A formidale combination of stamina, determination and exceptional breeding has carried Proxima Dea to an emphatic victory in Thursday's A$1 million Gr1 Crown Oaks (2500m) at Flemington, extending her unbeaten record to six starts and providing Westbury Stud stallion Tarzino with another outstanding Classic winner. Trained by David Payne and ridden by Zac Lloyd, the three-year-old filly overcame a difficult passage from barrier 19 to defeat Shameful Impulse (Shamus Award) by a length and three-quarters, with Gr2 Wakeful Stakes winner De Armas (Ardrossan) finishing third. Sent out the $2.10 favourite, Proxima Dea was caught wide approaching the first turn and required a sustained forward move along the back straight before eventually securing cover. Despite the additional ground covered, Lloyd drove her to the lead early in the Flemington straight, where she responded magnificently to establish a decisive advantage. The victory completed an unprecedented double following her success against male opposition in last month's Gr1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m), making her the first horse to win both that event and the Oaks. Lloyd was glowing in his assessment of the filly, declaring, "She's unbelievable. That was spine-tingling," before praising her ability to sustain a powerful finishing effort despite the demanding run. Payne, who identified Proxima Dea as an Oaks prospect following her $51 debut victory at Randwick in July, indicated that the Gr1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) could become a long-term objective. "Maybe we'll go for the Melbourne Cup next year," he said. "It's a race I've always wanted to win." Proxima Dea is a full-sister to Gr1 Queensland Oaks winner Gypsy Goddess, being by Tarzino out of the Redoute's Choice mare Invisible Coin, and continues an exceptional run of Classic success for her sire. Tarzino, himself successful in the 2015 Gr1 Victoria Derby (2500m), now has four Gr1 winners, with Proxima Dea joining Gypsy Goddess, Gr1 South Australian Derby winner Jungle Magnate and Gr1 New Zealand Derby winner Willydoit. Standing at Westbury Stud for a service fee of NZ$15,000, Tarzino is also represented by 12 two-year-olds catalogued for the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale at Karaka on November 18 and 19. Bred and raced by Andy Giles, Hugh Docherty and Caroline Vincent through Transtasman Breeders, Proxima Dea was retained after failing to find a buyer at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. Her triumph follows 11 years after her sire's Victoria Derby victory at Flemington, further reinforcing the influence of Tarzino as a producer of elite staying performers.
The sky is the limit for undefeated Proxima Dea (Photo by George SalRacing Photos)
Lazzura On Song for Another Group 3 Triumph
Friday, 6th November 2026
A favourable barrier and compelling recent form position Lazzura as the mare to beat in Saturday's $300,000 Gr2 Hot Danish Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill, where the Chris Waller-trained performer will attempt to maintain her dominance over several familiar rivals. The four-year-old daughter of Snitzel has established an outstanding record at the Sydney circuit and appears ideally placed under the weight-for-age conditions of the feature for mares. Lazzura arrives following another commanding performance at Randwick, defeating several opponents she meets again on Saturday despite carrying 59kg and racing from an outside barrier. Her latest success reinforced the consistency that has become a feature of her preparation, while her established effectiveness over 1400m provides another significant advantage. Tommy Berry retains the mount, with barrier two offering a considerably more favourable starting position than the mare encountered at her previous appearance. Lazzura drops to 57kg and has already demonstrated her ability to perform over the Rosehill 1400m, adding further strength to her claims. Queensland visitor Gerringong shapes as a principal challenger for trainers Chris and Corey Munce. The mare finished fourth behind Lazzura at Randwick after previously recording a determined Rosehill victory over 1200m, defeating Arabian Rose and Tuileries. Nash Rawiller has been engaged, although barrier nine creates a potentially awkward assignment. Peter Snowden's Tuileries also returns after finishing behind the favourite in recent encounters. The mare will be partnered by Tyler Schiller from barrier three and must produce improvement to reverse the established form. Chains Of Love represents an intriguing alternative following a determined victory over 1200m at Randwick. The Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich-trained mare steps up to 1400m for the first time, with Zac Lloyd taking the ride from barrier eight. Stablemates Firestorm and Surf's Up give Waller additional representation, while Modella, Arabian Rose, Dark Glitter, Just Precious and Mareth complete the eleven-horse field. Lazzura's combination of race fitness, course suitability and an advantageous draw makes her a deserving favourite, although Gerringong's competitiveness and the potential improvement from Chains Of Love provide interesting alternatives should the race develop differently from expectations.
