During the spring carnivals in Sydney and Melbourne, Laurel Oak horses: Typhoon Fury, Fury, Fists Of Fury, Tikit To Glory, Soul Diva & Be Positive are all in work with Spring targets on their agenda’s.

While it will be a tremendous thrill if just one horse races over the carnival, having six live chances is unbelievable and there are exciting time ahead for many Laurel Oak owners.

If you would like to experience the thrill and excitement of owning a share in a thoroughbred then contact Laurel Oak and we can tailor a package to meet your ownership needs. Laurel Oak can be contacted on 02 8883 1066 or by email at lauroak@bigpond.net.au .

In an 11 out of 10 ride by apprentice Logan McGill, Lady Zhivago travelled on the fence in third position and tracked up behind the leader stylishly approaching the turn. In the straight Lady Zhivago dashed to an unbeatable lead and held on to win by a length and a half.

This was just the third win of her 35 start career but was also her third city win.

While Lady Zhivago has been frustrating for her owners at times, she has also been enjoyable to race as she has been placed on 13 other occasions, also mainly in the metropolitan area.

Lady Zhivago is set to head to the breeding barn at the end of this season and she will be given two more chances to add to her record before motherhood beckons.

Due to an impossible barrier draw, Rocket Radar was scratched from the Grafton Guineas and forced to look elsewhere for a race.

In the race, Rocket Radar settled towards the tail of the field and was forced to make his run in traffic approaching the turn. Once straightened, Rocket Radar balanced up well and finished the race off in a workman like manner and again indicated he is nearing a win.

This placing was his seventh placing of his career and his fourth from four starts this preparation. While he has only recorded the one win to date, he is one horse that has had legitimate excuses on many occasions, and once he finds the right set of circumstances in his races we are confident he will string many wins together.

Ridden to perfection by Danny Nikolic, Magic Zulu dictated in front and looked to have a winning break on straightening but was eventually worn down by the winner in the concluding stages.

Magic Zulu has shown in his past two starts that he is well and truly up to Saturday company and we hope he can break through in the coming weeks.

Magic Zulu’s recent performances also give us high hopes for his rising 2yo full brother, which Laurel Oak purchased at this year’s sales. He will be trainer by Keith Dryden in Canberra. If you are looking to become involved in the Thrill and Excitement of owning a share in your own racehorse, contact Laurel Oak on 02 8883 1066 and we will make owning your racehorse Easy and Enjoyable.

Lumping 59.5kg, Sea Eye Pea, with a ten out of ten ride from Blake Shinn, fought off all challenges in the straight to record her fourth career victory in 17 starts and took her prizemoney (including BOBS bonuses) to over $111,000. A terrific return on her $23,000 purchase price.

Sea Eye Pea is raced by a group of colleagues who approached Laurel Oak to source a yearling for them to race and Sea Eye Pea was purchased from the Inglis Classic Sale. The ownership group has had such a great time racing Sea Eye Pea that they have again purchased another yearling filly this year, also by Commands, who we also have high hopes for.

Due to a postpone meeting earlier in the week, trainer Tony Noonan, could not avoid the two mares clashing and the end result came down to luck in running.

Pyrenees Jewel was back in the field and faced traffic problems making her run at the top of the straight and once in the clear the bird had well and truly flown but Pyrenees Jewel found the line in a manner suggesting she will appreciate further than 1600m and a win is not too far away.

Trainer Tony Noonan is confident Pyrenees Jewel is stayer in the making and with patience now we hope to reap the rewards in the coming preparations.

Following two consistent placings at Bathurst and Canberra, Rocket Radar was well supported in the ring and sent out a firming second elect to the talented Third Estate.

Ridden a treat by Peter Robl, Rocket Radar was given every opportunity in the run but was unable to match the sprint of Third Estate and he was strong all the way to the line to be in a photo for second, narrowly missing out.

Trainer Gary Portelli felt the run warranted a shot at the Grafton Guineas and we will head to that carnival with Rocket Radar confident about our chances.

Jumping from the outside alley, Cut And Run had no option but to go back to last and in a slow run race hit the line impressively to go down by a half-head.

Cut And Run has always shown above average ability and she will be given a chance to break her maiden in the coming weeks before having a break to consolidate physically and mentally.

Trainer Tony Noonan predicts a bright future for this filly and she will be one to follow.

Ridden slightly out of character, Sea Eye Pea settled in fifth position before striking a traffic jam on entering the straight.

Once in clear galloping room she made solid ground to the line but was unable to catch the race leader, who was able to dictate terms of the race to suit itself.

Sea Eye Pea will continue to chase BOBS through the remainder of her three year old season.

Both mare were given great chances by their respective stables, however, unfortunately both mares didn’t have an ounce of luck in running.

Lady Zhivago had a perfect run in transit and on straightening was unable to find a clear passage with the leader rolling in and out off the rails. Once a run did emerge, Lady Zhivago took the opportunity only to have the gap closed by the eventual winner and second place horses with Lady Zhivago and unlucky third, only a neck from the winner. Troy Portelli lodged an objection, however it was to no avail, and stewards dismissed the protest much to the surprise of not only the owners but also the many media outlets that were certain Lady Zhivago would have won with clear running.

Power Of Love also had a good run in transit, but again, on straightening was caught up behind tiring horses and once in the clear she flew to the line to finish fourth beaten a half length by the winner!

No doubt, if both mares had their share of luck it would have been a Laurel Oak quinella.

Be Positive was sent to Sydney by trainer Tony Noonan to chase BOBS bonuses against fillies and her performance on Saturday left us encouraged by her future racing prospects.

Be Positive was given no peace in the lead and she fought on well in the straight, but looked to run into a quality filly, however, she comprehensively beat the remainder of the field.

Tony Noonan was impressed with the effort that he has now decided to spell Be Positive in preparation for 3yo Filly stakes races in the later part of the Melbourne Spring carnival.

Be Positive is a well named daughter of Anabaa out of the mare Red Blooded and was purchased from the Conrad Jupiter Magic Millions Yearling sales on the Gold Coast.

