Daily News Wrap

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Neasham opens Gold Coast stables

Annabel Neasham will officially open her Gold Coast training operation this week as stable star Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}) bids to go back-to-back in the feature G2 Hollindale S. at Aquis Park on Saturday.

Annabel Neasham

Neasham, who has been looking to set up a Queensland stable for some time, has this week taken over 40 boxes at the Traintech facility formerly occupied by Dubai-bound trainer Michael Costa.

Kingston to The Chase

Alexandra Kingston has been appointed as the Stud Manager of the China Horse Club’s The Chase Farm effective immediately. Her appointment brings expansive international experience to a position of growing importance within the Club’s Australian division.

“Alex’s appointment comes at a time when the China Horse Club is continuing to diversify and mature its operations in Australia,” said Teo Ah Khing, Chairman of the China Horse Club.

"The depth and variance of Alex’s international experience will tie in very well with our future objectives and she will be working closely with Mike Smith to ensure The Chase Farm reaches its full potential.”

Alex Kingston | Image courtesy of China Horse Club

The Chase Farm is playing a role of growing importance in the China Horse Club’s Australian operation and that significance is expected to continue after the Club secured a neighbouring 100 acres last year.

Kingston will oversee day-to-day management of the property and its staff and fills a void created by the tragic passing of Kerry Vantjin in January. Kingston has previously managed Kia Ora Stud for almost a decade and also worked in Kentucky for six years across a spectrum of disciplines including rehabilitation, foaling, yearlings, broodmares and farm management.

Fifth winner for Invader

Bella Babe’s debut victory at Spendthrift Australia Park Werribee on Monday marked the fifth winner for first-season Aquis Farm stallion Invader.

The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained filly finished 3.25l the better of the Patrick Kearney-trained Super Sting (Super One).

Invader is currently second on the first-season sires' standings by winners, which is currently occupied by Russian Revolution, The Mission and Heroic Valour, who are tied on eight wins apiece.

Shalaa continuing to shine

Young Arrowfield Stud stallion Shalaa (Ire) notched his 37th winner of the season via the breakthrough victory of King Shalaa at Ipswich on Monday.

The Stuart Kendrick-trained gelding beat home Johnny Thunder (Nostradamus) and I Ponder (So You Think {NZ}) in the 1350-metre maiden contest.

Shalaa (Ire) | Standing at Arrowfield Stud

Shalaa is currently second on the second-season sires' standings by winners, 17 behind Newgate Farm stallion Capitalist from 46 less runners.

Another Oaks in the offing

G1 Australasian Oaks heroine Glint Of Hope (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) will be prepared for next month’s G1 Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm after bouncing through last Saturday’s Morphettville feature.

Trent Busuttin, who trains the filly in partnership with Natalie Young, holds no fears about Glint Of Hope seeing out the 2400 metre Queensland Oaks journey.

Ayrton to kick off Queensland camapaign

Ayrton (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) will kick off his three start Queensland winter campaign when he clashes with Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}) for the first time in Saturday’s G2 Hollindale S. at the Gold Coast.

Ayrton (NZ) | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

The Cranbourne-based horseman, who trains the Roll The Dice Racing-owned Ayrton in partnership with Michael Kent Jnr, said he isn’t ‘overly optimistic’ about beating the more ‘seasoned Zaaki’ despite his galloper winning on resumption at Caulfield last month.

Price confirmed that Ayrton will push onto the G1 Doomben Cup and the G2 The Q22.

Bosson Brisbane-bound

Opie Bosson will begin the first of four consecutive Saturday’s riding in Queensland when he partners the Cambridge Stud-owned Sword Of State (Snitzel) in Saturday’s G3 Gold Coast Guineas at Aquis Park.

The leading New Zealand-based hoop has enlisted the services of leading jockeys’ agent Mark Guest to help increase opportunities, with his current bookings all New Zealand-trained raiders.

Eagle on the agenda

Mick Price has outlined the lucrative Golden Eagle as a potential spring target for last Saturday’s impressive Listed Nitschke S. winner Illation (So You Think {NZ}).

The Cranbourne-based trainer, who described Illation as a real colt for the future, is also dreaming about a potential G1 Cox Plate tilt with unbeaten 3-year-old.

Novara Park announce 2022 service fees

What’s The Story (NZ), who previously stood at Norwegian Park, will join Novara Park’s stallion roster that includes Sweynesse, Staphanos (Jpn), and King Of Comedy (Ire) this upcoming breeding season.

The son of Champion Sire Savabeel, whose eldest progeny are juveniles, will stand at NZ$4000 (plus GST).

Gallery: Stallions standing at Novara Park in 2022, images courtesy of Novara Park Stud

Sweynesse, a New Zealand leading first-season sire by Lonhro, will stand for an unchanged service fee of NZ$9000 (plus GST).

Staphanos, a son of Deep Impact (Jpn), who was the leading New Zealand first-season sire by average at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Book 1 Yearling Sale, will stand at an unchanged fee of NZ$7000 (plus GST) while King Of Comedy, a son of Kingman (GB) stood his first season at stud last year and will remain at NZ$7000 (plus GST).

Kiwis coming for Queensland riches

Entriviere (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) headlines a team of 34 New Zealand-trained horses that made the trip to Brisbane over the weekend as they look to make their presence felt throughout the Queensland winter carnival.

Te Akau trainer Mark Walker, who will send over a small but high-quality team, expects his three runners to pack a punch.

Walker will have Sword Of State (Snitzel) contest the G3 Gold Coast Guineas and Soprano Supreme (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}) line up in the G3 Gold Coast Cup on Saturday while Entriviere heads to next week’s G1 Doomben 10,000.

Daily News Wrap