Punting Odd Spot: Turns out, the many thoroughbred industry participants who assess races like the Melbourne Cup with the keen eye of a sleuth detective are doing it all wrong. Just ask the Victorian family who turned $100 into more than $3 million. The right way to do it is to treat the Cup like the lottery it is, and scramble a compote of lucky numbers, quirky feelings, superstition and a smattering of hocus pocus. Don’t knock it of you haven’t tried it. According to punters.com.au, the family, which has chosen to remain anonymous, explained just how, by boxing four numbers, they went from Mr and Mrs Average at 3pm on Tuesday, to millionaires who’d wiped out their mortgage by 3.05pm, with plenty left over for family. The woman whose bookmaker account was suddenly bulging explained that they only bet once a year, on the Melbourne Cup, and that each family member contributed to the selections. Her husband and son were drawn to winner Knight’s Choice, while her daughter’s favorite number, four, led her to Warp Speed. The woman was inspired by seeing the number 14 repeatedly on TikTok, and she also picked 12 after watching Derby Day where Jamie Kah had her nose rearranged prior to winning the feature race winner later on the card. The family, watching from home, didn’t realize the full extent of their win right away. Her husband initially thought they’d won $24,000, but the woman soon noticed all four of their horses had placed. Even $780,000 was beyond their expectations. However, the final Victorian dividend payout of 416.66 percent on a $100 boxed first-four bet returned $728,015.70 per share, bringing their total to over $3 million – a veritable fairytale and fairytail.
NEWWexford Brings Strong Quartet to Legacy Lodge
Thursday, 7th November 2024
Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott's Matamata stable will field a formidable four-horse team in Saturday’s Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m) at Te Rapa. Leading the charge is Little Bit Of Love, a proven performer at Te Rapa, with three wins from four starts in his last campaign. “He had a winning streak here over winter, and while he’ll need to quicken on the fast track, he’s in great form,” Scott said. Drawn in barrier 1 with no weight, Little Bit Of Love is primed for a strong finish. I’munstoppable returns after her Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes victory in April. Following a winter spell, she’s physically and mentally sharper. “She’s settled well and trialled with confidence, even though her draw isn’t ideal,” Scott noted. “We’re optimistic she’ll progress through the top grades.” Stablemate Geriatrix, runner-up in the Gr3 Spring Sprint (1400m), drops back to six furlongs, a distance where he’s excelled before. Scott explained, “We want to keep him in the sprint series. He’s got a lot of talent, and Te Rapa suits him.” Completing the team is Uderzo, a sprinter known for his fresh-up success. Scott said, “His trial form is solid, and he should sprint well fresh.” Wexford’s presence extends across the Te Rapa card, with Smart Love aiming for her maiden win, promising debutant Do You Just, and the improving Time Traveller.
NEWGroup 1 Producing Dam Tops Inglis Digital
Thursday, 7th November 2024
Oscar Award, the dam of Group 1 sprinter and Inglis Digital graduate Oscar’s Fortune has topped the Inglis Digital November (Early) Online Sale, with the daughter of Sebring purchased by Allam Racing in partnership with Kestrel Thoroughbreds for $220,000. Offered in foal to Capitalist by Davali Thoroughbreds on behalf of owner Kevin Fowler, Oscar Award is the 16th mare to join Steve and Daniel Allam’s broodmare band. “Steve and Dan have got a really lovely, boutique broodmare band,” Kestrel Thoroughbreds’ Bruce Slade revealed. “The mares are either Stakes performed or Stakes producers, so Oscars Award fits that mould perfectly, she’s just done an incredible job with her first two foals. Oscar’s Fortune (Rich Enuff) is a Gr3 winner and Gr1 runner-up in the Winterbottom (see below) and is racing tomorrow (Thursday) in the Listed Century Stakes at Flemington. Her second foal, Cleanemup (Rich Enuff), is a two-time winner as a 2YO and was narrowly beaten on her 3YO return and all our data says she is on track to be a black-type filly,” Slade said. He added, “While her breeding record was a slight concern on paper at first, speaking to the Rushton Park and Davali Thoroughbreds team gave us plenty of confidence, as well as the fact she is in foal to Capitalist on her first cover. Putting my Newgate hat on, I know what is to come with Capitalist so this pregnancy is going to be valuable when we go to offer the resulting foal – a three quarter sibling to Oscar’s Fortune and Cleanemup – at a yearling sale in three years,” Slade said. Oscar Award, along with a trio of racehorses sold on Wednesday, marks 103 lots to sell for $100,000 or more on Inglis Digital this calendar year.
