Speculation is already swirling around whether Australia will send one of its headline sprinters to Hong Kong in December – or whether Ka Ying Rising’s breathtaking Everest performance has scared them off for another year. After the world’s top-ranked speedster lit up Randwick before a record 50,000-strong crowd, scmp.com reports the Hong Kong Jockey Club officials will be hoping for reciprocity when their flagship international races return on December 14. Few horses have captured the imagination of both hemispheres quite like Ka Ying Rising, whose electrifying victory in The Everest underlined Hong Kong’s growing influence on global sprinting. More than HK$83 million was wagered on the World Pool during the race, setting another benchmark that benefitted both the Jockey Club and the Australian Turf Club. Their partnership is proving mutually rewarding: the Jockey Club holds the ATC’s Everest slot for two years – with a potential third – and the arrangement has already opened new doors for cross-border cooperation. Executive Director of Racing Andrew Harding confirmed at the time of the agreement that future years may see the slot used to either facilitate a Hong Kong representative or attract elite Australian or New Zealand sprinters to compete at the Hong Kong International Races following The Everest. It is not inconceivable that Ka Ying Rising could occupy the same slot in all three years, though the Jockey Club is eager to see top Australian talent return the favour. Chief Executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges has repeatedly expressed frustration at the lack of Australian interest in HKIR since the pandemic. The presence of Melbourne Cup winner Without A Fight and the Queensland gelding Antino last December helped ease those concerns, but sprinters remain conspicuously absent. It has been over a decade since Sea Siren, trained by John O’Shea, started at single-figure odds in the Hong Kong Sprint, and the void has not gone unnoticed. “It’s extremely important to show that Hong Kong is a global city and that we have one of the best horses in the world,” Engelbrecht-Bresges reflected after The Everest. “The atmosphere today was absolutely astonishing and this is how we want to lift global racing.” The calendar poses obvious hurdles, with HKIR falling directly after Australia’s cash-laden spring carnival, yet momentum now feels impossible to ignore. The Jockey Club’s collaboration with the ATC, combined with Ka Ying Rising’s magnetic appeal, has reignited the conversation about deeper engagement between the two racing powerhouses. Jockey Club officials, including head of racing product Greg Carpenter, were active at Randwick over Everest week, sounding out connections of leading sprinters. Among the most interesting could be Ciaron Maher’s emerging star Jimmysstar, who finished only a length and a half behind Ka Ying Rising at Randwick. Whether Australian trainers take the plunge or choose to wait another year remains to be seen. For now, bookmakers are banking on Ka Ying Rising doing it all again, quoting just $2.25 for back-to-back Everest victories. Meanwhile, The Ratings Bureau's metric for the Shamexpress gelding's facile Everest triumph was 'only' 106.5. Given the New Zealand-bred gelding is capable of 110 – he's already done it twice – it's difficult to imagine which sprinters down under are up to the challenge in December.
Ka Ying Rising will be even harder to beat at Sha Tin (pic: hkjc.com)
NEWNZB 2YO Ready to Run Breeze Ups Conclude
Wednesday, 22nd October 2025
Fine conditions and a steady surface marked the conclusion of New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2025 Ready to Run Sale Breeze Ups at Te Rapa Racecourse, where a further 202 two-year-olds galloped down the home straight to complete the annual showcase. Conducted over two consecutive days, the sessions were run on the same turf track with a Soft 5 rating and an overall average time of 10.91 seconds. An early shower on the second morning gave way to gusting winds that reached 7.4 metres per second, adding a layer of challenge but leaving the surface in consistent condition across both days of action. Among the buyers on course was seasoned bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo, a familiar figure at Te Rapa and an active judge of past Group 1 graduates from the Ready to Run Sale. He said his focus was as much about how a young horse moves as how it looks. “I’m trying to buy an athlete. Movement is everything in a racehorse in my opinion. If they’ve got a bit of size and scope and they’re well conformed, a good temperament does help, but it’s all about movement for me.” Cataldo’s comments captured the sentiment of many onlookers who watched horses from leading preparers handle the variable breeze with composure and efficiency. The consistency of the track surface across both sessions was a stand-out, particularly given the contrasting weather conditions that saw Day One stay mostly fine before strengthening winds developed into the evening, while Day Two produced stronger gusts through the morning. NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook described the two-day program as an important step forward for the sale, noting that shifting the Breeze Ups back by a week had helped secure ideal footing for all lots. “I’m pleased we moved the Breeze Ups back a week, that has enabled us to gallop these youngsters on a consistent turf surface across the two days, which is in fantastic order thanks to the Waikato Thoroughbred Racing team.” He acknowledged the stiff winds as the principal obstacle but praised the decision to publish speed and direction data for every lot, giving buyers confidence to account for weather influence when viewing footage. “The strong wind proved the most challenging factor this year, particularly on the second day. However, we do display the wind speed and direction for each lot, so buyers can take the blustery conditions into account when viewing the breeze-up videos.” Lot 110, a Bivouac gelding prepared by Riversley Park, produced the fastest overall gallop at 10.27 seconds, while Day One honours were shared between a Written Tycoon colt and a Home Affairs gelding from Prima Park, each clocking 10.36. In total, 184 two-year-olds breezed on the opening day and 202 on the second, underscoring the strength of this year’s catalogue. Seabrook expressed satisfaction with the depth of quality and the professionalism of consignors whose presentation standards continue to lift the profile of the sale internationally. “We are delighted with the calibre of horse that’s been on display over the past two days,” he said. “The quality we have seen is a credit to the expert preparers who present these two-year-olds to such a high standard.” Footage of all 200-metre breezes, along with conditions and times, will be available on NZB’s website by Friday 24 October, ahead of the 2025 Ready to Run Sale at Karaka on 12 and 13 November.
