Here’s what is making news in racing this Monday morning.
- Australian Cup winner Shocking is feeling the effects of a firm track on Saturday and is at long odds to start in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill this weekend. He is likely to go straight to the Group 1 BMW (2400m) on April 2.
- Theseo is out of the Ranvet Stakes, with Gai Waterhouse saying he will run in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) and the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).
- Star mare Hot Danish is out of the Group 2 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) due to an infected leg. It robs the race of an intriguing clash with More Joyous and the returning Rangirangdoo.
- Melito is likely to start favourite in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) after connections changed plans to run her in that race before a tilt at Group 1 glory in the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) in Hong Kong.
- Star Witness will still go to Royal Ascot for the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes (1000m) and the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes (1200m). Trainer Danny O’Brien says the colt was worked up by the noise coming from the neighbouring Showgrounds, where the television show Top Gear was being filmed.
- VRC Sires Produce Stakes winner Running Tall will go into the Golden Slipper without another run.
- Australian Guineas winner Shamrocker will target the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on March 26 as opposed to the Group 1 Storm Queen Stakes (2000m) for fillies a week later. A decision is yet to be made on whether she runs in the AJC Derby, the AJC Oaks or both.
- Black Caviar has been given a Timeform rating of 135 after her win in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) on Saturday. It ranks her as the fourth best Australian horse since 1960 – after Tulloch (138), Kingston Town (137) and Manikato (136) – and clearly the best mare. In comparison, dual Cox Plate winner Sunline and triple Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva received a career-high rating of 129.
- Sepoy has firmed into $1.90 favourite three weeks out from the Golden Slipper. He is a likely starter in this Saturday’s Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m), where he will meet a cracking field including Foxwedge, Straight Gold and Smart Missile.
- Slipper second favourite Satin Shoes will tackle the Group 2 Reisling Stakes (1200m), where she will once again meet Elite Falls. Houston Benefactor is also a likely runner.
- You’re Canny was a surprise winner of the Black Opal Stakes, defeating the previously unbeaten Karuta Queen. The Queanbeyan-trained filly has eased from $5.50 to $11 for the Golden Slipper.
- Melbourne females Aloha and Miss Gai Flyer are confirmed runners in this Saturday’s Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m).
- Tabcorp has rejected a takeover bid for Sky Channel from rivals TVN.