Two shares in Within The Law offered on Magic Millions Digital

A pair of shares in three-time stakes-winning filly Within The Law (Lucky Vega) are set to be offered via the Magic Millions Digital Sale.

Opening for bidding on Friday and closing on Wednesday, the online sale will offer 6.5 per cent and 5 per cent shares in the Group 1 placegetter and earner of almost $1.7 million in stakes.

"She's done a remarkable job," the filly's trainer Bjorn Baker said. "She's got a real will to win and she's remarkably tough. She has competed against the best.

“Whether that is as a two-year-old or now the best three-year-olds - she's always run well. She's twice Group 1-placed so we are only going to be aiming at Group races [in the Autumn]. I'd love to win a Group 1 with her.

Magic Millions' head of digital Bryce Bevan added: "These shares offer a rare opportunity to buy into a genuine Group 1 filly who already has significant residual value.

“Within The Law had six starts during the Spring Carnival, three of those were at Group 1 level, the other three being at Group 2, highlighting the calibre of race filly we are dealing with.

“Whoever purchases these unreserved shares will be buying the opportunity to be a part of a very exciting story with a great set of existing connections."

The sale, with 57 lots, will also feature the beautifully bred Gioia River (The Autumn Sun), a sister to recent VRC Oaks (Gr 1, 2500m) placegetter After Summer and 17 shares in racehorses offered by Bennett Racing (As Agent) including Extreme Diamond (Extreme Choice), Texas Tea (Puccini), Broadbeach Miss (Not A Single Doubt) and Lexy Rose (Snitzel).

To learn more about Magic Millions Digital, to register to bid or to check the online catalogue and bid from 2pm (EST) tomorrow click here.

Watson bidding to become Group 1-winning female jockey in WA

Holly Watson will bid to become WA’s first Group 1-winning female jockey when she gets aboard Comfort Me (Playing God) in Saturday's Railway Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) at Ascot. The now nine-year-old gelding has finished runner-up in the Group 1 contest on three occasions, at odds of $31, $26 and $41 - including when 0.8 lengths off of Port Lockroy (Better Than Ready) last year. “He doesn’t know he’s nine years old … he is an absolute beauty,” Watson told Racing WA. “He’s just been so consistent every time in these big races and you can’t obviously dismiss that. So, I think he’s definitely up to it. This is the best prep we’ve had since I’ve been riding him.” Watson beat Railway rivals Super Smink (Super One) and Magnificent Andy (Magnus) to win the Eurythmic Stakes (Gr 3, 1400m) in October last year, and would be elated to land this weekend's prize. “Wow … it would be a massive, massive thrill,” she said. “I was even just so thrilled that I ran second last year that I nearly cried. If he could win, I think I’d just burst out in tears and if he could go out with a bang, it would be just unreal. He is an amazing horse and every time he goes out, he tries so hard and you just know he’s going to give his 100 per cent every time. Everyone loves following him in a race because he’s always going to take you into it. I really love him to bits and I look forward to riding him every day I can. He’s an absolute marvel and I’m going to be really sad when he retires because you just don’t get many of these horses along the way. But he’s given me a ride in another Group 1 this year, so I couldn’t ask for much more – I’m very blessed.”

Cranbourne Cup preferred option for Saban

Having been entered in both the Cranbourne Cup (Listed, 1600m) and Kilmore Cup (1600m) this weekend, the Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained Saban (Shamus Award) looks likely to head for the former contest on Saturday. Moody and jockey Luke Nolen just this week secured their 900th win as a partnership, and Moody is hoping that their hat-trick seeking five-year-old can score a maiden stakes success in the Cranbourne Cup. "He had a nice break after he had a good campaign last time around," Moody said. "The form around him last time, I thought, was as good as anything in this race and I'd expect him to go there and run well. I've put him in the Kilmore Cup as well as an option, but I thought the Cranbourne Cup, for a horse with his form around the likes of Sayedaty Sadaty and Earlswood and those types of horses, it's a race that could be well within his grasp. He's had a couple of nice trials, and the 1600 metres is a nice kick-off point for him. There are some races in Sydney leading up to and around Christmas that might suit. This is a starting off point, either Saturday or Sunday, I'm thinking Saturday, but I'm keeping an open mind about his campaign, but he's ready to run, and run well."

