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NEW Ruthless Ka Ying Rising Dominance Personified
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
Superlatives were in short supply at Sha Tin as another exhibition of sustained brilliance unfolded, with Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) extending his dominance in the HK$5.35 million G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) and further tightening his grip on Hong Kong sprinting. Under Zac Purton, the five-year-old produced a performance that combined raw speed with control, stretching his winning sequence to 19 and setting yet another track record in the process. His time of 1m 07.12s marked the third occasion he has lowered the Sha Tin 1200m benchmark, achieved despite early pressure and unfavourable conditions that tested even the most seasoned runners. The race was effectively shaped in the opening stages, where a strong southerly wind made the first section particularly demanding. Carrying 128lb and conceding weight across the field, he absorbed those challenges before asserting his authority. Settled just behind Stellar Express, he travelled comfortably before the tempo lifted sharply approaching the home turn. From there, the response was decisive. Clocking sharp sectional splits between the 800m and 400m, he was asked to lengthen and delivered a devastating burst, covering the next segment in 10.45s to put the race beyond doubt. Within strides he had established a commanding break, ultimately cruising home eased down to defeat Helios Express and Raging Blizzard by four and a quarter lengths. “It (the win) is right up there, for sure,” Purton said, noting the conditions that added complexity to the task. “The way the track is today with the strong headwind down the back straight and every horse that’s been uncovered around the circle – he was on the fence, but he had nothing outside him – has just fallen in a hole. That wind has really gassed them.” He added that while several factors could have unsettled the gelding, his composure and class carried him through. “So, he had to absorb that, and I suppose a few other horses had to as well, but things were there to try and unsettle him a little bit with the extra weight to carry, as well, coming back in distance but he’s just different.” There was also a sense that even greater margins were within reach. Purton explained that the focus was not on chasing times, despite the ease of the victory. “I wasn’t out there to run time today,” he said, while acknowledging the set-up allowed him to travel into the race ideally and produce his most effective acceleration when it mattered. Trainer David Hayes continues to see improvement, attributing the gelding’s ongoing rise to a maturing mindset. His behaviour around the barriers and in the preliminaries has settled, allowing him to conserve energy and execute more efficiently on race day. Hayes suggested that progression could yet carry into another campaign at the highest level, with a return to Sydney for The Everest firmly on the radar. For now, the focus remains local, with the HK$24 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize later this month presenting an opportunity to complete another Hong Kong Speed Series sweep. On current evidence, it is difficult to see anything matching the blend of power and poise that continues to define him.
NEW Leading Lights Dominate Tassie Good Friday
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
Milestones in racing rarely arrive without a measure of adversity, and few rides have carried more personal significance than the one that unfolded at Launceston on Good Friday. Lauryn Bingley brought up her 80th career victory aboard Georgaroni, a result that also marked the end of her time as a claiming apprentice and the beginning of a new chapter. The win, achieved in a Class 3 event over 1400m for trainer John Blacker, capped a journey that has been anything but straightforward. Since riding her first winner in August 2022, Bingley’s progress has been interrupted by injury and shaped by life-changing moments, including becoming a mother early in her career. Through it all, she has remained resilient, gradually building toward this significant milestone. Reflecting on the achievement, Bingley maintained her sense of humour while acknowledging the unusual path she has taken. “It’s a good achievement, and I’ve still got another 12 months left on my apprenticeship. It’s a four-year apprenticeship, and I’ve been going for six years, so work that one out,” she said with a laugh. The transition to riding without a claim represents both recognition of her development and an opportunity to establish herself further in senior company. Her association with Blacker has come at an opportune time, with the leading Tasmanian trainer recently taking over as her master following the departure of Lauren Burke. The partnership delivered immediate results at the meeting, with Blacker preparing the final two winners on the nine-race program. Perola struck first, surging home in the E (Ted) & Arthur Cox Memorial Open Handicap over 1200m before Georgaroni completed the double. Blacker revealed that a gear change and improved health had been key factors in Perola’s performance. “We did a blood after her last run, and she wasn’t right. We put the visors on her today, and Troy Baker has ridden her well before in bigger races than this, so I thought it was a good recipe,” he said. The mare’s resurgence has opened up further possibilities, with interstate options now under consideration. Elsewhere on the card, Glenn Stevenson continued his dominant season, extending his lead as Launceston’s most successful trainer with another winning double. Merlin Beach and Designer Dreamer, both ridden by Codi Jordan, added to a sequence that has seen Stevenson produce multiple winners at each of the past three meetings. He credited the stable’s collective effort for the sustained success, noting, “The success is just due to everyone showing up all the time. Everyone puts in the work, and if you don’t do it, you may as well chuck it in.” The day also further highlighted the consistency of Erica Byrne Burke, whose premiership-leading campaign rolled on with victories aboard Magnaprime and Who Can It Be Now, reinforcing her commanding position in the jockeys’ standings.
