Few would dispute that 2025 has been a breakout year for France’s leading stables, but the numbers alone confirm Francis Graffard’s arrival in the highest echelon of global training ranks. Surpassing Andre Fabre’s long-held record of 13 Group 1 victories for a French trainer in a single calendar year, the 48-year-old has compiled a season of major international milestones heading into this weekend’s Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR). Among the highlights was a maiden Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) win with Daryz, while Zarigana and Gezora claimed French Classic laurels. Yet it’s abroad where Graffard has elevated his status, Gezora delivering a first Breeders’ Cup triumph, and Calandagan notching elite success in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2392m), Champion Stakes (1993m), and Japan Cup (2400m) – the first non-domestic win in that race since 2005. The Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (2400m) also went Graffard’s way, as did multiple other black type features across the continent. This weekend, two of his most seasoned campaigners take their place at Sha Tin. Goliath lines up in the HK$26 million Longines Hong Kong Vase (2400m), returning for a second attempt at the circuit after a midfield finish in April’s QEII Cup. Quisisana, meanwhile, heads to the HK$40 million Longines Hong Kong Cup (2000m) for her first overseas test. “I’m very happy with them both; they worked well at Chantilly on Wednesday and they seem in top shape,” Graffard told racingnews.hkjc.com. Goliath’s 2024 campaign has been headlined by victories in the King George and Germany’s Grosser Preis von Baden (2400m), results that signalled a successful rebuilding phase. “Through the season, I tried to rebuild his confidence and his physical ability. He was really well for America and he travelled really well, so that was a good sign that a long journey isn’t a problem anymore,” Graffard said. Holding an international rating of 120, Goliath sits alongside Arc third Sosie and last year’s Vase winner Giavellotto – and only three points off Hong Kong star Los Angeles. “It’s a strong race but with quite an open feel to it. As we know with Goliath, everything needs to go his way for him to give his best.” Visually imposing during trackwork, Quisisana (see below) could quickly attract local attention. Christophe Soumillon reunites with the Le Havre mare, having steered her to a first Group 1 in Deauville’s Prix Jean Romanet (2000m), which granted her Arc qualification. Although that mile-and-a-half assignment stretched her stamina, Graffard remains bullish about her preferred distance: “She is a long-striding filly and I think a mile-and-a-quarter will be better for her, while I couldn’t be happier with her condition.” Despite this season’s accolades, Graffard has only once previously contested the HKIR – with Karar, who finished 13th in the 2017 Hong Kong Mile. He concedes that it’s a tough ask of his pair this late in the season, however believes it’s important to have a presence at the meeting.
NEWDuckworth Revelling in Training Responsibility
Wednesday, 10th December 2025
It wasn’t until he stepped away from horses altogether that Ben Duckworth came to realise where his true passion lay. According to Racing NSW’s December magazine, for a few years, the now 26-year-old traded bridles for building sites, focused on a future in construction rather than continuing the family legacy at Fairview Park Stud in the Hawkesbury. His mother Linda manages the property, while his father Ian is a respected equine vet, but Duckworth had initially pursued a different path. Despite growing up attending yearling sales and race meetings, the industry took a back seat during his school years. “I wasn’t that involved in the horse industry,” he admits. “I was focused on my rugby and whatever sport I could get myself involved in.” Still, that early exposure left a lasting impression. “As long as I can remember I was going to the races – that’s probably where I got the bug.” Competitive by nature, Duckworth eventually gravitated back towards racing during his time at UNSW, where he studied Construction Management and Property. Living near Randwick rekindled the connection. “I found myself looking out towards the racetrack,” he said. “I maintained my interest in the racing side more than the breeding or farming side.” His break came in 2019 with a job for Mark Newnham at Randwick. The stable gig fit neatly around his rugby commitments with Randwick Rugby Club and gave him the foothold he needed. When Covid hit, he returned home to Fairview Park before setting off on a year-long educational stint with the Mitchells at Yarraman Park. That overseas stint included learning stops in the UK, Ireland and France – a period that cemented his ambition to one day train in his own right. It was back at Fairview that he reached out to Michael Freedman, keen to start from the ground up. A stablehand position soon turned into a foreman’s role at Freedman’s Randwick base, where about 55 horses are in work. “I always knew I wanted to get back into racing,” he said. “Michael’s given me a great opportunity and been a great mentor. The team here is fantastic. Wajid Ali, the other foreman, is a great horseman and his attention to detail has really helped me.” Duckworth joined at the right time, with the stable enjoying a banner 12 months thanks to Golden Slipper winner Marhoona and Flight Stakes heroine Apocalyptic. “You pinch yourself that you get to work with that level of horse,” he said. While a future as a trainer is firmly in his sights, he knows there’s no rush. “I’m really enjoying the responsibility and learning more about programming. Every trainer has their own take and I feel like I’ve found my feet here with Michael.”
