15/5/08 Haradasun on track to shine in UK debut
Australian star Haradasun heads into this weekend’s Group 1 Lockinge Stakes (1600m) at Newbury in England as one of only two Group 1 winners nominated for the race.

Haradasun, which won last years George Ryder Stakes and Doncaster Handicap in Sydney, will be having his first start for champion Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien.

The stallion sizzled in a track gallop last weekend at Ballydoyle and is on track for a first-up success.

The Mick Channon-trained filly Majestic Roi is the only other Group 1 winner in the field, having saluted in a fillies and mares feature over a mile at Newmarket in October last year.

A total of 15 horses have been entered for the Lockinge, a race in which Haradasun’s famous half-brother Elvstroem ran fourth behind star galloper Rakti in 2005.

Pre-post favourite for the race is the James Fanshawe-trained Cesare, a winner of 10 of his 20 starts, and a first-up winner over a mile at Ascot on 30 April. Haradasun is the 4/1 second favourite.

O’Brien has four runners entered for the Lockinge including the top class galloper Duke Of Marmalade. Duke of Marmalade has been placed three times at the highest level including a second to Coolmore’s recently retired superstar Dylan Thomas and a third to Godolphin’s Hong Kong Cup winner Ramonti.

But perhaps Haradasun’s stiffest opposition will come from the Godolphin owned Creachadoir, to be ridden by Frankie Dettori. Creachadoir, while not having won at Group 1 level, was beaten a nose by the world’s equal best miler, Good Ba Ba, in the Hong Kong Mile last December.

Of the other entries the most interesting is the Henry Cecil-trained Phoenix Tower which has won all of his five starts, the most recent at Group 3 level.

12/5/08 Happy Wanderer (NZ) Home in the Gr.2 Macau Cup
The NZ-bred flag was carried to victory in the feature event of the Macau Jockey Club programme on Sunday by way of an impressive win by Happy Wanderer (NZ) (Zerpour x Tattenhall by Grosvenor ) in the M$800,000 Gr.2 Macau Cup (1500m).

Happy Wanderer (NZ) posting win number six

Happy Wanderer (NZ) scored his sixth win from just 19 raceday starts when crossing the line half-a -length ahead of the field, after racing handing throughout and accelerating away in the home straight.

Unraced in New Zealand, Happy Wanderer (NZ) was prepared by Bryce Tankard in Cambridge before being sold to his current owners Tang Tai King Eric Fung Wai Lun & Chan Min in Macau.

Bright Future Forecast for Jeram Sunshine (NZ)
Exciting sprinter Jeram Sunshine (NZ) (Align x Country Road by Success Express) notched up his fourth win from just six career starts at Kranji on Friday night when he scored an authoritative two-length win in the $75,000 Kranji C Stakes over 1200 metres.

Stepping out for the first time for trainer Len Treloar, the promising son of Align (AUS) quickly assumed the role of pacemaker and never looked in any danger as he dictated terms in front and sprinted freely to the judge.

The promising Align galloper Jeram Sunshine (NZ)
Treloar has predicted a bright future ahead for his emerging stable star, labelling him an ideal type for the June Three-Year-Old Challenge series.

“I’ve got a lot of time for this horse", Treloar said.

“I’m looking forward to getting him back on the turf and I think we can look at the three-year-old series with some confidence with him”.

Jeram Sunshine’s (NZ) sire Align (AUS) (Night Shift), who stands at Highview Stud in Hamilton at a fee of $10,000 + gst, has been represented by seven winners from 12 starters in Singapore.

Last season Align (AUS) sired the New Zealand Mercedes champion two-year-old Nightlign (NZ), who captured the Gr.1 Ford Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes. He then made a perfect start to his racing career in Hong Kong last month by winning in impressive fashion on debut in a Class 1, earning a HK$600,000 bonus.

Our Giant Distinguished at South African Racing Awards
Our Giant (Giant's Causeway), a son of John and Karin Webber ‘s dual Listed racemare Macrosa (NZ) has been awarded the Older Colt of the Year and Middle Distance Horse of the Year at Saturday night’s Highveld Racing Awards in South Africa.

South African awards winner, Our Giant
Our Giant emerged as one of the top young stallion prospects of South Africa this season after wins in South Africa's Gr.1 Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes and the Gr.2 Turffontein November Handicap (1600m) and after two Gr.1 placed efforts.

Bred in Australia by Dean Fleming, Our Giant boasts a strong connection to the New Zealand breeding industry thanks to his damsire McGinty and the New Zealand based ownership of his NZ bred dam.

Our Giant is the fourth foal out of Macrosa (NZ), a dam that has gone on to produce More Than Ready colts in 2004 and 2006, a Viscount colt in 2005 and a Dubawi filly in 2007.

Whilst Our Giant is certainly the best runner to date for the mare, Macrosa (NZ) has been a diamond find in the broodmare department with four winners and a 3YO placegetter coming from her five to race.

Wishing to obtain a three-quarter sibling to Our Giant, Macrosa (NZ) (who is currently in foal to Bel Esprit) will visit the Darley sire Shamardal (USA) (Giant's Causeway) this season.

Successful himself as the sire of 26 stakes winners (achieving a winners-to-runners ratio of 63.4 percent), Macrosa’s now deceased sire McGinty (NZ) has to date achieved 230 winners and 13 stakes winners as a damsire.

9/5/08 The world's leading horses
(Covering the period 1st Nov 2007 – 4 May 2008)

CURLIN STILL TOP OF THE WORLD RACEHORSE RANKINGS

CURLIN (USA)[130] has retained the mantle of top ranked racehorse in the world in the latest edition of the World’s Leading Horses, which covers the period 1st Nov 2007 to 4th May 2008 . His impressive romp in the Dubai World Cup (G1) (Sponsored by Emirates Airlines) remains the outstanding performance in the last World in the past six months as rated by a panel of handicappers/racing secretaries affiliated to the IFHA (International Federation of HorseRacing Authorities). He does however now face stiff new competition for that crown in the form of BIG BROWN (USA) (126) who defied history on a number of counts in trouncing his rivals on only his fourth career start in the Kentucky Derby (G1) (Presented by Yum Brands) and the prospect of an eventual clash between these two protagonists is one to whet the appetite of all race fans.

WORLD'S LEADING HORSES
Top 11 Horses - 1st Nov 2007 to 4th May 2008
Rank Horse Rating Trained
1 CURLIN (USA) 130 USA
2 BIG BROWN (USA) 126 USA
3 ADMIRE MOON (JPN) 123 JPN
3 SACRED KINGDOM (AUS) 123 HK
5 GETAWAY (GER) 122 FR
5 GOOD BA BA (USA) 122 HK
5 MEISHO SAMSON (JPN) 122 JPN
5 POP ROCK (JPN) 122 JPN
5 RAMONTI (FR) 122 UAE
5 VIVA PATACA (GB) 122 HK
5 WEEKEND HUSSLER (AUS) 122 AUS

A number of impressive recent performances in the Far East and Australia have been acknowledged in the latest edition of WLH. The prolific Group 1 winning Australian 3yo WEEKEND HUSSLER (AUS) (122) proved that he was equally adept in the ‘M’ (Miler) Category by adding the Cathay Pacific George Ryder Stakes (G1) to his earlier sprinting success in the Newmarket Handicap (G1). A recent run of success culminating in the Sydney City Lexus TJ SMITH Stakes (G1) has brought APACHE CAT (AUS) (118) to the fore among Australian sprinters while in Hong Kong GOOD BA BA (USA) (122) sauntered his way to a career best ranking in winning the Champions Mile (G1) at Sha Tin thereby sharing the mantle of top miler in the World with WEEKEND HUSSLER (AUS). On the same card, ARCHIPENKO (USA) equally put in a career best effort in winning the Audemars Piguet QE 11 Cup (G1) and joined his Dubai conqueror JAY PEG (SAF) (120) on the same mark while Japanese horse ADMIRE JUPITER (JPN) (118) gained entry to the Top 50 horses in the World for his performance in winning the Tenno Sho (Spring).

Some of the leading lights in European racing are starting to emerge and there have been a number of recent performances there which warrant inclusion in this listing with the promise of more to come. GETAWAY (GER)(122) has fulfilled the promise of his first run at 12F in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barriere (G1) last Autumn by reappearing impressively in winning the Stanjamesuk.com Jockey Club Cup (G2) while DUKE OF MARMALADE (IRE)(119) made a successful reappearance in the Prix Ganay Air Mauritius (G1) defeating the German horse SADDEX (GER)(118). Among the younger horses, HENRYTHENAVIGATOR (USA) (121) and champion European two year old NEW APPROACH (IRE)( 120) fought out a pulsating finish to the Stanjamesuk.com 2000 Guineas (G1) marking the start of the European classic season.

