A brief jink toward the rail by Fierceness in the opening strides of the G1 Pacific Classic had connections holding their breath, reports bloodhorse.com, but what followed was a performance that underlined both the composure of a champion and the trust between horse and rider. Fierceness, initially unsettled after a clean jump, gave early cause for concern to trainer Todd Pletcher, watching remotely from Saratoga Springs, and to assistant Sophie Green, stationed trackside at Del Mar. “I wasn’t very happy – I was very concerned when he did that,” Pletcher admitted, while Green feared, if only for a moment, that their race might already be lost. Fortunately, Fierceness found his rhythm quickly under John Velazquez. “I got him out of there, but he overreacted by pulling in the other direction. I wanted to stay off his mouth, so I had to sit on him a little. But he got straightened out going into the first turn,” Velazquez explained. Meanwhile, long odds-on favourite Journalism was encountering his own trouble at the break, emerging last after a bump with a rival. Tarantino, a 72-1 outsider, seized the early lead ahead of fellow longshots Midnight Mammoth and Lure Him In. For a moment, the crowd of 13,432 were watching an unlikely script unfold. But the showdown that many had anticipated was merely delayed. Fierceness, usually on or near the speed, found himself bottled up along the fence in fourth. “It looked like he was trapped. I was concerned that he was a little headstrong,” said Pletcher, who credited Velazquez with the call to split horses and surge early. As they rounded the second turn, the move came – smooth, decisive, and perfectly timed. Journalism was winding up a strong run of his own, but by the time he had clear air, Fierceness had already stolen a winning break. He maintained momentum all the way to the post, finishing 3.25-lengths clear in 2:01, with Journalism beating the rest by 6-and-a-half. The win handed Fierceness a fees-paid berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, a race he narrowly lost last year to Sierra Leone. His owners – Repole Stable, Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor, and Mrs. John Magnier – opted to bypass the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga in favour of shipping west, a gamble that paid off handsomely. The Pacific Classic’s timing, trip and surface match the Breeders’ Cup, and Fierceness now looms as one of the key players heading toward November at Del Mar.
NEWKey Options on the Table for Aztec Ruler
Tuesday, 2nd September 2025
With Ascot’s Pinnacles Carnival fast approaching, Stefan Vahala is weighing up several options for his leading light Aztec Ruler, who is nearing a return to racing following a Melbourne campaign that proved he belongs at a higher level. The talented Universal Ruler gelding delivered Vahala notable success last season with wins in the Bunbury Stakes and the Carbine Club of WA Stakes before heading east, where he held his own with two placings from four starts. According to racingwa.com.au, a career-best effort came in the Gr3 Standish Stakes at Flemington over 1200 metres, where he was narrowly beaten into second by It’sourtime. That performance has prompted his trainer to reassess targets at home, with the Crawford Stakes on October 18 looming as a likely first-up assignment. “He had his first gallop last week and galloped really nicely,” Vahala told Tabradio. “This week he’ll have a bit more of a searching gallop and he’s come back in good order.” While it’s unclear what trip will suit best, Vahala added: “We’ll be guided on how he goes first up but to me the best run he’s ever had was in Melbourne up the straight over 1200m. Is it a 1200m, or do we go 1600m, I think we’ll just be guided by what he does first up.” Among the key options under consideration are the Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) and The Gold Rush (1400m), the latter being a race in which Aztec Ruler ran a strong seventh last year, beaten just two and a half lengths by Western Empire. “I think if we had drawn a gate in that Gold Rush, Jarrad [Noske] got off him and was rapt with the run,” Vahala recalled. “He had to go back to last pretty much and ran a great race. Obviously, that’s his wheelhouse, 1400m in Perth. That’s the aim.” Adding to the stable’s momentum was a timely result at Belmont on Saturday, where Dr Jay produced a storming finish to win the last on the card, delivering a confidence boost to connections ahead of what could be a pivotal spring campaign for Vahala’s team.
