Daily News Wrap

Baker’s season rolls on with G3 Newcastle Stakes

Trainer Bjorn Baker’s incredible season continued on Friday with the win by 5-year-old gelding Sandpaper (Snitzel) in the G3 Newcastle Stakes. Ridden by Tim Clark, he won by 0.2l from Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr trained 5-year-old gelding Amenable (Lonhro) with Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou trained Grebeni (Ocean Park {NZ}) in third.

“He’s been racing in fantastic form,” said Clark. “Scott Darby and the team have got a great knack of buying these tried horses. He was there to be beaten today but he kept responding. I just wanted to use a bit of that fitness he had on his side to test a few of the better class horses behind that were early in their prep.”

Purchased by Darby Racing from Godolphin at the Inglis Digital 2024 September Late Sale for $130,000, Sandpaper has had five starts since then for two wins and picked up $141,000 for Friday’s win. All up, he has won five of his 27 starts with earnings over $590,000.

Winner of the Listed Gothic Stakes at three, Sandpaper is one of 154 stakes winners for his sire. He is the first foal of Smooth (Lonhro) who is an unraced full sister to Group 1 winner and successful sire Pierro, and a half-sister to Group 2 winner Ambience (Street Cry {Ire}). Smooth’s 3-year-old gelding Mellifluent (Exceed And Excel) was a juvenile winner last season, and her 2-year-old colt Observer (Ghaiyyath {Ire}) is unraced. She has a colt foal by Anamoe.

Double for Ole Kirk

Ole Kirk doubled his number of winners on Friday with a winner at Newcastle and another at Ballarat. Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald trained 2-year-old filly Next Jen (Ole Kirk) won on debut at Newcastle for jockey Chad Schofield, who rode a double for the same trainers on 4-year-old gelding Presley (Lope De Vega {Ire}).

Video: Watch Next Jen race replay, video courtesy of Racing NSW

Next Jen, a $30,000 purchase by Annabel Neasham Racing at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale from Valiant Stud, is the fourth foal and first winner for Fashion Sniptz (Snitzel), a half-sister to Listed winner Tales Of Fashion (Tale Of The Cat {USA}).

At Ballarat, 2-year-old colt Prestige Ole won at his second start for trainers David Brideoake and Matt Jenkins who had the quinella with 2-year-old filly Mind Battlefield (Magna Grecia {Ire}). Archie Alexander trained Zorb (Zousain) was third.

Prestige Ole was purchased by E Yeung at the 2024 Inglis Digital April Late Sale from Twin Hills Stud for $70,000 as a yearling. He is the second foal of Major Wager (Exceed And Excel) who won twice and placed in the Listed Canberra Guineas.

Ole Kirk’s first two winners, King Kirk and O’ Ole, are both stakes winners.

Around the nation: Friday’s highlights

Friday saw five meetings around Australia with Group racing action at Newcastle. At Dubbo, 3-year-old gelding Nimble Star (Stratum Star) made it two in succession which are the only two races he’s completed, having lost his rider on debut. At Newcastle, 3-year-old filly Maybe Moet (Yes Yes Yes) won on debut.

Seven figure yearling, now 3-year-old filly Altermatum (Zoustar) won at Ballarat for trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy. She was a $1.15 million purchase by McEvoy Mitchell Racing and Belmont Bloodstock (FBAA) from Newgate Farm’s 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft. She ran third in the Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes on debut at two. Ridden by Harry Coffey, who made it a treble when winning on 3-year-old filly Marino De Campo (Merchant Navy) and Preferential (NZ) (Preferment {NZ}).

Te Akau’s strong hand for Champions Day

Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson will head to Champions Day at Ellerslie on Saturday with a big team including four runners in the G1 Sistema Stakes for juveniles. “It is a ground-breaking day in terms of the history of New Zealand racing,” Bergerson told Loveracing.nz.

“It is probably the best race meeting that has ever been put on. To be a part of it and to have some nice, live chances on a big day of racing like that is something the whole team is excited about. It is a credit to Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and Entain, who have come on board and really changed the game.

“It is an exciting time in New Zealand racing. Even speaking with my Dad (Roydon Bergerson, trainer) who has been in the game a long time, he said he couldn’t remember a time that it’s ever been like this. There is plenty to look forward to, and that is highlighted by Saturday’s racing and the quality of the fields is second to none.”

In the Sistema, undefeated Return To Conquer (Snitzel) takes on R. Listed Karaka 2YO Millions winner La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth), with Te Akau’s other two runners being He Who Dares (NZ) (Snitzel) and Marokopa Falls (Hellbent).

