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The Australian
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Ray Thomas' Blackbook: Five to follow from Rosehill on Saturday
Ray Thomas reveals his horses to follow from Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, while Sky Thoroughbred Central's Ron Dufficy names his highlights in his Rosehill snapshot. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ FIVE TO FOLLOW CODETTA (race 5) was coming off a luckless first-up second and was confidently backed into $2.70 favouritism but nothing went right for her when third to the smart filly Winning Proposal. Codetta was trapped three-wide without cover for most of the race but still had the temerity to loom up halfway down the straight as a winning threat. She's racing well and her turn is coming. SACRED ROCKS (race 10) made a real statement at her Sydney debut. She had won two of her four starts in Victoria, finishing second in the other two, before trainer Ciaron Maher switched states. Sacred Rocks settled back in the field from a wide barrier, didn't have the smoothest of passages but her finishing acceleration was very impressive. She's talented and can keep winning. QUEEN OF CLUBS (race 1) is a promising filly and she defeated a smart field of two-year-olds in the opener. She's a well-bred daughter of Maurice and will certainly get out over further. She's likely to have a short break now but watch out for her in the fillies classics in spring. TASORAAY (race 4) set a solid tempo in front and this might have left him vulnerable late. He still fought back hard when challenged and his close second to Don't Forget Jack was full of merit. Tasoraay was only second-up from a spell and can win again this winter. ASSAILANT (race 9) has shaped promisingly in his two Australian starts including his third to Freight Train. The former English galloper got to 2000m quickly, led for a long way and stuck to his task under pressure. Assailant can only continue to improve and is ready to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ CRUNCH TIME WINNING PROPOSAL (race 5) ran the fastest final 600m sectional of the day when she recorded a 33.35s split to dive through under Overfull and score a deserved win. Winning Proposal also produced a brilliant 200m closing split of 11.12s. SACRED ROCKS (race 10) finished fast to win the closer, running her final 600m in 33.66s with a 11.08s closing sectional. MOTOSCAFO (race 3) might have only won a Midway but his effort should not be underestimated. He charged home his final 600m in 33.57s and ran the fastest 200m closing split of the day in 10.97s. QUEEN OF CLUBS (race 1) powered home her final 600m in 34.43s and a closing 200m split of 11.61s to score her first win in four starts. DON'T FORGET JACK (race 4) attacked the line strongly with a 34.08s final 600m to score well. He was able to run his 200m closing split of 11.53s. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ WHAT THEY SAID 'Can you book me for the horse in this race next year!' — Jockey Adam Hyeronimus after combining with Sir Lucan to win a second successive Winter Cup. 'We're very excited to win the Winter Cup again and the owners are flying over to London tonight. Monique and Adam (Annetts), they're jumping on a plane to go and see Storm Boy run next Saturday. If they were flying economy they will be flying first class now.' — Stable representative Neil Paine. 'It's all good – the pressure, that's what you live for.'' — Star apprentice Braith Nock after winning on favourite Mickey's Medal. 'She does things at home that are (special). She worked with Kilbrannan, who is a handy two-year-old (half-brother to Portelli's Golden Slipper winner Fireburn) and she went so well I said, 'she can't get beaten'.' — Trainer Gary Portelli after Queen Of Clubs' impressive win. 'She is very progressive and has a great, big stride on her. At the 200m, I thought she was just going to get there but then at the 100m she really lengthened nicely.' — Andrew Calder, rider of Queen Of Clubs. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ STEWARDS SAY Sydney's form jockeys Dylan Gibbons and Adam Hyeronimus both incurred week-long careless riding suspensions due to start next Sunday. Gibbons was suspended from June 22 to June 29 after he was found guilty by stewards of causing interference on runner-up HALF YOURS (race 9). Hyeronimus was suspended for the same period after his winning ride on SIR LUCAN (race 8). HELL OF A FOX (race 2) drew the outside barrier and was shifted behind runners in the early stages. Near the 900m she was hampered and carried wider by RED RAGS TO BULLS, which shifted out when being steadied off heels. Jockey Brodie Loy said that after enduring a wide run, the filly was one paced to the finish line and raced as though it had come to the end of its preparation. CODETTA (race 5) was hampered and taken wider by KING'S SECRET approaching the 600m. On straightening, she was again inconvenienced by King's Secret, which shifted out. Apprentice Jace McMurray told stewards that Codetta was slow to begin and settled further back than intended. He said when then unable to obtain cover Codetta was obliged to race wide throughout the event. KING'S SECRET (race 5) jumped out of the barriers and was bumped by Slinky, which shifted in. King's Secret finished fifth and a post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding had the thumps. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RON DUFFICY'S RANDWICK SNAPSHOT RUN OF THE DAY SACRED ROCKS did a great job having her first Sydney run. She met a pretty slick field and you have to like the way she charged over the top of them late looking a nice mare for the future. FORGET THEY RAN CODETTA and HALF YOURS were both beaten favourites on the day but I wouldn't mark them down on their performances. They both had awkward draws not having much go their way and can make amends moving forward. HORSE TO FOLLOW Outside of those mentioned above I thought the debut performance of SCOOP THE POOL had merit. He's a two-year-old who has a pedigree to just keep improving especially over further than what he contested here. RIDE OF THE DAY Boom apprentice Braith Nock put on a show with a winning treble. His ride on SUPER NORWEST in the Highway was just picture perfect from a tricky draw. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ NSW RACING – THE WEEK AHEAD Monday: Albury, Tamworth Tuesday: Hawkesbury, Nowra Wednesday: Canterbury Park Thursday: Gosford, Bathurst Friday: Coffs Harbour Saturday: Royal Randwick, Kembla Grange Sunday: Murwillumbah, Wagga Wagga
Herald Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Ray Thomas' Blackbook: Five to follow from Rosehill on June 14
Ray Thomas thinks an impressive winner could be a force in the fillies' classics in the spring, while Ron Dufficy thinks Saturday's racing unearthed a nice mare to follow in future races. Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Ray Thomas reveals his horses to follow from Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, while Sky Thoroughbred Central's Ron Dufficy names his highlights in his Rosehill snapshot. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ FIVE TO FOLLOW CODETTA (race 5) was coming off a luckless first-up second and was confidently backed into $2.70 favouritism but nothing went right for her when third to the smart filly Winning Proposal. Codetta was trapped three-wide without cover for most of the race but still had the temerity to loom up halfway down the straight as a winning threat. She's racing well and her turn is coming. SACRED ROCKS (race 10) made a real statement at her Sydney debut. She had won two of her four starts in Victoria, finishing second in the other two, before trainer Ciaron Maher switched states. Sacred Rocks settled back in the field from a wide barrier, didn't have the smoothest of passages but her finishing acceleration was very impressive. She's talented and can keep winning. QUEEN OF CLUBS (race 1) is a promising filly and she defeated a smart field of two-year-olds in the opener. She's a well-bred daughter of Maurice and will certainly get out over further. She's likely to have a short break now but watch out for her in the fillies classics in spring. TASORAAY (race 4) set a solid tempo in front and this might have left him vulnerable late. He still fought back hard when challenged and his close second to Don't Forget Jack was full of merit. Tasoraay was only second-up from a spell and can win again this winter. ASSAILANT (race 9) has shaped promisingly in his two Australian starts including his third to Freight Train. The former English galloper got to 2000m quickly, led for a long way and stuck to his task under pressure. Assailant can only continue to improve and is ready to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ CRUNCH TIME WINNING PROPOSAL (race 5) ran the fastest final 600m sectional of the day when she recorded a 33.35s split to dive through under Overfull and score a deserved win. Winning Proposal also produced a brilliant 200m closing split of 11.12s. SACRED ROCKS (race 10) finished fast to win the closer, running her final 600m in 33.66s with a 11.08s closing sectional. MOTOSCAFO (race 3) might have only won a Midway but his effort should not be underestimated. He charged home his final 600m in 33.57s and ran the fastest 200m closing split of the day in 10.97s. QUEEN OF CLUBS (race 1) powered home her final 600m in 34.43s and a closing 200m split of 11.61s to score her first win in four starts. DON'T FORGET JACK (race 4) attacked the line strongly with a 34.08s final 600m to score well. He was able to run his 200m closing split of 11.53s. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ WHAT THEY SAID 'Can you book me for the horse in this race next year!' — Jockey Adam Hyeronimus after combining with Sir Lucan to win a second successive Winter Cup. 'We're very excited to win the Winter Cup again and the owners are flying over to London tonight. Monique and Adam (Annetts), they're jumping on a plane to go and see Storm Boy run next Saturday. If they were flying economy they will be flying first class now.' — Stable representative Neil Paine. 'It's all good – the pressure, that's what you live for.'' — Star apprentice Braith Nock after winning on favourite Mickey's Medal. 'She does things at home that are (special). She worked with Kilbrannan, who is a handy two-year-old (half-brother to Portelli's Golden Slipper winner Fireburn) and she went so well I said, 'she can't get beaten'.' — Trainer Gary Portelli after Queen Of Clubs' impressive win. — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 14, 2025 'She is very progressive and has a great, big stride on her. At the 200m, I thought she was just going to get there but then at the 100m she really lengthened nicely.' — Andrew Calder, rider of Queen Of Clubs. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ STEWARDS SAY Sydney's form jockeys Dylan Gibbons and Adam Hyeronimus both incurred week-long careless riding suspensions due to start next Sunday. Gibbons was suspended from June 22 to June 29 after he was found guilty by stewards of causing interference on runner-up HALF YOURS (race 9). Hyeronimus was suspended for the same period after his winning ride on SIR LUCAN (race 8). HELL OF A FOX (race 2) drew the outside barrier and was shifted behind runners in the early stages. Near the 900m she was hampered and carried wider by RED RAGS TO BULLS, which shifted out when being steadied off heels. Jockey Brodie Loy said that after enduring a wide run, the filly was one paced to the finish line and raced as though it had come to the end of its preparation. CODETTA (race 5) was hampered and taken wider by KING'S SECRET approaching the 600m. On straightening, she was again inconvenienced by King's Secret, which shifted out. Apprentice Jace McMurray told stewards that Codetta was slow to begin and settled further back than intended. He said when then unable to obtain cover Codetta was obliged to race wide throughout the event. KING'S SECRET (race 5) jumped out of the barriers and was bumped by Slinky, which shifted in. King's Secret finished fifth and a post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding had the thumps. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RON DUFFICY'S RANDWICK SNAPSHOT RUN OF THE DAY SACRED ROCKS did a great job having her first Sydney run. She met a pretty slick field and you have to like the way she charged over the top of them late looking a nice mare for the future. FORGET THEY RAN CODETTA and HALF YOURS were both beaten favourites on the day but I wouldn't mark them down on their performances. They both had awkward draws not having much go their way and can make amends moving forward. HORSE TO FOLLOW Outside of those mentioned above I thought the debut performance of SCOOP THE POOL had merit. He's a two-year-old who has a pedigree to just keep improving especially over further than what he contested here. RIDE OF THE DAY Boom apprentice Braith Nock put on a show with a winning treble. His ride on SUPER NORWEST in the Highway was just picture perfect from a tricky draw. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ NSW RACING – THE WEEK AHEAD Monday: Albury, Tamworth Tuesday: Hawkesbury, Nowra Wednesday: Canterbury Park Thursday: Gosford, Bathurst Friday: Coffs Harbour Saturday: Royal Randwick, Kembla Grange Sunday: Murwillumbah, Wagga Wagga Originally published as Ray Thomas' Blackbook: Five to follow from Rosehill on Saturday Horse Racing The decision on who will take over the prestigious Leilani Lodge at Royal Randwick has been postponed, with the Australian Turf Club's board set to review a report later this week. Horse Racing Trainer Gary Portelli experienced racing's highs and lows within 24 hours, as Queen Of Clubs scored her first win a day Group 1-winning mare Kimochi suffered a career-ending injury.
News.com.au
23-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Ray Thomas and Ron Dufficy's race-by-race tips, analysis for Royal Randwick on Saturday: $5.50 best bet
Racenet and The Daily Telegraph's Ray Thomas and Sky Thoroughbred Central's Ron Dufficy debate the key chances in all 10 races at Royal Randwick on Saturday. â– â– â– â– â– DUFF'S BEST BET Race 8 No.3 GREEN FLY DUFF'S NEXT BEST Race 5 No.7 AHURIRI â– â– â– â– â– Ron Dufficy: SEQUISTA (3) suffered some lacerations when she played up in the float at Gosford but she's a very talented filly. The gamble is 42 days between runs and a very heavy track but I'm happy to stick with her. The obvious dangers are AGARWOOD (5) who did it well winning with authority on her debut and looks to have a future, while REGULATED AFFAIR (2) ran slower time on the same day as Agarwood but maps well from the draw, and 1200m should suit. FEDERAL RESERVE (8) comes out of a hot form race and will take great benefit from that experience. Ray Thomas: AGARWOOD (5) impressed on debut, settling on pace then sprinting clear to win easily. The heavy track conditions are a query, as they are for all her rivals, but she handled the soft 6 track well at her only start. SEQUISTA (3) is a talented filly but she has had that break between runs as you pointed out and that race fitness edge Agarwood has might be the difference. REGULATED AFFAIR (2) shown promise in both starts including his strong last start win so he rates as the main danger to the two fillies. I AM ADONIS (9) is a well-bred colt in the right stable and is one to watch. A very nice win to Agarwood at Warwick Farm! ðŸ'¥ @clarkyhk | @GaiWaterhouse1 | @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 7, 2025 • â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I'm with FIRST MISSION (9). He's a three-year-old gelding with upside who did it well winning first-up on a heavy track. He's got a lovely on-pace racing style and is up to the rise in class. FLYING EMBERS (5) was a heavy track winner over this trip last start who has nice credentials. HELLFIRE EXPRESS (1) appears big odds for a horse that will like the conditions and he should be peaking third-up now. DANISH PRINCE (10) is a tough competitor who can't be ruled out at odds. Thomas: TRAFALGAR SQUARE (12) was backed into favouritism at Gosford and had her chance when a close third in similar grade. She's had three runs back from a spell, will be at peak fitness, gets