Tough Biancelli to line up at Cranbourne

The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained Biancelli (Cosmic Force) will aim to remain unbeaten in four starts when she lines up in the Geoff Whiffin Sprint (1000m) at Cranbourne on Saturday. A four-year-old daughter of Cosmic Force (Deep Field), Biancelli has scored in a maiden at Ballarat before successive Benchmark 64 wins over 1000 metres at The Valley and Caulfield Heath. "Beau [Mertens] has trialled her and she is the most tenacious mare, filly, which probably got her hurt," Price said. "She went to Caulfield [Heath] and pulled up with a damaged knee which we had to get fixed and give her some time off. She's come back a beautiful, big, robust mare. It is only 1000 metres [on Saturday], and I think what she lacks in race day fitness, she will make up for it with tenacity. I remember that race at Caulfield, she was going to be beaten, but she just fought, fought, fought. She has that little thing in her DNA that sees her as a real fighter and that will take her a long way. I haven't thought too much beyond Saturday. I just want to get her there, get a win, and then look after that. Like any female horse, you want to get black type. I reckon she can to that level, but whatever she does on Saturday, she will improve fitness wise."

Baker to have two in The Gong

Warwick Farm-based trainer Bjorn Baker will have a pair of representatives in Saturday's The Gong (1600m) at Kembla Grange. Group 2 scorer Amor Victorious (Caravaggio) will join Sandpaper (Snitzel) in the $1 million contest. The former ran eighth in the Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) first-up in what was his only outing since November 9. "It's just something we've got to manage," Baker's racing manager Luke Hilton said. "We were guarded when he came back as to how we'd go with him. But he's been good, and his trials have been good. We'd like a little bit of rain to make it softer and a bit easier on him, but he's really well. He's had plenty of work. Second-up to the mile is going to be a bit of an issue. He will definitely take even more benefit out of the run. But he's got a lovely gate [barrier one], and he'll be able to put himself right there and will be in it for a long way." Meanwhile, Group 3 winner Sandpaper has had two outings this term, a first-up 12th in the Sydney Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) before a last-start seventh in the Ladies Day Cup (Listed, 1500m). "He went forward and toughed it out really well. It was only the last hundred he got tired," Hilton said. "He's ready to peak third-up. Tricky gate, but he's going well."

Overmeire with high hopes for Territory Express in Gong

Jockey Jean Van Overmeire hopes that drawing the outside barrier will be a benefit to Territory Express (Territories) in Saturday’s The Gong as it will reduce the horse’s time to think about what is about to happen. The Paul Niceforo-trained six-year-old was sent off a $7 chance in last year's renewal of the $1 million event, but blew his chance with a customary slow start and could only manage 11th. Following a last-start third in the Ladies Day Cup at Hawkesbury, connections of the gelding have renewed hope that the horse may have turned a corner. “I just feel bad for Paul and Maryanne and the ownership group who have been so patient,’’ Overmeire told Racing NSW. “You’re going to the races holding rosary beads. You need luck but you don’t know whether he’s going to jump at all. You’re just hopeful. He’s a horse with a lot of ability but he gets in his own head. I reckon [barrier 20] is of benefit to him. If he’s in there for too long he thinks about it too much, that’s all you could put it down to. The first priority is to leave the gates and then you go step by step. If he doesn’t leave the gates then all the stressing and worrying about where you’re going to put him in the run is a waste of time. He just needs to keep on the right track. I’m quietly confident that he’ll be right.”

