A quiet trial at Woodville on Tuesday may yet serve as the springboard back to elite company for consistent stayer Whangaehu, whose connections are eyeing a return to Group 1 targets following a satisfactory hit-out under the scrutiny of the stewards. The Proisir gelding had been stood down after finishing eighth in last month's Gr3 Thompson Handicap at Trentham, where he was slow from the gates and reluctant to stretch out early. Trainer Bill Thurlow and jockey Sam O'Malley were encouraged by the 1000m heat, which saw Whangaehu jump cleanly and finish fourth behind Silent Is Gold. "The main thing was we needed to get the tick of approval from the stewards," O'Malley said. "He actually jumped away really well. He lacked a little bit of speed through the middle stages of the trial, but they were getting along pretty quickly on a good track." While the trip was on the sharp side for a proven stayer, O'Malley felt the gelding was doing his best work late. "He really needs to go at least 2000m these days, so he was always going to be a bit outpaced over that trip, but he was working home nicely late." Whangaehu is best known for his success in the Gr3 Trentham Stakes earlier this year, backed up by Group 1 placings in the Herbie Dyke Stakes and Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes, both over 2000m. His team now hopes he can rediscover that form over a similar distance range. "It's a bit hard to set a programme for him to get to some of the good races from here," O'Malley said. "We probably have to stick to weight-for-age now. The Zabeel Classic on Boxing Day might come up a little bit soon for him now, but it's a possibility." Meanwhile, the stable will be represented by Field Of Gold and Frank The Tank in Saturday's Gr3 Spring Sprint (1400m) at Trentham. "They both galloped well this morning," said O'Malley. "I think Frank The Tank is a really nice up-and-coming horse. He might go to another level in this campaign if he stays sound. The old boy Field Of Gold, I thought his run was okay the other day at Waverley, but he was just a bit outpaced over 1200m. Maybe 1400m is his sweet spot, and he goes well at Trentham."
Group 1 targets lie ahead for Whangaehu (pic: Race Images Peter Rubery)
NEWSydney Racing Faces Saturday Heatwave
Wednesday, 3rd December 2025
An extreme weather event expected to sweep through western Sydney has thrown Saturday’s Rosehill Gardens meeting into doubt, with a date shift to Sunday now looming as the likely outcome, according to racenet.com.au. Racing NSW flagged the possibility of a move early in the week, citing ongoing monitoring of conditions and noting that any final decision would be made before acceptances on Wednesday morning. As temperatures continue to climb, that shift now appears inevitable. The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting 41 degrees across the Parramatta region from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday, while a much cooler top of 24 degrees is predicted for Sunday. “This is your classic hot and dry day across Sydney,” said senior meteorologist Jonathan How. “It’s not going to be particularly humid, but it’s going to be dry with hot winds from the west. At Parramatta and Rosehill it’s expected to get to 41 degrees, and we might get an afternoon storm – but don’t expect that to bring much relief.” He warned that no cool change is forecast until dawn on Sunday, meaning the heat will persist overnight. Alternative scheduling was considered, including pushing the meeting earlier or delaying it into the evening, but those options now appear impractical. Trainer Gai Waterhouse proposed a morning start in a social media post, but Racing NSW’s hot weather protocols may render even that option unworkable. The policy’s Level 2 trigger includes forecast ambient temperatures of 38°C or above, or a WBGT (Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature) shade reading of 28°C or above, prompting mandatory vet consultation and possible program modifications. A revised morning schedule had been loosely sketched out: a 9.30am start with 35-minute gaps between races would wrap the card by 2.45pm. But hourly data from UbiMet – the forecasting service used by the ATC – suggests it would already be over 32 degrees by 10am, climbing past 40 by early afternoon. “Looking at the hourly temps, it’s going to be pretty hot from the get-go,” said How. “It’ll likely hit 40 around 1pm and won’t cool down until well into the evening.” He added that confidence in the forecast was unusually high, even days out. “We work with six different weather models, and it’s highly unlikely anything will change. All of them are saying 40-plus. The average is 41, the highest is 44, the lowest is 40. There’s very little chance people are going to get any relief until Sunday.”
