Half Yours has won the Melbourne Cup, with Jamie Melham becoming only the second female jockey to win Australia’s most famous horse race.
Goodie Two Shoes, trained by Ireland’s Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Wayne Lordan, finished in second place, with Middle Earth in third.
Japanese horse racing has been on the precipice of breaking through on the U.S. scene. It seemed like it was almost there in 2021 when it won three Breeders’ Cup races. But after that it leveled off.
Through 10 races at this year’s Breeders’ Cup, horses from Japan underperformed. But in the 11th, the most important race in the two-day event, the breakthrough became official when Forever Young held off Sierra Leone, last year’s winner, to win the $7-million Breeders’ Cup Classic by a half-length.
The last time we saw Forever Young in this country was a year ago when the 4-year-old colt finished third in the Classic. Before that, he was third in the Kentucky Derby by a whisker while being on the receiving end of some bumping down the stretch by Sierra Leone. Without that he might have been victorious in a race that was won by Mystik Dan.
The commonality between the 2021 and 2025 Breeders’ Cup days was that both were run at Del Mar.
Forever Young was almost the victim of some legal chicanery on Saturday as trainer Chad Brown entered a horse — called a rabbit — with little chance to win so that he could set a fast pace. Sierra Leone, also trained by Brown, needs a fast pace to weaken the other horses, which would benefit Sierra Leone’s late running style.
But this time, Forever Young overcame all the obstacles thrown at him. He ran a very tactical race being placed close to the lead and never farther back than third.
Forever Young paid $9.00 to win. He was followed in order by Sierra Leone, Fierceness, Journalism, Mindframe, Baeza, Nevada Beach, Antiquarian and Contrary Thinking, who was the rabbit in the 1 1/4- mile race.
It was the third Breeders’ Cup win for trainer Yoshito Yahagi. When asked if this was his most satisfying win, Yahagi said, through a translator: “I will never, ever get satisfied until I get retired as a trainer.”
Forever Young was the third foreign horse to win the Classic, joining Argentine-bred Invasor in 2006 and Irish-bred Black Tie Affair in 1991.
“So last time here, the horse was 75% conditioned,” Yahagi said. “And this time we create 100% condition. Forever Young is an amazing horse.”
The winning jockey was Ryusei Sakai.
“We got the No. 1 in America,” Yahagi said to NBC.
The Classic lost a lot of luster when the favorite, Sovereignty, the winner of the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, was scratched earlier in the week when he spiked a fever. Sovereignty was the top-rated horse in the country and a possible horse-of-the-year winner. Many were hoping for a rematch with Journalism, who finished second in both those races and won the Preakness, which Sovereignty did not run in.
Trainer Bill Mott only brought two horses to the Breeders’ Cup, Sovereignty and Scylla. While Sovereignty didn’t make the starting gate on Saturday, Scylla ($17.20 to win) sure did, winning the biggest race of the year for female horses, the $2-million Distaff.
“It’s certainly difficult to see what happened to Sovereignty,” Mott said. “I think everybody that’s connected [with this sport] has been through it and we knew when it happened, he wouldn’t be able to compete and not at the level that he would need to. And it seems as though he’s recovering well but he’s really not the story here.
“I mean this one is about Scylla and about Junior [Alvarado, his jockey] and the Juddmonte connections.”
Alvarado took her to the front and never looked back, winning the 1 1/8-mile race by 5 1/2 lengths. Nitrogen was second and Regaled finished third. Favorite Seismic Beauty contended early but then faded to 12th in the 13-horse field.
The second richest race on the card, the $5-million Turf, was supposed be a matchup of two-time winner Rebel’s Romance and Minnie Hauk, who had five wins and two seconds in seven starts. They ran together for most of the 1 1/2-mile race but long shot Ethical Diamond started rolling in the top of the stretch and cruised to a 1 1/4-length win. Rebel’s Romance was second.
The Irish-bred Ethical Diamond, trained by William Mullins and ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, paid $57.40 to win.
The first Breeders’ Cup race of the day, the $1-million Filly & Mare Sprint, became less interesting when two of the favorites, Sweet Azteca (2-1 morning line) and Tamara (7-2), were scratched by the veterinarian. There was a third scratch that took the field down to seven.
Bob Baffert had three of the horses in the race, including Splendora, who won in dominating fashion by 4 3/4 lengths and paid $7.80. He was midpack until the far turn of the seven-furlong race before jockey Flavien Prat let him loose in the stretch.
It was Baffert’s 20th Breeders’ Cup win, tying him for second with the late Wayne Lukas. Aidan O’Brien won his 21st Breeders’ Cup race on Friday.
“[Lukas] changed every industry for the better,” Baffert said. “He brought elegance to the game. … To be part of it and then to tie him, it’s an honor for me. … I still miss him. I loved having conversations with him. It’s an honor to tie him.”
Shisospicy ($12.60) broke on top and held the lead to the finish to win the $1-million Turf Sprint, which was ran at five furlongs. The 3-year-old filly is trained by Jose Francisco D’Angelo and was ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr., who picked up his 22nd Cup victory.
She’s Quality was eased shortly out of the gate in the Turf Sprint by jockey Colin Keane and walked onto the equine ambulance. She was transported to an equine hospital and is back in her barn being monitored.
Ortiz picked up his 23rd win in the next race when he won the $2-million Sprint aboard Bentornato. It was also the second straight victory for D’Angelo. Bentornato broke on top and was never headed in the six-furlong race. It was only his second race of the year for the 4-year-old ridgling. Bentornato finished second in last year’s Sprint, losing to Straight No Chaser, who finished seventh on Saturday.
There were three additional Breeders’ Cup races after the Classic, the turf Mile, Dirt Mile and Filly & Mare Turf.
DEL MAR — Sometimes the toughest part of owning a horse is deciding what to name it. If you own a bunch of horses, you run out of logical names pretty quickly. You can only do a play on the sire’s name so many times. And if you name it after a living person, you need permission from that person.
But every once in a while happenstance is your guide.
Ned Toffey has been the general manager of Spendthrift Farm for 21 years. Spendthrift saw an Into Mischief colt it liked and bought the yet unnamed colt as a yearling for $650,000. Now the tough part, naming him.
Toffey had just completed an interview with a publication and it was trying to promote it on social media. The only problem is they got a couple of first letters transposed and sent out posted a message on X calling the longtime Spendthrift executive Ted Noffey. Innocent mistake. Once notified it was corrected but not before a few screenshots were taken.
John Velazquez smiles after riding Ted Noffey to victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile horse race in Del Mar on Friday.
(Gregory Bull / Associated Press)
Noffey went with the joke.
Now people will remember that colt as the winner of the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, pushing his name to the top of Kentucky Derby future pools.
His win wasn’t a surprise as he has won all four of his races, but none this prestigious on the first day of the two-day Breeders’ Cup held at Del Mar. All five of the races on Friday were worth no less than $1 million with nine more on Saturday.
