Trainer Peter Snowden would like to give unbeaten 3YO filly Plaintiff (Zoustar-Prompt Response, by Beneteau) more experience before he asks her to run in black type company, reports racingnsw.com.au. "It's her first preparation and she had a long time out with things holding her up," he said of the filly who has won two from two. "She's in at the wrong time, she's going to be going out when she should be coming in. But I want to educate her as well, she has a bit to learn. She improved from her first run to her second and with one more run she might get it a bit more complete because from here it gets harder. She's done a good job, the couple of starts she's had she's won well. It's hard to win a maiden and go straight to 72s and she did that and showed a bit more grit as well." She'll run over 1300 metres at Randwick on Saturday. She beat highly regarded stablemate Nitro (Deep Field-Ocean Jewel, by Ocean Park) last start. "I think it added more merit in my mind because I know how well he goes. I thought he had her cold actually, he loomed to win and was going to go straight past and she kept finding. Watch the replay and you really see her surge again when he came to her and just kept throwing the head out and having a crack. Those are positive signs." Owned by Fairway Thoroughbreds, Plaintiff was a $2.2 million Inglis Easter Yearling Sale graduate, having been bought by James Harron Bloodstock from the Widden Stud draft. Her dam is Group 1 winner Prompt Response whose first two foals are also winners.
Prompt Response is the dam of Plaintiff (pic: Mark Gatt)
Bingley Returns to the Winner's Circle
Friday, 19th December 2025
After sustaining serious injuries in a race fall four months ago, apprentice jockey Lauryn Bingley has returned to the winner's circle aboard Restricted Access (Needs Further-Beck And Call, by Iffraaj) in Hobart last Sunday, reported tasracing.com.au. "I had a punctured lung, and I tore ligaments in my shoulder and [had] a couple of cracked ribs," Bingley said of the July fall. "All in all, I came off pretty good, but still now I get a little sore after a big day. I'm still probably a little bit heavier than I would like to be, but a couple more weeks of riding, I should be back on track. I'm riding 54kg on Friday, so I'm doing it a little bit hard this week, but I'll have it under control soon. I noticed a big difference from trial riding to heading back to the races, I think I was blowing out before the horses." On Friday night, she rides Bayside (Grunt-Whoever, by Redoute's Choice) for her boss Barry Campbell. "He was super, and to be honest, I didn't give him the best ride. He's got a bit of a tricky barrier to overcome, but there is a lot of speed in the race. Hopefully, we can jump neutral and truly get a bum, and I think he will be right up there if he can get a good run from the gate." She's also on Sushi Express (Real Impact-Vive Le Rock, by Rock Of Gibraltar) in the Sheffield Cup. "He had to bounce from barrier 11 in a field of 12, over 1400m he was super. He did a lot of work and Glenn (Hodges, trainer) was really happy with how he pulled up and he's drawn a nice barrier. There looks to be a lot of speed in that race, so hopefully he can get the drop on them, and if he can get one last crack at them, I think his run the other day will probably knock them off."
Diamond Scene Can Go Back to Back
Friday, 19th December 2025
A winner of the Gr2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) last year before going on to finish second in the Gr2 Perth Cup (2400m) behind Hemlock Stone (Dalghar-Spiritual, Savabeel), who he will also meet here, the Michael Grantham-trained Diamond Scene (So You Think-Jewelled, by Zabeel) looks capable of capturing this year's Ted Van Heemst Stakes once again. Resuming this time in with a Gr3 victory over 1400m before finishing fourth, beaten just over two lengths in the Gr1 Railway Stakes (1600m), the gelding then finished down the track in the Gr1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) in a race which was probably a little above his quality even though he was forced to race a little wide. Drawn barrier 7 in the 12-horse field for Saturday, hopefully the Clint Johnston-Porter ridden gelding can secure a good position in running and prove hard to beat, adding further to his unbeaten record and the track/distance. With consecutive wins in Victoria before finishing tenth in the Gr1 Northerly Stakes, just one place behind Diamond Scene, the Ben, Will and JD Hayes trained Apulia (Fiorente-Giannarelli, by High Chaparral) is a winner up to 204m in the past, but with a placed effort in the Gr1 VRC Derby (2500m) during his 3yo season, the gelding will surely look a winning chance in the run to the line.
