A blockbuster on Sunday-week awaits at Sha Tin, with the HK$13 million G1 Stewards' Cup (1600m) poised to deliver a world-class clash between Romantic Warrior and last year's Triple Crown hero Voyage Bubble, a Torryburn Inglis Classic graduate. The meeting is further elevated by the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup, where Ka Ying Rising will look to underline his sprinting credentials. Each contest signals not just individual glory, but broader storylines in a season defined by exceptional consistency and global achievement. Romantic Warrior remains unbeaten against Voyage Bubble, yet the Stewards' Cup is staged at Voyage Bubble's pet distance. It marks the opening leg of Hong Kong's Triple Crown, a series that continues with the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on 1 March and culminates in the stamina-sapping G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on 24 May. Few have managed the sweep – only River Verdon and Voyage Bubble himself stand as Triple Crown legends. Preparations for the feature have been methodical. Romantic Warrior breezed through a barrier trial on Tuesday morning under Hugh Bowman, clocking 1m 10.12s for 1200m and pulling up full of running. "He feels great. He's in really good order. He trialled superbly this morning, and I'm sure he'll go to the mile race at the end of the month in top order," Bowman said. With Group 1 victories across four jurisdictions and more than HK$240 million in prize money, Romantic Warrior's place in the world order is assured. His recent record-extending fourth LONGINES Hong Kong Cup under James McDonald was the latest exclamation mark on an extraordinary resume. The Stewards' Cup and Triple Crown series offer not only prestige but a HK$10 million bonus for a clean sweep. While Romantic Warrior headlines the billing, Bowman is set to partner Red Lion, describing the gelding as "very reliable" and likely to arrive in peak condition.
NEWO'Sullivan Plotting Fresh Assault on Adelaide Cup
Wednesday, 14th January 2026
Plans for another Adelaide Cup assault are taking shape for Dan O'Sullivan, whose stable star Berkeley Square is set to resume in a 2000m handicap at Flemington on Saturday. The Ballarat gelding, last seen landing the Ballarat Cup in December, has continued working steadily since that victory, leaving his trainer quietly confident about the next phase of his campaign, according to racing.com. O'Sullivan reports that his charge has thrived in the break between runs. "He's in good order, he hasn't gone backwards, he's had a nice solid gallop on Saturday morning with a mate and ran up well," the trainer said. Extended gaps between starts hold little concern – Berkeley Square handled five weeks off before the Ballarat Cup with no fuss, and O'Sullivan is hopeful the horse's consistency will again come to the fore. "He seems good, we were five weeks between runs before the Ballarat Cup, so he's done it before, he's got history where he can go a month between runs, it doesn't seem to worry him." Looking ahead, the 3200m Adelaide Cup at Morphettville on March 9 looms as the major target. O'Sullivan's roadmap includes a run in the VOBIS Gold Heath at Caulfield on February 7 following Saturday's Flemington appearance. That sequence should bring the six-year-old to peak fitness, though the trainer is weighing up whether a start in the Lord Reims is also needed. "To get to a 3200m, we probably have to go to the Lord Reims beforehand, and I don't really want to do two trips to Adelaide if I don't have to but there's no lead up for him that's suitable other than that to get to the Adelaide Cup." Berkeley Square's versatility could be tested over the two-mile journey, and the use of blinkers remains under consideration. "I think he'll run the two miles, probably whether he wants the blinkers on to run the two miles might be something we'll have to work out closer, but we'll soon take them off him if we need to." Luke Nolen, who retains the ride at Flemington with 62kg for the Benchmark 100, will be hoping to help O'Sullivan secure a second Adelaide Cup win, following their previous success with Lacey Underall in 2008.
