Latest news with #KerrinMcEvoy
News.com.au
5 hours ago
- General
- News.com.au
Trainer David Vandyke's assessment of his star Philia is frightening for her 2025 Queensland Oaks rivals
'I would say you'll see the best of her on Saturday.' Trainer David Vandyke 's assessment of his star Philia is frightening for her Queensland Oaks rivals as the super talented filly is primed to cap a dream campaign in the Group 1 for three-year-olds over 2200m at Eagle Farm on Saturday. To be ridden by top jockey Kerrin McEvoy, Philia will be shooting for her fifth straight triumph in the major on Saturday after a meteoric rise that prompted bookmakers to install her as the $3 favourite in the Oaks. Group 1 Australasian Oaks champion Benagil ($5) is on the next line from Jenni's Meadow ($6), Churchill's Choice and Movin Out (both $8). • 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! 'From the time I got her as a yearling, the plan was always to end up at the Queensland Oaks,' said Vandyke, who won the major with Gypsy Goddess three years ago. 'For this girl to go from a maiden at the start of this prep and us not really knowing to what level she could climb … it would be wonderful to win an Oaks with her. 'When she goes out for a break next week, irrespective of what happens on Saturday, it'll be a good time for reflection. 'I can sit back and look at the pedigree page, I can watch the replays and I can really appreciate what's happened during this period.' But it hasn't all been smooth sailing for Sunshine Coast trainer Vandyke, who said the daughter of All Too Hard – a half-sister to Duais, who won the 2021 Queensland Oaks for trainer Ed Cummings – could be as stubborn as a mule at times. Philia dominates Race 7 at Eagle Farm for @vandykeracing13! @KPMcEvoy — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 26, 2025 • 'This girl's had very little time off in 12 months and she's been difficult to train,' he said. 'She's got a very strong will and it hasn't always been focused on running. 'Even now I'll take her down to the pool for a walk and if she doesn't want to do something or she wants to go at her pace, then there has to be a compromise. 'She can get a bit resentful if she's not respected or managed well.' That stubborn attitude is why Philia, with four wins and two runner-up finishes from just six races, has an iron will to win and an ability to soak up pressure from her rivals. Those traits shone through brightly in her last-start victory in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) on May 24 at Doomben when she was softened up in the run but still kicked on to beat the fast-finishing Jenni's Meadow and Movin Out. . @KPMcEvoy guides Philia to victory in The Roses for @vandykeracing13! — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 24, 2025 'She's the sort of horse you dream about, I couldn't be happier with her,' Vandyke said. 'With her pattern of racing, she can create the tempo. 'The other day (in The Roses) the fastest furlong was between the 1800m and the 1600m. 'She can really handle pressure and she's got that will to win when she gets taken on. 'She'll just pin the ears and keep going. I was delighted with her effort because she didn't do it easy.' Queensland Derby (2400m) and Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) to be rescheduled.
Daily Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Telegraph
Zebra Finch eyes Group 1 JJ Atkins glory after Rosehill triumph
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Progressive Godolphin colt Zebra Finch will be given the opportunity to emulate his big-hitting stablemate Broadsiding, earning himself a crack at the JJ Atkins Stakes after lowering the boom on a couple of his more fancied rivals at Rosehill on Saturday. Yesterday's seven-horse affair held more interest than most of the other nine races on the Lord Mayor's Cup undercard given it overflowed with JJ Atkins aspirants including the Chris Waller duo Hidden Achievement and pricey Frankel colt, Sarapo. The Waller pair were expected to fight out on the finish as they had when they met at Gosford on Cup Day but were unable to make the same impact this time despite racing at home. • 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! Both horses were marked at $15 to win the JJ Atkins prior to their respective efforts yesterday. Hidden Achievement blew out to $26 while Sarapo was wound out to $51. Zebra Finch, meanwhile, had his price halved from $51 into $26 for the June 14 feature and carrying the imprimatur of one of the sport's champions. 