A crucial examination of the Victoria Derby credentials of several promising three-year-olds awaits in Saturday's $400,000 Gr2 Drummond Golf Vase (2040m) at Flemington, where the change of venue from Moonee Valley adds an intriguing dimension to one of the spring's most established classic lead-ups. The race has produced numerous subsequent Derby winners, including Efficient, Helenus and last year's outstanding Godolphin colt Observer, who completed the Vase-Derby double, and another talented youngster could emerge from a competitive 11-runner field. Tony and Calvin McEvoy's Lepolo carries the No. 1 saddlecloth following a promising preparation that has already yielded two victories, although the Written Tycoon colt must overcome barrier nine for Harry Coffey. Danny O'Brien saddles True Rebel, whose consistent recent performances suggest he is approaching another victory, and the booking of Blake Shinn from barrier three gives connections reason for optimism. Anthony and Sam Freedman are represented by the beautifully bred Hierarchy, a son of Dubawi and outstanding Australian mare Colette, whose own achievements included victories in the Gr1 Australian Oaks and Gr1 Empire Rose Stakes. The colt has displayed considerable potential during his brief career, and his pedigree strongly suggests he could appreciate the longer journey, although Ethan Brown must negotiate barrier 11. Ciaron Maher's Skua also commands respect despite failing to reproduce his best form in his latest two appearances, with accomplished staying-race jockey John Allen entrusted with the mount. The formidable Lindsay Park partnership of Ben, Will and JD Hayes provides another fascinating contender in Written Empire, who has drawn the inside barrier and secured the services of James McDonald. The colt's lightly raced profile leaves considerable scope for improvement as he tackles a more demanding assignment. Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young have two representatives in Gilgeous and Joely, the latter particularly interesting as one of two fillies in the field. Craig Williams rides Joely from barrier two, while Michael Dee partners Gilgeous from barrier six. Ben Brisbourne's Salann, with Rachel King aboard, receives a 2kg allowance against the colts and geldings, while Winter Arc, King Winston and Bohemian Boy complete the line-up. With the Gr1 Victoria Derby (2500m) just seven days away, Saturday's performance could determine which connections press ahead to Australia's oldest classic. The recent success of Observer has reinforced the value of this traditional stepping stone, and the switch to Flemington allows aspiring Derby contenders to experience the same expansive circuit they could encounter on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Observer won last year's Derby (pic: Mark Gatt)
Another Wil Faces Formidable Mile Challenge
Friday, 23rd October 2026
A fascinating clash of proven Group performers and emerging talent headlines Saturday's $400,000 Gr2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) at Flemington, where Ciaron Maher's accomplished gelding Another Wil seeks to reaffirm his standing among Australia's leading milers against a deep and competitive field. Previously conducted as the Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley, the contest moves to Flemington during the Valley's redevelopment, replacing the tighter circuit with a long, testing straight that could considerably influence the outcome. Another Wil, winner of the Gr1 C.F. Orr Stakes, is among the headline performers and will be partnered by John Allen from barrier nine, with the combination attempting to add another significant success to Maher's formidable spring record. A particularly interesting rival is Dominic Sutton's Gr1 Australian Guineas winner Feroce, who has demonstrated his ability at the highest level and returns to Flemington, the scene of his finest achievement. Billy Egan takes the ride, although barrier 14 presents an obvious tactical challenge in a race featuring several capable on-pace performers. Chris Waller maintains a strong presence through Buckaroo and Sun God, with the former bringing an imposing weight-for-age background into an assignment over a distance shorter than some of his most notable performances. The internationally bred gelding possesses considerable class, and barrier four provides an opportunity to secure an economical passage. Lindsay Park relies on Evaporate, whose earlier achievements included victory in the Gr2 Stutt Stakes and a gallant second in the Gr1 Caulfield Guineas, while Cliff Brown's Von Hauke carries topweight of 58.5kg under Ethan Brown. Grahame Begg's Zakouma, partnered by William Pike, is another runner capable of improving sharply in this company, and Robbie Griffiths' Enxuto will be ridden by Blake Shinn despite drawing barrier 13. Tyler Donaldson-Aitken's Welcometotheshow arrives after a promising performance in the Gr1 Toorak Handicap and could be well positioned from barrier two. The field also includes Harry's Yacht, Pondalowie, Surfin' Bird, On Display and Astral Flame, bringing together performers with markedly different racing profiles. On Display receives just 55kg and has the services of Damian Lane, while the same weight applies to Astral Flame, who has drawn barrier three for Michael Dee. With established Gr1 winners confronting progressive performers carrying potentially advantageous weights, the Kia Ora Stud Mile shapes as a particularly open contest, and the switch to Flemington introduces a fresh tactical consideration for several runners more familiar with Moonee Valley's demanding turns.
