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News.com.au
3 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
The Ray Thomas Blackbook: A recap of Lord Mayor's Cup Day at Rosehill
Racing expert Ray Thomas has run the rule over Saturday's Lord Mayor's Cup meeting at Rosehill Gardens and found a few he reckons are worth following. â– â– â– â– â– FIVE TO FOLLOW Codetta (Race 5) had to ease towards the centre of the track to get into the clear before charging home for a first-up second to King's Secret. Codetta's closing sectionals were the fastest of the day and she can be placed to advantage next start. Island Dec (Race 5 ) was the 'hidden' run of the meeting. She was held up for a run on the turn and had to ease off heels to get to the outside. The race was over at this point but Island Dec ran on to finish only eighth, recording a fast final 600m of 34.27s and closing 200m split of 11.59s. It's no secret that King's Secret has a bright future! ðŸ'' He wins at Rosehill for @PrideRacing and Andrew Adkins! @aus_turf_club | @ProvenTbreds — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 31, 2025 Kerguelen (Race 7) always looked to be in a controlling position and sprinted home strongly under 57.5kg to score a good first-up win from a very game Brave One. The winner and runner-up put nearly three lengths on their chasing rivals. Kerguelen gives @JamesCummings88 and @KPMcEvoy a Rosehill double! ðŸ'° @godolphin | @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 31, 2025 Don Diego De Vega (Race 8) was first-up in the Lord Mayor's Cup and his effort to finish fourth was full of merit. The winner, Touristic was far too good, but Don Diego De Vega caught the eye running on strongly late for fourth, recording fast closing sectionals. See the sights! Touristic wins the Listed Lord Mayors Cup at Rosehill, and that's a double to Andy Adkins today! 🙌 ðŸ�† @SnowdenRacing1 | @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 31, 2025 Liberty State (Race 10) was never on the track, racing three-and-four wide without cover then went even wider on the turn before unleashing a brilliant burst of acceleration to reel in her rivals for an outstanding first-up win. Follow her with confidence as she has an unbeaten second-up record. Liberty State returns after a spell with a big win in the last at Rosehill, and that's a double to @djgibbons22! 🥳 @HawkesRacing | @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 31, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– ON THE CLOCK Hidden Achievement (Race 1) wasn't suited by the slow early tempo but ran on well for third, producing a final 200m of 11.55s, the second fastest closing sectional of the day. A great battle in the opener at Rosehill with Zebra Finch victorious! ðŸ¦'ðŸ'° @JamesCummings88 | @KPMcEvoy | @godolphin | @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 31, 2025 Lady Extreme (Race 3) was resuming in the Midway but impressed with her fast-finishing win. She ran her final 600m in a swift 34.60s with a final 200m split of 11.85s. Lady Extreme swoops on them to take the Midway at Rosehill first up! ðŸ'¨ @blakeryan86 | @AlyshaCollett | @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 31, 2025 Codetta (Race 5 ) didn't have a lot of galloping room in the straight but still sprinted her final 600m in 34.07s with her closing 200m split of 11.45s to finish second. Both sectionals were the best of the day. It's no secret that King's Secret has a bright future! ðŸ'' He wins at Rosehill for @PrideRacing and Andrew Adkins! @aus_turf_club | @ProvenTbreds — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 31, 2025 Touristic (Race 8 ) reeled off a sub-12s final 200m split at the end of 2000m to win the Lord Mayor's Cup. Touristic ran his closing 200m in 11.98s to win by a widening margin. See the sights! Touristic wins the Listed Lord Mayors Cup at Rosehill, and that's a double to Andy Adkins today! 🙌 ðŸ�† @SnowdenRacing1 | @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 31, 2025 Liberty State (Race 10 ) covered so much extra ground but was still able to rip home her final 600m in 34.89s to score a very good win. Liberty State returns after a spell with a big win in the last at Rosehill, and that's a double to @djgibbons22! 