A winner of his past two starts, both at Listed level, the Mark Currie trained Tavs (Dundeel-Quattro Foglie, by Beneteau) has arguably never been in better form, and even when you go back a few runs and see he finished fourth in the Listed Spear Chief Handicap it worth nothing that the winner Transatlantic (Snitzel) went on to record Gr1 success during the Melbourne Spring carnival while the second placed Desert Lightning (Pride Of Dubai) also headed to Melbourne and produced some outstanding performances at black type level. While he will have to overcome dropping back from the 1400m last start to the 1200m of Saturday's race, it has been eight weeks since his last run so in essence it is almost like he is racing fresh and having drawn fairly well in barrier 10, the Justin Huxtable ridden gelding looks a quality chance of going three straight this time in. Ciaron Maher's Epic Proportions (Better Than Ready-Commanding Epic, by Commands) cleared out last time to defeated Midnight In Tokyo (Kobayashi) by a length and a quarter at Listed level, and last Saturday, that runner up then went on to record her own Listed victory, pulling clear to win by a length and three quarters. Down in the weights, Tony Gollan's Pereille (Fastnet Rock-Montsegur, by New Approach) will be having just his third start for the stable after being purchased off Godolphin by Australian Bloodstock. A winner over 1200m in August, the gelding then resumed recently with a solid third and looks set to improve even further second up on Saturday.
Gollan Dominates Mode Stakes Acceptances
Friday, 5th December 2025
In the field of 14 acceptances for the Listed $160,000 Mode Stakes (1200m) at Doomben on Saturday, local Champion Trainer Tony Gollan has accepted with five contenders, all of which come into the race with some sort of chance. While it has been a few years since the stable has won the race, there was a period where three in a row were won by Isotope, Sugar Boom and Outback Barbie, and interestingly one of Gollan's chance is Outback Barbie's first foal Hi Barbie (I Am Invincible-Outback Barbie, by Spirit of Boom), a winner on this meeting 12 months back in the Listed Phelan Ready Stakes. If you ignore the last start effort of Gollan's Impervious (Farnan-Northern River, by Ad Valorem) then the record of the Strong Bloodstock raced filly speaks for itself, never out of the top three in her first seven starts including a win over the track and distance of Saturday's race. With stablemates Forgotten Spirit (Spirit of Boom-Never Forget, by Westerner) and Foreign Press (Invader-Writer's Block, by Written Tycoon) having finished second and third respectively last start over 1000m at the Susdine Coast, the pair will both benefit from the step up in trip come Saturday.
Which Juvenile is Phelan Ready To Win
Friday, 5th December 2025
With seven of Saturday's 12 final acceptances having already faced the starter on race day, Tony Gollan's runner-up Ichintogo (Sun City-Itchintowin, by Nothing to Lose) will surely have benefitted with that run under his belt and with Ryan Maloney set to partner the 2yo gelding, it would not surprise to see him start the favourite once again. The second foal out of the Gr2-winning half-sister to Gr1 winner Hay List, C J Waller's Snitska (Snitzel-Miss Siska, by So You Think) comes into the race on debut, having finished fourth in a recent barrier. With Tommy Berry aboard the Arrowfield Stud yearling graduate, the pair have drawn barrier four, and being a Magic Millions yearling purchase, it would be no surprise to see this colt try and progress towards the lucrative race day in January. Drawn ideally in gate 3, the Kris Lees trained Bollente Bella (Too Darn Hot-Trapani, by Shamardal) comes into the race off two nice trials, winning her most recent one at Gosford. While her pedigree suggest she might need more time and ground, it would not surprise to see her perform well here on debut. One pedigree alone, it's hard to go past Kelly Schweida's Fair Shake (Home Affairs-Srikandi, by Dubawi). With both his sire and dam being high-quality, dual Gr1 winners on the track, this colt was purchased from the Magic Millions draft of Bhima for just $80,000 and while he performed only fairly in his recent trial, this colt is surely a must watch.
