Ruud Awakening Dam To Visit All Too Hard

Meanwhile, Westbury Stud reports that the dam of NZ's top 2YO filly Ruud Awakening (Bernardini-Dawn Almighty, by Danehill) is to visit Vinery's freshman sire & Black Caviar's champion half-brother All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) in 2013. Dawn Almighty has a full-sibling, by Bernardini, to Ruud Awakening being broken in at present and she will join her sister at the Cambridge-based stable of Stephen Marsh when she is ready to begin her racing career. Dawn Almighty is currently in foal to Westbury's world champion three-year-old miler of 2010 Makfi. Ruud Awakening (a NZ$90,000 purchase consigned by Westbury Stud at the 2012 NZ Bloodstock National Yearling Sale) has won 5 races (including the Gr1 Diamond Stakes at Ellerslie, (R) Listed Karaka Million & Listed Wellesley Stakes) & 1 placing (in the Listed Murdoch Newell Stakes) from 7 starts for NZ$720,550 earnings.

Ramsden Stakes Next Up For SA Derby Winner

Recent Gr1 SA Derby-winning 3YO gelding Escado (Casino Prince-Secret Cause, by Giant's Causeway) will take his place on Saturday in the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes where he is set to carry a steady impost of 57kg, reports racingnetwork.com.au. Although conceding it is not usual to pitch a 3YO into open company over the tough 3200m staying test of the Ramsden, trainer Matt Laurie stated: "I know it's a bit unusual, but this is such a natural staying horse, and he's pulled up enormously well from the Derby. I'd prefer to have a little less weight but I can't change that. We do believe he's a nice staying horse in the making and he can run in this race then go for a break."

BREAKING NEWS: Ramsden Stakes Next For SA Derby Winner

Recent Gr1 SA Derby-winning 3YO gelding Escado (Casino Prince-Secret Cause, by Giant's Causeway) will take his place in Saturday's Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes at Flemington where he is set to carry a steady impost of 57kg, reports racingnetwork.com.au. Although conceding it is not usual to pitch a 3YO into open company over the tough 3200m staying test of the Ramsden, trainer Matt Laurie stated: “I know it’s a bit unusual, but this is such a natural staying horse, and he’s pulled up enormously well from the Derby. I’d prefer to have a little less weight but I can’t change that. We do believe he’s a nice staying horse in the making and he can run in this race then go for a break.”

Vinery Opens Its Doors For Five Days Of Scone Week

Meanwhile, Vinery Australia will use Scone week to showcase its leading property, opening the farm's gates at 8.30am, from Thursday 16 to Monday 21 May. A stallion parade at 9.am each morning will provide patrons with the chance to view its local sires, including Black Caviar's champion baby half-brother All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) who makes his highly anticipated stud debut at $66,000 this season.

Vivi Veloce Wins Gr3 National Stakes

At Morphettville, Vinery Stud shuttler & former Australian Champion 2YO Sire More Than Ready (Southern Halo-Woodman's Girl, by Woodman) added a group success when juvenile filly Vivi Veloce (More Than Ready-Royal Sash, by Royal Academy) broke her Maiden to score by 0.2-lengths for trainer Lloyd Kennewell in the $115,000 Gr3 National Stakes (1200m) for 2YOs, over the gelding Iconic (Bel Esprit-Danavia, by Danehill) & fellow filly The Huntress (Husson-Western Empress, by Western Symphony). Vivi Veloce took her record to 1 win from 3 starts for $75,200 earnings.

R3.6 Million Sale-Topping Colt To Mike De Kock

Meanwhile, in South African racing news, leading trainer Mike de Kock is to train the sale-topper from the recent National Yearling Sale, the R3.6 million colt appropriately named Trees Of Green (Dynasty-Wonderful World, by Complete Warrior) in an ode to Louis Armstrong's 1976 hit single. Purchased by Markus Jooste's Mayfair Speculators, the Drakenstein-sold Trees Of Green is a half-brother to this season's Gr1 Cape Premier Yearling Sales Guineas runner-up Chave De Oura (by Jet Master) and is out of a Gr1 South African Fillies Sprint winner. According to goldcircle.co.za, the colt is the joint second-highest priced yearling sold at auction in South Africa with Gr1 Premier's Champion Stakes winner Potala Palace (Singspiel-Alignment, by Alzao) reaching the same figure when selling to Oscar Pistorius and his partners at the 2010 National Yearling Sale.

Belle Couture Debut Not Until Spring

Meanwhile, with Black Caviar topping the world rankings and her half-brother All Too Hard retired overnight, further news on brilliant broodmare Helsinge's progeny is that Belle Couture is unlikely to make her debut until she is a 3-year-old. According to racingnetwork.com.au, Belle Couture, a Redoute's Choice daughter of Helsinge, has entered trainer Danny O'Brien's stables where she is likely to trial in approximately 6 weeks. O'Brien observed the $2.6 million 2012 Inglis Easter sale topper "is in fantastic condition. She is a beautiful, big strong filly... It's going to be right in the middle of winter before she is ready. We'd be looking at early spring with her."

Escado Wins Gr1 South Australian Derby

At Morphettville in Adelaide, Gr1-winning & 5-times Gr1-placed Patinack Farm stallion Casino Prince (Flying Spur-Lady Capel, by Last Tycoon) added a Gr1 success when the gelding Escado (Casino Prince-Secret Cause, by Giant's Causeway) scored by 1.75-lengths for trainer Matt Laurie in the $500,000 Gr1 South Australian Derby (2500m) for 3YOs, over fellow geldings Hioctdane (Strada-Autobahn, by Octagonal) & 3YO Shoreham (Reset-Teneales Pearl, by Redoute's Choice). Passed in for $55,000 as a yearling from the draft of Bombora Downs at the 2011 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale, Escado took his record to 3 wins & 5 placings (including 3rd in Listed Geelong Classic in Oct 2012 over 2200m) from 14 starts for $432,885 earnings. For in-depth race, winner & runner details click on the race name in this item.

Glass Harmonium Retired

Following an uncharacteristic last placing in Saturday's Gr1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick, after which another injury was discovered, the Mike Moroney stable yesterday announced the retirement of 6YO gelding and Gr1 winner Glass Harmonium (Verglas-Spring Symphony, by Darshaan), reports racenet.com.au. The Irish-bred, UK Gr3-winning import performed at WFA Gr1 level for the majority of his 32 start career, winning at stakes level at only his fifth UK outing, before ending his Northern Hemisphere career with competitive performances in both the Gr1 Prince of Wales's Stakes and Gr1 Champion Stakes. In Australia he bounded immediately into stakes company with a runner-up in the Gr2 Hollindale Stakes, followed by a third in the Gr1 Doomben Cup and victory in the Gr2 Brisbane Cup. His 2011 Spring campaign included runners-up in both the Gr2 Makybe Diva Stakes and Gr2 Turnbull Stakes before reaching his pinnacle in taking out the Gr1 Mackinnon Stakes. He was again highly competitive at last year's Spring Carnival with dual seconds in the Gr1 Mackinnon Stakes and Gr1 Futurity Stakes (to champion All Too Hard). He retires with an impressive bank balance of $1,633,759 and an impending stud career in either Australia or New Zealand which is still to be confirmed.

New retiree Glass Harmonium (image: Steve Hart)

BREAKING NEWS: Glass Harmonium Retired

Following an uncharacteristic last placing in Saturday's Gr1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick, after which another injury was discovered, the Mike Moroney stable has announced the retirement of 6YO gelding and Gr1 winner Glass Harmonium (Verglas-Spring Symphony, by Darshaan), reports racenet.com.au. The Irish-bred, UK Gr3-winning import performed at WFA Gr1 level for the majority of his 32 start career, winning at stakes level at only his fifth UK outing, before ending his Northern Hemisphere career with competitive performances in both the Gr1 Prince of Wales's Stakes and Gr1 Champion Stakes. In Australia he bounded immediately into stakes company with a runner-up in the Gr2 Hollindale Stakes, followed by a third in the Gr1 Doomben Cup and victory in the Gr2 Brisbane Cup. His 2011 Spring campaign included runners-up in both the Gr2 Makybe Diva Stakes and Gr2 Turnbull Stakes before reaching his pinnacle in taking out the Gr1 Mackinnon Stakes. He was again highly competitive at last year's Spring Carnival with dual seconds in the Gr1 Mackinnon Stakes and Gr1 Futurity Stakes (to champion All Too Hard). He retires with an impressive bank balance of $1,633,759 and an impending stud career in either Australia or New Zealand which is still to be confirmed.

All Too Hard Wins Gr1 All Aged Stakes

At Randwick, Gr1-winning & 5-times Gr1-placed Patinack Farm stallion Casino Prince (Flying Spur-Lady Capel, by Last Tycoon) added a Gr1 success when 3YO colt All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) scored by 0.5-lengths for trainer Team Hawkes in the $400,000 Gr1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) for 3YOs+, over 5YO gelding Rain Affair (Commands-I Believe, by Octagonal) & 5YO gelding Fiorente (Monsun-Desert Bloom, by Pilsudski). A $1.025 million graduate of the Inglis Easter Sale, All Too Hard took his record to 7 wins (including the Gr1 Futurity Stakes over 1400m, Gr1 CF Orr Stakes over 1400m, Gr1 Caulfield Guineas over 1600m, plus last season's Gr2 Pago Pago Stakes, Gr2 VRC Sires Produce Stakes & Listed Talindert Stakes) & 3 placings (including runner-up in the Gr1 WS Cox Plate & Gr1 Sires Produce Stakes, plus 3rd in the Gr3 San Domenico Stakes) from 12 starts for $2,228,200 earnings. For in-depth race, winner & runner details click on the race name in this item.

Proverb Wins Gr3 Gunsynd Classic

At Doomben, Gr3-winning & multiple Gr1-placed Darley stallion Commands (Danehill-Cotehele House, by My Swanee) added a stakes success when the gelding Proverb (Commands-More Haste, by Brief Truce) scored by 2.25-lengths for trainer Peter Snowden in the $125,000 Gr3 Gunsynd Classic (1600m) for 3YO males, over fellow geldings Lucky Lucky Lucky (Lucky Owners-Our Contessina, by Vettori) & Hi Son (Husson-Danish Colony, by Danzero). Proverb took his record to 3 wins (including the Listed Dulcify Handicap over 1900m in Sept 2012) & 5 placings (including the Gr2 Sandown Guineas, Gr3 Carbine Club Stakes, Gr3 Newcastle Spring Stakes & Listed Ming Dynasty Handicap) from 14 starts for $287,300 earnings.

The Huntress Wins Listed Catanach's Jewellers Stakes

At Caulfield in Melbourne, unbeaten classic-winning Patinack Farm freshman stallion Husson (Hussonet-Villa Elisa, by Roy) added a black-type success when undefeated juvenile filly The Huntress (Husson-Western Empress, by Western Symphony) scored by 1-length for trainer Mick Kent in the $120,500 Listed Catanach's Jewellers Stakes (1200m) for 3YOs, over the geldings Tonyboy (Sebring-Tarn Princess, by Picnicker) & Churchill Dancer (Churchill Downs-Dark Review, by Second Empire). The Huntress (a $36,000 yearling consigned by Middlebrook Valley Lodge at the 2012 Inglis/Pitt, Son & Keene Scone Sale) took her record to 2 wins from 2 starts for $93,500 earnings.

SAf National Sale Day-1: R3.6 Million Colt

Following 2012's sale-topping R1.25 million yearling, the 2013 Emperors Palace National Sale had a much higher top price from the first day of selling in 2013 when a Dynasty colt out of Gr1 winner Wonderful World fetched R3.6 million. Consigned by Drakenstein Stud, he was sold to Mayfair Speculators. Named Trees of Green, the colt is a half-brother to this season's top-class 3YO Chave de Oura.