NEW Yarradale at Pointy End of Karrakatta Plate
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
Strength in depth from a single nursery has thrown a fascinating layer over the build-up to Perth’s premier juvenile contest, with Yarradale Stud poised to play a major role in the Gr2 Karrakatta Plate at Ascot on April 18. Four runners tied to the operation feature prominently in early markets, headlined by the rapidly emerging Aurum Belle (Snitzel), who has surged to favouritism following successive black-type victories, reports tbwa.net.au. That quartet also includes Beatty, Cos I Am and Rok ‘N’ Rom, each bringing their own credentials into the state’s two-year-old grand final. The spread of ownership and breeding interests highlights Yarradale’s influence, with Aurum Belle raced by Lyn Sayers alongside Santo Guagliardo, who also has a share in Cos I Am, while Beatty carries the banner for the farm’s resident sire Gingerbread Man and Rok ‘N’ Rom traces back to the Gidgegannup-based nursery through the sales ring. Much of the focus, however, centres on Aurum Belle, whose recent performances have elevated her above her peers. A dominant display in the Gimcrack Stakes followed her earlier Supremacy Stakes success, reinforcing her credentials as the one to beat. Trainer Neville Parnham, rarely prone to overstatement, was nonetheless taken by the filly’s front-running effort. “She can be like a firecracker waiting to light up and was on her hind legs behind the gates,” he said. “She drew wide but jumped to the lead and then maintained that speed before kicking off the corner.” The performance was backed by the clock, with her time comparing favourably against older and more seasoned opposition on the same card. “She clocked a much faster time (64.24s) than Beatty and the boys in the Perth Stakes (65.32s). She’s exciting and, to be honest, I reckon she clocks off,” Parnham added. While the official margin was only half a length over Maria Lucia, the broader picture suggested a more dominant effort, with a significant gap back to the remainder of the field. Importantly, Parnham indicated there is still improvement to come. “The second filly is courageous but we were a bit too clever today. She isn’t screwed right down and the experience will see her come on and peak for the Karrakatta. That would highlight her resumé and it would mean we would be looking eastward [to Melbourne and Sydney] next season.” The long-term implications are equally significant from a breeding perspective, with the trainer noting that a Karrakatta victory would enhance her future value as a broodmare. By champion sire Snitzel out of multiple Group 2 winner Dame Giselle, Aurum Belle boasts a pedigree that matches her on-track ability. Her $725,000 price tag at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale reflects that appeal, and she is now beginning to justify it in emphatic fashion. With four previous Karrakatta winners to its name this century, Yarradale’s record in the race is formidable, and the current crop suggests that tally may yet increase.
NEW Flip of The Coin for Indefatigable Pride of Jenni
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
Moments that stretch beyond racing itself are few, but the 2024 Queen Elizabeth Stakes remains one that continues to echo well beyond Royal Randwick. What unfolded that afternoon was not simply a Group 1 result, but a performance that forced even seasoned observers to recalibrate what they thought possible. Well before the field straightened, Pride Of Jenni had already shattered the contest, opening a staggering margin at the 800m that left rivals chasing shadows. She kept pressing, eventually scoring by 6.25- lengths after effectively running her own race. The grandstand erupted, yet there were just as many left in silence, glancing sideways for confirmation of what they had witnessed. Two years on, that display still delivers the sort of exposure and conversation the sport rarely manufactures. Attention now centres on whether the eight-year-old returns this weekend, with a late decision looming between the Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Of The Turf. Owner Tony Ottobre confirmed no rush to lock in a path. “We’ll make a call just before acceptances whether it’s the Queen Elizabeth or the Queen Of The Turf,” he said. “I’ve got an opinion and (trainer) Ciaron (Maher) has an opinion so we’ll just weigh up the pros and cons of both races and make a final decision. Before the Australian Cup the plan was to go to the Queen Elizabeth if she won and in the end she’s only just gone down. Sometimes I need to be guided by Ciaron and it’s very rare that we don’t see eye-to-eye on the direction we head. This time won’t be any different.” While that Randwick demolition remains iconic, Ottobre measures the mare by something deeper than a single afternoon. Longevity and honesty sit at the heart of his pride. “She’s raced 45 times and given every bit of herself each and every time she’s stepped out,” he said. “That’s what I’m most proud of. To be an eight-year-old mare now and still racing as well as she is, it’s incredible really. Sometimes your proudest moments and greatest performances aren’t always in victory as well.” That sentiment was reinforced at Flemington, where her Australian Cup second carried as much weight as any win. She looked beaten more than once, only to lift again, embodying the grit that defines her. “I was hoping for a dead-heat in the end because she deserved to walk away with at least half a win that day,” Ottobre said. “She’s proven many, many things during her career but what she proved in the Australian Cup is just what a giant heart she has.”
NEW Autumn Glow Faces Stern Test in Queen Elizabeth
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
A winning streak already stretching into rare territory faces its most searching examination yet at Randwick, where Autumn Glow steps into weight-for-age company in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes over 2000m next Saturday. Twelve straight victories have elevated her into the upper echelon, but this latest assignment is less about extending that sequence and more about defining what lies ahead. The step to 2000m for the first time looms as the key variable, offering a crucial insight into whether her dominance can translate to the distances required of the very best. Against a field of seasoned weight-for-age performers, the test is both immediate and forward-looking, with implications that extend well beyond Saturday. Should she prevail, the path toward a Cox Plate campaign in the spring becomes increasingly compelling. Conversely, any sign of vulnerability could prompt connections to reassess those ambitions. Market confidence suggests few doubts, with bookmakers holding her firm at $1.40, effectively signalling an expectation that she will again prove too strong, reports racing.com. That aura mirrors the anticipation that surrounded Sheza Alibi prior to her commanding Doncaster Handicap victory last weekend, reinforcing the sense that Randwick is currently a stage for exceptional talent. The prospect of those two meeting in the spring adds a tantalising layer to the narrative, though logistics may intervene. With Sheza Alibi set to turn four, the Golden Eagle, restricted to that age group and scheduled a week after the Cox Plate, presents a highly attractive alternative. As such, a direct clash, while appealing, may ultimately remain hypothetical. From a racing perspective, there is little to suggest that the rise in trip will expose any weakness in Autumn Glow’s style. She has consistently displayed the ability to settle, travel and quicken, attributes that often translate well to middle distances. Yet her pedigree introduces a note of caution. By The Autumn Sun, a Rosehill Guineas winner whose progeny have generally shown an aptitude for ground, she carries a sire influence that supports the distance query. However, her dam Via Africa injects a contrasting profile, having excelled as a sprinter in South Africa and producing offspring that have largely followed that mould. Her first foal, Pleasant Encounter, built a career around sprinting in Hong Kong, while In The Congo, a Golden Rose winner, similarly found his ceiling short of a mile. That blend of stamina and speed leaves the 2000m question open, even if her performances to date suggest she may well answer it emphatically.
