Latest news with #EmpressOfJapan
Mercury
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Mercury
Wagga, Wyong best bets, inside mail for Thursday, May 1, 2025
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Racenet and The Daily Telegraph form analyst Adam Sherry provides his best bets and quaddie analysis at Wagga and Wyong on Thursday. • 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! ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ WAGGA TIPS BEST BET Race 1 No.2: BUCKEYE Just beaten a Scone first-up and not a lot of luck last start. NEXT BEST Race 4 No.6: DUBAI WARRIOR Made ground late at Kembla last start. Drops in grade and gets his chance from the pole. VALUE BET Race 5 No.8: GROUP CHAT Was good winning last start and looks suited stepping up in trip. QUADDIE Race 5: 2, 6, 8 Race 6: 2, 3, 4, 6 Race 7: 2, 3, 6, 7, 14 Race 8: 3, 7, 8 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW ASH MORGAN has some nice rides and is a good chance in the TAB Jockey Challenge. WAGGA INSIDE MAIL RACE 5: CLASS 2 SHOWCASE HANDICAP (1400m) GROUP CHAT (8) was fifth behind One Hard Lady on debut at Albury. Took benefit from the experience with a nice win over 1200m here last start. Got clear at the 250m and extended smartly over the final 100m. Extra trip look ideal. WEXFORD MISS (6) won her maiden over this trip at Kembla last September. Will appreciate a drop in grade from her eighth to Empress Of Japan at Goulburn. XCEPTIONAL FELLA (2) scored a handy win from Ghost Walker before a third to Canadian Ruler, both at Canberra. BET: GROUP CHAT each-way. RACE 6: BENCHMARK 66 – HEAT OF THE WAGGA STAYER SERIES (2000m) EXTRAVAGANT CHOICE (2) is on a quick back-up from a smart win over Devils Daughter over 1800m at Bathurst last Friday. Led all the way at the Sapphire Coast two starts back with close seconds either side. Stablemate FINAL COMMENT (3) is also backing up from a half-length second to Jannik over 1600m at Albury last Thursday. He is a winner over the 2000m and just pipped over 2500m on a heavy track here last October. SACRED MISTRESS (6) is chasing a sixth consecutive win. Goes to 2000m for the first time. BET: EXTRAVAGANT CHOICE each-way. RACE 7: WAGGA TOWN PLATE (1200m) FELIX MAJESTIC (2) ended last campaign with a gutsy short half-head second to Briasa in Group 2 The Hunter over 1300m at Newcastle after leading. Was slow out and made steady ground late when fourth to Eagle Nest first-up over 1100m. Is a second-up winner and will give this a shake. THE INSTRUCTOR (3) scored a big first-up win at The Valley on Mar 22 then was kept fresh to win the Listed Hareeba Stakes at Mornington on Apr 19 both over this trip. COMPELLING TRUTH (6) returns from a Queensland campaign with a win and two placings. BET: FELIX MAJESTIC each-way. RACE 8: 4YO+ BENCHMARK 66 SHOWCASE HANDICAP (1600m) EXCEEDINGLY HOT (8) raced outside the leader when he beat The Predictor over 1400m here on Mar 1. Was off a five-week break when third to the progressive Win The Day at the Sapphire Coast before a second to the smart Villasaurus. DARK VADOR (7) scored a nice win at Port Macquarie before handy placings at Canberra and Newcastle. Battles away when fifth at Eagle Farm before a fourth to Fiftyfivechevy at Newcastle. PERSIAN DANCER (3) was a nice second to Arthur The Great here first-up. Is a winner this track and trip. BET: EXCEEDINGLY HOT to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ WYONG TIPS BEST BET Race 7 No.1: JUST FEELIN' LUCKY Came from a wide gate to win first-up and can repeat it. NEXT BEST Race 5 No.5: NIGHT SKY Smart win on debut here and can go back-to-back. WYONG INSIDE MAIL RACE 5: F&M BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1100m) NIGHT SKY (5) was very good winning her two recent trials and took that to the races with an impressive win from Lunaite in a Super Maiden over this track and distance. Hard to beat again. Stablemate GLORIOSO (1) came from last at the 400m with a strong run down the outside to finish a half-length third to Oakfield Badger over 1000m here first-up. Raced just behind the speed and battled away when fifth at Caulfield last start. CORDINA (7) won well on debut at Kilmore before a third at Ballarat and a third at Canterbury on Apr 21. BET: NIGHT SKY to win. RACE 6: CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1100m) UP THE FRONT (3) was badly bumped on jumping and settled well back when fifth to Shall Be here first-up. Is a second-up winner. LIVIN' THING (4) debuted with a stylish win at Hawkesbury. Resumes for a new stable and trials have been good including a second to Photographics at Randwick on Apr 14. READY TO SHINE (2) ran a nice race first-up when second to Metallic Ruler over 1200m here on a Soft 5. Disappointed when last behind Sizzler on a Good 4 at Kembla. Gets his preferred