NEWTajana Connections Decide to Pivot to Plan B
Wednesday, 14th January 2026
Forecasted rain in the lower North Island has prompted a strategic rethink for the connections of Tajana, whose return to racing this weekend was meant to signal the beginning of a classic campaign, according to NZ Racing Desk. Trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray had long earmarked the Gr3 New Zealand Bloodstock Desert Gold Stakes at Trentham as the ideal launchpad for the filly's path toward next month's Gr1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks, but wet weather has forced contingency planning. With uncertainty lingering over the Trentham surface, the Oaks Stud-bred filly will also be entered for a three-year-old mile at set weights and penalties at Pukekohe on Sunday. Although the race carries a purse far below the $200,000 on offer in the Desert Gold, Ritchie is pragmatic about the switch. "It's a pity to have to change plans, but fortunately there's an option at Pukekohe and even though the stake is only $25,000 versus $200,000, it's a three-year-old mile at set weights and penalties, so it still works well as a starting point," he explained. "A heavy track undid her in the 1000 Guineas and we don't want to put her through that again, plus we wouldn't want to overtax her in what will be her first start since then." Tajana arrives at this juncture without the benefit of a lead-up trial, though her trainers were buoyed by her recent gallop between races at Tauranga. "She's in good order to kick off her campaign," Ritchie confirmed. George Rooke, who has guided Tajana to black-type success and multiple placings, remains in line for the ride, depending on which assignment the team ultimately pursues. Plans stretch well beyond this week, with the Gr2 David & Karyn Ellis Classic at Te Rapa already pencilled in for February 7, followed by the New Zealand Oaks, which this year takes place at Ellerslie on Avondale Guineas and Cup day. The longer-term vision could include a Sydney autumn campaign if all goes well, with Ritchie noting, "That's the race we're setting her for and even though she's also nominated for the Derby two weeks later, if she runs up to our expectations I'd prefer to save her for a Sydney autumn campaign." The stable's focus also extends to the Karaka Millions meeting, where Tuxedo will contest the Gr.3 Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic. His recent form includes a runner-up finish behind First Five at Te Rapa and a fifth in the Rich Hill Mile, prompting a minor gear change for his next run. "We've decided to try him in blinkers when he goes to Ellerslie for the gallops session on Thursday and Opie Bosson is booked to ride him there and in the Aotearoa Classic."
Wet weather will see Tajana skip Trentham on Saturday (pic: Kenton Wright Race Images)
NEWSA's Jess Tzaferis Claims Major MM Award
Wednesday, 14th January 2026
Recognition at the Magic Millions Racing Women Awards on the Gold Coast has underscored the remarkable journey of South Australian jockey-turned-trainer Jess Tzaferis (nee Eaton), who emerged as a category winner at Friday’s ceremony, reports racingsa.com.au. Tzaferis’s career has spanned sixteen years, distinguished by her versatility and drive. From early mornings as a stablehand and trackwork rider to a decorated period as a champion apprentice, dual-licence jockey-trainer, and mentor, her contribution to the industry covers almost every hands-on role. Behind-the-scenes beginnings gave way to a coveted spot in Racing Victoria’s Apprentice Jockey Training Program under the guidance of Mick Price. A pivotal move to South Australia followed, and Tzaferis quickly rose to prominence—being crowned Champion Apprentice and claiming the John Letts Medal in her first full season in 2021. Adding a trainer’s licence in 2024, she notched her first winner in March 2025 and has since expanded her Murray Bridge operation to a team of 12 to 14 horses, supported by a tight-knit staff. Tzaferis’s approach is holistic, embracing every stage of a horse’s life from breaking-in to post-racing re-education, always with a focus on animal welfare. Her story is one of resilience as much as achievement, having overcome two broken backs and multiple broken legs sustained in a career punctuated by both race and trackwork falls. That toughness has become a hallmark of her approach, reflected in her growing influence as a mentor. In 2025, she began guiding apprentice jockey Polly Brewster, whose maiden victory for the stable stands as one of Tzaferis’s proudest moments. The Magic Millions Racing Women Awards, backed by TAB and presented during the Carnival, honour women making a difference across breeding and racing. Past honourees include luminaries such as Gai Waterhouse, Denise Martin, and Clare Lindop. Jess Tzaferis’s latest accolade is a fitting tribute to her leadership and perseverance—qualities that continue to inspire across the South Australian racing community.