NEW Delacroix Announced for Coolmore Australia
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
A stallion prospect with both pedigree and performance credentials at the highest level is set to bolster the Australian breeding ranks, with Delacroix confirmed to shuttle to Coolmore Australia for the 2026 season. The dual Group 1 winner will join an already formidable roster that includes Super Seth and Golden Slipper-winning sire Home Affairs, further strengthening the operation’s depth of elite bloodlines. By Darley’s Dubawi, whose influence continues to expand globally and increasingly within the Southern Hemisphere, Delacroix arrives with a profile that aligns neatly with the evolving demands of Australian breeding. The success of Dubawi’s sons locally, most notably Too Darn Hot and Ghaiyyath, has reinforced confidence in the sire line’s adaptability, producing horses capable of combining speed, class and durability across a range of conditions. Coolmore’s Sales and Nominations Manager Colm Santry outlined the appeal of the new recruit, noting both his physical attributes and genetic appeal. “We are thrilled to offer Delacroix to Australasian breeders,” he said. “He is an outstanding individual with all the attributes we look for in a stallion: quality, athleticism and a world-class pedigree that is free of Danehill and Green Desert blood. Dubawi is one of the most influential sires in the world and, importantly, his sons are already proving a major success in Australia.” The colt’s maternal lineage further enhances his appeal, being out of Tepin, a six-time Group 1 winner and dual American Champion Female Turf Horse. Santry also pointed to the broader success of the sire line as a key factor in the decision. “What we’ve seen with stallions like Night Of Thunder, Ghaiyyath and Too Darn Hot is that this sire line adapts exceptionally well to our conditions, producing versatile horses with speed, class and the ability to train on. Delacroix fits that mould perfectly as a high-class Group-winning two-year-old who trained on to win multiple Group 1s as a three-year-old against older horses in the Eclipse Stakes and Irish Champion Stakes. He’s a very exciting addition to our roster.” Trained by Aidan O’Brien, Delacroix built a reputation as a high-class middle-distance performer, combining tactical versatility with a potent turn of foot that became his defining weapon. His three-year-old season in 2025 showcased that ability in full, particularly when dropping back in distance after failing to see out the Derby trip. Over 2000 metres, he produced a dramatic victory in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, surging from a seemingly impossible position, before confirming his standing among Europe’s elite with a decisive win in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. Earlier in his career, he had already signalled his potential, earning Group success as a juvenile and finishing runner-up in the Gr1 Futurity Stakes. Across his career, he demonstrated rare consistency, finishing outside the top two only twice, underlining both his competitiveness and reliability against the best opposition available. With a flawless pedigree, elite-level race record and a sire line already proven in Australian conditions, his arrival represents a significant addition to the local stallion landscape, offering breeders access to one of the most compelling outcross options in the modern thoroughbred.
NEW Rue De Royale Shakes off Bridesmaid Tag
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
A breakthrough of a different kind unfolded at Caulfield on Saturday, where persistence and careful placement were finally rewarded with a milestone performance that pushed career earnings beyond the $1 million mark. Rue De Royale, long regarded as a horse who hitherto threatened more than he delivered, reveals racingnews.co.nz, converted promise into a hard-fought victory in the Evergreen Turf Geoff Murphy Handicap over 1200m. The Benchmark 78 success, only the third win of a 26-start career, told only part of the story. A string of placings at stakes level had previously defined the Per Incanto gelding, including seconds in the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes, Blue Sapphire and Inglis Millennium, as well as thirds in the Stutt Stakes and Bendigo Guineas. Those efforts had built a profile of consistency without headline success, a pattern that has begun to shift this preparation. Having broken through at Flemington on New Year’s Eve, he returned to winning form again four runs later, suggesting that maturity and recent changes have played a pivotal role. Co-trainer Tony McEvoy acknowledged that the horse’s development has been gradual but ultimately rewarding. “He’s won a lot of money,” he said, reflecting on a campaign that has been both ambitious and patient. “We’ve placed this horse really aggressively, and I probably left him entire for a year too long. We just felt that he might have had a stakes win in him, but we never quite got there.” The decision to geld has proven a turning point. “Since he’s been gelded, he’s become very tough, very honest and a very good racehorse,” McEvoy added, highlighting the improved resilience that has underpinned his recent performances. With form on the board and the horse thriving, connections are now weighing their next move. “We’ve got a few options we can look at now. He’s a gelding and he’s fit and well, so we’ll just keep racing him while he’s racing well.” Among the possibilities is a tilt at higher company, with McEvoy noting, “We could go to the Goodwood (Gr1, 1200m) in Adelaide if we want to get aggressive again.” The race itself unfolded in a manner that played to his strengths, with Molly Bourke positioning him just off the speed outside leader Celsius Star before asking for an effort on straightening. Responding strongly, Rue De Royale struck the front with 250m to run and then held off the late surge of favourite Duchess Zou in a tight finish. For Bourke, the win carried additional significance as her first metropolitan success since relocating from Sydney to Melbourne. She credited both preparation and race execution, adding that a shared plan with the stable had been key to the outcome. Bred by Little Avondale Stud, Rue De Royale is out of Urban Royal, linking him to a strong international family, and his latest success suggests there may yet be further chapters to add.
