Latest news with #Heavy8
NZ Herald
24-07-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Horse racing: Top trainer explains what punters should look for on heavy tracks
'It is very satisfying and we have some nice horses for next season too.' For all Forsman's experience and ability he admits the chances of many of those he sends to Te Rapa and Ōtaki tomorrow come down to a factor the eye simply can't see. 'At this stage of the season what sort of heavy track you get and whether they can handle it dictates so much,' he explains. 'The difference between a Heavy 8 and a bottomless Heavy 10 is huge and once you get to the really heavy tracks, it is nearly impossible to know whether they will handle it or not. 'If they don't, they simply can't win.' Forsman says the best indicator he can come up with as to whether a horse will handle trench warfare-level tracks is strength and size. 'Those bigger and most importantly stronger horses tend to handle the really heavy tracks better, because it can be a battle of who is strongest. 'But it is still really hard to predict and a lot comes down to how heavy it is and whether there is rain on the day, or even the day before.' The best example of the winter unknowns for Forsman tomorrow is Force Of Nature (race six, No 7) at Te Rapa, who has come a long way in a short time but may even skip tomorrow's open 1300m if the weather deteriorates. 'He won here on a Heavy 8 last start but I'd prefer it to come back a point from the Heavy 10 it was today [Thursday],' Forsman said. 'He is a really nice horse who I think will get black type but we don't want to be running him on anything too heavy.' Saint Bathans (R5, No 1) is a one-time Rich Hill Mile runner-up who has shown only glimpses of that ability since, so Forsman has opted for a different approach tomorrow, putting him in an R75 with a carded 63.5kgs but dropping to 59.5kgs with apprentice Sam McNab aboard. 'We know the abiility is there but he hasn't been showing it,' Forsman said. 'We put blinkers on the last two runs but they didn't help so we are taking him back the track where he last went well [second three starts ago]. 'He is big enough to carry a decent weight but it is up to him now.' Forsman has two other reps wearing the No 1 saddlecloth early in the card, with Richard And I (R2) and Rio Grande (R3) both getting star jockey Michael McNab. 'They can both win but it comes down again to how they handle the track. But I do like Richard And I and think he will improve on last start.' Forsman also sends one-from-one filly Accentuate to Ōtaki for the $80,000 Ryder Stakes and an ideal opportunity to get black type and again says how deep the track ends up will be crucial. 'She was really good winning on debut at when it was pretty heavy so she should handle it,' he said. 'I really like her but it is a nice field with a couple of horses with a fair bit more experience than her. 'So a lot will depend how they all handle the track.' Michael Guerin wrote his first nationally published racing articles while still in school and started writing about horse racing and the gambling industry for the Herald as a 20-year-old in 1990. He became the Herald's Racing Editor in 1995 and covers the world's biggest horse racing carnivals.
Mercury
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mercury
Michael Hawkes declares Gallo Nero ‘horse to beat' in BRC Sires' Produce Stakes
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. A bullish Michael Hawkes has declared 'we're not wary of anybody' in Saturday's BRC Sires' Produce Stakes, believing the wide spaces of Eagle Farm will suit his colt Gallo Nero. Leading jockey Tommy Berry will step up to steer Gallo Nero after regular rider Tyler Schiller suffered a fractured back on Wednesday when filly Rockabye Roxy bucked the hoop in a frightening incident at Canterbury Park. Schiller will miss at least six weeks, ruling him out of the Queensland winter carnival, including the plum ride on $4.20 favourite Gallo Nero in the $1m BRC Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m). • 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! The Michael Freedman-trained gelding Aerodrome is $6.50, with local star Grafterburners next on the line at $7. 'It's very disappointing for Tyler,' Michael Hawkes, who trains in partnership with his father John and brother Wayne, said on Friday. 'Tommy Berry's a great back-up but Tyler's done all the work on the horse. His time will come.' Hawkes believed Gallo Nero deserved to win his last-start – the Spirit Of Boom Classic at Doomben (1200m) two weeks ago when he finished runner-up behind Cool Archie after being forced to run wide without cover for most of the trip on a Heavy 8 track. • No Frankie, no worries for Giga Kick in Group 1 attack 'He should've won first-up, everyone saw it,' he said. 