Award winner Jess Tzaferis (pic: racingsa.com.au)
Frankel Colt Hogs Magics Day-1 Limelight
Wednesday, 14th January 2026
Momentum built quickly at the 2026 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, but it was Lot 59 – a colt with royal international bloodlines – that ultimately electrified the opening day’s ring. Presented by Segenhoe Stud for Fairway Thoroughbreds, the son of champion sire Frankel and an unraced Lonhro mare attracted fierce interest, culminating in a final $2 million hammer price. The competitive bidding left auctioneer Grant Burns scanning a sea of raised paddles before Coolmore’s Tom Magnier prevailed. Reflecting on the purchase, Magnier said, “He was one of the standouts. We’ve had a lot of luck with Segenhoe.” Coolmore’s experience with Frankel stock in the Northern Hemisphere played a part, with Magnier noting, “We’ve had a lot (more) of Frankels in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere so we know them well. We’ve had a lot of luck with the grand dam. All the team really liked him. He’s a lovely fluid action horse and he ticks all the boxes.” Coolmore partnered with Chris Waller on the colt, who will now head straight into the leading trainer’s care. Magnier added, “We’ve bought him in a syndicate with Chris, so he’ll go straight in with him. Fair play to Peter O’Brien and John Camilleri. They breed good horses and we’re just delighted to be a part of it. We’ve got a great syndicate.” The colt’s pedigree boasts a stakes-placed full sister, Chateau Eze, and he is out of a daughter of multiple Group winner A Time for Julia. Such a combination brought deserved attention and high hopes for the future. Magnier highlighted the team effort in the acquisition: “There’s some lovely horses here this week and we’re hoping that we can get some nice horses to go home. Chris really liked the horse all week. I suppose there’s a couple of horses that you don’t agree on but when everybody agrees on a horse, it gives you the confidence to go a little bit further. The result was a thrill for Segenhoe’s Peter O’Brien, who said expectations had been surpassed. “Yes,” he responded when asked if the price was a surprise. “We knew he’d sell well, a lot of the right people were on him, but you never expect that number. Beautiful colt, precocious, fast, the sister (Chateau Eze) we think is going to be a Group winner in the autumn. (She) jumped out really well yesterday.” O’Brien credited John Camilleri’s vision in sending mares to the UK for Frankel matings, despite the risks and logistics. “The main thing for us is he’s gone to Chris Waller and Coolmore. They’ve been great supporters of ours. The mother had a tonne of ability but it doesn’t read it in the book, so John backed his knowledge of her ability and had a big swing with her and he’s got the just rewards.”
The Segenhoe-consigned Frankel-Antibes colt sold for $2m (pic: magicmillions.com.au)
Extreme Choice and Vinnie Join $1m-Plus Club
Wednesday, 14th January 2026
Late afternoon theatre at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale often signals the arrival of big-ticket contenders, and Day 1 of the 2026 renewal was no exception. With momentum already building following a string of strong early results, it was an Extreme Choice colt out of Dame Giselle who set the sale ring alight, fetching $1.2 million and becoming the second top lot of the session. He was knocked down to the team of Chris Waller and Guy Mulcaster, who had clearly been plotting their move long before the auctioneer’s gavel fell. A member of The Chase draft and homebred for China Horse Club, the colt represents the third foal of Dame Giselle, herself a four-time Group 2 winner by I Am Invincible and a daughter of the high-class Ballet Society. Mulcaster was upbeat about their acquisition: “We’re pretty happy with that colt. He looked sharp and he’s got a beautiful family. We looked at him two days ago with Chris and he said they all run out of that family and that was good enough for me. I thought we’d be hard enough to beat and we didn’t let on too much what we were up to, so we probably got him at the right odds. He looks a beautiful horse and let’s hope he’s back here next year.” With Extreme Choice producing only limited numbers each year, Mulcaster recognised the value in securing one from such a sought-after sire. “The less there are the harder they are to buy, so we're pretty happy to have got him and we got one with one of the best pedigrees, so fingers crossed.” Shortly before, the sale ring had seen its third seven-figure yearling when a filly by I Am Invincible out of Avantage sold for $1.05 million to Glentree Thoroughbreds and Badgers Bloodstock. The filly, consigned by Coolmore Stud, is the third foal of Avantage, a nine-time Group 1 winner by Fastnet Rock. Glentree Stud Manager Luke Simpson described her as “a really good physical, beautiful mover and out of a multiple stakes winner – a phenomenal racehorse. She ticks a lot of boxes for our program going forward. We’re looking to get a racing career out of her and hopefully she can step up to some of mum’s form and join our broodmare band going forward. There are a couple of other fillies who we have our eye on but this was our main target so we’re delighted to secure her.” Across a buoyant opening session, 145 lots changed hands at an average price of $284,724, with a clearance rate above 78 per cent—both well up on the previous year. “It has been a really pleasing day,” said Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch. “The sale had a really solid start. I think it is a really genuine market. The vendors are very motivated to meet the market and get their horses sold. The statistics themselves, to be sitting at 78% on day one, a median of $200,000, an average of $285,000 are all numbers that were within my expectation. There’s good confidence out there and I think the market found its feet today.”
