NEWSLETTER
Summer 2020/21 Update
ANCESTRY
The flying Ancestry resumed in the Gr1 Oakleigh Plate, a quantum leap in grade, having the support of punters when starting equal favourite with Anders. Possibly feeling the firm track and leading, he was far from disgraced when beaten 3.4L. The thrill for all connections was immense and being trackside, I can vouch for that!
Back in the winners circle at next start when absolutely dominant in the Listed $150k Abell Stks over 1200m at Mooney Valley on All Star Mile Day. Kicking 4 lengths clear in the straight, he was eased 75m out from the line and still ran 1.09.37. At his next in the Listed $200k Hareeba Stks as $1.75 fav he ran a solid 4th after being challenged in the running by G3 winner Sirius Suspect, beaten just on 2 lengths behind Laverrod.
Race Record: 16s 9.0.1 $531 990
RUUCA
Two more runs during the summer resulting in two good seconds. Lining up in a $250k Magic Millions Rising Stars during the big Magic Millions Carnival, Yao Dash was too swift at the finish, noting that they last clashed as 3yos in the Gr1 Coolmore Stks back in Nov ‘19. Another second behind the smart Garibaldi at Doomben on Feb 13, he then headed to the spelling paddock.
Race Record: 12s 3.3.1 $205 125
SHEEZASINGA
Resuming early December after 23 weeks since her last run for a new trainer, the astute Gold Coast trainer John Smerdon she won as the well supported favourite with top Qld jock Ryan Maloney up. Showing her usual dashing speed to lead again and hold on for a .5L victory at Ipswich. Her next start on Jan3 at Sunshine Coast over 1000m she ran a game second, beaten by the smart Platinum Euros.
Our 34k mare bounces back from her good 2nd behind the smart Platinum Euros at Sunshine Coast to win impressively at Murwillumbah over 1010m on a heavy 8 by 1.63 L. A lovely well judged ride from young Zac Lloyd and was a pleasure to watch. At her next start she ran 4th as fav, just not strong enough the last 100m, beaten just over 2L in C3 at Grafton. Trainer J C Smerdon has done a terrific job with her this prep and off to the paddock for 8 week spell.
Race Record: 11s 3.2.1 $51 800
COMMAND KING
Epaulette 4yo gelding made his winning debut early November for rising star in the Sydney training ranks Clare Cunningham. Getting back and running home strongly over 1300m Mdn at Goulburn. Two very good provincial placings over 1500m and 1600m at next two starts, he finished up his first racing prep winning a C1 2000m at Canberra by .75L. Definitely a promising stayer in the making, he relaxes and finishes well, patience has been rewarded.
Race Record: 4s 2.1.1 $28 250
LASTING GRACE
Homebred 4yo mare resuming late November in a 1350m Mdn at Newcastle, running well to run 3rd behind handy Send Me Wild. A very respectable 3rd next time out when suffering significant interference on the turn and again in the closing stages.
Third up Lasting Grace ran a ripper of a race at Muswellbrook over 1500m on Jan7. Getting back in the heavy ground she covered the most ground in the running and ran best last 600 in the race to run 2nd, beaten just under a length. She’s a lovely style of a mare and still have further maturity to do. Indications are that she will be at her best at 1600m-2000m. Again we have been patient with her, a win is close!
Lasting Grace breaks through for a big and gutsy win in a $30k Showcase Mdn at Tamworth on Jan 21 over 1600m as the well supported favourite. Making a move 3 wide at the 600 mark, G Buckley was positive to chase down the tear away leader who led until a few strides from the post.
Race Record: 6s 1.1.2 $24 370
Race Record: 5s 0.1.2 $9 270
Spring 2020 Update
JAZZLAND
A brave run and when placing 6th in the $150k Coffs Harbour Cup after chasing a hot early pace. A similar run again when 3rd by 1.6L in the $100k Taree Cup. It was still a huge thrill knowing that we went so close to winning the local Cup with a homebred horse by the Danehill stallion Home On The Grange that stood in the district, the winner Decroux was by the French Derby winner and internationally successful sire Lope De Vega.
Jazzland finished his winter campaign running 8 of 11 in the $164k Listed Wyong Cup in early September. Undefeated on his home track, he set the pace again, with British bred import Paths Of Glory coming from the rear of the field to win. He will enjoy a spring spell/summer and return to training mid January at Wyong.
Race Record: 19s 7.3.2 & $174 593
ANCESTRY
A superb and perfect spring campaign from the brilliantly fast 4yo sprinter trained by a real horseman in Phillip Stokes, syndicated and managed by Dalziel Racing. Undefeated in 4 starts, showing great gate speed to lead in all 4 runs, with his usual kick off the turn that leaves others chasing, his sustained speed and determination are his greatest assets.
A win first up at Caulfield Bm78 over 1200m, a feature win in the Apache Cat Classic over 1000m on Cranbourne Cup Day, followed by a scintillating performance over 955m on Cox Plate Day, defeating the old warrior Jungle Edge ($1.7 mill in earnings) by 2.25L. His final performance was a commanding victory up the famous Flemington straight in the $175k Listed Century Stks by 1.25L on Oaks Day.
