According to punters.com.au, a burning desire to finally claim a Golden Slipper has Zac Purton weighing up a dash back to Australia, with the champion jockey keen to partner Queensland filly Pembrey in Saturday’s $5 million feature at Rosehill Gardens – if he can overcome a daunting travel obstacle. The logistics of securing a return flight from Hong Kong have emerged as the major stumbling block, with the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East disrupting airline routes and placing unprecedented pressure on available seats. With many flights being diverted through Hong Kong, demand has surged, leaving Purton facing a race against time before rider declarations. “It’s not looking good,” Purton said. “It’s all because of the war and what’s going on in the Middle East at the moment. Because of that conflict a lot of the flights are being re-routed through Hong Kong now and as a result all the flights are full. It means I’m in the lap of the gods and praying for a hail mary.” Despite the uncertainty, Purton has indicated he is willing to make the trip if a seat becomes available, encouraged by the recent performances of Pembrey, who earned her place in the Slipper with a commanding all-the-way win in the Group 3 Magic Night Stakes. That effort followed an unlucky fifth in the Group 2 Sweet Embrace, suggesting the Tony Gollan-trained filly has continued to build into the campaign at the right time. “From what I’ve seen of her I think she’s a great chance in the race,” Purton said. “I’m really keen to get there to ride her but it’s outside of my control. The only way it’ll happen is if a spot opens up on a flight before jockeys’ need to be declared.” The situation is further complicated by similar travel constraints affecting other leading riders. “James (McDonald) is in the same position. He wants to get over here to ride on Sunday but you just can’t get a ticket.” Connections have already demonstrated their belief in Pembrey’s prospects, with Kia Ora Stud paying a $150,000 late entry fee to secure her place in the field. She currently sits at $13 in betting ahead of the barrier draw, a reflection of both her potential and the competitive nature of this year’s edition. For Purton, the opportunity carries added significance given his near misses in the race, having finished runner-up aboard Yankee Rose in 2016 and Oohood in 2018. His record when returning to Australia is formidable, boasting a 32 percent strike-rate in Group 1 events since 2015, including last year’s Everest success aboard Ka Ying Rising. Whether he secures a seat in time remains uncertain, but the intent is clear – should the chance arise, Purton is ready to chase a long-awaited Slipper breakthrough.
Musical Hong Kong Derby Chairs for McDonald
Wednesday, 18th March 2026
Meanwhile, a significant late switch in the saddle has added intrigue to Sunday’s BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), with champion jockey James McDonald electing to partner Seraph Gabriel rather than remain aboard Beauty Bolt for the four-year-old classic at Sha Tin. That assumes McDonald can get a flight to Hong Kong (see above). According to scmp.com, the decision follows McDonald’s growing interest in the David Eustace-trained son of Saxon Warrior, whose performance earlier in the campaign left a strong impression. That came when the jockey rode Seraph Gabriel on the undercard of the Classic Mile, guiding him to a narrow second behind Lucky Sam Gor, a run that clearly stayed in McDonald’s mind as the Derby picture began to take shape. Previously associated with Beauty Bolt through the opening legs of the Classic Series, McDonald had finished third aboard the Tony Cruz-trained galloper in the Classic Mile before a seventh placing in the Classic Cup (1800m). His move to Seraph Gabriel now leaves Brenton Avdulla likely to take the reins on Beauty Bolt for the Derby. Seraph Gabriel’s most recent appearance, however, did little to enhance his credentials, finishing a well-beaten tenth behind Gentlemen Legacy over 2000m. Despite that performance, Eustace believes the run is best treated as an anomaly rather than a true reflection of the horse’s ability. “He was very keen to ride him since he finished second here over a mile and he raced flat next start, which was frustrating and a bit of a headscratcher honestly,” Eustace said. The trainer explained that the team resisted the temptation to push the horse through another race in the lead-up to the Derby, opting instead for a quieter preparation designed to have him fresh and ready for the big day. “He pulled up absolutely fine from the run. He’s a European horse, they can do that here so we gave him a quiet week and just built him up towards the trial and we just took the view that off the back of a flat run, he didn’t need another run but to have him at his best for the race next weekend, a trial would be better than squeezing another run in.” Connections were comfortable with the unconventional approach, with owner Marc Chan supportive of the plan even if it carried some risk. “Marc was very sporting and was happy to take that risk and if we didn’t get a run, we didn’t get a run, so I think it’s the best preparation for the horse going into the race.”