'In this day and age unfortunately barriers win races and he was no closer than four-deep probably the whole way. 'He deserved to win. Take nothing away from the other horse (Cool Archie) but he got the breaks and went through them while we had to go around them. 'He had a hard run – first-up on a bog track is not ideal – but his first time at 1400m should suit. 'Hopefully he gets a lovely run because I think Eagle Farm will definitely suit him. It's a big, roomy track that he'll appreciate. 'We're not wary of anybody, he's the horse to beat. 'As long as he gets a good run in transit, everything goes his way and he has a bit of luck then he's going to figure in the finish.' Tyler Schiller riding colt Gallo Nero to victory at Royal Randwick last December. Picture: Getty Images Both Aerodrome and Gallo Nero are $8 chances for the Group 1 JJ Atkins (1600m) for 2YOs on June 14 at Eagle Farm. Freedman said he would prefer a dry track on Saturday for the undefeated Aerodrome, despite him winning the Clarendon Stakes (1400m) last start on heavy ground at Hawkesbury. But with persistent rain on Friday and up to 40mm forecast for Brisbane on Saturday, the Golden Slipper-winning trainer won't get his wish. • One-time Derby fancy can bounce back from second-up syndrome 'I was hoping we'd get a firmer track because he's got such a good action,' Freedman said. 'Whilst he won on a Heavy 8 track at Hawkesbury, I don't think he was as good on that surface as he was the start before on a drier track. 'But look, he's travelled up well and he's very bright and happy. I was happy with his work here (in Sydney) on Tuesday. 'It just remains to be seen how the track plays.' Originally published as Michael Hawkes declares Gallo Nero 'horse to beat' in BRC Sires' Produce Stakes
Herald Sun
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Adam Sherry's tips, inside mail for Canterbury on Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Form analyst Adam Sherry provides his best bets, value selection and race-by-race analysis at Canterbury on Wednesday. • 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! ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ CANTERBURY TIPS BEST BET Race 5 No.7: HELL TO PAY Runner-up in both runs this campaign. Hard to beat. NEXT BEST Race 7 No.10: KENMARE BAY Has placed in four from five this time in. Drawn well and can break through. VALUE BET Race 4 No.8: ERAANTYVA Has been working home well and will appreciate a step up in trip. BEST EXOTIC Quinella Race 5: 7, 8 QUADDIE Race 4: 1, 2, 8 Race 5: 7, 8 Race 6: 1, 2, 8, 10 Race 7: 9, 10, 12 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW TOMMY BERRY has some nice rides and looks a chance in the TAB Jockey Challenge. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ CANTERBURY INSIDE MAIL RACE 1: 2YO FILLIES MAIDEN (1100m) SWORDPLAY (11) is a sister to the five-time stakes winner Recommendation who won a Bletchingly Stakes on a Heavy 8. This filly led all the way for a big win on a Heavy 8 in her Apr 29 Warwick Farm trial and was ab even bigger winner her May 9 Rosehill heat. PENPEL (2) had shown nice ability in her trials and debuted with a second behind the impressive Agarwood at Warwick Farm on May 7. Will take improvement from the experience. MISS LOLA (7) is a granddaughter of Group 2 winner, Vormista. Nice effort to win her May 22 Warwick Farm trial. BET: SWORDPLAY to win. RACE 2: 2&3YO MAIDEN (1250m) INDIGO STAR (5) ran some handy races in his first campaign including a three-quarter-length second to Llewellyn on a heavy track at Kembla. Has been gelded and closed nicely in both trials this time in. GUNROOM (1) is knocking on the door having placed in four of his six starts. Led when runner-up to Maori Chief on the Kensington two starts back before being caught late by Hopper at Warwick Farm on May 7 after eyeballing the leader. PROVISEUR (4) came from back in the field for fourth when resuming in that same Warwick Farm race. Inconvenienced near the 200m when sixth to Inside Man here on debut. BET: INDIGO STAR each-way. RACE 3: BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1250m) QUEEN'S RHAPSODY (5) resumed for a new stable with a smart win from Missie Lee in a Provincial 3YO Maiden at Hawkesbury on a Soft 7 May 15. Placed second in both runs here behind Flying For Fun and Gerringong last November. Wide gate the query. STRAAND BEAUTY (1) led and got to the middle of the track looking for better ground before being caught late by Dashing Rupert when resuming on a heavy track at Kembla. Placed second to Outback Miss at her last run here in February. TITANIUM MISS (4) dropped