Jigsaw shooting for The Meteorite

Rejuvenated seven-year-old Jigsaw (Manhattan Rain) will bid to land a hat-trick of successes when he shoots for glory in Saturday's The Meteorite (1200m) at Cranbourne. The Cindy Alderson-trained gelding has won the Apache Cat Classic (1200m) and McEwen Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) on his latest two starts, and will bid to add to his $1.35 million prize-money haul this weekend. "It's exciting and he's in fabulous form and ticking all the boxes at the moment," Alderson said. "He's a horse that has seasons. His coat has never looked better, he's never been brighter and never eaten any better than he is at the moment. He had a nice long break, for no particular reason other than we thought he had a fair time of it, so he's come back from that in great order. Hopefully we'll get a good track on Saturday, and it will be all systems go. We had planned to trial him last week, but with the rain, the trials got cancelled, so I thought he needed a bit of stimulation as it would be four weeks between runs. Gavin [Bedggood] gave us one to work with and he really enjoyed that opportunity to work with another horse and get his competitive juices flowing." Apprentice Logan Bates keeps the ride having ridden the sprinter in all three runs this campaign. "He's pretty excited and it's been a pretty good journey for Logan and I to share this opportunity together," Alderson said. "He rode the Moe Cup winner for us on Sunday, so it's been going well for us at the moment."

Coyle warming to The Warra for Catch The Glory

Jason Coyle is warming to the idea of running Catch The Glory (Zousain) in this weekend's The Warra (1000m). The Warwick Farm-based handler revealed the $300,000 contest wasn't always the plan for his four-year-old mare but, with the weather permitting, is now a potential plan. Catch The Glory has not raced since finishing second in a Benchmark 88 (1100m) at Rosehill on September 13. "She did all her racing at Rosehill last preparation over the 1100 [metres], so the Starlight Stakes over 1100, a Listed race, looked ideal," Coyle said. "But when we nominated for Saturday, the nominations didn't come up as strong or as many as I thought, so we accepted. We will wait until Saturday morning to decide whether to play our cards or not. She has always shown that capability to work through the grades and possibly get to the higher level. Last preparation proved she could do that. She was first-up in an open handicap and should have finished much closer, so the leap from what she was racing to the race on Saturday – or Saturday week – is a natural progression for her."

Bieg chasing Finals Day win

Ex-Singapore racer Mt Niseko (I Am Invincible) will be bidding to secure a fourth win from his last six starts when tackling the Sportsbet Gytrash Series Final (1200m) at Morphettville on Saturday. The six-year-old gelding has won three of his seven starts since arriving in trainer Chris Bieg's care and ran seventh in a Benchmark 80 (1100m) at Flemington last time out. "He was a relatively cheap purchase on his return from Singapore," Bieg said. "He's repaid us in leaps and bounds. He's settled into our training regime really well and he's going very good. He's a very happy horse. He ran second to Howl 12 months ago but I think he's in better order coming into this Saturday. We've learned a lot about him and you continue to learn a lot form these older horses. I'd like it if it was three weeks between runs but he had a nice gallop on Tuesday morning. Caitlin Jones sticks with him and she was really happy with the gallop."

Rogerson off life support as condition improves

Apprentice jockey Bailey Rogerson remains in the intensive care unit at Waikato Hospital but her condition has taken a significant turn for the better, having regained consciousness and is now breathing without assistance.

The 24-year-old’s grandfather Graeme Rogerson reported early Thursday afternoon that an MRI scan on Wednesday was followed by a major overall improvement in her health. While still feeling the effects of her Rotorua race fall on Sunday, Rogerson has begun the long road to recovery.

“She’s certainly turned the corner and although she has a long way to go, it’s a big relief for all of us that she’s a whole lot better than she was to begin with,” Rogerson said.

“Her injuries include a fractured skull and brain bleed, a vertebrae fracture and facial injuries, but you’d have to say she’s a lucky girl, it could have been a whole lot worse.”

After being attended to by on-course medical personnel immediately following the race six fall when her mount was checked by another runner, Rogerson was ambulanced to Rotorua Hospital.

However, when her condition worsened she was flown by the Westpac Rescue helicopter to Waikato Hospital, where she is expected to remain for some time yet.

“The medical people have been wonderful, all of them from the time it happened,” Rogerson said. “They couldn’t have done more for Bailey, the doctors, nurses and everyone else have been just marvellous.”

Rogerson is also effusive in his praise for the racing community and their outpouring since his grand-daughter’s plight became public knowledge.

“I can’t believe the racing community, the number of calls, messages, people from all around the world,” he said. “Mark Todd, who Bailey worked for in England during Covid, has been in touch, even the bloke who rode the Kentucky Derby winner. All of Bailey’s mates from the girls’ [jockey] room have been lining up at the door to see her, but we have to be careful.