NEWEllerslie Preferred for Sharp 'n' Fast on Cup Day
Wednesday, 22nd October 2025
A familiar Cup week fixture will be staying closer to home this year, with one of New Zealand's most accomplished gallopers, Sharp 'n' Smart, set to bypass the Melbourne Cup in favour of a local assignment at Ellerslie. According to racingnews.co.nz, the decision follows a brave third in last Saturday's Gr1 Livamol Classic (2040m), which confirmed the multiple Group 1 winner is edging back to his best after a testing winter campaign. Connections of the former Horse of the Year met on Monday before opting against a Melbourne raid, instead confirming a start in the Gr3 Elsdon Park Balmerino Stakes (2000m) on Melbourne Cup Day at Ellerslie. Trainer Graeme Rogerson said the timing of the 3200m test in Australia had come 'just a touch too soon'. Rogerson revealed, "After talking with all the owners today, he's running at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup Day and then we'll make up our minds on what we do with him after that. Hopefully he has a good summer campaign, and we'll be looking at Sydney at some stage." The performance at Ellerslie gave Rogerson renewed confidence that his star galloper is on an upward trajectory. "He's on the way back," he said. "He's a little bit like his old self. He got a bit out of his ground when that horse (El Vencedor) took off, but he certainly made up a lot of ground. The track was beautiful. He's not hopeless in the wet, but he's a better dry-track horse." Rogerson is now plotting a summer and autumn program that could include Champions Day at Ellerslie on March 7, with the Gr1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) and Gr2 Auckland Cup (3200m) both under consideration. "He doesn't have to improve a lot for the Bonecrusher," he said. "I don't know what weight he'd get in the Auckland Cup, but we'll just wait and see." With Sharp 'n' Smart's withdrawal, only two New Zealand-trained horses remain in contention for a Melbourne Cup berth – Mark Twain, prepared by Roger James and Robert Wellwood, and Trav, from the Raymond Connors stable. Rogerson, meanwhile, also took encouragement from the run of stablemate Solidify, who finished seventh in the Livamol Classic.
Sharp 'n' Fast won't run in the Melbourne Cup (pic: Trish Dunell)
NEWHalf Siblings Prepping for Powerful QLD Stable
Wednesday, 22nd October 2025
Few Queensland trainers have enjoyed a sharper rise with juveniles in recent seasons than Kelly Schweida, and the Brisbane horseman appears set to continue that momentum as another batch of promising youngsters return. After an outstanding campaign highlighted by QTIS Two-Year-Old Jewel winner Grafterburners and emerging sprinter Sunrays, Schweida now turns his attention to a colt with untapped potential – Guac On, reports racingqueensland.com.au. By Zousain out of Avacado, the bay is a half-brother to stable star El Morzillo and older sibling Steps Ahead, a $1.3 million earner in Hong Kong. Purchased for $110,000 at the 2024 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Guac On carried immediate expectations given the family's success. "I bought him at the yearling sale mainly because of El Morzillo," Schweida said. "She'd run second in a black-type race, so we had to pay a little more than we intended to, but he's just a nice horse out of a good family." El Morzillo herself had been a bargain buy at $50,000 the previous year and went on to win the $1 million Inglis Sprint at Flemington following a Listed placing on debut in the Calaway Gal Stakes at Eagle Farm. Guac On quickly showed similar promise, dominating his first official trial at Deagon by four lengths in the fastest 1050-metre time of the morning. Sent out an odds-on favourite on debut at Doomben, he slipped at the start and worked wide before finishing down the track. Schweida admitted the disappointment was short-lived. "I thought he would win his first start," he said. "But he's such a good-natured colt, and after that run he bounced straight back." Next time out he led all the way at Doomben before backing up with another front-running victory at Ipswich, absorbing early pressure to score decisively. A subsequent tilt at the $1 million Magic Millions National 2YO Classic yielded a midfield finish, but the trainer took heart from the effort. "He got back and struck a little bit of interference and got a bit unbalanced, but he hit the line," Schweida said. Now gelded and back in work, Guac On has returned stronger and more composed. "He's a nice, big, lovely horse," Schweida said. "He was a bit of a bull at a gate in everything he did, but he is settling down." The son of Zousain resumed this month in a Benchmark 70 Handicap at Doomben and will be aimed toward feature summer races as the carnival unfolds. "He's now a much nicer horse – a lot bigger than El Morzillo," Schweida said. "She wasn't very big, but she could really run. He just wanted to do everything at a hundred miles an hour, but he's learning to unwind. If they're good enough, there's a race every week." Meanwhile El Morzillo, fresh from a winter campaign that included a win over 1350 metres and a Gr2 fourth in the Dane Ripper Stakes, is nearing her return after a well-earned spell, giving Schweida a powerful sibling double for the Queensland summer.