Saturday is expected to be 41 degrees at Rosehill Gardens (pic: Steve Hart)
NEWATC Extends Partnership with Racing and Sports
Wednesday, 3rd December 2025
A major strategic extension between Australian Turf Club and Racing and Sports will see Sydney racegoers benefit from a suite of innovative media, wagering, and digital services right through to 2027. The renewed partnership builds on foundations laid in 2022, with the shared ambition of elevating the raceday experience and increasing fan engagement across all ATC meetings. Central to this offering will be enhanced content delivery through platforms like ‘Venue Buddy’ – a mobile tool enabling punters to access RAS form analysis, tips, and digital race previews via QR code. Racing and Sports will supply data-rich insights for every ATC meeting, with content featured on-course through big screens and monitors, ensuring racegoers are kept well informed throughout the day. Animated Race Predictor segments will also be shown on Saturdays both in Venue Buddy and on infield displays. Powered by RAS’s proprietary modelling and expert analysis, the Predictor turns complex form into easy-to-digest narratives designed to appeal to tech-savvy fans and emerging punters. The partnership’s goal is not only to improve on-course presentation but also to support wagering growth by reaching new demographics through sharper, story-led content. RAS has committed to maintaining naming rights for two Sydney features: the $400,000 Group 2 Racing and Sports Golden Pendant during the spring carnival at Rosehill, and the $250,000 Group 3 Doncaster Prelude at Randwick in Autumn 2026. In addition, RAS will contribute to a broader calendar of ATC racedays and co-produce a weekly transcription and statistics service for distribution to media outlets. This service commenced on Winx Stakes Day (August 23) and continues through to Five Diamonds Day (November 8), before returning for the Autumn Carnival from January 31 to April 18, covering key meetings such as Southern Cross Stakes and All Aged Stakes Day. ATC Head of Racing and Wagering Nevesh Ramdhani said Racing and Sports remained “one of world racing’s most respected brands” and that the extension reflected ATC’s focus on enhancing the racegoer journey. “The extra content and expertise that RAS will bring to our racedays is central to our commitment to continue to grow the on-course experience,” he said. “We look forward to engaging with more punters and customers in new ways, including introducing new and younger audiences to the track via digital experiences.” Racing and Sports CEO Stephen Crispe echoed that view, adding: “The suite of innovative products, backed by our premium data and analytics, will drive engagement and participation… RAS are proud to be collaborating with the ATC in a partnership that continues to provide community and industry benefits beyond the track.”
NEWWell Written Primed for Major Kiwi Features
Wednesday, 3rd December 2025
Fresh from a well-earned break following her Group 1 triumph at Riccarton, unbeaten filly Well Written has returned to work with a potential tilt at the $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) shaping as the next major goal. Connections are weighing up which slot to pursue ahead of Ellerslie’s showpiece on March 7, as interest builds around the country’s richest race. Stephen Marsh confirmed the filly had settled back in nicely after her brief spell. “She’s been back in the stable five days and looks great after having an easy time since the 1000 Guineas,” he said. While nothing is yet locked in, the Kiwi looms large. “That’s the race she’ll be targeting, and this week there’ll be a lot going on as we work through the various slots and other matters,” Marsh added. “We’ve asked all the interested parties to put their offers down in writing and by the end of the week we expect to be closer to making a decision as to where it lands. There’s a lot in play between the owners and everyone else involved, but we’ll get there, it’s just a matter of working through the process.” A new dynamic in that ownership equation is the involvement of Yulong Investments, who made their most significant New Zealand move yet by acquiring a 50 percent share in the daughter of their own stallion Written Tycoon, shortly before her third consecutive victory in the Group 1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas. Although a run in the Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m) on January 24 remains on the table, Marsh suggested the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) or the Group 3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m), both on the same card, may prove more likely. Bookmakers currently have Well Written at $2.20 for the Karaka Millions 3YO, $2.50 for the NZB Kiwi, and $4 equal favouritism with Alabama Lass for the Railway. She also tops the market for the Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) at $8, though that race appears unlikely due to its distance and timing. Meanwhile, Marsh will saddle up To Cap It All in Saturday’s Group 3 Bonecrusher Stakes at Pukekohe, hoping for improvement after her unplaced run in the 2000 Guineas on heavy ground.
