The Real Malkovich Enjoys Better Track

Malkovich has put next month’s $1 million Inglis Sprint back on his agenda after he bounced back from a flop on a heavy track for the Bjorn Baker stable to take out the opening race at Randwick. Stable representative Stephen McLean said Malkovich was back to his best on the drier Soft 6 surface to take out the Benchmark 72 Handicap over 1100 metres. Before his last start failure on a heavy track in the Gosford Guineas, Malkovich had put together impressive back to back wins at Hawkesbury and Canterbury…

Best out for win number two

Best out for win number two By Jonny Turner Win number two awaits Jack Best after he notched the first victory of his training career on his home patch on Friday. The Blenheim born horseman completed the feat when Valley Star produced an outstanding staying performance to score for driver Ricky May at Nelson on Friday. The victory came at the first meeting Best and his mother, Anne-Marie, started runners at since forming an official training partnership. “It was a good thrill and when I sat back and thought about…

Defibrillate capitalises at Flemington

There’s no form like good, recent winning form. It’s an old adage, but it certainly rang true at Flemington on Saturday when Defibrillate (NZ) (Shocking) stamped himself as a stayer on the up in the Lexus Handicap (2000m). The Patrick Payne-trained six-year-old had been in action a fortnight earlier at Caulfield’s Boxing Day meeting when he sprang a $31 surprise in the listed Lord Stakes (1700m). At Caulfield, Defibrillate had been ridden by claiming apprentice Tahlia Hope, but on this occasion Payne’s regular rider, Billy Egan, took over. Egan was…

Island Joy atones for defeats

Most expected Mathew Ellerton, Simon Zahra, Damien Thorton and First Light Racing to successfully combine with Zac De Boss (NZ) (Zacinto) early on the Flemington card but rather it was the unfancied Island Joy (NZ) (Hinchinbrook) who provided them with success on Saturday. Zac De Boss ($2.45 favourite) incurred his first defeat at his third start in the $135,000 Mumm Royale (1400m) at benchmark 70 level for three-year-olds. The son of Zacinto won seven days earlier at Caulfield despite his inclination to lay inwards over the concluding stages but paid…

Cavallo Veloce back to winning form

Former good three-year-old Cavallo Veloce put nearly two years’ worth of frustration behind him when he bounced back to winning form with a dominant display over 1200m at Awapuni. The Peter McKay-trained galloper had last sighted the winner’s enclosure at the same venue back in March 2019, however a series of niggling issues including problems with his feet, had him struggling to find his best form since then. McKay kept his faith in the O’Reilly gelding and was rewarded on Saturday as his charge came with a barnstorming finish in…

Beauden defends Marton Cup crown

Exciting stayer Beauden returned to the scene of his 2020 triumph in the Listed Japac Marton Cup (2200m) on Saturday and made it back-to-back victories in the race with a devastating performance. The Team Rogerson-trained six-year-old came into the race off the back of an emphatic four length win in the Taupo Cup, where regular rider Ryan Elliot had set him alight well before the home turn that day to blitz his race rivals. Elliot adopted similar tactics on Saturday as he stalked the speed on the topweight before joining…

Callsign Mav all class at Awapuni

Trainer John Bary admitted his overwhelming feeling was one of relief after he watched his stable star Callsign Mav lump topweight of 63kg to an emphatic victory over 1400m at Awapuni on Saturday. Bary had been looking for a performance that would indicate whether his Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) winner could be capable of getting beyond a sprint trip and received an answer very much in the affirmative. Rider Jonathan Riddell allowed the Atlante four-year-old to find his feet in the early rush for positions, settling in midfield off a…

Murray Bridge tips and best bets for January 9

What Murray Bridge Races Where Murray Bridge Turf Club, 342 Brinkley Rd, Murray Bridge South SA 5253 When Saturday, January 09, 2021 First Race 12:36pm ACDT Streaming Live at Sportsbet Murray Bridge hosts a nine race card on Saturday afternoon where competitive fields are the story of the day. With the track coming up as a Good 4 and with the rail in the true position we are set fair what looks to be a cracking day of racing in South Australia. There should be no excuses for fancied runners…

Cave Hoping To Breeze In At Randwick

Veteran trainer Paul Cave will be represented by Bowery Breeze at Randwick. Irishman Paul Cave is enthusiastic about the chances of Bowery Breeze ,who is aiming for back-to-back wins, when she lines up in the Tab Handicap (1500m) at Randwick. The Warwick Farm-based Cave, who is now in his fifth decade as a horse trainer, said Bowery Breeze had the potential to be a Group performer and he was expecting the mare to be competitive on Saturday. At her last start Bowery Breeze, ridden by Kathy O’Hara, edged out Zing…

Gold Coast tips, best bets and quaddie selctions | Jan 9 Tips

What Gold Coast Races Where Gold Coast Turf Club, Racecourse Dr, Bundall QLD 4217 When Saturday, January 09, 2021 First Race 12:23pm AEST Streaming Live at Sportsbet A cracking nine race card kicks off the Magic Millions Carnival at Aquis Park on the Gold Coast. The track is rated a Good 4, and the rail is in the true position to make for a perfect day’s racing. The first of nine races will begin at 12:23pm. Best Bet – Race 7 #1 The Astrologist Leon & Troy Corstens have sent…