Day: 8 December 2023

Co-trainer Trent Busuttin is looking for Forgot You (NZ) (Savabeel) to return to form in the Gr.1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot but even if he does, he doubts he could defeat Zaaki (Leroidesanimaux). However, Busuttin has spent his life in racing and knows that the sport can provide unexpected results. “If Zaaki brings his best form, he wins the race. But in horse racing it’s not that straight forward. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be running,” Busuttin said. “Forgot You isn’t up to Zaaki’s class. He’s a four times Group One…

Peter and Dawn Williams have fond memories in past editions of the Gr.1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m), and the Byerley Park trainers are hoping another crown lies ahead with Desert Lightning on Saturday. The Williams’ claimed back-to-back victories in the Trentham feature, now known as the Gr.1 TAB Classic (1600m), in 2013 and 2014 when represented by classy mare Shuka, a winner of more than $700,000 in prizemoney. In this year’s event, they will prepare ever-consistent gelding Desert Lightning, a classy three-year-old returning to stakes company for the first occasion…

Detonator Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry) will bank more than $1.7 million in two starts if he can win the Gr.2 The Ingham (1600m). The rural surrounds of Maher Racing’s supplementary Bong Bong Farm facility has been put to good use ahead of Detonator Jack’s bid to deliver the leading yard a first win in The Ingham.  The gelding enjoyed a bit of R & R at the property following his dynamic Gong victory last month and co-trainer David Eustace said it had helped to keep the horse fresh for his Randwick mile bid.  “He…

Sprinter Waihaha Falls (NZ) (Sacred Falls) won’t get his preferred rain-affected conditions at Randwick, but he will have another couple of factors in his favour when he lines-up in the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m).  The six-year-old resumed with a solid fifth over the same course and distance on Melbourne Cup Day, the effort satisfying trainer John O’Shea he had returned in good shape.  Knowing the gelding appreciates his races spaced, O’Shea has given him a month between runs and significantly, Waihaha Falls arrives at the Razor Sharp second-up.  The horse has four wins and…

Highly talented three-year-old Lupo Solitario has pleased Matamata trainer Danica Guy in the build-up to his return to racing, but a last-minute setback has cast some doubt over his participation in Saturday’s Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe. The Satono Aladdin gelding towered over the TAB’s market for the $120,000 feature at a quote of $1.70 on Friday, but Guy revealed that a stone bruise has made him an uncertain starter. “He’ll be absolutely fine moving forward, but he might not be fine for the race tomorrow,” Guy said on…

Globetrotting Swedish jockey Ulrika Holmquist has made a homecoming of sorts, returning to New Zealand to ride for the summer. Holmquist arrived in New Zealand a decade ago to work in the racing industry, but soon found herself in the saddle and on a career path to becoming a jockey. She was initially apprenticed to Lee Somervell before transferring to Anne Herbert, and enjoyed plenty of success downunder, recording 40 wins before returning to Europe to continue her riding career. “I loved it here,” Holmquist said. “I think it is…

Lance Noble is sending just one horse down to Wellington this weekend, hoping his rising star Habana can deal to some unfinished business in the race now known as the Gr. 1 TAB Classic (1600m) at Trentham. Noble saddled Viadana in the 2013 edition of the race, which was then called the Captain Cook Stakes. Badly blocked early in the home straight, Viadana eventually found a way through and surged to the front in the final 100m. However, she was edged out by Shuka in the last few strides and…