NEW Street Boss Adds to a Massive Gr1 Season
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
A long-held ambition edged closer to reality at Randwick on Saturday, where Bjorn Baker finally etched his name alongside his father on the honour roll of the Australian Derby, courtesy of a commanding performance from Green Spaces (Street Boss). According to news.com.au, the result not only delivered a first win in the Classic for the stable but also ignited talk of a Melbourne Cup campaign for the rapidly emerging stayer. The 2400m contest on Day 1 of The Championships quickly became a one-sided affair once the Godolphin colt found clear running, surging away from his rivals to score by 3.25-lengths. Having hinted at his staying potential with a runner-up finish in the Rosehill Guineas, he appeared to relish the rise in distance, settling comfortably before building momentum approaching the home turn. Rachel King, enjoying a day to remember, positioned the colt patiently in the second half of the field before easing into contention at the right moment. When she asked for an effort, the response was immediate and decisive, with Green Spaces asserting his superiority from the 200m and leaving Dezignation and Storm Leopard well behind. For Baker, the victory carried deep personal significance, given his father Murray’s extraordinary record in the race. The elder Baker claimed the Derby five times, including successes with Nom De Jeu, It’s A Dundeel and Mongolian Khan, and Bjorn had been present for the first of those triumphs before establishing his own career in Australia. Now, with his own name on the trophy, attention has already shifted to loftier targets. Praising the ride by King, he said, “She’s done so much work for our stable and she delivers, she delivers on the big stage, she rode him perfectly today, it was an exceptional ride. Melbourne Cup – bring it on!” King’s contribution extended beyond the Derby, with earlier feature wins aboard Blue Door in the Kindergarten Stakes and Newlook in the Chairman’s Quality completing a cracking treble. Her affinity with Green Spaces was evident throughout, and she spoke warmly of both the horse and the support she has received. “He’s a beautiful horse and it set up perfectly for him today,” she said. “I was very confident it would, he just relaxed so well, did everything I asked, a very satisfying win.” The triumph also marked a milestone for Godolphin, delivering their first Australian Derby success, while further enhancing the profile of sire Street Boss. Green Spaces becomes his fourth Australian Group 1 winner of the season, joining Tentyris, Tempted and Pericles, and adds to a global record that continues to expand. Out of the mare Outdoors, already the dam of dual Group 1 winner Trekking, the colt combines a proven pedigree with a rapidly developing race record. Now rated among the leading Melbourne Cup prospects at $18, his Derby triumph may prove the foundation for an even more ambitious spring campaign.
The E-Trakka Edge: Where Data Meets Horsemanship
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
Clarity in training has long been one of racing’s most elusive pursuits, but for many stables the fog has lifted with the continued industry immersion of E-Trakka, a system once described by its late founder Andrew Stuart as “like putting on a pair of glasses.” By combining heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking and advanced performance analytics, the platform has reshaped how trainers assess both the wellbeing and the potential of their horses, replacing instinct-heavy guesswork with measurable, actionable data. At its core, the system allows trainers and their owners to better understand what lies beneath the surface – a point underscored by successful trainer Kristen Buchanan, one of E-Trakka’s earliest adopters and a long-time contributor to its ongoing development. Having used the platform for more than two decades, Buchanan credits it with shaping her entire training philosophy. “I have been using Etrakka from the very early days of my training career, some 20 years ago! I was lucky to become friends with founder Andrew Stuart and delighted to be involved in a small way in the development process…. Etrakka was a large part of teaching myself how to train,” she acknowledged, reflecting on a journey that has run parallel with the system’s evolution. For Buchanan, the ability to turn instinct into evidence has been transformative. “So much of training is subjective and there are so many variables; having access to quantitative analysis to complete the picture is an absolute MUST!” she explained, pointing to the importance of integrating sectional times and rider feedback with cardiovascular data. Stride length metrics and heart rate trends, she added, are critical indicators. “Those two variables can substantially red flag an issue and highlight latent ability or lack thereof!” Those insights, she noted, are central to making informed decisions about training methods, patience and even which horses to persevere with. Equally vital is the ECG functionality. “Red flagging fibrillations and issues is a must - you would be none the wiser without this technology,” she said, summing up the broader philosophy: “Knowledge is power - knowing your horses strengths, weaknesses and training them to the minute is the job description. Use the best tool available to do so!” That experience is far from isolated. E-Trakka’s data-driven approach – now built on a platform of more than 200,000 empirical readings – continues to deliver measurable gains across a wide cross-section of the industry, improving performance while reducing errors and unnecessary wear on horses. Stuart’s original vision was to address the inefficiencies and wastage inherent in traditional training methods, and the results suggest that ambition has been realised. “It’s a bloody good product… data doesn’t lie,” said one trainer, while another added, “We love it. Everything is going well, and the machine is very impressive…” From leading stables to emerging professionals, feedback continues to reinforce both the reliability of the system and the strength of the team behind it. “They’ve been awesome. We are very happy with our units. They provide great feedback for our training,” one user noted. Another long-term client wrote, “I really want to say thank you for your support over the past few years. I would recommend you and the company to anyone.” With adoption growing nationwide, Stuart’s long-held belief that E-Trakka would become an industry standard is increasingly taking shape. For those seeking to elevate their training operation, the platform offers not just advanced technology, but also provides a proven pathway to better decisions, healthier horses and more consistent results. To find out more or order your unit, contact the E-Trakka Team on 0422 868 181 or email admin@etrakka.com.au.
Campione d’Italia Could Back Up in Champagne
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
A colt still learning his craft delivered a performance of polish and power at Randwick, announcing himself among the most promising juveniles in the country with victory in the Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m). Campione d’Italia, building on an eye-catching effort in the Golden Slipper, produced a sweeping finish that confirmed both his class and his potential for further progression. Sent out as the $4.20 second favourite, the Snitzel colt was ideally positioned after securing a favourable draw, a contrast to his previous outing where he had been forced to concede too much ground. That difference proved decisive, allowing him to settle closer before unleashing his run and finishing strongly to claim the $1 million feature. Trainer Chris Waller has taken a patient approach with the developing youngster, mindful of both his raw talent and his inexperience. “He’s a young horse,” Waller noted. “Today was his fourth career start and each run has got a little bit better.” Reflecting on the Slipper, he added, “His run in the Golden Slipper was amazing. He just got too far back. It was no-one’s fault, and the horse is just learning all the time.” With race conditions more favourable this time, Campione d’Italia was able to show his true ability. “He got a lovely draw today, and that was the difference between having him in the firing line or going back like he was last start. It was good to see him knuckle down and get the job done,” Waller said. There remains a sense that his ceiling has yet to be reached. “He’s got raw talent. His first start he did everything wrong, just because he thought, right let’s get the race over and done with. We had to harness that a little bit and bring him back. He’s a lovely colt.” Connections will now consider whether to press on to the Champagne Stakes, a path previously taken by Militarize after his own Sires’ success. “Militarize, he won the Sires’ and then he won the Champagne, so I’ll have a talk to the team and see what they suggest,” Waller said. Ridden by James McDonald, whose extraordinary record at the elite level continues to grow, the colt drew further praise. “He’s a sensational horse,” McDonald said. “He’s been a work in progress and Mr Harvey told me, make sure I keep my hands down, don’t want the horse throwing his head.” He added that the colt’s pedigree and demeanour point to a bright future, noting, “He’s beautifully bred and is a horse with a real future, I’m sure he’ll run the 1600 metres right out.” Bred by Gerry Harvey and sold for $500,000 to the China Horse Club and Newgate team after initially being passed in at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale, Campione d’Italia is the third black-type performer from five named foals out of Medaglia Valore. Behind him, Miss Chanel (Tagaloa) ran a strong race for second, closing from near last, while the result capped a notable day for Harvey’s Baramul Stud, with another graduate, Chidiac, earlier landing the Country Championship Final.
