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NEW Lindsay Park Filly Can Sting Again in Oaks
Weekend, 30th March 2026
Plans are taking shape for the Australasian Oaks next month, with Stung emerging as a leading contender after an authoritative display in the Listed Clare Lindop Stakes at Morphettville. According to racenet.com.au, the Lindsay Park-trained filly produced a polished performance under Luke Currie, who kept her tucked away along the rail before easing into clear running at the 300m. From there she showed a sharp turn of foot, putting the race beyond doubt to score by 1.75-lengths over Oak Park Maddison. It was a performance that underlined both her raw ability and her continued development, particularly given her relative inexperience. "She's exciting. She was quite dynamic then, settled really well (and) was never going to get beat," Currie said. He noted the filly had shown signs of greenness earlier in her career, particularly around the start, but had taken another step forward. "She's only lightly raced and fairly inexperienced. She's been a bit sticky out (the gates) a couple of times, but she flew the machines today and could have put herself anywhere – she's learning. She looks like she's very progressive." The daughter of Arrowfield stallion Dundeel has now done enough to convince connections to press on toward the $1 million Australasian Oaks over 2000m, one of the highlights of the Adelaide Racing Carnival. Lindsay Park representative Jasmine Allen confirmed the filly would remain in South Australia in the lead-up, having settled in well since her arrival earlier in the week. "She's travelled down really well, done everything right so far and to see her come out and win like that was fantastic," Allen said. "That's the plan (the Oaks). We've got her rider coming across on Monday and she'll be staying here." Stung is currently based with local trainer Stuart Gower for her Adelaide stint, with Allen also acknowledging the support of the Rupert Legh group and wider connections. Her victory formed part of a broader Victorian presence across the stakes races on the program, with Shadhavar also making an impression in the Listed Matrice Stakes. Trained by Tom Dabernig, the mare was rated perfectly in front by Jacob Opperman before holding off Power Beau to score by a length, adding to her recent success in the Magic Millions SA 3&4YO Classic. Assistant trainer Dara O'Meara indicated further Adelaide targets were now under consideration. "It's every possible that we can see her back over here again, whether it's for the Sangster or the Proud Miss – it looks right up her street," she said, suggesting the carnival could provide additional opportunities for the stable.
NEW Mind the Gap as Syndicator Rolls the Dice
Weekend, 30th March 2026
Few syndicators get a week like Roll The Dice Racing which now finds itself riding a wave that could yet grow even larger at Randwick on Saturday. Only days after Guest House delivered the group's biggest moment by capturing the Group 1 Golden Slipper at Rosehill, the colt's future was further enhanced when Coolmore struck a multi-million-dollar deal to stand the son of Home Affairs at stud once his racing career ends. For Roll The Dice Racing director Steve Travaglia, it has been a validation of both judgment and persistence in a game where neither guarantees reward. "It's an exciting time for the business," Travaglia told racing.com. "They don't come around very often, but you need these things just to underline what you're doing and knowing that you're going to the sales and you're buying the right horses. It doesn't always work out, for one reason or another, and you need a lot of luck. It does give us the confidence to know that we're doing the right thing." Now the focus shifts to Wolf Gap, another promising juvenile carrying the syndicator's colours into elite company. The Palace Pier colt will attempt to follow Guest House's lead in the Group 1 Sires' Produce Stakes over 1400m on the opening day of The Championships, with early markets placing him on the third line of betting at $8. "Two Group 1s in a fortnight would be something else, it would be awesome," Travaglia said. "He's going really well." Connections had initially considered the Baillieu Stakes at Rosehill as a lead-up, but the plan was altered in favour of a trial at Randwick on Friday. Handled by Mark Zahra over 1050m on a Heavy 8 surface, Wolf Gap closed off soundly behind the Group 3-winning filly Medicinal, convincing the team to head straight to the major target. "We're going to go straight into the Sires' with him," Travaglia said. "We think he likes a bit of give in the ground, but we were worried about Rosehill being Heavy on Saturday for the Baillieu." While the comparisons with Guest House are inevitable, Travaglia sees two very different colts taking shape. "They're different horses. You look at them and they're different, physically," he said. "The reports coming from the Freedmans are that he will eventually eat up a mile and he could be a Caulfield Guineas-type horse in the spring, whereas Guest House is probably going to be that Coolmore Stud Stakes-type horse, I'd be thinking. It's nice to have two horses that people are talking about." Bred by Arrowfield Stud and Cloros Bloodstock, Wolf Gap was purchased for $280,000 from Arrowfield's draft at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. He is out of the winning Snitzel mare Bandol and is a half-brother to Katsumi Orochi.