wet conditions. BET: UP THE FRONT to win. RACE 7: BENCHMARK 68 HCP (1350m) JUST FEELIN' LUCKY (1) was a close second to One Last Shot at Hawkesbury first-up last preparation before breaking his maiden with a four-length win from Squeezebox at Kembla. Kicked off this campaign with a handy win at Newcastle and can go back-to-back. TITANIUM MISS (2) was third to Money Team on the Provincial-Midway Qualifier at Gosford before a wide when ninth in the Wyong Qualifier. Drops in grade from her last in the Group 3 James Carr at Randwick. WEXFORD MISS (8) can sneak a place. BET: JUST FEELIN' LUCKY to win. RACE 8: CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1600m) SISU SPIRIT (2) went forward from and outside gate to lead but stayed off the fence in scoring by a length from Tempranillo when resuming over 1500m at Newcastle. Drawn out again but will go close. INCANTATION (10) won nicely first-up at Goulburn before coming from a long way back right down the outside when midfield to Rockbarton Angel at Newcastle. Handy third to Let's Fly at Kembla last start. TACT (5) and OAKFIELD SATURN (6) have genuine claims. BET: SISU SPIRIT to win.
News.com.au
30-04-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Wagga, Wyong best bets, inside mail for Thursday, May 1, 2025
Racenet and The Daily Telegraph form analyst Adam Sherry provides his best bets and quaddie analysis at Wagga and Wyong on Thursday. â– â– â– â– â– WAGGA TIPS BEST BET Race 1 No.2: BUCKEYE Just beaten a Scone first-up and not a lot of luck last start. NEXT BEST Made ground late at Kembla last start. Drops in grade and gets his chance from the pole. VALUE BET Race 5 No.8: GROUP CHAT Was good winning last start and looks suited stepping up in trip. QUADDIE Race 5: 2, 6, 8 Race 6: 2, 3, 4, 6 Race 7: 2, 3, 6, 7, 14 Race 8: 3, 7, 8 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW ASH MORGAN has some nice rides and is a good chance in the TAB Jockey Challenge. WAGGA INSIDE MAIL GROUP CHAT (8) was fifth behind One Hard Lady on debut at Albury. Took benefit from the experience with a nice win over 1200m here last start. Got clear at the 250m and extended smartly over the final 100m. Extra trip look ideal. WEXFORD MISS (6) won her maiden over this trip at Kembla last September. Will appreciate a drop in grade from her eighth to Empress Of Japan at Goulburn. XCEPTIONAL FELLA (2) scored a handy win from Ghost Walker before a third to Canadian Ruler, both at Canberra. BET: GROUP CHAT each-way. EXTRAVAGANT CHOICE (2) is on a quick back-up from a smart win over Devils Daughter over 1800m at Bathurst last Friday. Led all the way at the Sapphire Coast two starts back with close seconds either side. Stablemate FINAL COMMENT (3) is also backing up from a half-length second to Jannik over 1600m at Albury last Thursday. He is a winner over the 2000m and just pipped over 2500m on a heavy track here last October. SACRED MISTRESS (6) is chasing a sixth consecutive win. Goes to 2000m for the first time. BET: EXTRAVAGANT CHOICE each-way. FELIX MAJESTIC (2) ended last campaign with a gutsy short half-head second to Briasa in Group 2 The Hunter over 1300m at Newcastle after leading. Was slow out and made steady ground late when fourth to Eagle Nest first-up over 1100m. Is a second-up winner and will give this a shake. THE INSTRUCTOR (3) scored a big first-up win at The Valley on Mar 22 then was kept fresh to win the Listed Hareeba Stakes at Mornington on Apr 19 both over this trip. COMPELLING TRUTH (6) returns from a Queensland campaign with a win and two placings. BET: FELIX MAJESTIC each-way. EXCEEDINGLY HOT (8) raced outside the leader when he beat The Predictor over 1400m here on Mar 1. Was off a five-week break when third to the progressive Win The Day at the Sapphire Coast before a second to the smart Villasaurus. DARK VADOR (7) scored a nice win at Port Macquarie before handy placings at Canberra and Newcastle. Battles away when fifth at Eagle Farm before a fourth to Fiftyfivechevy at Newcastle. PERSIAN DANCER (3) was a nice second to Arthur The Great here first-up. Is a winner this track and trip. BET: EXCEEDINGLY HOT to win. â– â– â– â– â– WYONG TIPS BEST BET Race 7 No.1: JUST FEELIN' LUCKY Came from a wide gate to win first-up and can repeat it. NEXT BEST Race 5 No.5: NIGHT SKY Smart win on debut here and can go back-to-back. WYONG INSIDE MAIL RACE 5: F&M BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1100m) NIGHT SKY (5) was very good winning her two recent trials and took that to the races with an impressive win from Lunaite in a Super Maiden over this track and distance. Hard to beat again. Stablemate GLORIOSO (1) came from last at the 400m with a strong run down the outside to finish a half-length third to Oakfield Badger over 1000m here first-up. Raced just behind the speed and battled