🥳 @HawkesRacing | @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 31, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– WHAT THEY SAID 'It wasn't a big winning margin but I am sure with a better quality horse to aim at, Zebra Finch is going to be better again. He is the sort of colt that only does enough (but) I am sure if he got challenged there was an extra kick in the locker,'' jockey Kerrin McEvoy said. 'The race lacked tempo, it was a sit and sprint. Adam (Hyeronimus, jockey) is adamant that when you can put the bit in his mouth a little bit better, he'll have a better turn of foot. Adam is strongly pushing for Chris (Waller to go to Brisbane with him). He said 'I don't care if I ride him or not but you should be running the horse in the JJ', that's his opinion','' stable representative Charlie Duckworth said. 'Today was my first time on Kerguelen 's back and he really took my eye in the parade. He's a nice horse and gave me a really good feel. He travelled like the winner during the race and to dig in first up at the 1200m like that was a good effort,'' jockey Kerrin McEvoy said. ' King's Secret switched right on today, showed good speed, travelled the whole way and when I asked for him, there was plenty there. He showed a good turn of foot so that's nice to know that he can handle a wet track like that. It's opens more doors going forward,'' jockey Andrew Adkins said. 'Any stakes winner is rewarding but to get two winners back in town today is very satisfying and it helps build that confidence. I've been back at the provincials for a while now and I've had great success there. It's been great for my confidence and now as we head into the winter months, the opportunities to come back and ride in town are opening up and like today, I've made the most of some really great opportunities,' Adkins again after winning the Lord Mayor's Cup on Touristic. â– â– â– â– â– STEWARDS SAY Maori Chief (Race 4) was hampered near the 250m when obliged to shift in away from the heels of Kundabung but was still very disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Pure Alpha (Race 6) was inconvenienced near the 1400m when carried out by Forecast. Pure Alpha had some difficulty obtaining clear running prior to the 200m then just prior to the finish line became unbalanced due to contact from Little Cointreau, which shifted in. Sir Lucan (Race 8 ) was expected to settle in a prominent position, however, due to crowding at the start between Shahzad and Kadavar, Sir Lucan was required to settle near the rear of the field. Kadavar was severely crowded on jumping between Sir Lucan and Speycaster, which jumped in abruptly, and, as a consequence, settled at the rear of the field. Liberty State (Race 10 ), the eventual winner, raced three and four wide and without cover throughout the event. Summer Flame (Race 10 ) was bumped on jumping then travelled satisfactorily through the early and middle stages, however, when placed under pressure she gave no response and made an audible respiratory sound. When Summer Flame commenced to give ground abruptly from the 200m she was eased the filly down over the final stages of the race. A post-race veterinary examination revealed the mare to be lame (1/5) in the off-foreleg. â– â– â– â– â– NSW RACING – THE WEEK AHEAD Monday: Corowa, Warren Tuesday: Kembla Grange, Moree Wednesday: Warwick Farm Thursday: Taree, Wagga Wagga Friday: Dubbo Saturday: Royal Randwick, Newcastle Sunday: Wyong, Sapphire Coast â– â– â– â– â– ROSEHILL SNAPSHOT – RON DUFFICY RUN OF THE DAY Kerguelen resumed off a long spell in testing conditions doing an admirable job winning. He probably has the most upside moving forward to go through his grades. FORGET THEY RAN Pure Alpha hit more than a couple of snags in the run never really getting fully balanced. Given a clear run with momentum he probably would have won. HORSE TO FOLLOW It's hard to get carried away following horses off wet tracks but King's Secret and Liberty State  were both quite dominant in their wins on the day and have more to offer.
