Sanna was himself part of the ultra-competitive collection of riders in Hong Kong for two seasons, but managed a strike rate of just 4.6%. To make matters worse, he was handed a 10-meeting suspension in late 2019 and his Hong Kong license was stripped not long after winning in Group 3 company.

“For nine months after that I didn't ride, I didn't even think about horses,” Sanna recently told Asian Racing Report's David Morgan. “I became heavy, I think I was 72 kilos (158 pounds) and it was the time of Covid. I was quite depressed because I had given my whole self to doing well in Hong Kong and I got cut off at the wrong time: I was doing well, I was fit. I had ridden nine winners by the beginning of November, so I was winning, I won the Ladies' Purse, I was doing alright.”

Since then, Sanna has experienced a renaissance in the desert, as he has been at or near the top of the local jockeys' standings, and it was a no-brainer for Douglas Whyte, the former legendary jockey turned successful trainer, to book Sanna for the Amir Trophy.

“It's the first time I've travelled a horse abroad,” the 'Durban Demon' told Gina Bryce following the victory. “I'm only new to the training ranks, but [Russian Emperor's] a special horse for me. I've won two Group 1 races with him in Hong Kong, and I thought he was the right horse to travel with temperament wise. I must say he's really blossomed since he's landed in Qatar.”

Settled towards the rear with only two rivals behind for the opening 1800-metres, Sanna swung the 6-year-old out into the clear approaching the stretch and appeared to be going ominously well. He tanked to the front with a furlong to travel and had enough in the dying strides to hold off the progressive Warren Point (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), an impressive winner in listed company in Bahrain earlier this month, who was locked away at a crucial stage and attacked the line to just miss. Commonly owned stablemates Bolthole (Ire) (Free Eagle {Ire}) and Inverness (Ire) (Highland Reel {Ire}) rounded out the minors.

Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}) attended the pace before weakening into fifth, while Hong Kong's Senor Toba (Aus) (Toronado {Ire}) finished a midfield seventh for former local champion jockey Harry Bentley. Stone Age (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) failed to land a blow and trailed in.

Russian Emperor, winner of Royal Ascot's G3 Hampton Court S., was a narrowly beaten second in the 2021 BMW Hong Kong Derby and had since won the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup over 10 furlongs and the G1 Champions and Chater Cup going Saturday's trip. He  holds an entry for the G1 Longines Sheema Classic at Meydan Mar. 25. The gelding is one of two winners out of his champion four-time Group 1 winning dam, who died in August 2020 just days after foaling a Justify colt now named Marvillas (Aus), an A$240,000 Inglis Easter yearling purchase who is currently spelling for trainer Annabel Neasham.

In the afternoon's other marquee events, Order of Australia (Ire) (Australia {GB}) was given a perfect ride from the front by Ryan Moore to scoop the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup (1600m); the John and Thady Gosden-trained Alzahir (Fr) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) outfinished the filly Kerindia (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}) in the age-restricted Al Rayyan Mile; and Flaming Rib (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) outdueled two-time defending champion Taxiwala (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) with Oisin Murphy at the controls in the Dukhan Sprint.

Saturday's Results:
HH THE AMIR TROPHY (Qat-G1)-Listed, $2,500,000, Al Rayyan, 2-18, 3yo/up, 2400mT, 2:25.46, gd.
1–RUSSIAN EMPEROR (IRE), 128, g, 6, Galileo (Ire)–Atlantic Jewel (Aus) (Ch. 3yo Filly, Ch. Older Mare & MG1SW-Aus, $1,559,748), by Fastnet Rock (Aus). O-Mike Cheung Shun Ching; B-Coolmore, Lauri Macri & Partners; T-Douglas Whyte; J-Alberto Sanna; $1,425,000. Lifetime Record: MG1SW-HK, GSW-Eng, GSP-Ire, 25-5-4-3, $5,273,661.
2–Warren Point (GB), 126, g, 4, Dubawi (Ire)–Gaterie, by Dubai Destination. O/B-Godolphin; T-Charlie Appleby; J-William Buic; $550,000.
3–Bolthole (Ire), 126, c, 4, Free Eagle (Ire)–Weekend Getaway (Ire), by Acclamation (GB). (€12,000 Ylg '20 GOFFEB; 19,000gns RNA Ylg '20 TATOCT; 130,000gns HRA '22 TATAUT). O-Wathnan Racing; B-Patrick M Ryan; T-Alban de Mieulle; J-Ronan Thomas; $275,000.
Margins: HF, HF, SHD.
Also Ran: Inverness (Ire), Broome (Ire), Mutabahi (Fr), Senor Toba (Aus), Romagna Mia (GB), Riocorvo (Ger), In The Night (Ire), Hellenistique (Ire), Stone Age (Ire).

