Depending on how one chooses to read the metaphorical tea leaves, there are several different ways in which to interpret seasonal stallion data. That is certainly the case with this season's First Crop or Freshman stallions in Australia where there is little to differentiate a number of them that are clustered by progeny prizemoney (see below) to date, a situation that could change on Saturday should favourite Manaal (Tassort) claim the Gr1 Champagne Stakes where first place prizemoney is worth $580,000. In the long run, what is likely to prove equally influential with owners and breeders is each stallion's stakes performers, notwithstanding that some of the sires will improve when their 3YOs come into their own. At this point, however, it is Pierata (Pierro) who holds sway. Not only does he lead the 2023-24 Australian First Season Black Type Premiership, his 57 progeny points sees him just a single point behind Written Tycoon (58) for the overall Australian 2YO Black Type Premiership. Tassort, who sits second on the First Season Sires table and third on the 2YO Sires table has 42 points. Back to just the First Season tussle though, and both Royal Meeting and Too Darn Hot are equal third with 30 points followed by Alabama Express (22) and Blue Point (15), a nose ahead of Exceedance (14) and Zousain (13). Delving deeper ahows that amongst the freshman sires that have three or more individual stakes performers, the Top 5 pecking order is Too Darn Hot (5); Pierata (4); Alabama Express (4); Blue Point (4) and Tassort (3). Finally, of note is that there are eight first crop sires with at least one stakes winner. Only one of those has two – Pierata (Coleman and Tobeornottobe).
Pierata leads by both stakes winners and points (pic: Steve Hart)
NEWDouglas' Resilient Star Set for Racing Comeback
Thursday, 18th April 2024
Clayton Douglas' esteemed sprinter, Giga Kick (Scissor Kick-Rekindled Applause Royal Applause), is poised for a triumphant return to the racetrack, expected as early as July, as disclosed by the Mornington-based trainer, reports racing.com. Having endured a hiatus since the McEwen Stakes last September due to muscle tears in his hamstring and hip, the 4YO has been diligently recuperating under Douglas' care. Despite deliberately keeping a low profile in recent months, Douglas expresses immense satisfaction with the remarkable recovery and robust condition of the striking chestnut gelding as he gears up for a comeback. "He's come along really well, we're really happy with him… physically, he's matured so much, he's come back in great order and (I'm) looking forward to getting him back to the races,” said Douglas. He has earmarked The Everest in October as Giga Kick's spring grand final, affirming the gelding's potential return to racing action at Caulfield in July. Initial plans entail a gradual escalation of Giga Kick's training regimen, with Douglas considering weather conditions to determine whether trials will be conducted in Victoria or further north in warmer climates. "We won't know until we really start to put a bit of pressure on him but from what I've seen of him at the moment and what I've felt under saddle, he's in really good shape.”
NEWThird Attempt Not Certain for Dual Kosciuszko Hero
Thursday, 18th April 2024
With the $2m The Kosciuszko, the $3m Sydney Stakes and the $20m TAB Everest all on October 19, trainer Matt Dale has yet to decide if dual Kosciuszko winner Front Page (Magnus-Stacey Lee, by Bel Esprit) will aim for a three-peat, according to racingnsw.com.au. You aim him for that day, first-up, to be peaking," Dale said. "He'll be in the Kosciuszko or the Sydney Stakes, or if some level of stars align he could be in an Everest. You don't have to stress too much about it, it's great they're all on the one day." Dale conceded, "That was the silver lining of getting nabbed near the line in the Galaxy. If you want to find a positive, the positive was we could still go to a Kosciuszko. He'll most likely contest another Group 1 between now and then and naturally if he won he's not eligible." Front Page runs in Saturday's $250,000 Gr3 TAB Hall Mark Stakes and currently has a record of seven wins from 22 starts and earnings closing in on $2.5 million. "All his best ratings have been fresh. The difference is this preparation I've learnt more about him. Last prep he'd had a few foot issues in and around his preparation that upset everything going completely swimmingly," said Dale. "All indications from my point of view are that he will run extremely well… We can't have him placed any better to perform second-up which is something he's got to do. If he's ever going to do it then it's Saturday."
