With less than three weeks remaining until Karaka Millions Night, the likely fields for Ellerslie’s two richest summer features are rapidly crystallising, with form lines sharpening and rankings shifting after key lead-up races. Both the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) are beginning to take on a familiar shape as proven performers rise to the top of their respective orders of entry. Momentum at the juvenile end swung decisively on New Year’s Day when success in the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes reshuffled the pecking order. That victory elevated Kinnaird into the leading position on the Karaka Millions 2YO order of entry and installed the filly as early favourite for the race itself. Trained by Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, she was secured for $340,000 from Book 1 of Karaka 2025 by Te Akau’s David Ellis, whose record in the race speaks for itself, having bought eight of the past nine winners. A flawless two-start career has yielded two victories and $152,375 in stakes. That performance nudged Victorian raider Torture into second spot, but the filly’s profile continues to grow. From the first crop of Cambridge Stud stallion Sword Of State, she was purchased for $250,000 by Lindsay Park Racing and Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock and has earned A$128,250 from two starts. A debut win in the Listed Debutant Stakes at Caulfield was followed by a strong-finishing fourth in the Geelong Diamond, closing from the rear of the field. Trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes have confirmed a Karaka Millions campaign remains firmly on track. “We really like her and saw the Geelong Diamond as a nice race to bring her on before we head to the Karaka Millions,” Ben Hayes said. “Karaka doesn’t totally rule out the Blue Diamond either.” Further depth is provided by De Armas, third on the order of entry after two wins including the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes, while another Australian-trained contender looms in Dream Roca following his Eagle Farm success. Several others sit just below the cut-line, and upcoming opportunities remain decisive, with a $40,000 Wanganui race and a $55,000 Ellerslie dress rehearsal still capable of reshaping the final field. At three-year-old level, the narrative is headed by an unbeaten filly whose dominance has been unmistakable. Well Written has won all four starts, including the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (see below) and the Group 2 Auckland Guineas, and is a clear favourite for both the Karaka Millions 3YO and the $4m NZB Kiwi. Behind her, depth abounds, led by Romanoff and Affirmative Action, who filled the quinella in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas, while last season’s Karaka Millions 2YO heroine La Dorada has reignited her double ambitions. Added intrigue comes from the $200,000 bonus awaiting the first Book 2 graduate home.
NEWTassie Summer Streaming to Sparkle
Wednesday, 7th January 2026
From early 2026, Tasmania’s headline thoroughbred racedays will be carried live and free on Racing.com, extending the state’s biggest moments to a national audience and giving punters and fans a clearer window into the local calendar. The agreement between Racing.com and Tasracing begins with the Devonport Cup on January 7, a summer fixture known for its atmosphere, strong community backing and a long-standing place on the Tasmanian schedule. From there, Racing.com will roll out broader coverage of feature events, leaning into the network’s familiar mix of access, context and storytelling. The expanded footprint is designed to put Tasmania’s racing heritage front and centre, from its historic Cups through to the colour and energy of twilight and night meetings, ensuring those events are showcased to more viewers than ever before. Racing Victoria EGM Andy Hoad said the move reflects a shared ambition to highlight the best of Australian racing. “This partnership represents an important step in expanding Racing.com’s national footprint. Tasmanian racing has a proud history and a passionate following, and we’re delighted to bring these feature races to a broader audience. Our focus is always on strengthening access to great racing, and Tasmania’s marquee events are a natural fit for our lineup.” Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins believes the collaboration will amplify the stories behind the racing as much as the action itself, particularly during the state’s peak summer period. “We’re thrilled to have Racing.com on board as a partner of Tasmanian racing. The Ladbrokes Tasmanian Summer Racing Festival is our busiest and best time of year, and the expanded reach of Racing.com will further showcase the quality of our racing and venues.” For viewers, the shift promises more consistent coverage and a deeper connection to the horses, trainers and jockeys who define the island’s racing identity. For the industry, it offers a stronger platform to lift flagship events, broaden engagement and keep Tasmania’s best days in the national conversation.
