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NEW It Could Be Tickets for Purton’s Slipper Dream
Tuesday, 17th March 2026
According to punters.com.au, a burning desire to finally claim a Golden Slipper has Zac Purton weighing up a dash back to Australia, with the champion jockey keen to partner Queensland filly Pembrey in Saturday’s $5 million feature at Rosehill Gardens – if he can overcome a daunting travel obstacle. The logistics of securing a return flight from Hong Kong have emerged as the major stumbling block, with the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East disrupting airline routes and placing unprecedented pressure on available seats. With many flights being diverted through Hong Kong, demand has surged, leaving Purton facing a race against time before rider declarations. “It’s not looking good,” Purton said. “It’s all because of the war and what’s going on in the Middle East at the moment. Because of that conflict a lot of the flights are being re-routed through Hong Kong now and as a result all the flights are full. It means I’m in the lap of the gods and praying for a hail mary.” Despite the uncertainty, Purton has indicated he is willing to make the trip if a seat becomes available, encouraged by the recent performances of Pembrey, who earned her place in the Slipper with a commanding all-the-way win in the Group 3 Magic Night Stakes. That effort followed an unlucky fifth in the Group 2 Sweet Embrace, suggesting the Tony Gollan-trained filly has continued to build into the campaign at the right time. “From what I’ve seen of her I think she’s a great chance in the race,” Purton said. “I’m really keen to get there to ride her but it’s outside of my control. The only way it’ll happen is if a spot opens up on a flight before jockeys’ need to be declared.” The situation is further complicated by similar travel constraints affecting other leading riders. “James (McDonald) is in the same position. He wants to get over here to ride on Sunday but you just can’t get a ticket.” Connections have already demonstrated their belief in Pembrey’s prospects, with Kia Ora Stud paying a $150,000 late entry fee to secure her place in the field. She currently sits at $13 in betting ahead of the barrier draw, a reflection of both her potential and the competitive nature of this year’s edition. For Purton, the opportunity carries added significance given his near misses in the race, having finished runner-up aboard Yankee Rose in 2016 and Oohood in 2018. His record when returning to Australia is formidable, boasting a 32 percent strike-rate in Group 1 events since 2015, including last year’s Everest success aboard Ka Ying Rising. Whether he secures a seat in time remains uncertain, but the intent is clear – should the chance arise, Purton is ready to chase a long-awaited Slipper breakthrough.
NEW Musical Hong Kong Derby Chairs for McDonald
Tuesday, 17th March 2026
Meanwhile, a significant late switch in the saddle has added intrigue to Sunday’s BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), with champion jockey James McDonald electing to partner Seraph Gabriel rather than remain aboard Beauty Bolt for the four-year-old classic at Sha Tin. That assumes McDonald can get a flight to Hong Kong (see above). According to scmp.com, the decision follows McDonald’s growing interest in the David Eustace-trained son of Saxon Warrior, whose performance earlier in the campaign left a strong impression. That came when the jockey rode Seraph Gabriel on the undercard of the Classic Mile, guiding him to a narrow second behind Lucky Sam Gor, a run that clearly stayed in McDonald’s mind as the Derby picture began to take shape. Previously associated with Beauty Bolt through the opening legs of the Classic Series, McDonald had finished third aboard the Tony Cruz-trained galloper in the Classic Mile before a seventh placing in the Classic Cup (1800m). His move to Seraph Gabriel now leaves Brenton Avdulla likely to take the reins on Beauty Bolt for the Derby. Seraph Gabriel’s most recent appearance, however, did little to enhance his credentials, finishing a well-beaten tenth behind Gentlemen Legacy over 2000m. Despite that performance, Eustace believes the run is best treated as an anomaly rather than a true reflection of the horse’s ability. “He was very keen to ride him since he finished second here over a mile and he raced flat next start, which was frustrating and a bit of a headscratcher honestly,” Eustace said. The trainer explained that the team resisted the temptation to push the horse through another race in the lead-up to the Derby, opting instead for a quieter preparation designed to have him fresh and ready for the big day. “He pulled up absolutely fine from the run. He’s a European horse, they can do that here so we gave him a quiet week and just built him up towards the trial and we just took the view that off the back of a flat run, he didn’t need another run but to have him at his best for the race next weekend, a trial would be better than squeezing another run in.” Connections were comfortable with the unconventional approach, with owner Marc Chan supportive of the plan even if it carried some risk. “Marc was very sporting and was happy to take that risk and if we didn’t get a run, we didn’t get a run, so I think it’s the best preparation for the horse going into the race.”