Daily Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Telegraph
Ray Thomas' Blackbook: Cummings to learn Leilani Lodge fate
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. The Australian Turf Club board must deal with two significant issues this week – which trainer is allocated Leilani Lodge at Royal Randwick and the outcome of the members vote on the Rosehill sale proposal. The board is understood to be meeting Monday and one of the agenda items is to discuss who gets the keys to the vacant Randwick stables. At least three trainers have made application for Leilani Lodge including Godolphin's James Cummings. The Cummings family has trained out of the famous stable complex since James's grandfather, the legendary Bart Cummings moved in there more than 50 years ago. • 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! James Cummings is understandably sweating on the ATC's call after announcing plans last month to become a public trainer when Godolphin Australia decided to move away from its private training model. Cummings has enjoyed phenomenal success with Godolphin over the last eight years, preparing 50 Group 1 winners for the 'Blue Army' with the likes of Anamoe, Broadsiding, Cascadian, Hartnell, Alizee and Bivouac. He will continue training some of Godolphin's horses next season including Group 1 winners Tom Kitten and Zardozi, and gifted rising three-year-old filly Tempted. The famous Leilani Lodge stables at Randwick But if the ATC decides not to give Cummings Leilani Lodge then the club must find another set of stables for at least 50 horses to keep the young trainer in Sydney racing. Cummings is one of the nation's elite trainers, he's media savvy and popular with punters, and Sydney racing is more competitive if he has a permanent stable presence here. Then on Tuesday, it is the ATC board's time to sweat as it awaits the result of a crucial members vote on the $5 billion Rosehill sale proposal. READ: Tuesday is D-Day for Rosehill sale decision This issue has split the board and the racing industry, and was the talk of the track at Royal Randwick last Saturday. The pros and cons of selling Rosehill, home of the Golden Slipper, has for months prompted robust debate. If members vote in favour of selling Rosehill, the land will be used to build 25,000 new homes while ATC has unveiled plans to redevelop Warwick Farm and build a new training facility near Penrith. But the 'no' vote is still favourite with many leading industry figures against selling Rosehill, the ATC's core asset. ATC expects at least half of the club's membership base of nearly 11,500 to vote on the issue. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Meanwhile, outstanding seven-year-old Private Eye will finally get to barrier trial at Warwick Farm on Monday ahead of his return in the Group 1 $1 million Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm next Saturday. Private Eye, winner of $11.9 million prizemoney, was due to trial last week but wet weather forced the scheduled Canterbury trial session to be cancelled twice. Private Eye will trial on Monday ahead of a return to racing at Eagle Farm next Saturday Picture: George Sal Trainer Joe Pride has already given Private Eye two barrier trials and said the sprinter will only be out to 'stretch his legs' in the 800m Warwick Farm heat to prepare for Saturday's big race. Private Eye is currently at $13 in early TAB Fixed Odds betting for the Kingsford Smith Cup behind Joliestar at $3.50 and Giga Kick at $4. Sunshine In Paris, winner of the Doomben 10,000, is at $6 for the Eagle Farm sprint but the brilliant mare has already been sent to the spelling paddock and will be aimed at the $20 million The Everest in spring. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ FIVE TO FOLLOW Grand Larceny (race 6) was aiming for his fourth consecutive win and although his streak ended, his fast finishing second was a full of merit. The Team Hawkes-trained sprinter was racing in restricted room early in the straight but once he worked into the clear, he produced the fastest closing sectionals of the meeting to lose narrowly. Agarwood (race 1) is only a small filly but she is big on ability. She made it two starts for two wins and like she did on debut at Warwick Farm, the best part of her race was her finishing speed. Agarwood, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, is a natural talent and will only improve with physical maturity. Let's Fly (race 4) had to do a bit of work early to eventually settle outside the leader but then coming to the turn, it was apparent she was still full of running. Let's Fly exploded clear of her rivals to win by nearly six lengths, relishing the heavy track conditions. She deserves her chance in the Queensland Oaks. Flying Embers (race 2) was never closer than three-wide and raced without cover throughout the race but still forged clear to win decisively. There was no fluke about the win and she improved her record to four wins from eight starts. Under-rated filly who can be placed to advantage again. Miss Kim Kar (race 10) went very wide on the home turn and probably found betting going near the outside rail but she accelerated brilliantly to zoom past Flying Thinker near the line with that duo gapping their rivals CRUNCH TIME - Grand Larceny (race 6) charged home from back in the field to finish a close second to Storm The Ramparts. With the extremely heavy track conditions, this was not a day conducive