Expensive He Who Dares wins on debut
Te Akau Racing’s 2-year-old colt He Who Dares (NZ) (Snitzel) won on debut at Wanganui on Monday for trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson. The 2l victory was over 2-year-old gelding Savachi Boy (NZ) (Tivaci) and 2-year-old gelding Our Sniper (NZ) (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}). “It was a really good win and we love travelling colts away overnight, which is what he did going to Wanganui,” Walker told Loveracing.nz.
“The trip away helps them mature mentally and he raced like a colt that took it all in his stride. It was a good positive ride of Craig’s, electing to press forward when one rushed up early in the race and the colt was up to the challenge. Obviously he has a lovely pedigree, with plenty of depth, and he’s got all the attributes he needs for a nice young colt. Given his pedigree, whatever he does as a 2-year-old is a bonus because we think he’ll be better at three.”
He Who Dares (NZ) | Image courtesy of Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North)
A son of four-time Champion Sire Snitzel, He Who Dares was purchased by David Ellis from Haunui Farm’s New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale draft twelve months ago for NZ$825,000. His yearling half-sister by Savabeel is Lot 255 in the upcoming NZB National Yearling Sale.
He Who Dares is the first foal of Group 1 placed Rondinella (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) who is a half-sister to Group 2 winner Vavasour (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice), and Group 3 winners Vilanova (NZ) (Commands) and Celebrity Dream (NZ) (Thorn Park).
Police confirm Gold Coast poisoning not an accident
Police have confirmed that the poisoning of the track at the Gold Coast was a deliberate act of sabotage, and not a mistake by grounds staff. Gold Coast Acting Superintendent Jason Tuffley noted that an independent investigation commissioned by the club agreed with police that the common glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup was used to kill the grass.
“If that turf is not solid or formed, the horse has a risk of slipping or falling over, which would cause damage to the horses. It could be a targeted attack against the racing industry itself, or the Gold Coast Turf Club or the Magic Millions event itself,” Acting Superintendent Tuffley told abc.net.au.
Unfortunately the police have few leads as to a perpetrator. “Unless police receive any new or fresh information in relation to nominating a suspect ... there is less enquiries for us to take action.”
Truck crash survivor wins maiden
Bob Peters owned 4-year-old gelding So Brave (So You Think {NZ}) won his maiden at his second start at Mornington on Sunday, an unremarkable story until his tale of survival is unveiled. “It's pretty incredible,” Bob Peters’ daughter Melissa told racing.com on Monday.
“He was involved in an accident in May 2021 when a car drove into the truck outside of Kalgoorlie. He and seven of our other weanlings were being transported home from NSW. The truck caught on fire and the bravery of the driver was incredible - he had 16 horses on there, the electrics wouldn't work so he was manually able to open one of the doors and eight horses were able to get out.
“Eight others unfortunately perished, either because of the fire or smoke inhalation. Little So Brave was in the back section of the truck and had to jump over a few of his travel mates that had already died to get out. He and the others ran off down the highway and the local Kalgoorlie racing community, led by Peter Fernie, were able to round them up and keep them safe.
“He was so badly burnt and his leg was torn open, so he spent about six weeks The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University in Perth. The wound was horrendous and he had burns all over his body and he still carries those scars today. The burns needed constant treatment, so the vet students were bathing them twice a day and the bandages were being changed all the time, it was a huge effort.
“He took a lot of treatment and I believe he still holds the record for the longest time as an in-patient there. It was a bit expensive but that's what you do, don't you? I don't think there was ever any thought that he would have to be euthanised, we made him our project to work on and basically said that we'd do whatever we needed to get him going. When he got home to the farm, there was constant care there so our farm manager was staying in the stables with him for a period of time.” His win came at his second start.
Ndola aimed at Guineas
Lindsay Park trained 3-year-old colt Ndola (Justify {USA}) will be aimed at the G1 Australian Guineas. “That was his first jumpout for the prep, he's a very naturally fit horse, very happy with him through the line,” co-trainer Ben Hayes told racing.com after he ran second at Werribee on Monday.