Ted Noffey, the horse, was the favorite and was within a length of the lead all the way around the 1 1/16-mile race for 2-year-old males, winning by a length.
“It pretty much unfolded like we thought it would,” said trainer Todd Pletcher. “I’m just glad that he was able to keep finding more.”
Brant, the $3 million purchase for trainer Bob Baffert, went to the lead and was in front until the top of the stretch when Ted Noffey inched past and then kept going. He ended up winning by a length over Mr. A.P.
“I was happy with the trip, [Brant] just got tired,” Baffert said. “The lack of two turns caught up with him. He was beat by a real good horse, and they ran really fast. I think he will move up off this race.”
Brant finished third and Baffert’s other horse, Litmus Test, finished fourth. Ted Noffey was the favorite and paid $3.60 to win .
The other $2 million race, the Juvenile Fillies, was won by Super Corredora ($19.60 to win), whose last race was a maiden win, the only time this has happened in this race.
Southern California based John Sadler had to go 42 races before he won his first Breeders’ Cup race in 2018 when he won the Classic with Accelerate.
“My journey has been, there was a time when they’d say, he’s the best trainer that hasn’t won a Breeders’ Cup,” Sadler said. “They stopped asking that after Accelerate. So we’ve won quite a few of them now. So, I’m very pleased with that.
“And as you’re an older trainer, which I am at this point (he’s 69), these are the races you want to win. I think I hold most of the categories here at Del Mar, right behind Baffert—number of wins, number of stakes wins and money earned. The big days are especially rewarding.”
The 2-year-old filly led the entire 1 1/16 mile race and was the front half of a Southern California exacta with Baffert’s Explora finishing second. Hector Barrios was the jockey and it was his first Breeders’ Cup win with a three-quarters of a length victory.
The first race of the day, the $1 million Juvenile Turf Sprint, was won by Cy Fair ($12.00), a horse named after a high school in Texas and trained by George Weaver. Everyone gave Aidan O’Brien a good shot to win the five-furlong race since he had three horses in the race and his next win would give him 21, the most ever, breaking a tie with the late Wayne Lukas.
O’Brien had to wait for the last race of the day, the $1 million Juvenile Turf over one mile to pick up No. 21. Gstaad ($4.40) was the favorite and didn’t disappoint coming off the pace at the top of the stretch and winning by three-quarters of a length.
The other Breeders’ Cup race of the day, the $1 million Juvenile Fillies Turf, was won by Balantina ($43.20) by 1 ¼ lengths, the largest margin of the day. She came from well off the pace in the one mile race with a strong stretch drive for trainer Donnacha O’Brien, Aidan’s son.
The first day of the Breeders’ Cup is all 2-year-old races, but Saturday is where all the money is, $23 million in purses to be exact. It’s headed by the $7-million Classic, a 1¼ mile race for horses of any age or sex. The race, and the whole event, took a major blow when Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner and top-ranked horse in the country, was scratched after he spiked a fever early in the week. He was the 6-5 morning line favorite.
Everyone was looking forward to the rematch of Sovereignty and Journalism (5-1 adjusted odds), who finished one-two in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. McCarthy, who trains Journalism and owner Aron Wellman replaced jockey Umberto Rispoli after they didn’t like his ride in the Pacific Classic. Jose Ortiz picked up the mount.
“I think it’s unfortunate that Sovereignty is not in there but this is probably one of the best Classics we’ve seen in about 20 years,” McCarthy said. “We’ll bounce out of there and try and be tactical and try to be within four or five lengths of the lead.”
There should also be some interest in Fierceness (5-2), who won the Pacific Classic after a terrible break when he ducked near the rail breaking from the one. He drew the one for this race too.
“He’s got to break straight and establish the position he wants and run his race,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “His best race gives him a big chance, if he can deliver that.”
Among others in the race are Santa Anita-based Baeza (10-1), who won the Pennsylvania Derby; Japanese horse Forever Young (7-2), winner of the Saudi Cup; last year’s winner Sierra Leone (7-2); and Nevada Beach (20-1) for Baffert and winner of the Los Alamitos Derby and the Goodwood Stakes at Santa Anita.
Another race to watch on Saturday is the $5-million Turf in which Rebel’s Romance is trying to become the first three-time winner of this race and the third horse to ever win three Breeders’ Cup races, joining Goldikova and Beholder.
Sovereignty, the top-ranked horse in the country, will not run in the $7-million Breeders’ Cup Classic after developing a fever this week. The winner of the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes will recover although it’s unclear if he will ever race again.
Trainer Bill Mott made the announcement Wednesday morning and informed Breeders’ Cup officials of the scratch.
“I actually started thinking, ‘We might be OK.’ But then, in a matter of hours, my optimism was taken away,” Mott said. “When he had a real mild fever and we medicated him right away, he acted normal. I actually was maybe looking at it with rose-colored glasses.”
On Wednesday morning, Sovereignty was standing upright in his stall munching on hay and showed no obvious discomfort.
“We’ve gone through the entire year with this horse without a hiccup,” Mott said.
The fever was detected on Monday and he was treated with an NSAID, similar to Tylenol. He could not be given an antibiotic at that time because he would then likely fail a drug test. On Tuesday, Mott puts his odds at running at 50-50.
“If we don’t think he’s 100%, he won’t run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic,” Mott said on Tuesday.
After he was initially treated, his temperature went back to normal but then it spiked again overnight.
Sovereignty was the biggest star of the 42nd Breeders’ Cup and was installed as the 6-5 favorite to win the Classic.
Mott and owner Godolphin have been very cautious with this Sovereignty. After he won the Kentucky Derby his connections elected to not run him in the Preakness because it was only two weeks after the Derby. Horse racing is a dying brand on the sports landscape and a possible Triple Crown winner could have a shot in the arm the sport desperately needs.
A decision has not been made if the colt will return to racing next year or be retired to stallion duty.
A military horse that bolted through central London after being startled by construction work has retired to the country.
Quaker, 15, was one of five Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment horses spooked when rubble was dropped through a plastic tunnel while they were on an exercise in Belgravia on 24 April last year.
Footage of the frightened animals was broadcast worldwide after being captured by a BBC cameraman covering the Post Office Inquiry.
Service personnel were thrown from their horses and the animals ran loose, smashing into vehicles, including a double-decker bus, resulting in a number of injuries.
PA MediaQuaker suffered bleeding and a small break during the incident. After receiving surgery, he stayed with the Horse Trust at its sanctuary in Buckinghamshire.
Quaker’s rider broke his back when he was thrown off but after a year in recovery he was able to return to his duties and is riding again.
Maj Thomas Stewart, Life Guards squadron leader, said Quaker was the only horse from the five that had been unable to return to its duties.
Household Cavalry horses Trojan, Tennyson, Vanquish and Vida have all returned to duty.