to fast times but Grand Larceny's final 600m of 35.63s and closing 200m of 12.64s were the best sectionals of the meeting. - Agarwood (race 1) led early and controlled the tempo before sprinting her final 600m in 37.24s to win easily. Her sectional was the fastest all meeting by a race winner with the exception of the 1000m race won by Storm The Ramparts. Agarwood's 200m split from the 400m of 11.94s was also one of the fastest of the day. - Let's Fly (race 4) settled outside the leader then ripped her home final 600m in 37.36s, an impressive burst of closing speed at the end of an 1800m race in very testing conditions. - Miss Kim Kar (race 10) made her run wide out on the track but her effort to run her final 600m in 37.55s to win the final race of the afternoon was very good. - Hollywood Hero (race 8) took the short way home along the inside rail but his final 600m of 13.90s was the slowest by any winner at the meeting and emphasised how heavy the track was on the inside late in the day. WHAT THEY SAID - 'I came back at a tricky time during the (autumn) carnival but everything happens for a reason. This is the best I have ever felt on a horse, physically and emotionally, and I'm really enjoying my riding,'' said jockey Dylan Gibbons after his wins on Hollywood Hero and Miss Kim Kar. - 'Hollywood Hero is a strange horse as he just has to be completely switched off early in his races. I emphasised that to Dylan and he was on the same page. It was a great ride,'' said trainer Bjorn Baker. - 'It was a very easy watch. Adam (Hyeronimus, jockey) controlled it in front, the track raced beautifully and she's a terrific filly. This was only her second run, we know she handles wet tracks so she ticked that box, and was drawing away on the line,'' said Tulloch Lodge stable representative Neil Paine after Agarwood's easy win. - 'This horse is a very good wet-tracker, that was the big ace up his sleeve today,'' said Joe Pride, trainer of Storm The Ramparts. - 'I have no doubt in time he will make a very nice horse,'' said Michael Hawkes, trainer of Spione. STEWARDS SAY ■ Providence (race 1) was ridden by replacement jockey Tyler Schiller after Rory Hutchings was overweight. Subsequently, Hutchings pleaded guilty to a charge that he intentionally presented to scales to weigh out without his safety vest in an endeavour to make the allotted weight. Hutchings was also found for making an inappropriate comment to the Clerk of Scales. Hutchings was found guilty of both charges and issues with two suspensions, to be served concurrently, starting June 1 and ending June 29. ■ Flying Embers (race 2) began awkwardly then near the 1300m was steadied after improving onto the heels of First Mission. She raced wide and without cover throughout the event but still scored a tough, deserving win. ■ A Pound Of Salt (race 3) was held up for clear running in the early part of the home straight, then passing the 200m was momentarily held up when being shifted to the outside to find clear running where he finished fast to win. ■ Sisu Spirit (race 4) came under heavy pressure from the 700m and did not respond to his riding, losing ground rounding the home turn. Jockey Adam Hyeronimus eased Sisu Spirit down over the final 300m and felt that the effects of a tough run at Wyong on a heavy tack may contributed to the gelding's disappointing performance. ■ Wuddzz (race 5) was slow to begin and from a wide barrier then was shifted behind runners in the early stages. Held up rounding the home turn before running on strongly to finish second. ■ Collect Your Cash (race 7) did not respond to her riding in the testing going and when out of contention was eased down over the final 400m. A post-race veterinary examination revealed Collect Your Cash to be lame (2/5) in the near-hind leg. RANDWICK SNAPSHOT WITH RON DUFFICY RUN OF THE DAY Obviously with the very testing conditions its hard to identify what was the run of the day but you have to like the look of the two-year-old filly Agarwood who has now done the job twice on wet and dry. She's still untapped. FORGET THEY RAN This track was so wet even proven wet trackers failed. Treat this form with care as its rare we race on a track as heavy as this. HORSE TO FOLLOW I like the look of Grand Larceny who was beaten but far from disgraced considering circumstances. He is still early in his preparation and I'm convinced he has much more to offer moving forward. RIDE OF THE DAY It was great to see Dylan Gibbons go home with a winning double. He has been off with injury of late and this is what he needed to get back on track with more opportunities. NSW RACING – THE WEEK AHEAD What's on in NSW racing this week: Monday: Newcastle, Bathurst Tuesday: Hawkesbury, Albury Wednesday: Canterbury Thursday: Gosford, Armidale Friday: Casino, Goulburn Saturday: Rosehill Gardens, Kembla Grange Sunday: Murwillumbah, Muswellbrook Originally published as Ray Thomas reviews a big Saturday of racing at Royal Randwick
News.com.au
25-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Ray Thomas reviews a big Saturday of racing at Royal Randwick