“Gary and Michelle [parents] have been at her bedside the whole time, and they have restricted her visitors to one at a time. It’s times like these you realise just how caring people are, and that’s something that Gary and Michelle would like to acknowledge and say thanks.”

Track a concern for high-class performer

Expectations for Orchestral (Savabeel) will be kept in check when the outstanding mare resumes at Pukekohe on Saturday. The two-time top-flight winner will resume in the Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m) with underfoot conditions a major question mark. Opposing her will be talented stablemate Arabian Songbird (Pierro), who has come through the grades in grand style. “Orchestral will probably run and definitely wants a better track, but we really need to get going and get her prep on the road,” said Robert Wellwood, who trains in partnership with Roger James. “The other mare will handle some cut in it, both are certainly a lot better and proven on good tracks though.” Orchestral won the Aotearoa Classic (Listed, 1600m) and finished third in the WFA Classic (Gr 1, 1600m) during her last preparation. “She has come back in very good order and looks as big and strong as we have ever seen her,” Wellwood said. “She had a nice gallop at Te Aroha the other day and George [Rooke, jockey] was very happy, she is just going to be a mare that will be better when she goes over a mile and 2000 metres on a firmer surface. If it was a firm track, perhaps we would see a little more than we can now expect. If she hits the line strongly, we will be very pleased.”

Expectant father could be in for exciting weekend

This weekend could prove to be an exciting one for Matamata trainer Daniel Miller. The 28-year-old trainer will be lining up Tardis (Time Test) in the Counties Challenge Stakes (Listed, 1100m) at Pukekohe on Saturday for his parents, John and Maree, but he may not be trackside, with he and his partner Paige Weatherley expecting their first child. “My partner is due to have our first child any day now, so whether I actually make it to the races or not is yet to be decided,” he said. It could also be a milestone weekend for his parents, with their brand set to appear for the first time at the races courtesy of Tardis. The son of Time Test (Dubawi) is out of their mare Payon Time (Super Easy), who Miller trained to three unplaced runs before she retired to the paddock where they are hoping she will become a prolific producer. Miller has a strong record preparing his parents’ horses for stakes races, having trained Sheezallmine (Super Easy) to victory in the Stewards’ Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) and Hazelett Stakes (Listed, 1200m), and La Romanee (Burgundy) to win the Welcome Stakes (Listed, 1000m). “He came in August to be broken in and he has done all of this on one prep, so it is pretty amazing and a testament to the brain he has got,” Miller said of Tardis. “He mentally said yes to everything I have asked of him and he has just kept stepping up every time. To think that we would get to even a trial on his first breaking-in preparation, let alone a stakes race is a testament to the horse. He is sound, touch wood, so far and he just cops the work, and he has not left a single bit of feed since he arrived in August. He just loves it and I think what he is doing now is on raw ability.”

Group 1 target in the offing for Bedtime Story

Consistent mare Bedtime Story (Per Incanto) could be in line for a tilt at elite-level if she performs up to expectations in the Manawatu ITM 1340 at Wanganui on Saturday. The five-year-old daughter of Per Incanto (Street Cry) has hardly put a foot wrong so far in her 17-start career, and while she has placed in the ANZAC Mile (Listed, 1600m) and Rotorua Stakes (Gr 3, 1400m), a black-type victory remains elusive. She resumed this preparation in her customary fashion, running fourth in both of her starts this time in, including first-up in the Sweynesse Stakes (Gr 3, 1215m). Trainers Guy Lowry and Leah Zydenbos have been pleased with her progression and are hoping for another solid performance this weekend before setting their sights towards Trentham next month where the Mufhasa Classic (Gr 1, 1600m) looms as her primary objective. “She is a pretty consistent horse and she is going well,” Zydenbos said. “She is having a nice tick over run to prepare her for the Wellington Carnival where there are a few different options for her, with the TAB Mufhasa Classic being the main one. She has had plenty of black-type placings and it would be good to get a black-type win.” Bedtime Story looks to be a good chance in her 1340-metre assignment this weekend, for which she is a $2.60 favourite with TAB bookmakers. “She gets in well in the weights with Spencer being the top weight,” Zydenbos said. “We are claiming a couple of kilos with apprentice Liam Kauri, and she has got a nice draw [two], so she looks to be competitive.”