Matias Looking for Grand Prix Victory
Friday, 19th December 2025
A winner over 1500m last time out at Newcastle, the Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained Matias (Snitzel-Never Listen, by Trusting) has been in consistent form this time in and come Saturday looks a leading chance in the $300,000 Gr3 Grand Prix Stakes (1800m). With Michael Rodd in the saddle, who was successful in the race way back in 2006 aboard the Bart Cummings trainer Sirmione (Encosta de Lago), the pair have drawn barrier 8 in the 15 (plus one emergency) field. The first foal of the Gr1 VRC Oaks (2500m) placed Never Listen, a half-sister to the Listed-winning Hussonet mare Rose Of Peace, the third dam of this gelding is the Gr1 AJC Oaks winner Savanna City (New Regent), suggesting that there is staying potential in the pedigree which should see Matias run out a string 1800m. With only three runs under his belt, winning two starts back over 1500m, with second placed efforts on either side, the C J Waller trained John Dory (NZ) (Ace High-Hirtshals, by Pins) is a son of the dual Gr1 winner Ace High, successful in both the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) and VRC Derby (250m), suggesting that a step up to 1800m for the lightly race 3yo should not pose any issues.
Schweida Saddles Up Three In Gold Edition
Friday, 19th December 2025
Trainer Kelly Schweida has not won the Listed Gold Edition Plate (1200m) in the past as he heads to this year's race with three chances including the favourite Graterburners (Graff-Coralina, by Dylan Thomas), a winner of his last two starts in style. With over $700,000 in earnings from his four wins, the $70,000 Inglis Classic yearling sale graduate was a last start winner over Damien (Hellbent-Marple Miss, by Not A Single Doubt) who he will once again face here on Saturday. Drawn barrier 1, the Ceejay Graham ridden colt likes to race handy, and that barrier will once again see him in a forward position, if not leading. Graterburners' stablemates are both large odds, but the lightly raced Metal Man (So You Think-It's a Myth, by Sepoy) creates plenty of intrigue. From a family nurtured by leading South Australian stud farm Mill Park, the gelding has unfortunately drawn wide in barrier 13 of 14 but is promising and should be watched. Having not started since his third in October, there is no public trial for Metal Man since, so it will be interesting to see how he goes. A winner of the Gr3 Bruce McLachlan Stakes last year where he defeated eventual Gr1 winner Cool Archie (Cool Aza Beel), the Ciaron Maher trained Icarian Dream (Blue Point-Teebo, by Stryker) is likely to be heading to the Magic Millions race day as he did last year, so should be one to keep an eye on fresh here.
Proven Pride Out to Plunder More QLD Riches
Friday, 19th December 2025
Last week it was The Black Cloud (Shamus Award), a few months back it was In Flight (Flying Artie) and this coming Saturday, Joe Pride and Jamie Walter's Proven Thoroughbreds will surely be hoping it's Accredited (All Too Hard-Well Credentialled, by O'Reilly) as the 6YO gelding lines up in the Listed Lough Neagh Stakes (1300m). A last start fourth in the Gr3 Festival Stakes behind Yorkshire (Snitzel) off the back off a second in the Gr2 The Hunter behind Coal Crusher (Turffontein), the form through both of those races continue to prove themselves and come Saturday, the Daniel Moor ridden Milburn Creek yearling sale graduate has drawn ideally in gate 1. Never out of the top four since his victory in the Listed Eye Liner Stakes (1350m) at Ipswich back in June, the Melissa Kelly trained Oughton (More Than Ready-La Fluorescent, by General Nediym) has been racing consistently without winning and come Saturday he drops in weight once again. With his earnings ticking past the $1m barrier last start with his third, if the gelding was able to record victory in the Lough Neagh Stakes on Saturday he would add a lovely pedigree update his Magic Millions yearling sale bound Spirit Of Boom half-brother who is set as Lot 1087 as part of the Goodwood Farm draft.