NEWWorld Pool Powered by Record Growth
Wednesday, 7th January 2026
A 20% lift in commingled turnover underscored World Pool’s growing reach in 2025, with overseas meetings linking into Hong Kong Jockey Club-powered pools in record fashion. By joining markets into a single pool on races staged abroad, the initiative has continued to deepen liquidity and widen international engagement. Across 57 overseas racedays, total turnover climbed to HK$9.3 billion, up from HK$7.8 billion in 2024. On the biggest stages the spike was even sharper: betting on The Everest featuring Ka Ying Rising surged to HK$83 million, eclipsing the previous single-race best of HK$66.2 million set in 2023 when Wellington lined up in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. In all, 329 races were staged under the World Pool banner across 10 jurisdictions, and the programme’s scale ensured major carnivals were backed by deeper pools, with 70 of those contests having been placed in the IFHA Top 100 during the past three years. Hong Kong’s elite programme also moved fully into the spotlight for the first time, with every local Group 1 run as a World Pool race. Those fixtures accounted for HK$1.6 billion and helped take overall World Pool turnover for the year to HK$10.9 billion. Away from the wagering numbers, World Pool’s “Moment of the Day” initiative continued to funnel recognition to the people behind the scenes, awarding HK$1.2 million to 30 grooms across World Pool racedays. Australian horseman Kevin Daffy, who trains, owns and leads up Oh Too Good, was voted Moment of the Year after the gelding’s win in the Gr3 Jewellers Vase on Might And Power Stakes Day at Caulfield, earning a VIP trip for four to Hong Kong in 2026. The honour follows the 2024 trip awarded to David Hickey, groom of City Of Troy. Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “It’s been a very positive year for World Pool. We’ve had more racedays and jurisdictions involved than ever before, and we’ve seen turnover records broken too.” He added: “World Pool’s growth over the past 12 months has played a key role in the globalisation of racing” and noted the added revenue streams for racecourses and rights holders can flow through to stronger prize money. Looking ahead, Harding said the Club expects World Pool to “continue to act as a positive force for racing globally” and confirmed an expansion of fixtures would be announced soon. The 2026 schedule resumes with South Africa’s King’s Plate Day on 10 January, with upcoming fixtures listed on World Pool’s website.
The Everest saw record World Pool turnover for a single event (pic: supplied)
2026 Bhima Thoroughbreds Vendor Profile
Wednesday, 7th January 2026
Mike and Kate Fleming have been the custodians of Bhima Thoroughbreds since 2015. Bhima was established by Vivian Bath in 1953, and he'd been through hell as a prisoner in a Changi Prisoner of War camp during WWII. The property dates back to 1825 when the original land holder Dr William Bell Carlyle named it Invermein. Carlyle is unfortunately known for importing the cactus prickly pear to Australia. Invermein was subdivided in 1898 and a portion sold off and named Cliftlands. When Bath arrived in Australia, he purchased Cliftlands and rumour has it he named it after the phrase that kept him going during the war. "By Hell I'll Make Australia" – Bhima. Vivian's son David helped manage the property, using experience gained at the likes of Clairborne Stud in America and Australia's own Widden. Under Bath, Bhima was quickly established as a property that produced winners, standing Biscay from 1969. Fast forward to the future, and the current owners Mike and Kate Fleming met while working at New Zealand's Cambridge Stud. Since acquiring Bhima Stud a decade ago, the farm continues to roll out the Gr1 winners with the likes of Giga Kick (see below), Imperatriz, Militarize, Tropical Squall, Forbidden Love, Heavens Above, and I Am A Star all coming from the Bhima Stud pastures. Imperatriz has since been inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall Of Fame. Bred by Malaysian Dato Yap Kim San's Raffles Dancer (NZ) Pty Ltd, Imperatriz was raised at Bhima and sold as a yearling through their Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft to Te Akau Racing for $360,000. Her ten Gr1 wins netted her nearly $7 million and she was on-sold at the end of her racing career to Yulong Stud as a broodmare prospect for $6.6 million. The current crop of 3YOs to graduate through Bhima Stud's yearling drafts include Gr2 Moonee Valley Vase-placed Providence, Gr3 Blue Sapphire Stakes-placed Regeneration, Listed placed city winner Jenni Gone Bonkers, and Gr2 Hawkes Bay Guineas-placed Quondo. Bhima yearling graduate Caballus has won three of his last five starts, all in black type company, and took his prizemoney to almost $1 million with victory in the Gr3 George Moore Stakes at the beginning of December 2025. Militarize and Tuileries are two others who have gained Bhima points on this season's Black Type Premiership, less than half-way into the season. With nearly a 100% clearance rate at all the major yearling sales over the past decade, Bhima has a reputation for selling the horses they take to sale. Bhima Thoroughbreds will present five yearlings at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, five at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, and are typically present at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.
