Lightning Predicted for Flemington on Saturday
Thursday, 12th February 2026
A crowd of more than 10,000 is expected to descend on Flemington this Saturday as elite sprinting takes centre stage on Black Caviar Lightning Race Day, bringing Group 1 action back to headquarters on 14 February. Central to the occasion will be the official unveiling of The Perfect Run: Australia’s Undefeated Racing Legend, an immersive exhibition honouring the incomparable Black Caviar. Curated by the Victoria Racing Club, the large-scale showcase traces the arc of her flawless career, blending interactive elements with rare artefacts that capture both her dominance on the track and her broader cultural resonance. On long-term loan from the Taylor family, a collection of trophies, awards and limited-edition memorabilia forms the heart of the display. The exhibition not only revisits her 25 straight victories but also reflects on the way she transcended racing to become a national sporting icon. Members and racegoers are encouraged to contribute their own memories, with selected submissions to feature as part of the evolving tribute. Attention on the track will centre on the $1 million Black Caviar Lightning over 1000m, a contest that routinely delivers a blistering test down Flemington’s straight course. Five 3YOs are set to line up in this year’s edition, an age group that has historically thrived in the race with 23 victories. Among the headline acts are established star Giga Kick and emerging colt Tentyris, who announced himself in the spring with a Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes triumph. Prepared by Sam and Anthony Freedman, Tentyris endured frustration when scratched at the barriers in the Group 1 Champions Sprint, a race Giga Kick subsequently claimed in commanding style. The Lightning has long proved a launchpad to international glory, with past winners such as Choisir, Takeover Target, Scenic Blast, Miss Andretti and Black Caviar all tasting success at Royal Ascot. Supporting features include the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes and the Listed Desirable Stakes, both 1400m tests for 3YOs and key lead-ins to the Australian Guineas later this month. The Listed Elms Handicap, also over 1400m, offers its winner a golden ticket into the Group 1 $2 million All-Star Mile on Super Saturday. Away from the racing, Valentine’s Day will be marked by roving postcard deliveries and roses sold in the Club Stand Lobby, with proceeds directed to the Good Friday Appeal.
Black Caviar is set to be immortalised at Flemington (pic: Steve Hart)
Unity Crucial for Racing Industry: Engelbrecht-Bresges
Thursday, 12th February 2026
Global cooperation rather than regional isolation was identified as the central challenge facing thoroughbred racing as industry leaders gathered in Riyadh this week for the Asian Racing Conference. The message was delivered forcefully by Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, who urged administrators worldwide to confront fragmentation if the sport is to prosper and attract a new generation of fans. Addressing delegates at the opening of the conference's three-day business programme, Engelbrecht-Bresges framed the inability of racing jurisdictions to operate cohesively as one of the sport's most pressing structural weaknesses. He argued that racing does not compete internally between nations or codes, but rather against an expanding universe of alternative wagering products and leisure activities. In that context, branding racing as a genuinely global sport, and marketing it accordingly, was presented as essential rather than aspirational. Integrity pressures were also placed firmly on the agenda. The growth of illegal and unlicensed betting operators was identified as a direct threat to confidence in the sport, alongside increasing competition from sports betting, i-gaming and prediction markets. These forces, Engelbrecht-Bresges warned, risk eroding racing's traditional fan base unless the industry responds with coordinated strategies that extend beyond individual territories. More than 650 delegates from 45 countries attended the opening ceremony, reflecting both the scale of the event and the breadth of interest in racing's future direction. As chair of the Asian Racing Federation, Engelbrecht-Bresges positioned the conference as a forum not only for diagnosis, but for collaboration, with global competition and shared standards highlighted as necessary pillars for sustainable growth. The conference, themed Honouring Tradition, Shaping the Future, spans discussions on wagering, breeding, equine and human welfare, emerging technologies, integrity and international competition. Against a backdrop of geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty, the gathering was described as particularly significant, coming at a time when racing faces multiple headwinds that demand collective rather than unilateral solutions. Despite those challenges, Engelbrecht-Bresges struck an optimistic note, emphasising that thoroughbred racing remains a major global sport underpinned by extraordinary athletic performance and followed by millions worldwide. Unlike most other major sports, he noted, racing's defining focus on the horse provides a shared purpose that transcends borders and cultures, strengthening the case for unified action. With competition for younger audiences intensifying, he argued that innovation in race-day experience and digital engagement presents an opportunity not just to defend relevance, but to rejuvenate the sport's customer base. The conference concluded with Engelbrecht-Bresges being unanimously re-elected as Asian Racing Federation chair, extending a tenure that has spanned multiple terms and reinforcing continuity of leadership at a pivotal moment for the international racing industry.
