TripleCrown.com.au

Hi Michael,

What a terrific outcome (with Flying Empress)! She’s a well bred filly and looks great, the ability seems to match. A big thank you to you and the team at Triple Crown - for your selection of the horse, trainer, jockey and of course Muskoka. When you deal with the best your chances are increased significantly.....I look forward to continued success in the future.

Cheers, Adrian

Hi Michael

Thanks for the update and congratulations to Triple Crown and the owners of the other horses for your recent successes - nice wins and places over the last few weeks - well done.
 
Regards, Matt

Makybe Diva to Visit Lonhro This Season

Story Courtesy of Breednet

Champion mare Makybe Diva will be heading to Darley this spring to visit one of the most popular sires in the country. In a fairytale result for the Australian thoroughbred purist, Darley and MAKYBE Racing & Breeding confirmed that one of the great racemares of the modern era - Makybe Diva - will be covered this season by leading sire Lonhro.
Makybe Diva (pictured) was the winner of an unequalled three Group I Melbourne Cups and still holds the record for the most prize money won in Australia and New Zealand ($14,526,685). Her progeny include an unraced $1.5m two-year-old colt named Rockstardom who is currently preparing for a spring campaign and a $1.2m filly purchased by trainer Mark Kavanagh.

Together Lonhro and Makybe Diva won 41 races, 18 of which were at Group I level and over $20 million in prizemoney.
Lonhro (pictured below) has enjoyed a stellar start to his breeding career, siring no fewer than 15 Black type winners, including Group I Golden Rose winner and new Darley stallion Denman.
 
This season he has sired an impressive 12 individual Stakes winners and sits comfortably atop the leading third-season sires' table with his runners amassing over $7 million in prize money.

Winning Double For Triple Crown

Triple Crown Syndications and their owners celebrated a stunning winning double at Rosehill on Saturday. Both Miss Independent and African Prince scored dominant wins for Australia's leading racehorse syndicators.

The ever consistent and tough African Prince (Johannesburg ex Donna Amata) won Race 4 in commanding style after sitting midfield during the run for jockey Blake Spriggs. African Prince started to roll forward from the 600m and just after the 400m he was given some rein and African Prince pounced to the lead in a single stride to take control of the race. He maintained his run home to score a comfortable victory. It was African Prince's third metropolitan win with his prizemoney now reaching $276,800.

The excitement didn't stop there however as Triple Crown Syndications' next winner was the talented Miss Independent (Choisir ex Bomba) in Race 7. Again with Blake Spriggs on board, Miss Independent jumped a touch tardy out of the barriers before being hunted up to sit just behind the leaders during the run. After entering the straight Miss Independent kept to the rail and burst through to take the lead and then accelerate away from her rivals to win in emphatic style by 2.5 lengths. In the process she smashed the Class Record by nearly 2 seconds in a ultra smart time of 1-10:63. This win was also Miss Independent's third metropolitan win and has taken her owner's prizemoney to $486,055.

Triple Crown Syndications' Chris Ward was thrilled with the performances, "We had a great day today winning both races we had horses in. We had excited owners jumping all over the place and having the time of their lives. In fact, one of our owners in African Prince came up to me in the winners room after the race and likened the experience to the birth of your child. He said 'It's an experience you just can't explain to anyone. You can never truly know the sheer thrill and excitement of owning a winning racehorse until you have experienced it first hand' and I couldn't agree with him more."

Both African Prince and Miss Independent were also trained by red-hot trainer, Chris Waller. The Triple Crown & Chris Waller winning team has had a lot of success together over the last few years and today was another stella day for the team.

Congratulations to both sets of Triple Crown owners.

Choisir Mare Bounces Back

By Tara Madgwick
Breednet

Talented Choisir mare Miss Independent bounced back to her best form with a resounding two and a half length win in the Benchmark 80 fillies and mares event at Rosehill on Saturday bringing up a winning double for Triple Crown Syndications.

The Chris Waller trained mare failed to fire at her most recent run in Listed company in Brisbane, but she certainly made amends on her return home.

She raced just off the pace for in-form apprentice Blake Spriggs before dashing clear to win the 1200 metre sprint as she pleased from smart Redoute’s Choice filly Dystopia, who is also trained by Waller.

Miss Independent took her overall record to three wins and 12 placings from 26 starts with prizemoney of $483,705, her career highlight to date a memorable win in the rich $350,000 Inglis Classic as a two year-old.

Miss Independent was purchased by Triple Crown for $65,000 from the Southern Cross Breeders draft at the 2007 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.

Prepared at Byerley Stud on behalf of Armidale based breeder Alan Chappell, Miss Independent is a full sister to stakes-placed Malambo.

Miss Independent and Malambo are from the Gooree Stud bred Last Tycoon (IRE) mare Bomba, who was secured for Mr Chappell by Byerley Stud at the 2002 Inglis June Sale in Melbourne for $20,000.

A daughter of stakes-winner Palm Beach Babe, Bomba is from the family of Group One winner Tempest Morn and not surprisingly was covered again last spring by Choisir (pictured below), who has been riding the crest of an international wave thanks to his champion son Starspangledbanner.

Miss Independent was the second leg of a winning double for Triple Crown, who tasted success earlier in the day at Rosehill with four year-old Johannesburg (USA) gelding African Prince.
 

Commands The Most Consistent Stallion At Stud

Australia's most consistent stallion would have to be the red-hot Commands from Darley Stud in the Hunter Valley. The flow of winners never dries up from this son of Danheill. Yet again he further extended his lead at the top of the General Sires Table by winners with another winning double at Randwick on the weekend.

In the first race, the 2yo filly by Commands, Demanding Miss, saluted in style with an impressive win which also help extend Nash Rawiller's lead in the jockey premiership. The young stakes placed filly has now taken her short career record to 2 wins, 2 seconds, 1 thrid and $263,300 in prizemoney from just 9 starts.

Another daughter of Commands, Brasileira, went out the heavily supported favourite later in the day in race 7 and duly won in very comfortable style with no other runner posing a threat. This took her race record to 4 wins, 4 seconds, 0 thirds and $150,850 from just 9 starts.

NB: Triple Crown Syndications have released shares in a magnificent Commands filly that incidentally is bred on the exact same proven breeding cross as Brasileira & Demanding Miss. This filly will be trained by red-hot trainer, Chris Waller. For more information on this filly simply click here or call Chris or Mike in the office.

 
Flying Empress Sizzles

Triple Crown Syndications' Flying Empress (Fusaichi Pegasus ex Bellevue Lady) trialled this morning at Warwick Farm in Heat 8 for 2yo fillies over 800m. We had Corey Brown on board for the trial and after jumping well she took up the running in about 3rd position. After entering the straight Corey just gave her a little extra reign and she hit the lead in the matter of a couple of strides, before he took her under a hold again to let her coast to the line to win it in an effortless manner.

Corey reported that she showed a bit of attitude on the way around to the barriers but once the gates opened she was nice and relaxed. He said it was a very pleasing trial and she did it very comfortably. Corey said he has a nice opinion of Flying Empress and she should be another quality runner for the team.

Flying Empress will most likely go through to the races shortly (maybe another trial first). She still has a lot to learn and maturing to do so whatever she does in this first preperation is a bonus as next prep she will come back even better again.

Merci Grand Wins Again

Triple Crown Syndications' Merci Grand (Choisir ex Thanksgiving) ran another great race yesterday at Wagga to post her second strong win this preparation. After jumping well she was driven forward before jockey Brendan Ward (no relation) was smart enough to take a sit as there was an unnecessary battle going on up front. Merci Grand was ridden patiently in the straight and when the gap finally appeared she accelerated through to claim the race as a class 1 horse in a class 2 race. It was a fine effort and congratulations to her excited owners: MR G F RADLOFF, R F W(Synd), MR R L JAMES, MR C PARRIS, MR M W WILSON, MR A G SMITH, MS S CRONK, THE OAKLEIGH BOYS(Synd).

African Prince Runs Another Place

Triple Crown Syndications' African Prince (Johanesburg ex Donna Amata) ran another strong race on Saturday at Rosehill where he finished 2nd behind the talented Skyerush over 2000m. Just as African Prince loomed up to challenge for the lead half way down the straight, the eventual winner found a little more under the light weight to keep African Prince's challenge at bay. This 2nd place took African Prince's career record to 32 starts for 2 wins, 9 seconds & 8 thirds.

Thrilling Win For Reine De Jeu

Triple Crown Syndications' Reine De Jeu won the last race at Canterbury today with an exciting burst of speed along the fence to score a narrow but decisive victory in the TJ'S Champaign Bar HCP over 1250m. Winning jockey Tommy Berry, who has a brilliant success rate when combining with Triple Crown horses, summed things up by saying "even though it was a narrow margin, we would have still won it on protest if need be after the 2nd placegetter rolled in on me half way down the straight." 

Making the win even more impressive was the fact that things didn't exactly go to plan during the run. After missing the start by a length Tommy was forced to drive her up to sit mid-field on the inside (where she typically doesn't like to be). However she just travelled so well on the bit, she looked the winner as they entered the straight until In Touch rolled in on Reine De Jeu and took away her rightful running just as she was starting to pounce. Not long after the other horse rolled in he rolled out again just leaving enough room for Reine De Jeu to drive through for a convincing win.

Congratulations to her winning owners: T Collins, R D Neil, Dayleigh Syndicate (Mgr: D Lambert), A McCarney, C Nitsolas, T D Loxton, R Herring, M A Owens, H G Croaker & E Buttigieg.

Business As Usual

By Tara Madgwick

It’s another Wednesday and it’s another metropolitan double for Lonhro with three year-old fillies Screen and Rain Melody scoring at Geelong and Canterbury respectively.

A homebred for Darley trained by Peter Snowden, Screen posted her third win from eight starts when scoring over 1000 metres at the transferred metro meeting held on the synthetic track at Geelong.

She is a half-sister to stakes-winner Brannigan from the Zeditave mare Thespian, a half-sister to triple Group One winner Dracula.

In Sydney, the Chris Waller trained Rain Melody made it two wins in as many starts when resuming from a spell to win the restricted fillies event over 1100 metres as a short priced favourite.

A homebred for Don Storey, Rain Melody is a half-sister to stakes-winner Walk Alone being from Rain in Spain, who comes from the family of recent stakes-winner Deltona and former smart juvenile Been There.

Darley based Lonhro (pictured) has enjoyed a wildly successful season with more than 90 winners including 11 stakes-winners and has had a big service fee increase up to $88,000 from $33,000 last year.

Commands Progeny Continue To Fire

Prolific stallion Commands, the regally bred son of the almighty Danehill, continued his exceptional form on Saturday with three impressive winners between Flemington and Randwick.

At Flemington it didn't take long for Commands to get on the board when his son Soul won the first race of the day for trainer Peter Snowden. It soon became a back to back winning double for Commands when he was also the sire of the winner in race 2 which was the impressive Servant for Peter Moody.

A little later in the afternoon, ears pricked up when the daughter of Commands, Brasileira, dashed clear to score an exciting win for Peter Snowden in the 5th over 1300m as the $1.90 favourite. This gives Brasileira the impressive record of 8 race starts for 3 wins and 4 seconds (all very close). She is proving to be a very consistent performer.

No stallion in Australia has produced more winners this season than Commands. He leads the likes of Redoute's Choice, Encosta De Lago, Testa Rossa and More Than Ready.

NB: Triple Crown Syndications have just released shares in a magnificent Commands filly that incidentally is bred on the exact same breeding cross as Brasileira. This filly will be trained by red-hot trainer, Chris Waller. For more information on this filly simply click here or call Chris or Mike in the office.

Patronyme Returns For Spring Carnival Assault

Triple Crown Syndications' stakes winning mare Patronyme has returned into the stables of Joe Pride and has been in light work now for 1.5 weeks and slowly building towards her spring campaign where there are a wide number of options available to us with races such as the Group 2 Jayco Stakes or the Group 1 Age Classic etc. We have an excited group of owners waiting in anticipation for what will be a very exciting campaign ahead and we look forward to sharing it with them.

Bet-Busters - Stick With Waller At Rosehill

By Brad Waters

The Bet-Busters men are confident the Chris Waller and Nash Rawiller combination can continue on its winning way in Saturday’s Stayers’ Cup (3200m) at Rosehill.

Waller and Rawiller combined to claim last week’s Group I TJ Smith Plate with the exciting youngster Pressday and will team up in Saturday’s $100,000 event with the imported galloper Strike One.

Strike One has had three starts back from a spell and his latest effort, a handy third to Twin Wing in the Listed Winter Cup, caught the eye of Bet-Busters’ Denis Simpson. “He led second-up but was run down late at Randwick on May 29 but he fought on strongly for third behind Twin Wing on a heavy track on June 5,” Simpson said. “He’s prepared by a red-hot trainer and has an in-form jockey on. He’s ready for 3200 metres and appeals as a terrific chance in the Stayers’ Cup.”

Simpson said Bet-Busters is even more confident in the chances of the Waller-trained African Prince in the Rosehill meeting’s final event, the Sydney Banana Wholesalers Handicap (2000m).

“He’s our good thing of the day,” Simpson said. “He ran a good third here over 1500 metres on May 22 before he was held up in the straight when he ran second to Ironstein on June 5.”

“He’ll be fitter for that and should be able to close out the day with a win for us.”
 
Waller has booked Glyn Schofield to ride African Prince.

TAB Sportsbet has Strike One as a $3.80 favourite to claim the Stayer’s Cup while African Prince is a $7.50 shot in the last race.

Miss Independent Heads to QLD In Search Of Black Type

Another honest performer for the Triple Crown Syndications & Chris Waller winning team is Miss Independent who heads north on Saturday when the QLD carnival travels to Ipswich for their Cup day.

The classy Miss Independent will compete in the Listed Gai Waterhouse classic over 1350m. A finish in the top 3 here will give her some well deserved and valuable black type to her pedigree which would be a great bonus to achieve for her owners. A win would also take her career earnings to over half a million dollars.

She has drawn barrier 8 in the capacity field of 16 and Chris Munce has been booked for the ride. There is a couple of strong chances in this race, however as long as the weather stays dry up there, Miss Independent should run a very competitive race and give her owners every chance of gaining that valuable black type.

African Prince Knocking On The Door

Triple Crown's  ever consistent African Prince is poised to strike in race 8 at Rosehill on Saturday. From 30 career starts he has finished in the first 3 on 18 occassions and taken is prizemoney tally up to $220,500 for his delighted owners.

From three starts this preperation he has been building nicely as the distances increase. Firts start back over the unsuitable distance of 1300m he ran well to finish mid-field, before coming 3rd in his next start over 1500m and then last start finishing 2nd over 1900m after being held up considerably in the straight.

On Saturday he steps up to 2000m which he should enjoy and he has drawn barrier 3 of 12. Glyn Schofield is booked to take the ride again and we believe African Prince will be a good winning chance in what is a competitive field.

Another win for African Prince is just around the corner so it would pay to follow him.


All Parties Win In Race Fees Case

AAP

All parties claimed victory after the long-awaited Federal Court decision on the challenge by Sportsbet and Betfair against product fees charged by Racing NSW.
Justice Nye Perram ruled in favour of corporate bookmaker Sportsbet's claim that the 1.5 per cent turnover fee was discriminatory but dismissed betting exchange Betfair's application on the same issue.

However, Racing NSW, which has been ordered to refund Sportsbet more than $2 million, says it has been successful in that the Race Fields legislation has been deemed valid.

"We are delighted with a number of findings," Racing NSW chairman Alan Brown said. "The court has found as far Betfair is concerned, Racing NSW has been successful on all counts. "It's a mixed day for racing, mixed in having to give back some of the fees but enormous relief that there is certainty, that the legislation fee is valid as is the regulation."

The sticking point in the Sportsbet case was that Racing NSW does not charge on-course bookmakers the fee until they reach a turnover threshold of $5 million.
Justice Perram agreed with Sportsbet the effect was that almost no NSW bookmaker paid the fee and the threshold discriminated against interstate bookmakers, many of which operate from Darwin.

He also found the arrangement between Racing NSW and wagering giant Tabcorp to be flawed in that the fee paid was ultimately refunded to Tabcorp.
Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'Landys said the commercial arrangement with Tabcorp, which operates the off-course totalizator in NSW, dated back to 1997.

"The legislation is valid," V'Landys said. "The judge has found we do have the right to charge but he's found we shouldn't have done a deal with TAB.
"We have to go back to TAB - the contract has stipulations on us including an arbitration method." V'Landys said the next step was to study the judgment at length before a decision on an appeal was made.

His counterpart at Betfair, Andrew Twaits, said he hoped the issues could be resolved through discussion.

