Alpine Edge's Arion Pedigrees Web Page: Click Here
Contact: Michael Frappell (07) 4697 1198
OVERVIEW: Standing at a fee of $7,700, the Group winning son of Better Than Ready is an exciting addition to the Queensland breeding ranks. Alpine Edge is an exciting young stallion by leading Queensland sire Better Than Ready, out of emerging top producer Freezethemillions – dam also of Gr.1 winner Port Lockroy and exciting 2YO Mortal Halo. A multiple stakes winner with over $1.8M in earnings, Alpine Edge brings a powerful mix of precocity, consistency and class. He burst onto the scene as a brilliant early 2YO, winning the Listed Phelan Ready Stakes and the Gr.3 BJ McLachlan Stakes. He also finished an unlucky closing second in the $2M Magic Millions 2YO Classic. Alpine Edge continued to perform at top level through his 3, 4 and 5YO seasons, winning the QTIS Magic Millions and placing in multiple Group races. By Better Than Ready – Australia’s leading sire of 2YO winners in recent years – Alpine Edge inherits outstanding speed and commercial appeal. His Group 1-producing dam adds another layer of sprinting quality, making him an ideal choice for breeders aiming to produce fast, early running types. After covering 110 mares in his first season at stud, Alpine Edge is better than ready for 2025.
NEWGodolphin Tempted by 3YOs for Everest Slot
Tuesday, 16th September 2025
Sydney’s Gr2 Run To The Rose – the precursor to the Gr1 Golden Rose – is rarely short on theatre, but Saturday’s edition served up a twist few saw coming: a pair of Godolphin runners fighting out the finish, neither of them trained by James Cummings nor the Freedmans. Instead, the honours belonged to Ciaron Maher’s progressive 3YO Street Boss filly Tempted, who delivered a commanding performance to beat 3YO Bivouac colt Beiwacht, her former stablemate, now with Chris Waller. Already proven at the top level as a Gr1 Golden Slipper placegetter and winner of the Gr2 Reisling and Gr3 Percy Sykes, Tempted has clearly returned in devastating order. Her latest victory over Beiwacht, himself a Gr2 Silver Slipper winner, has thrust both into The Everest conversation, particularly as Godolphin’s Australian chief Andy Makiv weighs up its options for its valuable slot, reports racenet.com.au. While a colt like Beiwacht offers long-term stallion potential, Tempted may present the stronger short-term winning case, a key consideration for an enterprise with both prestige and return on the line. That may well translate into Beiwacht being benched for The Everest and instead being focussed on winning the stallion-making Golden Rose. Weight-for-age ratings guru Daniel O’Sullivan added fuel to the fire. Speaking to racing.com, he framed Tempted’s 104-rated win as one of the year’s benchmark efforts. “Raging Force set a strong tempo through the early and middle stages, and Tempted’s ability to sprint quickly off that pace between the 400m and 100m showed serious talent,” he explained. Horses in front lacked the quality to sustain that early burn, while those behind couldn’t match the filly’s closing turn of foot. Only Joliestar has rated higher in 2025 among Australian sprinters, returning 105 when winning the Newmarket. Even that margin is narrow, with Briasa’s TJ Smith rating at 103.8 and Private Harry’s Galaxy coming in at 102.3. Beiwacht’s Run To The Rose effort earned him a meritorious 100.3 rating. In that context, Tempted’s effort stands tall among open-age company, suggesting he may not be quite at her level for now. Whether Godolphin’s blue colours line up behind the Street Boss filly or the Bivouac colt in next month’s $20 million Everest remains to be seen – but the argument is suddenly looking very real for either to be considered.