Lazzura Heads Stellar Invitation Line-Up
Friday, 23rd October 2026
An outstanding collection of established and emerging female performers will contest Saturday's $2 million Gr2 The Invitation (1400m) at Randwick, where Chris Waller's classy mare Lazzura heads a competitive field seeking one of the spring carnival's richest prizes for fillies and mares. Introduced in 2021 as an invitation-only contest, the race has rapidly established itself as an important target for leading female performers, with previous winners including Icebath and last year's outstanding mare Stefi Magnetica. Lazzura brings particularly compelling credentials into this year's renewal following her victory over Verona Rose and Modella at Rosehill last month, when she demonstrated her effectiveness over 1400m and reinforced her claims to a prominent place among Australia's leading mares. The Waller-trained performer carries 59kg and must negotiate barrier 12, circumstances that could place considerable emphasis on the early stages of the race. Matthew Smith's Idle Flyer shares topweight and has drawn barrier eight for Jason Collett, while Gary Portelli's Verona Rose presents an obvious danger following her second placing behind Lazzura at their latest meeting. The mare receives a 0.5kg advantage over her conqueror and has drawn favourably in barrier four for Kerrin McEvoy, providing connections with an opportunity to reverse the result. Particularly interesting is the presence of Gerringong, whose transfer to the Queensland partnership of Chris and Corey Munce has coincided with a return to winning form. The daughter of Blue Point resumed with a determined victory in the Gr3 Nivison Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill and now steps up to 1400m with Nash Rawiller engaged from barrier seven. Bjorn Baker, successful with Stefi Magnetica last year, seeks consecutive victories with Perfumist, whose early speed could make her a significant tactical influence. Aaron Bullock rides the mare from barrier six, while Lindsay Park's Stylish enters calculations after returning to winning form and has drawn barrier two for Tim Clark. Kris Lees saddles the accomplished Infancy, whose participation carries an unusual breeding dimension after the mare was recently served by champion racehorse Anamoe. Peter Snowden's Tuileries, John Thompson's Super Smink, Waller's Firestorm and Lee and Cherie Curtis' Modella further strengthen the field, while Arabian Rose is another capable performer among the acceptors. With the race restricted to invited fillies and mares, its substantial prizemoney and newly acquired Group 2 status provide powerful incentives for connections, and the combination of Lazzura's proven class, Gerringong's recent resurgence and several well-performed challengers promises a compelling contest.
Melbourne Cup Ticket Adds Gold Cup Spice
Friday, 23rd October 2026
An automatic berth in the $10 million Gr1 Melbourne Cup provides an irresistible incentive for connections of Saturday's $750,000 Gr2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m), with a fascinating international contingent and several established Australian stayers contesting a race that could dramatically reshape the Cup field. Transferred to Flemington during Moonee Valley's redevelopment, the traditional staying contest assumes additional significance following Racing Victoria's decision to guarantee the winner a place in Australia's most famous race, provided eligibility requirements are satisfied. Chris Waller's progressive import Pinhole promises to attract considerable attention following consecutive victories, with James McDonald booked to ride the four-year-old gelding. The son of Frankel has developed into an increasingly accomplished staying performer and brings a particularly attractive profile into a contest featuring numerous rivals whose Melbourne Cup participation remains uncertain. Waller also has Valiant King among the contenders, with the imported gelding needing to improve his position in the Cup order of entry. Ciaron Maher's powerful staying operation is represented by Juja Kibo, whose recent consistency has underlined his credentials as a genuine middle-distance and staying performer, while the Irish-bred gelding has the services of Sam Clipperton. Another particularly interesting Maher contender is Point Of Law, formerly owned and raced by King Charles III before joining Australian interests, and whose preparation has been directed towards securing a start in the Melbourne Cup. Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott are represented by The Euphrates, a son of Frankel who narrowly missed a start in last week's Caulfield Cup, with Jordan Childs taking the mount. The stable also has internationally accomplished stayer Vauban among its spring staying team, although his immediate programme has included an appearance in Wednesday's Geelong Cup. Paul Preusker's Torranzino brings important Cup-qualifying experience, having won last year's Geelong Cup to secure his Melbourne Cup berth, and the gelding remains a durable and accomplished performer over extended distances. The strong international presence is further illustrated by Joseph O'Brien's contingent of visiting stayers, including Small Fry, with the Irish trainer seeking further success in the race that has made him a familiar figure to Australian racing enthusiasts. The Flemington circuit presents a different tactical examination from Moonee Valley, while the consequence of victory extends far beyond Saturday's prizemoney. For several connections, the race offers the difference between watching the Melbourne Cup from the sidelines and taking their place in the field on the first Tuesday in November.