in light after the claim and is good each way value. FLYING EMBERS (5) handles heavy tracks, won well at Kembla last start, and is an improving filly. HELLFIRE EXPRESS (1) has been improved by two runs from a spell and no knock on FIRST MISSION (9) who comes off a dominant first-up Canterbury win. Mission success! ðŸ'� First Mission gives @KPMcEvoy a Canterbury double! @RARacing_ | @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 30, 2025 • â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: A couple of good looking Highway types here in SHROPSHIRE LAD (4) and SO YOU PENCE (2). They are both promising young horses who can go through the classes. Slight leaning to Shropshire Lad with the back-up on a heavy track and he has soft track experience as well. Other than those two, I thought PLENITUDE (8) had nothing go right when put out of the race at Gosford last start when well tried at odds. ACHESON (5) is two from two on heavy ground and he is third-up with a claim which appeals. Thomas: MY LAST HOORAY (1) has raced well in each of his three runs since resuming, particularly his fast finishing at Warwick Farm to finish a close in a good form race. He handles heavy tracks and is way over the odds. SO YOU PENCE (2) could not have been more impressive at Wagga Wagga last start, streaking away to win with ease. She's unknown on heavy tracks but if she handles the conditions she might be too good again. SHROPSHIRE LAD (4) has plenty of potential and can only improve off his impressive first-up Scone win. CHEMTRAIL (11) is another lightly-raced but promising sprinter coming off a very easy Goulburn win. So You Pence makes it look effortless winning the Country Magic at Wagga! ðŸ°' @AshMorgan6 — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 2, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I'm going with the Gosford lead-up form and DUVANA (4). He's proven on heavy tracks with a big maiden win last preparation and he should be in order now after a much improved run second-up. HURSTVILLE ZAGREB (5) has a similar profile and he could easily be unbeaten coming into this race after having excuses last stat. SHE'S A DEALER (3) is in very good hands and she commands plenty of attention here. SIGIRIYA ROCK (6) has had a good grounding and is set to put his best foot forward going up a little in trip now. Thomas: Good race with some promising young staying talent. SHE'S A DEALER (3) comes from New Zealand off two very dominant wins and is on the Queensland Oaks trail. She is obviously held in high regard and she looks a filly of considerable staying talent. SISU SPIRIT (9) handled a bottomless Wyong track to score with ease last start and he's on target to bring up a hat-trick of wins this campaign. HURSTVILLE ZAGREB (5) was first-up at Gosford and just missed but he's also showing staying potential and will be hard to beat. DUVANA (4) comes out of the same Gosford race where he was a close third and he does have wet track form. A winning debut for Hurstville Zagreb at Goulburn! @JohnOSheaRacing — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 11, 2025 • â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I'm keen on AHURIRI (7) here, Ray. She's a young, strong stayer off a good second-up heavy track win. She has won up to 2800m so the step up from 1900m to 2400m poses her no problems at all. The unknown here is the Victorian WUDDZZ (10) who is a tough wet-tracker who appears to be in career-best form. ASGOOODASSOBERGETS (18) looked like a different horse bolting in last start and if you trust him to do that again, he will be hard to beat. GALILAEUS (6) keeps grinding away in his races and is down in grade here. Thomas: I've gone the same way with AHURIRI (7), Ronnie. There was a lot to like about the way she reeled in her rivals at Canterbury second-up in very heavy conditions, the bigger Randwick track suits and she will be even better for that run. The underrated PHILIPSBURG (5) is always over the odds, he's racing well and is very effective on wet tracks. GALILAEUS (6) is a strong staying type but he is unproven on heavy tracks. ST VINCENTS GARDENS (16) is a lightly-raced stayer, down in the weights, handles wet track, and is at each way odds. Ah, hooray for Ahuriri! She wins the TAB Handicap second up at Canterbury with @nashhot in the saddle for @cwallerracing 🙌 @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 30, 2025 • Ponsonby's giant-killer as Group goal in mind â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I'm trusting the wet track lead-up form from Gosford with WINNING PROPOSAL (10). She was slow out when first-up behind Lulumon for the new stable, had legitimate excuses, and should come on from that. MISS JENNIFER (13) comes out of the same race where she had no luck at all. She was terrific at big odds there and she does have wet track form. STORM THE RAMPARTS (12) gets his blinkers back on and he presents well second-up. SOUTH OF INDIA (2) is a sharp type resuming, he has very good soft track form, he's a specialist at this trip and he's won two trials. Thomas: WINNING PROPOSAL (10) indicated a return to winning form is imminent when she closed off strongly for third at Gosford, beaten less than a length. She has shown considerable potential at various times during her career and is very effective on wet ground. GRAND LARCENY (4) is an emerging sprinter with three successive wins including his first-up effort at Caulfield. All his form is on