"It's slightly confusing," he said. "We seem to have had a win on all the fundamental points we were arguing in terms of why the 1.5 per cent turnover fee was discriminatory but obviously we didn't get the outcome we wanted. "We've got 21 days to consider whether we appeal. "Hopefully we can sit down with the leaders of the industry here in NSW in the meantime and come to some sort of an arrangement. "It's all a bit raw at the moment but hopefully we can do that with the aid of a facilitator."

Pending the court decision, Racing NSW decided not to distribute any of the money it received from the fees. It is holding about $50 million, which it needs to implement its strategic plan which includes raising prizemoney and improving training facilities.

African Prince On His Home Track

African Prince is poised to run a good race for Triple Crown Syndications and their owners on Saturday at Rosehill in the final race on the card over 1900m.

He has drawn poorly in barrier 12 of 15 however with the current weather conditions, being out wider may not be such a bad thing. Glyn Schofield has been rewarded for a very good ride last start and will be legged aboard African Prince again in a race which is now up to a more suitable distance. African Prince also enjoys the wet conditions which is an advantage and with a little bit of luck from the barrier he should run a good race and be right in the mix at the business end.

Three Stars, One Spot

By Brent Zerafa
The Daily Telegraph

They are striving for a berth in the Stradbroke Handicap but only one will be granted the opportunity.

Promising gallopers Border Rebel, Stryker and Catapulted are set for a showdown in the Group Two QTC Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday, with the winner to gain entry to Queensland's richest race.

All three are high up in betting for the Stradbroke, run on June 12, and head to the final qualifier on the back of devastating wins in separate states.

Country NSW sprint sensation Border Rebel, a winner of 11 races from 14 starts, including his past seven on the trot, crushed his rivals at Scone last start; talented three-year-old Stryker was a class above in the BTC Classic, while Catapulted showed exceptional speed throughout to burn off rivals in the Straight Six at Flemington.

"I would love to run him in the Stradbroke but we are not going to put him in unless he deserves his spot," Border Rebel's trainer Sue Grills said. "There is no point putting him in just to say I've had a runner in the Stradbroke, there are plenty of races if he is not up to that standard."

Border Rebel, who has 51.5kg for the Stradbroke, is facing his toughest assignment on Saturday and the QTC Cup is also uncharted waters for Grills. "I've never had a runner in a Group Two race," she said. "I think the horse genuinely deserves his chance to prove himself, we have to find out sooner or later whether he is good enough and I think he is."

Mark Kavanagh already has Whobegotyou in the Stradbroke and will add Catapulted, who placed second in the Goodwood, if he wins the QTC Cup impressively.

Stryker rocketed into Stradbroke calculations last start and Chris Waller believes he is starting to hit his straps at the right time. "There is still a little bit of improvement in him fitness wise and he appears to have taken plenty of confidence out of the last win," he said.

Stryker is well down the Stradbroke order of entry and will need to get a weight penalty to force his way into the field.

"He is ready for a crack at that level now, both his wins in Sydney have been very smart," Waller said.

Waller is preparing another strong team for the Eagle Farm meeting, with Triple Honour, who finished third to stablemate Metal Bender in the Group One Doomben Cup, in the Eagle Farm Cup; Al Nakhla in the Group One Queensland Oaks; Pressday in the Group Two Sires' Produce Stakes, and Tromso in the Daybreak Lover.

Tromso is set to line up against Stradbroke-bound three-year-old Latin News.

Trainer Gerald Ryan plans to run both Ego's Dare and Ahdashim in the QTC Cup.
Ryan is really excited about the way Ahdashim, a scratching from the Doomben meeting on Saturday, is shaping this campaign.

"He works like a superstar and I think he is a legitimate chance in the QTC Cup if we get a firm track," Ryan said.

Grand filly Melito came through her third in the 10,000 in good order and at this stage is progressing to the Stradbroke.

"For the moment there is no reason not to go ahead, but if there are any signs she has had enough I will pull the pin," Ryan said.

Miss Independent A Big Chance At Randwick

Triple Crown Syndications' talented mare Miss Independent runs in race 5 at Royal Randwick on Saturday in what should prove to be a competitive and open race. She has been allocated top weight of 58kgs and she will carry 56.5kgs after the in-form Daniel Ganderton's claim. She drew a little wide in barrier 7 of 10.

Miss Independent was very unlucky not to win last start two weeks ago at Randwick after being held up for a run before charging home to very nearly claim the race.  Whilst Miss Independent prefers to be on top of the ground  she can still get through the wet going. With even luck she should be very hard to beat.

Three More Winners For Waller

Racenet

Sydney’s hottest stable, the Chris Waller yard, has added another treble to his string of good recent results at Randwick’s Kensington track on Tuesday.

The three victories has moved Waller back into second spot in the Sydney trainer’s premiership with 65 winners for the season, one victory in advance of last season’s premier trainer Gai Waterhouse.

Tuesday’s three winners matched last Saturday's result at Doomben when the stable collected three features along with a Rosehill win and secured they another treble at Rosehill 16 days ago.

“We’re having a good trot at the moment,” Waller said. “It’s a credit to all the team.”

Waller’s three winners on Tuesday came courtesy of two imports and a regally-bred filly that could be a Queensland Oaks contender. Al Nakhla, a daughter of Redoute’s Choice out of Gullistan, the dam of Dash For Cash,  proved too strong for her rivals in the Surry Hills Maiden Plate over 1800m.

“We’ll see where she is in the order of entry,” Waller said. “Some black type would certainly complement her pedigree and it’s always been the aim this preparation but the fields are very big in Brisbane and it’s hard to gain a start without prizemoney. She was entered for a race there last Saturday but didn’t gain a start and today was ‘plan b’. We’ll see where she sits now in the order of entry.”

Waller’s two other winners were Stand To Gain and Calm who he believes both have bright futures.

“There are better wins in store but it’s always nice to get that first win on Australian soil,” he said. “They take a lot of benefit from it.”

Trainer With The Lot: Waller Strikes In Brisbane, Sydney, Newcastle But Keeps it Low-Key

A memorable day in the rapidly developing training domain of Chris Waller ended in the kitchen at home on Saturday evening. Waller carved up the meeting north of the border, with Metal Bender claiming the Group 1 Doomben Cup after stablemates Pressday and Stryker scored emphatic victories.

On the home track at Rosehill, Waller won with the Brisbane-bound three-year-old Tromso, while Thumbtacks saluted as favourite in the final race at Newcastle. Making it all rather special was that Waller’s wife Stephanie shares in the ownership of Pressday with one of the trainer’s first clients, Tony Muollo. ‘’To tell you the truth, I trained a winner for my wife and I had to warm a pizza up in the oven for dinner,’’ Waller quipped yesterday.

Waller arrived home from Brisbane about 8pm, with celebrating a thing of the past for this committed horsemen, whose rise in the Sydney training ranks has been thoroughly planned and meticulously carried out.

’’There are a lot of people involved in making it a success and you can’t have everyone there [celebrating],’’ Waller said. ‘’You would hate to leave someone out. We’ve got a great team of horses at the moment, a massive team of staff, great owners and we are all in it together. I never go home and say, ‘Gee I’m a good trainer’, it is a team effort and no one wants to be in a losing team.’’

The New Zealand-born Waller is challenging Gai Waterhouse and Peter Snowden for training honours in Sydney. ‘’It doesn’t matter what horses you train, what the daily fee is, what you pay your staff – everyone wants to be in a winning team,’’ he said. ‘’I’m very fortunate with my staff, they want to be a part of it and if you make them feel a part of it, gee, they’ll do their best for you.’’

Waller is looking to continue the winning roll with Saturday’s Doomben 10,000 awaiting quality three-year-old Shellscrape, though Stryker is not likely to back up in the Group 1 sprint. Former leading Sydney jockey Larry Cassidy takes over from Stathi Katsidis on Shellscrape, which set a hectic tempo before compounding in the BTC Cup at Doomben last Saturday week.

’’He had no luck last start, he went too hard in front,’’ Waller said. ‘’You can put a line through that, he is capable of bouncing back.’’

Another untapped thoroughbred talent for Waller is Summer Dash, which rounds out a Queensland Derby campaign in Saturday’s Grand Prix at Doomben with Nash Rawiller taking over from jockey Glyn Schofield.

’’The horse arrived up there on Saturday morning,’’ Waller said.
Getting Summer Dash, which has won three of his only four starts, focused for Saturday is the key.

’’A very good horse still in his first preparation,’’ Waller said. ‘’The wheels could fall off any time but he certainly hasn’t gone backwards.’’

Pressday is heading towards the QTC Sires’ Produce Stakes and the Group 1 T.J. Smith, while Stryker is set to run in the QTC Cup the week before the $1m Stradbroke Handicap on June 12.

As for Metal Bender, the paddock awaits with the spring in Melbourne next up. ‘’Everyone is asking what races,’’ Waller said. ‘’Logically we’ll run him in all the usual lead-up races to the big ones and see where he ends up.’’

Terrific Run From African Prince 

Triple Crown Syndications' African Prince produced an eye-catching performance on Saturday at Rosehill over the 1500m. Whist the distance was still short of his best we were hoping to see him hit the line strongly at the business end of the race as this would lead in perfectly to his next couple of races over further ground.

Upon entering the straight he loomed up as a contender only to have Bacchanal Woman have a little too much dash for him over the 1500m but he was strong to the line finishing 3rd just a nose behind last start winner Merconman. This was an ideal run before we step him up over further ground and would indicate that he is looking good to pick up another win in his next couple of starts.

Classy Doomben Double For Fastnet Rock

Racing And Sports

The Group One meeting at Doomben on Saturday featured a significant Group double for leading young sire Fastnet Rock.

Exciting three-year-old Rothesay (Fastnet Rock x Schiaparelli by Woodman) stirred emotions among the breeding community when he trounced his older rivals in the Listed Lord Mayor's Cup.

Passed in shy of his $150,000 reserve at the 2008 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale when consigned by Philippa Duncan Bloodstock, Rothesay was retained to race by his breeder Mrs Sue Suduk in partnership with Mike Ryan.

The win was tinged with sadness as Mrs Suduk passed away last week after a long battle with illness.

Fastnet Rock is also the sire of Stryker, a $600,000 three-year-old son of the Woodman mare Laetitia who stakes his claim for the G1 Stradbroke Handicap with a dominant performance to win the G3 Fred Best Classic.

Trainer Gerald Ryan has always maintained Rothesay had the makings of a top class miler and that prediction proved accurate when the colt easly coped with the step up to the distance for the first time in his career.

Rothesay looked the winner a long way from home and cleared out to win easily by more than two lengths over seasoned campaigners Our Lukas and Hadaaf.

Ironically Rothesay had beaten Stryker when he won his first career start at Rosehill last July but he later suffered a bvleeding attack in the G2 Roman Consul Stakes at Randwick which necessitated a mandatory three month ban.

Rothesay resumed with a third to Latin News in the Listed Gosford Guineas and was then narrowly beaten at Rosehill against older horses before Ryan switched him to his Queensland stable.

Rothesay is the second foal and first stakes-winner for minor winner Schiaparelli, a half-sister by Woodman to stakes-winners Causeway Lass and Astute Angel from triple Group One winner Canny Lass.

Rothesay is the ninth Australian stakes-winner for Fastnet Rock this season and is his tenth stakes-winner overall.

Rothesay and Stryker are bred on the same cross, both of them from daughters of Woodman.

Stryker, trained by Chris Waller, overcame an outside gate to score a well deserved victory in the Fred Best Classic, well deserved after recent fourths in the G3 Gold Coast Guineas and G1 AJC Galaxy at Randwick.

A stakes-winner of the Listed STC Heritage Stakes back in the spring, Stryker has the overall record of two wins and six placings from 13 starts with prizemoney of $350,325.

A $600,000 purchase for Ingham Bloodstock at the 2008 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale from the draft of Segenhoe Stud, Stryker is the third foal of the Woodman mare Laetitia.

Laetitia three foals to race are all winners including stakes-placed Seeking Attention with Stryker her first stakes-winner.

Laetitia is a full sister to stakes-winner Conspectus from the Denise's Joy family.

Triple Crown Syndications Hoofnote: We are currently offering shares in an exciting Fastnet Rock colt which will be trained by Chris Waller. For further information simply click here.

Brilliant Singapore Winner For Fastnet

Breednet

On a star studded program at Kranji on Sunday there was one up and comer who really caught the eye and that was former Australian trained three year-old Éclair Fastpass, who bolted in to win by eight lengths in the $65,000 Singapore Airlines Munich Stakes over 1200 metres.

Previously trained in Melbourne by Robbie Laing, Éclair Fastpass (pictured) was not far off the best three year-olds during the spring, placing behind Starspangeldbanner in the Group Three MRC McNeil Stakes and Listed MRC Vain Stakes.

The son of Fastnet Rock was transferred to Singapore following an unplaced run in the Group One MRC Caulfield Guineas and was having his second run since joining the stable of Desmond Koh.

He was sent out an odds-on favourite at his Singapore debut last month, but disappointed as a result of some fidgety behaviour in the barriers which unsettled him.

This time around everything went right, with Danny Beasley taking him to the lead and from there he was never troubled in streaking clear to win as he pleased.

“He was right back to his old self today,” said trainer Desmond Koh. “He was fidgety in the gates at his first outing.

“He hadn’t raced for six months and he has settled down now and is doing his job.

“On that win we are looking to him winning more races up here. That was a strong win.”

Beasley was asked to ride the gelding at his first start in Singapore, but was on the suspended list and since resuming has been aboard Éclair Fastpass in all of his work.

“Everyday I have ridden him I can feel the improvement in him,” said Beasley. “He has the feel of being a smart horse.”

A $500,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the draft of Toolooganvale, Éclair Fastpass is from the Marscay mare Hanover, a half-sister to glamour mare and five-time Group One winner Typhoon Tracy.

Triple Crown Syndications Hoofnote: We are currently offering shares in an exciting Fastnet Rock colt which will be trained by Chris Waller. For further information simply click here.

Merci Grand Scores Dominant Win

Triple Crown Syndications' Merci Grand (Choisir ex Thanksgiving) scored a very decisive win today at Canberra over 1400m. After jumping well she was driven forward before being allowed to settle a couple horses back from the lead. Upon entering the turn she received a hefty check from the horse in front of her coming back on her quite ubruptly, causing Merci Grand to lose her momentum and a length or two with it. After regathering herself and entering the straight about 4 horses wide she let down like a runaway freight train to score an emphatic win by 3 lengths.

Congratulations to all of her owners: G Radloff, RFW Syndicate, R James, C Parris, M Wilson, A Smith, Ms S Cronk & The Oakleigh Boys Synd (Mgr: K Rickard)

Miss Independent Returns To Randwick

Triple Crown Syndications' Miss Independent (Choisir ex Bomba) returns for her first up run after a spell. She is accepted to race tomorrow at Randwick where she has drawn barrier 2 in a field of 8 runners. She does race well fresh and her trials have also been good leading into this with her fitness levels indicating that she should run well. In form jockey Daniel Ganderton has been booked to ride and his claim will see her go around with 55.5kgs. Miss Independent's work has been good this week and although the distance is on the short side (her ideal distance is 1200m-1400m) we do expect her to run well. To date she has won her owners $429,755 in prizemoney and we hope she will keep that bank balance climbing on Saturday. With even luck she should finish in the top 3 in what will be a competitive race.

Merci Grand Primed For 2nd Up Win

Triple Crown Syndications' Merci Grand (Choisir ex Thanksgiving) races today at Canberra over 1400m. We feel we may have found the key to have her primed and ready to show her true colours today. If we are proved correct you can expect her to run a very strong race. She's a winning chance.

Fastnet Rock Fee Rises As Expected

Coolmore Australia today released its stallion service fees for 2010 with champion sire Encosta De Lago realistically priced at the top of the roster on a fee of $130,000.

Coolmore has listed 16 stallions to stand at its Hunter Valley base including the outstanding first season addition Starspangledbanner, who is yet to have his fee determined pending the results of his coming racing campaign in the UK.

Boom sire Fastnet Rock has had a big increase to become one of Australia's most expensive sires on a fee of $125,000 while High Chaparral will stand his first season in Australia on $80,000, a fee that reflects the impact his three-year-olds have made this season including a Cox Plate winner (So You Think) and a clean sweep of the placings by his progeny in last week's AJC Derby.

Coolmore Australia general manager Michael Kirwan said the current racing season has been an exciting one as it has heralded the dawning of Fastnet Rock as a sire of the highest calibre.

“The deeds of his progeny, be it on the racetrack or in the sales ring, have marked him down as a champion sire in waiting, and as such, the natural successor to his own sire, the late, great Danehill,” Kirwan said.