2026 Bombora Downs Vendor Profile
Wednesday, 7th January 2026
Bombora Downs, located on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, has long been a source of good value horses. Vendors of recent Gr3 Breeders’ Stakes-placed 3YO gelding Yokozuna, who sold for $16,000 as a weanling, and Listed winner Kim Emperor, this year’s Gr3 Hawkesbury Gold Cup winner Punch Lane also came through a Bombora Downs draft. Bombora Downs bred and raised Gr1 winner Escado as well as his half-sister Se Sauver who won the Gr2 Edward Manifold Stakes. Operated by Christoph Bruechert, Bombora Downs has been in operation for over 20 years, and has found their niche in the market by focusing on being a solid option for participants who breed to race, or who don’t have the means to play at the top end of the market. “Bombora fits into a niche that was once common across the industry before the Corporates took a hammer to it. We have happily bucked the trend with the support of local breeders that love their horses and appreciate the services we provide and the care we take,” said Bruechert. “We are mindful that the difference between “commercial” and breed-to-race stallions can be slight in performance and prospects whilst the service fees commanded are poles apart. The service fees of the commercial first season sires rarely prove to be good value in time and in all but a few celebrated instances begin high and end low, where they should have begun.” With at least one stakes winner coming through their sale drafts every year, Bombora Downs is renowned for producing plenty of city winners from their rich pastures as the Mornington Peninsula has some of Australia's most fertile soil with a mild climate and reliable rainfall. Bombora Downs will present two yearlings at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale. The farm will also be present at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale.
A Bombora-consigned Rich Enuff colt is catalogued for Premier (pic: Woodside Park Stud)
2026 Clear Mountain Fairview Vendor Profile
Wednesday, 7th January 2026
Brilliant juvenile Alpine Edge represents the future of Clear Mountain Fairview. The Gr3 BJ McLachlan Stakes was the pinnacle of his three juvenile victories, and he trained on as an older horse adding over $1 million in earnings as a 4YO with victory in the Magic Millions Handicap and The Archer (see below). With 80 live foals in his first crop, born in 2025, his stock will be first seen at the 2026 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale. "When the opportunity arose to stand Alpine Edge, we jumped at it because it is rare to stand such an exceptional two-year-old performer," said Bob Frappell. "Alpine Edge is a beautiful looking horse with a superb temperament, so breeders can send mares confident their foals will be similar to their father's disposition. Alpine Edge enables breeders to obtain QTIS eligible progeny that will be ready to hit the ground running as juveniles, just like their sire." The Frappell family created Clear Mountain Stud in 1988 at a small property on the outskirts of Brisbane. They quickly outgrew the 40-acre property, moving to Freestone near Warwick. Eventually this farm proved to be inadequate for the business, and in 2005, the Frappell family purchased Fairview Thoroughbreds, a 800-acre farm near Toowoomba on the richly fertile Darling Downs. And again, the farm continues to grow, now expanded to almost 1000 acres. Since rebranding as Clear Mountain Fairview, the business has thrived. Now run by proprietor Bob and Maree's eldest son Mick and his wife Lisa, the farm currently stands Alpine Edge, Love Conquers All, and Worthy Cause. "Breeding racehorses is our passion. We love it. Principal Bob Frappell is a bit of a legend in the Queensland breeding and racing industry and his son Mick, our stud manager, has lived and breathed thoroughbreds from a very young age," said marketing manager Lisa Frappell. "Lush, green and in the heart of the bountiful Darling Downs, your thoroughbred enjoys 990 acres of improved pasture and irrigated paddocks. As Queensland's only 'lifelong thoroughbred care facility' we offer all the services your racehorse needs to succeed." And they've definitely succeeded, with the likes of Gr1 winner Hinged, Gr2 winner Cause For Concern, Gr3 placed winner of seven races Hatchet and exciting 3YO Mr Worthington all coming from their pastures. Clear Mountain Fairview typically present drafts of horses to the Magic Millions March Yearling Sale and Magic Millions National Yearling and Weanling Sales.