Big Sky Half-Sister Tops Magic Millions Digital
Thursday, 12th February 2026
Strong residual appeal around a prominent Blue Diamond Stakes favourite carried through to the online ring this week, with Podcast emerging as the headline act of the Magic Millions Digital Sale (6-11 February). The four-year-old topped proceedings at $85,000, adding a timely pedigree boost just days out from the Group 1 feature at Caulfield. By former Champion Australian 2YO Microphone, the twice-winning mare was offered by Newington Farm and secured by Hong Kong-based Hall of Fame Bloodstock. Her appeal extended well beyond her own race record, given she is a three-quarter sister to Big Sky, the unbeaten Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained colt currently rated a $4 favourite with TAB for the Blue Diamond. The family depth runs further. Podcast and Big Sky are out of Zoom By, a four-time winner who is a half sister to Firenza and influential producer Beauty World, whose progeny include stakes winners Hi World, Lite'n in My Veins, Written Beauty, Ducimus and Loveyamadly. That catalogue page ensured consistent attention throughout the digital auction. Julian Blaxland, representing Newington Farm, said the result was a pleasing reward for both preparation and marketing. "Our team is ecstatic with the result," he said. "From the moment we entered her in the sale, the Magic Millions Digital team worked hard and marketed her so well to try and maximise our return." Blaxland added that the platform continues to gain traction. "Magic Millions Digital is only going to continue to grow and I am looking forward to continuing to sell horses through it for many years to come." Competitive bidding was evident across a number of offerings, with Western Australian trainer Ryan Hill among those satisfied with his outcomes. Marines Cry attracted 26 bids before selling for $13,000, a result Hill described as exceeding expectations. "We're very happy with the results," he said, noting the proactive approach taken by the sales team in engaging buyers. "She is a good filly but her sale price exceeded our expectations." Momentum now shifts quickly to the next online edition, with entries for the February 27-March 4 Magic Millions Digital Sale opening on Thursday this week and closing on February 25, ensuring the virtual marketplace remains active as the lead in to the Autumn Carnival gathers pace.
Big Sky looks the one to beat in the Blue Diamond (pic: magicmillions.com.au)
Well Written Pinhooker Eyes Hometown Success
Thursday, 12th February 2026
A quietly productive summer has put a Matamata-based stable on the brink of its biggest moment, with a first black-type opportunity arriving at Saturday's landmark meeting. The upward curve belongs to a young operation that has already learned how to take pride in success without ownership, while steadily laying its own foundations in a competitive training landscape. Benji King is well known for having selected unbeaten filly Well Written as a Melbourne weanling before on-selling her a year later to Stephen Marsh via Dylan Johnson Bloodstock, but rather than lament the one that slipped away, he has embraced her achievements as part of his own journey. More importantly, the former assistant has been quietly building momentum since establishing independently, leasing stables from the Matamata Racing Club and preparing six winners from fewer than 50 starters. Saturday presents a chance to take the next step when Mid Ocean lines up in the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m). The filly, a winner of two of her seven starts including a Boxing Day success at Ellerslie, carries the historic colours of her breeder, Henrietta, the Dowager Duchess of Bedford. King describes the association as deeply personal. "Through my family I've known Henrietta for as long as I can remember and it's a privilege to now be training for her," he said. "She was the first person to give me a go when I decided to go training and for all sorts of reasons it would mean so much to see Mid Ocean run well on Saturday." The race itself carries added resonance, named in honour of the late Lisa Chittick, with whom the Duchess shared a close friendship. The family connection also runs deep at Matamata, where the Gr2 J Swap Contractors Matamata Breeders' Stakes was sponsored for several years by the Duchess in memory of her late husband Robin, the Duke of Bedford. Mid Ocean's pedigree adds further depth, being closely related to Tavistock and descending from the influential broodmare Mrs Moss. King remains measured when assessing her prospects. "She's definitely got ability and we believe she deserves her chance in a race like this, but as a two-win horse she has a number of more proven horses to beat, and that wide draw (13) won't help," he said. "I'm trying to keep the emotion out of it, but I would love nothing more than to win this race for Henrietta." Encouragement has come from recent efforts. "She beat a strong progressive field on Boxing Day and nothing went her way when she finished third at Ellerslie last month." While not a standout worker at home, Mid Ocean appears to be peaking at the right time. "Her Tuesday gallop was probably the best I've seen her work and the feedback from Sam (Collett) confirmed that," King said. "We'll need a race with plenty of speed so that she can hopefully slot in somewhere." Beyond Saturday, stable confidence is bolstered by recent winners Burnerphone, Predominant and Empressive, a promising trial win by My Gabriel, and the arrival of former Australian galloper Blesstas, giving the operation depth to match its growing ambition.