Asturia Sets Gr1 NZ 1000 Guineas Standard
Friday, 6th November 2026
Riccarton's sweeping 1600m provides the stage for a quality field of 15 three-year-old fillies in Saturday's NZ$600,000 Gr1 Barneswood Farm 54th New Zealand 1000 Guineas, with Asturia clearly the benchmark following an outstanding opening preparation for Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson. The daughter of Almanzor has won two of her three starts, beginning with a successful 1400m debut at Ellerslie before finishing second to Old Fashioned in the Gr2 Hawke's Bay Guineas and then returning north to claim the Gr2 Soliloquy Stakes over 1400m. Settled near the rear in the latter contest, Asturia tracked into the race before producing a powerful finishing burst to defeat Liguria by a length, with Fiamma and Miss Magnetica filling the next two positions. That performance suggested the additional 200m at Riccarton would be firmly in her favour, while barrier three gives Michael McNab every opportunity to conserve energy and have her within striking distance when the field turns for home. Asturia, a NZ$135,000 Karaka Book 1 purchase, also enters the race as the leader of the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series with eight points, adding another layer of interest to her first attempt at the classic distance. Fiamma shapes as the principal danger after closing strongly for third in the Soliloquy, and trainers Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott believe the progressive filly has continued to improve and possesses the pedigree to run out a strong mile. Craig Grylls takes the ride from barrier nine. Stablemate Dashing Dixie finished third in the Gr3 Gold Trail Stakes before her sixth in the Soliloquy, but her best performances have come racing left-handed and she represents genuine value if Joe Doyle can negotiate a favourable passage from barrier 11. Miss Magnetica was only narrowly behind Fiamma at Ellerslie and gains the inside gate, while Platinum La Danse, Sweetest Thing, Sheza Professional and the consistent Grocer's Girl provide further depth. The track was rated Soft7 on Thursday morning, with fine weather forecast and the rail in the true position, conditions that should give every runner her chance. Asturia has the strongest form, the most favourable draw among the leading contenders and the turn of foot required to settle the issue; Fiamma is the clear danger, while Dashing Dixie remains the most appealing value runner despite her awkward barrier.
Vivy Air Heads Competitive Matriarch Stakes Field
Friday, 6th November 2026
A return to Flemington presents Ciaron Maher's Vivy Air with an opportunity to secure another valuable black-type success when the talented mare contests Saturday's $300,000 Gr2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m), one of the principal supporting races on Champions Day. The five-year-old heads early betting ahead of Too Darn Discreet and Soverato in a competitive contest featuring several mares emerging from strong spring performances. Vivy Air arrives following her fifth placing behind Lindermann in the Gr2 Craven Plate at Randwick, where she finished with determination against accomplished weight-for-age opposition. She receives a favourable 55kg under the set weights and penalties conditions and has drawn barrier one for Ethan Brown, potentially providing an economical passage over the 2000m journey. Chris Waller's Soverato represents one of the strongest threats after winning the Gr3 Tesio Stakes over 2040m at Flemington on October 24. The New Zealand-bred mare defeated several rivals she meets again on Saturday, including Too Darn Discreet, Ocean Bay and Jenni's Meadow, and will be attempting to confirm that form from barrier two under Damian Lane. Too Darn Discreet has strong credentials at the distance, having won three of her four appearances over 2000m. The Dan O'Sullivan-trained mare has also demonstrated a particular affinity for Flemington and should appreciate returning to conditions that suit her established racing pattern. Mark Zahra takes the ride from barrier seven. Panova adds further quality to the field, although the Chris Waller-trained mare must overcome barrier eighteen and the top weight of 59.5kg. James McDonald has been engaged for the daughter of Trapeze Artist, whose previous Flemington appearance resulted in victory. Machine Gun Gracie represents the Lindsay Park stable, while the lightly weighted Ocean Bay, Perfect Ten and Samarelle add considerable depth to the contest. The race appears particularly intriguing because the established Tesio Stakes form is challenged by Vivy Air's performances against stronger weight-for-age opposition. With several runners possessing proven ability at 2000m, positioning and the ability to sustain a finishing effort along Flemington's demanding straight are likely to influence the outcome.