2026 Coolmore Stud Australia Vendor Profile
Wednesday, 7th January 2026
"The best-looking farm in Australia." That's what leading Irish breeder John Magnier said when he first stood at the old Arrowfield property at Jerry's Plains and stared out over the paddocks. The farm, founded by George Bowman in 1824 was run by the famed Moses brothers in the early part of last century with the likes of Heroic, Manfred, and Poitrel coming from the farm. The farm was run by John Messara from the 1980s with Magnier's Irish operation purchasing 19.9% in 1989 and using it as a shuttle stallion base. A year later, Coolmore took on the property title in exchange for splitting the two businesses, and Arrowfield leased the farm back until the famed Danehill sale occurred. Coolmore Australia formally took on the Jerry's Plains property under their own banner from 1996, and since then the farm has demonstrated what a brilliant Thoroughbred property it is. Now operating as an 8000-acre farm, recent Champions to come from those high-quality grazing conditions at Jerry's Plains include Fastnet Rock, Redoute's Choice, Special Harmony, Sea Siren, Vancouver, Pride of Dubai and the incomparable Winx. She returned to Coolmore at the end of her career and resides there as a broodmare. Coolmore are currently third on the Black Type Premiership for 2025/26, and their current crop of 3YO graduates include Gr1 Flight Stakes winner Apocalyptic (leading 2025-26 Australian Black Type Premiership 3YO) – see below – and the Group 1-placed quartet of Deal Done Fast, Arcora, Shangri La Boy, and Arabian Summer. Recent Group 1 winners Jacquinot, Snap Dancer, and Madam Pommery all came through Coolmore drafts, while Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Storm Boy was sold by Coolmore before they bought back into him to stand him at stud. Coolmore Australia is currently home to 12 stallions: City Of Troy, Home Affairs, Shinzo, Switzerland, Storm Boy, King's Legacy, Pierro, Pride Of Dubai, Private Life, St Mark's Basilica, Acrobat, and Best Of Bordeaux. With strong stallion bases in Ireland and America, the Coolmore operation understands the commercial market and has always existed on the quality of the bloodstock produced from the farm. Coolmore will present 45 yearlings at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, 14 at Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, and 17 at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale. Their Inglis Easter Yearling Sale draft will be led by the Snitzel colt from Champion racemare Winx.