Gun Draws for Leading MM 2YO Classic Fancies
Wednesday, 14th January 2026
Excitement is reaching fever pitch ahead of Saturday's $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast, reports racenet.com.au, with the all-important barrier draw on Broadbeach setting the stage for a showdown between unbeaten rivals Warwoven and Zip Lock. Both runners enhanced their claims thanks to favourable draws, sending ripples through the betting markets and raising the stakes for their trainers and supporters alike. For Chris Munce, already a three-time winner of the Classic as a jockey, this week's developments have sharpened his focus on securing a first victory as a trainer. Zip Lock, who announced himself with a decisive win in the Group 3 BJ McLachlan Stakes, firmed into $8 after landing barrier three. Munce is under no illusions about the quality of Saturday's line-up, but he believes his colt's credentials speak volumes. "Who is the benchmark horse in the race, it could actually be my bloke being a Group 3 winner?" he asked. "You always want to draw a good gate don't you, and especially in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. A horse like Houtzen did win from a bad gate, but she had the tactical speed to overcome it. He's not lacking speed my big horse, so he is probably just going to find himself in a great spot I think. If the track happens to be wet, it's no worries either." The Munce stable will also be represented by Double Cool, drawn next to her stablemate in barrier two and quoted at $41, giving owners Max Whitby and the team another runner in the field. Both horses now seem poised to make their presence felt after Tuesday's draw. On the other side of the contest, Bjorn Baker is looking to repeat his Classic success from last year, with Warwoven (see below) now an even stronger favourite at $2 after drawing barrier six. Baker, who has tasted victory in this race twice before, admitted to feeling the pressure that comes with a short-priced runner in such a lucrative contest, but said much of the anxiety faded when Warwoven's name was called in an ideal slot. "It's a really good barrier for him, we didn't want to be too close to the inside and we didn't want to be covering ground," Baker explained. "I think he should be able to put himself in the first half dozen in the run comfortably enough. This race counts for a lot, so I am a bit nervous." Baker also saddles Masvingo, another $41 outsider who will need luck from barrier 12. Still, he sees reasons for optimism: "She is not out of it. I think her runs have been good and she is definitely underrated in the betting market. It is a bit of an awkward gate, but she is probably going to get back, get a bit of cover and hit the line hard." Elsewhere, Ciaron Maher's Tornado Valley was a solid $9 chance after barrier five, Tony Gollan's Itchintogo eased to $15 from barrier 11, and Shiki, one of four Waterhouse/Bott contenders, drifted to $10 after drawing 10. In the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas, favourite Ninja's 'car-park' draw saw his odds nudge out slightly but he remains odds-on after his most recent stunning performance.