Joliestar Dazzles Ahead of Ascot Option
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
A day already rich in high-class performances found its centrepiece in a mare whose consistency and toughness have become her trademarks, as Joliestar delivered again at the elite level in the Gr1 TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick. The victory not only added a fifth Group 1 to her résumé but also locked in a long-anticipated international assignment, with Royal Ascot now firmly on the horizon. Prepared by Chris Waller, the daughter of Zoustar has pieced together a flawless autumn, building through the grades with authority. A first-up Group 2 success was followed by a commanding win in the Canterbury Stakes, and she arrived on Saturday primed to complete the sequence at the highest level. Her latest performance confirmed that upward trajectory, showcasing both resilience and class against top-tier opposition. Beyond the individual achievement, the result also formed part of a remarkable broader narrative, with Joliestar among 10 Inglis graduates to claim Stakes victories across Australia on the same day. Her own journey began when Cambridge Stud principals Sir Brendan and Lady Jo Lindsay secured her for $950,000 from the Easter Yearling Sale, offered by Segenhoe Stud, and she has since rewarded that investment many times over, now boasting 10 wins from 21 starts and earnings approaching $9 million. For connections, the scale of her achievement continues to resonate. “Five Group 1s, what do you say? She’s a champion,’’ Sir Brendan Lindsay said, capturing the sentiment surrounding a mare who has consistently delivered at the highest level. He added that the thrill of racing such a horse is difficult to overstate, noting how fortunate they feel to have her in the right environment. The prospect of taking her to Royal Ascot only heightens that sense of occasion. “It’s a dream come true, to take a horse from Australia to race against the world’s best at Royal Ascot, gosh, what a thrill. We’re lucky enough to have a chance to be able to get there and while most people dream about it, we’ll just have a lot of sleepless nights worrying about it.’’ Waller, reflecting on both the preparation and the bigger picture, indicated that the Ascot plan had been carefully mapped out well in advance. “A lot of thought has gone into it, well before today, we just needed her to run well today and cement her place on the flight [to Ascot],’’ he said. Her career, he noted, has been built on competing in the strongest company since her three-year-old season, with continued development in maturity and confidence underpinning her sustained excellence.
Bright Futures for Inglis 3YO Filly Graduates
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
High-class performances at Randwick were not confined to the headline acts, with a pair of emerging three-year-old fillies enhancing an already memorable day that featured Group 1 victories for Inglis graduates Sheza Alibi and Joliestar. While those elite-level triumphs dominated the spotlight, the supporting races revealed talent that may soon command similar attention. Earlier on the card, a searching 2000m contest in the Adrian Knox Stakes provided the ideal platform for Profoundly to underline her staying potential, the Farnan filly stepping up in trip with authority to claim a decisive victory. Prepared by Michael Freedman and sourced for $65,000 by his brother Lee at the Classic Yearling Sale, she has now recorded three wins from 10 starts and appears to be peaking at precisely the right moment. The strength of the performance was reflected in the market, with her firming into a $4.50 second favourite for the upcoming ATC Oaks back at Randwick. Those closest to the filly had anticipated that improvement, particularly given the promise of her previous run. “I bought her when I was still training for $65,000 and she’s a really nice filly, which she showed again today,’’ Lee Freedman said. He pointed to her Kembla Grange effort as a key indicator, adding, “I was really happy with the Kembla run last time out and I was confident the form out of that race would hold up. I knew she had improvement to come and we’d never run her over 2000m but all she wanted to do was get over a trip.’’ With her stamina now firmly established, a quick back-up into next week’s Oaks holds strong appeal, a sentiment echoed by her trainer. “Why wouldn’t you? She ran out a strong 2000m and it’s great to see her win in the family colours too,’’ Michael Freedman said. Later in the program, the unbeaten record of Plaintiff remained intact with a performance that highlighted a very different skill set. Resuming in the PJ Bell Stakes, the Peter Snowden-trained daughter of Zoustar overcame a wide draw in barrier 20, settling before producing a sharp turn of foot to reel in her rivals and extend her perfect sequence to four wins from as many starts. Her capacity to absorb early pressure and still finish strongly suggests a filly with both versatility and class. Purchased for $2.2 million at the Easter Yearling Sale by James Harron on behalf of owner John Camilleri, Plaintiff has long been regarded as a premium prospect, both on the track and for future broodmare duties. Harron recalled the impression she made at the sale, saying, “She was just an incredible specimen, I took John down to see her at Easter and when he saw her he just said ‘yep, she’s something we just have to have’.'' That early confidence is now being vindicated with each run, as her unbeaten record continues to build. With pedigree, presence and performance aligning, her trajectory appears steeply upward. “She’s unbeaten, it’s quite incredible. You invest in quality, she’s got a beautiful pedigree, an amazing demeanour and attitude and the sky’s the limit with her,’’ Harron said.
