A good performance in a Group 1 sprint at Moonee Valley could land Queensland sprinter Rothfire a start in The Everest. Trainer Rob Heathcote and connections of Rothfire have twice previously given up a berth in The Everest, once due to injury and once due to poor form. Heathcote said there had been brief discussions… Read More »
There was no shortage of wincing from connections on Tuesday morning when barriers were drawn for the Epsom Handicap, one of three Group 1s to be run at Randwick this Saturday. The 1600-metre event has drawn a huge field of 20, plus two emergencies, meaning some big numbers were allocated… Read More »
Pressure, nerves, excitement. Joe Pride is feeling all of them as he prepares nominal Everest favourite Think About It for his seasonal return in the Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick. It comes a fortnight after stablemate Private Eye booked himself an Everest slot with an outstanding victory in the Shorts and while Sydney’s showpiece… Read More »
When it comes to racing thoroughbreds, Phil Ward is proving to have a Midas touch. Not only does he share in the ownership of Group-winning three-year-olds Libertad and Autumn Ballet, he also happens to have a stake in exciting Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained stayer Just Fine. Unbeaten in two Australian… Read More »
The decision to shift the Thousand Guineas back a month has been advantageous for connections of up-and-coming filly Arctic Glamour after she confirmed plans to target the Group 1 feature with a resounding return at Rosehill. Gerald Ryan, who trains her in partnership with Sterling Alexiou, said they deliberately gave Arctic… Read More »
Perth trainer Simon Miller holds no fears about his star mare Amelia’s Jewel handling Moonee Valley. Amelia’s Jewel runs in the Group 2 Stocks Stakes (1600m) on Friday night as a potential lead-up to the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) on October 28. Miller gave Amelia’s Jewel a look at The Valley… Read More »
Trainer Cliff Brown is looking forward to again seeing The Inferno racing on a firm track when the gelding resumes in the Moir Stakes. Friday night’s Group 1 sprint over 1000m at Moonee Valley will be The Inferno’s third shot at the race. The Inferno finished a fast closing second to Wild Ruler on a good… Read More »
Golden Slipper winner Shinzo will be given a crucial barrier trial test next week to determine whether he presses on to the $20 million The Everest. The colt was found to be lame after his unplaced run behind Chris Waller-trained stablemate Militarize in the Golden Rose when he settled last from… Read More »
Struggling for form and confidence, Benaud’s career was at the crossroads just six months ago but some meticulous attention to detail and a little faith has the classy stayer back in the Group 1 arena. Benaud lines up in Saturday’s The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick as one of the form… Read More »
It has been a tough start to the week for Annabel Neasham, but her luck could turn for the better when she bids for back-to-back wins in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap at Randwick. Neasham confirmed on Tuesday that Sunshine In Paris had suffered a leg injury which, while minor, had… Read More »
The nominees for the prestigious 2022/2023 Australian Racehorse of the Year awards have been announced today by Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) in association with Racing Australia. This year’s awards will be held at Optus Stadium in Perth on 23 November, in what will be a spectacular double header… Read More »
Coolmore is the new owner of John Singleton’s famed Strawberry Hill Stud after finalising a deal to acquire the Central Coast property. In a deal brokered by Donovan & Co in partnership with Magic Millions, the property has been secured by Tom Magnier of Coolmore Australia for an undisclosed price…. Read More »
Trainer Paul Preusker has ended speculation as to who will ride unbeaten colt Steparty in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas. Dean Yendall was the incumbent until he was injured at the Colac jump-outs earlier this month, sidelined with a broken collarbone and replaced by John Allen. Steparty won with Allen aboard on debut at Ballarat in May… Read More »
New Zealand trainer Mark Walker says it is a juggling act to have star mare Imperatriz fresh enough for her first Group 1 assignment of the spring. Imperatriz heads to Moonee Valley on Friday night to run in the Moir Stakes (1000m), in a bid at keeping her record intact at The Valley. Last season, the… Read More »
One of Randwick’s two big Group One mile handicaps will likely see a full field this year and the barrier draw has done little to narrow down the key chances, with $6 favourite Pericles drawing 14 for the $1.5 million Epsom Handicap (1600m). The stable also have last start Group… Read More »
James Harron did not take long to lock in a replacement runner in this year’s The Everest with the prominent bloodstock agent on Tuesday morning announcing that Cylinder would be his runner in the $20 million race. The James Cummings-trained son of Exceed And Excel is a three-year-old, as was last… Read More »
Star mare Amelia’s Jewel had her first track gallop at Moonee Valley this morning (Monday) and passed it with flying colours, according to trainer, Simon Miller. “She went around 1000 evens and home in 400 and was good, she scooted around,” Simon Miller told Tabtouch. “I must admit I thought she may… Read More »
Star Perth-owned mare Sheeza Belter has been retired with managing owner Justin Warwick calling time on her outstanding racing career. The multiple stakes winner ran her final race in Sydney last Saturday when she failed to beat a runner home in the G2 Golden Pendant (1400m) at Rosehill. “She won’t… Read More »
Gai Waterhouse already holds the record for the number of The Metropolitan winners but rarely has the Hall of Fame trainer gone into the Group 1 with as strong a hand as she holds this year. Not only do Waterhouse and her training partner Adrian Bott have all-in even money favourite,… Read More »
On Grand Final weekend, the major meeting is the Friday night with the running of the G1 Moir Stakes (1000m). Obviously going off last run, Imperatriz ($1.90) will be such a focus but several other elite sprinters will go around including Bella Nipotina ($8), Asfoora ($5) and Rothfire ($8) in what may be a… Read More »