“Looking forward to him getting to the track, he's a horse that we have a high opinion of. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to get to the race (Caulfield Guineas) but we backed off and we've given him a good break and he's filled out into his big frame and he'll hopefully be on an Australian Guineas path.”
Ben Hayes
Schweida’s Autumngirl aiming for two
At Doomben on Wednesday, Kelly Schweida trained 3-year-old filly Autumngirl (The Autumn Sun) will be aiming to win her second in succession. “She's good, she was supposed to run on Magic Millions day at Eagle Farm, the day they put the races off,” Schweida told racenet.com.au.
“I'm pretty happy with her, she's a nice filly, I think she should get over a trip later on. She's a half-sister to Miss Joelene. She's even got a stronger pedigree, due to The Autumn Sun, than her half-sister. It's been a little while between runs, not through any fault of hers, I think she's a nice filly on the way up.”
Melham and Kah tie the knot
Top jockeys Jamie Kah and Ben Melham got married on Sunday at picturesque Rosemont Homestead, an 1880s bluestone manor in Gnarwarre, 20km west of Geelong. Kah's ex-racehorse Rich Rupee (Manhattan Rain), nicknamed Brax, and dog Bubbles attended as did family and close friends, while singer and Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Robbie Dolan performed the first dance song.
“We have both had some incredible days, but yesterday was at the top. The best day of our lives together, shared with some incredible people,” the couple told racenet.com.au on Monday.
Sea The Stars mare to debut on Tuesday
Trainer Brad Widdup will debut 4-year-old mare Sunset Park (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) on Tuesday at Newcastle. “She’s a well-bred mare by Sea The Stars that has taken a little time,” Widdup told racingnsw.com.au.
“She had a couple of trials back in July then was put away and she has had another two recent trials leading into the Newcastle race. She won the latest of them at Warwick Farm when Tyler Schiller was on her. Tyler’s been on her in three of the four trials and he sticks with her at Newcastle. He knows her well which is good. She’s drawn a good barrier and it looks a nice race for her to start things off in.”
Around the Nation: Monday’s highlights
Monday was a quiet one for racing fans with only two meetings in NSW. At Albury, 3-year-old filly Complaisance (Pierata) won on debut and the second season sire now has 29 individual winners. At Gunnedah, 3-year-old filly Kantishna (Headwater) made it two in succession with her second career win.
Karaka Millions draw live on Wednesday
The live barrier draw for NZB’s sale graduate races, the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), will take place on Wednesday 22 January at the iconic Karaka Sales Centre.
Too Sweet (NZ) (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}) leads the order for the R-Listed Karaka Millions 2YO.
Four of the top five in the order of entry for the R-Listed Karaka Millions 3YO are doubtful starters, leaving Yaldi (NZ) (Ardrossan) at the top.
G1 NZ Oaks target for Alaskan
The Oaks Stud enjoyed a winning double at Pukekohe on Sunday with Cypher (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) and Alaskan (NZ) (Niagara) who will be set for the G1 NZ Oaks by trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray. “It was a good day with a couple of progressive fillies, one a stayer and the other more likely a miler,” The Oaks General Manager Rick Williams told Loveracing.nz on Monday.
“It’s a family that has produced some great European staying horses and we bred the Oaks winner. (Her dam) Snowmobeel died and we kept this filly (Alaskan) in the hope that she could get some black type to carry on the family. She was always a very attractive, big filly that was going to need a bit of time. She’s broken her maiden now and it’s not always easy for a 3-year-old filly to beat the older horses.”
Whyte pays tribute to Purton as history awaits
It seems likely that jockey Zac Purton will break the all-time win record at Happy Valley on Wednesday. He sits on 1812, only one behind equalling Douglas Whyte’s record of 1813 wins in the region. “It stood for a long time and as I’ve mentioned before, no better person to take it over than Zac,” Whyte told scmp.com.
“He’s a champion in his own right and he’s done a fantastic job over the years. I’ve ridden competitively against him for a long time and he’s improved incrementally year-in, year-out, so he deserves it.