Big race sprinter Front Page (pic: Steve Hart)
Gr1 Thousand Guineas Star for MM National Sale
Thursday, 18th April 2024
Impeccably related Group 1 winner Madame Pommery has been confirmed as another of the star attractions at the upcoming Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast. The 4YO daughter of No Nay Never, who was a brilliant winner of the Gr1 Thousand Guineas at Caulfield, will be offered as part of a quality Chris Waller Racing draft. A winner at Rosehill as a 2YO by over three lengths, Madame Pommery spent most of her racetrack career racing against the best in the country defeating fellow Group 1 winners including Fireburn, Sheeza Belter, Kovalica, Skew Wiff, Startantes, Going Global and She's Licketysplit. As well as her juvenile win at Rosehill and triumph in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas, the quality mare ran a neck second to brilliant female Zougotcha in the Gr2 Tea Rose Stakes and an eye catching 1.4 length fourth in the Gr2 Light Fingers to outstanding sprinters In Secret and Sunshine in Paris. Waller, who in conjunction with Guy Mulcaster and Sophie Baker, purchased the then yearling filly for an all female ownership group at the 2021 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, predicted a bright future ahead at stud for Madame Pommery. "She's a nice strong mare who was always straight forward to train," Waller pointed out. "She has a great temperament and she always coped well in training,"
Madame Pommerry Pedigree Icing on the Cake
Thursday, 18th April 2024
By Scat Daddy's Gr1 2YO Prix Morny winning son No Nay Never, 2024 Magic Millions National Sale recruit Madame Pommery (No Nay Never) – see above item – hails from an Australian pedigree that is full of black type. Her dam, the twice winning Exceed and Excel mare Cancel, is a sister to Australian Champion 2YO and Group One Blue Diamond Stakes winner Earthquake - a mare who is already the dam of two stakes performers. The latest is 2YO filly Trembles (Too Darn Hot) who placed in the recent Listed Without Fear Stakes at Morphettville for Godolphin. Earthquake was served last season by Champion European 2YO Pinatubo. Cancel is also a half sister to the stakes winners Pandemic and Palomares. Madame Pommery's addition to the catalogue comes on the heels of previously announced high profile entries including Atishu, Chain of Lightning, Platinum Jubilee and Belclare who are among over 160 black type fillies and mares nominated. "Prospective buyers will be impressed with the quality of stock catalogued for the 2024 National Broodmare Sale," Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said. The online catalogue for the sale is set to be live in the coming days.
Promising Talent from a Storied Bloodline
Thursday, 18th April 2024
Joanne Surgenor had plenty of success a couple of seasons ago with multiple Group 2 winner Showoroses, and now the New Zealand trainer is set to unveil a close relative that she believes has just as much talent, reports racingnews.co.nz. Showoroses (Showcasing-Rodrigo Rose, by Rodrigo de Triano) was a standout for Surgenor and she's been hoping to find a talent like his once more, and believes she now has in the form of Whiskey 'N Roses (Belardo-Fullinbloom, by Fully Fledged). The 2YO is out of two-win mare Fullinbloom, a half-sister to Showoroses. "He is from the same family as Showoroses and he has got that family trait about him – a little bit of toughness," Surgenor relayed. Bred by Ashford Lodges' Peter and Sherin Walker, the couple own Whiskey 'N Roses in partnership with Haunui Farm, and Surgenor said they are excited to unveil his talent for the first time on raceday in Saturday's Listed TAB Star Way (1200m) at Ellerslie. Whiskey 'N Roses has made one public appearance to date, winning his 800m trial at Pukekohe last week by 2.25-lengths, and Surgeoner believes he is ready to be thrown into the deep end in stakes grade this weekend. Surgenor stated, "He is very well, I am really pleased with him. He has come through his trial really well and all looks good at the moment… it is coming to the end of the season for 2YOs and you have just got to chance your luck."
Nereus and McNab Combine for Aussie First
Thursday, 18th April 2024
Eudora, a daughter of stalwart Pins, has become an indispensable and beloved member of the broodmare team at Waikato Stud. Although she never pursued a racing career due to being born with only one eye, she has won the hearts of those at the Matamata operation with her outstanding performance as a broodmare. With an impressive track record of all six of her foals achieving success, Eudora has proven her worth time and again. Mark Chittick, the farm principal, expressed admiration for Eudora, acknowledging her early start in breeding due to her inability to race. He praised her exceptional contributions, highlighting her role in producing the dual Group 1 winner Savvy Coup, among others. Eudora's influence extends to her offspring, with her son Nereus poised to further enhance her legacy. Trained by Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray, Nereus, a genuine 4YO, is set to make his Australian debut in the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m), aiming for a coveted spot in the Gr1 Caulfield Cup (2400m). Despite Nereus failing to meet his $200,000 reserve at New Zealand Bloodstock's Ready to Run Sale, he has never missed a drum, excelling on the track, and boasting five wins and three placings from eight appearances. His recent victory in the Gr2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2100m) underscores his potential, with Michael McNab having his first ride in Australia, slated to ride him in the event.
