Almost two years after her most recent win, quality staying mare High Emocean returned to the peak of her powers with a dominant victory in Saturday’s A$150,000 The Sally Chirnside (2500m) at Flemington. The New Zealand-bred daughter of Ocean Park made an outstanding start to her career, winning five of her first 11 starts, culminating in the Listed R.M. Ansett Classic (2415m) at Mornington in September of 2020. Trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace have endured a frustrating run since then, with High Emocean having eight starts in between times…
Month: September 2022
I’m Thunderstruck scores in epic Makybe Diva
With a Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m), A$7.5 million Golden Eagle (1500m) and multiple Group One placings to his name, I’m Thunderstruck had already done enough to be fondly remembered by racing fans on both sides of the Tasman – but a remarkable performance at Flemington on Saturday has further enhanced the Kiwi-bred gelding’s legacy. The five-year-old scored a heart-stopping win in the Gr.1 PFD Food Services Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), catching the runaway leader Alligator Blood in the final stride. I’m Thunderstruck was sent out as a $2.60 favourite on…
Dark Destroyer all business in Group One victory
Dark Destroyer (left) gets the better of Spring Tide to win the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings. Photo credit: Trish Dunell Dark Destroyer, one of last season’s top three-year-olds showed he has come back as a spring four-year-old in fine fettle as he produced a resolute finish to take out the first Group One of the New Zealand season, the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings. The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained son of Proisir hadn’t been seen since completing a successful campaign in Brisbane during the…
I’m Thunderstruck strikes to win Makybe Diva Stakes
I’m Thunderstruck (NZ) ridden by Mark Zahra wins the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) I’m Thunderstruck launched late to claim the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday, denying Alligator Blood of a third Group 1 win. While Alligator Blood looked to have the race sewn up at the 200m mark, it was the race favourite who was able to get up right on the line under Mark Zahra, defeating Alligator Blood, while Mo’unga finished third after running second in this race…
Early spring success for improving Pink Ivory
Pink Ivory claims victory at Rosehill. Photo credit: Bradleyphotography.com.au Trainer John Sargent thought enough of Pink Ivory to take two shots at Group One glory as an autumn three-year-old, but an impressive come-from-behind win at Rosehill on Saturday has him even more excited about the Kiwi-bred mare’s prospects in the months ahead. Making her second start in a new campaign and stepping up from 1550m, the daughter of Redwood produced a powerful late burst to take out the fourth event at Rosehill. Taken back from her wide gate by jockey…
Best Seller takes Gold Trail Stakes on home track
Best Seller cruises to victory in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings. Photo credit: Trish Dunell Local filly Best Seller showed she had taken plenty of benefit out of her first up victory at Taupo last month when she produced a resolute finish to win the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings. The John Bary-trained three-year-old seemed to be in a world of trouble when back second last on the home bend after being allowed to settle on her own terms by rider Sam Spratt.…
Dynastic dynamic in Hastings feature
Dynastic has the situation under control as he takes out the Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) at Hastings. Photo credit: Trish Dunell Last season’s Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) winner Dynastic made a successful return to racing when he displayed a touch of class in taking out the Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m). The Mark Walker-trained son of Almanzor had opened a well favoured +170 chance for the first feature race on the card at Hastings, however concerns about him handling the holding nature of the Heavy…
Silvestre de Sousa’s out for a swift start, Angus Chung debuts
Silvestre de Sousa is ready for the new season in Hong Kong. Silvestre de Sousa is looking to hit the ground running when he returns to action at Sha Tin this Sunday (September 11) as he puts an end to a hiatus spanning nearly 1,000 days since he last competed in Hong Kong. “I hope so (to getting a fast start), I’ll be busy with eight rides on the day and I don’t think they are certainties but they have the chance to finish on the board and with a…
Green Light On – Healesville Cup, Bonus Episode
James Van de Maat gives us a Healesville Cup special. Healesville Greyhound Association Club Manager Cynthia O’Brien and champion trainer Jason Thompson join James for a bumper episode. greyhoundracingvic · Green Light On – Healesville Cup, Bonus Episode
Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes could be She’s Ideel last race
She’s Ideel (right) could be having her last race in the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on Saturday. Picture: Sportpix.com.au. One last mile race in an effort to bring up her first Group 1 victory before She’s Ideel retires to stud? Now that is an ideal scenario, says Ciaron Maher and David Eustace’s bloodstock manager, Will Bourne. The veteran seven-year-old mare starts in the $1 million Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on Saturday in what could be the final run of her racing career. It’s an impressive resume that boasts…