The Inglis Ready2Race Sale made history on Tuesday, featuring the first $1 million horse ever sold at a Southern Hemisphere 2YO auction. The star was the Written Tycoon x Soriano filly (Lot 166) from Baystone Farm, snapped up by Yulong for $1 million after a competitive bidding war involving Mick Malone, Annabel Neasham, and a determined Sheamus Mills. Baystone initially acquired the filly from Yulong for $200,000 at the Easter Yearling Sale, transforming her into a remarkable pinhook success. The sale's strength was evident, with the Soriano filly being one of eight horses to sell for $500,000 or more, among 11 that fetched over $400,000, and 18 surpassing $300,000. The sale’s figures soared, with the average price reaching $167,065—a 58% jump from last year—and total sales hitting $15,370,000, marking a 39% increase and making it the second-highest grossing Inglis Ready2Race Sale ever. Baystone's Dean Harvey, who brought 13 horses to the sale, was astounded by the $1 million outcome. "She was hugely popular all week, faultless in her preparation, but we never imagined she’d reach that price," Harvey said. "She’s by a great stallion, has a big pedigree, and has been perfect throughout. Her reserve was much lower, but with top bidders battling, this result shows you can achieve extraordinary outcomes."
The Written Tycoon-Soriano filly sold for a new 2YO record price (pic: inglis.com.au)
NEWShane McGrath Bloodstock Tops Vendor Averages
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
The second top lot at Tuesday’s Inglis Ready2Race Sale was a Deep Field x Sheer Pleasure colt from Shane McGrath Bloodstock, selling to Clinton McDonald for $750,000. McGrath, presenting his first draft at a 2YO sale, was thrilled by the result. McDonald, who had worked closely with the colt, shared his excitement: “Ben Melham rides him at home and said, ‘you can’t let him go, he’s a star,’ so we formed a group of clients to secure him. He’s got style, speed, and a great temperament. We’re aiming for the Blue Diamond in the autumn.” Although the purchase exceeded their budget, McDonald was undeterred: “The saying goes, ‘go home with the one you love,’ and we did just that.” McGrath ended the day as the leading vendor by average at $463,333 for three or more sold. The colt, initially bought for $260,000 at the Easter Yearling Sale, had shown steady development, earning high praise from McDonald. Reflecting on the day's outcome, McGrath said, “It’s been phenomenal. There’s always risk, but thanks to Inglis for their support. We’ll definitely be back.” Tuesday’s sale at Riverside saw numerous other standout pinhook results, including $240,000 into $600,000, $115,000 into $550,000, $150,000 into $525,000, $90,000 into $500,000, $80,000 into $500,000, $10,000 into $440,000, and $70,000 into $420,000, underscoring the market's strength and rewarding quality drafts.
NEW2YO Sale Strength Delights Inglis Bloodstock CEO
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch was delighted with the strength of Tuesday’s Ready2Race Sale sale. “There are a hell of a lot of positives from the day and not for a second at the start of the day did I think we would be reflecting on a record-priced breezer and a $1m lot at the end of the day,’’ Hutch said. “Competition for nice horses that breezed well and vetted well was ferocious and the volume of buyers at the top end was like nothing we have seen before at this sale. There was significant Hong Kong participation on the buyer list which was fantastic to see because it’s a jurisdiction we have worked really hard on for our vendors to ensure a positive spend but it was great to have that supplemented by buyers from China, Malaysia and Macau.” Hutch also acknowledged the powerful local buying bench, stating, “As well as that, we had the likes of Waterhouse/Bott, Ciaron Maher, Chris Waller with the Hermitage team, Price/Kent Racing, Annabel Neasham, Clinton McDonald, OTI, Triple Crown, Lloyd Kennewell, Mitch Beer, Joe Pride, John McArdle etc, amongst a strong group of domestic buyers.” He conceded, “Predictably there was a selectivity in the market – it’s an inevitable feature of a sale where the horses offered are subject to a timed gallop - but there has been a robust trade in passed in lots and we’ll be working to grow the clearance rate further over the next 24-48 hours…”
NEWRecord Tattersalls Yearling Demand Continues
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
