Scat Daddy Joins Coolmore Aust 2008 Roster
Coolmore announced multiple Gr1-winning 4YO stallion Scat Daddy (Johannesburg-Love Style, by Mr Prospector) will join its Australian roster for the upcoming breeding season & stand at $16,500. Kentucky-bred Scat Daddy (a US$250,000 yearling at the Keeneland September Sale) recorded 5 wins (including 2007's Gr1 Florida Derby over 9 furlongs at Gulfstream Park & Gr2 Fountain Of Youth Stakes over 8.5 furlongs at Gulfstream, plus 2006's Gr1 Champagne Stakes over 8 furlongs at Belmont Park & Gr2 Sanford Stakes over 6 furlongs at Saratoga) & 2 placings (in 2006's Gr1 Hopeful Stakes & 2007's Gr3 Holy Bull Stakes) from 9 starts for US$1,334,300 earnings. He was retired in June 2007 & stood his initial season at Coolmore Ashford in Kentucky for US$30,000. Coolmore Australia's Michael Kirwan commented: "Scat Daddy was a brilliantly fast Gr1-winning 2YO & 3YO, with all the right credentials to become a top class sire. I was very impressed with his good looks & great walk when I saw him at Ashford earlier in the year; he should really appeal to Australian breeders."
(May 12)
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(May 12)
US Experts Warn On 2008 Kentucky Caterpillar Threat
US experts have warned that "eastern tent caterpillars are now wandering & population levels are among the highest they've seen since 2001, when Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome hit central Kentucky particularly hard," reported bloodhorse.com. University Of Kentucky entomologists announced that "unless horse farm managers have been aggressive in managing eastern tent caterpillars or removing host trees, they should keep pregnant mares out of pastures bordered by cherry trees or other hosts for the next several weeks". Professor Dan Potter declared: "The eastern tent caterpillar populations are dramatically up this year: the highest I've seen since the MRLS crisis. The larvae are full size, many trees are totally defoliated & I've seen very large numbers of caterpillars moving along fence rails & wandering out many meters into pastures adjacent to the cherry trees we are using to conduct eastern tent caterpillar trials. Maturation & wandering of eastern tent caterpillars is occurring a bit late this year due to the cooler spring." University Of Kentucky research has "strongly linked the caterpillars with outbreaks of MRLS, which can cause late-term foal losses, early-term fetal losses & weak foals". During the 2001 outbreak, 30% of the 2001-02 thoroughbred foal crop was lost & the state suffered an economic cost of US$336 million due to losses suffered in all breeds of horses.
(May 12)
Curlin & Big Brown Head World Rankings
US 2007 Horse-Of-The-Year & Champion 3YO Male Curlin maintained his ranking as the world's best horse (with a rating of 130) following his victory in March's Gr1 Dubai World Cup, according to the latest release of the World's Leading Horses ratings by the World Rankings Supervisory Committee. US Gr1 Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown has jumped to Number 2 on the list (with a rating of 126). The top horses are:
130: Curlin
126: Big Brown
123: Admire Moon & Sacred Kingdom
122: Getaway, Good Ba Ba, Meisho Samson, Ramonti, Viva Pataca & Weekend Hussler.
121: Henrythenavigator & Matsurida Gogh.
120: Archipenko, Daiwa Major, Efficient, Honour Devil, Jay Peg, Kip Deville, New Approach, Pocket Power & Sun Classique.
119: Benny The Bull, Doctor Dino, Duke Of Marmalade, Heatseeker, Linngari, Quijano, Racing To Win & Sirmione.
118: Admire Jupiter, Apache Cat, Armada, Creachadoir, Delta Blues, Diabolical, Divine Park, Einstein, Go Between, Greg's Gold, Midnight Lute, Miss Andretti, Monterey Jazz, Mythical Flight, Oracle West, Saddex, Super Hornet, Sushisan, Takeover Target, Tiago, Vermilion & Youmzain.
(May 12)
Weekend Hussler Rated World's Equal Best Miler
Australia's boom 3YO gelding Weekend Hussler (Hussonet-Weekend Beauty, by Helissio) who equalled Kingston Town's record of 6 Gr1 wins in a season with his last start victory in the Gr1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill, has been rated the equal best miler in the world on the World Rankings Supervisory Committee's latest list. Weekend Hussler is now rated at 122 (alongside Hong Kong superstar Good Ba Ba). Australian sprinter Apache Cat (Lion Cavern-Tennessee Blaze, by Whiskey Road) has also entered the world's top 50, with a rating of 118 following his win in the Gr1 T.J.Smith Stakes at Randwick (& prior to his latest victory in the weekend's Gr1 BTC Cup in Brisbane).