NEWKa Ying Still Rising to Further Sprint Honours
Wednesday, 10th December 2025
A quiet gallop on Tuesday morning at Sha Tin offered another sign that Ka Ying Rising is on track for his next major assignment: the HK$28 million Gr1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) this Sunday, reports racingnews.co.nz. The extended picket-fence Shamexpress gelding, already the winner of 15 straight, is closing in on Hong Kong immortality as he eyes a 16th consecutive win – just one shy of the great Silent Witness. Zac Purton, who has partnered Ka Ying Rising throughout his ascent, was back in the saddle for a routine leg stretch that began in the sand ring before easing onto the main dirt track. Under the eye of local and international press, the reigning Horse of the Year moved with familiar purpose and calm. “He was a lot more relaxed this morning,” said Purton. “He came out into the trotting ring and, for once in a long time, he actually did trot around there. Normally, you can’t get him to trot, he wants to hack around and play up a little bit, but he went around there nicely and did the same thing on the track.” The gelding had shown flashes of over-exuberance during his grass gallop the previous week, but Purton saw none of that here. “He’s chilled and he’s a different horse this week, which is good.” A 400m breeze in 23.2 seconds suggested he’s exactly where he needs to be ahead of the Group 1 feature. Already this season, Ka Ying Rising collected the full HK$5 million Hong Kong Speed Series bonus in a clean sweep of the triple crown of sprinting. For Purton, no stranger to elite horses, the association with Ka Ying Rising holds a special place. “I’ve been very lucky and to think that the best one of the lot has come along now. I certainly appreciate it, and he’s such a lovely horse to work with as well, which makes it even more enjoyable. You’ve got to pinch yourself, really.” He contrasted Ka Ying Rising’s temperament with former stable titan Beauty Generation, who was far less accommodating behind the scenes. “Beauty Generation was hard to handle. He knew he was big; he knew he was strong, and he was aggressive. He injured his mafoos, I think that tells you what type of horse he was, but he put that aggression into his racing.” By contrast, Ka Ying Rising has shown a capacity to settle despite occasional pre-race nerves. “He’s just a gem, this guy. It’s just another race and we’re trying to win it, whatever happens beyond that happens.” Drawn awkwardly in last year’s Sprint and again from gate 10 last start, Purton is hoping for better luck this time. “I’d like to draw lower than higher… he’s due to get a nice good one.”
Ridgmont Juveniles Chasing MM 2YO Classic Start
Wednesday, 10th December 2025
With a field of just eight set to line up in Wednesday's $200,000 Restricted Listed Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic (1100m), the pair of Bjorn Baker-trained Ridgmont colour-bearers both appear live chances. With Baker having trained last year's winner O' Ole (Ole Kirk) who went on to win the Magic Millions 2YO Classic just two starts later, jockey Jason Collet who rode last year's winner will be aboard Paradoxium (Extreme Choice-Paredo, by Better Than Ready). Fourth in the Gr3 Breeders' Plate on debut, the Silverdale Farm-bred colt was secured for $400,000 by Bjorn Baker Racing, Clarke Bloodstock Pty Ltd (FBAA) and Ridgmont. Having been readied with two trial wins this time in, the colt has drawn barrier four in the eight-horse field. Baker's second runner and one of just three fillies in the race is the G3 Gimcrack Stakes third-placed Masvingo (Zoustar-Rotator, by Not A Single Doubt). Interestingly also purchased from the Magic Millions draft of Silverdale Farm, this time for $580,000 by Ridgmont Fillies Partnership and Clarke Bloodstock Pty Ltd (FBAA), the Kerrin McEvoy-ridden filly has drawn barrier 1. Having won the race three years back with Sovereign Fund (Capitalist) and seven years before that by Capitalist himself who would go on to win the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and the Gr1 Golden Slipper, trainer Peter Snowden will saddle up Max Lees Classic debut winner Seeiaye (Russian Revolution-Blue Blazers, by I Am Invincible) who appears to have an undeniable chance. Secured for $65,000 from the draft of Musk Creek, the colt has already earned connections back more then his purchase price and with plenty of lucrative races ahead, he is one not to underestimate.
