Group Three winner Times Ticking (NZ) (Tavistock) has been a true family affair for the MacGregors, and now he has officially been passed down to the next generation. The nine-year-old son of Tavistock was co-bred by Alby MacGregor, and the Opaki horseman trained the gelding to 11 victories from 49 starts, including the Gr.3 Trentham Stakes (2100m), Gr.3 Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m), Gr.3 Red Badge Spring Sprint (1400m) and Listed Easter Cup (1600m). In the last couple of years, MacGregor has been a frequent visitor to the South Island with…
Day: 17 September 2024
Levin Classic downgraded in latest Pattern Committee review
The New Zealand Pattern Committee have recently released a report outlining their review of the 2023/24 racing season. The committee, chaired by former New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing chairman Matthew Goodson, plays an important role in keeping New Zealand’s Group and Listed races to an international standard. “The committee is a group of representatives, half are New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing appointed (Bruce Sherwin, Mark Freeman and Gus Wigley) and half are New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association appointed (Michelle Saba, Scott Calder and Nick Hewson), and one New Zealand Bloodstock nominee (Kane…
Marsh remains upbeat despite loss of crack 2YO
Stephen Marsh may have temporarily lost the services of his star youngster Velocious, but he still has enough firepower to be a major force to be reckoned with in upcoming age group features. The Cambridge trainer was forced to call a halt to her three-year-old program following below par efforts when resuming at Taupo and again in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m). “She’s gone for a wind operation, she’ll be back into the New Year and we certainly hope she will come back to top form,” Marsh said. The…
Happy Valley free racing tips & preview | Wednesday, 18/9/24
What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Wednesday, September 18, 2024 First Race 7:10pm HKT (9:10pm AEST) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley on Wednesday evening, with a competitive eight-part program lined up. The rail is in the B position, and with no rain forecast, we should be racing on a Good 4 surface. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 7:10pm HKT. Best Bet at Happy Valley: Chateauneuf The David Hayes-trained Chateauneuf appears…
The Follow Files: Dunn sprinter firms in Kosciuszko betting
The Makybe Diva Stakes meeting at Flemington and Run To The Rose Day at Rosehill took centre stage last Saturday, as several runners kicked off their spring campaigns. With both spring carnivals well and truly underway, we have focused on three runners from those meetings that you can add to your blackbook with your chosen bookmaker and follow them throughout the spring. Rosehill Track rating: Good 4 Rail position: +5m entire circuit Race 9: Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) | Time: 1:16.67 Horse to follow: Boom Torque (3rd) Boom…
Riff Rocket passes away due to surgery complications
Riff Rocket ridden by James McDonald winning the 2023 Victoria Derby at Flemington Racecourse. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Three-time Group 1 winning four-year-old Riff Rocket has been humanly euthanised due to complications post-operation from colic surgery a week ago. Trainer Chris Waller took to his official X/Twitter account to confirm the news in a statement that read in part: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Riff Rocket, following complications arising from his colic surgery. “This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone involved, as…
Sandown Hillside racing preview & quaddie tips | September 18
What Sandown Hillside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, September 18, 2024 First Race 1pm AEST Visit Dabble Sandown will host a very competitive eight-race card on the Hillside circuit this Wednesday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances, and with more rain forecast for Monday and Tuesday, the surface won’t change much before the start of the meeting. The rail will be pushed +12m for the entire circuit, with racing scheduled to kick off at…
Romantic Warrior trials as Shum eyes Hong Kong Cup three-peat
Healthy Happy is a five-time winner in Hong Kong. Romantic Warrior coasted through a barrier trial at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning as trainer Danny Shum’s eight-time Group 1 winner prepares to return in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m). Romantic Warrior clocked 57.52s in second position over 1000m on turf under Hugh Bowman, a short head behind Macau import Wonderstar. The Hong Kong International Sale graduate’s first major target is to win an unprecedented third HK$40 million Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on 8…
Healthy Happy seeks Group 3 Celebration Cup repeat
Healthy Happy is a five-time winner in Hong Kong. This season’s Group racing gets underway at Sha Tin on Sunday with the running of the Group 3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m), where game veteran Healthy Happy is aiming for a second straight win in the HK$4.2 million feature. One of seven entries for the race, Healthy Happy scooped last year’s prize first-up from out in front against five rivals as the race’s longest odds chance. Trainer Frankie Lor has prepared the eight-year-old – who has five wins in Hong Kong…
Canterbury free racing preview & best bets | September 18, 2024
What Canterbury Races Where Canterbury Park Racecourse – King Street, Canterbury NSW 2193 When Wednesday, September 18, 2024 First Race 1:25pm AEST Visit Dabble Metro racing returns to Canterbury Park Racecourse on Wednesday, with a quickfire seven-part program set to start at 1:25pm AEST. The rail moves out +8m for the meeting, so punters will want to give a slight edge to on-speed gallopers. Pristine spring conditions are forecast to continue throughout the week, so participants should be racing on a genuine Good 4 surface. Best Bet at Canterbury: Deprivation…