Sadler's Wells), Crystal Ocean (Sea the Stars-Crystal Star, by Mark of Esteem), and Waldgeist (Galileo-Waldlerche, by Monsun), three middle-distance stars who last year took turns beating each other, have been jointly named the world's top racehorses in 2019, reported bloodhorse.com. They also share the title of being the lowest-rated world champions since the international rankings began. The official champions of 2019 were unveiled in London at the Longines World's Best Racehorse Awards, during which the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1)—in which the Andre Fabre-trained Waldgeist narrowly denied Enable a historic third consecutive success—was named the world's top race for the fourth time in five years. Enable, Waldgeist (see below), and Crystal Ocean all finished their 5-year-old seasons with an official rating of 128. Enable stays in training with John Gosden as a 6-year-old, but Crystal Ocean and Waldgeist have both been retired. Star Hong Kong miler Beauty Generation (Road to Rock-Stylish Bel, by Bel Esprit) was next in the Longines list at 127. Cox Plate winner Lys Gracieux (Heart's Cry-Liliside, by American Post) came in fifth equal on 126.

• Enable Restricted To One Last Campaign

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  Trainer John Gosden has advised that champion racemare Enable (Nathaniel) is unlikely to appear on a racecourse until Royal Ascot mid-year, writes theguardian.com. Suffering defeat behind Waldgeist in last year's Gr1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp when attempting an unprecedented third win in Europe's weight-for-age showpiece, Enable is going to have another crack at history after her owner Khalid Abdullah of Juddmonte Farms graciously kept her in work as a 6YO – a rare occurrence. Gosden spoke at the Longines Horse of the Year Awards this week, saying, "If you aim for the autumn, you don't want to be starting in the spring. We aimed at Ascot last year and ended up running in the Eclipse (a month later than planned). We'll see how she is [and] make the decision together, but the final thing is that the decision will be taken by the filly herself."

• Dettori To Ride Pegasus World Cup Turf Favourite

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  Meanwhile, Enable's jockey Frankie Dettori will jet to Gulfstream Park to partner Pegasus World Cup Turf favourite Without Parole (Frankel-Without You Babe, by Lemon Drop Kid) in the $1 million contest in Florida on Saturday, reports racingpost.com. Previously trained by John Gosden, the 5YO is having only his second start for trainer Chad Brown. In his first start for the Brown stable, he ran third in the Breeders' Cup Mile last November. Dettori doesn't have a ride in the main feature, the Pegasus World Cup Dirt, while Chad Brown's other runner Instilled Regard (Arch-Enhancing, by Foresty) will be ridden by Irad Ortiz (who rose Without Parole in his last start).

• Weekend Black-Type Schedule

  Weekend, 24th January 2020
  A black-type baker's dozen, brought to you by SUREWiSE, lies ahead of the Australia Day long-weekend where almost half the on-track action will be in New Zealand. Ellerslie's 6-race Karaka Millions twilight meeting in Auckland is one of the most enjoyable race meetings to attend on either side of the Tasman, with the million dollar 2YO and 3YO features for NZB sales graduates a perfect gateway to the next day's start of the NZB National Yearling Sales Series. Following an intriguing Gr2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night, most feature race attention will be on Saturday's two Blue Diamond Previews over 1000m for 2YOs at caulfield which should provide some insight into the big Melbourne Gr1 juvenile feature on 22 February. Whilst every effort is made to ensure information and the below race times (in Australian Eastern Summer Time order) are accurate, please consult official race cards if certainty is required.

  

  • FRI 9.30pm: Gr2 Australia Stakes (1200m) Moonee Valley
  • SAT 2.05pm: Listed Blue Diamond Preview C&G (1000m) Caulfield
  • 2.15pm: Listed Timaru Stakes (1400m) Riccarton Park
  • 2.40pm: Gr3 Blue Diamond Preview Fillies (1000m) Caulfield
  • 3.10pm: Gr3 Mr Tiz Trophy (1200m) Ellerslie
  • 3.50pm: Gr3 Concorde Handicap (1200m) Ellerslie
  • 4.30pm: Listed Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) Ellerslie
  • 5.00pm: Listed Carrington Stakes (1400m) Randwick
  • 5.08pm: Gr2 Westbury Classic (1400m) Ellerslie
  • 5.20pm: Listed John Dillon Stakes (1400m) Caulfield
  • 5.42pm: Listed Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) Ellerslie
  • 6.30pm: Listed Sunshine Coast Cup (1400m) Sunshine Coast
  • MON 3.40pm: Listed Australia Day Cup (2400m) Warwick Farm

• MON 3.40pm: Listed Australia Day Cup (2400m) Warwick Farm

  Weekend, 24th January 2020