NEW Light Infantry Man Wins Gr1 TAB Australian Cup
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Flemington
- Race: Gr1 TAB Australian Cup (2000m)
- Winner: Light Infantry Man (Fast Company-Lights On Me, by Kyllachy)
- Placings: 2nd: Pride of Jenni, 3rd: Apulia
- Stallion: Fast Company (Danehill Dancer-Sheezalady, by Zafonic)
- Stud Farm: Darley, Ireland
- Winner's Race Record: 34 starts: 7 wins, 9 placings
- Sales Details: €25,000, 2020 Arqana October Yearlings Sale, Vendor: George Mullins; £82,000, 2021 Goffs UK 2YO Breeze Up Sale, Vendor: Mocklershill; $50,000, 2024 Inglis Digital November (Late) Online Sale, Vendor: Halo Racing Services
NEW Aeliana Wins Gr1 Kia Tancred Stakes
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Rosehill Gardens
- Race: Gr1 Kia Tancred Stakes (2400m)
- Winner: Aeliana (Castelvecchio-Temolie, by Star Witness)
- Placings: 2nd: Dubai Honour, 3rd: Vauban
- Stallion: Castelvecchio (Dundeel-St Therese, by Dehere)
- Stud Farm: Arrowfield Stud, NSW
- Winner's Race Record: 18 starts: 6 wins, 7 placings
- Sales Details: $180,000, 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale (Book 1)
NEW Belle Cheval Wins Gr1 Vinery Stud Stakes
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Rosehill Gardens
- Race: Gr1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m)
- Winner: Belle Cheval (Savabeel–Keepa Cheval, by Keeper)
- Placings: 2nd: After Summer, 3rd: Salty Pearl
- Stallion: Savabeel (Zabeel–Savannah Success, by Success Express)
- Stud Farm: Waikato Stud, Matamata, NZ
- Winner's Race Record: 7 starts: 4 wins, 2 placings
- Sales Details: $320,000, 2024 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale – Book 1
NEW Seize The Day Wins Gr1 Sires' Produce Stakes
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Trentham
- Race: Gr1 Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m)
- Winner: Seize The Day (I Am Invincible-Zimaretto, by Anabaa)
- Placings: 2nd: Sweetest Thing, 3rd: Speed Demon
- Stallion: I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit-Cannarelle, by Canny Lad)
- Stud Farm: Yarraman Park Stud, NSW
- Winner's Race Record: 3 starts: 2 wins, 1 placing
- Sales Details: $600,000, 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Vendor: Yarraman Park Stud
NEW She's A Dealer Wins Gr1 NZ T’Bred Breeders' Stakes
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Trentham, NZ
- Race: Gr1 NZ T’Bred Breeders' Stakes (1600m)
- Winner: She's A Dealer (Ace High–Say No More, by Pentire)
- Placings: 2nd: Special Sakura, 3rd: Afternoon Siesta
- Stallion: Ace High (High Chaparral–Come Sunday, by Redoute's Choice)
- Stud Farm: Rich Hill Stud, NZ
- Winner's Race Record: 11 starts: 5 wins, 2 placings
- Sales Details: N/A
NEW Idle Flyer Wins Gr2 Emancipation Stakes
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Rosehill Gardens
- Race: Gr2 Schweppes Emancipation Stakes (1500m)
- Winner: Idle Flyer (Dundeel–Progressive, by Street Cry)
- Placings: 2nd: Blindedbythelight, 3rd: Firestorm
- Stallion: Dundeel (High Chaparral–Stareel, by Zabeel)
- Stud Farm: Arrowfield Stud, Scone, NSW
- Winner's Race Record: 14 starts: 7 wins, 2 placings
- Sales Details: $70,000, 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, Vendor: Torryburn Stud
NEW Storm Leopard Wins Gr2 Tulloch Stakes
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Rosehill
- Race: Gr2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m)
- Winner: Storm Leopard (Ghaiyyath-Brilliance, by Street Cry)
- Placings: 2nd: Eureka Rebel, 3rd: Shangri La Boy
- Stallion: Ghaiyyath (Dubawi-Nightime, by Galileo)
- Stud Farm: Darley, Northwood Park, VIC
- Winner's Race Record: 6 starts: 3 wins, 1 placing
- Sales Details: $125,000, 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Vendor: Coolmore Stud
NEW He's A Doozy Wins Gr2 Awapuni Gold Cup
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Trentham
- Race: Gr2 City of Palmerston North Awapuni Gold Cup (2100m)
- Winner: He's A Doozy (Zacinto-The Dewdrop, by O'Reilly)
- Placings: 2nd: Opawa Jack, 3rd: Crouch
- Stallion: Zacinto (Dansili-Ithaca, by Distant View)
- Stud Farm: Inglewood Stud, NZ
- Winner's Race Record: 54 starts: 11 wins, 9 placings
- Sales Details: $70,000, 2019 NZB Karaka National Yearling Sale
NEW Wootton Verni Wins Gr2 Neville Sellwood Stakes
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Rosehill Gardens
- Race: Gr2 Asahi Super Dry Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m)
