Nominations open for All-Star Mile

Nominations for the A$5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on March 19 are now open. Entries for the world’s richest mile race are open until January 10, but late entries can be received up to January 17 to allow connections of horses who perform will in the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) on January 15 a chance to enter the fan-voted race. “We are extremely proud and grateful for the way in which racing participants have supported The All-Star Mile and people right across Australia and New Zealand have embraced the…

Surprise break for Kiwi stayer

One-time Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) favourite Surprise Baby (NZ) (Shocking) has been sent to the spelling paddock following his ninth placed run in the Gr.3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last month. The son of Shocking hadn’t raced since the Melbourne Cup last year. Trainer Gavin Bedggood was initially disappointed with his returning run, but on reflection he was less critical of the performance. “Watching it I was gutted,” Bedggood told Racing.com. “But looking at the sectionals he’s gone as good as he could. “He just got gassed. He…

Pitman elects for home features with classy mare

Michael Pitman won’t be bringing his classy mare Miss Tycoon Rose (Written Tycoon) north for the rescheduled Gr.1 Rydges Wellington Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa, deciding to chase some features closer to home instead. Pitman, who trains at Riccarton with his son Matthew, wasn’t upset at the decision to cancel the Trentham meeting last Saturday where the Captain Cook Stakes was set to be run, saying it was clear the conditions were unsafe. But he’s not happy at the decision to move the Captain Cook Stakes and the…

Venue change adds to Ballymore arsenal

Ballymore Stables will double their attack on the Gr.1 Rydges Wellington Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa on Saturday after its transfer from Trentham last weekend. Harlech (NZ) (Darci Brahma) was originally the stable’s only entrant, however, with the race now on their backdoor step, the Matamata operation has also elected to line-up On The Rocks (NZ) (Alamosa). The seven-year-old gelding has fond memories of the track, winning the 2019 Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and placing in the same race earlier this year. While the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic…

Bright future tipped for Waihaha Falls

Trainer John O’Shea has big hopes for Waihaha Falls (NZ) (Sacred Falls) after his win over 1500m at Rosehill on Saturday. It was the second time in five starts the son of Sacred Falls carried Waikato Stud’s colours to victory, previously winning on the Kensington when on debut in March. “He did a good job. It’s only his second run this prep, and fifth career run,” O’Shea told RacingHQ. “Hugh (Bowman, jockey) was very happy with him and said he still has a lot more to learn and offer down…

Burdan ready to put frustrating period behind her

Chelsea Burdan is closing in on a return to race day riding from a new base following an extended time on the side-line due to injury. The promising apprentice’s career has been on hold for more than a year following complications after she suffered a broken collarbone in a fall at Waverley in December, 2020. “It took forever to have the plate put in, being at a public hospital, and then I finally got the plate in and it took forever to heal,” the 21-year-old said. “It finally did heal…

GRV Grading Guidelines: Updated version now available for viewing

In 2021, GRV undertook a review of its grading guidelines including hosting a grading survey and information sessions, out of which came a number of proposed recommendations. Based on these recommendations, GRV has developed a new version of its grading guidelines, which were tabled at last month’s Industry Consultative Group (ICG) meeting and provided to representatives of the Greyhound Owners, Trainers & Breeders Association (GOTBA). The updated version of the grading guidelines are being released for information ahead of an implementation date to be determined in the first quarter of…

Herlihy back driving Bolt

By Michael Guerin Trainer Tony Herlihy is hoping residual fitness will be enough to see Bolt For Brilliance back in the winner’s circle for the first time this campaign this Friday. The two-time Jewels winner goes into the 1700m open class trot at Alexandra Park having not raced since his third in the record-run Dominion on November 12. That was his fourth start this campaign, all in the South Island, meaning Herlihy hasn’t actually driven him in a race since the Jewels. With travel and the need for a freshen…

Magic Millions favourite Coolangatta shines at Randwick trials

Coolangatta is a heavy favourite for the 2022 Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic. A number of Magic Millions hopefuls stepped out at the Randwick trials this morning, including the current favourite for the Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m), Coolangatta. The Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained filly stamped her claim as the top two-year-old in the country with a brilliant trial win against older fillies and mares in Heat 5 (1050m). Coolangatta was an eye-catcher in her first trial, which subsequently saw her start a very firm $2.50…

Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | December 7, 2021

Horse racing around the country sees four meetings being held around the country on Tuesday afternoon. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you a couple of bets and quaddie numbers for the meeting at Hamilton. Tuesday Racing Tips – December 7, 2021 Hamilton Racing Tips As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, including $50 back from Sportsbet if your horse comes second or third. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on December 7, 2021 check…