Meanwhile, in England, the second day of Tattersalls' Book 2 October Yearling Sale saw record-breaking demand, with turnover again surpassing 20 million guineas. The session marked the highest grossing in the sale's history, featuring six yearlings that fetched 500,000 guineas or more, and achieved a 91% clearance rate. The joint top lot was a filly by Too Darn Hot, out of the Galileo mare Lola Paige, which sold for 600,000 guineas to agent Alex Elliott, representing Al Shaqab and Amo Racing. The sale set a record for Paul Dunkley's Appletree Stud, where manager Robert "Choc" Thornton was visibly moved by the result, saying, "She is a queen... we were tempted to keep her, but the boss has put a lot of money in – he deserves to get some back." Another filly matched this price, a Sea The Stars daughter out of the Siyouni mare Monaawara, purchased by Jane Mangan for the Thoroughbred Racing Corporation. Consigned by Philipp Stauffenberg, Mangan remarked, "She is the best filly in this book. She has the scope to hopefully be good." Godolphin secured a Sea The Stars colt out of Shamardal mare Kitcarina for 550,000 guineas. Bred by the Kitcarina Partnership and Sunderland Holdings, the colt was consigned by Folland-Bowen Bloodstock, marking the consignors' biggest result at Tattersalls. Additional high sellers included a 525,000 guineas Sea The Stars filly out of Farhh mare Makawee, purchased by Jason Kelly Bloodstock, and a Camelot filly out of Lope De Vega mare Fort Del Oro, consigned by Ballylinch Stud and bought by MV Magnier.
Melbourne Cup Field Starts to Take Shape
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
The race for this year's $8.56 million Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup is taking shape, with 55 horses remaining in contention following second declarations. Topping the field is unbeaten TAB favourite Jan Brueghel, trained by Aidan O'Brien, who arrived from Ireland over the weekend. Jan Brueghel, the English St Leger winner, will make history as the first UK classic winner to contest the Melbourne Cup in the same season, aiming to become the first unbeaten victor since 1883. Renowned jockey Ryan Moore has been confirmed to ride the colt. Irish challengers Vauban and Absurde also landed in Melbourne recently, marking their second attempt at the Cup. William Buick is booked to ride Vauban, while Kerrin McEvoy, a three-time Cup winner, will partner with Absurde for the Willie Mullins stable. McEvoy is eyeing a record-equalling fourth victory in the iconic race. Leading Australian trainer Chris Waller has 13 entries, including Via Sistina, an impressive last-start winner of the Group 1 TAB Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. The Waller team also features import Kinesiology, who remains on the verge of securing a start in the Melbourne Cup. Eighteen horses still in the acceptances are set to run in this weekend's Caulfield Cup, which guarantees the winner a spot in the Melbourne Cup. Another chance for horses to qualify will be next week's Cox Plate. Among the runners already guaranteed a place in the Melbourne Cup field are Just Fine, The Map, and Point King. Jamie Kah will ride Point King, her third Melbourne Cup appearance, carrying 50.5kg. VRC Executive General Manager Racing Leigh Jordon noted, "The Caulfield Cup this weekend will offer insight into the domestic contenders, with the final Melbourne Cup field becoming clearer as we edge closer to the race."
Melbourne Cup favourite Jan Brughel (pic: Cheval et courses hippiques)
I Am Artie Ready for the Next Challenge
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
Rising star I Am Artie has impressively tackled every challenge from trainer Paul Jenkins, but a significant test awaits. Undefeated in his four races with Jenkins, I Am Artie aims to stretch his winning streak in the Benchmark 78 Handicap over 1200 metres at Doomben on Wednesday. Jenkins envisions a bright future for the son of Artie Schiller but is taking a cautious approach to his progression into open company. "He's got the makings of a very good horse," he said, pointing outhe importance of carefully selecting races as I Am Artie moves quickly from Class 1 to metropolitan level. "He's still a novice but he's got a lot of ability." Despite the rail being out 10.5 metres at Doomben, Jenkins remains confident about I Am Artie's chances of securing a fifth consecutive victory. "He's got good tactical speed and a good turn of foot. He likes to lead or sit just off them, so he should be right in the finish," he noted. Jenkins, a seasoned trainer with three Group 1 victories under his belt – including the 2001 Doomben Cup with King Keitel – knows what it takes to succeed. "There are no plans for him just yet, but if he performs well on Wednesday, we might target a Listed race during the Queensland Summer Racing Carnival," he explained. "I think 1400 to 1600 metres will suit him later on, and he has the potential to reach Group 1 level."