- Winner: Wootton Verni (Wootton Bassett-Vernie, by Kendargent)
- Placings: 2nd: Caviar Heights, 3rd: Portland
- Stallion: Wootton Bassett (Iffraaj-Balladonia, by Primo Dominie)
- Stud Farm: Coolmore Stud, NSW
- Winner's Race Record: 20 starts: 8 wins, 2 placings
- Sales Details: €175,000, 2022 Arqana Deauville October Yearling Sale
NEW Rosleyn’s Star Wins Gr3 Star Kingdom Stakes
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Rosehill Gardens
- Race: Gr3 Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m)
- Winner: Roselyn’s Star (Shalaa-Dual Star, by Starcraft)
- Placings: 2nd: Gangsta Granny, 3rd: Signor Totoni
- Stallion: Shalaa (Invincible Spirit-Ghurra, by War Chant)
- Stud Farm: Woodside Park Stud, VIC
- Winner's Race Record: 11 starts: 3 wins, 6 placings
- Sales Details: $220,000, 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Vendor: Arrowfield Stud
NEW Southend Wins Gr3 Drinkwise Baillieu
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Rosehill Gardens
- Race: Gr3 Drinkwise Baillieu (1400m)
- Winner: Southend (Palace Pier-So We Are, by So You Think)
- Placings: 2nd: Persian Wonder, 3rd: Nomadic
- Stallion: Palace Pier (Kingman-Beach Frolic, by Nayef)
- Stud Farm: Coolmore Stud, NSW (Shuttle Stallion)
- Winner's Race Record: 2 starts: 2 wins, 0 placings
- Sales Details: $425,000, 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Vendor: Mill Park Stud
NEW Geneva Wins Gr3 Manawatu Classic
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Trentham
- Race: Gr3 Manawatu Classic (2100m)
- Winner: Geneva (Time Test-Charli Rose, by Pierro)
- Placings: 2nd: Circus Trix, 3rd: King Jakkal
- Stallion: Time Test (Dubawi-Passage Of Time, by Dansili)
- Stud Farm: Little Avondale Stud, NZ
- Winner's Race Record: 12 starts: 3 wins, 2 placings
- Sales Details: N/A
NEW Welwal Wins Gr3 Doncaster Prelude
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Rosehill Gardens
- Race: Gr3 Doncaster Prelude (1500m)
- Winner: Welwal (Shalaa-Cheriearch, by Arch)
- Placings: 2nd: Feroce, 3rd: Lord Penman
- Stallion: Shalaa (Invincible Spirit-Ghurra, by War Chant)
- Stud Farm: Woodside Park Stud, VIC
- Winner's Race Record: 29 starts: 6 wins, 9 placings
- Sales Details: €80,000, 2020 Arqana Deauville Select Sale, Vendor: Haras des Capucines; $330,000, 2024 Inglis Digital May (Late) Online Sale, Vendor: Chris Waller Racing
NEW Satono Glow Wins Gr3 TBV T’Bred Breeders Stakes
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Flemington
- Race: Gr3 TBV T’Bred Breeders Stakes (1200m)
- Winner: Satono Glow (Satono Aladdin-Electrode, by Pins)
- Placings: 2nd: Salann, 3rd: Gin Twist
- Stallion: Satono Aladdin (Deep Impact-Magic Storm, by Storm Cat)
- Stud Farm: Rich Hill Stud, NZ
- Winner's Race Record: 2 starts: 2 wins, 0 placings
- Sales Details: $260,000, 2025 NZB Karaka National Yearling Sale
NEW Whisky on The Hill Wins LR Lexus Roy Higgins
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Flemington
- Race: LR Lexus Roy Higgins (2600m)
- Winner: Whisky on The Hill (Ribchester–Ninja Lady, by Nayef)
- Placings: 2nd: Litzdeel, 3rd: Paradise Storm
- Stallion: Ribchester (Iffraaj–Mujarah, by Marju)
- Stud Farm: Haunui Farm, Karaka, NZ
- Winner's Race Record: 27 starts: 8 wins, 4 placings
- Sales Details: 135,000 Guineas, 2023 Tattersalls July Sale
NEW Stung Wins LR Clare Lindop Stakes
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Morphettville
- Race: LR Clare Lindop Stakes (1600m)
- Winner: Stung (Dundeel-Rare Ransom, by Oasis Dream)
- Placings: 2nd: Oak Park Maddison, 3rd: Synthesise
- Stallion: Dundeel (High Chaparral-Stareel, by Zabeel)
- Stud Farm: Arrowfield Stud, NSW
- Winner's Race Record: 4 starts: 3 wins, 0 placings
- Sales Details: N/A
NEW Shadhavar Wins LR Sportsbet Matrice Stakes
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Morphettville
- Race: LR Sportsbet Matrice Stakes (1200m)
- Winner: Shadhavar (Pride of Dubai-Cross Legend, by Sebring)
- Placings: 2nd: Power Beau, 3rd: Arkansaw Kid
- Stallion: Pride of Dubai (Street Cry-Al Anood, by Danehill)
- Stud Farm: Coolmore Australia, NSW
- Winner's Race Record: 14 starts: 5 wins, 4 placings
- Sales Details: $85,000, 2023 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale
NEW Corniche Wins LR ATA/Bob Hoysted Handicap
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Flemington
- Race: LR ATA/Bob Hoysted Handicap (1000m)
- Winner: Corniche (Fastnet Rock-Montsegur, by New Approach)