MM 2YO Classic Dream Alive for Brickie
Wednesday, 14th January 2026
For Stephen Kirkwood, the rhythm of laying bricks on Toowoomba’s building sites rarely misses a beat, but this week there’s a different kind of anticipation in the air. According to racingqueensland.com.au, Eagle Farm on Wednesday will host business as usual for the hard-working tradesman, yet the real excitement lies ahead at the Gold Coast, where a starter in the Magic Millions Classic could deliver the kind of payday most only dream about. Before then, Kirkwood will send out Straight Blast in the Class 1 Handicap over 1350 metres, a prelude to saddling Magritte in the $3 million Magic Millions Classic – his first ever runner in the feature. Securing a spot in the 16-strong field, Magritte sits 17th in the order of entry, but confirmation that Paradoxium won’t take his place has provided Kirkwood with a rare opportunity. Family ties run deep: his father-in-law Ron Macrae still trains a horse or two at 85, and Kirkwood himself juggles a stable of eight in work, four more in pre-training, and the constant demands of a busy bricklaying business on the Darling Downs. At home, wife Catherine has been a crucial figure behind the scenes, though a recent injury forced her to the sidelines. “She had a stress fracture in a foot and she tripped and fell,” Kirkwood explained, detailing the accident that also saw her pull a hamstring and partially dislocate her hip. “That happened about six weeks ago but she’s still helping out, though she has been a lot quieter since then.” Until last weekend, the prospect of having a Magic Millions Classic runner had barely registered. “Cathy did a spreadsheet and we thought we were about 17th in the order of entry up to last Friday,” Kirkwood recalled. “There were a couple who could have jumped us had they won but now we know we’ve got a spot with at least one not running.” For Kirkwood, time to ponder the momentous occasion has been in short supply. “I haven’t had much time to think about having a runner in the Magic Millions but if we win, I’d probably get drunk for a month.” Magritte, a maiden after four starts but with three placings to her name, impressed most recently when flashing home for second behind Itchintogo in the Listed Phelan Ready. Her last outing yielded a seventh in the Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes. The daughter of leading Queensland stallion Better Than Ready is a $34 outsider, but in a race known for its surprises, Kirkwood remains quietly hopeful.
Dundeel Mare Ready to Unleesh at Randwick
Wednesday, 14th January 2026
Frustration and patience have gone hand in hand with Unleeshing's career, but the Bjorn Baker stable is quietly optimistic about what Wednesday's step up in distance at Kensington might reveal. After a string of short-course assignments, the four-year-old mare finally gets her chance to stretch out, much to the relief of Baker's racing manager, Luke Hilton, who admits the team has been waiting a long time to see her over further. Placings at 1200m and 1400m hinted at untapped potential, and now the Myplates Handicap over 1550m arrives with expectation. "We always thought she would get a mile, we've just never had her up long enough to do it," Hilton said, reflecting on a string of minor setbacks that have dogged her progress. "She's done a lot of good things over shorter distances and finally here we are. She's had a lot of little niggling things go wrong every time we've got going with her. She's probably one of the most injury-plagued horses we've had, fingers crossed everything has been smooth this preparation." Despite the hurdles, there's cause for optimism. Unleeshing, a debut winner in May last year, has shown glimpses of her best since returning from a spell. Runner-up at Warwick Farm in December, she then hit the line strongly over 1200m and again in Saturday grade over 1400m, where luck deserted her late. "She's back in grade, back to midweek, she has a lovely gate, a small field, James McDonald. She ticks every box," Hilton said. A clean run is all connections are asking for after her last two efforts were compromised by tempo and traffic. "She didn't have the race shape to suit her, first-up they walked and sprinted and the other day she didn't get a lot of room. She's good enough to win a Saturday race but it's been a while since she won so Bjorn wanted to bring her back and get a win and we can go on to better things."
Profondo Set to Make His Mark at Karaka
Wednesday, 14th January 2026
In the build up to Karaka 2026, all eyes are turning toward a new stallion whose early stock is already generating buzz among buyers. Windsor Park Stud’s Profondo is set to make his mark at the 100th National Yearling Sale, where his first-crop yearlings will be offered in strength and with no shortage of expectations. Windsor Park’s investment in Profondo is set to be showcased with remarkable breadth: thirty-seven of his first-crop yearlings are catalogued for Book 1, twenty-five for Book 2, and five for the inaugural Karaka Summer Sale. The stallion’s credentials are compelling – by Japanese phenomenon Deep Impact, out of precocious Australian Group 3 winner Honesty Prevails (Redoute’s Choice), Profondo was a $1.9 million yearling whose career always hinted at significant things to come. He wasted little time confirming that promise, clinching the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick at just his third start. The list of past winners of that classic has grown into a roll call for future stallion success, with Savabeel and Dundeel both etching their names on the same honour board. Consistent form at the top level followed, including a runner-up finish in the Group Three Gloaming Stakes, a third in the prestigious Winx Stakes, and competitive performances in both the Rosehill Guineas and Tramway Stakes. Retirement came in 2023, with Profondo standing at Windsor Park for an introductory fee of $17,500 and covering a full book of 177 mares in his first season. A preview of his influence came at the NZB National Weanling Sale in June, where Profondo emerged as leading sire by average, his four weanlings averaging $62,500 and fuelling optimism for the main event at Karaka. This year’s sale will be a wide-ranging showcase for Profondo’s early progeny, with Windsor Park offering twenty-one yearlings, and others appearing across the drafts of a who’s who of New Zealand’s leading nurseries including Mapperley Stud, Landsdowne Park, Inglewood Stud, Carlaw Park, and more. The stallion’s profile has generated widespread support, not just for his pedigree or price tag, but for his sheer presence. Windsor Park’s nominations manager, Nick Hewson, describes Profondo as an “absolutely magnificent physical specimen” whose attributes have resonated with breeders. “Hewson says. “Breeders have really been drawn to all of [his] attributes and he’s served big books all the way through. His first weanlings were well sought after earlier in the year, and now he’s got some beautiful yearlings heading into the sales series.” Having observed the Profondo yearlings day in and day out, Hewson is convinced the stallion has stamped his best qualities on this first crop. “They’ve got wonderful attitudes and he’s really stamped a lot of his physical qualities on them as well. I think they’ll be quite precocious.”
