Hat-trick up for Farag

Warrnambool trainer Aaron Purcell will keep Farag (NZ) (Sacred Falls) to the flat for the immediate future after the New Zealand-bred gelding recorded a strong staying win at Sandown. Farag added the Sportsbet Make It Look Easy Handicap (3000m) on Wednesday to his record of four wins from five starts since joining the stable of Purcell after 14 starts in New Zealand. Giving Damian Lane a second win in the first three races on Wednesday, Farag ($4.20) scored a widening 3-¾ length win. Purcell said the Listed Sandown Cup (3200m)…

Dolphin has Skin in Valley game

Plans are underway to take Dolphin Skin (NZ) (Telperion) to Adelaide for their upcoming Carnival, but for the time being the filly will be kept in Melbourne. The Leon and Troy Corstens-trained filly was entered for the Listed Clare Lindop Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville on Saturday, but instead she will stay in Melbourne to contest the Gr.3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley. Troy Corstens said running the filly at home on Saturday will give the stable a better indication of where she sits against those that are likely to…

Te Akau stake claim on Tauranga feature

As Te Akau Racing prepare for a bumper Saturday at The Valley, the domestic stable will saddle two proven performers in an evenly-matched Gr.2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy (1600m) at Tauranga. Senior galloper Aotea Lad (NZ) (Savabeel) has pleased co-trainer Sam Bergerson with a return to near career-best form of late, highlighted by a narrow third in the Listed Kaimai Stakes (2000m) at Matamata earlier this month. “He’s rising eight, but he’s near-on career best form at the moment,” said Bergerson , who trains in partnership with Mark Walker. “I…

Rudkin back in the winner’s circle

Following a five-year hiatus from training, Matamata horseman Peter Rudkin made a winning return at Pukekohe on Wednesday courtesy of Market Place (NZ) (Burgundy) in the TAB 1200. “I left the South Island five years ago when racing was a bit tough,” Rudkin said. “I was from Cambridge, so I came back here, and I have been pottering around. “I have been driving trucks for Te Akau Racing and I asked Glenn (Old, trainer) if he had a horse suitable for the South Island as I was looking to lease…

Ears Back to line-up in Group 3 company at Riccarton

Ears Back will contest the Group 3 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton on Saturday. Photo: Race Images South Ears Back will head to Riccarton on Saturday in search of black-type in the Group 3 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). The five-year-old daughter of Jakkalberry came close when fourth in the Group 3 White Robe Lodge WFA (1600m) at Wingatui last month before she won the Southland Stakes (1400m) at Ascot Park a fortnight later. She has since been freshened and has pleased trainer John Blackadder with…

Robbie Patterson with strong local hand

New Plymouth trainer Robbie Patterson (centre) will line-up a dozen runners at his home meeting on Friday. Photo: Race Images Palmerston North New Plymouth trainer Robbie Patterson is looking forward to heading to his home meeting on Friday where he will line-up a dozen runners. He will have a four-pronged attack in the Grangewilliams Stud 1400, including It’s Doris, who he has labelled the stable’s best chance of the day. The three-year-old daughter of Telperion has won one and placed in two of her five starts to date and was…

You Say D’Orsay looking to continue strong start to career

Promising galloper You Say D’Orsay (inside). Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Chris Wood took an early shine to You Say D’Orsay and his judgement has proved on the money with the three-year-old making a strong start to his career. The Cambridge trainer was expecting the gelding to make an impression when asked serious questions and with two wins and a runner-up finish from three starts his young charge has answered positively. You Say D’Orsay will bid to further his record when he likely makes the final appearance of his current…

Albury Gold Cup Day racing tips & quaddie | March 22, 2024

What Albury Gold Cup Day Where Albury Racing Club – 16-46 Fallon St, Albury NSW 2640 When Friday, March 22, 2024 First Race 1:05pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Albury Gold Cup (2000m) carnival continues on Friday afternoon with a competitive eight-race program kicking off at 1:05pm local time. The feature has $200,000 up for grabs, with the winner granted entry into the 2024 Big Dance (1600m) on the first Tuesday of November. The rail won’t be moved from the true position after Thursday’s meeting, and with sunny skies predicted throughout…

Cranbourne Friday night racing preview & quaddie | March 22, 2024

What Cranbourne Races Where Cranbourne Turf Club – 50 Grant St, Cranbourne VIC 3977 When Friday, March 22, 2024 First Race 6:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Cranbourne Turf Club will host a competitive seven-race card this Friday evening. The track is expected to begin and stay in the Good range for the whole meeting, as a perfect autumn day is forecast. The rail will be pushed out slightly to the +3m position for the entire circuit, with racing set to kick off at 6:15pm AEDT. Best Bet at Cranbourne: She’s Bulletproof…

Patterson looking for home track success

New Plymouth trainer Robbie Patterson is looking forward to heading to his home meeting on Friday where he will line-up a dozen runners. He will have a four-pronged attack in the Grangewilliams Stud 1400, including It’s Doris, who he has labelled the stable’s best chance of the day. The three-year-old daughter of Telperion has won one and placed in two of her five starts to date and was fourth last start in the Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m) at New Plymouth last month. She heads into Friday’s assignment in a fresh…