- Placings: 2nd: Unflinching, 3rd: Midwest
- Stallion: Fastnet Rock (Danehill-Piccadilly Circus, by Royal Academy)
- Stud Farm: Coolmore Stud, NSW
- Winner's Race Record: 17 starts: 3 wins, 7 placings
NEW Thanks Gorgeous Wins LR VRC Sprint Classic
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Flemington
- Race: LR VRC Sprint Classic (1100m)
- Winner: Thanks Gorgeous (Peltzer–Localchella, by Exceed And Excel)
- Placings: 2nd: Tycoon Star, 3rd: Bacash
- Stallion: Peltzer (So You Think–Miss Otto, by Elusive Quality)
- Stud Farm: Twin Hills Stud, Cootamundra, NSW
- Winner's Race Record: 12 starts: 3 wins, 5 placings
- Sales Details: N/A
NEW Archaic Smile Wins LR Flying Handicap
Weekend, 30th March 2026
- Track: Trentham
- Race: LR Bramco Granite & Marble Flying Handicap (1400m)
- Winner: Archaic Smile (Saxon Warrior-On The Ball, by So You Think)
- Placings: 2nd: Churchillian, 3rd: December
- Stallion: Saxon Warrior (Deep Impact-Maybe, by Galileo)
- Stud Farm: Coolmore Stud, Ireland
- Winner's Race Record: 23 starts: 5 wins, 5 placings
- Sales Details: $55,000, 2023 NZB Karaka Book 1
Easter Goes Boom with a $3 million Colt
Weekend, 30th March 2026
Emotion ran high at Riverside as the opening day of the 2026 Easter Yearling Sale delivered a result that exceeded even the most ambitious expectations for breeders Graham and Linda Huddy. Their Extreme Choice colt out of Pretty Brazen, offered through Lime Country Thoroughbreds, became the headline act when knocked down to Coolmore for $3 million, one of eight seven-figure lots to change hands on Day one. For Linda Huddy, the scale of the result was almost difficult to process. "I can't hardly believe it, it will sink in eventually I guess but this is way beyond our wildest dreams," she said. "I thought at $1.5m we would have been happy but $3m, it's unbelievable." The colt's rise to sale-topper status reflected both pedigree and presentation, with Lime Country's Jo Griffin quick to acknowledge the contribution of her husband Greg. "You can't get your head around it, anywhere in the world, when you sell a horse for those figures so that will be special forever," Griffin said. She noted that much of the work behind the scenes often goes unnoticed. "One of the things that gets overlooked with our family is the work that Greg puts in. He is a master horseman, the hours and the time and the effort, we definitely would never get results like this without him at the helm." Even so, the final price surpassed internal expectations. "You never want to get ahead of yourself but Greg and I looked at each other last night and I said to him 'I think it's got a two in front of it' and he said 'me too' so to get $3m, it's just fantastic," she said, adding that the result was particularly satisfying for long-standing clients. "The Huddy's are one of our best and long-standing clients, friends of the family and the farm so I'm just so thrilled for them." Coolmore's Tom Magnier confirmed the colt would join Chris Waller, describing him as a standout throughout the week. "Everybody on the team liked that colt all week… he was a standout colt all week. He's a very good mover, loads of quality with a lovely light step on him," Magnier said. "These top colts at any sale, you have to pay for them and we did that today." Depth across the session was underlined by a pair of fillies sharing second-top honours at $1.8 million, an Extreme Choice filly out of Speak Fondly offered by Newgate and a Zoustar filly from Summer Sham presented by Widden. The latter sale capped a productive stretch for Widden, whose Zoustar colt out of Sword of Light realised $1.35 million soon after. Antony Thompson admitted even seasoned vendors can be caught off guard by such momentum. "We thought she was a million-dollar filly but to get $1.8m was a really fantastic result," he said, reflecting on a draft that had attracted heavy inspection throughout the week. Buyers were equally active, with Dean Hawthorne signing for the Summer Sham filly on behalf of Jonathan Munz, while Shane McGrath and Clinton McDonald secured the Speak Fondly filly after extensive research into the sire's profile. By day's end, Hawthorne had led the buying table with 12 purchases, either outright or in partnership. Strong competition at the top end flowed through the broader market, with the sale posting an average of $452,603, a median of $350,000 and an aggregate of $66,080,000 after the opening session.