Zac Purton | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“I think he came here and took a bit of time to find his feet. He learnt that it takes more than just to get on a horse. He’s working hard, he does his form and he’s very good at that. He’s fit and he turns up day in and day out. Those are the things it takes to breaks records.”
Favourite draws wide in G1 Pegasus World Cup
Early 5-2 favourite Locked (USA) (Gun Runner {USA}) drew post 11 for Saturday's GI Pegasus World Cup during Sunday's draw at Gulfstream Park. Trained by Todd Pletcher on behalf of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm, the winner of last month's GI Cigar Mile has a single horse to his outside, that being the sole filly in the field, GI Alabama heroine Power Squeeze (USA) (Union Rags {USA}), who was given a 30-1 chance on the morning line.
“He's a horse that we always felt would be better going longer, so we're looking forward to getting him out to a mile and an eighth for the first time,” Pletcher said. “He's been training really, really well so we're excited about it.”
Last season's G1 Kentucky Derby hero Mystik Dan (USA) (Goldencents {USA}) was given an 8-1 chance while drawing the 8-hole, while GI Santa Anita Derby victor Stronghold (USA) (Ghostzapper {USA}) drew post 6.
“Some horses go from being a good 3-year-old to a good older horse, and that's a challenge,” said trainer Kenny McPeek of the Classic winner. “Will he transcend from a very good 3-year-old to a very good 4-year-old? The [GI Malibu, Dec. 26] wasn't ideal. But it's a long year and we have several races to see where he fits. Hopefully, he comes back and proves himself as an older horse.”
Middle East plans for O’Brien horses
Joseph O'Brien has provided an upbeat bulletin on Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Apples And Bananas (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Trustyourinstinct (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), all of whom are on course for targets in Saudi Arabia and Qatar respectively following a key workout at Dundalk last Friday.
Joseph O'Brien with Corey Brown | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“Al Riffa is on course for the Neom Turf Cup. The thought would be that he could roll on from Saudi to Dubai World Cup Night at Meydan. The Arc didn't set up for us–he raced wide and it was hard to make up any ground at the business end of the race. That is just about the only disappointment he's had throughout his career and we're very happy to put a line through that performance and rebuild towards what will hopefully be a productive year,” said O’Brien.
“(Apples And Bananas) is an intended runner in the Saudi Derby. He was a great horse for us last year and hopefully he can have a strong 3-year-old campaign. You never really know about the surface until you try it but he handles faster turf and softer turf. He seems very versatile in that regard. What that translates to on dirt, I don't know, but he's a tough horse and you'd imagine his running style would suit the dirt.”
Lord Del Rey adds Group 2 in Japan
Sunday’s G2 Nikkei Shinshun Hai was won by 5-year-old entire Lord Del Rey (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}). The win was his second stakes win and he now has six wins from nine starts.
His dam, Delfino (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry {Jpn}), won three times and Lord Del Rey is her third winner and first stakes winner.
Nishino Agent wins Group 3
Japan's road to the Classics shifted up a gear on Sunday with the victory of 3-year-old colt Nishino Agent (Jpn) (Isla Bonita {Jpn}) in the 2000 metre G3 Keisei Hai at Nakayama. Nishino Agent charged up in between horses and earned several lucky breaks on the far turn. In fourth and closing in determined fashion down the lane, his sustained rally resulted in a neck victory over Dragon Boost (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}). Mini Transat (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}) rallied from last, but could not overcome all his rivals, and settled for a 0.5l back in third.
Nishino Agent becomes the seventh stakes winner and fifth group winner for Shadai stallion Isla Bonita (Jpn), and is the second foal out of Victoria Smile (Jpn) (Novellist {Ire}). He counts G1 Prix d'Astarte heroine Marbye (Ire) (Marju {Ire}) as his great granddam. She, in turn, is the dam of Japanese group winners Marcellina (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), G1 Oka Sho, and Grandezza (Jpn) (Agnes Tachyon {Jpn}), who scored three times at group level and was third in the G1 Mile Championship.
