Racing News

Ready’s Image sires first Southern Hemisphere winner

Two shares left in this Ready’s Image x Dane Leica filly

Up and coming sire Ready’s Image (USA) landed his first southern hemisphere winner when the Nick Olive trained Akoonah debuted with a 900 metre maiden win at Queanbeyan on Sunday .

The first foal of the winning Catbird mare Cathead a half-sister to Hong Kong Group 3 winner Lifeline Express (by Marscay) and Listed stakes-winner Touch Of Mahogany (by Last Tycoon), Akoonah was passed in short of her $25,000 reserve at the 2012 Inglis Classic Yearling sale,

Cathead is out of the Ahonoora mare Malin Head, a half-sister to 8-time Group 1 winner Mahogany.

Like the promising Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock 2yo Imaging, syndicated by Darren Dance in 2012, Akoona is one of 49 live foals from the first crop of Lincoln Farm’s Sandford Stakes (G2) winner Ready’s Image.

Imaging, a daughter of 1997 WA Oaks winner Mystic Chantry, has impressed in recent trials and is set to make his ATB debut in the next couple of weeks for the Darren Weir stable.

Get your own piece of Ready’s Image at ATB

ATB currently has two shares available in a lovely Ready’s Image filly from proven broodmare Dame Leica (by Honours List), a three-quarter sister to Luen Yat Forever who amassed $1,068,078 in prizemoney from 12 wins and was the first horse to win Macau’s Triple Crown of the Guineas, Derby and Gold Cup.

Visit the Ready’s Image – Dame Leica filly syndication page for more info.

• 5% share = $3,850 including GST
• 10% share = $7,700 including GST

There are only 2 shares remaining so contact Darren Dance now before they are sold and you miss out.

This well bred filly is from the same family as Leica Show, Leica Planet & Pharoah and is in the hands of Warrnambool trainer Matthew Williams.

Ready’s Image, a son of More Than Ready, shuttles between Lincoln Farm and Walmac Farm in Kentucky and has been popular at the sales, topping the 2012 Inglis Classic first season sire averages ($52,917) in 2012.

Once again he was in demand at the Classic sale this year, averaging over $50,000.

Ready’s Image covered 114 mares last year at a fee of $5,500 and he will cover for the same amount this year.

Tuesday 14th May 2013

Outstanding ATB mare Platelet wins Goodwood to claim back to back Group 1 wins

ATB’s dual Gr1 winning mare Platelet and her connections following her Goodwood win at Morphettville in Adelaide (Photo courtesy of Bruno Cannatelli)

Outstanding Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock mare Platelet has made it back-to-back Group 1 wins by taking out the $500,000 Goodwood Handicap at Morphettville today.

After scoring her first Group 1 success against against her own kind in the $400,000 Robert Sangster Stakes a fortnight ago, Platelet proved much too strong for her rivals in Adelaide’s premier sprint race.

Ridden by Ben Melham and trained by Darren Weir at Ballarat in Victoria, Platelet jumped well from her inside barrier and Melham allowed her to settle out of harm’s way, although she raced three-wide with cover for most of the race.

Once the 4yo balanced in the straight she showed a tremendous turn of foot to win the Goodwood clearly.

The dual Group 1 winning mare was syndicated by ATB’s Darren Dance for just $4,500 for a 10% share, and she has proven to be a great investment for her owners with earnings of more than $940,000 for connections.

Platelet’s syndicate of owners include Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Darren & Liz Dance, Mr G Holt, Mr G Forbes, Mr J Macdonald, Mr P Brittain, Mr B Fellows, Mr A Downing, Mr M Goodridge, Mrs W Weir, Mrs E Edwards, Pinbak Syndicate & Inas Racing.

The Strategic mare has now had 19 starts for 7 wins and 10 placings with earnings of $945,975 along the way.

Congratulations to Ben Melham for a great ride, Darren Weir stable for a fantastic training effort, and to Platelet’s owners who have a multiple Group 1 winning mare who is going to make an exciting broodmare.

2013 Goodwood Handicap result

1. $9.00 Platelet 56.5 Ben Melham
2. $71.00 Conservatorium 54.5 Joe Bowditch
3. $13.00 Altar 52.5 Vlad Duric

then followed
4. $21.00 Karacatis 54.5 Paul Gatt
5. $2.15 Moment Of Change 58.5 Luke Nolen
6. $71.00 Perturbo 54.5 Stephen Baster
7. $61.00 Riziz 55.5 Simon Price
8. $18.00 Galah 56.0 Kerrin McEvoy
9. $12.00 General Truce 56.0 Nicholas Hall
10. $8.00 Yosei 52.5 Ms Michelle Payne
11. $101.00 Justify That 54.5 Ms Krystal Bishop (a)
12. $41.00 Zedi Knight 54.5 Chris Symons
13. $151.00 Meadows Jim 54.5 Dom Tourneur
14. $51.00 Outlandish Lad 56.0 Jason Holder
15. $6.00 Facile Tigre 54.5 Brad Rawiller
16. $12.00 Amaethon 54.5 Damian Lane

Track: Good3 - Margins: 1/2 len, long head – Time: 1:09.65

Saturday 11th May 2013

Ben Melham aiming for back to back Group 1 wins aboard ATB’s Platelet

Platelet winning the Gr1 Sangster Stakes at Morphettville (Picture courtesy of Herald Sun)

For the fourth consecutive weekend, Ben Melham will board a plane and head interstate, something he admits he is growing a bit tired of.

What he isn’t getting sick of is his results. For the past three Saturdays he has ridden a feature winner.

He kicked off the sequence with victory in the WA Derby with Mystic Prince and has followed that with Group 1 wins in Adelaide – the Robert Sangster Stakes on Platelet for Ballarat trainer Darren Weir – and then last week the South Australian Derby on Escado for Matt Laurie.

In the process the 25-year-old jockey has taken his Group 1 tally of wins to four and he is hoping to add another when he rides Platelet in The Goodwood.

His other Group 1 wins have come on Shadows In The Sun in the 2011 SA Derby and Black Caviar in the 2010 Patinack Classic at Flemington.

But his interstate forays could not have kicked off on a worse note when two-year-old filly Ms Funovits – he went to Perth to ride her in the WA Sires’ Produce Stakes – had a heart attack on the way to the barriers, collapsed and died.

Luckily his other ride Mystic Prince won the Group 2 WA Derby.

Melham was pleased he could repay his former master Weir with a Group 1 winner.

“He was the foundation of my career. When I went to him I could only ride a pony,” he said.

Melham doesn’t ride as much for Weir as he used to, now being based in Melbourne, but rides trials at Ballarat when he can.

Melham was not surprised Platelet won a Group 1 race.

“I’ve had a bit to do with her and it didn’t surprise me, as from the first moment in trackwork when I rode her she had a great turn of foot,” he said.

Melham believes Platelet is capable of winning another Group 1 in The Goodwood, saying she could not have gone any better in scoring in the Sangster.

“She’s well drawn and in great form,” he said.

Melham also was pleased he could give young Mornington trainer Laurie his first Group 1 winner in Escado.

Jet-setter Melham isn’t yet committed to riding any horse in the Brisbane carnival and said would only make the trip with a winning chance.

If not, he is happy to ride a Melbourne meeting – for a change.

Article and picture courtesy of Herald Sun website

Friday 10th May 2013

ATB Group 1 winner Platelet to go around at great odds again in the $500,000 Goodwood

Platelet aiming for back to back Group 1 victories in Goodwood at Morphettville

Classy Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock mare Platelet has drawn perfectly in barrier five for the Goodwood Handicap in Adelaide this Saturday as she attempts back to back Group 1 victories.

The Group 1 $500,000 Goodwood Handicap will take place on Saturday 11th May 2013 at Morphettville racecourse on the final day of the Adelaide autumn racing carnival.

The Darren Weir trained Platelet, $11.00 in early markets, overcame a wide gate to win the $400,000 Group 1 Sangster Stakes over the same course & distance at her most recent outing, scoring at fantastic double figure odds for her followers.

She will go around again at great value odds in Adelaide’s premier sprint on Saturday, much to the joy of her owners, who snapped up the great odds available prior to her Sangster win.

Platelet has pulled up well from her first Group 1 success but is not as well suited under the set weight plus penalties conditions of this event, having to give 4 kilograms to three-time Group 1 winner Yosei, who finished just over one length behind her in the Sangster Stakes two weeks ago.

A winner of the Group 1 AJC Sires Produce Stakes as a 2yo, and Group 1 Thousand Guineas & Group 1 Tatts Tiara as a 3yo, Yosei has consistently run some great races against the best company, as evidenced by her third placing in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap last spring.

Trained by Stuart Webb at Caulfield, Yosei $7.00 appears the one to be one to beat with only 52.5 kilograms on her back and an in form Michelle Payne on top.

However online bookmakers have installed smart Peter Moody galloper Moment Of Change an odds-on favourite in early markets.

Prior to his last start failure in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes at Rosehill, Moment Of Change had finished runner-up behind Shamexpress and Black Caviar at Flemington, in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap & Group 1 Lightning Stakes respectively.

That’s pretty good form for a race like this and the Barely A Moment 4yo will get all the favours from barrier six, but at $1.90 he does not represent much value as top weight in this field.

Also in the mix is Ricky Maund’s Group 3 Irwin Stakes winner General Truce at $21.00, and Jason McLachlan’s Group 1 Oakleigh Plate third placegetter Facile Tigre at $8.50.

2013 Goodwood Handicap Field & Barrier draw

Race 7 – 1200m – 4.05pm (4.35pm AEST)
GROUP 1 Of $500,000.1st $320,000, 2nd $85,000, 3rd $40,000, 4th $20,000, 5th $10,000, 6th to 10th $5,000
Set Weights plus Penalties, Three-Years-Old and Upwards, Apprentices cannot claim.

Odds are subject to change and field averages are supplied courtesy of Horse Racing Info website.

Platelet is one of three Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock & Darren Weir runners engaged at Morphettville on Saturday, with Happy Highway stepping out in the Group 3 SA Fillies Classic (Race 2) and Shiny Buttons in the Group 3 Queens Cup (Race 3).

ATB’s Darren & Liz Dance will be making the trip to Adelaide to enjoy the day with their owners and good luck to all connections for a successful day!

Thursday 9th May 2013

Bloodstock.com.au goes one on one with ATB’s Darren Dance

Darren Dance

Jo Johnson from Bloodstock.com.au caught up with ATB owner Darren Dance after a successful day at the Warrnambool Cup carnival last week and penned the following.

There is no doubt Darren Dance has an eye for a good horse!

Darren manages Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock Pty Ltd, which specialises in thoroughbred racehorse syndication.

One of AT Bloodstock’s most recent successes was when four year old mare, Platelet, posted a break through Group One win in the Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphettville on Saturday.

At last week’s Warrnambool Carnival Edge of War placed third in the Warrnambool Class 1 Handicap, two year old Clairveaux won the Inglis Bonus 1200 and Shiny Buttons placed third in the prestigious Warrnambool Cup.

Then of course there was Jakkalberry who surged to the line to place third in the 2012 Melbourne Cup.

The Team at Bloodstock.com.au are very proud that Darren purchased both Platelet and Jakkalberry through our site.

When did Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock Pty Ltd commence?

1997

What were you doing before you started your business?

I worked in retail for 25 years.

Were you always going to be involved in racing?

Yes, I grew up in Warrnambool and attended the races in western Victoria every Saturday and went to the May carnival every year.

What do you look for in a horse?

I firstly look for a correct individual that has good breeding lines. They have to be a good walker and have no faults. A proven sire and dam lines are important. I like then to have a good head, eye, shoulder and for the horse to be an athlete.

Which stallions do you think are good value this year?

Wanted, Foxwedge, Smart Missile, Toorak Toff, Denman, Strategic and Americain. Who is your pick for this season’s top first season sire at the sales and on the track? I love Northern Meteor’s stock.

Who has been the most influential person on your career?

I admired what Lloyd Williams has done with internationals and how Terry Henderson has run OTI and what they have achieved. My grandmother, a 50cent punter, was probably the one who got me interested in racing as a boy growing up.

Given your success, what words of wisdom/advice can you give to young people working in our industry?

It’s a great industry to be involved in with so many different facets that one can work in, from training stables, racing administration, sales and bloodstock companies, the media and stud farms. There are so many opportunities for young people in this industry and most just need a start or opportunity. Work hard, listen, learn and associate yourself with the successful people and you can be anything you want in this industry.

What does the typical day at Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock involve for you?

Starts at 6am and finishes at 6pm. Every morning starts with an hour in the office, then on the road to sales, trials, races or driving our truck to shift horses from the stud to pre-trainers or trainers. Then returning to the office in the evening to process reports to clients and other administration tasks. We work seven days per week.

How important do you think investing in international bloodlines is?

At this point in time we need to buy international horses for the staying races to be competitive. The time is right as the dollar is strong at the moment and they are affordable for us and they tend to be superior. We can race horses worldwide and bring them to Australia for the carnival and then return them to Europe /UK for their season- it’s great fun to travel the world with these horses.

Best horse you’ve ever seen?

I can’t split Frankel and Black Caviar.

What is your all-time favourite horse?

Mookta – our first group one winner.

Favourite race day?

Melbourne Cup day

If it wasn’t for racing, you’d be…

Lost!

On a non-racing subject, who do you follow in the AFL?

Hawthorn

Outside of Hawthorn, which AFL team do you like the most?

Collingwood

Article courtesy of Jo Johnson from Bloodstock.com.au

Wednesday 8th May 2013

ATB’s Group 1 winning Platelet to return to Adelaide for the Goodwood next Saturday

Leading trainer Darren Weir and Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock will send their classy mare Platelet back to Morphettville this weekend to chase further Group 1 glory.

The daughter of Strategic claimed her maiden Group 1 victory in the Sangster Stakes at Morphettville on 27th April, and will be looking to add the $500,000 Group 1 Goodwood Handicap to her already impressive resume.

ATB owner Darren Dance said the four-year-old had earned her crack at the 1200m set weights and penalties event.

“She pulled up terrific after last week,” Dance said.

“It was always the plan to go to the Sangster third up and if she was competitive at that level the Goodwood was the next step.”

The Goodwood will be Platelet’s final start this campaign before she heads home in search of home-state black type success next season.

“After the Goodwood she’ll have a break and we’ll probably bring her back for the sprint races at the Caulfield Cup Carnival and Melbourne Cup Carnival in late spring,” Dance said.

“If all goes well there we’ll freshen her up and have a crack at the Oakleigh Plate.”

A large contingent of ATB owners will be making their way to Adelaide next weekend to cheer Platelet home, along with fellow ATB gallopers Happy Highway and Shiny Buttons, also from the Darren Weir stable.

Monday 6th May 2013

Dandino debuts for ATB with 2nd place in Gr2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket

ATB’s Dandino pre-race at Newmarket

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s latest international purchase Dandino, trained by Marco Botti, made a promising debut overnight at Newmarket racecourse in England.

The six-year-old son of Dansili finished runner-up to Mark Johnston trained stayer Universal in the Group 2 Qatar Bloodstock Jockey Club Stakes over 2400 metres, in a race he won two years ago in 2011.

Dandino was only beaten a neck on the line and ATB’s Darren Dance, who syndicated the horse to Australian interests, felt it was only the lack of recent racing that cost him the win.

“He settled second behind the winner and they sprinted away three furlongs out and fought it out, but the other horse had had a soft lead and held us off,” Dance said.

“He’d been to Dubai, whereas we were first up, so we were very pleased.”

“It was his first time out for Marco and the horse has got a lot of improvement. His rider, Johnny Murtagh, said he went fantastic.”

“He’s right on track for the Caulfield & Melbourne Cups this spring.”

A six-year-old by Northern Hemisphere time, Dandino has now raced 23 times for seven wins and eight minor placings.

His next start is likely to be the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes (2414m) at Royal Ascot in June.

Sunday 5th May 2013

Two wins in Two days for ATB as Lonhtime scores at Bendigo

ATB’s Lonhtime in mounting yard at Bendigo

Impressive Peter Moody trained galloper Lonhtime recorded her first win in the Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock colours on Friday at Bendigo.

Stepping out in the Bendigo Property Services SV 3YO Fillies Maiden Plate (1100m),  the first race of the day, the Lonhro filly did a few things wrong but was still classy enough when it counted to score a promising victory.

The 3yo jumped awkwardly and lost ground at the start, before jockey Jason Benbow was able to settle her on the pace in the run, although she raced wide without cover all the way.

Under the urgings of Benbow in the straight, ATB’s second winner in two days was assured, when the promising galloper proved too strong in the run home.

ATB’s Darren Dance was thrilled by the win of Lonhtime.

“The stable turned her out in great shape and she’s a smart filly who will win her share of races,” said Dance.

“Jason Benbow was very impressed with her performance today and gave her a good report after the race.”

“She did a few things wrong due to inexperience but her class was too strong despite racing over a distance that we feel is too short for her, based on her breeding.”

Lonhtime has now had two starts for one win and a second placing, her only defeat being at the hands of the unbeaten Miss Softhands, who went on to win at Caulfield in December after beating Lonhtime in November.

Providing she pulls up ok after her win, Lonhtime will likely head to a better class race over a little more distance.

The win of Lonhtime provided Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock with their second winner in two days, following the win of Clairvaux yesterday at Warrnambool on Cup Day.

Sunday 5th May 2013

ATB’s latest International purchase Dandino resumes in Gr2 Jockey Club Stakes

Dandino set to debut for ATB in the Gr2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket in England tonight

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock galloper Dandino begins a campaign aimed at this spring’s Caulfield and Melbourne Cups when he resumes in the Group 2 Qatar Bloodstock Jockey Club Stakes (2400m) at Newmarket on Saturday night in England.

Purchased by ATB’s Darren Dance in February and trained out of the UK by Italian horseman Marco Botti, six-year-old Dandino faces three rivals in his first appearance of 2013.

To claim a second victory in the Jockey Club Stakes, the 2011 winner will need to defy Noble Mission, a placegetter in the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot last year; Group 1-winning globetrotter Wigmore Hall; and the promising Mark Johnston-trained colt Universal.

Whilst this year’s edition is far from an epic one, the Jockey Club Stakes has proven an interesting form reference for the Spring Racing Carnival with My Quest For Peace (2^nd), Dunaden (3^rd) and Fiorente (6^th) all progressing from the 2012 edition to contest the Emirates Melbourne Cup six months later.

“Marco Botti has been very pleased with his work to date and he won this race two years ago,” ATB director Darren Dance said.

“He’s going to step out in a race with only four runners and as long as the track is firm he is going to be around the mark.”

The son of Dansili boasts a pair of Group 2 wins over some well-credentialed European gallopers and has been placed behind the likes of boom Macedon Lodge import Sea Moon, My Quest For Peace and Joshua Tree.

Dance said he had been buoyed with the subsequent performances of horses with form lines around Dandino and is confident the six-year-old can measure up this campaign.

“We were pretty happy with the win of Reliable Man at Randwick (in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes) because if you take a form line through him and Joshua Tree, the form is good,” Dance said.

“Dandino ran second to Joshua Tree at Woodbine (Canadian International Stakes) and beat Reliable Man home by about four-and-a-half lengths (in that race).”

“He’s on track for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups at this stage.”

Looking beyond this weekend’s return, Dandino is likely to follow in the footsteps of another of ATB’s international stars, Botti’s 2012 Melbourne Cup placegetter Jakkalberry, by contesting the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes (2400m) at Royal Ascot in June.

Speaking on Jakkalberry, Dance said the durable entire was recovering well after being galloped during his win in the Group 2 Dubai City Of Gold Stakes (2400m) in March and appeared back on track for a return to Melbourne later in the year.

“We’ve just had him on the treadmill and will be following the plan the vet has set out to try and do everything we can to get him back to Melbourne for the spring, but it’s looking very promising,” Dance said.

“When he won in Dubai Marco said to me that he was probably in career best form and he was really looking forward to having another crack at the Melbourne Cup with him.”

Article courtesy of James Tzaferis from Racing Victoria website.

Saturday 4th May 2013

Clairvaux scores sizzling win for Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock at Warrnambool

ATB 2yo Clairvaux and connections after winning the Inglis Bonus 1200 on Warrnambool Cup day

Promising Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock 2yo Clairvaux was ridden a treat by jockey Ben Melham to gain his first victory in the Simons Waterfront Inglis Bonus 1200 (1200m) at Warrnambool on the final day of their May Carnival.

The Choisir gelding was tightened for room and hampered shortly after the start but Melham gave the horse plenty of time to find his feet in the run.

Melham stayed on the inside approaching the turn, saving valuable ground, and when he let Clairvaux down, the race was over in a few strides as the two-year-old raced away to score a resounding 3.25 lengths win.

Trainer Matthew Williams was delighted with the ride.

“Ben rode him terrific,” said Williams.

“He had done his home work on the track and felt it was better on the inside.”

“Ben said he is still learning but gave him a great feel in the run and he said he has a bright future.”

ATB’s Darren & Liz Dance were at Warrnambool to witness the victory, along with a bevy of excited owners.

“Great win, great ride!” said Dance.

“He smashed them today and is a very promising horse.”

“Super ride by Ben Melham who summed the race up perfectly.”

Clairvaux will likely have a short break now before heading to either Swan Hill or Flemington in June in search of the lucrative Vobis races on offer.

The 2yo has now had 3 starts for one win and two placings with earnings of $24,200 for her owners Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr K Colwell, Mr M Blakiston, Mr P Mcevoy, Mr R Hutton, Mr K Andrews, Mr S Gereaux, Brittain Racing, Mr L Mcdowell, Mr G Atkinson, Mr J Andrews, Ms J Anderson.

Friday 3rd May 2013

Seven runners for ATB at 2013 Warrnambool May Carnival

ATB’s Luckyi’mbarefoot set to strike at Warrnambool

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock will be represented by seven runners at the 2013 Warrnambool May Carnival this week, highlighted by Tac De Boistron & Shiny Buttons contesting the 2013 Warrnambool Cup.

First cab off the rank is Matthew Williams trained Snitzel Rose who will make her debut in the TAB VOBIS Gold Strike (1000m) on Tuesday 30th April 2013 at 1.00pm.

She has drawn barrier 15 but will come in after scratchings and she has been trialling well in preparation for this race. Ryan Maloney takes the ride on the Snitzel filly.

On the second day of the carnival on Wednesday 1st May we have Bel Esprit 4yo Hectorious, from the Matthew Williams stable, stepping out in the Winning Edge Presentations Maiden Plate (1400m) at 1.15pm.

Ryan Maloney will be aboard Hectorious and will have to negotiate an awkward barrier 13 draw.

We have five runners on the final day of the Warrnambool May Carnival on Thursday 2nd May and Darren Weir gelding Edge Of War gets ATB underway in the Harvey Norman Warrnambool Class 1 Handicap (1300m) at 11.40am.

He has drawn poorly in barrier 19 and Brad Rawiller will need to use all his guile early to give the son of Racer’s Edge every chance.

Matthew Williams trained Clairvaux is in the Simons Waterfront Inglis Bonus 1200 (1200m) at 12.45pm and fared well at the barriers, jumping from gate six with Ryan Moloney to ride.

Undoubtedly 5yo Luckyi’mbarefoot, also from the Matthew Williams stable, will tackle the Mercedes-Benz Handicap (1400m) at 2.45pm and looks a great chance with Nicholas Hall aboard, although he has drawn the outside gate which is not ideal.

ATB has two runners in the 2013 Warrnambool Cup on Thursday at 3.25pm, Tac De Boistron from the Mick Kent stable and Shiny Buttons from the Darren Weir yard.

Tac De Boistron, to be ridden by Nicholas Hall, come up with barrier 19, a horror draw, and Shiny Buttons, with Dean Yendall to ride, has drawn gate seven which should see him nicely placed in the run.

We hope to see you all down there and don’t forget the ATB Winter Tipping comp starts this Saturday!

Below you will find all the Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock runners racing at Warrnambool this week.

Tuesday 30th April 2013

Wednesday 1st May 2013

Thursday 2nd May 2013

ATB owners can claim a 15% Winners Bonus at Warrnambool from leading online bookmaker Centrebet.

Click the below banner for more info!

ATB’s French import Tac De Boistron top weight for 2013 Warrnambool Cup

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Tac De Boistron resumes in the Warrnambool Cup this Thursday

While he failed to show his best in two starts during the Spring Racing Carnival, connections of French import Tac De Boistron are hoping he can return to his best in Thursday’s Listed $200,000 Sungold Milk Warrnambool Cup (2350m).

The 60kg topweight, who boasts wins over highly rated internationals Shahwardi, Brigantin and Ivory Land in his native France, failed to fire for his new trainer Mick Kent in the Centrebet Geelong Cup (2400m) and the Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m).