O'Ole won last year's Magic Millions Wyong Classic (pic: magicmillions.com.au)
King of Roseau Set to Reign at Wyong
Wednesday, 10th December 2025
Fourth when resuming down the Flemington straight during the Melbourne Spring Carnival on an unsuitable wet track, the Peter Snowden-trained King Of Roseau (Capitalist-Dominica, by Choisir) has the ability to play a leading role in the Magic Millions 3 & 4YO Stakes (1200m) on Wednesday at Wyong. With four top four placed finishes from six attempts at 1200m, the gelding is yet to win second up, but he is likely being readied to head to the Gold Coast in January, and if so, connections would surely want to see a forward showing here. From barrier 1, jockey Tom Sherry has the option to settle forward and, in the small field of eight, hopefully he doesn't get too far back in the run and find trouble when looking to make his run. Placed second in the Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic two years back before going on to finish third in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast, the Ciaron Maher-trained Spywire (Trapeze Artist-Secret Trail, by Denman) has a level of class about him and with wins at his last two starts, the 4YO gelding has drawn gate four with last start winning jockey Adam Farragher aboard. A winner of the Magic Millions 2YO Wyong Classic and Magic Millions 2YO Classic last season, the Bjorn Baker trained filly O'Ole disappointed in her only run since when finishing eight lengths off the winner in the Gr3 Red Roses Stakes at Flemington. O' Ole (Ole Kirk-Vellor, by Sepoy) is the only 3YO in this race and should be given another chance.
Durazzo Looks All Conquering at Launceston
Wednesday, 10th December 2025
Breaking through for his first stakes victory last start in the Listed Newmarket Handicap (1400m) at Launceston, the Barry Campbell-trained Durazzo (Needs Further-Arenzano, by Not A Single Doubt) should appreciate the further step up in trip when he contests Wednesday night's Listed Conquering Stakes. Raced by Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds after being secured for $97,500 from the Magic Millions Tasmanian yearling sale from the draft of Armidale Stud, the 5YO gelding has amassed over $420,000 in earnings from his nine wins and two second placed efforts from 13 starts and if he can prove successful on Wednesday, he will go agonisingly close to breaking through the half million mark. With six wins from seven starts at the trip and with two efforts over 1400m for a win and a second, everything looks set for the gelding to take the win with Kevin Sanderson in the saddle. With five of the other 11 runners having all come through the Newmarket Handicap last start behind Durazzo, the conditions of the race sees the second and third horses who carried considerably less, rise significantly to 59kg, the weight Durazzo carried when winning. Clearly not the same horse he was at three when winning at Gr2 level, the Bevan Laming-trained Bank Maur (Maurice-Banksia, by Redoute's Choice) is extremely well travelled and with starts in Victoria, Queensland and NSW in his last five, we can now add Tasmania to the list as the 6YO gelding looks to have a solid chance of producing a forward showing with Craig Newitt in the saddle.
Durazzo might be the best racehorse in Tasmania (pic: tasracing.com.au)
Well-Bred Vinnie Filly Eyes Consecutive Wins
Wednesday, 10th December 2025
With six of the seven runners in Wednesday's Sportsbet Jockey Watch Handicap (1200m) at Sandown having either won or finished second at their most recent start, the market suggests it is a pretty close contest with five of the seven at 10/1 or less. Off the back of two second placed performances in her debut campaign, the Matt Laurie-trained Lady Verity (I Am Invincible-Volpe Veloce, by Foxwedge) resumed with a two-length win as the favourite when racing over 1114m at Geelong. Stepping up to 1200m on Wednesday will not pose any issues with the filly being the second foal out of the Group 1-winning Foxwedge mare Volpe Veloce (see below) who won up to 1600m during her career. Having visited Yarraman Park Stud's I Am Invincible every year at stud, the mare has produced four fillies, with her current yearling not down for any of the sales so far in 2026 and with Easter the remaining major to be announced, if she is going to be sold, that's the place. From barrier 2 with Jamie Mott in the saddle, if the filly goes forward to lead like she did last start, she may prove quite hard to catch in the run to the line. Interestingly, the lone runner in the field that didn't finish first or second last time out is Godolphin's 3YO colt Cavern (Brazen Beau-Shelters, by Lonhro) who could be one to watch in the race. Trained by Ben, Will and JD Hayes, the colt was a winner on debut over 1000m before his fourth over the same trip at his next start, and come Wednesday, should really appreciate the 1200m.