NEW VRC Derby Runner-Up Using Tried Tactics
Tuesday, 17th March 2026
A carefully managed path toward Randwick’s staying feature is now in place for Arcora, with connections opting for the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes as the final lead-up in the hope the colt can go one better than his brave Victoria Derby second and make a genuine impact in the Australian Derby. According to racenet.com.au, the son of Justify emerged as a serious autumn prospect when he nearly caused a major upset at Flemington last November, finishing less than a length from Observer at odds of $61 in the Victoria Derby. Since then, trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young have kept the Group 1 Australian Derby firmly in mind as his principal target for the campaign. Recent evidence suggests he is right on schedule. Earlier this month at Flemington, Arcora took control from the front and defeated older horses over 2000m, a performance that strengthened confidence in both his fitness and his maturity. That victory also prompted bookmakers to elevate him to the second line of Australian Derby betting at $6, with only Observer shorter in the market. For Busuttin, the manner of that win was every bit as important as the result itself. Arcora had shown promise before, but this time there was a new professionalism to the way he handled leading throughout. “He might have been flattered by the track bias, but the way it looked on paper, he was going to be the leader,” Busuttin said. “We did lead on him once as a two-year-old, but he got lost out in front and waited and we didn't know what he was doing. We were just quite happy to see him quicken up and win.” Although entered for Saturday’s Rosehill Guineas, the stable has chosen to bypass that Group 1 and instead wait seven days for the Tulloch Stakes, preferring to avoid a clash with the very best of the division at this stage. Busuttin said the presence of Observer and Autumn Boy was central to that decision. “They're better horses than him and it seems, in recent years, those gun three-year-olds – they use it as a free kick, as much as you can say that about a Group 1,” he said. “They get a million-dollar Group 1, then they come back to a Doncaster (Mile) or a Queen Elizabeth (Stakes).” There is also confidence that the quick turnaround from the Tulloch into the Australian Derby will not trouble the colt. Busuttin pointed to his spring preparation, when an unlucky run in the Geelong Classic was followed by a strong showing in the Victoria Derby on a short break.
NEW Frankel Half to Stand at Paardeberg Stud
Tuesday, 17th March 2026
Only a handful of pedigrees in the modern thoroughbred world carry the weight of expectation quite like that of Kikkuli, whose lineage alone ensures considerable interest as he begins the next chapter of his career at stud. Should the son of Kingman follow even part of the path carved by his illustrious relatives, the old racing proverb that “blood will out” may once again prove prophetic, reports bloodhorse.com. Bred by Juddmonte, the five-year-old holds a particularly notable distinction as the final foal out of Kind. That makes him a half brother to the legendary Frankel, the unbeaten champion who later became a dual British and Irish champion sire, as well as to multiple Group 1 winner Noble Mission. With such a foundation behind him, expectations have naturally followed Kikkuli into his new role in South Africa. Although his race record did not reach the heights of his famous sibling, Kikkuli demonstrated genuine ability during his time on the track. A winner at Newmarket at his second start when returning for his three-year-old season, his early performances quickly suggested black-type potential. At his third appearance he finished second in the Listed Heron Stakes, before producing an even stronger effort at Royal Ascot when beaten only a neck by Haatem in the Gr3 Jersey Stakes (see below). That rival subsequently confirmed his quality, having earlier finished a head second to Rosallion in the Gr1 Irish Two Thousand Guineas after securing Group 2 success as a juvenile. Kikkuli continued to compete at a high level across the remainder of his career, adding several creditable performances including a narrow fourth in the Gr2 Hungerford Stakes at Newbury, where he was beaten just half a length. Even without a top-level victory, the strength of his pedigree ensured he remained an attractive stallion prospect. His arrival at Paardeberg Stud in South Africa’s Western Cape came about through an unusual chain of events, as explained by farm manager Sally Bruss. “He was offered to us because we took Expert Eye, and I think Juddmonte saw on social media that Expert Eye was living a good life,” she said. “They offered Kikkuli to us, but we weren't in the position to buy another stallion. My daughter is the South African racing manager for Bjorn Nielsen, and I said to her, ‘Hasn't Bjorn spoken now and again about bringing a nice horse to South Africa?’ She said, ‘Yes, he actually has tried quite a few times, and the deals haven't come off. Why don't you ask him?’” Nielsen subsequently inspected the horse, drawing on the views of jockey Oisin Murphy, who had partnered Kikkuli on several occasions. Murphy believed the horse possessed considerable ability even if his results did not fully reflect it. The deal was eventually completed with Nielsen purchasing the entire horse before plans were made to syndicate him locally. According to Bruss, Kikkuli has already adapted well to his new surroundings and has attracted encouraging interest from breeders.