Race record: 13s 8.0.1 & $432 990
RUCCA
Trialled twice for 2 impressive wins, he resumed on 31/10/20 at Doomben when favourite running 4th, beaten 3.9L. He pulled up with a significant gash on his hind leg which affected his performance. He was soon to make amends winning his next start at Doomben over 1050m on 14/11/20, defeating the capable Garibaldi by .75L, when making a big run to the line late as he gets back in his races. His running style worked against next time out, possibly 12 lengths off the leaders at the 600m to rattle home beaten 1.6L.
Race record: 10s 3.1.1 $145 775
OAKFIELD CHEROKEE
Savabeel 4yo gelding trained by Kristen Buchanan at Wyong made his debut late spring with two encouraging runs over 1280m and 1500m. Stepping up to a 1710m Mdn on the roomy Grafton track, he made a sustained run from the 600 to win by 2L on Nov 17. Stepping up to provincial grade at his next start, he ran a good second at Newcastle over 1870m. A promising stayer who’ll be most competitive when he gets to 2000m-2400m.
Race Record: 4s 1.1.0.1 $18 800
POLARISER
Running second at her last start back in Jan 20, the homebred had a four start spring campaign, her best performance a 4th at Port Macquarie over 1100m on Oct25. She was diagnosed with a serious airway impairment that has resulted in her being retired. She returned to JTR Farm in wonderful condition and health.
Race Record: 12s 0.2.1 $15 495
Winter 2020 Update
JAZZLAND
Jazzland wins the South Grafton Cup 1600m July 5th during the Grafton Carnival and giving all part owners a huge buzz! Beginning well and rolling to the front, ridden by Koby Jennings, it was his 7th win from 16 starts. Trainer Kristen Buchanan knows the horse so well and big thank you to her for her dedication. Common sense said to overlook his first up run at Randwick when beaten comprehensively in an unsuitable race over 1200m trip against a field of sprinters on a heavy track.
Race Record 16s 7.3.1 $158 420.
Autumn 2020 Update
RUUCA
Having just on 4 months between his last run at Flemington in the Group 1 Coolmore Stks, Ruuca resumed in a 1000m Class 3 Plate at Eagle farm on 7/3/20. Trialled well leading into the race and starting a $1.55 favourite, he ran a disappointing 4th beaten 4.7L. Worked up in the yard, restless in the gates and failed to run on in latter stages of the race. He returned to scale with lacerations and post race was diagnosed suffering muscle strain in front.
Given an easy five weeks, he trialled impressively to win a trial by 2.8L in good time at the Gold Coast on 14/4 to prep him for next start when 2nd beaten a head at the Gold Coast. Next start in the Gr3 Gold Coast Guineas, running 6th beaten 2.7 L. After a winless and frustrating 3 start prep Ruuca went to the paddock to be gelded and rested and we look forward having a little more luck next time in.
Race Record 7s 2.1.1 $112 275.
ANCESTRY
Completing his 7 start campaign with 4 wins, a 3rd and a 4th at his last start as top weight on a heavy track at Sandown. This 3yo for P Stokes has thrived demonstrated by his big slashing wins at Mooney Valley on 13/3 by 3.25L and Caulfield on 4/4 by 2.75L.
What a dream run Ancestry has had and plans are in place to aim a little higher with this horse in the Spring.
Race Record 9s 4.0.1 $159 990.
JAZZLAND
After his summer campaign which netted 3 wins from 5 starts, our homebred has returned to slow steady work in March in his build up to a winter campaign where we know he can handle good and soft tracks. His first couple of months of training is based away from the track, enjoying rural surroundings and company of other horses, a pony, dogs and a goat. Work wise, plenty of arena work, rides up in the hills, the odd day in at the track, swimming and being spoilt by Kristen and stable staff. All is positive for a return to racing.
Race Record 16s 7.3.1 $158 420.
SHEEZASINGA
Our first yearling purchased outright by RM Racing Group at the March Magic Millions 2018 for $34 000 won her maiden in a dominant style at the Sunshine Coast on 15/4/20 by 3L. Showing her usual brilliance from the gate she was able to steady up and trail the leader before accelerating mid stretch for a strong win in good time. Trained by Barry Lockwood at Eagle Farm and ridden by leading jock R Fradd, all partowners got a tremendous buzz watching her do what she has always promised to do at just her 4th start. Asked to do too much early at her next start, running 6th in a Bm 64 at Sunshine Coast. Her 4th run this campaign netted a 3rd, perhaps the 1100m just a tad too far at this stage until she can learn to conserve energy during the earlier stages of the race.
Race Record 6s 1.1.1 $23 550.