Sheza Alibi Devastating in Doncaster Rout
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
At a track steeped in history and expectation, Saturday’s Doncaster Mile unfolded as something far more emphatic than a contest, instead becoming a showcase of rare dominance at the elite level, according to horseracing.com.au. In producing a performance that will be replayed for years to come, Sheza Alibi elevated herself into a different echelon, confirming her standing as one of the most exciting three-year-olds seen in recent seasons. Prepared by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, the daughter of Saxon Warrior arrived at Royal Randwick with strong support and left with an aura of inevitability, stretching her winning sequence to five with a commanding victory in the $4 million Group 1 feature over 1600m. In doing so, she became the first filly since Sunline in 1999 to claim the famous mile, adding a layer of historical significance to an already remarkable display. There was a sense of control throughout, with Jamie Melham electing to settle off the early speed set by Evaporate, allowing the race to develop before asking her mount for an effort. Carrying just 49kg, Sheza Alibi travelled with ease before being angled into the clear approaching the final furlong. What followed was both decisive and devastating, as she surged through the field, assumed control inside the final 150m and quickly put the result beyond doubt, eventually pulling away to score by 4.29 lengths. Behind her, Autumn Boy again filled the runner-up position, mirroring the Randwick Guineas quinella, while Militarize closed well into third, but none could match the acceleration of the winner when the race was on the line. The margin, and the manner in which it was achieved, underlined the gulf between Sheza Alibi and a high-class field. “That was breathtaking, the second colt is a super colt and what she does is just amazing,” Moody said post-race, still absorbing the scale of the effort. “Quite phenomenal and she’s so nondescript… she’s just a tradesman, she’s got a great hip, a big deep girth and a hell of a lot of ability. I thought she had the perfect prep… Crikey hard to go much faster than her.” Melham’s reaction was equally telling, describing the sensation as something out of the ordinary even by top-level standards. “What a horse… with blinkers on today, Jesus Christ, I’ve never sat on a horse that has given me goosebumps like that before,” she said. “I got pushed a bit wide and got back a bit too far, but we got there in about a few strides, and she just sailed away from them… I don’t think any come close to the feel she just gave me then.” With consecutive Group 1 victories now secured at the same track and distance, her latest triumph not only reaffirmed her class but stamped it with authority.
Another Zoustar Purrs to Stakes Success
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
History and familiarity once again proved a potent combination at Oakbank, where a trainer with deep personal ties to the Easter carnival added another chapter to an already rich association with the course. That sense of continuity was evident as Michael Hickmott guided Zoupurring (Zoustar) to victory in Saturday’s Hills Railway Stakes (1100m), reinforcing a bond that stretches back to his youth spent attending the iconic meeting. Success in the sprint feature marked Hickmott’s second triumph in the race following Taunting in 2023, adding to a growing list of Oakbank highlights that includes last year’s Onkaparinga Cup with Oath Of Omerta. Now based at Murray Bridge, Hickmott has steadily carved out his own legacy at the carnival, evolving from a spectator into one of its most reliable performers. Zoupurring, formerly trained by Phillip Stokes, arrived in strong order and was given a well-judged ride by Teo Nugent, who positioned the gelding behind the speed before unleashing a decisive run through the final 200m to overpower Great Maximus and Winning Revolution. “It’s a wonderful thrill, he came here in great order,” Hickmott said, clearly appreciative of both the horse and the team behind him. “Thanks to the Bennett racing crew for choosing us to take good care of him.” The trainer’s affection for the gelding was evident as he added, “Geez he’s a lovely horse this horse. I explain him as a ‘real good old colonial horse’. He’s not a pretty horse to look at, he’s just got a real honest head about him and an honest way of going.” Credit was also shared among the riding ranks, with Nugent praised for a “great ride” and Jett Stanley acknowledged for his earlier influence. “A huge shout out to Jett Stanley for this,” Hickmott said. “He rode him first-up for me. He flew back for the Strathalbyn trials specifically to ride this horse in a trial. He got off him and said, ‘If you put the blinkers on he’ll win at Oakbank’. Unfortunately, Jett couldn’t come back today – he had to ride in Melbourne – but he kind of organised Teo to come. I love coming to Oakbank, we’ve had a lot of success here over the years …” Elsewhere on the card, Savatoff produced an emotional Onkaparinga Cup (2150m) victory for Paula Trenwith and Rochelle Milnes, while Stephen Theodore enjoyed a standout afternoon, preparing Savsonic and Fine Future for feature race success.
Chairman’s Sale Dripping in Quality Breeding Assets
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
A catalogue built on elite bloodlines and rare opportunity will again place the Inglis Chairman’s Sale at the centre of the breeding world, with the 10th edition shaping as one of its strongest yet. Set for Thursday, May 7 at Riverside, the boutique auction will offer 104 carefully selected lots, combining proven racetrack performance with long-term broodmare value in a setting designed to showcase both. Depth and quality define this year’s offering. Of the entries, 67 are Stakes performers or producers, while 27 mares are carrying their first or second foals, adding immediate commercial appeal. A further 95 fillies and mares are aged 10 or younger, reinforcing the sale’s focus on residual value, and 24 are free of Danehill blood, widening mating options for breeders seeking genetic diversity. At the top end sits a collection of high-profile names and pedigrees that would anchor any international catalogue. Group 1 Goodwood Handicap winner Benedetta headlines a group that also includes triple Group 1 winner Provence, along with millionaire mares Arabian Summer and Generosity. The supporting cast is equally compelling, featuring a broad mix of black-type performers and well-related fillies such as Ahha Ahha, Appin Girl, Cashel Palace, Cosmonova, Dark Glitter and Eternal Flame, alongside emerging types like The Playwright and Tiger Shark. Pedigree strength runs deep through the catalogue, with highlights including Aeliana’s half-sister Sunshine In Capri, Classique Legend’s half-sister I Am Famous, as well as the dams of the Golden Slipper quinella and another Group 1-winning juvenile. Commercial appeal is further enhanced by the strength of the covering sires represented. Mares in foal to stallions including Extreme Choice, I Am Invincible, Zoustar, Anamoe, Harry Angel, Home Affairs, Ole Kirk and Too Darn Hot ensure buyers are not only purchasing pedigree but also immediate upside. Adding a unique dimension, a share in Extreme Choice will be offered, reflecting the extraordinary demand for the stallion following a week in which his yearlings averaged more than $1.5 million. His strike rate – one Group 1 winner for every 25 runners – places him ahead of some of the world’s most influential sires. Inglis Bloodstock chief executive Sebastian Hutch described the Chairman’s Sale as a standout on the global calendar, noting its blend of theatre and elite stock continues to set it apart. “The Inglis Chairman’s Sale is the most fun sale of the year, anywhere in the world and it provides an unparalleled experience for both vendors and buyers,’’ Hutch said, adding that the 2026 edition would feature an even greater concentration of high-quality breeding prospects than seen previously. Its record of producing future top-level success remains a defining hallmark. From mares that have gone on to produce Group 1 winners to in utero sales that later yielded elite colts, the sale’s influence continues to resonate across both hemispheres. With supplementary entries still open until April 24, the final composition may yet deepen further, but the foundations are already in place for another night where pedigree, performance and opportunity converge.

