Wednesday, 14th May 2025
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  • All Systems Go for Asfoora Europe Repeat

    Thursday, 15th May 2025
    Asfoora’s Royal Ascot defence in next month’s Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1000m) will come off a six-week break, after travel arrangements prevented an earlier departure to Europe. Trainer Henry Dwyer confirmed to racing.com she will now fly out on May 29, ruling out the original plan to give her a lead-up run in France. While her 2023 campaign included a start at Haydock prior to the King Charles, Dwyer believes skipping a prep run this time could play to her advantage. “We were hoping to get over there early May and give her a run at Chantilly three weeks out,” he explained. “At the time, I thought we needed to do that but after the Sangster she was a bit flat, so I thought we would probably be better off going in fresh anyway.” Rather than risk a similar flat performance, Dwyer is focusing on keeping the mare feeling as much like summer as possible before her departure. “That shouldn’t be a worry, it’s more so being here longer as the days are getting shorter and getting colder, where over there the days are getting longer and it’s getting warmer so acclimatisation-wise it is not as easy,” he said. “But we are trying to rug her up here and keep the lights on at night and try and keep her as summery as possible.” There’s added complexity in the trip logistics too, with the flight departing from Sydney. “That plane leaves from Sydney too so she’ll have to have a road trip to Sydney before she even starts the 40-hour trip over there so there’s a bit going on.” Asfoora launched her campaign with a slick Irwin Stakes win in Adelaide before finishing sixth in the Group 1 Sangster Stakes (1200m), posted wide from a tough draw. “I just thought she put in a big effort first-up and then she was a bit flat that second run after the big first-up run, which they can do,” Dwyer said. “I thought we don’t need to squeeze another run in and she can turn up fresh at Ascot.” Her final hit-out before leaving will be a straight-track jumpout at Flemington on Friday week, mirroring Ascot conditions. She will again be based in the UK over summer, with targets including the Qatar Stakes at Goodwood, the Nunthorpe Stakes at York, and possible options in Ireland and France. Dwyer also confirmed top UK jockey Oisin Murphy is eager to reunite with her for the European leg of her campaign.

  • Domeland's Sara Ryan Resigns to Go Solo

    Thursday, 15th May 2025
    Central Coast operation Domeland's head trainer Sara Ryan announced this week that she will finish with the company at the end of the season and become a public trainer, reported punters.com.au. Ryan has been head trainers for two and a half years with Domeland, and was previously with them in an assistant role for four years before that. During her time as trainer, she won The Big Dance with Attractable (I Am Invincible-Affable, by Husson) and last month's $1 million Provincial-Midway Championships Final with Matcha Latte (Maurice-Wayward, by Redoute's Choice). Both hold nominations for the upcoming Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap in mid-June. "We've got a team four or five heading up to Queensland so that will be exciting," Ryan said. "Attractable trialled this morning and will go to the next week's BRC Sprint (1350m) first-up. He needed another trial after a year off. I have been umming and ahhing whether to give him a hit out today for the race this weekend but felt like he has had so long off, and the way he races, he is so honest and will gutter himself first-up so I want him fit enough to be able to do that. Matcha Latte is going to the BRC Sprint too and the Stradbroke, those are his two targets." Exciting 2YO Is It Spectacular (Dundeel-Is What It Is, by Stratum) will also head to the Gr2 BRC Sires' Produce Stakes. "It is a little bit heartbreaking because these horses are like my children and I've had them for six years so know them inside and out," she said. "I really do get to know my horses so it's been heartbreaking and will continue to be, but there comes a time when you have to sink or swim again and it's that time now. Domeland gave me a great opportunity, which I am very grateful for, and it's been a great building block but I think it's come to that time where I want the chance to train for other people."
  • Another Exciting Juvenile for Go Racing