(May 12)
US Horse-Of-Year Curlin Nominated For French Arc
Meanwhile multiple Gr1-winning 4YO American star Curlin (Smart Strike-Sheriff's Deputy, by Deputy Minister) is among 148 nominees for France's most important race, the Gr1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (2400m) at Longchamp in Paris on October 5. Prize-money for this year's Arc has been doubled to €4 million (A$6.8m), making it the world's richest turf race. Curlin (who won the Gr1 Dubai World Cup at Nad al Sheba on March 29) is currently due to make his next start in the US$750,000 Gr1 Stephen Foster Handicap in Kentucky on June 14. Part-owner Jess Jackson told thoroughbredtimes.com: "I'd love to go some places that haven't been showing Kentucky off. That's why we went to Dubai. Planting the American flag there was important. I'm a patriot & I think we need a little boost for Kentucky, for the USA, particularly in the Middle East." With his Dubai victory, Kentucky-bred Curlin (unraced as a juvenile) took his record to 8 wins & 3 placings from 11 starts for US$8,807,800 to rank 3rd behind Cigar (US$9,999,815) & Skip Away (US$9,616,360) among all-time North American-raced earners. During 2007 he won the US Gr1 Preakness Stakes, Gr1 Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes, Gr1 Breeders' Cup Classic, Gr2 Arkansas Derby & Gr3 Rebel Stakes, as well as runner-up in the Gr1 Belmont Stakes & 3rd in the Gr1 Kentucky Derby.
(May 12)
Falco Wins Gr1 French 2000 Guineas
In France overnight, Wertheimer family home-bred Falco (Pivotal-Icelips, by Unbridled) stormed home to win the Gr1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains (1600m) for 3YO colts by 3-lengths at Longchamp in Paris. Falco (ridden by Olivier Peslier for trainer Carlos Laffon-Parias) defeated Godolphin's US-bred Rio De La Plata (Rahy-Express Way, by Ahmad) & fast-finishing fellow US-bred River Proud (Proud Citizen-Da River Hoss, by River Special). Falco (a half-brother to Gr3 Prix Eclipse winner Iron Lips) now has 2 wins & 2 placings from 5 starts.
(May 12)
Zarkava Wins Gr1 French 1000 Guineas
Also in France overnight, The Aga Khan's home-bred Zarkava (Zamindar-Zarkasha, by Kahyasi) maintained her unbeaten record with a 2-lengths victory in the €400,000 (A$680,000) Gr1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (1600m) for 3YO fillies at Longchamp. Favourite Zarkava (ridden by Christophe Soumillon for trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre) defeated Irish-bred pair Goldikova (Anabaa-Born Gold, by Blushing Groom) & Halfway To Heaven (Pivotal-Cassandra Go, by Indian Ridge). Last season Zarkava also won France's Gr1 Prix Marcel Boussac (1600m) at Longchamp & overall now boasts 4 wins from 4 starts.
(May 12)
Cima De Triomphe Wins Gr1 Italian Derby
In Italy overnight, former Coolmore shuttler & Gr1 English Derby winner Galileo (Sadler's Wells-Urban Sea, by Miswaki) added a Gr1 triumph when Irish-bred Cima De Triomphe (Galileo-Sopran Londa, by Danehill) scored a half-length victory in the €1 million (A$1.7m) Gr1 Derby Italiano (2200m) for 3YOs at the Capannelle in Rome. Cima De Triomphe (ridden by Silvano Mulas for trainer Bruno Grizzetti) defeated Permesso (Sakhee-Persian Filly, by Persian Bold) & Papetti (Shantou-Pasionaria, by Celtic Swing). At his previous start Cima de Triomphe won last month's Listed Premio Emanuele Filiberto (2000m) at San Siro; & last season he finished 3rd in Italy's Listed Premio Campobello (1800m) at San Siro.
(May 12)
Dubai Destination Adds Italy Black-Type
Also in Italy, Gr1-winning Darley shuttler & southern hemisphere freshman sire Dubai Destination (Kingmambo-Mysterial, by Alleged) added a black-type success when daughter Rosa Del Dubai (Dubai Destination-Rosa Di Brema, by Lomitas) scored by a short-head in the €61,000 (A$104,000) Listed Premio Alberto Zanoletti Di Rozzano (1800m) for 3YO fillies at San Siro in Milan. Rosa Del Dubai (ridden by Dario Vargiu) defeated Ragiam (Martino Alonso-My Luigia, by High Estate) & Belle Isnarde (Desert Prince-Attitre, by Mtoto).
(May 12)
1st Winner For Danehill Dancer Brother Colossus
Also in Milan, 7YO former Orange-based Eagle Park Stud shuttler Colossus (Danehill-Mira Adonde, by Sharpen Up) recorded his 1st winner when 2YO filly Susy Strong (Colossus-Strongal, by Saddlers' Hall) scored over 1000m at San Siro for trainer Mario Ciciarelli. Colossus (a Gr2-placed stakes-winner who notched victories in 3 of his 8 starts) is a full-brother to multiple Gr1-winning Coolmore shuttler Danehill Dancer & also a half-brother to both Gr3-winner Unilateral & Gr3-placed stakes-winner Adonesque. Colossus stands at Italy's Della Berardenga for €6,000 (A$10,200).