The World's Leading Horses are compiled by the World Rankings Supervisory Committee and published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). The next World's Leading Horses listing will be released on 8 June 2008.

5/5/08 Sir Slick (NZ) Arrives in Singapore
New Zealand’s “Peoples Champion” and five-time Gr.1 winner Sir Slick (NZ) (Volksraad x Miss Opera by Paris Opera) was the first of the international runners to reach Singapore soil, when he flew in from Hong Kong on an early morning flight to touch down at Changi Airport at 1.25am on Sunday.

Sir Slick (NZ), who is entered in the $3 million Group 1 Singapore Airlines International Cup (2000m) has reportedly arrived in excellent condition, and settled well into the Kranji international stables.

“He’s travelled well and has even done some light work at Kranji,” reported Dr Koos van den Berg, head of the veterinary department at the Singapore Turf Club.

Trained by Graeme Nicholson, the gutsy son of Volksraad (GB) made his international debut in the HK$14 million Gr.1 Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup on April 27 at Sha Tin where he attempted to lead all of the way before tiring inside the last furlong.

A stakes earner of over NZ$1.3 million Sir Slick (NZ) has raced at the highest level in New Zealand, adding his name to five prestigious Gr. 1 races counted here in the ARC New Zealand Stakes (2000m), the Zabeel Classic (2000m), the Otaki-Maori WFA (1600m), the Whakanui Stud International Stakes (2000m) and the Thorndon Mile (1600m).

5/5/08 Laxon has KrisFlyer Sprint Candidate in Waikato
Sunday’s $125,000 Open Class event (1200m) turned out to be the perfect trial for the S$1 million KrisFlyer International Sprint (1200m) hopeful Waikato (NZ) (Pins x Skywalker Wilkes by Skywalker) after he took full advantage of his postage-stamp weight to score his eighth win from only 14 starts.

Trained by Laurie Laxon, Waikato (NZ) turned in one of his best performances of his career in the feature race on the card, inching himself into favourable contention for the KrisFlyer held on Sunday May 18.

Settled outside the leader by jockey Ronnie Stewart, the speedy four-year-old son of Pins showed no signs of letting-up down the straight to cruise away to an impressive 1 ¼ length win from the gallant O’Reilly (NZ) gelding Lim’s Objective.

“I couldn't believe how he was travelling on the home turn. He was absolutely cruising” Stewart told the Singapore Turf Club.

“He's a very good horse this bloke. I know he had no weight, but he's a very good horse".

After punctuating a five strong win sequence with victory in the Gr.3 Singapore 4YO Sprint (1200m), Waikato (NZ) experienced the only blemish on his record when finishing 5th three starts in the Listed Kranji Sprint. Quick to rectify his unplaced effort, Waikato (NZ) was soon back in the winners circle to post consecutive successes at his next two starts.

Bred by Amadi Park Ltd, Waikato (NZ) was purchased by his trainer/owner Laxon at the 2005 Premier Yearling Sale from the Highview Stud draft for $50,000.

The $1 million KrisFlyer International Sprint, rated as an international Gr.3 event, is making a much-awaited comeback to the Singapore racecourse after a six-year hiatus.

The Waikato Stud based sire Pins (AUS) enjoyed a second success on the night courtesy of his four-year-old son Piercing (NZ) (ex You Dreamer) in the Class 4 (1400m), whilst barnmate O'Reilly (NZ), posted a third win for the Matamata based breeding nursery courtesy of Veeandvee (NZ) (ex Aspects Of Love by Famous Star) in race nine, a class 4 mile.

5/5/08 Lim's Oasis (NZ) Registers Fresh-Up Win
Lim’s Oasis (NZ) (O'Reilly x Morar by Otehi Bay) made a successful return to the racetrack at Kranji on Friday night, scoring an impressive first-up win in the $95,000 Open Benchmark 83 race over 1400m.

Registering the seventh win of his career Lim’s Oasis (NZ) led home a kiwi quinella in the event, with the Laurie Laxon-trained Big Maverick (NZ) finishing two-lengths away in second position.

A NZ$51,000 purchase from the 2004 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, Lims’ Oasis (NZ) is trained by John Meagher and races in the colours by prominent Singapore owner Mr Lim Siah Mong of Lim’s Stable.

5/5/08 Kiwis Take Hong Kong Feature Trifecta
New Zealand horses joined forces to secure a trifecta in the feature at Sha Tin yesterday with Ever Bright (Cape Cross x Anna's Choice by Vice Regal) taking top honours in the Queen Mother Memorial Cup (2400m) for the second year in a row.

Chequers Stud sold Ever Bright at the 2004 Karaka Premier Sale to Ginger Tankard's Waikato Bloodstock 2000 Ltd for NZ$115,000. Racing just three times in New Zealand before heading to Hong Kong, the Paul O'Sullivan-trained five-year-old has now won six of his 14 starts.

Fellow Kiwis Go Johnny Go (Kaapstad x Font by Canny Lad) finished almost three lengths behind in second, with Growl (Montjeu x The Lions Roar by Western Symphony) a further three-quarters-of-a-length back in third.

Five-year-old gelding Go Johnny Go, bred and formerly trained by Mr & Mrs Andrew Campbell of Masterton, has notched up three wins and five placings to date for trainer Ricky Yiu.

Karaka Premier Sale graduate, Growl, produced his best performance in Hong Kong yet with yesterday's run. Purchased by Mr B K Ma for NZ$360,000, he raced from David Hayes' stable in Australia before heading to Hong Kong. His successful Australian stint saw him win the Group 2 Winning Edge Presentations Stakes (2400m) and, in his last race there, finish second to Desert War in the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) ahead of Aqua d'Amore.

5/5/08 Big Brown Dominating Winner Of Kentucky Derby

IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr.’s Big Brown justified his trainer’s confidence and the faith of the betting public by powering to a 4 3/4-length victory over Fox Hill Farms’ filly Eight Belles to win the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands before a crowd of 157,770, the second-largest in history.

In becoming the first horse to win from the 20 hole since Clyde Van Dusen in 1929, Big Brown gave jockey Kent Desormeaux his third victory in the Run for the Roses and trainer Rick Dutrow his first with his initial Kentucky Derby starter.

A Kentucky-bred son of Boundary out of the Nureyev mare Mien, Big Brown became the seventh undefeated Kentucky Derby winner in history and third in the past five years, following on the heels of Smarty Jones in 2004 and Barbaro in 2006.

Desormeaux’s other Derby victories came in 1998 aboard Real Quiet and 2000 on Fusaichi Pegasus. Desormeaux is the fifth jockey to win the Kentucky Derby three times.

The victory was overshadowed by an injury to Eight Belles, who broke both front ankles and was immediately euthanized after the race.

Bob Black Jack led the field of 20 under the wire the first time with Cowboy Cal in closest pursuit. Desormeaux managed to angle Big Brown over from his outside post to be only four wide entering the first turn.

Bob Black Jack and Cowboy Cal maintained their position in the run down the backstretch, taking the field through fractions of :23.30, :47.04 and 1:11.14. Desormeaux kept Big Brown in the clear in the third flight in seventh place. Approaching the far turn Big Brown began a looping move that put him in third in the middle of the turn.Turning for home, Big Brown swept past Recapturetheglory, who had taken a narrow lead from Cowboy Cal, and from there it was just a formality as Big Brown cruised to the wire in 2:01.82 for the mile and a quarter over a track rated as “fast.”

The victory was worth $1,451,800 and increased Big Brown’s bankroll to $2,114,500 in just four starts.

Big Brown rewarded his backers with mutual payoffs of $6.80, $5 and $4.80. Eight Belles, ridden by Gabriel Saez, returned $10.60 and $6.40. Mr. and Mrs. William K. Warren Jr.’s Denis of Cork rallied to finish third under Calvin Borel, another 3 ½ lengths back, and paid $11.60 to show.

Completing the field in order were Tale of Ekati, Recapturetheglory, Colonel John, Anak Nakal, Pyro, Cowboy Cal, Z Fortune, Smooth Air, Visionaire, Court Vision, Z Humor, Cool Coal Man, Bob Black Jack, Gayego, Big Truck, Adriano and Monba.

3/5/08 Hall scores a fabulous five at Sha Tin
by John Schell

MELBOURNE Cup-winning trainer David Hall had a day to remember in Hong Kong on Thursday when saddling up five winners and a second with his six runners.

Hall, the original trainer of mighty mare Makybe Diva, who prepared her for the first of three successive Melbourne Cups in 2003, saddled up Telecom Emperor, Jade Dancer, Silent Dragon and Siameric Te Spesco for success from his first four runners, then started two horses in the final race - with stablemates Ouraja and Prime Score being the first two home.