NEWBeau Looks Elite Class for China Horse Club
Wednesday, 22nd October 2025
A commanding first-up performance at Ascot’s midweek meeting has set the stage for a compelling three-year-old showdown next month, with the Yarradale-bred colt Elite Beau tightening to $7 second favourite for the Listed Placid Ark Stakes (1200m). According to tbwa.net.au, the son of Brazen Beau looks poised to carry the China Horse Club colours into Perth’s premier sprint for young horses, where a clash with top filly Talkanco (I’m All The Talk) – the $6 favourite – could headline the November 15 program. Backed with confidence on return in the Patten Handicap (1000m), Elite Beau travelled like a horse a class above. Box-seated behind Yarradale-bred pacemaker Spicy Thang before being angled into clear running by William Pike, he sprinted home untouched by two lengths, stopping the clock at 33.33 seconds for his final 600 metres. “He broke their hearts and couldn’t have made it look any easier for favourite backers,” Williams Racing posted post-race. “He coasted to the line under hands and heels and looks a colt with a serious future.” The result confirmed the faith of the China Horse Club team, which secured him for $375,000 at the 2024 Magic Millions Perth Sale through Suman Hedge acting with Grant and Alana Williams. Stud principal Lyn Sayers retained a share after Yarradale stud manager Davy Hanratty described Elite Beau as “a standout in the Swan Valley, the kind of colt who wouldn’t be out of place in any sale ring in Australia.” The colt’s profile supports that assessment: he is a half-brother to Listed Sir Ernest Lee-Steere Classic (1400m) winner Cashel Palace (Street Boss), while their dam Burgoyne (War Chant) produced a Playing God colt in August. Burgoyne herself is a daughter of Yarradale’s late foundation sire War Chant (Danzig), source of dual Placid Ark winners Dance Music (2018) and Chantorque (2020). Elite Beau’s rise continues a fruitful month for the Gidgegannup nursery. Resident sire Shooting To Win has produced six individual winners in a fortnight, led by Group 3 mare She’s Bulletproof’s Caulfield Guineas-day success. Yarradale graduate Dont Wait For Luck (Nicconi) sparked the sequence with victory in the Spud Shed Handicap (1600m) on Kalgoorlie Cup Day, complementing the $1 million Golden Saddle (1200m) and Yarradale Stud Ron Sayers Sprint (1100m). Sold on behalf of breeder Ellie Giles for $60,000 at the 2022 Perth Winter Yearling Sale, Dont Wait For Luck is another reminder of the partnership’s enduring success. Giles, who bred Group 1 winner Silent Sedition (War Chant) and Group 2 winner Quilista (Scandal Keeper), continues to strengthen Yarradale’s reputation for producing quality performers across Australia’s racing landscape.