in class when second to Bend The Knee at Wyong before a close second to Equilibrist at Kembla. BET: QUEEN'S RHAPSODY to win. RACE 4: BENCHMARK 72 F&M HANDICAP (1550m) ERAANTYVA (8) settled well back before closing strongly to be beaten just over a half-length when third to Piperita over 1400m on the Kensington on Apr 25. Again settled back when fifth to Drift Net over 1300m at Warwick Farm. Up to 1550m here, drawn to settle closer. Can give this a shake. CANARA (2) was held up from the 400m to the 300m when a two length third to Maori Chief when resuming over 1300m on a heavy track on the Kensington on May 14. Will appreciate the step up in trip. JUST FEELIN' LUCKY (1) scored a handy first-up win at Newcastle before a second to Drift Net at Warwick Farm. BET: ERAANTYVA each-way. RACE 5: BENCHMARK 72 C,G&E HANDICAP (1550m) HELL TO PAY (7) kicked off his preparation with a second behind the promising Engine Room over 1250m on the Kensington before a neck second to Maori Chief over 1300m on a Heavy 8 on the same course. Looks ideally suited stepping up to 1550m. PINK SHALAA (8) ended his last campaign with a well-deserved win from Up To Mischief over this track and distance after placing inn his previous five starts. Resumed this time at Warwick Farm on May 7 without a trial when a length-and-a-half sixth to Secure. INVADE AND CONQUER (9) was caught on the line when a nose second to Hyperbolic at Kembla last start. BET: HELL TO PAY to win. RACE 6: BENCHMARK 72 4YO+ HANDICAP (1250m) ONE DESTINY (1) led all the way to beat Wave Breaker at Warwick Farm on Apr 16 before a handy third to Able Willie at the Hawkesbury stand-alone meeting on May 3. May not have handled the quick back-up when last behind Lulumon at Gosford on Cup day a week later. MOGWAI (2) made his debut for a new stable at Kembla on Dec 28 where he led all the way to beat Tartana. Stepped up to city grade second-up when a close third to Zondee at Rosehill over 1500m. PESCHIERA (10) returns to Sydney off a nice all-the-way win at Sandown-Lakeside. BET: ONE DESTINY to win. RACE 7: BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1900m) KENMARE BAY (10) is knocking on the door. Was caught wide early and worked forward to get outside the leader when sixth at Gosford. Was checked early and then raced keenly when third to Ella Hazel on the Kensington last start. Gets a nice run from the good gate. MILLIE DE LUNE (12) scored a big win from Pieronimo in a Newcastle Super Maiden on May 3 before a fourth to Warrior For Peace at Scone on Cup Day. DYNAMIC ONE (9) was runner-up to Taumata at Wagga before coming to town when second to Ella Hazel on the Kensington. BET: KENMARE BAY to win.
Courier-Mail
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
Newcastle Monday tips: Lunaite to rise again
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 race-by-race analysis for Newcastle on Monday. 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! NEWCASTLE BEST BET Race 6 No. 6: LUNAITE Scored a big win here last start and hard to beat again. NEXT BEST Race 5 No. 6: LUNE D'EXCELLENCE Not a lot of luck when held up when resuming. Has trialled very well on the heavy. VALUE BET Race 8 No. 1: DREAMDEEL Rewarded for his consistent form with a win at Gosford last start. Good chance again. QUADDIE Race 5: 4, 6 Race 6: 6, 7, 8 Race 7: 1, 6, 7 Race 8: 1, 8, 9, 10 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW Aaron Bullock is going to be popular in the TAB Jockey Challenge. Aaron Bullock has a good book of rides at Newcastle. Picture: Getty Images INSIDE MAIL – NEWCASTLE RACE 1: VARLEY GROUP 3YO&UP MAIDEN HANDICAP 900m PRATT (1) resumes from a spell for a new stable. Led all-the-way in his Beaumont trial on heavy ground on Apr 16 then under a hold when just caught late by Trounce in his May 7 heat. PERASTA (8) has been up for a while but worth thought on his third to Divine Bene on a Heavy 8 on the Beaumont two starts back. Drawn well. I'M OPINIONATED (7) placed on a Soft 7 at Dubbo last campaign. Just behind the placegetters in both runs back from a spell and at her peak now. Bet: Pratt to win RACE 2: CLICKK MIDWAY 2YO MAIDEN PLATE 900m TYRONE'S POWER (3) eyeballed the leader and went to the front on straightening before finishing third to Regulated Affair at Warwick Farm second-up. DIVO (1) is a grandson of the Hall of Famer, Makybe Diva by Capitalist on debut. Led and cruised to a near two length win in his Apr 9 Scone trial. Sat outside the leader before going to the front near the 400m to win his Apr 24 Wyong trial on a heavy track. THE ROOKIE (10) will be improved by her first-up fourth to Yes Siree on the Heavy 10 at Wyong. Bet: Tyrone's Power to win RACE 3: COASTAL ADVICE GROUP BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP 900m HAWKER HALL (5) travelled strongly in front when third behind Leantothemoon on debut as favourite at Hawkesbury on Oct 24. Resumed with a big all-the-way win on a Heavy 8 over this track and distance on Apr 23. Has since won a Beaumont trial impressively. ONE KIND (14) closing in on a win after three handy placings. Was trapped out very wide when a neck third to Dis Is Heaven at Tuncurry and caught deep again when a neck third to Are Ee Que at Wyong last start. Races well this track and distance. Bet: Hawker Hall to win RACE 4: DARREN FARRELLY MEMORIAL (HMF CUP) CUP CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE 2200m TRAPALANDA (2) battled away when fifth to Collect Your Cash at his Australian debut on the Kensington. Stepped up top Saturday grade when fifth to Asgoodassobergets at Gosford on Cup Day. At his peak now and won third-up in Ireland. TOMMY THUG (7) was a handy neck second to the in-form Shangri La Impact over 2000m at Hawkesbury last start. Place twice on the heavy including a third here three starts back. BEARINGS (8) scored her maiden win first-up at Goulburn before a fourth to Rotagilla on the Kensington. Bet: Trapalanda to win RACE 5: DAMAR MINYAK DF SUPER 3YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE 1400m LUNE D'EXCELLENCE (6) was excellent coming from well back to finish a half-length second under a good hold to Pratt in his Apr 16 trial. Went back from a wide gate and was held up early in the straight when a two-and-a-half length fourth to Impressionism over 1300m here first-up. INVISIBLE MAGIC (4) ran much better than his $71 starting price when a length-and-a-quarter third to Hopper on debut at Warwick Farm. Will take improvement from the run. Anamoe's half-sister BLUE WILLOW (3) has been okay on both runs. Bet: Lune D'Excellence to win RACE 6: AARON WALTER CENTURY 21 EDGEWORTH F&M BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP 1250m LUNAITE (6) was given a long spell after her debut seventh on the Kensington in March last year. Resumed with a two length second to Night Sky at Wyong on Apr 17 then scored a near four-and-a-half length win from Blue Willow on a Heavy 10 here last start. NAUGHTY NURSE (8) was narrowly beaten by Love Child first-up before winning at the Gold Coast. Worked to leaded from a wide gate and raced keenly when eighth at the Sunshine Coast last start. REDUCIO (7) can bounce back from a disappointing run last start. Bet: Luinate to win RACE 7: NEWCASTLE SKIN CHECK CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP 1250m FRENCH MARINE (6) didn't have any luck first-up when he was held up in the straight and unable to be tested when a two-and-a-half length eighth to Executive Decision over 1100m at Wyong. Has two win and three seconds from seven starts second-up and is a winner at this track and trip. Likes it wet. MURAL CROWN (1) was okay when fifth to Cassiel first-up at Canterbury then raced flat when second last behind She Conquers at Kembla. Can bounce back. POCKET EIGHTS (7) is two from two on the heavy. Bet: French Marine to win RACE 8: FULTON HOGAN PROVINCIAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP 1850m DREAMDEEL (1) was just beaten by Peace Centre at Kembla and less than a length away when fourth to Alabama Fox at Hawkesbury before racing keenly in front and fading behind Fiftyficechevy here on Apr 12. Bounced back with a nose win at Gosford from Ocean Diva who has won since. BELLA KATHLEEN (9) scored a good win at her NSW debut in a Class 1 here before a second to Gentileschi in the Godolphin Tiara at Muswellbrook. Placed all four runs on the heavy. ELIVINA (8) is racing well and has claims. Bet: Dreamdeel each-way
Herald Sun
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Newcastle Monday tips: Lunaite to rise again
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 race-by-race analysis for Newcastle on Monday. 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! NEWCASTLE BEST BET Race 6 No. 6: LUNAITE Scored a big win here last start and hard to beat again. NEXT BEST Race 5 No. 6: LUNE D'EXCELLENCE Not a lot of luck when held up when resuming. Has trialled very well on the heavy. VALUE BET Race 8 No. 1: DREAMDEEL Rewarded for his consistent form with a win at Gosford last start. Good chance again. QUADDIE Race 5: 4, 6 Race 6: 6, 7, 8 Race 7: 1, 6, 7 Race 8: 1, 8, 9, 10 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW Aaron Bullock is going to be popular in the TAB Jockey Challenge. Aaron Bullock has a good book of rides at Newcastle. Picture: Getty Images INSIDE MAIL – NEWCASTLE RACE 1: VARLEY GROUP 3YO&UP MAIDEN HANDICAP 900m PRATT (1) resumes from a spell for a new stable. Led all-the-way in his Beaumont