2026 Cressfield Vendor Profile
Wednesday, 7th January 2026
Stefi Magnetica's victory in the 2025 The Invitation pushed her earnings over $7 million. The Cressfield graduate had already made history earlier in her racing career when she won the Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap, emulating her dam who also won the Stradbroke. Stefi Magnetica typifies the style of horse that Cressfield aims to produce – an outstanding race mare with a wonderful pedigree who will likely go on to form her own dynasty at stud in the future. The historic property consisting of 3500 acres and a 1917 Queen Anne Federation Homestead continues to produce Gr1 winners from a select broodmare band. Originally a wheat and sheep farm operated by the same family for over 90 years, the 10,000 acre property was sold and subdivided with the current Cressfield ownership taking over from the year 2000, developing 1200 acres of the 3500-acre property, transforming the blank canvas of a sheep farm into the premier boutique broodmare farm. Equally as important in Cressfield's journey has been the investment into high class race mares, with Gr1 winners Champagne, Regimental Gal, River Dove, Star Satire, and Our Egyptian Raine all forming the foundations of their broodmare band. Recent investment into horses such as Gr1 winning mares Pippie, Spright and Secret Agenda, alongside the speedy stakes-performers Miss Leonidas, Quilista, Adelong and Madam Legend, as well as the homebred Listed winner and Gr1 Vinery Stud Stakes and Gr1 Australian Oaks-placed Frankely Awesome, and Dezign, dam of Gr1 winning Nimalee, continues to pay dividends on the racetrack. Cressfield's website observes, "While maintaining a quality breeding operation is a long way attributed to the quality of the breeding stock, it is also largely reliant on the quality of its people. At the heart of the Cressfield operation are the staff that uphold a high standard and contribute to maintaining a work culture of harmony, hard work, diligence, and learning." Ultimately, a farm's stock is judged on the racetrack and it is here that Cressfield's attention to detail and quality are borne out. Stefi Magnetica stands clear in the current crops of racing age, joined by fellow Gr1 winners Clearly Innocent, Nimalee, Personal, and Gr2 winner Passive Aggressive. Group winners Jamaea and Hellfast came through Gold Coast drafts, as did Listed winner Villami. The current 3YO crop is led by Gr2 Roman Consul winner Hidden Motive, debutant city winner Samudra, and winners Jamito, Rainbow Glow, Snowslide, and Why She Stayed. Of note, 100% of their 2023 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale draft are now winners only half-way through their 4YO season. Cressfield is typically active at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, where they will present 8 yearlings in 2026, and at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. At the Gold Coast, the full brother to Stefi Magnetica (see below) should prove a highlight as well as the Zoustar half-sister to Hidden Motive.
2026 Evergreen Stud Farm Vendor Profile
Wednesday, 7th January 2026
Eurocanto came out all guns blazing from Evergreen Stud's 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft, winning the 2025 Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes on debut for the Hayes brothers at Lindsay Park. The Per Incanto colt had been a $250,000 purchase and is being set on a Gr1 Blue Diamond pathway. "Our farm continues to produce top horses. In recent years, we have produced Anode, Epimeles, Stonecast, Argentia, Democracy Manifest, Oz Empress, Converge and Eurocanto," revealed Aaron Bott. The combination of outstanding horsemanship from all members of the Bott family and the river frontage pastures at Evergreen Stud's Heatherbrae location continue to be seen at the most important measuring post – the winning post. Evergreen Stud Farm is split into two distinct areas, and both take advantage of the brilliant horseman at the helm. The breeding side of the farm operates over 500 acres of fertile river flats and typically foal down 40 mares each season. From these small numbers come outstanding results, and none more so than Gr1 winner Converge, who was bred and raced by Evergreen Stud. The Gr1 JJ Atkins Plate winner ended up with over $2.2 million in earnings, while sales horses such as Argentia won the Gr3 Kevin Hayes Stakes at her third start and added another Group 3 win later on. Anode, twice Gr3 placed at two, won the $500,000 Tapp-Craig Plate before being on-sold to Hong Kong where he is eligible for the massively important 4YO Series this season. The Princess Coup family has been a strong one for Evergreen Stud with many of her stakes descendants being raised at the property, including current runner Rich Dottie, who was purchased by Yulong from an Evergreen Stud draft and is Listed placed in 2025 with four good runs this spring. Gr2 Tobin Bronze Stakes-placed Moesha was a $650,000 yearling sold by Evergreen Stud and after her racing career, she was on-sold for $1.35 million as a broodmare prospect. The property also operates a full pre-training and educational service for young horses, meaning that an owner can have their horse under the Evergreen Stud system from birth until they enter racing if they so choose. "We are proud to have had horses for various trainers and syndicators such as Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Blueblood Thoroughbreds, Mick Price, Gerald Ryan, Lee Curtis, Lindsay Park and Jason Coyle," said Bott. In 2026, Evergreen Stud will initially present 10 yearlings at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. They typically attend the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale and Inglis Easter Yearling Sale as well.