The team behind Tac De Boistron decided to bypass Saturday’s Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick due to the firm track and part-owner Darren Dance, of Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock, is hoping a rain-affected Warrnambool surface can assist the gelding on Thursday.

“We had him going to Sydney but the track was too firm,” Dance said.

“Mick (Kent) has been really happy with him so if it ended up being wet or chopped up then he could be right in the race.

“Thursday is going to be a big day for us as we have two horses in the Cup in Tac De Boistron and Shiny Buttons.”

The six-year-old has come up with barrier 19 in a race that has attracted a full field of 16 with four emergencies with ATB’S other representative, Darren Weir’s Shiny Buttons drawing gate seven.

Highly-rated Tasmanian galloper Banco Mo, who has won both Victorian starts this campaign, drew the inside barrier (1) while locally-trained Ballarat Cup winner King Diamond (16) and Robert Smerdon’s star jumper Black And Bent (18) fared poorly with carpark alleys.

The other feature race on the final day of the Warrnambool Carnival, the $250,000 Wheelie Waste Grand Annual Steeplechase, has also attracted a bumper field.

Patrick Payne’s defending Annual champion Awakening Dream, Ciaron Maher’s Great Eastern Steeplechase hero Man Of Class and Kiwi jumper Tobbougie Nights were amongst today’s nine acceptors for the 5500 metre marathon.

There are ten races at Warrnambool on Thursday and the first race kicks off at 11:10am in the morning.

>>> Click here for latest Warrnambool odds

Article courtesy of James Tzaferis from the Racing Victoria website

Tuesday 29th April 2013

Dandino set for ATB debut at Newmarket next Saturday in UK

Dandino training in the snow in the UK

With the English flat season just commencing, Australian interests are set to spike as a number of potential spring visitors kick-off campaigns that could ultimately see them at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November.

One such galloper who is on a path to spring glory is recent Australian purchase Dandino who begins a campaign aimed at the $2.5 million BMW Caufield Cup and $6 million Emirates Melbourne Cup at Newmarket on Saturday.

Owned by Victorian-based syndicator Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock (ATB) and trained out of Newmarket by Italian horseman Marco Botti, Dandino will line-up in the Group 2 Qatar Bloodstock Jockey Club Stakes (2400m), a race he won in 2011.

“Dandino kicks off for us on Saturday night (Melbourne time) at Newmarket so he’ll be first up in that Group 2 2400 metre race,” ATB director Darren Dance confirmed.

“Marco (Botti) is really happy with Dandino and he’s going to step out in a race with four, five, maybe six runners and as long as the track is firm he will run well.”

The son of Dansili boasts a pair of Group 2 wins over some well-credentialed gallopers and has been placed behind the likes of boom Macedon Lodge import Sea Moon, glamour OTI horse My Quest For Peace and globetrotting stablemate Joshua Tree.

Dance said he had been buoyed with the subsequent performances of horses with form lines around Dandino and is confident the six-year-old can measure up this time in.

“We were pretty happy with the win of Reliable Man yesterday (Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick) because if you take a form line through him and Joshua Tree, the form is good,” Dance said.

“All roads lead to Flemington and Caulfield in the spring.”

Dance confirmed another ATB star, 2012 Melbourne Cup third placegetter Jakkalberry, was recovering well after being galloped during his win in the Group 2 Dubai City Of Gokd Stakes (2400m) in March.

“Physically looking at Jakkalberry, where he got kicked in the joint before he won that race in Dubai, all the swelling has gone out of his leg and physically looking at it you wouldn’t be able to pick which one it was,” Dance said.

“We’ve just him on the treadmill and we’re just following the plan the vet set out to try and do everything we can to get him back to Melbourne for the spring, but it’s looking very promising.”

Article courtesy of Racing Victoria website

Sunday 27th April 2013

Strategic mare Platelet serves up Group 1 win for Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock

Platelet wins Gr1 Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphettville (photo courtesy of Fast Track photography)

Classy Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock mare Platelet has graduated to Group One winner today after claiming the $400,000 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in Adelaide.

The Darren Weir-trained Platelet started at $9.50 and was ridden a treat by jockey Ben Melham to score a brilliant victory from Angelic Light second and Yosei third.

Platelet jumped from barrier 11 and Ben positioned her beautifully in the run where she was able to storm home down the middle of the track for an authoritative win.

The four-year-old daughter of Stratagic has now won six of her 18 starts and collected over $620,000 in prizemoney for her owners.

Platelet was set for the Sportingbet Classic after her Group 2 Moir Stakes fourth placing last spring and neither owner Darren Dance or trainer Darren Weir were surprised when the under-rated mare powered over the top of her rivals for an exciting win.

Weir was thrilled to celebrate the success with Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Darren Dance, who races Platelet with a syndicate of owners.

“This is a big thrill,” Weir said. “Darren Dance has been a massive supporter of mine for a number of years and we’ve never won a Group 1 (together) so it’s a big thrill for myself and him.”

Weir said it was a fantastic result given confidence levels were low after the barrier draw. Ben Melham partnered Platelet to victory and it was also his second Group 1 success, his other being Black Caviar’s maiden Group 1 victory in the 2010 Patinack Farm Classic.

“We were a bit worried about the barrier we drew earlier in the week, but thanks to the ride from Benny it turned out perfect,” Weir said.

“Three deep with cover and I think you want to be running on down the middle so it just worked out perfect.”

2013 Robert Sangster Stakes result (1200m)

Of $400,000. Group 1 – For Fillies & Mares – Weight for age (The race was run as the Sportingbet Classic)

then followed

Track Condition: Dead 4 Margins: 0.7 len, 1.1 len Time: 1:11.04 Last 600m: 0:35.09

Platelet Career Record

18 Starts for 6 wins – 5 seconds – 5 thirds – $625,975 in prizemoney
4yo Mare (02 November 2008) by Strategic from Bloodline
Trainer: Darren Weir
Jockey: Ben Melham
Strapper: Stephen Payne
Owners: Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr G Holt, Mr G H Forbes, Mr J Macdonald, Mr P L Brittain, Mr B R Fellows, Mr A C Downing, Mr M D Goodridge, Mrs W J Weir, Pinbak, Inas Racing, Mrs E Edwards

Saturday 27th April 2013

ATB’s Platelet deserves a crack at the Group 1 Sportingbet Classic

ATB’s Platelet set to tackle the Gr1 Sportingbet Classic on Saturday

Classy Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock galloper Platelet will face a quality field in the 2013 Sportingbet Classic this Saturday in Adelaide.

The ever consistent Darren Weir trained Platelet deserves her chance in the $400,000 Group 1 Sportingbet Classic to be held on Saturday 27th April 2013 at Morphettville racecourse.

The 4yo mare by Strategic boasts a very consistent record of 16 starts, 5 wins and 9 placings with great form on firm and rain affected going.

Darren Weir has set her for this race 3rd up into her preparation and is also eying off  the $500,000 Group 1 Goodwood in two weeks time at the same track.

At her second run this campaign she was narrowly beaten by the Peter Moody trained Kulgrinda in the $115,000 Group 3 RN Irwin Stakes at Morphettville and Platelet will derive plenty of improvement from the run. She will be at her peak on Saturday.

She is a classy mare who won the listed Sir John Monash Stakes in her last preparation, and she also finished close up to the talented sprinters Bel Sprinter in the Gr3 McEwen Stakes (2nd by 0.5 len ) and Buffering & Ready To Rip in the Group 2 Moir Stakes (4th beaten 1.55 len).

On Saturday, she is back to the Fillies & Mares class, all be it at Group 1 level, and she is up to the challenge.

Quality Gerald Ryan filly Snitzeland appears very well suited in this race and is the one to beat in the Sportingbet Classic.

Irwin Stakes winner Kulgrinda and third placegetter Avoid Lightning are both racing well and should figure in the finish.

Platelet, who has drawn barrier 11 of 12, will position up outside or just behind the leaders, where she will be in striking range in the run and will look the winner at some stage in the straight.

Her form and consistency suggests that she can come away with Group 1 status next to her name.

Our preferred online bookmaker Centrebet has Platelet at $11 in early markets and all ATB owners can take advantage of a 15% Owners Bonus with a Centrebet account.

• Click here for more info on the ATB 15% Owners Bonus at Centrebet.

The 2013 Sportingbet Classic field can be found below with latest Centrebet odds.

2013 Sportingbet Classic Field & Barrier draw

Race 5 – 1200m – 2.35pm (3.05pm AEST)
Of $400,000.1st $254,600, 2nd $68,400, 3rd $34,200, 4th $15,200, 5th $7,600, 6th to 10th $4,000
GROUP 1 – For Fillies & Mares – Weight for Age -  No Allowances for apprentices

Odds are supplied courtesy of Centrebet and are subject to change.

The Sportingbet Classic is registered as the Robert Sangster Stakes and field averages are supplied courtesy of Horse Racing Info website.

Wednesday 24th April 2013

2013 ATB Winter Tipping Competition now open – Win a trip to Darwin Cup

Think you have what it takes to become the first ever ATB Winter Tipping Champion???

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock has partnered with Luxbet to provide an exclusive 2013 Winter Tipping competition for our owners.

Kindly sponsored by Luxbet, First Prize for the competition winner is 2 tickets to the Darwin Cup on Monday 5th August 2013 at Fannie Bay racecourse in Darwin.

Luxbet will also be providing $150 in weekly cash prizes to the first 10 tipsters with the highest points tally each week.

• You can register here now.

The ATB Winter Tipping competition requires you to place win & place tips on major metropolitan & provincial feature races around Australia during the months of May & June.

The competition commences on Saturday 4th May 2013 with feature races at Morphettville & the Gold Coast and points will accumulate each week according to the LuxDiv price for each successful selection.

Keep an eye out for double & triple points races to maximise your scoring potential.

Anyone can play to win the $150 weekly prizes but only registered owners or registered members of a syndicate within an ATB horse can win the major prize.

Visit the Race Schedule to see what races are available for tipping in our ATB Winter Tipping competition.

Thank you to everybody who competed in the ATB Autumn Tipping competition and we hope to see you all back for our Winter Tipping comp.

ATB Winter Tipping Competition Details

The ATB Winter Tipping Competition runs over nine consecutive weeks in May & June.

• Week 1 – May 4th 2013
• Week 2 – May 11th 2013
• Week 3 – May 18th 2013
• Week 4 – May 25th 2013
• Week 5 – June 1st 2013
• Week 6 – June 8th 2013
• Week 7 – June 15th 2013
• Week 8 – June 22nd 2013
• Week 9 – June 29th 2013

The ATB Winter Tipping competition winner will be announced on Sunday 30th June 2013.

• Click here to enter the ATB Winter Tipping competition

Competition prizes are courtesy of Luxbet and all we ask in return is that you have a Luxbet account in order to be eligible for any prizes.

The added benefit of a Luxbet account also means you can take advantage of a 12% Owners Bonus every time one of your ATB owned horses wins!

Tuesday 23rd April 2013

ATB’s Tac De Boistron set for first-up tilt at 2013 Sydney Cup at Randwick

Tac De Boistron at Werribee

Imported Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock stayer Tac De Boistron is likely to have a first-up tilt at the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on Saturday 27th April 2013 as long as the track is rain affected.

After finishing second last in a trial over 1600 metres at Werribee today, ATB’s Darren Dance  said the six-year-old was fit enough for the Sydney feature but does not like firm ground.

“The track was probably just a bit firm for him today, he’s on track for the Sydney Cup but we just need it to rain,” Dance said.

“Mick’s (Kent) got him fit and he’s happy with him.”

Tac De Boistron finished sixth of seven at his Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock debut in the Geelong Cup (2400m) last October, before struggling on the firm surface at Flemington when finishing 23rd in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) on the first Tuesday in November.

• Click here for latest 2013 Sydney Cup odds

The 2012 Sydney Cup was won by Niwot who defeated Efficient by a long neck from Once Were Wild a further 1/2 len back in third place in a time of 3:20.49.

Monday 15th April 2013

Australian Pattern Committee to upgrade the status of 41 Australian races, including 18 in Victoria

ATB’s Platelet ran 5th in the 2012 AJ Moir Stakes, a race that will be upgraded to Group 1 status next season

Racing Victoria has welcomed the decision from the Australian Racing Board (ARB) to approve the recommendations of the Australian Pattern Committee to upgrade the status of 41 Australian races, including 18 in Victoria.

The Tranquil Star Stakes (1400m, run as the Thousand Guineas Prelude in 2012) and Rubiton Stakes (1200m), both held at Caulfield, and Moonee Valley’s (MVRC) Ian McEwen Trophy (1000m) have been upgraded to Group 2 status for next season.

A further 15 Listed races across the state, including the Victoria Racing Club’s Ottawa Stakes (1000m), the MVRC’s Typhoon Tracy Stakes (1200m), and the Manfred Stakes (1200m), run at Caulfield, have been promoted to Group 3 status.

Racing Victoria’s General Manager – Racing, Greg Carpenter, welcomed the ARB’s announcement and said the upgrades would bolster Victoria’s already-strong Spring Racing Carnival and Melbourne Festival of Racing.

“Following today’s announcement by the Australian Racing Board that 41 races will be upgraded nationally, Racing Victoria is pleased that 18 of those are races within Victoria,” Carpenter said.

“Coupled with the 2012 announcement by the Asian Pattern Committee that the Memsie Stakes and Moir Stakes will be elevated to Group 1 status during the 2013-14 season, these upgrades further strengthen the pattern in Victoria.

“With the bulk of these upgrades within the Spring Racing Carnival and Melbourne Festival of Racing we hope they will provide further incentive for interstate horses to contest Group races in Victoria.”

In total, seven Group 3 races will be upgraded to Group 2 and 33 Listed races will be upgraded to Group 3 status.

The Australian Turf Club’s popular Golden Slipper lead-ups, the Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m) and the Skyline Stakes (1200m), were also granted Group 2 status, as were the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) and the Millie Fox Stakes (1300m).

Article courtesy of Racing Victoria website.

Wednesday 20th March 2013

ATB’s Brian Johnson raises $5,570 for Doxa Youth Foundation in 4 Tracks 4 Kids walk

ATB’s Brian Johnson with fellow 4 Tracks 4 Kids walker Peter Smith

ATB’s Darren & Liz Dance would like to give Brian Johnson a big THANK YOU for representing Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock in the 4 Tracks 4 Kids walk this year.

Brian managed to raise $5,570 in donations for the Doxa Youth Foundation during the 2013 4 Tracks 4 Kids walk, the second highest for an individual, which was a fantastic result.

We fell short of our $10,000 target but next year we plan to get a ‘Team ATB’ going to better what we achieved this year!

The 2013 4 Tracks 4 Kids Walk

The 4 Tracks 4 Kids walk commenced at 3am on Friday 8th March 2013 and courtesy of Darren Dance, a limousine was hired to get Brian to the Sandown Taberet in peak condition for the 2.30am registration.

After receiving his 4 Tracks 4 Kids kit & info Brian proceeded to do the following over the next nine hours.

• Sandown to Caulfield (15k) – Brian left the Sandown Taberet at 3am in the morning with the rest of the 4tracks4kids participants and they made their way to Caulfield racecourse over a distance of 15 kilometres, arriving at Caulfield at 6am.
• Caulfield to Federation Square (16k) - Leaving Caulfield around 6.15am, Brian continued on to Federation Square (13 km) before heading to the Docklands (3 km) check point around 9.40am
• Docklands to Moonee Valley (7k) – From there it was a mere 7 kilometre walk to Moonee Valley in the warm morning sun, where only the resilient survive.
• Moonee Valley to Flemington (4k) – The final leg to Flemington was only 4 kilometres but finishing the 4 Tracks 4 Kids walk down the hallowed 1200m straight course at Flemington proved to be the hardest kilometre of them all for Brian!

A total of 42 kilometres was walked by Brian for charity during the 4 Tracks 4 Kids event. Congratulations on an outstanding effort on behalf of ATB and our owners.

Well done also to fellow ATB owners Lachlan McKenzie & Tully Smith who walked the 4 kilometre Moonee Valley to Flemington leg to support the 4 Tracks 4 Kids this year as part of Team Ballarat Turf Club.

We would like to thank all our donors who supported Brian & ATB for the 4 Tracks 4 Kids event.

ATB’s 2013 4 Tracks 4 Kids Donations

If anyone wants to enter 4 Tracks 4 Kids next year in Team ATB then let us know, because you might need to start training now. Brian is still hobbling on one leg, one week after the event :)

Friday 15th March 2013

ATB filly Pastorale Lass finishes 3rd on debut at Ballarat for Mike Moroney stable

Jockey Luke Curries has plenty of positives for Pastorale Lass owners at Ballarat

Australian Thorougbred Bloodstock’s latest debutante Pastorale Lass made a promising debut yesterday at Ballarat.

Trained by Mike Moroney at Flemington, the 3yo daughter of Ifraaj was turned out in fine style by the Moroney stable for her Dowling Forest debut.

Pastorale Lass, ridden by Luke Currie contested the Porter Plant SV 3YO Fillies Maiden Plate (1400m) and finished third, 3.5 lengths behind stablemate Sherbet Bomb who won the race with Steven Arnold on board, while Byron Cozamanis filly Are The Bungs In was runner-up.

ATB’s Darren Dance was most impressed with her first-up effort and said apart from being a touch slow out of the gates, she did everything else really well and liked what he saw.

“Luke Currie and Mike Moroney were well pleased with her run and expect her to make into a very nice stayer,” said Dance.

“She is a big strong and impressive looking horse and will come on a lot from today.”

“I think if you follow the form out of this race most will go on and be more than competitive in town.”

It’s been a big week for Darren Dance & Australian Throroughbred Bloodstock with multiple Group 2 victories in two countries.

Last Saturday night the Marco Botti trained Jakkalberry won the $250,000 Group 2 Dubai City Of Gold for ATB while two days later exciting Darren Weir trained filly Lonhspresso was too good for her rivals in the Group 2 Centrebet Classic at Morphettville.

Darren Dance & Australian Throroughbred Bloodstock will be at the Horse Racing Expo taking place this weekend at the Melbourne Showgrounds where the door prize is a share in ATB’s Melbourne Cup horse Dandino.

Make sure you come and say hello if you’re attending the expo!

Friday 15th March 2013

Win a Free Share in ATB’s Dandino at the 2013 Horse Racing Expo this weekend

Visit the Horse Racing Expo this weekend for your chance to win a FREE share in ATB’s Dandino!

Fancy owning a FREE share in Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Dandino, who is already guaranteed a start in Melbourne’s feature Spring Racing Carnival staying races including the $2.5M Caulfield Cup and the $6M Melbourne Cup.

It’s a reality now for anyone attending this weekend’s Mane Connections Horse Racing Expo following news that loyal partner Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock have generously offered a 1% share (worth $9000) in recently purchased international galloper Dandino as the major door prize.

Dandino, who boasts seven wins from 22 starts highlighted by victories in the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes (2400m) at Newmarket and the Group 3 September Stakes (2400m) at Kempton, has been transferred to the stables of renowned Italain trainer Marco Botti.

Dandino will be one of the most exciting international gallopers to hit Australian shores

Botti will follow a similar path to the one he took with ATB’s most successful international acquisition to date, Jakkalberry, whose 2012 Melbourne spring campaign culminated with a placing behind Green Moon in the Melbourne Cup and a $540,000 payday for connections.

The five-year-old son of Dansili is all but assured of a BMW Caulfield Cup start and would only need to emulate his staying performances from last season to book a spot in the world’s richest two-mile handicap, the Emirates Melbourne Cup.

Everyone that attends the Expo, held at the Melbourne Showgrounds on 16 – 17 March, is in the running to win this fantastic prize while others will be given the opportunity to purchase one of the remaining shares in Dandino.

The share in Dandino is just one of the many exciting door prizes on offer to attendees at the Mane Connections Horse Racing Expo.

2013 Horse Racing Expo

Where: Melbourne Showgrounds – Exhibition Hall
When: Saturday 16 – Sunday 17 March 2013, 10am – 5pm
Who will be there: Trainers, Syndicators, Breeders, Racing Clubs, Betting Agencies, Tipsters, Equine Education & Career Opportunities.

Mane Connections Horse Racing Expo aims to give visitors the opportunity to interact with some of Australia’s top trainers, stables and syndicate managers to learn more about getting involved in the exciting world of racehorse ownership. Mane Connections will also showcase racing clubs, horse health & supplies, tipsters, racing publications, breeders and stud farms amongst other key components within the racing industry. Coupled with this is the opportunity for visitors to attend free seminars.

Come and visit Darren Dance and the ATB team at the 2013 Horse Racing Expo!

Wednesday 13th March 2013

ATB’s Darren Weir trained Lonhspresso claims $250,000 Gr2 Centrebet Classic at Morphettville

Neville Gereaux & Liz Dance proudly hold the Gr2 Centrebet Classic Cup

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s exciting three-year-old filly Lohnspresso scored her first black type victory for her owners when taking out the $250,000 Group 2 Centrebet Classic at Morphettville yesterday.

Ridden a treat by Ben Melham, Lonhspresso was too strong on the line for the fast-finishing SA-trained Essay Raider, who finished second, with smart Robert Smerdon filly Shamal Wind not far away in third place in a time of 1:10.4 for the 1200 metre trip.

The Darren Weir trained daughter of Lonhro has exceeded all expectations this preparation and has the overall record of three wins and two seconds from five starts with prizemoney of $209,175 along the way.

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Victorian trainer Darren Weir was on course to witness the lightly raced daughter of Lonhro use her inside barrier one to advantage against some quality opposition.

“She’s looked really good in her two wins but obviously this was a massive step up today,” the Ballarat-based trainer said.

“Jockey Benny Melham was the one who wanted to bring her here and he’s delivered a 10 out of 10 ride.”

“She’s a very fine filly, so I think the paddock will be the go now.”

Melham said Lohnspresso has done a mighty job this time in and is headed for even better.

“I was a bit worried over barrier one but it worked out great,” he said.

“She’s only going to better with time as her legs are still going a bit too quick for her body at the moment.”

Neville Gereaux & Lonhspresso

Lonhspresso has progressed from a Ballarat maiden win to a Group 2 success in three starts but Weir will bypass the riches on offer at the Sydney autumn racing carnival and said the filly would be better served by spelling ahead of a spring four-year-old campaign.

Lonhspresso is raced in partnership with Darren & Liz Dance from Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock and long-time, loyal owners Neville, Shannon & Gavin Gereaux from Bungan Street Thoroughbreds.

A well deserved Group 2 victory for the Gereaux family who put plenty into racing and fantastic to see them with a potential top class galloper on their hands.

Congratulations to all involved in Lonhspresso and we look forward to her racing again in the spring!

2013 Centrebet Classic Result

1. $4.80 Lonhspresso 55.5 Ben Melham
2. $10.00 Essay Raider 57.5 Clare Lindop
3. $4.60 Shamal Wind 55.5 Glen Boss

then followed
4. $21.00 Rusambo 57.5 Kerrin Mc Evoy
5. $17.00 Molto Bene 55.5 Shayne Cahill
6. $9.00 Lady Of Harrods 55.5 Jamie Mott
7. $17.00 Daytona Grey 57.5 Chad Lever
8. $4.00 Last Day 57.5 Craig Williams
9. $20.00 Stella Lante 55.5 Troy Baker
10. $5.50 Office Bearer 57.5 Luke Nolen
11. $10.00 Maybe Discreet 55.5 Steve Arnold
12. $100.00 Hioctdane 57.5 Paul Gatt
13. $100.00 Marble Rye 57.5 Amy Herrmann

Margins: 1/2 head, short neck
Time: 1:10.45

Note: The race is registered as the Euclase Stakes and field finish courtesy of Horse Racing Info website.

Monday 11th March 2013

Jakkalberry adds the Group 2 Dubai City of Gold to his impressive Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock resume

ATB’s Jakkalberry runs home strongly to win the 2013 Dubai City of Gold at Meydan racecourse overnight

ATB’s globe trotting 7yo Jakkalberry resumed from a spell at Meydan overnight to defeat the heavily favoured Await the Dawn to win the Group 2, $250,000 Dubai City of Gold in Dubai.

Since being purchased by Darren Dance for Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock, Jakkalberry has raced in the Dubai, the United States, England, Australia, and Japan, and with his victory lst night, his last three wins have come in Milan (Italy), Chicago (Illinois), and in the United Arab Emirates.

This is Jakkalberry’s second trip to Dubai, and while he was a solid third in the 2012 Sheema Classic on the World Cup card last year, Jakkalberry could prove to be even better this year.

“He may be one to look forward to at the end of the month,” said winning rider Ryan Moore.