top of the ground which is the only downside. STORM THE RAMPARTS (12) finished second, just ahead of Winning Proposal, when resuming and he's also suited by the wet track conditions. MISS JENNIFER (13) was very competitive finishing just behind Storm The Ramparts and Winning Proposal last start and she rates among the main contenders. Lulumon finds the gap and wins at Gosford giving @AlyshaCollett her double! ✌ï¸� — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 10, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I like ZAPHOD (8), Ray. He was great first-up going down narrowly to Les Vampires who has since franked the form. MIRACLE SPIN (12) is over the odds. He backs up from Scone where the track might have dried out a little bit too much for him on the second day. Prior to that he was building nicely to another win. QUANTUM CAT (14) was only second-up the other day, he's much fitter and is crying out for the extra distance. JAMBEROO (9) just needs things to fall into place from the draw but he is so genuine I can't leave him out. Thomas: ZAPHOD (8) was first-up at 1800m and made Les Vampires work hard for the win at Randwick. Les Vampire then came out and won the Gosford Gold Cup next start. Zaphod is proven second-up and only needs to get through the very heavy track conditions to prove hard to beat. BEAR ON THE LOOSE (5) was a big drifter on track for the Wagga Cup and after leading for home he faded late to run fifth. He was second-up that day and will improve, particularly as all his winning form has come on soft-heavy tracks. QUANTUM CAT (14) has been scratched a couple of times since his narrow loss to Jamberoo at Hawkesbury but he looks well placed here at the weights. COLLECT YOUR CASH (6) is in great form and will be in this for a long way. I’m so great! 😀 Zaphod gets the win at Eagle Farm for @Leesracing and @mallyon_andrew! @BrisRacingClub — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 21, 2024 â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: GREEN FLY (3) is a backmarker who needs a lot to go his way but if he gets that luck he will be charging over the top of this field on his preferred wet track. He will be very hard to beat. HOLLYWOOD HERO (12) did enough first-up and he usually improves with racing. COOL JAKEY (6) is so reliable but he is very short for a horse who is unproven at a mile but he is a very good wet-tracker. RAPT (13) 's run was better than it reads on paper last start as he was on the worst part of the track. Thomas: GREEN FLY (3) showed what he can do when resuming at Rosehill when he flew home to collar COOL JAKEY (6) near the line. Green Fly then got a long way back before finishing off his race strongly when fifth over the Randwick mile course. He likes his races spaced, the course and distance suits, and he's at his best on soft-heavy going. COOL JAKEY (6) is very genuine and will give his backers a great sight again. BOLD MAC (1) showed improvement last start and is a definite chance here, while LAVISH EMPIRE (4) excels on wet tracks. ðŸ'š Green Fly from nowhere nabs Cool Jakey right on the line to give @LaneDamian a Rosehill double! @FreedmanRacing | @OTIRacing | @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 1, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: Another Victorian, HIYAAM PROUD (7), will be hard to beat. He's off a handful of nice jump-outs and he's proven on the soft. The big danger is KING OF ROSEAU (5). He has no recent wins but I'm convinced he is going great this preparation and is looking for 1400m. THUNDERLIPS (4) has had a trial since his second-up win, all his form is on soft tracks and he's a proven weight-carrier. MARGIE'S BOY (11) has had no luck in two runs back and might be worth including at odds. Thomas: I've gone with CRUEL SUMMER (6). He's coming off successive heavy track wins at Canterbury and Kensington, he makes his own luck on speed and is value at double figure odds. SPIONE (18) will need luck just getting into the field but if he does then he will be hard to beat. He was unlucky not to have won at Randwick last start and is an emerging sprinter. KING OF ROSEAU (5) is bursting to win a race and I concede there is a lot to like about HIYAAM PROUD (7). I just came back to a fit, effective wet-tracker in Cruel Summer at the odds. Coasting! It's back-to-back wins for Cruel Summer under a big weight! 😎 @RachelK11 | @perry_racing1 | @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 14, 2025 • â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: SHE'S UNUSUAL (10) has a distinct liking for heavy tracks and she caught the eye making up a heap of ground late first-up. She should be improved with that run. The danger is FLYING THINKER (7) who had seven weeks between runs last start and should lift off what was an acceptable effort. DRIFT NET (3) got all the favours winning second-up and she will gain confidence from that win. The map looks kind to her again. MISS KIM KAR (13) is an improving three-year-old who has been eating up the ground in her two runs back and the extra distance suits her. Thomas: SHE'S UNUSUAL (10) flew home to just miss behind Thunderlips when resuming at Kensington. The bigger Randwick track suits She's Unusual, as does the heavy track conditions. She's ready to win. MISS KIM KAR (13) is going really well and there's a lot to like about her chances here. DRIFT NET (3) and HELLBENT ON YOU (5) are both in winning form and they have proven heavy track form.