Hall has trained 30 winners this season in Hong Kong to rank seventh on the trainers' list behind tearaway Australian rival John Size, with 60.

Jockey Brett Prebble rode a treble and will head to Singapore later this month to ride Hall's sprinter Absolute Champion against Australian star Takeover Target in the Kris Flyer Sprint on May 18.

Meanwhile, jockey Glen Boss, who was aboard in Makybe Diva's three Melbourne Cups and returns to Sydney today to ride Tuesday Joy in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, was in the winners stall at Sha Tin when riding Wavy Peak to victory.The world's highest-rated sprinter, the Ricky Yiu-trained Sacred Kingdom, was also back on the winners' list when it won The Gome Sprint. The Caspar Fownes-prepared Sanziro will also head to Singapore for the Kris Flyer Sprint, while Sacred Kingdom is expected to travel to Japan for a clash with Australian star Apache Cat in the Sprinters' Stakes in October.

28/4/08 Archipenko gives De Kock more Audemars Piguet QEII Cup glory

Archipenko produced an unstoppable stretch run under Kevin Shea to mow down some of the world's best in the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup at Sha Tin this afternoon.

The South African-trained raider had a comfortable length and three-quarters to spare over French-trained outsider Balius with Hong Kong star Viva Pataca eclipsed in third.

Mike de Kock is becoming an increasingly familiar figure at Hong Kong's International meetings - he won his race two years ago with Irridescence, but despite well-reported confidence from the trainer this week it was Viva Pataca that dominated the betting and Archipenko rewarded his supporters of a return of almost 14-1.

The four-year-old winner had only raced 11 times before today and had only joined De Kock's yard in December but, after an unlucky third in the Dubai Duty Free, he has now stamped himself a serious player on the world stage, something confirmed by the time of today's race, a super-swift 2 minutes 0.8 seconds.

As predicted, the New Zealander Sir Slick went for the early lead, but he had to battle for that position with Viva Macau. Turning into the stretch there were a whole clutch of chances but in the final furlong all the attention focused on the surging Archipenko, with the late charge of Balius, adding to the terrific afternoon of Olivier Doleuze following Good Ba Ba's win, grabbing second place off Viva Pataca late on.

"I know it might sound crazy after winning a Group 1 race, but I think he is still improving and he can go and win another one. We'll be thinking about him in terms of Royal Ascot but I'm not sure what race we will target there yet," winning trainer De Kock said.

"We haven't had the horse very long and he has needed to fill out. He settled in well at our stables in Dubai and I guess a change is as good as a holiday in many respects. I'm hoping he can continue on this upward spiral because he is still improving both mentally and physically."

Reflecting on how the race was won, jockey Shea said: "He settled nicely and it suited him having no horse on his outside. He prefers to have some daylight. When I pulled him out in the straight I gave him a couple of cracks and I knew that it would take a special one to beat us.

"I would agree with what Mike says about this horse being able to go and win another major race like this. He's more mature and more muscled and he seems to have settled better with the blinkers on him."

Darren Beadman put Viva Pataca's defeat down to a poor start from his difficult gate, but a bigger disappointment was Derby winner Helene Mascot, who left Felix Coetzee slightly baffled that the horse simply did not find the same scintillating acceleration as he had done in March.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club's Chief Executive Officer Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges concluded the day a successful one and applauded sponsors Audemars Piguet for their tenth year supporting this very prestigious international event.

Attendance at the Sha Tin Racecourse rose by 13 per cent over the corresponding figure last year to 48,459 and betting turnover increased by HK$5m, from HK$938.4m a year ago to HK$943.1m

28/4/08 Good Ba Ba oozes class in Champions Mile romp

Hong Kong's Good Ba Ba won his fourth Group 1 race in a row for trainer Andreas Schutz when he took the Champions Mile in emphatic style under Olivier Doleuze and declared himself as one of the top contenders for the Horse of the Year honours, after completing his clean sweep of Hong Kong's major mile events.

The manner of his victory was simply stunning. Settled towards the rear early, the odds on favourite was always travelling supremely well, and with Doleuze sitting motionless at the head of the stretch, it was only a question of when the jockey asked the Hong Kong Champion to go.

When he shook the reins, Good Ba Ba simply found a different gear, and shot clear to win from market rival Armada, under Douglas Whyte, with the gallant veteran Bullish Luck keeping on for third place for Gerald Mosse.

Afterwards an ebullient Doleuze said: " It's hard to explain the feeling you get on the back of this horse. I've been lucky enough to ride some very good horses in my career, but this one is something special. Winning today I felt that I was going into the history books - he's now surely the Horse of the Year. He's one of the best I've ever ridden, I'm just lucky to be on his back."

Andreas Schutz, in only his second season in Hong Kong, was equally delighted. "I was fortunate to get him, and I always thought that he was a Group 1 horse. But I never dreamed that he could make a clean sweep of the major mile races here," he said.

"We've always tried to keep something in the tank with this horse and not do too much with him. He's best when he's fresh, and I think he's getting better and better. Halfway down the stretch he was still on the bridle and I was worried that he'd get there too soon, but then in a couple of strides he was two lengths clear, and it was all over."

There were no hard luck stories. Douglas Whyte on the runner up said: "The winner was too good for me today while Darren Beadman, fourth on Joyful winner, summed it up succinctly for most when he remarked: "The trouble was my horse found four gears, but the winner found six."

As for the future, Schutz was more reserved to commit his winner to any of the international races that are on offer in Japan or the USA despite a US$1m bonus in the waiting if he could win the Yasuda Kinen in Japan...and a guaranteed Breeders' Cup entry.

"We'll not make any hasty decisions but I'll discuss plans with my owner John Yuen sometime soon, maybe tomorrow after we celebrate tonight," the trainer said.

"However I think we are odds on to stay in Hong Kong, and a big price against us going to the Yasuda Kinen or the Breeders' Cup. If we don't make this horse completely empty by pushing him too hard, then we can keep him going season after season so why not. He's enjoying running and winning," Schutz said.

Good Ba Ba's career record now stands at 13 wins from 26 starts and, for today, it was enough to savour the victory which added another HK$4.5m to a bankroll that now stands at almost HK$32.5 million for the horse bought at the Hong Kong International Sale.

25/4/08 Sir Slick (NZ) Set for International Debut in Gr.1 Audemars Piguet QEII Cup
New Zealand's iron horse, Sir Slick (NZ) (Volksraad x Miss Opera by Paris Opera) would provide his owner/trainer Graeme Nicholson with his greatest ever moment in racing should he be successful in Sunday’s HK$14,000,000 The Audemars Piguet QE II Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin.

Nicholson, a 70 year-old dairy farmer from Te Aroha (population just 3700) in the Waikato district of New Zealand who began dabbling with training racehorses 20 years ago has never raced a horse overseas.

That, of course, is about to change when his "once in a lifetime" horse Sir Slick (NZ) jumps in the rich Hong Kong feature.

Sir Slick (NZ), a NZ$48,000 for Nicholson at the 2003 New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale, has reportedly thrived since arriving in Hong Kong and is set to make his presence felt on Sunday.

"The horse is in great shape” Nicholson said.

"He will set a very fast pace and if the track is good he'll run close to 2 minutes. He will be right there, I'm confident of that. If he wins on Sunday, trust me there will be tears rolling down this face."

Sir Slick (NZ) boasts the fine overall record of 19 wins from his 74 starts, with five successes counted at Gr.1 level.

High class galloper Jackpot Delight (NZ) (aka Hamlets Ghost), (Danasinga x Principation by Prince Echo) will be hot on the heels of his elder countryman.

The striking-grey came agonisingly close to Gr.1 glory in the HK Derby in March, and subsequently posted a second at Gr.2 level behind Armada (NZ) in the Chairman’s Trophy at his last start.

Bred by Garry Chittick, Jackpot Delight (NZ) was purchased by David Ellis at the 2005 NZB Premier Yearling Sale for NZ$55,000.

Initially trained to success in five of his six outing by Mark Walker, Jackpot Delight (NZ) has since achieved one win and two placings from the Hong Kong stable of Caspar Fownes.

Completing the NZ-bred contingent is Packing Winner (NZ) (Zabeel out of Musical Note, by Marscay) and Bullish Cash (NZ) (Howbaddouwantit out of La Mafia, by Phizam).

22/4/08 Haradasun on track for UK debut
Former Australian star Haradasun is on target to make his debut for champion Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien in the coming months.

The dual Group 1 winner, which had his last start in Australia in the Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington last spring, will run in either the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes (1600m) at Newbury on 17 May or the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

Interestingly Haradasun’s champion older brother Elvstroem, finished fourth in the 2005 Lockinge Stakes behind star galloper Rakti.