Benedetta is an exciting prospect (pic: inglis.com.au)
Retired Champion US Female Mating Undecided
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
An outstanding career defined by consistency at the highest level has come to an end, with champion US turf mare She Feels Pretty retired following a season that cemented her place among the elite. The announcement, confirmed by trainer Cherie DeVaux (see below) , marks the close of a journey that delivered both Group 1 success and a deep personal connection between horse and stable. The decision was not taken lightly, with lingering physical issues ultimately ruling out a return for another campaign. DeVaux reflected on the moment with a mix of pride and emotion. "Today is one of those bittersweet days that remind you just how special this sport can be," she said. "She Feels Pretty has officially been retired. It's hard to put into words what this filly has meant to me - not just as a trainer, but personally. Horses like her don't come around often. She gave us everything she had, every single time, with a kind of heart and class that you simply can't teach." Bred by Payson Stud and raced by Roy and Gretchen Jackson's Lael Stables, the daughter of Karakontie was purchased for $240,000 from the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, a figure that would prove modest given the heights she would reach. Her pedigree combined international depth and proven stakes performance, being out of Summer Sweet and from a family that includes multiple stakes winners and producers. Her talent was evident from the outset. A debut victory at Ellis Park was quickly followed by a Group 1 breakthrough in the Natalma Stakes at Woodbine, before she further enhanced her reputation with a placing in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. That early promise translated seamlessly into her three-year-old season, where she captured both the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Stakes and the American Oaks. The following year brought her to an even higher level. Three wins from five starts in 2025, along with two seconds, highlighted a campaign of remarkable consistency. Successes in the E.P. Taylor Stakes, New York Stakes and Modesty Stakes were complemented by narrow defeats in the Diana Stakes and the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf, where she was only caught late by Gezora after appearing poised for victory. Across 13 starts, she compiled a record of eight wins, three seconds and two thirds, earning more than $2.5 million in prize money. Beyond the statistics, her influence within the stable was profound. DeVaux acknowledged the role played by her owners in shaping that journey. Plans now turn to her next chapter as a broodmare, with no stallion yet selected. For DeVaux, the transition is tinged with both gratitude and anticipation. "She Feels Pretty has left an undeniable mark on my career… While it's never easy to say goodbye to the racetrack, I am so excited for her next chapter."
One Small Step for Cox Plate Bound Half Yours
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
A familiar sense of anticipation is building around the McEvoy yard as reigning Melbourne Cup winner Half Yours moves closer to his first appearance of the year, with recent work suggesting the gelding has returned in excellent order. The chestnut’s latest jumpout at Flemington provided further encouragement, stepping up his preparation with a more searching 1000m effort under Jamie Melham after a quieter trial a fortnight earlier. It was the kind of progression connections had been hoping to see as they ready him for a demanding first-up assignment in the Group 1 All-Aged Stakes at Randwick on April 18. “We think he’s going really well,” said Calvin McEvoy, who trains in partnership with his father Tony. “This was his second jumpout for the prep; he had one a fortnight ago which was nice and cruisy on the course proper. This morning over 1000m we just asked a little bit more of him, Jamie couldn’t have been happier. “To the eye, it looked very, very good and the horse pulled up bouncing off the track, happy as Larry. I think he’s in a perfect spot.” Melham’s feedback pointed to a horse who has retained his sharpness, an important factor given the nature of his return. The All-Aged Stakes will pit him against race-hardened opposition over 1400m, with many likely to arrive via high-pressure sprint races such as the TJ Smith Stakes. “He needs to be sharp; we’re running in the All-Aged first up and we know that we’re going to be taking on fit horses and probably horses that are coming through the TJ Smith, so it’s going to be a big test for him over that sort of trip, the 1400m,” McEvoy said. “On this morning, he’ll run well and if he gets a soft track, who knows.” Looking beyond Randwick, the team has mapped out a Queensland campaign designed to build on his fitness through the winter, with a series of staying tests expected to follow. The approach mirrors last season’s pathway, giving the gelding a solid platform ahead of his spring targets. “He’ll follow that plan and then he’ll have a sweeten up in Queensland as he did last year and then he’ll come down; all roads lead to the Cox Plate here at HQ,” McEvoy said. Already boasting one of the world’s most elusive doubles – the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups – the focus now turns to whether Half Yours can translate that staying dominance into success at weight-for-age level, a challenge that begins in earnest this month. This year's Cox Plate, in particular given Flemington's long straight, could play right into the hands of Half Yours.

