Unlikely to jump away in Saturday's $20m Gr1 The Everest as one of the leading chances, the Joe Prid- trained Private Eye (Al Maher-Confidential Queen, by Shamardal) will be back for his third attempt at winning the race, having finished second to Giga Kick (Scissor Kick-Rekindled Applause, by Royal Applause) in 2022 followed by third to stablemate Think About It (So You Think-Tiare, by Flying Spur) in 2023, with I Wish I Win (Savabeel-Make A Wish, by Pins) in second. Fourth and sixth behind I Am Me (I Am Invincible-Mefnooda, by Medaglia D'oro) in his two runs so far this campaign, Saturday's step up to 1200m will suit the Proven Thoroughbreds-purchased gelding who will have the services of Jay Ford. Draw barrier 10, which will not pose any issues, the 7YO gelding has already amassed $10.6m for his connections, an outstanding return on investment from his $62,500 yearling purchase price. Racing in the slot of Max Whitby, Col Madden and Neil Werrett, connections had initially selected the former Western Australian based runner Bustling (Frosted), but an Everest run was scrapped when the 3YO had not performed as expected since joining the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr stable. Out of the placings just once from four attempts at the Randwick 1200m, Private Eye will start at double figure odds, but on his best form he has proven that he is capable of peaking for the race.
You'll need ice in your veins to pick The Everest winner
Sydney Stakes is Tycoon's to Lose
Friday, 18th October 2024
With all four emergencies for The Everest having also accepted in the $3m Sydney Stakes, the Ciaron Maher-trained Southport Tycoon (Written Tycoon-Ready To Rule, by More Than Ready) need only maintain the form he showed first up this campaign to play a leading role in Saturday's race. A winner of the Gr1 Australian Guineas last season, the Bennett Racing syndicate-owned colt resumed with an outstanding win in the Gr1 Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley where he defeated Growing Empire (Zoustar-Miles Of Krishan, by Snitzel) and I Wish I Win (Savabeel-Make A Wish, by Pins), with both placegetters looking quality chances in The Everest. Now with two Group 1 victories on his resume, the colt is sure to have plenty appeal when he retires to the home of part owner Widden Stud in the future. Carrying the same weight as he did last time out, the major concern appears to be that fact he's raced twice at Randwick and never looked a winning chance, but if he can bring his Melbourne form to Sydney, then the future stallion prospect could be the one. Possessing a brilliant first up record with three wins and three second placed efforts from seven attempts, the Bjorn Baker trained Overpass (Vancouver-Walkway, by Exceed And Excel) has looked strong in his two trial efforts. Although he has only raced twice since failing in last year's The Everest, the Corumbene Stud bred gelding won the Gr1 Winterbottom Stakes followed by the lucrative $4m Quokka, both at Western Australia's Ascot racecourse with these races being a likely path to follow again this year.
Kimochi Set to Soar in Silver Eagle
Friday, 18th October 2024
Successful in the Gr3 Toy Show Quality before fourth in the Gr1 Manikato Stakes, the Gary Portelli trained Kimochi (Brave Smash-Summer Fun, by I Am Invincible) has resumed in outstanding order, and if she has improved at all from her last start effort, the Yulong-owned mare looks a leading chance in the $1m Gr3 Silver Eagle. With owner Yulong enjoying a spending spree in recent years on talented race mares, success is starting to be achieved with recent Group 1 victories earned by Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock) and Deny Knowledge (Pride Of Dubai) while Kimochi has clear Group 1 talent, with connections expecting more to come from her. Set to jump from barrier ten with Jason Collett in the saddle, the mare has shown versatility in her races and can settle where comfortable, and although she takes on some talented Black Type winners such as the top weight Veight (Grunt-Neena Rock, by Fastnet Rock) and fellow mare Skybird (Exosphere-Real Desire, by Wanted), Kimochi looks capable of an outstanding effort. Trained by Mitchell Freedman, who is fresh from success last Saturday with Attrition in the $2m Gr2 Hill Stakes, Skybird is a very interesting commodity. Narrowly beaten last start in the Gr2 Blazer Stakes at Flemington, the 4YO mare will be having her first start the clockwise way of going and from gate 3, she should get a soft run in transit.