Lime Country Thoroughbreds' Extreme Choice-Pretty Brazen colt (pic: inglis.com.au)
Group 1 Back Up Risk Pays Reward for Aeliana
Weekend, 30th March 2026
A relentless late surge at Rosehill added another chapter to the remarkable partnership between Chris Waller and James McDonald, with Aeliana digging deep to overhaul Dubai Honour in a gripping finish to the Gr1 Tancred Stakes (2400m). In a race that appeared beyond her reach for much of the straight, the mare's resolve came to the fore in the final strides as she snatched victory close to home. The performance capped a remarkable fortnight for McDonald, who only a week earlier had equalled and then surpassed Damien Oliver's long-standing record for Group 1 wins in a single day at the same venue. Having partnered Aeliana to success in the Ranvet Stakes before adding further victories aboard Autumn Boy and unbeaten filly Autumn Glory, he returned to Rosehill with momentum firmly on his side. Dubai Honour, under Tom Marquand, ensured the task would be anything but straightforward. Sent straight to the lead, the European raider controlled proceedings and opened up a commanding margin approaching the home turn. McDonald, tracking the move aboard Aeliana, was forced to bide his time as the leader kicked clear, with the gap still significant deep into the straight. Only inside the final 50 metres did the complexion change. The daughter of Castelvecchio, already proven over the distance with her ATC Derby triumph, began to reel in the leader with a sustained finishing burst, edging past in the shadows of the post to secure her sixth career win and third at the highest level. Waller acknowledged the scale of the challenge, particularly against a runner prepared by William Haggas. "It's hard to beat a (William) Haggas horse when they're being set for a race as Mr. Haggas does," he said. "We knew we had to be on top of our game. Full credit to Aeliana, she's a proper horse. She puts herself in the race, never let Dubai Honour get out of our sights." The decision to back her up just seven days after her previous run was not without risk, but one Waller felt justified. "Just trusting your gut instinct more than anything," he said. "Her winning the Derby was a big plus, so she's won over the distance. The only box we had to tick was the seven day backup. She's eaten well and she's come back a different horse now." McDonald's ride reflected that confidence, opting for patience rather than chasing early. "I had to be pretty patient on her because I learned a bit on her the other day," he said. "Once she balances up, she'll find. It was a chance I was willing to take and I'm glad it paid off." Bred by Nearco Stud and Rich Hill Thoroughbreds and purchased for $180,000 from Karaka, Aeliana has now amassed more than A$4.4 million in earnings from just 18 starts.
Dual Tasman Group 1 Success for Rich Hill
Weekend, 30th March 2026
Rich Hill Stud celebrated Gr1 success on both sides of the Tasman on Saturday, highlighted by homebred and raced mare She's A Dealer giving farm principal John Thompson his first elite-level win as an owner. The daughter of resident stallion Ace High achieved that feat in the Gr1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1600m) at Trentham for trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood, replicating her dam Say No More's success in the race. The day got even better for the farm on the other side of the Tasman when fellow homebred mare Aeliana won the Gr.1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill, and earlier in the day at Flemington the farm's shuttle stallion Satono Aladdin recorded success when his daughter Satono Glow took out the Gr3 Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1200m). Thompson was duly rapt with the farm's success. "That's the first time we've bred Group 1 winners in New Zealand and Australia on the same day and She's A Dealer is the first Group 1 winner I've owned," he said. "We've got the full package really with the stallion Ace High, She's A Dealer and her half-sister Say Satono, who's won seven races and been stakes placed this season." The Chris Waller-trained Aeliana was bred by Rich Hill with Nearco Stud and is a daughter of Castelvecchio and the Star Witness mare Temolie, who was purchased in foal for $200,000 at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. Aeliana was sold out of Rich Hill's draft at New Zealand Bloodstock's National Yearling Sale for $180,000 to Star Thoroughbreds and added the Tancred title to her previous Group One victories in the Ranvet Stakes (2000m) and Australian Derby (2000m). "We retained the half-sister to Aeliana by Proisir and the mother's in foal to Dundeel, so it's pretty exciting for us," Thompson said. Meanwhile at Flemington, Satono Glow remained unbeaten after she followed up her debut win at Warwick Farm with further success in the Breeders' Stakes. Bred by Sydney doctor Phil Chen, she is out of the Pins mare Electrode and was sold out of Windsor Park Stud's draft at Karaka for $260,000 to O'Shea Charlton Racing and James Bester Bloodstock.