(May 12)
Danehill Dancer Adds Ireland Gr3
In Ireland overnight, Coolmore shuttler Danehill Dancer (Danehill-Mira Adonde, by Sharpen Up) added a group success when daughter Carribean Sunset (Danehill Dancer-Bonheur, by Royal Academy) scored a half-length victory in the €85,000 (A$145,000) Gr3 1000 Guineas Trial Stakes (8 furlongs) for 3YO fillies at Leopardstown. Carribean Sunset (ridden by Pat Smullen for trainer Dermot Weld) defeated favourite Katiyra (Peintre Celebre-Katiykha, by Darshaan) & Indiana Gal (Intikhab-Genial Jenny, by Danehill). Last month Carribean Sunset also won Ireland's Gr3 1000 Guineas Trial Stakes (7 furlongs) at Leopardstown.
(May 12)
Montjeu Adds UK Gr3
In the UK, dual-Derby winning Coolmore sire & former NZ Windsor Park shuttler Montjeu (Sadler's Wells-Floripedes, by Top Ville) added a group success when 4YO entire Macarthur (Montjeu-Out West, by Gone West) raced away for a 4-lengths victory in the £75,000 (A$158,000) Gr3 Ormonde Stakes (13.5 furlongs) for 4YOs & up at Chester. Macarthur (ridden by Johnny Murtagh for trainer Aidan O'Brien) defeated fellow 4YO entire Supersonic Dave (Swain-Vickey's Echo, by Clever Trick) & 7YO gelding Carte Diamond (Theatrical-Liteup My Life, by Green Dancer). Last season Macarthur (a full brother to Gr1 English Derby winner Motivator) recorded 3 group placings: in the UK Gr2 Great Voltigeur Stakes (12 furlongs) at York; Irish Gr2 Derby Trial Stakes (10 furlongs) at Leopardstown; & Irish Gr3 Ballysax Stakes (10 furlongs) also at Leopardstown.
(May 12)
Montjeu Adds UK Gr3 Quinella
Also in the UK, dual-Derby winning Coolmore sire & former NZ Windsor Park shuttler Montjeu (Sadler's Wells-Floripedes, by Top Ville) added a group quinella when his colt Alessandro Volta (Montjeu-Ventura Highway, by Machiavellian) scored a 0.75-length victory in the £60,000 (A$126,000) Gr3 Derby Trial Stakes (11.5 furlongs) for 3YO colts & geldings at Lingfield Park. Alessandro Volta (ridden by Johnny Murtagh for trainer Aidan O'Brien) defeated fellow colt & stable-mate King Of Rome (Montjeu-Amizette, by Forty Niner) & Godolphin's colt Campanologist (Kingmambo-Ring Of Music, by Sadler's Wells). Last year Alessandro Volta won Ireland's Listed Eyrefield Stakes (9 furlongs) at Leopardstown.
(May 12)
Cape Cross Adds UK Gr3 Darley shuttler Cape Cross (Green Desert-Park Appeal, by Ahonoora) added a UK group success when 5YO mare Sabana Perdida (Cape Cross-Capriola, by Mr Prospector) scored a 1.75-lengths victory in the £50,000 (A$105,000) Gr3 Chartwell Fillies Stakes (7 furlongs) for fillies & mares at Lingfield Park. Italian-bred Sabana Perdida (ridden by Christophe Lemaire for trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre) defeated French-bred 3YO filly Verba (Anabaa-Tambura, by Kaldoun) & Irish-bred 3YO filly Kylayne (Kyllachy-Penmayne, by Inchinor). Last year Sabana Perdida won France's Gr3 Prix Du Pin (1400m) at Longchamp & finished 3rd in the UK Windsor Forest Stakes at Royal Ascot; & in 2006 she won Italy's Listed Premio Seregno (1600m) at San Siro & finished 3rd in Italy's Premio Regina Elena-1000 Guineas (1600m) at Capannelle.
(May 12)
Apache Cat Wins BTC Cup
In Australia, ill-fated former Lynden Park shuttle stallion Lion Cavern (Mr Prospector-Secrettame, by Secretariat) added a Gr1 triumph when favoured 5YO gelding Apache Cat (Lion Cavern-Tennessee Blaze, by Whiskey Road) made it 4 successive Gr1 victories in 14 weeks (after returning from a 5-months spell) when he scored by a head in the $400,000 weight-for-age Gr1 BTC Cup (1200m) at Doomben in Brisbane. Apache Cat (ridden by Corey Brown for trainer Greg Eurell) defeated 4YO mare Vormista (Testa Rossa-Truly, by Bellotto) & 3YO colt Swiss Ace (Secret Savings-Rapid Serve, by Carson City). Home-bred Apache Cat now has 15 wins (also including his last 3starts in the Gr1 T.J.Smith Stakes over 1200m at Randwick on April 26, Gr1 Australia Stakes over 1200m at Moonee Valley on February 16 & Gr1 Coolmore Lightning Stakes over 1000m at Flemington on February 2, plus 2007's Gr2 Liston Stakes over 1400m, Gr2 Blamey Stakes over 1600m, Gr3 Bletchingly Stakes over 1200m, Gr3 Carlyon Cup over 1400m & Listed Meneres BMW Stakes over 1100m, as well as 2006's Gr1 Australian Guineas over 1600m, Gr2 Phar Lap Stakes over 1500m & Gr3 Schweppervescence Cup over 1400m, in addition to 2005's Gr3 Guineas Prelude & Listed Carmichael Stakes) & 6 placings (including 2007's Gr1 George Ryder Stakes over 1500m & Gr2 Makybe Diva Stakes over 1600m, plus 2006's Gr2 Feehan Stakes over 1600m, Gr2 Memsie Stakes over 1400m & Listed Aurie's Star Handicap over 1200m) from 29 starts for $2,926,625 earnings. (Click on the link for full race details from Group Race Results at AAP Racing.)