On a heavily leader biased track, Denunciate made a long sustained run from the 600m mark to go down by just over two lengths.

This lightly raced 4 year-old hasn’t had the best of luck in his past couple of starts since breaking his maiden, but with patience trainer Tony Noonan expects him to graduate through to city class racing over a mile and beyond.

We look forward to the coming weeks, and preparations, with this promising individual.

Soul Diva settled in the back half of the field and was allowed to move into the race under her own steam and when balanced up in the straight she found the line very well giving nothing else a chance.

While her work this time in had been good, trainer Tony Noonan, was cautious about her chances, being first up in 15 months plus coming back from a serious tendon injury. We were pleasantly surprised when she found the firmer Flemington surface to her liking to perform as she did.

With that impressive victory, Soul Diva booked herself a trip to Queensland to tackle the Group 1 Winter Stakes for Fillies & Mares at Eagle Farm. We look forward to Soul Diva adding to her already impressive career record of 20 starts for 9 wins and 3 placings and over $240,000.

Soul Diva bowed a tendon when preparing for the 2007 Launceston Cup following an impressive 6^th in the Hobart Cup behind Blutigeroo. Her owners decided to treat her with the revolutionary Stem Cell Surgery and following 9 months paddock rest and 4 months of long slow foundation work, their patience has paid off.

Congratulation must go to her trainer Tony Noonan and his staff at Mornington for the wonderful job they have done in getting Soul Diva successfully back to the races.

Soul Diva will be put away following the Winter Stakes with some major races in the Melbourne Spring Carnival her aim later in the year.

Over an unsuitable 1200m Rocket Radar was caught three wide around the circle and gave away a good 8 lengths on straightening.

In the straight the grey gelding knuckled down and found the line extremely well to go down by a head to the up and coming Kelectron who had a better run in transit. The pair gapped the rest of the field indicating they were classes above their opposition.

Rocket Radar will now be aimed by trainer Gary Portelli at off-season metropolitan racing and we look forward to him returning to the winners stall shortly.

On this occasion Power Of Love came out on top with an unlucky second placing while Lady Zhivago finished a creditable fourth.

Power Of Love had the gun run in the box seat and on turning was bailed up inside runners under a throttle hold. Once straightened, Power Of Love obtained clear galloping room and set out after the leader and was making solid ground on that horse but the post came up to quick. With an ounce of luck it was clear to see that Power Of Love would have easily won the race. Nevertheless, it was a terrific performance and Power Of Love is showing consistant racetrack performances indicating another year of racing may be preferred over the breeding barn this year.

Lady Zhivago was also unlucky in the run and it was a sad case of barrier one not being ideal on the day.

Lady Zhivago had a perfect run in transit behind Power Of Love but was caught up in traffic when she wanted to be moving into the race. In the straight, when free, Lady Zhivago found the line well to claim fourth place and indicating a win in Melbourne is not too far away.

From an outside gate, jockey Michael Carson, took Denunciate to the rear of the field to settle four wide about twelve lengths off the lead.

Approaching the corner, Denunciate had the task ahead of him and was a clear second last on straightening. Carson directed the Diatribe gelding through the field and when looking like he would run a good placing, Denunciate sprouted wings and flew to gobble up the leaders as if they were nailed to the fence to record an impressive victory.

Denunciate has come through his win well and trainer, Tony Noonan, is looking towards taking Denunciate through his grades now and has high hopes for him.

Although her current form was quite good, Power Of Love was sent out the $11 outsider in the field of six due to her form on wet tracks but after enjoying a good run in transit in the box seat, approaching the turn jockey Craig Newitt urged Power Of Love to chase the runaway leader and on straightening Power Of Love had moved into second position two lengths off the leader.

In the straight Power Of Love chased gamely and took the lead in the shadows of the post to be drawing away for a well deserved win.

Congratulations go to Tony Noonan and his staff at Mornington who have done a fantastic job with this mare, having to manage her work to make it through to the races.

With today’s win on the board we hope Power Of Love can continue forward and this will be the first of many city wins.

Heartbreak Pass went straight to the lead after jumping and travelled well and put a gap in the field on straightening and looked set for victory. Over the concluding stages, his lack of fitness showed and he was nailed right on the line by the talented Guru.

Heartbreak Pass was given a short let up by Gary Portelli to dodge the Autumn carnival and Sunday’s result showed a good preparation is in store for this lightly races gelding.

The Easter Select session was a very hot sale and we were delighted to acquire a Falbrav filly from Danzero mare Dane Vintage. This quality filly is a half sister to multiple Group 1 placegetter Perfect Drop. The filly will be trained by Gary Portelli in Sydney, who co-incidentally trained Rena’s Lady to Group 1 success in the AJC Oaks defeating Perfect Drop into second placing!

The Easter Select II session was a little easier to find some impressive yearlings at value prices.

First on the list was a grey colt by Johannesburg out Mardi’s Magic. Being a full brother to our good three-year old Magic Zulu, this colt was one of the first on our inspection list, and looking a spitting image of his older brother we were extremely pleased to be able to buy him for Keith Dryden to train, where, from his Canberra base, he can easily race in NSW to chase lucrative BOBS bonuses.

Our second purchase was another high quality colt by Al Maher out of Alemar. This colt was a terrific specimen and is a half brother to up and coming Brisbane three year-old, Albert The Fat, who look’s to be a real candidate for the major races during the Queensland carnival and we hope this colt has snuck ‘under the radar’ and will represent good value. Keith Dryden will also train this colt from his Canberra base.

Our final purchase was another colt by Rhythm our of the Marscay mare Castellana. This colt’s pedigree drew us towards him as he is bred on the same cross as our super sprinter Into The Night. The colt passed all inspections and we were very excited to buy him to race. If he is half as good as Into The Night, we will be in for some fun. This colt will be trained by Gary Portelli at Warwick Farm and is eligle for the BOB Bonus scheme.

If you would like to become involved in the excitement of owning your own racehorse then contact Laurel Oak on 02 8883 1066 and we can tailor a package to suit yours needs and male racehorse ownership Easy and Enjoyable for you.

