Trainer Patrick Payne has claimed his third successive Listed Graham Family Funerals Tasmanian Derby (2200m) when Bold Soul (NZ) (Embellish) dug deep to prevail from fellow Kiwi bred Gold Wolf. The son of Embellish was sent out a $1.45 favourite on the back of a stunning last-to-first victory in the Listed Launceston Guineas (2100m) and defeated a similar field in Friday’s Derby, with the exception of the runner-up. Ridden by Jake Noonan, Bold Soul raced fifth on the fence for the majority of the contest before coming deepest to round…
Month: February 2024
Bold Soul claims Tasmanian Derby
Bold Soul pictured at a previous win at Flemington. Photo: Brett Holbut (Racing Photos) Trainer Patrick Payne has claimed his third successive Listed Tasmanian Derby (2200m) when Bold Soul dug deep to prevail from fellow Kiwi bred Gold Wolf. The son of Embellish was sent out a -222.22 favourite with leading horse racing bookmakers on the back of a stunning last-to-first victory in the Listed Launceston Guineas (2100m) and defeated a similar field in Friday’s Derby, with the exception of the runner-up. Ridden by Jake Noonan, Bold Soul raced fifth…
Skyman chasing maiden NZ win in Group 1 company
Skyman will contest the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) European import Skyman will be aiming to record his first New Zealand win when he heads to Te Rapa on Saturday to contest the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m). Previously based with Champion Sydney trainer Chris Waller, Skyman has won nine races, including four at stakes level, and more than A$1 million in prizemoney. Earlier this season he finished runner-up behind subsequent A$10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) runner-up Pericles…
Mary Shan hunting Te Rapa Group 2 success
Mary Shan will contest the Gr.2 David and Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Molly Bloom has had the measure of Mary Shan in two of their three meetings to date, and the latter’s trainer Andrew Forsman is hoping the step-up to 2000m in Saturday’s Group 2 David and Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic at Te Rapa will help even the ledger between the pair. “She (Molly Bloom) has had the better of us to this point, so we are hoping when…
Mighty Murt eyes further Alice Springs success
Darwin apprentice Jade Hampson with six-year-old grey gelding Mighty Murt following their win at Pioneer Park in Alice Springs on January 27. Picture: Nikki Westover Photography Mighty Murt will be out to continue his great form in the NT at Alice Springs on Saturday. The six-year-old gelding, who is owned by Darwin trainer Garry Lefoe, arrived back from the Top End and was victorious over 1200m at BM76 level a fortnight ago when he toppled last year’s Pioneer Sprint (1200m) winner Supreme Attraction. The son of Murtajill faces a high-quality…
The Underbelly makes a bold statement
Progressive stayer The Underbelly commenced what could be a highly successful weekend for Robbie Patterson and underrated sire The Bold One. Patterson’s stable has been a force to be reckoned with in stakes company this season, with several of his top performers flying the flag for the Grangewilliam Stud stallion, including this Saturday’s Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) contender One Bold Cat. Before travelling north for the Waikato feature, the New Plymouth horseman prepared a warm $2.30 TAB favourite in The Underbelly to complete a hattrick of winning performances at…
Skyman after first NZ win
European import Skyman will be aiming to record his first New Zealand win when he heads to Te Rapa on Saturday to contest the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m). Previously based with Champion Sydney trainer Chris Waller, Skyman has won nine races, including four at stakes level, and more than A$1 million in prizemoney. Earlier this season he finished runner-up behind subsequent A$10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) runner-up Pericles in the Gr.2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) and third in the Gr.3 Craven Plate (1800m) and Listed Ladies Day Cup (1500m). He…
Dee blessed to have Atishu ride
Top Melbourne-based jockey Michael Dee has had the call up for dual Group One winner Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Gr.1 Orr Stakes (1400m). Michael Dee is unsure how long his association with Atishu will last, but the top jockey is happy to team up with her in this Saturday. The six-year-old will have her first start since winning the $750,000 Gr.1 Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington in November at Caulfield. The 1400-metre event will be Dee’s first ride aboard Atishu, who has been ridden to Group One success by James McDonald and Nash Rawiller, and delighted to…
Mary Shan looking to turn the tables at Te Rapa
Molly Bloom has had the measure of Mary Shan in two of their three meetings to date, and the latter’s trainer Andrew Forsman is hoping the step-up to 2000m in Saturday’s Gr.2 David and Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic at Te Rapa will help even the ledger between the pair. “She (Molly Bloom) has had the better of us to this point, so we are hoping when we get beyond a mile that will change,” Forsman told TAB NZ. The fillies first met in the Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) last October, where…
Punt Drunk: Magic Millions winner reportedly sold for $50 million
What a big week it has been in the racing world, and the team at Punt Drunk are ready to sink our teeth into a jam-packed weekend of racing, headlined by the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday. With plenty of eye-catching news locally, this is sure to be a cracking edition of Punt Drunk. Storm Boy sells for an eye-watering price Coolmore, a prominent player in the global racing and breeding industry, has made a swift move to acquire Storm Boy, the current favourite for…