IRISH THOROUGHBRED MARKETING CUP (Qat-G2, NBT), $500,000, Al Rayyan, 2-18, 3yo/up, 1600mT, 1:33.86, gd.
1–ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (IRE), 128, h, 6, Australia (GB)–Senta's Dream (GB), by Danehill. O-Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Mrs A M O'Brien; B-Whisperview Trading Ltd; T-Aidan O'Brien; J-Ryan Moore; $285,000. Lifetime Record: Hwt. 3yo & 4yo-Ire at 7-9.5f, GISW-US, MGSW-Ire, MG1SP-Fr, G1SP-Eng, $2,255,516. *1/2 to Iridessa (Ire) (Ruler of The World {Ire}), MG1SW-Ire, G1SW-Eng, GISW-US, $1,988,198; and Santa Barbara (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), MGISW-US, G1SP-Ire, $731,938.
2–Band Width (Ire), 128, g, 4, Gutaifan (Ire)–Party Whip (Ire), by Whipper. (£22,000 Ylg '20 GOFSEP; 60,000gns HRA '22 TATAUT). O-Wathnan Racing; B-Bridgetown Stud; T-Alban de Mieulle; J-Mickael Barzalona; $110,000.
3–Conflict (Ire), 128, c, 4, No Nay Never–Sound of Guns (GB), by Acclamation (GB). (90,000gns Ylg '20 TATOCT; €255,200 2yo '21 ARQMAY; £52,500 HRA '22 TATAUG). O-51 East Racing; B-Ballylinch Stud; T-Wasim Al Sahn; J-Maxime Guyon; $55,000.
Margins: HF, HD, HF.

AL RAYYAN MILE (Qat-G2, NBT), $400,000, Al Rayyan, 2-18, 3yo, 1600mT, 1:33.83, gd.
1–ALZAHIR (FR), 128, g, 3, Sea The Stars (Ire)–Cup Cake (Ire), by Singspiel (Ire). (200,000gns Ylg '21 TATOCT). O-Al Wasmiyah Stud, G Bailey, N Wrigley; B-Al Wasmiyah Stud; T-John & Thady Gosden; J-Andrea Atzeni; $228,000. Lifetime Record: 5-2-1-0, $234,758. *1/2 to Suedois (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), GISW-US, GSW & G1SP-Eng & Fr, GSW-Ire, SP-UAE, $1,983,778; and Kadapul (Fr) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Hwt. Older Mare-Qat.
2–Kerindia (Ire), 123, f, 3, Cotai Glory (GB)–Coursing (GB), by Kyllachy (GB). (£24,000 Ylg '21 TATSEP; 65,000gns 2yo '22 TATAPR; 145,000 2yo '22 TATNOV). O-Injaaz Stud; B-Rossenarra Stud; T-Zuhair Mohsen; J-Jim Crowley; $88,000.
3–Ocean Vision (Ire), 128, c, 3, U S Navy Flag–Balaagha, by Mr. Greeley. O-J Kirkland & Mrs G Ryan; B-Mighty Universe Limited; T-Tim Donworth; J-Maxime Guyon; $44,000.
Margins: HD, 3/4, 3/4. VIDEO

DUKHAN SPRINT (Sponsored by Breeders' Cup) (Qat-G3, NBT), $400,000, Al Rayyan, 2-18, 3yo, 1200mT, 1:08.56, gd.
1–FLAMING RIB (IRE), 128, c, 4, Ribchester (Ire)–Suddenly (Ger), by Excelebration (Ire). (€40,000 Wlg '19 GOFNOV; 25,000gns Ylg '20 TATOCT). O-Dale Dolan Dooley Owen; B-Kildaragh Stud; T-Hugo Palmer; J-Oisin Murphy; $228,000. Lifetime Record: SW & G1SP-Eng, 17-7-3-2, $554,275.
2–Taxiwala (Ire), 128, g, 6, Holy Roman Emperor (Ire)–It's True (Ire), by Kheleyf. (€105,000 Wlg '17 GOFNOV; 50,000gns Ylg '18 TATOCT; 10,000gns HRA '19 TATAUT). O-Eng Osama Omer E Al-Fafea; B-River Downs Stud; T-Osama Al-Dafea; J-Ronan Thomas; $88,000.
3–Monsieur Noir (GB), 128, g, 7, Shamardal–Night Frolic (GB), by Night Shift. (500,000gns Ylg '17 TATOCT; 75,000gns HRA '19 TATAUT). O-Wathnan Racing; B-Highclere Stud & Floors Farming; T-Alban de Mieulle; J-Mickael Barzalona; $44,000.
Margins: 3/4, 2 HF. VIDEO