Newnham Bringing an Arsenal to Happy Valley
Wednesday, 18th March 2026
A strong midweek hand at Happy Valley presents an opportunity for Mark Newnham to arrest a recent lull and reassert his position in the trainers' championship, with Crimson Flash leading the charge in the Class Two Daisy Handicap (1200m). Despite managing just one winner from his past 10 meetings, scmp.com reveals Newnham remains firmly placed in the title race with 36 victories, and the return of Crimson Flash to more suitable conditions offers a timely boost. The son of Showtime was last seen stretching to a mile in the Classic Mile at Sha Tin, an experiment that failed to deliver, prompting a return to his preferred trip and circuit. "He had the rating and we thought it was worth the throw at the stumps. He didn't run out the mile, so he's going back to his favourite track and distance. He's drawn well, he trialled nicely last week, so he goes there in pretty good form," Newnham said. With seven weeks between runs, the gelding has been freshened with a stint at Conghua and returned to Sha Tin for a dominant dirt trial, winning by more than five lengths. Newnham believes that preparation has restored him to his best. "He had a rough preparation into the Classic Mile. I sent him up to Conghua, gave him a little bit of a freshen-up and he's bounced back well. The trial last week showed that he looks like he's back to his best." Elsewhere on the program, consistency has been the hallmark of Max Que, who lines up in the Class Three Snapdragon Handicap (1650m) boasting an admirable record this season. From seven starts, the Akeed Mofeed gelding has registered three wins along with a second and three thirds, earning a rise in the weights but retaining strong claims from barrier five with Zac Purton aboard. "He always showed talent last season without winning, but he's put together a really solid record this year. He's creeping up in the weights now, but he's held his form well. He looked to trial well last week. He's drawn well in five – he's still got wins in him even though he's high in the ratings," Newnham said. Purton also partners Ace War in the Class Four Dahlia Handicap (1800m), with the British import chasing consecutive wins after breaking through earlier this month. The gelding faces a different challenge stepping back in trip, but a favourable draw may help him settle more effectively. Debutant Diamond Sparkle adds further depth to the stable's representation, with Newnham expecting improvement with experience despite a tricky draw.
Connections Ponder Strictly Business' Kick-Off
Wednesday, 18th March 2026
Opening gambits are beginning to take shape for a much-anticipated return, with last spring's VRC Oaks heroine Strictly Business set to resume in the Group 2 Sunline Stakes as trainer Thomas Carberry carefully maps a path toward the Australasian Oaks and South Australian Derby. Her rise during the spring remains one of the more memorable stories of the season, progressing from maiden ranks to Group 1 success in the space of just 13 days. Now entering her third campaign, racing.com reports the focus shifts to building her toward longer targets in Adelaide, with Carberry mindful of both her natural progression and the need to balance fitness with opportunity. While acknowledging that his filly may already be looking for further than a mile, the decision has been made to start her over shorter ground rather than push straight into deeper waters first-up. "She might be looking more for the 2000m, to be honest, but with the future in mind, we'll start at a mile," Carberry said. "That way we can step to 2000m in a couple of weeks, and she'll have taken a few steps towards the Oaks in Adelaide." The trainer is under no illusions about the challenges ahead, particularly with the likelihood that even the 2000m trip of the Australasian Oaks could prove to be at the lower end of her preferred range. "Even then, I think the 2000m there will be pushing on her lower limit, but she's a VRC Oaks winner, so she'll go there," he said. In contrast, the 2500m South Australian Derby shapes as a potentially more suitable assignment, especially given the recent success of fillies in that race. "But the 2500m of the Derby might suit her better, and fillies have a great record in that race – they've won the last two." Selecting the right starting point has not been straightforward, with both available options presenting their own complications. An early tilt at the Alister Clark Stakes would have required her to shoulder 60kg against progressive three-year-olds, while the Sunline brings the challenge of taking on seasoned mares at weight-for-age. "In the Alister Clark, she'd get 60kg, taking on some nice colts and geldings. In the Sunline, it's obviously only mares, but they're older," Carberry said. "You just have to choose the race that will suit her best on the day, and at the moment it looks like the Sunline will be the race for her first-up." Regular rider John Allen is expected to partner the filly again, provided he can make the likely 54kg.