Everage Wins Listed Arrowfield Keith Mackay Quality

At Randwick in Sydney, Turangga Farm's stakes-winning stallion Zizou (Fusaichi Pegasus-Natural Is My Name, by Naturalism) added a stakes success when super-consistent juvenile filly Everage  (Zizou-Quipster, by Snippets) scored a half-length victory for trainer Craig Carmody in the $100,000 Listed Arrowfield Keith Mackay Stakes (1200m) for 3YO fillies, over fellow fillies Little Miss Smiley (Husson-Madame de Stael, by Fastnet Rock) & Major Conquest ( More Than Ready-Gamble Me, by Rock of Gibraltar). A $20,000 yearling consigned by Holbrook Thoroughbreds at the 2012 Inglis Classic Sale in Sydney, Everage took her record to 3 wins & 3 runners-up (including last start's Gr3 Kindergarten Stakes) for $194,850 earnings).

Vinery Announces 2013 Fees

The Hunter Valley's Vinery Stud has announced its 2013 stallion fees which includes boom freshman son of Helsinge, All Too Hard, who is set to trial this morning in Sydney. The GST fees all carry a 'Transferable Free Return' if an in-foal mare fails to deliver a live foal (conditions apply), with no payment due until June 15, 2014:

• All Too Hard $66,000
• Big Brown $22,000
• Congrats $22,000
• Dubleo $5,500
• Excites $5,500
• More Than Ready $99,000
• Mossman $19,800
• Myboycharlie $16,500
• Onemorenomore $13,200
• Pluck $11,000
• Testa Rossa $27,500

Latest Singapore Aust-Bred & NZ-Bred Non-Stakes Winners

Courtesy of Arion Pedigrees, below are the latest Australian and/or New Zealand-bred Singapore winners:

• 12/04/2013 Fuku Ichiban (AUS) 2007 (G by Black Minnaloushe - Yulia); 1st Singapore TC Class 5 H. S$35,000, 1400m - Earning S$18,742. Sold by Mana Park at the 2009NZ Bloodstock  Ready to Run Sale for NZ$30,000.
• 12/04/2013 Eclair Sensation (AUS) 2009 (G by Street Sense - Aristocracy); 1st Singapore TC Maiden S. S$35,000, 1200m - Earning S$18,742. Sold by Highgrove Stud at the 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $440,000.
• 12/04/2013 Chinese Culture (AUS) 2008 (C by Face Value - Josalie) ; 1st Singapore TC Class 4 H. S$55,000, 1400m - Earning S$29,452. Sold by Kambula Stud at 2010 Perth Yearling Sale for $25,000 & subsequently sold by Magic Millions Sales Pty Limited (Repossession) at the 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Horses in Training Sale for $9,000.
• 12/04/2013 Zac Warrior (AUS) 2008 (G by Bel Esprit - Lessie); 1st Singapore TC Class 5 H. S$35,000, 1400m - Earning S$18,742. Sold by Eliza Park at the 2010 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale for $110,000.
• 12/04/2013 Magical Talent (AUS) 2009 (G by Show a Heart - Another Syn); 1st Singapore TC Class 3 H. S$75,000, 1400m - Earning S$40,162. Sold by Grandview at the 2011 Magic Millions QTIS Yearling Sale for $67,500.
• 12/04/2013 Machfive (AUS) 2009 (G by Not a Single Doubt - Unrocel Gem); 1st Singapore TC Graduation S. S$65,000, 1200m - Earning S$34,807. Sold by Eliza Park at the 2011 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale for $130,000.
• 12/04/2013 Dynamic Venture (AUS) 2008 (G by Get Square (Aus) - No Mistake); 1st Singapore TC Class 4 H. S$55,000, 1000m - Earning S$29,452. Sold by Wattle Brae Stud at the 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $42,500.
• 12/04/2013 Luwak Coffee (AUS) 2009 (G by Casino Prince - McFly); 1st Singapore TC Class 4 H. S$55,000, 1400m - Earning S$29,452. Sold by Raheen Stud at the 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $12,500 & subsequently passed in by Dunoola Lodge Pty Ltd at the 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Horses in Training Sale for $37,500.

Team Hawkes Lands $5 million Colt

One of the most sought-after yearlings in the world will be trained by Team Hawkes. Last week's record $5 million Redoute's Choice-Helsinge yearling purchase by BC3 Thoroughbreds at the 2013 Inglis Easter Salle was confirmed by the buyer's liaison officer Simon Marshall to be trained by the John Hawkes-led team. Having formerly trained Helsinge's son Moshe (now at stud at Eliza Park Stud), Team Hawkes currently trains star 3YO Casino Prince colt All Too Hard, another son of Black Caviar's dam.

Helsinge Colt Sets New Record

A new Australian yearling record was set yesterday at Inglis' Newmarket property when the celebrated Redoute's Choice-Helsinge colt (Lot 131) consigned by Three Bridges on behalf of Gilgai Farm sold for $5 million after bidding opened at $2 million on Day-1 of the 3-day Inglis Easter Sale. The half-brother to champions Black Caviar & All Too Hard was knocked down to BC3 Thoroughbreds who snapped up the colt's full-sister, now named Belle Couture, last year for a sale-topping $2.6 million. "As soon as Belle Couture started to show us that she wasn't going to let the family down and that she might be pretty special herself we started to think we better have a look at this colt," said BC3 chairman Bill Vlahos. "We had a bit of inside knowledge so thought we might have to use that and when John Brocklebank comes back and say's it's the best yearling he has ever seen we got a bit excited. John has a great eye and he said has never seen a better yearling here or in the United States..." It is the third year in a row that a yearling out of Desert Sun broodmare Helsinge has topped the Inglis Easter Sale, the cycle having started in 2011 when All Too Hard made a sale-topping $1.025 million. A trainer is expected to be announced in the coming weeks with both Peter Moody (Black Caviar) & Team Hawkes (All Too Hard) believed to be in the mix.

$5 million record colt (image: Steve Hart)

All Eyes On Inglis Easter Opener

With most inspections completed by owners, trainers and bloodstock agents, the scene is set for this morning's opening session of the 2013 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. For many months anticipation has been building about the sale given its quality catalogue across the board, and yet there is one yearling that will draw a crowd like none other – the Redoute's Choice-Helsinge half-brother to Black Caviar & All Too Hard. Debate continues as to what he might sell for, with estimates ranging between the current record price of $3 million to as much as possibly $5 million. The colt is Lot 131, and there will be TV coverage by InglisTV, TVN, Sky Channel & Channel 7.

Redoute's Choice-Helsinge colt – expected sale-topper (image: inglis.com.au)

BREAKING NEWS: Helsinge Colt Sets New Record

A new Australian yearling record was set this afternoon at Inglis’ Newmarket property when the celebrated Redoute’s Choice-Helsinge colt (Lot 131) sold for $5 million after bidding opened at $2 million. The half-brother to champions Black Caviar & All Too Hard was knocked down to BC3 Thoroughbreds who snapped up the colt’s full-sister, now named Belle Couture, last year for a sale-topping $2.6 million. It is the third year in a row that a yearling out of Desert Sun broodmare Helsinge has topped the Inglis Easter Sale, the cycle having started in 2011 when All Too Hard made a sale-topping $1.025 million.

Norzita Wins Gr1 Vinery Stud Stakes

In the opening Gr1 of 5 Gr1 events at Rosehill Gardens, Windsor Park's ill-fated Gr1-winning stallion Thorn Park (Spinning World-Joy, by Bluebird) celebrated a Gr1 triumph when favoured filly Norzita (Thorn Park-Visique, by Quest for Fame) scored by 0.4-length for trainer Bart Cummings in the $405,000 Gr1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), over fellow fillies Longport (Casino Prince-Ocean Bridge, by Dolphin Street) & Habibi (Ekraar-Danny Holiday, by Danasinga). Norzita (a NZ$200,000 yearling at the 2011 NZ Bloodstock Premier Sale at Karaka) took her record to 4 wins (also including the Gr1 Flight Stakes at Randwick over 1600m) & 4 placings (including the Gr1 Coolmore Classic) from 10 starts for $765,900 earnings. For in-depth race, winner & runner details click on the race name in this item.

It's A Dundeel Rated Equal To Pierro

NZ-trained 3YO colt It's A Dundeel (High Chaparral-Stareel, by Zabeel) has been rated Timeform's equal highest winner of the Gr1 Rosehill Guineas in the last 20 years, alongside Octagonal, reports racingandsports.com.au. The rating of 125 puts It's A Dundeel equal second of the 3YO crop with Pierro (Lonhro-Miss Right Note, by Daylami) with both behind top rated (128+) All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun). It's A Dundeel is now one win away from becoming the first horse to complete the Randwick/Rosehill/Derby triple crown since the Randwick Guineas replaced the Canterbury Guineas in 2006. The main danger to It's A Dundeel in the Derby would appear to be VRC Derby winner Fiveandahalfstar (Hotel Grand-Cryptic Miss, by Snippets), who is rated 122 by Timeform and who races the older horses in Saturday's BMW at Rosehill.

Tinkler's Patinack Farm Operation To Be Sold

Patinack Farm principal Nathan Tinkler yesterday announced he has commissioned Magic Millions to sell the farm "lock, stock, and barrel", reports theage.com.au. Tinkler has been in discussions with Magic Millions for several weeks regarding the sale. Magic Millions general manager Vin Cox noted northern hemisphere interest in acquiring all Patinack Farm assets had already been fielded and commented: "Nathan wants it to be a walk in, walk out deal, similar to what happened with Darley and Woodlands… The way he sees it it would be property, horses, trucks, everything down to bridles. It is a case of just finding the right people to buy it and we have already had interest from international racing operations looking to expand to Australia and they are asking all the right questions." With a "reported price tag of $125 million" significantly below what Tinkler would like to get, "Fairfax Media understands Tinkler was spending $600,000 a week keeping the Patinack operation running." Stable staff have been informed that "it is all over" and [the operation] "would be closed in eight weeks time". The Patinack Farm portfolio includes a 3,700 acre Hunter Valley breeding property, a 1,000 acre Queensland breeding and racing operation, Randwick stabling and 10 stallions. Tinkler commented on his decision and impending sale: "Since its establishment in 2007, Patinack Farm has become a leading racing and breeding operation. As I am spending more time overseas, I do not have time to manage the business… Patinack Farm represents a terrific opportunity for a local or international owner to develop the business to be a world leader."

Patinack Yearlings Withdrawn From Easter

Meanwhile, less than a week from the sale, Patinack Farm's 24 Inglis Easter yearlings have been withdrawn from next week's 3-day sales extravaganza to be sold as part of the pending entire Patinack Farm operation sale which includes all its bloodstock (see full report above). On his twitter profile, Inglis chief executive Mark Webster tweeted: "I confirm that Nathan Tinkler called me today to withdraw his yearling draft from Easter. My apologies to buyers. Plenty of others on offer."

Scandiva Wins Gr2 Magic Night Stakes

Coolmore's multiple Gr1-winning Australian-bred stallion & current champion Australian sire Fastnet Rock (Danehill-Piccadilly Circus, by Royal Academy) added a group success when juvenile filly Scandiva (Fastnet Rock-Scandinavia, by Snippets) scored a short-head victory for trainer Anthony Cummings in the $176,700 Gr2 Magic Night Stakes (1200m) for 2YO fillies, over fellow fillies Shahad (Fastnet Rock-Shamekha, by Secret Savings) & Major Conquest (More Than Ready-Gamble Me, by Rock of Gibraltar). Now one of the most valuable fillies-in-training in Australia, Scandiva is a half-sister to globe-trotting Gr1-winning sire Magnus, Gr1-performed stallion Wilander, as well as Helsinge, dam of both champions Black Caviar & All Too Hard. Rob Crabtree-homebred Scandiva took her record to 2 wins from 4 starts for $140,850 earnings.