The post Sweet Success For Sanna, Whyte In Amir Trophy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Globetrotting sensation Highland Reel (Ire) won the Hong Kong Vase in 2015 and 2017 before Mogul (GB) bolstered O'Brien's record in the race when landing the Group 1 contest in 2020.

Order Of Australia (Ire) (Australia {GB}), who tasted high level success on the international circuit in 2020 by taking out the Breeders' Cup Mile, will be O'Brien's sole representative in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup.

Stone Age was last seen running a fine second in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf, a race in which stablemate Broome could only manage a sixth-placed finish, but O'Brien has provided an upbeat bulletin on both horses ahead of Sunday's contest.

He said, “We were delighted with Stone Age at the Breeders' Cup, he ran a very good race and had progressed from his previous run at Ascot. We've been happy with everything we've seen from him since then.

“It had been on my mind to go to Hong Kong since the Breeders' Cup, we thought the track, trip and ground should all suit him fine, we're all looking forward to it.”

Asked if Stone Age could stay in training next year, O'Brien added, “We think and hope he will. Obviously we think he's progressing and he definitely could progress again from three to four.”

Broome will be having his first taste of racing at Sha Tin on Sunday but O'Brien says he thinks the battle-hardened 6-year-old is up to the challenge.

He said, “We were very happy with his run in America, he was a bit slow away, got back a little bit and finished off very well. We had it in our heads that we might go to the Japan Cup, it just came maybe a week or two too early and that's why we waited.

“We were delighted to have the opportunity to come to Hong Kong with him. He's in good form and is a very good natured, very sound horse.”

O'Brien will bid to land the Hong Kong Cup for the first time with Order Of Australia, who he says is capable of being effective over the 10-furlong trip.

“He's been running all the time over a mile, but we always thought stepping up over a-mile-and-a-quarter would improve him more. He's obviously by Australia and we're very happy with him, we'll see what happens on Sunday.

“He has won over seven furlongs twice as well, so we kept him at a mile after the Breeders' Cup win, but we'd think there's a pretty good chance that [10 furlongs] will be fine.”

He added, “Obviously you need horses that don't mind travel, have experience and are still in good shape. It's a fantastic meeting, we speak to a lot of people who will tell you it's a great day. We always like to be involved and are delighted to be invited, especially for very competitive, high-class racing.”

The post O’Brien’s Hong Kong Challenge Headed By Stone Age And Broome appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Ninth to Japan's Loves Only Your (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in last year's G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup (2000m), the last of an eight-race campaign that saw him compete on three continents, the bay was given a chance to make a return trip to Hong Kong in the Listed Churchill S. at Lingfield Nov. 12, but he failed to shine, finishing fourth and beaten better than six lengths.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien will still be double-handed in the Vase with GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf runners-up Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}) and Stone Age (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), while Order Of Australia (Ire) (Australia {GB}) is to take on two-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile.

The post Bolshoi Ballet To Miss Hong Kong Vase appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

In the history of the HKIR, only one horse–Good Ba Ba (Lear Fan)–has managed to score three victories at the meeting. More history could be made this year when two-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) and Japan's Glory Vase (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) shoot for their third victories in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile and G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase, respectively.

Golden Sixty should be a warm favourite to complete the feat, having defeated California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) in the G2 Jockey Club Mile on his seasonal debut Nov. 20. Japan, which is set to be represented by 14 runners across the races, has won the Mile on four occasions and fields a team of three, led by last year's third Salios (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) and Group 1 winner Schnell Meister (GB) (Kingman {GB}). The current connections of dual Group 1 winner Saffron Beach (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) have also accepted, but her participation hinges on the results of the upcoming Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions, for which she holds an entry.