(May 12)
Autumn Jeuney Wins R.A.Lee Stakes
Lindsay Park Stud's ill-fated stallion & 1994 Gr1 Melbourne Cup winner Jeune (Kalaglow-Youthful, by Green Dancer) added a group success when 4YO mare Autumn Jeuney (Jeune-Autumn Moments, by At Talaq) gained the judge's verdict in a 3-way photo-finish to the $170,000 Gr3 R.A.Lee Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville in Adelaide. Autumn Jeuney (ridden by Dwayne Dunn for trainer Michael O'Leary) scored by a neck from 3YO gelding Goin To Jackson (Orpen-Golden Vanity, by Kenvain) with a further short-halfhead to 4YO entire Peacemaker (Brief Truce-Poet's Breeze, by Zephyr Bay). Autumn Jeuney (passed-in for $16,000 as a yearling at the 2005 Magic Millions Adelaide Sale) now has 4 wins (also including 2007's Gr3 Inglis Mile over 1600m at Moonee Valley & Listed Dunlop Stakes over 1600m at Morphettville) & 5 placings (including March's Gr3 Schweppervescence Trophy over 1400m at Flemington) from 14 starts for $273,020 earnings. (Click on the link for full race details from Group Race Results at AAP Racing.)
(May 12)
Pepperwood Wins Doomben Classic
Wattle Brae Stud sire Easy Rocking (Barathea-Twiglet, by Twig Moss) added a group success when his colt Pepperwood (Easy Rocking-Rhianna Louise, by Woodman) scored a 2.25-lengths victory in the $125,000 Gr3 Doomben Classic (1615m) for 3YOs in Brisbane. Pepperwood (ridden by Glen Colless for trainer Liam Birchley) defeated the filly My Joliene (Admiralty-Del Monte, by Hula Chief) & fellow colt Formula One Racer (Anabaa-Primrose Sands, by Zabeel). Pepperwood (a $38,000 yearling at the 2006 Magic Millions Summer Sale) now has 2 wins & 6 placings (including last start's Listed Queensland Day Stakes over 1400m at Eagle Farm on April 26 & March's Listed Vo Rogue Plate over 1350m at Doomben, plus 2007's Listed Australia Post Stakes over 1400m at Eagle Farm) from 14 starts for $227,350 earnings. (Click on the link for full race details from Group Race Results at AAP Racing.)
(May 12)
Fulmonti Wins Chairman's Handicap
Dual-Derby winning Coolmore sire & former NZ Windsor Park shuttler Montjeu (Sadler's Wells-Floripedes, by Top Ville) added a group success when 5YO gelding Fulmonti (Montjeu-Grosvenor's Pride, by Grosvenor) scored a half-length victory in the $100,000 Gr3 Chairman's Handicap (2020m) at Doomben. Fulmonti (ridden by Rick McMahon for trainer Chris Jordan) defeated fellow 5YO gelding Diamondsondinside (Iglesia-Precious Pearl, by Semipalatinsk) & favoured 6YO gelding Legendary Man (Shovhog-Fresh Feeling, by Spectacular Spy). Fulmonti (a NZ$100,000 yearling at the 2004 NZ Bloodstock Premier Sale) now has 7 wins & 12 placings from 33 starts for $305,100 earnings. (Click on the link for full race details from Group Race Results at AAP Racing.)
(May 12)
Acorns Wins Golden Stakes
Emirates Park Stud stallion & former Gr1 Doncaster Handicap winner Secret Savings (Seeking The Gold-Jurisdictional, by Damascus) added a juvenile black-type success when gelded son Acorns (Secret Savings-Shouq, by Danewin) scored a half-head victory in the $100,000 Listed Golden Stakes (1200m) for 2YOs at Doomben. Favourite Acorns (ridden by Stathi Katsidis for trainer Bruce McLachlan) defeated fellow geldings Youthful Jack (Youthful Legs-Formative, by White Bridle) & Left Standing (Stravinsky-Anatomy, by Thunder Gulch). Acorns (a $62,000 yearling at the 2007 Magic Millions Adelaide Sale) now has 3 wins (also including March's Listed Meynink Stakes over 1000m at Eagle Farm) & a placing from 5 starts for $166,100 prize-money. (Click on the link for full race details from Group Race Results at AAP Racing.)