Lady Zhivago settled at the rear of the seven horse field and remained in that position through the middle stages of the race. Approaching the turn jockey, Adrian Robinson, brought Lady Zhivago to the outside of the field and was in a challenging position on topping the rise.

Lady Zhivago was asked to extend at the furlong but was unable to run down the two boys Command Raider and Hells Bells in the run to the line and she went down a gallant third.

Gary Portelli is finding it difficult to place Lady Zhivago and is now forced to send her to his brother Troy in Melbourne, where their program caters for mare better than Sydney.

In a nerve wrecking seven days leading up to the race, we sat and watched the final lead up races the week before knowing Typhoon Fury was borderline in making the final field for the Slipper if results fell our way.

Alas result didn’t fall our way and on acceptance time on Monday morning Typhoon Fury was 2^nd Emergency as horse 18 in the final field.

Needing two horses above us not to take part in the race we sat on any news report in the slipper and being emergency all the owners were invited to attend all official functions for the final field. The most interesting was the barrier draw at Martin Place in the city where Typhoon Fury was the last horse called to draw their barrier and Louis Mihalyka went and picked our gate, which we already knew was 15.

As the week progress our chances were diminishing until the Thursday afternoon reports came with the news that Krupt and Stripper were in doubt with injuries. This sparked up the camp and while unfortunate for the connections of those horses we were warming to the idea of having a runner in the Slipper.

By race morning it was confirmed that both horses were scratched and we were in the field with our chance at glory.

Typhoon Fury’s owners headed to Rosehill en-mass and the nerves were apparent early in the day. When the race cam around we found ourselves in the Rosehill mounting yard shoulder to shoulder with some royalty in racing and we new we were ‘taking on the big boys’ on this occasion. But just to be a part of it was a massive thrill.

The race was on and all eyes were glued in anticipation as Typhoon Fury was forced to go back from his bad gate, but as luck would have it jockey Hugh Bowman was able to more along the rails and take up a position around midfield. Typhoon Fury travelled well but was left flat footed when the field straightened and found him in last position. Once balance up though, Typhoon Fury lengthened and found the line very well to finish in the middle of the pack in a photo for tenth position. The importance of the photo was that prizemoney for the slipper was paid down to tenth with $50,000 depending on the bob of a head.

In the new Connections room at the STC we watched intently until it was confirmed that Typhoon Fury had got there in time to claim tenth position unfortunately to the downfall of stablemate Over The Wicket, but the excitement from the owners was as if we had won the race.

Typhoon Fury came through the run surprisingly well and trainer Gary Portelli decided that he will stay in for one last run this preparation being the Inglis Classic on Sydney Cup Day. This is a $500,000 race and with entries restricted to horses from the Classic sale we felt it was to be taken lightly.

Typhoon Fury has progressed well since the Slipper and will take his place in the Inglis Classic and will be very hard to beat.

It was a tremendous thrill for all of Typhoons Fury’s owners to be right in the thick of the action on such a Major race day. Congratulations must go to our trainer, Gary Portelli, who not only got Typhoon Fury into the race but also Over The Wicket. So to have two runners in the Slipper was a fantastic achievement by Gary.

If you would like to enjoy the thrill of owning your very own Golden Slipper runner then contact our office and enquire about our recent quality purchases at this years sales which we hope can emulate Typhoon Fury’s performances this year.

Tikit To Glory settled just off midfield in the fast run scamper and was asked to improve through the field on straightening but was unable to get into clear galloping room until well into the straight. Over the final furlong Tikit To Glory knuckled down to her task and hit the line in a workman like manner that impressed trainer Gillian Heinrich.

Tikit To Glory came through the race well apart from receiving a black eye from being hit with a clod of dirt. Due to treatment Tikit To Glory will not be able to race for a fortnight but we remain confident a win is not too far away for this filly.

Single Bound again showed his liking for the Heavy track with an all the way front running display giving nothing else a chance from the time the gates opened.

Similar to his last victory two weeks earlier, apprentice Tasha Chambers, rode to Single Bound to perfection and has really struck up a winning combination on the horse.

Trainer Gillian Heinrich has placed Single Bound well throughout his career and Saturday’s victory took his record to 3 wins and 3 placings from 7 starts.

Single Bound will now be given a chance to add to this record when he tackles City Company over the coming months.

With no other option than to go back from the barrier, Power Of Love moved into the race stylishly on straightening but was unable to run down the placegetters who were able to settle closer to the lead.

Power Of Love will head back to Sandown in three weeks time to again tackle the mares in a bid to crack it for a well deserved city win.

Be Positive travelled in second place to the turn and looked to be in a challenging position on straightening, however, due to greenness and inexperience, Be Positive was unable to neither pick up the leader and eventual winner, nor hold off the fast finishing second placegetter.

Be Positive indicates that she possesses above average ability and at this stage will be heading back to races in a fortnights time to attempt to break her maiden status.

After beginning well Be Positive settled outside the leader, and eventual winner, in the run however, wobbled a little around the turn and straightened up two lengths behind the leader. Be Positive knuckled down to her task in the straight and took ground off the winner in the concluding stages to go down by a half length in an extremely encouraging debut performance.

Be Positive will derive plenty of benefit from the run and we are greatly excited about her future as a racehorse.

At only his second start, Showbiz Whiz, jumped well and was sent forward by jockey Kevin Sweeney but was made to do it tough in the run three wide with no cover.

On straightening Showbiz Whiz was entitled to fade, however, under hands and heels urging from his jockey he balanced up and set sail for the judge alongside race favourite Kar Ketch Me. Showbiz Whiz got the upper hand over the concluding stages and was able to comfortably hold off the other runner to win by a head.

Showbiz Whiz showed he still has a lot to learn about racing as he was inclined to wait for the other runner over the final stages and jockey Kevin Sweeney felt he always had that horse covered.

It was a terrific effort from Showbiz Whiz and with further physical and mental maturity this gelding will be a horse to follow over the next few seasons and we expect him to graduate into a city class galloper.