NEWPlethora of Options for Al Riffa and Vauban
Tuesday, 16th September 2025
Ambitions for a Flemington assault obviously took a sharp turn upward following Al Riffa’s emphatic Irish St Leger triumph over the weekend, with Australian Bloodstock eyeing a possible tilt at the Lexus Melbourne Cup. However, that may now also include and perhaps even Dubai and Royal Ascot beyond. Trained by Joseph O’Brien and piloted by Dylan Brown McMonagle, the five-year-old powered away from the three-year-old Amiloc at the Curragh to score by four lengths in dominant fashion, according to sportinglife.com. Already a Curragh Cup winner at the same trip, Al Riffa has proven twice now he’s adept beyond a mile and a half. If successful in gaining a start, he could yet deliver O’Brien a third win in Australia’s greatest race, following Rekindling and Twilight Payment. Speaking on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, Australian Bloodstock director Jamie Lovett outlined the scope of their vision. “He’s now been out twice past a mile and a half and he couldn’t have been more impressive. He gives a great deal of confidence that he’ll stay the trip and class will carry him a long way.” With owners based in Dubai and Europe, plans could expand beyond Flemington: “We might find ourselves at Dubai World Cup night and then onto Royal Ascot in a perfect world. You need a very special horse if you’re going to aim that high.” Lovett was equally taken by Al Riffa’s demeanour. “There was a fair bit happening there prior to the race – the wind was blowing, there was a good crowd – and he was so relaxed in the parade. You need that temperament on Melbourne Cup day.” That composure translated into a smooth run and explosive finish. “They probably over-did it in front but he relaxed the whole way. When he put the handlebars down he found another gear. One thing we know about the Cup: you need a fast stayer, and he certainly ticks that box with his change-up speed.” Australian Bloodstock’s other Cup hopeful, Vauban, has already twice contested the race without success for previous connections but now continues his path under Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. His recent third placing in a high-level mile race suggests he’s beginning to turn the corner. “He appears to be a different horse,” Lovett observed. “We’re fortunate in Australia – there are plenty of races he can run in. He’s better for the time here. His demeanour has improved. He’ll step up to 2000m this Saturday and then one more run before the Caulfield Cup.” While Melbourne remains the dream, the Caulfield Cup may prove the right fit. “They generally don’t have three goes and win a Melbourne Cup,” Lovett said. “But topweights have a good record in Caulfield Cups.”
NEWAdelaide Connections Planning Border Raids
Tuesday, 16th September 2025
An eye-catching return at Morphettville on Saturday has put progressive South Australian sprinter Watchme Win (Harry Angel) firmly on a Melbourne spring trajectory – one where he may well have company from fellow South Australian-based horses. The five-year-old produced a slick finishing burst to land the Listed W H Wylie Handicap (1100m), improving his record to six wins from 13 starts with a decisive 0.76-length margin over quality gallopers Fancify and Aviatress. Andrew Gluyas, who prepares the gelding, hinted the stable had its sights set higher. “We saw this as a bit of a starting point to the spring,” he said. “It sets the pathway now. It’s exciting for all connections.” The victory also formed the first leg of a late double for jockey Jason Holder, who later partnered Darknconfidential to an overdue breakthrough in the card closer. Across at Murray Bridge, trainer Gary Boyce is also dreaming bigger after Anthracite made it three on the bounce with another determined display. Having led for the first time in his career, the gelding defied his short quote and held on strongly, prompting Boyce to earmark the Listed John Letts Cup on Melbourne Cup Day. “When they’re a short price, you’re always expecting a result,” he said. “It’s good to see him lead and still be able to kick. I’ve wanted to see him in a dog fight for a while – he’s got more to give once he’s put under pressure.” Boyce confirmed a likely mile run in five weeks’ time before the Cup target. Meanwhile, lightly raced filly Snow Mercy added to the cross-border buzz by backing up her strong debut with a stylish win for the Stokes stable and Jacob Opperman. It sealed a training double and reinforced her credentials as a filly on the rise. “We’ve always had a big opinion of this filly,” Tommy Stokes said. “To do what she did first-up off one jump-out was massive. She’s all class and she’ll go on to bigger and better things.”