HK$30 million G1 @LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) selected runners:

Golden Sixty
California Spangle
Salios
Schnell Meister
Waikuku
Beauty Joy

Cont'd. pic.twitter.com/c8gFjNr2QO

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) November 23, 2022

Glory Vase could face as many as 10 while looking to add to his wins here in 2019 and again last year, but he is not the highest-rated in the event. Broome (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), one of three invitees from Aidan O'Brien, is two pounds clear of Glory Vase and Germany's G1 Grosser Preis von Baden hero Mendocino (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) on 118. Ballydoyle could also send out Bolshoi Ballet (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and recent GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf runner-up Stone Age (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Joao Moreira has already picked up two HKIR rides for Japan and could climb back aboard Glory Vase in what could be his final rides at Sha Tin, after officially forfeiting his licence Wednesday.

HK$22 million G1 @LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) selected runners:

Broome
Bubble Gift
Glory Vase
Mendocino
Botanik
Senor Toba
Panfield
Butterfield
Bolshoi Ballet
Win Marilyn
Stone Age

#グローリーヴェイズ #競馬 | #HKIR | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/2CqGFOzidL

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) November 23, 2022

Hong Kong's champion sprinter Wellington (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}) tops a full field of 14 in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint, but his participation is in some doubt after pulling up lame behind Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse {Aus}) in last weekend's G2 Jockey Club Sprint. One of Moreira's rides comes aboard Resistencia (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}), runner-up in last year's tragedy-marred Sprint, while G1 Sprinters' S. hero Gendarme (Kitten's Joy) also jets in. Lim's Kosciuszko (Aus) (Kermadec {NZ}) is Singapore's second highest-rated galloper and earns a spot in the field over three locally based runners.

HK$24 million G1 @LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) selected runners:

Wellington
Sky Field
Gendarme
Lucky Patch
Lucky Sweynesse
Super Wealthy
Naran Huleg
Stronger

Cont'd. pic.twitter.com/LLdvtZ7IC7

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) November 23, 2022

The G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup looms the race of the day, as the once-beaten Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) takes on a classy bunch over the 2000 metres. Panthalassa (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) dead-heated with Lord North (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in this year's G1 Dubai Turf and most recently set a searching gallop in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) before yielding late. Prior to that effort, the 5-year-old was reeled in by Jack d'Or (Jpn)–a son of 2016 Cup winner Maurice (Jpn)–in the G2 Sapporo Kinen. Japan is also represented by Classic winner Geoglyph (Drefong) and Lei Papale (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), sixth here last year and also a confirmed Moreira ride. Order Of Australia (Ire) (Australia {GB}), best known for his 73-1 upset in the GI Breeders' Cup Mile, lands here where he will try a grassy 10 furlongs for just the third time in his 23-race career. The 5-year-old was fourth in the 2020 G1 Irish Derby going 2400 metres.

HK$34 million G1 @LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) selected runners:

Panthalassa
Romantic Warrior
Jack d'Or
Order Of Australia
Russian Emperor
Danon The Kid

Cont'd. pic.twitter.com/ktWcVunxSw

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) November 23, 2022

Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing for the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said, “Once more, we are delighted that the quality of selected runners for this year's Longines Hong Kong International Races is in keeping with our long-held commitment to deliver sporting excellence and this is highlighted with strong groups from Japan and Europe headed for Hong Kong to compete against Golden Sixty, Romantic Warrior and more.”

Worth a combined HK$110 million (£11.7m/€13.6m), the Longines Hong Kong International Races will take place in front of an expected crowd of better than 30,000 fans Sunday, Dec. 11 at Sha Tin Racecourse.

The post Golden Sixty, Glory Vase Set For Longines HKIR Three-Baggers appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

“Point Lonsdale worked in the same group as Luxembourg on Saturday and that was the first time they went together. I was very happy with Point Lonsdale, the two of them came up very well,” said O'Brien on Monday morning.

“At the moment, the plan is for the two of them to go for the Guineas. Point Lonsdale is a very brave horse. He's a great traveller, he has plenty of pace, but we think he'll stay as well. He'll love the nice ground, even though he did a lot of his racing last year on softer ground.”

O'Brien added, “It looks as though Luxembourg will go straight for the Guineas as well. He travelled well in his work and finished close to Point Lonsdale so it will be interesting to see how they get on.”

Both sons of Derby winners for Ballydoyle, the pair had near faultless records as juveniles. Point Londsale won on debut at The Curragh and went on to land the Chesham S. at Royal Ascot followed by the G3 Tyros S. and G2 Irish EBF Futuruity S. His final start of 2021 saw him finish second to the champion juvenile Native Trail (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) in the G1 National S. The unbeaten Luxembourg made just three starts, including the G2 Beresford S. ahead of his Group 1 strike. His full-brother subsequently topped the Goffs Orby Sale when bought by MV Magnier for €1.2 million.