NEW Mare IF to Extreme Choice Added to Chairman’s
Tuesday, 17th March 2026
A valuable addition to the upcoming Inglis Chairman’s Sale catalogue is set to attract strong attention from buyers, with stakes-winning mare Kiki Express to be offered in foal to elite stallion Extreme Choice. The young mare already boasts a pedigree and production record that suggests her greatest influence may yet come in the breeding barn rather than on the racetrack. By Champion 2YO Sepoy, Kiki Express made her mark early when she defeated colts in the Listed Debutant Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield on debut. Her performance as a juvenile hinted at quality, while her pedigree further strengthened her credentials as a future broodmare. She is closely related to dual Group 1-winning sprinter Isca, placing her firmly within a family capable of producing top-level performers. It is in her early broodmare career, however, where she is already generating considerable excitement. Her first foal, a striking filly by Darley’s nine-time Group 1 winner Anamoe, created a major impression earlier this year when she was offered through Newgate Farm and realised $800,000 at the yearling sales. Purchased by Matt Laurie Racing in partnership with Willannah Park Bloodstock and ARJB, the filly set a notable benchmark for her sire, becoming the highest-priced Anamoe yearling filly sold to date. That result has only heightened interest in Kiki Express’s current pregnancy to Extreme Choice, a stallion whose reputation continues to soar despite a comparatively small number of runners due to fertility limitations. Standing at Newgate Farm, Extreme Choice has achieved remarkable success with his progeny, producing stakes winners at a rate exceeding 12 percent of runners. Among his six Group 1 winners are standout juveniles Stay Inside, Devil Knight and She’s Extreme, while promising colts Paradoxium and Hidrix are slated to represent the stallion in this weekend’s Group 1 Golden Slipper. Newgate Farm’s Henry Field believes the mare represents a rare opportunity for investors seeking access to a premium genetic package. “Kiki Express is a spectacular looking mare and her first two foals have been both A++ physicals,” Field said. “Her Anamoe filly, that sold for $800,000 earlier this year, was a beautiful filly and her Ozzmosis weanling filly is equally outstanding. She’s a blue chip investment, being a young, fast mare, proven to produce stunning foals and carrying an October cover to Extreme Choice.” Inglis Bloodstock chief executive Sebastian Hutch echoed that sentiment, noting the rarity of any pregnancy by Extreme Choice appearing on the open market. “Extreme Choice is a freak and to have achieved what he has to date is quite incredible,” Hutch said. “There is no such thing as a certainty in breeding and racing, but I think a package like this is as close as it gets and we are very grateful for the opportunity to offer her to the market.”
NEW Stanley Keeps His Pedal to The Metal
Tuesday, 17th March 2026
A return trip to Launceston proved a fruitful one on Friday night, with Victorian jockey Jett Stanley producing a polished riding display to land a winning treble and continue a purple patch that has carried him across multiple states in recent weeks. Confidence has been building steadily for the young rider following a string of high-profile successes, most notably his victory in the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (see below) shortly after steering Asva to triumph in last month’s Launceston Cup. Those results have helped elevate Stanley into a rich vein of form that was clearly evident again at Mowbray. “I’ve been in form, so the confidence within myself is probably helping a lot too,” Stanley said after the meeting. Two of the wins came for Cranbourne-based trainer Matthew Brown, whose Tasmanian raids have frequently proven profitable. Veins Within Rock and Quafftide both delivered for the stable, although the former’s performance was the standout of the pair. Breaking through for his maiden success, Veins Within Rock dominated his rivals to such an extent that the final margin of 9.75 lengths barely told the story of his superiority. Stanley admitted he was taken aback by the ease of the victory. “He really surprised me the way he just accelerated and gapped them at the top of the straight. I had one look, and I had to double-check how far I was in front. He just did it so effortlessly.” Brown’s regular ventures across Bass Strait have been shaped by a strong working relationship with Tasmanian trainer Glenn Stevenson, with the pair often collaborating to find suitable opportunities for visiting runners. The change of scenery, according to Brown, can play an important role in revitalising horses accustomed to the busy environment of mainland training centres. “It’s pretty full on at Cranbourne, and the horses can get over it a little bit. When they get to Tassie and work off the beach every day, it’s just a whole new environment, and it can be really beneficial,” Brown said. The trainer indicated both Veins Within Rock and Quafftide may remain in the state for at least one more assignment before returning to Victoria. Stanley completed his treble aboard the shortest-priced favourite of the evening, Just Cruisin, who justified strong support with an emphatic victory in a Class 4 (1400m). Already a consistent performer at Listed level during the Summer Racing Festival, the gelding was clearly superior to his opposition and coasted home by five lengths. “He did that in second gear, so that was quite a good feeling,” Stanley said, having partnered Just Cruisin in five of his six starts this preparation. Despite Stanley’s standout performance, the riding honours were shared with Tasmania’s leading apprentice Jabez Johnstone, who also celebrated a treble on the program with winners for the Sarah Cotton and John Keys stables.