Merlin Can Weave Magic at Wyong Midweek
Wednesday, 18th March 2026
A return to Wyong is set to test the upward trajectory of Don't Doubt Merlin, with trainer Ron Quinton confident the gelding's affinity for the tight-turning circuit can help offset a sharp rise in class at Wednesday's metropolitan meeting. According to racingnsw.com.au, since arriving in Quinton's stable at the conclusion of his previous preparation, the five-year-old has quickly found his feet, producing a close second at Newcastle before an eye-catching victory second-up over 1000m. That performance, achieved despite a wide run from midfield, convinced connections to target the Star 104.5 Handicap, even though it represents a notable jump in grade. The manner of that last-start win left a strong impression on his trainer, who admitted he had initially been unsure whether the race tempo would suit. "If he runs well we'll have a look and see if he can go a bit higher," Quinton said. "It was a good win the other day, I thought they'd be a bit sharp for him but they weren't." While the immediate focus remains on sprint distances, Quinton believes the gelding has the capacity to stretch out in time. "While he's nice and fresh we'll keep him to the shorter trips but I don't think there'll be any doubt about him running a bit further." Formerly prepared by David Pfieffer, Don't Doubt Merlin had already shown ability with three wins from 11 starts before joining his new yard, and his recent efforts suggest there may be further improvement to come. Braith Nock, fresh from a breakthrough Group victory at Rosehill last weekend, takes the ride and is expected to benefit from a more favourable barrier, something Quinton views as crucial around the idiosyncratic Wyong circuit. "Wyong is such a tricky track, you can't afford to have any bad luck there," he said. "It's a tight turning track with a short run home so he did a very good job. He won't have to do as much work. He's been going well, he looks good and he's a healthy horse." Quinton's stable has been ticking over nicely in recent weeks, and attention is also turning to other members of the team. Byant, a last-start Midway winner, is being assessed for his next assignment, while Clancy is likely to head toward the Provincial-Midway Championships Wild Card after a close sixth at Gosford.
VRC Derby Runner-Up Using Tried Tactics
Wednesday, 18th March 2026
A carefully managed path toward Randwick’s staying feature is now in place for Arcora, with connections opting for the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes as the final lead-up in the hope the colt can go one better than his brave Victoria Derby second and make a genuine impact in the Australian Derby. According to racenet.com.au, the son of Justify emerged as a serious autumn prospect when he nearly caused a major upset at Flemington last November, finishing less than a length from Observer at odds of $61 in the Victoria Derby. Since then, trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young have kept the Group 1 Australian Derby firmly in mind as his principal target for the campaign. Recent evidence suggests he is right on schedule. Earlier this month at Flemington, Arcora took control from the front and defeated older horses over 2000m, a performance that strengthened confidence in both his fitness and his maturity. That victory also prompted bookmakers to elevate him to the second line of Australian Derby betting at $6, with only Observer shorter in the market. For Busuttin, the manner of that win was every bit as important as the result itself. Arcora had shown promise before, but this time there was a new professionalism to the way he handled leading throughout. “He might have been flattered by the track bias, but the way it looked on paper, he was going to be the leader,” Busuttin said. “We did lead on him once as a two-year-old, but he got lost out in front and waited and we didn't know what he was doing. We were just quite happy to see him quicken up and win.” Although entered for Saturday’s Rosehill Guineas, the stable has chosen to bypass that Group 1 and instead wait seven days for the Tulloch Stakes, preferring to avoid a clash with the very best of the division at this stage. Busuttin said the presence of Observer and Autumn Boy was central to that decision. “They're better horses than him and it seems, in recent years, those gun three-year-olds – they use it as a free kick, as much as you can say that about a Group 1,” he said. “They get a million-dollar Group 1, then they come back to a Doncaster (Mile) or a Queen Elizabeth (Stakes).” There is also confidence that the quick turnaround from the Tulloch into the Australian Derby will not trouble the colt. Busuttin pointed to his spring preparation, when an unlucky run in the Geelong Classic was followed by a strong showing in the Victoria Derby on a short break.