The McEvoy-Melham trio could hit pay dirt (pic: Mark Gatt)
Delacroix Announced for Coolmore Australia
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
A stallion prospect with both pedigree and performance credentials at the highest level is set to bolster the Australian breeding ranks, with Delacroix confirmed to shuttle to Coolmore Australia for the 2026 season. The dual Group 1 winner will join an already formidable roster that includes Super Seth and Golden Slipper-winning sire Home Affairs, further strengthening the operation’s depth of elite bloodlines. By Darley’s Dubawi, whose influence continues to expand globally and increasingly within the Southern Hemisphere, Delacroix arrives with a profile that aligns neatly with the evolving demands of Australian breeding. The success of Dubawi’s sons locally, most notably Too Darn Hot and Ghaiyyath, has reinforced confidence in the sire line’s adaptability, producing horses capable of combining speed, class and durability across a range of conditions. Coolmore’s Sales and Nominations Manager Colm Santry outlined the appeal of the new recruit, noting both his physical attributes and genetic appeal. “We are thrilled to offer Delacroix to Australasian breeders,” he said. “He is an outstanding individual with all the attributes we look for in a stallion: quality, athleticism and a world-class pedigree that is free of Danehill and Green Desert blood. Dubawi is one of the most influential sires in the world and, importantly, his sons are already proving a major success in Australia.” The colt’s maternal lineage further enhances his appeal, being out of Tepin, a six-time Group 1 winner and dual American Champion Female Turf Horse. Santry also pointed to the broader success of the sire line as a key factor in the decision. “What we’ve seen with stallions like Night Of Thunder, Ghaiyyath and Too Darn Hot is that this sire line adapts exceptionally well to our conditions, producing versatile horses with speed, class and the ability to train on. Delacroix fits that mould perfectly as a high-class Group-winning two-year-old who trained on to win multiple Group 1s as a three-year-old against older horses in the Eclipse Stakes and Irish Champion Stakes. He’s a very exciting addition to our roster.” Trained by Aidan O’Brien, Delacroix built a reputation as a high-class middle-distance performer, combining tactical versatility with a potent turn of foot that became his defining weapon. His three-year-old season in 2025 showcased that ability in full, particularly when dropping back in distance after failing to see out the Derby trip. Over 2000 metres, he produced a dramatic victory in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, surging from a seemingly impossible position, before confirming his standing among Europe’s elite with a decisive win in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. Earlier in his career, he had already signalled his potential, earning Group success as a juvenile and finishing runner-up in the Gr1 Futurity Stakes. Across his career, he demonstrated rare consistency, finishing outside the top two only twice, underlining both his competitiveness and reliability against the best opposition available. With a flawless pedigree, elite-level race record and a sire line already proven in Australian conditions, his arrival represents a significant addition to the local stallion landscape, offering breeders access to one of the most compelling outcross options in the modern thoroughbred.

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BTP STUD STALLIONS

Sire
A Lot Established
Acrobat Established
Al Maher Established
Alabama Express Established
All American Established
All Too Hard Established
Alpine Eagle Established
Alpine Edge 3rd Season
Anamoe 1st crop 2YOs
Anders Established
Artie Schiller Established
Awesome Rock Established
Barbados Established
Barbaric Established
Best Of Bordeaux Established
Better Than Ready Established
Bivouac Established
Brave Smash Established
Brazen Beau Established
Bruckner 1st crop 2YOs
Bull Point Established
Bullbars Established
Cape Of Good Hope 1st crop 2YOs
Capitalist Established
Captivant Established
Castelvecchio Established
City Of Troy Established
Cliff's Edge Established
Cogburn 2nd Season
Cool Aza Beel Established
D'argento Established
Danerich Established
Dash For Cash Established
De Gaulle Established
Delaware Established
Denman Established
Dirty Work Established
Dissident Established
Don Corleone 3rd Season
Doubtland Established
Dubious Established
Dundeel Established
Ellsberg 1st crop 2YOs
Encryption Established
Exceedance Established
Exosphere Established
Extreme Choice Established
Farnan Established
Flying Artie Established
Foxwedge Established
Frankel My Dear Established
Gingerbread Man Established
Gold Standard Established
Graff Established
Grunt Established
Hallowed Crown Established
Harry Angel Established
Hawaii Five Oh 3rd Season
Headwater Established
Hellbent Established
Hitotsu 1st crop 2YOs
Home Affairs Established
I Am Immortal Established
I Am Invincible Established
Ilovethiscity Established
Invader Established
Jacquinot 1st crop 2YOs
Ka Ying Master 1st crop 2YOs
Kermadec Established
King Colorado 3rd Season
King's Legacy Established
Lofty Strike 3rd Season
Lord Of The Sky Established
Love Conquers All Established
Manhattan Rain Established
Maschino Established
Master Of Design Established
Maurice Established
Merchant Navy Established
Mo'unga 3rd Season
Murtajill Established
My Admiration Established
Needs Further Established
Nicconi Established
Nostradamus Established
Officiating 3rd Season
Ole Kirk Established
Pariah Established
Pierata Established
Pierro Established
Pinatubo Established
Playing God Established
Portland Sky Established
Power Established
Prague Established
Pride Of Dubai Established
Private Life Established
Puissance De Lune Established
Rebel Dane Established
Rich Enuff Established
Rommel Established
Rubick Established
Russian Camelot Established
Russian Revolution Established
Safeguard Established
Sandbar Established
Sessions Established
Shaft Established
Shalaa Established
Shamoline Warrior Established
Shamus Award Established
Shinzo Established
Shooting To Win Established
Sidestep Established
Sizzling Established
Skilled Established
Smart Missile Established
Snitzel Established
So Secret Established
So You Think Established
Soul Patch Established
Southport Tycoon 2nd Season
Spirit Of Boom Established
Squamosa Established
St Mark's Basilica Established
Star Turn Established
Star Witness Established
Street Boss Established
Super One Established
Supido Established
Swear Established
Sweet Ride 3rd Season
Switzerland Established
The Autumn Sun Established
The Brothers War Established
Time To Reign Established
Too Darn Hot Established
Toorak Toff Established
Top Echelon Established
Toronado Established
Trapeze Artist Established
Turffontein Established
Unite And Conquer Established
Universal Ruler Established
Vancouver Established
Vandeek Established
Victor Ludorum Established
Von Costa De Hero Established
Wandjina Established
Winning Rupert Established
Wooded Established
Wootton Bassett Established
Worthy Cause Established
Written By Established
Written Tycoon Established
Xtravagant Established
Your Song Established
Zousain Established
Zoustar Established

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