Mares Out to Wear King Charles Crown
Friday, 18th October 2024
Arguably the two best mares currently racing in the country, reigning Horse of the Year Pride Of Jenni (Pride of Dubai-Sancerre, by O'Reilly) and C J Waller's multiple Gr1 winner Fangirl (Sebring-Little Surfer Girl, by Encosta de Lago) will go head to head in Saturday's $5m King Charles III Stakes (1600m). Both coming off last start Gr1 victories over the distance of Saturday's race, the duo has only met once previously on the track, with Pride Of Jenni coming out on top when winning last year's Gr1 Champions Mile at Flemington with Fangirl finishing two and a half lengths back in fourth as favourite. Interestingly, Fangirl went into that race off the back of success of a stunning win in last year's Gr1 King Charles III Stakes before a seventh in the Gr1 WS Cox Plate, both times with form around Mr Brightside (Bullbars), the horse Pride Of Jenni defeated last start. The last time Pride Of Jenni was at randwick, albeit it over 2000m, she produced a race that will forever be remembered, clearing out by more than six lengths to win the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, beating an outstanding field. With the pair set to fight it out for favouritism, the only other runner in the field currently under double figure odds is last start Gr1 Epsom Handicap winner Ceolwulf (Tavistock-Las Brisas, by Shamardal). One runner that should be watched is the Les Bridge trained Celestial Legend (Dundeel-Sarraqa, by Snitzel). Slightly disappointing in his two runs since a spell, the last time we saw the stallion prospect over the Randwick 1600m, he recorded back-to-back Group 1 victories in the Randwick Guineas and the Doncaster Handicap.
Fangirl will want a last shot at Pride of Jenni (pic: Steve Hart)
Even Thousand Guineas Prelude Field
Friday, 18th October 2024
Boasting the strongest form line leading in Saturday's Gr2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m), appearing to be that of the Gr3 Champagne Stakes at Moonee Valley won by Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) who has since defeated the older sprinters when winning the Gr2 Schillaci Stakes, six of Saturday's 13 runners are coming through that race. Second behind Bellatrix, the Tasmanian visitor Geegees Mistruth (Wordsmith-Miss Mana, by Jetball) worked home well at Moonee Valley, suggesting that the 1400m of Saturday's race should hold no issues. Third in that same race, and never further back than fourth in all her five starts, all at black type level, Robbie Griffiths and Mathew De Kock's Tobeornottobe (Pierata-Shakespearean Lass, by Written Tycoon) is thoroughly deserving of recording her second stakes victory and with solid Caulfield form in the past, this could be the race. Working home very well for fourth behind Bellatrix Star, Godolphin's Zeitung (Exceed And Excel-News Story, by Shamardal) is racing like the 1400m should suit and the addition of Hong Kong-based jockey Andrea Atzeni can only be a positive. With many in the field yet to race at 1400m, it is a chance to look at pedigrees, and on that alone, impressive last start 1200m winner Exuberance (Savabeel-Miss Opulence, by O'Reilly_ could be one to blow them all away if she continues to improve.
Class Drop a Considerable Estriella Positive
Friday, 18th October 2024
Spruiked as the next big thing after winning three in a row during the Autumn before a close up fifth in the Gr1 Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphettville, the Ciaron Maher-trained Estriella (I Am Invincible-Madrigals, by Lonhro) has contested the Gr1 Moir Stakes and the Gr1 Manikato Stakes at her two runs this time in, finishing fourth and seventh respectively, with connections dropping the classy mare back to the 1000m, a distance she is yet to win at. Resuming last campaign with a win at Caulfield in the Gr3Kevin Hayes Stakes over 1200m, the same track as Saturday's race, the $750,000 Arrowfield Stud, Inglis Easter yearling sale graduate should prove very hard to beat. With three wins from four first up starts, Grahame Begg's Katsu (Mikki Isle-Zing And Swing, by Not A Single Doubt) doesn't have the best record at Caulfield, but her trials leading into this run have been first rate and she looks set for another solid campaign. Drawn well in gate 5, Robbie Griffiths and Mathew De Kock's Roy Magnerio (Magnus-Luchardo, by Testa Rossa) was narrowly beaten into third last start by Ciaron Maher's Jimmysstar (Per Incanto) with that winner then coming out and recording Listed success.
