Excitement was palpable at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning as one of Hong Kong’s greatest partnerships reunited, with James McDonald climbing aboard Romantic Warrior for his first serious hit-out since the champion galloper’s injury lay-off. The nine-time Group 1-winning duo wasted no time recapturing rhythm, and McDonald left the track glowing after the gallop alongside stablemate Romantic Thor. Now in Hong Kong to begin another stint of riding, McDonald will be at Happy Valley on Wednesday before turning his full attention to Romantic Warrior’s long-awaited comeback in the Group 2 Jockey Club Cup (2000m) on November 23. It will be the gelding’s first start since fetlock surgery in May, with trainer Danny Shum targeting an unprecedented fourth consecutive Hong Kong Cup triumph in December. “I jumped out of bed pretty quickly this morning, that’s for sure,” McDonald told scmp.com. “He was my first ride of the morning and he just looks phenomenal. He’s prepping up nicely. Danny’s really happy with him, and that’s the main thing. He’s working every bit as good as he was in March, and he’s had a nice, slow build-up with a long break that he seems to have really enjoyed.” The champion jockey smiled at the thought of making more history next month. “A fourth Hong Kong Cup would be good, that would be for sure. It’s going to be something special to be a part of, with the build-up we’ve had.” While the Shum star will headline McDonald’s Hong Kong book, the November 23 fixture offers several enticing rides. He has picked up Galaxy Patch for the Group 2 Jockey Club Mile and Fast Network for the Group 2 Jockey Club Sprint (1200m), both regarded as key lead-ups to next month’s Hong Kong International Races. “I’ve competed against Galaxy Patch many times and he’s always been the one that’s probably hardest to beat when I’ve been on Romantic or Voyage Bubble,” McDonald said. “He’s a good horse. I’ve always wanted to jump on his back and I finally get the opportunity.” He also reunites with Fast Network, whom he steered to victory in March for trainer Dennis Yip. McDonald’s return to Sha Tin follows a glittering Australian spring highlighted by Via Sistina’s Cox Plate triumph — a ride that reaffirmed his stature among the world’s elite. This week he’ll take six mounts at Happy Valley, including Wrote A New Page and Star Figure, before a pivotal fortnight that could yet define another extraordinary chapter in a career already rich with milestones.
JMac and Romantic Warrior cruise to the line (pic: hkjc.com)
Newnham Remains Cool, Calm and Collected
Wednesday, 12th November 2025
Momentum has temporarily paused but not faltered for Hong Kong's leading trainer as he heads into another busy mid-week meeting, reveals scmp.com. Despite going three fixtures without a winner, Mark Newnham remains upbeat about his team's form as the premiership leader prepares for Happy Valley on Wednesday evening. After a streak of 13 consecutive winning meetings to open the season, a quiet patch has done little to unsettle his confidence. Six of Newnham's runners during that short barren run still finished in the money, underlining his view that consistency remains strong. "We had three thirds at Sha Tin on Sunday – it's clear the horses are still running very well, some may have just hit their ratings," he said. "We just need to rely on some newer horses coming through in the next couple of months to keep us going." His stable has been a regular force on the dirt this season, highlighted by Sing Dragon's stable trifecta on the surface at Sha Tin in early October. The gelding, a five-time local winner on dirt and dual turf winner in Australia, switches to the grass this week for the Class 2 Shing Yip Handicap (1650m). "He's run well on the grass before," Newnham said. "He's obviously more at home on the dirt but we have to run him at some point and this is suitable. Whether he's quite good enough is what we have to answer." Newnham's Happy Valley squad also includes the promising pair Excellence Value and Looks Outstanding, both last-start winners who now step into deeper company. Excellence Value, successful under Zac Purton at his second start this term, lines up in the Class 3 Hing Yip Handicap (1800m). "He's been very consistent and handles this track and trip well," Newnham said. "He trialled really nicely last week and he's in great order. The draw just means he'll have to come from a bit further back and rely on tempo, but that could suit him." Looks Outstanding, who finally broke through with a commanding three-length maiden win, faces a 10-pound penalty in the Class 4 Fat Tseung Handicap (1200m). "That was much more like it," Newnham said. "But you don't often see horses win again at Happy Valley after that kind of [weight] hike." While he'll be absent from the city circuit to attend the New Zealand sales, the trainer's colours will still be prominent through a full mid-week team also featuring Power Koepp, Setanta, Bull Attitude and Happy Boys. It's the type of depth that explains why his five-win buffer atop the standings feels more a pause than a plateau, and with fresh stock filtering through in time to come, Newnham's pursuit of the premium title is certainly merited.
