Against the backdrop of a startling statistical puzzle, lingering uncertainty continues to cast a shadow over the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, with both divisional standout Ted Noffey and runner-up Mr. A. P. now sidelined, reports bloodhorse.com. This outcome maintains a nearly unbroken trend: in more than four decades, just two winners of the Juvenile have gone on to capture the Kentucky Derby, underscoring the unpredictable nature of racing’s path to classic glory. A combination of factors saw the 2025 Juvenile field reduced to the smallest in the race’s history, thanks to a pair of late veterinary scratches. Yet even before that, numbers were low – just over 17,000 foals in the crop that supplied this field, compared to the more than 42,000 that produced the inaugural Juvenile in 1984. It’s a reminder that the road to the Derby is rarely smooth or fair, and this season’s attrition has only fueled debate among connections and fans alike. While Ted Noffey and Mr. A. P. fade from the picture, the next wave of contenders steps forward. Third-place finisher Brant remains on the radar, though he has logged only two easy works since November and his three-year-old debut is yet to be announced. Brant’s stablemate Litmus Test, also trained by Bob Baffert, bounced back from a fourth-place Juvenile run to claim the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) in December. Litmus Test was scheduled for the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park, but weather forced a postponement to early February. The two horses scratched from the Juvenile, Civil Liberty and Blackout Time, have also resumed light training after taking the remainder of 2025 off. Blackout Time is back under Kenny McPeek’s watch at Fair Grounds, while Civil Liberty has rejoined Doug O’Neill’s string at Santa Anita. Both were notable in top juvenile company, with Blackout Time runner-up to Ted Noffey in the Breeders’ Futurity and Civil Liberty collecting placings in the Del Mar Futurity and American Pharoah. Other graduates from the Juvenile include Comport, the Ellis Park Juvenile winner, who hasn’t been seen since finishing sixth, and Intrepido, whose errant start ruined his Juvenile but whose American Pharoah win stamped him as one to watch. Trainer Jeff Mullins has been working Intrepido steadily, reporting the colt is nearly set for the Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita, the season’s first California Derby points race, with a field deep in Baffert trainees and local stakes winners. With 42 Derby points up for grabs, the next chapter is about to begin.
Whangaehu Primed for Auckland Cup Mission
Tuesday, 3rd February 2026
A series of setbacks and quiet frustrations finally gave way to a glimmer of promise at Ellerslie, where perseverance paid off for Bill Thurlow and his team. The Waverley-based trainer, who shares duties with Sam O’Malley, watched with satisfaction as his charge, a son of Proisir, delivered a determined late run to secure third place over 2200m on Saturday. Lugging 61kg, Whangaehu conceded significant ground to Stephen Marsh’s Sinhaman and Kiwi Skyhawk, but it was the quality of the effort, rather than the placing alone, that spoke volumes for the stayer’s trajectory. Re-establishing himself among the Auckland Cup hopefuls, Whangaehu’s run propelled the seven-year-old to second favouritism at $8 for the Gr2 feature next month. “Hopefully, we’ve got him back where he should be and it hasn’t been easy, so we were very happy with him,” Thurlow reflected, mindful of the challenge in returning an older stayer to top form. The campaign now points towards the Gr3 Avondale Cup (2,400m), with Thurlow mapping out an intensive schedule at Ellerslie: “It’s working out well and we’ll be trying to get him to the Cup. He’ll go to the Avondale Cup next, so he’s going to have to go to Ellerslie three times. It’s a lot of travelling from where we’re based, but there’s no good lead-up races down here. It’s just the way the calendar is.” History offers a reminder that this will be Whangaehu’s second tilt at the Auckland Cup after finishing seventh in the 2024 renewal. Comparing versions, Thurlow noted, “He went quite a good race, but he was a bit sharper and keener then and he’s got more dour since.” Saturday’s performance was only his second run of the current prep, following two unplaced spring efforts. The path back has not been without hiccups. “We thought we had him not far away, but he wasn’t quite clicking and not clearing the gates very well,” Thurlow explained, adding that a review of his form revealed a consistent struggle over shorter trips: “When we looked back at his races, they were over a mile and he’s never been a horse that’s been able to jump and sprint away from the gates. He needs time to get into his rhythm and when you get up in grade in those mile races on good tracks they do jump and run but then put the brakes on and a horse like him gets flat-footed and makes it quite difficult.” While Whangaehu’s revival injected hope, the stable faced heartbreak at Trentham, where Field Of Gold was pulled up in the Douro Cup and subsequently euthanised. “It was very sad, he was just an absolute gem of a horse,” Thurlow said, reflecting on a career that featured four wins, including the Gr2 Waikato Guineas, and multiple Group placings.