O’Brien told the UK’s premier racing publication, Racing Post, he thinks Haradasun could be a bit special.

“He is naturally very quick and is quite fit,” O’Brien said.

“It is possible he could go for the Lockinge Stakes, although I would say it is more likely we’ll wait and start him off in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot.”

Haradasun won last years Group 1 George Ryder Stakes and Doncaster Handicap in Sydney before being placed in the Tatts Cox Plate last October.

21/4/08 Shing Yi (NZ) Continues Rise in Class
The smart Danske (NZ) three-year-old Shing Yi (NZ) (ex Elle Taine by Centaine) continued his rise on the Singapore racing ranks, with a slick victory in the S$55,000 Class 4 stakes over 1100m at Kranji on Friday night.

Scoring by a comfortable two-length margin it was Shing Yi’s (NZ) consecutive success and third career win from just 10 starts.

Jockey John Powell was full of praise for the effort displayed by Shing Yi (NZ).

“He’s just a great little trier, it was a good, tough win.” reported Powell.

Shing Yi (NZ) is one of seven winning foals to race for his dam Elle Taine (NZ) (Centaine), who is a ¾ sister to the three-time Gr.1 winner Kinjite (NZ) , and the dam of the promising Waikato Stud stallion Scaredee Cat (NZ) (Tale of the Cat) in Last Lady (NZ).

Danske (NZ) (Danehill), who stands at Emerald Lodge Stud in Christchurch, is currently second on the New Zealand General Sires’ table by Wins and Winners respectively.

Laxon Has Derby Prospect in Pin Number (NZ)
New Zealand-trainer Laurie Laxon has labelled his emerging stable star Pin Number (NZ) (Pins x Symphius by Western Symphony) as a Singapore Derby prospect following his stylish win in the S$75,000 Class 3 (1600m) at Kranji on Sunday.

The Laurie Laxon-trained Pin Number (NZ)

The talented Pins (AUS) gelding posted his fourth career win by three-quarters-of-a-length, displaying an impressive final burst over the closing stages of the mile event.

“He’s been placed over 2000 metres and I liked the way he finished the race off today,” Laxon said.

“He’s a four-year-old and can run in the Derby” he said.

Pin Number (NZ), a NZ$50,000 purchase at the 2005 Ready to Run Sale has rewarded his Champagne Stable owners with stake earnings of over S$232,000.

The Singapore Derby is set to be run on Sunday, July 13.

The Waikato Stud based sire Pins (AUS) (Snippets) will be represented at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Weanling, Broodmare and Mixed Bloodstock Sale on May 11 – 13 by 11 progeny including seven weanlings, two untried stock and two racehorses

16/4/08 Champ on target for Singapore
A total of 14 Australian horses, headed by champion international performer Takeover Target, have been nominated for the $1 million Kris International Sprint (1200m) in Singapore on Sunday 18 May.

It will be Takeover Target's third overseas adventure in as many years, and if successful, he will add Singapore to his legendary exploits in the UK and Japan.

Takeover Target hasn't hasn’t raced since being beaten on protest in the Villiers Stakes at Randwick in January.

Trainer Joe Janiak confirmed last week Takeover Target would head to Singapore after he runs in the Group 1 T.J. Smith Stakes at Randwick on Saturday 26 April.

Super sprinter Apache Cat has also been nominated, as has the Peter Moody-trained Magnus, which raced with distinction at last years Royal Ascot Carnival.

The trio loom as Australia’s leading hopes against the might of Hong Kong superstars Sacred Kingdom and Absolute Champion.

The other Australian nominations are: Dark Target, Stanzout, Universal Ruler, Husson Lightning, Shrewd Rhythm, Sleek Chassis, Zizou, Royal Asscher, Shinzig, Miss Judgement and Undue.

Fifteen Australian horses have also been nominated for the Group 1 Singapore Airlines International Cup (2000m).

They include Group one winners Rubiscent, Casino Prince, Niconero and Teranaba.

15/4/08 Big Maverick (NZ) Sets Sights on Singapore 3YO Challenge
Having demonstrated his class fresh up in Friday’s S$75,000 Class Three Stakes over 1400m, Big Maverick (NZ) (O’Reilly x Ajfan by Woodman) will now set his sights on the Singapore 3YO Challenge series (see table below).

Big Maverick (NZ) winning fresh up on Friday
Sharing the same sire as last year’s winner Lim’s Objective, the O’Reilly gelding has proven black-type ability in Singapore, winning the Gr. 3 Stewards Cup 3YO 1400m in December.

Bred by Peter and Philip Vela, Big Maverick (NZ) has to date achieved the respect of his trainer Laurie Laxon with four wins from eight starts.

"He's a smart three-year-old this fellow. I would say he's one of the better three-year-olds racing," Laxon told the Singapore Turf Club.

Friday’s win against the older opponents represented Big Maverick’s (NZ) first start since finishing second to Onceuponatime (NZ) (Van Nistelrooy) in February’s Sg Gr.3 Singapore Guineas (1600m) and according to his rider Saimee Jumaat was achieved with relative ease.

“He travelled so well,” Saimee said.

“He relaxed beautifully and what I liked about him was the turn of foot he showed”.

Date Status Race Distance
June 6, 2008 Sg Gr.3 Singapore 3YO Challenge: First Leg 1200m
June 27, 2008 Sg Gr.2 Singapore 3YO Challenge: Second Leg 1400m
July 27, 2008 Sg Gr.2 Singapore 3YO Challenge: Third Leg 1600m

14/4/08 Kiko's Return wins Malaysia's Perak Derby
Karaka Ready to Run Sale graduate Kiko's Return (Minardi x Joe's Girl by Amalgam) recorded his sixth win in a row yesterday finishing almost six-lengths ahead of the other 15 runners to take out Malaysia's Listed Perak Derby (2400m).

Adding to the brilliance of the feat, it was the four-year-old gelding's first start in open company. The win gave top jockey Saimee Jumaat his first victory in the prestigious race while trainer Johnny Lim also trained the third placegetter Gold Arrow.

Breezing up over the 200m at the 2005 Sale in 11.13, Kiko's Return caught the eye of Wilming Yeo who purchased the two-year-old from the Java Lodge draft for $20,000. Kiko's Return joins the growing list of stakes winners across Asia from New Zealand Bloodstock's burgeoning Ready to Run Sale that includes the likes of Hong Kong Champions Mile winner Able One, two-time Listed Singapore TC Paititi Gold Trophy winner Lim's Grand and last year's Listed Singapore Derby winner Lim's Prestige.

Kiko's Return is from Joe's Girl, an unraced half-sister to Listed ARC Soliloquy Stakes winner Leigh Filou (Sky Filou), who has also produced the stakes-winning Rijeka (Sound Reason).

He has now had ten starts for six wins and two second placings for prizemoney of almost NZ$190,000.

7/4/08 Prince Valour (NZ) Impresses with Debut Success
Debut winner Prince Valour (NZ) (Pins x Princess Prospero by Honour and Glory) was one of seven New Zealand–bred gallopers to impress with success at Singapore on Sunday.

The striking Pins (AUS) three-year-old passed his first test on the Kranji turf and led throughout to score a one-and-a-quarter length victory over 1200m, recording a slick time of 1:10:04.

Additional highlights included:

Ready to Run Sale graduate Righthererightnow (NZ) (Howbaddouwantit x Callania by Standaan) capped off recent solid form to record his first raceday victory.

D’Cash (AUS) four-year-old Inzaghi (NZ) (ex Stars in Your Eyes by Waikiki Star) maintained his perfect race record of two starts for two wins with an impressive sprinting display in the class 4 1200m contest.

The Stephen Gray trained Queens Avenue (NZ) (Hurricane Sky x Madeira by Grosvenor) made it back-to-back wins when he came out tops in the class 4 race 1400m.

Orient Supreme (NZ) (Sandtrap x Distinction by Honor Grades), one of two breeding success on the night for prominent South Island breeder Edwina Morris, continued his rise in class and picked-up a second win to compliment his four placing race resume.

Morris was also the successful breeder of the promising My Halo three-year-old Beau Brummell (NZ) (ex Lady in Blue by Crested Wave) who has now chalked up four wins from only 10 starts.

Cristoforo (NZ) (Yachtie x Bride of Pompeii by Pompeii Court) showed further improvement to claim a second win over 1600m, giving reason for his trainer Steven Burridge to consider the 3YO Challenge series in late July as a future target.

7/4/08 HK Champion Miler Armada (NZ) Back in Business
Rivals in this month’s Gr.1 Hong Kong Champions Mile were put on alert last night after Armada (NZ) demonstrated he was back in business in Sha Tin’s HK Gr.2 Chairmans Trophy (1600m).