“It was decided that actually it was best for [Quaker’s] welfare that he wasn’t going to come back to us down in London,” he said.
“It’s better for him that he’s here and enjoys it while he’s here.”
Jeanette Allen, CEO of the Horse Trust, said Quaker’s retirement involved eating, sleeping and running around “when he feels like it”.
“We were founded nearly 140 years ago by a lady who read Black Beauty, and she was inspired to help London’s cab horses,” she said.
“Respite for London’s working horses is where we started and over time we started retiring military horses.”
PA MediaLt Col Matt Woodward, commanding officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, said what happened in April last year was unusual, because “the horses got lost”.
“They were at a place called Wilson Crescent,” he explained. “They came around the crescent the wrong way and exited on the east side.
“Had they exited on the north side they’d have gone back to Hyde Park and probably everything would have been fine.
“It’s just unfortunate they went around the crescent to Victoria and a couple of them made it to Limehouse – which is a long way.”
The Horse Trust is the permanent home for 32 former military horses, 26 of which have served with the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
As well as taking in horses at the end of their working life, the trust offers a respite scheme where military and police horses can take “short breaks and summer holidays” and return to duty refreshed.
The Horse Trust spends about £2.5m a year caring for its horses, and is mostly funded by donations.
Jeff Siegel, a major player on the Southern California horse racing scene for more than half-a-century, died at his home in Duarte on Saturday after an extended battle with cancer. He was 74.
There are few roles in horse racing, besides trainer or jockey, that Siegel didn’t perform since he first got a job in the publicity department at Hollywood Park in 1974.
Siegel’s last job in racing was both serving as a host on XBTV, a service, owned by The Stronach Group, that specializes in horse workout videos. He was also the morning-line maker for both Santa Anita and Del Mar. He continued doing the job until his health no longer allowed it earlier this year.
But what made Siegel a must-know personality in racing was his ability as a handicapper. Andy Beyer, the legendary Washington Post handicapper and namesake to Beyer speed figures, called Siegel the “World’s Greatest Handicapper” in his 1993 book “Beyer on Speed.” Siegel gave Beyer six horses to bet on a day’s card of Southern California racing. All six won, according to Beyer.
Siegel was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 8, 1950, and grew up in Southern California. He attended Fairfax High, where he ran track, and he worked at the school newspaper at L.A. Valley College. He later went to San José State, where he was pointed to radio and television journalism. He came home and got a job at radio station KLAC, where he worked with Jim Healy, who had a top sports commentary show for many years. Healy knew Siegel liked racing and got him a job at Hollywood Park without even asking Siegel, who said he liked his current job. Healy told him he would like the Hollywood Park job even more.
And he did. Siegel never looked back.
Because of his access to trainers, jockeys and owners, plus an ability to see things others didn’t, Siegel was a valued public handicapper and soon his picks were featured in many Southern California newspapers, including The Times, the Daily News, Pasadena Star-News, Orange County Register and San Diego Union-Tribune.
“Jeff has been my primary mentor in this game,” said Bob Ike, a long-time public handicapper in Southern California. “He made performance ratings before there were published Beyer figures. He videotaped gate workouts in the mid-1980s. His overall knowledge of pace, pedigree and European form is unsurpassed. As a public handicapper, he’s the GOAT.”
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert often took advice from Siegel and loved his time talking to him about horses.
“I had total respect for his opinions and thoughts on horses,” Baffert said. “When [Triple Crown winner] Justify broke his maiden, Jeff told me the horse was going to win the Kentucky Derby.
“He just loved being part of the game and I respected his handicapping. If he picked your horse first, second or third, you knew you had a good chance of winning. He could see a horse run and he knew right away. After he saw [Triple Crown winner] American Pharoah run for the first time, he came up to me and said ‘You’ve got a real good one there.’
“I’m going to miss talking to him. I’d ask him what he thought and he might say, ‘I don’t think he can go that far.’ And he was right. On top of all that, he was such a nice man. His passion for the sport was unequaled. Nobody knew horses better than him. It’s a sad day and I will really miss listening to him.”
Siegel also co-founded partnership stables Clover Racing and Team Valor, the most successful partnership at that time, with his friend Barry Irwin.
“He was the best handicapper I’ve ever met.” Irwin said. “What separated him from his peers, is his ability to add horsemanship to his handicapping. He knew a lot of what went into training. He wasn’t just a nuts and bolts guy, he understood the animal.”
Irwin remembers a time he was at Siegel’s house to talk about buying a horse.
“I asked if he had any old Racing Forms so I could look up a horse,” Irwin said. “He said, ‘Go look in the bathroom.’ He had Racing Forms stacked to the top of the shower where the water comes out. His entire life was dedicated to horse racing and handicapping. Nobody ever met a kinder or nicer guy.”
Never deterred by the amount of work on his plate — unless it conflicted with UCLA football or basketball games — Siegel decided to try broadcasting. So, he joined HRTV, a horse racing channel, in 2004 and stayed for almost a decade as an analyst.
“In addition to all the great work he did on camera, he was a true fan and dedicated student of the game,” said Becky Somerville, senior director of production at FanDuel TV. “He was passionate about it, which came through in everything he did, and that passion was infectious, lifting up everyone around him.”
Somerville worked closely with Jeff at HRTV from 2004 to 2015, including producing his show “First Call.”
Siegel is survived by his brother, Barry Siegel; sister, Michelle Weiss; nieces Caryn and Mara; nephew Robert; grand nephews Kai, Beckett and Roman; and grand niece Monroe.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
TEMPLEGATE’S Monday picks are below.
Back a horse by clicking their odds.
SPECTACULAR STYLE (5.00 Southwell, nap)
He’s a proven stayer for trainer Ian Williams and was a comfortable winner at Redcar two starts ago. He went off too quick there last time and the booking of Billy Loughnane is a positive. He has lots of staying power for 1m6f so should have no problems seeing out the two miles and he still looks on a fair mark.
ROSE OF HONOUR (6.00 Southwell, nap)
Can blossom for James Tate and Rossa Ryan. She looked well above average when scooting in at Kempton on debut last time. She absolutely tanked along and Ryan barely had to move in the saddle. The yard continues in excellent form.
ARKENSTAAR (3.00 Hamilton, treble)
He loves this track and followed a win with a neck second here last time. Being blocked at a crucial moment when making his challenge didn’t help and he can get his head back in front here.
TOUSSAROK (5.05 Brighton, Lucky 15)
Got the job done nicely at Wolverhampton last week but is a regular winner here too. This trip is ideal and he can cope with a rise in the weights.
Templegate’s tips
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
SUN Racing’s Monday picks are below.
Back a horse by clicking their odds.
LONGSHOT
SPIRIT OF JENNY (6.30 Southwell)
She ran a lot better than seventh suggests at Haydock last time and looks fairly handicapped in this open race.