Declichy Boulevard Sparkling Like a $2m Diamond
Friday, 6th November 2026
A lucrative opportunity awaits a competitive collection of five-year-olds in Saturday's $2 million Gr3 Five Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill, where Chris Waller's progressive mare Declichy Boulevard will attempt to extend her winning sequence against several talented rivals. The daughter of Snitzel has emerged as the early market leader following an impressive victory in the Five Diamonds Prelude at Randwick, although a significant weight turnaround and the additional distance present fresh challenges. Declichy Boulevard defeated Linebacker over 1500m on October 24, confirming her excellent recent form and establishing herself as a leading contender for the restricted-age feature. Tommy Berry retains the mount from barrier five, with the mare carrying 56kg under the set weights and penalties conditions. Linebacker looms as a particularly dangerous opponent after finishing second in the Prelude, where interference complicated his finishing effort. The John O'Shea and Tom Charlton-trained gelding has performed consistently throughout his preparation, following a fourth in the Gr3 Bill Ritchie Handicap with a narrow third in the Alan Brown Stakes. A former Gr1 Randwick Guineas winner, Linebacker will attempt 1800m for the first time, although O'Shea believes the gelding possesses the necessary stamina provided he settles effectively. Zac Lloyd takes the ride from barrier seven, with the son of Super Seth enjoying a 2.5kg weight turnaround against Declichy Boulevard. New Zealand visitor Tuxedo provides further international interest for trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray. The multiple Gr1 placegetter has been specifically prepared for the Australian assignment and will be partnered by champion jockey Opie Bosson from barrier one. Connections believe the 1800m journey is suitable, with blinkers being reinstated following his latest performance behind Waitak in the Gr1 Livamol Classic. The Lindsay Park stable provides two representatives through Evaporate and Plymouth. Evaporate endured an interrupted passage when seventh in the Prelude, while Plymouth arrives after finishing fourth behind Lindermann in stronger company. Welcometotheshow also warrants serious consideration after finishing close behind Declichy Boulevard and Linebacker in the Prelude, having encountered difficulties obtaining clear running. Craig Newitt has been engaged from barrier nine. Athanatos, Verona Rose, Imperialist and Zambardo add further depth to a race where several runners have genuine claims. With $1.155 million awaiting the winner, the Five Diamonds represents one of the spring's most valuable restricted-age opportunities and promises a fascinating examination of proven milers stepping towards middle distances.