Gimcrack Stakes Winner Resumes
Friday, 19th December 2025
Unbeaten in all three trial appearances as well her lone race day start in the Gr3 Gimcrack Stakes, the G Waterhouse and A Bott trained filly Shiki (Too Darn Hot-Jest Excel, by Exceed And Excel) resumes in Saturday's TAB Plate (1000m) at Randwick and if successful will only further enhance her $3m Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) chances where she is on the second line of betting. The form from her debut race has been somewhat proven with the Bjorn Baker-trained third placed Masvingo (Zoustar) having since come out and finished third in the Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic behind her stablemate Paradoxium (Extreme Choice), the current favourite for January's lucrative sales based raced on the Gold Coast. Interestingly, it is another from the Baker stable, in similar ownership to Paradoxium and Masvingo who appears the main danger to Shiki come Saturday. Purchased from the draft of Kia Ora Stud at the Magic Millions for $380,000, 2yo colt Warwoven (Sword of State-Needle And Thread, by Makfi) has been to the trials just once in readiness for his debut, pulling clear by a length and three quarters over 796m at Warwick Farm recently. With Rachel King in the saddle that day, the Gr1 winning jockey will remain onboard the first foal of the Gr2-winning Makfi mare. With only seven runners in Saturday's field, the only other runner outside of Shiki and Warwoven under double figure odds is the John O'Shea and Tom Charlton trained Norman's Cry (Too Darn Hot-Westport, by Not A Single Doubt), a narrow winner of his most recent trial.
Inglis Digital Finishes 2025 With a Flourish
Friday, 19th December 2025
A pair of well-related mares headlined the final Inglis Digital Online Sale of 2025, each fetching $140,000 and providing a fitting crescendo to a year of record-breaking digital trade. Among the star lots was Merry Angelore, a Castelvecchio-covered sister to Group 3 winner Aviatress, secured by Victorian buyer Andy Grant of APG Invest. Just minutes earlier, Cambridge Stud landed Deadly Desire, a half-sister to Group 1 heroine Ruthless Dame, for the same price. Both fillies brought pedigree and profile to the final Inglis Digital December (Late) catalogue, which grossed more than $2.4 million. For Grant, the purchase adds to a growing breeding interest. “I’ve owned horses for years and have got quite a few around the place with the likes of First Light and Roll The Dice and some of my own with Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young and Mick Price,” he said. “I’ve only been playing in the breeding field for two or three years.” A recent discussion with Will Stott sparked the acquisition. “We were talking about upgrading the mares, so we found this girl and Will thought she would be a good addition – we’ve bought her and we’ll see what happens.” Northmore’s Tammy Notman, who consigned Merry Angelore, said the team had contemplated offering her elsewhere but the timing felt right after Aviatress notched another Stakes win. “It’s so easy with Inglis Digital,” she added. “As long as your videos and photos are good, that’s the key – we had calls about the mare in the lead up and she sold really well.” Cambridge Stud’s purchase of Deadly Desire also drew praise from Go Bloodstock, who offered the 4YO daughter of Super Seth. “We’re thrilled with the sale price,” said Steve O’Connor. “She’s a quality filly from one of the top families in New Zealand, an active family that’s really going places.” Other highlights included King Of Dragons, a well-performed galloper sold for $120,000 to Goulburn trainer Matt Dale and Suman Hedge, as part of an unreserved Trilogy Racing reduction that grossed $274,100. “There was a really good level of pre-sale engagement,” said Trilogy’s Jason Stenning. “The bidding was consistently strong today, especially for this time of year.” In a further boost to the platform’s international pull, a 2.5% share in dual Group 1-placed filly Within The Law sold to US-based investor Will Stroud for $40,000, valuing the Inglis Classic graduate at $1.6 million. “Australia offers some of the world’s highest prizemoney and most lucrative racing opportunities,” Stroud said. “I’m focused on the top-tier fillies and mares, and this is a strategic play, buying into a proven performer with future broodmare value.” The December (Late) Sale rounded out Inglis Digital’s 2025 calendar, which saw 130 individual lots sell for $100,000 or more and total turnover surpass $95 million, figures that underscore the platform’s growing significance, both at home and abroad.