BREAKING NEWS: Tinkler Calls It Quits

Following a significant six-year involvement in the thoroughbred industry, Patinack Farm principal Nathan Tinkler has announced his decision to exit the industry and has commissioned Magic Millions Sales Company to sell the farm “lock, stock, and barrel”, reports theage.com.au. Tinkler has been in discussions with Magic Millions for several weeks regarding the sale. Magic Millions general manager Vin Cox noted northern hemisphere interest in acquiring all Patinack Farm assets had already been fielded and commented: "Nathan wants it to be a walk in, walk out deal, similar to what happened with Darley and Woodlands… The way he sees it it would be property, horses, trucks, everything down to bridles. It is a case of just finding the right people to buy it and we have already had interest from international racing operations looking to expand to Australia and they are asking all the right questions." With a “reported price tag of $125 million” significantly below what Tinkler would like to get, “Fairfax Media understands Tinkler was spending $600,000 a week keeping the Patinack operation running.” Stable staff have been informed that “it is all over” and [the operation] “would be closed in eight weeks time”. The Patinack Farm portfolio includes a 3,700 acre Hunter Valley breeding property, a 1,000 acre Queensland breeding and racing operation, Randwick stabling and 10 stallions. Tinkler commented on his decision and impending sale: "Since its establishment in 2007, Patinack Farm has become a leading racing and breeding operation. As I am spending more time overseas, I do not have time to manage the business… Patinack Farm represents a terrific opportunity for a local or international owner to develop the business to be a world leader."

All Too Hard "Coming Along Great"

Meanwhile, star 3YO colt All Too Hard is reported to be "back on top of his game" after shrugging off a virus that derailed his Gr1 Australian Guineas mission on race morning, reports racenet.com.au. All Too Hard, whose last run was when victorious in the Gr1 Futurity Stakes (1400m), now looks likely, according to co-trainer Michael Hawkes, to head towards the Gr1 All Aged Stakes on April 27. He commented: "He's coming along great the horse, his blood pictures have come back really good so we're quite excited to get him back to where he was when winning those couple of Group Is… Obviously we're looking forward to getting him here [to Sydney] and setting him for the All Aged, that's where he's going… We're taking one step at a time but the horse is well, he's bouncing around and he looks fantastic… One thing's for sure if everything's right he'll be there in the All Aged. He's back on top of his game again which is what we want."

All Too Hard Campaign Back On Track

Meanwhile, with his champion half-sister Black Caviar set to go 24 straight in the Gr1 William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley this Friday night, connections of triple Gr1-winning 3YO colt All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) have announced they have "no immediate plans to retire the $25 million colt", reports dailytelegraph.com.au. After a minor setback leading into the Gr1 Australian Guineas which forced his withdrawal, co-trainer John Hawkes has advised the star colt is literally back on track with the Gr1 All Aged Stakes his likely next assignment on April 27 at Randwick. Hawkes noted, "He's got plenty of time to be right (for the All Aged Stakes) and at this stage that's where he's heading". While this initially raised the prospect of All Too Hard clashing with undefeated champion half-sister Black Caviar in an All Aged field that could also include More Joyous and Hay List, Black Caviar managing owner Neil Werrett (a Vinery Stud shareholder) has already intimated he has no desire to see the pair clash. Werrett told theage.com.au: "'As far as I'm concerned, I don't see the need for Black Caviar and All Too Hard to meet and for that matter Snitzerland and Black Caviar to meet either..."

Dear Demi Wins Gr2 Surround Stakes

At Sydney's Warwick Farm meeting, dual Gr1-winning former Arrowfield Stud & Coolmore shuttler Dehere (Deputy Minister-Sister Dot, by Secretariat) added a group success when the filly Dear Demi (Dehere-Shirley, by Zabeel) scored by 0.3-length for trainer Clarrie Conners in the $175,000 Gr2 Surround Stakes (1400m) for 3YO fillies, over fellow fillies Driefontein (Fastnet Rock-Follow Gold, by Export Price) & Longport (Casino Prince-Ocean Bridge, by Dolphin Street). Dear Demi (a $130,000 yearling consigned by Strawberry Hill Stud at the 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale) took her record to 5 wins (also including 2012's Gr1 VRC Oaks & Gr2 Furious Stakes) & 7 placings (including last year's Gr1 Thousand Guineas, Gr1 Flight Stakes & Gr1 Champagne Stakes) from 17 starts for $1,255,100 earnings. For in-depth race, winner & runner details click on the race name in this item.

Spring Likely Target For Helsinge Filly

Last year's Inglis Sydney Easter $2.6 million filly Belle Couture (Redoute's Choice-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) is set to return to the stables of Danny O'Brien this week, who stated, "She'll start work this week and she'll have a good solid build-up and if she gets to the races it's probably looking more like May-June at this stage. The main thing that we'll be doing now is setting her up to be a force in the spring. She's really grown a lot and furnished into a lovely filly and I'm looking forward to getting her into the stables shortly." Belle Couture is a half-sister to champion mare Black Caviar, crack 3YO All Too Hard and young Eliza Park stallion Moshe.

All Too Hard Bids Melbourne Adieu

Meanwhile, Saturday morning's shock scratching at Flemington of $1.30 Gr1 Australian Guineas favourite All Too Hard means that Victoria is unlikely to see the star colt grace its tracks again. All Too Hard is now expected to head back to Sydney where trainers Team Hawkes will prepare him for that State's autumn riches before jetting overseas to take on Europe's best. According to theage.com.au, Peter Orton, general manager of Vinery Stud, co-owner of All Too Hard, noted: "It was lucky that the horse's high temperature was detected when it was, it was disappointing not to run but the horse comes first... He's probably run his last race in Victoria because we've simply run out of races for him… But there are some terrific races like the Ryder and the All Aged Stakes that are timed pretty well for him in Sydney." Racing fans will be hoping to see All Too Hard clash again with last season's undefeated Champion 2YO Pierro whose Sydney record is now 8-from-8 after Saturday's gritty Hobartville Stakes victory (see full report below).

All Too Hard Wins Gr1 Futurity Stakes

At Caulfield, Gr1-winning & 5-times Gr1-placed Patinack Farm stallion Casino Prince (Flying Spur-Lady Capel, by Last Tycoon) added a Gr1 success when favoured 3YO colt All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) scored by 3.25 lengths for trainers Team Hawkes in the $500,000 Gr1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) for 3YOs+, over 6YO gelding Glass Harmonium (Verglas-Spring Symphony, by Darshaan) & 8YO gelding King Mufhasa (Pentire-Sheila Cheval, by Mi Preferido). A $1.025 million graduate of the Inglis Easter Sale, All Too Hard took his record to 6 wins (including the Gr1 CF Orr Stakes over 1400m, Gr1 Caulfield Guineas over 1600m, plus last season's Gr2 Pago Pago Stakes, Gr2 VRC Sires Produce Stakes & Listed Talindert Stakes) & 3 placings (including runner-up in Gr1 WS Cox Plate & Gr1 Sires Produce Stakes plus 3rd in the Gr3 San Domenico Stakes) from 11 starts for $2,043,200 earnings. All Too Hard became the second horse to win the Caulfield Guineas, CF Orr and the Futurity. Manikato (Manihi-Markato, by Natural Bid) won all three races in the 1978/79 season and went on to win the Futurity on four occasions. For in-depth race, winner & runner details click on the race name in this item.

Guineas Appears All Too Hard For Rivals

With bookies suggesting likely odds of $1.30 if crack 3YO colt All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) takes his place in Saturday's Gr1 VRC Australian Guineas at Flemington over 1600m, rival connections may be running for 2nd place only in the event. Following his breathtaking win last Saturday in the Gr1 Futurity (see above item), theage.com.au reports co-trainer John Hawkes saying that All Too Hard came through the run well and is on target to back up: "He looked good this morning and will push on to the Guineas but we have a lot of options after that race... It'll just be a matter of sitting down with the owners and planning what races we look at in Sydney.''

Gem Of An Autumn Day Lies Ahead

Racing fans in Australia & New Zealand are in for a massive treat tomorrow, and while there are Group and Listed races wherever one looks, it's understandable that the 4 Gr1 puzzles will hold pride of place. With a 2-hour time advantage, New Zealand's Gr1 WFA Classic gets the ball rolling and nobody will willingly miss the return of Cox Plate hero Ocean Park as he takes his first steps towards Dubai. In the Gr1 Futurity, All Too Hard gets the chance to prove he is Australia's champion-elect when he again tackles open company under weight-for-age conditions. Then it's on to the Blue Diamond where barrier draws could undo many of the fancied runners. Finally, east coast aficionados get to see undefeated WA star Barakey in the flesh when he takes on a hot Oakleigh Plate field in his attempt to go 12 wins undefeated. Below is footage of Barakey, whose trainer Jim Taylor originally prepared outstanding sprinter Hay List.

Helsinge Enemy Number One For Bookies

Meanwhile, sensational broodmare Helsinge is unlikely to be on bookmakers' Christmas card list, given that her progeny Black Caviar & All Too Hard have won 28 of their combined 33 starts. Understandably cautious given the history, not even the presence of Green Moon ($8) in the Gr1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) on Saturday has swayed the satchel swingers to offer better than $1.70 about All Too Hard's chances. Kiwi raider (King) Mufhasa is 2nd favourite at $4.20, while the 10-horse field includes two $101 chances: Niwot & Maluckyday. For sportsbet.com.au's latest Futurity market, click on the image below.

Green Moon Nominated For Futurity

The landscape for Saturday's feature Gr1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield has certainly altered over the past 24 hours with the change of tack by Team Hawkes to accept with star 3YO colt and last start Gr1 CF Orr Stakes winner All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) countered by Team Williams who have nominated Gr1 Melbourne Cup winning 5YO entire Green Moon (Montjeu-Green Noon, by Green Tune) for his first-up assignment this autumn. Green Moon heads a high class 12 nominations for the Futurity en-route to a likely autumn grand final for him in the Gr1 Australian Cup (2000m) on March 9. Although the 1400m of the Futurity Stakes may seem a little short for Green Moon to make a winning return, it's worth considering that many Melbourne Cup winners, such as Let's Elope and Jeune, have had the athleticism and natural speed to achieve this (both in the Gr1 CF Orr Stakes) and last time in Green Moon began his preparation by rattling home to finish a close-up fifth in the Gr3 Memsie Stakes (1400m) before taking the Gr3 Turnbull Stakes (2000m).

All Too Hard Surprise Starter In Guineas

And in further news regarding Helsinge, the celebrated dam of Black Caviar, her brilliant 3YO son All Too Hard will be a surprise starter in Saturday's Gr1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield. According to media reports, his connections believe he needs one more start before Saturday-week's Gr1 Australian Guineas at Flemington. All Too Hard is then expected to head to Sydney before departing for a northern hemisphere campaign prior to retirement for stud at Vinery Australia.

Ocean Park Pins Ears Back In Trial

Gr1 Cox Plate-winning 4YO entire Ocean Park (Thorn Park-Sayyida, by Zabeel), set for a racetrack return in the Gr1 Haunui Farm Classic (1600m) on Saturday week, dazzled in an exhibition gallop between races at Te Awamutu yesterday, reports theinformant.co.nz. Enjoying his third strong hit-out in preparation for "an ambitious 2013 campaign", he was accompanied in his trial by stablemate Dashing Thunder, cruising home in slick sectionals (59.67 for 1000m; last 600m in 34.93). His season debut looks likely to pit the star against many seasoned stakes performers, including Saturday's Gr1 Waikato Draught Sprint (1400m) winning 5YO mare Final Touch (Kashani-My Lydia, by Umatilla) and last year's Haunui Farm Classic winner Veyron (Thorn Park-Over The Limit, by Centro). Trainer Gary Hennessy was optimistically cautious, "Today's just another part of seasoning him up before he goes back to the races … It's a big ask putting him up against those hard-fit horses and I wouldn't want him going into a Gr1 race anything but ready." Likely only to have one NZ run prior to jetting overseas, Ocean Park is targeting the US$5 million Dubai Duty Free (1800m) on turf second-up before a likely European raid encompassing potentially the Gr1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot where he could clash again with Cox Plate nemesis All Too Hard.