HK: Hayes upbeat over Ka Ying Rising ahead of BOCHK Race Day

David Hayes has sounded an ominous warning over Ka Ying Rising’s (Shamexpress) form as the world’s best sprinter bids to extend his winning streak to 15 consecutive races in the Jockey Club Sprint (Gr 2, 1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Hayes believes Ka Ying Rising has improved since returning from a historic victory in the $20 million The Everest (Gr 1, 1200m) at Randwick on October 18. Ka Ying Rising will this weekend jump from barrier ten – the same gate the speedster started from in the 2024 Jockey Club Sprint – and Hayes is confident his stable star is poised to deliver a repeat performance. “I think he has improved since The Everest. He hasn’t missed a bit, he’s trialled brilliantly and his final piece of fast work this week [on Wednesday] was really good,” Hayes said. “I think the trip to Australia hasn’t worried – if anything, it’s helped him. I’m a believer that travel – if a horse handles it – it only brings them on. There are so many cases of horses travelling and not running well and coming back and running brilliantly. This horse went to Australia and won and has come back and looks to have improved.” Hayes is hopeful Zac Purton can again guide Ka Ying Rising into a striking position, just behind the speed in a repeat of last season’s race, but is wary of John Size-trained Helios Express (Toronado) despite his 27-length last behind Ka Ying Rising in a 1200-metre barrier trial on Sha Tin’s dirt track on November 14. “It’s a pretty even group and I would say if you ignore John Size’s horse’s trial, he’s the most consistent horse in town. His trial was poor but it was on very wet ground, so I would forgive that and just trust him to run his usual very good race,” Hayes said. “My other horse [Tomodachi Kokoroe] is in great form.”

HK: Rispoli targets IJC triumph on emotional return to Hong Kong

Umberto Rispoli was a familiar face in Hong Kong for several years. But he is returning to Happy Valley, a venue where he spent a significant chapter of his career, Rispoli isn’t on a sentimental journey; he’s here to compete. The Italian rider, who successfully transitioned his career to the United States after a full-time stint in Hong Kong, is determined to make a strong showing for that country in the prestigious International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC). “I’m extremely proud to represent the United States because America has given [my family and me] a lot,” Rispoli said. “[It gave me] the chance to introduce myself to American horse racing and to ride some very good horses and win a lot of good races. You can’t take away my Italian blood, but hopefully I’ll represent the United States in the very best way. I’m very excited to come back to Happy Valley, it’s a place I’ve spent a lot of time at in my career. I don’t think it’s a problem going back to Happy Valley, it’s a place I know pretty well.” The IJC brings together elite riding talent from around the world, offering a challenge that Rispoli relishes, with his focus firmly on the winner’s podium. “I always say, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best and the IJC is the opportunity to compete with the best in the world,” Rispoli said. “All of us want to win, we’re not coming just to have fun. We want to win the IJC, too, and that’s the mentality I have right now.”

IRE: Monster pinhooking project sees well-bred daughter of New Bay bring €650,000

“He’s the bravest of the brave,” was how Philipp Stauffenberg was described after bidding €650,000 (approx. AU$1.15 million) for the New Bay (Dubawi) filly out of budding blue hen Livia’s Dream (Teofilo) midway through the headline session of the Goffs November Foal Sale.
Ed Sackville, who was taking instructions on the phone, provided the sternest resistance, but the high-rolling German pinhooker ultimately proved more determined to secure Mount Coote Stud’s youngster.

The price means the filly, a half-sister to Dreamloper (Lope De Vega) and Santorini Star (Golden Horn), is Stauffenberg’s biggest pinhook to date. However, he cut a remarkably relaxed figure as he explained the thought process behind the punchy outlay.

“Obviously the plan is to come back next year,” said Stauffenberg while smoking a celebratory cigarillo. “If you look into it, there are very few foals of that quality, it’s a high-end page. Obviously it’s a lot of money but on the other hand, if you look at what these residual value pedigrees are making, I think it’s fine. It puts us in good shape, hopefully. We will see. That’s the first New Bay I’ve had, so hopefully the stallion is doing something positive next year. He should.