World Champion Returns with Dubai Group 1
Weekend, 30th March 2026
A return to the track after a championship season carried expectation, pressure and no shortage of intrigue, yet Calandagan answered every question with authority at Meydan, reclaiming the spotlight in the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m). Having been crowned Longines World's Best Racehorse for 2025, the son of Gleneagles resumed with a performance that suggested his reign may be far from over. Twelve months on from finishing runner-up in the same race, the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained entire was sent out a warm favourite in a compact but competitive field, with many anticipating he would reverse that earlier result. Settling in his customary position near the rear, with only Breeders' Cup Turf winner Ethical Diamond behind him, he allowed West Wind Blows to dictate terms in front under Rossa Ryan. The leader travelled smoothly and briefly threatened to pinch the race turning for home, but the complexion changed as Mickael Barzalona began to wind up his mount. The response was not immediate, and for a moment it appeared the favourite might struggle to bridge the gap, but once balanced, Calandagan lengthened impressively to reel in his rival and score by three-quarters of a length. The clock stopped at 2:27.88, with Giavellotto a further 3 1/2 lengths away in third and Ethical Diamond only fifth, underlining the quality of the performance despite the tactical nature of the contest. Relief was the dominant emotion for Graffard in the aftermath. "I'm relieved," he said. "The winter was long, he's a world champion now and has a big reputation, so we just needed to start and get the season going. It was a big race today and it's always hard to have a horse completely ready for a race like that. I said to Mickael that he might need the race. It was tactical and painful to watch, but he's a champion." He also noted the developing partnership between horse and rider. "Mickael and him get on well now but, during the race, he was a little on and off the bridle. On the last bend he was asking him to go. I think he needed the run and to get going, but it is now five Group 1s in a row and he's a real champion." That sequence of victories has been built on a remarkable run that began after last year's near-miss at Meydan, when he added elite successes in France, Britain and Japan to cement his global standing. His latest triumph also secures a berth in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Keeneland later this year, with Graffard open to an ambitious international campaign that could include the Cox Plate. For now, a more measured approach may prevail. Princess Zahra Aga Khan suggested a quieter period lies ahead before further plans are set. "I think we might go home for a while, because the rest of us are exhausted, let alone the horse," she said. "I think we might take a bit of a breather… Then, we'll see…"
Infantry Man Detonates Pride of Jenni Dream
Weekend, 30th March 2026
Margins can feel almost irrelevant in races of this magnitude, yet the narrowest of them was all that separated Light Infantry Man and Pride Of Jenni in a gripping Group 1 Australian Cup at Flemington. Run at a searching tempo, the race unfolded as many had anticipated. Pride Of Jenni rolled to the front and stretched the field, daring her rivals to match her sustained pressure, while Light Infantry Man settled with cover before launching his challenge at the top of the straight. Under Harry Coffey, the gelding gradually reeled in the leader, inch by inch, in a contest that became a duel between stablemates prepared by Ciaron Maher. "I don't know who I'm more proud of, the winner or the second horse," Maher said, reflecting on a performance that showcased the toughness of both runners. He noted the conditions had played into Light Infantry Man's strengths, particularly when able to track a strong tempo before producing his finishing effort. "Two of his best wins are when he races her … it's such a shame for Jenni to run second again," he said, acknowledging the mare's consistency at the top level. "I know for (owner) Tony (Ottobre), it's a race he holds very dear to his heart … it still eludes her, but she's racing in great heart. You never know, we may be back here with her next year. She was phenomenal." The victory secured Light Infantry Man's place among a select group to defend an Australian Cup title, joining Harlem and Cascadian as recent back-to-back winners over the past decade. For Coffey, it also marked a personal milestone with his first Group 1 success at Flemington, adding to a growing list of major achievements. "I've been fortunate to ride some bloody nice horses in my career and winning races like this is extremely special especially when you're from a racing family," he said. "Tradition, history, and to put your name next to it and be a part of it, it is everything that people want in racing and we are lucky to have it." Coffey admitted he briefly thought he might have the race in hand before Pride Of Jenni dug in once more. "I got on terms with her and I thought I was going to beat her easily. What a racehorse, she fought hard," he said, also crediting Ethan Brown for providing key insights into the horse's quirks. "This is his horse and he's been so open and transparent in how to ride him." In defeat, Declan Bates was equally gracious, praising the courage of Pride Of Jenni after asking her to extend early. "She's a warrior… frustrating not to win, obviously, but I am delighted for Harry. I'm really happy with my horse."

