He’s won Caulfield Cups, a Cox Plate and a Melbourne Cup, and now Ciaron Maher has won his hometown Cup thanks to Smokin’ Romans (NZ) (Ghibellines) staving off the late charge from Torranzino (NZ) (Tarzino) to land the 2350-metre Warrnambool feature on Thursday. The 2022 Turnbull Stakes winner lumped the topweight of 59kg to victory, leading throughout for star jockey Ben Melham. “It’s fantastic,” Maher said. “What a fantastic ride by Ben, he really understands this horse really well, he’s had some nice wins on him.” A rising nine-year-old, Smokin’…
Author: NZRacingDesk
Kiwi-bred secures Brierly-Grand Annual double
Kiwi-bred jumper Duke Of Bedford (NZ) (Tavistock) scored a memorable double at Warrnambool on Thursday when taking out the Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) for trainer Andrew Bobbin. The son of Tavistock was a popular four-length winner of the Brierly Steeplechase (3450m) at the Victoria track just two days prior, and was duly backed into $3.60 favouritism by punters. Jockey Arron Lynch replaced William McCarthy aboard the six-year-old gelding in the Grand Annual, and he rode him like he stole him, opening up several lengths early on against his rivals, which…
Stablemates finding the winning groove with Rathbone
Progressive stablemates Overdraft and Oscar have flourished in the care of Jo Rathbone and they put that on display with winning performances at Woodville on Wednesday. Dannevirke Dairy Supplies Woodville-Pahiatua Cup (2100m) contender Overdraft had trialled once before joining the Wanganui horsewoman, and after three seconds, the son of Burgundy broke through for his maiden success in a highweight at Waverley. Rathbone had been wary of the step into Rating 65 grade, but punters had confidence in her charge, closing him among the favourites for the Cup in a market…
Cambridge stable covering all the stakes bases
Stephen Marsh’s travelling road show continues this weekend with stakes contenders in two Australian states and a strong hand in a domestic age group feature. The Cambridge trainer has Roctave in the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2000m) at Morphettville while Tardelli will do battle in the Gr.2 Queensland Guineas (1600m) at Eagle Farm. On the home front, in-form fillies Lady Iris and Mazino will go head-to-head at Te Rapa in the Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1200m). Marsh, who returned this week from Hong Kong where El Vencedor was below…
Cashla Bay has experience on her side
With five races under her belt, Cashla Bay (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) is one of the more seasoned runners in Saturday’s Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1400m) at Te Rapa, and trainer Andrew Forsman is hoping that works in her favour. Bred and raced by The Oaks Stud, Cashla Bay made her debut in the Gr.3 Colin Jillings 2YO Classic (1200m) at Ellerslie in February where she beat just one runner home. She improved on that result when placing in her subsequent three starts, before breaking through for…
Fox holds them off in Galleywood
The Cunning Fox (NZ) (Reliable Man) and Tom Ryan have prevailed in a stirring Galleywood Hurdle at Warrnambool on Wednesday, securing the talented hurdler’s fifth-consecutive jumps win and first feature. In what would also prove to be Patrick and Michelle Payne’s first May Racing Carnival feature win together, The Cunning Fox ($2.90) was given a patient ride by Ryan, as Stern Idol ($3.20) set his usual strong gallop under replacement rider Fergus Gregory. Ryan moved the striking grey into the race down the side and it was race on over…
Cole continues Central Districts raid
Cody Cole collected his second quinella in a matter of days in the Central Districts on Wednesday, with Rareza (NZ) (Exosphere) and debutant Andantino saluting at the Woodville meeting. The Matamata horseman took a pair of runners to Wanganui last Sunday in The Nomad (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) and St Giles (NZ) (Swiss Ace), both of whom took out their respective races. His two representatives at the midweek meeting repeated the dose, headed by resuming talent Rareza. The daughter of Exosphere had just seven starts under her belt prior to the…
Big weekend in store for Riviera Rebel
There’s one word to describe Riviera Rebel’s (NZ) (Pure Champion) last assignment of the season – heavy. The in-form gelding has been lumbered with top weight, 60kg, in Saturday’s Avon City Ford Easter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton, where his biggest rival will be the inclement weather. While the son of Pure Champion is adept at racing in heavy conditions, recording three of his six wins on the surface, including the Gr.3 Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m) at Riccarton last start, co-trainer Graham Eade is wary of the inclement weather in Christchurch…
Talented two-year-old following suit with Wynyard
A son of Hollie Wynyard’s first Group One winner will have his turn in the spotlight at Te Rapa on Saturday, representing the Cambridge horsewoman in the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1400m). That runner will be Wyndstorm (NZ) (Wyndspelle), a two-year-old gelding out of the second crop of yearlings by Wyndspelle. In the care of Wynyard, and former training partner Johno Benner, Wyndspelle placed at the highest level on a number of occasions, capped off by his crowning victory in the Gr.1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m). Five years…
Perry launches new bloodstock advisory service
Experienced breeding and racing identity Bruce Perry has unveiled a new thoroughbred service to run independently of his successful bloodstock business. Bruce Perry Consultancy will offer advisory services for investors, owners, breeders and farms who seek unbiased and expert guidance in navigating the industry. “It will be totally separate from my bloodstock business and will strive to help and support new people and those already involved with advice, insights, views and different opinions,” he said. “A lot of people may not have the time to be at sales and have…