First Group 1 runner for Brisbourne

Wangaratta-based trainer Ben Brisbourne has his first Group 1 runner with Suparazi (Super One) in Saturday’s G1 Newmarket Handicap and he carries only 52kg. “If he runs in the top half of the field, he's exceeded expectations; it's a Handicap and stranger things have happened though,” Brisbourne told racing.com.

“We're not saying we're going to win it. Just being there is sensational but as it's a handicap, we're not being too silly making it a target race. It's a nice starting point for his campaign.”

Last start winner Magic Time set for Group 1

Trainer Grahame Begg is confident Magic Time (Hellbent) can win her third career Group 1 in Saturday’s G1 Canterbury Stakes after she won the G2 Expressway Stakes last start. “I believe you’ve got to have a run,” Begg told racingnsw.com.au.

“You don’t have to be going into a Group 1 race first-up, you want to be there pretty well on the mark. They’re hard enough to win let alone without being right at your top. And weather can be on her side up in Sydney, if she can get some give in the ground it won’t do her chances any harm at any point of time.”

Outsider takes on G1 All-Star Mile

With $40,000 for coming last in Saturday’s G1 All-Star Mile thanks to a small field, trainer Gary Portelli is looking forward to an exciting day out with his owners with 4-year-old colt Flying Trapeze (Trapeze Artist). “We threw him in that (All-Star Mile),” Portelli told racing.com.

“It's $40,000 to run last, it's silly to leave that on the table. He could go around up here (in Sydney) next start and be 15/1 or 20/1 at Rosehill in two weeks' time and pick up nothing, so it's worth a trip down.

“If something goes wrong with a couple or they don't fire and he beats a couple home, he's probably going to win 100-odd thousand (dollars). The owners are absolutely ecstatic they've got a runner in a Group 1 against Mr Brightside and others.

“They understand the mountain that we're about to climb. Certainly not going down there with any aspirations of taking home the trophy, but just to race against those sorts of horses for these owners is a thrill.”

Tycoon Star taking on favourite before Slipper

Co-trainer Ben Hayes is quietly confident about Tycoon Star (Written Tycoon) in Saturday’s G2 Todman Stakes where he faces boom juvenile Wodeton (Wootton Bassett {GB}). “It’s important that he has a run on the Sydney leg,” Hayes told racingnsw.com.au.

“It’s exciting times, we’re taking on the favourite for the Slipper and it’ll be a good guide to where we are at. I think we’ll be able to hit the Slipper fourth-up and ready to go.”

Eden Rose might surprise in Sires

Trainer Jason Warren was pleased with Eden Rose (Exceedance) running fifth in the G1 Blue Diamond last start and thinks she can do better in Saturday’s G2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes. “She was terrific in the Blue Diamond. She's always shown talent and she finished that race off superbly,” Warren told racing.com.

“Her work on Wednesday was first class. She worked with Benedetta and I couldn't have been happier with her. Stacky rode a great race on her in the Blue Diamond and he will stay on her.”

Alabama Lass takes on Group challenge at Ellerslie

Boom 3-year-old filly Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) runs in Saturday’s G3 King’s Plate at Ellerslie for trainers Ken and Bev Kelso. “She’s been a bit unfortunate with the weather,” Ken Kelso told Loveracing.nz.

“She’s struck rain-affected ground in both of those Group 1 races, which didn’t suit her at all. With a bit better luck, she could just about be unbeaten this season. The rain made the 1600m quite a test in the Guineas at Riccarton, which it was always going to be for her anyway, but she was very brave. And then it was similar on deteriorating ground in the Railway, but she was extremely brave that night too.

“She’s gone the right way since then. She’s had five weeks between runs, but galloped brilliantly between races last Saturday and ran fantastic time there. She worked up very well again on Tuesday. We think she’s right where we want her to be.”

Feroce relative in line for black type

Trainers Steven Ramsay and Julia Ritchie have Island Life (NZ) (Vadamos {Fr}) ready for Saturday’s G3 Sunline Vase at Ellerslie on Saturday. Her dam, Lycia (NZ) (Montjeu {Ire}), is a half-sister to Group 1 winner and sire De Beers (NZ), and Corinthia (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) who is the dam of recent G1 Australian Guineas winner Feroce (NZ) (Super Seth). “She probably needed that run,” Ritchie told Loveracing.nz of her last start sixth.

“We chucked her out in the paddock for 10 days after the race on New Year’s Day, and she did really well and we were possibly a bit light on her. But she also ran into a wall of horses in that race at Counties, so she didn’t have a lot of luck go her way either. She’s come through that run really well and is looking bright and happy. Everything’s gone pretty well with her leading into Saturday.”