    Thursday, 15th May 2025
    New Zealand syndicator Go Racing unveiled an exciting prospect when 2YO filly Alacritous (Dundeel-Parmalove, by Snitzel) won on Wednesday at Matamata at her second start. The half-sister to Gr1 winner and last year's Champion 2YO in NZ Velocious (Written Tycoon) is trained by Stephen Marsh. "She drew wide that day (on debut). Michael (McNab) rode her and he blamed himself. He was very keen to stick with her, he thought she was a filly with massive upside," Marsh said. "He's suspended, so Gryllsy (Craig Grylls) jumped on. She is a very nice filly and is obviously a half to our very good filly at home (Velocious). The track was a bit of a concern, I heard one of the jockeys come back and say it was more like an 11. It looked like Cream Tart came through them, kicked away and looked the logical winner, but Gryllsy got us out to the right part (of the track) and she really attacked the line. That's not really her sort of track either, but she was great." Velocious won four of her six starts at two including the Gr1 Sistema Stakes, but struggled as a spring 3YO when diagnosed with a throat issue. She recently returned after an operation to win when resuming in March. "We thought we would come here today and have a little spell afterwards. (Alacritous) has got it all ahead of her," Marsh said. "It is nice to tick off that win and you are guaranteed to get into those nice three-year-old races. I certainly think she has got it all ahead of her. You even see her in the yard, she is still a bit raw but is very talented." The older 4YO half-brother Penvose Lad (U S Navy Flag) is also currently racing and has won his last two in succession and is stakes placed. Alacritous was a $300,000 yearling purchase, while her dam Parmalove was sold by Inglewood Stud in 2024 at the Inglis May Digital Sale for $730,000 and was purchased by Walnut Farm.

    Alacritous

    Alacritous appears to have a lot of upside (pic: Kenton Wright Race Images)
  • World Pool Set for Queensland Carnival

    Thursday, 15th May 2025
    For the second time, the Queensland Carnival will join the World Pool, run by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), and this year there will be an expansion across three race days, reported racenet.com.au. Last year, the carnival debuted with Derby Day combining with the Epsom Derby and produced a then-record wagering turnover, with 12 races across the two race days generating $HK385.2 million (approximately A$74.2million). This year, Saturday's Gr1 Doomben 10,000 will begin the action, followed by the Gr1 Doomben Cup the following weekend, while the Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap Day will also be a participant. "World Pool is the most powerful vehicle we have to showcase Queensland racing to a truly global audience," Brisbane Racing Club CEO Karl deKroo said. "This year, nine of our premier races will be beamed into more than 25 jurisdictions and viewed by millions of punters and racing fans worldwide. We're grateful to HKJC CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges and his team for their ongoing support in elevating Stradbroke Season to the global stage through World Pool. Our partnership with the HKJC continues to grow, and we're proud to reach a major milestone with Doomben included in the World Pool schedule for the first time – a significant achievement for our club and our state. World Pool delivers enormous benefits through global wagering liquidity, unprecedented international exposure, and stronger collaboration between racing jurisdictions." Across the three meetings, nine races will join the World Pool, with benefits in increased pool size resulting in higher turnover which flows to higher income for clubs.
  • History on the Line for Ballydoyle in the Dante