Light Infantry Man gets to Pride of Jenni (pic: Mark Gatt)
Te Akau Seizes the Day in Sires Produce Rout
Weekend, 30th March 2026
Dominance in New Zealand's juvenile ranks continued at Trentham on Saturday as Te Akau Racing added another feature to its growing tally, with Seize The Day delivering a commanding performance in the Gr1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m). The victory carried an added layer of significance for co-trainer Sam Bergerson, whose father Roydon prepared runner-up Sweetest Thing, completing a memorable family quinella. Despite firm market support, the path to the barriers was not without incident. Backed into $2.80 favouritism, the colt briefly caused concern when he dislodged Opie Bosson before the start, but the experienced rider quickly regained control and ensured the situation did not escalate. Once the race was underway, Bosson assessed proceedings from a wide draw before committing forward, settling outside early leader Summer Schemer. From there, the race developed with increasing authority. Seize The Day travelled strongly into contention before asserting at the top of the straight, putting the result beyond doubt with a sharp turn of foot. According to NZ Racing Desk, he drew clear to score by 4.5 lengths over Sweetest Thing, with Speed Demon another half-length away in third, underlining the strength of the performance. Bosson explained the early decision-making that proved decisive. "I took my time a little bit (at the start of the race) to see what was going to happen and I thought 'I better get moving here, I am going to be caught three deep', so I elected to slide forward," he said. "It took a couple of strides for him to come back to me but once he did, he relaxed beautifully and I think it was the right idea to take the blinkers off. I wasn't happy with his manners going to the start, but in the race they were perfect. He is a lovely big colt, has a massive stride on him and he is just so smooth underneath you. It makes my job easy." The result further cemented Te Akau's grip on the country's premier two-year-old races, marking an eighth success in the event in the past nine years and completing a clean sweep of juvenile Group 1 features this season following Lara Antipova's Sistema Stakes win. Bergerson said the colt had always shown ability, even if it took time to fully emerge. "He is just an outstanding colt and we have liked him from day one," he said. "He is just going from strength to strength and it is so exciting to see him put in a performance like that." The quinella added a personal touch, with Bergerson acknowledging the significance of sharing the result with his father. Roydon, meanwhile, took pride in his filly's effort, suggesting her best would come next preparation as a three-year-old. Purchased for $600,000 by David Ellis in partnership, the son of Yarraman Park stallion I Am Invincible has now won two of his three starts, earning more than $334,000.
Waller Staring Down a Gr1 Double Ton
Weekend, 30th March 2026
Attention has quickly shifted from the saddle to the training ranks following last Saturday's remarkable Group 1 program at Rosehill, with Chris Waller now edging toward another milestone that once seemed distant. In the wake of James McDonald's record-setting day, it is Waller who finds himself the subject of growing scrutiny as his own numbers continue to climb at an extraordinary rate. A treble at the elite level the weekend before last plus last weekend's success with Aeliana pushed his seasonal tally to 13 and his overall count to 193 Group 1 victories, achieved in little more than a decade and a half at the top. The parallel with McDonald is striking, with the jockey landing his first Group 1 winner in April 2008 in New Zealand, just weeks before Waller opened his account when Triple Honour captured the Doncaster Handicap at Randwick. Seventeen seasons on, the scale of Waller's rise is difficult to ignore. With momentum firmly on his side, the prospect of reaching 200 Group 1 wins before the end of the current seasonal campaign is no longer speculative. Equally within reach is his own single-season benchmark of 19 Group 1 victories, set in 2023/24, leaving him seven wins shy with ample opportunity ahead. Depth has become a defining feature of Waller's operation, and the weeks ahead offer a steady stream of opportunities. Unbeaten filly Autumn Glow is expected to target the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, while Campione D'Italia heads toward the ATC Sires' Produce Stakes. Ohope Wins might continue through the ATC Oaks, with Soul Of Spain aimed at the Sydney Cup and Joliestar among the contenders for the T J Smith Stakes. Beyond Sydney, the Adelaide and Brisbane carnivals provide a further eleven Group 1 races combined, ensuring the stable's presence remains prominent across the eastern seaboard. Looking beyond the immediate horizon, the long-standing benchmark of 246 Group 1 training victories, jointly held by Tommy Smith and Bart Cummings, is beginning to come into view. Given Waller's sustained strike-rate and the depth of his current roster, it is no longer a distant target but one that could realistically be challenged within a relatively short timeframe.
