Key changes for New Brighton and Ordeal Cup fields at Addington

By Michael Guerin Two key changes from the last New Zealand Cup lead-up to the next at Addington on Friday could have a huge impact on the result. The Avon City Ford New Brighton Cup is the next major Cup lead-up this Friday and the conditions look similar, a 2600m standing start with plenty of the same names as the Allied Security Maurice Holmes Vase won by Dalton Shard two weeks ago. But there are two big differences. One is the return of former age group star Sherlock, who was…

The Follow Files: Hayes import flies late at Caulfield

Last Saturday, Group 1 racing kicked off in Victoria with the Memsie Stakes headlining a massive program at Caulfield, while Rosehill held feature races throughout the day. In this week’s edition of The Follow Files, we have found three horses that produced impressive runs early in their spring preparations. Caulfield Track rating: Good 4 Rail position: +3m entire circuit Race 8: Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) | Time: 1:44.97 Horse to follow: Que Tempesta (5th) Ben, Will & JD Hayes kicked off the spring preparation of Que Tempesta in the Heatherlie…

Maher adamant Jenni’s OK

Champion trainer Ciaron Maher said he is confident Pride Of Jenni’s much-anticipated spring campaign has not been derailed by a minor elevated temperature. Pride Of Jenni has emerged from her unplaced Gr.1 Memsie Stakes run with an imperfect blood picture, but Maher said that while her tests indicate a possible minor virus of some kind, her symptoms were mild and she appears to be bright just a few days after the race. “Her bloods have come back not perfect, but OK,” Maher said on Tuesday afternoon. “They (bloods) were very…

Plenty of Gossip surrounding Matamata debutant

There is plenty of anticipation heading into Matamata’s Wednesday meeting, with local trainers Darryn and Briar Weatherley set to unveil exciting filly Gossip (NZ) (Proisir). The daughter of Proisir topped last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock Online Yearling Sale when purchased out of Fairdale Stud’s draft by Gary Harding for $110,000, and she is living up to her billing so far, winning both of her trials to date. She is set to make her debut in the Pam Gerard – Ballymore Racing 1200, for which she is rated a $1.65 favourite…

Burdan Stumblin Ona training Dream

Matamata horsewoman Chelsea Burdan will line-up her first runner as a trainer this week, albeit a few years earlier than anticipated. The 23-year-old former jockey’s riding career was cut short three years ago through injury, and while disappointed she can no longer compete in the saddle, she is looking forward to trying her hand at another aspect of the industry. “It (training) is something that I have always wanted to do, as well as being a jockey,” Burdan said. Burdan recorded 63 wins in the saddle over four seasons before…

Chance for filly to bounce back on better footing

Star youngster Velocious (Written Tycoon) will have the opportunity to redeem herself on a better surface at Hastings on Saturday. Much was expected of the daughter of Written Tycoon when she opened her three-year-old campaign at Taupo last month, but she produced an indifferent display when she trailed in fourth in a five-horse field. Trainer Stephen Marsh is hoping improved underfoot conditions in the Gr.3 HBPB Thoroughbred Breeders’ Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) will turn her fortunes around on the opening day of the Hawke’s Bay carnival. “All of her best…

123 Nominations Taken for Lexus Melbourne Cup 2024

The 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup is shaping up to be an exhilarating race, with 123 stayers from around the world vying for the prestigious title following the official nominations. The race will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Flemington Racecourse. This year’s Melbourne Cup features a strong potential contingent of international horses from […] The post 123 Nominations Taken for Lexus Melbourne Cup 2024 appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au.

Strong international presence amongst Melbourne Cup nominations

Vauban has been nominated for the 2024 Melbourne Cup. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) 123 horses have been nominated for the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 5, with 25 representatives coming from Europe, Japan, and New Zealand among the list of possible gallopers to make the trip down under for the race that stops the nation. Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien leads the charge with six runners nominating for the first Tuesday of November, highlighted by recent Group 3 Irish St. Leger Trial Stakes (2800m) winner Grosvenor Square ($15.00),…