NEWMiss Starlight Flags 1000 Guineas Potential
Tuesday, 16th September 2025
Riccarton played host to a breakout performance on Saturday as the NZB Southern Filly of the Year Series kicked off with the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m), a race that signalled the arrival of a compelling new force in South Island three-year-old ranks. Facing turf for the first time and a sharp rise in competition, Miss Starlight delivered a front-foot display that left little doubt about her readiness for higher honours, according to sales company New Zealand Bloodstock. Bred, owned and trained by John and Karen Parsons, the Sweynesse filly had gone unbeaten in two synthetic-track starts leading into the $80,000 feature but was asked to step up significantly in a field that included proven stakes performers. From a wide position tracking the early pace of Spark, jockey Tina Comignaghi waited until the bend before releasing the handbrake. The response was emphatic. Surging clear at the top of the straight, Miss Starlight left Bona Sforza and Intention chasing shadows as she surged to victory by a length and three-quarters. “She is a very special filly and today she stepped up,” Comignaghi said. “She has never had to go on the grass or had much competition before this, but she proved she is a really special horse. I didn’t know what she was going to do out of the gates today – she jumped well in one of her previous starts, and in the other one she didn’t. But she was going well today and I pushed forward. I had a handful of horse coming into the straight and I thought I had a chance, but I didn’t know she was going to do that. She’s a very exciting filly for the rest of the spring.” Already sitting atop the NZB Southern Filly of the Year leaderboard with 7 points, Miss Starlight has banked $75,645 from just three starts and may yet add a fourth win in next month’s Group One New Zealand 1000 Guineas. Her dam Firelight has now produced six winners from eight foals to race, including full-sister On File, who also saluted for the Parsons stable on the same Riccarton program. With proven closing speed, a versatile racing style and obvious upside, Miss Starlight looms as one of the more intriguing contenders heading into the southern spring classics.
NEWTrue Fiction Highlights His Potential
Tuesday, 16th September 2025
A flashing late burst at Northam on Sunday served as a timely reminder of the potential True Fiction hinted at last season, the now 3YO returning to the track with a storming maiden win in the AFGRI Equipment Maiden (1000m), accordingto tbwa.net.au. Despite a sluggish start and trailing by 6-lengths into the straight, he produced a withering run down the centre of the track to nail the well-backed Beyond The Wall, with Celebrity Angel weaving through late along the rail for second. Trained at Serpentine by David Harrison, True Fiction was picked up from the Perth Magic Millions for $50,000 by a syndicate involving breeder-vendors Darling View Thoroughbreds, who kept a share in the Gingerbread Man gelding. His two-year-old campaign was respectable without fireworks – finishing fourth behind Odinaka in the $150,000 Westspeed Platinum Plate at Ascot and midfield in the RL Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic at Pinjarra. Sunday’s effort, however, showed sharp progression. “He has a fair deal of ability and if he’s good enough to win in town on Saturdays, we’ll look at some of the 3YO features at Ascot,” declared Darling View’s Brent Atwell. “Dropping back to 1000 metres second-up, it was a very good win. It meant a lot to several clients and friends who are first-time owners.” The gelding was well-supported, firming from $8.50 to $4.20, but punters would have been sweating when Luke Fernie’s Beyond The Wall skipped clear turning for home. True Fiction is the first winner from Mystic Maid, a Patronize mare who finished runner-up in both the Gr2 Karrakatta Plate and Gr3 Gimcrack Stakes. Her current yearling filly by Gingerbread Man is bound for the 2026 Perth Magic Millions, while she’s also due to foal to Winning Rupert this spring. Gingerbread Man is off to a flyer this season, with Phanta claiming Listed wins in the Idyllic Prince Stakes and Belmont Newmarket, and Ginger Baker a Coolgardie Cup winner with the LR Boulder Cup on his radar. Yarradale Stud stands Gingerbread Man alongside Shooting To Win, with both stallions offered at $5,500 this season.