Elite Beau is a big challenge for Talkandco (pic: Western Racepix)
NEWRacing SA Takes Significant Worforce Strides
Wednesday, 22nd October 2025
A new industry-wide initiative is set to shape the next generation of racing professionals, with Racing SA launching STRIDES – a comprehensive Workforce Development Strategy designed to secure the future of South Australian racing through a skilled, inclusive and sustainable workforce. Employing more than 3,500 South Australians, the industry is a vital contributor to both the State's economy and community fabric, and Racing SA believes its people are central to that success. Industry Development and Training Officer Clare Lindop said the STRIDES survey was an essential step in understanding workforce trends and future needs. "As part of our STRIDES strategy we are eager to collect workforce data which will help in identifying specific skills shortages and better practices for retention and recruitment of staff," she said. "Like many industries, racing is facing a critical skills shortage. Key roles such as trackwork riders, stable and stud staff, jockeys, barrier attendants, ground staff, and veterinarians remain difficult to fill – posing a significant challenge to growth and sustainability." She added that the survey would also help Racing SA advocate for regional development and subsidised training opportunities through the Industry Skills Council. At the heart of STRIDES is a future-focused plan built around seven core pillars: Skills & Structured Education, Talent & Training Pathways, Recognition, Information, Diversity & Inclusion, Engagement, and Safety. Each element provides practical direction to attract new entrants, retain experienced staff and support career development at every level of the sport. "The future of South Australian racing depends on its people, and STRIDES is all about helping to provide immediate workforce needs while building long-term sustainability," Lindop said. Key initiatives include expanding structured apprenticeships and equine training; developing new pathways for school students and equestrian riders moving into trackwork; promoting diversity and inclusion through regional and community outreach; strengthening recognition via awards and public campaigns; and prioritising safety for both horses and humans. The program will also collaborate with equestrian and pony clubs to encourage grassroots participation and nurture young horsemen and women into the racing workforce – laying the groundwork for a vibrant, well-supported industry ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Click Here for comprehensive STRIDES information.
Admire Mars 3YO Bookends JPN Fillies Triple Crown
Wednesday, 22nd October 2025
A Japanese stallion with growing global reach continues to make headlines, as former Arrowfield shuttler Admire Mars added another elite winner to his résumé through the stunning success of his daughter Embroidery in Sunday's A$2 million Kyoto Shuka Sho (2000m G1). The Arrowfield shuttle sire, who completed four seasons at the Hunter Valley farm between 2021 and 2024, is emerging as an exciting young influence on both hemispheres. Currently ninth on Japan's 3YO Sires' Premiership, he has produced 27 winners from 57 runners this year, highlighted by the dual Group 1-winning filly whose explosive late sprint sealed the final leg of the Japanese Fillies Triple Crown. Embroidery's triumph – following her earlier win in the Hanshin Oka Sho (1600m G1 – Japanese 1000 Guineas) – made her only the fourth filly ever to claim both the first and third legs of the series and the first since 2007. Her rider Christophe Lemaire captured the moment: "I had every faith in the filly that she would deliver today since the Oaks didn't suit her distance-wise. She was calm and relaxed early, and when the tempo dropped we advanced to a better position. It took a while for her engine to get started, but she showed an incredible turn of foot in the last 200 metres." The filly, bred by Northern Farm and raced by Silk Racing, has now won five of eight starts and more than A$3.4 million, reaffirming Admire Mars' credentials as a stallion capable of producing class, stamina and acceleration in equal measure. A son of Daiwa Major, Admire Mars retired to stud in 2020 after an exceptional racing career that delivered Group 1 victories at two and three, including the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes and Hong Kong Mile. His versatility has quickly translated to his progeny. In Australia, his first southern hemisphere crop already includes $600,000 earner Planet Red, runner-up in the Caulfield Guineas (G1) behind Autumn Boy and third in the Guineas Prelude (G3) for Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr. Standing at Shadai Stallion Station for ¥5 million (A$50,000) in 2025, Admire Mars has sired around 250 foals to date and remains an untapped shuttle success story. His record-breaking daughter Embroidery set a 2YO course record of 1:45.5 for 1800 metres at Niigata on debut, while other standouts also include Listed winner Namura Clara and Group 2-placed Theresa. Arrowfield's 2026 Magic Millions draft will feature two fillies and a colt from his third Australian crop.