Nereus is continuing the family form (pic: RIPN)
Middle East Conflict Delays Asfoora's Flight
Thursday, 18th April 2024
The conflict in the Middle East has led to the delayed departure of Asfoora (Flying Artie-Golden Child, by I Am Invincible) for England, reports racing.com. Asfoora's flight from Singapore to Sharjah was due to fly through air space which is currently closed, and the mare will now depart next Wednesday. "There are four definite races at this stage," trainer Henry Dwyer revealed. "She begins in the Temple Stakes, a 1000-metre Group 2 at Haydock Park - a nice flat track. Then it's three weeks to Royal Ascot where she'll run in the now called King Charles, then it's six weeks to the King George at Goodwood - it's a downhill 1000-metre track, from Goodwood we're going to the Nunthorpe Stakes which is at York, it's a Group 1 and probably the best race for her over there." Dwyer added, "Then after that we have a choice, if we want another run there's a 1000-metre Group 1 race at [The] Curragh, or there's a Group 1 1000-metre (race) at Longchamp, which is in early October. We've got the four definite races in England, then maybe one race at the Curragh or Longchamp, then it's another month to Del Mar, she might be looking for a rest then but if she was going well, it's very easy going across to America from Europe [for the Breeders' Cup]." Group 2 winner Asfoora has won 8 of her 18 starts and over $1.3 million. Historically, the daughter of Flying Artie is at her best between 1000 - 1100m.
Asfoora is embarking on a massive global campaign (pic: Mark Gatt)
Japan's Forever Young Arrives at Churchill Downs
Thursday, 18th April 2024
Highly rated undefeated Japanese-bred and trained 3YO colt Forever Young (Real Steel-Forever Darling, by Congrats) has arrived in America for the Gr1 Kentucky Derby, coming directly from Dubai, reports bloodhorse.com. "He shipped really well to Saudi and Dubai," said Churchill Downs Asia representative Kate Hunter. "(His connections) seem to be very pleased with him across the board. He recovers from each race really well without needing any kind of veterinary intervention. He seems to have a very strong, natural physical response to rebuilding his own body." Unbeaten in five starts, Forever Young won the Gr2 UAE Derby at his most recent start in rampant style. "As Yahagi and his team get more and more experience overseas, they're tweaking everything. Learn from the things they did in the past to try and improve their future," Hunter said of Forever Young's trainer Yoshito Yahagi who won the Gr1 Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf with Loves Only You (Deep Impact-Loves Only Me, by Storm Cat) and the 2021 Breeders' Cup Distaff with Marche Lorraine (Orfevre-Vite Marcher, by French Deputy). The time-honoured Gr1 Kentucky Derby will be run on 4 May at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
Morton Feeling Super About Smink’s Chances
Thursday, 18th April 2024
Trainer Dan Morton is banking on a pivotal gear change to propel Super Smink towards victory in the lucrative $5 million The Quokka at Ascot this Saturday. Making her debut with blinkers, Super Smink aims to outshine her elite sprinting rivals, a strategy endorsed by jockey Chris Parnham following positive feedback from recent workouts. Super Smink, hailed as Western Australia's top 2YO las season, boasts an impressive track record, clinching victories in prestigious races like the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic, Karrakatta Plate, and Sires’ Produce Stakes. Despite a winless streak in her last campaign, she consistently delivered commendable performances, securing consecutive placings. While a recent setback delayed her autumn campaign, Morton assures that Super Smink is in prime condition, having missed no training sessions. Confident in her abilities, the successful conditioner remains unfazed by the wide draw, expressing quiet contentment with the field composition. Joining Super Smink in The Quokka is stable mate Saloon Bar, who impressed with a strong second-place finish in his recent outing. Morton exudes optimism about Saloon Bar's performance, believing in his potential to exceed expectations after being pipped by a nose last time out. Race favourites are Amelia’s Jewel (Siyouni), last year’s inaugural winner Overpass (Vancouver) and Group 1-winning sprint mare Bella Nipotina (Pride of Dubai), with Oscar’s Fortune (Rich Enuff) also highly regarded.