Drawing a comparison between Luxembourg and his sire, O'Brien said, “Luxembourg is probably a little bit bigger than Camelot, he's rangier, but he has the pace. Camelot was the only Montjeu horse to win the Guineas and this fella travels along. He finds it easy to go fast, which is a good sign.”

Among the 3-year-olds with Classic engagements pencilled in is the Kodiac (GB) colt Glounthaune (Ire), who will be seen out this weekend in the 2000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown.

“He's a very big horse and we were playing catch-up with him all last season,” said O'Brien. “He could be a French Guineas horse.”

The ParisLongchamp Classic could also be the aim for Star Of India (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), a seven-furlong maiden winner on his sole start in October.

“He was away to The Curragh on Saturday,” the trainer added. “We wanted to see whether or not we will start him back over a mile or whether he wants a mile and a quarter. He went well at The Curragh. We took him to The Curragh to find out if he was a Derby horse or a Guineas horse. He has a lazy way of going but there's always plenty left in the tank. He could go for a French Guineas, and go on from there, he's that type of horse.”

Bluegrass (Ire), a son of Galileo (Ire) and the G1 Commonwealth Cup winner Quiet Reflection (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), is a likely runner in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial. “He won his maiden at The Curragh and is nice,” added the trainer.

Scriptwriter (Ire), from the first crop of Churchill (Ire), is also heading to a Derby trial, while River Thames (Ire), another by the dual Guineas winner, has met with a minor setback.

“River Thames was working very well and we were very happy with him but he picked up a stone bruise a couple of days ago,” said O'Brien. “We were going to go for the Ballysax but he just won't get to make that now.”

O'Brien has won the G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot once in its seven-year existence with Caravaggio, and he could be represented this year by King Of Bavaria (Ire) (No Nay Never), a dual winner last year who could take in Navan's Committed S. on April 23.

He said, “King Of Bavaria is a five- or six-furlong horse. He worked with Cadamosto (Ire) (No Nay Never) at The Curragh on Saturday and we were happy with the two of them.”

One who will not fly under the radar when he makes his debut is Waterville (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), a 3-year-old half-brother to the Irish Oaks winner and Arc runner-up Sea Of Class (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}).

“He could be a good bit better than a maiden and may even be a Derby horse,” noted the trainer. “He's a Derby-type horse and he goes very well. He's a very big horse and will run in maiden a before long.”

He added, “Snowfall's brother Newfoundland (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) is another nice maiden.”

Distaff Division

Among what is undoubtedly a raft of smart fillies at Ballydoyle, the beautifully bred Tenebrism–a daughter of Caravaggio and crack miler Immortal Verse (Ire) (Pivotal {GB})–is a standout on her exploits to date. She ran just twice last year, in March and September, but returned triumphant from both starts, the latter being the G1 Cheveley Park S. on Newmarket's Rowley Mile. She would have to go an extra two furlongs in the 1000 Guineas but her trainer offered encouragement in that regard.

“There's every chance Tenebrism will stay the Guineas trip,” he said. “She worked very well after racing at The Curragh on Saturday. We went a very good gallop in front of her for seven and a half furlongs and she picked up very well and ran home strongly. You'd have to be very impressed with what she has done so far.”

Contarelli Chapel, another daughter of Caravaggio who, like Tenebrism, races in the Westerberg colours, is on the comeback trail following knee surgery. The half-sister to G1 Prix de Diane and G1 Nassau S. winner Fancy Blue (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) from the family of Derby winner High Chaparral (Ire) is heading for Sunday's 1000 Guineas Trail at Leopardstown.

“Contarelli Chapel is going very well,” O'Brien reported. “She had a chip taken out of her knee after she disappointed at Naas last season. She's a half-sister to Donnacha's good filly and she's classy. We've always thought the world of her.”

The trainer added that History (Ire), by Galileo (Ire) out of a full-sister to Group 1-winning miler Mohaather (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), is likely to take her chance in the Irish 1000 Guineas after working well at The Curragh on Saturday.

Tuesday (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), a sister to the brilliant Minding (Ire), got the turf season off to a positive start for the Ballydoyle team on Sunday when breaking her maiden over a mile.

“Tuesday was very good at Naas and she will come on a lot from that,” said O'Brien. “She's relaxed and laidback and she looks like she will stay well. I think the 1000 Guineas could come too soon for her and she could benefit with another run. She could run in an Irish 1000 Guineas on the way to an Oaks, or she may even run in a Guineas Trial at Leopardstown in May.”

