First-timer makes his mark

The well-related Dubai Tycoon (Written Tycoon) ran up to his pedigree at Geelong on Sunday with victory at the first time of asking.

The 3-year-old is trained by Mick Price, who paid $325,000 to secure him out of Phoenix Park’s Premier Yearling Sale draft at Karaka. The colt is raced by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum and Aquis Farm.

Dubai Tycoon is out of Brambling (Redoute’s Choice), a daughter of the G1 New Zealand Oaks winner Bramble Rose (Shinko King {IRE}) who has also left the stakes winner Tangled (Snitzel), Sebrose (Sebring) and Maules Creek (Redoute’s Choice).

“He’d trialled only fair, but he’s had the blinkers on in his last couple of gallops and since then he’s improved out of sight,” Price stable representative Mick Nolan said.

“He’s always given the impression that he’ll be better later on and over a mile or a bit further. He’s a promising horse.”

Successful jockey Michael Dee confirmed that on dismounting. “There’s still plenty of improvement and over more ground,” he said.

Top filly on target for Gold Trail

The G3 Hawke’s Bay Breeders’ Gold Trail S., on the second day of the Hastings carnival has been pencilled in for the return of last season’s champion 2-year-old Avantage (Fastnet Rock).

The G1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce S., winner is making good progress and furthered her preparation with a gallop alongside stablemate Chance To Dance (IRE) Teofilo {IRE}) between races at Hastings on Saturday. They worked over 1000 metres in 1.02.5 and the closing 600 in 34.5.

“It was nice to get Avantage on a good track, a day away at the races, sunshine to bring her coat on, and I like the way she was cocking her ears and having a bit of a look around like she used to do last season,” trainer Jamie Richards said.

“Chance to Dance is coming up really well. He’s looks terrific, as sound as he’s been. He’s had a trial and a gallop and we might even give him another gallop somewhere just to have him hard and fit for a mile first-up.”

That may be the Listed Haunui Farm Karaka Classic at Pukekohe, a race he won fresh-up last year carrying 60kg.

Avantage was purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for NZ$210,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale from the draft of The Oaks Stud draft. He bought Chance to Dance for $260,000 at the inaugural Inglis Chairman’s Sale of Elite Racing Prospects in Sydney.

Fourth stakeswinner for No Nay Never

Coolmore Australia shuttler No Nay Never (USA) (Scat Daddy {USA}) was responsible for his fourth stakes winner and second group winner when Ten Sovereigns (Ire), raced by Coolmore connections and trained by Aidan O’Brien, won Saturday’s G3 Round Tower S. at The Curragh in commanding fashion.

Ten Sovereigns had been named a ‘TDN Rising Star’ when winning by seven lengths on debut just last weekend and will now be aimed at the G1 Middle Park S. on Sept. 29. Ten Sovereigns is out of the Exceed and Excel mare Seeking Solace (GB), and under the third dam is the G1 Oakleigh Plate winner Shamal Wind (Dubawi {Ire}).

Honour for Lindop

Clare Lindop has been inducted into the South Australian Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame.

Her achievements were honoured during the 2018 South Australian Thoroughbred Racing Industry Awards held at Morphettville.

Lindop retired from riding earlier this year after a successful career that included four Group 1 victories, more than 50 black-type race victories and more than 1400 winners in total.

“To have my name sitting alongside the legends of South Australian racing is truly an honour,” she said.

“I am extremely proud of my achievements and the fact that I am part of racing history.

“I want to thank everyone who helped and supported me throughout my career. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here.”

Harry Perks, who bred more than 100 stakes winners including Group 1 sprinter Redelva, was also inducted.

Classic test for smart mare

Danzdanzdance (NZ) (Mastercraftsman (IRE}) has put herself in line for a crack at next month’s G1 Livamol Classic at Hastings.

Last season’s G1 New Zealand Derby placegetter made an impressive return to racing on her home track at Ruakaka on Saturday, leading all the way for a first-up strike over 1400 metres. It was her first appearance since she ran sixth in the G1 Australian Oaks.

“We know her best runs are generally the second or third in a prep so if she can sneak into the Livamol Classic field at Hastings then I’m keen to take her there without another run,” co-trainer Chris Gibbs said.

“She doesn’t cope with wet tracks which means there is no point trying to get another run into her before the Livamol.

“We just need the field to drop away a little now so she gets a start in the race.

“We had been looking forward to getting her back to the races and she certainly didn’t disappoint.”

Danzdanzdance currently lies 19th in order of entry to the Classic on October 6.