    Thursday, 15th May 2025
    Aidan O’Brien will roll into York on Thursday with history in his sights, as the Ballydoyle maestro aims to become the first trainer to sweep all five major trials for the Derby at Epsom. The last of them, the Dante Stakes, is shaping as a crucial pointer, not least because O’Brien’s contender, The Lion In Winter, is already favourite for the Classic on 7 June, reports theguardian.com. Unbeaten and untested since his juvenile season, he’ll face a strong field including Charlie Appleby’s supplemented Alpine Trail and Andrew Balding’s Royal Playwright, the third-favourite. Amo Racing’s Tuscan Hills, representing Kia Joorabchian’s new Freemason Lodge base in Newmarket, adds further intrigue as another unbeaten colt from high-profile connections. O’Brien’s recent dominance of the Derby trial circuit – claiming the Chester Vase, Dee Stakes, and trials at Lingfield and Leopardstown – has precedent, having done likewise in 2013, 2019 and 2022. But what sets this season apart is the calibre of his Dante representative. In contrast to the likes of Indian Chief, a briefly fancied but ultimately modest runner who placed in the 2013 Dante before fading into obscurity, The Lion In Winter has long commanded attention. He beat Ruling Court, this year’s Gr1 2,000 Guineas winner and second-favourite for the Derby, in the Acomb Stakes last August (see below) and has been prominent in the Epsom market ever since. He’s no better than 3-1 to hand O’Brien a record-extending 11th win in the race. High Definition’s Dante flop in 2021 offers caution. Like The Lion In Winter, he was unbeaten at two and topped the Derby betting, only to finish third at York. Still, Thursday’s contest also boasts other credible alternatives. Tuscan Hills, trained by Raphael Freire, is one such colt. Freire has started steadily at Freemason Lodge, though Celestial King, Amo’s £1.75m breeze-up purchase, was a disappointing fourth at Ascot on debut. For Joorabchian, whose Derby runners Mojo Star and King Of Steel finished second at triple-figure odds in 2021 and 2023 respectively, a big performance from Tuscan Hills would validate his extravagant investment spree. Backed by Evangelos Marinakis, Joorabchian has been among the sales ring’s most aggressive bidders, locking horns with Sheikh Mohammed and splashing millions at recent Tattersalls auctions. The acquisition of Freemason Lodge following Sir Michael Stoute’s retirement marked a bold statement, followed by record-breaking purchases including a 2.5m gns sister to Cambridge Stud shuttler Chaldean and the aforementioned Celestial King.

  • Opposing Factions Square Off on Rosehill Sale

    Thursday, 15th May 2025
    Prominent owner-breeder Charles Kelly has made a direct appeal to industry leaders to consider backing the Australian Turf Club's contentious $5 billion Rosehill Gardens racecourse sale, calling it a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to secure the future of NSW racing and breeding. In a letter sent to more than 100 stakeholders, the Newhaven Park Stud principal urged recipients to carefully assess the ATC's redevelopment plans, which hinge on member approval at a vote scheduled for May 27. "I encourage you to read the 'info', watch the videos and see what opportunities this could provide the industry as a whole," Kelly said, adding that members should "give serious consideration to supporting this proposal." ATC members were recently given access to a comprehensive 111-page document outlining plans to invest $800 million into Warwick Farm, including a redesigned course, new grandstands, four training tracks, and facilities to house 1000 horses. Additionally, the club confirmed it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Penrith Golf Club to redevelop its land into a training centre capable of accommodating over 300 horses, a project expected to cost in excess of $370 million. In total, the club has committed to spending more than $1.9 billion on infrastructure and racecourse improvements should members vote "yes" to the sale. Kelly said he felt compelled to publicly back the proposal, believing it could financially future-proof the industry for decades. However, opposition to the sale remains fierce. Critics argue Rosehill is a vital ATC asset that should not be offloaded. Among the most vocal is Hall of Fame trainer Gai Waterhouse, who reiterated her "no" stance on social media this week. "Members still have no definitive proposal of any sort to justify a sale," she wrote. "Warwick Farm is unsuitable; there is no supporting evidence to say a track can be built, and if 'yes' wins then voting members lose all control of Rosehill's fate. We may as well throw our betting tickets away." Waterhouse will be overseas on the day of the vote but has maintained a consistent opposition throughout. Meanwhile, the "Save Rosehill" group doubled down on its campaign by distributing a letter to members outlining 10 reasons why they oppose the sale, arguing that the club's detailed documentation has not changed their stance. In response, the ATC sent a follow-up message to members on Tuesday night, accusing the group of "misrepresenting" key facts surrounding the sale. The club then addressed each of the 10 claims in an effort to clarify its position ahead of the vote.
  • Journalism Can Write His Own Preakness Story