He added of another blueblood, Toy (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), the sister to Classic winners Gleneagles (Ire), Marvellous (Ire) and Joan Of Arc (Ire) who was runner-up to the Joseph O'Brien-trained Perfect Thunder (Ire) (Night of Thunder {Ire}) in a maiden on Saturday, “I thought she'd win at The Curragh but Joseph had other ideas. We think Toy is a good filly. Whether we go on for a maiden or go on to a trial, I don't know, but the winner on Saturday looked good.”

The mouth-watering array of fillies stabled at Ballydoyle also includes Only (Jpn), the first foal of Classic heroine Winter from the penultimate crop of Deep Impact (Jpn), while O'Brien noted that Champagne (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), a sister to Arc winner Found (Ire), “goes nicely”.

Early Juveniles

Running through some of the stable's 2-year-olds who could be out in the earlier part of the season, and which include a brother to top sprinter Battaash (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), O'Brien said, “Little Big Bear (Ire) is a No Nay Never colt who goes well and Mediate (Ire) is a No Nay Never filly who will be out early as well.”

Coolmore's first-season sire Sioux Nation took an early lead in the freshman table when his daughter Ocean Quest (Ire) became his first runner and first winner at The Curragh on Saturday, and the young stallion is represented by a pair of juveniles at Ballydoyle.

“There's another colt who goes very well, Congo River, and he's by Mendelssohn,” O'Brien noted. “We also have a Sioux Nation colt called Tiger Paw (Ire). We only have two Sioux Nations–the other is on a little break–but they seem to be very fast horses. There's a Dark Angel colt out of Anna Law, so he's a brother to Battaash, and he looks smart, and there's another No Nay Never colt called Aesop's Fables (Ire) who goes nicely. They're all the early ones.”

Seasoned Campaigners

The 2020 Breeders' Cup Mile winner Order Of Australia (Ire) (Australia {GB}) remains in training as a 5-year-old. He won last year's G2 Minstrel S. and finished third in a sensational running of the G1 Prix Jacques Le Marois behind Palace Pier (GB) and Poetic Flare (Ire), as well as being runner-up to Baaeed (GB) in the G1 Prix du Moulin. Order Of Australia was found to have an issue after his most recent outing in the GI Keeneland Turf Mile.

“He might have a run or a racecourse gallop before the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot. That will be his early-season target anyway,” said his trainer. “I don't know if we'll have him ready for a Lockinge. He got a fracture in America last season and we had to put a pin in it when he came back which is why he won't be out until Ascot.”

The trainer also provided an update on Point Lonsdale's 6-year-old full-brother Broome (Ire), who was runner-up to Yibir (Ire) in the Breeders' Cup Turf before running down the field in the Japan Cup.

He said, “Broome is only on his way back. When he was being untacked in Japan, a horse walked by him and kicked him. He fractured his shin and needed a long time off. It was a freak thing to happen and you'd be hoping that he'll be back in time for Ascot.”

Also returning from a fracture is the GI Belmont Derby winner Bolshoi Ballet (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). “I don't think he'll be back for Ascot but we'll have him for the autumn and there are a lot of races for him. He'll be a better 4-year-old,” noted O'Brien.

Unusually for Ballydoyle, the 1000 Guineas winner Mother Earth (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) is the only older filly in training this season. The stable suffered the tragic losses of last year's Oaks winner Snowfall (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and dual Grade I victrix Santa Barbara (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) to pelvic injuries in September and January, respectively.

The post Point Lonsdale And Luxembourg On Course For Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

The 4-year-old, who was a rare longshot winner of a Breeders' Cup race for trainer Aidan O'Brien last year when winning at 73-1 at Keeneland, also won this year's G2 Minstrel S. He was third in the G1 Prix Jacques Le Marois and second in the G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp before finishing last of 12 when returning to Keeneland for the GI Keeneland Turf Mile S. on Oct. 9.

“He won't get to race again,” O'Brien revealed during a Breeders' Cup press conference on Wednesday. “He had a small fracture and had a pin put in it this morning, but the operation and everything went well. He will go off to stud now.”

Order Of Australia is out of Senta's Dream (GB) (Danehill), and is therefore a half-brother to GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf and four-time Group 1 winner Iridessa (Ire) (Ruler Of The World {Ire}) and to this year's ill-fated GI Belmont Oaks Invitational and GI Beverly D. S. winner Santa Barbara (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). Their second dam is the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf victress Starine (Fr) (Mendocino).