Light Northerly Forecast for Ascot on Saturday
Wednesday, 3rd December 2025
Anticipation is building in Perth as the curtain prepares to fall on Australia’s final Group 1 ahead of 2026, and the Northerly Stakes has once again drawn a field capable of shaping summer narratives. According to thewest.com.au, this year’s line‑up blends proven eastern raiders with Western Australia’s rising forces, creating a contest that promises both intrigue and genuine star power. Among the locals, momentum sits squarely with King Of Light, whose WA Guineas victory – stamped in commanding style only 10 days ago – secured his passage into the $1.5 million feature. His quote of $2.50 reflects both punters’ confidence and the remarkable record of three‑year‑olds in the race. Thanks to a favourable weight scale where colts and geldings carry 52kg and fillies just 50kg, youngsters have thrived, winning four of the past ten editions. Even so, the winners’ roll tells a more specific story. Every one of those four successful three‑year‑olds has been a filly: Perfect Reflection in 2015, followed by Arcadia Queen, Kay Cee and then Amelia’s Jewel in 2022. The Guineas remains the most reliable reference point – Arcadia Queen and Amelia’s Jewel used it as their platform, while Kay Cee was beaten only narrowly after following the same route. Pure Excess, a $15 chance and stablemate to King Of Light, mirrors the path taken by Perfect Reflection through the Champion Fillies’. Interstate interest centres on Apulia ($11), whose lightly raced profile is offset by undeniable talent. The Hayes stable has produced him only twice this year, for two strong wins: the Vobis Gold Star at Moonee Valley and the Chester Manifold Stakes at Flemington. The latter proved a telling guide last year when Light Infantry Man launched from the same race to win the Northerly. This time Michael Dee travels west for the ride, while William Pike continues aboard King Of Light after partnering him in a sharp Belmont trial. Another compelling visitor is Vivy Air ($9), who stormed home to take the Five Diamonds at Rosehill and now reunites with Ethan Brown – the pair unbeaten together. Depth Of Character will represent the Annabel and Rob Archibald yard under Chris Parnham, replacing Reece Jones, while Osipenko ($21) rounds out the eastern challengers with Fred Kersley booked. Local flavour increases with Hemlock Stone, who hands apprentice Austin Galati his first Group 1 assignment and adds another dimension to Morton’s home‑track defence.
Waller Dominates Petaluma Maiden Plate
Wednesday, 3rd December 2025
With the field down to 13 in Wednesday's Petaluma Maiden Plate, Champion trainer C J Waller should prove hard to beat with the leading stable set to saddle up an astonishing nine of the 13 runners. With all bar two of them allocated a jockey at the time of writing, it could be anyone's race, but the money has come for the Tommy Berry-ridden Pink Persuasion (Written Tycoon-Rationality, by Flying Spur). Third on debut before improving to finish second last time out, the chestnut filly steps up to the 1400m for the first time. A graduate of Arrowfield Stud at the Inglis Easter yearling sale, the close relation to multiple Gr1 winner Mentality (Flying Spur) was secured by her owners for $200,000. Another Easter graduate who looks to improve third time out is the $900,000 purchase Botanist (Wootton Bassett-Tulip, by Pierro). From the extended family of Champion Sires Flying Spur and Encosta de Lago, the Resoulte Racing and Coolmore owned colt was a narrow second over 1300m last time out at Newcastle, and with the step up to 1400m, it should see the Nash Rawiller colt right in the finish. Slightly disappointing last time out when stepping up to the 1400m at Canterbury after a pleasing second the start prior, the Yarraman Park Stud bred and sold Miss Lola (Blue Point-Reemah, by Redoute's Choice) clearly has pedigree on her side with both her dam, and grand dam Gr1 placed. Secure for $480,000, the well-bred filly has been to the races on four occasions, and while she is yet to put it all together, she does have race experience on her side which could be a positive here.
Chris Waller has nine of the 13 runners carded (pic: Steve Hart)
Ice Kool Short to Make Winning Debut
Wednesday, 3rd December 2025
The first of just six races on Wednesday at Warwick Farm, the Irresistible Pools And Spa Maiden Handicap (1000m) sees a short-priced favourite in David Pfiffer's Ice Kool (Zoustar-So Far Sokool, by Showcasing). With three trials under his belt, improving at each of them, the 3YO gelding was last seen winning in his 900m trial by more than five and a half lengths. Drawn barrier 6 in the eight-horse field, Jason Collett will be in the saddle, having already ridden him in one of his three trials. Passed in shy of his $150,000 reserve when offered at the Magic Millions yearling sale through the draft of Widden Stud, Ice Kool is the third foal out of the Listed Bendigo Guineas winner So Far Sokool. Having finished third on debut before improving to finish second last time out, the Ciaron Maher trained Misty Veil (Wootton Bassett-Moonlight Waltz, by Fastnet Rock) appears the logical danger to the favourite here. She will have some residual race fitness on her side, and if the favourite is a little underdone, then the Braith Nock-ridden filly could be the one. A stablemate of Misty Veil, the Cambridge Stud-raced Mediterra (Snitzel-Traceability, by Charge Forward) is yet to do much in her two starts to date, but now that has a spell under her belt, one would expect an improved showing from the well-bred filly.