Lindermann Chases Rare Craven Plate Hat Trick
Friday, 23rd October 2026
A remarkable third consecutive victory in the $750,000 Gr2 Craven Plate (1800m) is possible for Chris Waller's accomplished gelding Lindermann when he returns to Randwick on Saturday, although a competitive field headed by fellow Group 1 winners Tom Kitten and Kovalica threatens to complicate the defending champion's ambitions. Already successful in the previous two editions of the race, Lindermann has developed a particular affinity for the Randwick contest and arrives following a preparation that suggests he remains capable of performing at a high level. The son of Lonhro has demonstrated his versatility over several seasons, most notably with victory in the Gr1 Rosehill Guineas, and his proven ability at 1800m is an important advantage against rivals with varying distance preferences. Waller, whose remarkable success in Australian feature racing continues unabated, has assembled a three-pronged attack, with Kovalica and Panova providing additional opportunities for the champion trainer. Kovalica, winner of the Gr1 Queensland Derby earlier in his career, possesses the class to be competitive against the strongest opposition, although his recent performances suggest he must rediscover something approaching his best form. Panova receives 56kg against the older male runners and has drawn barrier eight, presenting a different tactical challenge for a mare whose best performances indicate she is capable of troubling more accomplished rivals. Anthony and Sam Freedman's Tom Kitten appears among the most significant threats to Lindermann's ambitions, with the Gr1 Spring Champion Stakes winner bringing proven Randwick form and considerable quality to the eight-runner contest. The son of Harry Angel has drawn barrier five and could prove particularly dangerous should the race develop into a searching test of stamina. Ciaron Maher saddles Eliyass and Vivy Air, the former an internationally bred and accomplished middle-distance performer who has been racing consistently against strong opposition. Eliyass, partnered by Tim Clark from barrier four, comes into the contest following a third placing and is well positioned to deliver another competitive performance. Vivy Air receives a 2kg allowance from the established male performers and could find the additional distance beneficial after finishing third at her latest appearance. Lindsay Park's Plymouth, partnered by Zac Lloyd from barrier three, adds further depth to the field, while Matthew Smith's imported gelding Portland has drawn the inside barrier for Tyler Schiller. The central storyline nevertheless surrounds Lindermann, whose attempt to secure three successive editions of a long-established Sydney feature adds historical significance to an already intriguing race.
A Craven Plate hat trick is on the cards (pic: Steve Hart)
Unstoppable Force Meets Immovable Object
Friday, 23rd October 2026
Two talented fillies threaten to upstage their male counterparts in Saturday's $2 million Gr1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick, where Flight Stakes winner Global Goal and unbeaten Proxima Dea head an intriguing nine-runner field of emerging middle-distance performers. John Sargent's Global Goal is chasing a prestigious spring double last completed by Montefilia in 2020, having demonstrated her class with a determined victory over De Armas in the Gr1 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on 3 October. The progressive filly has drawn barrier three for Dylan Gibbons and, with 54.5kg under the set-weights conditions, receives a 2kg allowance from the colts and geldings. Her principal opposition could come from another filly in the David Payne-trained Proxima Dea, whose unbeaten four-start career reached a new level when she defeated Wonka and Scarole in the Gr3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Rosehill on 10 October. A daughter of Tarzino, Proxima Dea displayed considerable determination to prevail narrowly and appears well equipped to appreciate the additional 200m, although Zac Lloyd must negotiate the outside barrier. Payne has previously won the Spring Champion Stakes with Ace High in 2017 and Montefilia three years later, and another victory would reinforce his reputation for developing outstanding middle-distance three-year-olds. The Gloaming Stakes provides a compelling form reference, with just a narrow margin separating several of Saturday's contenders. Chris Waller's Wonka was beaten a neck by Proxima Dea after enjoying an economical passage, while Ciaron Maher's Scarole finished a close third despite losing valuable ground at the start. Nash Rawiller retains the mount on Scarole, who has drawn barrier four and could be suited by a stronger test of stamina. Waller holds a powerful three-runner hand, with Wonka joined by Stormy Marco and Diameter. The former finished fifth in the Gloaming Stakes, beaten only half a length, after previously placing in the Gr1 J.J. Atkins Stakes, while Diameter returns to Sydney following his sixth behind Warwoven in the Caulfield Guineas, having earlier captured the Gr2 Bill Stutt Stakes. Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich's Cormier also emerges from the Gloaming Stakes, having finished fourth after racing prominently, and Aaron Bullock takes the ride from barrier eight. Payne's second representative, Persian Wonder, already a Gr3 Ming Dynasty Quality winner, adds depth to the contest, while Mindgames represents the partnership of John O'Shea and Tom Charlton. Beyond the immediate Gr1 honours, the race could significantly influence plans for the Victoria Derby and VRC Oaks, although the strongest storyline remains the confrontation between two exciting fillies with contrasting credentials: Global Goal's proven elite-class ability against Proxima Dea's unblemished record.