All Too Hard Wins Gr1 CF Orr Stakes

At Caulfield, Gr1-winning & 5-times Gr1-placed Patinack Farm stallion Casino Prince (Flying Spur-Lady Capel, by Last Tycoon) added a Gr1 success when 3YO colt All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) scored by 0.5-length for trainers Team Hawkes in the $400,000 Gr1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) for 3YOs+, over 4YO colt Mawingo (Tertullian-Montfleur, by Sadler's Wells) & 5YO gelding Mr Moet (Mosayter-Marlock Miss, by Karioi Star). A $1.025 million graduate of the Inglis Easter Sale, All Too Hard took his record to 5 wins (including the Gr1 Caulfield Guineas over 1600m, plus last season's Gr2 Pago Pago Stakes, Gr2 VRC Sires Produce Stakes, Listed Talindert Stakes) & 3 placings (including runner-up in Gr1 WS Cox Plate & Gr1 Sires Produce Stakes plus 3rd in the Gr3 San Domenico Stakes) from 10 starts for $1,741,200 earnings.

All Too Hard wins the CF Orr (pic: Equine Images Racing Photography)

Australian Guineas Off All Too Hard Agenda

Meanwhile, in somewhat of a surprise decision, the Hawkes stable has revealed brilliant colt All Too Hard (now owned by Vinery Australia & Kia Ora Stud) is likely to miss the Gr1 Australian Guineas at Flemington where he was scheduled to clash with nemesis Pierro in the age-restricted event. According to smh.com.au, the preferred course of action is for All Too Hard to contest the Gr2 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday week against older horses before embarking on a short Sydney two-race campaign en-route to tackling the Gr1 Queen Anne Stakes in England.

Saturday's Winners: By Stallion

The following Breeding&Racing Daily News stallions had winners or placed runners in Australia or New Zealand on Saturday... Click on any of their names for in-depth information and runner details: Bradbury's Luck, Casino Prince, Charge Forward, Clang, Clangalang, Dane Shadow, Desert King, Flying Spur, Foreplay, Helenus, Hidden Dragon, Husson Lightning, Hussonet, Keep The Faith, King Of Prussia, Lago Delight, Mosayter, Nothin' Leica Dane, Pendragon, Redoute's Choice, Sebring, Show A Heart, Snippetson, St Averil, Strada, Stratum, Stravinsky & Zabeel.

Last Aust Campaign For All Too Hard

World Joint Leading 3YO Miler (Turf) All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) will kick off his new racing campaign in Saturday's CF Orr Stakes over 1400m. The Team Hawkes-prepared star's final Australian preparation is set to include two starts in Melbourne – the Orr Stakes and $500,000 Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) – before a start or two in Sydney ahead of a Royal Ascot swansong. Vinery's general manager Peter Orton told racingvictoria.net.au, "We'd like him to go to stud this year, so we'd like to see him retiring a month or so prior to the (breeding) season. We're looking to race him here and, if all goes well, then take him to England, to Ascot, if possible. There's the Queen Anne, but you've also got the Golden Jubilee over 1200. That's a tough race, there's a rise three times, and you have to have a bit of stamina. But the Queen Anne over a mile is ideal for him and there are a couple of other nice races for him in France. Black Caviar has put that family on the map and she's known all over the world and this is a half-brother to her, so he's got great interest and great potential for overseas farms. If he was to go over there and add to his record, it will just increase the value of the horse, which would be a great thing."

All Too Hard (image: Steve Hart)

Boss Gives All Too Hard WFA Tick Of Approval

Big race specialist Glenn Boss, whose mount Ocean Park had to overhaul All Too Hard in the closing stages of last year's weight-for-age Gr1 Cox Plate, has told dailytelegraph.com.au that in the absence of Ocean Park (whose connections are targeting Dubai & Europe), All Too Hard is likely to "become the nation's supreme weight-for-age middle-distance performer". Rationalising his comment, Boss explained: "There doesn't seem to be a lot of depth in the older ranks so you are looking to the three-year-olds to step up and the standout among them is All Too Hard..."

Magnus Winning The Numbers Game

With turf aficionados salivating at the forthcoming racetrack return of world champion sprinter Black Caviar, yearling buyers following the exploits of 2nd crop sires will have noted the performance of young stallion Magnus (Flying Spur-Scandinavia, by Snippets). Like Black Caviar's sire Bel Esprit, an Eliza Park Stud resident, Gr1 AJC The Galaxy winner Magnus is a half-brother to the dam of Black Caviar. To date this season Magnus is the sire of 18 individual winners, one clear of Hard Spun & Casino Prince. In addition, his 44 percent winners-to-runners ratio is marginally second only to Host. Magnus, who will be represented by debutant 2YO gelding Feral Cowboy in tomorrow's Listed Chairman's Handicap at Caulfield plus Platinum Kingdom in the Listed Dunedin Guineas in New Zealand, has 19 yearlings catalogued for March's Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.

All Too Hard Shares Top Billing With Global Duo

Vinery Stud's future stallion-in-waiting All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) has been named the World Joint Leading 3YO Miler (Turf) in the latest World Thoroughbred Rankings. The former Patinack Farm-owned 3YO colt, recently also bought into by Kia Ora, earned the accolade following his Gr1 Caulfield Guineas win over last season's undefeated Champion 2YO Pierro & his courageous 2nd in the Gr1 Cox Plate behind Ocean Park. All Too Hard shared the honour with Ballymore Irish Horse of the Year Camelot & South Africa's Horse of the Year Variety Club (see J&B Met item below).

Kia Ora Buys Into All Too Hard

Historic Kia Ora Stud has purchased a share in top colt All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun). Established in 1914, Kia Ora Stud has, throughout its long history, produced many great racehorses, including seven Melbourne Cup winners and nine VRC Derby winners. In recent years under the ownership of Mr Ananda Krishnan, the Kia Ora operation has produced leading horses of the quality of Champion South African mare Igugu and leading sire Exceed And Excel. Vinery's Peter Orton said, "We are delighted Kia Ora has joined us in the ownership of All Too Hard. Kia Ora is one of the finest properties we have in the Hunter Valley, with a first class broodmare band and commitment to racing. Kia Ora, a strong supporter of Vinery, is a great contributor to the industry and to the local community. We look forward to Kia Ora sharing the excitement of All Too Hard's racing and his future success when he begins his much anticipated career at stud, bolstered by Kia Ora's powerful support."

All Too Hard Full-Sibling On The Way

Meanwhile, All Too Hard is likely to have a full-brother or full-sister later this year following news that celebrated broodmare Helsinge (also dam of undefeated Champion and Australian Horse of the Year Black Caviar) is in-foal to All Too Hard's Patinack Farm-based sire Casino Prince (Flying Spur-Lady Capel, by Last Tycoon) after passing a 45-day positive pregnancy test at Rick Jamieson's Gilgai Farm. According to dailytelegraph.com.au, Ben Lawrence, stud manager of Patinack Farm (which stands Casino Prince), noted of the decision by Helsinge's owner Jamieson: "He (Jamieson) sends quality mares to our stallions each year and much credit goes to Rick who supported Casino Prince in his first season."

Capetown Noir Wins SAf Gr1 Cape Guineas

At Kenilworth in Cape Town, 3YO colt Capetown Noir (Western Winter-Akinfeet, by Fort Wood) scored by 3.25-lengths for trainer Dean Kannemeyer in the Gr1 Cape Guineas (1600m) for 3YOs, over fellow colts Chave de Oura (Jet Master-Wonderful World, by Complete Warrior) & Black Toga (Black Minnaloushe-Bridget's Academy, by Royal Academy). Scoring his first stakes win, Capetown Noir took his record to 4 wins & 2 placings (including 2nd in the Gr2 Selangor Cup at Kenilworth) from 6 starts for R821,950 earnings.

Stud Coup 2: Vinery Acquires All Too Hard

Meanwhile, exciting 3YO colt All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) has been acquired by Vinery Australia from Patinack Farm, and will henceforth be campaigned in Vinery's livery while remaining in training with 'Team Hawkes'. The deal, believed to be worth $25 million, also includes Nathan Tinkler's shareholding in Gr1-winning juvenile and 2013 Vinery freshman yearling sire Onemorenomore (Red Ransom-Palia, by Last Tycoon) in addition to a Hunter Valley property owned by Patinack Farm. A $1,025,000 2011 Inglis Easter half-brother to undefeated champion Black Caviar, All Too Hard decisively made his mark during the Melbourne Spring Carnival with victory in the Gr1 Caulfield Guineas & a runner-up by a neck in the Gr1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. Out of a half-sister to stallions Magnus & Wilander, and a half-brother to young stallion Moshe, he currently boasts 4 wins (also including the Gr2 Pago Pago Stakes & Gr2 VRC Sires Produce Stakes as a juvenile) & 3 placings (also including runner-up in the Gr3 San Domenico Stakes) from 9 starts for earnings of $1,499,200. "All Too Hard is one of the most exciting stallion prospects we have seen for many years. This horse is the real deal!" enthused Vinery Stud general manager Peter Orton. "Not only is he a super racehorse, his pedigree is perfectly suited to our conditions. All Too Hard is a spectacular individual physically; he has great power, precocity and presence, all the attributes that make a great stallion." Looking to the future, Orton revealed: "The current race program is for All Too Hard to resume racing this autumn in Melbourne with the Australian Guineas as his initial goal before returning to Sydney for the Autumn Carnival there. We will be discussing the future programming of All Too Hard with the Hawkes team next week and seeking their advice going forward." One of the considerations is for All Too Hard to emulate Black Caviar by taking on the crème of Europe's sprinters at Royal Ascot.

All Too Hard's Gr1 Caulfield Guineas win (image: Steve Hart)

Caliente Wins Listed Mode Plate

At Eagle Farm, Lyndhurst Stud's Sequalo (Rustic Amber-Dash Around, by Bending Away) added a stakes winner when the filly Caliente (Sequalo-Avenel, by Scenic) scored by 1.3-lengths for trainer Bruce Hill in the $100,000 Listed Mode Plate (1200m) for 3YO fillies, over fellow fillies Sookie (Casino Prince-Purple Blood, by Encosta de Lago) & Write Cheek (Written Tycoon-Kacheek, by Jetball). A $30,000 Magic Millions yearling graduate, Caliente took her record to 2 wins & 2 placings (including 2nd in Listed Mercedes-Benz Stakes) from 7 starts for $137,500 earnings.

Inglis Launches Sydney Easter Preview

At a private media function in Sydney yesterday, Inglis launched its much anticipated 2013 Inglis Easter Preview publication. Inglis managing director Mark Webster stated that next year's catalogue surpasses anything that has gone before, and early delving into the publication supports that notion. Featuring a panoply of turf luminaries, the catalogue boasts siblings to crowned Champions Black Caviar & All Too Hard, Igugu, Starspangledbanner & Typhoon Tracy in addition to a vast array of siblings to Gr1 winners. Crowned Champion fillies/mares with progeny include: Samantha Miss, Makybe Diva, Bramble Rose, Star Satire, Ruby Clipper, Sun Classique, Tracy's Element, Zima & Jolie's Shinju. Fastnet Rock is represented by 50 yearlings, while other sires with drafts of 20 or more include High Chaparral (42), Redoute's Choice (36), More Than Ready (32), Lonhro (25), Encosta de Lago (24), Manhattan Rain (23), Flying Spur (22), Snitzel (22) & Onemorenomore (20). The Inglis Sydney Easter Sale runs April 9-11 inclusive.

Black Caviar Half-Sister Named Belle Couture

In Melbourne, BC3 Thoroughbreds has announced the name of the most famous unraced filly in the country as Belle Couture. A half-sister to both undefeated champion Black Caviar and this year's Gr1 Caulfield Guineas winner All Too Hard, the Redoute's Choice filly out of Helsinge was sold for $2.6 million at the 2012 Inglis Sydney Easter Sale. Until now she had been affectionately known as Pippa (sister to royalty). BC3 CEO Bill Vlahos said the filly is the princess of the BC3 stable and that the name is fitting. "Belle Couture is a filly with tremendous poise and strut... It's fitting to have a name that reflects such high end beauty and style." Currently in pre-training at BC3's Grace Park, Belle Couture will be sent to trainer Danny O'Brien with a view to preparing her for the feature 2YO events in 2013.