THIEF
ROMAN SPRING (5.40 Brighton)
He’s dropped down the weights and has shown his best over this course and distance.
LE BEAU GARCON (7.00 Southwell)
He was right back to his best when a close second at Catterick last time and likes this trip.
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
SUN Racing’s Thursday tips are below.
Back a horse by clicking their odds.
LONGSHOT
SHALLOW (3.00 Newmarket)
She was a promising fourth in a big field at York last time and has had a little nudge down the weights despite that good run.
EACH-WAY THIEF
SPIRIT MIXER (4.10 Newmarket)
He’s a proper stayer who landed a nice prize at Chester last time and will be competitive again.
JUST TYPICAL (5.18 Newmarket)
He was a game winner at Redcar last time and should be right there carrying a 5lb penalty.
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
SUN Racing’s Monday picks are below.
Back a horse by clicking their odds below.
LONGSHOT
DUMFRIES (5.20 Thirsk)
He has a good record here and is a fair 4lb higher than when winning at Beverley two starts ago.
EACH-WAY THIEF
SIR DAVID (4.20 Thirsk)
He landed his first win in battling style at Carlisle last time and is capable of following up with Paul Mulrennan taking over.
DAY OF GRACE (4.50 Thirsk)
She has been sent north by William Haggas for her handicap debut after showing promise on her three maidens so far.
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Jockey Tom Marquand said he and wife Hollie Doyle, also a leading rider, could be forced to move abroad if the funding of British racing is hit.
“It seems pretty sad we might have to think about emigrating somewhere else to make a living out of the sport that we so enjoy,” he told BBC Sport.
“It’s an important day for racing and hopefully a step in the right direction. It’s a huge industry employing 85,000 people. The effect would be enormous.”
When the BBC filmed at Windsor races on Monday, many punters were supportive of the action.
“It’s a wonderful day out and we have a little flutter,” said racegoer Alan Mills.
“Bookmakers need the money to come in to keep the business going. The sport should be promoted, rather than taking people’s livelihoods away.”
But the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) – which represents betting shops, online betting and gaming operators and casinos – says it was not consulted.
“Racing’s decision to reschedule fixtures was taken without consultation with betting operators, whose support for the funding of the sport is mission critical,” it said in a statement.
“We are concerned that futile political gestures will only antagonise the government and frustrate punters instead of delivering a solution to a shared challenge facing both racing and betting.”
A WOKE horse charity has barred its members from using the words “mum” and “dad” to describe parents.
The British Horse Society’s advice is in a newly unveiled, socially inclusive language guide.
1
The guide asks members to call maternity leave “parental leave” to try to stamp out outdated gender references.
Chairman should be “chairperson”, while it suggests that ethnic minorities should be called the “global majority”.
Foreigners are “people from overseas”.
The guide also suggests “humankind” instead of mankind while able-bodied people become known as “non-disabled”.
It states: “The BHS wants to create a culture of inclusion, which means maintaining positive and respectful communication with peers who may not have the same characteristics as us.
“We are antiracist and antidiscriminatory.
“We will work to break down barriers and enhance voices who have not yet been heard.”
The BHS was set up in 1947 “to protect and promote the interests of all horses and those who care about them”.
Members fork out up to a staggering £204 a year to join the UK’s “largest and most influential equestrian charity”.
Its advice follows universities and councils issuing guides with alternatives for widely accepted terms.
Williard (Bill) Christine Jr., a multiple award-winning journalist who spent 23 years covering horse racing for the Los Angeles Times, died on Monday (Aug. 25) after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia three years ago. He died at his home in Hermosa Beach, with family by his side. He was 87.
While Christine was known in Southern California as the Times’ voice of horse racing, it was really just the end of a storied career that saw him at seven different newspapers over 42 years that also contained a stopover in racing pubic relations.
Former Los Angeles Times reporter Bill Christine.
(Christine family)
He was the author of three books, one on Roberto Clemente, another on jockey Bill Hartack and one on a pair of songwriters. After leaving newspapers, he liked to investigate and write about true crime, especially in his hometown of East St. Louis.
Christine won Eclipse Awards for outstanding writing about horse racing, in 1984 and 2004. In 2000, he was given Walter Haight Award for career excellence in turf writing. He won the David F. Woods Memorial Award in 1991 and 1992 for his coverage of the Preakness Stakes.
He was also president of the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters, a group that also includes public relations people, from 1990 to 1992.
“Bill was an old school journalist,” said Mike Willman the former longtime media relations executive at Santa Anita. “He kept copious notes and was a contrarian by nature. He was fair and extremely knowledgeable.
“He really enjoyed being around the people in racing. You could take issue with something he wrote and then debate it and there was never any animus. I really respected him for that.”
Even after he retired, Christine would write emails to friends and colleagues recounting people and events from his career in racing and baseball.
Born in Illinois, he attended Southern Illinois Carbondale where he graduated in 1963 and wrote for the college newspaper. His first job out of college was at the East St. Louis Journal, where he covered baseball among other sports. After two years he moved to the Baltimore News American, followed by the Louisville Times, Pittsburgh Press, Chicago Daily News and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, where he was briefly the sports editor.
It was then that he switched to public relations taking the top media job at Commodore Downs in Pennsylvania, followed by four years as the assistant to the executive vice president at the National Thoroughbred Racing Assn.
The Times rarely hires people from the public relations side, but then sports editor Bill Dwyre decided to take a chance.
“Bill Christine was my first hire as sports editor of The Times, and being the first, it was a big deal not only for me, but for people watching me and trying to figure out what I was thinking and how I would cover each sport,” said Dwyre, who later went on to cover horse racing for The Times.
Former Los Angeles Times reporter Bill Christine receives an Eclipse Award honoring his horse racing reporting.
(Christine family)
“It was 1981. I interviewed some of the best national turf writers, including Maryjean Wall, Jennie Rees and Jack Mann, as well as Christine. I knew Bill better than the others because I had been his roommate at API (American Press Institute). … I liked that Bill was a great story-teller and that his newspaper experience went beyond just turf writing — he had covered lots of baseball on deadline and had also been the sports editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
“When he came to The Times, Santa Anita and Hollywood Park and Del Mar were booming and he worked tirelessly to give the sport the coverage it deserved.”
Bob Mieszerski, who has reported and handicapped horse racing in Southern California for many years and worked alongside Christine after Mieszerski came to the Times and added a full page of racing daily, echoed Dwyre’s sentiment about his abilities and presence.
“He was very welcoming to me when I joined the Times and I always appreciated that,” Mieszerski said. “He was a great storyteller and I Ioved hearing him recall anecdotes about different people — both in and out of racing — that he encountered.”
Dan Smith, the retired marketing and media head at Del Mar, remembers Christine for his very distinctive laugh.
“It was like ghee, ghee, ghee,” Smith said struggling to duplicate the sound. “It was very distinctive and very unique.
