Bella Nipotina is set to shadow Imperatriz’s racing schedule, as connections of the Group 1 sprinter are eager to challenge the acclaimed New Zealand star. The two have clashed before, with Bella Nipotina finishing second to Imperatriz in March’s Group 1 William Reid Stakes and placing fifth in last month’s… Read More »
Absurde, a runner in this year’s Melbourne Cup, experienced a disappointing return to racing at Leopardstown, Ireland. Competing in the 3200-metre Future Champions Novice Hurdle, the horse was a $15 bet with betting apps but was pulled up before the last of the nine hurdles. After a notable seventh-place finish… Read More »
Be Optimistic gave trainer Luke Fernie one of his best moments in racing when winning his hometown Kalgoorlie Cup (2300m) in October and he’s daring to dream he can relive the same emotions if not better in the Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m) on January 1. With a host of emerging top… Read More »
A number of freshman stallions have put their hand up this season, Alabama Express, Tassort and Sun City in particular, and Ben Hayes would love for this Saturday to be Brutal’s time in the spotlight. The Lindsay Park horseman and his co-trainers, brothers Will and JD, will be represented by… Read More »
Shane Jackson is unsure what to expect with Grand Promenade this Saturday but the Warrnambool horseman is just happy to be heading to the races with the gelding. The eight-year-old will resume his racing career in the $130,000 Ladbroke It BM100 Handicap over 2040 metres at The Valley. The son of Champs… Read More »
Interstate raider Numerian staked his claim for Perth Cup (2400m) bragging rights with a convincing win in the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) at Ascot this afternoon, launching his Perth debut in the best way possible. The Sydney gelding gave trainer Annabel Neasham some consolation after her star nine-year-old… Read More »
Top jockey Brad Parnham has secured a top Perth Cup (2400m) mount on interstate raider Numerian in Monday’s $1 million Group 2 race at Ascot. Trainer Annabel Neasham booked Brad Parnham to replace Clint Johnston-Porter who rode Numerian to a breakthrough victory in last Saturday’s Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m). Placed in two… Read More »
The 2500 metres of the Victoria Derby was too much for Verdad in his initial racing preparation, but his trainer Robbie Griffiths has not written him off as a stayer. All options are on the table for the son of Justify next campaign, including the three Group 1 Derbys in the second… Read More »
A $200,000 Listed race at a non-metropolitan venue is not something you see every Thursday and Chris Waller has identified it as the most suitable Magic Millions lead-up for Chrysaor. The three-year-old will round out his preparations for the $3 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m), which will be run on… Read More »
Lion’s Roar might not have won for nearly three years but the gelding still holds a special place for trainer John O’Shea, especially after his droughtbreaking win at Randwick. Lion’s Roar’s victory in the Group 3 Summer Cup (2000m) was his first since taking out the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m)… Read More »
South Australian training partnership Shane and Cassie Oxlade have continued a near-unbeaten preparation for four-year-old Sghirripa with victory in the Listed Christmas Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield. With a record that now stands at six wins and five placings in 13 starts, the Oxlades had no hesitation in booking Craig Newitt for the mount… Read More »
The Magic Millions staying feature could be ahead for Zennzella after the mare returned to the winners’ list for the first time since October 2022 with victory in the Listed Lord Stakes at Caulfield. Positive things were ahead for the then three-year-old filly by Snitzel when she took out the Group… Read More »
Sprint form reins at the top of Australia’s top-rating winners for 2023 with the four standout performances coming in races of 1400 metres of shorter. Sydney’s autumn sprint crown, the Group 1 T J Smith Stakes, produced the premier race for the year under the Racing And Sports Rating model… Read More »
Prominent Gold Coast trainer Les Kelly is facing a racing suspension after admitting to administering EPO to two of his horses last year. Originally handed an 18-month ban by stewards, with two 15-month penalties partially concurrent, the Racing NSW Appeals Panel has decided the penalties should be served fully concurrent,… Read More »
Having broken a drought of more than a year at Werribee, Keats will chase back-to-back wins when he contests Tuesday’s Lord Stakes at Caulfield. The tenacious on-pacer recorded his first win since October 2022 in the Werribee Cup (1600m) on December 10 at his third start for the campaign and trainer… Read More »
As the highest-rated horse in the Summer Cup field, Huetor will be on a mission to put a frustrating campaign behind him and stamp his class on the Boxing Day feature at Randwick. The winner of the Group 1 Doomben Cup in May, Huetor hasn’t raced since doing his best… Read More »
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable thought long and hard about the best option for Generation before deciding on a race at Caulfield. Generation will run in the Listed Christmas Stakes (1100m) on Tuesday having been scratched from the Listed Kensington Stakes (1000m) at Flemington last Wednesday. Maher and Eustace assistant… Read More »
Well-travelled jockey Louis Beuzelin has made an almost perfect start to his Australian career with a Randwick victory aboard the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained So United at just his second local ride. Originally from Barbados, Beuzelin has ridden around the world, most recently in Singapore before heading to Australia six… Read More »
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Storm Boy will derive a lot of benefit from his victory at Eagle Farm in his bid for success at the Gold Coast. Storm Boy took out the Group 3 B J McLachlan Stakes (1200m) on Saturday to cement his place in the Magic Millions 2YO… Read More »
John O’Shea’s confidence in Waihaha Falls had ebbed and flowed all week and just as it reached its lowest level, Tommy Berry produced a riding masterclass to drive the gelding to a stunning Randwick win. Connections began the week bullish about Waihaha Fall’s chances, knowing the backmarker was ready to peak third-up… Read More »