COOLMORE AUSTRALIA 2010 Fees (inc. GST)
 
•     AUSSIE RULES Danehill-Last Second (Alzao) $8,800
•     CHOISIR Danehill Dancer-Great Selection (Lunchtime) $35,750
•     DUKE OF MARMALADE Danehill-Love Me True (Kingmambo) $24,750
•     DYLAN THOMAS Danehill-Lagrion (Diesis) $22,000
•     ENCOSTA DE LAGO Fairy King-Shoal Creek (Star Way) $143,000
•     EXCELLENT ART Pivotal-Obsessive (Seeking The Gold) $11,000
•     FASTNET ROCK Danehill-Piccadilly Circus (Royal Academy) $137,500
•     HARADASUN Fusaichi Pegasus-Circles Of Gold (Marscay) $24,750
•     HENRYTHENAVIGATOR Kingmambo-Sequoyah (Sadler's Wells) $33,000
•     HIGH CHAPARRAL Sadler's Wells-Kasora (Darshaan) $88,000
•     HOLY ROMAN EMPEROR Danehill-L'On Vite (Secretariat) $27,500
•     ORATORIO Danehill-Mahrah (Vaguely Noble) $22,000
•     ROCK OF GIBRALTAR Danehill-Offshore Boom (Be My Guest) $3 , 0
•     SPINNING WORLD Nureyev-Imperfect Circle (Riverman) $6,600
•     STARSPANGLEDBANNER Choisir-Gold Anthem (Made of Gold) TBA
•     TALE OF THE CAT Storm Cat-Yarn (Mr. Prospector) $38,500

Triple Crown Syndications Hoofnote: We are currently offering shares in an exciting Fastnet Rock colt which will be trained by Chris Waller. For further information simply click here.

Owners The Big Winners In Racing NSW Strategic Plan

Racenet

Racehorse owners could be the big winners under Racing NSW Strategic Plan with an additional $49 million directed towards prizemoney.

Racing NSW chairman, Alan Brown and chief executive, Peter V’landys released its Strategic Plan for the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Industry on Thursday.

But there is a catch. “The Plan has been developed in the belief that Racing NSW will be successful in defending legal challenges instigated by two wagering organisations against the current Race Field Legislation regime,” Brown said. Racing NSW is awaiting a decision from the Federal Court in its quest charge corporate bookmakers and Betfair a fee of 1.5 per cent of its turnover on NSW Racing.

Should Racing NSW be successful, prizemoney in NSW will skyrocket in 2012.

Non-feature races across the state would increase by $36 million with metropolitan Saturday races going from $70,000 to $100,000, metropolitan Saturday races raising from $27,000 to $35,000 while the provincial races will increase from $16,000 to $25,000 and Country TAB meetings from $9,000 to $15,000.

A further $13.1 million has been allocated to Group and Listed races across the state from 2012.

Crown Of Ascot Chases Inglis Bonus

Triple Crown Syndications' Crown Of Ascot (Flying Spur ex Detail) returns to the track tomorrow at Hawkesbury's stand alone Saturday meeting. In what is a great boost for Hawkesbury, they effectively have a metropolitan meeting with metropolitan grade horses and prizemoney.

The first race of the day is for the 2YO'S and it's quite a strong race. It's no wonder though given the winner will pick up  $42,000 prizemoney + $20,000 BOBS Bonus + $50,000 Inglis Bonus if the horse is Inglis qualified. As Crown Of Ascot is Inglis qualified his connections stand to collect a whopping $112,000 (or $132,000 if they elect to double up with their BOBS Bonus). That's better than a lot of stakes race money so it's a huge carrot.

Triple Crown Syndications' Crown Of Ascot goes into the race after a very encouraging debut last week (see story below). Trainer Joe Pride said his run last week was brilliant when he was lost early in the race and then after travelling about 2-3 lengths behind the second last horse half way down the straight, he rocketed home.  Now Joe believes Crown Of Ascot has improved since his last run and he anticipates that previous race experience to really assist Crown Of Ascot this time out.

Whilst the tight Hawkesbury track is a concern for Crown Of Ascot we anticpate that he will be fighting out the finish. He has drawn much better this week in barrier 5 which should see him better positioned during the run. We have applied the winkers to help him concentrate that little bit more and Daniel Ganderton has retained the ride. If he runs to his ability and runs more truly this time then you can expect a bold showing.

Eye Catching Debut For Crown Of Ascot

Crown Of Ascot (Flying Spur ex Detail) made his racing debut yesterday at Canterbury for Triple Crown Syndications and what is a terrific group of owners.

Ridden by apprentice Daniel Ganderton, Crown Of Ascot was a little slow out of the gates and didn't muster any early speed (which was the opposite to his barrier trial) and as a result the race plans for a more forward position were quickly abandoned and Daniel had him settle at the rear of the field which is never preferable around Canterbury. Crown Of Ascot then made life very difficult for Daniel, racing very erratically and hanging out from the 700m mark and rolling out at the turn. Once in the straight and balanced up he finally switched on and grew wings to flash home down the outside in what were by far the fastest closing sectionals. It was only the last 150m of the race that Crown Of Ascot really figured out what he was there for and made up a huge amount of ground with a blistering turn of foot.

Crown Of Ascot's run should not be discounted by finishing 5th (by 2.2 lengths) as he really showed his inexperience but also showed his raw ability at the same time. So when the penny drops he looks like he will fulfil Daniel Ganderton's post race prediction that he has a "huge future".

It was a smart field of runners which will no doubt prove to be a very good form race. Trainer Joe Pride commented after the race that if he could take any horse home from that race it would without doubt be Crown Of Ascot.

As flagged a little while ago for our website readers - put Crown Of Ascot in your black books as he is well worth following.

Patronyme To Miss The Group 1 All Aged

Triple Crown Syndications' Group winning racemare, Patronyme has bruised her heal in trackwork which in itself is only minor, but it has meant that she will need to miss Saturday's Group 1 All Aged Stakes. As such we will now take the opportunity to give her a well earned rest in the paddock before bringing her back for a serious tilt at the Spring carnival.

She has had yet another terrific campaign raising the bar from being a Listed winner to now being a Group 3 winner and a close up 5th in the Group 1 TJ Smith in her first attempt at weight for age racing.

The lightly raced Patronyme has continued to improve each preparation and now that she has experienced racing at the highest level we are confident that she will further improve next preparation with this valuable experience under her belt.

Testa Rossa Stakes Double

By Breednet

ORTENSIA rightfully joined the Group 1 winning club when finishing too powerfully to take The Galaxy at Randwick today.

Ortensia ($50,000 2007 Premier, 4m Testa Rossa-Aerate's Pick) had only been sparingly tried in Group 1 races, but had shown herself to be one of Australia's very best mares over the past two seasons.

She was a five times stakes winner going into today's race and the handicapper set her a task with 56.5kg, but it mattered little, with the Tony Noonan trained mare overhauling her sprint rivals. Ortensia was sold by Basinghall Farm and is now the winner of nine races, with today's race taking her through the million dollar barrier.

The Galaxy is the 20th Group 1 race won by an Inglis graduate in Australia this season. Ortensia highlighted a profitable day of stakes success for graduates of the Melbourne Premier Sale.

In Adelaide, RED COLOSSUS ($100,000 2008 Premier, 3g Testa Rossa-Palace Glow) stretched his winning streak with another strong finishing burst in the Listed Chairman's Stakes.

Daughter Of Testa Rossa On Track For Group 1 Galaxy

By Racenet

Prominent Melbourne trainer Tony Noonan says he couldn’t “have Ortensia any better” ahead of her return to racing in Saturdays’ Group I The Galaxy (1100m) at Randwick.

Ortensia has developed into one of Australia’s best sprinting mares in the last year, recording stakes wins in Sydney and Brisbane and Perth in 2009, all with loyal rider Craig Williams in the saddle.

Noonan has had The Galaxy in mind as a long-term goal for the daughter of Testa Rossa and sent the mare to Sydney well in advance of Saturday’s $300,000 event. “She’s been up there about a month and thrived,” Noonan said. “We gave her a trial last Friday and she went really well. I reckon she’s got a bit of improvement in her but I couldn’t have her any better for a first-up run.”

Noonan said Ortensia has had a light time since Friday’s trial but will have a light workout at Randwick on Thursday morning to complete her preparation for The Galaxy. “She hasn’t needed too much work since she has been in Sydney but what she has done, she has done superbly,” Noonan said. “She’ll have a light gallop on Thursday and that will be it for her but I am pretty confident she will be right in the finish.”

Craig Williams will ride Ortensia again on Saturday with the pair to shoot for its sixth win as a duo.

TAB Sportsbet has installed Ortensia as a $4.20 equal favourite to win The Galaxy with promising Victorian speedster Definitely Ready.

Triple Crown's Patronyme Running For Group 1 Glory

If Patroyme ( More Than Ready / Descendant ) happens to win the TJ Smith on Saturday, it would perhaps be the most rewarding Group 1 win so far in the career of Joe Pride.

Patronyme came to Pride in early 2009, and has continued on with her super form. Patronyme in fact has been so well managed that the horse has had 12 starts in the last 12 months resulting in 5 wins and 5 placings and accumulating $290,000 in stakes, an astonishing result. On Saturday she steps out for the first time in Group 1 company after wins at both Listed and Group 3 level already this preparation. The assignment will be daunting as she will be facing the outstanding sprinting mare Hot Danish (Nothin' Leica Dane / Hot 'n' Breezy) who has managed 12 wins and $1.2m in stakes without recording a group 1 win. Hot Danish is sure to start favourite ahead of the consistent Group Sprinters Mic Mac (Statue Of Liberty / Amandine) and Wanted (Fastnet Rock / Fragmentation) with Patronyme excellent value at double figure odds.

Small field of only 7 and tactics will surely play a huge role in the outcome. Patronyme has drawn perfect in barrier 2 and Nash Rawiller will be able to bounce the Mare forward and get into a comfortable pace before deciding to perhaps hold the lead or hand up to the other likely front runner in Wanted, who will need to be very positive if he wants to cross Patronyme. Hot Danish and Mic Mac should be the next pair back. Would expect that the pace of the race will only be even and regardless if Patronyme leads or trails it will take a super effort to run her down as she is very fit and well and primed to run the race of her life.

Best of Luck to the connections of Patronyme who have been extremely patient, to have a live chance in a Group 1 on Derby Day is a huge thrill and very well deserved. The mare is all heart and she will give a great account of herself on Saturday.

Triple Crown Black Bookers

Triple Crown Syndications have had two 2yo's trial in the last week or so and both are worth following.

Flying Empress (Fusaichi Pegasus ex Bellevue Lady) is a filly with exciting potential. She recently went to the trials for the first time at Randwick where she showed her inexperience by doing a number of things wrong but at the same time showed her exciting promise finishing a fast closing 2nd from out the back during the run. Flying Empress is still quite immature and everything she is doing now is just on raw ability. We have now sent her to the paddock for 6 weeks before bring her back in time for the nice races in the spring.

Crown Of Ascot (Flying Spur ex Detail) is another Triple Crown Syndications 2yo who has just made his first appearance at the trials today at Warwick Farm. He jumped well and after travelling 3 wide for most of the journey he worked home nicely to finish a close 2nd to American Crew. Crown Of Ascot also showed a little inexperience and greeness and just tired a little towards the end but displayed he too is shaping up very well. He showed enough to suggest that he is ready to head to the races now, so we will pinpoint an apprpriate target in the next fortnight or so to kick him off in.

Both of these Triple Crown 2yo's should be entered into your blackbooks!

Patronyme Wins The Birthday Card For Triple Crown

Super talented mare, PATRONYME (More Than Ready ex Descendant) bounced back today in emphatic style to win the Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes for Triple Crown Syndications and their elated owners. Given a three week break to freshen up after the Wiggle Quality, she returned to the races today at Rosehill in fine order and on top of her game.

She jumped well as usual and took the early lead before Mary's Grace took over the front running. Rounding the turn she was travelling beautifully and the confidence levels were rising quickly. Once in the straight, with Nash Rawiller on board, she took off and lay down the challenge to Beaded and Melito who fought hard but were no match for the impressive PATRONYME who won comfortably by a half length.

Following such a commanding victory we will keep raising the bar now as she keeps conquering each target. The Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes over 1200m at Royal Randwick in a fortnight is firmly in our sights.

PATRONYME'S enviable race record now reads 13 starts for 6 wins, 3 seconds, and 2 thirds. Not only has she accumulated hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizemoney for her owners, she has now bumped her residual value into the several hundreds of thousands too!

Congratulations to all of PATRONYME'S owners. We are thrilled to be able to get this result for you. You are a great bunch of people to share this ride with and may the good times keep rolling!

PATRONYME'S owners celebrate. Photo: Bradley Photos

Is Lonhro The Greatest Ever?

By Ray Thomas
The Daily Telegraph

LONHRO could be the greatest thoroughbred of the modern era. He has sired 61 individual winners of 91 races this season, including seven stakes winners.

When this claim was put to Henry Plumptre, Darley Stud's Australian manager, he seemed somewhat taken aback, but admitted: "That will start a few arguments."

Champion racehorses don't necessarily make champion stallions and although it is early days in his stud career, Lonhro is bucking the trend. Lonhro has sired 61 individual winners of 91 races this season, including seven stakes winners.

His number of feature race winners is equal to that of Encosta De Lago and trailing only Redoute's Choice, who has had nine stakes winners. Redoute's Choice and Encosta De Lago were both outstanding racehorses but they have really made their marks as stallions. Lonhro was a superior galloper, a bona fide champion on the racetrack, and is now setting about establishing his credentials at stud - which is no easy feat.

The late Warwick Hobson, a noted turf historian, devoted a chapter in his acclaimed book, Racing's All-Time Greats, to the subject of "The Greatest Thoroughbred". "The combination of a champion on the track and at stud - the complete horse - is a rare one indeed," Hobson wrote. "Few horses make the grade in both spheres." Hobson determined that the mighty Carbine was the greatest thoroughbred in Australian turf history.

A phenomenal racehorse, he won 33 of his 43 starts including the 1890 Melbourne Cup under a staggering
10st 5lb (66kg). Carbine was an original Hall of Fame inductee, primarily for his racetrack deeds, but he was also a stunning success at stud both in Australia and in England where he sired English Derby winner Spearmint.

So, if Carbine was the greatest racehorse/stallion of them all, who was the last champion racehorse to achieve similar recognition at stud?

Perhaps we need to go back to the mighty Vain, winner of 12 of his 14 starts including the 1969 Golden Slipper, and one of the most freakish sprinters of all time. As a three-year-old, Vain defeated older horses in the Craven A Stakes (now Patinack Farm Classic) at Flemington by an extraordinary 12 lengths - the biggest winning margin ever in a major handicap.

Vain stood at Widden Stud and sired two Golden Slipper winners, Sir Dapper (1983) and Inspired (1984), and was Australian Champion Sire in 1984.

Plumptre revealed he worked at Widden Stud when Vain was in his prime. "Vain was leading stallion at Widden when I first started out in the Australian breeding industry many years ago," Plumptre said. "I'm very fond of Vain, he was a magnificent horse."

To complete an amazing cycle, Lonhro's son Denman is out of Peach - herself a daughter of Vain. It has often been said that Denman is strikingly similar to his sire, Lonhro, but Plumptre's learned eye sees it differently.

"If I stood Denman next to Lonhro, you could pick the differences," Plumptre said. "Denman is a slightly bigger horse. He has more scope and length about him ... Denman has a
lot more 'Vain' in him. "Lonhro is quite a compact horse, albeit very strong and muscular - very much like his mother, Shadea."

By now, Plumptre has well and truly warmed to the subject. "I don't think there is any doubt that Lonhro is extraordinary," he continued. "He probably doesn't throw natural two-year-olds but he still throws two-year-olds that can run and are very good. And they train on and get better as older horses."

Lonhro, who some estimate is now worth around $60 million, is becoming as popular at stud with broodmare owners as he was with racing fans on the track.

The stallion served over 200 mares last spring, but Darley is taking measures to reduce his workload marginally next breeding season and will cap his numbers to around 180 mares.

Triple Crown Hoofnote: Triple Crown are currently syndicating a stunning colt by LONHRO. These shares will not last long. For further information click here.

Saturday's Runners

Triple Crown Syndications will be represented by two runners on Saturday at Rosehill with Patronyme (More Than Ready ex Descendant) and Prerequisite (Charge Forward ex Trail Of Gold) lining up in the final two races on the card.

Patronyme will be contesting the Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes over 1200m in which she will go into it as likley 2nd or 3rd favourite. The top 3 chances on class look to be Patronyme, Melito and Beaded. Patronyme's last start was her only poor performance in her career and we can only put that down to heat exhaustion (it was very hot out at Warwick Farm and she sweated up a lot more than usual before the race) and her super first up win in the Triscay Stakes may have just taken a little more out of her than normal. So you should be able to put a line through her last start and expect her to bounce back to her normal self and give this race a big shake. we have Nash Rawiller booked for the ride who should suit her down to the ground.