Apprentice Awards Celebrated in South Australia
Tuesday, 3rd February 2026
A night of recognition and camaraderie at Morphettville saw South Australia’s rising stars of the saddle honoured, with Alana Livesey crowned Dux of the SA Apprentice Academy and headlining the Racing SA Apprentice Academy Awards for 2025. The award, presented on January 29, acknowledges not only Livesey’s results on the track but her leadership, professionalism and the respect she has earned within the industry. Reflecting on the journey, Livesey paid tribute to the community that underpins the Academy. “We’ve got an amazing group here in South Australia. The support you get, the friends you make along the way. It’s an industry there’s nothing else like,” she said, speaking to the sense of belonging and shared achievement fostered within the program. Her Dux honour is capped by a unique opportunity – a study tour to Hong Kong, where she will spend time at the Hong Kong Jockey Club as part of Racing SA’s long-standing international development partnership. “The new prize that’s been given to Dux this year, a trip to Hong Kong, is amazing. It’s the pinnacle of racing in the world, just to be able to go there to experience, to see their facilities, the trainers, the horses, it will be like nothing else I’d be able to experience any other way,” Livesey enthused. According to racingsa.com.au, the 2024/25 season brought multiple highlights for Livesey. Her victory aboard Wild Imagination in the Listed Premier’s Plate (2000m) for David Page marked her 50th metropolitan win and second success at stakes level. Further accolades on the night included the Minister for Racing Ride of the Year and the South Australian Jockeys Association Endeavour & Sportsmanship Award, underlining a season marked by consistency, resilience and a commitment to equine welfare. Recognition of her achievement was echoed by Apprentice Academy Talent Manager Ruby Mayers: “This is a much-deserved recognition for Alana. The way she has overcome challenges whilst maintaining consistency in both her work ethic and performance is a true credit to her resilience and undeniable talent.” Livesey, who is now in her final months at the Academy, shared the stage with Dux Runner-Up Taylor Johnstone, a rider who notched multiple Black-Type wins in 2025, highlighting the depth of emerging talent developed through the Academy. Among other honourees were Sophie Potter, Caitlin Tootell, Alysha Warren, Alyssa Webb and Isaac Sit, whose collective achievements across strike rates, sportsmanship and riding success reinforced the high standards set at the Academy’s Somerton Park base. The Academy’s influence is felt far beyond its walls, with alumni such as Jamie Melham, Dwayne Dunn and Group 1 winner Lachlan Neindorf serving as testament to the program’s ongoing success.
Alana Livesey (2nd left) is Dux of the SA Apprentice Academy (pic: racingsa.com.au)
$1 million Karaka Spend for Peters Investments
Tuesday, 3rd February 2026
Fresh from a seven-figure spend at the NZB Karaka Yearling Sale, Peters Investments wasted little time returning to the winner’s circle, this time with their Pierro-bred mare Glanced, who toughed it out for a city victory at Ascot on Wednesday. It’s been quite a journey for Glanced, a four-year-old who initially carried the familiar cerise and white of the Peters stable to a Bunbury maiden win last June, only to change hands for $14,000 during the Inglis August (Early) Online Sale as the operation streamlined its racing numbers. According to tbwa.net.au's report, Pierro remains a cornerstone of the Peters breeding program, responsible for standout performers like Arcadia Queen and Regal Power, whose exploits at Group 1 level have made the stallion a favourite among Bob and Sandra Peters, bolstered by the likes of Action and Arcadia Prince. Now under the care of Raquel Williams, Glanced has already earned $50,000 across five starts for her new syndicate, her latest win coming in the MCA Polytrack Handicap over 2200m. Ridden perfectly by Chanel Cooper, the mare was positioned one-out and one-back before showing grit and determination to fend off challenges from all sides in a tense finish. Williams was quick to express gratitude to Michael Grantham of Peters Investments, crediting his advice for the purchase. “She’s a tough mare and I’m in debt to Michael for giving me the heads up. Chanel gave her every chance today – I told her not to let the mare get held up and to keep riding until the fat lady sings.” Glanced boasts a pedigree that epitomises Peters Investments’ approach: she is out of WA Oaks winner First Impressions, and her value continues to rise, especially with Pierro making a name as a broodmare sire through this season’s Mona Lisa Stakes winner Just Feelin’ Lucky. At Karaka, Peters Investments maintained a strong presence, securing six yearlings for a combined $1.03 million, including the standout So You Think filly from Pedicel (Redoute’s Choice), knocked down for $350,000. That filly, secured by Liam Peters, is closely related to top-level winners Nettoyer and Slipper Island, and shapes as yet another promising addition to the stable’s deep reserves.