Ridden by apprentice Billy Egan, Kaapstad Lad was in an awkward position on straightening but Billy managed to get him into the clear and balanced up and Kaapstad Lad lengthened and drew away close to the line for an encouraging win by this inexperienced stayer.

Kaapstad Lad’s trainer, Tony Noonan, will now take, depending on track conditions, the gelding to the Warnambool carnival for a 2300m staying event before sending Kaapstad Lad to Queensland for the winter in search of dry tracks.

Kaapstad Lad took his career tally to two wins and two placings from nine starts and the best is yet to come for this talented stayer.

Magic Zulu settled third in a frantic tempo and travelled well to the turn and on straightening was forced to make his run closest to the rails, which was not the place to be on Saturday.

Magic Zulu toughed it out right to the line and was able to hold down third comfortably in a pleasing result for his owners, especially at the odds of $6 a place!

Magic Zulu pleased his trainer, Tony Noonan, and will now head to an identical race in two weeks time where we hope he can improve on his third placing last Saturday.

While delirious with a Group 2 placing on a major carnival day the result left a slight bitter taste in our mouths after looking like we had a Golden Slipper runner with twenty metres to go only to be nailed in the shadows of the post by the debutant Related.  

After drawing the outside in a small field, it was decided to chance our arm and settle forward and hope the luck finally came our way. Alas, yet again, luck didn’t come the way of Typhoon Fury and he was posted three wide in the small field facing the breeze just off the lead. Jockey Peter Robl did his best to give Typhoon Fury the easiest run as possible and on entering the straight Typhoon Fury looked to be struggling following the tough run around the tight circle and was entitled to drop right out, however, he had the audacity to fight back and move into second position with a furlong to go.

Typhoon Fury still held down second until the final metres when the fast finishing, and also unlucky, Related managed to obtain clear running and nailed Typhoon Fury right near the line.

While we where centremetres away from automatic entry into the Golden Slipper, we still hold a glimmer of hope that Typhoon Fury can scrape into the final field depending on results of the final day of qualifying races this weekend.

Typhoon Fury took his record to 5 starts for 3 seconds, a third and a fourth and has never missed a prizemoney cheque, earning a total of $95,300 to date. He is fast earning the tag of Australia’s best Maiden, well, for his owners at least!

Gary Portelli has done a fantastic job with Typhoon Fury and will now wait with bated breath to see if he can make the Golden Slipper field. If so, Typhoon Fury will line up there at his next run and if he isn’t able to make it into the final field he will more than likely head to the Inglis Classic Race at Randwick on 3 May.

If you would like to enjoy the thrill and excitement of owning a quality thoroughbred aimed at the Major juvenile races then call Laurel Oak on 02 8883 1066.

Laurel Oak Bloodstock will be attending the upcoming William Inglis Easter Select and Classic sessions, the same place Typhoon Fury was purchased, so register your interest now and we can tailor a package to suit your budget and needs.

Monday, 31^st Mar – Last week’s Magic Millions sales on the Gold Coast proved a successful sale with Laurel Oak purchasing some quality yearlings.

Laurel Oak’s first purchase was a smart looking filly by Danbird out of the Woodman mare, Forestress. Laurel Oak formed and manages the syndicate that sold the filly and we were delighted to be able to buy the filly back for a partnership of breeder clients as she represents the prolific Easy Date family. The filly will be heading to Victoria to be trained by Tony Noonan at Mornington as she is Super VOBIS qualified. We have high expectations from this filly and hope she can develop into a quality broodmare when she finishes her racing career.

Our second purchase came in the form of a quality colt by Anabaa out of Grand Juror. Having raced Grand Juror, we were very keen on acquiring this colt and Louis Mihalyka was rapt when the hammer fell in our favour and this colt will head to Gary Portelli in Sydney, who also trained the dam Grand Juror.

We were over the moon when the opportunity arose to buy back into the General Nediym/Ancient Song colt purchased by Peter Moody. A Laurel Oak Syndicate, in conjunction with Stuart Ramsey’s Turangga Farm, bred the colt and when Peter advised of the available share Laurel Oak clients jumped at the opportunity to be involved in this potential top class racehorse and stallion.

Overall, it was a very successful sale for Laurel Oak and we look forward with anticipation for this group of yearling’s making a name for themselves on the racetrack.

On the vendor side of thing’s, Laurel Oak was involved in the sale of two yearling’s, being the Danbird/Forestress Filly and the General Nediym/Ancient Song colt, both mentioned above and we are delighted to be able to retain one and part of the other for their racing careers.

The sales season moves to Sydney now for the Inglis Eater and Classic sales and Laurel Oak will again be present, looking for a future champion. If you would like to enjoy the thrill and excitement of racehorse ownership then contact Laurel Oak Bloodstock and we can make ownership Easy and Enjoyable for you.

Magic Zulu began well and found the lead very easily, and jockey Logan McGill was able to dictate the race from there.  Magic Zulu got away with some soft sectionals in the early stages and turned the race into a sit-and-sprint event, which was always going to make it hard for the other horses to run him down.

On straightening, Magic Zulu extended and looked to put the race beyond doubt before the second horse started taking ground off Magic Zulu in the final stages, however we had enough in hand to hold on and win by a neck in the end.

It was Magic Zulu’s second career win in seven starts and his trainer, Tony Noonan, will now target metropolitan racing with this talented horse.

Set an enormous task by jockey Nash Rawiller, Typhoon Fury was dragged back to last position three wide in a slowly run race and was always going to find it difficult to run down the leaders. Last on straightening and a goo eight lengths off the leaders, Typhoon Fury hit the line encouragingly down the outside to finish a courageous fourth beaten only a length and a quarter by the winner.

This has now made his task of qualifying for the richest two year-old event in the world a little tougher and Typhoon Fury will no head to either the Todman Slipper Trial or the Darley Stakes in a final attempt to qualify for the Slipper.

It has been a very exciting time for his large group of owners and we look forward to the coming weeks with great anticipation.

If you would like to become involved in the excitement of racehorse ownership with Laurel Oak Bloodstock and our Group 1 winning trainer Gary Portelli, then call our office on 02 8883 1066 and we can show you how Easy and Enjoyable racehorse ownership really is.