News.com.au
14-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
High definition deal: Sky Racing, Foxtel Group renew partnership
For the first time, all three Sky Racing channels will be broadcast in high definition into Australian homes as part of the racing broadcaster's renewed deal with Foxtel Group. Under the new deal, Sky Racing – which broadcasts more than 150,000 races live annually across Australia and into more than 60 countries internationally – will continue to be featured on Foxtel, Foxtel Go and Foxtel Now. Sky Racing 1 and Sky Racing 2 will join Sky Thoroughbred Central in being available in high definition (HD) for all Foxtel Residential subscribers. Sky Racing 1 is home to wall-to-wall thoroughbred, greyhound and harness racing across Australia. Sky Racing 2 hosts international racing while Sky Thoroughbred Central is the premium home of NSW and Queensland thoroughbred racing, along with the world's premier global races. In another first, Foxtel Business customers (excluding licensed venues) will also have access to all three Sky Racing channels to broadcast at their venues. Foxtel Business customers include gyms, retail shops, reception areas, cafes and restaurants, hotels, aged care, hospitals, mining and workforce accommodation. 'Foxtel Group and Sky Racing have a long-standing partnership spanning more than 20 years and we are thrilled that our Foxtel Residential customers can not only enjoy uninterrupted coverage of the best thoroughbred, harness and greyhound races in Australia and across the world, but they can now do so in crisp high definition,' Foxtel Group Head of Sport and Content Partnerships Nic Goard said. 'As part of the new agreement, we are also introducing Sky Racing coverage to all our Foxtel Business (excluding Licensed Venues) customers, adding value to a premium content offering for our commercial subscribers.' Sky Racing Head of Racing and Sports Media Partnerships Selina Rumble said the new partnership with Foxtel would enhance racing coverage in Australia, with all races now broadcast in High Definition on the big screen. 'Our relationship with Foxtel is one of the longest broadcast partnerships in Australian sport and we're delighted to continue to grow and innovate the way in which all tri-code racing is broadcast and promoted,'' she said. 'Together we're bringing live racing coverage into thousands of homes across Australia, complementing our direct distribution of Sky Racing into circa 4000 retail venues and close to 70 different countries. This partnership is a great outcome for Sky, Foxtel and the racing industry.'
News.com.au
02-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Ray Thomas and Ron Dufficy's race-by-race analysis and tips for Hawkesbury on Saturday
The Daily Telegraph racing editor Ray Thomas and Sky Thoroughbred Central's form expert Ron Dufficy debate the chances in all 10 races at the Hawkesbury stand-alone meeting on Saturday. • â– â– â– â– â– SUGGESTED BET DUFF'S BEST VALUE RACE 8 No. 4: OSIPENKO â– â– â– â– â– Ron Dufficy: I'm going with JUMEIRAH BEACH (10) in the first. He had a confidence-boosting midweek win in Brisbane on the soft track last start. His previous two Midway runs were solid and I think he's got nice credentials at double-figure odds. VINTAGE CHOICE (3) might not have won in a long, long time but I feel he is in career-best form and he was excellent in the Provincial-Midway Championships Final. He does have gate speed, too. PRINCE OF SORTS (4) is an underrated horse. He got back further than expected last start and did more than enough. He is only a three-year-old and his previous win was good. HERB (12) is hard to catch but he had a nice lead-up run when he was unlucky on this track and this looks to be a target race. Ray Thomas: A tough opener. I'm going a little wide with MISS HADES (5) at generous odds. The likelihood of a heavy track does concern me but I thought her first-up run when a close sixth at Warwick Farm was a lot better than it reads on paper as she had no galloping room in the straight. Genuine mare who gets the benefit of the claim, too. NORTHERN EYES (2) was working his way back into form then also was devoid of luck at Randwick last start. Give him another chance. STARBOARD (11) never runs a bad race and VINTAGE CHOICE (3) is close to a win. Miss Hades wins first up at @gosford_races, giving @G1TySchil a race-to-race double! @GaryPortelli — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 10, 2024 â– â– â– â– â– RACE 2: TAB HIGHWAY (1500m) Dufficy: This race is nearly impossible. CANADIAN RULER (1) has a bit of weight but gets the claim and sets up well at his fourth run in and after a win. He is going well for the new stable and has a lovely racing style. MIDNIGHT AFFAIR (11) had a more than acceptable lead-up in a stronger race than this when she finished off hard. STRAIGHT FIRE (8) did enough first-up to suggest he has come back stronger. CALL ME TERRY (10) is busting to win another race and back in trip with the big weight was against him last start. He is in the mix. Thomas: CANADIAN RULER (1) is racing consistently and brings winning form to Hawkesbury after scoring comfortably at Canberra last start. He's got to carry topweight in the wet conditions but he should be very competitive again. Plenty of dangers including