NEW Entries Open for NZB National Weanling Sale
Tuesday, 17th March 2026
Preparations are underway for another edition of New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Weanling Sale, with entries now open for the 2026 auction scheduled to take place at the Karaka Sales Centre on Thursday 25 June. The sale continues to operate as a dedicated weanling-only marketplace, a format that has steadily built a reputation among breeders, pinhookers and racing investors alike. Buyers seeking their next racetrack prospect or a promising resale opportunity regularly target the sale, while vendors benefit from exposure to both domestic and international participants drawn to the Karaka complex. Momentum from last year’s results provides encouragement for those preparing stock for the upcoming catalogue. The 2025 edition generated more than $2.5 million in returns for breeders, highlighted by a colt by Per Incanto out of London Express offered by Seaton Park that topped proceedings at $190,000. That youngster was one of four weanlings to achieve six-figure prices during the session, underlining healthy demand from a buying bench that included notable international participation. The sale arrives after a particularly successful period for the New Zealand industry, with the recent 2025–26 season also featuring celebrations around the 100th National Yearling Sale. Against that backdrop, NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook believes the weanling auction continues to occupy an important place in the annual bloodstock calendar. “Industry players know the National Weanling Sale is a proven source of genuine racehorses and pinhooking success,” Seabrook said. Confidence in the format remains strong following robust yearling trade earlier in the year, with Seabrook expecting similar demand to carry through to the June offering. “After a strong yearling sale, the demand for weanlings in June is going to be as strong as ever,” he said. Interest from Australian buyers has also been growing, adding an extra dimension to the market. “Last year, the Australian support of the Sale grew, so we look forward to producing a catalogue that will entice them back to Karaka again.” Beyond the commercial appeal of the sale itself, all weanlings offered will be eligible for nomination to the Karaka Millions Series, one of the region’s most lucrative racing incentives. Graduates can progress toward the $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO over 1200m, followed by the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO over 1600m, as well as the NZB Mega Maiden Series. Entries for the 2026 National Weanling Sale are open now and will close on 16 April.
Biggest Glow Still to Come for Autumn
Tuesday, 17th March 2026
Few horses head into a major Group 1 assignment with a record as immaculate as the one carried by Autumn Glow, whose unbeaten sequence has already marked her as one of the most compelling performers in the country this decade. Saturday's $1 million George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens looms as the next stage of that journey, with trainer Chris Waller convinced the brilliant daughter of The Autumn Sun is about to produce her best run of the preparation. Ten starts have yielded ten victories and the champion mare is a commanding $1.20 favourite to maintain that perfect record when she steps out with James McDonald in the saddle. The George Ryder also sits at the centre of a potentially defining moment in her autumn campaign, with connections set to determine which elite target will follow depending on how she performs at Rosehill. Waller explained that the race provides the ideal platform for the star mare to reach her peak. "I am excited about the George Ryder for her, she is going to be at her peak for the first time this preparation so 1500m, three weeks between runs is the perfect set up for her," he said. "We need to have a good chat to James (McDonald) and the owners (after the Ryder) about whether she goes to the Doncaster Mile, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes or the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m). The first two options would be our preferences, it's just a matter of whether we choose a Doncaster or a Queen Elizabeth." Ahead of the feature meeting, Autumn Glow was kept ticking over with a quiet piece of work at Rosehill alongside stablemate Aeliana, who lines up in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) on the same program. McDonald partnered Aeliana in the exercise, giving the champion jockey a rare chance to reacquaint himself with the mare after not riding her through her previous three preparations. For Aeliana, the Ranvet presents a significant opportunity, particularly after twice finishing runner up to Autumn Glow earlier in the campaign. Waller believes the mare is returning in even better shape this season. "She has come back stronger, and her first two runs have been fantastic. She's got the best form going into a Ranvet," he revealed. "This time last year she ran second a nostril on the same day in the Rosehill Guineas to [multiple Group 1 winner] Broadsiding and came out with an emphatic Derby win so she is where she needs to be."

