Elsdon Park are saddened to report the passing of star mare Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel). The triple Group One winning heroine was days away from being covered in Australia by leading stallion Zoustar. For her owners Lib and Katrina Petagna, Lucia Valentina provided some huge thrills. “Lucia Valentina has a special place in our hearts. She was named after our daughter and enabled us to enjoy some phenomenal family events,” recalled Lib Petagna. “The whole family really got behind her and we had a lot of thrills with her. “When…
Day: 29 August 2024
Dual Oaks winner’s heir apparent to make her raceday debut
Group One winner Pennyweka (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) took trainer Jim Wallace and her army of owners on the ride of a lifetime when taking out the New Zealand-Australian Oaks double last year, and just 18 months on the Opaki horseman thinks he might have another filly just as capable. Ardsley Stud filly Merkel (NZ) (Reliable Man) has reminded Wallace a lot of her stable predecessor and she has pleased him when placing in her three trials to date. “I have said several times that she is similar to what Pennyweka…
Vale Lucia Valentina
Elsdon Park are saddened to report the passing of star mare Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel). The triple Group One winning heroine was days away from being covered in Australia by leading stallion Zoustar. For her owners Lib and Katrina Petagna, Lucia Valentina provided some huge thrills. “Lucia Valentina has a special place in our hearts. She was named after our daughter and enabled us to enjoy some phenomenal family events,” recalled Lib Petagna. “The whole family really got behind her and we had a lot of thrills with her. “When…
Wrote To Arataki is to return to Caulfield
Trainer Matthew Williams is hopeful a good break for Wrote To Arataki (NZ) (Wrote) after an underwhelming late-summer preparation can be the catalyst to a better spring campaign for the Stakes-winning mare. Wrote To Arataki will resume in Saturday’s Group 3 Cockram Stakes at Caulfield, a race she finished third in 12 months ago, before going on to win the G2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m) later that spring. It will be her first start since finishing fifth in the Mannerism Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in February, in what was her second…
Northern raider scores at Cambridge Synthetic
Brucey Lee (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) made the seven-hour round trip from Ruakaka worthwhile for trainer Kim Knight on Wednesday when taking out the TAB 2000 at Cambridge Synthetic. The son of U S Navy Flag had placed in his previous start over 2100m on his home track earlier this month and Knight was confident of an improved result despite his topweight of 60kg. Punters shared her thoughts and backed him into $4.40 favouritism, and he didn’t disappoint, running out a one-length victor over fellow Northland raider Richie’s Dream.…
Martell out to continue his purple patch of form
Promising gelding Martell (NZ) (El Roca) will face his sternest test to date when he heads to Wanganui on Saturday to tackle the Balance Accountants Open 1200. It will be the furthest the five-year-old gelding has travelled away from trainer Jim Collett’s Matamata base, and his handler doesn’t think it will pose any issues. “He raced at Taranaki one time. Wanganui is a bit further, but he travels well,” Collett said. The son of El Roca has won three of his four starts this preparation, including his last two outings…
Dual Oaks winner’s heir apparent to make raceday debut
Jim Wallace pictured with family following Pennyweka’s win in last year’s Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m). Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Group 1 winner Pennyweka took trainer Jim Wallace and her army of owners on the ride of a lifetime when taking out the New Zealand-Australian Oaks double last year, and just 18 months on the Opaki horseman thinks he might have another filly just as capable. Ardsley Stud filly Merkel has reminded Wallace a lot of her stable predecessor and she has pleased him when placing…
Pakenham synthetic races best bets & quaddie | August 30, 2024
What Pakenham Races Where Pakenham Racecourse – 420 Nar Nar Goon–Longwarry Rd, Tynong VIC 3813 When Friday, August 30, 2024 First Race 4:45pm AEST Visit Dabble Another season of night racing commences at Pakenham on Friday night with an eight-race program set down for decision on the all-weather surface. With showers forecast throughout the day in Melbourne’s south-east, riders will look to avoid racing in tight quarters to avoid kickback throughout the card. The Pakenham synthetic races on August 30 is set to commence at 4:45pm AEST. Best Bet at…
Martell out to continue purple patch of form
Martell will contest the Balance Accountants Open 1200 at Wanganui on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Promising gelding Martell will face his sternest test to date when he heads to Wanganui on Saturday to tackle the Balance Accountants Open 1200. It will be the furthest the five-year-old gelding has travelled away from trainer Jim Collett’s Matamata base, and his handler doesn’t think it will pose any issues. “He raced at Taranaki one time. Wanganui is a bit further, but he travels well,” Collett said. The son of El Roca…
El Roca 4YO ready to make presence felt again
Riccarton trainer Anna Furlong will have a couple of nice chances at her home meeting on Saturday. Photo: Nicole Troost Promising four-year-old El Chapeau opened his preparation in perfect style and is in the right order to make a bold bid for two wins on the bounce when he runs at his home meeting at Riccarton on Saturday. The Anna Furlong-trained son of El Roca will step up to Rating 65 company in the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Handicap (1400m) and will again be partnered by Leah Hemi. She…