Gr.2 Chairmans Trophy winner Armada (NZ)

Second up from a 12 month absence, the outstanding son of Towkay (AUS) (Last Tycoon) struck the lead with 300m to run and had plenty in the tank to the stave off the determined late challenge of Jackpot Delight (NZ) (aka Hamlet’s Ghost), who justified an international invite with the effort.

Winning by a neck in a slick time of 1.33.7, Armada (NZ) gave every indication to being back to the sort of form that saw him crowned the 2006/07 Hong Kong Champion Miler.

During that season Armada (NZ) had blitzed the Sha Tin racecourse with wins in the Gr.1 HK$8 million Stewards' Cup (1600m), the Gr.2 Cathay Pacific International Mile Trial, and with a second placing to The Duke in the Gr.1 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile.

Less than content with Armada’s subsequent health, trainer John Size elected to rejuvenate the star galloper with a spell, patiently waiting nearly 12 months before his racetrack return.

Bred by Tom Jamison, Greg James and Joan Fleming, Armada (NZ) is the third of three winning foal to race for the now deceased broodmare Dance In Time (NZ).

7/4/08 Danny Beasley sparkles with treble

Danny Beasley was in superb form today when he booted home three winners to go three clear of Saimee Jumaat at the top of the Singapore jockey premiership.

Beasley and trainer John Meagher combined to score in consecutive races with LIM'S SWING (Strategic - Near Call by Twig Moss) and ORIENT SUPREME (Sandtrap - Distinction by Honor Grades).

Beasley then completed his treble with CRISTOFORO (Yachtie - Bride Of Pompeii by Pompeii Court) on whom he also partnered to victory last time out.

His treble today came on the heels of his double on Friday night and takes his tally to 26 for the season.

Meagher went one better than Beasley when he saddled LIM'S OBJECTIVE (O'Reilly - Hasty Bird by Bluebird) to win the main sprint to equal the course record in 1 min. 9 secs. and wound up the day with LIM'S JOY (Johan Cruyff - Misdirection by Maizcay) in the last event.

7/4/08 Magical Weekend for Aussies in South Africa

Magic Millions graduates have starred in what has been described as the most significant weekend of success for Australasian bloodstock in South African thoroughbred history.

Gold Coast yearling graduate Our Giant led the way with a thrilling win in the R1 million Group One Horse Chestnut Stakes (1600m) at Turffontein on Saturday.

One of the stars of the powerful Charles Laird stable, Our Giant was sent out the favourite and got home in the weight-for-age contest to beat Emperor Napoleon and Braggadacio.

Already a Group Two winner and Group One placegetter earlier in his outstanding career, Our Giant is one of the top young stallion prospects of South Africa.

Laird purchased Our Giant on behalf of major stable client Markus Jooste for $480,000 from the Tyreel Stud draft at the 2005 Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast.

He is the best runner to date from the top producing McGinty mare Macrosa - a winner of five races - two at stakes level.

Our Giant is the second Australian purchased Group One winner for Laird following the win last year of outstanding juvenile Seventh Rock (Rock of Gibraltar-Ruby Clipper by Rubiton).

Seventh Rock, like Our Giant, was plucked out of the famous Gold Coast sale ring.

On the same afternoon another Laird purchase from the Gold Coast - the highly regarded filly Merlene De Lago - made it two wins from two starts with a thumping of her rivals in the Group Three Pretty Polly Stakes (1100m).

By Encosta de Lago and from Danehill's Golden Slipper winner Merlene, the outstanding juvenile prospect coasted home to beat Resounding Success by over three lengths.

A $775,000 yearling from the 2007 MM Sale, Merlene De Lago had won the listed Ruffian Stakes (1000m) by four lengths at her only other raceday outing.

Laird, who described the filly as "something very special," is planning to run the filly in the upcoming Group One features for two-year-old fillies.

Leading Sydney based bloodstock agent James Bester continued the run of success for Magic Millions when two exciting youngsters he purchased from the Gold Coast were winners at Kenilworth over the weekend.

Juvenile Manenberg led the way with an emphatic two plus length win in a 1000 metre event.

Trained by Justin Snaith, Manenberg is by Danzero and from the Royal Academy mare Roussel and Bester went to $95,000 for the member of the Reavill Farm draft.

Snaith and Bester combined for a double when the exciting Galileo three-year-old Alvaro won a seven furlong contest.

An $80,000 purchase from the draft of Coolmore Stud, Alvaro is from the Thatching mare Gun Lady.

Alvaro's record now reads out at four wins from just eight starts.

Meanwhile, an astute broodmare sale purchase by international agent Grant Pritchard-Gordon at the 2006 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale has led to a record at the South African National Yearling Sale at Gosforth Park.

Pritchard-Gordon, buying under his Badgers Bloodstock banner, purchased the well related Danehill mare Egerszegi for $280,000 from the draft of Kitchwin Hills.

The mare, a sister to Holy Roman Emperor, was in foal to Royal Academy and it was that resultant foal - a filly - who would set a South African record when sold for R3 million.

The price is the highest ever paid for a filly in the sale's long and proud history.

31/3/08 Waikato (NZ) Resumes Winning Way
Pins’ (AUS) (Snippets) Singapore ambassador Waikato (NZ) (ex Skywalker Wilkes by Skywalker) resumed his winning way in the S$125,000 Open Class race (1200m) at Kranji on Friday.

After punctuating a five strong win sequence with victory in the Gr.3 Singapore 4YO Sprint (1200m), Waikato (NZ) was unwound at his last start the Kranji Sprint, finishing 5th.

Waikato (NZ) - The winner of 7 races in Singapore

The only blemish on a record featuring sevens and four minor placings, Waikato (NZ) made no mistake of his win intent on Friday, dictating the pace before accelerating away for a 2.5 length win.

Bred by Amadi Park Ltd, Waikato (NZ) was purchased by his trainer/owner Laurie Laxon at the 2005 Premier Yearling Sale from the Highview Stud draft for $50,000.

Said a delighted Laxon at the winner’s circle:

“He’s still not strong enough to be Lion City Cup material. I will just potter around with him and take him through his grades.

“Next year when he’s five, I think he will be mentally a much better horse and then I’ll run him in the Lion City Cup.”

The Group 1 Lion City Cup over 1200m is considered as the top domestic sprint race on the Singapore racing calendar and will be run on April 11.

31/3/08 English Mission Encouraged for Seachange (NZ)
The encouragement of champion international jockey Ted Durcan seems certain to result in Seachange (NZ) (Cape Cross x Just Cruising by Broad Reach) heading off to England after her sixth placing in the Gr. I $US5 million Dubai Duty Free at Nad Al Sheba yesterday morning (NZ time).


Ted Durcan has encouraged a UK mission for Seachange (NZ).

Durcan, a premiership winner in Dubai for six seasons and successful 96 times in Great Britain last year, was aboard Seachange (NZ) in the 1777-metre feature and was adamant after the race that she will be suited to shorter trips in England.

"The mares races over 1400 metres will really suit her in England," Durcan told Seachange's connections.

"I'd say you'd have to take her after that run."

Seachange (NZ) trailed third for much of the race and issued a stern challenge along the inner in the run home.

She looked a serious chance with 200 metres to run after kicking again, but weakened the final stages to finish two and a quarter lengths from the winner, Jay Peg.

"She ran extremely well," said Durcan.

"There were no excuses. The 1777 metres just stretched her stamina and that was it.

"It was just 150 metres too far.

"She's a pleasure to ride."

Seachange (NZ) earned $US100,000 for her sixth placing and she was beaten a mere nose for fifth prizemoney, which was worth an extra $US50,000.

"She's raced against the best in the world and she's done us proud," said Rick Williams, racing manager for Seachange's owner-breeder Dick Karreman.

"It's taken horses of the highest quality to beat her and she's dug twice in the straight trying to get there."

Williams said he will discuss the options with Karreman over the next few days and will make a decision on the possibility of sending Seachange (NZ) to England.

Seachange (NZ) Quicker Than Any Past Winner of the Dubai Duty Free
Whilst initially at odds with how it reads on paper against her seven Gr.1 wins, the 6th placed effort of Seachange in the Dubai Duty Free (1777m) on Saturday could arguably be considered her best performance to date.

Year Winner Age Time
1996 Key of Luck 5 02:03.8
1997 Tamayaz 5 02:02.2
1998 Annus Mirabilis 6 02:04.3
1999 Altibr 4 02:00.8
2000 Rhythm Band 4 01:48.6
2001 Jim And Tonic 7 01:47.8
2002 Terre à Terre 5 01:48.8
2003 Ipi Tombe 5 01:47.6
2004 Right Approach (DH) 5 01:49.4
2004 Paolini (DH) 7 01:49.4
2005 Elvstroem 5 01:50.5
2006 David Junior 4 01:49.7
2007 Admire Moon 4 01:47.9
2008 Jay Peg 5 1:46:20
Race winner Jay Peg ran a track record of 1:46.20 and Seachange's time of 1:46.61 was quicker than any past winner of the Dubai Duty Free (see table).