Key Spring Pedigree Updates Bolster NZB's 2YO Sale
Wednesday, 12th November 2025
Spring's showpiece results have sharpened the appeal of this week's NZB Ready to Run Sale at Karaka, with a flurry of pedigree upgrades landing just in time for inspections. Catalogues printed weeks ago now carry fresh black type across several pages, giving buyers new angles on lots whose families have lit up feature races in Australasia and Europe. Such mid-season upgrades matter at a breeze-up auction, where small edges separate closely matched two-year-olds; a winning sibling, a new Group 1 on the page, or a family reaffirmed on grand stages can tilt the room and underpin valuations when bidding reaches the pointy end. The headline update belongs to Lot 248, offered by Barry Donoghue's BMD Bloodstock. The Ace High colt can now be sold as a half-brother to a Group 1 winner after Globe captured the $1 million Might And Power Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on October 11. That success was the first at the elite level for Globe, a Charm Spirit gelding who cost just $22,000 at Karaka in 2020 and has since earned $1.2 million from a 15-start, six-win career. Lot 159 also rides a spring tailwind as a half-brother to Von Hauke, the Savabeel six-year-old who posted a career-best victory in the $400,000 Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley on the Cox Plate undercard on October 25. Another page-turner is Lot 179, a Russian Camelot colt whose family surged in relevance courtesy of Well Written. The Written Tycoon filly, out of the lot's half-sister, only debuted after the catalogue went to press and has not been headed in three starts, most recently unleashing a scintillating turn of foot to land Saturday's $600,000 Gr1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). Buyers seeking Hong Kong form can look to Lot 35, a half-brother to Raging Blizzard, who finished second in last month's Group 2 Premier Bowl (1200m) and Group 3 National Day Cup (1000m). Global lines thread through the book elsewhere. Lot 405 hails from the same family as Daryz, the Sea The Stars three-year-old who vaulted from spring novice to Group 1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (2400m) hero at Longchamp, and the page also links to Group 1 Prix du Cadran (4000m) winner Caballo De Mar and Group 2 Prix du Calvados (1400m) winner My Highness. Closer to home, Lot 137 connects to the purple-patch mare Pride Of Jenni, now a 12-time winner with more than $11.4 million in stakes. Taken together, the updates add fresh momentum to a catalogue already rich in depth and ensure Karaka's breeze-up graduates will command keen attention when bidding begins.
Wells Back in Tassie After 3-Months in Qld
Wednesday, 12th November 2025
A familiar face has rejoined Tasmania’s riding ranks, with apprentice Chloe Wells back in the saddle at home after a three-month stint honing her craft in Queensland. The 21-year-old took limited opportunities up north but returned with a sharper edge, a stronger sense of professionalism, and plenty of gratitude for the lessons learned along the way. “It was a brilliant experience,” she revealed. “I really enjoyed it. I felt like I learned a lot, and I’m a much better rider for it.” Those months, spent adapting to the competitive intensity of the Brisbane circuit, gave Wells a deeper understanding of how hard the game can be. “You don’t really know how hard it is,” she admitted. “It’s a bit of a shock to begin with – they work really hard and it’s very cutthroat.” The experience included about 40 rides across metropolitan and provincial meetings, with opportunities at both Eagle Farm and Doomben giving her a taste of Queensland’s higher tempo. “If there was another chance to go back, I’d jump at it,” she said. “It was tough, but it’s definitely another level up.” Left-handed by nature, Wells found riding clockwise surprisingly enjoyable and didn’t take long to rediscover her rhythm upon returning south. On Melbourne Cup Day, she made a statement with a winning double at Hobart the ideal homecoming after months away. “I wasn’t expecting to ride at that meeting,” she said. “Hobart generally doesn’t give me many rides, but Scott Brunton and Stuart Gandy put me on, and I’m grateful to them.” Those victories took her career tally to 80, officially ending her apprentice claim, and marked another milestone in a career already trending upwards. Queensland had capped an outstanding year for Wells, who spent most of last season locked in a tight title fight with fellow young riders Jackson Radley and Lauryn Bingley. She ultimately finished second to Radley and fourth overall with 43 wins – achievements that underlined her steady rise through the Tasmanian ranks. Now, fresh from her mainland campaign, she finds herself in strong demand again with six rides booked for Wednesday night’s Launceston meeting. Among them is Devonport Cup hopeful Earendel, resuming in the 1400m Class 4 event. “He’s a horse I’ve liked for a long time,” Wells said. “He’s matured a lot this prep and trialled really nicely. If he gets the right run, I think he can win first-up. He’ll roll forward, take luck out of the equation, and with blinkers on, he’s sharp enough to get the job done.”
