Consistent WA stakes quality galloper A Lot Of Good Men had experienced the thrill of Black Type finishes on five occasions prior to his well-deserved victory in last Saturday's Gr2 WA Derby, according to tbwa.net.au. Trainer Trevor Andrews, reflecting on the journey, remarked, "He's perhaps been the most dependable contender in the State, despite not clinching a win. His prior triumphs were all at distances of 1200 meters or less, making his [2400m] Derby triumph a testament to his versatility." Purchased for $42,500 at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions, 3YO gelding A Lot Of Good Men (A Lot–Cosmah Domination by Oratorio) is a half-brother to Gr1 Railway Stakes victor Bustler (Playing God), and has amassed substantial earnings of $753,000, inclusive of $151,800 from Westspeed Bonuses. A Lot, a son of highly regarded grey US stallion Tapit, boasted a North American record over 1400m on turf (1.19.23s) before Gray Williamson imported him to Mungrup Stud in 2018. The stallion then found his footing at Willaview Park under the stewardship of Williamson's daughter Claire, before relocating once more to the Great Southern region, capitalizing on his burgeoning reputation. The success of his initial progeny propelled his service fee to $9,350 for his inaugural book at Westbury Park, West Pinjarra, in 2023. His relocation closer to Perth, coupled with continued achievements, has led to a doubling of his bookings under studmaster Phil Ibbotson's watchful eye. He will be anticipating this weekend's Gr1 Karakatta Plate for 2YOs where A Lot's juvenile Sir Dreamalot is expected to run a big race.
A Lot of Good Men (pic: Western Racepix)
Hawaii Five Oh to Stand at Vinery Stud
Wednesday, 17th April 2024
Vinery Stud has announced that Hawaii Five Oh, a stallion closing resembling his illustrious sire I Am Invincible, will join their stallion roster on debut for the 2024 breeding season. Peter Orton, General Manager of Vinery Stud, expressed enthusiasm about Hawaii Five Oh's addition, praising the horse's race record, striking appearance, balanced physique, and impeccable conformation. With dual Group 3 victories and a Group 1 placing, Hawaii Five Oh amassed over $2.1 million in prize money, surpassing his own champion sire's racing profile upon retirement. Notably, he began his career with a debut win before swiftly ascending to Group competition, securing consecutive Group 3 triumphs under trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. In his final 3YO race, he finished third in the prestigious $3 million Group 1 BRC Stradbroke Handicap, narrowly trailing top sprinters Think About It and Rothfire. A full-brother to sensational filly Libertini, with both enjoying cult status, Hawaii Five Oh's remarkable progression continued as he delivered a Chautauqua-like performance, rallying from last to clinch a close second in the $1 million Group 2 ATC Premiere Stakes. Despite a challenging run in Australia’s elite sprint race The Everest, he finished sixth, demonstrating both resilience and talent. Distinguished by his deep pedigree, Hawaii Five Oh hails from an influential top tier damline, including Group 1 stars like Malaguerra, Cool Aza Beel, and Seabrook. His maternal lineage boasts five consecutive stakes-winning dams, a rarity in Australian stallions. Bred from the successful I Am Invincible/Encosta De Lago cross, Hawaii Five Oh shares strong genetic ties with notable performers like his multiple Group 1-performed full-sister Libertini and Group 1 winner Lombardo. Adrian Bott, co-trainer at Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing, commented, “There is no doubt, Hawaii Five Oh was one of I Am Invincible’s most naturally talented sons. I truly believe we did not see the best from him, however in his short career, he was able to showcase some exceptional talent… He is an exciting prospect that I’m sure will be well received.” With an initial service fee of $16,500 including GST, and assured of strong support from his breeder Gerry Harvey, Hawaii Five Oh offers breeders an exciting opportunity. Vinery Stud will soon unveil its full 2024 roster and service fees.
Hawaii Five was a serious talent (pic: Steve Hart)
Leading Tassie Trainer Calls Time on Career
Wednesday, 17th April 2024
After nearly fifty years, most of them spent as one of Tasmania's top trainers, Gary White will send out his final runner at Sunday's Hobart race meeting, reports tasracing.com.au. In a career marked by numerous highs, White feels the time has come to step back and cherish moments with family and friends. "It's those moments when you can't join your friends for a weekend function because of racing commitments. My son Grayson has returned to Tassie, my granddaughter, now six, recently had her first soccer game, and I missed it," White shared. Growing up near the Elwick track in the 1970s, White's passion for racing ignited. "I spent my youth around the stables, learning from legends like Staffy Devine, Tommy Young, and Terry Evans," he reminisced. In 1980, White emerged as a trainer, with his debut starter Race To Win clinching victory by five lengths. However, the reality of the sport's challenges quickly set in. Throughout the years, White earned the moniker 'Cups King' for his triumphs in major races, including back-to-back victories with Free Beer in 1995/1996. Not limited to local success, White achieved acclaim on the national stage, notably with Tempest Tost's victory at the 2009 Magic Millions 3YO Trophy. Inducted into the Tasmanian Racing Hall of Fame in 2009, he has gradually reduced his team, partly due to his wife Belinda's eye injury sustained while handling horses. Despite plans for a well-deserved trip around Australia, White looks back on his career with gratitude. "I've been immensely rewarded, especially with the unwavering support from my family," he expressed. With five winners from his last twelve starters, White isn't slowing down just yet. He'll lead a small team at Launceston on Wednesday before being honored at Hobart on Sunday, where a race bears his name, ensuring his farewell resonates through the racing community.