away when fifth at Caulfield last start. CORDINA (7) won well on debut at Kilmore before a third at Ballarat and a third at Canterbury on Apr 21. BET: NIGHT SKY to win. UP THE FRONT (3) was badly bumped on jumping and settled well back when fifth to Shall Be here first-up. Is a second-up winner. LIVIN' THING (4) debuted with a stylish win at Hawkesbury. Resumes for a new stable and trials have been good including a second to Photographics at Randwick on Apr 14. READY TO SHINE (2) ran a nice race first-up when second to Metallic Ruler over 1200m here on a Soft 5. Disappointed when last behind Sizzler on a Good 4 at Kembla. Gets his preferred wet conditions. BET: UP THE FRONT to win. JUST FEELIN' LUCKY (1) was a close second to One Last Shot at Hawkesbury first-up last preparation before breaking his maiden with a four-length win from Squeezebox at Kembla. Kicked off this campaign with a handy win at Newcastle and can go back-to-back. TITANIUM MISS (2) was third to Money Team on the Provincial-Midway Qualifier at Gosford before a wide when ninth in the Wyong Qualifier. Drops in grade from her last in the Group 3 James Carr at Randwick. WEXFORD MISS (8) can sneak a place. BET: JUST FEELIN' LUCKY to win. SISU SPIRIT (2) went forward from and outside gate to lead but stayed off the fence in scoring by a length from Tempranillo when resuming over 1500m at Newcastle. Drawn out again but will go close. INCANTATION (10) won nicely first-up at Goulburn before coming from a long way back right down the outside when midfield to Rockbarton Angel at Newcastle. Handy third to Let's Fly at Kembla last start. TACT (5) and have genuine claims.
Courier-Mail
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
Newcastle preview: A confident Empress Of Japan is ready to rule
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Jockey Keagan Latham was thrilled to see Empress Of Japan return to form with a booming victory last start and feels she can replicate it when she heads up the motorway to Newcastle. The Michael Freedman-trained filly had finished just behind the placegetters at Kembla at her first two runs back this campaign before dropping back to country grade at Goulburn and storming home from near last to beat Zipitilist over 1400m. 'We always thought a little bit of her, myself and Michael,' said Latham. 'She won her first start at Gosford and then she ran in the Percy Sykes at Randwick. 'Unfortunately, she was taken out with a bit of interference and I think it knocked her confidence a little bit in the prep thereafter. 'Even though it was only a small margin in the end, she had the best part of eight to ten lengths to make up at the top of the straight. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'She travelled well but when I pushed the button, she really let down with a terrific turn of foot.' Empress Of Japan can potentially earn herself a shot at a black type race over the winter with a win in the Benchmark 68 Handicap (1500m) where she had barrier 2. 'The key is she likes to be ridden with a bit of cuddle to allow her to come with one strong run,' Latham said. 'While she has a good draw this week, I don't think she will be any closer than midfield and have one last shot at them. 'The long straight at Newcastle allows her to do that.' Latham and Freedman also combine with lightly-raved gelding Gone To Cape York in the Class 1 Handicap (1250m). The three-year-old scored on debut at Nowra under Latham before a three length seventh at Wyong last start when ridden by Zac Lloyd. 'It was a good effort to win on debut because he's not really an 1100m horse and he took the length of the straight to get his head in front,' said Latham. 'At Wyong, he didn't have much room in the straight. He was just among horses and could get a real crack. 'From the draw, he should get plenty of room and the length of the straight at Newcastle is going to be his best advantage.' Latham rode the John Sargent-trained Khant Fail to back-to-back placings at Newcastle and Wyong last preparation and is looking forward to renewing their association in the Maiden Plate (1850m). The four-year-old daughter of New Zealand and Australian Derbies and Caulfield Cup winner Mongolian Khan has been good in finishing third in both runs this time in over 1500m an 1600m and will appreciate the step up in trip. 'She gave me a nice feel last prep but she was a big baby. She is a tall animal and definitely needed to grow into herself,' he said. 'She's had two this time in over short distances and I thought she has run pretty well. 'She ran well at Newcastle last prep and steps up to a more suitable trip this week. 'John is very good with staying fillies and from barrier 1, we will have her a close as she is comfortable and I think she can run quite a sneaky race.' Latham also has two rides to local trainer Paul Perry on Passalacqua in the Maiden Plate (1250m) and debutant Seven Wonders in the 2YO Maiden Plate (900m). 