Arataki Bellmaine Double Written into History
Tuesday, 3rd February 2026
Persistence and patience paid off for connections at Caulfield on Saturday, as seven-year-old mare Wrote To Arataki (NZ) returned to her best with a resolute front-running win in the Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m), three years after first capturing the same feature. Dean Yendall, who missed her previous Bellmaine success due to injury, steered her to victory this time, providing an extra reason to celebrate as his daughter marked her twelfth birthday on the same day. Few mares boast such a remarkable record in the Bellmaine, but Wrote To Arataki, prepared by Matthew Williams, has now contested the race in four consecutive years, filling third and fourth placings between her two triumphs. On Saturday, she found enough in reserve to repel fellow Kiwi-bred Damask Rose (NZ) and hold Bossy Benita at bay, crossing the line with a clear margin. Williams attributes much of the mare’s longevity and ongoing success to her robust constitution, noting she has remained “so sound all the way through” while notching seven wins and nine placings from 28 starts for more than $900,000 in stakes. The path to this latest victory wasn’t entirely smooth; a couple of minor viruses in the spring prompted connections to halt her campaign, a move Williams believes was vindicated by her strong fresh performance. “The owners have been very patient and were happy to do that, and then we’ve just set her for this race which has been a great kick-off to her autumn in previous preparations. She always runs a pretty cheeky race in the Bellmaine.” A tilt at the Group 3 Frances Tressady Stakes (1400m) at Flemington, which she won last year, now beckons. Williams is content to keep her on home turf, explaining, “She’s not a good traveller, so we don’t look to go anywhere interstate, and mares are very well catered for here in Victoria. She loves these 1400m and 1600m races, so it just works well and they’re on your back door.” Yendall was delighted to resume his partnership with the mare, who, as he noted, “goes well fresh and her last couple of trials show that she is back in town and going well.” He praised the forgiving surface at Caulfield, which suited the mare’s style and gave her every chance to showcase her best. Bred by Noelene Bishop, Wrote To Arataki is by Highview Stud’s Group One-winning stallion Wrote, out of the multiple-winning Align mare Galloping Gerte (NZ). The mare’s only New Zealand trial was for Emma-Lee and David Browne before her private sale to the Williams stable. Adding to the story, her yearling full brother was recently knocked down to John Foote Bloodstock for $200,000 at the NZB National Yearling Sales.