NZB Ready To Run Day-2: Overall Top Sellers

• NZ$480,000 Fastnet Rock / Oraia Colt James Harron Bloodstock (NSW)  
• NZ$360,000 Encosta de Lago / Note of Desire Colt John Foote Bloodstock (Hong Kong)  
• NZ$350,000 High Chaparral / Tycoon's Gold Colt Bahen Bloodstock (Victoria)  
• NZ$350,000 Exceed and Excel / Pas de Deux Colt Mr Me Tsui (Hong Kong)
• NZ$300,000 Fastnet Rock / Plastic Lady Colt NZB as agent (Hong Kong)  
• NZ$300,000 O'Reilly / Star Affair Colt Australian Bloodstock (NSW)  
• NZ$300,000 Casino Prince / Ausbred Chic Colt Mr Dennis Yip (Hong Kong)
• NZ$280,000 Encosta de Lago / Mrs. Squillionaire Colt Mr Michael Chang (Hong Kong)  
• NZ$270,000 Thorn Park / On the Board Colt Mr Manfred Man (Hong Kong)
• NZ$250,000 Testa Rossa / Wednesday Rocks Colt NZB as agent (NSW)  
• NZ$250,000 Dubawi / Magic Tori Colt Michael Stedman Bloodstock (NSW)
• NZ$250,000 Written Tycoon / Wild Release Colt Mr Michael Chang (Hong Kong)

NZB Ready To Run Day-1: Top Sellers

• NZ$300,000 Casino Prince / Ausbred Chic Colt Mr Dennis Yip (Hong Kong)  
• NZ$250,000 Dubawi / Magic Tori Colt Michael Stedman Bloodstock (NSW)  
• NZ$240,000 Towkay / Dancing Daze Gelding Mr Dennis Yip (Hong Kong)  
• NZ$220,000 Darci Brahma / Lady Classique Colt Mr R Yiu (Hong Kong)  
• NZ$220,000 O'Reilly / Espurante Colt Mr VW Lai (Hong Kong)  
• NZ$200,000 Savabeel / Generous Nature Gelding John O'Shea Racing (NSW)  
• NZ$200,000 Fastnet Rock / Great Meadows Colt Mr Tim Stakemire (VIC)  
• NZ$180,000 Darci Brahma / Identity Gelding Mr R Yiu (Hong Kong)  
• NZ$175,000 Darci Brahma / Lacango Colt Michael Freedman/Michael Wallace B/S (Singapore)  
• NZ$160,000 Fastnet Rock / Herzigova Colt Worldwide Bloodstock (South Africa)  
• NZ$160,000 Bernardini / Al Safa Colt NZB as agent (Auckland)  
• NZ$160,000 Faltaat / Circus Dance Colt Mr S Baertschiger (Singapore)

Waller Hoping For Melbourne Stable Allocation

Leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller is hoping to be allocated stables in Melbourne. According to racingandsports.com, last season's champion trainer "would like 10 or even 20 in Melbourne". With Nathan Tinkler electing to close his stables in Melbourne last week, Waller remains hopeful that he will be able to operate stables in both Sydney & Melbourne, providing him with the option of avoiding having his large team run against one another in Sydney. Waller is well clear on this season's Sydney trainers table.

Tinkler Calls Time On Melbourne Stables

Following recent stable closures in Adelaide and at Hawkesbury near Sydney, Nathan Tinkler will close his Melbourne stables, reports dailytelegraph.com.au. The decision comes on the back of Tinkler saying "his current racing business model is not profitable and he needs to radically restructure the operation to stop the financial bleeding." However, with recent Cox Plate runner-up & Caulfield Guineas winner All Too Hard entered for Dubai's World Cup meeting in March next year, Tinkler Group CEO Troy Palmer suggested the Casino Prince half-brother to Black Caviar could also campaign at Royal Ascot & Hong Kong in an attempt "to enhance his commercial appeal as a dual-hemisphere stallion prospect." Commenting on the need to get Patinack's horse numbers down to 900 from the current 1300-plus, Palmer added that "a further 50 broodmares will be auctioned at the Inglis Sales next week, with another 50 to be sold privately."

Caulfield Guineas winner All Too Hard (image: Equine Images Racing Photography)

Latest Singapore Aust-Bred & NZ-Bred Non-Stakes Winners

Courtesy of Arion Pedigrees, below are the latest Australian and/or New Zealand-bred Singapore winners:

• 02/11/2012 The Hustler (AUS) 2008 (G by Hussonet - Hasty Bird); 1st Singapore TC Class 4 H. S$55,000, 1000m - Earning S$29,452. Sold by Arrowfield Stud at the 2010 Inglis Sydney Easter Yearling Sale for $85,000.
• 02/11/2012 Bigdinero (AUS) 2008 (G by Strada - Believable); 1st Singapore TC Benchmark 67 H. S$55,000, 1200m - Earning S$29,452. Sold by Riverdene Stud at the 2010 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale for $35,000.
• 02/11/2012 Super Spirit (AUS) 2009 (G by Flying Pegasus - Marri Park Special); 1st Singapore TC Initiation P. S$65,000, 1000m - Earning S$34,807. Sold by Rangeview Stud at the 2011 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale for $25,000.
• 02/11/2012 Birthday Gift (NZ) 2007 (G by Black Minnaloushe - Soneri); 1st Singapore TC Benchmark 89 H. S$95,000, 1100m - Earning S$50,872. Sold by Shelby Park at the the 2009 NZ Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale for NZ$44,000.
• 02/11/2012 Genova at Work (AUS) 2006 (G by Ihtiram - Big Maria); 1st Singapore TC Class 5 H. S$35,000, 1100m - Earning S$18,742. Sold by Huwin Stud at the 2008 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale for $4,000.
• 02/11/2012 Chief Secretary (NZ) 2006 (G by Johar - Anakela Bay); 1st Singapore TC Class 4 H. S$55,000, 1900m - Earning S$29,452. Sold by Pencarrow Stud at the 2008 NZ Bloodstock National Yearling Sale for NZ$80,000.
• 02/11/2012 Mr Mani (AUS) 2008 (G by Lonhro - Virago); 1st Singapore TC Class 3 H. S$75,000, 1200m - Earning S$40,162. Sold by Darley at the 2009 Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale for $54,000 & subsequently sold by Kulani Park at the 2010 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale for $80,000.
• 04/11/2012 Dos Equis (NZ) 2007 (G by Storming Home - Daulomani); 1st Singapore TC Maiden S. S$35,000, 1600m - Earning S$18,742. Sold at the 2009 NZ Bloodstock National Yearling Sale for NZ$8,500.
• 04/11/2012 Luwak Coffee (AUS) 2009 (G by Casino Prince - McFly); 1st Singapore TC Initiation P. S$65,000, 1400m - Earning S$34,807. Passed in by Dunoola Lodge Pty Ltd at the 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Horses in Training Sale for $37,500 & subsequently sold by Raheen Stud at the 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $12,500.
• 04/11/2012 Cavallo (NZ) 2009 (G by Testa Rossa - Indovina); 1st Singapore TC Class 4 H. S$55,000, 1100m - Earning S$29,452. Sold by Lyndhurst Farm at the 2011 NZ Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale for NZ$130,000.
• 04/11/2012 Drumsara (NZ) 2007 (G by Pins - Redzabetta); 1st Singapore TC Maiden S. S$35,000, 1600m - Earning S$18,742. Sold by Phoenix Park at the 2009 NZ Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale for NZ$180,000.
• 04/11/2012 City Lad (NZ) 2008 (G by Elusive City - Snuff); 1st Singapore TC Progressive S. S$75,000, 1400m - Earning S$40,162. Passed in by Phoenix Park at the 2010 NZ Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale for NZ$22,000.
• 04/11/2012 Bungae (AUS) 2008 (G by Testa Rossa - Golden Shoe); 1st Singapore TC Class 5 H. S$35,000, 1600m - Earning S$18,742. Sold by Vinery Stud at the 2010 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale for $65,000.
• 04/11/2012 Mr Bean (NZ) 2007 (G by Handsome Ransom - Black Gem); 1st Singapore TC Class 5 H. S$35,000, 1400m - Earning S$18,742. Sold by Esker Lodge at the 2009 NZ Bloodstock National Yearling Sale for NZ$12,000.
• 04/11/2012 Silveron Warrior (NZ) 2009 (G by Spartacus - Miss Muga); 1st Singapore TC Class 4 H. S$55,000, 1600m - Earning S$29,452. Sold by Kilgravin Lodge at the 2011 NZ Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale for NZ$21,000.
• 04/11/2012 Hooper (AUS) 2008 (G by Oratorio - Sayder); 1st Singapore TC Class 4 H. S$55,000, 1400m - Earning S$29,452. Sold by Queenslea Park at the 2010 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale for $75,000.

Zydeco Wins Gr2 Wakeful Stakes

Cambridge Stud's multiple champion sire Zabeel (Sir Tristram-Lady Giselle, by Nureyev) added a stakes success when the filly Zydeco (Zabeel-All Time High, by Flying Spur) scored by 2-lengths for trainer Anthony Freedman in the $300,000 Gr2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) for 3YO fillies, over fellow fillies Maraatib (Redoute's Choice-Valadon, by Woodman) & Transonic (Casino Prince-Jet Past, by Jet Master). Earning her first stakes success, Zydeco took her record to 2 wins & 1 placing (in the Gr1 MRC Thousand Guineas at her previous outing) from 5 starts for $243,315 earnings. For in-depth race, winner & runner details click on the race name in this item.

Tinkler "Would Consider Selling" Up

A day after selling almost 200 broodmares, Patinack Farm's principal Nathan Tinkler says his thoroughbred empire "is not as enjoyable as it once was", and that he would consider selling up, according to The Herald Sun. Denying suggestions that he'd tried to sell to "an Arab sheikh" earlier this year, Tinkler is reported to have said: "I wouldn't sell it to him. I don't think Australian racing needs more sheiks. Australian racing needs characters and people they can relate to, not more faceless foreign owners". Tinkler added :"I'd consider selling, and I'd also very much consider a partner. In particular, a Chinese partner because the racing industry worldwide needs China to embrace the racing industry".

Ocean Park Wins Gr1 WS Cox Plate

At Moonee Valley on Saturday, Windsor Park's Gr1-winning stallion Thorn Park (Spinning World-Joy, by Bluebird) celebrated a Gr1 triumph when 4YO entire Ocean Park (Thorn Park-Sayyida, by Zabeel) scored by 0.3 lengths for trainer Gary Hennessy in the $3 million Gr1 WS Cox Plate (2040m) for 3YO+ at WFA, over 3YO colts All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) & Pierro (Lonhro-Right Note, by Daylami). Ocean Park took his record to 7 wins (including the Gr1 Caulfield Stakes, Gr1 Underwood Stakes, Gr1 Makfi Challenge & Gr3 Wellington Stakes) & 3 placings (including the Gr1 Rosehill Guineas, Gr2 Great Northen Guineas & Gr3 Waikato Guineas) from 11 starts for $2.6million earnings.

Solemn Wins Listed Geelong Classic

Triple Gr1-winning Darley shuttler & Eclipse Award-winning stallion Bernardini (A.P.Indy-Cara Rafaela, by Quiet American) celebrated a black-type success at Geelong yesterday when 3YO colt Solemn (Bernardini-Mead, by Galileo) scored by 1.3 lengths for trainer Peter Snowden in the $120,000 Listed Geelong Classic (2200m) for 3YO's, over fellow colt Malabar Man (Any Given Saturday-Chauncy Lane, by Sadler's Wells) & 3YO gelding Escado (Casino Prince-Secret Cause, by Giant's Causeway). This was Solemn's first black-type success and took his record to 2 wins & 1 placing in 8 starts for $98,215 earnings.