'If he pulls up well, I'd send him up there, because he is going to get a mile,'' winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy said after the Schweppes Handicap (1300m). 'You obviously need a horse that runs a mile and you need a horse on the improve and that's possibly what he is going to be. ' It wasn't a big winning margin but I am sure with a better quality horse to aim at, he 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 lock. 'So if James (Cummings) and the team decide to go to Brisbane for that mile race, I wouldn't be against it.' At least one of the Waller-trained runners from the race looks likely to still make his way up to Brisbane for the last Group 1 two-year-old feature of the season with a decision pending on the other. Yu Long Investments colt Hidden Achievement clocked in third behind Zebra Finch with future Guineas/Derby colt Sarapo three lengths behind in sixth. 'The race lacked tempo, it was a sit and sprint,'' assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth began. 'When Adam (Hyernonimus) won on Hidden Achievement last start, he was mindful that he probably rode him too close that day and took him out of his comfort zone. But he drew so well in a small field today that we basically had to do the same again. 'Adam's 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 (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.' As for pricey $750,000 Magic Millions Yearling purchase Sarapo, Team Waller will let the dust settle on the colt's second career start before they decide on his next move. 'He was obviously a long way back off a soft tempo,'' Duckworth explained. 'He is going to be a miler at three you'd imagine, it's just whether you try and break through for that maiden win at two. 'Obviously he is by Frankel so if he ends up in the breeding barn, they're going to be worried about him if he doesn't win at two so it might be an important start for him or do we just look after him and just trust that he'll measure up at three.'' As for Zebra Finch, his own stud career will naturally hinge on the outcome of the JJ Atkins but Darley would dearly love to add another Group 1 winning son of Exceed And Excel to their roster. Not only is Zebra Finch by one of the truly global stallions of the modern era, his dam was a handy performer herself and by Lonhro who holds the rare honour of being crowned both Australian Horse of the Year and Champion General Sire. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Tough as teak gelding Mickey's Medal helped edge the former rodeo rider Braith Nock one step closer to a medal collection of his own as the race for Sydney's Champion Apprentice enters the home straight. Nock and former Riverina whiz Molly Bourke are locked in an arm wrestle to decide who will join an Honour Roll that includes the likes of Jack Thompson, George Moore, Ron Quinton, Malcolm Johnston, Wayne Harris and Darren Beadman. Nock's win on the Annabell and Rob Archibald-trained Mickey's Medal extended his lead over Bourke by five metropolitan wins with August 1 now exactly two months away. Sitting three-wide with no cover may not have been the text-book ride from Nock on Mickey's Medal but it proved to be the winning formula on a day where it paid to be away from the inside fence. 'Everyone just seemed to take their time to get their spots and all of a sudden there were people inside me,' Nock explained. '(But) it was a slow tempo and he was able to travel really good. 'Actually, he was really relaxed coming to the 600m and I had to wake him up and then I was able to idle-up and I still think he might have had a little bit of a think about it things once we got there, but he got left alone for a long time so it was a really good effort. 'He seems to be just relishing his racing and he tries his best every time.' Yesterday's Precise Air Handicap (1500m) was the gelding's sixth run of the current campaign. His $82,500 collect was a tangible reward to effort on his part, drawing some high praise from the stable. 'It was brilliant to see him win,' stable representative Megan O'Leary said. 'I was almost waiting for (runner-up) Hopper to come down the outside of us but he really deserved that win, he's been running so well this prep.' Mickey's Medal was sold twice before he ever saw a racetrack. The great-grandson of broodmare gem Shantha's Choice was secured for $70,000 as a weanling before being reoffered at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale where he fetched $225,000. Originally published as Godolphin colt Zebra Finch pushes for Group 1 JJ Atkins start after his impressive victory at Rosehill