Mare IF to Extreme Choice Added to Chairman’s
Wednesday, 18th March 2026
A valuable addition to the upcoming Inglis Chairman’s Sale catalogue is set to attract strong attention from buyers, with stakes-winning mare Kiki Express to be offered in foal to elite stallion Extreme Choice. The young mare already boasts a pedigree and production record that suggests her greatest influence may yet come in the breeding barn rather than on the racetrack. By Champion 2YO Sepoy, Kiki Express made her mark early when she defeated colts in the Listed Debutant Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield on debut. Her performance as a juvenile hinted at quality, while her pedigree further strengthened her credentials as a future broodmare. She is closely related to dual Group 1-winning sprinter Isca, placing her firmly within a family capable of producing top-level performers. It is in her early broodmare career, however, where she is already generating considerable excitement. Her first foal, a striking filly by Darley’s nine-time Group 1 winner Anamoe, created a major impression earlier this year when she was offered through Newgate Farm and realised $800,000 at the yearling sales. Purchased by Matt Laurie Racing in partnership with Willannah Park Bloodstock and ARJB, the filly set a notable benchmark for her sire, becoming the highest-priced Anamoe yearling filly sold to date. That result has only heightened interest in Kiki Express’s current pregnancy to Extreme Choice, a stallion whose reputation continues to soar despite a comparatively small number of runners due to fertility limitations. Standing at Newgate Farm, Extreme Choice has achieved remarkable success with his progeny, producing stakes winners at a rate exceeding 12 percent of runners. Among his six Group 1 winners are standout juveniles Stay Inside, Devil Knight and She’s Extreme, while promising colts Paradoxium and Hidrix are slated to represent the stallion in this weekend’s Group 1 Golden Slipper. Newgate Farm’s Henry Field believes the mare represents a rare opportunity for investors seeking access to a premium genetic package. “Kiki Express is a spectacular looking mare and her first two foals have been both A++ physicals,” Field said. “Her Anamoe filly, that sold for $800,000 earlier this year, was a beautiful filly and her Ozzmosis weanling filly is equally outstanding. She’s a blue chip investment, being a young, fast mare, proven to produce stunning foals and carrying an October cover to Extreme Choice.” Inglis Bloodstock chief executive Sebastian Hutch echoed that sentiment, noting the rarity of any pregnancy by Extreme Choice appearing on the open market. “Extreme Choice is a freak and to have achieved what he has to date is quite incredible,” Hutch said. “There is no such thing as a certainty in breeding and racing, but I think a package like this is as close as it gets and we are very grateful for the opportunity to offer her to the market.”