Kuroyanagi Back In Form for Ridgeport Farm
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
Western Australian owned-Gr1 Blue Diamond placegetter Kuroyanagi (Written Tycoon–Tetsuko by I Am Invincible) bounced back with a return-to-form victory in the Thoroughbred Club Of Australia Plate at Caulfield on Saturday, reported tbwa.net.au. "She got into a good spot behind the speed and we got out at the right time," jockey Blake Shinn said. "It's nice to see her get that first win since her Blue Diamond campaign. She's a lovely filly and it's great to win in these colours for Santo, Will and Nicky." A $390,000 purchase from Yarraman Park Stud at the 2023 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Saturday's win took her earnings over $396,000 for her two wins from six starts. Out of Group 2-placed Tetsuko, she is a half-sister to Group 3-placed winner Zousuko (Zoustar). "She's shown us so much and we've always believed in her," co-trainer Niki O'Shea said. "It didn't go well last time so it's good to get her back on track. We gave her a good break after the Quezette Stakes and she looked fantastic today. We might set her for the Thousand Guineas even though she's bred to be very fast." Owned by Ridgeport Farm, Kuroyanagi is also nominated for WA's Pinnacles.
Kuroyanagi bounced back to winning form (pic: Mark Gatt)
Hill 'n' Dale Announce 2025 Stallion Fees
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
American farm Hill 'n' Dale have announced their 2025 fees with Curlin leading the roster with a fee of $225,000, a slight reduction on 2024's $250,000 fee, reported bloodhorse.com. Sire of three Eclipse Award winners in 2024, Curlin has 108 stakes winners globally. His son, Good Magic, will stand at $125,000 which is unchanged from 2024, while Charlatan also remains unchanged on $50,000. Charlatan's first crop have sold well to date as yearlings with 89 individuals averaging more than $270,000, led by a $1.5 million Fasig-Tipton yearling – the highest price paid for a yearling by a freshman sire this year. Both McLean's Music and Violence remain unchanged on $40,000 and $30,000 respectively while Arabian Knight is new in 2025 at a fee of $30,000. Arabian Knight was a $2.3 million 2YO breeze up sale purchase won the $1 million Gr1 Pacific Classic as a 3YO against older horses. Four other horses round out the roster at the high profile US farm.
Pride Says Look to Experience for The Everest
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
Trainer Joe Pride counts his star Private Eye (Al Maher-Confidential Queen, by Shamardal) as one of those to beat in The Everest, reports punters.com.au. "This is a very confusing race, it's impossible to line them up," Pride said. "There are so many different form lines compared to previous years. But I've seen it so often with these big races, when the pressure is on, the tried and true horses who have done it before rise to the top. So, I'm coming back to I Wish I Win, Bella Nipotina and Private Eye - I reckon one of them will win it." Private Eye ran second in 2022 and third in 2023. "I think we will be racing on a soft track on Saturday and that suits Private Eye," Pride said. "Two years ago it started out a soft 7, got to a soft 6 for The Everest and he ran a close second. I think he is going as well as ever but I want him to settle a bit closer on Saturday. He has been getting too far back lately, he hasn't been in his races, but his closing sectionals are as good as ever." Winner of 11 of his 37 starts, Private Eye comes into the race off a last start sixth in the Gr1 Shorts. Last year, he won the Gr2 Shorts Handicap and in 2022, he came into the race off a win in the Gr2 Gilgai Stakes.