Betting Markets and Pride on Same Attica Page
Wednesday, 22nd October 2025
Trainer Joe Pride’s spring is gathering momentum, and promising colt Attica is poised to keep it rolling when he steps out in Saturday’s $2 million Gr1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000 m) at Royal Randwick. The Warwick Farm horseman, who celebrated a Group 1 victory last weekend with Ceolwulf in the King Charles III Stakes, will attempt to extend his purple patch with a colt that has rapidly announced himself as a major talent. Attica, a son of Lonhro from multiple stakes winner Savatiano, underlined his quality when claiming the Listed Dulcify Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 4. Rather than press on to the Gloaming Stakes (1800m), Pride opted to give him a searching trial instead, and the three-year-old responded with a strong third in a 1200 m heat at Warwick Farm. “It was a lovely trial between races that showed me he’s picking up and learning with every run,” Pride told punters.com.au. “Everything’s on track. It’s only his fourth start, but there are a lot of lightly raced horses we don’t know much about at this stage. He’s carried good form through the Dulcify and I think he’s in great shape.” A win on Saturday would be especially satisfying for Pride, who took over Attica and several other well-bred types when Godolphin shifted to a public training model earlier this year. A Group 1 victory would place the colt in prime position to join the operation’s stallion roster, and Pride is confident the assignment has come at the right time. “He’s done everything right so far,” he said. “If the Group 1 this Saturday was a mile, I’d be running in the mile. It’s not that I don’t think he’ll stay 2000 m, but being left a colt, his future has to be in races below that trip.” Attica will be tested at the distance for the first time in the Spring Champion, where the focus will be on both stamina and maturity. Pride believes the colt’s natural professionalism and tactical speed will offset any late-season greenness. “He’s handled everything we’ve asked of him,” he said. “He’s still learning but he’s got the attitude of a proper racehorse.” Adam Hyeronimus retains the ride as the pair look to add another feature success to a spring campaign alsohighlighted by Pride’s wins with Headley Grange and Private Eye (in Saturday’s Gr3 Moonga Stakes). TAB markets list Attica as the $3 favourite ahead of Gloaming Stakes winner Shangri La Boy ($4.50), with Federalist and Within The Law next on $6.
Newnham Can Extend Two Point HKJC Lead
Wednesday, 22nd October 2025
Momentum is everything in Hong Kong racing, and expat Australian trainer Mark Newnham is hoping to build on a rewarding Sha Tin weekend when he heads to Happy Valley on Wednesday night with another strong hand. According to scmp.com, The 57-year-old Australian extended his early-season lead in the trainers' premiership after a double at Sha Tin, highlighted by the authoritative Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy (1600 m) success of his stable star My Wish, who continues to develop into a genuine Group 1 Hong Kong Mile contender. The five-year-old son of Blue Gum Farm stallion Flying Artie will now be aimed at the Jockey Club Mile in November, a logical stepping-stone to December's international meeting. While My Wish justified his odds-on favouritism with ease, Newnham admitted the performance brought as much relief as satisfaction. "I think I would have been disappointed if he didn't win – he had a few advantages going, in terms of weight and recent runs," he said. "Obviously for his next two runs, he won't have that weight advantage and the fitness edge. He is going the right way and will improve. At the moment, I couldn't be happier." The trainer added that the early momentum across his team had been encouraging. "Things have been going terrifically well for the stable to start the season. We've just got to keep the new and fresh horses coming as some of the others hit their marks – I've still got plenty of good ones to come. Things can change quickly in Hong Kong so I have no doubt the table will look very different at the end of the season, but it's been a fantastic start." Among those poised to advance is King Lotus, a promising Class Three sprinter stepping out for his second run of the campaign in the Flying Handicap (1200m). Still lightly raced and drawn ideally in gate two, he looks well placed to build on his encouraging return. "He does look a nice horse," Newnham said. "I think he could be looking for further but I think he can run well again. I'm hoping the pace of the race will hold up, but he should get a good position. The class of the race and how he runs in it will tell us a lot more about him." Another key runner is Youthful Spirits, who contests the feature Class Two Longines Cup (1000 m). The consistent six-year-old hasn't won since June 2024 but has rarely missed the placings, often from wide barriers. A more favourable draw in gate four gives cause for optimism. "He tends to run the same race every time – he earns a lot of prize money but finds it hard to win," Newnham said. "The last time he ran in this grade he was narrowly beaten, and we know he'll run his usual good race – whether that's good enough to win, we'll find out in the last 50 metres." On a busy night, Newnham also saddles another five runners in his quest to maintain a margin at the top of the trainers' table.