“I was over my budget but just needed reassurance that one of my partners was really willing to step up. At the end, I carry the whole risk so I have to have back up that I’m safe. I thought that she should be between three and five [hundred thousand]. It depends on the opposition, but I wasn’t really thinking that I’d have to give more than six.”

Livia’s Dream was bred by Mount Coote Stud and Mark Dixon and was bought by Olivia Hoare for 45,000gns at Book 1 of the October Yearling Sale in 2010.

She proved steadily progressive throughout her 26 starts for Ed Walker, winning handicaps at Windsor, Kempton and Newcastle before rounding out her racing days with victory in the Wild Flower Stakes (Listed, 1m 4f).

But even that success has paled in comparison to what she has achieved at paddocks. Her five winners are headed by Dreamloper, a daughter of Lope De Vega (Shamardal) who triumphed over the colts in the Prix d'Ispahan (Gr 1, 1850m) and Prix du Moulin (Gr 1, 1600m) during a productive 2022 campaign.

Livia’s Dream also bred the improving four-year-old Santorini Star, winner of this year’s Park Hill Stakes (Gr 2, 1m 6.5f) and last seen finishing runner-up in the Prix de Royallieu (Gr 1, 2800m).

The 169 foals sold brought turnover of €18,359,000 (approx. AU$32,654,790), which was almost identical to 12 months ago, the average price dipped by five per cent at €108,635 (approx. AU$193,230), and the median was down three per cent at €78,000 (approx. AU$138,740).

73 for Zoustar

Widden Stud stallion Zoustar (Northern Meteor) sired his 73rd individual stakes winner on Thursday when the James Fanshawe-trained Sky Safari (4 f ex Moonlight Sonata by Galileo) scored in the Fleur De Lys Fillies’ Stakes (Listed, 1m) at Lingfield. Ridden by Daniel Muscutt, the four-year-old filly defeated Zariela (Eqtidaar) by a half-length with a further length back to Queen’s Reign (Siyouni) in third. Running in the silks of Mrs Mary Slack, Sky Safari is a half-sister to winners Pina Sonata (Pinatubo) and What's The Plan (Time Test), being the fourth foal out of the winning Galileo (Sadler’s Wells) mare Moonlight Sonata, herself closely related to Group 2 winner Western Hymn (High Chaparral). Zoustar is standing the 2025 breeding season in the Hunter Valley at a fee of $275,000 (inc GST).

15 for Farhh

Fairy Glen (4 f ex Natural Scenery by Dubawi) became the 15th individual stakes winner for Darley stallion Farhh (Pivotal) when landing Thursday’s River Eden Fillies’ Stakes (Listed, 1m 5f) at Lingfield. Ridden by Harry Davies for trainers Simon and Ed Crisford, the four-year-old filly ran out a comfortable length and a quarter winner over Understudy (Sea The Stars) with a further head back to Favorite Memory (Frankel) in third. Bred by Godolphin and raced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Fairy Glen is the first foal out of the winning Dubawi (Dubai Millennium) mare Natural Scenery. Farhh is standing at Dalham Hall Stud for a private fee.

35 for Lucky Vega

Yulong shuttler Lucky Vega (Lope De Vega) chalked up his 35th individual winner on Wednesday when the Lemos De Souza-trained Mighty Vega (2 g ex Own Gift by Rahy) scored in a six-furlong novice at Kempton. Making his third career start, the juvenile gelding narrowly denied Allegrino (Oasis Dream) by a short-head under Kevin Stott. There was a further length and a half back to Lolabella (Equiano) in third. Bred by Golden Vale Stud, Mighty Vega was sold for 19,000gns at the 2024 Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale to LDS Bloodstock, who own the gelding in partnership with Daniel MacAuliffe and Anoj Don. A half-brother to five winners including the Group-placed Broxi (Kodi Bear) and Lady Gift (Lord Shanakill), he is the ninth foal out of the Rahy (Blushing Groom) mare Own Gift, herself a half-sister to Listed winner Modeyra (Shamardal) being out of the Group 1 winner Zahrat Dubai (Unfuwain). Lucky Vega is standing at Yulong Stud for a fee of $38,500 (inc GST).