Shinn booked for Kiwi 3YO
Blake Shinn has been confirmed to ride promising Cambridge 3-year-old Vigor Winner (Declaration Of War {USA}) when he makes his Australian debut at Eagle Farm later this month.
Trainer Lauren Brennan has confirmed a start in the G3 Fred Best Classic on May 25 and is thrilled to have secured the services of Shinn. “It’s a bit of a coup getting him,” Brennan said.
The G2 Queensland Guineas at Eagle Farm on June 8 is a likely second Australian assignment for Vigor Winner.
Blake Shinn
Stradbroke option
The G1 Stradbroke H. is an option for Tony Gollan’s Coldstone (Fr) (Gold Away {Ire}), a last-start winner of the Listed Australian Turf Club Trophy at the Gold Coast.
“He’s a good carnival horse. I could look at Group 3 or Listed miles and I’ve nominated him for the Stradbroke,” Golan said. “He’s a really useful horse.”
Tony Gollan
O’Brien clean sweep
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Hermosa (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) has won the G1 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Following the victory of Magna Grecia (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire) in the colt’s renewal, it’s the fourth time O’Brien has won both Classics over the same weekend.
“She’s very laid-back and lazy with a great mind,” he said. “She got passed and came again so that’s a great sign. It’s such an advantage to have Galileo’s influence and he’s going to be massive for years to come.”
Wests considering future
Still stung by the disqualification of Maximum Security (USA) (New Year’s Day {USA}) in the GI Kentucky Derby, co-owner Gary West has told his stable manager Ben Glass that he is seriously considering leaving the sport.
Glass confirmed several reports that West, who co-owns the 3-year-old with his wife Mary, has hired Lexington-based attorney Barry Stilz to represent him and will file the appeal with the Kentucky Racing Commission.
Princely ride for Oliver
Damien Oliver will ride Steel Prince (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}) when the in-form stayer bids to win his way into the G1 Melbourne Cup in the Listed Andrew Ramsden S.
Steel Prince is unbeaten in four runs for Anthony Freedman and has been ridden by apprentice Michael Poy in his past two starts. Apprentices cannot claim in the Andrew Ramsden at Flemington on May 25.
Damien Oliver
Horses relocated
About 26 horses have been transferred from Ben Currie's Toowoomba stables with some entered by other trainers for upcoming meetings.
Currie is barred from nominating horses for meetings after Racing Queensland invoked Australian Racing Rule AR 55, but has sought a judicial review of the decision.
He will also be sentenced this week after being found guilty of two counts of bringing racing into disrepute involving text messages.
Ben Currie
Ramsden start on table
A decision is pending on the immediate plans for Listed Warrnambool Cup winner Furrion (GB) (Camelot {GB}), who could yet chase a free pass into the G1 Melbourne Cup.
The Listed Andrew Ramsden S. at Flemington on May 25 carries a ballot-free exemption into this year's Cup to the winner.
"The horse is having an easy few days in the stable," co-trainer David Hayes said. "He'll either go out or go for the Ramsden. We'll make the decision very soon."