trial on heavy ground on Apr 16 then under a hold when just caught late by Trounce in his May 7 heat. PERASTA (8) has been up for a while but worth thought on his third to Divine Bene on a Heavy 8 on the Beaumont two starts back. Drawn well. I'M OPINIONATED (7) placed on a Soft 7 at Dubbo last campaign. Just behind the placegetters in both runs back from a spell and at her peak now. Bet: Pratt to win RACE 2: CLICKK MIDWAY 2YO MAIDEN PLATE 900m TYRONE'S POWER (3) eyeballed the leader and went to the front on straightening before finishing third to Regulated Affair at Warwick Farm second-up. DIVO (1) is a grandson of the Hall of Famer, Makybe Diva by Capitalist on debut. Led and cruised to a near two length win in his Apr 9 Scone trial. Sat outside the leader before going to the front near the 400m to win his Apr 24 Wyong trial on a heavy track. THE ROOKIE (10) will be improved by her first-up fourth to Yes Siree on the Heavy 10 at Wyong. Bet: Tyrone's Power to win RACE 3: COASTAL ADVICE GROUP BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP 900m HAWKER HALL (5) travelled strongly in front when third behind Leantothemoon on debut as favourite at Hawkesbury on Oct 24. Resumed with a big all-the-way win on a Heavy 8 over this track and distance on Apr 23. Has since won a Beaumont trial impressively. ONE KIND (14) closing in on a win after three handy placings. Was trapped out very wide when a neck third to Dis Is Heaven at Tuncurry and caught deep again when a neck third to Are Ee Que at Wyong last start. Races well this track and distance. Bet: Hawker Hall to win RACE 4: DARREN FARRELLY MEMORIAL (HMF CUP) CUP CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE 2200m TRAPALANDA (2) battled away when fifth to Collect Your Cash at his Australian debut on the Kensington. Stepped up top Saturday grade when fifth to Asgoodassobergets at Gosford on Cup Day. At his peak now and won third-up in Ireland. TOMMY THUG (7) was a handy neck second to the in-form Shangri La Impact over 2000m at Hawkesbury last start. Place twice on the heavy including a third here three starts back. BEARINGS (8) scored her maiden win first-up at Goulburn before a fourth to Rotagilla on the Kensington. Bet: Trapalanda to win RACE 5: DAMAR MINYAK DF SUPER 3YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE 1400m LUNE D'EXCELLENCE (6) was excellent coming from well back to finish a half-length second under a good hold to Pratt in his Apr 16 trial. Went back from a wide gate and was held up early in the straight when a two-and-a-half length fourth to Impressionism over 1300m here first-up. INVISIBLE MAGIC (4) ran much better than his $71 starting price when a length-and-a-quarter third to Hopper on debut at Warwick Farm. Will take improvement from the run. Anamoe's half-sister BLUE WILLOW (3) has been okay on both runs. Bet: Lune D'Excellence to win RACE 6: AARON WALTER CENTURY 21 EDGEWORTH F&M BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP 1250m LUNAITE (6) was given a long spell after her debut seventh on the Kensington in March last year. Resumed with a two length second to Night Sky at Wyong on Apr 17 then scored a near four-and-a-half length win from Blue Willow on a Heavy 10 here last start. NAUGHTY NURSE (8) was narrowly beaten by Love Child first-up before winning at the Gold Coast. Worked to leaded from a wide gate and raced keenly when eighth at the Sunshine Coast last start. REDUCIO (7) can bounce back from a disappointing run last start. Bet: Luinate to win RACE 7: NEWCASTLE SKIN CHECK CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP 1250m FRENCH MARINE (6) didn't have any luck first-up when he was held up in the straight and unable to be tested when a two-and-a-half length eighth to Executive Decision over 1100m at Wyong. Has two win and three seconds from seven starts second-up and is a winner at this track and trip. Likes it wet. MURAL CROWN (1) was okay when fifth to Cassiel first-up at Canterbury then raced flat when second last behind She Conquers at Kembla. Can bounce back. POCKET EIGHTS (7) is two from two on the heavy. Bet: French Marine to win RACE 8: FULTON HOGAN PROVINCIAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP 1850m DREAMDEEL (1) was just beaten by Peace Centre at Kembla and less than a length away when fourth to Alabama Fox at Hawkesbury before racing keenly in front and fading behind Fiftyficechevy here on Apr 12. Bounced back with a nose win at Gosford from Ocean Diva who has won since. BELLA KATHLEEN (9) scored a good win at her NSW debut in a Class 1 here before a second to Gentileschi in the Godolphin Tiara at Muswellbrook. Placed all four runs on the heavy. ELIVINA (8) is racing well and has claims. Bet: Dreamdeel each-way
