NEWShining a Spotlight on Stallions with No Runners
Wednesday, 17th September 2025
A couple of weeks ago this column published a popularly received article revealing that there are close to 90 stallions standing commercially in Australia that don’t yet have a runner [source: Arion Pedigrees]. With a global flight to known stallions, it’s a challenging sire niche during an economic period of uncertainty. Black Type Racing is providing Australian stud farms standing stallions that first stood in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 with a cost-effective opportunity to have as-yet unproven stallions stand out to a significant audience of breeders at the start of the breeding season. The $290 + GST offer per stallion is open to all sires that meet the above criteria of first standing in the above four yearsSee the below NEWS BULLETIN example for Clear Mountain Fairview’s 2nd Season Sire Alpine Edge. All participating stallions will also have a stand-alone link that can be emailed out to clients or embedded on the sire’s stud farm website – here’s Alpine Edge’s example. To include any stallions or for further information please either email gknowles@breedingracing.com or call 0406 599 773.
NEW2025 Spotlight Sire: ALPINE EDGE
Wednesday, 17th September 2025
Stallion: ALPINE EDGE (Better Than Ready-Freezethemillions, by Freeze)
Stands: Clear Mountain Fairview
Year First Stood: 2024
Season: 2nd Season
First Foals: Due in 2025
2025 Stud Fee: $7,700
Race Record: Won 5 races - 3 at 2 -1000 to 1300m, A$1,882,125, BRC BJ McLachlan S., Gr3, Phelan Ready S., L, Millers Swim School 2YO H., GCTC 2023 Magic Millions H., Central Queensland ARC 2023 The Archer P., 2d GCTC Magic Millions 2YO Classic (R), RL, BRC Emery, Mears & Jeffs P., 4th MRC Caulfield Guineas Prelude, Gr3.
Alpine Edge's Arion Pedigrees Web Page: Click Here
Contact: Michael Frappell (07) 4697 1198
OVERVIEW: Standing at a fee of $7,700, the Group winning son of Better Than Ready is an exciting addition to the Queensland breeding ranks. Alpine Edge is an exciting young stallion by leading Queensland sire Better Than Ready, out of emerging top producer Freezethemillions – dam also of Gr.1 winner Port Lockroy and exciting 2YO Mortal Halo. A multiple stakes winner with over $1.8M in earnings, Alpine Edge brings a powerful mix of precocity, consistency and class. He burst onto the scene as a brilliant early 2YO, winning the Listed Phelan Ready Stakes and the Gr.3 BJ McLachlan Stakes. He also finished an unlucky closing second in the $2M Magic Millions 2YO Classic. Alpine Edge continued to perform at top level through his 3, 4 and 5YO seasons, winning the QTIS Magic Millions and placing in multiple Group races. By Better Than Ready – Australia’s leading sire of 2YO winners in recent years – Alpine Edge inherits outstanding speed and commercial appeal. His Group 1-producing dam adds another layer of sprinting quality, making him an ideal choice for breeders aiming to produce fast, early running types. After covering 110 mares in his first season at stud, Alpine Edge is better than ready for 2025.