Wrote to Arataki has a liking for Caulfield (pic: Bruno Cannatelli)
Little Paradise Turns Big Dreams into Reality
Tuesday, 3rd February 2026
On the cusp of the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale in Sydney – it gets underway on Sunday – a stirring victory at Sha Tin was timed to perfection. What looked like an impossible assignment midway down the straight turned into a triumph as Classic Sale graduate Little Paradise (Toronado) surged from the rear to capture the Hong Kong Classic Mile, putting the spotlight firmly back on Inglis graduates. This win marks the third time in four years that the opening leg of the Hong Kong 4YO Series has gone to a product of the Inglis sale ring, following in the wake of Voyage Bubble and Helios Express. Questions lingered before the race about whether the Jimmy Ting-trained gelding would see out the 1600m, but he swept aside any doubt with a two-length victory, weaving through a congested field before sprinting clear in the final stages. Runner-up honours went to Infinite Resolve, a Mark Newnham-trained son of Snitzel, originally a $350,000 buy at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale for Apollo Stud Farm. For Little Paradise, the journey began at the 2023 Inglis Classic Sale, where he was offered by Carramar Park on behalf of his breeder, Tim Alchin, and secured by Chris McAnulty and Bond Li for $270,000. It was a particularly sweet result for Alchin, who had earlier purchased the winner’s dam, Devil In Her Heart, in-foal for just $27,500 via Inglis Digital in 2021. Attention now turns to the next leg of the Hong Kong 4YO Serie – the Classic Cup over 1800m – where Little Paradise is likely to start as the favourite. The grand prize, the Hong Kong Derby on March 22, looms on the horizon, and both McAnulty and Alchin were on hand at Sha Tin to witness the latest chapter unfold. “For him to be where he was on the home corner and to still win like he did, is pretty unbelievable,” McAnulty remarked, reflecting on the thrill of seeing their selection succeed at the elite level. Trainer Jimmy Ting, who claimed the Classic Mile as a jockey 26 years ago, described the victory as a dream come true, admitting, “I didn’t think before the race he would win so easily… but when he got clear it was all over.” For Alchin, the emotional impact was profound. “This is my first trip to Hong Kong and to see a foal I sold become a [major] winner here is just unreal. My heart was popping out of my chest!” he said. With a Farnan half-brother to Little Paradise set to be offered as Lot 268 at this year’s Inglis Easter Sale, the story may yet have further chapters to come.
Hamilton Bookends January Cups with Stayer
Tuesday, 3rd February 2026
In Tasmanian news, January closed on a high for trainer Kelvin Hamilton, who added the $50,000 Sydeston Cup (2150m) to his collection courtesy of veteran galloper Fast Thinker in Launceston on Friday night. Having taken out the Longford Cup by more than three lengths on New Year’s Day, Fast Thinker ($8.50) produced a near carbon copy of that performance, racing clear again to secure a place in the $250,000 Group 3 Ladbrokes Launceston Cup next month. Hamilton, in a lighter moment after the win, couldn’t resist a nod to racing history: “When Piping Lane won the Longford Cup, he went on to win the Melbourne Cup in the same year.” Apprentice Sam Kennedy steered Fast Thinker to victory, surviving several mid-race challenges to maintain a prominent position. Johnnie Pinch ($4.60) finished second, while Distrustful Award ($13) and General Assembly ($10) could not be separated for third place. The complexion of the race shifted late in the day after early favourite Kaliuwaa Falls was scratched due to injury, but Hamilton’s runner proved unfazed. “They took him on twice and made it hard for him, and he still gave them a towelling,” Hamilton observed. With the Launceston Cup now on the agenda, Hamilton remains mindful of his charge’s age and the increasing distance. “He’s a nine-year-old, and I don’t want to punish him too much. This win was his first at the distance, and the Cup is an extra 250m on top,” he said. The trainer also confirmed that Just Cruisin’ is set to resume in the Listed Thomas Lyons (1400m) at Hobart next Sunday after a strong Longford trial earlier in the week. Meanwhile, Kennedy was among five apprentices to ride winners on the eight-race card, joined by Lauren Burke, Christopher Pang, Jabez Johnstone and Chloe Wells. The night also saw a training double for Angela Brakey, who scored with Silver Grange ($17) in a maiden (1420m) and Coal River ($2.90) in the last.