Prerequisite will be taking on the boys in the BM80 race for 3yo's over 1200m. Unfortunately she has drawn poorly with barrier 10 of 12 which is going to make this run very tough from out there. She needs the run so scratching wasn't an option. Prerequisite will need some luck in this race and we have Blake Shinn on board who can hopefully work some magic from out wide.

All Aboard A Ryan Express

By Ray Thomas

HINCHINBROOK ran the fastest 1200m recorded at Randwick by a juvenile as Beneteau's Golden Slipper bubble burst yesterday. Beneteau was sent out $1.50 favourite in the Group III $125,000 race but was trapped three and four wide throughout before finishing a well beaten sixth in the seven-horse field.

As punters were left pondering the Beneteau flop, Hinchinbrook proved he is a legitimate Golden Slipper chance by maintaining his unbeaten record with an outstanding win.

Hinchinbrook, ridden by Sydney's form jockey Hugh Bowman, burst between runners in the straight to score a narrow win in a rapid 1min: 8.87sec - the first time any two-year-old has gone under 69sec for the Randwick 1200m course. His winning time also compared favourably with Northern Meteor's course record of 1:08.32, further underlining the quality of his effort.

The least surprised by the result was trainer Gerald Ryan.

"I've always rated him very highly, he's a top class two-year-old," Ryan said. "There's still plenty of improvement in him - we might run him again before the Golden Slipper, if we do it will be in next week's Todman Stakes. "I'll make my mind up after he gallops on Tuesday."

Hinchinbrook ($5) dived through on the inside of early leader Brightexpectations ($12) to win by a short head, with a length to Pressday ($31).

Ryan trained Hinchinbrook's three-quarter brother Snitzel to win the Skyline Stakes five years ago. Snitzel ran favourite in the Golden Slipper but struck his head in the barriers at the start and finished 12th behind Stratum. Ryan believes Hinchinbrook is capable of avenging Snitzel's Golden Slipper nightmare.

"Hinchinbrook is a very laid-back colt, completely different to Snitzel, who was a jump-and-run type," Ryan said. "What impressed me most today was the acceleration he showed from the top of the straight to inside the 200m. I thought he might have idled a bit when he got to Brightexpectations, so I might think about putting winkers on him for the Golden Slipper."

With Bowman likely to ride Solar Charged in the $3.5m Golden Slipper at Rosehill on April 3, Ryan revealed champion Hong Kong-based jockey Darren Beadman is on standby.

Triple Crown Chasing More Stakes Success

Triple Crown Cheer Patronyme

By Tara Madgwick
Breednet

 
 

Patronyme To Take Pride Of Place

By Racing and Sports

First-up specialist Patronyme heads Joe Pride's three strong attack on the Triscay Stakes with the trainer confident she can keep her fresh record intact.

Saturday's Rosehill meeting also heralds the return of stable star Vision And Power who lines up against a crack field in the Apollo Stakes.

The Group Two feature attracted 15 nominations while 19 fillies and mares were entered for the Listed Triscay Stakes (1200m).

Patronyme has a perfect record of three from three first-up and Pride believes the race will suit her more than Bejewelled or Sacred Choice but expects them to be competitive.

"The distance suits Patronyme while I expect Sacred Choice to go on and get over further as her preparation goes along," Pride said.

"Bejewelled is a heavy track horse and is just not as effective on better than that.

"Of the three, Patronyme looks the best on Saturday but there are some really good races for them all."

"It's a great carnival for the mares and there are many races to choose from."

The slow track at Randwick on Saturday wasn't wet enough for Bejewelled who ran seventh in the Group Two Breeders Classic won by Alverta.

The mare has won four races on heavy ground and two on good but none on anything in between while both Patronyme and Sacred Choice are adept on all sorts of footing.

Now a five-year-old, Patronyme has had just 10 starts after spending two years on the sidelines following her debut win in April 2007 for then Crown Lodge trainer John Hawkes.

She had an infected tendon sheath which took time to heal but, nursed along by Pride, she has only missed a place once in her nine starts for the trainer.

Her stablemate Hadaaf is a sharp contrast with the seven-year-old to line up for his 69th start on Saturday when he joins Vision And Power in the Apollo.

Triple Crown Hoofnote: Triple Crown Syndications currently have shares available in an exciting 1/2 brother to Patronyme. For more information just click on the following link: www.triplecrown.com.au/Current-Syndications.aspx

Terrific Run By Prerequisite

Triple Crown Syndications' talented race filly, Prerequisite (Charge Forward ex Trail Of Gold), ran a very bold race on Saturday in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes. She finished in 4th place behind the sensational More Joyous who took out the event. Whilst we just missed the coveted black type for her, we do still get the great result listed on her pedigree page which is a very valuable residual value bonus for our owners come the time of her retirement from the race track.

Unfortunately she stepped in two potholes at about the 800m and the 600m mark which made her lose her footing and dip down a couple of times. Jockey Glyn Schofield commented after the race that she was travelling great but then lost some momentum when she encountered those potholes. He had to scrub her up again to get her back on the bit but she never fully recovered from this. Glyn said it was a great effort from her and he feels another furlong will suit her as well in the future.

Hoofnote: Triple Crown currently have shares available in a high class Charge Forward filly which is bred on the same successful breeding cross as Prerequisite, Headway, Solar Charged etc. Click on the following link for more information; www.triplecrown.com.au/Current-Syndications.aspx

'Apache Pat' Ready To Resume

Exciting 5yo mare, Patronyme (More Than Ready ex Descendant) , kicknamed Apache Pat, trialled this morning at Warwick Farm for Triple Crown Syndications and their fortunate group of owners. After the trials had been postponed twice earlier in the week due to the weather, today's trial had to be a very quiet one with next Saturday's Listed Triscay Stakes so close.

Her trial was particularly impressive where she finished 2nd under a very tight hold. Our jockey Corey Brown jumped off full of praise for Patronyme. He said she is just a push button mare and was very professional today. He said she could have skipped clear and won her trial easily but that was not the purpose of today's trial with the Triscay getting close.

Prerequisite Lines Up in Group 2 Light Fingers

Triple Crown Syndications' last start winner Prerequisite (Charge Forward ex Trail Of Gold) will line up in Saturday's Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes for 3yo fillies at Royal Randwick. It's not going to be an easy task as it's a high quality field but we have drawn ideally (barrier 4) to get a good run in the race. With Prerequisite a very talented half sister to the Group 1 winning Gold Trail, finishing in the first 3 on Saturday and earning some black type will bring significant financial rewards for our owners.

African Prince Earns Over $200,000

Triple Crown Syndications' African Prince (Johannesburg ex Donna Amata) put in a fighting effort yesterday when he finished 2nd by 0.2 lenghts at Royal Randwick over 1550m. The finish was fought out by Readiness and African Prince with the lead changing between these two several times down the straight as they cleared out from the rest of the pack. It eventually came down to the bob of the heads on the line and Readiness proved a shade too good on the day. This 2nd placing has taken African Prince's career earings to in excess of $200,000 in prizemoney. He's got a great ability to keep the bank balance climbing for his owners.  

Prerequisite Returns With A Bang



Triple Crown Syndications' Prerequisite (Charge Forward ex Trail Of Gold) returned for a first up kill today Canterbury. After starting a short priced favourite she jumped a touch tardy before getting into stride quickly and finding a nice position just off the lead during the run. Entering the straight she quickly pounced on the lead whilst still under a hold before jockey Blake Shinn let her go at the 200m to see her extend away from her challenges for a strong win by 1 length. After putting in a text book ride for us jockey Blake Shinn reported that it was a comfortable win. He said Prerequisite is a quality filly and should gain a lot of confidence from today's race. Trainer David Payne was very pleased with the result noting that she was not fully wound up and will improve several lengths from the run.

Prerequisite's sire Charge Forward had a winning double today at Canterbury with  From The Vault also winning the 2YO race in impressive style.

Triple Crown Syndications are currently taking expressions of interest from those interested in joining us in a magnificent Charge Forward filly out of a metropolitan winning and stakes placed Redoutes Choice mare. Bred on the same breeding cross as Prerequisite, Headway, Solar Charged etc. For more information contact Chris or Mike Ward in the office or click on the following link for a photo and pedigree; www.triplecrown.com.au/Current-Syndications.aspx
Congratulations to all of Prerequisite's owners on a fantastic win!

Darci Off To A Flyer

Breednet

The Oaks Stud’s first season sire Darci Brahma (NZ) got off to a flying start at Karaka’s Premier Yearling Sale on Monday with demand for his stock strong again today.

According to statistics compiled by New Zealand Bloodstock, Darci Brahma’s strong market appeal was enumerated with 19 yearlings, who sold for an average of NZ$153,684.
 
“We’re thrilled,” said The Oaks Stud’s General Manager, Rick Williams.

“Having stood at a service fee of $30,000, I would have been comfortable if his K1 horses averaged $100,000. What he’s doing is 50% better than that!”

“As a rule of thumb, three times the service fee is a good result. For Darci to be achieving 5 times that fee is a huge result.

“The other thing we are really pleased about, is the fact that his progeny are going to some of the best stables around”
 

A high profile yearling himself, Darci Brahma (pictured) was originally purchased from Pencarrow Stud’s 2004 Premier Yearling Sale draft by David Ellis for NZ$1.1 million. He would later go on to record no less than 5 Gr.1 wins on the track.

Darci Brahma is represented by 23 yearlings at Karaka today.

The same sire will also be notably represented by a Redoute’s Choice half-brother, that is to be offered by Pencarrow Stud.
 
NZTM Update.

Triple Crown Hoofnote: Triple Crown Syndications are currently offering shares in a magnificent DARCI BRAHMA filly. Click on the following link for more details: www.triplecrown.com.au/Current-Syndications.aspx

A Winning Double For Triple Crown

Triple Crown Syndications celebrated a winning double today with both Celero and Dragon Dance winning in impressive fashion at Wagga.

Whilst both horses were having their debut runs for Nick today it was evident they were placed well with both of them starting favourite. Celero had to win the hard way after being interfered with badly in the straight but showed his class to still win well. Dragon Dance saluted a couple of races later after taking up a nice forward position in the run and scooting clear early in the straight for a nice comfortable win. Congratulations to both sets of owners!

Triple Crown 'Steal' a Darci Brahma

Chris & Michael have been out at the Inglis Classic sales over the last 5 days (including a few days of inspections prior). The leg work paid off with a purchase late on day 1 in the form of a magnificent Darci Brahma filly out of Royal Season.

She is a very athletic type of filly and out of a consistent stakes winning family. She's a 1/2 brother to the metropolitan winning and stakes placed Chater d'Cat. 

He sire, Darci Brahma, is one of the most anticipated and exciting stallions with his eldest progeny just now yearlings. Darci Brahma is a son of the Champion sire and sire of sires, Danehill. Furthermore Draci Brahma was an exceptionally talented racehorse having won no less than an incredible 5 Group 1's. Understandably he was crowned Champion 2yo & Champion 3yo.

This exciting filly very much reminds Chris & Mike of Triple Crown Syndications' very talented and Inglis Classic winning filly Miss Independent. This could well be next years Inglis Classic winner!
 

Warwick Farm Trials - Pride Team Impresses

By Racenet
Dallas Baker

Trainer Joe Pride has stepped up the autumn campaigns of many of his team, including Vision and Power, Bejewelled and Patronyme, at the Warwick Farm trials on Monday.

“Collectively they all went very well,” Pride said. “It’s nice to see the good horses do what they are capable of and what we asked of them.”

Last year’s Doncaster Mile winner Vision and Power and Patronyme competed in the same heat, finishing seventh and second respectively behind McClintock with their first race starts this preparation being pencilled in for February 20.

“It was a fast-run trial and both will have a second trial before racing, with Patronyme heading to the Triscay Stakes and Vision And Power likely to start in the Apollo Stakes,” Pride said.

Bejewelled finished third in her trial and is nominated to start her preparation on Saturday in an 1100-metre open handicap at Randwick.

“She is nice and strong heading towards Saturday, she will probably need a run but she’s honest and normally always competitive,” Pride said.

Patronyme Returns In Style

Triple Crown Syndications' stakes mare Patronyme returned to the track in fine style yesterday morning at the Warwick Farm trials. She finished 2nd behind the talented McClintock in the fastest trial of the morning. We had Nash Rawiller on board for the ride and he got off saying she has returned in brilliant fashion. He said he couldn't speak highly enough of Patronyme's trial and suggested we look at the weight for age races over the carnival. It was great to see her back in action.

Moody Nine Wins Clear After Double

By Racenet

Caulfield trainer Peter Moody has opened a nine-win lead in the Melbourne trainers’ premiership after preparing a double at Wednesday’s Sandown Hillside meeting.

Chateau D’yquem led all the way to take out the Indian Summer Handicap (1400m) before Macedonian completed Moody’s brace of wins in the Castletown Handicap (3000m). The win was the son of Zabeel’s third win in nine starts and Moody’s stable foreman Tony Haydon said Macedonian would be guided through his grades for the rest of his preparation.

“He’s just taking time to find his best form and this win will give him another kick along as he learns about his job,” he said. “He’ll go along quietly and we’ll find something else for him in the next couple of weeks.”

The stable was narrowly denied a treble when the Danny O’Brien-trained Cyclone Al ($7.50) narrowly held off Merryvale ($7) to win the Special Dane Handicap (1800m). “This horse is a good filly in the making,” Haydon said. “She was beaten today but she did a terrific job. She could be an Oaks horse later in the autumn.”

Moody has trained 32 winners in Melbourne this season with his nearest rival Mark Kavanagh on 23 wins.

Miss Independent To Run On Saturday

Triple Crown Syndications' talented mare, Miss Independent (Choisir ex Bomba) will line up on Saturday in one of two 1500m races she is accepted for at Rosehill. The barrier gods were not very kind to us with her drawing very poorly for both races so that didn't help the decision process. In any case she should be very competitive in either race with her being the favourite in one race and the 3rd favourite in the other in the early markets. This should prove to be pretty accurate as we believe she will be a good each way chance in both races.

Stop The Press

We are thrilled to report that Triple Crown Syndications has secured the top colt that was on our wish list at the conclusion of our pre-sale inspections at the Magic Millions Sale. An absoluetly cracking DANE SHADOW colt out of the stakes producing mare DESCENDENT. It is not often that you come to the sales and find a colt that ticks all the boxes (i.e. magnificent pedigree, outstanding type, genuine stallion prospect, early going 2yo type, great temperament, complete athlete etc etc etc) and secure him at sensational value. 

This exceptional colt is by the red-hot and boom sire DANE SHADOW who has made an incredible start to his stallion career. He has already produced the likes of SHELLSCRAPE, HURTLE MYRTLE, SHADOW ASSASSIN etc from small books of substandard mares. In fact the last time a stallion made such an impact so early in his stud career he turned out to be Encosta De Lago! Now that he has made such an amazing start to his stud duties, his book of mares has gone from around 50 mares right up to over 150 high quality mares and this is despite the fact that his service fee has been more than doubled! The breeders are falling over themselves to get into him and it is no wonder why when you see him leading the Timeform ratings table (see story below).

DESCENDENT has to be one of the best broodmares to have visited DANE SHADOW with the result being this yearling colt who looks the real deal. DESCENDENT has already proven herself capable of producing to the highest level. She has already produced Triple Crown Syndications' very own stakes placed mare PATRONYME (purchased by Triple Crown at the 2006 Magic Millions sale) who is back in work now preparing for a very exciting Autumn carnival campaign with her target being the Group 1 Coolmore Stakes.

Mick Malone the manager of renowned Kitchwin Hills Stud where this colt was reared commented as follows: "Every year there is one yearling in particular that you can't wait to have in for sale preparation and this is the one I've been waiting for. He's an absolute ripper, carrying lovely bone, is extremely correct throughout and has the walk of a superstar."

This colt will be trained by Melbourne's outstanding trainer, Peter Moody. We will be offering shares very shortly in this colt and a horse of this quality will ensure they are snapped up very quickly. So contact us now to register your interest in joining us and we will send you the full information. Click the following link to our 'Contact' page to send through your details or simply give us a call: www.triplecrown.com.au/ContactUs.aspx
 

Dane Shadow Tops Timeform Ratings

There is no better indicator of a stallion’s worth than his ability to upgrade the progeny of the mares that visit him, and that’s where Dane Shadow is excelling.

Internationally respected thoroughbred ratings authority, Timeform, has rated Dane Shadow as the top stallion in Australia and New Zealand with a median rating figure of 87 for his runners after the first half of the 2009/10 racing season.

Mares that have runners by Dane Shadow, have a median rating figure of only 70 for their runners by other stallions – that’s a massive 17 ratings-point upgrade.

Dane Shadow’s 35 runners have resulted in seven horses rating above 100, or a significant 20% of his runners – and this figure puts him second on the percentage list behind Shamardal (21.1%). This rating compares with Fastnet Rock (18.9%), Encosta De Lago (12.9%), Lonhro (10.2%), Redoute’s Choice (10.1%) and Street Cry (5.3%).