Byrne Burke Maintains Winning Tassie Clip
Wednesday, 22nd October 2025
Confidence continues to grow around one of Tasmania's most consistent riders, with former star apprentice Erica Byrne Burke extending her premiership lead at Launceston on Friday night thanks to a sparkling treble. According to tasracing.com.au, the in-form jockey struck twice for Adam Trinder aboard Skelmorlie ($8.50) in the maiden/class 1 (1600 m) and Red Sphere ($7) in the BM60 (1200 m), while narrowly missing a fourth when her victory on Navarre River ($11) in the class 1 (1400 m) was overturned in the stewards' room in favour of It's Jagger Time ($3.10). The evening began perfectly for Byrne Burke, whose patient, rails-hugging ride on Skelmorlie saw her slice through from back in the field to claim the opener. The five-year-old mare, previously trained by the Hayes team, had been a model of consistency for Trinder, placing in all ten prior runs before finally breaking through. "She's been quite difficult for us; she's been placing nearly every time she's stepped out here, but it's really great to get the win," Byrne Burke said. "She stepped really slow today, so I thought the quickest way home would be good for her." Her timing was again faultless later in the night when guiding Red Sphere to victory, sealing a double for Trinder and confirming her status as Tasmania's jockey to beat. The treble lifted Byrne Burke's tally to sixteen wins from seventy-two rides this season – a 22.2 per cent strike rate – giving her a four-win buffer over Anthony Darmanin at the top of the premiership. It capped another standout meeting in what has already been a defining season for the Irish-born hoop, whose tactical coolness and rhythm in traffic have become her signature traits. While Byrne Burke claimed the headlines, partner Daniel Ganderton produced the ride of the night aboard Night Invader ($6) in the BM60 (1400 m). Trainer Barry Campbell described it as "a 10 out of 10" after Ganderton threaded through from the rear in a display reminiscent of the mare's first-up Devonport win in August. "Really, really good ride, he covered no ground, and the runs came for him when he wanted them," Campbell said. "She would've run some phenomenal time late, and down the track she's probably a 2000-metre horse." Apprentice Jabez Johnstone also continued his purple patch with a double aboard Mastretta ($1.85 – $1.30) and Only Old Once ($3.50), rounding out a meeting that showcased Tasmania's rich pool of riding talent.
Former apprentice Byrne Burke rode another treble (pic: tasracing.com.au)
Pedigree Points to Matsuda in Geelong Classic
Wednesday, 22nd October 2025
While not considered one of the main form references leading into the Gr1 VRC Derby (2500m), occasionally you can find a 3YO who shows something in the Listed Geelong Classic (2200m) who can take that form to the Derby. Rebel Raider, third in the Geelong Classic before winning the Derby at 100/1 is one that springs to mind. This year's Geelong Classic entrants has drawn together a large field of 17 (including one emergency) with Ciaron Maher's impressive five-length last start winner Matsuda (Maurice-Courtesan, by Mastercraftsman) looking the one to beat. While he failed two starts back over 1800m in the Derby Preview at Flemington, he did bounce back with a drop in trip next time out. The question is, was the 1800m too far, or was he just not ready for the trip? With the form through the Preview holding up with winner Autumn Mystery (The Autumn Sun) winning Saturday's Gr3 Norman Robinson Stakes and the third placed Options (Impending) winning the Listed Super Impose Stakes at his next start, the Glenbeigh Farm Magic Millions weanling graduate should be given another chance, now with the step up to 2000m. Interestingly he is also bred to appreciate the trip, being by the same sire as Maher's former dual Derby winner Hitotsu, out of a half-sister to the Gr1 Spring Champion Stakes and Gr1 VRC Derby winner Monaco Consul (High Chaparral). A winner over 2000m in the last week of September, the Henry Dwyer-trained Crack A Deel (Dundeel-Mother's Mercy, by Redoute's Choice) was given an easy time in a recent jumpout. By a noted sire of middle distance horses, Crack A Deel is out of a half-sister to Gr1 ATC Oaks (2400m) winner Autumn Angel (The Autumn Sun), suggesting the trip on Wednesday, and even if he heads towards the VRC Derby, should not pose any issue.
Gilded Water Needs to Secure Geelong Cup Win
Wednesday, 22nd October 2025
With second, third and fourth from the Gr3 Bart Cummings all set to line up in Wednesday's Gr3 Geelong Cup (2400m), surely the fact that Bart Cummings winner Valiant King (Roaring Lion) was arguably unlucky to have not won last Saturday's Gr1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) should see those that finished behind him as leading chances here. A short-priced favourite when leading by many lengths in the Bart Cummings before weakening for third, the H M The King-raced 5YO looks likely to start favourite at Geelong and as the shortest of the runners in Melbourne Cup betting in this race, the 2400m on Wednesday looks ideal for him. If successful, the conditions of the race see the winner eligible for a ballot-free exemption for the Melbourne Cup, a race connections have surely been targeting since he had his first trial in Australia this time last year. Finishing ahead of Gilded Water in the Bart Cummings, the Paul Preusker-trained Torranzino (Tarzino-Goldilicious, by Helmet) was 70/1 that day, not a price you will get in the Geelong Cup, but connections will surely be out to secure their position in the Melbourne Cup, a race they finished a narrow fifth in a few years back with Surprise Baby (Shocking), who was beaten less than a length behind Vow And Declare (Declaration Of War). A winner of the Listed RM Ansett Classic (2415m) two starts back before a narrow third last start in the Gr2 Herbert Power, the Glen Thompson trained Whisky On The Hill (Ribchester-Ninja Lady, by Nayef) should not be discounted at all here as he comes into the race with strong form over the distance.