Jakkalberry $12.20 finished a fast-finishing third of 24 in the 2012 Melbourne Cup at Flemington last November but could only run 11th of 19 in the Japan Cup later the same month, his final start last year.

But he was back to his best in the Dubai City of Gold, which unfolded in unusual fashion when Treble Jig, the expected pacesetter, was slowly away and nowhere near the front of the field in the early going.

The punter’s elect Await the Dawn reluctantly led into the first turn with jockey Pat Cosgrave restraining his mount to let Cavalryman go to the front through an opening quarter-mile in about 30 seconds.

The pace scarcely quickened down the backstretch until Treble Jig suddenly was let loose, flying from mid-pace to take the lead with about 1400m to run.

From there, the tempo quickened considerably, with Cavalryman the first to pounce on Treble Jig as the field turned for home, and Await the Dawn hard on their heels.

But rallying widest and steadily came Jakkalberry, who took the lead about 200m out and kept going strongly to score by a half-length over Await the Dawn, with Cavalryman a nose away in third place.

Masterstroke, one of the favorites, and third in the 2012 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, acted up in the gate and was scratched just before the start.

Jakkalberry, by Storming Home, is owned in partnership by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr T Porter, Mr S Duke, Mr M Casey, Mr D Mclennan, SCG Racing, Merlin Bloodstock, Mrs D Love, Mr G Gereaux, Mr M Johnston, Mr M Eastmure, Mr P Brittain, Mr S Davidson, Mr Y Xie.

A wonderful training effort by Jakalberry’s UK based trainer Marco Botti to have the horse fit enough to win the Dubai City of Gold at his first run since last November.

Watch Jackkalberry win the Gr2 Dubai City Of Gold in Dubai below

Exciting ATB filly Lonhspresso set to tackle 2013 Centrebet Classic at Morphettville

Impressive ATB filly Lonhspesso is off to Adelaide to tackle the Group 2 Centrebet Classic at Morphettville

Exciting Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock filly Lonhspresso will travel interstate for her next start to contest the Group 2 Centrebet Classic against her own age at Morphettville on Adelaide Cup day.

After impressive Ballarat & Sandown wins at her past two starts, the Darren Weir trained three-year-old has been entered for the $250,000 set weights race to be run on Monday 11th March 2013 in Adelaide.

Jockey Ben Melham has ridden the daughter of Lonhro to her past two victories, including her last start 1.75L win at Sandown, with the hoop confident the best is yet to come.

“I think she’s a real A-grader,” Melham said.

“Knowing how much improvement is in her, I think I’d be shocked if she didn’t go pretty close to getting to the top level.”

Melham will make the trip to Adelaide to ride the filly, owned by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock & Bungan Street Thoroughbreds, but she faces some quality opposition if early nominations are anything to go by.

Russell Cameron has nominated dual Group 3 winning filly Lady Of Harrods, who has not raced since finishing 8th behind Commanding Jewel in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas at Caulfield last October.

Another well credentialled filly entered for the Centrebet Classic is Maybe Discreet from the Phillip Stokes stable who won a 1000m trial last month at Morphettville.

Maybe Discreet finished 11th in the Caulfield Guineas, finishing behind Lady Of Harrods,  before being turned out for a well earned spell.

Premier trainer Peter Moody has nominated impressive colt Office Bearer, who has three wins from four starts to date, with her only defeat being a runner-up finish behind Agulhas in the listed Redelva Stakes (1050m) at Morphettville last month.

Other talented three-year-olds nominated for the Centrebet Classic include Robert Smerdon’s Shamal Wind, Robbie Griffiths Angelic Light & Peter Snowden’s Rusambo.

Nominations for the 2013 Centrebet Classic at Morphettville can be found here.

The Centrebet Classic is sponsored by leading online bookmaker Centrebet who generously provide all of our owners with a 15% Winning Owners Bonus whenever any ATB owned horse salutes.

• Click here to join Centrebet and claim your 15% Owners Bonus now

Register a new account with our ‘exclusive’ promo code ATB300 and then email Centrebet’s Dean Elliott with any horse you own to receive your 15% Owners Bonus!

Tuesday 5th March 2013

ATB and McKeever snap up highest priced Fastnet Rock colt to date at Melbourne Premier Sale

ATB’s Darren Dance was the successful bidder of a stunning Fastnet Rock x Bird Of Fire colt on Monday

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock owner Darren Dance was the successful bidder of a handsome Fastnet Rock bay colt from dual group 2 winner Bird Of Fire on Monday at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale.

The progeny of star stallion Fastnet Rock have been hot property this season and the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale has been no exception.

The striking son of Danehill has sired the top priced lot at the Melbourne Premier Sale for the last two years and this stunning colt has put Fastnet Rock in the box seat to make it three in a row when selling for $450,000 to Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock / McKeever Bloodstock from the draft of Esker Lodge.

“He was the best Fastnet Rock I’ve seen all year and I’ve seen a few,” Dance said.

Bred on the exact same cross as superstar filly Mosheen, he is the first foal of his dam and made $270,000 to top the Inglis Select Weanling Sale last year.

“He’s a lovely colt and of course being by Fastnet Rock… they are in demand.”

“He’s got it all. He’s short coupled and looks an early two year-old to me. I guess there will be no shortage of trainers trying to get him in their yard.”

The colt’s dam Bird Of Fire, by Stravinsky, was a tough versatile mare who amassed $579,207 in prizemoney during her 34 start career, including wins in the Group 2 Queen Of The South Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville and Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) at Flemington.

ATB still has shares left in an extremely well bred Fastnet Rock filly by Rock Diva, from the same family as classy Peter Snowden filly and 2013 Blue Diamond Prelude winner Guelph!

Visit Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s racehorse syndications page for all our latest horse racing shares.

Tuesday 5th March 2013

ATB’s Darren Dance acquires import Dandino for 2013 Caulfield & Melbourne Cups assault

ATB’s latest acquisition Dandino to be aimed at 2013 Caulfield & Melbourne Cups.

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s assault on this year’s Spring Racing carnival has stepped up a notch with confirmation that it had purchased Dandino.

After months of negotiations, ATB’s Darren Dance was today finally in a position to confirm the purchase of the six-year-old son of Dansili from the huge syndicate that raced the entire with James Fanshawe.

He will enter Italian trainer Marco Botti’s yard on Monday and be prepared for the $2.5m BMW Caulfield Cup and $6m Emirates Melbourne Cup.

“We first spoke back in November to try and see if we could get the horse, but they were committed to running him in Hong Kong, so we had to wait until after Hong Kong and then Christmas/New Year comes around and time just gets away,” Dance said.

“But we’ve got him. It’s good when these things come off because there’s plenty that don’t.

“The primary aim now is the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. Everything will be geared around that. Whether that involves him going to Dubai or the European summer, we’re not sure, but we’ll be doing whatever is required to prepare him properly for Melbourne.”

ATB was a major player in last year’s Melbourne Cup, finishing third with Jakkalberry and Dance said much of Dandino’s appeal was his similar profile to Jakkalberry.

Fancy owning a 2013 Melbourne Cup runner? Click here to own & race Dandino with ATB

Dandino has raced 22 times for seven wins, including the Group 2 Qipico Jockey Club Stakes (2400m) at Newmarket in April 2011 and last year’s Group 3 September Stakes (2400m) at Kempton.

Australian racing fans can take a line through his second placing to My Quest for Peace in the Group 2 Glorious Stakes (2400m) at Goodwood last August, beating home Geelong Cup winner Gatewood, while he earlier ran boom Macedon Lodge import Sea Moon to a head in the 2400m Tapster Stakes.

He failed in the Hong Kong Vase (2400m) in December, finishing seventh behind Red Cadeaux, but the start before finished a half-length second to Joshua Tree in the Group 1 Canadian International at Woodbine.

“He’s very similar to Jakkalberry in that, if you go through his race record, his age and his performances, he’s been racing against the right horses,” Dance said.

“He’s already performed well away from home, he prefers firm going, which is what we look for, so we think he ticks all the boxes.”

Dance also reported that the two horses ATB raced at last year’s Spring were getting ready to start their next preparations.

Jakkalberry, who returned to Europe with Botti, flies to Dubai on Saturday week, where he will have one lead-up run before contesting the 3200m race at Meydan on Dubai World Cup Night (30 March).

Tac de Boistron, who finished second-last in last year’s Melbourne Cup, is back in work with Mick Kent and will be set for the 3200m Sydney Cup on 27 April.

Article courtesy of Brad Bishop from the Racing Victoria website

Thursday 14th February 2013

ATB Owners take advantage of a 20% Winning Owners Bonus at Betfair

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Already a Betfair member?

To take advantage of Betfair’s 20% Winning Owners Bonus all you have to do to register any horses you own by contacting customer service at Betfair on 1300 238 324 (Option 4) or click here to register online.

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Four runners for Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock on 2013 Terang Cup Day

ATB’s unbeaten 4yo Edge Of War returns to the racetrack at Terang on Sunday

A big crowd is set to attend Terang Cup Day on Sunday 3rd February 2013 in the Western District of Victoria and Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock will be represented by four runners on the day, including Testarita, Baremin, Edge Of War & Choiciti.

ATB owners Darren & Liz Dance will be making the trip to Terang to host a marquee on course and make a day of it with their owners.

It should be an exciting day of racing for ATB owners and we encourage you all to come on down and enjoy the day!

First cab off the rank for ATB is Jarrod McLean trained 3yo Testarita who steps out in Race 3 on the card in the Bundaberg Rum F&M Maiden Plate (1400m) at 2.10pm.

The Testa Rossa filly has drawn barrier 7 and will have the services of Ms Jackie Berriman (a1.5), with her claim bringing Testarita’s weight down to 56 kilograms.

She has struggled at her first two starts over 1000m & 1200m but is bred to get over more ground and will appreciate the step up to 1400 metres this time round.

Consistent mare Baremin, trained by Darren Weir, will contest Race 4 at Terang in the John Gleeson Memorial Tour of Victoria BM72 Handicap (1400m) at 2.45pm and her form is excellent for a race like this.

At her most recent outing she finished less than a length behind Danish Whiskey at Flemington in a hot form race, and that followed a fast finishing third placing in a Showcase event at Cranbourne where she was slow to begin.

Damian Lane will ride Baremin and from gate two should be very hard to beat on Sunday.

Two Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock gallopers are set to face off against other in the last race (R8) at Terang when Edge Of War & Choiciti contest the Centrebet Fire Up Class 1 Handicap (1200m), at 5.10pm.

Edge Of War debuted with a big win at Stawell in May of last year when he finished with a rush to score over 1200m in a most impressive effort.

Recent jumpouts have him ready for a first-up assault, but barrier 12 and 60 kilograms makes his job a tough one first-up, although if anyone can guide the Racer’s Edge gelding home from a wide gate with a big weight then its in form jockey Brad Rawiller, who rode the horse to victory on debut.

Fellow ATB runner Choiciti, from the Matthew Williams stable, goes around in the same race and her fast finishing second at the same track last week is sound form for a race of this type.

James Winks will ride the Choisir filly who will jump from barrier one, which may not be ideal, as she likes to come from behind in her races.

Both Edge Of War and Choiciti have the talent to win this race and should acquit themselves well.

>>> Click here to visit IASbet for the latest odds at Terang

See you at Terang on Sunday and make sure you bring some fly spray!

Thursday 31st January 2013

2013 Melbourne Autumn Carnival Feature Races

The 2013 Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival is set to kick off on Saturday 9th February with CF Orr Stakes Day at Caulfield where seven group races will be held, highlighted by the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m).

Caulfield also hosts seven group races on Saturday 23rd February which is Blue Diamond Stakes Day, where the feature event of the day is the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), alongside the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) and Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m).

Two $1,000,000 races, the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) and Group 1 Australian Cup (1200m) are the highlights of Super Saturday of Racing on Saturday 9th March at Flemington, where a total of seven group races combine for a fantastic day’s racing.

The last Group 1 race of the autumn is the William Reid Stakes (1200m) on Friday night 23rd March at Moonee Valley racecourse.

2013 Autumn Racing Carnival Best Odds
For ‘guaranteed better odds‘ than any of the three Australian TABs during the Melbourne autumn racing carnival make sure you have an IASbet account where you can also take advantage of ATB & IASbet’s exclusive $450 Free Bet offer. more info here…

Below are all the group races scheduled for the 2013 Melbourne autumn racing carnival.

Saturday 9th February 2013 – Caulfield

The 2013 CF Orr Stakes is the first Group One race of the autumn in Melbourne.

Saturday 16th February 2013 – Flemington

Lightning Stakes Day features three group races at Flemington, highlighted by the 2013 Lightning Stakes.

Saturday 23rd February 2013 – Caulfield

Three Group One races on a huge day of racing at Caulfield, with the 2013 Blue Diamond Stakes the feature race of the day.

Saturday 2nd March 2013 – Flemington

The 2013 Australian Guineas is the feature race of the day at Flemington this week.

Saturday 9th March 2013 – Flemington

Super Saturday of Racing at Flemington is highlighted by the running of the 2013 Newmarket Handicap and the 2013 Australian Cup.

Friday 15th March 2013 – Moonee Valley

The 2013 Alister Clark Stakes is the standalone group race at the Moonee Valley night meeting.

Friday 22nd March 2013 – Moonee Valley

The 2013 William Reid Stakes is the highlight of the night at Moonee Valley tonight.

Saturday 30th March 2013 – Caulfield

The 2013 Easter Cup and 2013 Victoria Handicap end group racing for the Melbourne autumn.

Feature race previews courtesy of Horse Racing Info website.

Wednesday 30th January 2013

ATB filly Choisance produces outstanding last to first win at Terang

Happy ATB owners after the outstanding win of Choisance at Terang on January 25th

A patient ride by jockey Peter Mertens resulted in promising Australian Throughbred Bloodstock filly Choisance producing an outstanding last to first victory in the Betfair 0-62 Handicap (1400m) today at Terang.

Turned out in outstanding fashion by Warrnambool trainer Matthew Williams, Choisance was a clear last rounding the home turn before Mertens weaved a way through the field in the straight to get the three-year-old home by 0.2L on the line.

In second place was Daleo and third place went to Kolokotronis in a time of 1:24.74.

A large contingent of owners were on hand to witness the win and ATB’s Darren Dance was elated with the filly’s effort.

“Choisance was outstanding today,” said Dance, “coming from last on the turn to pick through them and get up and win on what was supposed to be a leaders dominated track.”

“We stuck to our plan to ride her quiet and Peter rode her very quiet with a cool head and soft hands and l was delighted to see her finish off like that.”

“Ridden like that, with speed on and a bit of luck she will win a few of these 1400m races.”

That was the second victory from nine starts for the chestnut filly by Choisir from Hultarani, with earnings of $22,430 for her owners, including Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr B R Fellows, Mr S C Gereaux, Mrs S C Gereaux, Mr M A Blakiston, Mcdowell Syndicate, Styles Racing, Mr C Dcruz, Mr P C Mcclymans and the Beejayville syndicate.

Choisance will be aimed at similar type races over 1400m and is one to keep an eye on.

In the last race of the day at Terang another Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Choisir fillies in Choiciti produced an eye catching run in the Acme Rural Supplies 0-62 Handicap (1200m), coming from 8th at the 400m mark to be beaten less than half a length on the line by Cinnamon Sticks in a driving finish.

Choiciti’s turn is not far away and will win her share of races for ATB.

Friday 25th January 2013

ATB’s Matthew Williams trained fillies Choisance & Choiciti all set for Terang today

ATB’s Choisance looks a top chance today at Terang

Warrmambool trainer Matthew Williams will saddle up two Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock runners at Terang today and both gallopers look to have great chances.

First cab off the rank in Race 7 is three-year-old Choisir filly Choisance who will tackle the Betfair 0-62 Handicap (1400m) at 4.40pm.

Choisance was most unlucky at her most recent outing at Stawell when she was checked at a vital time in the straight when making her run and was only beaten 1.65L on the line.

Peter Mertens rides the filly today and she will jump from barrier ten following the scratchings of #2 Amun Ra and #9 Grief.

“We have kept her nice and fresh since Stawell,” said Williams.

“I’m not too worried about here drawing out a bit wide as we will look to ride her very similar to how she was last Friday at Stawell.”

“The bigger track at Terang will suit her and going on how well she ran last start I give her a strong chance in today’s race.”

Another Choisir filly in Choiciti will line up in Race 8 on the card in the Acme Rural Supplies 0-62 Handicap (1200m) at 5.20pm.

Choiciti is comng off a last start second placing over 1200m at Warrnambool where she ran on strongly to finish within one length of the winner in a top effort.

She has drawn barrier 11 in the 13 horse field today and Peter Mertens takes the ride.

“She has trained on well from her last run at Warrnambool,” said Williams.

“The 1200 metres suits at this stage in her preparation and I am pleased that she has drawn out a bit as she can settled back early in the run.”

“The big long straight at Terang will suit her and she will be finishing the race off strong.”

ATB’s Darren Dance will be on course today at Terang and expects both of his charges to acquit themselves well.

“Both fillies have been thereabouts of late and with luck in running we are expecting them to be in the finish.”

Dance has just returned from the Gold Coast where he purchased a number of quality yearlings for syndication, two with trainer Matthew Williams where they plan to follow a path to the Magic Millions 2yo Classic next January.

Visit the ATB Racehorse Syndications page for all of the yearlings available for syndication.

Friday 25th January 2013

Charge West charges forward at Stawell for tough Maiden win

ATB’s Charge West scores her maiden victory at Stawell

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Darren & Liz Dance recorded their first win for the year when promising filly Charge West produced a tough effort to score at Stawell today.

Trained by Darren Weir in Ballarat, the daughter of Charge Forward was ridden by Dean Yendall and after being thereabouts at her past few starts, she finally put it all together to record her maiden victory.

Charge West jumped well from her awkward gate and Yendall found himself caught three wide without cover and was then forced four wide from the 800m mark.

To her credit she really knuckled down in the straight and got the job done after having a pretty tough run.

Charge West defeated Spanish Vixen by 0.2L in the BIG4 Grampians Parkgate Resort F&M Maiden Plate (1310m), with Bangles a further 0.2L back in third place in a time of 1:20.76.

ATB’s Darren Dance was most impressed with the 3yo and predicted she would go on to win more races.

“That was a tough win today,” said Dance.

“Dean found himself caught 3 wide and then from around the 600m mark 4 and 5 wide.”

“She was wide all the way and still rounded them up in the straight for a terrific win.”

Charge West is likely to head to Swan Hill for her next start on Tuesday 5th February 2013 in a 0-62 Handicap over 1200 metres.

She has now had six starts for one win and two placings with earnings of $14,200 along the way.

Friday 18th January 2013

ATB’s Ticket To Toorak in great shape for 2013 Magic Millions Classic tilt

Ticket To Toorak will be Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s first runner at the Magic Millions Carnival

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock two-year-old Ticket To Toorak has drawn barrier 12 in the 2013 Magic Millions 2yo Classic on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

The Northern Meteor colt was purchased by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock for $80,000 in last year’s Magic Millions Sales and will be the first ever runner in the Magic Millions Carnival for owners Darren & Liz Dance.

“It’s an exciting time,” said ATB’s Darren Dance.

“Our first ever runner and we have a number of owners up here enjoying the carnival.”

“The horse is in fantastic order and is a credit to Matthew Williams and his team at Warrnambool.”

Ticket To Toorak arrived on the Gold Coast earlier in the week, accompanied by his strapper Sarah Woodhouse, and trainer Matthew Williams is extremely happy with the horse heading into the 1200 metre event.

“The biggest thing for him is we haven’t had a thing go wrong with him in preparation for this race,” said Williams.

“Our horse has thrived since his last run at Ballarat and is in great shape for Saturday.”

“It’s a 2yo race and if your horse is fit and well on the day then you never know.”

>>> Click here to hear more from Ticket To Toorak’s trainer Matthew Williams

Ticket To Toorak has the benefit of already experiencing racing the reverse way of going when runner-up in the Ballarat Clockwise Classic last November.

The first four two-year-olds home in the inaugural Ballarat Clockwise Classic are all lining up in the Magic Millions 2yo Classic, including winner I’m Took Sexy, Ticket To Toorak (2nd), Gracious Prospect (3rd) and Change Of Honour (4th).

In latest Sportsbet markets Ticket To Toorak is at the value odds of $61 and ruling favourite is Clarrie Connors 2yo Assail, after drawing the number one gate.

2013 Magic Millions 2yo Classic Field

Visit Sportsbet for the latest 2013 Magic Millions 2yo Classic odds.

ATB’s Darren Dance is spending the week on the Gold Coast with a contingent of owners and will also be attending the Yearling Sales to find his next Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock Magic Millions runner.

Wednesday 9th January 2013

Ticket To Toorak arrives on the Gold Coast for 2yo Magic Millions Classic tilt

Ticket To Toorak settles in at the Gold Coast in preparation for the 2013 Magic Millions Classic on January 12th

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock Magic Millions hopeful Ticket To Toorak has arrived on the Gold Coast in preparation for the $2,000,000 Magic Millions Classic on Saturday 12th January 2013 at the Gold Coast racecourse.

The 2yo Northern Meteor colt is trained by Matthew Williams at Warrnambool and was accompanied to the Gold Coast by his strapper and minder for the fortnight – Sarah Woodhouse.

Ticket To Toorak gained a start in the 2013 Magic Millions Classic following his maiden victory over 1000 metres at Ballarat on November 1st and a second placing in the Ballarat Magic Millions Clockwise Classic over 1000 metres on November 25th.

Williams was thrilled to to have a runner in the Classic, especially when around 15 syndicate members from Warrnambool who race the two-year-old are travelling to the Gold Coast for the event.

“They will be doing the barrier draw down on the beach at the Gold Coast on Tuesday morning,” he said.

“People from Warrnambool who have shares in Ticket To Toorak have all indicated they are going up. It should be a big few days as they are going to the barrier draw.

“We just hope to draw an inside barrier in the race.”

“I reckon the first eight barriers are the best to have in a race like this.”

“We would be rapt if we could finish in the top five at the end of the race.”

Williams said he really don’t have to do much work with him as he had done a lot of work at home already.

“We’ll gallop him on Friday and Saturday morning depending on his temperature after his flight.”

“Next week we’ll just keep him ticking along, swimming him and having a trot and canter,” Williams said.

Connections of Ticket To Toorak have already picked up more than $54,000 in stakemoney after his two starts.

ATB’s Darren Dance  is delighted to have his first runner in the Magic Millions Classic.

“Some of the horses have been pushed to get to this race and have shown outstanding ability,” said Dance, “however we have been able to take our time and stick to our plan.”

“We are currently 11th in race entry order and are the forgotten horse, but we have done enough to qualify for a start.”

“Whatever happens, we will have a lot of fun with our owners on the Gold Coast and a great Magic millions experience and l am sure we will want to have another go in 2014.”

Ticket To Toorak is $35 in latest Magic Millions Classic markets at Centrebet and ruling favourite for the race is unbeaten Rick Hore-Lacy 2yo Clevadude.

Thursday 3rd January 2013

ATB International pays off handsomely for Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Darren & Liz Dance

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s decision in 2012 to invest in international stayers to tackle major races in Australia & around the world has proven to be a very wise one by owners Darren & Liz Dance.

Four of ATB’s five international purchases have all tasted success for their owners, two at Group  level, with Jakkalberry also running 3rd in last year’s Melbourne Cup.

ATB purchased Jakkalberry in February last year to contest the 2012 Melbourne Cup He raced twice in Dubai for two 3rds which included the Group 1 Sheema Classic, at Royal Ascot he finished 5th in the Hardwicke Stakes on a rain affected track that was not to his liking.

In August he competed and won the  American St Leger in Chicago. He arrived in Melbourne at the end of September and after a fair run in the Caulfield cup where he was wide, he ran a super race in the Melbourne cup finish 3rd  - just over 2 lengths behind Green Moon.

He raced in the Japan Cup late November where he was well beaten over 2400m and has since spelled and is now back training to kick off again in Dubai in March. In 2012 he collected over $1.1 million in prizemoney.

ATB’s Jakkalberry winning the Gr1 American St Leger in Chicago on his way to running 3rd in the 2012 Melbourne Cup.

Based near Ballan in central Victoria, the Dances manage and operate the Manningtree Park stud and agistment complex and have tasted considerable success in syndicating international Group 1 winning racing stock.