Fury found the front on jumping and was able to dictate from there and kicked away on straightening and was never in doubt down the running.

Fury has always shown above average ability and it was extremely pleasing for him to transfer his track work to the racetrack.

Fury, a full brother to the talented Dr Green, was purchased in conjunction with Stuart Ramsey of Turangga Farm with a long term view of developing into a commercial stallion.

Fury could not have got his career off to a better start and we look forward to the coming weeks where he will be tested against stronger company.

In a slowly run race Private Dan settled just off the speed before taking control at the 600m mark and holding his opposition at bay in the straight.

Being third up from a spell Private Dan will derive plenty of benefit, fitness wide, from the run and we are looking forward the coming weeks as Private Dan heads towards the Wagga Cup in May.

Whether you are looking for a large or small share, 100% to 2.5%, owning or leasing, we can tailor a share to suit your needs and budget.

Laurel Oak provide second to none communication updating you on your horse’s progress and we organise many social functions including race days, racing and stud tours, racing functions and golf days to name a few, all combined to make owning a racehorse Easy and Enjoyable.

If you would like to join the Laurel Oak team and own a horse trained by one of our top class trainers like Gary Portelli, Keith Dryden, Tony Noonan, John O’Shea, Peter Moody & Gillian Heinrich then contact Laurel Oak Bloodstock by email at lauroak@bigpond.net.au or on 02 8883 1066.

Lady Zhivago dropped out to last early and settled well around 12 lengths off the lead through the middle stages.

Jockey Adrian Robinson began to tack onto the field at the 800m mark and Lady Zhivago moved stylishly around the outside poised to challenge. Although 8 horses wide, Lady Zhivago, straightened in a challenging position and ran home powerfully to finish third behind the two other Zabeel runners, who had cushy runs just in behind the lead. It was a pleasing run from Lady Zhivago and showed a win was not too far away for this out of form mare.

Rising to 2,100m for the first time, Kaapstad Lad settled well a little worse than mid-field and 800m out, jockey Ben Melham, set Kaapstad Lad alight and he whipped around the field to take the lead and make it a true staying test.

Kaapstad Lad wobbled around the tight turn and looked gone at the 300m mark after being swamped left right and centre, but to his credit, Kaapstad Lad, knuckled down to his task and still found the line strongly to hold third comfortably on the line only a length from the winner.

Considering the slightly unorthodox tactics it was a tremendous effort for this up ad coming stayer who was giving away years of experience to his rivals.

Trainer, Tony Noonan, will give Kaapstad Lad one more start this preparation before sending him for a spell and heading to Queensland to tackle some staying races.

Laurel Oak will be actively looking for more quality yearlings at the upcoming yearling sales and if you are looking to become involved in the glamour and excitement of owning your own racehorse then call Laurel Oak on 02 8883 1066 and we can show you how Easy and Enjoyable racehorse ownership really is.

At Laurel Oak, we not only syndicate successful racehorses, but we also have a small band of broodmare syndicates. In conjunction with Stuart Ramsey of Turangga Farm, the Laurel Oak managed, Radiant Star broodmare syndicate offered for sale a colt by Lucky Owners. This colt was the first foal of out this city winning and stakes placed mare and he was sold to the bid of Victorian trainer Danny O’Brien for $160,000, which was a fantastic result for both Turangga Farm and Laurel Oak Bloodstock.

Radiant Star was purchased as a racing and breeding proposition and raced successfully following her purchase under the care of Peter Moody. Radiant Star had 12 starts following her purchase, for 2 metropolitan wins and a stakes placing, which further enhanced her value as a broodmare. Also helping the cause was the emergence of a younger half sister to Radiant Star, Nediym’s Glow, who is now a multiple stakes winner and great asset to Radiant Star’s pedigree page.

The purchasing side of the sale was a little slow for Laurel Oak, with only the purchase of a quality Danzero colt out of Royal Celebrity, in association with Canberra mentor Keith Dryden. This is not the first time we have raced a horse in conjunction with Keith Dryden, in fact, this combination has produced quality gallopers such as Into The Night and Lucetius as well as many more smart types yet to venture to the races. We have high hopes for this impressive colt to join this list.

We expect to be more active purchasing at the upcoming Magic Millions and Easter Yearling sales and if you would like to race a quality racehorse with Laurel Oak Bloodstock and one of our high quality trainers such as Gary Portelli, Tony Noonan & Keith Dryden then contact Laurel Oak Bloodstock on 02 8883 1066 or by email at – lauroak@bigpond.net.au  and we can show you how Easy and Enjoyable racehorse ownership is with Laurel Oak Bloodstock.

With a lightning fast tempo, Power Of Love settled in the back half of the field and tracked into the race nicely at the 600m and was ready to strike on straightening. In the straight, the Tony Noonan trained mare, let down well to claim the lead with 50m to go and move away to score an impressive victory.

After showing tremendous ability at the start of her career, Power Of Love has been quite a frustration over the past 18 months, due to injury, tying up, bad barriers and track conditions. She has always shown above average ability on the training track and Tony Noonan has always advised persevering with the Bahhare mare and we are hoping our patience is starting to pay off.

Power Of Love is from a good staying family, including closely related Waitoki Dream and Southern Courage, and following her win on Sunday we look forward to having a crack at races beyond a mile, which she indicated she will handle.

Congratulations to her patient group of owners and we look forward to many successes with Power Of Love in the near future.

Typhoon Fury settled about 6 lengths off the leader, and eventual winner, Sarthamare, who was able to control the speed in a muddling run race. On straightening the leader skipped clear and Typhoon Fury set out after the filly, giving he a good 6 lengths start at the 300m mark. He was still 4 lengths off the leader with 75m to go and really motored late to cut the margin down to ¾’s of a length on the finishing line.

Trainer Gary Portelli has been crying out for a race with solid speed for the Hurricane Sky gelding, but in his three career starts has yet to find the right tempo.

Typhoon Fury’s record now stands at 3 starts for 3 second placings with prizemoney of $63,000.