The Australian Turf Club board must deal with two significant issues this week – which trainer is allocated Leilani Lodge at Royal Randwick and the outcome of the members vote on the Rosehill sale proposal. The board is understood to be meeting Monday and one of the agenda items is to discuss who gets the keys to the vacant Randwick stables. At least three trainers have made application for Leilani Lodge including Godolphin's James Cummings. The Cummings family has trained out of the famous stable complex since James's grandfather, the legendary Bart Cummings moved in there more than 50 years ago. James Cummings is understandably sweating on the ATC's call after announcing plans last month to become a public trainer when Godolphin Australia decided to move away from its private training model. Cummings has enjoyed phenomenal success with Godolphin over the last eight years, preparing 50 Group 1 winners for the 'Blue Army' with the likes of Anamoe, Broadsiding, Cascadian, Hartnell, Alizee and Bivouac. He will continue training some of Godolphin's horses next season including Group 1 winners Tom Kitten and Zardozi, and gifted rising three-year-old filly Tempted. But if the ATC decides not to give Cummings Leilani Lodge then the club must find another set of stables for at least 50 horses to keep the young trainer in Sydney racing. Cummings is one of the nation's elite trainers, he's media savvy and popular with punters, and Sydney racing is more competitive if he has a permanent stable presence here. Then on Tuesday, it is the ATC board's time to sweat as it awaits the result of a crucial members vote on the $5 billion Rosehill sale proposal. This issue has split the board and the racing industry, and was the talk of the track at Royal Randwick last Saturday. The pros and cons of selling Rosehill, home of the Golden Slipper, has for months prompted robust debate. If members vote in favour of selling Rosehill, the land will be used to build 25,000 new homes while ATC has unveiled plans to redevelop Warwick Farm and build a new training facility near Penrith. But the 'no' vote is still favourite with many leading industry figures against selling Rosehill, the ATC's core asset. ATC expects at least half of the club's membership base of nearly 11,500 to vote on the issue. â– â– â– â– â– Meanwhile, outstanding seven-year-old Private Eye will finally get to barrier trial at Warwick Farm on Monday ahead of his return in the Group 1 $1 million Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm next Saturday. Private Eye, winner of $11.9 million prizemoney, was due to trial last week but wet weather forced the scheduled Canterbury trial session to be cancelled twice. Trainer Joe Pride has already given Private Eye two barrier trials and said the sprinter will only be out to 'stretch his legs' in the 800m Warwick Farm heat to prepare for Saturday's big race. Private Eye is currently at $13 in early TAB Fixed Odds betting for the Kingsford Smith Cup behind Joliestar at $3.50 and Giga Kick at $4. Sunshine In Paris, winner of the Doomben 10,000, is at $6 for the Eagle Farm sprint but the brilliant mare has already been sent to the spelling paddock and will be aimed at the $20 million The Everest in spring. â– â– â– â– â– FIVE TO FOLLOW Grand Larceny (race 6) was aiming for his fourth consecutive win and although his streak ended, his fast finishing second was a full of merit. The Team Hawkes-trained sprinter was racing in restricted room early in the straight but once he worked into the clear, he produced the fastest closing sectionals of the meeting to lose narrowly. Agarwood (race 1) is only a small filly but she is big on ability. She made it two starts for two wins and like she did on debut at Warwick Farm, the best part of her race was her finishing speed. Agarwood, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, is a natural talent and will only improve with physical maturity. Let's Fly (race 4) had to do a bit of work early to eventually settle outside the leader but then coming to the turn, it was apparent she was still full of running. Let's Fly exploded clear of her rivals to win by nearly six lengths, relishing the heavy track conditions. She deserves her chance in the Queensland Oaks. Flying Embers (race 2) was never closer than three-wide and raced without cover throughout the race but still forged clear to win decisively. There was no fluke about the win and she improved her record to four wins from eight starts. Under-rated filly who can be placed to advantage again. Miss Kim Kar (race 10) went very wide on the home turn and probably found betting going near the outside rail but she accelerated brilliantly to zoom past Flying Thinker near the line with that duo gapping their rivals CRUNCH TIME - Grand Larceny (race 6) charged home from back in the field to finish a close second to Storm The Ramparts. With the extremely heavy track conditions, this was not a day conducive to fast times but Grand Larceny's final 600m of 35.63s and closing 200m of 12.64s were the best sectionals of the meeting. - Agarwood (race 1) led early and controlled the tempo before sprinting her final 600m in 37.24s to win easily. Her sectional was the fastest all meeting by a race winner with the exception of the 1000m race won by Storm The Ramparts. Agarwood's 200m split from the 400m of 11.94s was also one of the fastest of the day. Agarwood leads all the way and dominates in the first at Randwick! ðŸ'¥ @GaiWaterhouse1 — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 24, 2025 - Let's Fly (race 4) settled outside the leader then ripped her home final 600m in 37.36s, an impressive burst of closing speed at the end of an 1800m race in very testing conditions. - Miss Kim Kar (race 10) made her run wide out on the track but her effort to run her final 600m in 37.55s to win