Jay Peg and Seachange had also done battle in the latter's debut in Dubai, the Gr II Jebel Hatta on March 6.

Jay Peg was runner-up to Lord Admiral that day and Seachange finished sixth.

The victory of Jay Peg in the Dubai Duty Free added to a wonderful night's results for South African trainers.

Jay Peg is prepared by Herman Browne, whose fellow countryman, Mike De Kock, provided the quinella in the Gr II UAE Derby (Honour Devil and Royal Vintage) and also won the Gr I $US5 million Dubai Sheema Classic with Sun Classique.

Sun Classique was ridden by a South African, Kevin Shea, while yet another from South Africa, Anton Marcus was aboard Jay Peg.

"I'm very proud to ride this horse, especially as he used to be trained by my brother Basil and my older brother, Selwyn, owns a share," said Marcus.

31/3/08 Curlin confirms World Champion status
American super horse Curlin confirmed his world champion title with an emphatic win in the world’s richest race the US$6 million Dubai World Cup (G1 – 2000m) before an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd at Nad Al Sheba.
The reigning US Horse of the Year and the highest rated horse in training, produced a powerhouse performance under jockey Robby Albarado to score a 7 ¾ length win over South Africa’s Asiatic Boy (John Murtagh) with US 5yo Well Armed (Aaron Gryder) a further ¼ of a length away in third place. The margin was the biggest ever recorded in the 13 year history of the race.

The burly chestnut son of Smart Strike reeled off a slick 2.00.15 for the 2000 metres after sharing the lead with his fellow placegetters for the majority of the trip.

Albarato had now concern about travelling three wide throughout and with about 400 metres to run, continued to pour on the pressure, surging clear of his rivals over the final 200 metres.

For trainer Steve Asmussen this was the completion of a vision to show the world just how good their champion is.

The lightly raced 4yo was having only his 11th race start and took his winning record to eight after winning the Breeders Cup Classic last year. The first prize of $3.6 million took the entire’s career earnings to just over $8.8 million, and with plenty more to come for this powerhouse, he looks very capable of setting an all-time stakes wining record in the very near future.

Asmussen left no stone unturned in ensuring his charge would be ready to contest the world’s richest race. Curlin was shipped to Dubai six weeks prior to the race to acclimatise and easily won a preparation handicap over the same trip, carrying 60 kgs on 28 February.

The Godolphins and American trained horses have dominated the world’s richest race winning 12 of the 13 runnings between them and judging by the dominant performance of Curlin in the 2008 edition, that trend looks unlikely to change in the near future.

Asiatic Boy and Well Armed were gallant in defeat, but were no match for Curlin who will leave Dubai on April 4 to be prepared for a return assault on the 2008 Breeders Cup.

31/3/08 Jay Peg fights out duty free
South African entire Jay Peg took the Group 1 US$5 million Dubai Duty Free (1777m) showing incredible determination to fight out a three way tussle with French mare Darjana and Japan’s Vodka.

Jay Peg’s rider Anton Marcus had to combat a slipping saddle over the final 200 metres that threatened to unseat him as he crossed the line and pulling up.

“I thought I was going to fall just after the post,” said Marcus, wearing a huge smile on his face following the Group 1 success that had extra special meaning for him.

“I’m very proud to ride this horse especially as he used to be trained by brother Basil and is part-owned by brother Selwyn.”

The winner’s time of 1.46.20s was a new course record, though it came as something of a surprise to trainer Herman Brown.

“I really didn’t think they went that fast, but anyway it doesn’t matter now, Some people were disappointed with his last run but I really could not split my runners and I knew this horse would fight when it came to a battle,” Brown said.

Australia's sole contender at the World Cup meeting, David Hayes' Niconero (Craig Williams) failed to run on in his customary fashion over the final 400 metres and fininshed 5 1/4 lengths from the winner in 11th place.

New Zealand's champion mare Seachange perfomed well and was right in the finish, after taking a forward position. She couldn't quite hang on though and was just edged out of the placins to finish 6th betean 2 1/4 lengths

28/3/08 Seachange (NZ) Ready to Take on World
Dick Karreman has taken on huge challenges throughout his life and now the highly successful Queenslander faces his biggest equine challenge.

Karreman, a self-made multi millionaire with the biggest quarry business in Australia, will be taking on the world with his champion mare Seachange (NZ) (Cape Cross x Just Cruising by Broad Reach) in Dubai on Sunday morning (NZ time).

Seachange (NZ) is fit and ready for her Gr.1 Dubai Duty Free assignment this weekend.

Seachange (NZ) will contest the Gr I $US5 million Dubai Duty Free (1777m) at Nad Al Sheba and Karreman is certain about one aspect of the monumental task.

"I know she will give 100 percent – she always does," said Karreman, who arrived in Dubai yesterday (Thursday) morning.

"She's never not put in 100 percent.

"She's got a good draw (four) and she has improved a lot from that first run here.

"She blew up a lot after that one, but Ralph (trainer Ralph Manning) says she has done well.

"He's happy with her so I am."

Seachange (NZ) had her final serious hitout for the Dubai Duty Free when working yesterday morning on the turf track at Nad Al Sheba.

With regular trackwork rider Jayne Ivil aboard, Seachange (NZ) hit out well and finished her gallop off strongly.

"That's equal to the best she's worked since she's been here," said Ralph Manning.

"She picked up the pace herself the last 400 metres and Jayne said she didn't blow at all.

"She even bounced all the way back to the stables."

Irishman Ted Durcan, a champion rider in Dubai, rode Seachange (NZ) for the first time when she made her Dubai debut in the Gr II Jebel Hatta over the same course and distance on March 6 and he is looking forward to the mount again in the Dubai Duty Free.

Seachange (NZ) had to be used up at the start of the Jebel Hatta to get across from her outside draw and as expected by Manning, she weakened the final stages, winding up sixth, though only a couple of lengths from the winner, Lord Admiral.

The Jebel Hatta was Seachange's first start for a month, since taking the Gr I Waikato Draught Sprint at Te Rapa, and Manning wasn't about to tighten the fitness key until now.

"With the long trip over here and the break between races I knew she would need it," said Manning.

"She was fat, but I've been able to get the work into her since that race.

"She's as ready as I can get her."

Seachange (NZ) will face 15 opponents in the Dubai Duty Free with most attention being focused on Godolphin's pair of Literato and Creachadoir, Jim Bolger's top mare Finsceal Beo and the French mare Darjina.

New Zealand’s Trackside TV will be showing live coverage of the Dubai Duty Free race at 4:55am for digital viewers on Sunday morning.

28/3/08 Niconero facing tough time in Dubai

Australia’s sole contender at the Dubai World Cup meeting, Niconero, will face his toughest test in the US$5million Dubai Duty Free, (1777m) at Nad Al Sheba Dubai this Saturday night.
Whilst Niconero has always been a consistent, if sometimes unlucky performer at Group 1 level in Australia, he will need to be at his very top to contend with a high class line up in the richest race on turf.

Managing owner Peter Devitt is enthusiastic about the opportunity.

“I’ve been to two Dubai World Cups but this is the first time with a runner and it’s great to have the opportunity, and for that, we thank the Dubai Racing Club and the horse.

“He’s been such a good racehorse, so honest and so reliable and one who hasn’t had much luck along the way,” Devitt said.

Niconero has been placed at Group 1 level on seven occasions and has won twice at the top level. He gained entry into the race following a decisive win in the Futurity Stakes at Caulfield on 1 March. But it’s not the first time Niconero has performed on the international stage. The six year old son of Danzero contested the Champions Mile in Hong Kong in 2006.

“He was badly hampered a few hundred metres after the start and that was the end of it. Hopefully he can make amends here in Dubai,” Devitt added.

Devitt and his long time partner Les Gordon also ventured to Singapore in 2002 where they won the Singapore International Sprint with North Boy – a half brother to champion Northerly.

South African trainer Herman Brown has two of the major hopes in the Duty Free, 6yo Linngari and 4yo Jay Peg.

Lingarri a last start winner at Nad Al Sheeba is a seasoned performer on the turf winning nine of 22 starts and Brown is confident of his chances with some luck.

“The horse is fantastic, all we need is some luck in running.

“He seems to come to hand whenever we need, but it has been awkward to plan his career,” he said.

Of the less experienced Jay Peg, Brown believes he will need plenty of luck from his wide draw in 14.