NEWIrish Hoop in Hong Kong International Championship
Thursday, 7th November 2024
For the first time in five years, Ireland will have a representative in the Hong Kong International Jockey Championship, reported scmp.com. Colin Keane will be joined by other international stars, Ryan Moore, James McDonald, Mickael Barzalona, Yuga Kawada, Hollie Doyle, Rachel King and William Buick. Keane previously rode in the Championship in 2018 and 2019. The four-race competition works on a points-based system, with 12 points for a win, six points for a second and four points for a third, with a total prize pool of HK$1 million, including HK$600,000 to the winner. It runs at Happy Valley on December 4, 2024. A five-time champion jockey in Ireland, Keane was runner up in 2018. Last year's winner Vincent Ho, who was the first local rider to win the Championship, returns as does reigning Hong Kong champion jockey, Zac Purton. Ryan Moore and James McDonald are currently battling it out at the top of the Longines World's Best Jockey rankings, comfortably clear of Buick in third. The final two positions in the 12-strong field will go to the second and third-highest ranked riders in the Hong Kong premiership after the Happy Valley meeting on November 22.
Oaks Day Black Type Schedule
Thursday, 7th November 2024
1.15pm: Listed Century Stakes (1000m) Flemington
2.30pm: SR Listed Inglis Bracelet (1600m) Flemington
3.50pm: SR Cup Carnival Country Final (1600m) Flemington
Stephen Marsh's Guineas hopes received a boost with the promising form of filly Love Poem, who will join stablemate Kiwi Skyhawk in the Gr1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton this Saturday. The Cambridge trainer has high praise for both horses, acknowledging the race could come down to "luck in the running." Initially, Love Poem's entry wasn't set, but her recent performances changed Marsh's plans. "We thought it would be a small field, and for the last few weeks, we've come closer to running her – she's been going so well," he said. The daughter of Snitzel, who has consistently raced in black-type company, made a smooth journey to Christchurch. "It was basically six hours from box to box," Marsh reported. "She floated to Auckland early Wednesday morning for the flight and arrived happy and relaxed." Love Poem will again be partnered with Matthew Cartwright, following her placings in last season's Gr2 Matamata Breeders' Stakes (1200m), Gr3 Taranaki Classic (1200m), and the Listed Star Way Stakes (1200m). After breaking her maiden upon returning, she finished third in the Gr2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) despite a challenging run. A strong performance on Saturday would cement Marsh's two-pronged approach for the Gr1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) the following week. "We'll keep a close eye on her, and if she pulls up well, she'll definitely back up," he added.
Snitzel's promising daughter Love Poem (pic: Kenton Wright Race Images)
$150k ATC Grants for Charities & Industry Groups
Thursday, 7th November 2024
The ATC Foundation will allocate an additional $150,000 in grants to a variety of charities and organizations within the racing industry. According to racingnsw.com.au, this marks the eighth round of grants since the Foundation's inception, with eleven recipients set to share in $151,820, bringing total support to over $1.4 million since 2018. Funds were gathered through on-course donations and various fundraising activities, including the sale of official Carnival pins, such as those for the TAB Everest and Golden Eagle, as well as saddlecloth auctions from Australian Turf Club Group 1 races. This latest round of grants builds on the second phase of a two-year program in collaboration with prominent industry bodies, including the National Jockeys Trust, Australian Racing Christian Chaplaincy, and Equine Pathways Australia. Angela Belle McSweeney, Chair of the ATC Foundation, expressed gratitude for the generosity shown by racing fans, ATC Members, and partner organizations. "The ATC Foundation is pleased to support the racing industry and organizations working around our racecourses and within local communities," she said. "On behalf of the ATC Foundation Board, Club, and Members, I extend my thanks to everyone who donated or purchased merchandise, enabling us to continue our important work across many groups," McSweeney added. Reflecting on her tenure, she noted, "As Chair of the ATC Foundation, it has been an honor to champion the generosity within the racing community and witness the Foundation's efforts to give back to those in need."