Private Eye is amongst Pride's picks for The Everest (pic: Steve Hart)
Horse of the Year to Wreak Havoc Again
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
The shock-and-awe treatment dished up by Antino (Redwood) in last weekend’s Toorak Handicap (see below item), sets up the tantalising prospect that Pride of Jenni (Pride of Dubai) could upstage The Everest on Saturday at Royal Randwick. After what the newly crowned Australion Horse of the Year did the last time she ventured to Sydney – Jennie sauntered to a 30-length lead – trainer Ciaron Maher isn’t hosing down speculation as to what lies in store for racegoers. In a racing.com report, Maher was brimming with confidence ahead of the Gr1 King Charles III Stakes over a mile. Divulging that she couldn’t be going any better, Maher expressed his enthusiasm ahead of the race, stating that every time Pride Of Jenni steps onto the track, it’s a thrilling experience. “It doesn’t matter where you run her; it’s exciting every time you take her to the races.” The daughter of Pride Of Dubai had a final gallop at Cranbourne on Monday morning with her regular jockey, Declan Bates, in the saddle. Bates was pleased with her performance, with Maher noting that she worked similarly to how she did leading into her last run in the Feehan Stakes at Moonee Valley. The mare’s trip to Sydney is set for Wednesday. At $2.50, she is surprisingly easy to back, with Fangirl (Sebring) breathing down her neck at $3.00.
Pride of Jenni says Sayonara in the Queen Elizabeth Stks (pic: Sky Racing)
Hickmott Claims Murray Bridge Cup Trifecta
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
After four near misses, local trainer Michael Hickmott finally captured the elusive Murray Bridge Gold Cup in South Australia over the weekend, with Maracourt (Hampton Court) claiming victory. It was a standout day for Hickmott, who dominated the Listed feature, securing the trifecta as Alpine Flyer (Alpine Eagle) placed second and Dubai Poet (Lope de Vega) fought on for third. Riverplate (Flying Artie), another stable runner, finished fifth. “It’s a race that really eluded me,” Hickmott shared, clearly relieved. “He’s a ripper, this horse, a credit to what we’re doing at the farm. I think that was his 14th run for the prep, he’s been in work for almost a year.” Hickmott’s success didn’t end there. Fancify (Niagara) won a heat of the Gytrash Series, while Motorace (Denman) wrapped up a bumper 10-race card with back-to-back city wins. Freshly migrated from Singapore, champion jockey Manoel Nunes also enjoyed a stellar day at Murray Bridge, securing a double with wins in the Cup aboard Maracourt and the Moorundi Classic, a 2YO race won by Hiatus (Snitzel) for trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy. The weekend started strongly for Hickmott at Morphettville, with Swycho (Echoes of Heaven) breaking his maiden in the first leg of Todd Pannell’s riding double.
Antino Toorak Raid Sets Massive Spring KPI
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
There are eye-catching wins and then there are jaw-dropping drubbings. If one’s a racing fan, one sees plenty of the former, and far few of the latter, especially when it comes to elite company with traditionally smaller margins. We saw one in the Gr1 Queensland Derby with Warmonger and again when Pride of Jenni opened the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth field up like a can of sardines. As much as Sunshine State champion trainer Tony Gollan would have saddled Antino in the Toorak with plenty of hope, not even he could have suspected that the kiwi-bred son of Redwood was about to do a demolition job. Officially, the margin was 6.5-lengths. Unofficially, he was simply in a race of his own. So spectacular was the performance, racing.com reports Daniel O’Sullivan giving Antino a massive 107.2 rating that matched Pride of Jenni’s dominance in the 2024 All Star Mile. In his weekly report, the ratings oracle suggested we may not see a higher rating than that this spring. Of consequence, O’Sullivan revealed that at distances of 1600m, Antino’s rating is second only to the incomparable Winx’s 110.2, 110 and 109 – which kind of says it all and franks the gelding’s Queensland Horse of the Year award.
Hastings Track Closed Pending Reconstruction
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
According to racingnews.co.nz, HBRI (Hawke’s Bay Racing Inc.) and NZTR (New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing) Management jointly announced on Tuesday that due to continued concerns around the track’s performance, the decision has been made to bring forward a reconstruction of the track. As a result, racing will not resume at the venue in the immediate future. HBRI Chairman, Eliot Cooper commented, “While this news will be disappointing for the Hawke’s Bay community and racing enthusiasts, both parties believe that prioritising this project is essential for the long-term future of racing in the region.” NZTR Chief Operating Officer, Darin Balcombe reiterated this message. “The decision reflects a commitment to addressing the underlying track issues for participants and horses alike.” The HBRI and NZTR Board and Management will meet later in the month to discuss next steps. Further information will be provided to the industry following this meeting to ensure stakeholders remain informed of the progress and potential timelines moving forward. Replacement dates for upcoming scheduled Hastings racedays will be advised over the coming days.