“He was also a big movie buff. He and his wife went to a lot of movies. And we loved to discuss movies. He followed all of that very closely.”
Christine was known for his strong opinions, which sometimes put him at odds with the people he covered.
Christine’s most notable feud was with Wayne Lukas, who didn’t speak to the reporter for several years after something Christine wrote.
“He wasn’t reluctant to discuss his opinions, which a lot of people didn’t agree with, but that was OK,” Smith said.
Dwyre, who would often change beats every year, once offered Christine the Dodgers job, arguably the best job in the department, because Christine had been complaining about needing something new. But in the end, Christine decided he would rather cover racing.
“He really knew his baseball and had a Hall of Fame ballot,” Willman remembers. “You might have your own opinion and if it disagreed with Bill’s, he had all the ammunition to show you why he was right.”
Even if Christine’s daily coverage was often buried on a page deep in the section, surrounded by handicapping and small-type results, Christine would rise to the occasion and give you a well crafted non-obvious story.
“I remember often doing critiques for my staff, especially those who had put out the previous morning’s paper,” Dwyre said. “I would hold up the sports section and ask which story that was in the section should have been on the front page and wasn’t. Invariably, it was a Christine horse racing story.”
The press box at Del Mar, named in honor of Dan Smith, has a wall where the pictures of deceased turf writers go.
“I guess his picture will go on the wall soon,” Smith said. “We’ve still got a few spots left and hope we don’t fill them anytime soon.”
Christine is survived by his wife of 43 years, Pat, and two twin daughters, Laura and Leslie, his first wife, Dianne, and stepson Chris.
Christine asked that his body be donated to USC for medical research. After the cremains are returned, there will be a small celebration of life.
TEMPLEGATE tackles Tuesday’s racing confident of banging in a few winners.
Back a horse by clicking their odds below.
SIXPACK (4.08 Goodwood, nap)
He went down by a nose when backed here last time and has been freshened up since. Conditions should be spot on and his canny trainer James Owen can ready one for a decent pot. Any juice in the ground would be welcome and he has a big chance.
ROACH POWER (2.58 Goodwood, nb)
Looks fully charged up. This is a big drop in class for Michael Wigham’s sprinter and the quirky track is no issue at all.
KODI FIRE (7.45 Wolverhampton, treble)
Is in flying form and has the handicapper on the run. His draw is fine and he has the services of champion jockey-to-be Oisin Murphy on board now.
Templegate’s tips
GOODWOOD
1.48 I Can Dance
2.24 Nifty
2.58 Roach Power (nb)
3.33 Goodwood Mogul
4.08 Sixpack (nap)
4.43 Bownder
5.18 Eye Of Dubai
CHEPSTOW
2.00 Punchbowl Flyer
2.35 Zabeel Flower
3.10 Demetris Mouflon
3.45 Pickering Castle
4.20 Vape
4.55 Step Along
5.25 Barnsnape Boy
SOUTHWELL
5.30 Rapper’s Delight
6.00 Race To The Stars
6.30 Tanjen
7.00 Crown’s Lady
7.30 Great Dream
8.00 Glory Hyde
8.30 Coedana
9.00 Langholm
WOLVERHAMPTON
5.10 Boujee Gold
5.45 Molo De Palazzo
6.15 Cotiere
6.45 Baikal
7.15 Colors Of Freedom
7.45 Kodi Fire (treble)
8.15 This Time Maybe
8.45 Outer Edge
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“Love Island USA” star Taylor Williams says he is “all good” after being thrown from his horse during the Arizona Invitational Black Rodeo in Scottsdale.
In a TikTok video, Williams’ horse seemingly trips over another horse before falling to the ground. Williams and his horse appear to be trampled by other participants before the horse rolls over Williams and rises to its feet. Williams, 24, was still lying on the ground when officials rushed over to help him.
Williams gave an update on his condition later that day on social media, saying that his injuries would not get in the way of him attending an event that he was scheduled to appear at Saturday night, according to Entertainment Weekly.
“Was in a horse accident last night but I’m still pulling up tonight injured and all,” he wrote on Instagram Stories. “It’s my brothers’ bday [you know] we still turnt!”
He followed up the post with a photo of himself lying on a hospital stretcher, wearing a neck brace and holding two thumbs up. “Preciate all the love!” he wrote over the image. “I’m good.”
Williams’ girlfriend and fellow “Love Island” alum Clarke Carraway later posted a video via Instagram Stories, which showed Williams being wheeled out of a hospital, while Maverick City Music’s “The Story I’ll Tell” plays in the background.
In a second video, Carraway poses next to Williams, who has one arm in a sling, while they rock matching cowboy hats.
The Oklahoma native, who said he “was on a horse before I could walk,” appeared on the seventh season of Peacock’s “Love Island,” which aired earlier this summer. The veterinary student became known for wearing cowboy hats and talking about his love for the rodeo.
Williams first coupled up with fan-favorite Olandria Carthen on the reality dating show, but ultimately ended the series with Carraway, from Charlotte, N.C. The couple made it to the second-to-last episode, but were booted off the island shortly after making their relationship “exclusive.”
During the reunion, which was hosted by Ariana Madix and Andy Cohen last week, Williams and Carraway said that they were still going strong and making their long-distance relationship work.
A SUPERSTAR Cheltenham Festival-winning horse has been blocked from a £175,000 race – amid a row over his handicap mark.
A Dream To Share won the Champion Bumper in 2023 and looked like being the sport’s next big name for legendary owner JP McManus.
2
2
But he failed to win a race in his next season over hurdles and only recently returned to the winner’s enclosure with a 1m7f victory on the Flat at Leopardstown in June.
Iconic owner McManus entered the horse, who is trained in Ireland by John Kiely, for the Cesarewitch handicap at Newmarket on October 11.
He was made 7-1 favourite for the 2m2f marathon on the Flat with BetVictor while other firms made him joint-favourite.
But, as things stand, the seven-year-old gelding with almost £200,000 in winnings is not allowed to run because the Irish handicapper has twice refused to give him a mark, according to the Nick Luck Daily podcast.
McManus has apparently appealed the decision with the Irish and British boards.
But the BHA have declined the appeal on the grounds of reciprocity with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.
The most recent appeal to be turned away came last week.
It is believed those acting for McManus claimed enough time had passed between A Dream To Share’s most recent run on June 19 and now for a mark to be awarded.
Especially as several of the horses he beat, including runner-up Royal Hollow, had subsequently raced enough for the handicapper to be able to judge A Dream To Share accurately.
Interestingly, respected journalist Dave Yates said on the podcast that a mark of 104 had been ‘offered’ to A Dream To Share.
But still, nothing official has been granted meaning, as it stands, the favourite for the big race cannot run.
A Dream To Share won the hearts of punters at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival when schoolboy John Gleeson rode him to victory.
McManus bought the horse just a month before from Claire Gleeson, wife of ITV Racing pundit Brian, dad of John.