Encouragingly, Gary Portelli, will be aiming the gelding at major 2yo races during the Autumn carnival, so there are exciting times ahead for his large group of owners.

If you would like to become involved in racing a quality racehorse, just like Typhoon Fury, with Laurel Oak Bloodstock and Group 1 winning trainer Gary Portelli, then give our office a call on (02) 8883 1066 or email us at lauroak@bigpond.net.au   and we can show you how Easy and Enjoyable racehorse ownership really is.

Thursday, 21st Feb – Three year old O’reilly gelding Rocket Radar ran a solid race at Randwick last week to achieve his first city placing in his short career.

Rocket Radar was stepping up to 1800m for the first time in his career and showed his liking for the distance toughing it out in the straight to be beaten by a length by the very smart Kettledrum. Rocket Radar stepped up from a third at Hawkesbury over 1400m to this race and the extra distance, along with three weeks between runs took its toll in the end, with his fitness giving out at the 100m mark.

It was a very good run though and left his trainer, Gary Portelli, encouraged about his prospects as a stayer later on in his career.

Rocket Radar has come through he race well and will head back to the races in the next fortnight where we expect him to prove hard to beat.

Magic Zulu was sent out odds-on favourite and never gave punters, or his owners, a moments worry, settling outside the lead and booting away in the straight to win eased down by 3 and a quarter lengths with a further 5 lengths away to third.

Magic Zulu has shown tremendous talent since his debut but has found terrible luck in his races so it was extremely pleasing for his owners to see him win convincingly.

Magic Zulu is trained at Mornington by Tony Noonan, who enjoyed a successful day training 3 winners and 2 placegetters including Arrowsweep running second in the Mornington Cup.

Anamanor was sent to America after a short but successful racing career in Australia under the guidance of Gary Portelli, which resulted in 3 Sydney metropolitan wins from 5 starts!

Her racing career in Australia was cut short after being barred from racing for being found to have bled twice. As she was a mare of such talent and still had plenty to offer on the racetrack, her owners decided to send her to America where horses can be treated for bleeding and still race, which is not allowed in Australia.

Anamanor was sent to California where she joined the stables of Irish born Patrick (Paddy) Gallagher, who trains at Santa Anita & Hollywood Park. She settled in well but only had one start in a stakes race finishing last only to be found to have a slight fracture in her shoulder which required 6 months recuperation.

Off to the paddock Anamanor went and returned to work towards the end of 2007 and was moving freely and strongly and her owners were anticipating an enjoyable preparation. Alas, the programming in the US is much more complex than Australia and there were no suitable races for Anamanor to start in.

Eventually Anamanor found a race in December, a Group 3 sprint, however, found the task a little too tough first up from a long spell and finished towards the tail of the field.

Following this run, Anamanor had much difficulty finding a suitable race, not only from programming but from lack of nominations as at least 4 races she was nominated for were abandoned due to three to four horses only nominated to contest the event.

This was extremely frustrating for her owners back here in Australia and Paddy was forced to give Anamanor solid workouts on the training track to have her fit enough to go to the races whenever a race was available.

Finally a race was programmed, and even better, there were enough nominations to constitute a race and Anamanor lined up this morning in a Fillies & Mares Handicap over a mile at Santa Anita.

This hardly looked a suitable race, being second up after a long spell following a month after her first up run and stepping up to the mile for the first time in her career.

Anamanor jumped well and bowled along in front to lead by four lengths entering the straight. Challengers emerged down the running and looked to have the better of Anamanor, but she fought back on the rails to make them earn victory and eventually went down fighting finishing 3^rd approximately three-quarters of a length by the winner. It was a fantastic effort considering all the negatives going into the race.

More encouraging news followed when it was revealed the winner of the race is a Group 1 winner in Brazil which meant it was a hot little field she was up against, although it did have us confused as to why a Group 1 winner was able to run in a Fillies & Mares restricted race! …… Only in America we suppose!

All in all we are delighted for Anamanor to have found form and we look forward to her next start, hopefully in a more logical timeframe after today’s race.

Congratulations to Anamanor’s patient owners who have waited a long long time to get her to the races and we hope this is the beginning of an enjoyable ride with Anamanor.

The race began in torrential conditions and Typhoon Fury settled in fourth position on the rails travelling comfortably behind the leader Montana Flyer, in a ridiculously slow tempo. On straightening the leader quickened and Typhoon Fury was under pressure and struggling to get traction in the heavy going. Half way down the running Typhoon Fury was passed by another runner, however, at the 200m mark, he was able to get balanced and grip into the track and he found the line encouragingly to take second spot convincingly and was taking some ground off the winner.

Typhoon Fury showed great determination for a two year old not to give in on such an unsuitable surface and find the line after looking in trouble. His jockey, Jeff Lloyd reported he was totally unhappy in the conditions so for him to finish off as he did left him happy with his performance and indicated that he will appreciate much firmer surfaces in the future.

With two starts for two Saturday city placing, trainer Gary Portelli will test Typhoon Fury against tougher opposition next start in the Black Opal Stakes at Canberra, with a tilt at the Golden Slipper a possibility depending on how he measures up at his next couple of starts. Either way, exciting times ahead for his group of owners.

Laurel Oak will be attending all of the major yearling sales in the coming month’s, so if you would like to race a horse with Laurel Oak Bloodstock and Group 1 winning trainer, Gary Portelli, then contact our office on  (02) 8883 1066 and we can show you how Easy and Enjoyable racehorse ownership with Laurel Oak Bloodstock really is.

Monday, 11^th Feb – Fantastic Light gelding, Lucetius, finished a gallant second at Canberra on Friday in the Burley Griffin Sprint, which is the lead in to the National Sprint on Black Opal Day.

After jumping well from a wide gate, jockey, Brendan Ward, was able to position Lucetius with cover in the one-one and he settled well. On straightening, Lucetius hit his normal flat spot and looked to be struggling but balanced up and dug deep to find the line well to finish second, two lengths from the talented winner, A Country Girl.