Camilleri Picks Lady Shenandoah for Everest Slot
Tuesday, 16th September 2025
Confirmation of a prized Everest slot has buoyed the spring prospects of unbeaten mare Lady Shenandoah, with John Camilleri's Fairway Thoroughbreds locking in the rising sprint star for the $20 million race at Royal Randwick on October 18. According to punters.com.au, Chris Waller, who prepares the mare for owners Hermitage Thoroughbreds, said a deal was struck over the weekend to secure her place in the 12-horse Everest field. "We are thrilled to see Lady Shenandoah gain a spot in this year's Everest," said Shannon Clarke from Hermitage. "It's a race that captures the imagination of the racing world, and to be represented by a mare of her calibre is a great honour. We're also incredibly grateful to Fairway Thoroughbreds for their support and confidence in Lady Shenandoah." Her inclusion takes the tally of confirmed starters to six, joining Ka Ying Rising (Hong Kong Jockey Club), Private Harry (Yulong), Briasa (Max Whitby, Neil Werrett, Col Madden and Steve McCann), Jimmysstar (TAB), and Joliestar (Chris Waller Racing). Waller, who trained Nature Strip (2021) and Yes Yes Yes (2019) to Everest glory, now prepares at least two runners for the 2024 edition with Lady Shenandoah set to join Joliestar. Undefeated across five starts last preparation – including three Group 1s – the mare resumed earlier this month with a strong, luckless second behind Headwall in the Concorde Stakes. Her call-up marks a welcome turnaround for Camilleri, who had to withdraw Sunshine In Paris from the race after an injury setback. The unlucky mare has since been retired and was covered on Sunday by Wootton Bassett at Coolmore Stud.
Lady Shenandoah has a prized Everest ticket (pic: Steve Hart)
Snitzel Colt Enters NZ 2000 Guineas Picture
Tuesday, 16th September 2025
A colt with top-shelf credentials added intrigue to the New Zealand 2000 Guineas picture after making a winning debut in Saturday's Vale Tony Dennis (1200m) at Riccarton. War Of Silence, a son of Snitzel and Group 1 winner Silent Sedition, is now rated a $31 chance for the November classic. Bred by Arrowfield and purchased by David Ellis for $700,000 at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, the chestnut was sent out favourite and did enough late to justify the market support. Travelling up on the speed for Opie Bosson, he was challenged in the straight by Dubonnet Rouge on his inside and Swoomee Swan out wide, but kept lifting to prevail narrowly. "We really liked him early on, but he went off the boil a bit, so we gave him a break and he's come back strong," Bosson explained. "He's still learning – changing legs and getting unbalanced – but he's got ability. He wandered a little, but when asked, he responded." Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson were pleased with the performance, especially given Riccarton's long chute can trip up debutants. "It's never easy having your first start down the chute after trialling around a bend," Walker said. "He looked a bit vulnerable late, but he really knuckled down, and we know how tough Opie is in a tight finish. I think he'll be better next start going 1400m around a bend, and we'll likely target the Guineas Trial on September 27." Stablemate support is strong in early Guineas betting, with He Who Dares (Snitzel) and Hostility (I Am Invincible) sharing favouritism at $6, but connections believe this colt has the temperament and scope to progress. "He's got a lovely, laid-back nature," Walker added. "Dave bought him with the Guineas in mind, and he's headed the right way."
Everest Dream for Headwall Shattered
Tuesday, 16th September 2025
Hopes for a tilt at the $20 million Everest have been dashed for Concorde Stakes winner Headwall, who has been ruled out of the spring after suffering a hind leg injury, reports punters.com.au. The 6YO sprinter, by five-time Group 1-winning European sprinter Dream Ahead, pulled up lame after Saturday morning trackwork, with further veterinary assessment confirming connections’ worst fears. Matthew Smith, who trains the gelding, had hoped the setback would prove minor, but by Monday morning the prognosis had worsened. “Headwall has an injury to his hind leg and he will go for further scans today,” he explained. “He was a lame after his work on Saturday morning and I was hoping it wasn’t anything too serious. But we’ve had the vets down to look at him and the horse won’t be racing again this spring. He was flying, he had never been going better so this is tough to take.” The blow is all the more bitter given how sharply Headwall had progressed over the past 12 months. Last autumn, he delivered placings in both the Gr1 Newmarket Handicap and Gr1 TJ Smith Stakes – behind fellow Everest hopefuls Joliestar and Briasa respectively – and returned this campaign with an explosive win in the Concorde, defeating Lady Shenandoah in dominant fashion. Bookmakers quickly slashed his Everest price to $26, and Everest slot-holders had shown interest, but the dream is now both derailed and deferred. Bred and part-owned by Reg Young, Headwall will be mothballed until at least until the autumn. His career to date has produced an admirable record of seven wins and nine placings from 18 starts, with earnings over $2.1 million. Smith, who still had to notify Racing NSW stewards and a potential Everest slot-holder, was frank about the emotional toll. “Unfortunately, he won’t be going to The Everest now,” he said. “I’ve also got to ring the (Everest) slot-holder who was interested in Headwall – I’ve had better mornings.”