    Thursday, 15th May 2025
    The field is set and the stage is nearly ready for Saturday’s Preakness Stakes (G1), where much of the focus will fall on Kentucky Derby runner-up Journalism, reports bloodhorse.com. The son of Curlin has drawn post 2 and opens as the 8-5 morning-line favourite for the second leg of the Triple Crown. Trainer Michael McCarthy isn’t fazed by the draw. “We’re fine with post position two. He’s tactical enough. He’s got some early speed, if need be,” he said. Journalism, who shipped from Kentucky to Pimlico on May 13, represents a high-profile ownership group that includes Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, and the powerful Coolmore triumverate. Lining up inside of Journalism is Goal Oriented, the first of Bob Baffert’s hopes in the time-honoured event. Baffert, an eight-time Preakness winner, downplayed the impact of the rail: “The one [barrier] is not as bad here as it would be in the Derby,” he said. “He is not as fast as these other horses on paper, but I think he is a good horse.” Owned by a broad partnership led by SF Racing and Starlight Partners, Goal Oriented is at 6-1 and could provide the Hall of Famer with yet another Pimlico triumph. Outside Journalism, D. Wayne Lukas saddles American Promise (15-1), a colt looking to rebound from a troubled trip in the Derby. A win would place Lukas in a tie with Baffert for most Preakness victories. Another intriguing storyline comes from abroad, with UAE Derby runner-up Heart of Honor (12-1) making the trip from Meydan. The Jamie Osborne-trained colt adds a personal touch to the mix, as Osborne’s daughter Saffie will take the reins. Not to be overlooked is River Thames (9-2), trained by Todd Pletcher, who returns to the Triple Crown fray after missing the Derby due to a late scratching. Victory would complete a unique treble for the decorated trainer, giving him a win in each of the three classics. Adding more colour to the field is Sandman (4-1), who, despite finishing seventh in the Derby, has garnered a social media following thanks to co-owner and influencer Griffin Johnson. Clever Again (5-1), trained by Steve Asmussen, is another who can’t be dismissed lightly. Asmussen, already a Preakness winner with Curlin and Rachel Alexandra, will look to add another jewel with this promising runner. With rain forecast – it poured for the Kentucky Derby – and a diverse field assembled, Saturday’s Preakness promises no shortage of drama.
  • Goodwood Third to Bring Giga Kick on for Qld

    Thursday, 15th May 2025
    Giga Kick, the Scissor Kick sprinter with a cult following, is back in familiar surroundings at Mornington after a brave ‘headlights flashing’ third in Saturday’s Gr1 Goodwood, and he’s now headed north with eyes firmly on Brisbane’s Gr1 Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) on May 31. Trainer Clayton Douglas confirmed to racing.com that the star sprinter, who counts The Everest amongst his triumphs, is thriving post-race and will be joined by jockey Mark Zahra, with Sportsbet marking the pair as $4.50 equal favourites alongside Joliestar for the big Queensland feature. “He ate up last night and I took him to the beach this morning,” Douglas said. “His recovery post-race was good and I think he is where he needs to be for the Kingsford-Smith.” Douglas was satisfied with Giga Kick’s Goodwood performance despite being undone by the wide draw. “You couldn't be unhappy with the horse… stepping up to 1300 metres will really suit too,” he said. “It was a really good run but just from the draw [I] felt the barrier cost us, we had to get back to find cover and probably ended up too far back and that was probably telling in the end.” Zahra, meanwhile, was impressed with the way Giga Kick closed off, having clocked a sharp 11.43 seconds for his final 200m. “He said from that draw he ended up getting a little bit too far back on him,” Douglas relayed. “It was a bit of a scrimmage… he had to come wider than he wanted to but he thought he found the line really good.” Douglas noted that Giga Kick was level with Reserve Bank at the 600m but had to work harder from wider out. “The winner had the right run and was able to blend through and peel off their backs… but Mark said he was getting through the line well.” The 5YO, who is raced by Jonathan Munz’ Pinecliff Racing, will have a light week before heading to Queensland, where final preparations will intensify ahead of the Kingsford-Smith Cup. While the Kingsford-Smith remains the primary goal, Douglas hasn’t entirely ruled out a tilt at the Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap on June 14. “He is in the noms for the Stradbroke, but I don't know what sort of weight he would get against some of the 3YOs,” he said. “But we will get through the Kingsford-Smith first…”