Waller Accepts with Five Fillies at Canterbury
Wednesday, 17th April 2024
The first of two races for the juveniles at Canterbury on Wednesday sees 11 fillies face the starter in the Schweppes Handicap (1250m), where C J Waller has accepted with five of the runners. Unfortunately drawing the outside barrier, the Star Thoroughbreds-purchased Canara (I Am Invincible-Karavali, by Nadeem) has placed second, third and fourth in her three starts to date, and with a third to Storm Boy (Justify) and Traffic Warden (Street Boss), the Amarina Farm graduate looks capable of playing a leading role here. Interestingly Star Thoroughbreds also fields a second runner in the field, and while she may need a little further based on her pedigree, Possibilities (So You Think- Zutara, by Encosta de Lago) has been readied with a solid trial. A three-quarter-sister to the Listed Fernhill Stakes and Gr1 Champagne Stakes third placed Whispered Secret (High Chaparral), this filly could be one to watch leading into the Brisbane winter carnival if connections decide to head that way. The first foal of the Gr3 placed I Am Invincible mare Jedastar, Group 1 breeders Torryburn Stud will be represented by The Stars (Zoustar-Jedastar, by I Am Invincible) who make her debut here for Waller. Fourth in her most recent trial behind Ron Quinton's Rantan (I Am Invincible), who has since made a winning debut, The Stars has drawn barrier 8. Another by the Widden Stud-based sire who makes her debut is the Ridgmont Farm sold yearling graduate Lady Nikster (Zoustar-Chachapoyas, by Medaglia D'oro). Racing in the same silks as last Saturday's Gr1 Queen of the Turf Stakes winner Zougotcha (Zoustar), the $300,000 Inglis Easter yearling graduate comes into the race off a narrow second in her only trial to date.
Zougotcha's familiar silks will be carried by Lady Nikster (pic: Steve Hart)
High Priced Yearling Tackles James Squire Handicap
Wednesday, 17th April 2024
Of the 12 sold as yearlings from the field of 14 final acceptances for Wednesday's James Squire Handicap (1250m), nine were sold for $400,000 or more highlighted by $1.6m yearling Imperial Force (Snitzel-Ultimate Fever, by Gold Fever (USA)) and $1.4m seller Media Word (Written Tycoon-Meryl, by Epaulette) who both come into the race off placed efforts. Fifth on debut behind Eneeza (Exceed And Excel), before third last time out behind Fearless (Pierata), with that winner performing admirably in the Gr1 Sires' last start, the P & P Snowden-trained Media World is one of two runners in the field for Yulong Farm. Trained by C J Waller, the second runner to sport the bottle green and white silks of the Victorian-based farm is the debut runner Althoff (Written Tycoon-Miss St Tropez, by Magnus). Purchased for $500,000 from the draft of Arrowfield Stud at the Magic Millions yearling sale, the unraced colt finished second behind the John O'Shea-trained Linebacker (Super Seth) in his only trial, with that trial winner then coming out to remain unbeaten by winning the Gr3 Baillieu in style, a race which saw Saturday's Listed Fernhill Handicap winner Broadsiding (Too Darn Hot) finish third in. Drawn ideally in the inside gate, the G Waterhouse & A Bott-trained Catoggio (Written Tycoon-Palazzo Pubblico, by Conatus) finished second last start on a heavy 10 rated track, and with Wednesday's conditions set to play a little better, the Rosemont Stud and partners raced colt looks capable of breaking his maiden off the back of three competitive runs to date.