Soft Surface Sinks Asfoora at The Curragh
Tuesday, 16th September 2025
Conditions at The Curragh proved unsuitable for Asfoora (Flying Artie), whose bid to make Australian history in the Group 1 Flying Five came undone on rain-affected ground. According to racing.com, the mare finished seventh in her Irish debut, unable to reproduce the turn of foot that carried her to Nunthorpe Stakes glory at York. Sent out a $4.50 favourite and partnered for the first time by Dylan Browne McMonagle, she was beaten less than three lengths by Arizona Blaze but never found her rhythm. “I thought I was going to come with a nice run but when I let her down she just didn’t quicken up on the ground,” McMonagle revealed. “The winner and a couple that finished in front of me really relished the ground whereas mine had a really low action and couldn’t find the gear that I needed to go on to win.” Having jumped cleanly and tracked the winner early, he remained hopeful until the last 50 yards. “She was a little bit weak but I was looking after her. She’ll be okay when she gets back on top of the ground. Despite the result, connections remain upbeat, with trainer Henry Dwyer reporting that the mare pulled up well. “She was only beaten a couple of lengths. It wasn’t a bad run. She just struggled in that sticky ground over here.” He added that she had a nice trail in the early stages, sheltered from the wind, but conditions late in the day didn’t suit. “Similar to Goodwood, where there was a couple of days of rain before and then it dried out and became a bit gluey, and Dylan was of the opinion that she didn’t feel overly at home in that ground having not sat on her before obviously.” Asfoora's European campaign may not be over yet. Should the weather hold ahead of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe meeting, a final assignment in the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp in early October remains on the table. Dwyer and her team will wait to see how she recovers and whether conditions improve before confirming a start.
Melbourne Cup Fancy Adds Irish St Leger
Tuesday, 16th September 2025
Sunday’s Gr1 Irish St Leger may have featured just one Group 1 winner on paper, but by the time Al Riffa crossed the line, he’d underscored his standing with a dominant four-length demolition job at The Curragh. Always poised behind a genuine tempo, the five-year-old sat chilly for Dylan Browne McMonagle until the 400-metre mark, then coasted past Amiloc with a surge that stamped him among the favourites for next year’s Melbourne Cup. “I was able to take my time and every time I asked him he was there,” McMonagle said. “The speed was on and I knew my fella was going to have a good kick when I needed it. I got there half-speeding and he quickened up well in this ground. He's so straightforward and he has a great attitude, so you can put him where you want. You could probably look at the Cup races for him next season, he definitely feels like he can go another two furlongs.” Having won the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at this meeting in 2022 and pushed City Of Troy in last year’s Eclipse, the son of Wootton Bassett continues to shape as one of Joseph O’Brien’s most versatile campaigners. This latest chapter followed a convincing win in the Gr2 Curragh Cup, where connections took a calculated gamble stretching the stallion to 2800m. The Grosser Preis von Berlin was another highlight along the way, showcasing a reinvention in racing style that few elite horses manage with such aplomb. On Sunday, McMonagle read it perfectly, allowing the Beckett runner to forge ahead before executing a textbook takedown in the final furlong. Australian Bloodstock’s Jamie Lovett didn’t need much convincing after Al Riffa’s last start over 2800m. “That convinced us he might be the horse to try and win the Melbourne Cup,” he said. “He’ll need to carry weight because they won’t miss him, but I feel sure he’s the right horse to do that.” O’Brien, speaking to Racing TV, was already thinking ahead. “It was a gruelling race, but we’ll freshen him up and hopefully get him to the Melbourne Cup. He’s two-for-two now since he’s gone up in trip. He settles well, he has a turn of foot and he stays. Hopefully we have a smooth preparation.”