Hay List (pictured) is closely related to Snitska (pic: Steve Hart)
Captain Looks in Command of Towton Cup
Friday, 5th December 2025
Breaking his black type maiden two starts back when winning the Listed Luckygray Stakes (1800m) before a narrow second last time out in the Listed AJ Scahill Cup (2100m) as the favourite behind Simply (Domesday-Canny Lassie, by Canny Lad) who he will also meet here, the Grant and Alana Williams trained Captain Pluto (NZ) (Savabeel-Miss Bernardini, by Bernardini) looks as if the 2200m of Saturday's G.A. Towton Cup will suit him. Although he does go up 1kg and has been allocated barrier 13 of 15, ace jockey William Pike sticks strong with the New Zealand bred gelding. Stablemate Simply can't be discounted either, considering he went down narrowly two starts back over 2200m, and with three prior wins over the trip, the 4yo looks capable of causing a boilover once again. An interesting runner who is only having his third local start is the former Godolphin raced Lavalier (Microphone-Accessories, by Singspiel). While having only managed one win from 15 starts, the 4yo gelding did finished third in the Gr1 South Australian Derby (2500m) and fourth in the Gr1 Queensland Derby (2400m) suggesting he has staying potential. Backing up from last Saturday, the Nevile Parnham trained runner should not be discounted.
Roaring Lion Geldings to Battle at Ballarat
Friday, 5th December 2025
As they did in this year's Listed Kirin Ichiban Plate (1800m) during the Melbourne Cup carnival, grey geldings Kingswood (GB) (Roaring Lion-All At Sea, by Sea The Stars) and Saint George (GB) (Roaring Lion-Lady Dragon, by Galileo) look capable of battling out Saturday's $500,000 Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m). With the pair bred on a very similar cross, being out of daughters of the half-brothers See The Stars (Cape Cross) and Galileo (Sadler's Wells), the Gavin Bedggood trained Kingswood was down to race in last Saturday's Gr3 Eclipse Stakes (1800m) but was withdrawn on race morning due to the expectation of the track becoming wet. Eventually won by his stablemate Casino Seventeen (Casino Prince-Tikal, by Denman), who will also race here, Kingswood has drawn barrier 6 with John Allen in the saddle. With second in the Listed Seymour Cup (1600m) followed by second in the Listed Kirin Ichiban Plate (1800m), the step up to 2000m on Saturday will suit the Ciaron Maher trained gelding, especially with the fact that he has not won below 2250m in the past. With Craig Williams in the saddle, the leading jockey will need to overcome the outside barrier of 15, but Saint George has often settled back in the past so it may not cause to much of an issue. Won last year by the Dan O'Sullivan trained Berkeley Square (Territories-Bahamas, by Teofilo), the 6YO gelding is back this year in an attempt to go record consecutive wins in the race.
Roaring Lion has two key runners at Ballarat (pic: Cambridge Stud)
Fownes Double Closes Gap On Newnham
Friday, 5th December 2025
Four time Champion Hong Kong Trainer Caspar Fownes is now only three wins behind Trainer's Premiership leader Mark Newnham after a double on Wednesday night at Happy Valley, reported racenet.com.au. Vincent Ho rode Perfect General (Zoustar-Honey Rider, by Pins) to victory. "He's been off for a long time so it was great for him to do that first-up. We certainly weren't helped by the draw (barrier 11) when it came out but he's a nice horse and we just decided to push on and make our own luck," Fownes said. "The key now is that they pull up well – if they do then you know you've got a very good horse moving forward. I believe he's got what it takes to compete in the higher classes." He was purchased from Widden Stud's Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale for $340,000 by the Hong Kong Jockey Club who onsold him at their International Sale for HK$3.2 million. Fownes other winner came when Ellis Wong rode Joy Of Spring (Deep Field-Certitude, by Not A Single Doubt). Trainer Brett Crawford also scored a double in his first season in the region with Ninja Derby (Ocean Park-Pastrana, by Fastnet Rock) and Genius Baby (Too Darn Hot-Planet Rock, by Fastnet Rock). "It's just nice to see that when the horses trial well, that they've been running well. There's very few horses at the moment that have had me scratching my head, so long may that continue. Today, he (Ninja Derby) was given a good ride. He broke well, (Hewitson) put him in a great position, dictated the race and skipped at the right time – well done to him," Crawford said. "With him going up in points now, he's proven that he can be competitive in Class 4 off bottom weight. I'm sure there is no reason why he can't improve again. I think I will bring him back to the mile now."