Lucetius has been “on trial” for the National Sprint, however, trainer Keith Dryden, has been working overtime to teach Lucetius to settled in his races, and Lucetius is gradually rising to the challenge being presented to him

Lucetius has warranted a start in the National Sprint on Black Opal day and that is where he will next be returning to the races.

It is looking to be an interesting day for both Keith Dryden and Laurel Oak. Not only with Lucetius running in the National Sprint being owned in partnership between Laurel Oak and Keith Dryden clients, but the two will clash in the main race of the day, The 2008 Black Opal, with Keith having the favourite and boom unbeaten filly De Lightning Ridge and Laurel Oak will have Typhoon Fury in the race out to break the filly’s terrific record.

Rocket Radar was forced to race three wide in a muddling tempo and on straightening was struggling to stay in touch. In the straight he knuckled down to his work and finished the race off strongly only 2 lengths off the winner with a widening margin to the rest of the field.

Rocket Radar has been indicating in his work that he is going to appreciate longer distances and his trainer Gary Portelli has set the bar high, with a possible target of the Canberra Guineas in mind. Rocket Radar needed to step up to the plate to warrant this sort of campaign and yesterday’s result was a step in the right direction.

Rocket Radar is race by a big syndicate of owners who look as though they are in for some exciting weeks ahead.

Laurel Oak will be attending all of the major yearling sales in the coming month’s, so if you would like to race a horse with Laurel Oak Bloodstock and Group 1 winning trainer, Gary Portelli, then contact our office on  (02) 8883 1066 and we can show you how Easy and Enjoyable racehorse ownership with Laurel Oak Bloodstock really is.

Mass Exodus was allowed to stride to the lead early and came back underneath jockey Kevin Sweeney to control the race there after.

On straightening Mass Exodus extended and gave nothing else a chance, winning eased up by four lengths.

It was an impressive victory at his third race start and this Keith Dryden trained galloper will now go to the paddock for a well earned break.

Congratulations to his patient owners and we can look forward to a successful career in the years to come.

After settling in the one-one position, Sea Eye Pea was given time to balance up by in form jockey Blake Shinn and she set out after the leaders on straightening and claimed the lead at the 150m mark and was able to hold off the fast finishing Gently Bently and Sung.

It was a terrific effort by the Gary Portelli trained filly that was having her third run in as many weeks.

Sea Eye Pea has come through the run well and will head back to the races again in the next fortnight where she will again be very competitive.

Monday’s win took Sea Eye Pea’s earnings over $73,000, which is a tremendous return for her group of owners who outlaid $23,000 for her as a yearling.

Sea Eye Pea is raced by a group of accountants who approached Laurel Oak to buy a horse for them at the sales in 2004. She has now had 10 starts for 3 wins and 4 placings.

If you would like to enjoy the thrill and excitement of owning a thoroughbred, then contact Laurel Oak Bloodstock on 02 8883 1066 and we can show you how Easy and Enjoyable racehorse ownership really is.

After enjoying a nice trail on the fence behind the two leaders, Typhoon Fury found himself in a spot of bother on straightening when those two horses came back in his lap and forced him to have to switch across heels. By this time Dubai To Sydney was off and gone with Typhoon Fury setting out after him. While looking as though he would go straight past the winner, greenness and a little fatigue set in and he was unable to gain the lead. With any even luck on straightening, there was no doubt the result would have been reversed.

Typhoon Fury, importantly, has pulled up a treat and will now head to Rosehill in a fortnight where he will no doubt be very hard to beat.

After his encouraging debut, Typhoon Fury’s owners will have a lot of fun with this gelding throughout his career.

In an experiment, with the National Sprint on Black Opal Day in mind trainer, Keith Dryden, took the blinkers off Lucetius in a bid to help him settle and get an indication if he would run a strong 1400m.

Lucetius raced keenly in the lead but pleased Keith in the run to the line and at this stage is still on target to run that race.

Lucetius will run in the Burley Griffin Sprint at Canberra next week as a final lead in race to the National Sprint.

• New Zealand Yearling Sales - January 28th - February 4th
• William Inglis and Son Premier Yearling – Part I  - March 2nd – 4^th
• William Inglis and Son Premier Yearling – Part II  - March 5^th
• Magic Millions – Adelaide – March 10^th – 12^th
• Magic Millions – Gold Coast – March 24^th – April 2^nd
• William Inglis and Son Easter Yearling Select Sessions I & II  - April 20^th - 24^th
• William Inglis and Son Easter Yearling Classic Session – April 27^th – 29^th

The race was slightly delayed due to concerns over a section of the track and after going onto the track and being asked to return to the mounting yard, the track was given the all clear and runners returned to the barriers.

Lucetius began fairly, but quickly mustered speed to find the lead and control the race. He travelled well in the lead and look to be a top chance on straightening. When asked for his supreme effort, Lucetius laboured a little and eventual winner, Sovereign Blaze was able to sneak up inside Lucetius and take a commanding lead. Lucetius fought on well to go down by a length and a quarter and comprehensively beat the other runners to the line.

The race time was very quick, eclipsing the 1000m track record, which added to the merit of Lucetius’ performance.

Trainer Keith Dryden is wrapped with the way Lucetius has come back this preparation and will be giving the gelding his chance at city racing in the coming weeks.

If you are interested in racing a horse with Laurel Oak and one of our exciting trainers like, Keith Dryden, Gary Portelli, Tony Noonan or Gillian Heinrich, then call the Laurel Oak office on (02) 8883 1066 and we can show you how Easy and Enjoyable owning a thoroughbred with Laurel Oak Bloodstock really is.

Prepared early in his career by Gold Coast trainer Gillian Heinrich, Heartbreak Pass showed above average ability as a two year old, with 4 starts for a win and two placings in metropolitan grade in Brisbane earning an impressive $72,000 with the help of the QTIS bonus scheme.

At the end of his two year old season, Heartbreak Pass had some minor leg issues with knee chips, and needed surgery to correct the problem and following more than a year of recuperation which meant missing his whole three year old season and no longer being eligible for bonuses, his owners decided they would like to race the horse Sydney as the majority all lived in the Harbour City.