• Unusual Suspect – WON Werribee Cup (Listed), 3rd Sandown Cup (Listed), 9th 2011 Melbourne Cup (Gr1)
• Jakkalberry – WON American St Leger (Gr1), 3rd Melbourne Cup (Gr1), 3rd Sheema Classic (Gr1 Dubai)
• Crackerjack King – WON Premio Presidente della Repubblica (Gr1 Italy)
• Chocolicious – WON Raynor Logistics Conditions Plate (Listed South Africa)
• Tac De Boistron – 6th Geelong Cup (Gr3), Unp Melbourne Cup (Gr1)

A feature of their operation is the opportunity for their clients to race horses in group races in Australia and worldwide. When ATB horses compete internationally, they arrange travel packages for all of their owners to attend – its great way to experience international racing – view their ATB Tours page to see details on recent tours.

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock also gave their owners a day to remember on 2012 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington with three runners in the Melbourne Cup, including Jakkalberry (3rd), Unusual Suspect (21st) & Tac De Boistron (23rd), in a most rewarding and exciting day for one and all in the Village at Flemington.

Want to join ATB in racing a 2013 Melbourne Cup horse?

ATB ‘s Crackerjack King won the Group 1 Premio Presidente in Italy.

In 2013, ATB will be securing new horses to race internationally and new horses to bring to Australia on a permanent basis for the 2013 Melbourne Spring Carnival.

You can register your interest now and  small % shares are always on offer in every horse that they purchase.

Email Darren Dance at Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock to register your interest.

Thursday 3rd January 2013

It’s not Unusual for ATB’s Darren Dance to Suspect a Bagot Hcp victory

Unusual Suspect looking for back to back wins at Flemington on New Years Day in the listed Bagot Handicap!

Unusual Suspect may have only just broken his Australian duck but part-owner Darren Dance is hoping the nine-year-old import has finally returned to the form that saw him once touted as a leading Melbourne Cup contender.

A winner of the 2010 Group 1 Hollywood Turf Cup (2400m) in his native United States, Unusual Suspect had failed to deliver a single victory in 14 subsequent starts after being purchased by Dance’s Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock operation.

But his breathtaking last-to-first win in the Listed Werribee Cup (2600m) a fortnight ago has justified Dance’s faith in the galloper and has him on target for further feature success this summer, beginning with Flemington’s New Years Day meeting on Tuesday.

The nine-year-old entire heads the field for the $150,000 Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) and Dance is confident he can register another win for his patient connections.

“The horse has done really well since Werribee so we’re confident he can perform again,” Dance said.

“Since coming back from Dubai he has shown some of his best form. He showed it at Sandown (placed behind Ibicenco in the Sandown Cup) and then again at Werribee last start.”

Jockey Brad Rawiller will again partner the Mick Kent-trained galloper who will need to overcome a 60.5kg impost and an inside barrier (2) if he is to post back-to-back wins.

Dance is confident Unusual Suspect has the class edge on his rivals to lug the big weight and believes the step up to 2800m at the spacious Flemington track will suit the son of Unusual Heat, providing the track is not rock hard.

“He is the class horse in the race and seems to carry weight pretty well so it’s not really a concern,” Dance said.

“He is a Group 1 winner over a mile-and-a-half and is a genuine stayer so the extra distance on Tuesday is in our favour.”

“We’re more concerned with how firm the track is. We don’t want a really solid track, a Dead 4 is ideal because, as an older horse, he feels it a little bit.”

Dance said a forward showing in the Bagot would warrant a start in February’s Centrebet Mornington Cup (2400m) and a possible swansong in the Group 1 Auckland Cup (3200m) in March.

“We’ve got an eye to the Mornington Cup with him and we’ve nominated him for the Auckland Cup so we’d love to take him over there because I think it would be the perfect race for him.”

“We’re also in the process of trying to secure a stud deal for him somewhere around the world.”

Unusual Suspect is $7.50 in latest Bagot Handicap markets at Sportsbet with I’m Jake and You Think So holding equal favouritism at $5.50 each of two.

Race 5 – Bagot Handicap – 2800m – 3:30pm

Of $150,000.1st $90,000, 2nd $27,000, 3rd $13,500, 4th $6,750, 5th $3,750, 6th to 8th $3,000
Listed Handicap, Minimum Weight 54kg, Apprentices cannot claim.

Visit Sportsbet for the latest 2012 Bagot Handicap odds.

Article courtesy of Racing Victoria website.

Sunday 30th December 2012

ATB’s latest purchase Chocolicious scores a 3.5L victory at Clairwood in South Africa

ATB’s Chocolicious on her way to a 3.25L victory at Clairwood in South Africa on Boxing Day.

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s latest international purchase Chocolicious didn’t take long to make a return on investment for her owners with an outstanding win at Clairwood in South Africa on Boxing Day.

Chocolicious started 28/10 and cruised to the easiest of victories in the Raynor Logistics Conditions Plate for Fillies & Mares (1100m), defeating one of South Africa’s best fillies She’s a Stunner by 3.25 lengths in the process.

Big On Broadway finished 3.75 lengths back in third place in the seven horse field.

In only her second start for ATB’s Darren & Liz Dance and her syndicate of Australian owners, Chocolicious ran 1:03.90 for the 1100m trip and Dance was elated after the victory.

“She needed the run first-up in the Group 2 race and we were quietly confident of her chances dropping back in grade,” said Dance.

“She carried 60 kilograms and won by 3 lengths eased down against one of the best fillies in the country.”

“Credit to Herman for turning her out in such fantastic condition for today’s race.”

When asked about her immediate future Dance added she may have one more run in a Group 1 event in South Africa before heading to quarantine ahead of a European campaign next year, with a stakes race at Royal Ascot her ultimate goal.

Chocolicious, who won the Gr 1 Allan Robertson Championship as a two-year-old, was rated amongst the leading juvenile fillies two seasons ago and appears to be a wise investment once again for Darren Dance and his Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock owners.

Based in Ballan in Victoria, the Dances manage and operate their Manningtree Park complex and have tasted considerable success in syndicating Group 1 winning racing stock.

A feature of their operation is the opportunity for their clients to race horses in group races in Australia and around the world.

A decision last year to invest in international stayers to tackle feature distance races resulted in Crackerjack King winning the Group 1 Rome Premio Presidente della Repubblica and Jakkalberry winning the Group 1 American St Leger.

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock also had three runners in the 2012 Melbourne Cup at Flemington, with Jakkalberry running a fantastic third behind Green Moon in a most rewarding and exciting day for their owners.

Visit our ATB International page to register your interest in racing a horse for major races worldwide.

RAYNER LOGISTICS CONDITIONS PLATE (F & M)

For Fillies and Mares – 1100m – Clairwood, South Africa

Track: Good Margins: 3.25 len, 3.75 len Time: 1:03.90

Chocolicious is owned by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock (D. & E. Dance), B. Johnson, Merlin Bloodstock, P. Brittain, P. Kruining, SCG Racing, M. Foster,  M. Keys and D. Love.

Sunday 30th December 2012

Merry Christmas from ATB’s Darren & Liz Dance

Liz and l would like to say thanks for your business and support in 2012 – it’s been a pretty good year all round with 38 winners (so far- 3 more runners to go) which has included city winners, country cup wins, group winners, international wins and a placing in the Melbourne cup.

We love racing and we love the horses – we consider ourselves privileged to work in a space that we really do enjoy and  that’s why we do it.

We are pleased to be racing with you and hope that more of you enjoy the rewards and make fantastic new memories on the racetrack with us in 2013.

We are committed to ensuring that we are doing the best we can for you to get the most out of your racing experience.

We wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Darren & Liz Dance

Our Boxing Day Runners

We have 4 runners on Boxing Day, Testarita makes her debut at Penshurst (Non-TAB), East Star & Choiciti both tackle the same event at Caulfield, and our latest acquisition Chocolicious will have her second run for us at Clairwood in South Africa.

• Testarita – Penshurst – R1 – 1.10pm
• East Star – Caulfield – R7 – 4.35pm
• Choiciti – Caulfield – R7 – 4.35pm
• Chocolicious – Clairwood SA – R5 – 11.15pm

Fancy a $500 Bonus Bet for Boxing Day? more info here…

Monday 24th December 2012

ATB’s South African mare Chocolicious to join Botti stable for UK campaign

ATB’s Chocolicious set to race at Royal Ascot next year

Marco Botti’s cosmopolitan Newmarket yard is about to add a fresh dimension, with the springtime arrival of South African sprinting mare Chocolicious, who has been bought by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Darren Dance with visits to Royal Ascot and Frankel on her agenda.

ATB, which has half-brothers Jakkalberry and Crackerjack King in training with Botti, will leave the privately-bought mare with trainer Herman Brown for at least one more race in South Africa before she heads for England.

Chocolicious is set to have her next start on December 26th in Race 5 at Clairwood in South Africa – click here for fields

Lucie Botti, wife of trainer Marco, said “We’re expecting Chocolicious to arrive in the spring, with a view to being prepared for Royal Ascot.”

A daughter of Kahal, Chocolicious has won five of her 17 starts, including the Group 1 Allan Robertson Championship over 1200m as a three-year-old.

She ran three times at this year’s Dubai carnival in Meydan. Ridden by Ryan Moore, she finished third in the UAE 1,000 Guineas and was a narrow second to Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained Crying Lightening in a 1400m conditions event, but has been lightly raced on her return to South Africa.

In her only start for ATB on she finished unplaced in the SA$450,000 Group 2 Merchants (1160m) at Turrfontein on December 1st in South Africa.

“We’ve been looking for a sprinter to take to Royal Ascot for the last couple of years,” said ATB’s Darren Dance, “and Chocolicious provides the perfect opportunity. We’d like to send her to Frankel at the end of her racing career.”

Thursday 20th December 2012

Unusual Suspect guilty of last to first win in the 2012 Werribee Cup

Mick Kent, Darren Dance & Brad Rawiller are all smiles after Unusual Suspect’s Werribee Cup win today

Imported Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock stayer Unusual Suspect finally broke through for his first Australian victory by taking out the 2012 Werribee Cup over 2600 metres today.

The nine-year-old’s last win was the Hollywood Turf Club just over two years ago and trainer Mick Kent said it wasn’t the horse’s fault that he’d been so long out of the winner’s stall.

“This is probably the first race I’ve run him in where he’s had a realistic chance,” Kent said.

“We took him to Dubai and it was disastrous as he was quarantined by himself.

“His runs in both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups last year were really good, he ran in the Moonee Valley Cup this year and was terribly in under the set weights and penalties and ran really well and he ran well at Sandown.”

Ridden patiently by Brad Rawiller, Unusual Suspect went around at the value odds of $11.00 in the small field of six runners, especially considering his fast finishing third in the Sandown Cup last time out.

Rawiller rode the the horse at the back of the field giving him time to relax on the back of the solid tempo set by roughie Niptious.

Just as Ballarat Cup winner King Diamond loomed up to make it two cups on the trot, Rawiller brought Unusual Suspect to the outside to surge home and grab victory in the shadows of the post.

Rawiller pulled the right rein today, having ridden second-placed King Diamond to win the Ballarat Cup last month, and the star jockey was happy to land a cup win with the import.

“It’s just such a great pleasure to be winning on this horse,” Rawiller said.

“For a long time he’s been threatening to win, he ran terrific in last year’s Caulfield and Melbourne Cups and to win the Werribee Cup is just deserved for Mick Kent.

Unusual Suspect defeated King Diamond by a half-head with a a further head back to I’m Jake in third spot.

2012 Werribee Cup – 2600m

Of $120,000.1st $72,000, 2nd $21,600, 3rd $10,800, 4th $5,400, 5th $3,000, 6th to 8th $2,400 Listed Handicap

Track Condition: Dead 4 Margins: 0.1L, 0.2L Time: 2:46.37

Sunday 16th December 2012

Golden Slipper winner Sebring producing early winners as a Stallion

Shares currently available in this Sebring * Isn’t She Grand 2010 gelding at Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock

Golden Slipper winner Sebring is off to a flying start as a stallion with four winners in recent weeks, including the brilliant debutante winner Kiss a Rose, who scored an exciting victory at Caulfield on Wednesday.

Kiss a Rose is the fourth individual winner for Sebring, who is now the leading first season sire by winners and earnings.

In fact, Sebring produced three of the first four home in the 1000 metre race at Caulfield with Patricia Dawn (2nd) and Apamene (4th) also sired by the More Than Ready sire.

Sebring stock are in great demand at the moment and ATB still have shares available in a Sebring * Isn’t She Grand gelding that has been broken in, educated, and is currently in the spelling paddock until the new year.

He will be trained by leading trainer Robert Smerdon at Caulfield and has already shown plenty in his early education.

• Click here for more info on our Sebring * Isn’t She Grand gelding

Other recent winners for Sebring include the exciting Australia Day, a 4.4L winner on debut at Morphettville earlier this month, along with David payne colt Criterion, who also won on debut at Rosehill in November.

Sebring’s first winner was the Tony McEvoy trained filly Bring a Ring, another to win on debut, leading all the way to score at Morphettville in October.

Sebring has a number of youngsters entered for the Magic Millions in January including a half-sister to Magic Millions winner and Group 2 winner Mimi Le Brock.

ATB’s Ticket To Toorak will contest the 2yo Magic Millions on Saturday 12th January 2013 and is currently $41.00 in latest Sportsbet markets.

2012 Magic Millions 2yo Classic Odds

Others are quoted at Sportsbet and odds are subject to change.

Friday 14th December 2012

ATB’s Unusual Suspect heads nominations for 2012 Werribee Cup on Sunday

Unusual Suspect

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Unusual Suspect headlines a total of 13 nominations for Sunday’s Werribee Cup over 2600 metres at Werribee racecourse in Victoria.

The $120,000 Listed event on Sunday 16th December 2012 will see racing return to Werribee, after the course was used as a quarantine facility during the Spring Racing Carnival.

Unusual Suspect, trained by Mick Kent at Cranbourne, is the highest-rated entry for the 2012 Werribee Cup and he showed a welcome return to form last start with a fast finishing third placing in the Sandown Cup at Sandown.

Prior to that run, the Unusual Heat galloper finished 21st in the Melbourne Cup at Flemington.

The last time the 9y0 raced over a similar distance to the Werribee Cup was three starts back at the Valley when he ran 5th in the Moonee Valley Cup over 2500 metres when carrying 58 kilograms. He has received 60 kilos for the Werribee Cup on Sunday.

Also nominated for the Werribee Cup are recent Ballarat Cup first & second placegetters, King Diamond and Pelicano, who will both be having their first outings since fighting out the Ballarat Cup over 2200 metres on Novembe 25th.

2012 Werribee Cup nominations – 2600m

Of $120,000.1st $72,000, 2nd $21,600, 3rd $10,800, 4th $5,400, 5th $3,000, 6th to 8th $2,400
Listed Handicap event – Minimum Weight 54kg, Apprentices cannot claim.

The 2012 Werribee Cup final field will be drawn on Thursday morning and odds will be available shortly after at leading online bookmaker Centrebet.

Wednesday 12th December 2012

2012 ATB Christmas Party in the Hiskens Room at Caulfield next Saturday

The ATB Christmas party is being held in the Hiskens room at Caulfield next Saturday 1st December  2012 and there are still tickets available for anyone who wants to come along.

Again we have a great MC to host the event as well as some exciting new attractions.

Call Darren on 0417 616 666 to book your spot!

This event is a celebration for all of ours to come together and celebrate racing and the end of the year with their fellow owners.

The following awards will also be presented:

• ATB Horse of the year
• ATB Trainer of the year
• ATB Hall of Fame.

In addition this year, a silent auction will be held for the original trophies and merchandise that we collected for the year.

Only owners in the relevant horse can bid for these items and must be present on the day to do so:

1. Sir John Monash Cup won by Platelet
2. Heywood Cup won by Shiny Buttons
3. Warracknabeal cup won by Shiny Buttons
4.  Caulfield Cup barrier draw cup – Jakkalberry
5. Digital Photo frame – Platelet
6. Photo finish frame – Platelet
7. Photo finish frame- Platelet
8. Silver plate – Lucky I’m Barefoot
9. Horse shoe new – Crackerjack King
10. Gold Coin – struck for St Leger – Jakkalberry
11. A3 laminated poster – Jakkalberry
12. Dubai saddlecloth – Unusual suspect
13. Dubai- work saddlecloth – Unusual suspect
14. Dubai rug – Unusual suspect.
15. Darwin cup Barrier draw cup – Syreon.

All proceeds will go to Charity and to our Trainers staff christmas party on behalf of the horses owners.

If your yet to book we have some places available and tickets are $130 pp all inclusive.

ATB’s Jakkalberry well connected in preparation for 2012 Japan Cup tilt

Jakkalberry winning the 2012 American St Leger

Though the U.S. doesn’t have a representative in the 2012 Japan Cup (Gr1) on Sunday 25th November 2012 at Tokyo Racecourse, in a way it can claim Jakkalberry.

The 6-year-old son of Storming Home–Claba de San Jore, by Barathea, won the inaugural American St. Leger at Arlington Park in August by 2.25 lengths.

One more flag to wave won’t bother Jakkalberry. After all, he stems from Italian breeding, was foaled in Ireland, is trained by an Italian based in England, is owned by Australians, and has raced in Italy, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Dubai, the U.S., and Australia.

“And his sire stands at the Darley Farm in Japan,” said Lucie Botti, who assists her husband, trainer Marco Botti.

With the Newmarket sales upon them in England, Marco Botti was unable to travel to Japan. Lucie is overseeing Jakkalberry’s preparations. The horse put in a strong gallop Nov. 22 and followed that with a slow canter on the dirt track at Tokyo Racecourse on November 23rd.

“He’s going to have a similar easy canter tomorrow,” said Lucie Botti. “He’s fit, he’s well, so everything is going to plan so far.”

Though she gallops some of her husband’s 100 charges at their yard in Newmarket, Alex Cairns has taken over on Jakkalberry while in Japan. Cairns also traveled with the horse to Australia, where Jakkalberry ran an excellent third to Green Moon in the 2012 Melbourne Cup (Gr1) at Flemington.

The Melbourne Cup was Jakkalberry’s primary goal since he was sold in Dubai to Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock. interests, headed by Darren Dance. The Jakkalberry group consists of more than 15 enthusiastic Australians who wanted to see their colors in their native country’s biggest racing event..

“They are such a great bunch of people,” said Lucie. “In Melbourne, I know that horse finished third, which for somebody who isn’t Australian doesn’t maybe seem much. But for them it was like touching the sky.”

Originally owned by Italian interests, Jakkalberry came to the Bottis’ Newmarket yard in September of 2011. His victories in Italy included the 2010 Gran Premio de Milano (Gr1).

“The owner realized there were not any more races for the horse in Italy,” said Lucie.

Under the care of the Bottis, Jakkalberry finished third in the 2012 Nad Al Sheba Trophy (Gr3) and Dubai Sheema Classic (Gr1) in Dubai. During that time, Dance first bought a half-interest in the horse to syndicate among Australian owners and then bought the other half.

With a summer of rain in England, Jakkalberry’s prep plans for the Melbourne Cup changed. He ran fifth in the Hardwicke Stakes (Gr2) at Royal Ascot, and then Marco Botti and Dance decided to send him to the U.S. for the inaugural American St. Leger at 1 11/16 miles. Botti had won major races in the U.S. before; training for Team Valor, he captured the 2009 Goodwood Stakes (Gr1) at Santa Anita Park with Gitano Hernando.

“We thought this horse is fit and well, and we decided to take a chance,” said Lucie Botti of Jakkalberry in the St. Leger.

She added that the new Arlington race at that distance is a good opportunity for Europeans in the U.S. The St. Leger fits very well with Arlington’s other major turf races, the Arlington Million (gr. IT) and Beverly D. Stakes (gr. IT). Europeans have often won both of those races, and Irish-bred I’m a Dreamer captured this year’s Beverly D.

Colm O’Donoghue rode Jakkalberry for the first time in the St. Leger. They closed well to defeat Ioya Bigtime in 2:49. The jockey then partnered the horse in Australia, where they ran in the BMW Caulfield Cup (Gr1) before competing in the Melbourne Cup. From there, Jakkalberry traveled to Japan.

Doug McLennan, one of Jakkalberry’s owners, regrets not going to Arlington to see the St. Leger.

“After that I said I was not going to miss another of his races,” said McLennan, who is in Japan for the Japan Cup.

McLennan may have many more airplane trips in his future. Jakkalberry is slated to remain in training for 2013. He will likely try Dubai again. The Bottis have said that they may also point him for a second St. Leger.

As for a second Japan Cup, Lucie Botti said that will depend on how he runs on Sunday. He faces 16 others that include the one-two finishers in the Qatar Prix de Arc de Triomphe (Gr1), France’s Solemia and Japan’s Orfevre. Orfevre is Japan’s reigning Horse of the Year and winner of the 2011 Japanese Triple Crown.

Jakkalberry drew barrier 11 in the Japan Cup. The 2,400m race on the turf offers a purse of 521 million yen (about $6,512,000).

“We’re happy with the draw,” said Lucie Botti. “The horse traveled well to Japan. The jockey knows him. He rode him really well in America and in Australia. So we’re just hoping that he’s good enough to win.”

Article courtesy of Bloodhorse.com website

Saturday 24th November 2012

Jakkalberry poised for 2012 Japan Cup success according to Botti

ATB’s Jakkalberry prepares for Sunday’s Japan Cup

Jakkalberry is poised to take out the 2012 Japan Cup this Sunday according to his trainer, Marco Botti.

The six-year-old placed an impressive third in the $6.2 million Melbourne Cup last start and will be hoping to go two better when he runs in the 2012 Japan Cup this weekend.

“We’re very pleased with his condition,” said Botti.

“According to the lads this morning, they have got to Tokyo and he seems well and fresh and ready to go again.

“It was obviously a good performance in the Melbourne Cup. He finished well and we were very pleased.

“It was a wonderful experience and a great atmosphere (in Australia).”

Botti is now looking towards their Japan goal, which will see Jakkalberry come back to 2,400 metres in the Japan Cup.

“He’s a tough horse and we are looking forward to the Japan Cup on Sunday,” said the trainer.

“The opposition is very tough and the Japanese horses are top-class.

“It’s going to be very competitive but coming back to a mile and a half I don’t think is going to be a problem and the ground will be fine.

“He owes us nothing whatever he does. After this we want to give him a nice break and prepare him to campaign in Dubai.”

2012 Japan Cup Field

>>> Click here to bet on the 2012 Japan Cup

* RPR is the Racing Post website assessment rating for each horse

A group of Jakkalberry’s ATB owners have travelled to Japan to watch the 6yo in the 2012 Japan Cup and part owner Doug McLennan said they had a look at Jakkalberry in the stables and he looked really well, appearing to have improved since his Melbourne Cup run.

He was really bright in the coat and travelling Foreman Alex Cairns was also very pleased with him. The horse is only 1 kilo different in weight from his Melbourne Cup run.

Good luck Jakkalberry!

Ballarat CEO Lachlan McKenzie facing Magic Millions music with Glockenspiel

CEO Lachlan McKenzie and Bree Laughlin with ATB’s Clockwise Classic hopeful Ticket To Toorak

Ballarat Turf Club CEO Lachlan McKenzie’s trip to the Gold Coast to promote the Ballarat Turf Club earlier this year is proving fortuitous in more ways than one.

The excursion achieved its purpose of convincing Magic Millions that Ballarat was the place to run the Clockwise Classic, which will be run for the first time this Sunday, but it also landed McKenzie a horse to run in the race.

The Ballarat boss is part of the group that race the local hope in Sunday’s $200,000 right-handed event, which is now the co-feature on the Sportsbet Ballarat Cup Day card.

It was on the recommendation of Darren Dance that McKenzie accompanied BTC chairman, Ian Fulton, to the Gold Coast to push Ballarat’s case to Magic Millions and while he was there that the Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock operator, convinced him to go into a horse.

That horse was Glockenspiel, a son of Snitzel, who is now trained by Darren Weir. Glockenspiel (glock·en·spiel) is a musical instrument composed of a set of graduated steel bars mounted in a frame and struck with hammers, used especially in bands.

“If we hadn’t have gone up to speak to Magic Millions, I wouldn’t have gone into the horse,” McKenzie said.

“While I was up there Darren said to me, ‘I’ve found a colt in the catalogue that I think can win your race’.

“I spent half the day having a look about with Darren, just seeing how he does his job, and he talked me into a buying a little share in this Snitzel colt.”

Glockenspiel is one of 14 acceptors for the inaugural running of the Magic Millions Clockwise Classic – which is limited to 12 runners – that is designed to provide an accessible pathway to the Magic Millions for Victorian trainers.

• Visit Sportsbet here for the latest Magic Million Clockwise Classic odds

The 1000-metre event will be the first clockwise race run in Victoria for 65 years and while a challenge logistically, it has proven more than worthwhile.

“I’ve fielded phone calls from different radio stations and newspapers from right across the country all day since the nominations came out on Tuesday,” McKenzie said.

