Category: Featured

Aussie Orman snares Group 1 ride in Chairman’s Sprint Prize

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James Orman will have his first ride in a Hong Kong Group 1 on Sunday. (Photo: HKJC) If things had spanned out differently for James Orman, he would now be back in Australia chasing his third consecutive Metropolitan Queensland Jockey Premiership. He didn’t hesitate to snap up an offer of a short-term six-week contract to ride in Hong Kong to cover a sudden shortage of jockeys, but before it expired on April 2 his contract was extended until the end of the season. In what is regarded as the world’s…

Headwall in top shape for $5 million The Quokka

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Quokka contender, Headwall. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Warwick Farm trainer Matthew Smith is confident in the condition of his Group 1-performed sprinter Headwall ahead of Saturday’s $5 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot. The six-year-old has hit career-best form this preparation, finishing runner-up to Joliestar in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) before an eye-catching third in a deep edition of the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick. “He had a bit of a breeze up this morning (Tuesday) on the grass and looked great,” Smith told TABradio. “His condition’s…

Estriella, A Little Deep step up for Sangster Stakes test

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Estriella. (Photo: Scott Barbour – Racing Photos) Ciaron Maher’s team is looking for a form reversal from Estriella as she lines up in Saturday’s Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville. The four-year-old mare, a Group 2 winner, finished fifth in the Sangster last year but has struggled this campaign, finishing 14th in the Oakleigh Plate and 11th in The Galaxy. “At her last couple we’ve gone back in an effort to get her to settle,” Maher’s assistant Jack Turnbull explained. “Up in Sydney, we were hoping for a…

Today’s horse racing promotions & bet returns | April 23, 2025

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Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Wednesday, April 23. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for April 23, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Geelong | Same Race Multi 3+ Leg Bonus Back Place a 3+ leg Same Race Multi bet on any race at Geelong this Wednesday and if 1 leg of your multi fails,…

Latta leading local charge at Awapuni

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Lisa Latta can’t wait for racing to return to her home track of Awapuni on Friday and she’ll be flying the flag for the locals in the Listed Manawatu ITM ANZAC Mile (1600m). Based at the Palmerston North venue, Latta has watched on as the turf track received an extensive refurbishment, with successful jump-outs and trials deeming Awapuni fit to return to the domestic calendar. After a long 18 months away from regular programming, Latta was more than satisfied with what she saw in the lead-up to Friday’s meeting. “It’s…

Gold Cup swansong for Dazzling Miss

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Perennial bridesmaid Dazzling Miss will chase a richly deserved stakes victory in Saturday’s Gr.3 Coca Cola Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m) before heading to Monovale Farm’s broodmare paddock. After showing her talent on the synthetic surfaces for Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray, Dazzling Miss headed south to join Riccarton horsewoman Terri Rae, who has prepared her to win a further three races, while being a consistent presence in stakes company. She finished third in last year’s Canterbury Gold Cup, while also placing in the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge WFA (1600m), Gr.3…

New Zealand connections hail Ka Ying Rising and Mr Brightside

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If Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) or Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), or both, win their respective races on FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin on Sunday, celebrations will erupt worldwide. The Australian Hayes family is front and centre saddling these key contenders for the HK$22 million Gr.1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize and HK$24 million Gr.1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m), respectively, but their cheers are likely to be matched by those of breeders and consigners 9,500km away from Hong Kong in New Zealand. For a small country, New Zealand has consistently punched…

The Quokka 2025 Field & Betting Update: Overpass Favourite for 3rd Win

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Bjorn Baker‘s remarkable sprinter Overpass is poised to make history as the clear $2.20 favourite with Ladbrokes, aiming to become the sole three-time winner of the $5 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot this Saturday from barrier 10 of 13. Having conquered the first two editions from gates eight and six respectively, the now six-year-old […] The post The Quokka 2025 Field & Betting Update: Overpass Favourite for 3rd Win appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au.

Jimmysstar connections undecided on next step

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Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto) may not run again this season, with connections still to decide on the best path to take into a potentially mouth-watering spring clash with Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress). While further Group One conquests in Brisbane this winter are being considered for last Saturday’s Gr.1 All Aged Stakes winner, managing part-owner Ozzie Kheir said on Tuesday he feels it may be best for the horse to take his spell and to reset for a likely shot at October’s The Everest. “It is obviously…

El Vencedor on-track for FWD QEII Cup

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Quality New Zealand galloper El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking), continued his preparations for the prestigious HK$28 million Gr.1 FWD Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin this Sunday, with a solid workout on Hong Kong’s all-weather track on Tuesday morning. “He is striding out nicely,” trainer Stephen Marsh said. “He’ll have a good hit-out on the turf on Thursday (24 April) with Zac (Purton). And that will do him.” El Vencedor’s journey to Hong Kong hasn’t been without challenges. Shortly after arrival, the son of Shocking experienced a minor setback…