Vale Bill Gibbins
Friday, 5th December 2025
Racing Victoria has paid tribute to Bill Gibbins, who died on Wednesday aged 77, reported punters.com.au. He conceptualised the Jericho Cup and helped fund it. "Universally loved and highly respected, Bill's contribution to both racing and the community cannot be understated," RV chief executive Aaron Morrison said. "Thanks to Bill's vision and passion, we now run Australia's longest flat race, the Jericho Cup, a recognised and much-anticipated event on the annual racing calendar. Bill contributed over $1m of his own money to fund the first four Jericho Cups because that was exactly the type of person he was – he stood up for what he believed in. He was passionate about Australia and its heritage and recognised the importance of remembering our service men and women, something that I'd like to personally acknowledge and respect." Gibbins founded a transport company that he sold to Linfox in 2006. He was awarded Member of the Order of Australia in 2021 for significant service to horse racing and to people with disability, often donating strongly to Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia and Wheelchairs for Kids. In 2007, he purchased the building in Albert Park which housed the Rats of Tobruk, one of Australia's most illustrious military engagements. The organisation had held meetings in the building for more than 50 years but could no longer afford to stay. At the time, Gibbins said, "I thought I'd buy it and let you keep it going, because we owe you a debt that can't possibly be repaid."
Sharrock Pleased by Soft Trentham Track
Friday, 5th December 2025
A stiffer line-up and a likely rain-affected track have Allan Sharrock running the numbers again ahead of Saturday’s Gr1 TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m), where Ladies Man is out to replicate his winning feat from 12 months ago. The seasoned gelding surged late to defeat La Crique in last year’s renewal and arrives via the same springboard – a fourth in the Gr2 Gartshore Construction Tauranga Stakes. It’s a run Sharrock rated passable, but he’s seen improvement since. “He was good at Tauranga, I gave him a pass mark for that, but more importantly he’s gone the right way since, his work on Tuesday was very good,” he said following Wednesday’s release of the final field. While experience is on Ladies Man’s side, Sharrock knows this edition won’t be easily won, with the presence of star mares Legarto and La Crique, plus the in-form Waitak, adding depth and danger. “It’s probably a stronger field this year, what with Waitak at the top of his form, La Crique there again and with that other very good mare Legarto as well, so it’s not going to be easy.” Wellington’s recent weather, however, may play into his favour. “In our favour is the weather they’ve had in Wellington this week; I think a bit of precipitation and with the track currently rated Heavy8, that could swing things our way.” Waitak, Legarto and La Crique dominate the market at $3.30, $3.60 and $4.50 respectively, with Ladies Man sharing the next line at $8.50 with Captured By Love. Provence is quoted at $11. Captured By Love will be ridden by Opie Bosson, while Rory Hutchings, back from Australia for the summer, takes the Ladies Man reins. “I’m very happy to have Rory on… after all he’s a redhead like me,” Sharrock quipped. Whatever the result, the quality on offer suggests this may be one of the best Group 1 races in New Zealand this year.