(May 12)
Gold In Dubai Wins Blue Sapphire Stakes
Eliza Park Stud shuttler Desert Sun (Green Desert-Solar, by Hotfoot) added a juvenile black-type success when gelded sun Gold In Dubai (Desert Sun-Rory's Song, by Rory's Jester) scored by a half-neck in the $100,000 Listed Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) for 2YOs at Caulfield in Melbourne. Gold In Dubai (ridden by Michael Rodd for trainer Mark Riley) defeated the filly Turquia (Estambul-Point To The Stars, by Wolverton) & fast-finishing debutant colt Lucky Thunder (Lucky Owners-Smytzer's Thunder, by Thunder Gulch). Gold In Dubai now has a win & a runner-up from 2 starts for $78,500 earnings. (Click on the link for full race details from Group Race Results at AAP Racing.)
(May 12)
Royal Discretion Wins Hawkesbury Guineas
Former shuttler & now permanently Australian-based Coolmore stallion Royal Academy (Nijinsky-Crimson Saint, by Crimson Satan) added a black-type success when gelded son Royal Discretion (Royal Academy-Discretion, by Canny Lad) made it 2 successive stakes wins in a fortnight with a 1.25-length victory in the $100,000 Listed Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m) for 3YOs in NSW. Favourite Royal Discretion (ridden by Nash Rawiller for trainer Gai Waterhouse) defeated the colts Turffontein (Johannesburg-Spirit Of Grace, by Dr Grace) & Acey Ducey (Xaar-Deduce, by Known Fact). Royal Discretion (a $180,000 yearling consigned by Attunga Stud at the 2006 Inglis Easter Sale in Sydney) now has 5 wins (also including last start's Gr3 South Pacific Classic over 1400m at Randwick on April 30 & March's Listed Darby Munro Quality over 1200m at Rosehill) & a placing from 12 starts for $300,575 earnings. (Click on the link for full race details from Group Race Results at AAP Racing.)
(May 12)
Inglis Autumn Yearlings Day-1: $42.5k Dash For Cash Colt
In the auction ring, trainer Mick Price paid top figure of $42,500 for a colt by Gr1 Australian Guineas winner Dash For Cash (out of 4-time-winning 12-year-old Dance Floor mare Mother To Be) during yesterday's opening session at the 2-day Inglis Autumn Yearling Sale at Oaklands in Melbourne. The colt was consigned by Phoenix Broodmare Farm as agent.
(May 12)
Inglis Autumn Yearlings Day-1: Average Just Below Record
Overall 114 yearlings sold for $1,049,250 at an average $9,204 (just short of last year's record average) & a median $6,000. Inglis director Peter Heagney commented: "We are very happy with the result. Although the average is slightly down on last year's record figure, it's more a reflection of the revised format this year, as an additional 200 horses were previously sold in March at Melbourne Premier."
(May 12)
Golf Facility Approved Inside Canterbury Track
The Sydney Turf Club announced Canterbury City Council has approved World Of Golf Australia's application for golfing facilities to be constructed in the centre of Canterbury Park racetrack. The STC (as racecourse owner & business partner of the project) considers the World Of Golf proposal "an excellent opportunity to expand its non-racing business". The project "centres around a state-of-the-art golf practice facility, modelled on a successful sister project operating in South Africa for 10 years. Construction is expected to begin early in the new financial year, with completion taking up to 9 months.
(May 12)
AJC Explores Randwick Catering Opportunities
Meanwhile the Australian Jockey Club & Peter Rowland Catering announced they are "in discussions to explore collaborative opportunities between the 2 businesses in NSW". AJC chief executive Norman Gillespie noted: "Royal Randwick, the home of premium thoroughbred racing & events, is a site of tremendous opportunity being only 2.7kms from the Sydney CBD. Not only will the rejuvenation of the site provide a huge improvement to the visual amenity of Royal Randwick, it will enable us to explore additional revenue streams for the Club. Increasing the ability for Royal Randwick to accommodate & host premium events & related activities is one of those areas of potential revenue."
(May 12)
NZ Weanlings Day-1: NZ$130k Stravinsky Filly
In New Zealand, Marcus Corban Bloodstock paid top price of NZ$130,000 for a filly by Cambridge Stud's Coolmore shuttler Stravinsky (out of 14-year-old stakes-winning & Gr1-performed Kaapstad mare Full Noise) during yesterday's opening session at the 3-day NZ Bloodstock National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale at Karaka in Auckland. The filly was consigned by little Avondale Stud. Cambridge Stud general manager Marcus Corban confirmed he secured the filly "on behalf of a local client" & noted: "We picked her out as a lovely walking Stravinsky filly that will be well suited to putting through the Karaka Yearling Sale in January."
(May 12)
NZ Weanlings Day-1: NZ$105k O'Reilly Colt
The session's leading buyer was Singapore owner Jayven See, who purchased 3 weanlings including a colt for NZ$105,000 by Waikato Stud stallion O'Reilly (out of 12-year-old Honor Grades mare Honor Rush) consigned by Esker Lodge.