  • Deserved Group 3 Breakthrough for Justify Colt

    Thursday, 15th May 2025
    Just Too Fly saved his best for last, delivering a well-earned breakthrough in the season-ending Group 3 WA Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on Saturday to put a smile on the face of managing owner Kim Doak, reports racingwa.com.au. For a colt who’d narrowly missed in the Perth Stakes and Karrakatta Plate, the victory was both redemption and validation – especially for trainer Luke Fernie, who had been adamant about securing the Justify colt at the 2024 Inglis Classic Sales. With Brad Parnham in the saddle, Just Too Fly refused to be denied again. He sat handy behind the leaders, drew level with Snitzalatte at the 200-metre mark and then surged late to score by a half-head over Fila Mia and Statewide. The performance capped a rewarding 2YO campaign for both Parnham, who had earlier won the Karrakatta aboard Talkanco, and the Fernie-Doak partnership, which continues to thrive since Fernie established his Ascot base in 2020. It also marked Parnham’s third WA Sires win in as many years, following victories with Bustling and Snowdome. The win lifted Just Too Fly’s earnings to $246,840 and added him to Fernie and Doak’s growing list of black-type performers, alongside Ripcord and Wild Belle. Not bad for a horse Doak initially thought would be well out of reach…. “I thought chestnut, Justify horse, well bred, that’s going to be outside of our price range,” Doak recalled on Tabradio. “This is one that Luke just liked straight away. I’ve learnt in the past few years that when he looks at the horses and I look at Luke and he gets excited, I take note. He really wanted to have a go at this particular horse and to be fair, I thought we were no chance.” “We managed to get lucky on the day,” Doak revealed, “I remember calling Luke after. We couldn’t stop laughing, like little kids giggling on how lucky we’d been. It was a good feeling then and it’s an even better feeling now. We just know we have a good horse in our pocket.” Doak said Just Too Fly shapes as a Guineas horse when he resumes later this year.
  • Kirkland Buoyed Before Synthetic Hat Trick Tilt

    Thursday, 15th May 2025
    Sabin Kirkland’s affection for Riccarton’s synthetic track is more than just preference – it’s where his talented sprinter Buoyant (NZ) (Dalghar) has built an unbeaten record, which he’ll look to extend in Thursday’s Happy Birthday Max Skelton Open Handicap (1200m). The 6YO resumed on the surface earlier this month and picked up where he left off three years ago, scoring his second win from as many starts on the polytrack. Buoyant has remained in Canterbury to stay in rhythm ahead of his third try on the synthetic, and the trainer is confident he’s ready to go again. “I am very happy with him, he has come through that run well,” he told NZ Racing Desk. “One thing about the synthetic, it doesn’t empty the tank too much as opposed to running on some of these heavy winter tracks, which takes a bit of getting over.” Kirkland noted Buoyant “worked on it (synthetic) the other day and he loved it,” and with the son of Dalghar drawing barrier three, he expects him to be well-positioned. “Spartan has drawn eight, and he will be hunting for the front, so if we can just sit up behind Spartan that would be good. I am happy with the way he is.” Following Thursday’s run, Buoyant will head home to Southland, with plans already locked in for a return to Riccarton next season for the lucrative $100,000 Polytrack Championship Final (1200m) on August 6. “He will come home and we will look at Dunedin on June 1 and the big carrot on the second day of the national meeting (at Riccarton), the $100,000 on the synthetic,” Kirkland said. While Buoyant prepares to chase more synthetic riches, stablemate Tomasina (NZ) (Darci Brahma) is also pleasing her trainer after two strong placings this campaign. “Tomasina has come back from a break and had two very nice seconds, we are very happy with her. We have got a full-brother to her called Mr Darcy and I think he is going to be a lovely horse,” Kirkland said. Meanwhile, the stable has farewelled homebred Neptune (NZ) (Prince Of Brooklyn), who is headed to Hong Kong after passing all vet checks. “We have put quite a few into Hong Kong, we’ve got some good contacts up there, and we are going up for the Internationals to meet and greet all the guys we work with,” Kirkland noted.