Estriella is the class runner (pic: Mark Gatt)
No Denying Caufield Cup Shot for Mare
Friday, 18th October 2024
Backing up after an outstanding effort to win the Gr1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m) last Saturday, Anthony and Sam Fredman's Deny Knowledge (Pride Of Dubai-The Paris Shrug, by Manduro) will need to overcome barrier 17, but with a massive six and a half kilo drop from her last start effort, jockey Craig Newitt will possibly aim to bounce her out of the gates and use her light weight to go forward and prove hard to run down in the Gr1 Caulfield Cup (2400m). Knowing what it takes to win the race, recording success last year with Without A Fight (Teofilo) who went on to claim the Gr1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at his very next start, the father and son training duo will no doubt have their mare ready to run a great race. With wins at the track and also at the distance in the past, the Yulong owned mare does face a tough task, but an in-form, race fit mare is always hard to go past. A winner of the Gr1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) before second in the Gr1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) last start, Buckaroo (Fastnet Rock-Roheryn, by Galileo) will be out to give trainer C J Waller his second winner in the past three years after the lightly weight Durston (Sea The Moon) scored two years back. Having really stepped up since being gelded, the imported YO will once again have the services of international Gr1-winning jockey Joao Moreira with the pair drawn nicely in barrier 8.
Spring Carnival Racing at Your Fingertips
Friday, 18th October 2024
Faced with a cavalcade of races during the hectically busy spring period, it’s sometimes challenging to sort the wheat from the chaff in order to focus on the premium races. Fortunately, when it comes to Black Type Racing, you’ll find it all at your fingertips, starting with all of the upcoming stakes races ring-fenced in one easy to find place. Simply bookmark this 2024-2025 Racing Season link which, for Caulfield Cup and The Everest weekend, shows you all the fields for 19 Black Type races across the country., and where everything is live-linked so you can deep dive information. But wait, there’s more… If you think, for example, that Ciaron Maher’s stakes runners are going to have a blinder, they’re all in one place. It even shows which of his runners have nominations for more than one race. Perhaps, you might reason, with just four rides, big race jockey Kieren McEvoy is a big watch… And, if you’re a fan of stallions standing at a particular stud farm, see this example, you can follow all the runners that are on their current roster, or, alternatively isolate them by stallion, e.g. Zoustar, who has a dozen Black Type representatives.
Vaughn Lynch to Depart Racing SA in Feb
Friday, 18th October 2024
Racing SA’s Board has issued out a press release on racing.com.au advising that Vaughn Lynch has resigned from his position as CEO of Racing SA. It follows a decision made by Lynch and his wife Anita to move back to Victoria. The release noted that Racing SA has benefited significantly from Lynch’s commitment and dedication since joining the organisation in 2019, and the impact he has made on South Australian thoroughbred racing in his two years as CEO is evident. Lynch played a key role in helping the Board realise a number of important milestones including achieving an increase in the share of the Point of Consumption Tax returned to the industry to 20%, rolling out significant prizemoney and infrastructure funding increases, securing thoroughbred racing’s landmark seven-year sponsorship agreement with Sportsbet and negotiating a new media rights deal with Racing.com. Racing SA acknowedged, “While we are sorry to see him go, he leaves our industry in a very strong position and we wish him and Anita nothing but the best for their return to Victoria and the next chapter of Vaughn’s career.” The Racing SA Board will now commence the search for a new CEO to ensure the industry continues to build on its success. Importantly, Lynch will remain with Racing SA until the end of February 2025 to facilitate a seamless leadership transition.