Aeliana was partnered by McDonald in a trial (pic: Steve Hart)
Birdman Ready to Fly in Gr1 Australian Cup
Tuesday, 17th March 2026
A strong statement ahead of the Australian Cup was delivered at Caulfield on Saturday when Birdman produced a commanding performance in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m), enhancing his credentials for the upcoming Group 1 over 2000m. Prepared by Chris Waller, the progressive galloper travelled smoothly throughout before asserting his superiority in the straight, surging clear to defeat the Lindsay Park-trained pair Apulia and Bankers Choice. Early pacemaker Light Infantry Man stuck on bravely for fourth, while race favourite Buckaroo never threatened and was later found to be suffering from a throat condition following a post-race veterinary examination. According to punters.com.au, the victory completed back-to-back Group 2 successes for Birdman, who had impressed equally when claiming the Blamey Stakes (1600m) at his previous outing. Those performances have quickly elevated the gelding into serious Australian Cup calculations, with the form of his recent wins suggesting he is peaking at the right time in his preparation. Jockey Ben Melham, a dual winner of the Australian Cup, has spent time getting to know the horse this campaign and believes the signs have been encouraging from early in the preparation. "I've had a bit to do with him this preparation and I thought early doors the way he was going he was heading in the right direction to be really competitive in an Australian Cup," Melham said. His opinion of the gelding has only strengthened with each run. "The more I have to do with him, the more I think he can win it … he's been a bit of a revelation, the horse, but he's in the right stable," he added. Melham also noted Birdman's laid-back demeanour away from the racetrack, a trait that belies the talent he displays under race conditions. "He's a very relaxed customer, seeing him there now (post-race) he's about to fall asleep, so he takes a bit of waking up but the ability's there with him." The race itself unfolded perfectly for the winner, who tracked the leader before being produced at the right moment in the straight. "He just got into a lovely position, didn't sort of spend any pennies until the last 250 metres and I felt he had the race at his mercy a long way out," Melham said. The husband of fellow elite jockey Jamie Melham believes the step up to 2000m will pose no concern. "He'll be no worries at 2000, but maybe that's the way to go with him, a bit of freshness in his legs, but I'll leave that to the expert (Waller)."
Lazzura Ticks Plethora of Firsts for Connections
Tuesday, 17th March 2026
Topweight and tenacity carried the day in Saturday’s $1 million ATC Coolmore Classic (1500m), where Lazzura’s breakthrough Group 1 success delivered a raft of notable milestones for everyone connected with the mare. The victory added another elite chapter for Arrowfield, making Lazzura the stud’s 89th Group 1-winning graduate since John Messara established the operation in 1985. She also became the 26th individual Group 1 winner by multiple champion sire Snitzel, further strengthening the stallion’s extraordinary record at the highest level. For her owners at B2B Thoroughbreds, the result marked a first Group 1 triumph and continued what is already shaping as a memorable season for Ricky Surace Snr and Jnr, whose colours have also been carried to recent black-type success by Hidrix, Generosity and Panova. Chris Waller’s team also added another piece to its remarkable record in the race, with Lazzura becoming the stable’s fourth straight Coolmore Classic winner after Lady Shenandoah, Zougotcha and Espiona. The mare’s success also brought up Group 1 win number 189 for Waller, while James McDonald’s ride delivered his 128th victory at that level in Australia, leaving him just one short of Damien Oliver’s national record. The mare had long hinted she belonged in this company. Before Saturday, she had contested 14 black-type races and never finished worse than fifth, collecting wins at Group 2 level on two occasions, another in Group 3 company and the Listed Woodlands Stakes as a juvenile. That consistency was finally rewarded with a first Group 1, pushing her prizemoney beyond $1.5 million and opening the door to further autumn targets. Options during The Championships now include the Doncaster Mile on April 4 or the Queen Of The Turf a week later. There is depth to her pedigree as well as her race record. Lazzura is the ninth Group 1 winner bred by the Arrowfield-Northern Farm joint venture and one of three winners from Laguna Azzurra, a daughter of Heart’s Cry from a family that also produced Japan’s 2024 and 2025 champion sire Kizuna and 1994 Horse of the Year Narita Brian. Offered through Magic Millions, she was bought for $500,000 by B2B Thoroughbreds and has now become the fourth graduate Group 1 winner from Arrowfield’s yearling class of 2023, joining Lady Shenandoah, Private Life and Switzerland. Arrowfield’s 2026 Inglis Easter draft will add another link to the story, with Lazzura’s full sister set to go through the ring as Lot 383. Laguna Azzurra produced a colt by Farnan last spring and is now in foal to Switzerland.