Widden Stud Inks Southport Tycoon Agreement
Thursday, 7th November 2024
Southport Tycoon (Written Tycoon-Ready To Rule, by More Than Ready) is set to join the prestigious roster at Widden Stud, marking a significant milestone for both Bennett Racing and Widden. This week, an agreement was finalised, according to racing.com, securing the dual Group 1 winner's future at the world-renowned stud farm that has major stallion properties in both New South Wales and Victoria. The Ciaron Maher-trained star is expected to continue racing until June next year, after which he’ll transition to his new role as a stallion. Bennett Racing retains an interest in the horse and will co-manage him alongside Antony Thompson of Widden which had long been the anticipated choice for Southport Tycoon’s post-racing career. Their interest became evident when they acquired a stake following the horse's impressive Gr1 Australian Guineas win. Southport Tycoon’s credentials as a stallion were solidified with his exciting victory over Growing Empire (Zoustar) in this year's Gr1 Manikato Stakes. With Group 1 wins across both 1600m and a 1200m weight-for-age race, his potential shines brightly. When he next competes, likely in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield, he’ll race under the Qatar Bloodstock colors. Bennett expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s very exciting. As far as I am aware, he will stand in New South Wales. It’s taken a long time, but we’re thrilled to have him at Widden.” Reflecting on the future, Bennett added, “It feels great. In a few years, watching his yearlings at the Magic Millions will be like kids in a lolly store.” For Bennett, this deal is “life-changing,” fulfilling what he describes as “a dream for every owner.”
Dual Group 1-winning 3YO Southport Tycoon (pic: Mark Gatt)
I Found You for Red Roses Stakes
Thursday, 7th November 2024
With 18 final acceptances which includes two emergencies, Thursday's $300,000 Gr3 Red Roses Stakes down the Flemington straight looks a lottery. While we have some exposed form with numerous stakes performers lining up, only one favourite has won in the past seven years of the 3YO fillies' race, so expectations of a big-priced winner are possible. Impressive when making her debut back in June, the Peter Snowden-trained I Found You (I Am Invincible-Listen Here, by Elusive Quality) then finished second over 1200m at Flemington, in what was a solid effort for the filly at just her second start. Given further time to mature, and off the back of two trials, the $1.3m Cressfield, Inglis Easter Yearling Sale graduate has pedigree on her side which will really aid the China Horse Club owned filly to secure her own black type here. A half-sister to Gr1 Caulfield Guineas winner Shooting To Win (Northern Meteor), Gr2 winner Deep Field (Northern Meteor) and Listed winner Zaniah (Zoustar), all of which were much better as they matured, it suggests I Found You could be the same. Drawn barrier 14, the field will likely come up the middle of the Flemington straight where jockey Damian Lane should be within striking range as there is sure to be pace on with the likes of the multiple stakes-winner Bold Bastille (Brazen Beau-Chloe in Paris, by Exceed And Excel) set to ensure a solidly run race. Another with a pedigree of note and who should be watched off her last start win is the P Moody & K Coleman-trained She's Got Pizzaz (Zoustar-Missy Cummings, by Magnus), a full-sister to the former Anthony Cumming trained Group 1 winner Mizzy (Zoustar).