Pierro Firms From Plum Draw In Plate

Following the all important barrier draw this morning for Saturday's Gr1 Cox Plate, Sydney Triple Crown-winning 3YO colt Pierro "has firmed in betting [to $3.20]", reports theage.com.au.  History will be on Pierro's side from barrier 7 in the capped 14-horse field, with it being the most winning gate in the history of the race. Trainer Gai Waterhouse opted not to attend this morning's 'Breakfast With The Best' tune-up at Moonee Valley, instead galloping her 3 plate runners Pierro, More Joyous (barrier 11) and Proisir (10) at Flemington. Pierro's conquerer in the Gr1 Caulfield Guineas All Too Hard (3) has also been named "a confirmed starter" after a pleasing gallop this morning upon which trainer Wayne Hawkes commented: "I just reckon the three-year-olds this year have the wood on them ... The race will make one of the elite..." Last year's winning jockey Craig Williams, who will partner the Lloyd Williams owned import and current second favourite Green Moon (5) reported he was "comfortable" despite turning down the ride on Pierro. He enthused, "I've done all the work on him (Green Moon). I couldn't be more comfortable going with him into the Cox Plate. He's done everything I've asked for. I feel he's the right horse," The final field with breeding & barrier is:

•  Shoot Out (High Chaparral-Pentamerous, by Pentire) 4
•  Sincero (Umatilla-Yours as Always, by Prego) 12
•  Glass Harmonium (Verglas-Spring Symphony, by Darshaan) 2
•  Green Moon (Montjeu-Green Noon, by Green Tune) 5
•  Rekindled Interest (Redoute's Choice-Rekindled Affair, by Rainbow Quest) 1
•  Linton (Galileo-Our Heather, by Centaine) 14
•  Happy Trails (Good Journey-Madame Flurry, by Perugino) 8
•  Ethiopia (Helenus-Shona, by Spectrum) 6
•  Ocean Park (Thorn Park-Sayyida, by Zabeel) 9
•  More Joyous (More Than Ready-Sunday Joy, by Sunday Silence) 11
•  Southern Speed (Southern Image-Golden Eagle, by Zabeel) 13
•  Pierro (Lonhro-Right Note, by Daylami) 7
•  All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) 3
•  Proisir (Choisir-Prophet Jewel, by Encosta de Lago) 10

Alzora Wins Listed Ethereal Stakes

Arrowfield Stud stallion & former Australian Champion Sire Redoute's Choice (Danehill-Shantha's Choice, by Canny Lad) added a black-type success when the filly Alzora (Redoute's Choice-Bryce Canyon, by Gulch) scored by 0.8-lengths for trainer David Hayes in the $120,000 Listed Ethereal Stakes (2000m) for 3YO fillies at Caulfield, over fellow fillies Summerbliss (Danehill Dancer-Distinctly, by Sadler's Wells) & Transonic (Casino Prince-Jet Past, by Jet Master). Alzora (a $115,000 yearling consigned by Emirates Park at the 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale) took her record to a win & 3 placings from 9 starts for $89,842 earnings.

All Too Hard Wins Gr1 Caulfield Guineas

On Saturday at Caulfield, Gr1-winning & 5-times Gr1-placed Patinack Farm freshman stallion Casino Prince (Flying Spur-Lady Capel, by Last Tycoon) celebrated his first Gr1 success when the colt All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) scored a resolute 0.5-length victory for trainers Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes in the $1 million Gr1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) for 3YOs, over favoured fellow colt Pierro (Lonhro–Right Note, by Daylami) & the colt Epaulette (Commands–Accessories, by Singspiel). Adding the Gr1 win he needed to elevate him to one of the hottest young stallion prospects in the country, the $1,025,000 2011 Inglis Easter half-brother to undefeated champion Black Caviar took his record to 4 wins (also including the Gr2 Pago Pago Stakes & Gr2 VRC Sires Produce Stakes as a juvenile) & a runner-up (in the Gr3 San Domenico Stakes) from 8 starts for earnings of $1,059,200. A decision has not yet been made on a possible Cox Plate start. For in-depth race, winner & runner details click on the race name in this item.

All Too Hard's Gr1 Caulfield Guineas win (image: Equine Images Racing Photography)

It's A Dundeel Hot Derby Favourite

The refusal of It's A Dundeel to 'lie down' when overhauling Proisir in last Saturday's Gr1 Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick has ensured the undefeated son of High Chaparral is now a short-priced $2.90 favourite with Luxbet to win the Gr1 Victoria Derby at Flemington on Victoria's biggest day of racing. Lightly raced, similarly undefeated, sophomore Philippi is rated a $8.00 chance, ahead of Sydney raider Kabayan ($9.00). Former boom Sydney colt All Too Hard, looking to find the form that excited juvenile watchers, is at $11 with Our Desert Warrior, ahead of Solemn ($14), and $15 chances Honorius & Hvasstan. For the latest markets odds click on the Luxbet link in this item.

Small Field Nullifies Wide Draw For Pierro

Despite drawing the second outside gate (7) for this Saturday's feature Gr1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m), Pierro's work at Flemington yesterday morning suggested he could possibly draw somewhere off the coast of Hawaii and still start a pronounced favourite. Owner Greg Kolivos was present at the gallop and still beaming hours later as the reigning Champion 2YO scorched home his final furlong (of 1200m) in 10.38 sec. Kolivos enthused, "I came down late last night [from Sydney], it was a last-minute decision to come down, and I'm thrilled I did… It was really his second (strong) piece of work over the last couple of weeks since Moonee Valley [Gr2 Bill Stutt Stakes win] and he ran some fabulous time. It took our breath away actually. It was terrific to watch and if he produces that on Saturday he's going to be very hard to beat." The field with barriers is:

• Pierro (7)
• Epaulette (6)
• All Too Hard (3)
• Ashokan (8)
• Road Trippin (5)
• Carringbush Jack (4)
• Awesom Bro (2)
• Let Go Lenni (1)

Norzita Wins Gr1 Flight Stakes

Windsor Park's Gr1-winning stallion Thorn Park (Spinning World-Joy, by Bluebird) celebrated a Gr1 triumph when the filly Norzita (Thorn Park out of Visique, by Quest for Fame) scored by 2.5-lengths for trainer Bart Cummings in the $400,000 Gr1 Flight Stakes (1600m) for 3YO fillies at Randwick, over her last start conqueror on protest & fellow filly Longport (Casino Prince out of Ocean Bridge, by Dolphin Street) & the filly Dear Demi (Dehere out of Shirley, by Zabeel). Norzita (a NZ$200,000 yearling at the 2011 NZ Blodstock Premier Sale at Karaka) took her record to 2 wins & 2 runners-up (including last start's Gr2 Tea Rose Stakes lost on protest) from 6 starts for $348,300 earnings. For in-depth race, winner & runner details click on the race name in this item.

Longport Wins Gr2 Tea Rose Stakes

Following a successful protest, Gr1-winning & 5-times Gr1-placed Patinack Farm freshman stallion Casino Prince (Flying Spur-Lady Capel, by Last Tycoon) added a Gr2 success when lightly raced filly Longport (Casino Prince-Ocean Bridge, by Dolphin Street) scored by a short-head for trainer John Thompson in the $175,000 Gr2 Tea Rose Stakes (1500m) for 3YO fillies at Randwick, over fellow fillies Norzita (Thorn Park-Visique, by Quest for Fame) & Jade Marauder (Fastnet Rock-Jade Diva, by Jade Robbery). A Patinack Farm homebred, Longport took her record to 3 wins & a runner-up from 5 starts for $211,730 earnings. For in-depth race, winner & runner details click on the race name in this item.

Husson Adds Argentine Gr3

At La Plata in Argentina, unbeaten classic-winning Patinack Farm freshman stallion Husson (Hussonet-Villa Elisa, by Roy) added a black-type success when 4YO entire Sabat Husson (Husson-Sabatica Fitz, by Fitzcarraldo) scored by 1.5-lengths for trainer Juan Etchechoury in the Gr3 Clasico Hipodromo De La Plata (1600m) for 4YOs+ on dirt, over fellow 4YO entires Post Atomic (Val Royal-Petite Lune, by Nasty and Bold) & Uomo In Frac (Scrimshaw-Gazelle Belle, by Forest Gazelle). Sabat Husson took his record to 6 wins from 9 starts.

Proisir Wins Gr3 Spring Stakes

At Newcastle, multiple Gr1-winning shuttler & former star Australian sprinter Choisir (Danehill Dancer-Great Selection, by Lunchtime) added a group success when the colt Proisir (Choisir-Prophet Jewel, by Encosta de Lago) romped home by 5.75-lengths for trainer Gai Waterhouse in the $175,000 Gr3 Spring Stakes (1600m) for 3YOs over fellow colt Trophies (Casino Prince-Spring Spirit, by Southern Halo) & gelding Proverb (Commands-More Haste, by Brief Truce). Proisir took his record to 3 wins from 3 starts and $189,630.

Pierro Favourite For Gr3 Run To The Rose

In Sydney, continued support has seen last season's Champion 2YO Pierro firm in the betting to $2.15 favourite with Luxbet for tomorrow's Gr3 Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens. All Too Hard, who is likely to have last shot at Pierro in the straight but who will rely on a genuine pace, has eased to $2.70. The only runner backed to challenge the top two is Darley entrant Epaulette at $7. For the latest odds on the race click on the Luxbet link in this item.

Run To The Rose favourite Pierro (image: Steve Hart)

Bookies Find Run To Roses All Too Hard

With glamour Australian 3YO colts Pierro & All Too Hard both having accepted for Saturday's Run To The Roses at Rosehill Gardens, bookmakers are struggling to split the duo against what is an understandably small line-up of rivals. Luxbet has last season's undefeated Champion 2YO and Triple Crown winner Pierro at $2.25 to win first up, while All Too Hard is at $2.50 despite finishing a disappointing 3rd behind Snitzerland in the Gr3 San Domenico Stakes nearly 2 weeks ago. The Run To The Roses is being used as a springboard into Saturday-week's Gr1 Golden Rose.

Husson Lightning 3YO Surge Continues

WA Heytesbury Stud's young stallion Husson Lightning (Hussonet-Snip Snip, by Snippets) had a near perfect day last Saturday at Belmont Park in Perth when, with only 2 runners for the day, he filled 2 of the placings in the WATC Westspeed Handicap (1200m) for 3YOs: the filly Grey Cheval Husson-Lightning-Sloange) was 1st, with consistent colt Tempestuous Strike (Husson Lightning-La Lollabrigida) finishing 3rd. Grey Cheval remains undefeated in 2 starts with $45,500 earnings, while Tempestuous Lightning's 4 runs have yielded 2 wins & a placing for $58,500. Husson Lightning is standing the 2012 season for $5,500.

Snitzerland Wins Gr3 San Domenico Stakes

In Sydney, Gr1-winning & dual Gr1-placed Arrowfield Stud stallion Snitzel (Redoute's Choice-Snippets' Lass, by Snippets) added a group success when his daughter Snitzerland (Snitzel-Monte Rosa, by Fraar) made every post a winner to score by 1.75-lengths for trainer Gerald Ryan over fellow filly Driefontein (Fastnet Rock-Follow Gold, by Export Price) & favoured colt All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) in the $123,300 Gr3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) for 3YOs at Rosehill Gardens. Runner-up in last season's Gr1 STC Golden Slipper Stakes, Snitzerland (a $125,000 yearling consigned by Bellerive Stud at the 2011 Inglis Premier Sale in Melbourne) took her record to 3 wins & 2 runners-up from 6 starts for $950,300 earnings. Last week, trainer Gerald Ryan confirmed that Snitzerland will now head to Melbourne to concentrate on the Spring Carnival's sprinting features. For in-depth race, winner & runner details click on the race name in this item.

