Daily News Wrap

Capitalist regains reign

Ain’tsheserious’ breakthrough victory at Yarra Valley on Friday saw Newgate Farm stallion Capitalist edge one win clear of Star Turn atop the second-season sire standings by winners.

The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained filly's 0.3l win marked the 22nd this season for Capitalist from 94 runners.

Devine’s winning delight

Pretty Devine’s narrow success at Lismore on Friday brought up the 14th winner this season for her Aquis Farm sire Divine Prophet.

The Toby and Trent Edmonds-trained filly's maiden victory marked the second winner in as many days for Divine Prophet, who now sits outright sixth on the second-season sire standing by winners.

Vlahos imprisoned

Bill Vlahos has been sentenced to nine years jail over a scam that may have lost punters up $150 million.

The 56-year-old, who was sentenced in the County Court of Victoria on Friday, pleaded guilty to two charges of fraudulently obtaining $17.5 million from 71 people.

However, according to a News Corp report, the actual losses were closer to $150 million as it was believed a number of punters refused to take part in the court action.

Brown back with a bang

Ethan Brown has hit the ground running in his return from a three-month suspension with a winning treble at his first meeting back at Moe on Friday.

The 22-year-old had not ridden since partnering subsequent G1 Melbourne Cup fourth placegetter Floating Artist (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) to victory at Moonee Valley on August 21.

Hong Kong calling

Ballarat-based trainer Patrick Kearney is likely to resist the temptation of Hong Kong offers with Listed Tasmanian Derby-bound galloper Ashy Boy (Star Witness).

Kearney confirmed that offers from the Asian racing mecca have already come in hot after the promising stayer strung together his second-consecutive victory in an 1875 metre Class 1 H. at Kyneton on Thursday.

“The sky's the limit with him, we’ve already had a couple offers from Hong Kong already and while we will keep them in discussion, I will continue to train the horse as if we’re keeping him but it’s good to have offers in the back pocket,” Kearney told RSN.

Scorched Earth set to sizzle

Scorched Earth (Nicconi) resumes at Flemington on Saturday in what will double as a trial for the lucrative Magic Millions raceday at the Gold Coast on January 15.

The multiple stakes winner’s trainer John Moloney said the talented filly will either contest the R. Listed Magic Millions 3YO Guineas or the $1 million 1300 metre Magic Millions Fillies and Mares.

“Anything that’s been around her, she’s beaten or been beaten by, has been pretty handy form,” Moloney told Racenet.

“It’s hard to measure her, for us she’s exciting and what she measures up to I’m not sure, but Saturday gives us a little lead.”

Savannah on cloud nine

Phillip Stokes believes impressive last start Moonee Valley winner Savannah Cloud (NZ) (Savabeel) to be the best of his two-pronged Race 5 attack at Flemington on Saturday.

The in-form Pakenham-based trainer will saddle up the talented 4-year-old and progressive Rosemont Stud-owned mare Way To Go Paula (Nostradamus) in the 1400 metre BM70 H.

Gallery: Phillip Stokes' runners in Race 5 at Flemington on Saturday

“They’re both going well, there’s not much between them but I think Savannah Cloud is on the up, so I’ve got him just in front,” Stokes told RSN.

“He couldn’t do it (get over 1400 metres) as a 3-year-old, but he’s had a minor wind operation and he’s breathing a lot better. His work on Tuesday told me that he’s come on since his Moonee Valley win and he presents in great order.”

Elleegant back in pre-training

G1 Melbourne Cup heroine Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) has returned to pre-training ahead of what could be her last campaign on Australian soil.

The 10-time Group 1 winner is currently located at Wild Oaks, a pre-training facility 85km southwest of Sydney.

"The owners have their hearts set on the Arc (G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe), which is obviously a very, very hard race to win," Verry Elleegant’s trainer Chris Waller told UK Racing last month.

"We wouldn't come expecting to win the Arc, it's just great racing and to be part of it is one thing. Obviously, she is at the level required to be at least competitive, of course respecting what we will be taking on."

Murphy relinquishes license

Triple British Champion jockey Oisin Murphy has temporarily relinquished his license while he seeks medical help following two alcohol positives on course during 2021.

Murphy, who was suspended last year after a positive cocaine test also attributed a previous breach of COVID protocols to the decision.

“On returning from abroad last September in 2020 I failed to follow the COVID protocol set out by the BHA. In breaking these rules and attempting to mislead the BHA, I’ve let my governing body down, along with trainers, owners, staff, sponsors and family for which I wish to apologise,” The British Horseracing Authority said in a statement issued on behalf of Murphy.

“In addition to this, there have been two racecourse incidents linked to alcohol during 2021. It became obvious to me and to everyone else that I needed to seek serious help. In recognition of this I have relinquished my license and will now focus on my rehabilitation.”

Zarak share sells

Martin Schwartz Racing has acquired a 1/50 share in France’s soon-to-be crowned Champion First Season Sire Zarak (Fr) for €380,000 (AU$601,000) via Arqana’s Online Sale on Thursday.

A 1/50 share in Almanzor (Fr) attracted attention during the Sale, settling at €160,000 (AU$253,000) to Didier Krainic of Ecurie Vivaldi.