New Rider for Jenni as Bates Dumped
Thursday, 7th November 2024
In a decision that will have shocked most of the racing industry, following a series of standout performances, Pride Of Jenni (Pride of Dubai) will have a new jockey in Saturday’s $3 million Gr1 Champions’ Mile at Flemington. According to punters.com, Ben Melham has been selected to replace Declan Bates, who previously guided the mare through 15 races, including memorable wins in the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the lucrative All-Star Mile. Owner Tony Ottobre explained the change following Pride Of Jenni’s recent two performances. She showed promise with a close finish in the Gr1 King Charles III Stakes at Randwick but struggled to keep pace in the Gr1 Cox Plate (see below), ultimately trailing winner Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock) by 16 lengths. “The decision has been made that maybe we need a jockey change,” Ottobre stated, attributing her late fatigue in the Cox Plate to an intense start that may have cost her stamina in the final stretch. While there was initial talk of sending Pride Of Jenni to the spelling paddock after the Cox Plate, Ottobre shared that a reconsideration led trainer Ciaron Maher to keep her in contention for another Group 1 race. “The following day, clearer heads took over, and she’s still going extremely well,” he said. “So there's no reason not to stay the course.” Ottobre clarified that the Cox Plate was a backup plan, with the King Charles III Stakes being her primary goal this spring. The Champions Mile will conclude Pride Of Jenni’s season, with this being her sixth run – a slight extension to her usual five-race campaign.
Mullins Keeps His Cup Dreams Alive
Thursday, 7th November 2024
Trainer Willie Mullins remains hopeful about his Lexus Melbourne Cup ambitions despite Absurde finishing as the best of his two runners in the Flemington showdown, reports sportinglife.com. Returning with the same horses as last year, Mullins aimed for Absurde to improve on his previous seventh-place finish, while favoured Vauban sought redemption after a disappointing run a year ago. Jockeys Kerrin McEvoy and William Buick took the reins on Absurde (Fastnet Rock) and Vauban (Galiway), respectively, positioning them within the pack through the initial stages. As the race reached the final stretch, Vauban’s momentum dwindled, ultimately placing 11th, while Absurde surged along the inside rail, clinching fifth, just under two lengths behind the winner. Mullins hinted at a potential third attempt for Absurde in future Cups but expressed doubt over Vauban’s return. “We’ll see how Vauban is in the morning, but the writing appeared to be on the wall from halfway,” Mullins shared with Channel Nine on Tuesday. Reflecting on Absurde’s performance, he added, “I was delighted with Absurde. Kerrin wanted him closer, but he hit a bit of trouble early on and got further back than planned. To finish like he did from that position was a hell of a run – we’re delighted.” Buick noted that Vauban got back further than was ideal, however the second favourite looked to be gone a long way out.
SA’s Gluyas Celebrates Stellar Spring Carnival
Thursday, 7th November 2024
The 2024 spring carnival will be one to remember for trainer Andrew Gluyas, reports punters.com.au. Just three days after capturing the $2 million Victoria Derby with Goldrush Guru (Justify), South Australian-based trainer Gluyas achieved another milestone, winning the Listed John Letts Cup (1800m) with Air Assault (Justify-Elegant Eagle, by Zabeel) at Morphettville on Tuesday. Under the guidance of jockey Jason Holder, Air Assault led the field with a brilliant front-running ride. Rated perfectly in front, South Australian Racehorse of the Year finalist Air Assault rocketed out of the gates, taking the lead over Ichibansan. Holder expertly managed the pace, slowing down the tempo before accelerating again as they approached the 600m mark. Air Assault surged away at the 300m, building an unassailable lead as they turned for home, ultimately securing a comfortable two-length victory. This capped off a remarkable few days for the Gluyas stable, as apprentice jockey Alan Lai claimed his first metro win on Dreams Fulfilled on Saturday. This now marks Air Assault’s sixth stakes-level win. "Things didn't go his way for a run there, we had to reboot a bit, we had in the back of our mind an appearance in the Golden Eagle,” Gluyas said, "We tested him at Caulfield to get to that but that wasn't to be, he's telling us he wants the ground, when he can control things it suits him a treat. It's great for him today to bounce back!"