Breeders Cup Releases Challenge Series Schedule
Thursday, 18th April 2024
The 2024 Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In schedule has been released, with 82 races in 12 countries, including 41 international races, reports bloodhorse.com. "International competition is a cornerstone of the Breeders' Cup program, and the Challenge Series continues to be the best way for horsemen the world over to gain an automatic entry into the World Championships," said Dora Delgado, executive vice president and chief racing officer of Breeders' Cup. "We extend our deepest gratitude to the racing authorities and organizations on five continents who are partnering with us this year to support and administer Breeders' Cup Challenge Series races in their respective jurisdictions, and we look forward to another outstanding renewal of the World Championships this November at Del Mar." The winner of each Challenge race receives automatic qualifying position, and fees paid, into a corresponding race in the 2024 Breeders' Cup World Championships on November 1 and 2 at Del Mar in Southern California. The Breeders' Cup, which this year will carry prizemoney of US$33 million across 14 Gr1 races, will be celebrating 41 years, with 18 of those having involved the evolving Breeders' Cup Challenge Series. According the official website, purse increases in 2024 raised the value of the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic to $7 million and the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf to $5 million.
Connections Express Carnival Confidence in Antino
Thursday, 18th April 2024
Desperately unlucky in his southern campaign through the back end of 2023, Tony Gollan’s boom galloper Antino has been backed to finally taste Group 1 glory during the upcoming Queensland Racing Carnival, reports racingqueensland.com.au. The 5YO was forced to settle for second in the Gr1 Toorak Handicap and Gr2 Crystal Mile in Melbourne through October before finishing down the track in the feature Five Diamonds in Sydney the following month. Antino (Redwood-Mahamaya, by Bahhare) has trialled twice this year as the champion trainer prepares his promising galloper for a winter assault of 2024. Leading Sunshine Coast conditioner David Vandyke knows exactly what it takes to claim a Group 1 in the Sunshine State and has backed Antino to be amongst the elite level winners this year. “He is probably the Queensland horse to follow during the winter carnival. He was unlucky to not win the Toorak and is with a good trainer in Gollan. He is a smart horse with nine wins from 14 starts,” noted Vandyke. Antino’s overall aim this campaign will be the Stradbroke Handicap but he is also likely to line-up in the Gr2 Victory Stakes and Gr1 Kingsford Smith Cup on the path towards the big race. Gollan stable hoop Angela Jones, alongside fiancé and fellow jockey Kyle Wilson-Taylor, has her fingers crossed Antino can tick off the Group 1 box soon. Wilson-Taylor stated, “I think he will take on the Queensland horses in the carnival and probably be too good.”
Gr1 Hat Trick Chance for Unlikely Sprint Pairing
Thursday, 18th April 2024
Brenton Avdulla boasts an impeccable record with California Spangle, and the Australian jockey is eager to maintain that streak as they gear up for the HK$22 million Gr1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin on April 28. California Spangle's resurgence, guided by Avdulla, has been a highlight of the season, clinching victories in the HK$13 million Gr1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and the US$1.5 million Gr1 Al Quoz Sprint. According to hkjc.com, Avdulla expressed gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging the honour of partnering with such a renowned horse in his debut season in Hong Kong. Trainer Tony Cruz's decision to refocus California Spangle on sprinting after the high profile Starspangledbanner gelding lost form over more ground has been a revelation. Now, with Lucky Sweynesse sidelined due to injury, California Spangle is favoured to lead the pack in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize. In a barrier trial earlier this week, California Spangle performed smartly alongside Golden Sixty (Medaglia d’Oro) who is currently ranked at the top of international performers. Avdulla was pleased with California Spangle's performance, and highlighted the horse's resilience despite a hectic schedule, including a recent return from Dubai and a stint in quarantine. He suggested the impressive trial performance was on par to a trial prior to their previous successful outing in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup.
Westbury Park Entitled to Dream A Lot
Thursday, 18th April 2024
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.