Tempted on the Straight and Narrow
Friday, 6th November 2026
A first appearance down Flemington's famous straight six presents the principal challenge for The Everest heroine Tempted when the outstanding mare attempts to extend her remarkable winning sequence in Saturday's $3 million Gr1 VRC Champions Sprint (1200m). The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old arrives following six consecutive victories, including her memorable defeat of Hong Kong champion Ka Ying Rising at Randwick last month, and has been installed as a commanding favourite against 11 rivals. Tempted produced the defining performance of her career when overcoming the international sprinting superstar in the Gr1 Everest on October 17, having previously dominated the Gr2 Premiere Stakes by three lengths. Chad Schofield retains the mount from barrier nine, with the mare carrying 56.5kg under weight-for-age conditions. Her outstanding record over 1200m makes her the obvious benchmark, although the transition from Sydney's turning courses to Flemington's demanding straight circuit introduces an unfamiliar variable. Chris Waller's Joliestar looms as the strongest opposition, having finished third behind Tempted in The Everest. The daughter of Zoustar has demonstrated her effectiveness at Flemington and will be partnered by James McDonald from barrier ten. Her previous experience down the straight could become significant should track conditions or race tempo complicate the favourite's assignment. Matthew Smith's Headwall also emerges from The Everest, where he finished fourth at considerably longer odds, while Bjorn Baker's Caballus will be seeking improvement on his seventh placing in the same race. The established straight-track performers add considerable interest. Defending champion Giga Kick returns for Clayton Douglas, although his recent performances suggest a significant improvement is required. Mazu, another Maher representative, brings useful Flemington form and the ability to race prominently. Point Barrow arrives in strong form following successive victories, including the Gr3 Northwood Plume Stakes at Caulfield, and could provide a challenge from barrier two. Tempted deserves her position at the head of the market, but Joliestar's course experience and Headwall's competitive Everest performance provide compelling reasons to consider the opposition in a race where straight-track positioning could prove decisive.
Autumn Set to Glow in Champions Mile
Friday, 6th November 2026
A Melbourne debut for superstar mare Autumn Glow promises to be one of the highlights of Champions Day at Flemington on Saturday when Chris Waller's outstanding five-year-old contests the $3 million Gr1 VRC Champions Mile (1600m). Winner of 14 of her 15 starts, including five Gr1 victories, the daughter of The Autumn Sun will attempt to extend her unbeaten sequence this preparation against eight rivals in a race where bookmakers have installed her at prohibitive odds. Autumn Glow has dominated her three appearances this spring, beginning with victory in the Gr1 Winx Stakes over 1400m before comfortably accounting for Aeliana in the Seven Sunrise Stakes over 1600m. Her latest performance was equally compelling, defeating Ceolwulf by more than two lengths in the Gr1 King Charles III Stakes at Randwick on October 17. James McDonald again takes the ride, with barrier two providing the champion jockey an opportunity to secure an economical position before calling upon the mare's exceptional acceleration. The principal question concerns her first appearance at Flemington, having previously raced exclusively in Sydney. However, her versatility and ability to perform from different positions in running suggest the unfamiliar surroundings should present few difficulties. Stablemate Lindermann arrives following victory at his latest appearance and has drawn barrier three for Damian Lane. The experienced son of Lonhro brings proven weight-for-age credentials, while fellow Waller representative Buckaroo will be attempting to capitalise on his latest second placing. Anthony and Sam Freedman's Tom Kitten represents another legitimate contender after successive placings, with Mark Zahra engaged from barrier six. A proven Gr1 performer, the son of Harry Angel possesses sufficient class to become competitive should the favourite encounter difficulties. Cliff Brown's Sepals and Ciaron Maher's Another Wil provide further depth, although both must produce improved performances to challenge the exceptional favourite. Pounding, El Soleado and Within The Law complete the nine-horse field. The market reflects Autumn Glow's dominance, with the mare trading around $1.20 to $1.30 in early betting. Her principal opponents face the formidable task of conceding two kilograms to a champion who has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to defeat elite opposition.