2026 Lime Country Thoroughbreds Vendor Profile
Wednesday, 7th January 2026
Hunter Valley-based Lime Country Thoroughbreds often sits at or near the top of the vendors lists by average at the sales they attend, and this reflects the quality of their stock and their attention to detail in the preparation of their horses. With such great sales numbers comes the expectation of results on track, and in the spring of 2025, Lime Country Thoroughbreds already boasted eight individual horses featuring on the Black Type Premiership. Inglis Classic graduate Rivellino won the Gr2 Skyline Stakes and Listed Inglis Millennium at two, and most recently placed in the Gr2 Callendar-Presnell Stakes. He has earnings over $1.9 million off a $180,000 yearling sale price. From the same draft came the Group placed trio of Kujenga, O'Sheamus, and Sanctified. Gr3 winner Gangsta Granny has been consistent this spring, while On Display made her $1.1 million price tag worth every cent in winning the Listed Adelaide Guineas. She also ran third in the Gr1 Empire Rose Stakes this spring behind Horse Of The Year Pride Of Jenni. "We aim to produce horses that are well-grown, sound and well educated - the three most important things that will help them maximise their chance of success on the track. Our mares live in a peaceful and well-planned environment to ensure they breed quality foals. We pride ourselves on our horse management, there are no short cuts with feed, education or time. It's all about the quality of service, the quality of the staff and the outstanding natural environment." Greg and Jo Griffin's journey from New Zealand to the Hunter Valley has always been about the horses. A New Zealand representative in Polocrosse, Greg moved from polo to Thoroughbreds and together with Jo's marketing experience, they began Lime Country Thoroughbreds. Initially located in Hawke's Bay, where they sold Gr1 winner Media Sensation, the business was given the opportunity to relocate to Think Big Stud in 2016. After four years, they found their own property in the Hunter Valley, purchasing Ballygrove in Blandford in 2021. The first graduates from their new home are currently 4YOs. Straight Charge, who won the Gr2 Silver Slipper, was the first group winner from the new farm. "One of the main things we fell in love with about this property from the get-go were the paddocks. They're big, idyllic places for horses with large established trees, along with a mix of flats and hills. The back boundary is the legendary Pages River and Scott's Creek runs through one length creating a perfect natural separation area for the property. The grass is strong and, with generous water license and major irrigation established, the stock have every chance to flourish and thrive." Lime Country Thoroughbreds will present a draft of 16 yearlings at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. They have a further 21 yearlings entered in the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale and are likely to bring a strong draft to the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.
Inglis Millenium winner Rivellino is a Lime Country graduate (pic: inglis.com.au)
Divergent Paths for Kiwi WFA Heavyweights
Wednesday, 7th January 2026
A mid-summer pause between two weight-for-age pillars has forced trainers into creative thinking, with the calendar offering little in the way of a natural bridge, reports loveracing.nz. Boxing Day’s Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie and the Herbie Dyke Stakes at Te Rapa on February 7 sit six weeks apart, a gap wide enough to test conditioning programs for horses expected to peak again on cue. Rather than sitting idle, several camps have opted for alternative lead-ups that prioritise fitness over ideal race shape. Last season’s Herbie Dyke winner El Vencedor will resume his path via the Gr3 Powerworx Taranaki Cup at New Plymouth on January 24, while dual Group 1 winner Legarto is set to sharpen up in the Gr2 Harcourts Thorndon Mile at Trentham a week earlier, accepting that neither race is a perfect stylistic fit. Stephen Marsh was candid about the dilemma facing El Vencedor’s camp, pointing to a conspicuous hole in the programme. “There is a glaring gap with no similar race between the Zabeel and Herbie Dyke, so that means running at New Plymouth two weeks before Te Rapa,” he said. Marsh added that the timing and conditions helped offset the compromise, noting the certainty around a 59kg impost under set weights and penalties, as well as securing Jonathan Riddell despite the Karaka Millions clash. For Legarto, distance and conditions were central to the decision-making. The Thorndon Mile, now a handicap rather than a weight-for-age contest, allows Ryan Elliot to remain in the saddle, a factor Ken and Bev Kelso weighed heavily. “It means dropping back in distance but in her favour is that the handicapper has indicated that she will carry 58 kilos in the Thorndon, which will enable Ryan to stay with her,” Kelso said, adding that a trip to Trentham would also aid her overall preparation. The Kelsos explored alternatives but ultimately ruled them out. “We did consider the Trentham Stakes on the same day as the Thorndon, but we weren’t that keen to step her up to 2100m and more importantly the set-weight and penalty conditions meant we would have had to find another rider,” Kelso explained, underscoring how jockey continuity can shape an entire campaign. Elsewhere, a lighter touch is being applied. Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott plan to use a January 20 trial at Pukekohe to keep Waitak ticking over ahead of Te Rapa. “We’re happy to keep him ticking over and give him a nice hitout at Pukekohe,” Scott said. He also confirmed Damian Lane’s January 24 commitments, including rides on Checkmate, Torture, Espionage and To Cap It All across the Karaka Millions meeting.