NEWOverpass Gets Second Everest Opportunity
Wednesday, 17th September 2025
A proven performer with a history of punching above his weight, Overpass has been locked in for a third crack at The TAB Everest, this time under the slot held by Newgate supremo Henry Field, revealed racenet.com.au. After surveying his options, Field opted for the $10.5 million-earner, describing it as a “sensible play” in a year where reliability may trump raw potential. “We know what we are going to get with Overpass,” he said. “He's a top sprinter and if he runs to his mark in the TJ Smith Stakes earlier this year and the Sydney Stakes last spring then he will give us a good shout.” Field considered younger prospects like Tempted, but the Bjorn Baker-trained gelding ultimately won out for his consistency and first-up strike rate. The selection marks a return to The Everest stage for Overpass, who ran sixth to Giga Kick in 2022 and 10th behind Think About It in 2023. Last year he wasn’t picked for The Everest but made a compelling case regardless, winning the Sydney Stakes in a time marginally faster than Bella Nipotina’s Everest performance on the same day. Trainer Bjorn Baker believes the gelding is primed to deliver his best yet. “We have learned over the years with Overpass that he is at his absolute best first-up from a spell,” Baker said. “His preparation won’t change. We had him primed to be at his peak on October 18 anyway and it is exciting he has another chance in The Everest.” Baker, who is hoping for a case of “third time lucky,” said Overpass will have another barrier trial and may also step out for an exhibition gallop before Everest day. Owner Scott Darby of Darby Racing welcomed the call from Field, having long felt the sprinter had been overlooked in elite sprinting discussions. “We have always thought Overpass deserved a spot in The Everest,” Darby said. “Overpass is going as well as ever and we certainly believe he will acquit himself well.” He added that Field “knew all about the horse and how effective he can be first-up over the Randwick 1200m.” With the announcement, Overpass becomes the seventh confirmed starter for this year’s $20 million showpiece. The field so far includes Hong Kong speedster Ka Ying Rising (Hong Kong Jockey Club), Private Harry (Yulong), Briasa (Max Whitby, Neil Werrett, Col Madden and Steve McCann), Jimmysstar (TAB), Joliestar (Chris Waller Racing) and Lady Shenandoah (Fairway Thoroughbreds). A few slots remain in what is shaping to be a vintage edition of the world’s richest turf sprint.
NEWGlobal Stars to Shake Up Everest Carnival
Wednesday, 17th September 2025
International firepower is set to descend on Sydney for this year’s $81 million Everest Carnival, with a world champion sprinter from Hong Kong and a top-flight UK yard among the headline acts targeting October’s riches. According to racingnsw.com.au, the contingent will be spread across the Carnival’s three marquee races: the $20 million TAB Everest and $5 million King Charles III Stakes (both on 18 October), and the $10 million Golden Eagle (1 November), all at Royal Randwick. From Canterbury’s quarantine centre to the Randwick parade ring, anticipation is building for a spring carnival with global reach. Among those drawing the biggest spotlight is Ka Ying Rising, the Hong Kong sensation rated the world’s best sprinter and early favourite for The Everest. The five-year-old, trained by expat Australian David Hayes and ridden by Zac Purton, arrives in Sydney on 22 September. His imposing record includes 14 wins from 16 starts, 13 of those on the trot, with earnings north of $A10 million. After two weeks of quarantine at Canterbury, Ka Ying Rising will stretch out in a public gallop and barrier trial at Randwick on 7 October as part of his final lead-in to The Everest. The UK will also be well represented. William Haggas returns to Australia with a powerful hand, led by Lake Forest, last year’s Golden Eagle winner. This time around, the gelding is targeting the King Charles III Stakes on Everest day, aiming to build on his trainer’s already stellar Sydney record: 11 wins from just 24 runners across five years, including six at Group 1 level. Haggas also sends Sam Hawkens for a crack at the $500,000 ATC St Leger Stakes, another black-type feature on a blockbuster Everest Day undercard. Later in the spring, attention will turn to the Golden Eagle, with more international talent arriving. Japan will be represented by Panja Tower, trained by Shinsuke Hashiguchi, who hopes to follow in the footsteps of 2023 winner Obamburumai. The UK sends a pair of hopefuls in Seagulls Eleven (Hugo Palmer) and Luther (Charlie Fellowes). Australian Turf Club’s Nevesh Ramdhani said Sydney’s spring had become a key focus for major stables worldwide. “Sydney will host the world’s best sprinter, some of the biggest trainers in UK racing, and another contingent of Japanese runners,” he said. “We are also seeing more horses staying on with local stables – it’s a significant vote of confidence in our product.”