    Buoyant

    Buoyant has shown a liking for the Synthetic surface (pic: Race Images South)

2023 BTR Stud Stallions

BTP STUD STALLIONS

Sire
A Lot Established
Acrobat Established
Akeed Mofeed Established
Al Maher Established
Alabama Express Established
All American Established
All Too Hard Established
Alpine Eagle Established
Alpine Edge 2nd Season
Anamoe 3rd Season
Anders Established
Artie Schiller Established
Awesome Rock Established
Barbados Established
Barbaric 1st crop 2YOs
Best Of Bordeaux Established
Better Than Ready Established
Bivouac Established
Brave Smash Established
Brazen Beau Established
Broadsiding Established
Bruckner 3rd Season
Bull Point Established
Bullbars Established
Cape Of Good Hope 3rd Season
Capitalist Established
Captivant 1st crop 2YOs
Castelvecchio Established
City Of Troy Established
Cliff's Edge Established
Cogburn Established
Cool Aza Beel Established
Cylinder 2nd Season
D'argento Established
Dandino Established
Danerich Established
Dash For Cash Established
De Gaulle Established
Delaware 1st crop 2YOs
Denman Established
Dirty Work Established
Dissident Established
Don Corleone 2nd Season
Doubtland Established
Dubious Established
Dundeel Established
Encryption Established
Exceedance Established
Exosphere Established
Extreme Choice Established
Farnan Established
Flying Artie Established
Foxwedge Established
Frankel My Dear Established
Gingerbread Man Established
Gold Standard Established
Graff Established
Grunt Established
Hallowed Crown Established
Harry Angel Established
Hawaii Five Oh 2nd Season
Headwater Established
Hellbent Established
Hitotsu 3rd Season
Home Affairs Established
I Am Immortal Established
I Am Invincible Established
Ilovethiscity Established
Invader Established
Jacquinot 3rd Season
Ka Ying Master 3rd Season
Kermadec Established
King Colorado 2nd Season
King's Legacy Established
Lofty Strike 2nd Season
Lord Of The Sky Established
Love Conquers All Established
Manhattan Rain Established
Maschino Established
Master Of Design Established
Maurice Established
Merchant Navy Established
Mo'unga 2nd Season
Murtajill Established
My Admiration Established
Native Trail 2nd Season
Needs Further Established
Nicconi Established
Nostradamus Established
Officiating 2nd Season
Ole Kirk Established
Pariah Established
Paulele 3rd Season
Pierata Established
Pierro Established
Pinatubo 1st crop 2YOs
Playing God Established
Portland Sky 1st crop 2YOs
Power Established
Prague Established
Pride Of Dubai Established
Private Life Established
Puissance De Lune Established
Rebel Dane Established
Rich Enuff Established
Rommel Established
Rubick Established
Russian Camelot Established
Russian Revolution Established
Safeguard Established
Sandbar Established
Sessions Established
Shaft Established
Shalaa Established
Shamoline Warrior Established
Shamus Award Established
Shinzo Established
Shooting To Win Established
Sidestep Established
Sizzling Established
Skilled Established
Smart Missile Established
Snitzel Established
So Secret Established
So You Think Established
Soul Patch Established
Southport Tycoon Established
Spirit Of Boom Established
Squamosa Established
St Mark's Basilica Established
Star Turn Established
Star Witness Established
Street Boss Established
Super One Established
Supido Established
Swear Established
Sweet Ride Established
Switzerland Established
The Autumn Sun Established
The Brothers War Established
Time To Reign Established
Too Darn Hot Established
Toorak Toff Established
Top Echelon Established
Toronado Established
Traffic Warden Established
Trapeze Artist Established
Turffontein Established
Unite And Conquer Established
Universal Ruler Established
Vancouver Established
Vandeek Established
Victor Ludorum 1st crop 2YOs
Von Costa De Hero Established
Wandjina Established
Winning Rupert Established
Wooded 1st crop 2YOs
Wootton Bassett Established
Worthy Cause Established
Written By Established
Written Tycoon Established
Xtravagant Established
Your Song Established
Zousain Established
Zoustar Established