Star Stallion So You Think Passes Away
Wednesday, 22nd October 2025
Coolmore Stud is mourning the loss of one of its greatest stallions following the passing of So You Think, the 10-time Group 1 winner whose brilliance on the track was matched by his consistency at stud. The champion succumbed to a short illness while under expert care at Scone Equine Hospital, prompting tributes from both sides of the Tasman for a horse who defined an era. Purchased by Duncan Ramage for NZ$110,000 at the Karaka Yearling Sale on behalf of Dato Tan Chin Nam, the striking son of High Chaparral became one of the rare racehorses to conquer both hemispheres. Trained first by Bart Cummings, he was described by the master horseman as “perfection on four legs, you don’t get any better than him, he is the finest, most genuine horse I have ever trained.” His two Cox Plate triumphs remain cornerstones of modern Australian racing. When transferred to Aidan O’Brien in Ireland, he added another five Group 1 victories to his record, including the Eclipse Stakes and Irish Champion Stakes, sealing his reputation as a global heavyweight. Coolmore’s Tom Magnier spoke for many when reflecting on the stallion’s legacy. “When people visit Coolmore, more often than not the stallion most of them really want to see is So You Think,” he said. “He was an absolute gentleman, incredibly kind and intelligent. This is a sad day for all the staff who have cared for him since he retired in 2012. We are so lucky to have had him and watch him develop into one of the country’s truly elite sires. He provided so many great memories on racetracks throughout the world as both a racehorse and a stallion. I’ll never forget the day he sired three Group 1 winners in a single afternoon at Randwick in 2022, or when he gave Joseph O’Brien his first Royal Ascot victory as a jockey in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.” So You Think’s stud career mirrored his racing excellence. A fixture inside the top 10 sire rankings for the past five seasons and twice runner-up to I Am Invincible, he has already produced 12 individual Group 1 winners. With emerging talents such as Revelare, Getta Good Feeling, Oh Diamond Lil and Diamond Scene still carrying his bloodline forward, his influence is destined to endure. For Coolmore and the broader racing world, the loss marks the passing of a standard-bearer whose power, presence and balance embodied perfection itself. To put his consistency into perspective, So You Think's current Black Type Premiership (BTP) points haul since August 2020 is 1,051 - behind only I Am Invincible, Snitzel and Zoustar. He was the leading sire of the High Chaparral-line stallions that, as a group, are second only to the Danehill sire-line on the Black Type Premiership.
Elite stallion So You Think (pic: Coolmore Stud)
Sparkling Diamond Run in Perth's Eurythmic Stakes
Wednesday, 22nd October 2025
A return to a shorter distance and a sharp front-running ride from Clint Johnston-Porter saw Diamond Scene deliver a surprise victory in Saturday's Gr3 Eurythmic Stakes (1400m) at Ascot. First-up since finishing runner-up in the Gr2 Perth Cup (2400m) on New Year's Day, the six-year-old turned in a performance that caught both punters and jockey off guard, reports tbwa.net.au. Sent out at $15, he rolled forward from the gates to sit outside Comfort Me before holding favourite Watch Me Rock in a pocket and powering clear down the straight. "He's a warhorse who tries his heart out but he still surprised me today," Johnston-Porter said. "Once he jumped so well, I decided to roll forward and was hoping for good sectionals so I could chase down the leader. It was a big effort in this company and he's good enough to win at the elite level this season." The win continued a productive run for trainer Michael Grantham and owners Peters Investments, who have seen the the gelding firm into $16 for next month's Gr1 Railway Stakes (1600m). Stablemate Cosmic Crusader remains the $4.50 favourite, with Super Smink on the second line at $8. While the Peters colours have long dominated Western Australian racing, the resurgence of Diamond Scene adds another layer of depth to the operation's spring arsenal. "Cosmic Crusader is the eye-catcher at the moment but he hasn't beaten these types of horses yet," Johnston-Porter said after dismounting. "If I had to go to war with one of them, it would be this bloke." Bred by Peters Investments, Diamond Scene is by ill-fated sire So You Think out of Jewelled, a Zabeel mare who also produced Ascot 1000 Guineas winner Adornment. The gelding's toughness has been a hallmark of his career, with stakes wins over 1800m and 2200m last season preceding a half-length defeat in the Perth Cup. The Eurythmic triumph also capped a successful afternoon for Grantham and the Peters team, who earlier combined with Johnston-Porter to win the National Thoroughbred Week Handicap (1200m) with First Beach. The Nicconi mare, purchased for $340,000 from Maluka Thoroughbreds by Belmont Bloodstock at the 2022 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale, made it two wins from her last three starts. For Diamond Scene, the Eurythmic has reopened the path to Group 1 company, and his Railway Stakes credentials suddenly look much stronger than the odds suggest.
