O’Brien-Moore score 100th Group 1
A partnership which has dominated elite-level racing for many years set a new landmark on Sunday (local time). Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore landed a 100th Group 1 victory when Blackbeard (Ire) (No Nay Never {USA}) scored his own first Group 1 in the Prix Morny at Deauville.
Having landed his first three races, the 2-year-old colt was building on his last-start victory in the G2 Prix Robert Papin. Although professional throughout his races, Blackbeard has gained a reputation for some peculiar antics behind the starting stalls, which were on display again on Sunday.
This victory rounded off a notable weekend for No Nay Never (USA) in Europe, as he sired a Group-winning double, both 2-year-olds, at the Curragh on Saturday.
Verry Elleegant rusty but trainer not dismayed
Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) failed to make an impression on her first run outside Australia, finishing last in the G1 Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville on Sunday (local time).
Settled in last under Frankie Dettori, she was asked for an effort as the pair entered the home straight in the 2000-metre feature event, but the 7-year-old didn’t improve past that position.
Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard wasn’t dismayed, saying that she needed the race, and drew attention to a front-running track bias making it hard for horses to come from behind.
The race was won by Aristia (Ire) (Starspangledbanner) for trainer Richard Hannon, who was winning her first Group 1, having finished second to Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the Nassau S. at Goodwood last time out.
Alligator Blood ban quashed
Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have lifted their order prohibiting Alligator Blood (All Too Hard) from competing in races and official trials in Victoria following a satisfactory transfer of ownership application.
The Stewards accepted an application to transfer registered ownership of the horse from Ezybonds No 1, which is managed by undischarged bankrupt Allan Endresz, to the ownership group of Gerry Harvey (manager), Jeff Simpson and Robyn Simpson. Harvey has purchased a majority share of the horse, which will now compete in his registered colours.
The dual Group 1 winner is nominated for Saturday’s G1 Memsie S. at Caulfield.
Cup favourite good to go
Melbourne Cup favourite Deauville Legend (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) has passed the veterinary screening to enter quarantine at Newmarket, England, next month.
The James Ferguson-trained stayer was inspected by Racing Victoria’s chief vet, Grace Forbes, following last week’s win in the G2 Great Voltigeur S.
“We had Grace Forbes in the yard the other day and she was very happy with the horse,” Ferguson told News Corp.
“There is nothing in mind I’m worried about right now … as far as I understand we’re absolutely A1.
“Genuinely, hand on heart, there is nothing in my mind that would prevent this horse from running (in the Cup).”
First Victorian Group 1 attracts plenty of nominations
The G1 Memsie S., which will be run at Caulfield on Saturday, boasts 20 nominations, meaning unbeaten 4-year-old Illation (So You Think {NZ}) may not gain a start.
Illation has a rating of 84, which sees him 20th in the order of entry. The maximum field size is 16, plus four emergencies.
Cascadian (GB) (New Approach {Ire}), I’m Thunderstruck (NZ) (Shocking), Duais (Shamus Award), Tofane (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) and Spanish Mission (USA) (Noble Mission {GB}) have all been nominated.
Coolangatta blitzes in jump-out
Dual Group 3 winner and G1 Golden Slipper S. placegetter Coolangatta (Written Tycoon) looked awesome in winning a Cranbourne jump-out on Monday.
With Jamie Kah on board, Coolangatta won the 800-metre heat by a huge margin.
“She couldn’t have been more impressive,” co-trainer Ciaron Maher told Racing.com.
“I told Jamie to hold her together, being quite a wet track, and she was beautiful.”
The 3-year-old will resume in the G2 McEwen S. at The Valley on September 3.
Written By’s half-sister scores on debut
Three-year-old Zoustar filly C’Est Magique made the perfect start to her career at Sportsbet-Pakenham Synthetic on Monday.
The half-sister to Group 1 winner Written By won by 0.2l under Jordan Childs.
C’Est Magique is trained by Grahame Begg, who also trained Written By.