'I think Passalacqua has matured a lot more this prep and he can run a sneaky race,' he said. 'I haven't ridden Seven Wonders but you can never under estimate Paul Perry's horses, especially at home.' ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Trainer Kerry Parker was pleased with the way Equilibrist reacted with the blinkers on or the first time at his most recent start and feels he can back it up with another big run. The four-year-old was only fair in beating two home when resuming at Kembla last month which prompted Parker to make the gear change. Equilibrist went back from a wide gate to settle near last before coming inside runners on the bend and squeezing through a gap late to finish a length third behind Eclair Awesome over 1600m at Gosford on April 10. The four-year-old looks suited stepping up in trip in the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1850m) with Jason Collett aboard. 'His first-up run was just a pass mark. He seemed to be floating a bit too so I decided to put the blinkers on to help him focus a bit more,' said Parker. 'He raced really well with the blinkers on. He raced between horses and hit the line well showing a bit of determination. 'I was really proud of his run. 'If he can reproduce his Gosford run over the 1850m, you would like to think he will put himself in the finish again.' A little rain in Newcastle will also be a positive for the son of Trapeze Artist. The gelding won his maiden on a Heavy 8 at Kembla last October and it was a Soft 6 at Gosford last start. 'I think getting his toe in the ground is beneficial to him,' Parker said. Joining Equilibrist on the trip from Kembla is four-year-old mare Audenzia who contests the Maiden Plate (1850m). The daughter of Brazen Beau kicked off her preparation with a nice second behind Montigo Bay over 1500m on her home track on February 25 before a fourth to Queen Strada over the same track and distance 17 days later. She then three weeks between runs when seventh behind Empuse over 1500m at Hawkesbury on April 5. 'She is looking for the longer trip now,' said Parker. 'Her last start at Hawkesbury, she was just at her top the whole way and couldn't get into that really nice rhythm. 'She is a little bit one-paced and the 1850m looks to be up her alley. 'If she can get herself in a handy position up on speed, she will keep grinding away.'
Daily Telegraph
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Telegraph
Newcastle preview: A confident Empress Of Japan is ready to rule
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Jockey Keagan Latham was thrilled to see Empress Of Japan return to form with a booming victory last start and feels she can replicate it when she heads up the motorway to Newcastle. The Michael Freedman-trained filly had finished just behind the placegetters at Kembla at her first two runs back this campaign before dropping back to country grade at Goulburn and storming home from near last to beat Zipitilist over 1400m. 'We always thought a little bit of her, myself and Michael,' said Latham. 'She won her first start at Gosford and then she ran in the Percy Sykes at Randwick. 'Unfortunately, she was taken out with a bit of interference and I think it knocked her confidence a little bit in the prep thereafter. 'Even though it was only a small margin in the end, she had the best part of eight to ten lengths to make up at the top of the straight. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'She travelled well but when I pushed the button, she really let down with a terrific turn of foot.' Empress Of Japan can potentially earn herself a shot at a black type race over the winter with a win in the Benchmark 68 Handicap (1500m) where she had barrier 2. 'The key is she likes to be ridden with a bit of cuddle to allow her to come with one strong run,' Latham said. 'While she has a good draw this week, I don't think she will be any closer than midfield and have one last shot at them. 'The long straight at Newcastle allows her to do that.' Latham and Freedman also combine with lightly-raved gelding Gone To Cape York in the Class 1 Handicap (1250m). The three-year-old scored on debut at Nowra under Latham before a three length seventh at Wyong last start when ridden by Zac Lloyd. 'It was a good effort to win on debut because he's not really an 1100m horse and he took the length of the straight to get his head in front,' said Latham. 'At Wyong, he didn't have much room in the straight. He was just among horses and could get a real crack. 