(May 12)
NZ Weanlings Day-1: NZ$100k Savabeel Filly
Janine Dunlop's GTS Bloodstock paid NZ$100,000 for a filly by Gr1-winning fellow Waikato Stud stallion Savabeel (out of 12-year-old Marscay mare Glittering Girl) consigned from Curraghmore Stud as agent.
(May 12)
NZ Weanlings Day-1: Gross Up 8.4%
Overall on Day-1 at the NZ Bloodstock National Sale, 202 weanlings sold for NZ$2,531,950 (up 8.4% on last year's 188 sold for NZ$2,335,150). The NZ$12,534 average was up 0.9% (last year NZ$12,421) but the NZ$6,000 median fell 14.3% (last year NZ$7,000). Yesterday's opening session clearance rate was 87.4% (up from last year's 85%). NZB marketing manager Petrea Vela commented: "In a weanling catalogue that was dominated by fillies, it was a clear sign of the strength of NZ domestic racing & breeding that we can generate such a healthy average & aggregate for the day & still record an 87% clearance rate. Traditionally the pin-hookers underpin this sale, but today not only were the pin-hookers very active, but they also faced stiff competition from a raft of local buyers looking for weanlings to retain, which is a great boost for the industry."
(May 12)
Ishiguru NZ$10k Fee At Chequers Stud
NZ Chequers Stud announced resident stallion Ishiguru (Danzig-Strategic Manuever, by Cryptoclearance) will stand the 2008 season for NZ$10,000+GST. Ishiguru (who has enjoyed full books in the last 2 years) commenced stud duties in NZ in 2004 & this season has recorded 3 winners from his 4 juveniles to have raced locally. In the northern hemisphere Ishiguru (who shuttles to Tween Hills Farm in the UK) counts Gr2-winner Hellvelyn & Gr3-winner She's Our Mark as his leading progeny. Ishiguru was Danzig's most expensive yearling of 1999 when knocked down to Coolmore buyer Demi O'Byrne for US$1.15 million at the Keenland July sale. His latest yearlings sold up to NZ$210,000 & averaged NZ$84,600 (nearly 17 times his initial service fee) at this year's NZ Bloodstock Karaka sales.
(May 12)
Aust-Bred Catbird Son Wins In NZ
On the NZ track, Australian-bred 3YO gelding Alpha Pukeko (Catbird-Let's Split) won over 1300m at New Plymouth for trainer W.Jones. Alpha Pukeko was a $31,000 yearling at the 2006 Magic Millions Winter Sale.
(May 12)
5 Aust-Bred Winners In Singapore
In Singapore, 5 Australian-bred gallopers scored at Kranji:
3YO gelding Mr Happy (Secret Savings-Mouza's Luck) won over 1100m for trainer Charles Leck; Mr Happy was a $7,000 yearling at the 2006 Magic Millions Summer Sale.
6YO gelding Sidford (Sedaka-Sueford) won over 1700m for Australian trainer Len Treloar; Sidford was a $500 yearling at the 2003 Inglis/Pitt, Son & Keane Scone Sale.
3YO gelding Happy Fortune (King Of Danes-Paris Intrigue) won over 1100m for trainer Susumu Nigishi.
5YO gelding Rapidflare (Lujain-Jucinda) won over 1100m for trainer Charles Leck; Rapidflare was a $40,000 yearling at the 2004 Magic Millions Summer Sale.
5YO gelding Fusaichi Storm (Fusaichi Pegasus-Canny Las) won over 1700m for Australian trainer John Meagher; Fusaichi Storm was a $325,000 yearling at the 2004 Inglis Easter Sale in Sydney.
(May 12)
10 Aust-Bred Winners In Malaysia
In Malaysia, 10 Australian-bred gallopers scored at Penang:
5YO gelding Ready For Battle (Orpen-Super Unicorn) won over 1700m for trainer K.C.Hah; Ready For Battle was a $10,000 weanling at the 2003 Inglis Select Sale, then a $31,000 yearling at the 2004 Magic Millions Perth Premier Sale & subsequently an $85,000 2YO at the 2004 Magic Millions Perth Horses-In-Training Sale.
5YO gelding See Spirit (Tayasu Tsuyoshi-Timeless Action) won over 1400m for trainer P.K.Leong; See Spirit was a $16,000 yearling at the 2004 Magic Millions Perth Premier Sale.
4YO gelding Dangerous Man (Dangerous-Shack) won over 1400m for trainer K.M.Noordin; Dangerous Man was a $18,000 yearling at the 2005 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale & subsequently a $30,000 2YO at the 2005 Magic Millions Gold Coast Horses-In-Training Sale.
7YO entire Prince Greg (Bellotto-Honti) won over 2000m for trainer P.Roslan; Prince Greg was a $37,000 yearling at the 2002 Magic Millions Adelaide Sale.
3YO gelding Time Speed (Second Empire-Lilleegold) won over 1400m for trainer Kevin Coetzee; Time Speed was a $34,000 yearling at the 2006 Magic Millions Perth Premier Sale.