Racing SA CEO Vaughn Lynch (pic: supplied)
Top Tassie Horses Up Ahead of Summer
Friday, 18th October 2024
Tuesday’s Longford trials in Tasmania were a sure sign that the 2024/25 Ladbrokes Summer Racing Festival is not far away, with several big guns engaged on a busy morning, reports tasracing.com.au. Trainer/jockey Siggy Carr took more than 10 of her team north for the session, including recent Horse of the Year finalists Ms Tasmania (Magnus-Breathtaking, by Squamosa) and Thespian Waters (Headwater-Theatre Fan, by Theatrical), who are nearing the race return for their respective campaigns. With last year’s star 2YO Geegees Mistruth currently embarking on a Gr1 Thousand Guineas mission in Victoria, most pundits rate Ms Tasmania as the top 3YO left in the state. She did little to dispel that theory with a sharp piece of work in Longford on Tuesday. “We’ve tossed up thoughts of a potential trip to Brisbane for a Magic Millions race for her, but there is plenty of good prize money at home, so for now, her main target is the 3YO Cup (27 November),” said Carr, who remains on the sidelines as she recovers from a collarbone/neck injury. Thespian Waters begins his 4YO campaign carrying over four consecutive wins and was narrowly beaten in an exceptionally fast heat won by Tsunami Sam on Tuesday. The winning time of 45.13s is less than a length outside the 800m track record set on Longford Cup Day by Popilita earlier in the year. Carr added, “…we’re really pleased with Thespian Waters. He’ll head to the Goodwood first-up, and provided he runs well, it’ll be on to the Newmarket.”
Bustler Confidence High Despite Poor Trial
Friday, 18th October 2024
Steven Parnham knows Bustler inside out, having ridden him in 16 of his 18 starts. When he says the horse is ready to make a strong showing in Saturday's Group 3 Eurythmic Stakes (1400m) at Ascot, it’s worth listening. Despite a challenging 59.5kg topweight and a tricky barrier draw of 13, Parnham is confident Bustler (see below) is in top shape. "He’s come back stronger and more mature after a good spell," Parnham told racingwa.com.au. "This is the first real break he’s had since his three-year-old campaign, and it shows in his condition. The barrier does make things a little tricky in terms of positioning, and the weight is a factor, but he’s going very well. I’ll map out a plan once we get a closer look at the race.” Parnham intends to ride him conservatively early, letting Bustler settle before aiming for a strong finish, with a view to improvement with each run. The ultimate goals for the preparation include the $1.5 million Railway Stakes (1600m) and possibly the Gold Rush (1400m) in December. Bustler’s last appearance was in the autumn Group 2 Blamey Stakes at Flemington, where he finished unplaced. His recent trial didn’t impress on paper, finishing over three lengths behind Baby Paris in an unsuitable 1000m hit-out, but the run helped sharpen his fitness. Parnham’s confidence in his condition suggests Bustler's poised for a strong campaign.
Campton Eyes More Wins to Extend Lead
Friday, 18th October 2024
Leading Gold Coast trainer Adam Campton is looking forward to a return to grass racing on his home track on Saturday and is hopeful of increasing his lead in the local trainers’ premiership, reports racingqueensland.com.au. Campton currently has eight wins in this season’s local battle for training honours, three wins clear of the training partnership of Toby Edmonds and Stephen McLean. Campton has 12 entries for the eight-event program which attracted a massive 198 nominations, with Genetic Freak in the Class 5 Handicap, Hidden Melody in the Benchmark 65 Handicap and Hydroelectric in the Class 3 Handicap likely to spearhead Campton’s team. Genetic Freak (Shalaa) has just come off a well beaten eighth behind Flashing Steel in the Lismore Cup which was transferred to Grafton on October 1. Hydroelectric (Driving Force) is one of three Campton nominations in the Class 3 event and was an impressive winner over 1200 metres for apprentice Jace McMurray at the Gold Coast on October 5. Finally, Hidden Melody (Your Song) made her comeback following a break with a strong second behind Battle Of Vienna on her home track on October 5.
Ross and Cascadian Embark on New Chapter
Friday, 18th October 2024
Former Olympic equestrienne and Victoria Racing Club ambassador Amanda Ross is set to guide Cascadian (GB), the recently retired Godolphin star, through his post-racing career. Cascadian, a four-time Group 1 winner, now joins other Godolphin Lifetime Care (GLC) Flagbearers like Kementari, Hartnell, and Trekking, transitioning from his remarkable racing career, where he achieved 12 wins and 15 placings. Amanda, who represented Australia at the 2000 Sydney Olympics on an off-the-track thoroughbred, continues to champion the breed. Her passion for equestrian sports saw her shortlisted for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, further cementing her reputation in the field. Reflecting on Cascadian's progress, she shares, "He's blown my expectations out of the water. It's phenomenal how quickly he learns." Her training approach with Cascadian goes beyond the basics, incorporating dressage, show jumping, and trail riding to encourage his natural versatility. "I'm introducing him to new experiences, from opening gates to pole work, and soon, jumping," says Amanda. "It's about letting him express his strengths." Cascadian's role as a GLC Flagbearer will highlight the potential of thoroughbreds beyond the racetrack. Godolphin Australia's Jason Walsh remarks, "Cascadian exemplifies the versatility of thoroughbreds, and whatever he turns to, he'll succeed." The pair will compete in the RV Off The Track Series, exploring multiple disciplines. Their journey embodies the bond between horse and rider while showcasing the bright future for retired racehorses.