Tattersalls and Inglis Combine for Online Sale
Thursday, 12th February 2026
A dedicated Southern Hemisphere offering has been carved out for this year’s Tattersalls Online February Sale, with a targeted session scheduled for February 17–18 that further deepens the working relationship between Tattersalls Online and Australian digital auction platform, Inglis Digital. The initiative marks the third collaboration between the two platforms and reflects a continued push to better align Northern and Southern Hemisphere bloodstock trade in an increasingly borderless market. Central to the session is a select draft from The Castlebridge Consignment, built around a rare opportunity to access Southern Hemisphere–bred stock by Too Darn Hot. Demand for the Dubawi stallion continues to accelerate south of the equator, where his influence has been swift and pronounced. His first Southern Hemisphere crop, now four-year-olds, produced 10 individual stakes winners, led by elite performer Broadsiding, while his current two-year-old crop has already delivered two stakes winners from just seven runners. The Castlebridge offering leans heavily into that momentum, most notably through a three-in-one breeding package centred on the young mare Moraless. She is offered alongside her Southern Hemisphere–bred weanling colt by Too Darn Hot and is in foal on a Southern Hemisphere cover to last season’s champion first-season sire Starman. Moraless brings a deep and proven pedigree, being a half-sister to Moonee Valley Gold Cup winner Hunting Horn and Group 2 winner and Group 1–placed juvenile David Livingston, while her dam Mora Bai is a half-sister to champion sire High Chaparral. Further strength is added by a September-born weanling filly by Too Darn Hot out of Belle Isle, a proven black-type producer and the dam of Group 3–winning two-year-old Abel Handy. Together, the offerings underscore the scarcity factor that surrounds the stallion’s Southern Hemisphere foals and the premium being placed on quality over volume. From an organisational perspective, the session has been positioned as both a commercial and strategic opportunity. With Too Darn Hot’s Southern Hemisphere output extremely limited and supported by pedigrees of international relevance, expectations are for strong offshore engagement. The ongoing collaboration between Tattersalls Online and Inglis Digital has already delivered tangible results, and this latest instalment is designed to build on that foundation.