Nitro Can Take Advantage of Rosehill’s Straight
Wednesday, 12th November 2025
Momentum rather than mileage remains the key for a lightly raced colt aiming to extend an unbeaten start when he steps to Rosehill on Wednesday. After blazing home to win on debut at Warwick Farm, Nitro now faces a new challenge in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1200m), where he will jump from the outside gate in a field reduced to seven. Trainer Peter Snowden knows his charge will again need to use that signature acceleration late but is unperturbed by the draw or the scenario. Snowden, who watched the colt surge home from last in his first start, said tactics would depend on tempo but confirmed Nitro’s task would be to settle and strike late. “If he drew a good gate we’d go forward and be in the first few, but it’s more likely we’ll go back and ride him similar to the other day,” he said. “It’s not a big field, and hopefully he doesn’t get too far back. Get him to the outside and let him brush home – it’s Rosehill with a big, long run home and he can quicken.” That ability was on full display a month ago when he overcame a slow start and looked too inexperienced to feature before unleashing a burst that carried him past seasoned rivals inside the final 100 metres. The journey to that debut win had been long. Nitro first trialled as a juvenile last September but was sidelined after going shin sore, delaying his arrival at the races. “He’s always gone well,” Snowden said. “If you go back to his trial before the Breeders’ Plate, he was slow to begin and got back but rocketed home. It was no surprise to see what he did – we’ve seen it before. He’s a talented horse, and he’s taken it to the races and done it.” While a tilt at the Magic Millions carnival remains under consideration, Snowden insists there is no rush. “I’ll be guided by what he does and how he’s going,” he said. “We could go steady with him; it’s his first racing prep, and it’s a fair way to go to a seven-furlong race in the middle of January.” Perhaps an omen, Nitro was Lot 1 at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale. Selling for $270,000, the Deep Field colt is a member of the sensational Eight Carat family. Stablemate Plaintiff, a $2.2 million daughter of Group 1 winner Prompt Response, also lines up at Rosehill in the Irresistible Pools & Spas Plate (1200m). Her path to the track has been just as carefully managed, following the removal of a cystic lesion in the right stifle. Snowden dual-accepted with her but opted for the shorter race, confident she is nearing peak condition. “She’s got a nice gate where she can stay handy and has a good turn of foot,” he said. “She’s big and immature and had some growing pains early, but she’s been given time and is fully furnished now.”
Nicely pedigreed Nitro as a yearling (pic: magicmillions.com.au)
Valuable Colt Pimlico Chasing Consecutive Wins
Wednesday, 12th November 2025
Breaking his maiden last time out over 1200m at Kembla Grange, $1.2m Inglis Easter yearling sale graduate Pimlico (Extreme Choice-Coco As in Chanel, by Awesome Again) looks capable of continue his winning ways, contesting Wednesday's Asahi Sury Dry Benchmark 68 (1200m) at Rosehill. While it took until his fourth start for the John O'Shea and Tom Charlton trained colt to break his maiden, he has been improving with race experience and with Tommy Berry in the saddle from barrier 4, the pair appeal as a leading chance. Raced by a host of leading industry breeding heavyweights, it's clear the colt was purchased with stallion potential, so connections would want to see the valuable entire continue to improve with possible stakes plans in the Autumn. Unbeaten in his two carer runs, highlighted by an impressive three and a half length romp last start, there is no reason to think that the Richard and Will Freedman trained Zocketman (Zousain-Thurlow, by Sebring) won't be a factor in the finish based off what he has done to date. With Chad Schofield in the saddle, fresh from his Gr1 Champions Mile win aboard Ceolwulf (Tavistock), the Widden Stud Inglis Classic yearling sale graduate will jump from the inside get which is sure to be a positive. Off the seven runners in the field, five are last start winners, so it would not surprise if any in the field took the prize.