NEWNZ Racing Pivots to Asian Pattern Committee
Wednesday, 17th September 2025
A strategic overhaul of New Zealand’s Group 1 calendar will see two of the nation’s premier races shift venues and dates in 2026, in a bid to preserve their international standing and better align with the Australasian racing landscape. The adjustments follow pressure from the Asian Pattern Committee and come amid broader efforts to future-proof the country’s top-level racing. The $1 million Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks will now be staged at Ellerslie on 21 February, slotting in two weeks before the $1.25 million Trackside New Zealand Derby at the same venue. The shift, approved for an initial one-year trial, is designed to link the Oaks more naturally with both the Derby and Australia’s autumn features while addressing recent ratings concerns. Long regarded as New Zealand’s elite test for 3YO fillies, the Oaks had failed to meet international benchmarks for three consecutive years, placing it at risk of downgrade. NZTR CEO Matt Ballesty said the revised structure aims to “preserve the quality of New Zealand’s Group 1 calendar, protect critical breeding pathways, and deliver top-class racing experiences nationwide.” Paul Wilcox, CEO of Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, welcomed the change as “a fresh opportunity for the Oaks to flourish,” emphasising that the new timing “creates synergy with the Derby and strengthens pathways for fillies.” In parallel, the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes will return to its traditional late-March position at RACE Awapuni, forming part of a blockbuster Central Districts Day alongside the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes. The race, New Zealand’s only Group 1 contest for fillies and mares, has been won in recent years by elite performers such as Imperatriz and Avantage. A cluster of supporting black-type fixtures will also be realigned to better complement the new calendar. These include the $200,000 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (to RACE Awapuni on 1 March), the $600,000 Westbury Classic (shifting from Karaka Millions night to Champions Day on 7 March), and the Royal Descent Stakes (moving from Boxing Day to Karaka Millions). An APC-triggered review also assessed the Group 1 status of five races, resulting in the Harcourts Thorndon Mile being downgraded to Group 2 due to consistent underperformance. Despite the change, the race retains its $500,000 purse and will run at Trentham on 17 January. The Oaks, Breeders’ Stakes, Livamol Classic, and Telegraph retained their Group 1 status – albeit with caveats. NZTR Senior Handicapper Bruce Sherwin noted the downgrade was “disappointing,” but also pointed to “significant prizemoney increases, stronger turnover and renewed investment at the NZB sales” as signs of recovery. He added that the season had opened strongly, with the Proisir Plate at Ellerslie delivering “excellent depth and quality,” and stressed the importance of ensuring “our best horses contest Group 1 races” to maintain prestige.
NEWCambridge Stud Tests Hong Kong Waters
Wednesday, 17th September 2025
A fresh chapter in Cambridge Stud’s storied history is set to unfold, with the iconic gold and black silks soon to grace the tracks of Hong Kong. After receiving a rare ownership permit, Sir Brendan and Lady Jo Lindsay will campaign their Group 1-performed homebred Red Sea under the guidance of expatriate Kiwi trainer Jamie Richards. The invitation to participate in the Hong Kong Jockey Club system was extended to around a dozen international owners, and Cambridge Stud viewed it as an opportunity not to be missed. “Hong Kong is a very important market for New Zealand,” observed Henry Plumptre, Cambridge Stud CEO. “They’re well represented at the Ready to Run Sale and at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale every year.” With only one permit available, Red Sea was selected as their Private Purchase Griffin – having raced, and with a rating in hand. By Pierata out of the Commands mare Egyptian Cross, Red Sea ticks several key boxes. As a juvenile, he won on debut and later finished second in the Gr1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes. “The fact that he was Group 1-placed in New Zealand and a winner of quite a strong race suggested to us that he would be more than capable of holding his own up there,” said Plumptre. Now four, Red Sea will join Class 3 ranks and could prove a flagbearer for the Cambridge brand in Asia. He resumed with a sharp trial win at Taupo last month and followed up with a solid right-handed gallop at Ellerslie. “Jamie wanted him to have a decent gallop right-handed… once again, he went very well.” That readiness follows an enforced break. Red Sea failed to fire in two Melbourne runs as a 3YO before scans revealed a fractured rib. “We couldn’t work out why he wasn’t extending in his races at Moonee Valley and Sandown,” Plumptre recalled. “We got him home and did a complete scan and found the fractured rib… it took four months for him to recover.” With the injury behind him, the focus is now on letting him acclimatise. “I’m tipping that Jamie will feel his way and if he’s racing around Christmas time that would be good, but more likely toward the end of January.” From the same family as Group 3 winner Egyptian Symbol and Gr1 Railway heroine Our Egyptian Raine, Red Sea carries a pedigree of substance. “If he’s competitive in Class 3 and can maybe get to Class 2, then that will be an important step,” Plumptre added. “We’re confident we’ve got the right horse; it’s just a question of him acclimatising.”