ARROGANTE
Our beloved Fred or “Mr Personality” returned to the races after a good trial effort splitting open class sprinters Tawfiq Boy ($297k earnings) and Bangkok ($408k earnings) at Newcastle in February. First 2 starts over unsuitable distances, his 3rd on a taxing heavy 10 and finally getting a chance to run on a suitable track/trip running 6th behind the improving Trust The Process. Arrogante ran well at next four runs with placings at Gosford, Newcastle and Coffs Harbour (feature race) all over staying distances. The horse has finally learnt to relax in his races and has been solid at the finish. Just needing a bit of luck with some of the usual frustrations that occur but the horse is sound and in great order. His physical appearance at the races has caught the attention of the Sky commentators on numerous occasions. Trainer Kristen Buchanan says he’s a challenge but loves him dearly!
Race Record 16s 2.3.5.$72 365.
POLARISER
The 3yo homebred filly had an extended spell during late summer and autumn and will return to work at the late June. Back
in the summer she had a 6 start campaign ending with 4 good runs, the 3yo country trained filly really found her running style to go ever so close at her last two starts when finishing second twice at Taree over 1250m.
Race Record 8s 0.2.1 $13 220.
WELCOME KING
Returned to training and transferred to Clare Cunningham at Warwick Farm and diagnosed with a serious hamstring injury that occurred sometime ago. Had a easy trial late May and will trial again to evaluate his progress.
Unraced
COMMAND KING
The Epaulette colt returned to the track after an 18 week spell to run 3rd in a Hawkesbury trial late March and trainer Clare Cunningham advised to be spelled and gelded to improve his physique as well as his mental application.
Unraced
OAKFIELD CHEROKEE
The 3yo has been tipped out and will be gelded after having his first trial over 800m early May. Being a staying type, he’ll need a little more ground before he can get can work through his gears and get competitive.
Unraced
OAKFIELD NAVAJO
After his big run on debut when second, four more starts at Newcastle in maiden class netting a couple of 4ths and 5ths. He showed good speed in the running and will benefit from the experience and will come back stronger and get a win on the board.
Race Record 5s 0.1.0
Summer 2019/20 Update
RUUCA
Returned to Edmonds Racing Stables in early January and they will take their time conditioning him with a late Autumn/Winter campaign planned. He looked in good order when I inspected him during the recent Magic Millions Carnival.
JAZZLAND
Ran as favourite in the Summer Series Provincial Final 1600m at Gosford on Dec 27. In excellent order going into the race, it was always going to a challenging assignment with his on pace running style. Running some very quick sectionals early and feeling the pressure on straightening, the backmarkers finishing strongly to fill the first three in the race. Now back at the farm enjoying a well deserved break that netted 3 wins from 5 starts including the big Randwick victory on Cup Day.
SHEEZASINGA
The 3yo filly has had a good summer spell and has returned to Barry Lockwood’s stables at Eagle Farm. Completing 5 weeks pretraining, the trainer reports that she “has picked up from where left off from.” The RM Racing Group eagerly await her racing return.
Had a comfortable trial win on 3rd March over 800m at Eagle Farm last 600m (33.39).
ARROGANTE
Has returned to Kristen Buchanan Racing Stables after an 11 week spell and 4 weeks of pretraining at JTR Farm. He has gained good condition, has an improved mind and is a happy contented horse. Perhaps now has the maturity to channel his true abilities.
ANCESTRY
After an extended 12 month layoff from a serious injury as a 2yo he resumed for a solid 3rd at Mornington 1200m Mdn on Jan 5. Broke through for a maiden win at Pakenham over the 1200m (3yo + set weights Jan 23rd), ridden by Ben Thompson at only his 4th start. Phillip Stokes believes there is a lot more improvement in him. After showing so much promise as an early season 2yo it’s great to see patience and good management by the new trainer P Stokes to have him back competing successfully.
Ancestry won impressively by 4L at Pakenham (BM 64 over 1200m Feb 27th). After a somewhat confusing last run at Flemington up the straight when he got lost as the sole horse on the grandstand side. He showed all great conviction to fly from the outside gate to chase the leader and on straightening, took off for a convincing and uncontested win.
He’s now had 4 starts as a 3yo for 2 wins and a minor placing, most likely heads back to the Melbourne for his next run.
Ancestry continued his winning run with an explosive win at Mooney Valley under lights on 13th March in a BM 70 over 1200m. Leading from the jump he was able accelerate off the turn for a commanding 3.25L win. That’s win number 3 (and a 3rd ) from 5 starts as a 3yo and it looks we have a handy sprinter for the RM Racing Group.
“What a dashing display, Ancestry bolts in” declares the race caller Matt Hill for his 4th win in 6 starts as 3yo. Lining up in Selangor Turf Club Open Hcp over 1100m at Caulfield on April 4, jumping with his usual speed and setting third on the rail he hit the front exiting the turn and powered to the line to beat a smart field to win by 2.75L unchallenged!
This 3yo gelding who was purchased for $80k at 2018 Magic Millions with RM Racing Group approaching the syndicator Wylie Dalziel for a share.
The horse is in tremendous form and all 4 wins have been impressive. With a useful third when resuming after 58 weeks out, his only unplaced run this prep was at Flemington when he was the sole runner on the grandstand side up the famous Flemington Straight.