KOTAISHI (6), an improving sprinter with soft track form and STRAIGHT FIRE (8) who was good first-up. CALL ME TERRY (10) also stays under notice as he is very fit, gets in well at the weights, and handles wet tracks. â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I'm pretty keen on AERODROME (1). He created a big impression on debut, he looks a likely type for the future and has to be hard to beat. If he comes to Hawkesbury, WENTWORTH FALLS (7) should run well. He was very good charging late at Kembla when dragged back from a wide draw so he probably has the right grounding for this race. DAMIEN (2) landed some good bets winning easily first-up on the speed. The time was only steady but he looks an improver. ONE STEP CLOSER (10) looks a nice middle-distance type for the future. He did start favourite in that Kembla lead-up and he has more to offer. Thomas: AERODROME (1) was impressive on debut, scoring with authority. He looks a talented two-year-old and although there is a query about him on the wet track, there is no evidence to suggest he won't handle it, either. I'm happy to be with Aerodrome from WENTWORTH FALLS (7) who is the big improver. I've got the same top three with DAMIEN (2) as next best but I'm wary of SERPICO (6) who although well beaten when third to Aerodrome, should run a strong 1400m. Aerodrome gets the last few strides and wins well for @MFreedmanRacing! ðŸ'� — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 16, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I want to give WORLD ALLIANCE (4) another chance here. He has been back to the trials since an inconclusive run at Kembla Grange. His previous form was great for a race like this and I have to give him another chance. EPIC PROPORTIONS (8) is one at big odds who should be closely monitored. He has been hard held in two trials and does have great fresh form. IRON MAN (3) was good first-up and this is a lovely race for him at home back to 1100m. He deserves another win. RANVEER (6) is another of these interesting Matt Laurie-trained runners who has had a couple of nice jumpouts in Victoria and has good fresh form. Thomas: IRON MAN (3) was held up for a run for most of the final 400m but still ran a close fifth when resuming at Randwick. Consistent sprinter, strips fitter here, handles wet tracks and has won second-up from a spell. SPANISH FOX (1) reeled off five successive wins before his spell last spring and resumes here at the track where his winning streak started. He's unknown on a heavy track but he's trialled well and should go close. WORLD ALLIANCE (4) rates among the main chances for all the reasons you mentioned, Ronnie. ONE DESTINY (7) scored a tough win at Warwick Farm last start and he is a superior wet-tracker. â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I quite like QUANTUM CAT (4), Ray. He got chopped out when building momentum last start when resuming and wasn't knocked about. I'm not sure about him in the wet but apart from that he is very likeable. This does look a lovely set-up for JAMBEROO (2) second-up from a spell. He ticks lots of bases liking the wet and his adaptability of going forward in a race that lacks speed. BLACK RUN (5) showed some encouraging signs racing well on debut in Australia and should lift off that run. ARISTONOUS (10) comes out of the same Warwick Farm race as many of his rivals and he worked home well that day. Thomas: I've also found QUANTUM CAT (4). He's still trying to get out from his Warwick Farm comeback run and although he is going straight to 1800m, this is his preferred distance range. PHILIPSBURG (3) has won successive Brisbane races, has never been in better form and handles wet tracks. JAMBEROO (2) and AWESOME WONDER (6) ran second and sixth when resuming in the same Warwick Farm race Quantum Cat contested and both will be improved. A pick-up ride for @TommyBerry21 ends with a win! ðŸ'� Poppin' Champagne breaks away to win the last at Warwick Farm for the @MickPriceRacing stable! — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 16, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I've always been a fan of JUST PARTY (4). He has been gelded before this preparation, I was very taken by his most recent trial. He is a better horse than his form reads and only has to handle the soft track to run very well. MEDIA WORLD (9) is another colt I have always liked and good to see him start off his preparation with a win. MODELLA (14) had excuses when wide the other day and doing a few things wrong but she is a real knockout chance. Going forward I think she has plenty to offer. CANDLEWICK (13) is well-liked in the market and although she didn't beat a strong lot at Warwick Farm she did it well and I'm sure the stable has an opinion of her. Thomas: MEDIA WORLD (9) showed plenty of determination to endure a tough run and still beat older horses when resuming at Warwick Farm. Promising colt who won at the Hawkesbury stand-alone meeting last year and will go close again. MODELLA (14) was never on the track at Randwick and still ran bravely. Underrated filly who will need luck from her wide draw but is capable of running a very competitive race. PISCES (1) has been improved by two runs from a spell and he does have wet track form. SNITZANOVA (2) is resuming but she's a talented filly who won the Sandown