John said after the win: “Mr McManus was very generous. He said I would definitely keep the ride here today.
“There was no pressure from him. It’s brilliant. I’m very grateful.
“I’ve been going to John Kiely for as long as I can remember.
“I ride out this horse every day before I go to school so it is very special.”
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TEMPLEGATE tackles day three of the York Ebor Festival confident of bashing the bookies with his best racing tips.
Back a horse by clicking their odds below.
NIGHT RAIDER (3.35 York, nap)
He has shaped better than his form figures suggest, especially when sixth behind JM Jungle at Goodwood. He was the winner on the wrong side of the track there. Still unexposed at 5f and can improve again.
ZGHARTA (4.10 York, nb)
She was a typical Goodwood hard-luck story last time and this more conventional track should be ideal. She finished with running left and the return to this trip on fast could suit ideally. She is on a workable mark and shapes as one firmly on the up.
TRAWLERMAN (2.25 York, treble)
The Gosden stayer can reel in another nice prize after his demolition job in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. He made all that day and surged clear of a strong field, backing up a dominant win in the Henry II at Sandown. Proven over the trip and fine on this quick surface, he looks the class act here and hard to oppose.
Templegate’s TV verdicts
1.50
NAQEEB looks primed to land this hot handicap after a huge run at Goodwood, charging home for second despite losing a shoe during the race.
That backed up a storming third at Royal Ascot and he’s crying out for this sort of test.
A strong traveller with proven form on quick ground, he’s weighted to strike and looks ready to cash in.
Mount Atlas is a big danger up in class after a smooth Ascot win.
He’s clearly thriving but has a little bit more on his plate here from a career-high mark.
Insanity is one to note after a luckless third in the same race – he wasn’t ideally placed that day and could easily hit the frame again.
This Songisforyou was pitched into Group company last time and didn’t disgrace himself – he’ll find this easier and shouldn’t be overlooked.
French Duke hasn’t fired this season but has talent and is slowly coming down the weights.
2.25
TRAWLERMAN can reel in another nice prize after his demolition job in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.
He made all that day and surged clear of a strong field, backing up a dominant win in the Henry II at Sandown.
Proven over the trip and fine on this quick surface, he looks the class act here and hard to oppose.
Al Qareem is thriving, especially at York, and arrives chasing a hat-trick after front-running wins in Listed and Group 3 company.
He’ll push the pace again and won’t go down without a fight.
Sweet William is consistent and stays all day but often gives ground away early and may need to be sharper from the gates to land a blow.
Al Nayyir bounced back with a narrow defeat to Coltrane last time and does stay this far, though he’s yet to score at this level.
Dubai Future has plenty of back class but has been found wanting in top races this term, while three-year-old Shackleton is a likeable type for the future but needs a big step forward to trouble these old hands.
3.00
DO OR DO NOT can get off the mark in the Gimcrack.
This son of Space Blues has danced every dance this summer, hitting the frame in three consecutive Group 2s.
He was just behind high-class performers at both Newmarket and Goodwood, shaping like a colt crying out for a big pot.
He’s tactically sharp, handles quick ground and looks rock solid with first-time cheekpieces added to the mix.
Reciprocated went backwards at Ascot after two easy wins and needs to settle better, while Rock On Thunder ran well at Newbury but needs more in this company.
Egoli has won twice and fared best on the wrong side of the track at Goodwood.
Any improvement on that would put him in the picture.
The speedy Comical Point needs a revival after flopping in the July Stakes at Newmarket last time.
Lifeplan impressed on debut but faces a major class hike, while Irish Fighter and Yorkshire Puds both look up against it in this good company.
3.35
NIGHT RAIDER can land a smash and grab in the £700,000 Nunthorpe (3.35 York, nap).
Karl Burke’s flyer is ideally drawn in stall eight and deserves a change of luck after winning on the wrong side at Goodwood last time.
He has loads of pace and will be right up there.
JM Jungle beat him and a few of the others in that race and looks dangerous again.
Arizona Blaze and Aussie Asfoora are in the mix too along with youngster Lady Iman.
Here’s my guide to the field, where I rate them from one (worst) to five (best):
JM JUNGLE 4
JUNGLE boogie. Thriving sprinter, has improved through the season and comes here on the back of a Group 2 win at Goodwood. 5f ideal, handles fast ground well and is a strong contender at a track he likes.
KERDOS 2
DON’T Ker. Well beaten at Goodwood but didn’t really get the run of the race. Has shown flashes of form this year, including a solid Group 1 run at Ascot. 5f suits but might find a few too sharp.
MANACCAN 1
NO Man. Back from a break this season and took a step forward last time in handicap company. Has Group form at best but looks vulnerable in this calibre of race.
NIGHT RAIDER 5
NIGHT fever. Has shaped better than his form figures suggest, especially when sixth behind JM Jungle at Goodwood. He was the winner on the wrong side of the track there. Still unexposed at 5f and can improve again.
RUMSTAR 3
STAR potential. Didn’t seem to like soft at the Curragh last time after a career-best Sandown win. Consistent and will prefer this going. Could bounce back and one of many place chances.
SPARTAN ARROW 1
BLUNT Arrow. Listed winner earlier this season and solid handicapper but hasn’t looked up to this grade in recent runs. Latest Goodwood ninth confirms he’s got something to find at this level.
WASHINGTON HEIGHTS 3
WASH and go. C&D winner in Listed last month, and third in a strong Haydock Group 2 earlier this season so deserves to be here. Ggoes well fresh, so could easily run into the frame again.
AIN’T NOBODY 1
NOBODY’S fool. Yet to score in 2025 but fair placed form in Pattern company earlier this term. Last two runs have been below that standard though and this looks a stretch on known form.
ARIZONA BLAZE 4
BLAZE on fire. Improving colt with a turn of foot and showed that with convincing Group 2 win in Ireland last time. Has high-level form at 5f and arrives at the top of his game. Major player.
ASFOORA 4
AS a chance. Australian mare with top-class back form, including a Royal Ascot win in 2024. This season’s efforts have been decent without being electric but now third-up and fitter. Should be thereabouts if able to bring her best form.
FROST AT DAWN 3
DAWN chorus. Group 1 runner-up earlier this summer and consistent at 5f. Fourth behind JM Jungle at Goodwood last time was solid. Likes fast ground, and strong pace will suit her style.
MGHEERA 3
HEER we go. Classy mare with two Group wins already this year. Not at best in Ireland last time but needed the run after a break. Has pace and on the each-way shortlist under Buick.
SHE’S QUALITY 3
QUALITY counts. Very solid filly, placed in last four Group runs and just denied by JM Jungle at Goodwood. Consistent, speedy and suited by conditions. Likely to run her usual honest race.
CELANDINE 2
HARD Cell. Good run at Chester last time and a previous Group 3 scorer. Ground no issue and course winner too but this is her toughest task to date and she may just get outpaced.