6YO gelding Matisse (Woodman-Rare Approach) won over 1400m for trainer P.Roslan; Matisse was a $26,000 yearling at the 2006 Inglis Premier Sale in Melbourne.
5YO gelding Mandiri (Xaar-Bintang) won over 1400m for trainer Evert Van Breukelen; Mandiri was a $50,000 yearling at the 2004 Magic Millions Premier Sale on the Gold Coast .
3YO colt Good Nature (Way Of Light-Tears We Cry) scored over 1700m for trainer Kevin Coetzee; Good Nature was a $10,000 yearling at the 2006 Magic Millions Summer Sale.
5YO gelding Arowana Classic (Gallo Di Ferro-Venteax) won over 1200m for trainer K.H.Ng; Arowana Classic was a $13,000 yearling at the 2004 Magic Millions Perth Premier Sale & subsequently passed-in for $15,000 as a 2YO at the 2004 Magic Millions Perth Horses-In-Training Sale.
3YO colt Winchester Wonder (Anglia-Sunday Sundae) won over 1400m for trainer Cecil Robert; Winchester Wonder was a $10,000 yearling at the 2006 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale & subsequently a $44,000 2YO at the 2006 Magic Millions Queensland Horses-In-Training Sale.
(May 12)
Grass Wonder Adds Japan Black-Type
In Japan, former Eliza Park Stud shuttler Grass Wonder (Silver Hawk-Ameriflora, by Danzig) added a black-type success when Osumi Grass One (Grass Wonder-Hokko Oka, by Lindo Shaver) scored a 2.5-lengths victory in the ¥78.17 million (A$860,000) Listed Niigata Daishoten (2000m) for 4YOs & up at Niigata. Osumi Grass One (ridden by Y.Kawada for trainer Y.Arakawa) defeated Manhattan Sky (Manhattan Cafe-Deck, by Go For Gin) & Field Bear (Fuji Kiseki-Sugar Candy, by Tony Bin). Osumi Grass One also won this same race in 2006.
(May 12)
3 Aust-Breds Win In South Africa
In South Africa, 3 Australian-bred gallopers added weekend success:
2YO colt Predestination (Dubai Destination-Dragoncharm, by Silver Hawk) scored over 1600m at Greyville for trainer Joey Ramsden. Predestination a $75,000 yearling consigned by Swettenham Stud as agent at the 2007 Inglis Premier Sale in Melbourne.
4YO mare Her Ladyship (Catbird-Lady Blandford, by Sovereign Edition) scored over 1900m at Greyville for trainer Dennis Drier. Her Ladyship was bred by Yarraman Park.
3YO gelding Almond Rock (Rock Of Gibraltar-Seal Almond, by Nureyev) scored on debut over 1200m at Kenilworth for trainer Greg Ennion. Almond Rock was an $80,000 yearling consigned from Coolmore Stud at the 2006 Inglis Easter Sale in Sydney.
(May 12)
SAf Equimark Vintage: $100k Mt Livermore Mare
In the South African auction ring, Form Bloodstock paid top price of R700,000 (A$100,000) for 4YO mare Quiensabe (Mt Livermore-Starlight Way, by Green Desert) at the 1-day Equimark Vintage mare & weanling sale at Durbanville racecourse. Quiensabe (consigned by Lammerskraal Stud) was sold in-foal to Western Winter.
(May 12)
SAf Equimark Vintage: Average Down 36%
Overall at the Equimark Vintage Sale, 107 lots sold for R5,392,000 (A$770,000) which was down 60% on last year's 175 sold for R13,793,000 (A$1.97m). And the R50,392 (A$7,200) average was down 36% compared to last year's R78,800 (A$11,200).
(May 12)
Tiger Dance & Second Empire Join Arc En Ciel
Coolmore star Giant's Causeway's full-brother Tiger Dance (Storm Cat-Mariah's Storm, by Rahy) & former West Australian Heytesbury Stud shuttler Second Empire (Fairy King-Welsh Love, by Ela Mana Mou) will stand at South Africa's Arc En Ciel "from the 2008 breeding season onwards in a new long-term arrangement," reported sahorseracing.com. Tiger Dane will stand for R20,000 (A$2,800). Champion 2YO & Classic-placed Second Empire (who shuttled to Heytsbury until moved to South Africa in 2004) will stand for R25,000 (A$3,500).
(May 12)
Street Cry Adds US Gr3
In the US, Darley shuttler & former Gr1 Dubai World Cup winner Street Cry (Machiavellian-Helen Street, by Troy) added a group success when Street Boss (Street Cry-Blushing Ogygian, by Ogygian) scored a 1-length victory in the US$110,000 Gr3 Los Angeles Handicap (6 furlongs on the all-weather track) at Hollywood Park in California. Despite clipping heels soon after the start & trailing his 8 rivals in the early stages, Street Boss (ridden by David Flores for trainer Bruce Headley) finished strongly in the straight to defeat front-running pair Sailors Sunset (Petionville-Cayman Sunset, by Wolf Power) who won this race last year & Gr3-winner High Standards (High Brite-Tomato Paste, by Torsion). The time of 1min 7.55sec set a new Hollywood Park Cushion Track record as Kentucky-bred Street Boss took his overall statistics to 5 wins from 9 starts for US$221,800 earnings.