Sire sensation Too Darn Hot (pic: Darley)
Purton Chooses to Stick With a Sagacious Life
Thursday, 12th February 2026
With the second leg of Hong Kong’s four-year-old series fast approaching, one of the territory’s most influential riding decisions has now been locked in, confirms scmp.com. Zac Purton has confirmed he will remain aboard Sagacious Life for the Classic Cup (1800m) on March 1, backing the Brazilian Group One winner to improve sharply as the distances rise. The decision follows a frustrating Classic Mile, where the Pierre Ng Pang-chi-trained import finished fourth behind the impressive Little Paradise. Despite the result, the performance was far from a failure. Sagacious Life had previously impressed in winning two of his first three Hong Kong starts and, drawn awkwardly in barrier 13, settled midfield with cover before working home solidly, even while laying in throughout the straight. A step up in trip appears to be the key variable in his favour. Prior to import, the gelding closed out his overseas career with a dominant Derby Paulista (2400m) victory, a performance that underlined both his stamina and ability to sustain a long run. Those credentials suggest the Classic Cup’s 1800m should be far more suitable than the mile, particularly if he can find a cleaner passage. Standing in his way, however, is the Classic Mile winner himself. Little Paradise produced a barnstorming finish in the opening leg and will be hard to contain again if the tempo suits. Australian import Numbers also enters calculations after his authoritative Group Three Centenary Vase (1800m) win, adding further depth to what shapes as a highly competitive renewal. Purton’s commitment to Sagacious Life carries added weight given the choice available to him. The eight-time Hong Kong champion had several leading contenders on offer for the Classic Mile, including Little Paradise, but elected to stay loyal to the Ng-trained gelding. Vincent Ho Chak-yiu partnered Little Paradise in that race, guiding him to a decisive two-length victory. Beyond the Classic Cup, Sagacious Life looms as a genuine BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) prospect, though Purton is in no rush to confirm his mount for the HK$26 million feature on March 22. “There’s still a lot of time between now and the Derby, so a lot can change,” said Purton, whose Derby victories aboard Luger and Massive Sovereign provide him with a unique perspective on the series. Elsewhere, trainer Manfred Man Ka-leung has been buoyed by the early signs from Self Improvement since the gelding travelled to Saudi Arabia ahead of Saturday night’s Group Two Riyadh Dirt Sprint (1200m). The Deep Field gelding, a four-time Sha Tin all-weather winner and recent Korea Sprint hero, will take on a globally assembled field at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, with Man reporting the horse has settled well and is thriving. Closer to home, stable star Lucky Sweynesse is set for another high-profile clash with Ka Ying Rising in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on February 22, having recently returned in strong fashion when second to Romantic Warrior in the Stewards’ Cup.
Early Picture Emerging for Golden Slipper Prospects
Thursday, 12th February 2026
With more than 100 juveniles already on the Golden Slipper honour roll by way of eligible prizemoney, according to racingnsw.com.au, the current Top 20 in ballot order provides a revealing snapshot of both depth and diversity among this year’s two-year-old crop. What stands out immediately is not dominance by a single stable or bloodline, but a competitive spread of form lines, trainers and emerging stallion influences converging at the pointy end of the season. At the top of the list sits Streisand, whose Group 2 Blue Diamond Prelude win has propelled her into genuine Slipper contention after already proving herself at stakes level. She is emblematic of a group of fillies who have not merely kept pace with the colts, but in several cases outperformed them. Shiki, unbeaten in key early tests and the natural speed reference for Tulloch Lodge, brings professionalism and race-day toughness, while Spicy Miss continues to accumulate prizemoney through consistency rather than knockout blows. Colts, however, dominate numerically and bring a variety of profiles. Fireball’s Inglis Millennium win announced him as a colt with both class and composure, while Incognito stamped himself early as a headline act by winning the Breeders’ Plate on debut. Big Sky’s emphatic Chairman’s Stakes victory marked him as one of the more visually impressive juveniles seen this season, while Hatrix justified his seven-figure price tag with a commanding Canonbury Stakes debut. Several runners have built their Slipper credentials through traditional early-season pathways. Tornado Valley and Eurocanto both struck at Flemington, while Guest House and Milsons Point have progressed steadily through Victorian lead-ups. In Queensland, Warwoven briefly looked a potential blowout contender before being sidelined, while Moana Spirit has quietly remained unbeaten through the Geelong Diamond route. The fillies’ division remains particularly strong. Agrarian Girl’s debut Lonhro Plate win showcased tactical speed and resilience, Thrill Hunter delivered one of the early-season surprises in the Kirkham Plate, and Satin Summer announced herself with authority on debut at Randwick. Torture, the New Zealand-bred Debutant Stakes winner, adds another layer of intrigue given her composure under pressure first-up. Not all contenders remain in the picture. Chilly Girl, a dominant Widden Stakes winner, was ruled out of the autumn carnival in early February, a reminder of how fragile Slipper campaigns can be even for proven performers. From a bloodstock perspective, the Top 20 highlights several stallions exerting repeated influence. Too Darn Hot is represented by both Shiki and Tornado Valley, underlining his versatility with speed-oriented juveniles in Australia. Trapeze Artist features twice through Spicy Miss and the sidelined Chilly Girl, while Sword Of State has made a strong early statement via Warwoven and Torture. The remaining sires each have a single representative, reflecting the breadth rather than concentration of this year’s elite juvenile talent. With ballot order fluid and form lines still intersecting, the Top 20 is far from settled. What is clear, however, is that the 2026 Golden Slipper is shaping as a genuine contest of depth, where multiple paths, pedigrees and preparations may yet converge on the same finish line.