Wiley Hoop Can Wield the Willow on Slipper Day
Tuesday, 17th March 2026
Away from the spotlight surrounding James McDonald’s Group 1 chase – he needs one more to draw level with Damien Oliver’s 129, and two to own the record outright – another elite rider heads to Rosehill with a book strong enough to shape the entire meeting. Craig Williams arrives at Golden Slipper day in outstanding touch – racing.com reports he is striking at 26 per cent across his past 50 ridess – and he will partner runners in all five Group 1 races on the card. The headline assignment comes in the Slipper itself, where Williams takes the mount on Chayan for Annabel and Rob Archibald after the filly booked her place with a stylish win in the Gr2 Reisling Stakes. It is familiar territory for the veteran jockey, who won the juvenile feature aboard Miss Finland for David Hayes in 2006. A key late opportunity has also opened in the Rosehill Guineas, with Williams picking up the ride on Godolphin’s dual Group 1 winner Observer after Mark Zahra remained in Melbourne for Jimmysstar in the William Reid Stakes. Williams has already won the Rosehill Guineas three times, scoring with De Beers in 2006, Volkstok’n’barrell in 2015 and Castelvecchio in 2020, giving him a strong historical profile in one of the day’s major contests. In the George Ryder, he reunites with Pericles in the royal blue of Godolphin after guiding the Bjorn Baker-trained gelding to Group 1 success in the Futurity Stakes at Caulfield in February. Williams also knows what it takes to win the Rosehill feature, having claimed it in 2014 on Irish visitor Gordon Lord Byron for Tom Hogan. Another compelling engagement comes in the Ranvet Stakes, where he partners Sir Delius for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. The imported galloper resumes his association with Williams second-up after an encouraging third in the Verry Elleegant Stakes, and the jockey will be chasing a first success in that Group 1. The Galaxy completes his top-level hand, with Williams back aboard Inkaruna for Anthony and Sam Freedman. He has won the race twice before, first on Nicconi in 2009 and later with Griante in 2016, and returns to a horse he knows well after their victory together in the Thoroughbred Club Stakes at Caulfield last spring. With a proven record in all the right races and a book of genuine chances, Williams heads to Rosehill not simply as a supporting act, but as one of the riders most likely to leave his mark on the meeting.
HTBA Buyers Have an Extreme Choice Ahead
Tuesday, 17th March 2026
Attention will quickly turn to Riverside next month with the release of the catalogue for the Inglis HTBA Yearling Sale, an event that continues to attract buyers seeking value among late-season yearlings with strong commercial pedigrees. Among the highlights of the 215-strong catalogue is a yearling by Extreme Choice from the Newgate Farm draft. The stallion has one of the most remarkable Group 1 winners-to-runners strike rates in the world, producing an elite-level winner from roughly every 25 runners, a figure that compares favourably with the likes of Galileo, Frankel and Dubawi. The presence of a youngster by such a sought-after sire is expected to draw considerable attention when the sale takes place on Sunday, April 19. Depth across the catalogue is another feature, with progeny by a broad cross-section of prominent stallions including Alabama Express, All Too Hard, Anamoe, Capitalist, Castelvecchio, Cosmic Force, Dundeel, Extreme Warrior, Harry Angel, Hellbent, Home Affairs, Justify, Ole Kirk, So You Think, Star Turn, Stay Inside, Super Seth, Sword Of State, Tassort, Toronado, Trapeze Artist, Written By and Zousain. Those yearlings will be offered by many of Australia’s leading breeders, with consignments from operations such as Widden, Vinery, Newgate, Riversdale, Segenhoe, Amarina, Fernrigg, Glenbeigh, Goodwood and Kingstar. The HTBA sale has long been regarded as an opportunity for buyers to secure quality yearlings at a more accessible price point than the major select sales, while still retaining the potential to produce high-class racehorses. Results on the track have reinforced that reputation. Graduates of the sale have collectively earned more than $80 million in prizemoney, a return that comfortably exceeds three times their combined purchase prices. Numerous examples illustrate the value available through the auction. Boston Rocks was secured for $100,000 and has gone on to become a stakes winner of more than $600,000, while Cleo Cat developed into a Group 3 winner after being purchased for $50,000. Shezanalister was another notable graduate, bought for $55,000 before progressing to become a Group 3-placed mare with earnings surpassing $526,000. Other success stories include Tintookie, a $30,000 purchase that later won $500,000, and Rocketing By, who cost just $22,000 before amassing more than $2.7 million in prizemoney. The Bopper, bought for $30,000, has returned over $555,000, while Bazooka rewarded connections with $557,726 after a modest $14,000 outlay. Almost the entire catalogue this year will also offer access to state-based incentive schemes. Of the yearlings entered, 190 are BOBS eligible, while others qualify for programs such as VOBIS and QTIS. Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch said the catalogue presents a wide spread of stallions and vendors, ensuring buyers across a variety of racing and trading models can find suitable prospects. He also pointed to the advantage of a discounted entry into the Inglis Race Series, where the qualifying fee is set at half the rate charged at select yearling sales, while still providing full eligibility for the series’ major bonus races.