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Godolphin's promising colt Zebra Finch pushes for Group 1 J J Atkins start after his impressive victory at Rosehill
Progressive Godolphin colt Zebra Finch will be given the opportunity to emulate his big-hitting stablemate Broadsiding, earning himself a crack at the J J Atkins Stakes after lowering the boom on a couple of his more fancied rivals at Rosehill on Saturday. Yesterday's seven-horse affair held more interest than most of the other nine races on the Lord Mayor's Cup undercard given it overflowed with J J Atkins aspirants including the Chris Waller duo Hidden Achievement and pricey Frankel colt, Sarapo. The Waller pair were expected to fight out on the finish as they had when they met at Gosford on Cup Day but were unable to make the same impact this time despite racing at home. Both horses were marked at $15 to win the J J Atkins prior to their respective efforts yesterday. Hidden Achievement blew out to $26 while Sarapo was wound out to $51. Zebra Finch, meanwhile, had his price halved from $51 into $26 for the June 14 feature and carrying the imprimatur of one of the sport's champions. 'If he pulls up well, I'd send him up there, because he is going to get a mile,'' winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy said after the Schweppes Handicap (1300m). 'You obviously need a horse that runs a mile and you need a horse on the improve and that's possibly what he is going to be. ' It wasn't a big winning margin but I am sure with a better quality horse to aim at, he 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 lock. A great battle in the opener at Rosehill with Zebra Finch victorious! ðŸ¦'ðŸ'° @JamesCummings88 | @KPMcEvoy | @godolphin | @aus_turf_club â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 31, 2025 'So if James (Cummings) and the team decide to go to Brisbane for that mile race, I wouldn't be against it.' At least one of the Waller-trained runners from the race looks likely to still make his way up to Brisbane for the last Group 1 two-year-old feature of the season with a decision pending on the other. Yu Long Investments colt Hidden Achievement clocked in third behind Zebra Finch with future Guineas/Derby colt Sarapo three lengths behind in sixth. 'The race lacked tempo, it was a sit and sprint,'' assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth began. 'When Adam (Hyernonimus) won on Hidden Achievement last start, he was mindful that he probably rode him too close that day and took him out of his comfort zone. But he drew so well in a small field today that we basically had to do the same again. 'Adam's 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 (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.' "It worked out perfect!" Hear from Paul Reid and @KPMcEvoy on Zebra Finch, who might be headed north after his win today! @JamesCummings88 | @godolphin | @aus_turf_club â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 31, 2025 As for pricey $750,000 Magic Millions Yearling purchase Sarapo, Team Waller will let the dust settle on the colt's second career start before they decide on his next move. 'He was obviously a long way back off a soft tempo,'' Duckworth explained. 'He is going to be a miler at three you'd imagine, it's just whether you try and break through for that maiden win at two. 'Obviously he is by Frankel so if he ends up in the breeding barn, they're going to be worried about him if he doesn't win at two so it might be an important start for him or do we just look after him and just trust that he'll measure up at three.'' As for Zebra Finch, his own stud career will naturally hinge on the outcome of the J J Atkins but Darley would dearly love to add another Group 1 winning son of Exceed And Excel to their roster. Not only is Zebra Finch by one of the truly global stallions of the modern era, his dam was a handy performer herself and by Lonhro who holds the rare honour of being crowned both Australian Horse of the Year and Champion General Sire.
News.com.au
26-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Shayne O'Cass's tips, inside mail for Hawkesbury, Albury on Tuesday