Racing Protests in France Over Tax Threats
Thursday, 7th November 2024
French racing professionals are rallying to protest against proposed betting tax increases that they argue will jeopardize the industry’s finances. On Thursday, demonstrators will take to the streets of Paris and boycott racing in opposition to tax reforms aimed at addressing a social security budget deficit. According to a racingpost.com report, the new taxes, which could cost the racing and trotting sectors an estimated €20 million to €50 million, include proposals to double the online betting tax from 7.9% to 15% and increase the PMU turnover tax by 0.6%. Already contributing €951 million annually in taxes, the racing industry resists being seen as a financial scapegoat for government budgeting issues. Associations and unions representing owners, trainers, and breeders had initially postponed strike actions when an earlier version of the law was shelved. However, mounting signs of a persistent tax agenda have revived protests. A recent defeat of the government’s plan in the National Assembly offered a temporary reprieve, though industry leaders caution that reintroduction of the tax remains possible. France Galop president Guillaume de Saint-Seine and Le Trot's Jean-Pierre Barjon voiced their concerns in a joint statement, warning, “It is vital that we keep the pressure up.” They urge solidarity, calling on industry members to join them in a mass demonstration at Place Denfert-Rochereau on November 7, emphasising that livelihoods are at stake. The leaders insist that the racing sector should not be treated as a financial variable and vow to defend its interests vigorously.
JMac Gets the Subzero Bucks Aboard Cloudland
Thursday, 7th November 2024
New Zealand-bred gelding Cloudland (Swiss Ace) gave champion jockey James McDonald a bit of a wild ride at Flemington on Tuesday, but McDonald brushed it off with a smile after securing victory in the Subzero Handicap, according to loveracing.com. Bred by Gerry Harvey and sired by Westbury Stud’s Swiss Ace, Cloudland took on his fellow greys in the 1400m race. Before the start, he was a handful. "He’s a quirky bugger, and going down to the gates was hard work,” McDonald admitted. “He tried to buck me off, which I wasn’t thrilled about this early in the carnival, but I stayed on.” Once the race began, the Kris Lees-trained six-year-old was all focus, showing early speed from a wide draw to settle comfortably in third. Cloudland made his move with 300m to go, seizing the lead and holding off rivals to win by three-quarters of a length. A seasoned campaigner, Cloudland had already notched five wins in New South Wales and was coming off a solid Queensland stint. Kris Lees’ stable representative Cameron Swan was pleased, noting, “He can be a bit erratic, but he’s very consistent, and Kris has placed him well.” Cloudland joined OTI Racing after winning a trial at Cambridge under trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray. Out of stakes-performer Commiserate, he hails from a family of Group winners, including Sarson Trail and Arinosa. His Tarzino half-sister, now named Honor Cloud, sold for $240,000 at last year’s NZB National Yearling Sales.
Punters Score Massive First Four Bonanza
Thursday, 7th November 2024
Two punters have celebrated the windfall of a lifetime after successfully landing the first four in the Melbourne Cup, reports racing.com. One lucky bettor turned a $100 investment into an extraordinary $3.2 million – one of the largest payouts in Melbourne Cup history. Another punter also secured a full $728,000 first four dividend after his $24 mystery bet delivered. The $3.2 million win came through online bookie Ladbrokes. “The customer initially thought they had won $780,000, so you can imagine their surprise when the full dividend was revealed. It is a life-changing result and shows that anything can happen in the Melbourne Cup,” a Ladbrokes spokesperson confirmed. The second punter, who placed the mystery first four bet at the Bairnsdale RSL, invested just $24 to collect the entire dividend. The TAB machine generated the winning numbers 11, 4, 12, and 14, delivering a monumental payout and completely changing the bettor's life. In addition to these remarkable wins, the Melbourne Cup quaddie also proved lucrative, boasting a $512,000 dividend in Victoria. To claim a share, bettors had to pick Knight's Choice ($63), Catoggio ($35), Fancify ($6.30), and Bel Air ($12.40). It paid over $700,000 in New South Wales.