The top 10 rating stallions (median figures) in the Timeform Sire/Dam filter are:

No.    Stallion                   Rnrs    Wnrs    Median TF
1      Dane Shadow                 35          11            87
2      Shamardal (USA)          38         14            86
3      Fastnet Rock                  74         31            84
4      Lonhro                            127       50            82
5      Not A Single Doubt        51         17            81
6      Redoute’s Choice           199       69           80
7      Exceed And Excel          138       42           78
8      Lion Heart (USA)          35         13            78
9      Encosta De Lago            233       68           78
10    Anabaa (USA)                98         35           77

More Value For Triple Crown

The 2010 Magic Millions sale is proving to be a good hunting ground for Triple Crown Syndications and their crop of 2010 yearlings is already starting to take impressive shape. Chris and Mike today secured an exciting TESTA ROSSA colt out of the family of ENCOSTA DE LAGO, FLYING SPUR and HOLY ROMAN EMPEROR among others! Furthermore he is a 1/2 brother to the boom horse and stakes placed MISS SHAMARDAL! This big, strapping colt was terrific value in what is proving to be a buyer's market.
 

Triple Crown Secures Exciting Charge Forward Filly

With bids firing in from all corners of the sale ring Triple Crown Syndications managed to beat off all comers including underbidder, trainer Peter Moody (who has had a lot of success with the CHARGE FORWARD'S with the likes of Group 1 winner HEADWAY and CARLTON FORWARD), and secured lot 72 on day 1 of the Magic Millions sale on the Gold Coast.

She's a cracking type and an exceptionally bred filly. She's out of the Stakes placed REDOUTE'S CHOICE mare BARSHA and hails direct from the magnificent stakes winning family of SYDNEY'S DREAM, MARSKIN, DONNA NATALIA, SETTLERS COVE, DIAMOND COVE, PEPPERWOOD etc.

The most successful breeding cross for CHARGE FORWARD is with mares by the DANEHILL line stallions like REDOUTE'S CHOICE, by many many lengths. In a short time this cross has already produced the likes of HEADWAY (Champion Australasian 2yo filly), SOLAR CHARGED (favourite for the 2010 Golden Slipper), PREREQUISITE (Triple Crown's very own) etc. The RED RANSOM sire line has already been crossed with this filly's family with instant success in producing none other than CHARGE FORWARD himself. So we have a proven pedigree cross, outstanding family and a particularly athletic filly with great conformation. It's a recipie for success!

Is this the next HEADWAY or  SOLAR CHARGED? We certainly believe so!

You can click on the following link to see the filly parading; orion.sirecam.com/players/auction.asp 

Shares in this exciting filly will be realesed soon so make contact with us now and register your interest to receive the full information.

Magic Millions

The 2010 Magic Millions commence on the 6th of January on the Gold Coast. We will be making our annual trip north on the 2nd to continue with our inspections. We have spent a huge amount of time researching the pedigrees and breeding crosses of every horse in the sale. This has helped narrow down the list considerably to only those horses we believe to have the genetic capabilities to produce on the race track at the highest level. We then inspect all the lots to find which of these horses are athletic types and have the best conformation (see our Buyer's Guide on our home page).

Keep an eye on our website for news on any of our purchases. Register your interest with us to make sure you are notified of our new horses straight away and you have every chance to join us. Go to the 'Contact' page now to send through your details.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

We would like to extend our best wishes to you all (and your families) for a very merry & safe Christmas. We would also like to thankyou all for your continued and loyal support throughout 2009. We have been very fortunate to have a great group of owners, friends and supporters which makes our involvement in this fantastic industry even more enjoyable. We look forward to sharing a fun, exciting and very successful 2010 with you.

Triple Crown's Saturday Runners

Triple Crown Syndications will be represented by two runners at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Our first runner will be Miss Independent (Choisir ex Bomba) in Race 4. Miss Independent has returned in terrific shape but has been terribly unlucky in her last two runs when she was badly bloked for a run in both races and she still hasn't got out! She probably should have won both of them the way she was going. The big question on Saturday will be if she can see out the 1600m which she is taking on for the first time. Trainer Chris Waller is very confident that the distance will not be a problem and he believes with some luck during the run this time, she will win despite her big weight. We have booked Nash Rawiller for the ride on Saturday. Nash has ridden her three times before for two wins and a very close second!

Triple Crown's second runner will be African Prince (Johannesburg ex Donna Amata) in Race 7 over 1800m. African Prince who is usually very tough and consistent from race to race put in a shocker last start and finished out the back and was the first horse beaten which is most unlike him. He has done this once before in his career however in his next start he ran to his usual form again and finished 2nd by a head at Royal Randwick over 2000m. It it may pay to forget his last run because on his usual form he will be a good winning chance and we expect him with Tommy Berry on board to be fighting out the finish.

Royal Randwick is a track where we seem to have a lot of success, so let's hope this continues on Saturday.

Pedigrees, Pedigrees And More Pedigrees

Triple Crown's Chris & Mike Ward will have their heads buried in pedigrees for the foreseeable future. With the catelogues for the first few sales of 2010 on their desk, it means both Chris and Mike have literally thousands of pedigrees to sift through and research for the upcoming yearling sales.

This is a time of year we all love. The search has well and truly begun for the next Triple Crown racetrack star!

"It's a long process researching these pedigrees and this all happens before we get to the physical inspections. It's very time consuming but it is also critical in finding those families and pedigree crosses that bring success on the track for our clients. Once we identify the genetically potent pedigrees we then start the phsyical inspections to find those horses with the best conformation and athleticism" says Mike Ward.

As they say - "Success needs to be planned for."

Dragon Dance Ready To Breath Fire

Triple Crown Syndications' Dragon Dance (Danehill Dancer ex Ceremonial Event) will step out in Race 7 this Sunday at Hawkesbury. Now that he is up to the more suitable 2000m he has shown by his last outing at Kembla Grange that he will be a serious threat this weekend. Trainer Guy Walter couldn't be happier with his work and condition leading into this race. Dragon Dance has drawn poorly in barrier 13 which could make things tricky however we feel he will be a good each way chance.

More Than Sassy Is More Than Pleasing

Triple Crown Syndications' More Than Sassy (More Than Ready ex Dawn Grace) stepped out for her first ever trial at Rosehill. This is a filly we have given plenty of time to and we believe we are about to reap the rewards for that patience. More Than Sassy jumped from the barriers like a bullet and show tremendous early speed to take control of the trial. She stayed in front for the duration and won the trial under her own steam. Once she got to the front she didn't know what to do as she was looking around everywhere and showing her inexperience, however this also shows there is a lot of improvement in her once the penny drops with further experience. Given this is only her first time in work she has just given us a very encouraging glimpse of what lays ahead. She is likley to have another 1-2 trials before being ready for the races.

Saturday's Runners

Triple Crown Syndications will be represented by two runners on Saturday. Firstly the talented African Prince (Johannesburg ex Donna Amata) will line up in Race 7 at Rosehill over 1800m. The 1800m second up is a hugh task however trainer Chris Waller is confident his fitness will be up to the mark. African Prince has drawn barrier 8 of 13 and we have secured the services of Corey Brown (who has jumped off a last start winner, Relentlass Lad, to stick with us). Subject to the obvious question mark over fitness, we are confident African Prince will prove hard to beat.

Our second runner is the metropolitan winning Dragon Dance (Danehill Dancer ex Ceremonial Event). He will take part in Race 8 at Kembla Grange over 2000m. Trainer Guy Walter is running him for the first time over 2000m which he feels he will appreciate. Dragon Dance has drawn barrier 6 of 12, has  Blake Spriggs on board and has been alotted the top weight by the handicapper. Guy has been preparing him this preperation to get over ground and become a stayer and we will find out on Saturday if this plan is to work out or not. Until he is tried over this sort of distance we will not know for sure.

Miss Independent set to break through $400,000 in prizemoney

When Triple Crown Syndications' Miss Independent steps out in Race 7 at Rosehill tomorrow she will only have to finish in the first eight to take her total career earnings through the $400,000 mark, with her currently sitting on $399,305. Miss Independent has given her owners a terrific ride to date and it isn't about to stop anytime soon. We are expecting her to show improvement tomorrow 2nd up after finishing 3rd in her first race this campaign which came up on her a little quicker than ideal, after only having the one trial. An each-way chance in a competitive field.

Also stepping out for Triple Crown at Rosehill tomorrow will be multiple city winner African Prince who will be resuming over 1500m. Obviously first up over this distance will be challenging and there is no doubt he will improve from the run, however there is no tougher horse than African Prince and don't be surprised to see him run a cheeky race fresh!

Triple Crown Syndications will also be represented by two runners at Kembla Grange. Tennessee Flyer is expected to run a nice race after failing to see out the 1400m distance at his first attempt last start. He has drawn well and has in-form non-claiming apprentice Brenton Avdulla on board so we expect him to be very competitive in this race. While Celero will be resuming in a 1000m sprint after being given a freshen up. Being a full brother to Group 3 winner Deer Valley, this gelding is similarly talented but has had a number of issues to contend with, not the least being what goes on inside his head! If Celero runs up to his ability it would not surprise to see him put paid to this lot, despite the inclusion of a couple of city winners in the small field. Although if you are thinking of punting be warned that you should expect the unexpected with him!

We wish all of our valued owners with horses racing tomorrow the best of luck and as usual the entire Triple Crown team of owners will be cheering your horses home.

Reine de Jeu Notches Up Another Win!

The flag was flown for the team of Triple Crown Syndications owners on the weekend by Reine de Jeu and Chavira at Kembla Grange on Saturday and Merci Grand at Newcastle on Sunday with all three finishing in the placings and adding to their prizemoney tallies.

The highlight was Reine de Jeu's win. She is a mare with a good deal of ability but like a lot of her breed has a few tricks up her sleeve. After settling at the tail of the field on Saturday she again gave a display of her trickery when her apprentice jockey Adam Hyeronimus tried to chart a course between runners in the straight. With Reine de Jeu refusing to take the gaps Adam abruptly checked her and shifted her to the extreme outside of the field in the last 100m where once balanced up again she flew down the outside sprouting wings to go from back in the pack to finish all over the top of them in blistering fashion for an impressive win.

Meanwhile, the "punters pals" Chavira and Merci Grand continued on their consistent way both finishing third in their respective races. Both horses have finished in the top three on each occasion they have raced on non-rain affected tracks (except when Merci Grand was caught up in a nasty race fall at her previous start).  

Paul Goode Luncheon

What a great afternoon we all had at Paul Goode's Luncheon this afternoon at Royal Randwick. Paul was left a paraplegic after a serious race fall but it was fantastic to not only see how much support he has from the racing fraternity but also to witness his amazing strength of character in dealing with his condition.

We would very much to like thank our clients and friends who joined us on the Triple Crown Bloodstock table and supported Paul. We had a great mix of people and it was a most enjoyable afternoon. A big thank you to Ross Pulvirenti (Miss Independent) who not only proved lucky in winning a terrific new plasma tv but also won the auction for and advertising package with TVN & SKY channel.

The highlight of the afternoon was without doubt the moment Paul proposed to his lovely partner Cath Hill. The answer was YES! Congratulations to Paul & Cath and we wish you every happiness together.

Weekend Runners

Triple Crown Syndications will be represented on Saturday by Miss Independent (Choisir ex Bomba) and Arabica (Danzero ex Coffee Delight).

The classy 4yo mare Miss Independent resumes on Saturday at Royal Randwick over 1200m for fillies and mares. She trialled well as usual and will head to the races with just the one trial under her belt. We have drawn barrier 1 and have Mitch Beadman engaged for the ride who will claim his 2kgs to get Miss Independent down to 55.5kgs. She has returned in good condition and we expext a very competitive first up run.

Arabica will be lining up in the 1400m for fillies and mares at Newcastle. She has drawn well in barrier 3 and has Brett Poulus on board. Arabica will continue her education to set her up for next preperation and look for her finishing strongly in the concluding stages.

Shocking Wins The 2009 Melbourne Cup

news.com.au

SHOCKING ridden by Corey Brown has won the 2009 Melbourne Cup. Crime Scene came second, followed by Mourilyan.

A spokesperson for TabCorp said at 1.30pm (AEDT) $35.1 million had been wagered on the race in New South Wales and $24.7 million in Victoria.

Bart Cummings horse Viewed had been the favourite to win his second Melbourne Cup and give the trainer his 13th victory.

The Sydney-based Brown said winning the Cup was a dream come true. He rode Bauer last year and was beaten by a nose by Viewed in a photo finish.

"Last year was very disappointing but I've got it," Brown said today. "I've finally won the Melbourne Cup. My dream has come true, I can't describe it, it's unbelievable. Great job (trainer) Mark Kavanagh and the horse, he travelled three deep with no cover, I know he had the light weight but he toughed it out so well."

Kavanagh said of Shocking: "His preparation was timed to perfection and he came right at the right time. "I didn't expect to win it. It hasn't sunk in yet."

Alcopop Fit As A Fiddle

Racing and Sports

Part owner of Alcopop, John Kelton, won't have a cent riding on his horse in tomorrow's Emirates Melbourne Cup but won't be lamenting if the rising star wins.
As much as 660/1 was traded on Betfair for Alcopop   to win the Melbourne Cup who now sits at $5.90 to win tomorrow's $5.5 million race.

Kelton, a South Australian professional punter, hasn't tried Alcopop pre-post although has backed him along the way in his four wins from as many start this campaign.

But with so much prizemoney on the line tomorrow, and being involved in the breeding of the gelding and some more of the family, Kelton will be just happy to see him run up to his best in the Flemington feature.

“I haven't had a cent on him to win the Cup and I've missed the chance now,” Kelton told Racing And Sports from today's call of the card.

“Along the way he's had to win every start and he's had to cop two penalties just to get into the field as well. So it was always going to be a long shot.

“I've been involved with his breeding and the dam and I'm a part owner so if he were to win the Melbourne Cup tomorrow I won't be crying about missing out on some big odds.”

Kelton, whose nicknames include The Eagle and Brains, is used to running his eye over the condition of horses in the mounting yard and with Alcopop he couldn't be happier.

There's been plenty of discussion about the preparation, or lack thereof, for the second favourite having not raced since the Herbert Power Stakes (pictured) but Kelton and his fellow owners are delighted at the way in which young trainer Jake Stephens has handled the horse's spring campaign.

“I went and saw him last night and he's the fittest he's ever looked. He's very healthy and very relaxed and has only just dropped his coat.

“People have talked about his lack of a run since his last win but I can assure you he's done enough work. He's done all sorts of things and a lot of long slow work which he enjoys.

“Jake spends 24 hours a day with this horse and knows him backwards. He's done an excellent job so far so why would we change that?”

Kelton doesn't rate the internationals this year and believes there are very few genuine winning chances in the race, those being Alcopop, of course, along with Viewed and Shocking, and lesser hopes to Roman Emperor and Master O'Reilly.

“I'd be disappointed if he didn't run a place.”

Unhappy Memory Hurts Pride

By Ray Thomas

The last time Vision And Power trainer Joe Pride had a runner on Cox Plate day at Moonee Valley it endured an embarrassing identity crisis, copped severe race interference and nearly created an international incident.

It was three years ago and Pride's former top sprinter Red Oog was contesting the Group Two Schweppes Stakes (1000m). Red Oog was nearly knocked down when eventual winner California Dane, ridden by Irish jockey Kieren Fallon, shifted in abruptly soon after the start.

"At the stewards' inquiry after the race, the steward introduced me as Joe Pride, trainer of Red Dog,'' he recalled. "After everything that had happened in the race, I thought `oh no, I'm out of my league here'.''

Fallon was subsequently suspended for causing the interference to Red Oog, but a surprisingly lenient penalty did not prevent him from riding favourite Yeats in the Melbourne Cup just 10 days later. The pair finished unplaced behind Delta Blues.

At Moonee Valley tomorrow, Pride is hoping things go a little more smoothly for Vision And Power, which is one of the main chances in the $3million Cox Plate (2040m).

Vision And Power is owned by Nick Moraitis, who is no stranger to Cox Plate success. He won the race with the legendary Might And Power in 1998, and the image of Moraitis running almost as fast as his great champ along the Moonee Valley home straight, arms waving exuberantly to the crowd, is one of the sport's most famous scenes in the modern era.

Moraitis has not had a runner in the Cox Plate since that memorable win, but he is looking forward to returning to Moonee Valley for Vision And Power's attempt to win the nation's weight-for-age championship.

"I just thank God we are in with a chance to win this race again,'' Moraitis said. "I really can't believe we are going back to Moonee Valley a decade after Might And Power. I think the good Lord is with us too. I was speaking with Joe (Pride) before the barrier draw earlier in the week and my trainer said he wanted to draw three, four or five.