Russian Conquest's Sister Quickest of The Fillies
Wednesday, 3rd December 2025
With three trials on Tuesday morning at Canterbury for the 2YO fillies, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained Lumbini, a sister to the stakes placed Russian Conquest (Russian Revolution) and a half-sister to the stakes placed Sakima (Snitzel) was the quickest of the three heats. Formerly trained by Peter Snowden, Russian Conquest finished second in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic of her juvenile year, and with this filly having been purchased from the very same sale, it would no surprise to see her head that way. Purchased for $450,000 from the draft of Newgate Farm, Lumbini is the fourth foal out of the imported Gr1 Alcibiades Stakes winner My Conquestadory (USA). (Artie Shiller). Jumping to the lead under Tim Clark, the Glentree Racing owned filly extended that lead in the home straight, to pull away for a comfortable length and a quarter win. The stable also secured another of the trials for the fillies with the Lustre Lodge-sold By Choice (Written By) taking out the first of the three heats where she defeated the Chris Waller-trained I Am Invincible half-sister to Everest winner Classique Legend (Not A Single Doubt) in Fiaba, who has been retained to race by her breeders Tyreel Stud.
Fiaba is a half-sister to The Everest hero Classique Legend (pic: Steve Hart)
Diva Chasing Consecutive Wins
Wednesday, 3rd December 2025
With nine of the 12 runners in Wednesday's Sportsbet Blackbook Handicap (1000m) at Caulfield coming off a last start first or second, the race appears quite open. Set to carry less weight than any other runner in the field due to the claim of apprentice Luke Cartwright, 3YO filly Satin Diva (Better Than Ready-Commanding Epic, by Commands) is a veteran of just two starts, running second on debut before winning by a length and three quarters. While both of her runs were at Moe, which may not be considered up to the class of some of the other runners in the field, the fact that trainer Ciaron Maher has decided to start the full-sister to Listed winner Epic Proportions (Better Than Ready) first up in town suggests she is working well. Settling handy in both her starts, it would be no surprise to see the all-female owned Satin Diva aim to do the same again, especially as she has drawn handy in barrier 3. Coming off an impressive five and a quarter length victory last time out when making her debut at Ballarat, the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young trained Faraway Dream (Farnan-Unusual Dream, by Dream Ahead) will need to overcome her wide draw here of 12, but if she can reproduce an effort like her debut, then she looks a solid chance in going two from two. Winning last time out at the track and over the distance of Wednesday's race, the Newgate Farm bred and raced Espana (Capitalist-Spanish Pipedream, by Scat Daddy) who have the services of apprentice Logan Bates one again. With from around recent Gr3 winner Point Barrow (Blue Point), the lovely chestnut should surely be included.
Baker's Colt Paradoxium Impresses with Trial Win
Wednesday, 3rd December 2025
With a host of well-bred juveniles contesting the three heats for the colts, the Bjron Baker-trained Paradoxium (Extreme Choice) looked good winning by a length and three quarters. The first foal out of the stakes placed Better Than Ready mare Pardeo, the Silverdale Farm-consigned colt was purchased for $400,000 and races in the silks of Ridgmont Farm. Having made his debut with a fourth in the Breeders' Plate, the colt has trialled twice this time in, winning on both occasions and being a Magic Millions graduate, we could see him being aimed towards the $3 million feature race on the Gold Coast. Second in the trial was the C J Waller-trained I Am Invincible colt Steel Will, with the half-brother to dual Group 1-winning filly September Run (Exceed And Excel) having controlled the trial throughout but unable to hold off the late charge of the winner. Another graduate of Magic Millions, Campione D'italia (Snitzel) took out the second of the trials, defeating the Ridgmont Farm-consigned $1.3m Inglis Easter graduate Vatican (Wootton Bassett) by a half-length. The third of the three trials for the colts was taken out by the Waterhouse and Bott trained Ole Kirk colt Elio in the slowest time of the three heats. Having finished fourth on debut in the Max Lees Classic, beaten two and three quarter lengths, the colt showed he is on track with a length plus trial victory.