O'Brien is still set to be represented in the Mile by Mother Earth (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}), while Love (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is entered in both the GI Turf and GI Filly & Mare Turf over a quarter-mile shorter. Interestingly, O'Brien has four Grade/Group 1 winners that need defections to get into the turf field-Bolshoi Ballet (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), Broome (GB) (Australia {GB}), Japan (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) and Mogul (GB) (Galileo {Ire})-and thus O'Brien said Love may go to the Filly & Mare Turf to allow first reserve Japan a run.

“It is very possible that could happen,” O'Brien said. “I think the American handicap system is a little bit different to ours. It wasn't on ratings horses were getting in. We have four Group 1 winners who are all reserves so it is possible we might have to take Love out of [the Turf] and run her in the Filly & Mares to give the other horses a chance to get into the Turf. The horses are due to fly on Saturday. We'll have an idea by then what chance they have of getting in or not.”

O'Brien's lone juvenile representative at the Breeders' Cup is Evie Stockwell, Coolmore and Westerberg's G3 Killavullan S. scorer Glounthaune (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) in the GI Juvenile Turf, while he also has La Joconde (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) engaged in the Filly & Mare Turf.

Click here for the full Breeders' Cup pre-entries.

The post Order Of Australia Injured, Retired appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

The ink hadn't dried on the pre-entry forms yet when it was learned there will be at least one defection from overseas. Trainer Aidan O'Brien said Order of Australia would not make the trip from Ireland to defend his title in the Breeders' Cup Mile after suffering a setback on Wednesday morning. Order of Australia was one of eight returning Breeders' Cup winners pre-entered. The others are Knicks Go, Essential Quality, Tarnawa, Audarya, Gamine, Glass Slippers and Golden Pal.

Final entries are due on the morning of Monday, Nov. 1, with post positions drawn that afternoon in the Del Mar paddock at 2:30 p.m. The general public is invited to attend.

In this Breeders' Cup News Minute, publisher Ray Paulick takes a closer look at some of the pre-entries and offers a historical perspective on what races have on average provided the biggest (and lowest) payouts.

Watch the Breeders' Cup News Minute below:

The post Breeders’ Cup Presents The News Minute: International Pre-Entries At Record Level appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Lobo said that In Love as well as stablemate Ivar (BRZ) both returned to The Thoroughbred Center on the other side of Lexington last night and were doing fine Sunday morning. Ivar, in his first start in more than five months, finished fourth after a troubled trip in his bid to repeat in the Turf Mile.

In Love, who provided jockey Alex Achard with his first Grade 1 victory, earned a berth in the Grade 1 FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile Presented by PDJF, a race in which Ivar was fourth last year here at Keeneland and remains under consideration for this year.

Imperador earned his spot in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf with a victory in course-record time in the Grade 2 Calumet Turf Cup at Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Ky., last month.

All three horses are owned by Bonne Chance Farm and Stud R D I. Lobo said he would ship his Breeders' Cup runners to Del Mar on Nov. 1.

The defending champion in the Breeders' Cup Mile, Order of Australia (IRE), finished last in the field of 12 in the Keeneland Turf Mile.

“He was a disappointment,” said Kieran Murphy, who is overseeing trainer Aidan O'Brien's horses at Keeneland. “He had a tough draw, 10 of 13, and he doesn't like to be in around other horses. He will leave tonight for Chicago and then fly home tomorrow.”

The post Lobo Has Imperador, In Love Tabbed For Breeders’ Cup At Del Mar appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

In addition to the Keeneland Turf Mile, which is a “Win and You're In” race for the FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile Presented by PDJF at Del Mar on Nov. 6, Saturday's 11-race program will offer two other Grade 1 tests: the 108th running of the Claiborne Breeders' Futurity for 2-year-olds going 1 1/16 miles on the main track and the 24th running of the $400,000 First Lady Presented by UK HealthCare for fillies and mares going a mile on the turf.

The Keeneland Turf Mile will go as the 10th race Saturday with a 5:46 p.m. ET post time. First post is 1 p.m.

Owned by Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Anne Marie O'Brien, Order of Australia posted a 73-1 upset when he prevailed by a neck in the Breeders' Cup Mile here last November. Trained by Aidan O'Brien, Order of Australia arrived at Keeneland Tuesday afternoon after spending two days in quarantine at Churchill Downs.