the final race of the afternoon was very good. - Hollywood Hero (race 8) took the short way home along the inside rail but his final 600m of 13.90s was the slowest by any winner at the meeting and emphasised how heavy the track was on the inside late in the day. WHAT THEY SAID - 'I came back at a tricky time during the (autumn) carnival but everything happens for a reason. This is the best I have ever felt on a horse, physically and emotionally, and I'm really enjoying my riding,'' said jockey Dylan Gibbons after his wins on Hollywood Hero and Miss Kim Kar. - 'Hollywood Hero is a strange horse as he just has to be completely switched off early in his races. I emphasised that to Dylan and he was on the same page. It was a great ride,'' said trainer Bjorn Baker. Hollywood Hero takes the inside alley and wins well at Randwick! ðŸ'� @BBakerRacing | @djgibbons22 — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 24, 2025 - 'It was a very easy watch. Adam (Hyeronimus, jockey) controlled it in front, the track raced beautifully and she's a terrific filly. This was only her second run, we know she handles wet tracks so she ticked that box, and was drawing away on the line,'' said Tulloch Lodge stable representative Neil Paine after Agarwood's easy win. - 'This horse is a very good wet-tracker, that was the big ace up his sleeve today,'' said Joe Pride, trainer of Storm The Ramparts. - 'I have no doubt in time he will make a very nice horse,'' said Michael Hawkes, trainer of Spione. STEWARDS SAY â– Providence (race 1) was ridden by replacement jockey Tyler Schiller after Rory Hutchings was overweight. Subsequently, Hutchings pleaded guilty to a charge that he intentionally presented to scales to weigh out without his safety vest in an endeavour to make the allotted weight. Hutchings was also found for making an inappropriate comment to the Clerk of Scales. Hutchings was found guilty of both charges and issues with two suspensions, to be served concurrently, starting June 1 and ending June 29. â– Flying Embers (race 2) began awkwardly then near the 1300m was steadied after improving onto the heels of First Mission. She raced wide and without cover throughout the event but still scored a tough, deserving win. â– A Pound Of Salt (race 3) was held up for clear running in the early part of the home straight, then passing the 200m was momentarily held up when being shifted to the outside to find clear running where he finished fast to win. A Pound Of Salt ducks and weaves through the pack to win at Randwick! 🙌 @ZacLloydx | @Howlettracing_ — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 24, 2025 â– Sisu Spirit (race 4) came under heavy pressure from the 700m and did not respond to his riding, losing ground rounding the home turn. Jockey Adam Hyeronimus eased Sisu Spirit down over the final 300m and felt that the effects of a tough run at Wyong on a heavy tack may contributed to the gelding's disappointing performance. â– Wuddzz (race 5) was slow to begin and from a wide barrier then was shifted behind runners in the early stages. Held up rounding the home turn before running on strongly to finish second. â– Collect Your Cash (race 7) did not respond to her riding in the testing going and when out of contention was eased down over the final 400m. A post-race veterinary examination revealed Collect Your Cash to be lame (2/5) in the near-hind leg. RANDWICK SNAPSHOT WITH RON DUFFICY RUN OF THE DAY Obviously with the very testing conditions its hard to identify what was the run of the day but you have to like the look of the two-year-old filly Agarwood who has now done the job twice on wet and dry. She's still untapped. FORGET THEY RAN This track was so wet even proven wet trackers failed. Treat this form with care as its rare we race on a track as heavy as this. HORSE TO FOLLOW I like the look of Grand Larceny who was beaten but far from disgraced considering circumstances. He is still early in his preparation and I'm convinced he has much more to offer moving forward. RIDE OF THE DAY It was great to see Dylan Gibbons go home with a winning double. He has been off with injury of late and this is what he needed to get back on track with more opportunities. NSW RACING – THE WEEK AHEAD What's on in NSW racing this week: Monday: Newcastle, Bathurst Tuesday: Hawkesbury, Albury Wednesday: Canterbury Thursday: Gosford, Armidale Friday: Casino, Goulburn
News.com.au
16-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Trainer James Cummings chasing unprecedented clean sweep of black type races at Scone on Saturday
Pisanello enjoys the expansive track, Zeitung can pack a punch, Thames is a talented filly and Tamerlane will be strong to the finish. This was how Godolphin maestro James Cummings summed up his stable's chances of making an unprecedented clean sweep of four stakes races at the Scone stand-alone meeting on Saturday. Cummings can rely on weight of numbers in the Listed $200,000 Ortensia Stakes (1100m) with Pisanello leading a quartet of 'Blue Army' sprinters. Pisanello was a brilliant winner at the Scone carnival last year and returns a more accomplished sprinter with four wins already this season. 'We targeted the Ortensia Stakes for Pisanello knowing he loves that fast pace and 1100m at Scone,'' Cummings said. 'It is rare to bring a horse like him back from this carnival 12 months ago where he was so good at the Friday meeting. He enjoyed the pace and the expansive Scone track that day. 