Stanley Keeps His Pedal to The Metal
Wednesday, 18th March 2026
A return trip to Launceston proved a fruitful one on Friday night, with Victorian jockey Jett Stanley producing a polished riding display to land a winning treble and continue a purple patch that has carried him across multiple states in recent weeks. Confidence has been building steadily for the young rider following a string of high-profile successes, most notably his victory in the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (see below) shortly after steering Asva to triumph in last month’s Launceston Cup. Those results have helped elevate Stanley into a rich vein of form that was clearly evident again at Mowbray. “I’ve been in form, so the confidence within myself is probably helping a lot too,” Stanley said after the meeting. Two of the wins came for Cranbourne-based trainer Matthew Brown, whose Tasmanian raids have frequently proven profitable. Veins Within Rock and Quafftide both delivered for the stable, although the former’s performance was the standout of the pair. Breaking through for his maiden success, Veins Within Rock dominated his rivals to such an extent that the final margin of 9.75 lengths barely told the story of his superiority. Stanley admitted he was taken aback by the ease of the victory. “He really surprised me the way he just accelerated and gapped them at the top of the straight. I had one look, and I had to double-check how far I was in front. He just did it so effortlessly.” Brown’s regular ventures across Bass Strait have been shaped by a strong working relationship with Tasmanian trainer Glenn Stevenson, with the pair often collaborating to find suitable opportunities for visiting runners. The change of scenery, according to Brown, can play an important role in revitalising horses accustomed to the busy environment of mainland training centres. “It’s pretty full on at Cranbourne, and the horses can get over it a little bit. When they get to Tassie and work off the beach every day, it’s just a whole new environment, and it can be really beneficial,” Brown said. The trainer indicated both Veins Within Rock and Quafftide may remain in the state for at least one more assignment before returning to Victoria. Stanley completed his treble aboard the shortest-priced favourite of the evening, Just Cruisin, who justified strong support with an emphatic victory in a Class 4 (1400m). Already a consistent performer at Listed level during the Summer Racing Festival, the gelding was clearly superior to his opposition and coasted home by five lengths. “He did that in second gear, so that was quite a good feeling,” Stanley said, having partnered Just Cruisin in five of his six starts this preparation. Despite Stanley’s standout performance, the riding honours were shared with Tasmania’s leading apprentice Jabez Johnstone, who also celebrated a treble on the program with winners for the Sarah Cotton and John Keys stables.
Entries Open for NZB National Weanling Sale
Wednesday, 18th March 2026
Preparations are underway for another edition of New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Weanling Sale, with entries now open for the 2026 auction scheduled to take place at the Karaka Sales Centre on Thursday 25 June. The sale continues to operate as a dedicated weanling-only marketplace, a format that has steadily built a reputation among breeders, pinhookers and racing investors alike. Buyers seeking their next racetrack prospect or a promising resale opportunity regularly target the sale, while vendors benefit from exposure to both domestic and international participants drawn to the Karaka complex. Momentum from last year’s results provides encouragement for those preparing stock for the upcoming catalogue. The 2025 edition generated more than $2.5 million in returns for breeders, highlighted by a colt by Per Incanto out of London Express offered by Seaton Park that topped proceedings at $190,000. That youngster was one of four weanlings to achieve six-figure prices during the session, underlining healthy demand from a buying bench that included notable international participation. The sale arrives after a particularly successful period for the New Zealand industry, with the recent 2025–26 season also featuring celebrations around the 100th National Yearling Sale. Against that backdrop, NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook believes the weanling auction continues to occupy an important place in the annual bloodstock calendar. “Industry players know the National Weanling Sale is a proven source of genuine racehorses and pinhooking success,” Seabrook said. Confidence in the format remains strong following robust yearling trade earlier in the year, with Seabrook expecting similar demand to carry through to the June offering. “After a strong yearling sale, the demand for weanlings in June is going to be as strong as ever,” he said. Interest from Australian buyers has also been growing, adding an extra dimension to the market. “Last year, the Australian support of the Sale grew, so we look forward to producing a catalogue that will entice them back to Karaka again.” Beyond the commercial appeal of the sale itself, all weanlings offered will be eligible for nomination to the Karaka Millions Series, one of the region’s most lucrative racing incentives. Graduates can progress toward the $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO over 1200m, followed by the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO over 1600m, as well as the NZB Mega Maiden Series. Entries for the 2026 National Weanling Sale are open now and will close on 16 April.