SAYIDAH DARIYAN 3
SAY maybe. Impressive winner of the Summer Stakes here last time over 6f and is improving. Likely to be ridden for a late burst and has claims if pace collapses. Needs another career-best.
LADY IMAN 4
IMAN of the moment. Unbeaten 2yo filly who took the Molecomb in style at Goodwood. Gets huge weight-for-age allowance and clearly fast. First time taking on older horses but her profile screams serious Group 1 potential.
SPICY MARG 3
NICE and Spicy. Has done little wrong so far and bolted up in minor race last time. Faces far stronger opposition but her finishing kick is potent. Gets lumps of weight and can hit the frame.
4.10
ZGHARTA was a typical Goodwood hard-luck story last time and this more conventional track should be ideal.
She finished with running left and the return to this trip on fast could suit ideally.
She is on a workable mark and shapes as one firmly on the up.
Wonder Star is a big threat after nearly landing a similar contest at Goodwood.
She travelled well there and is improving, but her draw and lack of experience in deeper handicaps are small concerns.
Akecheta caught the eye from off the pace at Goodwood and is well suited by a strong gallop.
She’s handicapped to strike again soon.
Cape Flora was visually striking at Leicester. This is tougher, but she’s unexposed.
Callisto Dream has shaped with promise all this season and she could improve for this step up in trip.
Templegate’s tips
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Five jockeys have been banned for 10 days after they failed to pull up in a chaotic flat race at Windsor where a blindfolded loose horse crashed into a plastic running rail.
The five-furlong handicap for apprentice jockeys at 16:52 BST on Monday featured a field of seven, but the result was declared void following a false start.
Master Zack, trained by Martin Dunne, was blindfolded to go into the stalls but reared up just before the gates opened.
Jockey Ryan Kavanagh remained in the stalls but riderless Master Zack set off with his vision obscured by the blindfold.
The three-year-old then veered to the right and crashed into a running rail before being caught with no major injuries reported.
Jockeys Tommie Jakes, Jack Doughty, Jack Dace, Taryn Langley and Alec Voikhansky all completed the course on their respective mounts but according to chief stipendiary steward Richard Westropp, ignored requests to stop.
Westropp said: “Our footage is very clear, the recall man is stood in the middle of the track and blowing his whistle. I think all the procedures were followed correctly.”
All five jockeys will have the opportunity to lodge an appeal.
Any western worth its dusty boots and big-sky openness should know what’s breathtaking about freedom, at the same time grasping how being tamed is an uneasy, clarifying rite of passage. That men have typically led these stories means there’s a lot still to be mined when women tackle this genre — both in front of and behind the camera — and in “East of Wall,” about a struggling ranch matriarch (Tabatha Zimiga) with a headstrong daughter (Porshia Zimiga), writer-director Kate Beecroft has found a worthy modern story of cowgirl hardiness near South Dakota’s Badlands.
That air of independence and restriction applies also to what “East of Wall” itself is: a narrative centered on first-time actors playing versions of themselves in a story shaped from their lives, in this case the joys and sorrows of the Zimigas’ open-plains existence rescuing, riding and selling horses, and dealing with financial uncertainty after the loss of a loved one.
When Chloé Zhao took the docu-fiction approach with her melancholy 2017 neo-western “The Rider,” the blended realism and dramatic choreography achieved something heartbreaking, reawakening the hybrid’s possibilities. Beecroft’s solid-enough first feature isn’t as effortlessly transcendent — the seams show a bit more. But there’s plenty of lived-in warmth in its accumulation of details and it gives needed voice to the concerns of women forging their own way in an environment that isn’t exactly kind on anyone.
Very quickly, we’re swept up in what’s loose, chaotic and appealing about tough, tattooed horse whisperer Tabatha and her rough-and-tumble operation, which includes her own children — Porshia is already a rising rodeo star — and various teenagers from this strapped region’s broken homes, plus her hard-bitten mom (Jennifer Ehle), who enjoys her peach moonshine. There’s an unruly found-family charm that belies what’s isolating and rundown about their situation and Austin Shelton’s vista-friendly cinematography does a good job contrasting that beauty and severity, especially in Tabatha herself, an earthy, battle-hardened goddess with a head half-shaved and half-draped with golden hair, and kind eyes rimmed with mascara. She always looks ready to calm a bronc, knock back a beer or tell you off.
Tabatha’s reputation for breaking wild steeds and supporting wayward kids is legion and her sales methods lean toward the unconventional: TikTok videos that frame horses at full speed against ravishing backdrops, and at barn sales, showcases that spotlight her girls’ performing skills. Money is tight, though, and the sting of her husband’s suicide a year earlier has put a grief wedge between Tabatha and Porshia as each tries to imagine what the future holds. That’s when an observant, dogged Texas rancher with his own baggage (Scoot McNairy) shows up with a tempting lifeline that puts everyone’s ownership of their fate in stark relief.
“East of Wall” lives in that indie space of wanting to respect and vibe equally, which means there’s a little too much slo-mo montage and, considering how invested we are in this family, not enough memorable scene work. But even with the thinnest of narrative framing and some arty touches that feel superfluous, there’s an overall portrait of authentic grit and resilience here, of knowing when to hold on and when to let go, that is well-nurtured by Beecroft’s admiring eye for these renegade women.
Nothing against McNairy and Ehle who play well with the first-timers, but there are moments when you wonder if Beecroft should have straight-up made a documentary, foregoing the harnessing of scripted incident for the rawness of what drew her to these people and this world in the first place. Which is another way of saying mother and daughter Zimiga are real finds, true-to-themselves keepers of a heartland tradition, and fresh faces getting to tell that story in a nontraditional form.
‘East of Wall’
Rated: R for language throughout
Running time: 1 hour, 37 minutes
Playing: In limited release
TEMPLEGATE tackles Saturday’s racing confident of keeping his hot run going – and building the bank for York next week.
Back a horse by clicking their odds.
MORE THUNDER (3.35 Newbury, nap)
Can go like lightning in the Hungerford Stakes. Trainer William Haggas has a fantastic record in this Group 2 with three wins since 2015 including last year with Tiber Flow. More Thunder looks more than capable of delivering at this level after his battling Bunbury Cup win at Newmarket last time. That came after six furlongs proved a couple of yards too short when he flew home for second in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot. He’s looked potentially more than a handicapper all season after he kicked off with back-to-back wins at Newmarket in the style of a classy performer. He deserves his chance at this level and looks well up to it.
CRACKING GOLD (3.00 Newbury, nb)
Can shine for Clive Cox. He has been in flying form all season and looks hard to beat. I go through all the runners for this race below.
