He may only be a 77-rater but the former Kiwi galloper Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto) goes into 2024 with a deal of expectation after an encouraging return from a short spell. Jimmysstar took to the jump-outs at Cranbourne on Monday, where he managed to run a comfortable second placing before the heavy 10 surface forced officials to abandon the rest of the card. His managing owner Ozzie Kheir said later trainers Ciaron Maher and Dave Eustace had been glowing in their assessment of the four-year-old gelded son of Per Incanto…
Month: January 2024
Father-daughter duo get dream result in Reefton Cup
Follow Your Dreams (NZ) (Contributer) has been absent from the winner’s circle for the last 12 months, but he broke that drought, almost to the day, when victorious in the Ken Gray Memorial Reefton Cup (1400m) on Tuesday. The son of Contributer settled to the rear of the pack for jockey Corey Campbell in the West Coast feature as Diamond Girl (NZ) (Rock ‘N’ Pop) set her customary blistering pace up front, opening up several margins on the main pack. Campbell pushed his charge forward at the 900m mark to…
Celtic Echo chasing ticket to Remutaka Classic
The ever-consistent Celtic Echo (NZ) (Echoes of Heaven) will attempt to gain a spot in the coveted $350,000 Remutaka Classic (1600m) at Trentham later this month when she heads to Wanganui on Thursday. The four-year-old mare has placed in four of her seven starts to date and trainer Jade Zuppicich believes she has a bright future instore once the penny drops. “She is knocking on the door but she hasn’t quite got there, she is still trying to work everything out,” Zuppicich said. “It just takes her that little bit…
Aussie trip off for Muscle Mountain
By Michael Guerin Star trotter Muscle Mountain will be staying put at least for now. The giant multiple Group 1 winner is back in work after a setback ruled him out of the NZ Trotting Free-For-All on Grand Prix Day at Addington but driver Ben Hope says the intended Australian trip for the Great Southern Star is off. “We wanted to go to Victoria but being out of a work for a while he won’t be ready,” says Hope. “So he will stay here and race in a couple of…
Hillis hoping for home track success
Matamata trainer Wayne Hillis is looking forward to heading to his home track on Wednesday where he will be represented by a pair of runners in the Waikato Stud 1200. Both Suited and Booted (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) and Sweet And Sassy (NZ) (Rageese) will be vying to break maiden ranks at their second start before heading for a spell. U S Navy Flag gelding Suited And Booted was runner-up on debut over 1200m at the Waikato track last start, following a trial win last month, and Hillis said…
Marsh on Group One mission
In-form short course performer Mercurial (NZ) (Burgundy) has been given the green light for another crack at a major prize on Saturday. Trainer Stephen Marsh can’t fault his genuine son of Burgundy, who will take his place in the Gr.1 JR & N Berkett Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham where he has previously been successful. The five-year-old will be one of a quartet of elite level contenders Marsh sends south with Double Vision (NZ) (Darci Brahma), Nikaia (NZ) (Ardrossan) and Sinhaman- (NZ) (Tivaci) to chase top age group honours in the…
Team Alfeld enjoys “Majestic Sunday”
By Mike Love A winner on debut, Majestic Sunday gave Leeston trainer Murray Alfeld the perfect start to 2024 by taking out the Banks Peninsula Welcome Dave Butts – Raceday Secretary Trot at Motukarara on Sunday. “I’m really happy,” said Alfeld, “he went big. He was well back and I thought he might get third or fourth but he’s just jogged it.” Majestic Sunday began well for driver Colin DeFilippi, and settled three and four back the fence. DeFilippi waited patiently for a gap to present itself up the long…
Sandown Hillside free racing preview & quaddie | January 10, 2024
What Sandown Hillside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, January 10, 2024 First Race 3:40pm AEDT Visit Dabble Racing returns to the Hillside track at Sandown on Wednesday afternoon, where a competitive eight-race program is set down for decision. With persistent rain across Melbourne’s south-east, we will be racing on a rain-affected track for the meeting, with the track a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances. The rail sticks to the true position, with action set to commence at 3:40pm AEDT. Best…
Wiremu Pinn returns home to New Zealand
Wiremu Pinn following his win aboard Dolphin Skin in the Listed Taj Rossi Series Final (1600m) at Flemington. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Wiremu Pinn will be a welcome addition to the New Zealand jockey ranks, with the talented hoop returning to his homeland after a stint riding in Melbourne. Initially heading across the Tasman in June last year for a three-month period to test the water, Pinn made an instant impact in the Victorian riding ranks and elected to stay on for what he intended to be a permanent move. Pinn’s…
Stony Creek meeting abandoned
Tuesday’s meeting at Stony Creek has been abandoned. (Ross Holburt/Racing Photos) Racing Victoria (RV) has announced the unfortunate abandonment of Tuesday’s Stony Creek meeting due to the persistent impact of wet weather. The track has endured 40ml of rainfall in the past 24 hours, leading to surface water accumulation on the track and flooding in critical areas such as the mounting yard and float car park. Given the continuous rain expected until late evening, the decision was made to abandon the meeting. Although transfer options were explored, none were considered…