Winx Underbidder in For the Long Haul
Wednesday, 17th April 2024
American investor John Stewart's headline-grabbing moves at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale are just the beginning. The manager of US private equity business MiddleGround Capital is determined to rapidly expand his portfolio of thoroughbred bloodstock in Australia under the Resolute Racing banner. Securing six yearlings in Sydney, Stewart was almost the winning bidder on Winx's $10 million Pierro filly. Among his acquisitions was a $3 million I Am Invincible filly out of Oakleigh Plate winner Booker, offered by Coolmore Stud. These acquisitions mark a significant shift from Stewart's minimal involvement in the sport just a year ago. He has quickly established himself in the US racing scene, setting up his own breeding and racing division in Kentucky. Despite his American roots, Stewart is passionate about Australian racing and aims to support the local industry rather than exploit it. With plans for a fully-fledged operation, Stewart views Australia's exciting racing scene and substantial prize money as attractive opportunities but emphasising to racing.com his commitment to ethical treatment of animals and adherence to racing regulations. His focus is on acquiring race fillies and broodmare prospects, including Grade 1 winners and producers. Stewart hints at upcoming high-profile acquisitions, showcasing his ambition to have the best broodmares globally on his farm. Stewart's strategy includes identifying promising fillies early on and securing them for his program.
Warren’s Benedetta Primed for Sangster Stakes
Wednesday, 17th April 2024
Classy mare Benedetta took the first step towards the Gr1 Sangster Stakes with her brilliant win in the $150,000 Gr3 Sportsbet R N Irwin Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville on the weekend, reports racingsa.com.au. Trainer Jason Warren’s decision to base his team in Adelaide for three weeks and target the Adelaide Racing Carnival appears to have been an astute move. Benedetta (Hellbent-Whatalovelyday, by Domesday) produced a brilliant finish to defeat Climbing Star in the feature; the win the second leg of a riding double for Daniel Stackhouse. “She’s obviously a terrific, honest mare. She’s been here 10 days now, we gave her the time to settle in,’’ Warren said. He added, “She’ll have a nice two weeks to prepare for the Sangster and hopefully she continues to improve.’’ The 4YO mare, has accrued career earnings totalling $1,104,725. Her standout victory came in the $200,000 4YO M Open Set Weight With Penalties on September 2 last year, where she was guided to success by jockey Daniel Stackhouse. The ultra consistent daughter of Yarraman Park Stud’s popular Group1-winning son of I Am Invincible has 10 in the frame finishes from 13 starts, with the other three outings producing fourth placings in the $1m Silver Eagle, Gr1 Oakleigh Plate and Gr1 Newmarket Handicap.
NZB National Online Yearling Sale Drawcards
Wednesday, 17th April 2024
With countless highlights throughout its 100-lot catalogue, the 2024 NZB National Online Yearling Sale gives buyers access to a quality selection of yearlings that would not have been out of place in the Book 1 or Book 2 sessions at Karaka earlier in the year. There are 16 siblings to black-type performers, along with half a dozen progeny of stakes-performed mares. Top-class families feature prominently throughout many of the catalogue’s pedigree pages. Below is just a small selection of some of the highlight lots that will be available for purchase in the National Online Yearling Sale on Gavelhouse Plus:
Poplar Lodge presents Lot 37, a filly by Shocking out of Musigny (Reset). Herself a winner as a two-year-old and runner-up in the Listed St Albans Stakes (1400m) at Moonee Valley, Musigny is the dam of five winners including the Group placegetters Jimmy Lincoln (Jimmy Choux) and Amor Fati (Showcasing).
Rich Hill Stud’s Lot 16 is a filly by emerging sire Ace High out of Kiara (Pentire). Herself unraced, Kiara is a full-sister to 10-time Group 1 winner (King) Mufhasa (Pentire). Group 1 winners (The) Bostonian (Jimmy Choux) and Kovalica (Ocean Park) are also close relatives, along with big-race performers Sacred Satono (Satono Aladdin) and Cheval d’Or (Almanzor).
Lot 50 is a colt by Cambridge Stud’s exciting newcomer Hello Youmzain out of the winning mare Runway Queen (Star Witness). Runway Queen is a full-sister to the Group 3-placed Serenade (Star Witness) and half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Stratum Star (Stratum), along with the Group 1 performer and exciting stallion prospect Prague (Redoute’s Choice).
Lot 36 is by superb Australian stallion Written Tycoon, who is the leading sire of two-year-olds in both Australia and New Zealand in 2023-24. His outstanding juvenile daughters this season include Golden Slipper (1200m) heroine Lady Of Camelot, along with New Zealand’s $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) winner Velocious.