Waitak appears the one to beat (pic: Race Images Kenton Wright)
Patonga Purchased by Hong Kong Connections
Friday, 5th December 2025
An emerging son of Written Tycoon found himself at the top of the leaderboard in today’s Inglis Digital December (Early) Online Sale, with Patonga selling to Hong Kong interests for $255,000. The 3YO colt, previously trained by Chris Waller, was offered through Coolmore and secured by the Jolly Time Syndicate. Lightly raced but already showing talent, Patonga, named after a charming village on Sydney’s Central Coast, posted a win and a runner-up finish from just three starts in Australia. Coolmore’s Racing Manager John Kennedy was optimistic about his future abroad. “Patonga is yet another talented young horse with considerable upside that we have offered through Inglis Digital. We wish his new owners the very best of luck with him and we hope he can emulate the likes of Imperial Force, Caballus and Zarastro as former success stories for Coolmore’s Inglis Digital offerings.” The Jolly Time Syndicate, active buyers in the region, confirmed the purchase was made for syndicate permit purposes. “This is for the syndicate permit in Hong Kong and we look forward to seeing how he settles into Hong Kong, although we haven’t decided on a trainer yet,” a spokesperson explained. “I’m really happy with the Inglis Digital platform, there’s frequently Hong Kong-qualified horses to choose from so that makes each catalogue a ‘can’t miss’ for us.” Among the other highlights was 4YO mare Celestial Bling, who fetched $220,000. Offered by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott on behalf of her connections, she was snapped up by Nocab Racing in partnership with Bruce Slade’s Kestrel Thoroughbreds. Steve Bacon of Nocab confirmed the mare will head to Newgate Farm for her first season at stud. “At this stage we’re looking at Extreme Choice or Farnan for her first cover but we’ve got plenty of time up our sleeve to make that decision,” he said. Bacon also cited her debut run as a key reason behind the purchase. “You only need to look at her debut performance in the Gimcrack Stakes where she got bobbed out by Manaal and cruised past Lady Of Camelot to see she had so much ability. She was a quality yearling so from a broodmare perspective we think she has a lot to offer.” Bott shared the sentiment. “Celestial Bling had so much ability as a race filly... she is a high-quality breeding prospect and the Bacon family have bought themselves an outstanding young broodmare. Inglis Digital reported 125 lots have now exceeded $100,000 on the platform this year. Gross receipts for the December (Early) Online Sale hit $2,884,600.
Flourising Finish to Tattersalls December Sale
Friday, 5th December 2025
A record-setting finale brought Europe’s flagship breeding stock sale to a close, as Tuesday’s session reached new auction heights with desert spring topping the day at 220,000 guineas. Eleven lots broke the million-guinea barrier, equalling the record for any Tattersalls session, while turnover exceeded 82.3 million guineas – just shy of last year’s unprecedented high. The momentum was driven in part by the now-established ‘Sceptre Sessions’, which once again delivered fireworks. Headliners included Group 1 winners Barnavara and Porta Fortuna, sold for 4.8 million and 4.5 million guineas respectively – the highest global prices for fillies in training so far in 2025. The latter also marked a strong return to Newmarket for Taylor Made Sales Agency, reinforcing the global pull of the sale. Buyers from over 20 nations, including Japan, France, Turkey and the USA, reinforced its international appeal. Desert Spring had seen her profile lifted with a pair of updates post-catalogue, drawing deep competition ringside. Among those who circled were Will Douglass, Joe Miller, Stuart Boman and underbidder Tom Pritchard-Gordon, but it was Alex Elliott who had the final say at 220,000 guineas. Offered by Castlebridge on behalf of Denford Stud, the daughter of Oasis Dream had bolted up by 12 lengths at the end of October for John and Thady Gosden, before a solid effort in the Listed River Eden EBF Fillies’ Stakes earned her a Timeform 97p rating. “She has been bought for a partnership, we are going to send her to be trained by Mario Baratti in France,” said Elliott. “She ran in a stakes race last time, she is a winner and bits have happened since she was catalogued.” Plans are already forming. “We will try and make her a stakes winner and bring her back to the market then. She stays well and she is a lovely physical, she is a great mover and hopefully with some stakes form should be worth more money this time next year!” Her pedigree sparkles. Out of Fly The Flag, a half-sister to Denford’s Group 1 mare Coronet, Desert Spring also traces back to the Alruccaba dynasty, producer of Alpinista, Jude and other luminaries. Also catching the eye was Star Spirit, knocked down to Melchior Bloodstock for 82,000 guineas. Already dam of a Listed winner since catalogue print, she boasts Deep Impact as her sire and descends from French Oaks heroine Star of Seville. The family angle deepened with Ashky, sold by Norris Bloodstock for 78,000 guineas to Conor Norris – stepson of the consignor. The six-year-old mare, in foal to Darley's Triple Time, completed a festive session of standout pedigrees and robust international demand.