18 month ban for Scorse

Jockey Patrick Scorse was given an 18 month suspension by Racing NSW stewards after testing positive to several banned substances during a routine test in December 2024. “Patrick Scorse pleaded guilty to a charge under AR139(1)(a) of having provided a sample of his urine on Tuesday, 10 December 2024, which upon analysis was found to contain multiple substances banned by AR136,” wrote the stewards.

“Patrick Scorse’s jockey’s licence was suspended in full for a period of 18 months, backdated to 17 February 2025 being the day that he was stood down by Stewards and to expire on 17 August 2026.”

Breeding right to Bivouac in Inglis Digital

A breeding right in Bivouac, and a share in Group 1 winner Port Lockroy (Better Than Ready) are the headline acts in the latest Inglis Digital Sale. The Bivouac breeding right entitles the owner to one service right per stud season, subject to the terms of the breeding right agreement, which is available on request to a member of the Inglis team.

The March (Early) catalogue has 361 entries – 153 racehorses (62 race fillies), 100 broodmares, 53 yearlings, 36 racehorse shares, 14 weanlings, 4 stallion shares and 1 unbroken stock.

King Of The Mountain gains Victorian owned Millane

Toowoomba businessman Harvey Black has selected Victorian owned 5-year-old gelding Millane (Zoustar) for his slot in the 2025 King of the Mountain. This is the first year that non-Queensland bred or trained horses have been eligible. “He ran second the other day in Brisbane and (trainer Tony) Gollan came to me about it,” Black told racingqueensland.com.au.

“I just thought, if it rains it might be good as the horse likes the wet a bit. Hopefully we get a bit of rain before the race. We are in there now and I reckon we are in for a show. We are thrilled to be back in the race - this event is not just about competition; it’s about community spirit, tradition, and supporting the ongoing growth of Toowoomba racing. I like racing and being a part of it all.”

Cifrado (Encryption), Rockribbed (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) and King Kapa (Capitalist) have also been confirmed as contenders.

Racecaller Denman retires

After 40 years on the mic, predominantly at Santa Anita and Del Mar, but also for a time as the voice of the Breeders' Cup and Triple Crown races, track announcer Trevor Denman has announced his retirement.

“This is one of the hardest decisions I have ever made,” Denman said. “But my soul is telling me that now is the time.”

Denman, 72, began calling races in 1971 in his native South Africa and came to America in time to assume racecalling duties at Santa Anita in 1983. Among Denman's most celebrated calls are the epic stretch battle in the 1989 GI Preakness Stakes between arch-rivals Sunday Silence (USA) and Easy Goer (USA) and, while serving as the voice of the Breeders' Cup, the 2010 GI Breeders' Cup Classic. With Zenyatta (USA) bearing down on Blame (USA) in an attempt to close her career with a perfect record from 20 starts, the tension in Denman's stretch call was palpable as Zenyatta closed from as many as 15 lengths behind to drop a head decision.

Del Mar President Josh Rubenstein: “Del Mar racing fans have been so fortunate to have Trevor as the announcer here and we're excited that someone of Larry's stature and experience can succeed him. Just as we've been lucky to have Trevor in the booth all these years, we're lucky now to have Larry here.”

Master Of The Seas retired to Lifetime Care program

Multiple Grade I winner Master Of The Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) has been retired from racing, Godophin announced on X. The homebred signed off with a tally in the GI Maker's Mark Mile at Keeneland for trainer Charlie Appleby last April.

“He had an exceptional career, winning a G2 on just his second start and retired a three-time G1 winner after victories in the Woodbine Mile, Breeders Cup Mile and the Maker's Mark Mile,” Godolphin posted.

“Master Of The Seas will now enjoy his retirement back at Kildangan Stud and become a flagbearer for the Godolphin Lifetime Care programme.”

Prix Diane target for Craig Bernick's filly

Craig Bernick's Audubon Park (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) delivered a stunning late burst to notch a four-length debut score going 9 1/2 furlongs atop Chantilly's synthetic surface last month and repeated the dose upped to 10 furlongs on the turf with a perfect G1 Prix de Diane audition in Thursday's Listed Prix Rose de Mai at Saint-Cloud.

“Audubon Park is a very good-looking and gifted filly,” said trainer Francis Graffard. “We gave her all the time she needed last season and we get the reward now. The target is obviously the [G1] Prix de Diane, but I think one more start before then will be enough. We will probably pass the [Mar. 29 G3 Prix] Penelope and look for something else.”