Written By | Standing at Widden Stud
“It’s the sign of a good horse to be able to go well at their first start,” Begg told Racing.com.
C’Est Magique is out of Yau Chin (Tobougg {Ire}). She produced a brother to Written By last year and is in foal to Capitalist.
Written By stands at Widden Stud (NSW) for $27,500 (inc GST).
Setback only minor for French import
Gold Trip’s (Fr) (Outstrip {GB}) spring campaign shouldn’t be impacted, after he was scratched on Saturday due to ‘a bad blood’.
“He picked something up,” co-trainer Ciaron Maher told Racing.com.
“He’s very forward in condition, so he’ll just have a couple of easy weeks and he should be right to go.
“It’s frustrating for the owners and us as a stable, but it shouldn't impede his spring.”
Sinba to be aimed at Hong Kong Derby
Xtravagant (NZ) gelding Sinba has been transferred to trainer Jamie Richards in Hong Kong.
A four-time winner in Australia when in the care of Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou, Sinbar will be prepared for next year’s Hong Kong Derby in March.
“He’s a lovely horse, a horse we never saw the best of here,” Ryan told News Corp.
Sinba | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“He’s a genuine Group horse and he should appreciate getting firm tracks in Hong Kong.”
Meanwhile, Group 2 placegetter Can’t Go Wong (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) has joined the Frankie Lor stable, while Listed placegetter Calgary Stampede (Snitzel), is now with Benno Yung
Group 1-winning jockey eyes comeback
After nearly two years on the sideline, Cameron Lammas is ready to resume his career as a jockey.
Lammas has not ridden competitively since mid-September 2020, after incurring a 12-month disqualification for a positive test to methamphetamine.
Last year, he returned to trackwork riding duties at Matamata racecourse, assisting long-time supporters Pam Gerard and Ken and Bev Kelso.
“I’ve enjoyed coming over for gallop mornings with people I know, but I wasn’t ready to start race-riding again,” Lammas said.
“I’ve had a rethink lately and I’m going to get the paperwork done and hopefully kick off at the trials next month.”
Billy fit and ready to fire
G1 Auckland Cup hero Ocean Billy (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) can make an impression on the Hawke’s Bay Triple Crown series, according to his trainer Bill Pomare.
Ocean Billy is back in Pomare’s care after an Australian campaign with Chris Waller last spring. The 7-year-old looked likely to be sidelined for the year following a tendon injury suffered when cast in his box in Waller’s Sydney stables in February.
Ocean Billy (NZ) | Image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk
“He can sprint a mean 1000 metres this horse and in the Auckland Cup that is what got him home. He can do it. He has won over 1400 metres and over a mile and I think he can sprint well fresh,” Pomare said.
Pomare has been nominated Ocean Billy for the G1 Tarzino Trophy (1400 metres) at Hawke’s Bay on September 10.
Weather watch for Dragon Leap
Dragon Leap (Pierro) may be seen in the G1 Memsie S. at Caulfield this weekend, with connections keeping an eye on wet weather affecting the track at Te Rapa.
An injury-plagued career has seen the 6-year-old race only 10 times, and just four times in the last two years. He began his latest preparation earlier this month in good order, finishing second to Imperatriz (I Am Invincible).
“He hasn’t handled wet ground in the past and with the softer nature of the ground in New Zealand at present, we would like to get some consistent racing into him on better footing,” said co-trainer Andrew Scott.
Scott reported that the flight from New Zealand isn’t until Wednesday, giving them time to see if Dragon Leap makes the field, and keep an eye on the weather.
Second stakes winner for U S Navy Flag
The Wesley Ward-trained Love Reigns (Ire) (U S Navy Flag {USA}) handed her sire a second stakes success when she triumphed in the US$150,000 (AU$217,000) Listed Bolton Landing S. at Saratoga on Sunday.
U S Navy Flag (USA) shuttles to The Oaks Stud in New Zealand and stands at a fee of NZ$15,000 (plus GST).
Love Reigns is a half-sister to G1 Sword Dancer S. winner Glorious Empire (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}).