O’Sullivan Non-Plussed by Two Race Scenario
Wednesday, 17th April 2024
The traditional weekly summation, in review, of the weekend’s Black Type fare by the Ratings Bureau’s Daniel O’Sullivan on racing.com is obligatory reading. Invariably concise and insightful, this week’s edition has produced a first for the expert, a scenario where even he is at a loss-for-words to try interpreting the discombobulated outcome of the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. The facts show that it wasn’t so much a case of Pride of Jenni (Pride of Dubai) streaking away than a situation where none of the non-chasing pack wanted to blink first for fear of getting sucked into her catch-me-if-you-can tactics that have, since late last year, become an increasingly effective defensive tool. Ergo, it’s better to run a place, than take her on and finish downfield. Except, that the figures show the Ciaron Maher-trained daughter of Pride of Dubai went only a tad faster than when getting caught by Cascadian in the Australian Cup, i.e. the index fund-like chasers withdrew into their collective shells and bobbed along in a race of their own. Although shining a light on the performances of Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock), Mr Brightside (Bullbars) and Cascadian (New Approach) who finished strongly despite the pedestrian pace, O’Sullivan remarked, “It presents a unique scenario in which to rate performances and view the form going forward.” Whilst the racing world was rightly gob-smacked by the widely viewed vision of her leading by up to 50-lengths at one point, the damned-if-we-do and damned-if-we-don’t dilemma for Pride of Jenni’s rival connections remains. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see the attrition rate of acceptances once noms are released for any weight-for-age race that includes her name amongst the nominees.
Declan Bates on Pride of Jenni with daylight second (pic: Sky Racing youtube)
Blue Point 2YO Gr1 Winner Straight to Guineas
Wednesday, 17th April 2024
Trainer Richard Hannon’s Group 1 victor Rosallion (Blue Point-Rosaline, by New Approach) is set to bypass any preparatory races and head directly for the UK’s Gr1 Qipco 2000 Guineas. Hannon, along with owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, deliberated over whether to incorporate a trial run before the Newmarket Classic. However, opting to steer clear of challenging conditions on soft ground, the decision was made to present Rosallion fresh for the main event. According to timeform.com, In a statement on his website, richardhannonracing.co.uk, Hannon remarked, “Given the substantial rainfall in recent months, we've concluded that Rosallion will forgo a preparatory outing and instead proceed directly to the 2000 Guineas in May.” He further explained, “This decision wasn't taken lightly, but considering the current ground conditions, subjecting Rosallion to a race now would be overly taxing with insufficient recovery time in just a fortnight.” Highlighting Rosallion's excellent condition and recent impressive performances during training, Hannon expressed confidence in the colt's readiness for Newmarket. “Rosallion has been thriving at home, and following two promising sessions away from the yard, we believe he's primed to seize his opportunity at Newmarket,” he affirmed. Winner of France’s Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (1400m) for 2YOs at Longchamp, Rosallion is a member of Darley’s brilliant first northern hemisphere juvenile crop.
First Leg of Japanese Triple Crown to Justin Milano
Wednesday, 17th April 2024
The Gr1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese Two Thousand Guineas) was won by in Japan by Justin Milano (Kizuna-Margot Did, by Exceed and Excel) on Sunday ridden by jockey Keita Tosaki, reports bloodhorse.com. "He's a big-striding horse, and we'll have to see how he does on the small oval track in a race with many runners. The ground might not be in the best condition on the last weekend of racing as well," trainer Yasuo Tomomichi said. "But he's quite easy to control, which I think works in his favor. I think he can handle any kind of race. With the talent he has, I think he has a chance, and I'm hoping for a good run as we look ahead to the Derby with him." Justin Milano is out of Gr1 Nunthorpe Stakes winner Margot Did, who has also left Gr1 Belmont Oaks winner Magic Attitude (Galileo) and Gr2 winner Mission Impassable (Galileo). Justin Milano is unbeaten in three starts. In second was Group 2 winner Cosmo Kuranda (Al Ain-Southern Speed, by Southern Image) whose dam won the Gr1 Caulfield Cup.
Southern Speed is the dam of runner-up Cosmo Kuranda (pic: Mark Gatt)
Mahoney Secures Spectacular Double in NARS
Wednesday, 17th April 2024
Flying the flag proudly for Western Australia in the National Apprentice Race Series (NARS), Rosie Mahony booted home a double to secure valuable points for her home state, reports rwwa.com.au. The 24-year-old Albany-based apprentice guided $9 chance Bart’s Bullet (Bullet Train) to victory before scoring a popular punters’ win aboard hot favourite Spaceship (Invader). Mahony’s first Darwin Turf Club experience held no fears after riding on dirt tracks across Western Australia including Broome, Carnarvon and Port Hedland. “It was an unbelievable experience… I went and rode work in the morning, it was nice to get a feel of the track before the races. It all worked out really well,” Mahony told Tabradio. Mahony also had the support and sage advice of WA jockey coach, Peter Hall to draw on. She revealed, “He got teary on me. He was so proud and happy when we go well. It’s the best feeling in the world having people around who give you so much support.” Mahony’s Darwin double takes WA to 25 points and fourth position on the NARS leaderboard. South Australia holds top billing ahead of the Northern Territory and Tasmania. Victoria Corver will represent WA in the final leg at Doomben on Wednesday.