Guineas on a heavy track last spring and must be considered. â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I know LADY LAGUNA (2) had no excuses last start but she is third-up now and I love where she will settle in a race where there is no speed. This is her best distance. While there is no speed that gives BELCLARE (1) a very good chance. She was good first-up in the All Aged Stakes and the wide draw won't be an issue given the speed she has got. Last year's winner COCO JAMBOO (7) sets up well here after two encouraging runs. TASHI (10) is going well without winning, has an inner draw and should be around the mark again. Thomas: LADY LAGUNA (2) is a top class mare fitter for recent racing. She's very effective on soft and heavy tracks, and she should get this race run to suit. TASHI (10) finished alongside Lady Laguna last start, she's drawn to get a soft run, handles all track conditions and is a definite each way chance. CITY OF LIGHTS (12) was very good when resuming and she's rates highly in a very open race. BELCLARE (1) gets an uncontested lead, ran competitively in the All Aged Stakes, and back against mares she will take running down. â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I'm going with OSIPENKO (4). I thought he was very strong late in the All Aged Stakes and that has to be good form for this. The wet is OK and he should improve again. I think he may have got his confidence back after winning at the end of his last preparation. PUNCH LANE (5) is an obvious choice as he did it so well at both ends last week. Can he do it three weeks in a row at a mile – that's the gamble. But he looks to be flying and probably the pattern is vital for him and if the on-pacers are getting a fair go he will be hard to beat. MIGHTY ULYSSES (3) is the other one. Three of his six wins have been second-up and he has to be included in all the multiples. GREEN FLY (15) has a lethal finish when things fall in place and he appears good odds. Thomas: TAVI TIME (9) had his share of weight first-up and had to make his run wide out but ran on strongly for a close second when resuming at Randwick. He's out to his optimum distance of 1600m, his second-up record is almost faultless, and he handles soft tracks. GREEN FLY (15) got too far back at Randwick last week but was finishing powerfully late. His first-up win at Rosehill was very impressive and he excels on soft and heavy tracks. He's a definite lightweight chance. PUNCH LANE (5) led throughout to win well at Randwick last week and is backing up for the third week in a row but he's in top form and enjoys wet tracks. MATCHA LATTE (12) is also racing in top form, he has good tactical speed and will give himself every chance. ✨ Jimmysstar adds another G1 to his list as he races away with the All Aged Stakes for @cmaherracing and @Brown_ethan8! 🙌 @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 19, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: Given the wet track conditions I want to be with IN FLIGHT (12). I feel she will grow a leg second-up on the soft track second-up, she loves the distance and fits in well. Her stablemate DRAGONSTONE (1) has the blinkers back on, he's a tough, competitive horse who handles all conditions. I just wish he had drawn a little better but back to 1100m suits him. BUBBA'S BAY (4) is trialling very well, looking really sharp, and she knows how to win as she has a great winning strike-rate. I'll be watching for any confidence in the market for her on track. FIRE STAR (9) was well fancied first-up and was OK but he's proven in the soft and can bounce back. Thomas: BUBBA'S BAY (4) struck career-best form last preparation with four wins from six starts before a spell including twice at stakes level. Smart mare who kept improving when last in work. She resumes in a very open sprint but she's trialling up a storm and enjoys wet tracks. IN FLIGHT (12) was beaten by the very talented Pisanello at Canterbury when resuming but that's good form for this race. It's worth noting all of In Flight's five career wins have been on soft or heavy tracks. FIRE STAR (9) was unplaced in the Pisanello race but deserves another chance and DRAGONSTONE (1) will be charging home. â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: GALLANT STAR (7) didn't run to market expectations in the Country Championships Final but that form has been franked, he gets the claim, the race has enough speed up front and he finds a lovely stalking position. He will be hard to beat. MOBY DICK (10) ran through the line at his Sydney debut indicating 1400m will suit. EXCELLADUS (4) caught everyone's attention charging into dead ends late first-up. I'm not sure if this tight, turning track but he is sure to be running on hard again. The best of the rest is CHICA MOJITO (11) who is trialling really nicely and could surprise. Thomas: I'm also staying with GALLANT STAR (7), Ron. Perhaps he is better ridden more conservatively early in his races as he has demonstrated a brilliant finishing burst in some of his wins. It was impossible to miss MOBY DICK's (10) last start effort and with even luck in running, he will be hard to beat. COOL JAKEY (3) is in very good form and makes his own luck racing on speed. IMPOSANT (13) is a very fit, in-form mare, she handles wet tracks and will be in the finish.
