Video
WATCH: NZ Oaks Preview
The Trackside team join Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray as they finalise preparations for Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) favourite Jennifer Eccles.
NZ Racing Desk
Australia
Trans-Tasman excitement for Te Akau
It will once again be a busy weekend for Te Akau on both sides of the Tasman. In Australia, 10-time Group One winner Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) will be vying to secure the lion’s share of the rich A$5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield, while in Sydney
New Zealand
Three-pronged Oaks tilt for Autridge
Valachi Downs trainer Stephen Autridge will be vying for his first Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) when he lines-up three fillies in the race at Trentham on Saturday. Autridge will saddle Communique (NZ) (Redwood) and Karalino (NZ) (Zacinto) in Kevin and Jo Hickman’s gold
Breeding
LA service fees on hold
Little Avondale Stud will hold the services fees of its three stallions for the next breeding season. Per Incanto will stand at NZ$17,500 + GST, Time Test will remain at NZ$10,000 + GST and Nadeem at NZ$5000 + GST. “Per Incanto has produced 22 stakes winners in the
New Zealand
Terracotta fires home
Talented three-year-old filly Terracotta (NZ) (Redwood) put on the after-burners to come from last and land her first career win at the fifth time of asking at Matamata on Wednesday when taking out the Tirau Veterinary Centre (1200m). The Gerry Harvey-bred and raced daughter of Redwood had been building towards
New Zealand
Stakes target for Safe Passage
Well bred filly Safe Passage (Snitzel) impressed on debut when winning the Tokoroa Cosmopolitan Club & Trees Tavern (1200m) at Matamata on Wednesday for trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman. Raced by James Chapman’s Jamieson Park, Safe Passage commenced well and sat outside stablemate Oneroa before careering away rounding
New Zealand
Headache draws for Ritchie
Shaune Ritchie thought he was in a nightmare on Wednesday. The Cambridge trainer was upbeat with his three runners heading into Trentham on Saturday, including Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) favourite Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle), but horror barriers quickly put a dampener on
Australia
Etah James transferred to Australian base
Group Three winning mare Etah James (NZ) (Raise The Flag) will join the stable of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace after a brave performance when fourth in last Saturday’s Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) behind Roger That (NZ) (Shinko King). The seven-year-old mare is in the twilight of her
Australia
Probabeel to bypass Coolmore Classic
Star New Zealand filly Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) will not take on older horses in the Gr.1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) but will instead renew her rivalry with Funstar (Adelaide) in a Group Two race at Rosehill. Probabeel had been posted favourite for Saturday's Cooolmore Classic for fillies and
Australia
Cox Plate memories rekindled for Hennessy
Gary Hennessy will be reliving his greatest training triumph when he heads along to the Matamata races tomorrow. The South Waikato Racing Club’s meeting is the second raceday stop on the New Zealand leg of the promotion to celebrate this year’s 100th running of for the Gr.1
New Zealand
Former shearer nabs first Group One
It may be a few days since Roger That (NZ) (Shinko King) won the Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m), but trainer Antony Fuller still can’t wipe the smile off his face. “I think it is still sinking in to be honest, but I do find myself walking around and
Australia
Perfect draw for Melody Belle
Jockey Opie Bosson has given All-Star Mile (1600m) contender Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) the tick of approval following her gallop at Caulfield over 1200m on Tuesday morning. Bosson made a special trip to Melbourne ahead of the A$5 million race on Saturday to give the 10-time Group One winner