Zoustar Son Turns Back Time at Sha Tin
Tuesday, 3rd February 2026
A resolute display at Sha Tin on Sunday saw the weighty challenge of the Class One Mirs Bay Handicap (1400m) overcome by a galloper determined to restore his reputation. After an absence from the winners’ circle stretching back 13 months, the Francis Lui Kin-wai-trained Patch of Theta, previously triumphant in the Group Three Chinese Club Challenge Cup, seized his opportunity despite sharing top weight Conditions demanded patience, with Hugh Bowman content to bide his time midfield through much of the six-runner event. When the moment presented itself at the 300m, he coolly threaded his mount between Tomodachi Kokroe and Light Years Charm, asking for an effort that would settle the race’s outcome. What followed was a measured, grinding run: Zoustar’s son gradually overhauled the persistent Drombeg Banner, claiming victory by half a length, while Light Years Charm closed in for third. Recent results have further buoyed the stable’s spirits, with Lui himself in the midst of an outstanding run – ten winners in January alone – and the team’s focus now fixed on an even loftier target. “The jockey knows him well and the horse is a very honest one,” Lui observed, noting the potential dangers of a sedate tempo: “The pace was not that slow and that was my worry – if they slowed down the pace he would have fought with Hugh and would not have finished.” Thoughts have already turned to the Group One Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup over 1400m later this month, though Lui signalled a pragmatic approach: “It was a good performance, we will look towards the Queen’s Silver Jubilee on February 22 but I will need to consider it fully. Things are going very well at the moment; I’m happy.” Elsewhere on the Sha Tin programme, it was the riding of Dylan Browne McMonagle that captured attention. The young Irish champion is making an impression in Hong Kong, extending his run of success with a double on the day. His ride aboard Blazing Wukong in the Class Four Long Valley Handicap (1,600m) drew praise from trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai, who credited McMonagle’s “change of luck” and poise, particularly in keeping the horse balanced while three wide before launching the decisive challenge. The day began even more auspiciously for McMonagle, steering Master Lucky to an unexpected win at $35.4, marking a day to remember for both horse and rider.
Patch Of Theta is back in winning form (pic: hkjc.com)
Press Link Appears a Genuine Stradie Hope
Tuesday, 3rd February 2026
Dreams of a Stradbroke Handicap bid gained real momentum at Eagle Farm, where an eye-catching performance signalled Press Link’s readiness for a fresh assault on Queensland’s top prizes, reports punters.com.au. The five-year-old, recently returned from an extended Hong Kong stint, produced a dazzling last-to-first finish in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1200m), guided expertly by Vlad Duric, and immediately rekindled high hopes in the Rob Heathcote stable. A year had elapsed since the gelding last raced on home soil, his absence owing to leg injuries that curtailed any Hong Kong ambitions. Time and patient management became the cornerstones of his recovery. “He’s come to me after having plenty of time off,” Heathcote revealed, explaining the cautious approach adopted since inheriting the horse. “We obviously look after him with tender loving care and it’s worked. He went into that race on Saturday and Vlad was effusive in his praise of the horse.” It was never in doubt that Press Link possessed above-average talent. A winning sequence of three straight from November 2023 to February 2024 first announced his presence, a run that quickly caught the attention of his connections and, crucially, of Bryan Guy, the respected Gold Coast Group 1-winning trainer. Guy’s recommendation ultimately convinced the Hong Kong owners to place Press Link with Heathcote after his own retirement from the training ranks, setting the scene for the current chapter in the horse’s career. Pedigree has always suggested big things, with Press Link being a son of dual Group 1 winner Press Statement. He duly collected black-type placings throughout 2024, including thirds in the Listed Daybreak Lover Stakes and the Group 2 Queensland Guineas, with Michael Rodd in the saddle. The winter carnival ended with a fifth in the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate over 2000m, Jimmy Orman recalling, “I’ll win the (Queensland) Derby on this horse,” before the decision was made to test him in Hong Kong. “I’ve never met the owners but a big shout-out must go to Bryan Guy because that was about the time he retired and he gave me a leg-up to the owners and said give the horse to me. Fortunately, I got him but I only had him for those half-a-dozen runs,” Heathcote noted. Now back under Australian conditions, the immediate aim is black-type success to lift his 81 rating and secure a Stradbroke berth – a goal Heathcote believes is attainable. “Duric, for his part, shares that optimism, rating Press Link as a legitimate winter carnival player with scope to improve further. “I think 1200m at the top level is a bit short but 1400m onwards, I think if you kept him on the fresh side he’s quite a versatile horse and he’ll get in well at the weights for the Stradbroke if he keeps progressing and doing what we think he can do…”