“It’s been extraordinary the amount of attention the meeting has attracted and most of that has been about the Clockwise Classic. But that’s given us a good opportunity to promote the rest of the program.

“We wanted something innovative and different and appealing to racegoers and we’ve 100 percent met our KPIs from that perspective.

“For Magic Millions, it’s about promoting their business and giving their trainers an opportunity to test their horses clockwise before their big race on the 12th of January on the Gold Coast and for them to have a full field and horses from all over the place in the race is a terrific result.”

The Clockwise Classic is Race 6 at Ballarat at 2.45, with the $200,000 Sportsbet Ballarat Cup (2200m) to be run at two races later at 4pm.

Friday 23rd November 2012

ATB’s Ticket To Toorak & Glockenspiel all set for Magic Millions Clockwise Classic

ATB’s Ticket To Toorak

A capacity field will contest the first ever Magic Millions Clockwise Classic this coming Sunday in Ballarat.

Set to take place on Sunday 25th November 2012 at Dowling Forest racecourse, the $200,000 Magic Millions Clockwise 2yo Classic (1000m) will be one of the highlights on a huge ten-event card on Ballarat Cup day.

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock will be represented by the only winner in the field, Ticket To Toorak, plus debutant Glockenspiel, part owned by Ballarat Turf Club CEO Lachlan McKenzie.

Ticket To Toorak (barrier 6)is $9.00 in early Sportsbet markets and Glockenspiel (barrier 14) is being kept safe at $8.00

• Click here for latest 2012 Magic Millions Clockwise Classic odds

Trained by Matthew Williams at Warrnambool, Ticket To Toorak (Northern Metoer) scored on debut at Dowling Forest on November 1st, when he finished strongly to gain victory in the last stride.

Glockenspiel (Snitzel), in the hands of local trainer Darren Weir, impressed in a Ballarat trial last week when travelling the reverse way of going and ATB’s Darren Dance expects both colts to be in the mix.

“Both colts are in great shape heading into Sunday’s race and Ticket To Toorak has the benefit of racing and winning at the track and he’s drawn a good gate,” said Dance.

“Glockenspeil faces a tough job from the outside gate but he has the turn of foot to find a spot in running.”

The Clockwise Classic is Race 6 at 2.45, with the $200,000 Sportsbet.com.au Ballarat Cup (2200m) at 4pm.

2012 Magic Millions Clockwise Classic Field, Barrier Draw & Odds

Visit Sportsbet for the latest 2012 Magic Millions Clockwise odds

Friday 23rd November 2012

ATB’s Darren Dance aiming for Royal Ascot treat with latest purchase Chocolicious

ATB’s latest acquisition South African Gr1 winning mare Chocolicious

It could be a big week for Darren & Liz Dance from Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock (ATB) who are chasing Group 1 success in Japan only days after acquiring a horse to target Royal Ascot 2013.

ATB, who have the Marco Botti-trained Melbourne Cup third placegetter Jakkalberry lining up in Sunday’s Japan Cup, has also purchased Group 1 winning South African mare Chocolicious with the aim to target the horse at next year’s Royal Ascot meeting in the UK.

The lightly-raced five-year-old daughter of Kahal (GB) boasts five wins from her 16 starts including the Group 1 Allan Robertson Championship (1200m).

ATB owner Darren Dance said the plan has always been to purchase a sprinter to race at Royal Ascot and when this mare came on the market it presented the perfect opportunity.

“The last couple of years we’ve been looking for a sprinter to take to Royal Ascot,” Dance said.

“We’ll give her a couple of runs in South Africa before she enters quarantine with Ascot in mind.”

“She’ll be trained by Marco Botti and will follow a similar path of races in the UK to what Ortensia contested last season.”

Dance said Chocolicious will remain in the UK for at least the first two to three years with the plan to have her served by UK Champion Frankel at the completion of her racing career.

More immediately, ATB-owned Jakkalberry has settled into Japan perfectly ahead of Sunday’s Group 1 Japan Cup (2400m), with Dance believing the horse is a real chance in the race.

“Jakkalberry travelled super, he always does,” Dance said.

“Marco is happy with him and I’m not concerned about the drop in distance because the speed is always on in Japan.”

“If he can reproduce those closing sectionals from the Melbourne Cup then he has to be right in it.”

Jakkalberry isn’t ATB’s only horse in international action over the coming months, with the Marco Botti-trained stallion Crackerjack King invited to contest the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin in December.

Though he is thrilled to have received an invitation into such a prestigious race, Dance said they just needed to weigh up whether the horse was going to be ready in time for Hong Kong or whether he would be better suited being held back for Dubai.

After disappointing in both of his Australian starts during the Spring Racing Carnival, Dance said the Mick Kent-trained French import Tac De Boistron would be aimed at the Sydney Cup in the autumn with the view to qualifying for next year’s Emirates Melbourne Cup.

“Tac De Boistron is back home spelling for five weeks at Manningtree Park,” Dance said.

“We’ll look at preparing him for the Sydney Cup.”

“He’s probably going to need to win the Sydney Cup just to get a run in next year’s Melbourne Cup.”

Article courtesy of Racing Victoria website (Ben Asgari)

Wednesday 21st November 2012

Marco Botti optimistic about Jakkalberry’s 2012 Japan Cup chances on Sunday

ATB’s Jakkalberry is Japan Cup bound after running 3rd in the 2012 Melbourne Cup

Marco Botti is hopeful Melbourne Cup third Jakkalberry can defy his big odds in Sunday’s Japan Cup, but the trainer is well aware of the task facing his contender.

The six-year-old fared best of the European raiders in the Flemington showpiece, finishing two and a half lengths behind Green Moon.

It was another creditable run from the son of Storming Home who landed the inaugural American St Leger at Arlington Park in August and was third to the high-class Cirrus Des Aigles in the Dubai Sheema Classic in March.

Despite those efforts he is $16 to become the first European-trained winner of the Japan Cup since Alkaased triumphed for Luca Cumani in 2005.

Botti, who trains Jakkalberry for Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Darren & Liz Dance and a syndicate of Aussie owners, said: “I’m very pleased with his condition. I spoke to the lad looking after him this morning and he seems well and fresh.”

“It was a good performance in the Melbourne Cup. We were very pleased, he finished well and he’s a tough horse who has taken the trip well so we’re looking forward to the Japan Cup.”

Botti, speaking to At The Races, added: “He had a couple of days quarantine, but is in normal exercise now. The opposition is very tough and the Japanese horses are top class. It’s going to be very competitive, but coming back to a mile and a half will not be a problem.”

“Hopefully the ground will be fine – he wants good ground. We are hoping he’ll run a nice race.”

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe second and Japan’s Horse of the Year for 2011 Orfevre heads the betting for Sunday’s Group 1 at $3.00, while Gentildonna, who landed Japan’s fillies’ Triple Crown this season, is next at $7.00, alongside Rulership, also $7.00.

Arc winner Solemia is next in betting at $8.00, followed by Melbourne Cup fifth placegetter Mount Athos at $9.00.

Jakkalberry appears great value at his $16.00 odds, especially from an each-way point of view.

• Click here for the latest 2012 Japan Cup odds

The 2012 Japan Cup will be run on Sunday 25th November 2012 at Tokyo racecourse in Japan.

Article courtesy of the Racing Post website

Wednesday 21st November 2012

A total of 20 nominations for inaugural Magic Millions Clockwise Classic

ATB’s Ticket To Toorak will contest Sunday’s Magic Millions Clockwise Classic at Ballarat

A total of 20 two-year-olds have been nominated for the inaugural Magic Millions Clockwise Classic at Dowling Forest racecourse this coming Sunday, including Australian Throughbred Bloodstock’s Glockenspiel and Ticket To Toorak.

The Darren Weir trained Glockenspiel will make his race debut in the Clockwise Classic and the Snitzel colt has done everything right in prepararion for the $200,000 event.

Ticket To Toorak, from the Matthew Williams stable at Warrnambool, has already had the benefit of race experience, winning over 1000 metres on November 1st at this track.

Both horses are in great shape heading into the first ever clockwise race at Dowling Forest but will face some more than handy opposition on Ballarat Cup day.

Leading Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse is bringing her Stratum gelding Divine Calling to Ballarat on Sunday and the 2yo was a comfortable Warwick Farm trial winner in a recent jumpout over 800 metres.

The master trainer would not make the long trip for nothing and her filly has to be respected.

Mornington trainer Mark Riley is also sure have a say in proceedings with his promising Reann filly I’m Too Sexy, who showed she could handle the reverse way of going when she produced a forward showing in a Ballarat jumpout last week going the opposite way.

She matched strides with ATB’s Glockenspiel in the run to the line and had the better of him as they passed the post.

In what should be a fantastic race, the Ballarat Turf Club, along with ATB’s Darren Dance, deserve plenty of praise for their initiative in bringing the Magic Millions Clockwise Classic to Ballarat.

MAGIC MILLIONS CLOCKWISE CLASSIC nominations- 1000m

Of $200000. 1st $122000, 2nd $36000, 3rd $18000, 4th $9000, 5th $5000, 6th to 10th $2000.
For Two-Years-Old. Set Weights This race carries a SUPER VOBIS Nominators Bonus of $7,000 and a SUPER VOBIS Owners Bonus of $23,000 for qualified horses.
No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 12 + 4 EM

The 2012 Magic Millions Clockwise Classic final field & barrier draw will be released on Thursday morning.

The 2012 Ballarat Cup is the feature race of the day on Sunday 25th November and among the 22 early entries were Exceptionally (T & K Sullivan), Shenzou Steeds (M. Moroney), Streets Away (D. Weir) & You Think So (M. Kent).

Tuesday 20th November 2012

2012 Japan Cup next stop for ATB’s Melbourne Cup placegetter Jakkalberry

ATB’s Jakkalberry to contest the 2012 Japan Cup this coming Sunday at Tokyo racecourse in Japan

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s 2012 Melbourne Cup third placegetter Jakkalberry is not resting on his laurels and has made his way to Asia to compete in the Japan Cup next Sunday.

The 2012 Japan Cup will take place on Sunday 25th November 2012 at Tokyo racecourse in Japan and will attract a quality field of local and international stayers.

Unfortunately for ATB’s Darren & Liz Dance, they will not be able to make the trip to Japan, as the race falls on the same day as the 2012 Ballarat Cup where they’ll be hosting a large group of owners at Dowling Forest to witness the inaugural running of the Magic Millions Clockwise Classic.

Ticket To To Toorak and Glockenspiel will be representing ATB in the Clockwise Classic and both gallopers are genuine chances in the $200,000 event.

Jakkalberry is no stranger to travelling, having raced in Dubai, England, Chicago and Melbourne already this year, and the Storming Home stayer appears to thrive on this type of preparation.

The Marco Botti trained galloper will face tough opposition in Tokyo with Japan’s Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe runner-up Orfevre announced as a Japan Cup runner and a clear favourite in early 2012 Japan Cup betting at Sportsbet.

Also making the trip for the 2012 Japan Cup will be Jakkalberry’s Melbourne Cup counterparts, Mount Athos and Red Cadeaux, who finished 5th and 8th respectively in the 3200 metre race.

Other locals to watch out for include 2010 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) winner Eishin Flash who claimed the main prep race the Group 1 Tenno Sho, along with the second and third place getters Fenomeno and Rulership.

Triple crown winning filly Gentildonna will compete against the older males for the first time in the Japan Cup. She is only the fourth filly to complete the Japanese Triple Crown.

In early 2012 Japan Cup betting Jakkalberry is $16.00, with Mount Athos $9.00 and Red Cadeaux $18.00

2012 Japan Cup odds

Japan Cup All-In betting odds are supplied courtesy of Sportsbet and are subject to change.

Open a new Sportsbet account through our site and be eligible for a $500 Free Bet!

Sunday 18th November 2012

Ticket To Toorak & Glockenspiel on track for 2012 Magic Millions Clockwise Classic

ATB’s Glockenspiel ponders his Magic Millions Clockwise Classic chances on the Forest Lodge walker

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock two-year-olds Ticket To Toorak and Glockenspiel stepped out in an 800 metre clockwise heat at Dowling Forest yesterday in preparation for Sunday week’s $200,000 Magic Millions Clockwise Classic at Ballarat.

The inaugural $200,000 Magic Millions Clockwise 2yo Classic (1000m) will take place on Ballarat Cup day on Sunday 25th November 2012 and will launch a three-year deal between the Ballarat Turf Club and Magic Millions.

In what should be a fantastic prelude to the 2013 Magic Millions carnival on the Gold Coast in January, it will be the first time in more than 60 years that a race will be run the reverse way of going in Victoria.

In yesterday’s trial Ticket To Toorak (Northern Meteor * Ballet D’amour) settled at the rear of the field early before working home nicely in the straight.

He will appreciate the hit out, his first serious gallop since his debut win on the first day of the month at Ballarat.

The Matthew Williams trained 2yo stormed home on that occasion and a likely fast tempo on Cup day will have him right in the mix according to ATB’s Darren Dance.

“He showed little speed early and made ground when they balanced up in the straight but then they pulled up just as he got going as it was only 800m,” said Dance.

“The speed will be on in the Clockwise race and he will be the one back, and hopefully hitting the line strongly.”

Fellow ATB youngster Glockenspiel (Snitzel * Musical Chimes), trained by Darren Weir, will be making his race debut in the Clockwise Classic and he was most impressive in yesterday’s trial after being three wide most of the way.

The colt batted on strongly in the straight to finish runner-up to Mark Riley’s I’m Too Sexy, a Reaan half sister to Stralia.

Dance was buoyed by the effort of his Snitzel galloper.

“We are pleased with him and hopefully he pulls up sound in the next few days and we can go to the Clockwise race in good shape.”

“He needs to draw well and he will be very hard to beat l think,” said Dance.

A total of eight horses from seven stables contested the 800 metre clockwise heat yesterday and Magic Millions managing director Vin Cox is excited by the prospect.

“We can’t wait for the Magic Millions Clockwise Classic,” Cox reported.

“The race will act as an ideal preparation run to January’s $2 million Magic Millions 2yo Classic.”

“The race will be the first exclusive Magic Millions event run in Victoria and through this new partnership with the Ballarat Turf Club this support of Victoria will continue into the future.”

In preparation for the inaugrual Magic Millions Clokwise race, a judges, photo finish and camera tower has been constructed for the unique race in which the winning post will be positioned around 100 metres from the traditional home turn at the track.

Entries for the race close next Tuesday.

Friday 16th November 2012

Marco Botti delighted by 2012 Melbourne Cup 3rd placing for ATB’s Jakkalberry

ATB’s Jakkalberry runs 3rd in 2012 Melbourne Cup

If the story went to script the overseas contingent were meant to dominate the 2012 Emirates Melbourne Cup and while Green Moon and Fiorente were bred in the northern hemisphere it was Marco Botti, the young Newmarket based Italian, who had the honour of training the first international home with Jakkalberry finishing a gallant third.

“I am very pleased. We came here hoping to run a good race and finish in the first three so we are absolutely happy,” Botti said.

He might have been caught wide in the Caulfield Cup but Colm O’Donoghue was able to slot Jakkalberry across from barrier nineteen to have him on the rails just beyond midfield as the field headed out of the straight.

After creeping closer on the turn he hit the line powerfully to be only 2 ¼ lengths behind Green Moon.

“It was a brilliant ride by Colm getting across from his barrier and then put him to sleep on the rails.”

“He got a squeeze at the top of the straight but once he got clear he stayed on really well.”

“I’m delighted with him, we always thought that he’d put up a big performance and he showed what a good horse he is today against possibly one of the best fields of all time,” O’Donoghue said.

Botti said he wanted to see how Jakkalberry came through his run before making decisions about the future but said the Japan Cup was a definite possibility for the much travelled stallion, before a spell and perhaps another tilt at the Shema Classic in Dubai in March, a race in which he finished third in last year.

The race was something of a triumph for Darren Dance’s Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock which syndicated Jakkalberry to a large group of owners earlier this year.

‘That was fantastic. I said on radio three months ago he’d finish top five and he done it,” Dance said.

Article courtesy of Racing Victoria website.

Friday 9th November 2012

Three-way Cup tilt for ATB syndicates experiencing 2012 Melbourne Cup dream

Jakkalberry is one of three 2012 Melbourne Cup runners for ATB’s Darren & Liz Dance

Darren Dance is the mover and shaker behind three internationals in today’s $6 million Melbourne Cup.

This is not a description which necessarily sits comfortably with Dance who, with his wife Liz, operates the ever-expanding syndication business Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock near Ballan.

He is happy to simply be another face in the crowd – part of the ATB’s Melbourne Cup “family”.

And what a “family” it has grown into over the past 12 months.

Three groups of owners have been put together to acquire overseas gallopers Unusual Suspect, Tac De Boistron and Jakkalberry for the race that stops a nation.

“There’s 78 owners in all, but it doesn’t stop there.

“There’s families and circles of friends who are sharing what are exciting times,” he said.

Dance said although race day was the pinnacle, having a starter in the Melbourne Cup was much more than this.

“It’s the whole experience – friendships, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities … the whole box and dice.”

He said various owners of Unusual Suspect, Tac De Boistron and Jakkalberry had spent the week attending several special Cup functions, such as yesterday’s street parade and call of the card at Crown Casino.

Six were dinner guests at Government House last night.

ATB will entertain 80 in a marquee at Flemington today and there will be other owners at a Victoria Racing Club function.

Then no matter what the outcome of the Cup, 150 will be at an ATB after-party.

Dance said he had tried to get as many owners as possible involved in the various activities.

Originally from the United States, Unusual Suspect is having his second Melbourne Cup start for ATB interests, with a share of him being purchased and syndicated in the last week leading up to the race last year.

That not only realised a dream for Dance, it whetted his appetite and that of other ATB clients for more.

Now Tac De Boistron from France and the multicultural Jakkalberry (Irish bred and trained by an Italian in England) join the party on the biggest day in Australian racing.

While Tac De Boistron and Jakkalberry have long been guaranteed a start in the Cup, it was not always quite so clear for the Mick Kent-trained Unusual Suspect, which has been unable to rediscover his lead-up form of last year and only just made the cut-off for the 24-strong field.

Dance said he left it to the owners to make the call and they were adamant they wanted to press on.

He said despite being the rank outsider, he believed Unusual Suspect could replicate his effort of last year and finish in the top 10.

Dance said Kent was pleased with the condition of the nine-year-old entire.

Article courtesy of the Ballarat Courier website

Tuesday 6th November 2012

ATB 2012 Melbourne Cup runners great value at Betfair after barrier draw

Tac De Boistron $55 at Betfair for 2012 Melbourne Cup

Traders at the world’s biggest betting exchange have taken a set against Australian Throughbred Bloodstock’s three Melbourne Cup runners with each of them now at huge odds on Betfair after their horror barrier draws this evening.

Jakkalberry is out to $60 at Betfair, Tac De Boistron $55, and Unusual Suspect at the massive odds of $320. On the TAB Jakkalberry and Tac De Boistron are $35 and Unusual Suspect is $201, that’s why the smart punters bet on Betfair!

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2012 Melbourne Cup Back & Lay Odds at Betfair

Odds subject to change and were correct at 9.30pm on Saturday 3rd November 2012.

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ATB Dancing to different Tune after Melbourne Cup runners all draw wide gates

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Darren Dance has been dealt a cruel hand by the racing gods with his three Melbourne Cup runners all drawing outside gates for the Flemington two miler on Tuesday.

Jakkalberry received barrier 19, Tac De Boistron 21 and Unusual Suspect fared the worst of the three ATB Cup hopes with gate 23 in the 24 horse field.

The last horse to win a Melbourne Cup from barrier 19, 21 or 23 was Brew in 2000 from gate 23, while the previous year Rogan Josh was successful from barrier 21.

Barrier 19 winners: Red Handed 1967, Gatum Gatum 1963, Toparoa 1955, Skipton 1941, Statesman 1928
Barrier 21 winners: Rogan Josh 1999, Doriemus 1995, Even Stevens 1962
Barrier 23 winners: Brew 2000, Van Der Hum 1976, Rimfire 1948

The past two Melbourne Cup winners Dunaden and Americain drew 16 & 12 respectively and My Quest For peace was the lucky recipient of barrier number one, with Zabeelionaire to start from the outside gate of 24.

Darren & Liz Dance have an owner’s marquee at the Melbourne Cup and they are also holding a function at Crown Casino on the Tuesday night of Melbourne Cup to celebrate with their owners, win, lose or draw!

If ATB can get one of their three runners home on Tuesday then they’ll be dancing on the ceiling come Tuesday night.

2012 Melbourne Cup Field & Barrier Draw

The 2012 Melbourne Cup will be held on Tuesday 6th November 2012 at Flemington and is scheduled to start at 3pm.

Saturday 3rd November 2012

ATB’s Northern Meteor 2yo Ticket to Toorak scores impressive Ballarat debut win

ATB Ticket to Toorak is Magic Millions Clockwise Classic bound following his impressive debut win at Ballarat

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock produced a more than handy 2yo at Ballarat yesterday when Magic Millions purchase Ticket To Toorak scored an impressive debut win over 1000 metres at Dowling Forest.

Trained by Matthew Williams at Warrnambool and ridden by Jamie Mott, Ticket To Toorak is the first winner for classy sprinter Northern Meteor and appears to have a promising future for ATB and connections.

He jumped well and showed speed for the first 100m before finding the pace too hot and drifted back to last in the small field.

Approaching the turn Jamie Mott was hard at him but the horse responded in strong fashion in the straight to finish the race off in the manner of a good horse.

Mott was full of praise for the ATB debutante and said he was a smart horse in the making.

“He’s still very green and did everything wrong today, but was still good enough to win,” Mott said.

“When he puts it altogether, he’s going to be a serious horse.”

ATB’s Darren Dance was on hand to witness the win with connections and was excited by what he saw.

“He did a lot wrong and looked gone and out of the finish at the 400m, but Jamie got him going to pickup and win well on the line.”

“Great job by Matthew Williams who l think will be one of the state`s great 2yo old trainers. He seems to be able to get young horses to the races without going shin sore, well educated and they win.”

“He may be Victoria`s answer to Gai Waterhouse,” added Dance, with a wry smile on his face.

Providing that the horse pulls up well, he will be back at Ballarat on November 25th to tackle the inaugrual $200,000 Magic Millions Clockwise Classic, a juvenile event for Magic Millions graduates that will be run in the clockwise direction.

The colt’s trainer Matthew Williams was partcularly happy with the win after considering going straight into the Clockwise Classic without the benefit of race experience.

When a small field accepted for the race, Williams made the decison to run the horse and was vindicated with a fantastic result for all concerned.

“It’s good to get a result today as he’s set for the Magic Millions clockwise race that will be run the reverse way of going,” Williams said.

“He’s had a few gallops going that way and has been working really well, although he raced greenly today so we’ll probably put blinkers on him next time.”

Ticket to Toorak was purchased at the Magic Millions sale by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Darren Dance and syndicated through his racehorse shares page.

His owners include ATB’s Darren & Liz Dance, Avondale Racing, SCG Racing, Mr T Mangan, Mr S Walsh, Mr I Cashill, Satellite Racing, Crash Bang Wallop 2, Mr D Mangan, Mr L. Mcdowell, Mr R Gleeson, Youngandold, Mr D Hetherington, Ms J Davis, Ms M Braden.

Friday 2nd November 2012

Jakkalberry, Tac De Boistron & Unusual Suspect have Dances on their toes

ATB’s Darren & LIz Dance could have 3 runners in the 2012 Melbourne Cup next Tuesday

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Darren & Liz Dance could possibly have three Melbourne Cup runners next Tuesday with Tac De Boistron & Jakkalberry already assured a start, while Unusual Suspect is currently 24th in order of entry.

A Melbourne Cup start for Unusual Suspect will depend on how results fall at the Derby Day meeting tomorrow with the winners of the Mackinnon Stakes and Lexus Stakes receiving an automatic cup start.

The 2012 Melbourne Cup (3200m) will be held on Tuesday 6th November 2012 at Flemington and latest Melbourne Cup markets at our preferred online bookmaker Centrebet have Tac De Boistron $23, Jakkalberry $35 and Unusual Suspect $301.

Tac De Boistron and Jakkalberry are proven at the trip and appear great each-way odds at their current prices.

In Top 10 betting Tac De Boistron is $1.72, Jakkalberry $1.95 and Unusual Suspect $10.

Former French stayer Tac de Boistron continues to do well at Werribee in preparation for the 2012 Melbourne Cup and he completed his final major piece of work this morning under the guidance of trainer Mick Kent.

Kent was pleased with his work this morning and the son of Take Risks has come through the Geelong Cup in very good order.