'Although he has drawn out in the Ortensia, if he can rely on a good pace then he will certainly be comfortable with that galloping room.'' The Ortensia Stakes is so wide open TAB Fixed Odds price assessors have rated Pisanello as the $7.50 equal favourite alongside the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott -trained The Novelist. Pisanello returns to Scone in top form after a brilliant effort to defeat In Flight and Barber at Canterbury last start. It's Pisanello who flies down the outside to win race 7 at Canterbury with J-Mac in the saddle! ðŸ'� @mcacajamez @JamesCummings88 @godolphin — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 21, 2025 To underline the merit of Pisanello's win, Barber has since come out and won the Listed Takeover Target Stakes at Gosford and In Flight is early favourite at $3.50 for the Listed $160,000 Bright Shadow Stakes at Doomben on Saturday. 'Pisanello is coming out of a strong form race,'' Cummings pointed out. 'He's had a nice barrier trial between runs and he's ready for Scone.'' Cummings conceded Pisanello was the pick of the stable four Ortensia Stakes starters but also made a case for Renosu ($14), Contemporary ($14) and Fleetwood ($21). • Ray & Duff's Scone Saturday tips: $8.50 value bet Renosu resumed in the Pisnaello race at Canterbury, finishing a close fourth, beaten less than a length. Cummings also has also given him a barrier trial leading into Scone. 'If we get a soft-heavy track at Scone, then it won't be an issue for Renosu as he was very good one day on a soft 7 at Flemington during the Cup Carnival earlier in his career,'' Cummings said. 'Renosu is also coming out of that hot race from Canterbury and he tends to really improve with a run under his belt.'' Renosu gets a dogged win! @KPMcEvoy with a lovely ride for @JamesCummings88 and @godolphin. — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 15, 2023 Cummings said Contemporary was coming up well and suggested punters give Fleetwood another chance. 'Contemporary is ready to kick off what I hope is a good campaign,'' he said. 'Whether I save him for a week later I have some thinking to do but I like the way he is coming up so far. 'With Fleetwood, I will forgive him his first-up run (seventh at Caulfield). The track got to a good 3 that day and I didn't like the sound of that when the news came through just prior to that race. 'But he pulled up well and with some cut in the ground he has the chance to get himself back in the game.'' The son of Encryption, Fleetwood picks up his maiden win! @nashhot with a nice steer for @JamesCummings88. — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 17, 2023 Cummings then made a compelling case for promising three-year-old filly Zeitung to beat the older mares in the Group 3 $250,000 Dark Jewel Classic (1400m). Zeitung, who is at $5 and pressing for favouritism behind Written In Code at $4.40, impressed with a close third to Media World in the Hawkesbury Guineas last start and Cummings couldn't fault his filly going into the feature Scone race. 'I like the way Zeitung is continuing to train on, she's feeling well that filly,'' Cummings said. 'She was excellent for us deep into her campaign last spring and she's doing the same now, coming off a positive run in the Guineas. 'Tackling the older mares poses its challenges but she is maturing all the time and she can pack a punch down in the weights.'' Zeitung excels in her return! @mcacajamez has an early tremble! ðŸ'Œ @JamesCummings88 — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 7, 2024 Cummings was also confident consistent filly Thames ($4.80) would be her usual competitive self despite drawing wide in the Listed $200,000 Denise's Joy Stakes (1100m). 'Thames is a talented filly,'' he said. 'She might still be a preparation away but is advantaged by getting some reprieve in the weights for not winning this campaign. 'She has bumped into a couple of promising fillies, notably Soft Love, but Thames meets that filly better at the weights and has freshened up nicely. 'I concede she is going to need to bring her best at this level and if she gets it right on the day I really can see her running a race.'' Thames is a very talented filly! ðŸ'� The daughter of Lonhro dominates the older horses. @CWilliamsJockey @godolphin — (@Racing) September 5, 2024 • Shayne O'Cass's race-by-race tips, analysis for Scone on Saturday Cummings also has Photograph ($11) lining up in the Denise's Joy after resuming with a dominant win at Canterbury in heavy going. 'Photograph is coming off a confidence-booster at Canterbury, she was really good that day and relished the cut in the ground to win with good authority,'' he said. 'She is also a winner from Scone last year which gives us confidence she will be comfortable on the track.'' ðŸ'¸ Photograph wins first up in the last at Canterbury! @JamesCummings88 | @SchofieldChad | @godolphin | @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 30, 2025 Tamerlane is rated at $23 for the Listed $200,000 Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) but Cummings believed his sprinter had a 'good each way chance'. This is the third successive year Tamerlane has contested the Luskin Star after finishing fourth to Opal Ridge in 2023 then ninth to Coastwatch last year. 'Tamerlane is better for his first-up run at Hawkesbury,'' Cummings said. 'He's drawn well and should get into a nice rhythm which gives him the chance to be strong at the finish.''