History Beckons One-Off Flemington Cox Plate
Friday, 23rd October 2026
A remarkable new chapter in Australian racing history will unfold at Flemington on Saturday when the $6 million Gr1 Cox Plate (2040m) is staged away from Moonee Valley for the first time, bringing together an intriguing mixture of established weight-for-age performers and ambitious three-year-olds. With the Valley undergoing redevelopment, the 106th edition of Australasia's weight-for-age championship moves to the sweeping expanses of Flemington, presenting a markedly different challenge from the tight, demanding circuit that has defined the race for more than a century. Chris Waller's outstanding mare Aeliana is among the leading contenders as she attempts to provide champion jockey James McDonald with an extraordinary fifth consecutive Cox Plate victory, following his triumphs aboard Anamoe, Romantic Warrior and Via Sistina (twice). The pair must overcome barrier 10, although Flemington's long straight should afford McDonald opportunities to bring the mare into contention. Waller, already a six-time winner of the championship, is seeking to equal legendary trainer T.J. Smith's record of seven victories and is also represented by Birdman, who has drawn the inside barrier. A formidable challenge comes from the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Sir Delius, whose barrier five draw appears ideal for Craig Williams. The accomplished entire has been specifically prepared for the race, with Waterhouse seeking a coveted addition to her formidable Gr1 record. However, considerable attention will centre on Bjorn Baker's outstanding three-year-old Warwoven, who arrives following successive victories in the Gr1 Golden Rose Stakes and Gr1 Caulfield Guineas. With Rachel King retaining the mount, the colt carries just 49.5kg from barrier two and could provide his rider with a historic first Cox Plate victory by a female jockey. Fellow three-year-old Blind Raise, runner-up in the Caulfield Guineas, receives the same substantial weight concession and will be ridden by Jamie Melham, who has already established herself among Australian racing's most accomplished big-race jockeys. Ciaron Maher launches a four-pronged assault with Light Infantry Man, Land Legend, Middle Earth and Saint George, the first two expected to play important roles in determining the tempo despite drawing barriers 11 and 12 respectively. Joe Pride's multiple Gr1 winner Ceolwulf backs up seven days after finishing second to Autumn Glow in the Gr1 King Charles III Stakes at Randwick, while Cosmic Crusader also faces a seven-day turnaround following his fourth placing in the Caulfield Cup. Attrition completes a fascinating 12-runner field. The combination of Flemington's unfamiliar setting, the three-year-olds' weight advantage and several outstanding established performers promises a championship unlike any previously contested.