“He is really well, but has a bad draw. He has won two group ones in South Africa, but this is one of those races where more than half the field will be in with a chance.”

His other runner at the meeting, the Australian bred Sushisan will contest the other turf race at the meeting the US$5 million Dubai Sheema Classic (2400m).

Brown is very confident of his chances. “He ran fifth last year not beaten far. He is a much better horse now, he has strengthened up a lot.

He is peaking at the right time. He is flying at the moment. I am very confident,” Brown said.

French trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre is happy with the Princess Zahra Aga Khan’s Darjina ahead of the 1,777m turf contest.

“She seems well, but she is not a spectacular worker, she does the bare minimum,” he reported. “Her race in Hong Kong (the HK Mile in December) came at the end of a long season, and she was a little flat. She couldn’t get organised at the head of the straight, and got going too late. I think she’s in better condition now. This distance beyond a mile (about 1600m) should suit her.”

Another highly-regarded filly is the Jim Bolger-trained Finsceal Beo, is backing up after an unsuccessful attempt at the European 1000 Guineas triple crown in England, Ireland and France.

“With hindsight it was perhaps a little over ambitious, but it was better to have tried than not.

“She may have lost her form because of that campaign, but we will never really know.

“I am hopeful that she is in the same sort of form as she was when she went to Newmarket last time,” he added.

Hong Kong trainer Tony Cruz put his two challengers Floral Pegasus and Bullish Luck to work on the main track on Tuesday, going 600 metres from the 1000 metre mark, and easing them down over the last 400 metres.

Floral Pegasus, with Gerard Mosse on board, worked the better of the pair, but this came as no surprise to the trainer, who said: “Floral Pegasus went well, and I’m happy with that. Bullish Luck is an old campaigner, and he tends to do his own thing on the training track.”

Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort winner Archipenko is in line to give South African trainer Mike De Kock a third Dubai Duty Free win and has a chance according to his trainer. “He is a nice horse; hopefully capable of a Group 1 win but he has had problems,” he said. “He has a great pedigree and is an exciting stallion prospect for South Africa once he has finished racing.”

Oracle West was third in the Sheema Classic last year and will bid to go two places better. “He is just a tough, honest performer who has managed three Carnivals which is a feat in itself,” said De Kock. “He is in good form and will have improved a lot for his last run.”

Stable companion Sun Classique has won both her starts and is quietly fancied for the 1777 metre turf feature. De Kock said: “She has surprised us as I was not sure how strong her form was. This is a lot harder race but she beat Gower Song who came out and won so the form looks solid.”

25/3/08 Bullish Cash (NZ) Awesome in HK Gr. 3 Premier Plate
Onlookers stood by in amazement after last night’s HK Gr.3 Premier Plate (1800m) win by Bullish Cash (NZ) (ex La Mafia by Phizam).

HK Gr.3 Premier Plate winner Bullish Cash (NZ)
Second to last approaching the turn, the 5YO Howbaddouwantit (USA) gelding was popped the question by Brett Prebble and in the twinkling of an eye had cruised to the lead with 250m to run.

Careering away for an awesome victory, Bullish Cash (NZ) looked every bit a Gr.1 horse and was so far in advance of his nearest opposition that race caller Darren Flindell observed the win to be by “as far as you can kick your hat”.

Officially successful by 2 ¾ lengths, Bullish Cash (NZ) would surely have felled the 1800m track record of 1:46.2 had he not been eased up with 50m to run, finishing instead one tenths of a second outside the time.

“On the circle I had an absolute lapful of horse and it was only a matter of deciding when to cut him loose” reported Prebble after the race.

Formerly raced as Wewantit (NZ), Bullish Cash (NZ) registered four wins in New Zealand prior his Hong Kong export to the Tony Cruz stable in 2006.

Since this time he has added two additional wins for owner Wong Wing Keung, and has been well distinguished with five placings.

Clearly appreciating distances 1600m and beyond, Bullish Cash (NZ) will now target Gr.3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup (2400m) on May 4.

Bred by WJ Duncan, Bullish Cash (NZ) was one of two Sha Tin winners for the Fairdale Stud sire Howbaddouwantit (USA) (Rahy) on the night and his success represented the sire’s sixth black-type winner.

Howbaddouwantit (USA) commenced stud duties in 2001 and made his intent plain to see with this first crop. Progeny here yielded a winners-to-runners ratio of 66.6 per cent and a Gr.1 ambassador in the form of Mi Jubilee (NZ), winner of the Ellerslie Sires' Produce Stakes (2YO, 1200m).

La Mafia, Bullish Cash’s 1400m winning dam, has to date produced two winners from three to race and should have further representation on the track by way of a 2003 Lord Ballina filly, and with the 2005 and 2007 colts by Bertolini and Howbaddouwantit.

Nightlign (NZ) Retains Unbeaten Record
New Zealand’s Champion 2YO of the 2006/07 season Nightlign (NZ) (Align x Indian Squaw by Carolingian) retained his unbeaten record at Sha Tin on Monday night.

Nightlign (NZ) franked his NZ win form in HK
Bred by Lyn Hawtin in partnership with Highview Stud, Nightlign (NZ) emerged as a juvenile star in New Zealand last season after franking his two previous 1200m wins in the 2006 Gr.1 Manawatu Sires' Produce over 1,400m.

Now racing from the stable of Almond Lee Yee-tat, the smart son of Align was all class in his first Hong Kong outing.

Tailgating the leader throughout, Nightlign (NZ) lodged his case early in the straight and was simply too good in the run to the wire, defeating the older class one opposition in the HK$1,600,000 Butterfly Hcp (1200m) by a length.

Nightlign (NZ), who was once considered too small to be set for the Yearling sales, is now the victor of four career starts and the bearer of over NZ$265,600 in stakes earnings.

The win continues apace with the recent success had by progeny of the Highview Stud sire Align, with the most outstanding example here being March 3’s Gr.1 ARC Diamond Stakes (2YO, 1200m) winner, Fully Fledged (NZ).

Don Eduardo Gelding Lands Brilliant Debut Win
With a pedigree boasting an Auckland Cup (3200m) winning grand-dam and a Australian Derby (2400m) winning sire, Silver Blaze (NZ) (Don Eduardo x Straight Lane by Straight Strike) defied a stout staying pedigree to land a brilliant 1000m win at Sha Tin last night.

“I know it’s very unusual, especially in a place where there are so many horses bred for speed, to find a horse like this that’s bred to stay, and when there are, they would never normally have this horse’s speed,” reported rider Brett Prebble after the race.

“But what he showed in his barrier trial (winning at 800m) told us he has all the speed you could want in a young horse and the pedigree to go any distance you want as well”.

The three-year-old son of Don Eduardo was having his first start and after jumping smartly made every post a winner to score the HK$590,000 Class 4 Leung King Hcp (1000m) by ¾’s of a length.

Unique Jewellery (NZ) Gives Early Indications of Inherited Ability
With win two attained at start three at Sha Tin on Monday, Unique Jewellery (NZ) (O'Reilly x Aulide by Snippets) is giving all the early indications of having inherited a formidable share of family ability.

Keen to find the rail after jumping in the HK$590,000 Class 4 Shan King Hcp (1400m), Unique Jewellery (NZ) sat directly in the trail of the torrid pacemaker Opera Magic.

Asked for improvement at the 400m mark by pilot Douglas Whyte, Unique Jewellery gave the gallant leader the ‘go by’ by the 100m mark and was able to power to the line to score comfortably.

Unique Jewellery (NZ) is an O’Reilly half brother to the Gr.1 SAJC Australasian Oaks (2020m) winner Marju Snip (NZ) (Marju) and is the third winning foal from as many to race for the Snippets mare, Aulide.

Aulide’s dam Candide (NZ) (Sound Reason) was herself well distinguished on the track, earning top filly on the 1987-88 NZ 3YO Free Hcp after wins in the Gr.1 NZ Guineas and the GR.1 NZ Oaks.

Of Candide’s seven winners, her most significant racetrack performers have come with the 1998 HK Gr.1 Stewards Cup (1600m) winner Billion Win (Coronation Day) and with the 2006 Gr.1 MRC Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) winner, Nadeem (Redoute’s Choice).

Derby Trial Win for Farson (NZ) Bodes Well for "Kiwi-peat" in Gr.1 Feature
The Gr.3 win of New Zealand-bred galloper Farson (NZ) (Postponed x Lady Gisene by Grosvenor) in Sunday’s M$650,000 Macau Derby Trial (1500m) seemingly bodes well for consecutive kiwi success in the Gr.1 equivalent on April 26.

The group one feature for four-year-olds was taken out in stylish fashion by the My Halo gelding Ka Lam Fortune (NZ) last year and Farson (NZ) looks to replicate the deed in four weeks time.