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14-05-2025
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Vaxart Inc (VXRT) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strategic Progress Amidst Challenges
Release Date: May 13, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Vaxart Inc (NASDAQ:VXRT) successfully lifted the stop work order on their 10,000 participant COVID-19 Phase 2B vaccine trial, indicating progress in their clinical development. The company completed enrollment in their Phase 1 norovirus vaccine trial, showing efficiency in advancing their clinical programs. Vaxart Inc (NASDAQ:VXRT) reported a significant increase in revenue for Q1 2025, primarily due to their BARDA contract, indicating strong financial performance. The company is actively pursuing strategic partnerships, which could provide non-dilutive funding and further advance their vaccine programs. Vaxart Inc (NASDAQ:VXRT) has a new CFO, Jerome Grossman, who brings over 20 years of experience in biotech, potentially strengthening their financial leadership. Vaxart Inc (NASDAQ:VXRT) faced a stop work order on their COVID-19 trial, which caused delays in their clinical timeline. The company had to implement workforce reductions to manage costs, indicating financial constraints. Vaxart Inc (NASDAQ:VXRT) is at risk of being delisted from NASDAQ due to not meeting the $1 minimum bid price requirement, which could impact their stock liquidity and investor interest. The resignation of their CFO, Phil Lee, for personal reasons, may cause transitional challenges in their financial management. The company is considering a reverse stock split as a last resort to maintain NASDAQ listing, which could affect shareholder value. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Signs with VXRT. Q: For the COVID-19 program, what are the gating factors to start patient dosing, and how fast do you expect to complete the enrollment of the 10,000 participants in the Phase 2B study? A: Stephen Lowe, CEO: We are pleased that the stop work order was lifted, and we are now moving forward with screening patients. We hope to start dosing soon. James Cummings, Chief Medical Officer, added that the enrollment is expected to take approximately 5 to 6 months, but this will be adjusted based on initial enrollment rates. Q: Regarding the norovirus program, what are the expectations for the Phase 1 results, and how would you define a positive study? A: Sean Tucker, Chief Scientific Officer: Success would be indicated by the new constructs trending better than the old ones on key immunogenicity endpoints. James Cummings added that the study is based on compelling preclinical data, and they look forward to reporting topline data this year. Q: Have there been any learnings from the Sentinel cohort that are informative to the discussions with BARDA regarding the COVID-19 program? A: James Cummings, Chief Medical Officer: We are engaging with BARDA to determine if an interim analysis of the Sentinel cohort would be beneficial. The study is double-blinded, and we are currently unable to provide further details. Q: What impact did the stop work order have on the expected timeline for the COVID-19 study, and where is the study being conducted? A: Stephen Lowe, CEO: The stop work order was lifted sooner than expected, which was positive. James Cummings added that the 10,000 participant cohort was impacted, but the 400 participant Sentinel study continued. Enrollment for the larger cohort is projected to take about 6 months once dosing begins. Q: Are there any active partnership discussions for the norovirus program, and what is the market opportunity? A: Stephen Lowe, CEO: Norovirus presents a significant market opportunity, and there is interest from various companies, including large multinationals. Discussions are ongoing, and they are expected to accelerate following the release of topline results. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