French jockey Oliver Doleuze will ride Tac De Boistron in the Melbourne Cup and he will also ride earlier in the day in Race 3 on stablemate You Think So.

Jackkalberry, trained by Marco Botti in the UK, has been in the care of his Foreman Alex Cairns while at Werribee he trotted a couple of laps this morning.

“The horse has tightened up noticeably since his Caulfield Cup run and his work has been good,” said Cairns. “He’s in good order and the boss will be here tomorrow.”

In need of the run at Caulfield last time out, Jakkalberry will be much better suited on the spacious Flemington track and the 2 miles of the Melbourne Cup.

2012 Melbourne Cup Odds at Centrebet

Note: Odds quoted above odds will change between time of publication and race start time.

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Friday 2nd November 2012

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ATB’s Tac De Boistron on track for 2012 Geelong Cup next Wednesday

Tac De Boistron

Former French stayer Tac De Boistron will race in the flourescent yellow colours of Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock in the Geelong Cup next Wednesday as his final lead race up to the Melbourne Cup at Flemington.

Purchased by ATB’s Darren Dance and a syndicate of owners, the horse is now in the hands of Mick Kent at Cranbourne and has settled into Werribee in great condition for a horse who has never travelled before.

“He had a good look around at Geelong last week so we will take him there again tomorrow ahead of the Geelong Cup,” said Kent.

The Geelong Cup is an ideal lead up for Tac De Boistron as the dead track surface will suit him better than the expected good track he would have faced at Caulfield tomorrow.

He travels the same path into the Melbourne Cup as the past two Geelong & Melbourne Cup winners American and Dunaden.

Jockey Corey Brown will ride the horse on Wednesday and he is currently $6.00 in latest Centrebet markets, although those odds could alter dramatically after Gatewood gained a Caulfield Cup run earlier tonight following the scratching of Southern Speed.

Tac De Boistron looks well placed in the Geelong Cup and the field & barrier draw will be released on Monday.

2012 Geelong Cup Nominations & Weights

Of $300,000.1st $180,000, 2nd $54,000, 3rd $27,000, 4th $13,500, 5th $7,500, 6th to 8th $6,000
Group 3 – Handicap – Minimum Weight 54kg – Apprentices cannot claim – Field Limit: 17 + 4 EM

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock will be represented by Marco Botti trained Jakkalberry in the 2012 Caulfield Cup tomorrow and a huge contingent of ATB owners will be on hand to enjoy the day. Go Jakkalberry!

Friday 19th October 2012

All Systems Go for ATB’s Jakkalberry in 2012 Caulfield Cup

Jakkalberry kicks up his heels at Werribee in readiness for this Saturday’s Caulfield Cup (Photo Courtesy of Rebecca Tibbs Photography)

The well travelled Jakkalberry has now been over in Australia for the past 3 weeks preparing for his assault on firstly the Caulfield Cup and then the time honoured Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday in November.

Jakkalberry was partnered by Green Ridge stables head lad Alex Cairns who has overseen the preparation of Jakkalberry from quarantine had this report.

“Jakkalberry took the long flight very well; he has been bouncing since he came over here. He has galloped well on the training track and the journey has looked to take nothing out of him.”

Today the Caulfield Cup contender worked in a tongue tie as he does on race day. He trotted a lap before having a strong canter for another lap.

“He’s bouncing so it’s all good. We put the tongue tie on just to make sure it won’t be a problem on Saturday,” said Cairns.

Jakkalberry who won the American St Leger at his last start is in great form and will renew his partnership with jockey Colm O’Donoghue for Saturday’s Caulfield Cup.

O’Donoghue is being flown over from Ireland to renew the partnership.

“I am very much looking forward to getting back onto Jakkalberry, he is a tough horse and I think the track will suit him.”

“The progress reports have all been positive,” said a confident Colm.

Jakkalberry is owned by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Darren & Liz Dance, Mr T. Porter, Mr S. Duke, Mr M. Casey, Mr D. McLennan, SCG Racing, Merlin Bloodstock, Mrs D. Love, Mr G. Gereaux, Mr M. Johnston, Mr M. Eastmure, Mr P. Brittain, Mr S. Davidson and Mr Y. Xie.

Syndicate manager Darren Dance who was been to see Jakkalberry on the training track in Werribee just outside of Melbourne, is delighted with his progress.

“The horse has done everything right and we’re happy with his draw,” said Dance.

“He’s a four-time winner over the trip and that includes a fast finishing 3rd behind class stayers Cirrus Des Aigles and St Nicholas Abbey in the Group 1 Sheema Classic in Dubai against the best in the world.”

“A good track is what he wants and he ticks plenty of boxes to say he is a genuine chance for the Cup. Our owners took the big odds early and now it’s up to the horse. ”

• Listen to Darren Dance discussing Jakkalberry’s Caulfield Cup chances on radio here.

ATB’s Darren & Liz Dance will host over 100 owners and connections trackside in the Railing Village ‘Turf Club’ on Saturday to enjoy the occasion and if the son of Storming Home crosses the line first, they’ll be dancing on the ceiling doing the Jakkelberry jive on Saturday night!

Jakkalberry has been drawn barrier 13 of the 18 runners and is currently around $19 at our recommended online bookmaker Centrebet.

Thursday 18th October 2012

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ATB’s Darren Dance Cups Double Tip: Jakkalberry (Caulfield Cup) & Tac De Boistron (Melbourne Cup)

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2012 Caulfield Cup Final Field & Barrier Draw – Jakkalberry #3

Jakkalberry at Werribee preparing for 2012 Caulfield Cup

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Caulfield Cup hopeful Jakkalberry will carry saddlecloth #3 into Australia’s premier mile and a half race at Caulfield Racecourse this Saturday 20th October, after the 2012 Caulfield Cup final field was released earlier today.

A total of 18 runners and 4 emergencies were announced for the $2,500,000 Group 1 Caulfield Cup, with the four emergencies being Sabrage, Gatewood, Ibicenco and Fictional Account, although Ibienco has since been scratched.

Jakkalberry received barrier 13 for the 2400 metre event but will most likely jump from gate 12 after the emergencies come out.

Fellow ATB galloper Tac De Boistron, trained by Mick Kent, was a notable omission when acceptances were made today.

The former French stayer will bypass the Caulfield Cup in favour of the Group 3 Geelong Cup on Wednesday 24th October, and will take the same path to the Flemington two-miler as the past two Melbourne Cup winners Americain and Dunaden.

Gai Waterhouse’s Glencadam Gold remains the firm favourite for the 2012 Caulfield Cup with leading online bookmaker Centrebet.

Jakkalberry is rated a $21 chance in latest Centrebet markets and ATB’s Darren Dance is buoyed by the son of Storming Home’s chances in the first of the big spring cups.

“Jakkalberry is a seasoned traveller having previously travelled to Hong Kong, Dubai and Chicago,” said Dance.

“He travelled well to Australia and has settled in nicely. He drank 35 litres of water on the trip which was great and has been on his feed since arriving.”

“He takes it all in his stride and looks like a horse who travelled from Caulfield to Flemington, rather than a horse who has just travelled from Newmarket to Melbourne.”

“The horse worked on Saturday with another import over 1400m and rider Alex Cairns was very pleased with the way he went as was trainer Marco Botti.”

“He pulled up well and hardly blew at all. He is right on track and in great order for the Caulfield Cup.”

Jakkalberry trotted a lap today before cantering another and then finished off a third lap at a bit quicker than evens.

“He’s in good order and I can’t wait to get him to the races,” said Botti’s Foreman Alex Cairns.

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Race 8 – CAULFIELD CUP – 2400m – 4.05pm

Of $2500000 and $150000 trophy. 1st $1500000 and trophy of $150000, 2nd $375000, 3rd $200000, 4th $110000, 5th $90000, 6th $75000, 7th $75000, 8th $75000.
Group 1 – Handicap – No Allowances for apprentices

Visit Centrebet for the latest Caulfield Cup odds.

The 2012 Caulfield Cup field averages are courtesy of leading feature race website http://www.horseracinginfo.com.au/

Tuesday 16th October 2012

Field averages

A Day in the Life of Tac De Boistron trainer Mick Kent

ATB’s Tac De Boistron working

Everybody in racing knows racehorse trainers work insanely long hours beginning at an ungodly time of day but it’s not until you live a little of it, even on the fringe, that you can really begin to understand the demands of what they do.

Mick Kent had a pretty good weekend and nobody could begrudge him that. Not even me despite watching Kent’s Serene Star blouse the horse I backed, Koonoomoo, in the final race at Caulfield. And this after tailing the Cranbourne horseman around for most of the day. Guess you could say I tailed him right to the end.

And well might you ask why I wouldn’t have been on his horse. Well, Serene Star and Koonoomoo had run similarly in the same race at Moonee Valley the start before and while Serene Star had way the better of the weights the other was 10 times the odds when I bet. Seduced and scorned by price – the all too familiar punter’s lament.

In less than 20 hours, Kent had travelled from the Cranbourne night meeting to home (about 20 minutes away); back to the Cranbourne training track; to Geelong; to Werribee; back to Cranbourne and home and then on to Caulfield. And all this on about three hours sleep save for a Saturday afternoon ‘nana nap’ before being roused to don the suit and head to Caulfield to saddle Serene Star.

I too ventured to the first night meeting of the season at Cranbourne which drew as a good a crowd as you could hope for given the persistent rain. Those attendees saw the newly renovated ground level of the grandstand which is superb. I’m rapidly becoming the quintessential grumpy old man and it’s hard to drag me away from TVN but I like these Cranbourne night meetings. There’s a good buzz. Give one a try.

I returned to Cranbourne to join Kent around 7am. I could not have dragged myself out of bed any earlier than that. Still tired, as it was, even with around three hours more sleep presumably than the trainer.

A good part of the day’s routine work has been done. Horses have been worked and walked and washed and brushed. I watch with interest as clove oil is applied to a cracked hoof. Yes no more complex than the extract of those things your mum used to put in an apple pie. But there’s plenty more on the trainer’s plate and it ain’t dessert.

We head off to Geelong where Kent will gallop his Cup hope Tac De Boistron. Track riders Samantha Bambry and Caitlin Jones join us in the 4WD. Five minutes down the road, the girls realise they’ve only packed one E-Trakka blanket, not two as required.

‘No drama, we’ve got plenty of time,’ Kent says and happily turns around after chiding them in the very gentlest of manners. I’m thinking I’d be much grumpier after so little sleep. I’m thinking of the ‘sprays’ husbands and wives have given each other after the iron’s been left on or the wallet forgotten.

The seemingly indefatigable Kent has no problem concentrating behind the wheel as he ruminates about a variety of racing matters and wonders whether he ought to seek a jockey other than Christophe Soumillion to ride Tac De Boistron in the Melbourne Cup.

‘He won on the horse last time and he’s desperately keen to ride him but where am I left if he presents on the day and can’t make the weight,’ he says to himself as much to me. The girls doze off in the back.

It’s the first day the quarantined horses may leave Werribee. Later, Shahwardi does just that with devastating effect in the Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield; Gatewood is not that much inferior as he had no luck while Tac De Boistron makes less of an impact at Geelong.

Kent takes the horse there because he plans to run in the Geelong Cup and he expects the ground there, on this Saturday morning, to be softish. It’s firmer than he expects – perhaps somewhere between a Good 3 and a Dead 4.

Tac De Boistron is ridden by Jennie Osterberg who’s been looking after him ever since he entered quarantine in the UK. Purchaser and syndicator Darren Dance, of Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock, is there with video camera and a gaggle of owners. Dance also has another possible Cup runner in Jakkalberry.

‘He’s great to deal with,’ Kent says of Dance,’runs a great operation‘. Owners John and Rhian Richards take the compliment up a notch. ‘He’s brilliant,’ they say of Dance who has introduced them to racehorse ownership.

‘We’ve always had an interest in racing but up until recently we’d never owned a horse. Now we’ve got a share in seven courtesy of our great experience with Darren,’ John Richards said.

The Yarra Valley couple don’t have children, they went on to tell me. ‘Unfortunately no kids, tried IVF and all that…..‘ he said (probably not expecting to be quoted on same) but it’s worth recounting as I was left with the impression that they were experiencing some sense of family in their ownership venture. Their observation, of course, no doubt a reference to the fact that they could afford to spend a few dollars on the exercise and not that the horses were somehow a substitute for children. ‘We’ve met some great people, ‘ Richards said.

Dance says he has no trouble filling his syndicates with the hope of the Melbourne Cup dream. ‘Already looking for next year’s horses,’ he says. A photographer from a local newspaper joins the crowd gathered to watch the diminutive grey from France and sheepishly asks what horse it is. Better that than guessing.

Tac De Boistron has already arrived from Werribee. The horses from Cranbourne are unloaded. I carry some saddle blankets, past the Urinating Box (sign says Horses Only!), into the tie-ups so as not to appear less than useless.

Tac De Boistron trails his galloping companion Safari, a former New Zealander, in the workout and fails to run past him. ‘Not brilliant, ‘ Kent says of the gallop, ‘but the other horse is a very good worker and I’m not overly concerned.’

Trainers are almost always measured and conservative in their assessment of horses. This is invariably borne, not of some furtiveness or a lack of confidence, but of the hard earned knowledge that for every plan that succeeds there’s another 20 which won’t because of injury or illness or accident or plain bad luck.

The night before Kent is bemused when asked whether one of his winners Seven Degress might be a stakes horse. ‘It’s crazy, he’s won a maiden and a weak one at that and they’re suggesting he’s a stake horse. It’s a fair jump,’ he said.

The lid, to some extent, is even kept on his earlier Cranbourne winner High Shot although he concedes he might be very good. ‘He’s a nice horse for sure but he’d want to be, we paid $600,000 for him and again he’s just won a maiden. There’s a long way to go,’ he said.

And the long way will be taken with the son of High Chaparral who’s made quite an impact right from his first public appearance when spirited bidding greeted his entrance as Lot 1 at the New Zealand Premier sale. ‘If you’re preparing a horse for the autumn, which is the right path for him, you really want them in work at the start of the December and that rules out the spring,’ Kent said.

Kent also works his Oaks hope Summerbliss, a debut 1600 metres maiden winner at Ballarat, at Geelong and she pleases him. Her Oaks prospects are perhaps brighter by the end of the day when news comes through that Flight Stakes winner Norzita is ruled out of the rest of the spring.

From Geelong we venture to the quarantine centre at Werribee. Restrictions are eased now that the first part of quarantine has been served but protocols are certainly not waived. Contact between horses and gear and people is still assessed and monitored. And I require clearance, which is granted, to enter the fenced and gated quarantine area.

The day before I’d have been required to take off my clothes and shower for three minutes in a cubicle locked for that duration.

The names and colours of past overseas trained winners adorn the stables. But in Barn A, only the past two Cup winners Dunaden and Americain have brass name plates on the doors of their boxes. Only thing is, Dunaden is not in the box which carries his name.

There’s not too much else which signals the international flavour of the barn although I did see one sign in French which translated, I think, was something as glamorous as ‘please double bag your waste.’

Americain is the horse who takes your eye. He’s big, very big. Big feet, big head, big body and stands around 17 hands. He looks good in the coat. Kent says he looks magnificent. “Don’t underestimate him, even with his 58 (kilograms), ‘ he says.

And, of course, the signs are looking good for the French again after his stablemate Shahwardi’s win at Caulfield. The two horses are trained by Alain de Royer Dupre and supervised by Stephanie Nigge.

Time to trek back to Melbourne. Could easily sleep all afternoon I fancy – but for the great racing fare on offer at Caulfield. Kent is back to Cranbourne and home and Caulfield and wins a Listed race with Serene Star. No better result, other than a Group race of course, with a mare. Don’t know what he did Saturday night but if he wasn’t bed before nine I’ll go he. Because I know he would have been up again at four this morning. I wasn’t.

Article and picture courtesy of the Racing Victoria website as a busy weekend had Steve Moran marvelling at the endurance of the racehorse trainer and the burgeoning strength of the 2012 foreign Cups invasion.

Tuesday 16th October 2012

Five ATB runners engaged at Warrnambool on Thursday

ATB’s Forever Here resumes at Warrnambool on Thursday

ATB’s Darren Dance has a big week ahead with the Caulfield Cup Barrier Draw on Wednesday and then the running of the feature race itself on Saturday, and in between he will sandwich a trip Warrnambool on Thursday to watch five of his runners go around.

First cab off the rank is Get Square filly Evens who will line up in the Royal Hotel SV 3YO Maiden Plate (1200m) which is Race 2 on the program at 1.35pm.

She will jump from barrier one with Damian Lane aboard and is second-up here after resuming at Echuca earlier this month where she finished a 4.7L sixth place over 1000 metres.

Evens is much better suited over this trip and is expected to run well from her good gate.

We have two runners in Race 3 at Warrnambool in the New Select Homes Maiden Plate (1400m) at 2.10pm. Choisance has drawn barrier 12 and Ready Diva has fared even worse receiving gate 15 in a field of 16 runners + 4 emergencies.

Choisance has been disappointing in her two runs this time in where she has been in winning positions in the run but has failed to finish off. The step up to 1400 metres should suit the Choisir three-year-old and Ryan Maloney takes the ride.

Redoute’s Choice filly Ready Diva goes around in the same race and she flashed home over this journey last start to finish third at Hamilton behind Manhattan Blonde at just her second race start, and if she had drawn a better gate would be right in the mix.

Tom Sadler will ride the daughter of Arrabeea and his 1.5 kilo claim means she will carry only 52.5 kilograms.

In Race 7 at Warrnambool consistent Racer’s Edge gelding Edge of Storm will tackle the C Kavanagh House Relocations 0-62 Handicap (1700m) at 4.30pm.

He too has drawn poorly in barrier 15 in a field of 16 runners and Brad Rawiller will ride.

After three runs this campaign Edge of Storm showed at his most recent start at Ballarat that he is not far away from his best. With a little luck early from his wide gate he has the talent to figure in the finish.

ATB’s final runner for the day is in Race 8, the last race, where our very honest mare Forever Here resumes in the Shanahan Electric Motors Showcase BM78 Handicap (1200m) at 5.10pm.

The Dehere galloper performs well fresh with one win & three placings from four first-up runs, including a comfortable 2.5L victory over this trip at Stawell at the start of her last campaign in April.

Apprentice Tom Sadler takes the ride on Forever Here and his 1.5 kilo claim brings her weight down to 55 kilos. From barrier four she looks very nicely placed to get the run of the race.

Of the five ATB runners have entered at Warrnambool on Thursday 18th October 2012, Choisance, Ready Diva and Forever Here are in the hands of Warrnambool trainer Matthew Williams while Evens and Edge of Storm are trained at Ballarat by Darren Weir.

Good luck to all owners and we hope to see you there on Thursday.

Tuesday 16th October 2012

Jakkalberry & Tac De Boistron on track for the Caulfield & Melbourne Cup

Tac De Boistron at Geelong on Saturday

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Darren & Liz Dance are preparing for an exciting spring ahead with their recent international purchases Jakkalberry and Tac De Boistron shaping up very nicely for the Caulfield & Melbourne Cups.

Both horses have been stabled at the Werribee Quarantine Centre since arriving in Australia on Grand Final day last month and have settled in well to their new surroundings.

Jakkalberry received 55.5 kilograms for the 2012 Caulfield Cup, set to take place on Saturday 20th October 2012, and Tac De Boistron was given 53.5 kilograms.

The Marco Botti trained Jakkalberry worked with Brigantin on Saturday morning, doing some solid work over 1400 metres, before quickening up the last 600 metres.

Today the son of Storming Home had a normal canter and will gallop again tomorrow or Wednesday.

The stable is buoyant about his condition and growing in confidence about the Caulfield Cup.

“He’s enjoying himself,” said Botti’s Foreman Alex Cairns.

Tac De Boistron will be guided through his spring campaign by Cranbourne trainer Mick Kent and the horse was taken to Geelong racecourse to gallop on Saturday.

“It was good strong work,” said Kent. “It was good to have a trip away and he had a bit of a look around so it was good experience for him.”

Jakkalberry is $17.00 in current markets at leading online bookmaker Centrebet and Tac De Boistron is $61.00.

Ruling favourite for the race is Gai Waterhouse’s Metropolitan winner Glencadam Gold at $3.80, short odds considering the past two Melbourne Cup winners in Dunaden and Americain are both expected to run.

The 2012 Caulfield Cup barrier draw will be held on Wednesday 17th October at Caulfield racecourse at 11am.

2012 Caulfield Cup nominations and weights

Visit Centrebet for the latest 2012 Caulfield Cup odds.

What Racing Victoria’s Chief Handicapper Greg Carpenter says

Greg Carpenter on Jakkalberry
RV Chief Handicapper Greg Carpenter gave Jakkalberry 55.5 kilograms in the Caulfield Cup and said that for a Group 1 winner in good form it was an attractive weight.

The challenge for him is that is in 2011 he went to Hong Kong and he ran in the Vase, he wasn’t beaten far, but he finished behind Dunaden and Red Cadeaux on that occasion.

And then as we go back to the Hardwicke, again as bravely as he performed in that event, he still finished behind Dunaden and Red Cadeaux. In terrific form with 55.5 kilograms he will run in both the Caulfield & Melbourne Cups and be competitive in both races.

>>> Click here to hear Greg Carpenter’s thoughts on Jakkalberry

Greg Carpenter on Tac De Boistron
Tac De Boistron is a horse that many would say prefers soft going and probably doesn’t have the turn of foot to be absolutely competitive in our staying races, but I think that got turned on its head a little bit when he won his last start in the Group 2 De Nieuil.

He’s got 53.5kgs and will get a run in both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup. I suspect he is going to be better placed in the longer distance races over 3200 metres, but certainly on what we saw in the Maurice Du Nieuil he’ll also run a very good race in the Caulfield Cup.

If there’s any cut in the ground his chances are going to be enhanced even further.

>>> Click here to hear Greg Carpenter’s thoughts on Tac De Boistron

Monday 15th October 2012

ATB’s Unusual Suspect guilty of being class factor in Sunday’s Cranbourne Cup

ATB’s Unusual Suspect Cranbourne Cup Bound

ATB’s American bred and raced 9yo Unusual Suspect finds himself top weight in this Sunday’s time honoured Cranbourne Cup over 2025 metres at Cranbourne racecourse.

A group one winner over 3200 metres in the United States in 2010, Unusual Suspect ran a great race in the 2011 Caulfield cup and was unlucky not to place three weeks later in the Melbourne Cup, finishing a close up 9th, beaten only 3.5 lengths without being fully extended in the straight.

Since then he had a bad time in Dubai where he was in quarantine on his own and fretted for company.

Now he is back in Melbourne trying to find form for another tilt at the Melbourne cup in what will be, in all likelihood Unusual Suspects  last roll of the dice for Melbourne Cup glory.

His first two runs in this time have been fair. He got home well from last in the listed Heatherlie Stakes over 1700 metres at Caulfield and then took a forward position when second-up in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes over 2000 metres at the same track.

He jarred up in the naturalism on the firm ground finishing back in the field but only weakened late. A firm track at Flemington saw him scratched last week.

Trainer Michael Kent and jockey Peter Mertens say he is going better now than last year, so can he win the 2012 Cranbourne cup on his new home track with Craig Williams aboard? Well anything can happen in races and often does.

At the current price of $41, the corporate bookies say no and on his past performances over 2000m – one has to say no, but he is the class horse in the race and he is going to bob up one day at a big price and blow everyone out of the water because he is good enough.

Go the Suspect…..we wish you good luck.

2012 Cranbourne Cup Field & Barrier Draw

Of $200,000.1st $120,000, 2nd $36,000, 3rd $18,000, 4th $9,000, 5th $5,000, 6th to 8th $4,000
Listed – Quality Handicap – Minimum Weight 54kg – Apprentices cannot claim.

Odds are subject to change – Click here for the latest 2012 Cranbourne Cup odds

Last year’s winner Boom ‘n’ Zoom is the only track & distance winner in the field and is the only horse in the field to have actually recorded a win at Cranbourne.

Those horses with wins at the trip include Streaky Fella 3, Destiny’s Kiss, Umatic 2, with Streets Away, Midnight Martini, Apprehend and Heaven’s Richers 1 each.

The 2011 Cranbourne Cup was won by $17.00 Boom ’n’ Zoom (C Newitt) who defeated $9.00 Paddy O’Reilly (Ms M Payne) by 2.75L with $4.60 Ginga Dude (M Walker) a further 0.75L away in third place in a time of 2:06.67 for the 2025 metres.

The 2012 Cranbourne Cup will take place on Sunday 14th October 2012 at Cranbourne racecourse around 50 minutes out of Melbourne along the South Gippsland Freeway.