"Joe had the choice of barriers and elected to go with four.''

Unlike the hype that surrounded Might And Power's Cox Plate bid 11 years ago, Moraitis's Vision And Power has "slipped under the radar'' in the build-up to tomorrow's race. And Pride wouldn't have it any other way. "It's good, I prefer to be out of sight, out of mind,'' he added. "We didn't bother going to Moonee Valley on Tuesday for trackwork. Instead, Vision And Power had a gallop at Flemington at 4.30am under the cover of darkness. No media, no hype.''

Vision And Power is no stranger to Moonee Valley, having won a race there as a three-year-old four years ago. It was the gelding's only win in 19 starts in his first two years of racing.

"I nearly sold the horse,'' Moraitis recalled. "But I decided to give him one more chance, sent him to Sydney and gave him to Joe Pride to train. Joe has done a remarkable job with this horse.''

Vision And Power won at his third and fifth starts for Pride in January last year and raced consistently in moderate grade through the year. Two more wins in December were encouraging but not indicative of the form surge Vision And Power has undertaken this year. The tough gelding won five of his six starts over summer, culminating with the Listed Parramatta Cup.

Pride was astounded Vision And Power could win a stakes race, but the best was yet to come. The trainer decided to give the gelding his chance in the Group One Chipping Norton Stakes next and it took outstanding mare Tuesday Joy to run him down that day.

Suddenly, Pride dared to dream. He aimed Vision And Power at the George Ryder Stakes-Doncaster Mile double and the most improved racehorse in training won both Group One races, defeating Black Piranha each time.

Vision And Power has only been placed once in six weight-for-age starts since, but Pride is convinced the seven-year-old is ready to strike peak form tomorrow. Pride took a lot of confidence out of Vision And Power's closing third behind Cox Plate favourites Whobegotyou and Heart Of Dreams in the Yalumba Stakes last start.

"He was closing late which was good to see,'' Pride said. "When this horse is in form that is how he races, finishing hard and running over the top of them. "Once he does strike form he tends to hold it so it was very encouraging to see him do that. He did feel the hard track a bit at Caulfield but we have a routine now to get him through it and he's fine.''

Pride said he deliberately structured Vision And Power's spring preparation around the Cox Plate. "You need to have a horse with fresh legs coming into the Melbourne spring,'' the trainer said. "I don't think you can have a horse running through the Sydney spring in top form and then expect him to do the same in Melbourne."

"The horse has to peak in Melbourne because the competition is so tough here during the spring. I'm confident Vision And Power is peaking for the Cox Plate. We have set him for the race.'' Joe Pride added

Triple Crown Syndications Hoofnote: Good luck Joe, Nick & Vision And Power!

Tatts Cox Plate - A Pedigree Perspective

By David Bay

The Sadler’s Wells sire line has the ‘whip hand” in Saturday’s $3m Cox Plate-Gr.1, with five of the 14 runners being male line descendants of Britain’s 14-times Champion Sire and the favourite Whobegotyou being out of a mare by Carnegie, an Arc-winning son of the sire. In addition, Fairy King, the once-raced brother of Sadler’s Wells (Northern Dancer-Fairy Bridge by Bold Reason), has two representatives in Road to Rock (ex Trewornan by Midyan) and Manhattan Rain (ex Shantha’s Choice by Canny Lad), both by that horse’s son and current Australian Champion Sire Encosta de Lago.

The Sadler’s Wells male-line descendants in the 2040m Plate are Vision and Power (Carnegie-Escada by Centaine), Nom du Jeu (Montjeu-Prized Gem by Prized), Scenic Shot (Scenic-Sweepshot by Dr Grace), Speed Gifted (Montjeu-Good Standing by Distant View) and So You Think (High Chaparral-Triassic by Tights).

Whobegotyou (Street Cry-Temple of Peace by Carnegie) and Black Piranha (Clang-Jazztrack by Distinctly North) fly the flag for the Mr. Prospector male line while El Segundo (Pins-Palos Verdes by Oak Ridge) represents the line established at Widden Stud by Dewhurst Stakes winner Lunchtime (a grandson of Tom Fool).

The Danzig branch of the Northern Dancer male line is represented by Zipping (Danehill-Social Scene by Grand Lodge). He has has a double cross of Danzig via sons Danehill and Chief’s Crown; Sir Slick (Volksraad-Miss Opera by Paris Opera) and Rock Kingdom (Rock of Gibraltar-Happy Empress by St Covet) while the sole Star Kingdom male line representative is Heart of Dreams (Show a Heart-Academy of Dreams by Royal Academy) – although several of the runners feature Star Kingdom on the distaff side of their pedigrees. They are Manhattan Rain (Canny Lad), Vision and Power (Todman), Black Piranha (Kaoru Star, Todman), El Segundo (Kaoru Star, Biscay), Sir Slick (Biscay and Dark Jewel) and Rock Kingdom (Kaoru Star).

Road to Rock’s pedigree features a 4fx4m cross of Mr. Prospector; Manhattan Rain has Northern Dancer 3mx4m and Sir Ivor 5fx4f; Vision and Power is inbred to Bold Reason (4fx4m) and Lalun (5m,5mx5m); Nom du Jeu has Hail to Reason 5mx5m,5f; Scenic Shot has no inbreeding in his five generation pedigree; Speed Gifted is 3mx4m to Northern Dancer and 5fx5m to Native Dancer; So You Think is 3mx4m to Northern Dancer; Whobegotyou has Mr. Prospector 3mx4f, Natalma 5fx5m and Riverman, 4fx4f; Black Piranha has no inbreeding; El Segundo is 4mx5m to Star Kingdom; Zipping has Danzig 2mx4m; Sir Slick has Never Bend 5fx5m; Rock Kingdom has no inbreeding and Heart of Dreams has Nijinsky 4fx3.

Weekend Wrap Up

Chavira ran a gallant race on Saturday to finish a close third after finding the slow pace of the race not to his liking. As a result he was forced to sit in a more forward position than we would have preferred and as a result he wasn't able to hit the line as hard as usual. The swoopers came late and Chavira finished a close 3rd.

Dragon Dance returned to the races at Gosford on Sunday and has commenced this campaign quite well over the unsuitable distance of 1200m. After sitting back off the speed and giving the leaders approximately 8 lengths coming to the final bend he finished off strongly to finish a credible 5th by just over 2 lengths after hesitating a couple of times in the straight when crowded for room.

Patronyme loomed up and looked the winner in the Listed Belle Of The Turf stakes however the extra distance (up to the mile) and a little tougher than expected run saw her weaken in the concluding stages to finish 6th by about 1.5 lengths. This was the first time in her career that Patronyme has ever finished outside of the placings. We learnt that the 1600m is a touch far for her and the 1400m is her ideal distance moving forward. Patronyme will now head to the paddock for a well earned rest with a career record of 10 Starts for 4 Wins, 3 Seconds and 2 Thirds (including 2 stakes placings to boot). We have a very exciting Autumn campaign to look forward to with Patronyme.

Triple Crown Runners

Triple Crown Syndications will be represented by two runners at Gosford's feature race meeting this Sunday.

Our multiple stakes placed mare Patronyme (More Than Ready ex Descendent) will line up in the feature race, the Listed Belle Of The Turf Stakes over 1600m. This will be her first time racing over 1600m but she has drawn well with barrier 4 and we have booked Hugh Bowman to ride her. Patronyme will no doubt go into this race as favourite again but this is justified given her ultra consistent form. We believe she will be the one to beat.

Our second runner will be the metropolitan winner Dragon Dance (Danehill Dancer ex Ceremonial Event) in a Class 2 over 1200m. He will be looking for much further distance (1600m - 2000m) however this will be a nice race for him to resume in. As long as it is not a sit and sprint affair we would like to see him finishing strongly over the concluding stages.

Chavira Back To His Winning Track

Chavira (Filante ex Frontier Girl) will return to Newcastle on Saturday, where he won two starts back. With the weather looking good and the track currently rated a Good 3, Triple Crown's Chavira should again be running a very competitive race. He's worked well during the week so look for him finishing strongly to claim a top three placing.

Destiny Express Trials Terrific

Platinum Racing
By Gary Knight

DESTINY EXPRESS' (Triple Crown Syndications' Testa Rossa ex Shoot The Stars) second campaign commenced today with a sterling effort at today's Rosehill barrier trials where he finished second, beaten a half head by Flight Command in the very good time of 54.50 - the third fastest of the morning.

The trial delighted both trainer Chris Waller and jockey Jeff Penza. After sharing the lead with Flight Command (who had finished second to Hus Der Lieften at Rosehill last camapign) to the home turn, Destiny Express and Flight Command simply gapped a very smart field which included Randwick winner Danza King, and they beat the third horse by six lengths.

This horse showed a good deal of ability last time in but was plagued by wet tracks and struck a very heavy track at his only start which Penza said he would not let down on.

Chris will monitor his condition and how he pulls up after the trial and then decide whether to proceed to the races or give the horse another trial.

Randwick Runners

Reine de Jeu (Anabaa ex Quiz Queen) will be the only runner representing Triple Crown Syndications today at Royal Randwick. She will be stepping up to the 1400m after a very nice trial last week finishing a close 2nd behind Modonna. The blinkers will go back on and Gerald Ryan has applied a tongue control bit for this race as she has a habit of getting her tongue out and over the bit (and has resented the tongue tie in her last couple of starts). Reine de Jeu does not really like any moisture in the track so let's hope the track keeps drying and the forcasted rain holds off. We expect her to be hitting the line strongly.

Canterbury Runners

Triple Crown Syndications will be represented by two runners at Canterbury today. First is the classy David Payne trained galloper, Prerequisite (Charge Forward ex Trail Of Gold). She has drawn well for once with an inside barrier and looks very hard to beat over the 1200m. She is a very good each way chance. Our second runner is the last start winner, Chavira (Filante ex Frontier Girl). Unfortunately the heavens have opened up and the track is now rated a Heavy. Chavira does not handle the wet conditions at all and we were hoping for a dry track. However given it's not a big field after the scratchings trainer Chris Waller opted to run him anyway as we were likely to encounter a wet track in his back up race as well. This run will help keep his fitness up for his subsequent runs.

Stream Crosser Wins Again

Triple Crown Syndications' Stream Crosser won a nail biting finish on Sunday at Cootamundra over 1600m. This was another well deserved win for such a consistent horse. This was Stream Crosser's thrid win this preperation and fourth career victory. Congratulations to all of his excited owners!

Patronyme Earns More Black Type

Triple Crown Syndications' Patronyme ran yet another terriffic race on Saturday at Royal Randwick on Epsom Day. It was a very high quality Angst Stakes field and Patronyme hit the lead with about 150m to go only to be nailed late by the Illuminates who was using the outside 'fast lane' hard up against the outside rail to its full advantage. Patronyme finished a very close second and further enhanced her residual value for her owners with some more black type.

Triple Crown's Super Saturday

It will be a huge day out at Royal Randwick on Saturday which has been billed as 'Super Saturday' thanks to the outstanding races set to be staged with most of Sydney's elite racehorses taking part. Triple Crown Syndications will be represented by Patronyme in the Listed Angst Stakes over 1400m.

This years edition of the Angst Stakes looks to be the strongest for many years. It's a high quality field with plenty of depth. Thankfully Patronyme has drawn well this week with barrier 3 and we have secured leading jockey Corey Brown for the ride. We are very happy with her progress from her impressive 2nd in the Tibbie and again expect she will be a good each way chance on Saturday in what will be a very hotly contested race. If she can pick up a stakes win for her owners, it certainly will be a 'Super Saturday'.

Making A Dream A Reality

Michael & Chris,

Great result on Saturday...Thanks for making a dream a reality. I could not make it to Newcastle - little Athletics etc, but watched the race at home with the family and we all gave a huge cheer at the 100mtrs....thanks again for a great experience.

Best regards,

Greg Teagle

Chavira Posts A Courageous Win

Chavira (Filante ex Frontier Girl) won at Newcastle on Saturday for Triple Crown Syndications and their owners. Chavira won his race over 1500m after being forced to sit 3-4 horse wide throughout. After a torrid run still managed to find plnety and charge home for an exciting win just in the nick of time. Congratulations to all of his owners!

Triple Crown's other runners on the day also perfomed well with the exception of Celero (Lonhro ex Danislew) who dissapointed and has since been sent to the paddock after pulling up very flat. Arabica (Danzero ex Coffee Delight) put in a very encouraging run in her first career start, finishing a very close 2nd in a competitive race in which our other runner Merci Grand (Choisir ex Thanksgiving) finished 3rd just a nose behind.

Saturday's Runners

The Triple Crown Syndications team heads to Newcastle on Saturday with four runners.

Celero (Lonhro ex Danislew) will line up in Race 3. He has drawn well in a smaller field and has the reliable Jeff Penza on board. He should be a good each way chance.

Race 5 has two Triple Crown runners with last start 2nd place getter, Merci Grand (Mitch Beadman) and first starter Arabica (Jon Grisedale). Merci Grand (Choisir ex Thanksgiving) has drawn better this week in barrier 5 and looks well placed in this race as a good each way chance. Arabica (Danzero ex Coffee Delight) has also drawn well however she is only going around for education. She won't be ready until next preperation when she'll be mature enough for a more serious campaign.

Chavira (Filante ex Frontier Girl) lines up in Race 7 over 1500m. Mitch Beadman is booked for the ride and as such will be able to claim 1.5kg against his heavy weight of 57.5kg. He is a last start placegetter and despite the wide barrier should also be a strong each way chance on Saturday.

Patronyme Earns Black Type Status

Triple Crown Syndications' exciting mare Patronyme (More Than Ready ex Descendent) ran another terrific race yesterday in the Listed Tibbie Plate over 1400m. After jumping from the wide barrier Patronyme had to do a bit work early to get across and found herself sitting just in behind the in-form Moti. Upon entering the straight Patronyme tried her heart out to peg back Moti who proved a little too strong for her on the day. Patronyme finished a close 2nd behind Moti in a high quality race run in a very smart time just outside the race record. Congratulations to Patronyme's owners who have now received some valuable black type to her pedigree.

Triple Crown Wins Gr.3 Spring Stakes (Well Almost!)

Triple Crown Syndications watched on with mixed emotions when Lovemelikearock took out the Group 3 MGA Insurance Brokers Spring Stakes at Newcastle on Wednesday. Just 17 months ago Triple Crown identified the daughter of Fastnet Rock as a potential top liner after inspecting the filly at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. With a strong conviction in our proven selection process Michael & Chris Ward entered the sales ring and kicked off the bidding. After a spirited bidding duel the auctioneer’s hammer finally came down in favour of Triple Crown and we began to celebrate as the Inglis staffer was handing us the paperwork to sign. However our celebrations turned out to be short lived as Anthony Cummings disputed the sale with the auctioneer as he wanted another crack and as the horse had not quite left the sales ring Anthony was judged technically entitled to have the horse turned around and the bidding re-opened. In the end Anthony was able to land the killer blow in Round 2 and the rest is history as they say with the filly now a Group 3 winner with a couple of Group placings on her resume. We wish continued success to Anthony and her owners as we follow her career with great interest (albeit with a tinge of sadness for the one that got away).

Patronyme Steps Up To Stakes Level

Triple Crown Syndications' exciting mare Patronyme (More Than Ready ex Descendant) will be looking to increase her winning record of 4 wins from 7 starts in the Listed Tibbie Plate at Newcastle tomorrow. Her main competitors have all drawn very well in the inside gates whilst Patronyme has drawn a little further out in barrier 8. Jim 'The Pumper' Cassidy is booked to ride and we couldn't be happier with her leading into this race. We have kept raising the bar for her and she keeps meeting those challangers and we expect tomorrow to be no different. In this classy field we believe she is again a strong each way chance. Good luck to her excitied owners!

Patronyme Takes Long Road To Big Time

The Sportsman
By Shayne O'Cass

Imagine your horse wins its first start in a race in town by a big margin in fast time.

Champion jockey Darren Beadman comes back and tells you that you've got a good one - "bomb proof" he says.

Exciting.

But then, heartbreak. Your horse gets injured in a freak accident and needs two years off. That's the brief history of Patronyme who, having cleared every hurdle placed in front of her, finally gets her long awaited crack in the big time.

The Joseph Pride trained mare makes her stakes race debut in tomorrow's Tibbie Plate at Newcastle - and to say she has earned her place in the field is pure understatement.

"She has a lot of courage and is a very brave mare to have done what she's done with all that she's been through," Triple Crown Syndications managing owner Chris Ward said.

Patronyme was spelled after her opening triumph but the break was stretched to in an ordinate length due to a nasty accident. "When she came back into pre-training for her next preparation she was kicked in the tendon sheath, or she banged herself on a door, we're not really sure,'' Ward explained. "But it took sometime to get right. She did come back for a trial but it flared up again.''