Snitzel sire-son Sword of State has two in the Top 20 (pic: Trish Dunell)
Thurlow Finally Comes to Matamata Party
Thursday, 12th February 2026
A long-standing gap in a seasoned training career is set to close on Saturday when two runners from the Waverley stable make the trip north for Matamata’s biggest-ever race meeting. After more than 30 years without a starter at the eastern Waikato venue, Bill Thurlow will saddle a pair of contenders for a meeting that has rapidly grown into one of the region’s marquee fixtures. Training in partnership this season with former heavyweight jockey Sam O’Malley, Thurlow is set to be represented by Frank The Tank (NZ) and Wire Rope (NZ), both of whom are entered for the $350,000 Comag Wairere Falls Classic over 1500m. Wire Rope also holds a contingency nomination for the Rating 75 1600m on the undercard, offering a potential alternative should the ratings ballot prove unkind. The Wairere Falls Classic will be run at Matamata for the second time, but for the first time it shares the programme with the powerful two-year-old double of the J Swap Contractors Matamata Breeders’ Stakes and the Fairview Matamata Slipper. The expanded line-up ensures that, for the first time, total stakes on Matamata Racing Club’s flagship day will exceed $1 million, underlining the meeting’s growing significance on the domestic calendar. On current ratings, Frank The Tank is assured of a start, sitting safely inside the 14-horse limit with a mark of 79. Wire Rope, rated two points lower, is just outside the cut, leaving connections waiting on potential withdrawals. According to NZ Racing Desk, Thurlow acknowledged the uncertainty, saying he would love to see both horses get their chance, but conceded a slice of luck may be required for Wire Rope to sneak into the field. He noted that opportunities to race for prizemoney of this scale with mid-grade horses are rare, making the prospect particularly appealing. Conditions could also play a role. Thurlow said a forecast for rain later in the week would suit both runners, as each is more comfortable with some give underfoot. Frank The Tank, he explained, had been held up by foot issues during the spring and needed his most recent run when fifth at Waverley, adding that the gelding had tightened up since and was where he needed to be fitness-wise. Wire Rope, by contrast, arrives in strong form, having posted two wins and a second from his past three starts. Beyond Matamata, attention is also turning to the staying ranks, where stable standout Whangaehu (NZ) is on target for the Gr3 Avondale Cup over 2400m the following Saturday. Thurlow reported the Proisir gelding had pleased since finishing third at Ellerslie ten days ago, renewing confidence ahead of a race the trainer last won seven years ago with Glory Days, before going on to claim the Auckland Cup. Craig Grylls is booked for the Avondale Cup, with plans to retain the ride should Whangaehu progress to the Gr2 Auckland Cup.