If your heading to Cranbourne on Sunday gates open at 10:00am and admission to the course is Adults $25, Concession $20 and Children under 18 get in for free.

The first race is scheduled for 12 noon and the last race at 5:00pm.

Cranbourne Cup field courtesy of feature race website http://www.horseracinginfo.com.au/

Thursday 11th October 2012

Caulfield Guineas Day Special Offers from ATB’s recommended online bookmakers

Online bookmakers have some wonderful offers available this weekend and we highly recommend a Centrebet account to take advantage of their 15% Owners Bonus for ATB owners, plus they now offer SuperBEST+ on ALL Australian thoroughbred races

SuperBEST+ is the best price of all 3 totes and the fixed price.

ATB has partned with Australia’s premier bookmakers to provide you with some excellent joining bonuses when you open a new online betting account through our links.

Signup now and enjoy the following special offers from our bookmaking partners this weekend.

CENTREBET OFFER Saturday 13th October 2012

Spring Carnival Money Back Offer – Back any runner in any Group 1 Race in Melbourne throughout the Spring Carnival and if your selection runs 2nd to the favourite, Centrebet will give you your money back!

Saturday Group 1 races include Caulfield Guineas, Caulfield Stakes & Toorak Hcp

Don’t have a Centrebet account? Click here to join Centrebet for free

ATB owners receive a $300 BONUS BET – code ATB300

Terms & conditions apply

SPORTSBET OFFER Saturday 13th October 2012

2nd to Pierro Money Back – Have a bet in the 2012 Caulfield Guineas on Saturday 13th October 2012 at Caulfield and if Pierro wins and your horse runs 2nd, Sportsbet will give you your money back up to $100!

Don’t have a Sportsbet account? Click here to join Sportsbet for free

ATB owners receive a $500 FREE BET

Terms & conditions apply

LUXBET SPECIAL OFFER Saturday 13th October 2012

$200 Winning Bet Bonus – Place a Fixed Odds or LuxDiv WIN bet on any Group 1 Race this spring and if your selection wins the race, Luxbet will give you a Bonus Bet equal to your stake up to $200

Best Tote Exotics – Place an Exotic Bet on any meeting that features a Group 1 race and receive the Best Tote payout for your bet.

Don’t have a Luxbet account? Click here to join Luxbet for free

ATB owners receive a $500 BONUS BET

Terms & conditions apply

IASBET SPECIAL OFFER Saturday 13th October 2012

Double Your Winnings on Herbert Power – Place your very first CITY Superprice or Fixed Price bet of Saturday 13th October 2012 on the Herbert Power Stakes (Race 8) at Caulfield and if it wins, IASbet will double your winnings up to $100 cash!

Don’t have an IASbet account? Click here to join IASbet for free

ATB owners receive a $300 FREE BET

Terms & conditions apply

BETFAIR SPECIAL OFFER Saturday 13th October 2012

$200 Cash Back Offer – Join Betfair now and place your first ever bet up to $200 and if it loses Betfair will refund your bet as cash back, equal to your first bet stake

Don’t have a Luxbet account? Click here to join Betfair for free

ATB owners receive $200 CASH BACK OFFER

Terms & conditions apply

If you have any problems whatsoever when joining any of our recommended bookmakers please email ATB Support for help.

ATB mare Nijinsky’s Lass foals to promising sire Henrythenavigator

ATB mare Nijinsky’s Lass produced a bay filly to promising young stallion Henrythenavigator earlier this month.

Henrythenavigator (Kingmambo – Sequoyah) is highly ranked amongst the first crop sires in the northern hemisphere and recently added a couple of winners to his already impressive tally.

Amerigo Vespucci, put paid to a an experienced field rivals to take out a 1200m maiden by lengths in the United States to become her Henrythenavigator’s 11th individual first crop winner.

The following day in the United Kingdom, Santo price, from the Michael Bell yard, became winner number 12 for Henrythenavigator when victorious over 1400 metres.

Santo Prince was top weight in the race and despite winning by just a half-length, he won with something in hand.

In good news for our ATB filly, Henrythenavigator has sired more European black-type two-year-olds than any other first crop sire this season.

Amongst his 5 black-type winners are Pedro The Great, winner of Europe’s first Group 1 race for two-year-olds, the Phoenix Stakes, as well as Group 1 Prix Morny runner-up George Vancouver.

The first progeny of Henrythenavigator made a good impression on buyers at the Australasian yearling sales in 2012, realising up to $350,000 and as a result he has two-year-olds in training with many of Australasia’s leading conditioners.

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock have a lot to look forward to with their Henrythenavigator * Nijinsky’s Lass filly.

Thursday 11th October 2012

East Star shines at Donald as ATB lands a Double

ATB’s East Star carries the #1 saddlecloth to victory in her maiden debut win today at Donald

Recent Casterton Trial winner, East Star has provided a quick return for her new owners when she won her first race start at Donald today.

The Matthew Williams trained three-year-old daughter of Dehere was not fully syndicated by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock and Williams when she was sent to the trials in August, but she won her trial pretty well, just shading another Dehere filly of ours.

We were able to advertise them both to our clients as ready to race horses who had shown plenty on the track. The shares were then quickly snapped up in both fillies.

We gave them 9 days in the paddock whilst we sold the shares and got the paperwork completed so we could name them and get their barrier certificates completed so they could start at the races.

East Star enjoyed the let up and worked well last week and despite being bred to run further than today`s 1000m, she was able to settle back and hit the line very strongly thanks to a great training effort by Matthew Williams and a well-timed run by jockey Ryan Maloney , who is in great form.

We will give her a little let up before sending her to the races on November 22nd over 1100m at her home track at Warrnambool and we are then eyeing off Moonee Valley over the summer with her. We are so pleased for all of her owners.

East Star’s owners include Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock Pty Ltd (Mr D. Dance & E. Dance), SCG Racing, Mr A Fitzgerald, Mr G Gereaux, Brittain Racing, Mr R Matthey, East Warrnambool Racing, Mr J Blizzard, Mr P Mcclymans, Mr S Doring, Mr S Atkins, Mr B Johnson, Mr A Talbot, Mr T Smith and Mr G Carroll.

We still have two shares available in her half-sister by Husson from Royal Delago, who has been broken in and is currently spelling.

• Click here for more info on Husson * Royal Delago filly

The other Dehere filly had a minor setback and has gone for a spell and will be back in the Summer.

ATB landed a double for the day when their 6yo old mare Keltara won Race 8 on the card at Donald.

The Exceed and Excel galloper who promised so much as a three-year-old, has been very frustrating for her owners and trainer Darren Weir, but to Darren’s credit he knew she could gallop and had to change his training methods to try to get her to settle and finish off, rather than leading and getting run down in her races.

It was a very good ride ride by Jack Hill today.

Congratulations to all of our owners who enjoyed success with East Star & Keltara today.

Check out our latest racehorse syndications and start racing the ATB way!

Monday 8th October 2012

Upcoming ATB Events for 2012 Spring Racing

ATB’s Darren & Liz Dance are hosting a number of 2012 Spring Racing Carnival events for our and Darren & Liz Dance hope to see many of you at any or all of the following events.

1. October 6th 2012 – Werribee Breakfast with the international Cups horses
2. November 6th 2012 – Melbourne Cup night – Party on!
3. November 25th 2012 – Ballarat Cup day.
4. December 1st 2012 – ATB CHRISTMAS PARTY at Caulfield races.

Join us at the Caulfield races on Saturday 1st December 2012 for our annual Christmas party with your fellow owners and trainers for a great fun day and celebration of 2012, including presentation of annual awards for owner, trainer and horse of the year. This event is always a sellout so book early to avoid missing out

For more info click here to visit our ATB Events page or simply click under ‘Owners’ tab in top menu.

To register your interest call Darren Dance on 0417 616 666 or email here.

2012 Sportsbet.com.au Ballarat Cup Launch

Also coming up on Thursday 4th October is the Sportsbet.com.au Ballarat Cup Launch, to be held at ‘The Unicorn’ which is located at 122 Sturt Street, Ballarat.

Cup Day will see the running of the $200,000 Magic Millions 2yo Clockwise Classic, Myer Fashions on the Field and a whole lot more.

RSVP: By Tuesday October 2nd to tully.smith@ballarat.countryracing.com.au or call 03 5334 6273

Rue Maple retires after a great racing career

ATB’s Rue Maple brings the curtain down on a wonderful career.

One of our gun mares Rue Maple, has been retired from the track following her 30th race start and prizemoney earnings of $397,572.

A winner of 5 races- with 4 city wins, she also ran many unlucky seconds to quality horses, including a Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes runner-up behind Group 1 Stradbroke winner Mid Summer Music.

ATB’s Darren Dance said “From her 1st start at Swan Hill where she won at good odds and broke the track record as a 2 yr old, to her last start, she always gave her best.”

“She was just so honest and had a great following with our clients and the racing public in general.”

“She will be missed around Darren Weirs stables l am sure as everyone loved ‘Annie‘.”

Rue Maple will be retained by her partners – ATB and the Gereaux family (who bred her) and will be sent to stud in the next week or so.

We all look forward to racing little Rue Maples in the coming years.

Rue Maple Group Race results

Rue Maple started in four group races during her career and her runner-up up finish in the 2011 Bletchingly Stakes (Gr3) behind Stradbroke winner Mid Summer Music was a great run.

However, her 5th behind Sepoy in the 2011 Manikato Stakes (Gr1) was arguably her finest effort, finishing within two lengths of champion mare More Joyous and Group 1 winning sprinter Buffering in an outstanding run.

5th 30-Sep-11 Moonee Valley 1200m MANIKATO STAKES (Gr1) M Payne 56.5 – 1st Sepoy – 7.4L
6th 13-Aug-11 Caulfield 1200m COCKRAM STAKES (Gr3) M Payne 55.0 – 1st Mid Summer Music – 2.8L
2nd 30-Jul-11 Caulfield 1200m BLETCHINGLY STAKES  (Gr3) M Payne 56.5 – 1st Mid Summer Music – 0.1L
15th 14-Aug-10 Caulfield 1200m COCKRAM STAKES (Gr3) D Nikolic 54.0 – 1st Rhythm in Paris – 17.2L

Rue Maple Listed Race results

Rue Maple contested five listed races her one length defeat in the 2011 Sir John Monash Stakes was the highlight.

4th 01-Sep-12 Caulfield 1100m – THE HEATH – M Payne 54.0 – 1st Golden Archer – 4.3L
13th 14-Jul-12 Caulfield 1100m – MONASH STAKES – B Rawiller 56.5 – 1st Platelet – 7.2L
2nd 16-Jul-11 Caulfield 1100m – MONASH STAKES – Michelle Payne 56.5 – Secret Flyer – 1.0L
7th 04-May-11 Warrnambool 1200m – WANGOOM HCP -  Jacob Rule 53.0 – 1st Uxorious – 3.9L
12th 05-Nov-09 Flemington 1200m – TCL ELECTRONICS – Luke Nolen 53.0 – 1st Trim – 6.3L

Rue Maple Career Wins

Rue Maple had five victories during her career including 4 city wins. After winning y 4 lengths on debut at Swan Hill she then went on to score four wins in town, including two at Moonee Valley where she always raced well.

WON 21-Apr-12 Caulfield 1100m – 4YO & Up Mares Hcp – D Lane 56.5 – won by 2.3L
WON 24-Jul-10 Moonee Valley 1200m – 3yo Hcp – J Fry 55.0 – won by 1.0L
WON 03-Jul-10 Moonee Valley 1200m – 3yo Fillies Hcp – J Fry 54.5 – won by 3.0L
WON 23-Sep-09 Sandown 1000m 3yo Fillies 0-68 Hcp – J Fry 56.0 – won by 1.3L
WON 31-Jul-09 Swan Hill 975m – 2yo Hcp – Jarrod Fry 56.0 – won by 4.0L

Rue Maple Career Record

Rue Maple had 30 starts for 5 wins and 13 placings and earned $397,572 in prizemoney.

Career: 30-5-9-4 $397,572 Group & Listed: 9-0-2-0 $63,400
1st Up: 4-2-1-0 2nd Up: 4-0-0-2
Good: 5-1-1-1 Dead: 12-1-5-0 Slow: 10-3-3-2 Heavy: 3-0-0-1

Foaling Date: 04 August 2006
Sex: Mare Color: Bay
Sire: Rubiton Dam: Maple Rose
Trainer: Darren Weir
Official Owners: Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock (D & L Dance), Mr N Gereaux, Mr S Gereaux, Mr G Gereaux

Visit the Racing Victoria website here for all of Rue Maple’s career results.

Thursday 4th October 2012

ATB’s Jakkalberry & Tac De Boistron settle in well at Werribee Quarantine Centre

ATB’s 2012 Melbourne Cup hopeful Tac De Boistron has settled in well at the Werribee Quarantine Centre.

The Werribee International Horse Centre at Werribee has come to life following the weekend arrival of overseas gallopers here to contest the 2012 Melbourne spring racing carnival.

A total of 16 internationals have settled in at Werribee, including Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Jakkalberry & Tac De Boistron.

ATB’s Darren Dance was very happy with each horse’s condition upon arrival, especially Jakkalberry, who is a much travelled galloper, having raced in the US, Dubai & UK already this year.

Jakkalberry won the Group 1 American St Leger at Arlington in the United States in August, after running a creditable third in the Group 1 Sheema Classic earlier in the year in Dubai last March.

He followed that up with a solid fifth place finish in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot in the UK in June.

UK-based Italian trainer Marci Botti will prepare Jakkalberry for the spring carnival and the bay horse will contest both the the Caulfield & Melbourne Cups, with his main aim being the 2012 Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday 6th November 2012.

He will head back home to the UK following his spring campaign.

Former French stayer Tac de Boistron is in the hands of Cranbourne trainer Mick Kent for his first trip down under following his purchase by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock.

The 6yo son of Take Risks will also be aimed at this year’s Melbourne Cup and will continue to race in this country after his spring campaign comes to an end.

>>> Click here to listen ATB’s Darren Dance interview with trainer Mick Kent

Also amongst the first shipment on Saturday were Americain & Dunaden, the past two Geelong Cup & Melbourne Cup winners.

It will be Americain’s third trip to Melbourne and Dunaden’s second, with both horses following a similar spring path to previous years.

ATB Breakfast with the Internationals

ATB is holding a Werribee Breakfast with the international Cups horses on Saturday 6th October 2012 at Werribee racecourse.

If you would like to come along to get up close and see these overseas cups horses in the flesh including our horses Jakkalberry and Tac de Boistron, then call Darren Dance on 0417 616 666 or email darren@atbloodstock.com.au to book your spot!

Bookings close on Thursday 4th October so be quick!

Tuesday 2nd October 2012

Warrnambool trainer Matthew Williams set to Dance on Ballarat Cup Day

ATB’s Ticket to Toorak to tackle inaugural Clockwise Magic Millions on 2012 Ballarat Cup Day.

Warrnambool trainer Matthew Williams hopes a $5000 investment on the back of an $80,000 gamble will reap a big financial windfall.

Williams encouraged former Warrnambool identity Darren Dance, who heads up Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock, to bid $80,000 on a yearling colt by Northern Meteor out of Ballet d’Amour at the 2012 Magic Millions yearling sale on the Gold Coast in January.

Dance parted with an extra $5000 to allow the colt, now called Ticket To Toorak, to be eligible for some of Australia’s richest two-year-old races.

Among those is the $2 million Magic Millions two-year-old classic on the Gold Coast on January 12 next year.

On the back of good track work at Warrnambool, Williams will enter Ticket To Toorak in the inaugural $200,000 Clockwise Classic for two-year-olds at Ballarat on November 25.

The 1000-metre dash for juveniles will be the first time a race is run clockwise in Victoria for more than 60 years.

Racing Victoria ticked off the proposal by Magic Millions for the race after two successful clockwise trials at Ballarat in May.

Williams said he was impressed by the colt the first time he saw him.

“He’s a very athletic colt. I liked him the first time I saw him,” he said.

“Darren has got a lot of Warrnambool people involved in the ownership of the horse.

“We’ve done a bit of track work going the reverse way on the artificial track at Warrnambool. He seems to handle going the other way all right.

“We’ll give him about five or six gallops going in the clockwise direction at Warrnambool over the next few weeks before trialling him at Ballarat and then racing him on November 25.”

Williams said he was confident that Victorian and interstate trainers who had purchased yearlings at the Magic Millions yearling sales would take advantage of the inaugural $200,000 race on Ballarat Cup day.

“It’s been a clever move by the Magic Millions people to put on the race at Ballarat,” he said. “A lot of Victoria trainers purchased yearlings at the sales and I think they may have paid the extra $5000, which makes them eligible for the Ballarat race.

“I’m sure the race will create a lot of interest as they run in the opposite direction to the way we run in Victoria.

“The prizemoney is great. It would be great for the owners if the horse was competitive at Ballarat.

“And then we might be able to run him in the $2 million race on the Gold Coast in January.”

ATB’s Tac de Boistron and Jakkalberry enter Quarantine bound for Australia

ATB’s Tac De Boistron working at Newmarket

A number of international Spring Carnival aspriants will enter quarantine in England and Ireland this week, including ATB’s Tac De Boistron & Jakkalberry.

French stayer Tac de Boistron is heading to Australia and will be in the hands of Cranbourne trainer Mick Kent for his spring campaign following his purchase by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock.

The 6yo son of Take Risks will be aimed at the 2012 Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday 6th November 2012 and enters quarantine alongside fellow ATB stayer Jakkalberry.

Jakkalberry is trained by UK-based Marci Botti at Newmarket and will be the Italian trainer’s first galloper to visit our shores.

ATB have a three-pronged attack on the major Cups this year with the Mick Kent-trained Unusual Suspect also preparing for the Caulfield & Melbourne Cups.

The past two Melbourne Cup winners Dunaden & Americain will also be amongst the 16 internationals entering quarantine on their way to AUstralia.

Due to arrive in Melbourne on AFL Grand Final Day on Saturday 29th September, they will then spend another two weeks in quarantine at the Werribee International Horse Centre.

The internationals are scheduled be released before the Caulfield Guineas meeting on Saturday 13th October.

ATB Breakfast with the Internationals

ATB is holding a Werribee Breakfast with the international Cups horses on Saturday 6th October.

Darren & Liz Dance would like to invite you to come and join us at the Werribee track on this Saturday morning at 7am to get up close and see these overseas cups horses in the flesh including our horses Jakkalberry and Tac de Boistron.

It promises to be a great morning and we will have some prizes and givaways as well as a great breakfast on offer.

Bookings close on September 24th and numbers are limited.

Call Darren Dance on 0417 616 666 or email darren@atbloodstock.com.au to book your spot!

Friday 14th September 2012

Memsie Stakes & Moir Stakes upgraded to Group 1 races for 2013/2014 Season

The Memsie Stakes and Moir Stakes have been elevated to Group 1 status by Asian Pattern Committee

Two Victorian races, the Memsie Stakes and Moir Stakes, have been upgraded from Group 2 to Group 1 status by the Asian Pattern Committee (APC).

The decision, announced today by the Australian Racing Board (ARB), will see prize money for both races increase to a minimum of $350,000.

Run at Caulfield in late August/early September under weight for age conditions, the 1400-metre Memsie is a proven spring form reference with recent winners including Sunline (twice), Makybe Diva, El Segundo, Miss Finland, Weekend Hussler and So You Think. This year’s edition was won by Group 1 winner Sincero.

The Moir Stakes, which is run over 1200 metres under weight for age conditions at Moonee Valley, was formerly held on Cox Plate Day, but has now been moved to the Valley’s opening night meeting of the season on AFL Grand Final eve.

Winners of the Moir since 2000 include Falvelon, Spinning Hill, Virage De Fortune, Miss Andretti, Lucky Secret, Apache Cat and Black Caviar who has won the past two editions.

“We welcome today’s announcement that the Memsie Stakes and Moir Stakes will be elevated to Group 1 status from next season. Both races have consistently rated at an elite level and are won by horses of Group 1 standing,” Racing Victoria (RV) General Manager – Racing, Greg Carpenter, said.

The proposed upgrades will not take effect until the 2013-14 season meaning the upcoming Moir Stakes (run as the Schweppes Stakes) will be held one last time at Group 2 level on Friday night, 28 September.

The APC has also upgraded the Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Sydney’s Rosehill Gardens to Group 1 status thus bringing Australia’s total to 71 Group 1 races which is befitting of Australia’s place as the second largest racing nation in the world (to USA with 112 Group 1 races at a similar ratio of Group 1 to flat races).

The APC will consider applications for upgrading of the Makybe Diva Stakes, the Apollo Stakes and the Schillaci Stakes at its meeting in December.

The Chairman of the Australian Pattern Committee, Alan Brown, said, “These three races all clearly exceeded the benchmarks set for Group 1 races and thoroughly deserve elevation. The Memsie has been on average the highest rated Group 2 race in Australia and the Moir the second. The Canterbury Stakes was the highest ranking Group 2 race in Australia last year and rated higher than the Doomben 10,000, the only other Group 1 race in Australia over a similar distance.

“The Australian Pattern Committee congratulates the race clubs concerned with these races. They have done an excellent job promoting them over a considerable period of time and have now been rewarded for that effort”.

Article courtesy of Racing Victoria website

Monday 10th September 2012

Edge of War storms to the front line in Stawell debut win

Edge of War scores an easy debut win at Stawell

Darren Weir-trained 4yo Edge Of War made it two wins in two days for Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Darren & Liz Dance with an outstanding 4.3 lengths debut win at Stawell today.

The son of Racer’s Edge was ridden by Brad Rawiller and contested the Boronia Peak Villas C,G&E Maiden Plate over 1300 metres.

Edge of War was always well back in the field but Rawiller timed his run to perfection as the gelding stormed home to win as he liked by a big margin on the line.

ATB’s Darren Dance was on hand to witness the victory and said there was a lot to like about this win.

“We thought he would go ok on what he has shown us at home,” said Dance.

“But to come from where he did and then go on and win by more than 4 lengths, there’s not many gallopers who can do that, especially on debut.”

“He’s bred to run further so to win over this trip first-up is very encouraging for his owners.”

“We think he will be better suited over more ground, there is much to look forward to with this horse.”

Edge of War $4.20/$4 defeated Flash Cadillac $15/$31 and Chicharito $2/$3 in a time of 1:21.51  on a Slow 7 track.

Likely to step up in distance for his next start, Edge of War looks to have a promising career ahead of him for Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock.

Monday 3rd September 2012

Mum’s the word for Mumbeilly at Ballarat

Mumbeilly first and daylight second at Ballarat today

Up and coming ATB mare Mumbeilly broke through for a thoroughly deserved maiden victory in slashing style at Dowling Forest racecourse in Ballarat today.

Trained by master trainer Peter Moody at Caulfield and ridden by Luke Nolen, the O’Reilly mare was having just her her fourth career start when she ran out a most impressive 4.8 length winner in the BTC Thanks 2012/13 Members Maiden Plate over 1600 metres.

Part owner Darren Dance was very excited by the win and expects her to measure up to city class.

“It was a super win,” said Dance. “She won by a big margin and did a lot wrong in the run.”

“She got to the front and wanted to wander into the rail and do a few things wrong. It was a very good win but she still has a bit to learn.”

“Luke Nolen got off the horse and said she would measure up to city class. So I’m very happy with the horse and not many gallopers win by that margin.”

A large contingent of owners were on hand to see the mare win and Dance said she may step up to a 1900 metre race at Kilmore at her next outing.

Mumbeilly $1.90/$1.60F defeated Moment To Shine $41/$51 and Annapolis $4.60/$7 in a time of $1:47.08 on a Heavy 8 track.

It took her record to one win and three placings from four starts with $14,665 in prizemoney along the way.

Sunday 2nd September 2012

Drinks all round for ATB owners as Refill scores on Debut at Mildura

ATB colt Refill scores on debut at Mildura

ATB`s young horse Refill (Reset – Avenue Girl 2009 colt) was an impressive debut winner last Sunday on Mildura Cup day.

Trained by Darren Weir at Ballarat, he son of Reset scored an impressive victory in the MM Electrical Maiden Plate (1000m) in the opening race on the program at Mildura and was solidly backed into $1.50 favourite, after opening at $1.70.

Refill jumped out well in his first race start and was hunted along by super jock Dean Yendall to hold his position in the run, before leading throughout to win running away by a length.

This victory was all the more impressive considering that Dean dropped his whip on the corner and had to ride the horse out hands and heels, and could only give him a slap on the neck with his hand as encouragement.

A large contingent of owners were on hand to see the colt win on debut and ATB’s Darren Dance was excited about the win.