In US thoroughbred news, there is anticipation building among racing fans as the latest Breeders' Cup Charities online auction opens for bidding, promising a dazzling lineup of experiences and memorabilia that capture the spirit of the sport. The auction, accessible at BreedersCup.com/Charities until late on Sunday, January 18, offers collectors and enthusiasts the chance to secure both rare keepsakes and access to some of the racing world's most coveted events. Among the standout lots is a private tour of Lane's End Farm to meet Hall of Fame legend Zenyatta, a bucket-list experience for many. The catalogue also features halters worn by champions like American Pharoah, Cody's Wish, Flightline, and Stormy Liberal – offering fans a direct link to some of the sport's greatest names and moments. For those who crave the thrill of live racing, the auction goes beyond memorabilia. Prizes include a table for four at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club's private turf club, accommodations in the new paddock building at Keeneland, and a box for five at Saratoga's storied summer meet. Also on offer are tickets to the Santa Anita Derby, a stay at Gulfstream Park during the Florida Derby, and a host of other racetrack excursions sure to appeal to those with a passion for the sport's biggest occasions. Philanthropy is at the heart of the initiative, with all proceeds supporting Breeders' Cup Charities and its mission to make a difference through the official outreach program of the Breeders' Cup World Championships. The diverse catalogue extends to signed jockey boots worn by Hall of Famer Pat Day, official Breeders' Cup baseball caps autographed by the trainers of 2025 Classic contenders, including Forever Young (JPN), and a Squier electric guitar signed by notable musicians such as Robin Zander and Johnny Van Zant. Art lovers will appreciate the print of Distaff winner Thorpedo Anna, signed by her connections and artist Robert Clark, as well as a portrait of Secretariat signed by Seth Hancock. Rounding out the lots are four Major League Baseball tickets courtesy of SeatGeek, Irad Ortiz Jr.-signed jockey goggles, and a year's subscription to the Daily Racing Form's Past Performances. With such a broad array of prizes, the auction ensures something special for every supporter, while giving back to a cause that benefits the entire racing community.