Surgery was decided as the best option and after a successful recovery at Muskoka Farms, Patronyme hasn't missed a beat or a place.
"She's not so much a day-to-day propsition but it's always in the back of the mind." Ward said. "She has come through her last run really well and is still on the up.''

While punters may have doubted Patronyme's ability to run a strong 1400m, she had no trouble leading throughout to score at Randwick earlier this month.
"The beauty of her is that she has tactical speed so she can be placed anywhere,'' says Ward, "she can be leading or take a sit and she's got a turn of foot. She is definately not one-dimensional.''

Ward rates Patronyme as potenetially the best of the current crop of Triple Crown Syndicate horses, a herd which also includes Prerequisite, African Prince and the Inglis Classic winner, Miss Independent.

Patronyme, or 'Apache Pat' as he is known around the stable, was a $70,000 Magic Millions buy. It's advertisements like these, that has new owners entering the sport despite the present economic conditions. "We've certainly noticed (business) picking up in recent months. We've had a fabulous year with our horses and coupled with the improving economy, it's very pleasing to see."

Agreement Reached On Use Of Whips

The Australian Racing Board and the Australian Jockeys Association have reached agreement on future application of the rules which govern use of the whip. Under the existing rules that became effective as of 1st August 2009, riders are allowed to use padded whips in a forehand manner no more than 7 times in the last 100 metres of the race but not in consecutive strides.

Under the agreement arrived at today, riders remain limited to 7 forehand strikes in the last 100 metres but are given discretion when to use these. “This outcome achieves everything that is important to us so far as both safety of riders and the welfare of horses are concerned. It significant to note that it received the unanimous support of the AJA members in a national phone hook-up conducted this morning," said Bob Bentley, chairman of the ARB. "Damien Oliver’s ride on Vigor in the Makybe Diva Stakes on 5th September at Flemington provides a good illustration of how the variation will work. From an animal welfare point of view the ARB’s objectives are still achieved in full – the level of use of the padded whip remains unchanged. At the same time the safety concerns of jockeys are also addressed. They are given an appropriate range of discretion as to how they use the whip in the finishing stages of a race.”

The Australian Racing Board and the Australian Jockeys Association have also agreed that a review of the penalties that are imposed for breaches of the whip rule is required and has appointed a panel to be chaired by The Hon Michael Duffy to address this matter. Mr Duffy’s panel will also address the integrity concerns that have been aired amongst industry stakeholders where the use of the whip in a close finish raises issues of either unfair advantage or non-performance.

“The Board believes that it is extremely important that all of the relevant industry stakeholders in particular, owners, trainers, punters and breeders are fully consulted on these concerns," said Mr Bentley. "To this end, Michael Duffy’s panel will be holding sessions in Melbourne on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009 to receive first-hand the views of representatives of industry stakeholder groups and their suggestions on potential means of addressing these matters.”

The date of implementation of the changes to AR.137(a)(5) concerning the use of the whip in the last 100 metres of a race has been provisionally set down for Saturday, 26th September 2009, with the date of effect to be ultimately determined in light of the results of the work of the integrity panel.

Stream Crosser Wins Again

Triple Crown Syndications' Stream Crosser won in impressive style yesterday at Gundagai. He has now notched up three wins and five minor placings for his happy owners. The Viscount gelding has been in very consistent form and trainer, Nick Olive has done a fantastic job with him. Furthermore his jockey Richard Bensley has been displaying incredible consistency of 'text book' rides on Stream Crosser. Congratulations to all of his excited owners!

Jockey's Back Riding - In Good Faith

Racenet
Clinton Payne
 
Australia’s jockeys will be back riding around the country this weekend but further industrial action is likely to resume on Monday. Jockeys at Hawkesbury, Ballarat, Ipswich and Northam staged a walkout on Thursday after the Australian Racing Board (ARB) refused to make changes to its controversial whip rules.
A telephone conference on Thursday night between the Australian Jockeys' Association (AJA) and racing administers saved Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes day at Moonee Valley and Theo Marks Stakes day at Rosehill.

The AJA described the decision to send their members back to the races on Friday as a “show of good faith” but unless the matter is resolved by Monday then “jockeys will not ride in races thereafter”.

Patronyme Demolishes Her Rivals

Triple Crown Syndications had yet another impressive winner on Saturday at Royal Randwick in the form of Patronyme (More Than Ready ex Descendent). She has now had 7 race starts for 4 wins, 1 second and 2 thirds and has already amassed prizemoney of $129,950.

Patronyme jumped from the barriers like a gazelle and immediately took up the running. Apprentice Tommy Berry rated her beautifully in front and when he asked Patronyme to go in the straight, she responded by kicking clear and never being under pressure in the run to the line. Tommy had the luxury of riding her hands and heels to win by 1.3 lengths over the very talented stakes winner Drumbeats.

Patronyme won in a new Class Record time of 1:22.06 and Tommy commented after the race that he "never took the handbrake off."

Patronyme will now be targeted at the Listed Tibbie Stakes at Newcastle on 17th of September over 1400m.
 

Patronyme Goes The Distance

Vinery Stud Release

Flashy mare Patronyme removed any doubt of her ability to stretch her natural pace beyond the sprints with an all-the-way win over 1400m at Randwick today.

Punters put their faith in the More Than Ready mare sending her out as the $3.80 favourite despite the presence of some stakes-performers in the field.
 
Perfectly rated by Tommy Berry, Patronyme ground her rivals into submission with a solid display of sustained speed.
 
Her time of 1:22.06 was a new class record.
 
Patronyme's latest win was the fourth in her seven start career and opens the way for a crack at stakes level in her coming starts.

In-Form Trainer Ready To Dominate

By Ray Thomas
The Daily Telegraph

Trainer David Payne is usually a major player on Chelmsford Stakes Day at Royal Randwick. Payne has won the feature weight-for-age race three times in the past five years with Gallant Tess (2008), Nevis (2005) and Unearthly (2004). But although the trainer doesn’t have a runner in the Chelmsford today, his stable could still dominate the meeting.

Payne is saddling up five fillies — Magic Model, Elucidation, Prerequisite, Chordata, More Valour — in the Group Two Furious Stakes (1400m). Plus he’s a chance of leading in a stakes race treble with promising More Than Great in the Listed Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) and in-form Centennial Park is one of the main chances in a very open Group Three Tramway Handicap (1400m).
‘‘We have had some success at this meeting and let’s hope it can continue,’’ Payne said. ‘‘We’ve got a good team going to the races [today].’’

Payne believes there is little separating his five Furious Stakes runners. ‘‘They are all in with a chance,’’ he said. ‘‘Magic Model is a silly price ($71), Elucidation is getting ready for the Gloaming Stakes, Prerequisite ran a nice race in the Silver Shadow and is better suited at 1400m, Chordata is in winning form and More Valour defeated Little Surfer Girl last start.
‘‘But I am worried about Melito, she looks the one to beat. She’s a top filly and has drawn the right barrier.’’

Prerequisite, a $100,000 Magic Millions Yearling Sale purchase, is another good advertisement for Michael and Chris Ward’s Triple Crown Syndications business.

The Triple Crown horses such as Prerequisite, Patronyme (After Party At Fringe Bar Handicap), African Prince and Miss Independent, have built a remarkably consistent record this calendar year, winning six city races and finishing in the minor placings 17 times — giving the syndicate the proud achievement of finishing in the first three placings more than any other syndicator.

‘‘The consistency of our horses’ performances is very satisfying as we put in a lot of time and are very meticulous with our management of their racing careers,’’ Michael Ward said.

Payne’s boom colt More Than Great made emerging champ Denman work overtime in the Run To The Rose last start and is the $2.30 favourite to win the Ming Dynasty Quality.
Denman then came out and blew away a hot field in the Golden Rose last start, franking the form.

Triple Crown's Saturday Runners

The Triple Crown team of owners will be represented on Saturday at Royal Randwick with two runners, Patronyme (More Than Ready ex Descendent) and Prerequisite (Charge Forward ex Trail Of Gold).

Patronyme lines up in Race 5 for 3yo's & up over 1400m. This looks a very open race with a number of high quality runners. Patronyme is backing up from her close 2nd last Saturday at Rosehill and will be competing over the 1400m for the first time. We don't see any problems with the 1400m and we have elected to take a claim with Tommy Berry which will see her go around with 54kgs on her back. From barrier 6 you will see her racing in a prominent position during the run before kicking clear with her turn of foot in the straight and hopefully proving to be too hard to catch. We are confident of another top performance from Patronyme and she should be hard to hold out.

Prerequisite will line up in the Group 2 Furious Stakes in Race 7 for 3yo fillies over 1400m. Prerequiste ran a solid race last start when finishing midfield in the Silver Shadow Stakes. We have drawn slightly better this week with barrier 8 and again have premiership winning jockey, Hugh Bowman, in the saddle. Melito looks the one to beat here in another high quality race. Prerequisite will need a little luck from the barrier and if she receives that she could well be fighting out the finish. Expect a strong performance.

Close But No Cigar

Triple Crown Syndications' Patronyme (More Than Ready ex Descendent) ran a terrific race on Saturday at Rosehill. After jumping from her wide barrier she worked forward to take up a forward position one off the leader. After accelerating clear of the field early in the straight she was caught on the line by the talented Motspur to relegate her to 2nd position. Once she hit the front she was very exposed in the strong headwind and the winner had a nice sit in behind her and was able to peel out and get the bob in on the line. To Patronyme's credit she fought back when headed and had they been able to get another bob of the heads in before the line then she probably would have won the race. The race was won in Class Record time beating Fist Of Fury's previous class record. It was another great performance from Patronyme who's race record now stands at 6 starts for 3 wins, 1 second & 2 thirds.

A Certainty Beaten

Triple Crown Syndications' Reine de Jeu (Anabaa ex Quiz Queen) was awefully unlucky on Thursday finishing 10th of 13 albeit only 2.2. lengths behind the winner. Ridden by Corey Brown she jumped pretty well and took up a mid field position on the fence. She travelled great and after they entered the straight Corey was searching left, right and centre for an opening to go through and not even a half gap opened up for her which resulted in Reine de Jeu virtually cantering to the line with Corey standing up in the irons behind a wall of horses. There is no doubt had she had room to let down then she would have shown her customary turn of foot and whizzed past the field to victory. That's racing though and there is not much we can do now other than think of what might have been! Reine de Jeu will now be nominated to race at Canterbury in a fortnight.

Patronyme's More Than Ready To Fire

Triple Crown Syndications' Patronyme (More Than Ready ex Descendent) is all set to make it 4 wins from 6 starts (with 2 minor placings) this Saturday at Rosehill. Patronyme went into her last start win at Canterbury a little under done so she will benefit a lot from that run. We have booked Corey Brown again for the ride in what should hopefully prove to be a stepping stone into some nice stakes races in the coming weeks.

(Montage following Patronyme's Warwick Farm Victory. Courtesy of AJC ImageBank)

Reine De Jeu Returns

Triple Crown Syndications' Reine de Jeu (Anabaa ex Quiz Queen) resumes on Thursday in a fillies and mares race over 1100m at Gosford. She has drawn well in barrier 3 and we have again secured our regular jockey Corey Brown. She goes into this race without a trial under her belt however she has some residual fitness from her previous campaign after only having a short break in the paddock which should help overcome any fitness concerns. She is well placed and we believe she should run a strong race fresh. A good each-way chance.

Nice Run By Prerequisite

Prerequisite (Charge Forward ex Trail Of Gold) ran a gallant race on Saturday in the Silver Shadow Stakes Group 3 for Triple Crown Syndications and their owners. After drawing a terrible barrier she was forced to go back to the tail of the field during the run. Soon after it became evident that there was no pressure up front which was going to make it very hard for the back markers to make any ground in the straight. As it turned out Prerequisite and So Anyway were the only two horses in the back half of the field to make ground and finish in the front of the field which was no mean feat. Jockey Hugh Bowman was also pleased with the run and commented afterwards that the bad barrier certainly hindered our prospects and he now looks forward to her next race in the Group 2 Furious Stakes on Saturday week back at Royal Randwick, for which Hugh is keen to retain the ride.

Another Win Just Around The Corner

Triple Crown Syndications' talented Celero (Lonhro ex Danislew) was quite unlucky in his race on Saturday at Kembla Grange. Celero has been displaying some terrible race manners in his runs to date which as been costing him dearly and not allowing him to finish off his races. So prior to last Saturday's race the line was drawn in the sand and the decision was made that he had to be taken back to the tail of the field to teach him to settle mid race and race more generously. Once the penny drops and he learns his trade then we can start riding him differently. The only problem with this is that when he's ridden at the back we need some luck and preferably a fast pace to allow the back markers to come home over the top of the leaders. Unfortunately the pace of the race was slow (which allowed the field to come home in 33 secs over the final 600m - suiting the front runners) and Celero was hampered for a run on several occasions in the straight when trying to find clear running. Despite all this Celero managed to finish strongly and finish 1.5 lengths from the winner and more importantly he showed that he is starting to learn to settle which is encouraging. Whilst the education side of things is likely to still take a few more runs yet it shows he has another win waiting for him just around the corner.

Prerequisite Ready To Fire

Triple Crown Syndications' Prerequisite resumes tomorrow in the Group 3 Silver Shadow Stakes over 1200m. She has returned in excellent order for this campaign and her work and trials leading into this race have been eye catching. Prerequisite will go into this stakes race a strong live chance. We are very confident that she is up to this grade, however we have drawn terribly with barrier 13 of 14 which makes things a little harder so let's hope our jockey Hugh Bowman can weave some of his magic!

Good luck to all of her owners!

Family Fun

Thank you again for the continued thrill that my family and I are experiencing with Patronyme.
 
Patty, has certainly responded well to the masterful touch of Joe and his ultimate care for his horses.
 
Even though she was a bit burley with her winter coat and ran on a goat track, Patty look really well within her and showed a glimpse of what I'm sure is to come.
 
Please pass on our gratitude to Joe and his team and especially Corey for his supreme effort. Beg that man to stay aboard as she will give him that champion experience.
 
Thank you
 
The Truman's

Mossman Colts Continue To Fire

The Group 1 winning Mossman continues to show why he is regarded as one of the most promising, yet proven sires in the land. Mossman began his stud career at a boutique farm in QLD where he had limited opportunities (due to the low number of mares and the lower quality of mares available) in what was a similar start to what Encosta De Lago had in Victoria. However, just like Encosta De Lago, that didn't stop him producing results that far exceeded these limited opportunities when he produced stakes winners of the likes of Pure Energy, Our Sweet Moss, Segments, Mostang etc.

These extraordinary results didn't go unnoticed with Gerry Harvey, John Singleton etc chasing him and buying him to stand at their Hunter based Vinery Stud. Once Mossman was relocated he was finally given the opportunity that he deserved with quality books of mares. However those plans were put on hold for 1 year whilst he recovered from a severe bout of colic which nearly took his life. The following year Mossman was back in action and he has never looked back. 

It takes a few years for the resulting progeny to hit the race track, however as his results continue to show Mossman is proving an astute purchase for Harvey, Singleton and co.

Yesterday's race meeting at Royal Randwick provided further evidence with the eye-catching performances of the Chris Waller trained Triple Elegance who won the second race and Mossamine who was a certainty beaten in the third race when finishing a fast finishing 4th after being held up for a run for most of the straight. Both colts were competing in just their third career start so put them in your black books as more wins are in store for these runners as Mossman's new career at stud continues to soar.

Triple Crown Footnote: Triple Crown Syndications have recently released shares in a stryking and particularly well bred Mossman colt which we will be racing with Gerry Harvey. For more information regarding this unique opportunity click on the following link or give Chris or Mike Ward a call 02 9499 5212; getdoc/4c44e1a2-1c75-49e4-abf2-29852a4e8fc6/Mossman-ex-Lupenta.aspx


Prerequisite To Resume In The Silver Shadow

Triple Crown Syndications' last start winner Prerequisite is set to resume this Saturday at Royal Randwick in the first leg of the Princess Series, the Group 3 Silver Shadow Stakes.

We have booked the premiership winning jockey, Hugh Bowman for the ride in what looks to be a high quality race with plenty of depth.

We couldn't be happier with the way she has been working and progressing towards this race. 

Thankyou

Thankyou Michael for the good work. You and Chris gave us luck and pleasure. I am very proud to have met you.

Thankyou again,

Raymond Badran

Patronyme's Stakes Preparation On Track

Magic Millions Media Release

Patronyme took the first step of what connections are hoping is a stakes winning preparation when she scored a strong win in the Racing's Night of Champions Handicap (1100m) at Canterbury today.

A lightly raced five-year-old mare by More Than Ready, Patronyme made a winning return to the track and help boost her rating and set her up for a crack at black type.

Trainer Joseph Pride was delighted with the performance of the odds on favourite, and while her winning margin wasn't big, it was decisive.