Storm Brewing for Saturday’s The Everest
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
Damned if he did, and damned if he didn’t, Coolmore Australia’s chief Tom Magnier has pulled the trigger and selected Storm Boy (Justify) as the final runner in the 12-strong field for Saturday’s $20 million The Everest (1200m). According to racenet.com.au, Magnier faced one of his most difficult decisions ever in selecting Storm Boy over Switzerland (Snitzel) for their spot in the lucrative Royal Randwick sprint. Switzerland had initially been considered the prime candidate after an outstanding performance in the Roman Consul Stakes at Rosehill, yet, after nearly two days of consideration, Magnier ultimately opted for Storm Boy, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. The choice carries significant weight for Coolmore, as both colts are seeking their first Group 1 victory, a critical milestone that could enhance their future stallion value. Storm Boy’s confirmation in the final field for The Everest is a testament to Coolmore’s belief in his readiness to compete at the highest level. Hong Kong-based jockey Brenton Avdulla will return to Sydney to ride recent San Domenico winner Storm Boy (see below) in the race. Reflecting on the decision, Magnier stated, “We have two exceptional 3YOs, and making this call was one of the hardest choices I’ve had to make in racing." While Switzerland’s recent performance was impressive, Coolmore felt that he would benefit from an extra week’s rest ahead of the Gr1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington in early November. Magnier remarked, “Storm Boy has been preparing specifically for The Everest, and Gai and Adrian are confident he’s at his peak. It’s thrilling for all involved to have such a strong chance.”
875k Colt Headlines Tattersalls Book 2 Opening
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
The strong demand seen during Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale seamlessly carried into the opening day of Book 2, where thirteen yearlings fetched 300,000 guineas or more, with the top sale reaching an impressive 875,000 guineas. Both the average price and overall turnover saw an increase compared to last year’s first session, and the clearance rate was a remarkable 90%, highlighting the market's continued buoyancy. The session’s standout was a colt by Sea The Stars, consigned by Staffordstown and out of the Listed-placed mare Bighearted. After an intense bidding duel, Anthony Stroud, representing Godolphin, secured the February-born colt for 875,000 guineas, outbidding Richard Brown of Blandford Bloodstock. The colt, bred by Michael Perlman and Sunderland Holding Inc., is the first foal of Bighearted, a daughter of Farhh and Bianca Nera, the Irish Champion two-year-old filly of 1996. Bighearted is also a half-sister to the dam of Group 1 winners Postponed and God Given. Richard Frisby, representing Staffordstown, remarked, "This colt could have been placed in Book 1, but we felt he would stand out here, which is exactly what happened. He’s a well-bred first foal, destined to be a Classic horse, and he’ll need time to mature." Buyer Anthony Stroud added: "He’s a very strong, well-made horse from a fantastic family. He looks like a promising staying horse for Godolphin, and he’ll be trained by Charlie Appleby." Bighearted is in foal to Modern Games and is also catalogued for the Sceptre Sessions of the Tattersalls December Mares Sale, with a Wootton Bassett filly foal consigned as Lot 810 in the Tattersalls December Foal Sale, via St Simon Stud.
Haggas’ Second Champion Stks Down to Economics
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
Leading English trainer William Haggas has experienced a mix of highs and lows in the QIPCO Champion Stakes over the years, but now Economics (Night of Thunder) is poised to add a new chapter to his legacy at Ascot. According to sportinglife.com, just two years after the phenomenal Baaeed (Sea The Stars) concluded his stellar British Champions Day career, Haggas has another exceptional colt ready to rise to prominence. Economics demonstrated his readiness for stardom with a gripping victory over Aidan O’Brien’s Auguste Rodin (Deep Impact) in the Irish Champion Stakes, showcasing his ability to uphold the prestigious reputation of Somerville Lodge. Haggas, renowned for producing top-class horses at his Newmarket base, is once again a sought-after figure as Ascot’s end-of-season highlight approaches. Economics stands on the brink of becoming only the seventh horse to win both the Irish Champion Stakes and its British counterpart in the same year. “His form is there and he seems very well... I think he is sure to run a good race,” Haggas remarked, highlighting the colt’s tenacity in Ireland. While he bested a Ballydoyle Derby winner in Auguste Rodin, a showdown with the formidable City Of Troy (Justify), who dazzled in the Dante Stakes, won’t materialise, as the latter is headed for the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Haggas remains unfazed by such distractions, preferring to nuture Economics at his own pace. With a successful return at Deauville and a Group win in Ireland, Haggas believes the best is yet to come for Economics, whether at Ascot or beyond.