Form analyst Shayne O'Cass presents his best bets, value selection and quaddie picks for NSW racing at Hawkesbury on Tuesday, plus his tips for Albury. â– â– â– â– â– HAWKESBURY TIPS BEST BET Race 4 No.3 SUPER NUI: Has won at the venue; won by eight on a Heavy 9 last start. NEXT BEST Race 7 No.3 HOVLAND: Lightly-raced Dundeel who broke his maiden here by four lengths. VALUE Race 1 No.4 LIKE ANYTHING: Caught the eye late at Canterbury on debut last month. QUADDIE Race 4: 3 Race 5: 1,2,4,5 Race 6: 1,2,9 Race 7: 3,4 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW Kerrin McEvoy will be rightfully popular in the TAB Jockeys Challenge. HAWKESBURY INSIDE MAIL LIKE ANYTHING (4) is trained by Ron Quinton who won two races at Canterbury with the dam, Duchess Pedrille, and 11 races all over the place with her dam, Mamzelle Pedrille. Like Anything was $31/$41 back into $31 when she fifth, beaten six-lengths, at Canterbury on debut over 1250m. Everything about the run said next time and 1400m. BELLA CAVALLO (1) is a well-bred colt by Russian Revolution out of the Tasmanian Oaks winner, Iggimacool. Has trialled rather well too. ALL TOO CLEVER (7) is back to provincial grade off a good city run. BET: LIKE ANYTHING (4) to win, quinella 1,4. ZING TO ME (4) is a sister to Peter Snowden stablemate Ka Bling. Every foal out of the mare can gallop, this one included. Ran a super race on debut here behind Agenda Setter. Smashing trial win on May 5 at HQ. COLUMBIA BLUE (1) was runner-up to Pierolite on debut; that horse was placed at the midweeks straight after. Jockey Adam Hyeronimus has ridden 11 winners in May so far! HARRY'S EVIDENCE (2) has trialled right up to the mark. BET: ZING TO ME (4) win or is scratched, COLUMBIA BLUE (1) to win. DIAMOND SHOW (7) is undoubtedly one of the most valuable horses racing today. Her dam is by Zabeel. Her fifth dam is none other than Eight Carat whose Zabeel offspring include Octagonal and Mouawad. Bred to get better with each passing day and so far, that is the case. MURPHILLY (9) has probably run what you would say are six good races in seven starts. Could even say her last start was her best given she was beaten a lip, and on a Heavy 10 too. BET: DIAMOND SHOW (7) to win, quinella 7,9. SUPER NUI (3) has a tidy strike-rate of two wins, two seconds and a third in her nine starts. Her record at this venue is one win, one second from four visits. She is one for one at the distance and perhaps most significantly, given the conditions, she won her last start on a heavy 9 by eight-plus lengths. Another good muddie here is RATHORAN (4), a dual acceptor on the card. CELTIC SIN (6) ploughed across the Heavy 8 at Wyong first-up to win. Always had talent; maybe this is 'her prep'? BET: SUPER NUI (3) to win (best bet). OUI OUI OUI (2) is a daughter of who else but Yes Yes Yes and was tipped after a creditable debut fourth to Shangri La Spring at Kembla on Cup day last year. She resumed there on April 15 this year and ran right over the top of her rivals to win, As for last start, she finished midfield in the 16-horse Guineas here on May 3. EXOTHRILL (4), another local, got a copybook ride by Chad Lever to win at Wyong but credit to the horse; he was easing down the last bit – and it was a Heavy 10 too. ICEMAN (1) is racing his way to a peak. BET: OUI OUI OUI (2) to win, box trifecta 1,2,4,5, DD 1st leg 2, 2nd Leg 3. CLIFTON SPRINGS (9) has won four races, three of them were on good tracks but he has finished runner-up twice in four runs on heavy and his soft numbers are very compelling relative to his price today. His last runs on heavy going were among his best. Sure to be prominent for a long way. INOUE (1) is two from two on soft. This pedigree is instantly recognisable as one of the late Don Storey's best and from memory, most of them were swimmers. BET: CLIFTON SPRINGS (9) each-way. HOVLAND (3) is quite a promising 3YO. Trained by O'Shea and Charlton, he was a $600,000 Magic Millions Yearling purchase by Dundeel out of Rimraam who won a Vanity Stakes and was third in a Surround. As for Hovland, he broke his maiden at this track, by four lengths no less. Good signs at Wyong first-up. Stablemate MAXIMUM DIVIDEND (4) really hasn't missed a beat in his five runs. Has the makings of a really nice miler/2000m-type (as well). SPACE ACE (8), the son of Pierro, has a win and three seconds from five starts. Importantly, the win was a Heavy 8. Will likely be the one they all have to pass. BET: HOVLAND (3) to win. â– â– â– â– â–
News.com.au
21-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Goulburn best bets, inside mail for Thursday, May 22, 2025