Sabaj ‘In the Zone’ Ahead of $2m The Ingham
Wednesday, 10th December 2025
Initial plans to head to the padock were swiftly abandoned when connections saw how well Sabaj pulled up from his track-record Cranbourne Cup (1600m) win, and the rejuvenated son of now WA-based stallion Manhattan Rain is firmly on course for Saturday’s $2 million The Ingham at Randwick. According to racenet.com.au, Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have seen the lightly framed gelding thrive through a measured post-race routine. A Sydney-direction gallop at Cranbourne last Saturday was followed by another clockwise hit-out on Tuesday before the road trip north. “He’s in the zone,” Kent Jnr said. “I like to ride on slow mornings to have a feel – I never want to lose that touch or fitness I suppose, and it gets you out of the office and off the phone, so I enjoy riding.” Sabaj had already proven himself capable in Sydney, despite a luckless sixth in the Silver Eagle (1300m) last October when debuting for the stable. He then posted a smart Flemington win in a Benchmark 84 on rain-affected ground before drawing wide and still scoring in the Listed Cranbourne Cup. “To be honest, post-race we were in two minds,” Kent Jnr admitted. “Mick was delighted with what he saw the next morning; the horse ate really well, and while he ran a track record, he coped really well with the run.” The stabling advantage at Cranbourne may have helped, with no float trip required on Cup day, but the overall condition of the horse has been the key factor. “No travelling involved, so that probably helped a bit, and for a lighter framed horse, he looks good in the body,” Kent Jnr added. A short period of light duties and paddock rest at the trainers’ Kingshaven property also helped to keep Sabaj mentally fresh ahead of what will be his toughest test to date. While Price and Kent Jnr are not yet mapping an autumn campaign, the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) looms as a potential long-term target. “We haven’t thought that far ahead, but winning The Ingham would elevate your rating and give you options, wouldn’t it,” Kent Jnr noted. “It was a hard race to pass up – great prizemoney, a handicap on the big Randwick mile. Cranbourne posed some concerns being a tight track… we got away with it, but he’s a big track miler. Getting in on the minimum at 53kg [for The Ingham], it does look like a nice race for him.” Meanwhile, super-consistent sprinter Taken is on a collision course with the $1 million The Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham. “He’s going to have to take a big step up in class,” Kent Jnr acknowledged given the presence of horses like Private Eye and Here to Shock. Despite also facing a weight disadvantage, Taken has won his last five straight and Kent Jnr is reluctant to call a ceiling on the Ardrossan gelding’s potential just yet.
Machine-Like Consistency for Sire Maschino
Wednesday, 10th December 2025
Alwyn Park stallion Maschino continues to build momentum off the back of a strong spring, with a full book of mares and three headline acts – Joker’s Grin, Machine Gun Gracie and unbeaten three-year-old Smooth Chino – all circling black-type assignments. Maschino’s progeny have been delivering on the day-to-day stage too, with six individual winners in the space of five days. According to tbwa.net.au, the run began last Wednesday with Hey Pino at Belmont, followed by Coatachino (Albany) on Thursday, Razmas (Esperance) on Friday, and Trio and Grand Reserve (Ascot) on Saturday. Rounding out the streak was debutant Chino Bay, who scored at Bunbury on Sunday. Grand Reserve added fresh feature race shine for Maschino when grinding out a determined victory in Saturday’s Parliamentarians Cup (2200m). The five-year-old, bred by Alwyn Park and sold for $85,000 at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions, has now banked $230,000 including close to $70,000 in Westspeed Bonuses. Trained by Dan Morton for a syndicate managed by his wife Carol, the gelding has matured into a genuine staying prospect. “He’s a beautiful horse and is trending in the right direction,” Morton said. “He’s getting up to a distance range that suits and is a fully matured horse now. He’s a stayer in form and is in for a nice prep.” Chris Parnham navigated a tactically sound route, settling Grand Reserve behind early leaders Major Mario and Noahquintilly before peeling out to reel in Fame, who had been caught three wide throughout. The win extended a family legacy rooted in Alwyn Park’s long-time resident broodmare Shathor. Imported in 2004, the Tirol mare produced five winners including Singapore Group 3 star Captain Obvious. Her daughter Champagne Bubbles, by Scandal Keeper, has kept the line going with Vert De Grece colts Aidan’s Choice and Grece Lightning preceding Grand Reserve. The mare’s recent foals include a Rommel 2YO, a Shooting To Win yearling colt, and a filly by Aysar. Maschino’s stakes performers aren’t done yet. Joker’s Grin has been cleared by vets to press on to next Saturday’s $1.5 million The Gold Rush (1400m) after finishing within two lengths of Overpass in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes. That followed back-to-back Group 3 wins in the Prince of Wales Stakes and Colonel Reeves. Smooth Chino, unbeaten in five, is also entered. The lightly raced gelding completed a Magic Millions 3YO Trophy hat-trick in February and returned last month with successive Ascot wins for trainer-owner Indianna Weinert. Machine Gun Gracie, WA’s reigning Champion 3YO, is edging closer to a return. The Justine Erkelens-trained mare, who completed the WA Oaks–WA Derby double in April, impressed in a 1450m barrier trial at Lark Hill on December 1.