Heavyweight Cox Plate Rivals Renew Battle
Friday, 6th November 2026
A fascinating rematch between three of the spring's outstanding middle-distance performers headlines Saturday's $3 million Gr1 TAB Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington, with Cox Plate hero Cosmic Crusader attempting to complete an extraordinary campaign against familiar rivals Birdman and Aeliana. The Andrea Leek-trained gelding has emerged as one of the season's most compelling success stories, but faces another demanding assignment after contesting some of Australia's toughest weight-for-age races. Cosmic Crusader produced a memorable performance to capture the Gr1 Cox Plate over 2040m at Flemington on October 24, defeating Birdman and Aeliana with a powerful finishing burst. His victory followed success in the Gr1 Turnbull Stakes over 2000m and a brave fourth in the Caulfield Cup, establishing the son of Maurice among the country's leading middle-distance gallopers. William Pike retains the mount, although barrier eleven presents a tactical challenge in a race where the early tempo could become a decisive factor. Cosmic Crusader benefited from a strongly run Cox Plate, and a more moderate pace might make his customary finishing acceleration less effective. Chris Waller's Birdman shapes as a particularly dangerous opponent after finishing three-quarters of a length behind Cosmic Crusader in the Cox Plate. The progressive import has already established his Gr1 credentials this season and again draws barrier one, providing Ben Melham with an opportunity to secure another economical passage. Stablemate Aeliana also warrants considerable respect following her third placing in the Cox Plate. The Castelvecchio mare has consistently performed at the highest level, adding further credibility to her outstanding autumn campaign, which included victories in the Gr1 Ranvet Stakes and Gr1 Tancred Stakes. James McDonald partners Aeliana from barrier four, with the mare receiving a two-kilogram allowance from her male rivals. Her ability to sustain a strong finishing effort makes her especially competitive should the race develop into a genuine staying examination. Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott's Sir Delius will be seeking redemption following his sixth placing in the Cox Plate. The imported entire entered the spring with considerable expectations, and Craig Williams takes the ride from barrier seven. Joseph O'Brien provides international interest through Omni Man, while Light Infantry Man, Land Legend and Sabaj contribute additional depth to the eleven-horse field. Cosmic Crusader deserves favouritism on his recent achievements, but the combination of an extensive preparation, outside barrier and potentially different race tempo creates opportunities for Birdman and Aeliana to reverse the Cox Plate result.
Cosmic Crusader's Cox Plate connections (pic: Mark Gatt)
King Can Light Up Lee-Steere Stakes
Friday, 6th November 2026
A clash between one of Western Australia's most exciting emerging gallopers and several established weight-for-age performers promises a compelling renewal of Saturday's $300,000 Gr2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) at Ascot, with King Of Light seeking to strengthen his claims for the Gr1 Railway Stakes later this month. The Daniel Morton-trained four-year-old has won seven of his eight appearances, establishing an imposing record that includes victory in the Gr3 Eurythmic Stakes over the same course and distance on October 17. That performance further enhanced the reputation of the son of Earthlight, who displayed considerable determination to overcome experienced opposition and maintain his remarkable winning sequence. King Of Light will again be partnered by Lucy Fiore, although barrier eight presents a tactical challenge in a compact field containing several accomplished rivals. His ability to accelerate and sustain a strong finishing effort nevertheless makes him a formidable contender under weight-for-age conditions. Grant and Alana Williams provide three runners, headed by former Railway Stakes winner Western Empire, who will be attempting to improve on his first-up sixth behind King Of Light in the Eurythmic Stakes. The nine-year-old veteran has accumulated 14 career victories and almost $3.8 million in prizemoney, with his considerable Ascot experience likely to prove valuable. Stablemate Watch Me Rock also emerges from the Eurythmic Stakes, having finished fourth after encountering traffic difficulties. The gelding returns to a circuit where he has enjoyed considerable success and should appreciate the opportunity to race from barrier four under Brad Parnham. Neville Parnham's accomplished Bustler provides another significant obstacle. The son of Playing God is a proven elite-level performer, with Steven Parnham engaged from barrier three. Let's Galahvant, Sentimental Hero, Too Dardy and London's Image complete an eight-horse field that combines established quality with considerable potential. For King Of Light, the assignment represents another important examination before the Railway Stakes over 1600m on November 21, while his older opponents will be determined to demonstrate that experience remains a potent weapon against the state's emerging talent.
