Ellerslie’s million-dollar occasion has the ‘sold out’ signs up

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) confirmed today, Monday 22 January, that the TAB Karaka Millions on Saturday 27 January is officially sold out. The event is Ellerslie’s first premier raceday since the installation of a world-class StrathAyr track and is the Club’s first unrestricted raceday in four years as a result of the pandemic and aforementioned track reconstruction project. Attracting almost unprecedented levels of interest since tickets went on sale in December 2023, hospitality sold out within days of launch and the sales reached 10,000 people on Saturday 20 January with…

Imperatriz ready for trial

Super sprinter Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) will step up her autumn preparation this week with a planned trip away from home to jump out at Mornington. Te Akau Racing assistant trainer Ben Gleeson said on Monday that Imperatriz had been entered to trial on the inner grass track at home at Cranbourne on Monday, but it had been decided to wait two days and instead take her to Mornington for a course-proper gallop over 800 metres. “We just wanted to take her away from Cranbourne for one trial and this…

Moroney’s Guineas aim with Pendragon

Talented horse names making their return to the racebook happens from time to time and should Pendragon (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) find his way to taking on the Australian Guineas at Flemington in March, many punters will quickly recall the Bart Cummings-trained galloper of the mid 2000s. This Pendragon, however, is the Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard -trained version who Moroney hopes can step up to the Group One 1600-metre feature via the $1.5m Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. Bought by Moroney’s brother Paul for $110,000…

Sha Tin races free betting preview & quaddie | January 24

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Wednesday, January 24, 2024 First Race 7:15pm HKT (10:15pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing heads to the bright lights of Sha Tin on Wednesday evening, with an eight-race program lined up on the all-weather circuit. Conditions should be ideal for all participants, with perfect weather forecast in the lead-up. The opening race is set to get underway at 7:15pm local time, with the rail in the true position throughout the meeting.…

Sandown Hillside racing preview & best odds | January 24, 2024

What Sandown Hillside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, January 24, 2024 First Race 3:40pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Sandown Hillside track is in action once again on Wednesday afternoon with a competitive eight-race program set down for judgement. An overcast day is forecast, with a top of 29 degrees, and with the track already a Good 4 at the time of acceptances and the rail out 9m, we should see every runner get their chance if good enough. Twilight racing from Sandown…

Downey’s mare the gift that keeps on giving

Gareth Downey was delighted to take out the inaugural $350,000 Remutaka Classic (2100m) with The Odyssey on Saturday. Photo: Trish Dunell An $8,000 purchase in 2003 has continued to pay dividends for Gareth Downey over two decades later, when the filly’s son won the inaugural $350,000 Remutaka Classic (2100m) at Trentham last Saturday. Downey, a former General Manager of Valachi Downs Stud, relocated to take up the same role at Lindsay Park Racing in 2022, and was near speechless after watching The Odyssey charge to the post from his Australian…

Mr Brightside scores ASM wild card

Superstar milers Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) and Alligator Blood (All Too Hard) have both been handed All-Star Mile wildcards by Racing Victoria. RV made the announcement on Monday morning with the duo both set to go head-to-head in the March 16 feature at Caulfield. Mr Brightside was just edged out by Hong Kong champion Romantic Warrior (Acclamation) in the Cox Plate and was seen for the first time publicly last Friday in a jumpout at Flemington. “He only had a few weeks in the paddock but he really enjoyed his time…

Ballymore to aim higher with Pericles

Stakes targets await Pericles (NZ) (Rubick) after he recorded his second win from his last three starts in the Join The BGP KM Punters Club Via TAB.co.nz 1400 at Pukekohe on Sunday. The son of Rubick showed good gate speed from his outside alley in the eight-horse field to find a handy position outside leader There Goes My Hero (No Nay Never). Pericles put his nose in front with 200m to go and was able to hold off the fast-finishing Tanganyika (NZ) (Ace High) to win by half a length.…

Johnson celebrates Pukekohe double

Annabelle Johnson had a day to remember at Pukekohe Park on Sunday, saddling two impressive winners from as many starters. Commencing Johnson’s successful afternoon was Rightly So (NZ) (El Roca), the four-year-old contesting the Brighthill Farm Yearling Draft 1300 after a creditable fourth in her first raceday appearance under the Pukekohe Park trainer’s name. The daughter of El Roca travelled comfortably midfield under Kozzi Asano and dashed down the inside part of the track to salute by a half-length over Saluto (NZ) (Ardrossan), a deserved maiden victory for the mare…