Beautiful Sectionals Provide Cruz with Confidence
Thursday, 12th February 2026
With the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) looming on 1 March and the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) to follow three weeks later, one emerging contender has done enough to mark himself as a serious player for the remainder of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series. According to racingnews.hkjc.com, a bold front-running performance in the Hong Kong Classic Mile has reshaped the narrative around Beauty Bolt and sharpened the focus on what lies ahead. Jumping from gate 12 as a $7.8 chance, the Night Of Thunder gelding was forced to be positive early and found himself perched outside a strong tempo set by Winfield. Rather than being left vulnerable, he thrived on the role, surging to the lead at the 300m and briefly looking the likely winner. Despite being overrun late, his effort stood out for its resilience, particularly given the pressure applied throughout the race. The data backed up the visual impression. Beauty Bolt clocked the equal-fastest sectional in the race, ripping through a 22.09-second split between the 1200m and the 800m, yet still held on better than anything else that raced on speed. Only the closing pair, Little Paradise and Infinite Resolve, who both came from midfield, were able to get past him in the final strides. “He went superb, he just floated in front,” jockey James McDonald said after the run. It was the most prominently the gelding has raced in any of his eight Hong Kong appearances, and trainer Tony Cruz believes circumstances rather than stamina told the story late. The wide draw dictated tactics and forced his hand earlier than ideal. Cruz felt the gelding was exposed for too long once he hit the front, adding that he is at his best when he has horses to chase and cover for longer. With a kinder barrier and genuine tempo, the step up to 1800m holds no fears. Cruz knows the series well, having previously won the Hong Kong Classic Mile twice for the Kwok family with Beauty Flash and Beauty Only, though success in the later legs has so far eluded the powerful combination. “I won twice for them in the Classic Mile and now it’s time to try and win a Classic Cup,” Cruz said, making no secret of the target ahead. The Classic Mile third saw Beauty Bolt rise three points to a mark of 88, giving his connections breathing room as they map a measured path toward the Classic Cup. Others are still scrambling to lift their ratings, with Emblazon, Galactic Voyage and Flow Water Flow all making ground at Sha Tin last Sunday. It was Numbers, however, who made the biggest statement, claiming the G3 Centenary Vase (1800m) and stamping himself as a genuine contender. Further depth is expected to emerge from this weekend’s restricted Class 3 1600m, where Glittering Legend, Shanwah, Lucky Sam Gor and Natural Numbers all warrant close attention.
Beauty Bolt's mid race sectionals were exceptional (pic: hkjc.com)
CS Hayes-Guineas Connection Hard to Ignore
Thursday, 12th February 2026
A key piece of the Australian Guineas puzzle comes into focus at Flemington on Saturday, where the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) again shapes as the race that sorts the genuine contenders from the hopefuls. According to racenet.com.au, few lead-ups carry the same historical weight, having produced 17 Guineas winners across the past four decades, including recent graduates such as Feroce and Lunar Fox, along with past stars Mahogany and Mouawad. Early markets have installed Sixties as the horse to beat, and while he has eased slightly, he remains the clear top pick for punters assessing the path to the mile at headquarters. Trained by Chris Waller, the Flying Artie colt earned that status with a dominant first-up win in a Benchmark 88 at Rosehill on January 31, where he accounted for older horses with authority and did it in a manner that suggested plenty more upside. Pedigree adds further intrigue. Sixties is a brother to Artorius, the 2021 Blue Diamond Stakes winner who later proved himself at Group 1 level in England, placing twice during his three-year-old season. That family profile, allied to the strength of his return, persuaded bookmakers to open him as a $2.50 all-in favourite, though he has since drifted to $2.70 while still holding favouritism. The market move has brought Space Rider closer into calculations, with the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr-trained colt firming from $4.50 to $4 since betting opened. He arrives off a tough first-up victory in the Group 3 Manfred Stakes at Caulfield on January 24, where he raced wide yet maintained his unbeaten fresh record. The Manfred has previously proven a viable springboard into the CS Hayes, with Tagaloa taking the same route in 2021 before finishing third as Guineas favourite behind Lunar Fox. Also prominent in betting is West Of Swindon, although the Ciaron Maher-trained colt has eased from $4.50 to $6. His credentials are already established through a spring win in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes, and he continued his build-up with a comfortable Cranbourne jumpout on February 2, suggesting he remains on track to run strongly at Flemington. The emerging improver in the market is Asakura, who has attracted solid support after firming from $11 to $8 as he chases a third consecutive win. His rise mirrors the profile of last year’s CS Hayes winner Sepals, having broken through at maiden level two runs back before progressing to a decisive Benchmark 66 victory at Geelong on Australia Day, putting him in the mix as the lightly raced wildcard.