(May 12)
Rock Of Gibraltar Adds US Gr3
Also in the US, Coolmore's 7-time Gr1-winning shuttler Rock Of Gibraltar (Danehill-Offshore Boom, by Be My Guest) added a group success when Irish-bred daughter Sweeter Still (Rock Of Gibraltar-Beltisaal, by Belmez) scored by a nose in the US$109,000 Gr3 Senorita Stakes (8 furlongs on turf) for 3YO fillies at Hollywood Park. Favourite Sweeter Still (ridden by Martin Garcia for trainer Jeff Mullins) defeated Magical Fantasy (Diesis-Kissing Gate, by Easy Goer) & fast-finishing Bel Air Sizzle (Unusual Heat-Bel Air Belle, by Runaway Groom). At her previous start, Sweeter Still finished runner-up in the Gr2 Providencia Stakes (8 furlongs on turf) at Santa Anita on April 5, after winning March's Listed China Doll Stakes (8 furlongs on turf) at Santa Anita; overall she now has 3 wins from 6 starts for US$184,637 earnings.
(May 12)
Tale Of The Cat Adds US Black-Type
In Chicago, Coolmore shuttler Tale Of The Cat (Storm Cat-Yarn, by Mr Prospector) added a black-type success when Meal Penalty (Tale Of The Cat-Unbridled Beauty, by Unbridled's Song) scored a 2-lengths victory in the US$53,000 Listed Shecky Greene Stakes (6 furlongs) for 3YOs at Arlington Park. Meal Penalty (ridden by Rene Douglas for trainer Todd Pletcher) defeated Young Joe (Roar-Wet, by Boston Harbor) & Denos Keys (Denouncer-Miss Astro Keys, by Astro).
(May 12)
3rd Winner For US Freshman & Shuttler Lion Heart
In California, Coolmore shuttler & dual Gr1-winning US freshman sire Lion Heart (Tale Of The Cat-Satin Sunrise, by Mr. Leader) recorded his 3rd individual winner when 2YO colt Azul Leon (Lion Heart-Quick Blue, by Cure The Blues) scored on debut over 4.5 furlongs at Hollywood Park for trainer Doug O'Neill. An unbeaten winner of the Gr1 Hollywood Futurity as a 2YO, Lion Heart also won at Gr1 level as a 3YO & finished runner-up in the Gr1 Kentucky Derby. Lion Heart's 1st Australian-bred progeny are yearlings this season & have sold up to $230,000.
(May 12)
1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Cat Dreams
Also in California, US 7YO freshman sire Cat Dreams (Storm Cat-J J'sdream, by Glitterman) recorded his 1st winner when Cat Dreamer (Cat Dreama-Silent Alarm, by Boundary) scored by 3.75-lengths over 4.5 furlongs at Hollywood Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Cat Dreams stands for US$4,000 at Tommy Town Thoroughbreds in California & has 40 2YOs in his 1st crop. Cat Dreams posted an 8-lengths win in his only career start in 2003.
(May 12)
1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Cuvee
In Texas, US Gr1-winning 7YO freshman sire Cuvee (Carson City- Christmas Star, by Star de Naskra) recorded his 1st winner when 2YO colt Border Cuvee (Cuvee-First Stage, by Relaunch) scored by 3-lengths on debut at Lone Star Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Cuvee (a half-brother to Gr2-winner Will He Shine) stands for US$10,000 at Gainesway in Kentucky & has 115 2YOs in his 1st crop. On the track, Cuvee recorded 4 wins (including 2003's Gr1 Futurity Stakes at Belmont Park, Gr2 Saratoga Special Stakes & Gr3 Kentucky Breeders' Cup Stakes at Churchill Downs) from 9 starts for US$402,044 earnings.
(May 12)
Churchill Downs To Cut Purses By 20%
Churchill Downs racetrack "says it has been forced to cut purses by 20% from May 14 (this Wednesday) because of a dispute over distribution of simulcast racing & internet betting with 2 horsemen's groups," reported kentucky.com. The dispute is over distribution of betting income from advance-deposit wagering sites (which account for a small but growing portion of overall simulcast betting) including TwinSpires.com (the official internet betting site for Churchill Downs). The Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association have blocked the distribution of Churchill Downs' simulcast signal to those sites.
(May 12)
B&R's Galloping Horse Never Sleeps
Meanwhile Breeding&Racing's Instant Archive continues to provide the only search engine you'll need to stay abreast of all the latest breeding news. Just click your mouse inside the Archive Search Box (immediately below the Galloping Horse on the right-hand side of this page) & type in either one or several key words. It's the most extensive at-your-fingertips database in the breeding & racing industry; it's free; & it's there for you to search to your heart's content.
(May 12)
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If you have an item of Industry News which the racing community should know about, contact Gary Knowles on: Email: gknowles@gadfly.com.au Phone: (02) 9281 7523 Fax: (02) 9281 7529
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May 12th, 2008