Red Sea will continue his career in Hong Kong (pic: Kenton Wright Race Images)
NEWARC Appoints Interim Chief Executive
Wednesday, 17th September 2025
Leadership change has swept through the Australian Turf Club, with a familiar figure stepping in as interim CEO following the departure of Matt Galanos, reports racenet.com.au. The move comes amid weeks of speculation and signals a pivotal juncture for Sydney’s principal race club as it prepares for the spring carnival. Galanos’ twelve-year tenure included a decade as CFO before assuming the top job in 2022. His sudden departure, after a fortnight on sick leave, follows persistent whispers within racing circles about a shift at the helm. The Club’s board acted decisively, installing corporate affairs and government relations head Steve McMahon as interim leader. Chairman Tim Hale confirmed the decision aimed to bring members and the racing community closer to the heart of governance. “Our members and the great sport of thoroughbred racing are at the heart of the Australian Turf Club,” he said. “We are committed to building stronger connections, being more transparent, and creating new ways for our members to help shape the future of their Club.” Hale also acknowledged Galanos’ contribution through difficult periods, noting, “We wish him nothing but the best for the future.” This latest development continues a turbulent few months at the ATC. In July, Hale succeeded Peter McGauran as chairman after the board’s controversial proposal to sell Rosehill Gardens fell through. McMahon’s elevation has been broadly welcomed across the industry. NSW Trainers’ Association Chairman Richard Pegum endorsed the appointment, citing McMahon’s “deep understanding of the challenges facing trainers and the industry more broadly.” Pegum pointed to his prior leadership of the NSWTA and more recent work with the ATC as placing him in a unique position to strengthen ties between key stakeholders. “It is very important to have a person of Steve's calibre at the helm as we head into a very important spring carnival.” McMahon’s resume includes a pivotal role in rebuilding the fractured relationship between Sydney’s training ranks and race club administration during his NSWTA tenure. That background could prove especially valuable in the weeks ahead, with pressure mounting over proposed increases in stabling rents at Randwick, Rosehill and Warwick Farm. Trainers are pushing back against the planned 10 per cent rise due to come into effect on October 1, and many believe the interim CEO’s diplomatic skillset will be tested early. For now, however, the focus remains on restoring confidence and clarity at a time when the Club’s direction, and its stewardship of Sydney racing, faces renewed scrutiny.
Capacity Field for Canterbury Opener
Wednesday, 17th September 2025
With a maximum 12 runners to face the starter in the first race on Wednesday at Canterbury in the Drinkwise Plate (1100m), there will surely be some disappointed connections on race day with a further six emergencies all chasing a start. The C J Waller-trained Surf's Up (Flying Artie-Palmateer, by Fastnet Rock) has drawn wide in 17, but will come in a few barriers after the race morning scratchings and off the back of her outstanding last start second behind Kris Lees' exciting filly Cantiamo (Too Darn Hot), the Ingham family-bred and raced runner is clearly a leading chance. With Zac Lloyd set to partner the filly, Waller only has one other in the race with sixth emergency Pictor (Written Tycoon-Be My Star, by Zoustar), who has also accepted for the second race of the day, with James McDonald set to ride the Yulong bred and raced colt wherever he may start. While he hasn't lived up to his pedigree just yet, the Joe Pride-trained Chicama (Written Tycoon-The Broken Shore, by Hussonet) – see below as a yearling – comes into Wednesday's race off a spell followed by two handy trial performances. Purchased for $1.35m from the draft of Arrowfield Stud, the colt is a half-bother to multiple Group 1 winner and Champion 3YO Filly Shoals (Fastnet Rock) and to the Listed winner Groundswell (Fastnet Rock), being out of a winning Hussonet half-sister to Champion sire Redoute's Choice. Another on pedigree who looks capable of playing a role is the half-brother to Gr1 Oakleigh Plate winner Mrs Onassis (General Nediym). Third on debut recently at Wyong, the Kristen Buchannan-trained Hard Jakka (All Too Hard-Miss Jakeo, by Unbridled's Song) comes to town for his second start which may be a lead in to his chances.