British Jockey Rooke Embarks on Kiwi Adventure
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
Meanwhile, Englishman George Rooke is the newest addition to the ever-growing group of international riders in New Zealand, reports racingnews.co.nz. Coming from a small town in Hampshire, Rooke progressed through the well-recognised British Racing School in Newmarket, and under the tutelage of three-time British Champion Jockey and now trainer Richard Hughes, he rode 167 winners and was a dual all-weather (synthetic) champion apprentice. “I kept my apprenticeship for four years and it took me that period of time to ride 95 winners, which is the full claim over there,” said Rooke. Rooke also spent time working for an icon of New Zealand equestrian sport, Sir Mark Todd, which ultimately led to an opportunity to ply his trade on the other side of the world. The 23-year-old made his Kiwi race riding debut at Taupo last Friday, with a second placing aboard Camacho his best result of his five rides, giving him a good insight into the style of racing in New Zealand. Rooke has a pair of Listed winners to his name and has ridden twice at Group 2 level, with a shot at a Group 1 his goal in the future. Rooke added, “Everything else that comes with it is a bonus really, gaining more experience will be great so I’m looking forward to it.”
Stokes Eyes Lucrative Sydney Weekend Success
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
Two of Phillip Stokes' top horses are heading to Sydney this weekend for major races, reports racing.com. Climbing Star is set to compete in the Gr3 Sydney Stakes, while Stretan Angel is entered for the Gr3 Silver Eagle. Stretan Angel's (Harry Angel-Stretan, by Bernardini) performance in the Silver Eagle will play a key role in deciding whether she steps up in distance for a shot at the prestigious Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill on November 2. This Saturday, Stretan Angel will be racing beyond 1200m for the first time in her career, taking on the 1300-metre Silver Eagle. The Golden Eagle is an additional 200m, which raises the stakes for her future path. Climbing Star (Zoustar-Bryony, by Fastnet Rock) put in an encouraging performance in her return to racing at the Gr1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at The Valley on September 27. Stokes described Climbing Star's return in the Manikato as 'super' and believes she is well-positioned to make an impact in the $2 million Sydney Stakes (1200m). Daniel Stackhouse will ride both Climbing Star and Stretan Angel at Randwick. The upcoming challenge for both mares is the shift to racing in the clockwise direction, which they have not experienced before. However, Stokes is confident in their preparation."They've obviously got to go that way of going, which they haven't done before, but all things being equal, I think they'll both be competitive," Stokes said. "They seem pretty good. They are changing their lead legs and everything, so fingers crossed."
Stretan Angel will tackle the Silver Eagle (pic: Mark Gatt)
Azzopardi Dominates Geraldton with Five Wins
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
Western Australia Jockey Joseph Azzopardi capped off a stellar weekend in the saddle, booting home five winners at Geraldton on Sunday, reports racingwa.com.au. Azzopardi teamed up with trainer Michael Grantham to score wins aboard Just Gifted (Justify), New Music (Mendelsshon), King Akeed (Akeed Mofeed) and First Beach (Nicconi). All four carried the well known cerise and white silks of Peters Investments. He also scored aboard the Adam Durrant-trained Snippy Which (Snippetson). Azzopardi said he was pleased to capitalise on the strong book. “When they look good on paper sometimes you don’t ride a winner at all. Things worked out well,” Azzopardi told TABradio. Azzopardi’s five winners came off the back of saluting aboard Cosmic Crusader (Maurice) – he is also owned by Peters Investments – in Saturday’s 2024 Pinnacles Carnival – Noms Close 14th October Handicap (1200m) at Ascot. The hoop added, “It’d be nice to see him win one of the lead ups to that. If he does things right, I think he can.”