Embarrassment of Riches a Poisoned Chalice
Wednesday, 14th January 2026
Deciding on the right mount for Hong Kong’s Classic Mile can be a headache even for a champion, especially in a year as competitive as this. For Zac Purton, the task of selecting between an enviable shortlist – Invincible Ibis, Little Paradise, Beauty Bolt, and Top Dragon among them – has occupied his mind for months. The four-year-old series is shaping as one of the deepest in recent memory, each candidate presenting a strong case on both form and potential. After considerable deliberation, Purton has opted for Sagacious Life, the Pierre Ng-trained Brazilian import, a Group 1 winner before his arrival in Hong Kong and a horse who has done little wrong since. The decision was hardly straightforward, given the champion jockey’s association with most of the main players this season. “At the end of the day, Sagacious Life has got the highest rating and when you come into a set-weight race that plays a certain role, although the four-year-olds at this time of year are all untapped,” Purton reflected. “You don’t know where the ceiling is, so it’s not the be-all and end-all, but he’s come in and he’s run three really good races, and he won over the track and distance in a decent Class Two, carrying top weight of 135 [pounds].” It was that weight-carrying exhibition last month, when Sagacious Life prevailed in the Class Two Leighton Handicap, that provided the crucial evidence. Despite being the smallest of the group at just 1,050lb, he showed tenacity to hold off a determined field, with Top Dragon back in third. For Purton, the run suggested a genuine ability to handle both the company and the conditions of a Classic Mile. Even so, the choice came with the knowledge that he could only partner one in a field where he has guided all the main contenders to wins at some point this term. Invincible Ibis, for instance, continues to improve and has become the “talking horse” under premiership-leading trainer Mark Newnham’s care, with Purton observing his growing confidence and stamina. “He relaxes really well and he’s run the distance. There’s a lot of positives there for him as well.” Little Paradise earned praise for a recent outstanding win, while Top Dragon’s effort behind Sagacious Life suggested he, too, should not be dismissed. Beauty Bolt, meanwhile, has turned up on every occasion, running bravely each time. Such depth has forced Purton to accept that, come raceday, even the best-laid plans can unravel. “At the end of the day, you’ve got to pick one out of seven and if any one of the other six win, then I’ve made the wrong decision,” he admitted. As the Classic Mile looms, Hugh Bowman will keep the ride on Invincible Ibis after his latest success, and Vincent Ho has picked up Little Paradise. For Purton and Sagacious Life, the focus now is on etching a new name onto the honour roll, in a contest where any verdict will have been hard-earned.
Brazilian Gr1 winner Sagacious Life (pic: hkjc.com)
Tiny Tot Could Be a Derby Giant Slayer
Wednesday, 14th January 2026
Performance isn’t always a matter of size in racing, as Aaron Bidlake has been reminded time and again. At Ellerslie on Sunday, it was the smallest horse in his stable who delivered a performance big enough to keep Classic ambitions firmly alive, producing a rattling second in the Listed Gingernuts Salver (2100m) and suggesting the upcoming Trackside New Zealand Derby is well within reach. Tulsa King, a son of Staphanos, might not cut a striking figure in the parade ring, but his trainer has long believed good things can arrive in unassuming packages. The journey to this point has been as improbable as it has been rewarding. A trio of trials and two unremarkable raceday starts hardly set expectations sky-high, but Bidlake’s eye for potential has served him well before. “They put him on Gavelhouse and we were lucky enough to get him for only $1,500, I guess being so small put a lot of people off,” he reflected, unconcerned by Tulsa King’s lack of stature. Memories of Grand National heroics with Eric The Viking – another compact type – provide a reference point. Tulsa King’s record is rapidly outgrowing his modest beginnings, with a Group 3 placing and now a Listed second underscoring his Derby credentials. The ride at Ellerslie drew special praise. “He went super and the ride from Sam Collett was fantastic, they got held up a bit in the straight but for a horse she’d never sat on before she gave him such a good ride along the fence.” It was a performance that left connections buoyant, the gelding arriving home at Hastings the next morning “bouncing in the paddock.” Racing, for the Bidlake and Young family, is a collective pursuit. Ownership of Tulsa King is shared with Bidlake’s uncle and aunt, Barry and Teresa, while his parents, Karen and Graeme, are part of the Grassroots Syndicate. The logistics are equally homegrown: “We travel all our own horses and Michelle does all the driving so it’s very much a team effort.” Next up, the campaign takes a strategic detour. “We will go a little bit different because of the travel, so he’ll go to the Wairoa Cup (2100m) at Waipukurau,” Bidlake explained, preferring to avoid the stress of another long northern journey during the summer heat for the 400kg gelding. “In his previous races, he has got back and gone to sleep and we’ve thought all along he was a staying type of horse and the pedigree suggests that, the further he goes the better he’ll be.” Tulsa King is out of Lilies, herself a half-sister to dual Group 1 winner Soriano, and hails from the family of Derby winner Rocket Spade – a pedigree, it seems, that is starting to blossom in the most unlikely of packages.