Numbers On Waller's Side at Canterbury
Wednesday, 17th September 2025
Like the first race on the card, the second has also assembled a large field with another dozen set to jump away when the starter pushes the button in the TAB Handicap (1250m). The sixth emergency in the opening race, and guaranteed a start here, the C J Waller trained Pictor (Written Tycoon-Be My Star, by Zoustar) comes into the race having had just the one start. Second behind the fellow Yulong-owned Grand Prairie (Written Tycoon), with that colt going on to win the Gr3 Up And Coming Stakes three starts later, Pictor has drawn well in barrier 6 and with Champion jockey James McDonald in the saddle the colt will surely start one of the favourites. With Waller accepting with eight of the 18 runners, another from the stable who appears a chance on paper is top weight Sarapo (GB) (Frankel-Edith Piaf, by Le Havre). Secured from the draft of Ridgmont at the Magic Millions yearling sale for $750,000, the colt is out of a half-sister to the former Godolphin raced Gr2 Theo Marks Stakes winner Home Of The Brave (Starspangledbanner).With two starts under his belt, having finished second on debut before appearing not to handle the heavy track when sixth second up, the 3YO colt has had both of his jumpouts this time in down the Flemington straight, surely to try and educate him a little better with some travel. When last seen on race day, Waller's Chatterley (Snitzel-Forbidden, by General Nediym) was second during the Brisbane winter carnival at Listed level and with a last start barrier trial second, the Star Thoroughbreds-raced filly is sure to acquit herself well, especially with connections having nominated her for both the Gr1 Flight Stakes and the Gr1 Thousand Guineas.
Hewitson Hoping to Parlay Winning Momentum
Wednesday, 17th September 2025
Fresh from booting home his first winner since returning from injury, Lyle Hewitson has three solid chances to build momentum at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, headlined by a reunion with Steps Ahead in the Class Two Shek O Handicap (1650m). According to scmp.com's report, it was Metro Power who delivered the confidence boost at Sha Tin on Sunday, romping home over 1000m in slick time, but Hewitson now turns his attention to the midweek circuit with optimism. Aboard Francis Lui's consistent gelding for the final two legs of the four-year-old series last season, Hewitson steered Steps Ahead to a closing fifth in the Classic Cup and a not-far-beaten ninth in the Hong Kong Derby. He returned to the saddle for the gelding's next start when a narrow runner-up to Californiatotality, whom he faces again midweek. "It's good to be able to get back on him. It was sort of a late pickup, but he's a solid ride," Hewitson said. "He's got a slightly awkward draw [in barrier nine], but he's a horse that sort of puts himself in the race and he was solid the whole of last season. During the four-year-old series I had suggested he's a horse that probably wants the blinkers and also might want Happy Valley. Unfortunately, I wasn't on him the time he went to the Valley with the blinkers on, but he sure enjoyed them [when a close second to Hong Lok Golf]. He ran well, so there's no reason he can't continue that and after his gallop [on Monday morning], he actually seemed to be in a fairly decent vein of fitness." Hewitson's other two engagements include the promising King Lotus, who resumes in the Class Four Middle Bay Handicap (1200m), and last-start runner-up Exceed The Wish in the Class Five Stanley Gap Handicap (1000m). "King Lotus is a horse that could probably get a few points this season," he said. "He surprised us to win so soon over 1200m – we always thought he was going to want 1400m to a mile to go and win. His gallop was great [on Monday morning] and it would be nice to be able to lob midfield and I think he could finish with a wet sail again." After multiple surgeries on his ankle and wrist following a nasty fall in June, Hewitson said he's being cautious but is physically ready. "I still tape the wrist up, half from a mental perspective and then just for a bit of support," he said. "It gives me no issues while riding and using it, but I've just got to look after it to make sure I get it back to full range of movement."