Angel Capital Closing in on Maiden Group 1
Wednesday, 12th November 2025
Caulfield has again provided the stage for one of Australia’s most exciting colts to sharpen up ahead of his next major assignment. Angel Capital returned to the track on Tuesday for a relaxed gallop under the watchful eye of Chris Waller, with Saturday’s $1 million Gr1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) looming as a pivotal test in his rise toward stallion status. According to racing.com, the Sydney-based trainer travelled south to oversee the final tune-up, describing it as more about engagement than exertion. “Just to keep him ticking over – he’s a colt, so keep him interested,” Waller said. With five wins from ten starts, Angel Capital already boasts the resume of a serious racehorse, but Saturday’s Orr could shape his future beyond the track. The $1 million purse is enticing, yet Waller sees higher stakes in the opportunity to secure a defining Group 1 victory. “He’s ticking over nicely,” he said. “He had a trial last Wednesday in Sydney, then travelled down Thursday. He’s very fit. He ran in The Everest a few weeks back and the trial topped him off, so he’s as fit as we can get him; we don’t want to get him any fitter, we just want to keep him sharp.” Regular rider Ben Melham partnered the colt in the gallop and will be aboard again this weekend. “He knows the horse better than I do,” Waller said. “He said he feels great, nice and relaxed, so 1400 metres, he’s ready for it.” The stable’s reconnaissance mission was also strategic – familiarising the colt with the Caulfield circuit, where he has produced both triumphs and frustrations. He captured the Gr3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) last spring and the Gr2 Autumn Stakes earlier this year but has also endured narrow defeats, including an unlucky fourth in September’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes. “To get him back to Caulfield, which he’s been to before, and get him on a Soft track is ideal,” Waller said. “His better form is on Good tracks, but it’s good to get him used to the environment again. It’s a big day for him, and he’s ticking every box.” A Group 1 winner-in-waiting by both talent and temperament, Angel Capital brings a blend of speed and class that has carried him from juvenile promise to open-age contention. His sixth in The Everest at Randwick last start, beaten only two lengths by Ka Ying Rising, reaffirmed his place among the country’s best sprinters. “I would have liked to see them go a bit quicker up front – it would have set it up for the backmarkers – but his sectional times would have been pretty awesome,” Waller claimed. For a colt on the brink of stallion-making success, the Orr Stakes could prove the race that defines him.
Waller Quartet Well Placed at Rosehill
Wednesday, 12th November 2025
The second of the day at Rosehill on Wednesday, the $100,000 Inglis Xtra Bonus Handicap (1400m) currently sees a field of 11 (after two scratched), with Champion trainer C J Waller set to saddle up four runners, all with chances. Drawn barrier one, the Zac Lloyd ridden Riez Souvent (Lonhro-Hetaera, by Redoute's Choice) heads to the races for only the second time, having finishing just over two and a half lengths off the winner in fifth on debut, and with the step up in trip, the 3YO gelding looks right in the mix. Finishing ahead of him that day, and also another who looks ready for the win is stablemate Miss Lola (Blue Point-Reemah, by Redoute's Choice). Third when resuming this time in behind her stablemate Surf's Up (Flying Artie), with that filly heading to Melbourneand running well in two races, Miss Lola then went on to be narrowly beaten last time out into second. Drawn wide here in barrier 11, but will come in at least one barrier with the current scratched runners, the $480,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the Yarraman Park draft has the form on the board to play a role, as long as she can secure a position in the run and not get stuck wide. While not from the Waller stable, and likely to need a bit more time, the Ciaron Maher trained Blue Blood Prince (Snitzel-Treppes, by Domesday) is making his debut here off the back of five trials. A full-brother to the multiple Group 1-winning, Champion 3YO Trapeze Artist, the colt will be ridden by UK jockey Adam Farragher, with the duo having drawn slightly wide in gate 10.