Order of Australia has won one of five starts in 2021 and enters the Keeneland Turf Mile off a runner-up finish in the Prix du Moulin (G1) at Longchamp in September. John Velazquez has the mount Saturday and will exit post 10.

One of the horses chasing Order of Australia in last year's Breeders' Cup Mile was Ivar (BRZ), who will seek to become only the third horse to win the Turf Mile in consecutive years.

Trained by Paulo Lobo, Ivar finished fourth, 2 lengths behind Order of Australia, in the Breeders' Cup. In Ivar's lone 2021 start, he was sixth, beaten 2 lengths in the Turf Classic (G1) at Churchill in May.

Joe Talamo has the mount Saturday from post position six.

The field for the Keeneland Turf Mile, with riders from the inside, is: Front Run the Fed (Francisco Arrieta), Argentello (IRE) (Brian Hernandez Jr.), In Love (BRZ) (Alex Achard), Space Traveller (GB) (Danny Tudhope), Tell Your Daddy (Julien Leparoux), Ivar (BRZ) (Talamo), Pixelate (Tyler Gaffalione), Brown Storm (Hector Berrios), Monarchs Glen (GB) (Ricardo Santana Jr.), Order of Australia (IRE) (Velazquez), Diamond Oops (Florent Geroux), Field Pass (Flavien Prat), Somelikeithotbrown (Jose Ortiz). All starters will carry 126 pounds.

The post Breeders’ Cup Winner Order Of Australia Returns Stateside For Keeneland Turf Mile appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

The Breeders' Cup Challenge Series is an international series of 84 stakes races where the winners receive automatic starting positions and fees paid into a corresponding race of the Breeders' Cup World Championships, which will be held at Del Mar racetrack in Del Mar, Calif., on Nov. 5-6.

Palace Pier, trained by John & Thady Gosden and ridden by Frankie Dettori, traveled up on the outside of the field and showed a sparkling turn of foot to go clear of his seven rivals before having to withstand a strong challenge from Group 1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas hero Poetic Flare (IRE) in the final furlong to hold on by a neck. The defending Grade 1 FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile champion, Order of Australia (IRE), was a further 1 ¾ lengths back in third.

After completing the mile in 1:35.96 over a course listed as good, Palace Pier was cut to 7/4 with Unibet for the FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile in November.

John Gosden speaking after the race, said: “I thought it was a very clean race. They went a sensible pace. They quickened from 600 meters out and so it was a test of speed and he's done it well. He's a gorgeous and lovely horse to be around. He's got this amazing cruising speed and acceleration. I've made no secret that he was ill. He had a blood disorder and missed the G1 Qatar Sussex Stakes and we've come here on the absolute minimum amount of work. He's probably come here at 80% and as Frankie (Dettori) said, his class has got him through. He's having a strong blow after, so he was probably 10 days short of work, but they weren't going to move the Jacques Le Marois!”

Gosden indicated that QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot in October could be next for the five-time Group 1 winner.

“We'll now wait until Champions Day and go either for the 1-mile Group 1 QIPCO Queen Elizabeth II Stakes or perhaps the 1 ¼ mile Group 1 QIPCO Champion Stakes.”

When asked if the Breeders' Cup could be on the agenda for the son of Kingman (GB), Gosden replied: “November is a long way off! Del Mar is a track I'm very fond of and I had a lot of success there and have a lot of good friends there, but that's a long way down the road at the moment.”

Palace Pier was already a winner of the “Win and You're In” G1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in June and is one of seven horses this year to have gained a “Win and You're In” berth for the FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile. Jet Dark (SAF), winner of the Group 1 L'Ormarins Queen's Plate in South Africa, Succeso (CHI) who claimed the Group 1 Gran Premio Club Hipico Falabella in Chile, Smooth Like Strait who won the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile, Danon Kingly (JPN) who captured the Group 1 Yasuda Kinen in Japan, Alcohol Free (IRE) who stormed clear in the Group 1 Qatar Sussex Stakes, and Got Stormy who yesterday won the Grade 1 Fourstardave, are the other six.

As part of the benefits of the Challenge Series, Breeders' Cup will pay the entry fees for Palace Pier to start in the FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile, which will be run at a mile on the Del Mar turf course. Breeders' Cup will also provide a travel allowance of $40,000 for all starters based outside of North America to compete in the World Championships. The Challenge winner must be nominated to the Breeders' Cup program by the Championships' pre-entry deadline of Oct. 25 to receive the rewards.

The post Palace Pier Wins Second Jacques Le Marois At Deauville, BC Mile Berth appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post