Tracking the leader throughout, Farson (NZ) revealed a fighting instinct in the home straight to take out the highlight of Sunday’s Macau race card by a head from fellow kiwi bred Best Jade Horse (NZ) (Ebony Grosve x Down and Up by Tights).

A winner of three races from 12 starts, Farson (NZ) commenced his racing career in Australia where he recorded his debut win before weighing-in in the Gr.2 Alister Clark Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley.

By the exciting young Stoney Bridge sire Postponed (USA), Farson (NZ) stems from a strong New Zealand family of group one, two and three winners, with outstanding performers counted here in Gallic (NZ) (Zabeel) Solveig (NZ) (Imposing), Greig (NZ) (Grosvenor) and Mr Ubiquitous (NZ) (Tale of the Cat).

Big Valour (NZ) Touted as Group One Contender
New Zealand-bred galloper Big Valour (NZ) (Faltaat x Lucky Partner by Take Your Partner) has been touted as a future group one contender following his bold half-length win in the S$75,000 Kranji Stakes C (1800m) at Kranji on Friday.

Trainer Patrick Shaw is looking toward the major staying races at the end of the year with the main target in mind being November’s Gr.1 S$1.35 million Singapore Gold Cup (2200m).

“He’s a good stayer and all he wants is ground,” Shaw told the STC.

“The Gold Cup later in the year is what he’s being aimed at.”

Big Valour (NZ) has now recorded four wins from nine starts in Singapore, with a formative win also attained in New Zealand when prepared by Karl Allpress at Matamata.

By the Westbury Stud sire Faltaat (USA), Big Valour (NZ) one of three winning foals to race for his dam Lucky Partner (NZ), and is a half-brother to the group one New Zealand Oaks placegetter Pentura (NZ) (Pentire).

Big Valour (NZ) was one of five NZ-breds to grace the Kranji winners circle on Friday night.

21/3/08 Significant Improvement Predicted for Seachange (NZ)
Connections of New Zealand’s champion mare Seachange (NZ) (Cape Cross) have warned racegoers to expect a very different horse on Dubai World Cup night to the one that finished sixth on her UAE debut on March 6.

The seven-time Group 1-winning mare will line up for the Group 1 Dubai Duty Free, sponsored by Dubai Duty Free on March 29, and those involved with the five-year-old are confident she will improve considerably on her last run in the Group 2 Jebel Hatta.

Racing Manager Rick Williams believes the daughter of Cape Cross is fully capable of winning the Group 1 Dubai Duty Free run over 1,777m on the turf course here at Nad Al Sheba.

“She has improved a lot from the run as we expected she would and we anticipate she will run really well on the big night,” he said.

“She will be much fitter and hopefully we will get a better draw than what we had in the Jebel Hatta.”

The New Zealand bred mare, who is prepared by Ralph Manning, drew 16 of 16 in her first race, but managed to score sixth place, just over two lengths behind the winner Lord Admiral.

Seachange (NZ) will be bidding to make history for her home nation as the first New Zealand-trained horse to win at the Dubai World Cup meeting, a feat that Williams says would mark “a fantastic achievement for the entire racing and breeding industry in New Zealand”.

The Karreman Bloodstock flag-bearer will face a tough field in the US$5 million race with likely challenges from the star European fillies, Group 1 Prix du Moulin winner Darjina and Jim Bolger’s dual 1,000 Guineas heroine Finsceal Beo, Japanese hope Vodka, and Godolphin’s multiple Group 1 winner Ramonti.

Williams’ confidence is not diminished however, stating: “We appreciate some of the best horses in the world will show up but we expect her to be competitive.

“All indications are that she will be ready to give her best this time round. Expect a very different horse on Dubai World Cup night

18/3/08 Royal Danske (NZ) Maintains Impressive Record
The Bruce Marsh-trained Royal Danske (NZ) (Danske x Java Silk by Kashani) maintained her impressive career record with a gutsy win in the S$75,000 Progress Stakes (1400m) at Kranji on Sunday.

Registering her third win from just five starts, the talented three-year-old filly displayed true kiwi-bred grit to prevail by a short-head at the line after tussling with second placed Abdicate down the home straight.

Marsh has a big opinion of Royal Danske (NZ) and believes the filly could develop into a handy staying prospect next year.

“She showed a lot of guts out there today,” he said to the STC

“She’s still growing and I’m really looking forward to some of the four-year-old races with her next year"

One of five NZ-bred winners on the night, Royal Danske (NZ) is a daughter of the South Island-based sire Danske (NZ), who currently leads the New Zealand General Sires’ table this season by number of individual winners.

Beau Brummell (NZ) Likened to Stable Star
Trainer David Hill has likened the promising Beau Brummell (NZ) (My Halo x Lady in Blue by Crested Wave) to his group three Singapore Guineas (1600m) winning stablemate Onceuponatime (NZ) (Van Nistelrooy), following his impressive two-and-a-quarter-length win in the $55,000 Class 4 1200m sprint at Kranji on Sunday.

The highly promising, Beau Brummell (NZ)
“To be honest there isn’t much between Beau Brummell and Onceuponatime,” said Hill to the STC.

A comparison that certainly bodes well for the racing future of the young son of My Halo (ARG).

Settling just behind the leaders, Beau Brummell (NZ) showed his rivals at clean pair of heels as he careered away over the final stages, leaving the remaining field to battle out the minor placings.

Picking up his third win from nine starts, Beau Brummell (NZ) has now earned his Byerley Stable connections the tidy sum of S$448,581 in prize money.

Bred by Alan Jones and Edwina Morris, who stand the geldings successful sire at Berkley Stud in Christchurch, Beau Brummell (NZ) is the fourth winning foal to race for the Crested Wave mare Lady In Blue.

18/3/08 Bright Future Predicted for Protege (NZ)
The talented Montjeu three-year-old Protege (NZ) (ex Elusive Quarry by Zabeel) looks to have a bright future ahead of him following his stylish win in the S$55,000 Class 4 (1400m).

Trained by Charles Leck Protege (NZ) gave indication that he is something special after settling back in the running and flashing home over the top of the field to record his third career win.

Leck was justifiably excited with the run of his emerging star and suggested bigger assignments are forecast for the young galloper.

"I'd like to start him over the mile at his next race and if he improves as planned he could turn into my next Derby horse." Leck reported to the STC.

Bred by Paul and Cushla Smithies of Monovale Holdings, Protege (NZ) is the second winning foal to race for the Zabeel (NZ) mare Elusive Quality, who is a three-quarter sister to the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby winner Hades (NZ).

World Delight (NZ) Returns to Winners Enclosure
World Delight (NZ) (Mellifont x Lady Anne by Grosvenor) made a welcome return to the winners enclosure on Saturday with a determined victory in the S$125,000 Open Class Stakes (1600m).

Scoring by one-and-a-quarter lengths from fellow kiwi-bred Mexborough Ladd (NZ) (Marju x Tinikadua by Centaine) the win has subsequently earned World Delight (NZ) a place in Friday’s Gr. 3 Chairman’s Trophy (1800m WFA).

A winner of seven races, the Steven Burridge-trained galloper has previously enjoyed success at stakes level courtesy of his brilliant win in the S$200,000 Three Rings Trophy (1400m) at Kranji in February last year.

Bred by Norm Hawthorne's Paramount Lodge Ltd in New Zealand and purchased by Dean Wiles for NZ$18,000 at the 2004 New Zealand Bloodstock Festival Yearling Sale, the victory took the son of Mellifont’s earnings to approximately S$663,000 for the Top Champ Stable.

18/3/08 Three in a Row for Famagusta (NZ)
Promising Lord Ballina (NZ) gelding Famagusta (NZ) (ex On Honeymoon by Spectacular Love) continued his ascent up the Hong Kong racing ranks with a third consecutive win at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Cruising to victory in the class 3 1400m event, Famagusta (NZ) registered his fourth win from just five starts for owner John Filmer-Wilson.

Ridden by Brett Prebble, the four-year-old pressed forward from the ace barrier to camp on the leader in the run, and when asked to challenge in the straight, showed a touch of class as he lengthened well to the line.

Brett Prebble is a huge fan of Famagusta (NZ) and said however impressive anyone thinks the four-year-old might have been, there's a lot more in the tank that hasn't been tapped yet.

Originally purchased by Kevin Myers at the 2005 Select Yearling Sale from the Java Lodge draft for $35,000, Famagusta (NZ) certainly looks to be another NZ-bred horse to follow on the Hong Kong circuit.

Joy and Fun (NZ) Proves Point with Gutsy Win
Joy and Fun (NZ) (Cullen x Gin Player by Defensive Play) had a point to prove at Sha Tin on Sunday, and his gutsy win in race 10 the Class 2 1800m, did all the talking for