Waitak will just be kept ticking over with a trial (pic: Race Images Kenton Wright)
Pike Hellbent on Making Up Ground
Wednesday, 7th January 2026
Patience and precision proved decisive at Pinjarra on Saturday, where a coolly judged rails-hugging ride turned a seemingly impossible task into a last-stride victory in the Coral Resort Bakery Maiden over 1200m. Held together until the final moments, She’s Hot, by quality Yarraman Park stallion Hellbent (I Am Invincible) surged through late to snatch the result right on the line. Well before the bend, the Hellbent filly appeared to have too much ground to make up, conceding Call Me Frosty and Satin Bow a sizeable start as the leaders pinched cheap sectionals. According to tbwa.net.au, Willie Pike never panicked, instead conserving every inch along the inside before angling clear at the right moment, allowing his mount to unwind with a telling burst when it mattered most. Bosun also charged home out wide, but the verdict went the way of the favourite, who prevailed by a short half-head at her first appearance in eight months. Sent out at $2.50, the performance underlined the promise she had shown earlier in her career, having finished a close second on debut at Belmont before acquitting herself admirably in stronger company when midfield behind Talkanco in the Gr3 Gimcrack Stakes at Ascot. Prepared by Dan Morton, the filly races for a partnership managed by his wife Carol and continues to justify a sharp commercial play. She was secured by part-owner Idan Young for $160,000 at the 2024 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale, a figure that represented a healthy return for her breeders, Phil and Lindy Ibbotson of Westbury Park. The Pinjarra-based couple had earlier purchased her dam Heritage Lane, in foal to Hellbent, for $70,000 at the 2022 Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale. She’s Hot is the sixth winner from the mare’s six live foals, with the standard set by her older full-sister Fire Lane, winner of the 2022 Max Lees 2YO Classic before adding metropolitan success at Randwick and Warwick Farm. Depth runs deep further back in the pedigree, with a dozen black-type performers descending from the USA-bred second dam Laurel Avenue. Heritage Lane now holds a PPT to A Lot, and Westbury Park will offer five yearlings by the stallion as part of a 15-strong draft at the Perth Magic Millions in February. Meanwhile, the first 2026 Hellbent yearlings at a physical sale in Australia will be seen next week at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale where 22 of them - eight in Yarraman's draft – have been catalogued.