Parliamentarians Cup winner Grand Reserve (pic: Western Racepix)
Davison 100% All In on Campionessa Sister
Wednesday, 10th December 2025
Patience and a clear long-term vision continue to shape the broodmare program at Mapperley Stud, where Simms Davison remains committed to nurturing the family of Bella Carolina. The mare has already delivered multiple headline performers, and the emergence of Stella Ma Bella has further validated his belief that this line still has much more to offer, according to NZ Racing Desk. Her authoritative win at Te Aroha on Sunday, only her second raceday appearance, suggested a filly capable of climbing well beyond age-group company. Bred and raced by Davison, the Contributor filly is a full sister to Campionessa, whose Group 1 Zabeel Classic triumph and quartet of Group 2 victories established her as one of the modern pillars of the Mapperley broodmare band. Stella Ma Bella, Davison noted, carries more strength and physical presence than her celebrated sister and has shown that precocity from an early stage. With the Eight Carat Classic at Ellerslie pencilled in for Boxing Day, the path ahead offers an opportunity to test her quickly against deeper opposition. Davison admitted it was satisfying to own her outright after retaining only a small share in Campionessa, praising Te Akau’s handling of both sisters. Campionessa’s journey back into the Mapperley fold was far from straightforward. Passed in twice as a yearling, she was eventually repurchased by Davison for $380,000 at the Gold Coast, a bold reinvestment that he hopes will pay compound dividends over time. The faith is already visible in the stud’s 2026 National Yearling Sale draft, where a sister to both Campionessa and Stella Ma Bella will be offered as Lot 306. Davison conceded that even with his affection for the family, “you can’t keep everything,” especially now that two daughters are already secured for future breeding. Bella Carolina herself continues to play a central role. Her Profondo colt has pleased the team, and she has been returned to him again as part of Davison’s philosophy of supporting his own stallions with mares capable of elevating their profiles. The strategy extends beyond New Zealand, with Campionessa crossing the Tasman to visit The Autumn Sun. Now safely in foal, she has returned home, ready to contribute to the next Mapperley generation. The mating, Davison explained, was chosen with the intent of producing classic-type fillies rather than chasing raw speed. While there was internal debate about injecting pace into the pedigree, the final decision reflected a belief in New Zealand’s longstanding reputation for cultivating Oaks-profile horses. As he put it, “everyone can get a bit carried away about injecting speed,” but the aim here was to stay true to what this family does best – and to choose a stallion capable of delivering exactly that.