Dual Arc Hero Daryz Added to Gilltown Roster
Friday, 23rd October 2026
Ireland's thoroughbred breeding industry has received a significant boost with confirmation that dual Gr1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Daryz will stand alongside his illustrious sire Sea The Stars at the Aga Khan Studs' Gilltown Stud in County Kildare from the 2027 breeding season, reports Thoroughbred Daily News. The decision ends speculation that the exceptional son of Sea The Stars would begin his stallion career at Haras de Bonneval in France, where several of the Aga Khan's leading stallions are based. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard for Princess Zahra Aga Khan, Daryz retired earlier this month following his second successive victory in Europe's most prestigious weight-for-age contest, becoming the first colt since Alleged in 1977 and 1978 to complete the historic double. The brilliant entire won nine of his 12 starts, including four Gr1 contests over distances ranging from approximately 1800m to 2400m, and earned almost £5.5 million during a remarkable career distinguished by his devastating acceleration. His pedigree adds further appeal to his stallion prospects, being out of Daryakana, winner of the Gr1 Hong Kong Vase, whose dam Daryaba captured both the Gr1 Prix de Diane and Gr1 Prix Vermeille. The family has produced generations of outstanding performers, while Daryz offers breeders valuable opportunities through a pedigree free of Danehill, Dubawi and Sadler's Wells. Gilltown manager Pat Downes welcomed the announcement, describing the champion as an exceptional racehorse with outstanding physical qualities, a distinguished pedigree and a particularly lethal turn of foot that he hopes will be transmitted to his progeny. The Aga Khan Studs will also relocate Gr-winning miler Erevann from Haras de Bonneval to Gilltown, where the son of Dubawi and triple Gr1 winner Ervedya will join Daryz and Sea The Stars. Erevann has covered full books during each of his first four seasons at stud, with his first yearlings receiving an encouraging reception at public auction. Meanwhile, the French stallion roster will be strengthened by the addition of two accomplished Gr1-winning three-year-olds, Rayif and Samangan. Rayif completed a rare double in the Gr1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains and Gr1 Prix Jacques Le Marois before finishing a close third in the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, while Samangan, a son of Blue Point, demonstrated exceptional speed in capturing the Gr1 Prix Maurice de Gheest after winning two Group contests as a juvenile. They will join established stallions Siyouni, Zarak and Vadeni at Bonneval. Nomination fees for all eight Aga Khan Studs stallions will be announced in due course, with Daryz's arrival in Ireland representing a particularly significant investment in the country's breeding industry and providing European breeders with access to one of the most accomplished middle-distance champions of his generation.
Flutter Job Cuts Shake British Betting Industry
Friday, 23rd October 2026
A sweeping restructuring of one of the world's largest gambling businesses threatens up to 1,400 jobs across Britain, Ireland and continental Europe after Flutter Entertainment announced plans to reduce its workforce in response to substantial increases in British betting and gaming taxes, reports racingpost.com. The parent company of Paddy Power, Betfair and Sky Bet confirmed on Tuesday that approximately 15% of its UK and Ireland division could be affected, with employees in Leeds, Dublin, Porto and Cluj-Napoca among those facing potential redundancy. The announcement follows tax increases introduced in the British Government's November 2025 Budget, which raised remote gaming duty on online casino products from 21% to 40% in April this year, while the general betting duty applicable to online sports betting, excluding horseracing, is scheduled to increase from 15% to 25% in April 2027. Flutter UK and Ireland chief executive Kevin Harrington said the changes had fundamentally altered the economics of the regulated gambling sector, making significant reductions in operating costs unavoidable. The proposed restructuring, which remains subject to consultation, is expected to incur implementation costs of between US$80 million and US$90 million during the final quarter of 2026. Flutter, which employs approximately 28,500 people worldwide, including 9,000 within its UK and Ireland business, had already announced a review that could result in the closure of up to 100 Paddy Power betting shops. The latest development has prompted renewed criticism from the Betting and Gaming Council, whose chief executive Grainne Hurst warned that the consequences of higher taxation were extending well beyond corporate balance sheets to employment, investment and the viability of regulated gambling businesses. Industry concerns have intensified ahead of another British Budget, with speculation that machine games duty could double to 40%, potentially forcing further betting shop closures. Rival operators Betfred, Entain and Evoke have already announced or warned of additional shop closures, while independent analysts Regulus Partners have estimated that more than 4,000 betting shops could disappear under a substantially heavier tax regime, potentially reducing British racing's annual income from betting by £92 million. The controversy also highlights competing public policy objectives, with the Government seeking greater revenue from gambling activities while operators argue that excessive taxation risks driving customers towards unlicensed providers offering fewer consumer protections. Flutter faces additional challenges from increasing regulatory scrutiny, changing market conditions and competition from prediction-market operators. Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Conroy Gaynor suggested that large gambling companies could pursue further efficiencies, including greater use of artificial intelligence, to offset regulatory costs. Although the announced redundancies remain subject to consultation, their scale underlines the growing tension between government taxation policy and the commercial sustainability of Britain's betting industry.