Major Annual VOBIS Day a Huge Success
Tuesday, 17th March 2026
Victorian-bred talent again took centre stage at Caulfield as another edition of the Victorian Owners and Breeders Race Day delivered a vibrant program highlighted by strong prizemoney and valuable VOBIS bonuses. With more than $3.7 million on offer across the meeting, Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria (TBV) reports the 10-race card provided a lucrative showcase for locally bred horses while racegoers were also able to visit an Equine Welfare Hub featuring retired racehorses from Living Legends. The centrepiece of the afternoon was the $1M TBV VOBIS Platinum Showdown for two-year-olds, where the Phillip Stokes-trained Big Wigs produced a powerful finish down the outside to defeat race favourite Miss Chanel. The son of Widden Stud stallion Gold Standard surged late to claim $550,000 in first prize along with $35,000 in VOBIS Silver and Gold bonuses and a further $30,000 in VOBIS Platinum incentives. The result carried additional emotional weight for the famous blue, white and red colours of owner Tony Santic following the recent passing of champion mare Makybe Diva, with a large group of partners gathering to celebrate the victory. Jockey Lachlan Neindorf admitted the moment meant plenty given the significance of the silks. "It's super," he said. "It almost makes me a little bit emotional, really. It's been such a big couple weeks for these colours, obviously, with the passing of the great mare. It's just a privilege whenever you put colours like these on and to go out there and get the job done in a nice 2-year-old makes it that extra special." Big Wigs is out of Nooks And Crannies, a daughter of Denman who has already produced Group 2-placed Cavity Bay and also has a yearling filly by Lucky Vega. Earlier on the program, a sentimental highlight unfolded when crowd favourite So Si Bon led out the runners in the 1400m Two Bays Farm VOBIS Gold So Si Bon. The race itself went the way of Harry's Yacht, with Jamie Melham guiding the Malua Racing-trained galloper to a comfortable three-quarter length success. In the Avenel Equine Hospital VOBIS Gold Distaff (1400m), Betwitchery produced a strong late charge under apprentice Luke Cartwright to give trainers Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin another metropolitan success, while collecting $65,000 in VOBIS Silver, Gold and Platinum bonuses. Ballarat-based trainer Karlene Tindale enjoyed a career milestone when Nostra Bella delivered her first metropolitan victory in the 1200m Cylinder VOBIS Gold Dash under Dean Yendall, earning $110,000 in prizemoney plus valuable VOBIS incentives. Starting at $151, the winner was responsible for a Big 6 dividend of $40,000. The second feature, the $500k IRT VOBIS Platinum Guineas (1600m), was taken out in commanding style by the Ciaron Maher-trained Salty Pearl, who arrived off two Group 2 placings and justified that form under John Allen. Stable representative Jack Turnbull said the mare always travelled like the winner. "She was always in control," he said. "The blinkers made her travel and she took John everywhere and when he asked her to poke into a hole at about the 450, she was there straight away. That's when you knew she was going to be there for a long way and in the straight they spanned wide and they were coming from everywhere, but her class shone through. She's very consistent and building a fantastic record."

Big Wigs has Makybe Racing & Breeding very excited (pic: Racing Victoria)
Horcrux Adds to Rommel’s Fruitfull Run
Tuesday, 17th March 2026
Success continued for the Ascot stable of Simon Miller on Saturday when a sharp front-running performance delivered victory in the Guinness Handicap (1200m), with Rommel gelding Horcrux proving too strong in a fast-run contest. After finishing behind Sonoftheboss over the same course and distance first-up in January, the four-year-old returned a fitter horse and produced a much sharper display. Tracking the speed set by King Adviso before the home turn, Horcrux quickly asserted control in the straight and powered clear, stopping the clock at a slick 1:08.84, only a fraction outside the Ascot track record. Trainer Simon Miller explained the improvement stemmed from addressing issues that surfaced during the gelding’s previous appearance. “He sweated up badly and melted behind the gates before that last start here,” Miller recalled. “His coat was off, too, so we sent him to the paddock for a couple weeks with Nigel Reid at Forge On Park. He’s been working well and this was the right race.” The win continued a productive run for Rommel, who has enjoyed a series of recent successes through progeny racing across Western Australia. Horcrux’s latest victory lifted his earnings to $295,000, with Westspeed bonuses contributing $115,000 to that tally. Bred and sold by Mogumber Park, he was purchased for $105,000 at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions by Miller in partnership with Ray Meadowcroft, Rod Bavcevic and Peter Jones. Rommel has been well represented of late, having already delivered a February feature double when Maria Lucia captured the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and the Miller-trained Twisted Steel claimed the Magic Millions 3YO Trophy. The stallion’s recent momentum has continued this week with further winners including Roaming America, Final Flush and Noble Connection. For Miller, the victory also capped another rewarding week following the success of Generosity in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes at Randwick the previous Saturday. The mare has proven a particularly astute purchase, having been secured by Miller for just $9,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale on the Gold Coast. She went on to earn more than $800,000 in Perth, highlighted by victory in the Listed Sheila Gwynne Classic, before being sold last year to Chris Waller and B2B Thoroughbreds. The Ascot horseman has also been active in the sales ring, attending last week’s Magic Millions March Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast where he secured a Yes Yes Yes filly for $50,000. Catalogued as Lot 46, the youngster is out of Sandown Lakeside winner Always In Moment and is a half-sister to seven winners, headed by the Miller-trained Miss Conteki, a multiple stakes winner who earned more than $500,000 and captured the Group 3 Prince Of Wales Stakes at Ascot.