Snitzerland wins the Gr3 San Domenico Stakes (image: Steve Hart)

First Foals Arrive For Star Witness

Australia's dual Gr1-winning sire Star Witness (Starcraft-Leone Chiara, by Lion Hunter) has sired his first foals. The Champion 2YO & 3YO Colt of his generation, Star Witness has been supported by many of the country's best breeders, and covered 147 mares in his first season at stud. Among them is Victorian-based Sean Buckley of Ultra Thoroughbreds, whose impeccably bred mare Lady Larissa (Belong To Me-Lady Capel, by Last Tycoon) produced a filly at Widden Stud earlier this week. She is the third foal for Lady Larissa, a half-sister to Gr1 winner Casino Prince and stakes-winners Lord of the Land, Metallurgical and Tagus. "She is a stunning filly that weighed in at 66 kg when she was born and is all quality," said Widden's Antony Thompson. "Star Witness has let down into a magnificent looking stallion as visitors will see at the upcoming open days, and the feedback on his foals has been nothing short of outstanding." A brilliant winner of the Group I MRC Blue Diamond Stakes at two and VRC Coolmore Stud Stakes at three, Star Witness was the precocious brilliant juvenile that was able to train on. Multiple Gr1-placed (including the Gr1 King's Stand Stakes & Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot), Star Witness won the Gr1 MTC Blue Diamond Stakes as a juvenile before training on at three to capture the Gr1 VRC Coolmore Stud Stakes. His 2012 fee at Widden is $29,700.

Image: Star Witness-Lady Larissa Filly Foal

All Too Hard Favourite For San Domenico Stakes

Last season's exciting 2YO colt All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) makes his anticipated return in tomorrow's Gr3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) for 3YOs at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney after being sent to the paddock when 2nd to Champion 2YO in the Gr1 Inglis Sires Produce Stakes (1400m).  A half-brother to undefeated world champion Black Caviar, All Too Hard is a red-hot $1.80 favourite with Luxbet, ahead of Golden Slipper runner-up Snitzerland ($2.90) & Driefontein ($6). For the latest odds on the race click on the Luxbet link in this item.

Husson Lightning Adds Another Early Season Perth Win

WA Heytesbury Stud's young stallion Husson Lightning (Hussonet-Snip Snip, by Snippets) added another early season 3YO winner when the filly Cheval Grey (Husson Lightning-Solange, by Surtee) scored by almost 1-length over 1000m for trainer Simon Miller at Belmont in Perth. Cheval Grey is the second Husson Lightning to score over Belmont's 1000m scamper in less than a week, following undefeated Tempestuous Strike's win by a big margin last week. Husson Lightning is standing the 2012 season for $5,500.

Husson Adds Argentine Black-Type

In Argentina, unbeaten classic-winning Patinack Farm freshman stallion Husson (Hussonet-Villa Elisa, by Roy) added a black-type success when 3YO – now 4YO – colt Sabat Husson (Husson out of Sabatica Fitz, by Fitzcarraldo) scored by 2.5-lengths over fellow 3YO colt Orpengamio (Orpen out of La Monogamia, by Fitzcarraldo) & 7YO entire Flag Frances (Flag Down out of Potrafras, by Potrillon) for trainer Juan Etchechoury in the Listed Clasico Japon (1400m) at San Isidro. Sabat Husson took his record to 5 wins & a runner-up from 8 starts. His sire Husson was Australia's 2011-12 Champion Freshman Sire on winners & 2nd on the 2011-12 Australian Freshman Sires table by earnings (see tables below). He is standing the 2012 season at Patinack Farm for $22,000.

Husson Lightning Strikes Early In New Season

WA Heytesbury Stud's young stallion Husson Lightning (Hussonet-Snip Snip, by Snippets) got the new season off to a flyer when 3YO colt Tempestuous Strike (Husson Lightning-La Lollabrigida, by Dauberval) scored by 3.25-lengths over 1000m at Belmont in Perth yesterday. Fittingly, Tempestuous Strike was Husson Lightning's 1st winner when victorious in November last year. Sent to the spelling paddock despite beating a hot field on debut, the decision looks likely to handsomely reward connections for their patience. Husson Lightning won the Gr3 Maribyrnong Plate over 1000m at Flemington, and his 6 placings included runner-up on debut in 2006's Listed Breeders Plate over 1000m at Randwick, plus 2007 runner-ups in the Magic Millions Classic over 1200m at the Gold Coast, Gr2 International Animal Health Silver Slipper Stakes over 1100m at Rosehill, Gr3 Skyline Stakes over 1200m at Randwick & Listed Concept Sports Stakes over 1410m at Flemington). Husson Lightning is standing the 2012 season for $5,500.

2011-12 Aust. 1st Season Sires Premiership Final Standing

1. Casino Prince (Flying Spur - Lady Capel) $730,960
2. Husson (Hussonet - Villa Elisa) $494,525
3. Court Command (Commands - Court House Lane) $356,300
4. Bernardini (A.P. Indy - Cara Rafaela) $334,900
5. Magnus (Flying Spur - Scandinavia) $318,475
6. Haradasun (Fusaichi Pegasus - Circles of Gold) $230,000
7. Danehill Express (Danehill - Savana City) $222,650
8. Hard Spun (Danzig - Turkish Tryst) $190,501
9. Henny Hughes (Hennessy - Meadow Flyer) $179,385
10. Purrealist (Tale of the Cat - Surrealist) $178,783

Magic Millions Perth Winter Catalogue Now Online

Over 240 lots feature in the catalogue of mixed thoroughbreds for this month's Magic Millions Perth Winter Thoroughbred Sale at the Belmont Park sales complex on Sunday 29 July.

• Among the 100+ weanlings are progeny from Balmont, Blackfriars, Citidancer, Danehill Express, De Troy, Discorsi, Due Sasso, Fath, Flying Pegasus, Heritage, Holy Roman Emperor, Lucky Sabre, Medal Of Honor, Musket, Patronize, So Secret, Surtee, Trade Fair, Universal Ruler, Vital Equine & War Pass.
• The yearling section includes youngsters by Danehill Express, Flying Pegasus, Flying Spur, Husson Lightning, Musket, Natural Blitz, Oratorio, Saxon, Trade Fair, Viscount, Vital Equine & Zedrich.
• Highlights of the broodmare section include stakes-performers Amore Venus, Celt Code, Crimson Pak, Hail Mary, Lomas Bayas, Lungarno, Maybe Arch, Olgavich, Storm Fille & Terevega, plus the dams of stakes-performers Coppertito, Gloravega, Macau Eagle & You Sexy Boy.

Tinkler Waits For $150k Golden Slipper Late Entry Fee

Nathan Tinkler "launched a radical plan to win next year's Gr1 Golden Slipper yesterday when he failed to nominate a single runner for the $3.5 million race" reported The Daily Telegraph. Instead of paying the $375 nomination fee for each of his 200 chances, Patinack Farm principal Tinkler "will instead roll the dice & pay the $150,000 late entry fee if any of his youngsters are good enough to win the April 6 race". The unorthodox move "surprised officials at the Australian Turf Club", but Patinack Farm trainer John Thompson said it was a "business decision designed to not waste money" & noted: "Last year we nominated 170, spent over $60,000 in nominations & didn't have a runner in the race. It is a big expense when you have a big operation like Patinack Farm, especially if you don't really have an idea on your horses' abilities at this stage. I rang the boss (Tinkler) & said I would be completely guessing if I had to pick our Golden Slipper horses now. We have a lot of home-bred horses & would basically be picking them on pedigree. Nathan suggested we just wait & if we have any that are good enough we will pay up for the late entry. If they are good enough, they would probably pay their way anyway. Our 2YOs have been in & out of the stables a few times but we haven't put them under any pressure."

Magic Millions Select Weanlings Day-1: Top Lots

• $200,000 Onemorenomore-Ocean Bridge colt (Magic Millions as agent)
• $165,000 Street Cry-La Guichet colt (Magic Millions as agent)
• $150,000 Casino Prince-Chinese Whispers colt (Australian Bloodstock)
• $150,000 Onemorenomore-Oomph colt (Magic Millions as agent)
• $140,000 Stratum-Madam Prosecutor filly (Magic Millions as agent)
• $140,000 Commands-Oh So Discreet colt (Ascot Farm)
• $105,000 Onemorenomore-Spurcent filly (M.Wallace)
• $100,000 Encosta de Lago-Romantic Ballerina colt (Magic Millions as agent)
• $90,000 Denman-Hilliard filly (Magic Millions as agent)
• $85,000 Stratum-Sister Declan colt (Bridsan Bloodstock)
• $85,000 Exceed And Excel-Keystone Gulch colt (Musk Creek Farm)
• $85,000 Exceed And Excel-Pride Of The Class colt (Cape Falls Thoroughbreds)
• $82,500 Husson-Cassini Contest colt (Randwick Bloodstock)
• $80,000 Exceed And Excel-Sleepy Hollow colt M.Wallace)
• $80,000 Stratum-Coat filly (A.Tait)
• $80,000 Big Brown-Magical Sunday colt (Springbank Farm)
• $77,500 Manhattan Rain-Bondi Blonde filly (Wise Breeding)
• $77,500 Northern Meteor-Joyful Moments filly (Magic Millions as agent)
• $68,000 Northern Meteor-Lily Isabella colt (P.Willetts)
• $65,000 Northern Meteor-Skibo Castle filly (Cape Falls Thoroughbreds)
• $61,000 Husson-Automated Response colt (Prime Thoroughbreds)
• $60,000 Big Brown-Arzetna filly (G.Mudgway)
• $60,000 Haradasun-Dash On Ruby colt (Glenelg Park)
• $60,000 Husson-Fiery Dee colt (Magic Millions as agent)
• $60,000 Testa Rossa-Involve filly (S.Mills)
• $60,000 Northern Meteor-Peace Accord colt (Magic Millions as agent)
• $57,500 Flying Spur-Anjiz Star colt (Condo's Syndicate)
• $55,000 Duporth-Amjess colt (P.Willetts)
• $55,000 Big Brown-Questamatic cot (Phoenix Broodmare Farm)
• $55,000 Magic Albert-Razzle colt (BPA Blodstock)
• $52,500 Husson-Three Quarter Pace colt (Magic Millions as agent)
• $52,500 Testa Rossa-Goodbye Norma Jean filly (Magic Millions as agent)
• $52,500 Nicconi-Lady Bushranger colt (Magic Millions as agent)
• $52,000 Big Brown-Livid colt (K.Jack)
• $50,000 High Chaparral-Devil Child filly (E.B.A.)
• $50,000 Casino Prince-Lingerie Girl colt (Australian Bloodstock)
• $50,000 Choisir-Livonia filly (P.Willetts)
• $50,000 Choisir-Losin At Love colt (Heritage Bloodstock)
• $50,000 Statue Of Liberty-Prompt colt (Randwick Bloodstock)
• $50,000 Choisir-Rareville filly (Magic Millions as agent)

7th Winner For Freshman Sire Casino Prince

Gr1-winning & 5-times Gr1-placed Patinack Farm freshman stallion Casino Prince (Flying Spur-Lady Capel, by Last Tycoon) recorded his 7th 1st-crop winner when 2YO filly Sookie (Casino Prince-Purple Blood, by Encosta De Lago) scored over 1110m at Doomben in Brisbane yesterday for trainer John Thompson. Sookie was a $60,000 yearling consigned by Oakwood Farm at the 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale.

Affable Wins Gibson-Carmichael Stakes

Unbeaten classic-winning Patinack Farm freshman stallion Husson (Hussonet-Villa Elisa, by Roy) added a juvenile black-type success (& 4th individual stakes-winner world-wide, as well as 2nd from his 1st Australian crop) when daughter Affable (Husson-Lady Gracious, by Redoute's Choice) scored a 3-lengths victory against the males in the $100,000 Listed Gibson-Carmichael Stakes (1600m) for 2YOs at Flemington. Affable (ridden by Mark Zahra for trainer John Thompson) defeated equal-top weighted & favoured fellow filly Donna Cattiva (Captain Rio-Nishaani, by Gold Brose) & the colt Subiaso (Testa Rossa-Cocodiva, by Carnegie). Affable took her record to 2 wins & 2 placings from 5 starts for $88,375 earnings. (Click on the link for full race details from Group Race Results at Arion Pedigrees.)