Heartbreak Pass was then transferred to our main Sydney trainer, Gary Portelli and joined his stable in June 2007 and following a long slow build up was ready to race when EI hit Sydney. This meant that Heartbreak Pass, along with all Sydney horses, had their preparation totally interrupted and following the passing of EI Heartbreak Pass began another preparation aimed at getting him back to the races.

Following an impressive trial win in late December, Heartbreak Pass was ready to race and he met a very strong field yesterday at Kensington. Over the 1000m scamper, Heartbreak Pass lead into the straight but was collared by Global Warming and the very impressive, Wasted Emotions, shortly afterwards and Heartbreak Pass battled on extremely well to finish third to these very smart horses.

It was a pleasing return by the horse, not only to have him come through the run injury free but to show he still has the ability to match it with metropolitan horses.

Heartbreak Pass will return to the races within the next two weeks and with yesterday’s run under his belt it won’t be long before he returns to the winner’s stall.

After two disappointing runs at his home track of Canberra, trainer Keith Dryden felt a trip away would suit the horse and off to a 1650m Maiden Mass Exodus went.

While very green and new to it all at his first two starts, Mass Exodus improved significantly, and even though he still showed signs of inexperience he found the line well over the extra distance of 1650m to finish third and showed the penny is gradually dropping.

Keith Dryden believes Mass Exodus will be a bigger and better horse next preparation and with that in mind plans to give him one more start this preparation before going for a spell to consolidate physically and mentally.

Kaapstad Lad was first up for six months and was expected to find the 1200m of yesterdays race too short for him at this stage of his preparation.

Kaapstad Lad was run off his feet early, settling last in the fast run race. On approaching the turn, Kaapstad Lad was being stoked along by his jockey Matthew Allen and was taken to the outside entering the straight. Although a good 8 lengths off the lead, Kaapstad Lad savaged the winning post reaching the lead in the dying stages to record an impressive maiden victory.

Kaapstad Lad’s trainer, Tony Noonan, has always had a good opinion of this horse believing he would be a quality stayer and has given him time to mature and we may see the result of his early patience from this preparation on.

Kaapstad Lad’s is a older half brother to 3yo rising star Schilling, and while Kaapstad Lad has a fair way to go to match the results of his younger brother, yesterday’s win means he is heading in the right direction.

Congratulations go to Kaapstad Lad’s patient group of owners and we look forward to an exciting preparation ahead.

If you would like to become involved in racing a horse with Laurel Oak and enjoy the thrill and excitement of thoroughbred racing then contact the office at Laurel Oak on (02) 8883 1066 and we can make thoroughbred ownership easy and enjoyable for you.

Following a solid unplaced run first up, at Rosehill, Rocket Radar went to Newcastle still in need of the run and from a perfect draw of barrier one was able to have a quite run settling midfield in transit and on rounding the corner railed through to be in a challenging position.

In the straight Rocket Radar set out after the leader and looked a big chance to win, however, his condition gave out with 50m to go and Rocket Radar went down fighting being beaten a neck at the finish.

It was pleasing second up run for Rocket Radar’s big group of owner’s and with that run under his belt we look forward to heading back to the races in the next fortnight.

Rocket Radar parading at Newcastle                                  Rocket Radar narrowly missing his second career win.

Thursday, 3rd Jan - Sea Eye Pea ran a terrific race on New Year's Day at Randwick finishing third to stablemate Weekend In Paris.

Sea Eye Pea began very well and coasted along in the lead with Weekend In Paris at her girth. On straightening the two Gary Portelli trained fillies set sail for the line neck and neck and after looking like the winner several times down the running, Sea Eye Pea found Weekend In Paris and the fast finishing Now Now a little too strong going down by a length.

It was a very encouraging run and showed that Sea Eye Pea is well and truly up to city class racing.

Sea Eye Pea is raced by a group of accountants who approached Laurel Oak to buy a horse for them. Several of them had already been in a Laurel Oak Syndicate on an individual basis and they decided to form a syndicate of work colleagues to race a horse together.

With a budget of $70,000 we were thrilled to purchase Sea Eye Pea for a bargain buy of $23,000 at the Inglis Classic Sale. Yesterday’s result takes her record to 7 starts for two wins and four placings and $35,850 in prizemoney.

If you would like to experience the fun and excitement of owning a racehorse with Laurel Oak and Group 1 winning trainer Gary Portelli, please contact the Laurel Oak office on (02) 8883 1066 information on how easy flexible the options available to you are.

Tuesday, 18^th Dec – Commands filly Sea Eye Pea resumed in fine style this afternoon at Cessnock, convincingly taking out the Rating 70 900m event.

Sea Eye Pea began well and took up the running through the early stages. On straightening, jockey Mark Lister, allowed the filly more rein and with hands and heels riding was able to defeat the fast finishing Sir Rivercorp by three quarters of a length with a further 3 lengths to third.

The manner of today’s victory suggests a good preparation is in store for this Gary Portelli trained filly and we look forward to her return to the racetrack in the new year.

Sea Eye Pea salutes, first-up at Cessnock

Sea Eye Pea returning to scale following her victory.

Facing quality opposition against the likes of New Edge and stablemate Coolroom Candidate, Lucetius showed great speed out of the gates and led the field comfortably into the straight. After looking as though he may weaken, Lucetius fought on for the length of the straight only to be outgunned by the race fit Kiss My Fuji by a half length with Coolroom Candidate close third.

Lucetius will derive plenty of benefit with the run and we are eagerly awaiting his return to the races in the coming weeks.

 Lucetius parading.

Aided by a terrific ride from regular jockey Kevin Sweeney, Steel Titan saved ground along the rails and in the straight set out after the break away leader. After a short battle, Steel Titan took the lead and came away to win by 2 lengths.

Steel Titan has been very consistant this preparation and it was a great thrill for his owners to win at his home track on Canberra Cup Day. We look forward to many more victories with this promising galloper.

STEEL TITAN returning to scale following his win.

Monday, 3rd Dec - Carnegie gelding, Steel Titan ran another pleasing race at Canberra yesterday finishing second.