Sydney/Melbourne a Toss Up for Treasure
Tuesday, 17th March 2026
Plans for the next appearance of star mare Treasurethe Moment remain fluid, though her second run of the autumn is expected to come next Saturday with connections weighing up whether she lines up in Melbourne or heads north to Sydney. A gallop between races at Caulfield on Saturday provided an encouraging sign of her condition, with Daniel Stackhouse aboard for the workout. According to racing.com, trainer Matt Laurie said the mare pleased him with the way she travelled and confirmed a decision between Melbourne and Sydney was still to be made. “She was lovely and relaxed out there and if she happens to stay here in Melbourne, Daniel will be offered the ride,” Laurie said. “If she goes to Sydney to the George Ryder, we’ll work that out.” Laurie indicated there is appeal in keeping the mare in Melbourne before potentially travelling later in the preparation. “I think it would be a good move to stay here and then just have a one-run trip to Sydney, but ultimately, it’s a discussion with Mr Zhang and the (Yulong) team.” Entries will be taken for both the Gr2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield and the $1 million Gr1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill as connections keep their options open. Laurie added that a return in a mares’ race could provide a suitable stepping stone if the Sydney option is delayed. “She’s not out of place going up there, but I think having a run back here in a fillies’ and mares’ race, albeit a Group 2, it would be a good lead into the big one third-up.” The multiple Group 1-winning four-year-old had originally been earmarked for last week’s Gr1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington but Laurie elected to bypass that race after her first-up run in the Gr1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, where she led before being run down late as the odds-on favourite. Laurie felt the performance still had merit despite the defeat. “I just thought the first-up run – although people might disagree with me – I thought it was a pretty solid run on speed,” he said. “It’s not her style. I’d prefer to be back.” Barrier concerns also played a role in skipping the All-Star Mile. “Then, we drew a little awkwardly in the All Star-Mile and I just wasn’t sure how it was going to play out for us. I didn’t want to be the horse leading the rest of them up, behind Pride Of Jenni and we just want to get out of that and get her back to positioning her in a way where she’s been able to win those races previously.” From next Saturday’s run, Laurie indicated the mare could progress to either the Gr1 Doncaster Handicap (1600m) at Randwick or the Gr1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) a week later.

Treasurethe Moment has dual state options (pic: Mark Gatt)
Considered Expands Her Growing Picket fence
Tuesday, 17th March 2026
Momentum towards the $1 million Country Championships Final continued to build on the Gold Coast on Saturday, where the tough and diminutive Considered stretched her winning sequence to six with victory in the Military Rose Plate (1200m). Already safely through to the Randwick feature, according to punters.com.au, the mare could hardly have advertised her claims more convincingly. Bought for just $30,000, she has not been beaten since June last year, when still in the care of Cody Morgan, and now heads towards the rich final in the sort of form few horses have taken into the race. Her latest success was enough to force a market move, with bookmakers trimming her from $6 to $5, while current $3 favourite Clear Thinking is still yet to qualify. There was some pre-race confidence against her in the betting ring, with Considered easing from $4.20 to $5.50, but that drift proved meaningless once the pressure came on. Dunn was quick to praise the mare’s attitude after another win that underlined the qualities that have taken her this far. “She's a proper racehorse,” he said. “What she lacks in stature, she makes up for with her willingness to win.” Her trainer admitted there had been some uncertainty about whether the return to 1200m would be ideal, but the run achieved everything the stable wanted ahead of a bigger target. “We came here today thinking dropping her back to 1200m might work against us. It was a nice pipe opener for the $1m Country Championships Final in a few weeks' time.” Dunn also smiled at the mare’s modest build, adding: “She's tiny, she'd have to be the smallest horse in our stable. But they come in all shapes and sizes.” That compact frame hides a serious engine, and if Randwick comes up rain-affected, her prospects would only strengthen given she handles wet ground so well. She is very much the stable’s headline act for now, although Dunn still has another card to play with Scripted set to take on Clear Thinking in Friday’s Wild Card at Scone for a place in the final. While Considered deservedly took top billing, there was also merit in the performance of Margot’s Deel, who resumed for the first time since November and made late ground into second. Cejay Graham feared the mare might finish well back before she charged home over a distance short of her best, and the effort suggested there could be an enjoyable campaign ahead. Trainer Jason Edwards now has every reason to look forward with optimism, with the Queensland winter carnival a possible target for the promising mare.

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