850k gns Calandagan Half at First Sceptre Session
Wednesday, 3rd December 2025
A frisson of anticipation coursed through the ring as the first Sceptre Session unfolded at Tattersalls, and by the end of day one, it was clear the new format had struck the right chord with buyers. Among the headline results was the 850,000-guineas sale of Caliyza to Ace Stud, one of five lots to surpass the 600,000-guinea mark, driving opening-day turnover to 8,950,000 guineas at an average of 447,500 guineas across 20 offerings. The daughter of Le Havre had been flagged as a likely standout long before she stepped into the ring – her credentials burnished further by the emphatic Japan Cup victory of her half-brother Calandagan just 48 hours earlier. Offered by Overbury Stud in foal to Gleneagles, sire of Calandagan, Caliyza was secured via online bidding by Ace Stud, her sale marking a dramatic uplift from the 155,000 guineas she made through Blandford Bloodstock at the same sale a year ago. What followed that 2024 purchase was a whirlwind of upgrades on the pedigree page, with Calandagan adding no fewer than four Gr1 wins, including the Japan Cup, King George (see below), Champion Stakes, and Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. That surge in black type prompted a strategic pivot. “She came here a year ago as a wild card and we bought her then,” said Overbury’s Simon Sweeting. “Originally, we had no intention of selling her, we just wanted to breed a racehorse, but after the King George it started to change, and then Sunday morning brought in a different group of people.” Sweeting was quick to credit the team around him. “I’m very lucky; I’m on a wonderful farm that was laid down to grass a long time ago, everything’s as it should be. I’ve got a fabulous team, and they’ll do anything for the horses. It’s a good team effort.” From the buyer’s side, Paul Curran of Ace Stud expressed both excitement and pragmatism. “She has a phenomenal pedigree and a three-parts sibling in utero,” he noted. “That win didn’t change anything, but it did put a different angle on him. There’s commercially a very good horse to come from her, no matter what. We’re delighted to get her, we have no immediate plans, we’ll sit down and talk them through.” Caliyza herself was no slouch on the track, earning a Timeform rating of 91 and placing in Listed company. She’s also a half-sister to Group-placed three-year-old filly Calamandra, and the broader family includes French 2000 Guineas winner Clodovil, ensuring this mare’s value stretches well beyond the here and now.
Racing SA Goes All in On Cutting Edge Intel
Wednesday, 3rd December 2025
South Australia’s commitment to high-tech racing has taken another leap forward, with Racing SA confirming the rollout of advanced horse tracking and timing capabilities to Balaklava and Strathalbyn as part of an expanded partnership with technology firm tripleSdata. Already in place at Morphettville, Murray Bridge, and Gawler, the SMART system will now generate comprehensive sectional and biometric data at 95% of race meetings held at metropolitan and key provincial venues across the state. For punters, participants, broadcasters and analysts alike, the value of this granular data continues to grow. Racing SA CEO Nick Bawden said the broader coverage would help foster stronger engagement with South Australian racing. “The expansion of our coverage with tripleSdata will create greater engagement of South Australian racing for punters, owners, television viewers and the broader industry,” he said. The data, accessible via Racing SA’s website, is also broadcast through Sky Channel and racing.com, aiding betting turnover and transparency. Underpinning the system is tripleSdata’s new 4G mobile-based GPS-RTK solution – an agile, portable platform that doesn’t rely on permanent on-course infrastructure. Base stations and lightweight transceivers positioned around each track allow for real-time communications, tapping into existing facilities at each venue. The technology goes far beyond sectional times, delivering detailed performance metrics for each horse, including stride length, stride frequency, average and top speed, split times and positional GPS data. TripleSdata CEO Carlos Santo said the expansion was the culmination of two years of groundwork. “We’re proud to further advance the digital racing experience for South Australian thoroughbred customers, building on the significant innovation delivered over the past two years.” Santo believes the implications extend across the industry. “Our SMART tracking technology delivers far more than sectional times – it provides deep performance intelligence that helps shape how horses are prepared, how tracks are managed, and how races ultimately unfold.” He said the adoption of this technology positioned South Australia among the global leaders in cutting edge race data. “This expansion is a significant leap for the industry… setting a new benchmark for precision, performance insight, and punter engagement.”