Gawky Zambardo Furnishes Into a WFA Man
Friday, 19th December 2025
From an inauspicious weanling sale to the cusp of weight-for-age stardom, Zambardo's trajectory has been anything but predictable, reports NZ Racing Desk. Raised in Ashburton on New Zealand’s South Island, the gelded son of Belardo began life as Our Martian and made his early mark in trials before trainer Emma Wyatt, captivated by his pedigree, snapped him up for just $3100 on gavelhouse.com. Wyatt remembered the unpolished youngster turning up in the depths of winter, hardly an advertisement for what he’d become. But beneath the rough exterior was a promising frame – out of a Zabeel mare who descended from triple Group 1 winner Tall Poppy, and half-brother to Zambezi Warrior. “Time was his friend,” she said. “When he had his first proper prep, I thought he was one of the nicest horses I’ve ever sat on.” Despite his cheeky, at times difficult nature, he won his sole trial and placed twice on debut. Circumstances forced Wyatt to race him sooner than planned, but the results attracted interest. Bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo helped broker his sale to Australia, and Our Martian became Zambardo under the ownership of Carl Holt and the tutelage of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr. What followed was turbulence. “He came across here and no joke, he went in the wind right away and was untrainable,” Kent Jnr told Radio TAB. A degenerative throat issue rendered the gelding difficult to manage, both physically and temperamentally. A tie-forward operation proved transformative. “He’s a different horse,” Kent Jnr said. “He can breathe properly. He is super-relaxed, professional, easy to train.” The turnaround was swift. Runner-up in his Australian debut, Zambardo rattled off four consecutive wins, culminating in a gritty second behind Via Sistina in the Gr1 Champions Stakes at Flemington. That performance, worth $540,000 in prize money, saw his rating leap from 78 to 104. “Some people thought it might go even higher,” Kent Jnr admitted. “But they don’t usually punish you too much when you go in off low ratings.” Now spelling, Zambardo could resurface in Queensland with races like the Doomben Cup and Q22 on the radar. A return tilt at spring weight-for-age riches also beckons. “He just kept sticking on,” Kent Jnr said of that Flemington run. “He didn’t get to the outside like we’d hoped. Often they just give up, but he didn’t. Possibly a nice handicap is within reach – but he’s got to do it again to prove he’s a genuine weight-for-age horse.” As for Cataldo, who unearthed the rough-cut diamond, even he might now blink twice before recognising what the little Belardo colt has become.
Zambardo in cruise control at Caulfield (pic: Scott Barbour Racing Photos)
McEvoys Consider Japan Cup for Half Yours
Friday, 19th December 2025
Ambitions for a possible international campaign are already being mapped out by co-trainer Calvin McEvoy for stable star Half Yours, with a potential Japan Cup tilt in late 2026 firmly on the radar, reports racing.com. Fresh from a standout spring, the lightly raced gelding is enjoying a brief spell before resuming work in the coming days. “He’s really good. He’s softened up lovely,” McEvoy told SEN’s Giddy Up, noting the horse had remained in peak condition throughout a long campaign. Half Yours is prepared in partnership with Calvin’s father, Tony. Plans are taking shape for a return to racing in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on April 18. While the trip falls short of his best, McEvoy sees it as an ideal launching pad, with the Queensland winter carnival to follow. The Hollindale Stakes, Doomben Cup and Q22 all loom as logical targets. Following his Queensland stint, the gelding will be freshened and aimed towards the major Melbourne Spring features at Flemington – beginning with the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), then onto the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) and ultimately the Cox Plate (2000m). Whether he defends his Melbourne Cup crown will depend on the weight he is allotted, with McEvoy adding: “The Japan Cup is a race we love to consider. We couldn’t do it this year as he had a couple of grand finals, but we will consider it next year.” The 2025 campaign included successful forays in Sydney and on the Sunshine Coast before Half Yours returned to Melbourne for a spring that delivered wins in the Naturalism Stakes, Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup, alongside a Turnbull fourth. Now a five-year-old gelding with eight wins from just 15 starts, he is a prized project for the McEvoys, who will continue to send a smaller team north each winter – with Half Yours likely to be among them. Part of the mystique surrounding Half Yours, who was purchased online through Inglis Digital for a now bargain price is that he is by St Jean, a way-below-the-radar New Zealand Group-placed son of accomplished Darley stallion Teofilo. Not long after Half Yours’ Melbourne Cup heroics, his sire was euthanised following a paddock accident.
Half Yours could be campaigned overseas (pic: Mark Gatt)
