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Sinarahma seeking a cuddle at Trentham

Exciting Taranaki mare Sinarahma will be looking to add a Group victory to her resume when she contests the Gr.3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday. The Allan Sharrock-trained five-year-old has won three of her five starts this campaign, including a last start victory in the Listed Wairarapa Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Tauherenikau. It was the daughter of Darci Brahma’s first stakes victory and Sharrock said he has been pleased with her progress this preparation. �...

Hastings trainers hoping for another Trentham boilover

Guy Lowry and Grant Cullen know how to shock punters, especially at Trentham, and they are hoping they can do it again on Saturday. The Hastings training partners will be represented in the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) by the lightly tried Unlaced, a daughter of Niagara who has recorded two wins, two seconds and a last-start stakes placing in her five starts. “It would be nice to rock them again,” Lowry said. “It’s a big ask for her and we’re hopeful. I guess...

Catalyst ruled out of All-Star Mile

Catalyst (NZ) (Darci Brahma) has been ruled out of the A$5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) with bruised fetlocks. Trainer Clayton Chipperfield sent him to the Ballarat Vet Clinic on Tuesday fearing he was not quite himself after his below-par run in the Australian Guineas. He told Racing Victoria stewards late in the day tests revealed Catalyst had bruising to his four fetlocks and he was officially withdrawn from Saturday week’s All-Star Mile at Caulfield. This season’s Gr.1 NZ 2000 Guineas (...

Decision pending on Harlech's future

The immediate racing future of promising colt Harlech will be decided by his connections within the next 24 hours. The dual Group One placegetter has been marking time at the Matamata base of his trainers Mike Moroney and Pam Gerrard with Moroney to speak with his ownership group on Sunday regarding the options available for him in the next few weeks. Amongst those options is the opportunity to make a trip across the Tasman to tackle the Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) next Saturday followed by th...

Catalyst shines in work and the draw

Three days out from the biggest race of his career, trainer Clayton Chipperfield enjoyed two sizeable positives on Wednesday when his mighty horse Catalyst drew the barrier he wanted for Saturday's Group 1 Australian Guineas. New rider Damian Lane travelled to Mornington for an inside grass gallop on the Guineas favourite and his feedback, coupled with Chipperfield's own instincts, has the trainer well placed ahead of the $1 million classic where he has the chance to level the score with Alligat...

Catalyst crew Cox Plate dreaming

Australian Guineas co-favourite Catalyst could chase Cox Plate glory in the spring, with trainer Clayton Chipperfield suggesting on Tuesday that the gelding displays all the hallmarks of a genuine 2000-metre horse. While Chipperfield is focused on preparing the son of Darci Brahma for two of the biggest mile races on the Australian calendar in the next three weeks - the Guineas and The All-Star Mile - he's already given thought to Catalyst's potential spring campaign. "At this stage his best dis...

Home By Midnight wins Launceston Cup

Home By Midnight winning at Ellerslie last year.  Pic Trish Dunell...

Damian Lane ticks off Catalyst for Guineas

Damian Lane has given star three-year-old Catalyst (NZ) (Darci Brahma) his seal of approval ahead of the Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington. Lane rode Catalyst in his final gallop at Mornington on Wednesday. It was the second time he had partnered the gelding in work and Saturday’s Group One over 1600m will be his first ride under race conditions. Lane was suspended when James McDonald rode Catalyst into second place behind Alligator Blood (All Too Hard) in the CS Hayes Stakes (1400...

Catalyst baying for blood in Guineas

Ding, ding. Bring on round two. That is the message from trainer Clayton Chipperfield as star Kiwi three-year-old Catalyst prepares to avenge his last-start defeat to Queenslander Alligator Blood when the pair clash in Saturday’s Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington. In a race for the ages, Alligator Blood prevailed by a short head over Catalyst in the Gr.3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) earlier this month after an enthralling length-of-the-straight battle at Flemington, reminiscent of two...

Catalyst gains All Star start

Star New Zealand gallopers Melody Belle and Catalyst have secured a start in the A$5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) after polling was closed for the rich race. The top 10 vote getters, headed by Alligator Blood, secured spots in the race at Caulfield on March 14, while five wildcards are still to be announced. The 10 horses to gain places through the public vote in order are: Alligator Blood, Melody Belle, Kolding, Star Missile, Dalasan, Catalyst, Mr Quickie, Aristia, Heart Of Puissance and Super...

Battle lost but war far from over for Catalyst

While rugged Queenslander Alligator Blood may have taken out the first skirmish with classy New Zealand contender Catalyst, Kiwi trainer Clayton Chipperfield is confident his star can still win the war when the pair clash again in the Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) in a fortnight. In an enthralling length-of-the-straight battle, which more than lived up to the pre-race hype, Alligator Blood withstood the ominous challenge from Catalyst by the barest of margins in Saturday’s Gr.3 CS Hayes Stak...

Catalyst primed for bold Australian debut

Rick Williams is predicting a career-best performance from star New Zealand three-year-old Catalyst in Saturday's Gr.3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington. Williams has guided the racing stock of Cambridge's The Oaks Stud for Queensland owner Dick Karreman for the past 18 years, overseeing the career of champion mare Seachange among a host of Group One winners. Karreman was also a part-owner of five-time Group One winner Darci Brahma, who has forged a successful stallion career at The Oaks Stu...

Foaling Manager required

The Oaks Stud have a position available for an experienced, dedicated Foaling Manager to foal down approximately 60 – 70 mares per season. This position involves working closely with our Broodmare Manager and the initial care of new born foals.   The successful applicant will ideally have at least 5 years experience foaling down mares Competitive salary package and excellent on farm accommodation provided.    Starting date can be negotiated.   To apply, plea...