Man Could Crush Golden Saddle Rivals
Tuesday, 16th September 2025
One of Western Australia’s most seasoned sprinters will return to the scene of his early triumphs next month, with Kalgoorlie-bred Man Crush confirmed for the inaugural $1 million Develop Golden Saddle (1200m) at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club. Representing the Bowden/Tohpan/Leahy slot, the Manhattan Rain gelding brings with him a resume that includes over $800,000 in earnings and feature victories in the Miss Andretti Stakes and Nicopolis Stakes. Luke Fernie, who trains out of Kalgoorlie, was buoyed by the announcement. With stablemates Bravo Centurion and Storm Chaser also likely contenders, Fernie is relishing the chance to showcase his team in front of a hometown crowd. “Every provincial country town thrives on race meetings like the race round,” he said. “It’s exciting to be part of it – we need to keep pumping it up and make it a good turn out each year.” Confident in his runner’s credentials, Fernie added: “Man Crush is well credentialed, he’s got a lot of potential and he’s beaten a lot of the horses he’ll be competing against. He will go a lot better once he gets on top of the dry track, Kalgoorlie will suit him well.” Owned and managed by Peter Fernie, the 6YO continues to defy age and is a familiar name among WA’s sprinting ranks. Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club CEO Craig Smith expects Man Crush’s inclusion to elevate an already electric event. “The excitement is really building for the inaugural Develop Golden Saddle to sit alongside the Ron Sayers Sprint and Kalgoorlie Cup,” he said. “The field is already looking strong, especially with the addition of Man Crush – a horse the locals know well. Kalgoorlie racing is a celebration of the community, the region and the spirit of the Goldfields. The Golden Saddle is a fantastic opportunity to showcase what Kalgoorlie-Boulder can deliver.” Early markets have Magnificent Andy marked as the $3 TABtouch favourite, with Bravo Centurion ($5), Shmoov Moova ($6) and Twain’s Angel ($6) featuring prominently. With the Goldfields-Esperance region contributing $54.5 million annually to the WA economy, the new slot race is tipped to deliver a major boost to local industry.
Treasurethe Moment to Resume in Feehan
Tuesday, 16th September 2025
Plans for Treasurethe Moment’s spring relaunch are now centred on the Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at The Valley on September 26, with trainer Matt Laurie confirming the $500,000 event as the logical return point following a colic scare that temporarily halted preparations. The mare, who stormed to Group 1 glory in last month's Memsie Stakes, appears to have bounced back swiftly, according to racing.com, pleasing connections after resuming light work on Friday. “She had a trot and canter yesterday and today she seems really bright,” Laurie reported at Flemington. “I think the Feehan is a really nice race regardless and it will give us a bit of an insight as to how she handles that track.” Although the setback was unsettling, Laurie remains optimistic. “It’s really the only option. I think she can get there. It’s two weeks away and she really didn’t lose too much work and she’s so clean-winded.” The issue was a mild colic episode caused by gas build-up, which was resolved promptly. “There are varying types of colic and it was on the lower scale, but it was enough to knock her around. You don’t want it to happen to any horse let alone Treasurethe Moment.” The rising star has compiled an imposing 10 wins from 12 starts, including four at the elite level, and looks poised for another significant spring campaign. Meanwhile, fellow Yulong-owned stablemate Vinrock is also building toward a major spring target. The colt impressed in Saturday’s Exford Plate and remains on track for the $3 million Caulfield Guineas on October 11, though Laurie is contemplating a Sydney detour beforehand. That detour could see Vinrock tested in the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill on September 27. “He’s a big, strong colt and it might actually help him come on a little bit more,” Laurie explained. “The Golden Rose, it’s a high-class field and he should be part of it. He’s pretty tough and doesn’t miss an oat, so I think he could handle it (a trip away) if we want to do it.” With both stable stars heading towards feature races, Laurie is looking to spring with renewed confidence.