Godolphin Tempted by 3YOs for Everest Slot
Wednesday, 17th September 2025
Sydney’s Gr2 Run To The Rose – the precursor to the Gr1 Golden Rose – is rarely short on theatre, but Saturday’s edition served up a twist few saw coming: a pair of Godolphin runners fighting out the finish, neither of them trained by James Cummings nor the Freedmans. Instead, the honours belonged to Ciaron Maher’s progressive 3YO Street Boss filly Tempted, who delivered a commanding performance to beat 3YO Bivouac colt Beiwacht, her former stablemate, now with Chris Waller. Already proven at the top level as a Gr1 Golden Slipper placegetter and winner of the Gr2 Reisling and Gr3 Percy Sykes, Tempted has clearly returned in devastating order. Her latest victory over Beiwacht, himself a Gr2 Silver Slipper winner, has thrust both into The Everest conversation, particularly as Godolphin’s Australian chief Andy Makiv weighs up its options for its valuable slot, reports racenet.com.au. While a colt like Beiwacht offers long-term stallion potential, Tempted may present the stronger short-term winning case, a key consideration for an enterprise with both prestige and return on the line. That may well translate into Beiwacht being benched for The Everest and instead being focussed on winning the stallion-making Golden Rose. Weight-for-age ratings guru Daniel O’Sullivan added fuel to the fire. Speaking to racing.com, he framed Tempted’s 104-rated win as one of the year’s benchmark efforts. “Raging Force set a strong tempo through the early and middle stages, and Tempted’s ability to sprint quickly off that pace between the 400m and 100m showed serious talent,” he explained. Horses in front lacked the quality to sustain that early burn, while those behind couldn’t match the filly’s closing turn of foot. Only Joliestar has rated higher in 2025 among Australian sprinters, returning 105 when winning the Newmarket. Even that margin is narrow, with Briasa’s TJ Smith rating at 103.8 and Private Harry’s Galaxy coming in at 102.3. Beiwacht’s Run To The Rose effort earned him a meritorious 100.3 rating. In that context, Tempted’s effort stands tall among open-age company, suggesting he may not be quite at her level for now. Whether Godolphin’s blue colours line up behind the Street Boss filly or the Bivouac colt in next month’s $20 million Everest remains to be seen – but the argument is suddenly looking very real for either to be considered.
Plethora of Options for Al Riffa and Vauban
Wednesday, 17th September 2025
Ambitions for a Flemington assault obviously took a sharp turn upward following Al Riffa’s emphatic Irish St Leger triumph over the weekend, with Australian Bloodstock eyeing a possible tilt at the Lexus Melbourne Cup. However, that may now also include and perhaps even Dubai and Royal Ascot beyond. Trained by Joseph O’Brien and piloted by Dylan Brown McMonagle, the five-year-old powered away from the three-year-old Amiloc at the Curragh to score by four lengths in dominant fashion, according to sportinglife.com. Already a Curragh Cup winner at the same trip, Al Riffa has proven twice now he’s adept beyond a mile and a half. If successful in gaining a start, he could yet deliver O’Brien a third win in Australia’s greatest race, following Rekindling and Twilight Payment. Speaking on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, Australian Bloodstock director Jamie Lovett outlined the scope of their vision. “He’s now been out twice past a mile and a half and he couldn’t have been more impressive. He gives a great deal of confidence that he’ll stay the trip and class will carry him a long way.” With owners based in Dubai and Europe, plans could expand beyond Flemington: “We might find ourselves at Dubai World Cup night and then onto Royal Ascot in a perfect world. You need a very special horse if you’re going to aim that high.” Lovett was equally taken by Al Riffa’s demeanour. “There was a fair bit happening there prior to the race – the wind was blowing, there was a good crowd – and he was so relaxed in the parade. You need that temperament on Melbourne Cup day.” That composure translated into a smooth run and explosive finish. “They probably over-did it in front but he relaxed the whole way. When he put the handlebars down he found another gear. One thing we know about the Cup: you need a fast stayer, and he certainly ticks that box with his change-up speed.” Australian Bloodstock’s other Cup hopeful, Vauban, has already twice contested the race without success for previous connections but now continues his path under Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. His recent third placing in a high-level mile race suggests he’s beginning to turn the corner. “He appears to be a different horse,” Lovett observed. “We’re fortunate in Australia – there are plenty of races he can run in. He’s better for the time here. His demeanour has improved. He’ll step up to 2000m this Saturday and then one more run before the Caulfield Cup.” While Melbourne remains the dream, the Caulfield Cup may prove the right fit. “They generally don’t have three goes and win a Melbourne Cup,” Lovett said. “But topweights have a good record in Caulfield Cups.”