Kiwi invaders touch down in Melbourne

The Kiwi assault on next month’s A$5million All-Star Mile (1600m) has begun, with contenders Catalyst and Melody Belle arriving in Melbourne on Sunday. The pair have settled in well according to their connections and are getting ready for their respective first-up targets in Australia. Catalyst’s trainer Clayton Chipperfield has crossed the Tasman with his charge and said he has taken no ill-effects from his first trip to Australia. “He and Melody Belle were beside each other 90 percent of...

Well-bred Sinarahma lands Wairarapa Breeders'

Five-year-old mare Sinarahma landed some valuable black-type when taking out the Listed Property Brokers Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1600m) at Tauherenikau on Thursday. The Allan Sharrock-trained daughter of Darci Brahma had been luckless at her previous outing at Trentham and despite covering ground in the mid-stages, sustained a long-run to down Vee Cece and Vichy, both of whom closed well late. The New Plymouth conditioner prepared Sinarahma’s dam, Shez Sinsational, to win fo...

Jockey change leaves Price a little guilty

Jockey changes happen all the time, but there's one this week that's left trainer Mick Price feeling a little guilty. Champion jockey Damien Oliver will replace Zac Spain on Frondeur in Saturday's Group 3 Kevin Hayes Stakes, with Price labelling the talented three-year-old as one that has black-type quality. Spain rode Frondeur (Roc de Cambes) to a comfortable victory at Pakenham in a Benchmark 64 last start, while Dean Holland rode her when she strutted to a 3.5-length win on debut. But Oliver ...

Caulfield win for Kiwi mare

Caulfield win for kiwi mare the familiar colours of The Oaks Stud were in the winner’s circle at Caulfield on Saturday. Five-year-old mare Paint The Town Two (NZ) (Darci Brahma) hit the front in the IVE Print Handicap (1600m) with 200m to go and never looked in doubt, going on to win by a clear length over thousand Wishes (Lope de Vega). “Bevan Laming (trainer) gave me a call this morning and said she is not your typical New Zealand type of mare,” jockey Dwayne Dunn said. “She has got a ...

Group aspirations for The Precious One

Regally-bred mare The Precious One already has a stakes scalp to her name, but her connections are on the hunt for an elusive Group victory before they retire her to the broodmare paddock. The daughter of Darci Brahma and dual Group One winner The Jewel, The Precious One’s broodmare career is already assured, however, trainer Claire Anderton believes she is capable of a Group win. The Precious One recorded her maiden stakes victory in the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1200m) at Wingatui on Boxing Day...

Blanket finish to Oaks Prelude

The judge at New Plymouth had his work cut out on Saturday when less than half a length separated six of the fillies engaged in the Listed Fasttrack Insurance Oaks Prelude (1800m) at the finish line. In a desperate finish it was Cambridge visitor Seven Seas (Roc de Cambes) who got in the deciding stride as she stormed home out wide to down the gallant Nothing Compares, who had disputed the pace throughout, by a nose with Heart Of The Ocean a head back in third, just ahead of Amal Rose. The Oaks ...

Amazing Star dazzles for Purton and Ting at the Valley

Amazing Star (NZ) (Darci Brahma) put in a dazzling performance to take the Class 2 Stubbs Handicap (1200m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday and continue the fine form of trainer Jimmy Ting. The improving five-year-old destroyed his rivals; a fast break to lead, followed by a strong middle section, had them working hard to keep tabs, and a determined drive to the line sealed a length and three-quarter success for the 1.4 favourite. “He’s been going well this season and he did it the hard way ton...

Australian campaign looms for Harlech

Consistent three-year-old Harlech (Darci Brahma) has been sent for a small break after his fourth-placing in the Karaka Million 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. It was the first time the consistent colt finished outside the top three this season, having won the Gr.2 Sarten Memorial Stakes (1400m) and placed in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m), and Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m). Michael Moroney, who trains the colt in partnership with Pam Gerard, said...

New Zealand swansong for Harlech

Talented three-year-old Harlech will likely have his last start in New Zealand this season when he lines-up in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. The Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard-trained colt is set to head for a freshen-up after this weekend’s rich feature, having won two of his six starts this term and finishing runner-up in his four other contests. The son of Darci Brahma took out the Gr.2 Sarten Memorial Stakes (1400m) in October before finishing runner-up i...

Catalyst to head sales boost for The Oaks Stud

The excitement over the Karaka Million twilight meeting is already high for The Oaks Stud, but it could provide an even greater boost for the Cambridge establishment leading into this year’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales at Karaka. One of the Ellerslie features on Saturday, the Gr.3 Henley Park Mr Tiz Trophy (1200m, will mark the reappearance of Catalyst, New Zealand’s leading three-year-old who was bred and is raced by The Oaks Stud’s Queensland-based owner Dick Karreman....

Te Akau take Telegraph with Avantage

Feisty mare Avantage showed all her fighting qualities when she overcame a wide barrier and a plucky southern rival to take out the Gr.1 JR & N Berkett Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham. Prepared by Jamie Richards for owners the Te Akau Avantage syndicate, the Fastnet Rock four-year-old gained a measure of revenge for the Matamata stable after outstanding racemare Melody Belle was defeated in the 2019 edition of the event. Richards and the Te Akau team put their faith in the hands of regular rider O...

Vote for Catalyst!

Please vote for Catalyst to help him gain a start in the 2020 All-Star Mile, to be run on the 14th March at Caulfied.What is the all-star mile? The All-Star Mile is a race like no other in Australia, with the fans choosing the horses that will compete – their ‘All Stars’. With a winner’s cheque for $2.25m and an overall prize purse of $5m, it is officially the richest mile race in the world. The All-Star Mile will be rotated around Melbourne’s three premier racetracks, Flemington, Caul...