"I think the second horse of Matthew's is a pretty good horse. She's only had the one trial, so I think we've got a bit to build on there."

Pride said the number one priority was to get black type on the race record and pedigree of Patronyme. He is confident she is up to the task.

"There's a lot of nice races coming up. It's up to me to take it one step at a time. The age she is we're not going to be messing around with her. If she's good enough we'll be going to the better races with her. The purpose of today and possibly her next start is to get her into those races by winning."

The lightly raced mare was purchased as a yearling from the Gold Coast for just $70,000 from the draft of Kitchwin Hills (as agent).

She is managed by the team from Triple Crown - a Sydney based bloodstock and syndication outfit headed by brothers Michael and Chris Ward.

"These guys are the best in the business," Pride said of team Triple Crown. "They do a great job managing their horses. They're great to deal with and I know they have a lot of happy clients."

Leading Sydney jockey Corey Brown, like Pride, suggested Patronyme would continue to improve and he was looking forward to her coming starts in better grade.

"It was a nice win," Brown said. "She was a little strong during the race today. But I think now with the edge taken off her she will go on with it," he added.

Patronyme wins again. Photo courtesy of Bradley's Photographers

Patronyme showed great fight to edge out the promising Hussenor, back on the rails, by a long head. Magic Tyson was third, another length and a quarter back.

The promising five-year-old mare is yet another classy performer sired by Vinery Stud's red hot sire sensation More Than Ready. While the Southern Halo son is the regarded as the juvenile sire of sires - with the last two Golden Slipper and Magic Millions Classic winners - his older progeny are also excelling. He also has a VRC Derby winner (Benicio) and Goodwood Handicap winner (Perfectly Ready) among his growing list of track stars.

Patronyme is the second multiple winners from two runners produced to date for the Sydney winner Descendant. A daughter of Zeditave, Descendant hails from the family of English One Thousand Guineas winner Flying Water.

If the classy young mare can graduate to a stakes winner this preparation it will make her $70,000 purchase price from the Gold Coast look an even bigger bargain.

With just five runs under her belt, Patronyme's prizemoney to date has already passed her purchase price.

Tuesday's Trialers

Triple Crown Syndications had two 3yo fillies, Prerequisite (Charge Forward ex Trail Of Gold) & Arabica (Danzero ex Coffee Delight), trial today at Rosehill.

Prerequisite trialed in super fashion. After jumping well she took up a position just behind the leader and shortly after turning for home she exploded away from her rivals to score an easy, hard held 5 length win with a further 2.3 lengths back to third.

Our jockey Corey Brown reported that he was really impressed with her effort. He said that "once we got into the straight I just gave her her head and she took off. She could have won by 10-12 lengths if it wasn't for my instructions to  give her a relatively quiet trial." Corey went on to say the "Prerequisite was easily my best trialer for the day."

Prerequisite will now head straight into the Group 3 Silver Shadow for 3yo fillies on the 22nd of August.

Arabica trialed this morning for the first time ever over 900m where she was ridden by Chris Munce. Before the trial Arabica was a little edgy around the stalls obviously not knowing what the activity was all about, however the more she walked around the more comfortable she got with the environment.

After missing the jump by 1-1½ lengths Arabica quickly picked herself up and got back up with the field and settled just behind midfield on the inside against the rail in what was an easy educational trial. Arabica's stride looked nice and she looked like a horse that will get over the middle distances in time rather than the shorter sprints.

Patronyme Wins Her Trial With Ease

Triple Crown Syndications' Patronyme trialed very impressively at Warwick Farm on Tuesday over 810m. Ridden by Corey Brown, Patronyme jumped very quickly from the barriers as she typically does and immediately assumed the lead. After they turned for home she put a gap on the rest of the runners in the matter of a few strides. The speedy Goldam was then let go and asked to chase down Patronyme however she refused to let her go past even though she was under a tight hold. Patronyme won her trial by a neck over Goldam with a further 4+ lengths back to the rest of the field. The trial was run in the very smart time of 47.8 secs over the slow rated track surface.

Trainer Joe Pride couldn't be happier with the way Patronyme has returned this preperation commenting that she is a very promising and exciting mare. With some nice stakes races targeted for this campaign, she will start off in a Ratings 75 for 3yo's & up over 1100m at Canterbury on the 12th of August to hopefully lift her rating and bank balance.

Celero Chasing Another Win

Celero will be lining up this Friday at Warwick Farm for Triple Crown Syndications and their owners in the Lansvale Handicap over 1000m for 3yo's. Celero is a very talented horse and also the most frustrating horse in our stable at the same time. He has plenty of ability however come race day he finds ways to spoil his chances. There will be an important gear change on him with the use of pacifiers for the first time. Trainer Chris Waller is hoping this will help Celero settle during the run and be less aggressive on the bit. We have booked Corey Brown for the ride and we have drawn nicley with barrier 5. To date Celero has had 4 starts for 1 win and if the 'real' Celero turns up to race on Friday then he should add another win to his name however it could just as easily go the other way. Fingers crossed!

Close But No Cigar

Triple Crown Syndications had two runners at Royal Randwick on Saturday with Miss Independent (Choisir ex Bomba) and African Prince (Johannesburg ex Donna Amata).

Miss Independent ran a terrific race on the heavy track which she is not very comfortable on. Jockey Corey Brown had her settle at the tail of the field to try and ensure she travelled well through the wet conditions and when he went to angle her out early in the straight to gain some clear running she was blocked for a run and held up a little at a crucial stage. However Corey then went to plan B which was to come through the middle of the field and hope for some luck. The gaps opened up and Miss Independent hit the line courageously for a strong 2nd placing behind her stablemate Altered Boy which snuck up on the inside to save several lenghts. Corey reported that she obviously prefers to be running on the dry tracks and she was also held up at an inconvenient stage and whilst it wouldn't have made the difference between running 1st or 2nd, she would certainly have finished much closer to the winner. Miss Independent will now head to the spelling paddock for a well deserved break. At the end of this latest preperation Miss Independent has now won her owners $392,655 plus BOBS Bonuses.

African Prince ran another gallant race finishing in 3rd place in what was his last race this preperation. With no obvious speed in tha race he was sent forward to take up the lead and from there he controlled the race.  After kicking clear early in the straight he was looking good to post another Metropolitan saturday win for his owners, however with the finishing post in sight his legs started to feel the long campaign and he started to put in some short strides as he tired with the highly spruiked Altier and Walpersdorf nabbing him just before the line. African Prince will now also head to the paddock for a good rest. At the end of this latest preperation African Prince has now won his owners $180,750 plus BOBS Bonuses.

Patronyme Sizzles

Triple Crown Syndications' 4yo mare, Patronyme (More Than Ready ex Descendent) is about to return to the trials on Tuesaday at Warwick Farm for the first time this preperation. Trainer Joe Pride has been slowly stepping up her work in preperation for her Spring campaign and has reported that he has been really impressed with her work on the training track. Joe said "she is in great condition and working even better than last time she was in."

Put the name 'Patronyme' down in your black books because she is in for a big spring.



Saturday's Runners

Triple Crown Syndications has African Prince (Johannesburg ex Donna Amata) and Miss Independent (Choisir ex Bomba) down to race at Royal Randwick this Saturday.

African Prince is lining up in Race 5, the Testa Rossa Handicap over 2000m for 3yo's Rating81. African Prince has been running in super consistent form with 2 wins and 6 minor placings from his last 10 starts. The handicapper has likewise been very consistent in alotting African Prince the top weight in each race, however this week he has been given second top weight of 57.5kgs. We have drawn well with barrier 2 which should have him well placed in the run. We anticipate that African Prince should again fight out the finish.

Miss Independent is set to line up in Race 7, the Gold Edition Handicap over 1200m for 3yo's Rating 81. Miss Independent has been performing very well and has amassed over $379,000 in prizemoney so far for her owners. Miss Independent is not really comfortable on the very wet tracks however if the track condition is not too bad then we believe she will be a good each way chance with Corey Brown on board.

Lonhro Is All The Rage At Rosehill

The Daily Telegraph

By Christian Nicolussi

LONHRO fever again struck Rosehill Gardens yesterday with the champion galloper's full- brother winning a trial and one of his undefeated sons catching the eye. Punters loved the black colt who amassed $5.8 million in prizemoney, but Lonhro is now fast gaining a reputation as a brilliant sire.

Since June 1, Lonhro has sired 19 winners in three states, including at stakes level with Custard. Darley Stud's head trainer Peter Snowden will produce another Lonhro two-year-old, Heraklion, at Randwick today.

Snowden said it was great Lonhro continued to play such a starring role at the track, long after he ran his final race in 2004 and headed to the breeding barn.

"It gives you a real buzz because the horse was held in such high regard, you're really proud when you see his progeny do so well," Snowden said.

"We identified the Lonhros early. They're a little immature early but always show ability. As they get older they get stronger.

"We've purposely held back the two-year-olds to give them time. Lonhro was the son of Octagonal, he had that same will to win, but what made him different (from Octagonal) was his turn of foot and he's put that into his stock - they've got that real ping."

Lonhro's full-brother Eighto showed that speed to come from behind to win his 900m trial. Jockey Kerrin McEvoy described Eighto as his most impressive ride of the morning and enjoyed riding all the Lonhro stock.

"I guess as an apprentice you study breeding, but when I rode in England and with breeding being a big thing over there, I've kept a close eye on it," McEvoy said. "They are a very easy breed to ride and improve with racing. As for Eighto, there's a bit of hype around him because of his bloodlines. He won on debut on the synthetic track at Geelong fairly easily, but he's a horse who is definitely going to win more races."

Eighto has been plagued by injury and had just the two starts for a win and place. Snowden said "this is the best his joints have ever been" and would soon send the rising five-year-old around.

O'Lonhro, an undefeated colt trained by John Hawkes - Lonhro's trainer - finished fourth in another trial and is destined for Group company.

Hawkes was another person happy to see Lonhro's name live on and said: "There have been a lot of changes, Darley Stud took over (Crown Lodge) and it's now a different era, but you can't take him (Lonhro) away.

"His lot will always be better at three and 3½ and that's why you're seeing winners now."

O'Lonhro, ridden by Jay Ford, will also return in the coming weeks with no set plans in place.

Triple Crown Note: Triple Crown Syndications has just recently begun offering shares in an outstanding Lonhro colt which is a half brother to the stakes winner, Deferential and is also bred on Lonhro's most successful breeding cross. For further information on this exciting opportunity you can go to our current syndications by clicking on the following link; www.triplecrown.com.au/Current-Syndications.aspx .

Triple Crown Trialers

Prerequisite (Charge Forward ex Trail Of Gold) and Celero (Lonhro ex Danislew) both trialled for Triple Crown Syndications at Rosehill on Tuesday this week.

Prerequisite ran a super trial finishing a hard held 4th. Our jockey Hugh Bowman said afterwards that he was very impressed with her effort. As he was instructed he gave her a very quiet trial and let her settle out the back during the run. In the straight she made up 4 1/2 lenghts in the blink of an eye even whilst being held together by Hugh. Hugh said she gave him a terrific feel and he believes she will be a leading contender for the upcoming Princess Series over the Spring. Prerequisite will now trial again in approximately a fortnight's time.

Celero also trialed well finishing 3rd with Corey Brown in the saddle. Corey was instructed to get Celero in amoungst the other horses during the trial as he hasn't had much experience of that in previous trials (he's typically been several lenghts in front of the rest). We wanted to use this trial as part of his education to settle and relax during the run. Corey positioned him beuatifully right in the middle of the field on the inside. Corey reported after the trial that Celero trialed well with the exception of being too aggressive during the run so we really need to teach him to settle over his next few runs so he will then be in a position to finish off his races strongly. Corey said he obviously has plenty of ability which should come to fruition once he does learn to settle.

Awkward Draw For Miss Indepenent

Miss Independent  (Choisir ex Bomba) is lining up again for Triple Crown Syndications and their owners on Saturday in the Sydney City Toyota Handicap for 3YO's over 1200m (Race 7). She has drawn poorly in barrier 10 in a competive field with a fair amount of depth. Peter Robl has been booked for the ride in what promises to be a very wet bottomless track. Miss Independent would natuarlly prefer the drier tracks but with Sydney's weather patterns of late there is no hope of receiving that. In saying that she can get through the wet tracks ok. Her work  since her last start has been at her usual high standard and she should be a good each way chance on Saturday.

Pride Predicts Bright Future For Electric Dreams

By Clinton Payne

Racenet

The outstanding run of form for Joe Pride has continued at Randwick with promising two-year-old Electric Dreams on Wednesday.

Pride has had a season to remember. He sits fourth on the Sydney trainers' premiership with 40 winners including two Group 1 features with Vision And Power.

"It's been a great season, one I'll never forget," Pride said.

The young Warwick Farm conditioner is predicting a bright future for Electric Dreams after she made a dream debut for the stable with a strong win in the Matraville Handicap over 1150m on the Kensington track. Leading all the way, Electric Dreams displayed plenty of fighting qualities to fend off a strong late charge from the Peter Snowden-trained Aultone with United Harmony doing a good job at her first start to round out the placings.

"With the wet track we rode her for speed today and I do think you'll see an even better filly when ridden quietly," Pride said. "But in saying that she's a lovely filly and I've got a good opinion of her."

Pride said there are no immediate plans for the magnificently bred daughter of Redoute's Choice from the family of Group I winners Grand Armee, Dealer Principal and Anamato.

"I think she's a carnival horse but whether that's this spring or next autumn I'm not sure yet," he said. "I'll see how she comes through today and go from there."

The placings and margins: Electric Dreams 56.5kg ($2.60) (H Bowman) defeated Aultone 57kg ($3.20) (K McEvoy) by a length with United Harmony 56.5kg ($10) (T Angland) a half length away in third place.

The time and sectionals: The overall time was 1.10.00secs and the final 600-metre sectional was run in 36.91secs.

Winner's breeding: Electric Dreams is a two-year-old filly by Redoute's Choice out of Volted In (Rory's Jester).

What they said: "She is up to better class races but just needs to learn to relax in her races which will come with time and experience. She made herself do it the whole way today so it was a good performance," winning jockey Hugh Bowman said.

Destiny Express Is No Mudlark

Triple Crown Syndications' Destiny Express (Testa Rossa ex Shoot The Stars) made his debut at Royal Randwick today in the 2yo Maiden over 1150m on a track rated a Heavy 9. Prior to the race trainer, Chris Waller, was anticipating Destiny Express to finish up the pointy end of this race as long as he handled the wet track.

After jumping well and showing good early gate speed he found himself in a handy position however as soon as they got onto the heavy part of the track he started to slip and slide and looked uncomfortable in the conditions. Jockey Jeff Penza commented that he he got away really well but then his back legs spun over a couple of times, slipping in the wet conditions. He said he simply just doesn't like the wet track conditions at all. So now we have to pray to the weather Gods to bring back the dry wether so we can find a try track for Destiny Express where he should equipe himself well.

Destiny to Debut

Triple Crown Syndications' Destiny Express (Testa Rossa ex Shoot The Stars) makes his race debut tomorrow in the 1150m Maiden for 2YO's at Royal Randwick. He has trialled well prior to this with Cory Brown commenting that his action is still a little green which may take a couple of races to come to hand however he gave him the feel of a good horse. Whilst Destiny Express is bred to be running over further distance, we anticipate that he should run a nice race tomorrow from the good gate of barrier 2. It should be a nice race to kick off his career. Good luck to his owners!

The Prizemoney Keeps Climbing

Triple Crown Syndications' African Prince (Johannesburg ex Donna Amata) ran another solid race on Saturday at Rosehill finishing 3rd behind Ishant and Flaming Circle. The ever consistent African Prince found the first two home a little too good on the day however he continues to perform well and always seems to be putting himself in with a big chance. He's a tough and reliable customer, African Prince, which is a fantastic couple of attributes to have in a horse. To date he has had 20 starts for 2 wins, six 2nds and four 3rds. and has racked up $174,100 in prizemoney for his owners and that doesn't include his BOBS bonuses. 

Hoof On The Till

Triple Crown Syndications' African Prince (Johannesburg ex Donna Amata) is one of the most consistent horses running around in the Metropolitan Saturday class races. He's had 5 starts (we'll forget the one where he had a case of heart arrythmia) this preperation and he has finished a very close second on 4 occassions. Each second placing has been around the nose, head, neck margin (and typically the rest of the field has been several lengths behind). This has followed 2 wins at Randwick and 3 placings last preperation.

African Prince lines up again this Saturday in a 1900m for 3yo's at Rosehill in which he should start favourite. He has drawn well this time with barrier 2 and has been alloted 57.5kgs from the handicapper. We have Corey Brown on board who knows him very well so this looks a nice race for African Prince and we believe he should be a good chance of claiming another win.