“This horse had shown a lot even as a 2 yearold and had not been beaten in his jumpouts which really surprised both Darren Weir and myself,” said Dance.

“Being by Reset, we were thinking that he would make a nice middle distance horse as a late 3 year old. ”

“The fact that he wants to run and can sprint is exciting, as if he can show this turn of foot at the end of his 1600m races, then he will win a lot of races.”

“His next start will be in two weeks but which race he contests has yet to be confirmed. We will take him through his grades and see where he takes us,” Dance said.

Refill earned $11,000 in prizemoney for winning at Mildura to make it 4 wins for the new season for Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock.

MM Electrical Maiden Plate (1000m) result

Of $15,000.1st $9,000, 2nd $2,550, 3rd $1,200, 4th $600, 5th $300, 6th to 10th $270
Maiden, Set Weights, Three-Years-Old and Upwards

Track Condition: Dead 4 Margins: Len, 1/2 len. Time: 1:00.37

Thursday 29th August 2012

Six ATB runners on the weekend including three Debutantes

General Amour set to make his debut in the first race at Pakenham today.

ATB’s Darren & Liz Dance are set for a busy weekend with six of their horses racing at Pakenham, Moonee Valley, Mildura & Warrnambool over the next three days, including three debutants in General Amour, Refill & Hectorious.

Pakenham Saturday 25th August 2012

First cab off the rank is the Darren Weir-trained General Amour who will be making his race debut in Race 1 on the card at Pakenham in the the Slickpix Maiden Plate (1000m) at 12.42pm.

The General Nediym * Libidinious colt has shown ability on the training track and while he has to overcome a wide draw, we expect him to run well today.

The Pakenham track was rated Heavy 9 (Pen 6.3) this morning and the rail is in the true position. #3 Cosmic Dane, #4 Don’tgiveup, #5 John’s Choice & #10 Champagne Tales have all been scratched from Race 1 leaving 13 to run.

>>> Visit IASbet for the latest Pakenham odds.

Moonee Valley Saturday 25th August 2012

On the same day at Moonee Valley our consistent Darren Weir-trained stayer Shiny Buttons goes around again in Race 4 on the program in the Chandler Macleod Handicap (2500m) at 2.15pm in Melbourne.

The Reset gelding has had a most consistent campaign with 2 wins and 6 placings from eight runs this time in, but frustratingly for his owners he has finished second at his past three starts.

Shiny Buttons was runner-up to smart Peter Moody galloper Dayita over 2000 metres at Flemington at his last start and is looking for this trip now.

Wide draws have seen the 6yo settle back in the field in recent outings, but an inside alley here today should allow him to race closer to the pace and give him every chance in the run.

>>> Visit IASbet for the latest Moonee Valley odds.

Mildura Sunday 26th August 2012

On Sunday we have two Darren Weir-trained runners at Mildura, including Refill, who will be having his first start in the opening race on the program.

The Reset * Avenue Girl colt will face six opponents in the MM Electrical Maiden Plate (1000m) which is Race 1 at 12.45pm and he’s done everything right in preparation for his race track debut.

In the last race on the card (Race 8) we have Keltara contesting the Betfair 0-62 Handicap (1400m) at 4.50pm and if she can find her best form then she will be very competitive here.

The Mildura track is currently a Dead 4 and the rail is in the true position for the entire circuit.

>>> Visit IASbet for the latest Mildura odds.

Warrnambool Monday 27th August 2012

A third debutante in three days for ATB when the Matthe Williams-trained Hectorious faces the starter for the first time in the fourth race on the card, the 2012/13 Membership Maiden Plate (1000m) at 2.09pm.

We expect the Bel Esprit * Shiny Mai gelding to run a forward race but he will need a little luck early from his wide gate.

Later in the day we have Resolvere, trained by Darren Weir, going around in the last race (Race 9) on the card in the Port Fairy Community Raceday 0-68 Handicap (1200m) at 5.15pm.

The Testa Rossa 6yo returns to the provincials after a couple of good efforts in town, and although lumping 60 kilograms, he’s well placed here on his best form.

The Warrnambool track is currently rated a Heavy 9 and the rail is out +7 metres for the entire circuit.

>>> Visit IASbet for the latest Warrnambool odds.

Good luck to all of our owners on the weekend, especially our three debutantes!

ATB’s Rock Jester will also head to Kununurra today to tackle the Ladies-Bracelet at a non-TAB meeting in Western Australia. Good luck to all his new owners!

ATB Runners at a Glance

See below for all of our runners engaged on the weekend.

Saturday 25th August 2012
General Amour – Pakenham – R1 – 12.42pm
Shiny Buttons – Moonee Valley – R4 – 2.15pm
Rock Jester – Kununurra – R4 – 2.50pm

Sunday 26th August 2012
Refill – Mildura – R1 – 12.45pm
Keltara – Mildura – R8 – 4.50pm

Monday 27th August 2012
Hectorious – Warrnambool – R4 – 2.09pm
Resolvere – Warrnambool – R9 – 5.15pm

Visit IASbet for better odds than the TAB and claim a $200 Free Bet when you join and deposit initial funds of $100 or more – Join IASbet here now

Saturday 25th August 2012

Classy mare Ortensia wins the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes at York overnight

Ortensia storms home to win the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes at York

The patience and perseverance of Australian trainer Paul Messara was rewarded overnight when his gallant mare Ortensia won her first British Group 1 in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York.

Ortensia produced her customary big finish to come from an impossible position back in the field to storm home in the final 200 metres for an outstanding win, defeating Spirit Quartz second and Hamish McGonagall third.

In what was turning out to be a frustrating summer for Ortensia in the northern hemisphere, due to soft tracks in recent Group 1 races at Ascot and Newmarket, the gutsy Aussie mare finally broke through for Group 1 success on British soil.

The heavens opened up again leading up to the Nunthorpe to soften the track at York, but it was not a problem for Ortensia as charged home late for a brilliant victory.

She also enjoyed Group 2 success in Britain securing the King George Stakes at Goodwood prior to her York success.

Jockey William Buick said: “She’s unbelievable, I can’t remember riding a horse that can go through so many gears over five furlongs. She’s an amazing mare and the best five-furlong horse I’ve ridden.”

Australian racehorses are making their mark in major races on foreign soil and Ortensia’s Nunthorpe Stakes victory follows hot on the heels of ATB’s Jakkalberry, who claimed the inaugural American St Leger at Arlington Park in Chicago last weekend.

Watch Ortensia win the 2012 Nunthorpe Stakes and Jakkalberry win the 2012 Arlington Millions.

Saturday 25th August 2012

Everything going just sweet for Jakkalberry and ATB’s Darren Dance

Darren Dance

Darren Dance’s long-range, long distance plan to snare the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup yesterday moved a step closer when Jakkalberry won the inaugural American St Leger at Arlington.

Jakkalberry, a horse that Dance’s Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock found in Italy, sealed his trip to Melbourne’s spring with an emphatic win in the $400,000 turf event, but stablemate Crackerjack King, which finished fifth in the Arlington Million, is unlikely to make the trip.

Dance described as “super” the win of Jakkalberry, which sustained a sweeping 500 metre finishing burst to win by two and a quarter lengths in track record time.

He praised the ride by Irishman Colm O’Donoghue, who has already put his hand up for the Cups ride on Jakkalberry, which has won $750,000 since Dance purchased him.

“It was a 10/10 ride. He rode the horse exactly how he had to be ridden and he said he won with plenty up his sleeve,” Dance said.

“Colm is keen to come out to ride him and he rode for Lee Freedman at the turn of the century. He ticks a few boxes, but I’ll need to talk to Marco (Botti) and see what he thinks.

“It’s just been such an amazing day. They keep telling me that I’m the first Australian to win a race here.”

Trainer Marco Botti will send Jakkalberry, which finished third in the Sheema Classic on Dubai World Cup night, back to the UK where he will go into quarantine so he can be on the first flight of European horses to arrive in Melbourne on September 29.

Crackerjack King was photo-finished out of third behind all-the-way winner Little Mike, but Dance said he was disappointed with the horse’s run given he sat fifth throughout on the rails and didn’t go around a horse.

“I thought his last 50 (metres) was a bit ordinary. I haven’t gone through it in detail with Marco (Botti) but my current thinking is that we won’t bring him to Melbourne this year,” Dance said.

“We may spell the horse and set him up for Dubai next year and look at Melbourne in 2013.”

2012 Caulfield Cup Odds

$13 Mawingo
$17 Green Moon, Lights Of Heaven
$21 December Draw, Mount Athos
$26 JAKKALBERRY, Mosheen, Fat Al, Red Cadeaux, Camborne

Rest of the field $27 or more and odds are subject to change.

• Visit IASbet here for the latest 2012 Caulfield Cup odds

The 2012 Caulfield Cup will be run on Saturday 20th October 2012 over 2400 metres.

Article courtesy of Herald Sun website.

Monday 8th August 2012

ATB’s Crackerjack King runs 5th in the 2012 Arlington Millions

ATB’s Crackerjack King has finished a creditable fifth place this morning in the 2012 Arlington Millions at Arlington Park racecourse in Chicago.

Hoop Colm O’Donoghue had the Shamardal 4yo well placed in the run, but after looming up in the straight and looking a certain place chance, his run ended inside the final 50 metres where he was narrowly beaten into fifth spot on the line.

Crackerjack King was having his first outing since finishing 5th in the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse at Sandown in July and will now be UK bound to go into quarantine before an Australian assault on the 2012 WS Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in October.

Priscilla Vaccarezza-owned Little Mike cruised home to win the 2012 Arlington Millions from Darley’s Asfare (GB) second, with  Rahystrada & Columbian dead-heating for third.

2012 Arlington Millions result

Margins: 1 1/2 len, 1 1/2 len
Time: 2:02.44

Crackerjack King’s half-brother Jakkalberry produced a memorable performance earlier in the day for Darren Dance and Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock by winning the inaugural American St Leger.

“We were confident the horse was in good order,” said Dance. “It’s a credit to the Bottis and their whole crew back home. He was just too strong.”

Jakkalberry will head home with his stablemate to join him in quarantine before a spring preparation in Australia to tackle the Caulfield & Melbourne Cups.

Sunday 19th August 2012

Jakkalberry lives up to Billing in Inaugural American St. Leger Stakes

Jakkalberry winning the Inaugural American St Leger at Arlington Park on Saturday in Chicago.

Irish-bred Australian-owned Jakkalberry lived up to his advance billing as the horse to beat in the inaugural edition of the $400,000 American St. Leger when the son of Storming Home overtook the pace-setting Illinois-bred Ioya Bigtime to win the mile and eleven-sixteenths race by 2 ¼ lengths in 2:49.01, which establishes the course record for the distance.

“Mrs. (Lucie) Botti (wife of trainer Marco) was very confident in him,” said winning jockey Colm O’Donoghue, who won last year’s Grade I Secretariat Stakes aboard Treasure Beach. “They said he is in good form, he gave me a lot of confidence rating him, we expected a good run. My horse was the class, he can really run.”

“I never heard that (he was the talk of the people heading into the race), I only got here late last night,” said owner Darren Dance of Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock.  “We were confident the horse was in good order. It’s a credit to the Bottis and their whole crew back home. He was just too strong.”

Jakkalberry earned $232,800 for the victory, his first of the year and his 10th in 24 starts overall to push his career bankroll to $1,418,259.

Ioya Bigtime, winner of the Grade III Stars and Stripes as the local prep for the St. Leger, set nearly all the pace in the race through fractions of 50.82 seconds, 1:15.43, 1:41.30 and 2:05.62 before being overtaken by the winner.

“He ran great,” said Jeffrey Sanchez, who rode Ioya Bigtime.  “He gives me everything he has. I’ll get ‘em next time! He’s a great horse, I love him, he loves me, and he gives me everything he’s got.”

German-bred Zuider Zee, who raced third throughout the marathon event, was 6 ¼ lengths in back of the runner-up.

“He ran well,” said his rider William Buick, who captured the 2010 Arlington Million aboard Debussy.  “He hit a flat spot but it didn’t affect him much today. These tight-turning tracks are not ideal for him, and he’s better with a little more cut in the ground.”

Lake Drop, Lemonade Kid, Helicopter, Lumberyard Jack, Lethal and Bridge of Gold completed the finish in the nine-horse field.

Jakkalberry paid $5.20, $3.20 and $2.40 as the 8-5 favorite.  Ioya Bigtime returned $3.60 and $2.80.  Zuider Zee paid $3.20.

Article and photo courtesy of Arlington Park website.

Sunday 19th August 2012

ATB’s Jakkalberry wins the 2012 American St Leger at Arlington Park

ATB’s Jakkalberry on his way to winning the 2012 American St Leger at Arlington Park in the US

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s international purchase Jakkalberry has taken out the 2012 American St Leger at Arlington Park in Chicago on Sunday morning Australian time.

Ridden a treat by UK jockey Colm O’Donoghue, the son of Storming Home enjoyed a lovely run during the race and looked the winner a long way from home.

O’Donoghue had Jakkalberry perfectly placed in 5th spot in the run, just behind the pace, and approaching the turn he drove the ATB galloper forward to make his assault on the leading bunch.

In the straight Jakkalberry ran home strongly to get the better of race leader Ioya Bigtime in the final 100 metres, to go on record a most memorable win for his owners, headed by ATB’s Darren & Liz Dance.

A syndicate headed by Darren Dance of Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock purchased Jakkalberry to contest the Caulfield & Melbourne Cups this year and the galloper will head home now to go into quarantine before heading to Australia for the spring.

2012 American St Leger result

Margins: 2 1/4, 6 1/4
Time: 2:49.01

The ATB Jack Attack of Arlington Park is not over yet, as Jakkalberry’s half-brother Crackerjack King goes around in Race 11 at Arlington at 8.44am Melbourne time in the Group 1 Arlington Millions.

If the Shamardal galloper can make it two for two at Arlington, ATB’s Darren Dance will be celebrating long & hard into the night in Chicago.

Jakkalberry & Crackerjack King fields for Arlington Million Stakes Day in Chicago

Arlington Park, Chicago

ATB’s Darren Dance is making his way to Chicago today to oversea his two pronged Jack Attack on Arlington Millions Stakes day with Crackerjack King & Jakkalberry on the weekend in the US.

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s recent European acquisitions, Crackerjack King and Jakkalberry, will run at one of the biggest race days of the year in the United States.

Crackerjack King will step out in the feature race of the day, the US$1,000,000 Group 1 Arlington Million over 2011 metres, while Jakkalberry will run in the US$400,000 American St Leger over 2715 metres.

Both gallopers will make their way back to the UK on Sunday to prepare for quarantine in early September ahead of their arrival in Australia on 29th September.

The 2012 WS Cox Plate is the main spring goal for Crackerjack King, while Jakkalberry will be aimed at both the 2012 Caulfield Cup and 2012 Melbourne Cup.

Below are the fields for the 2012 American St Leger and 2012 Arlington Millions and for the best odds on both races head over to IASbet, Australia’s premier online horse racing bookmaker.

Race 7 American St Leger – 2715m 3:14pm

Saturday 18th August 2012 (Sunday 19th August 6.14pm AEST Melbourne time)
Purse $400,000. For Three-Year-Olds And Upward. 1 11/16 miles. (Turf)

European horses are the ones to watch out for here as race distances of this length in America are not that common. Strong stayers from Europe have a distinct advantage over their US rivals. ATB’s Marco Botti trained stayer Jakkalberry looks nicely placed here after his very good efforts against the world’s best stayers this year.

Jakkalberry ran 5th at his most recent start in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot in July with top stayers such as Sea Moon, Dunaden & Red Cadeaux finishing ahead of him. He has travelled the world to run in quality international races such as the Hong Kong Vase and Dubai Sheema Classic and proven most competitive in all of them. His 3rd the Group 1 Sheema Classic at Meydan racecourse in Dubai in March suggests he will appreciate racing against gallopers lacking the class of recent oppononts.

The John Gosden trained Zuider Zee has not won since last November but is a multiple winner over 2400m and last time out finished 4th behind Simenon in the Group 2 Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot. William Buick rides, and the Gosden/Buick combination has to be respected.

Stefano Botti’s Lake Drop is a last start Group 3 winner at Capannelle in Italy and has been in the prizemoney in 13 of sixteen starts. Consistent type who is in good form.

Visit IASbet for the latest American St Leger odds

Race 11 – Arlington Million S. (Grade I) – 2000m – 5:44 PM

Saturday 18th August 2012 (Sunday 19th August 8.44pm AEST Melbourne time)
Prizemoney: $1,000,000 For 3yo & Upward. One And One Fourth Miles. (Turf)

Arlington Handicap runner-up Boisterous is the ruling 2012 Arlington Millions favourite and ATB’s Crackerjack King is on the second line of betting.

Crackerjack King’s last outing was a 5th in the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse at Sandown in the UK where he was up on the pace until early in the straight, before failing to handle the heavy conditions in the run to the line. A winner of 7 of his nine starts the Marco Botti trained galloper has a good turn fo foot at the end of his races and has done everything right in preparation for this race.

Impressive Claude McGaughey III galloper Boisterous has won 5 of nine starts and finished runner-up in the Group 3 Arlington Handicap at Arlington Park last month. In his most recent Group 1 outing he finished just under 2 lengths behind Desert Blanc in the Manhattan Handicap at Belmont Park in July.

Consistent Luca Cumani gelding Afsare has been close up in all four outings this year including a second last time at York at Group 2 level, and a listed victory at Sandown prior to that in the UK. His record around this journey is more than handy and Keiron Fallon will be aboard.

The Buick/Gosden combination are represented by Columbian, who is a Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes winner over this trip. He failed at Group 1 level in the Prince Of Wale’s Stakes last time out at Ascot, finishing more than 7 lengths behind dual Cox Plate winner So You Think. Will find this easier.

Home grown Michael Stidham trained colt Willcox Inn has been racing solidly this year and finished a respectable 5L eighth in the Group 1 Hollwood Derby at Hollywood park last time out. His previous outing resulted in a Group 3 Hawthorne Derby win at Hawthorne and he appears the best roughie of the locals.

Others to watch include previous Group 1 winners Little Mike, Wigmore Halls and Treasure Beach.

Visit IASbet for the latest Arlington Million odds

ATB plans a Jack Attack at Arlington in the United States on Saturday

Crackerjack King set to tackle Arlington Million on Saturday

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock will have a much better idea of how its spring team is shaping up after the Arlington Million meeting, which will be run in Chicago on Sunday morning (Melbourne time).

Two of ATB’s recent European purchases, Crackerjack King and Jakkalberry, will run at one of the feature days on the American racing calendar.

Crackerjack King will contest the feature event, the US$1m Arlington Million (2011m), while Jakkalberry will line up in the US$400,000 American St Leger (2715m).

ATB’s Darren Dance said trainer Marco Botti always intended to use the Arlington Million as a spring lead-up for Sportingbet Cox Plate entrant Crackerjack King and given he was going the team decided to make BMW Caulfield Cup nominee Jakkalberry his travelling companion.

“Given he’s a stablemate to Crackerjack King we decided to travel them together because they’ll be travelling to Australia together,” Dance said.

“It looks a very winnable race, (it’s worth) $400,000, so we just thought that if we’re taking one we might as well take two.”

Jakkalberry, a son of Storming Home, is the $2.90 favourite for the race that will be his first outing since finishing fifth behind Sea Moon, Dunaden and Red Cadeaux, among others, in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Crackerjack King will be making his first appearance since a fifth placing behind Nathaniel in the Group 1 Coral Eclipse Stakes on 7 July.

He won seven of his other eight starts, but is yet to race outside Europe and Dance and Botti expect the Million to provide a clear picture of where he fits into the spring picture.

“We thought this was an ideal lead-up, basically to take him there and make sure he’s up to the grade,” Dance said. “If he won and won impressively, we’d continue down a Cox Plate path, but I’ve also got it in the back of my mind that the Mackinnon is the back-up plan.

The other important element of the trip to the America for Crackerjack King was how he handled the flight.

“He’d never been on a plane before, he’d only raced in Europe, so the plan was to go to Arlington to give him that trip away to see how he handled it because it’s only an eight-hour flight,” Dance said.

“If he couldn’t handle an eight-hour flight he was never going to handle a 25-hour flight to Australia, but he’s done really well. He travelled beautifully, he ate up straight away and he hasn’t missed a beat since he’s been there.

“All those boxes have been ticked now, now we just need to see him do it on the track.”

Crackerjack King, a son of Shamardal, is the $5 second favourite behind the Shug McGaughey-trained Boisterous. He is not the only Cox Plate entry in the race with the Luca Cumani-trained Afsare ($7) also engaged.

Crackerjack King and Jakkalberry will return to the UK on Sunday to prepare for quarantine in early September ahead of their arrival in Australia on 29 September.

They will be accompanied to Australia by another recent ATB purchase, Ta de Boistron, who has been nominated for the BMW Caulfield Cup.

Article courtesy of Racing Victoria website

Thursday 16th August 2012

Three ATB runners going around today at Swan Hill

ATB’s Magnus filly Magnus Belle makes her debut today in the first race at Swan Hill

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Darren Dance is in the heart of the Murray today to watch three of his Darren Weir charges go around at Swan Hill, with Magnus Belle, Sustania and Edge Of Storm all set to line up for ATB.

Three-year-old Magnus filly Magnus Belle makes her debut in the first race on the program and she has been progressing very nicely for her first start for the stable.

Damian Lane will be aboard the debutante galloper and she has drawn to run a very good race, although the early mail around for the Leon Corstens trained Commanding Jewel, a half sister to the unbeaten Mark Kavanagh mare Atlantic Jewel, suggests she is one to watch.

Magnus Belle is #11 in Race 1 at Swan Hill, the Heart of the Murray SV 3YO Maiden Plate (975m) at 11.55am in the morning.

There are four scratchings in the first race and they are #3 Foreceable, #4 General Amour, #7 Royal Island and #9 Shot In The Night.

Magnus Belle’s ATB stablemate General Amour was also set to make his debut in the first race but had a minor problem that forced his withdrawal from the event.

>>> Visit IASbet for the latest Magnus Belle odds

ATB also have Cape Cross 5yo Sustania having his second start in the Beat the Pyap Maiden Plate (1600m) which is set to run at 2.15pm in the afternoon.

Sustania is #5 and has drawn nicely in barrier four with Damian Lane to ride.

The gelding disappointed on debut at Mildura but from his good draw he should be able to roll forward and show a lot more than the 1st up effort.

There are four scratchings in Race 5 and they are #2 Coolamon, #5 Hezoff, #11 Always in Da’nile & #14e Existence.

>>> Visit IASbet for the latest Sustania odds

Our Racer’s Edge gelding Edge Of Storm returns to racing after a long spell in the last race on the program at Swan Hill in the Pioneer Settlement 0 – 62 Handicap (1200m) at 4.40pm.

The 5yo has not started since winning over 1600m at Ballarat in January and his first-up run last time in resulted in a third at Terang over 1400 metres.

Edge Of Storm is better suited over more ground and while we are expecting him to be hitting the line hard late, he will benefit greatly from the run.

The five-year-old is #1 in Race 9 and has drawn barrier five with Damian Lane to ride.

>>> Visit IASbet for the latest Edge Of Storm odds

The Swan Hill track is Dead4 (Pen 4.3) and the rail is out 3m from the 750m to the 450m mark.

Good luck to all our owners today!

Monday 13th August 2012

2012 Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival Feature Race Guide

ATB’s Unusual Suspect Caulfield Cup bound

The 2012 Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is just around the corner and features around 50 days of quality thoroughbred racing action, highlighted by the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington.

Flemington racecourse is home to Melbourne Cup Day, where Australia’s most famous race, the time honoured Melbourne Cup, takes centre stage on the first Tuesday in November.

The 2012 Melbourne Cup will take place on Tuesday 6th November 2012  and other major spring races in Melbourne include the Caulfield Cup and WS Cox Plate.

The 2012 Caulfield Cup is scheduled to be run on Saturday 20th October at Caulfield racecourse and the 2012 WS Cox Plate will be held one week later on Saturday 27th October at Moonee Valley.

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock have entered their Internationally imported gallopers Unusual Suspect, Jakkalberry, Crackerjack King and Tac De Boistron for the major spring races in Melbourne.

The first group race of the new racing season in Melbourne is the Aurie’s Star Handicap on Saturday 11th August at Flemington, while the Underwood Stakes is the first Group 1 race of the Melbourne spring and takes place on Saturday 22nd September at Caulfield.

2012 Spring Racing Carnival Best Odds
For ‘guaranteed better odds‘ than any of the three Australian TABs during the Melbourne spring racing carnival make sure you have an IASbet account where you can also take advantage of ATB & IASbet’s exclusive $200 Free Bet offer. more info here…