Adelaide Connections Planning Border Raids
Wednesday, 17th September 2025
An eye-catching return at Morphettville on Saturday has put progressive South Australian sprinter Watchme Win (Harry Angel) firmly on a Melbourne spring trajectory – one where he may well have company from fellow South Australian-based horses. The five-year-old produced a slick finishing burst to land the Listed W H Wylie Handicap (1100m), improving his record to six wins from 13 starts with a decisive 0.76-length margin over quality gallopers Fancify and Aviatress. Andrew Gluyas, who prepares the gelding, hinted the stable had its sights set higher. “We saw this as a bit of a starting point to the spring,” he said. “It sets the pathway now. It’s exciting for all connections.” The victory also formed the first leg of a late double for jockey Jason Holder, who later partnered Darknconfidential to an overdue breakthrough in the card closer. Across at Murray Bridge, trainer Gary Boyce is also dreaming bigger after Anthracite made it three on the bounce with another determined display. Having led for the first time in his career, the gelding defied his short quote and held on strongly, prompting Boyce to earmark the Listed John Letts Cup on Melbourne Cup Day. “When they’re a short price, you’re always expecting a result,” he said. “It’s good to see him lead and still be able to kick. I’ve wanted to see him in a dog fight for a while – he’s got more to give once he’s put under pressure.” Boyce confirmed a likely mile run in five weeks’ time before the Cup target. Meanwhile, lightly raced filly Snow Mercy added to the cross-border buzz by backing up her strong debut with a stylish win for the Stokes stable and Jacob Opperman. It sealed a training double and reinforced her credentials as a filly on the rise. “We’ve always had a big opinion of this filly,” Tommy Stokes said. “To do what she did first-up off one jump-out was massive. She’s all class and she’ll go on to bigger and better things.”
Keeneland September Surges Beyond 2024
Wednesday, 17th September 2025
Not finishing until next Saturday, the remarkable momentum at Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale continued over the weekend, with 1,305 horses changing hands for a combined US$434,982,000 by the end of the sixth session. According to bloodhorse.com, that figurew hich includes private sales, has already eclipsed last year’s total gross of US$428,097,000 from all 12 sessions. On Sunday, the average was sitting at US$333,320 and the median at US$240,000 – figures that underline the sustained strength and depth of the current market. A total of 66 yearlings had fetched seven-figure sums, a significant rise on the 36 recorded at the same stage last year. Book 3 wrapped with 282 horses sold for US$49,451,500, averaging US$175,360. Tony Lacy, Keeneland’s vice president of sales, who described packed grounds and lively bidding as signs of confidence in the broader bloodstock economy, added that it was “gratifying” to see the money reinvested in the infrastructure, people and future of the sport. Among those watching closely was Jacob West, who said, “I'm just happy, in general, for the breeders… when they raise a good horse, they deserve to get paid.” It was West who signed at US$875,000 for Hip 1762, a colt by Not This Time on behalf of Repole Stable and St. Elias Stables. The youngster stood out in a crowded Book 3, consigned by Taylor Made Sales as agent for Summer Wind Equine, and backed by a female family few can match. Bred from the unraced Candy Ride mare Sweetened, the colt is a half-brother to 2023 Rebel Stakes winner Confidence Game. That colt also placed in the Lecomte Stakes and contested the Kentucky Derby, retiring with over US$800,000 in earnings. Their dam, Eblouissante, was a two-time winner herself and brought US$2.1 million at auction before later changing hands for around US$1.4 million in Europe. Yet it’s her own pedigree that elevates this story – the Bernardini mare is a half-sister to Zenyatta, the US Hall of Famer whose presence looms large through the dam Vertigineux. The family also includes G1 winner Balance and the dam of dual G2 winner She’s Not Here. "You circle Zenyatta and just move on," West noted when assessing the female side of the colt’s pedigree. Not This Time, the sire, is another key pillar – leading all stallions at the sale with 53 yearlings sold for nearly US$38 million to date. The colt is the second high-profile buy this sale for Repole and Viola, who also went to US$1 million for a Nyquist colt in Book 1. “We hope he’s the next Up to the Mark,” West added, referencing the multiple Gr1 winner the pair campaigned last year. Another Not This Time colt, Hip 1619, sold for US$775,000 to Bradley Thoroughbreds, while the top filly of the session, a Bolt d’Oro Virginia-bred, made US$600,000 to Susan Naylor.