Sensational 4YO mare Treasurethe Moment had a setback (pic: Mark Gatt)
First Aysar Yearlings Set to Turn Heads
Tuesday, 16th September 2025
First-crop yearlings by Geisel Park sire Aysar will headline a powerful consignment bound for the 2026 Perth Magic Millions, following the close of entries last Friday. The Deep Field stallion, who was runner-up in the Caulfield Guineas, has made an immediate impression through his foals’ quality and presence. Geisel Park’s Eddie Rigg will present 22 yearlings in February, many by Aysar, with the draft to be prepared by stud manager Conor Dunlop. Early indicators suggest the stallion’s progeny are poised to leave a lasting mark in the west. “We’re delighted with our first Aysar foals and the feedback from our clients has been overwhelming,” Dunlop said. “One of WA’s most respected studmasters told us Aysar can become the cornerstone of our industry if the foals he’s bred are any guide.” Among the highlights is a colt from Don’t Call Me, an early August foal described as a powerful, forward Magic Millions type. The dam is a full-sister to Rebelson, a stakes winner for Darren McAuliffe. Also catalogued is a filly out of Rosebank, purchased from the National Sale, whose unraced colt No No No No No recently won a jump-out for Lindsey Smith. Another standout is the Aysar colt from French Quarter, a three-quarter sister to last season’s WA Guineas and Champion Fillies heroine Storyville. Rounding out the Aysar group is a colt from Flaming Magic, a half-sister to stakes winners Heart Starter and Suspicion and Perth Cup winner Real Love. Aysar is stamping his foals with the power and profile that first attracted John Chalmers, who rated him “the best-credentialled sire prospect to cross my desk in the last 10 years or more.” Aysar himself was a precocious juvenile who trained on to run second in the Caulfield Guineas before winning the LR Chautauqua Stakes at Moonee Valley. “He’s a very good physical specimen with a terrific motor,” co-trainer JD Hayes remarked. A half-brother to Coolmore sire Home Affairs, he shares the same Torryburn Stud origins. “I loved Aysar,” recalled Melissa Copelin. “He was always a cracking looker… the good judges were on him at the Magic Millions.” Now standing for $8,800 at Geisel Park, Aysar is covering his third book with strong home support. “He’s one of the best stallions to enter WA in recent years,” said Magic Millions’ David Chester. “And he’s by Deep Field, a champion sire in Hong Kong – they love the line up there.”
Redoute's Stamps Early Season Influence
Tuesday, 16th September 2025
The Autumn Sun’s sensational daughter Autumn Glow headlined an exhibition of Redoute’s Choice’s rich legacy on a wonderful day of superlative Spring racing at Rosehill & Flemington. The 4YO mare added a fourth Group victory to her record with a scorching 32.76 last 600 metres in the $300,000 ATC Theo Marks S. 1300m G2 (see below), defeating General Salute (by Snitzel’s son Russian Revolution) & Group 1 winner Pier by 2.2 lengths. Charlie Duckworth, Assistant Trainer for the Chris Waller stable, said, “I think she might have almost given Kerrin [McEvoy] a fright how quickly she quickened up rounding the home turn. She is just electric. Obviously, she is very versatile in terms of how to be ridden. She has got bags of speed. Her optimum distance range, who knows. She is just very, very good.” Now the very short-priced favourite for the $1.5 million Epsom H. G1 on 4 October, Autumn Glow (ex Champion South African Sprinter Via Africa) was bred by Newhaven Park and purchased as a weanling by Shrone Bloodstock & Silverdale Farm which re-sold her for $1.8 million at Inglis Easter 2023 to Arrowfield & Hermitage Thoroughbreds. The Waller stable enjoyed further stakes success, this time for B2B Thoroughbreds, with Arrowfield Magic Millions graduate Lazzura (Snitzel-Laguna Azzurra), resolute winner of the $300,000 VRC Let’s Elope S. 1400m G2; plus a quinella by 3YO colts Sixties (Flying Artie-Gracies Lass by Redoute’s Choice) & Autumn Boy (by The Autumn Sun) in the ATC Ming Dynasty Quality 1400m G3. Chris Waller, on-course at Flemington, said after Lazzura’s third Group win, “She’s tough. She puts herself in the race, James [McDonald] gave her a lovely ride. She gave a good kick at the 300 metre mark. It got close, but she’s tough. She was good over the concluding stages. She’s building a good resumé. ”The Ron Finemore & John Leaver home-bred Cafe Millenium (Not A Single Doubt-Veloce Forte) landed his second consecutive stakes victory when he shaded Transatlantic (by Snitzel) in a tight battle for the $175,000 VRC Tontonan S. 1400m LR. That was part of a triumphant day for Ben, Will & JD Hayes, who celebrated a magnificent 10th Group 1 win by the formidable Mr Brightside in the Makybe Diva Stakes, and a Group 2 victory by Arkansaw Kid. The Redoute’s Choice factor was also evident in I Am Invincible’s Flemington stakes double: the Cap d’Antibes S. LR won by My Gladiola (ex Not A Single Doubt’s Group 2-winning daughter Villa Verde) from Akaysha & Inkaruna (both out of Redoute’s Choice mares), and the Exford Plate LR won by Vinrock (ex G2 winner Girl Gone Rockin’ by Redoute’s Choice). Only six weeks into the new season, the influence of Redoute’s Choice is all over Australia’s stallion premierships. Four-time Champion Sire Snitzel leads the General Sires’ table, with Alabama Express, also by Redoute’s Choice, in 8th spot, and Russian Revolution & The Autumn Sun inside the top 20. Redoute’s Choice himself is already 2nd on the Broodmare Sires’ list, with the 6th & 7th spots filled by Snitzel and Not A Single Doubt, whose Golden Slipper-winning son Farnan has taken an early lead on the 2nd Season Sires’ table.
Jedibeel Forced to Confront Hot Field
Tuesday, 16th September 2025
Jedibeel will launch his spring campaign in Saturday’s $1 million Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick, aiming to prove himself worthy of the Mulberry Racing slot in The Everest, reports racenet.com.au. Trainer Brad Widdup had originally planned to kick off the lightly-raced gelding in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes earlier this month, but a minor setback saw those plans shelved. A Rosehill exhibition gallop last Saturday helped bridge the gap, and now the task ahead is clear – and considerable. “This race is going to be 10 times harder,” Widdup said. “We are under no illusions there but we have to kick him off somewhere and I'd rather stay at home in Sydney, get him going and then we can work it out from there.” The plan remains Everest-focused, but there are no free passes. “That was the plan,” he said. “They don't want to take a horse to The Everest and make a gimmick of it either. He has to be in form to get his way there. They are open to what is around. He's not locked in by all means. He has to win his way or be competing well to earn a slot.” The Shorts has become a race of Everest consequences. Jedibeel will line up against confirmed slot-holders Briasa, Private Harry and Joliestar – the latter scratched from the Sheraco Stakes last weekend due to an awkward draw at Rosehill. “She had an awkward draw with the rail out so we just wondered where we would end up,” explained Chris Waller’s assistant Charlie Duckworth. “We will go next week and it maps a little bit better into The Everest. It's going to be a very, very hot race and that's why they put up $1 million for it—because it's been a big draw card for all the major players to end up there for a $1 million rather than $300,000 (in the Sheraco).” Widdup acknowledges missing the Concorde was frustrating. “Not saying he would have won that race, but he drew well, looked a good race for him.” Saturday now becomes a crucial marker—not just to get him up and going, but to see how he stacks up against horses already in the Everest frame. Jedibeel has talent in spades; the question is whether he can bring it when the pressure’s on.