Racenet and The Daily Telegraph form analyst Adam Sherry provides his best bets and race-by-race analysis at Goulburn 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. â– â– â– â– â– GOULBURN TIPS BEST BET Race 5 No.5: SHANGRI LA IMPACT Followed two close seconds with a tough win last start. Can go back-to-back. NEXT BEST Race 2 No. 1: TACT Drops in grade from his fifth in the MTC Guineas. Good win two starts ago. VALUE BET Race 6 No. 3: THE BEAST Handy third first-up after racing wide early. Will give this a shake from the pole. QUADDIE Race 5: 1, 5 Race 6: 1, 2, 3 Race 7: 2, 5, 10 Race 8: 1, 3, 6 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW KERRIN McEVOY has three rides and all are genuine chances. â– â– â– â– â– GOULBURN INSIDE MAIL TWINKLING STAR (5) was just beaten by Fast Track at Kembla and followed with a third to Super Nui at Hawkesbury before a short break. Didn't handle the heavy track when returning with sixth at Wyong. ZO FRILLING (6) worked home from last when third to Inoue at Gosford before a third to Mother Goose at Kembla. LORD VETTORI (1) was good in third behind Imperial State first-up before a well-beaten seventh on a Soft 7 at Wyong. Better effort for second at Dubbo last start. BET: TWINKLING STAR to win. TACT (1) led all the way to beat Shangri La Impact over 1400m second-up at Kembla before heading to Wagga for MTC Guineas where he finished a length-and-a-half fifth to Dupli Kate. TOKYO QUEEN (3) was held up for clear running early in the straight when sixth to Dance Dance Dance on debut at Newcastle on Feb 18. Returned 17 days later where she sat outside the leader and fought hard to hold out Literature Tycoon. ANNOINT (5) battled away for second to Cosmeena here last start. BET: TACT to win. SIGNOR TORTONI (3) is from a stakes-producing half-sister to the champion Tie The Knot. Raced well in his first campaign with a close fourth to Crepe Myrtle on debut at Randwick before second placings to Gatekeeper and The Enchanter both at Canterbury. Resumes here off a smart Randwick trial win. LONDON BOY (1) debuted with a third to Honey Perfume after racing three-wide. Raced four-wide when runner-up to Let's Go Brandon here last start. Should get a better run from a good draw. OCTA DE LAGO (2) has trialled well ahead of his debut. BET: SIGNOR TORTONI to win. READY TO ROCKET (4) made a winning start to his career when he powered home from well back on the corner to beat Veravino over 1100m at Hawkesbury last November. Battled away when third to Moonlight Gambler at Kembla first-up. Inconvenienced late when third to Let's Go Again there last start. SHOUTABOUTIT (6) ran well first-up at Port Macquarie after just one trial. Handy effort when second to Formal at Wyong last start. YES SIREE (1) defied a big betting drift from $1.80 to $3.10 to beat Step Quick on a Heavy 10. BET: READY TO ROCKET to win. SHANGRI LA IMPACT (5) was beaten a nose by Tact over 1400m on debut at Kembla before a neck second to Dark Arts in a 1550m Canterbury Super Maiden. Stepped up to 2000m and broke his maiden in beating Tommy Thug in a Class 1 at Hawkesbury. Hard to beat again. TAJWAAL (1) scored a big win at Taree before placings at his three runs since. Will be prominent again. WHISKER TO WHISKER (6) was a handy third to Existential Bob at Wyong last start. BET: SHANGRI LA IMPACT to win. THE BEAST (3) ended last campaign with a second at Hawkesbury and a length third to Sounds Unusual over 1900m at Canterbury. Resumed with a third to Mille De Lune at Newcastle after racing wide for the first 600m. BARBRAY (1) was a handy third to Full Hao at Hawkesbury second-up. Was fractious in the gates and was a little slow away when fourth to Dark Arts at Canterbury. Barrier blanket goes on. DWAYNE (2) has placed three from four at the provincials and was a two length fifth at Warwick Farm. BET: THE BEAST each-way. CATHEDRAL COVE (10) is knocking on the door after placings in each of his four runs this preparation. Was beaten a nose as a $1.70 fab by Egyptian's Reward over this rip at Kembla last start. PURPLE HAZE (2) will take improvement from his debut experience when third behind Yes Sireee on a Heavy 10 over 1000m at Wyong. He was chasing a fair way out and looks suited stepping up to 1300m. JARED (5) resumes here. Has placed runner-up twice first-up and won't be far away. SUPERHERO (1) raced fourth without cover and made up ground to finish a length behind Let's Go Again who led all the way when resuming at Kembla on May 6. It was a heavy track and he carried 60kg. Same weight here but will be fitter. GORBACHEV (3) scored a narrow win from Alpine Ski in a Gosford Super Maiden first-up before a length sixth to Puerto Banus in a BM64 at Wyong. Back to a Class 1 here. TRUE AMOR (6) will take improvement from his first-up fourth behind Secure at Warwick Farm on May 7.