My Gladiola Casts a Cloud Over Sprint Rivals
Wednesday, 12th November 2025
A boost of anticipation surrounds the upcoming $1 million Thoroughbred Club Stakes, as Mornington trainer John McArdle reveals his filly is in top order ahead of her return to fillies’ grade. According to punters.com.au, My Gladiola will contest the Caulfield event a fortnight after her clash with brilliant colt Tentyris in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, and her latest performance has elevated her rating to 100—14 points above her nearest rival in the set weights plus penalties format, positioning her strongly in Saturday’s contest. McArdle explained that his aim is simple: as long as the filly earns a clean final gallop, she’ll be standing in the gates. “As long as she gets through her gallop on Tuesday morning she’ll be running,” he said. The daughter of I Am Invincible is currently the $2.25 favourite in opening all‑in betting on the 1200 m fillies’ race, having stepped up and been tested against colts in preparation for this assignment. Connections believe the earlier exposure has sharpened her and left her ready to capitalise. The filly’s recovery following her rapid Coolmore run has been smooth according to McArdle. “She ate up really well on Saturday night, and I could have run her on the Thursday if they'd wanted me to,” he said. “She came through the run perfectly.” He added that her routine at home has been consistent. “She’s just been out in her yard here at home, the same thing she does every day, and she’s worked every day since.” Her jockey Ryan Hinton also reported she is “going as well as she ever has”. Despite the stiff campaign, McArdle remains upbeat about her prospects. “Her weight is right, she’s eaten up and she’s lovely and bright. We’ll spin her around on Saturday,” he said. With her rating, recovery and recent performances all aligning, My Gladiola presents as a potent contender in the 2025 Thoroughbred Club Stakes – one that appears to have connections and form in tandem. The filly is beautifully bred, being out of Not A Single Doubt's striking grey daughter Villa Verde. Group 1-placed in The Galaxy, the subsequent $1.1 million purchase at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale won three times at stakes level including the Gr2 Challenge Stakes at Randwick.
Plan B for Wolfgang Could Turn Out Well
Wednesday, 12th November 2025
A new chapter opens for Wolfgang, the seven‑year‑old gelding by Puccini, following trainers Peter and Shaun McKay' pivot away from their earlier Melbourne Cup ambitions. Instead, they have set a course for the Gr 3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m) in Christchurch this week. The gelding had begun spring with three unplaced runs in Melbourne before being returned home, where a decisive win in the Waikato Cup Prelude (2400m) at Te Rapa sealed his place in the south‑bound mission, reports loveracing.nz. With that recent victory under his belt, Wolfgang to his latest challenge – albeit a weighty one – with momentum. “Things didn’t quite go right for him in Melbourne, but it (New Zealand Cup) is a good Plan B, and it is a nice race to try and chase,” Peter McKay said. The trainer noted that it was a solid return to form: “He had a really good kick on the corner … but his fitness gave out a little bit. He did spend eight days in a paddock in Melbourne, and he was only back here just short of a fortnight.” In that Te Rapa win he carried top weight and still prevailed, demonstrating resilience and staying heat that bode well over 3200m. Wolfgang’s two‑mile form is the cornerstone of his campaign – he was unbeaten at the distance when he claimed the Gr 3 Wellington Cup at Trentham earlier this year. McKay is encouraged by that form, but acknowledges the challenge ahead. “He is going to cart a bit of weight, which is to be expected, but we are very happy with the way he is going into the race,” McKay said, adding: “The further he goes the better he is. But there are some nice chances in the race, so he is going to have to be at the top of his game to carry 59kg and beat them.” As the McKays adjust their targets and prepare for the long haul, Wolfgang’s re‑entry into the New Zealand Cup mix suggests that though the Melbourne Cup proved elusive, the gelding remains a staying option to watch and can still deliver the distance test his team believes he enjoys most.