Gallettas Have a Potential Star in Caffe Florian
Wednesday, 3rd December 2025
A new rising star may be emerging from Warwick Farm, with promising filly Caffe Florian now firmly on track for a tilt at the Listed Gosford Guineas after a brilliant maiden romp at Canterbury on Friday night, reports punters.com.au. The win, emphatic in both style and substance, confirmed to trainer Richard Litt what he’d already suspected – that the daughter of new Black Type Stallion Premiership leader, Snitzel, is heading quickly in the right direction. “She’s an extremely, extremely exciting filly,” Litt said. “We’ve been very patient with her knowing the talent she has and haven’t wanted to press the button too early.” That patience appears to be paying dividends. “She’s a lovely filly that most importantly keeps improving and in another six months you’ll see close to the finished product,” he added. Whether she heads straight to the Gosford Guineas or takes another step via Canterbury in a fortnight is yet to be decided, but the ambition is now set. Litt has more than one reason to be upbeat, with his stable also represented by Barber and Romeo’s Choice in last Saturday’s Starlight Stakes at Rosehill, finishing second and fourth respectively behind Flying For Fun. Both are now likely to progress to the Razor Sharp Handicap at Randwick on December 13. “Barber is definitely heading towards the Razor Sharp and in all likelihood Romeo’s Choice is as well,” Litt confirmed. Although Romeo’s Choice has been nominated for a 1400m option this weekend, the 1200m assignment is preferred. The success of Caffe Florian carries additional sentimental value for Litt’s stable, with long-time clients Ottavio and Wendy Galletta back in the frame. Purchased for $400,000 at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, the filly is a half-sister to top-class sprinter Anders and The Silver Eagle winner Ostraka. “After Castelvecchio and Profondo they haven’t had so much luck, but they have a great eye for a horse and have found one in her,” said Litt. “Right from when we saw her as a yearling you could see there was a presence about her.” Looking further ahead for Caffe Florian, February options are already on the radar, though Litt is keen not to rush. “If things go to plan there’s some races in February we could look at as well against the big, big guns. But we’ll just let her tell us.”
Caffe Florian's gun half-brother Anders (pic: Steve Hart)
Marsh Hoping Provence Can Add Another Gr1
Wednesday, 3rd December 2025
Unpredictability is part of the sport, but even Stephen Marsh admitted Sunday’s Wellington Stakes result was unlike anything he’d seen. The Cambridge trainer added a fifth win in the Gr3 Jennian Homes-sponsored feature at Otaki, though it came via a sequence few could have scripted, reports loveracing.nz. With 50 metres to run, Marsh’s filly Ammirata looked nailed on for second, trailing Road To Paris, who had surged clear. But with the post looming, the leader suddenly shied and dislodged rider Masa Hashizume, sending Ammirata sideways and momentarily halting her momentum. That opened the door for late challengers Tulsa King and Landman, and in a surreal final few strides, Ammirata recovered to lunge and steal victory by a nose. “I’ve seen some strange things in my time, but that surely takes the cake – it was just crazy,” Marsh reflected the following morning. The win took Marsh’s black-type haul for the season to seven, and while Ammirata’s win was the talking point, attention quickly shifted to stablemate Provence, who is locked in for Saturday’s Gr1 TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m) at Trentham. A dual Group One winner last season, Provence will line up third-up in the weight-for-age feature, having followed a quiet resuming run with a powerful late finish for second behind Qali Al Farrasha in the Gr2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes at Pukekohe. Marsh is pleased with how the Savabeel mare is building. “She’s coming up great and after what we saw last time, the step up to 1600 should be ideal.” Provence’s affinity for Trentham, and her current rating of 104, makes the set weights conditions a bonus. “We know how well she goes at Trentham and now that she’s up there in the ratings, the weight-for-age conditions suit her.” While Craig Grylls, who partnered Provence last start, has opted to ride second favourite Waitak in the same race, Marsh has locked in in-form jockey George Rooke to take the reins. Provence has opened at $15 in early markets and could offer serious value if she brings her best on Saturday.
Provence (yellow cap) winning the Thorndon Mile (pic: Race Images Peter Rubery)