Diamond Scene is a major contendor for WA's Gr1 features (pic: Western Racepix)
Forsman Joins a Select Kiwi Trainers' Club
Wednesday, 22nd October 2025
Andrew Forsman reached a major career milestone at Matamata last Friday when Berry Brown claimed the GCM Feeds 1600 to register the trainer's 1000th New Zealand training success. The Cambridge horseman said it was fitting the milestone came with a horse carrying the green silks of long-time supporters Jomara Bloodstock, whose backing has been central to his rise, reveals NZ Racing Desk. "It's a nice milestone to reach," he said. "It's a number, but a very special one to get to, and I'm happy to have got there. That it came with a Jomara horse makes it even better – they've been with me right the way through." Many of those victories were achieved during his decade-long partnership with legendary trainer Murray Baker, and Forsman remains quick to share the credit. "I wouldn't be anywhere near 1,000 without him," he said. "A lot of it is his hard work and what he built toward. Of all the people to end up training with, I was very thankful it was him." Initially intending to work in broadcasting, Forsman entered Baker's barn two decades ago while supplementing his income as a camera operator for Trackside. "I'd graduated from film and television school and needed more hours, so I approached Murray about morning work. It just grew from there," he said. "I did both jobs for a fair while and they actually complemented each other; I'd be at the horses in the morning and then head to the television side for the rest of the day." When Bjorn Baker departed for Sydney, Forsman stepped into partnership with Murray and together they won four New Zealand Trainers' Premierships and 24 Group 1 races, highlighted by champions Dundeel and Mongolian Khan. Since Baker's retirement in 2022, Forsman has continued to expand independently, setting up a permanent base at Flemington and cementing his reputation on both sides of the Tasman. "The first spring in my own right went really well," he said. "Mr Maestro put a few black-type races together and ran a great fourth in the Derby, and that gave me confidence we could compete with the best in Melbourne." Forsman said his Australian operation remains a work in progress but the foundations are strong. "Chloe Cumming is the full-time assistant at Flemington and she's doing a brilliant job," he said. "From a financial point of view, we need to build the stable numbers to make it worthwhile, but that's what we're working toward now." With 1,000 wins behind him and a growing presence in Australia, Forsman is looking firmly ahead. "You're always chasing that next good horse," he said. "They're hard to find, but that's what keeps you getting up every morning."
Andrew Forsman has trained 1,000 winners in New Zealand (pic: Nicole Troost)
Elite French Stable Set to Raid Breeders’ Cup
Wednesday, 22nd October 2025
The prospect of further elite racing success continues to build for one of Europe’s dominant stables, with France’s Francis Graffard turning his focus from Chantilly to California after a season that has already yielded 12 Group 1 victories around the world. With Calandagan bound for the Japan Cup and Arc winner Daryz expected to return next year, the trainer has mapped out a smaller but powerful team for Del Mar’s Breeders’ Cup meeting. Speaking on Nick Luck Daily, Graffard confirmed three runners are heading west. “I’m going to take Goliath (see below) for the Turf,” he said. “I was pleased to see Dubai Honour, who was second to Goliath in the Grosser Preis von Baden in September, run really well yesterday at Longchamp. The horse is in good form and really getting back to his best, he looks fantastic.” Graffard will also send Gezora, who finished strongly in the Arc, for the Filly & Mare Turf. “She’ll be suited by Del Mar – she’s very straightforward, this filly.” Sahlan will represent the stable in the Breeders’ Cup Mile after a steady rise through Europe’s autumn features. “He’s really improving,” Graffard said. “I was trying to avoid the soft ground in the autumn with him. He’ll be in top form.” Asked which of the trio might adapt best to the tight Del Mar circuit, he replied: “It’s obviously a tricky track, so we’ll need a lot of luck, but they are nice horses. I think Sahlan will be fine, Gezora too. Goliath depends if he can relax in the race – he can run a big one, but he’s a tricky horse and needs things to go his way.” The Breeders’ Cup Turf market is currently led by the Aidan O’Brien-trained Minnie Hauk, even-money favourite with Sky Bet after just getting collared by Daryz in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Official pre-entries for all Breeders’ Cup races close on Wednesday, October 22.