Cascadian winning the Gr1 Australian Cup (pic: Godolphin)
New Yearling Record for Tattersalls Oct Book 2
Friday, 18th October 2024
The Tattersalls October Yearling Sale achieved a historic milestone with the first-ever 1,000,000 guineas yearling colt sold at Book 2. The three-day event experienced remarkable year-on-year growth, setting records for turnover, average, and median prices. A total of 42 lots fetched 300,000 guineas or more, while 93 lots surpassed 200,000 guineas, outperforming all other European yearling sales except for last week's outstanding October Book 1. The sale's standout moment came on the final day, with a Kameko own-brother to the Grade 1 Summer Stakes winner New Century, who was sold for 1,000,000 guineas to Anthony Stroud on behalf of Godolphin – a record price for a colt at this event. Consigned by Tweenhills Farm & Stud, the colt is out of the Street Cry mare Potent Embrace, a daughter of Group 1 Coronation Stakes runner-up Karen’s Caper. He is also a half-brother to Group 3 Glorious Stakes winner Passion And Glory. New Century is poised to compete in next month's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar, where he currently holds the favorite position. This year's October Book 2 not only highlighted the quality of the yearlings but also showcased the growing demand within the market, marking a significant moment in sales history. Amongst several observations at the conclusion of Book 2, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony reflected:“The results from Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale last week were pretty remarkable and certainly instilled some confidence leading into Book 2, but yet again the level of trade has outstripped the most optimistic of pre-sale expectations…Turnover and average have both reached new heights by considerable margins…” Following a clearance rate of over 90%, Mahony pointed out, “The demand for quality yearlings from buyers from throughout the world, most notably America, Australia, Hong Kong and throughout the Gulf region, has resulted in 93 yearlings selling for 200,000 guineas or more; a number far in excess of any other European yearling sale except October Book 1 and a huge increase on the previous October Book 2 record of 58.”
Arena CEO Advocates for UK Racing Reforms
Friday, 18th October 2024
With the UK Treasury considers leveraging the gambling industry for additional tax revenue, discussions on how to better support British horse racing have gained momentum. According to an important article published by theguardian.com, Martin Cruddace, CEO of Arena Racing Company, has urged a reduction in betting duty alongside a hike in the statutory Levy. His goal is to help the racing sector regain its stature as a thriving international industry while shielding it from potential tax changes aimed mainly at high-risk online gambling activities. With the Treasury eyeing the £11bn gambling sector for increased tax income before the upcoming budget on 30 October, Cruddace's call has found backing from key racing stakeholders. He argues that this moment presents an opportunity to clarify the distinctions between betting on racing and other sports versus casino-style gaming, which guarantees profits for operators. Currently, General Betting Duty (GBD) for sports betting, including horse racing, stands at 15% of gross profits, whereas the Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) on online slots and casino products is set at 21%. In addition, a 10% statutory Levy on profits from British racing bets is funneled back into the sport through prize funds and other initiatives. Cruddace believes any revisions to gambling taxes should highlight these differences more clearly. Speaking to the Guardian, Cruddace emphasized the need for the government to urgently re-examine its approach to taxing horse racing versus online gambling. He suggested reallocating the 5% difference between GBD and RGD by either swapping rates or setting both at 12.5%. This shift could maintain overall tax revenue from racing, while boosting funds for the sport and encouraging operators to focus on betting. With UK racing continuing to face headwinds, his comments align with a new report from the Social Market Foundation, which proposes doubling RGD to 42%, raising an additional £900m. Despite the suggested increase, report author James Noyes acknowledged the substantial economic contribution of racing, which generates £300m in taxes annually and supports a broad employment ecosystem.