First Things First at the Farm for McDonald
Wednesday, 7th January 2026
Attention may soon turn north to the Gold Coast, but midweek business in Sydney comes first for the world’s highest-rated rider, with Warwick Farm providing the immediate proving ground before the Magic Millions spotlight intensifies, reports racenet.com.au. Seven rides await on Wednesday, a timely opportunity to reassert authority at home before the carnival rhythm takes hold. The confirmation that James McDonald will partner Knightsbridge in the $3 million Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic has added intrigue to the coming fortnight. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained colt announced himself as a genuine contender with a sharp $160,000 juvenile victory at Randwick last Saturday, a performance that propelled him into calculations for the marquee two-year-old prize. In the interim, Wednesday’s Warwick Farm program carries added significance given recent shifts in the Sydney jockeys’ premiership. Since his last local appearance on November 1, when Autumn Glow claimed the $10 million Golden Eagle, McDonald has been watching from afar as Zac Lloyd edged ahead, the gap now six wins. A full book in midweek company offers the chance to begin clawing back ground before travel commitments dominate. Momentum will matter as McDonald prepares for consecutive Saturdays on the Glitter Strip, beginning this weekend aboard Grafterburners in the $3 million Magic Millions Sunlight slot race. From there, focus sharpens on the juvenile feature, where Knightsbridge looms as both a commercial and sporting headline after being secured for $750,000 at last year’s Gold Coast Magic Millions Sale by the James Harron Colt Partnership and Tony Fung Colts. A graduate of respected nursery Lime Country Thoroughbreds in the Hunter Valley, operated by Greg and Jo Griffin, the Farnan colt has already seen market confidence surge, trimming from an opening quote of $26 to around $11. The pedigree adds resonance, Farnan having been a Tulloch Lodge flag-bearer and Golden Slipper winner, and the colt now carries expectation that accompanies elite preparation and a premium purchase price. History provides encouragement. Waterhouse has claimed the Magic Millions 2YO Classic a record five times, including her recent partnership success with Bott via Storm Boy, while McDonald lifted the trophy aboard Coolangatta in 2022. Should Knightsbridge deliver, it would mark another chapter in a familiar summer script of talent, timing and big-stage execution.
McDonald won on Coolangatta in the 2022 MM 2YO Classic (pic: magicmillions.com.au)
Lots of Moving Parts Ahead of Classic Mile
Wednesday, 7th January 2026
With just a month left before the Classic Mile, certainty remains elusive, not only around the final field but also around which horse will secure the inside running with Hong Kong’s most influential rider. According to scmp.com, rankings are fluid, form lines are tightening, and Zac Purton’s eventual decision continues to loom as one of the defining variables in the build-up to February 1. Momentum shifted again on Sunday when Sagacious Life reaffirmed his credentials with a determined Class Two victory under top weight. The Brazilian import has made a sharp impression since arriving in Hong Kong, and that latest success pushed his rating to 97, the highest among current Classic Mile hopefuls. His rise has not gone unnoticed, least of all by Purton, who partnered him in that win and remains closely linked to his campaign. As preparations enter a more intense phase, attention continues to gravitate toward Purton’s call, with the eight-time champion in the enviable position of choosing between several emerging contenders. While Sagacious Life has set a clear benchmark, another progressive galloper has ensured the conversation remains far from settled, with Invincible Ibis building a compelling case of his own after three straight victories. That momentum will be tested again on Sunday in a Class Three 1600m contest restricted to four-year-olds, a race that shapes as an informal Classic Mile rehearsal. In a twist, however, Purton will not be aboard, having already committed to Beauty Bolt for the Kwok family. The decision forced a change of plans for Invincible Ibis, with Hugh Bowman stepping in for the ride. “You expect that when you have Zac, you’re not going to get him all the time,” Mark Newnham said. “He wasn’t available but he sticks to his word when he takes a ride, so when he told me he was committed to Beauty Bolt, I went down the list to Hugh Bowman – which wasn’t very far.” Newnham believes the colt’s form will hold despite the handicap conditions. “The horse has held his form well, I had a ride on him last week and he feels good. I’ll give Hugh a ride on him this week leading into the race. He’ll probably be disadvantaged by the handicap but that’ll only stand him in good stead for the Classic Mile.” While Purton’s immediate preference has been narrowed to Sagacious Life and Invincible Ibis, that balance could shift again after Sunday, with Little Paradise, Beauty Bolt and Top Dragon also among his regular partners who remain firmly in the picture. Further intrigue surrounds Dazzling Fit, whose Classic Mile prospects hinge on ratings rather than form. Trainer David Eustace has opted to freshen the three-time winner rather than press on, mindful of his current mark of 75. “We’ve decided he’s not going to run in the lead-up to the Classic Mile,” Eustace said. “There’s a very slim chance he gets into the Classic Mile, which we’re well aware of, but we think he’s at his best when he’s fresh.” James McDonald looms as the logical long-term booking, while stablemate Helene Supafeeling continues his own ratings chase, ensuring the final shape of the field remains anything but settled.