Miss Starlight Flags 1000 Guineas Potential
Wednesday, 17th September 2025
Riccarton played host to a breakout performance on Saturday as the NZB Southern Filly of the Year Series kicked off with the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m), a race that signalled the arrival of a compelling new force in South Island three-year-old ranks. Facing turf for the first time and a sharp rise in competition, Miss Starlight delivered a front-foot display that left little doubt about her readiness for higher honours, according to sales company New Zealand Bloodstock. Bred, owned and trained by John and Karen Parsons, the Sweynesse filly had gone unbeaten in two synthetic-track starts leading into the $80,000 feature but was asked to step up significantly in a field that included proven stakes performers. From a wide position tracking the early pace of Spark, jockey Tina Comignaghi waited until the bend before releasing the handbrake. The response was emphatic. Surging clear at the top of the straight, Miss Starlight left Bona Sforza and Intention chasing shadows as she surged to victory by a length and three-quarters. “She is a very special filly and today she stepped up,” Comignaghi said. “She has never had to go on the grass or had much competition before this, but she proved she is a really special horse. I didn’t know what she was going to do out of the gates today – she jumped well in one of her previous starts, and in the other one she didn’t. But she was going well today and I pushed forward. I had a handful of horse coming into the straight and I thought I had a chance, but I didn’t know she was going to do that. She’s a very exciting filly for the rest of the spring.” Already sitting atop the NZB Southern Filly of the Year leaderboard with 7 points, Miss Starlight has banked $75,645 from just three starts and may yet add a fourth win in next month’s Group One New Zealand 1000 Guineas. Her dam Firelight has now produced six winners from eight foals to race, including full-sister On File, who also saluted for the Parsons stable on the same Riccarton program. With proven closing speed, a versatile racing style and obvious upside, Miss Starlight looms as one of the more intriguing contenders heading into the southern spring classics.
True Fiction Highlights His Potential
Wednesday, 17th September 2025
A flashing late burst at Northam on Sunday served as a timely reminder of the potential True Fiction hinted at last season, the now 3YO returning to the track with a storming maiden win in the AFGRI Equipment Maiden (1000m), accordingto tbwa.net.au. Despite a sluggish start and trailing by 6-lengths into the straight, he produced a withering run down the centre of the track to nail the well-backed Beyond The Wall, with Celebrity Angel weaving through late along the rail for second. Trained at Serpentine by David Harrison, True Fiction was picked up from the Perth Magic Millions for $50,000 by a syndicate involving breeder-vendors Darling View Thoroughbreds, who kept a share in the Gingerbread Man gelding. His two-year-old campaign was respectable without fireworks – finishing fourth behind Odinaka in the $150,000 Westspeed Platinum Plate at Ascot and midfield in the RL Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic at Pinjarra. Sunday’s effort, however, showed sharp progression. “He has a fair deal of ability and if he’s good enough to win in town on Saturdays, we’ll look at some of the 3YO features at Ascot,” declared Darling View’s Brent Atwell. “Dropping back to 1000 metres second-up, it was a very good win. It meant a lot to several clients and friends who are first-time owners.” The gelding was well-supported, firming from $8.50 to $4.20, but punters would have been sweating when Luke Fernie’s Beyond The Wall skipped clear turning for home. True Fiction is the first winner from Mystic Maid, a Patronize mare who finished runner-up in both the Gr2 Karrakatta Plate and Gr3 Gimcrack Stakes. Her current yearling filly by Gingerbread Man is bound for the 2026 Perth Magic Millions, while she’s also due to foal to Winning Rupert this spring. Gingerbread Man is off to a flyer this season, with Phanta claiming Listed wins in the Idyllic Prince Stakes and Belmont Newmarket, and Ginger Baker a Coolgardie Cup winner with the LR Boulder Cup on his radar. Yarradale Stud stands Gingerbread Man alongside Shooting To Win, with both stallions offered at $5,500 this season.