Major Kiwi WFA Treble the Goal for Kingswood
Wednesday, 14th January 2026
A lucrative New Zealand stud career could be the prize if Kingswood (Roaring Lion) can sweep a trio of weight-for-age assignments, beginning with his Zabeel Classic triumph on Boxing day before targeting the Herbie Dyke Stakes at Te Rapa on February 7 and the New Zealand Stakes at Ellerslie in March. With a pedigree boasting a half-brother in English and Irish St Leger winner Eldar Eldarov, expectations are high as the six-year-old charts a carefully planned path through the country’s feature staying contests, reports racingnews.co.nz. Australian trainer Gavin Bedggood has ensured Kingswood returns fresh after his maiden Group 1 triumph, with a brief spell and a steady build-up designed to have the gelding primed for the next challenge. “He had eight days in the paddock and he’ll have a gallop Tuesday morning,” Bedggood said, outlining a schedule that includes a trial at Pukekohe and a crucial gallop at Te Rapa eight days ahead of his next race. “We just need to maintain him really. Four weeks between runs is no issue. He went four weeks between Ballarat and the Zabeel Classic so we’ll just try to replicate that.” Extensive homework went into the decision to send Kingswood across the Tasman. Bedggood admits to pouring over New Zealand form before making the call. “I pulled the pre-post betting up about four weeks prior and did a lot of homework before we went. There were two or three good ones and outside of them, I thought they were pretty even,” he explained. “I didn’t go over there thinking we were a moral but I would have been pretty disappointed if we couldn’t run top four too.” While the opposition in the Zabeel Classic proved manageable, Bedggood expects the challenge to stiffen as the campaign continues. Word that Australian Group 1 winner Attrition will be heading over for the New Zealand Stakes has not gone unnoticed. “It should be fairly similar but I heard Attrition is going over for the third run. That will add a little different element,” he acknowledged. Attrition, fresh off a Gr1 Toorak Handicap win and a respectable showing in the Cox Plate, looms as a new benchmark for Kingswood and his team to measure themselves against as the New Zealand autumn approaches.
KIDS Foundation 2026 MM Charitable Partner
Wednesday, 14th January 2026
A philanthropic partnership has taken centre stage for Magic Millions in 2026, reflecting the evolving role of the horse as a force for connection and community. The announcement that the KIDS Foundation will serve as the official Charitable Partner signals a new chapter in a relationship that has already delivered tangible support to children and families navigating trauma across Australia. The KIDS Foundation, short for Kids in Dangerous Situations, is dedicated to empowering young people who have endured injury or hardship, building resilience through education and hands-on recovery programs. The charity’s reach has grown rapidly, thanks in no small part to industry support. Last year’s Tour d’Horse, the foundation’s flagship fundraiser, raised an extraordinary $1.17 million in its second edition. Much of this was made possible through the combined efforts of Magic Millions and the broader equestrian and racing communities. These funds now underpin trauma recovery and educational programs that benefit more than 300,000 children nationwide. Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page Harvey believes the partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when the horse industry rallies as one. “Last year’s Tour d’Horse showed the incredible impact our industry can have when we come together,” she observed. “Naming the KIDS Foundation as the Magic Millions Charitable Partner for 2026 allows us to continue building on that impact. This partnership is about more than fundraising – it’s about connection, community, and recognising the unique role horses, especially off-the-track thoroughbreds, play in supporting children and families who have been through unimaginable trauma.” The sentiment is echoed by Dr Susie O’Neill OAM, founder and CEO of the KIDS Foundation, who points to the pivotal role Magic Millions now plays in the charity’s operations. “Magic Millions has been a game-changer for the KIDS Foundation. Tour d’Horse alone accounts for about half of our annual budget, with over $250,000 directly or indirectly raised through our partnership. Their support is life-changing and helps us reach hundreds of thousands of children and families each year.” At the heart of the collaboration are the off-the-track thoroughbreds, led by Equine Ambassador Eleven Eleven, a horse whose post-racing career has brought him into direct contact with those the charity serves. A son of Fastnet Rock and a dual Magic Millions Cup winner, Eleven Eleven now provides inspiration and hope as he participates in events, connects families and the wider community, and exemplifies the healing power of the human-horse bond. Eleven Eleven is set to return for the 2026 TAB Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival, appearing at key events and raising awareness for the KIDS Foundation’s work. Meanwhile, Magic Millions will field its own team at the upcoming Tour d’Horse, continuing a proud tradition of community engagement and equine impact. For those attending the Carnival, supporting the partnership is as simple as entering the 50:50 competition or making a donation – every ticket sold represents another step toward lasting change.