FIFO Gr1 Raid Leaves Cheval Belle of the Ball
Weekend, 30th March 2026
A dramatic finish and a tense protest combined to deliver one of the most gripping results of the Rosehill carnival, with a Kiwi visitor emerging triumphant in the Gr1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) after a heart-stopping conclusion. Belle Cheval's trans-Tasman raid was designed as a one-off mission, and it ultimately proved successful, albeit by the narrowest of margins and only after surviving a lengthy stewards' inquiry. Settling comfortably behind the early pace set by Stand My Ground, the filly travelled sweetly throughout before Zac Lloyd made his move shortly after straightening. At that point she appeared to have the race in safe keeping, but the complexion shifted quickly as challengers emerged from multiple directions. Ohope Wins briefly loomed as a threat wider out, yet it was After Summer and Salty Pearl who posed the most serious danger, the pair closing rapidly to join the leader inside the final 200m. In the crucial stages, Belle Cheval shifted out under pressure, tightening After Summer, who in turn moved outward toward Salty Pearl before straightening. Despite the interference, all three continued to the line in a driving finish, with Belle Cheval finding just enough at the right moment to prevail by a nose, with a short neck separating the next pair and Ohope Wins close up in fourth. The protest followed immediately, adding further tension to the outcome, but after careful consideration stewards upheld the original result. For trainer Mark Walker, it was a case of déjà vu following a narrow defeat at her previous start in the NZB Kiwi. "It was the NZB Kiwi photo all over again," he said. "She just ran around a bit, but it was great for the filly. It's a very special day, although I actually thought we got beaten, whereas I'd thought we'd won the NZB Kiwi. I was glad to see the photo." The victory carried added significance as the filly became another top-level winner for Savabeel, further enhancing the stallion's remarkable legacy. Walker was quick to acknowledge that influence. "She is by Savabeel, he's been the perennial champion sire at home for a long, long time. We're going to miss him severely, as he's getting on in years. But she is just a magic filly. She can have a nice break now and we'll look forward to the spring. There will be no Oaks for her, she gets a rest." Lloyd's role in the result also continued a rich vein of form in major races, and he was quick to reflect on both the opportunity and the performance. "To do it for Mark Walker, a top New Zealand trainer, it's very pleasing. A big thanks to him for putting me on." He added that the race unfolded ideally before becoming far more competitive late. "She quickened very well and I'm very surprised to see the horse I pushed out at the top of the straight come back and nearly beat me. She showed a bit of fight… it was a tenacious win." Bred by David Archer, Belle Cheval is a half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Bostonian and is raced by Archer alongside Diane Wright, Simon Archer and Natalie Micarone. With four wins and three placings from seven starts and earnings beyond $1.2 million, her brief Australian venture has delivered exactly what was hoped.

Belle Cheval (blinkers) winning the Gr1 Vinery Stud Stakes (pic: Bradley Photographers)
Wizard to Work His Magic Trick in Cairns
Weekend, 30th March 2026
A major boost for Far North Queensland racing has been secured with confirmation that one of Australia's most recognisable jockeys will headline the 2026 Cairns Super Carnival. William Pike, widely known as The Wizard of the West, is set to ride at Ladbrokes Cannon Park across the feature days of the carnival, adding significant weight to an event that continues to grow in stature. The Western Australian champion will take mounts on Ladbrokes Cairns Newmarket Ladies Day on Friday, August 28, before backing up for the Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup meeting the following day. His visit will also extend beyond raceday commitments, with Pike confirmed as a special guest at the Ladbrokes Sportsman's Luncheon on Thursday, August 27, further enhancing his presence across the three-day program. With more than 3,500 career wins to his name, including success in many of the country's premier races, Pike arrives with a profile that resonates well beyond his home state. Despite his extensive travel and achievements, the trip to Cairns represents new territory, something he is relishing. "I am really excited to ride at the Cairns Super Carnival. I've been trying to get to the carnival for a few years now and I finally get to come," he said. The opportunity to experience a new racing environment is a strong part of the appeal. "I've always found it exciting to ride at new places and the track looks fantastic. I am grateful to the club for inviting me and I intend to ride plenty of winners over the carnival." His enthusiasm extends beyond the track itself, with Pike keen to take in the broader region during his visit. "Having never been to Cairns before, I can't wait to get through my work and then spend some time seeing everything the region has to offer. Come and see me at the carnival and say hello – I can't wait to meet everyone." From an organisational perspective, the booking is viewed as a significant coup. Acting Racing Queensland CEO Lachlan Murray pointed to Pike's national profile and connection with punters as key elements in elevating the carnival's appeal. "The reimagined Cairns Super Carnival is already a proven winner, with record crowds through the gates and significant wagering interest underpinning its first year," he said. Expectations are that this year's edition will build further on that momentum, with Murray highlighting Pike's role in drawing broader attention to the region. "This year's Carnival is set to be even bigger, with cult hero Willie Pike locked in to ride as well as headlining the Sportsmen Lunch. Pikey is a household name and a true punter's pal for racing fans across the nation, and we look forward to his involvement shining a light on Queensland's Far North."

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