Author: NZRacingDesk

Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto) will carry the hopes of the Kiwi sprinting ranks in Perth next month as the Trackside NZ / Perth Racing slot runner in the A$5 million KIA Quokka (1200m). The winner of nine of his 14 career starts, Crocetti’s connections accepted the invitation from Entain New Zealand – the operators of New Zealand’s Trackside television network and the TAB and betcha betting brands – after he claimed the NZ$300,000 bonus for winning the Sport Nation NZ Champion Sprint Series over the summer. Crocetti’s owner and co-breeder Daniel…

Our Echo (NZ) (Echoes Of Heaven) has a well-documented love affair with the champagne turf and the Balcairn galloper will cross the Cook Strait again this week in pursuit of Saturday’s Listed Bramco and Granite Flying Handicap (1400m). The eight-year-old son of Echoes Of Heaven has made a number of trips to Trentham since early 2022 and rarely goes home without a prize, including last year’s Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m), which was followed by a game third to Bradman (NZ) (Pins) in the Flying Handicap. After a mixed spring preparation…

Ciaron Maher admits his eyes will be firmly fixed on the sectionals during Saturday’s Group One Australian Cup when Craig Newitt will again be out to secure victory aboard Trelawney Stud bred Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai). A clash with fellow front-runner Deny Knowledge sets up for a genuinely run 2000-metre contest as Maher’s mare seeks redemption after finishing second to Cascadian in the same race last year. “They have a similar running style, but Jenni does seem that little more tractable and with each prep she’s got that…

Ken Kelso joined Racing Pulse with Michael Felgate to discuss how Alabama Lass is tracking ahead of heading across the Tasman to race at Flemington on Saturday. The exciting Alabama Lass will be at Flemington on Saturday – Racing Pulse with Michael Felgate – Omny.fm

There’s growing frustration within the thoroughbred racing industry surrounding the sport’s infrastructure, with the abandonment of Taupo’s trials on Tuesday the latest in a long series of raceday and trial cancellations. It comes just two days after the abandonment of Tauherenikau’s Sunday race meeting following a slip in the opening race of the card, adding to the growing track woes in the Central Districts, with both Hastings and Awapuni currently out of commission due to track renovations. “I think we are starting to get to a point where we have…

Group One winner Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls) took trainer and part-owner Andrew Forsman on a whirlwind ride over the last five years, but that journey has come to an end with the announcement of his retirement on Tuesday. “It has been an awesome journey and he has given us a lot of thrills,” Forsman said. “We felt that he got to that point that he was holding his own in good company but just lacked that dash that he used to have. “We felt that we were running out of…

In an exclusive interview, Michael’s joined in studio by Minister for Racing, Winston Peters. They discuss the Minister’s love of the industry, the concerns and future of horse racing, his decision and the resistance to closing the greyhounds, and being given a horse in Mongolia. Guerin Report – Ep.30 Ft. Winston Peters

Australian punters could get their first glimpse of New Zealand’s dominant hurdler Berry The Cash (NZ) (Jakkalberry) in just over a month, with trainer and part-owner Mark Oulaghan giving serious consideration to Warrnambool’s May Racing Carnival with his gelding.  The nine-year-old son of Jakkalberry posted seven consecutive victories last winter, culminating in retaining his Grand National Hurdles (4200m) crown at Riccarton, and could now get his chance to test his talent against the best hurdlers in Australia.  Reinvigorated after a spell, Berry The Cash finished third in a 1400m trial…

Group Two-winning mare Marotiri Molly (NZ) (Per Incanto) was in full flight at the Foxton trials on Tuesday as she readies for further black-type assignments. From the early stages of her career, Marotiri Molly gained a reputation of running her rivals off their feet at the trials and this occasion was no different. Lining up over 850m, she jumped on even terms but swiftly broke the line to lead, continuing to extend that margin as she cruised to the line to win the heat by seven lengths with her regular…

Family runs deep and fast for Northland couple Dirk and Nicci Oberholster who are enjoying a magical run with their small broodmare band. The Totara Park Stud principals are breeding from three closely related mares from the family of superstar Winx, with half-sisters Miss Vegas and Miss Bluebell combining at the weekend for a memorable winning double. Carlton House’s unraced daughter Miss Vega was firstly to the fore at Trentham as the dam of Vegas Queen (NZ) (Proisir), who produced a tenacious performance to land the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m).…