SECRET GUEST (3.20 Ripon, treble)
Can star in the William Hill Great St Wilfrid Handicap. He was an excellent third in the race 12 months ago for trainer Bryan Smart who has given him a little break since a good second at Thirsk last time out. The five-year-old is back from just 3lb higher than last year but his rider’s claim takes care of that. He’s drawn well in stall 11 and ticks all the boxes for this competitive contest.
Templegate’s TV verdicts
NEWBURY
1.50
PINHOLE looked a lot more than a handicapper when bolting up at Ascot last time.
That was just his third run for Ralph Beckett and he stormed home over 1m4f to suggest this longer trip would bring further improvement.
He deserves another crack at this stronger company.
Epic Poet didn’t enjoy 1m4f in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot after going close in the Yorkshire Cup and will be happier at this distance.
Nightime Dancer chased home potential superstar Scandinavia here last time and should find this challenge a bit simpler.
Candleford has a Listed win on his CV this season but needs to bounce back from a moderate effort at Goodwood last time.
2.25
RHYTHM N HOOVES is music to my ears. Robert Cowell’s speedster looked right back to his best when flashing home for second in a hot Ascot sprint last month.
He’s well-handicapped from just 2lb higher, thrives on fast ground and Billy Loughnane knows exactly how to deliver him late.
A truly-run race should see him swooping past tiring rivals in the final 100 yards.
Getreadytorumble is a big danger after a string of good efforts at this distance, while Glamorous Breeze has the class to pounce if the gaps open.
Sugar Hill Babe, drawn in stall one, could give them plenty to think about from the front but she’s likely to set things up nicely for the tip.
3.00
I’VE got a Cracking bet on the box at Newbury.
CRACKING GOLD (3.00, nb) was an impressive winner here two runs ago before close close at Goodwood. He can take another step forward for Clive Cox.
Classic, Consolidation and Leadman can give him most to do.
Here’s my guide to the field, where I rate them out of one (worst) and five (best) stars:
CRACKING GOLD 5
GOLD star. Looked better than ever with a strong Goodwood second in a big field last time. He’s suited by pace and trip, handles all ground and runs well fresh. Reliable and progressive profile suggests he’s the one to beat.
HAVANA PUSEY 2
HAV to pass. Likes to be up with the pace and held her own in a Group 3 latest after earlier handicap wins over this trip. Track and ground ideal, but needs to improve on last Goodwood showing.
CLASSIC 4
CLASSIC case. Thriving this summer with strong Ascot second and earlier Sandown win. That form looks rock solid, 7f ideal, handles ground, and has track form. Very likely to go close again.
LOU LOU’S GIFT 3
GIFT horse. Lightly raced filly, shaped better than result in a messy Ascot Group 3 last time. Down in grade, strong pace helps. Still has more to come at 7f. Place shout
JUMBY 3
BY law. Game veteran. Big run in Newmarket handicap latest and has tumbled down the weights. This is his trip but long losing run remains a concern. No surprise to see him in the frame.
WOLF OF BADENOCH 1
WOLF whistle. Well held at Ascot on turf return and cheekpieces stay on. Was useful as a two-year-old but may not have trained on. Others bring stronger current claims and more proven handicapping efforts.
CONSOLIDATION 4
NO Con. Career-best win at Goodwood two back, unlucky latest when getting stuck in traffic. Goes well on quick ground and 7f suits. Still unexposed and could well bounce back with a cleaner trip.
OBELIX 3
LIX not licked. Had no chance at Wolver last time from a wide draw on the back of a good York win. He likes this trip on quick ground and isn’t ruled out from 7lb higher.
LEADMAN 4
GOOD Man. Won nicely here before getting no luck at Goodwood last time. He’s best over 7f and his form ties in well with others here. His handicap mark is fair and he’s high on the shortlist.
COGITATE 2
SMALL Cog. Not disgraced in hot Ascot handicap last time but he’s not the easiest ride. Has come down weights but needs a step forward to score in this company.
DOCUMENTING 1
WHAT’S up Doc? Almost a teenager but is still competitive with good efforts this season in big fields. His fifth behind Obelix at York reads well but there’s no obvious reason why he’ll turn that around.
3.35
MORE THUNDER never wins by very far but he keeps producing the goods like when winning the Bunbury Cup here by a short-head last time.
That build on his staying-on Wokingham second and two other smart wins on the Rowley course this season.
He looks well up to Group 2 standard and proved his liking for this trip last time.
King’s Gamble came home strongly when just denied over six furlongs at Newbury last time.
That was his first run in 11 months and moving back up in trip makes him the main danger.
Witness Stand won the Lennox nicely at Goodwood and goes well here too.
He’s in the mix while Spy Chief was far from disgraced in the July Cup and is likely to go hard on the front end.
RIPON
2.45
NOVELLO LAD has won two of his past three and looks capable of another step forward.
He saves his best for six furlongs on quick ground and his double-figure draw is another plus.
The handicapper must have been in a good mood when hiking him only 2lb for scoring at Pontefract last time.
Paul Midgley does well at Ripon and can add to his tally.
Wreck It Ryley saves his best for Ripon and was less than two lengths off the pace at Yarmouth last time.
He looks a good price to make the frame.
Ziggy’s Ariel landed his last win here in April and is only 2lb higher today which makes him competitive.
Likely favourite Fortamour is a good performer at this level but he’s yet to win on quick ground which has to be a worry for the nine-year-old.
Dicko The Legend was good at York last time and is well drawn.
3.20
SECRET GUEST was third in this last season and is primed to go two better.
Trainer Bryan Smart seems to have laid him out for the race and has given him a break since his close second at Thirsk in early July.
He’s only 3lb higher than his last win and this trip and track are ideal.
You want to be drawn high and he’s handy in stall 11.
Rock Opera comes from box 14 and was a close-up third in good company at York last time.
That was over this trip on fast ground so he should be on the premises again.
Grant Wood won the Silver Cup on this card last year and has clearly been aimed at this race.
He’s a big price to make the frame despite a low draw.
Similar comments apply to Intervention who ran well at Chepstow last time and looks on a fair mark.
Prince Of Pillo is in stall 16 and likes this track. His trainer Richard Fahey won this race 12 months ago so he’s a threat.
NEWMARKET
2.05
BINHAREER made a mockery of his opening turf handicap mark when strolling to victory at Ayr last month.
His jockey had the luxury of dropping his whip but it made no difference as he hammered his rivals over this trip.
The ground was softer that day but he doesn’t need it on breeding and looks a typical William Haggas improver.
He’s up 8lb for that smooth success but that won’t put the brakes on as there’s a lot more to come.
Archduke Ferdinand looks a fair each-way price with his rider’s claim taking him below his last winning mark.
He is best over this trip and likes fast ground.
Addison Grey made a promising start to his handicapping career when beaten less than a length at Chepstow nine days ago.
This trip suits and there’s more to come after just four runs.
Silver Samurai ran better than fifth place suggests at Doncaster latest. That was over seven furlongs but he has enough pace to figure.
Templegate’s tips
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