Inglis Scone Yearlings: Top Lots

• $90,000 Snitzel-Sharp Enough filly (D.Vandyke)
• $47,000 Choisir-Gold Digger Miss colt (P.Perry)
• $40,000 Choisir-Bomba colt (C.Conners)
• $36,000 Myboycharlie-Grand Bird colt (P.Dawson)
• $36,000 Ready's Image-Tenets colt (Scone Bloodstock)
• $36,000 Husson-Western Empress filly (M.Kent)
• $35,000 Ready's Image-La Fleur colt (B.Partelle)
• $33,000 Hussonet-Limani colt (A.Moore)
• $33,000 Snippetson-Summereto colt (P.Dawson)
• $32,000 Strada-Eugenie Gold colt (Aquanita Racing)
• $30,000 Snitzel-Run To The Moon filly (K.Lees)

20 Supplementary Entries for NZB National Sale

Supplementary entries for NZ Bloodstock's National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale (May 7-9) are now online, with 20 additional horses to be offered at the end of selling next Wednesday (May 9). The catalogue boasts 248 broodmares for sale, among them McHappy, a Rory's Jester half-sister to Scandanavia, dam of Magnus, Wilander & Helsinge, dam of Black Caviar, All Too Hard & Moshe. Not served last season, Waikato Stud-consigned  McHappy is already the dam of Pins filly Glad (Gr3-placed on March 31). Covering sires represented in the sale include Alamosa, Bel Esprit, Darci Brahma, Keeper, Mastercraftsman, O'Reilly, Pentire, Pins, Sir Percy & Thorn Park, while freshman covering sires include Mafki, Paco Boy, Per Incanto, Rip Van Winkle, Shamoline Warrior, Shocking & Showcasing.

10th Aust Winner For Patinack Freshman Husson

Unbeaten classic-winning Patinack Farm freshman stallion Husson (Hussonet-Villa Elisa, by Roy) recorded his 10th individual Australian 1st-crop winner when 2YO colt Caballo Rapido (Husson-Flying Alice, by Danehill) scored on debut over 1200m at Eagle Farm for trainer David Murphy. Caballo Rapido was a $45,000 yearling consigned by Heytesbury Stud at the 2011 Magic Millions Perth Sale.

Leading Australian Freshman Sire Husson

1st Win For $625k Redoute's Choice Colt

Valuable 2YO colt Reflectance (Redoute's Choice-Lady Capel, by Last Tycoon) notched his 1st win (at his 2nd start) with victory over 1200m at Kemble Grange in NSW yesterday for trainer John Thompson. Reflectance was a $625,000 yearling consigned by Baramul Stud at the 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale. Reflectance is a 3/4-quarter brother to Gr1-winning & 5-times Gr1-placed Patinack Farm freshman stallion Casino Prince (Flying Spur-Lady Capel) & a full-brother to last month's stakes-winning 5YO gelding Metallurgical (himself a $2.2 million yearling consigned from Baramul Stud at the 2008 Magic Millions Premier Sale on the Queensland Gold Coast).

210-Lot Scone Yearling Catalogue Now Online

The 210-lot catalogue for the Inglis HTBA Scone Yearling Sale (Sunday May 20) at White Park in Scone in the NSW Hunter Valley is now online. The 121 colts & 89 fillies include offerings from stallions Fastnet Rock (3 lots), Flying Spur (2), Choisir (8), Al Maher (5), Casino Prince(4), Dane Shadow (4), Dylan Thomas (7), Hussonet (4), Myboycharlie (7), Oratorio (10), Ready's Image (8), Snippetson (8), Snitzel (3), Starcraft (4) & Testa Rossa (3).

Wales Wins Redoute's Choice Stakes

Flagship Arrowfield Stud stallion & 2-time former Australian Champion Sire Redoute's Choice (Danehill-Shantha's Choice, by Canny Lad) added a juvenile black-type success (& 87th individual stakes-winner world-wide) when debutant colt Wales (Redoute's Choice-Valkyrie Diva, by Jade Robbery) scored by a long-neck (& then survived a protest by the runner-up) in the $100,000 Listed Redoute's Choice Stakes (1200m) for 2YOs at Caulfield in Melbourne. Wales (ridden by Steven King for trainer Robert Hickmott) defeated the geldings Dominant (Not A Single Doubt-Melania, by Montjeu) & top-weighted favourite Maury (Husson-Zelle, by Strategic). Wales (a $310,000 yearling consigned by Makybe at the 2011 Inglis Easter Sale in Sydney) earned $60,500 for his initial victory. (Click on the link for full race details from Group Race Results at Arion Pedigrees.)

Inglis Melb Yearlings Day-1: Top Lots

• $40,000 Reset-Tannadice Park filly (T.Noonan)
• $35,000 Husson-Marlene Gaye colt (D.Hawthorne)
• $31,000 Keep The Faith-Manzie de Lago colt (T.Kieser)
• $30,000 Pentire-Miss Tycoon filly (R.Laing)

Dear Demi Wins Fernhill Handicap

Dual Gr1-winning former Arrowfield Stud & Coolmore shuttler Dehere (Deputy Minister-Sister Dot, by Secretariat) added a juvenile black-type success (& 71st individual stakes-winner world-wide) when favoured daughter Dear Demi (Dehere-Shirley, by Zabeel) scored by a long-neck in the $100,000 Listed Fernhill Handicap (1600m) for 2YOs at Randwick. Top-weighted Dear Demi (ridden by James McDonald for trainer Clarrie Conners) defeated the colt Trophies (Casino Prince-Spring Spirit, by Southern Halo) & the gelding Proverb (Commands-More Haste, by Brief Truce). Dear Demi (a $130,000 yearling consigned by Strawberry Hill Stud at the 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale) took her record to 2 wins & 2 placings (including last start's Gr3 The Schweppervescence over 1400m at Rosehill on April 7) from 7 starts for $174,450 earnings. (Click on the link for full race details from Group Race Results at Arion Pedigrees.)

Metallurgical Wins Hinkler Handicap

Flagship Arrowfield Stud stallion & 2-time former Australian Champion Sire Redoute's Choice (Danehill-Shantha's Choice, by Canny Lad) added a black-type success (& 86th individual stakes-winner world-wide) when 5YO gelding Metallurgical (Redoute's Choice-Lady Capel, by Last Tycoon) prevailed in a 3-way photo-finish to the $80,000 Listed Hinkler Handicap (1200m) at Eagle Farm. Metallurgical (ridden by S Galloway for trainer John Thompson) scored by a long-head from 4YO gelding Carry Me Bluey (Carry The Flag-Jillina Blue, by Blue Run) with a further nose to 6YO gelding Gundy Son (Falvelon-Dantibes' Treasure, by Dantibes). Metallurgical (a half-brother to Gr1-winning & 5-times Gr1-placed Patinack Farm freshman stallion Casino Prince) was a $2.2 million yearling consigned from Baramul Stud at the 2008 Magic Millions Premier Sale on the Queensland Gold Coast. Overall he now has 6 wins & 9 placings (including 2011's Gr3 W.J.Healy Stakes over 1200m at Eagle Farm, Listed Ascot Handicap over 1200m at Eagle Farm & Listed Chief De Beers over 1100m at Doomben) from 26 starts for $264,740 earnings. (Click on the link for full race details from Group Race Results at Arion Pedigrees.)

Moshe To Stand At Eliza Park Stud

One of Australia's hottest young stallion prospects, 4YO Moshe (Bel Esprit-Helsinge, by Desert Sun), will make his stud debut in 2012 at Eliza Park Stud in Victoria. Moshe, whose dam Helsinge is a half-sister to both Eliza Park's Gr1-winning & 4-times Gr1-placed freshman stallion Magnus, as well as Gr2-winner Wilander, is a full-brother to 2011 Australian Horse-Of-The-Year/Champion Sprinter & unbeaten 5YO mare Black Caviar (19 successive wins, including 9 Gr1's & 7 Gr2s), boom 2YO colt All Too Hard (3 successive wins, all black-type including 2 Gr2s & Gr1 Sires Produce Stakes runner-up) & last week's $2.6 million sale-topping Redoute's Choice Inglis Easter yearling filly. On the track, Moshe (a $75,000 yearling consigned by Swettenham Stud at the 2009 Inglis Premier Sale in Melbourne), recorded 3 wins (all at 1000m including a near track-record debut victory at Bendigo) from 5 starts, as well as a close up 4th (beaten less than 1.5-lengths) in the Listed Fireball Handicap (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens. "Having seen Moshe for the first time I was really impressed with his physical appearance … he's a very masculine horse like his sire Bel Esprit," Eliza Park nominations manager, Mark Lindsay points out. "Moshe is already 640kgs, has tremendous length, bone and conformation and we're delighted to have the opportunity to stand him at Eliza Park … particularly given our close association with the family over the years! Eliza Park stands his sire, Bel Esprit, and bred and sold his mother, Helsinge." An introductory fee will be announced shortly.

All Too Hard Sent To Spelling Paddock

Co-trainer Michael Hawkes confirmed previously-unbeaten boom 2YO colt All Too Hard Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) "will head to the spelling paddock" following his initial defeat as runner-up effort (behind Gr1 Golden Slipper winner Pierro) in Saturday's Gr1 Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) at Randwick. Hawkes noted: "He's done a terrific job in just his 1st preparation & will be a much better 3YO." He added "a race like the Gr1 Caulfield Guineas could be on the radar", but no plans "will be set in concrete until he arrives back in the stable for his spring campaign". All Too Hard (a $1.025 million yearling purchase by Nathan Tinkler's Patinack Farm when consigned by Makybe at the 2011 Inglis Easter Sale in Sydney) currently boasts 3 wins (in the Gr2 Pago Pago Stakes over 1200m at Rosehill, Gr2 VRC Sires' Produce Stakes over 1400m at Flemington & Listed Talindert Stakes over 1100m at Flemington) & a runner-up from 4 starts.

$27.5k Casino Prince Heads 2012 Patinack Sire Fees

Patinack Farm announced its stallion service fees for the upcoming 2012 breeding season:

NSW HUNTER VALLEY

• $27,500 Casino Prince (Flying Spur-Lady Capel, by Last Tycoon) same
• $27,500 Lope De Vega (Shamardal-Lady Vettori, by Vettori) same
• $22,000 Husson (Hussonet-Villa Elisa, by Roy) same
• $16,500 Murtajill (Rock Of Gibraltar-Skating, by At Talaq) same
• $16,500 Beautiful Crown (Chief's Crown-Beautiful Glass, by Pass The Glass) same

QUEENSLAND CANUNGRA

• $19,800 Monaco Consul (High Chaparral-Argante, by Star Way) same
• $16,500 Trusting (Tale Of The Cat-Legible, by Zabeel) new
• $8,800 Raheeb (Royal Academy-Gatana, by Marauding) same
• $8,800 Wonderful World (Agnes World-Success Tale, by Success Express) down 27.3%
• FOA Teranaba (Anabaa-Tristera, by Sir Tristram) same

Pierro Wins Gr1 Inglis Sires Produce Stakes

Last season's Australian Champion Sire, former Australian Racehorse-Of-The-Year & 11-time Gr1-winning World Champion Miler Lonhro (Octagonal-Shadea, by Straight Strike) added a juvenile Gr1 triumph when unbeaten colt Pierro (Lonhro-Miss Right Note, by Daylami) maintained his perfect record with a 1.75-lengths victory in the $500,000 Gr1 Inglis Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) for 2YOs at Randwick.  Pierro (ridden by Nash Rawiller for trainer Gai Waterhouse) defeated favoured & previously unbeaten fellow colt All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) & another colt Limes (Commands-Rum Cruise, by Canny Lad). Pierro (a $230,000 yearling consigned by Musk Creek Farm at the 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale) now has 5 wins (also including last start's Gr1 Golden Slipper over 1200m at Rosehill on April 7, plus both March's Gr2 Todman Stakes over 1200m at Rosehill & Gr2 Patinack Farm Silver Slipper Stakes over 1100m at Rosehill, as well as 2011's Listed Thoroughbred Breeders NSW Plate over 1000m at Randwick) from 5 starts for $2,701,150 earnings. (Click on the link for full race details from Group Race Results at Arion Pedigrees.)

Undefeated Pierro wins Saturday's ATC Gr1 Sires Produce Stakes (image: Steve Hart)