'From the draw, he should get plenty of room and the length of the straight at Newcastle is going to be his best advantage.' Latham rode the John Sargent-trained Khant Fail to back-to-back placings at Newcastle and Wyong last preparation and is looking forward to renewing their association in the Maiden Plate (1850m). The four-year-old daughter of New Zealand and Australian Derbies and Caulfield Cup winner Mongolian Khan has been good in finishing third in both runs this time in over 1500m an 1600m and will appreciate the step up in trip. 'She gave me a nice feel last prep but she was a big baby. She is a tall animal and definitely needed to grow into herself,' he said. 'She's had two this time in over short distances and I thought she has run pretty well. 'She ran well at Newcastle last prep and steps up to a more suitable trip this week. 'John is very good with staying fillies and from barrier 1, we will have her a close as she is comfortable and I think she can run quite a sneaky race.' Latham also has two rides to local trainer Paul Perry on Passalacqua in the Maiden Plate (1250m) and debutant Seven Wonders in the 2YO Maiden Plate (900m). 'I think Passalacqua has matured a lot more this prep and he can run a sneaky race,' he said. 'I haven't ridden Seven Wonders but you can never under estimate Paul Perry's horses, especially at home.' ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Trainer Kerry Parker was pleased with the way Equilibrist reacted with the blinkers on or the first time at his most recent start and feels he can back it up with another big run. The four-year-old was only fair in beating two home when resuming at Kembla last month which prompted Parker to make the gear change. Equilibrist went back from a wide gate to settle near last before coming inside runners on the bend and squeezing through a gap late to finish a length third behind Eclair Awesome over 1600m at Gosford on April 10. The four-year-old looks suited stepping up in trip in the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1850m) with Jason Collett aboard. 'His first-up run was just a pass mark. He seemed to be floating a bit too so I decided to put the blinkers on to help him focus a bit more,' said Parker. 'He raced really well with the blinkers on. He raced between horses and hit the line well showing a bit of determination. 'I was really proud of his run. 'If he can reproduce his Gosford run over the 1850m, you would like to think he will put himself in the finish again.' A little rain in Newcastle will also be a positive for the son of Trapeze Artist. The gelding won his maiden on a Heavy 8 at Kembla last October and it was a Soft 6 at Gosford last start. 'I think getting his toe in the ground is beneficial to him,' Parker said. Joining Equilibrist on the trip from Kembla is four-year-old mare Audenzia who contests the Maiden Plate (1850m). The daughter of Brazen Beau kicked off her preparation with a nice second behind Montigo Bay over 1500m on her home track on February 25 before a fourth to Queen Strada over the same track and distance 17 days later. She then three weeks between runs when seventh behind Empuse over 1500m at Hawkesbury on April 5. 'She is looking for the longer trip now,' said Parker. 'Her last start at Hawkesbury, she was just at her top the whole way and couldn't get into that really nice rhythm. 'She is a little bit one-paced and the 1850m looks to be up her alley. 'If she can get herself in a handy position up on speed, she will keep grinding away.'
The Age
22-04-2025
- Sport
- The Age
Freedman hoping Empress Of Japan uses Newcastle run as stepping stone
Trainer Michael Freedman would like to see Empress Of Japan head to Newcastle on Wednesday and back up a confidence-boosting last start win to show she's deserving of a shot at something bigger. This time last year, the filly won on debut and was given her chance at group 2 level in the Percy Sykes, but had disappointed Freedman a little until she produced a big finish to win a Benchmark 66 at Goulburn two weeks ago. So there's a sense she's turned the corner and the proof will come in the Advertiser Collective Handicap (1500m). 'We'll keep it in perspective, but it was nice to see her finish off the way she did [at Goulburn],' Freedman said. 'She's always shown nice enough ability, she went through a bit of a flat spot through that part of the preparation. 'She went back to country grade the other day and won well, finished off strongly late. 'She's a nice progressive filly, she'll go there, and if she can run well, we might look at something for her a little higher in grade.' Empress Of Japan was also nominated for the Listed Princess Stakes in Queensland this weekend, which may be something of a pointer to what Freedman might be thinking if she can win again. While she's drawn barrier two at Newcastle, he said there wouldn't be a major change to the successful formula that saw her sweep home from well off the pace last time.