Potential Karaka Stars Hiding in Plain Sight
Wednesday, 10th December 2025
Recent results at Riccarton have underlined again that Book 2 of New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale is far more than a supporting act, with the New Zealand 2000 Guineas trifecta all sourced from its 2024 catalogue. Buyers looking for the next Romanoff, Affirmative Action or Shoma will have their chance when a streamlined Book 2 returns to Karaka in 2026. Staged as a one day session on Tuesday 27 January, the reworked sale will present a tight, select catalogue of 280 yearlings. The focus is firmly on quality, with pedigrees stacked with black type and close relations to some of Australasia’s most progressive performers. Book 2’s recent honour roll is headed by the Riccarton one–two–three, purchased for $75,000, $115,000 and $20,000 respectively before filling the placings in the $700,000 New Zealand 2000 Guineas. Those results have sharpened interest in the next wave, which again features siblings and close relatives to a host of stakes winners. Among them is Lot 613, a Divine Prophet colt from the Mapperley Stud draft, a half-brother to multiple Group One winner Snazzytavi whose nine victories include the Zabeel Classic, Livamol Classic and Cal Isuzu Stakes. Another half-sister, Le Societe, was stakes placed and has produced black type, while their dam Ritzy Lady added a Listed win to the family page. Further down the catalogue, an Ardrossan colt catalogued as Lot 572 comes from a mare who is a half-sister to the dam of recent Railway Stakes hero Watch Me Rock, linking him to one of Perth’s headline milers. Ardrossan also features as the sire of Lot 624, a filly out of Group Three winner Seven Schillings, already responsible for Group Two winner Emily Margaret and stakes performer Heptagon, with Emily Margaret in turn the dam of stakes placed Ha’penny Hatch. Pedigree hunters will also note Lot 633, a Sword Of State colt from a half-sister to brilliant triple Group 1 mare Sunlight and fellow stakes winners Sisstar and Clean Energy, all by Zoustar. Another highlight is Lot 655, a half-brother to Crystal Mile winner Von Hauke, whose Group 2 success at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day added further shine to the family. Depth continues late in the session. Lot 737, an Acrobat colt, is a three-quarter brother to Levin Classic winner Age Of Fire and also a three-quarter brother to the dam of Wakeful Stakes heroine Amazonian Lass, while Lot 785 is a Tarzino colt out of New Zealand 1000 Guineas winner and NZB Filly of the Year Insouciant. Taken together, the pedigrees on offer confirm that the 2026 renewal at the Karaka Sales Centre from 25 to 29 January, with Book 2 set down for Tuesday 27 January, will again give buyers serious access to Group class families in depth for both domestic and international investors.
Croft Sharpens Ambitions for Zousain Mare
Wednesday, 10th December 2025
Good fortune has a habit of appearing in unexpected places, and for Terry Croft it arrived quietly at an Inglis HTBA Sale in Sydney, reports racingnsw.com.au. Wandering behind the barns without any intention of buying, he found himself drawn to a filly by Widden Stud’s promising sire Zousain (Zoustar). Croft recalled seeing her at the same moment as another horseman and feeling an immediate pull toward her. When the other individual declined to bid, Croft slipped back inside, raised his hand once for $5,000, and walked away with a purchase that would eventually become Zoutastic. That moment of instinct has since been matched by careful, patient horsemanship. The mare, now a rising force at four, resumed on Sunday and reaffirmed her upward trajectory with a decisive victory in the Provincial Benchmark 64 Handicap over 1000 metres. Sent out a heavily supported favourite, she burst from her wide draw, controlled the race from the outset and established a winning break long before Pewter Pearl and Super Freds tried in vain to close the margin. Croft admitted he had not expected her to boss the field throughout, but the quality of her effort surprised no one at home. He felt she “won as her starting price suggested she would,” remarking on how much stronger she had returned from her spell and how well she had trialled in the lead-up. Instructions to apprentice Mollie Fitzgerald were simple: be positive out of the gates. Whether she held the lead or tracked the pace would depend on the others, though once she surged forward the outcome felt almost predetermined. With the mare’s first-up dominance now on the board, Croft is weighing up her next steps and considering a more ambitious preparation. The Provincial-Midway Championships loom as an enticing but still provisional target. A midweek metropolitan race is the likely stepping stone before any firm decisions are made. Croft emphasised that she is more than a pure speed animal, recalling her strong 1200-metre win at Wagga on Australia Day, a result that delivered an extra $100,000 through the Inglis Xtra Bonus scheme. Zoutastic’s record already includes wins at Grafton’s July carnival and the Forbes Cup meeting, yet Sunday marked her first victory on home soil, adding sentimental value to an already satisfying performance. Croft’s confidence in the family extends further, with the mare’s younger half-brother Coal Smoke, a Portland Sky juvenile, beginning his education. If early signs hold true, the chance purchase of one filly may ultimately shape more than one chapter in the stable’s future.
