Following a remarkable and historic weekend of racing, things quieten a little before Christmas but it still doesn’t mean there aren’t important Magic Millions focus races. It won’t be a big field in the BJ McLachlan Stakes (1200m) for the 2yos but some nice ones are nominated. Storm Boy ($1.45)… Read More »
When Bjorn Baker travels a horse from his Sydney base to run at Flemington over the sprint trips, they’re usually not coming for just an outing. Following up on Ozzomosis’ victory in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Malkovich starts in the Listed Kensington Stakes (1000m)… Read More »
Trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior have struck gold with Otago, a promising youngster who dominated his debut at Bendigo. Purchased from successful trials in New Zealand, the three-year-old Ocean Park colt had already displayed his potential in pre-race jumpouts at Cranbourne. Starting as the $2 favourite with wagering… Read More »
Retired jockey Damien Oliver concluded his remarkable career with a $500 fine for a pre-post salute on Munhamek at Ascot’s Damien Oliver Gold Rush. Oliver’s third consecutive win marked a memorable retirement moment, riding in his 20,329th race. Despite initial challenges from a wide draw, he secured victory by punching… Read More »
They’ve amassed over $20 million in prize money between them and the Joe Pride/Proven Thoroughbreds syndicated pair of Private Eye and Think About It will be looking to add to that tally this autumn. Private Eye, a $62,500 yearling purchase, is aiming to stay over the shorter distances this campaign… Read More »
Monday is poised to be a decisive day in the impending merger of the Pakenham and Cranbourne racing clubs, as members from each club prepare to cast their votes on the proposal. The success of the merger hinges on securing a minimum of a 75 percent ‘yes’ vote from each… Read More »
Mr Brightside is back in work as Ben, Will & Jd Hayes prepare their stable star to win a second All-Star Mile which will be run at Caulfield in 2024, with a trip to Hong Kong still very much on the table. The four-time Group 1 winner of more than $11 million… Read More »
Champion jockey Damien Oliver has ended his career in fairy tale fashion, completing a winning treble by scoring in the Group 3 Damien Oliver Gold Rush (1400m) at his final race ride. The Nick Ryan-trained gelding had been well beaten at his last start in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke… Read More »
Champion jockey Damien Oliver has had a fairytail finish to his illustrious riding career riding three winners at his last three rides. Oli had a good book of rides at Ascot but had to wait until race seven to get his first winner steering favourite Devine Belief to win before… Read More »
Lee Freedman may keep lower profile nowadays at his Gold Coast base compared to the heady Melbourne Cup and Golden Slipper winning times three decades ago, but the old magic returned with Encoder ‘s win in the three-year-old highlight of the Queensland Summer Carnival at Eagle Farm. Encoder took out the $300,000… Read More »
Brisbane’s recent stormy weather still made an impact on the Eagle Farm meeting which had jockey Martin Harley concerned that Abounding may not appreciated softer ground, but the determination of her win settled anything he had earlier thought. Abounding ($2.70 favourite) put in a late drive to take out the $200,000 Listed… Read More »
Sydney race-caller Darren Flindell often mentions the letters JLW in his calls – jump, lead, win, and that’s exactly what Felix Majestic ($14) has done for 3kg claiming apprentice Ms Molly Bourke in the Precise Air Handicap over 1400m at Royal Randwick. The Smart Missile gelding gave no others a chance after being… Read More »
As a two-year-old Ginger ‘N’ Pink showed glimpses of good ability and now aged three she’s starting to realise that potential, winning her second race from as many runs this preparation, successful in a benchmark 70 over 1200m. The Zoustar filly won her maiden first up at Sandown Lakeside and went… Read More »
It’s a strategy that champion trainer Chris Waller has employed for many years and it proved successful once more when Kapakiri ($3.20F) saluted in the Toyota Forklifts Handicap over 2000m. Having boxes based on the Gold Coast gives Waller the opportunity to transfer horses that aren’t competing up to Sydney metropolitan grade… Read More »
There are three certainties in life, death, taxes and the training partnership of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott unveiling a promising two-year-old before Christmas. Their I Am Invincible colt Anode ($5.50) kept that ball rolling for Tulloch Lodge with a dominant display leading from barrier to box in the James Squire… Read More »
There may have been limited form to work with but Traffic Warden had shown plenty of promise at his debut behind the well regarded Storm Boy and went on with it to win the opener at Caulfield, a two-year-old handicap over 1000m. Sent out as the $1.80 wagering sites favourite, Jamie… Read More »
Anthony and Sam Freedman have been dealt a blow with stable star Without A Fight ruled out of the Autumn, with the reigning Melbourne Cup winner to require rehabilitation on a minor tendon strain. In a post made by Freedman Racing on social media, the stable said “this development is disappointing for everyone involved… Read More »
Boom colt Amazing Eagle was one of the biggest draw cards on today’s Randwick meeting although the horse failed to live up to the hype from his barrier trial and was well beaten as long odds on favourite. Amazing Eagle was sent out as the short priced favourite ($1.40) with… Read More »
Can defending champion Winner’s Man become the first to successfully defend the Grand Prix since Dongbanui Gangja in 2008, 2009 and match 2018 hero Triple Nine’s five Group 1’s. It’s the 41st Grand Prix Stakes at Seoul’s LetsRun Park, the traditional season finale and most prestigious event on the calendar,… Read More »
Australia’s premier stayer, Without A Fight, is set to miss the upcoming autumn season due to a tendon injury, as revealed by trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman. The father-and-son duo issued a concise statement on Friday night, indicating that the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup champion will undergo an extended… Read More »