NZB Releases 2025 Ready To Run Catalogue
Tuesday, 2nd September 2025
A fresh wave of emerging talent is set to be unveiled with New Zealand Bloodstock releasing the 2025 Ready to Run Sale catalogue, featuring 480 two-year-olds prepared by the country’s leading horsemen and women. Long regarded as the benchmark of its type worldwide, the sale again combines commercial stallion power with professional education, backed by a graduate roll of honour that delivered 10 Group 1 wins and 12 other stakes victories last season alone. The influence of past graduates stretches across continents. Hong Kong superstars Golden Sixty and Lucky Sweynesse headline the international success story, while in Australia the current crop includes Mr Brightside, Antino, Gringotts, Feroce, Ceolwulf and War Machine, all Group One winners sourced through the Karaka ring. Malaysia has its own Ready to Run stars, with Lucky Magic and Antipodean set to clash in the Selangor Gold Cup as the latter bids to defend his crown. More recent graduates from last November’s sale are also turning heads, with juvenile Group 1 performers Hostility and Hidden Achievement expected to return as three-year-olds of real quality, joined by unbeaten duo Planet Red and Quantum Legend who look capable of following the same path. Andrew Seabrook, NZB’s Managing Director, said the achievements of the sale both in the ring and on the track have exceeded all expectations. “The results of the last few years from this sale have just been incredible. From the $1.65 million colt last year (Hostility), to the sheer number of Group 1 winners this season, there’s just no comparison. We are thrilled with the calibre of horses on offer again this year, educated by New Zealand’s elite horsemen and women. With the number of hotel bookings already, we’re looking forward to November and welcoming everyone back to Karaka.” The catalogue itself offers considerable depth, with progeny of 114 stallions including Savabeel, Proisir, Per Incanto, Super Seth, Almanzor, Satono Aladdin, Zoustar, I Am Invincible and Snitzel, supported by a broad range of emerging sires. Buyers will find more than 90 siblings to black-type performers, plus two-year-olds out of 76 stakes-performing mares such as Miss Sentimental, Consensus, Fox Play and Anabandana. Added appeal comes from the eligibility of over two dozen lots for the TAB Karaka Millions Series, while every purchase qualifies to target the new $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), ensuring strong competition for catalogue standouts.
Ready to Run graduate Antino (pic: Grant Peters)
Messara and Gravanich Could Set Scone Alight
Tuesday, 2nd September 2025
A strong home-track hand will be presented by the Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich stable at Scone on Tuesday, with three progressive gallopers set to step out under jockey Braith Nock. Autumn King, Social Circle and Dale each bring solid credentials into their respective events, and, according to racingnsw.com.au, confidence is high the team can make an impact across the card. Autumn King, by The Autumn Sun, makes his debut in the Mitty's C,G&E Maiden Plate (1100m) after impressing in both lead-up trials. "He's a talented colt that has won both of his trials," Messara said. "He's pleased us at home as well, and it looks like a good race for him to kick off his career in at Scone." Also resuming is Social Circle, a Maurice filly returning from a spell in the Scone RSL Benchmark 58 Handicap (1000m). A trial third behind Compelling Truth has her tuned for a forward run, and she brings winning form from a dominant Quirindi debut earlier this year. "She's come back in good order and is ready to run well." Later in the program, Dale returns to the mile trip for the Select Events Benchmark 66 Handicap (1600m), fresh off a win at Muswellbrook – his third from nine starts. The Castelvecchio gelding is part-owned by actor Matt Damon and continues to show upside for connections. "He's a handy horse with a bit of upside," Messara said. "The step up to the mile looks like it will suit, and he can run well again despite the big weight." Nock, who continues to build momentum as an emerging rider, is also booked aboard Yvette for Ciaron Maher in the Colourworks F&M Maiden Plate (1100m). The mare has placed three times from six starts but failed to beat a runner home at Newcastle last start in a small field. While her best efforts would see her competitive, stable confidence lies primarily with the Messara trio. All three shape as key runners, and a bold showing from at least one looks highly likely for the in-form team on familiar turf.
Warrior Aimed at Prestigious Island Cups
Tuesday, 2nd September 2025
A staying test beyond her proven range proved no barrier for Island Warrior, who emerged as a genuine Cups prospect with a tenacious victory in Sunday's $45,000 Open Handicap (2040m) in Hobart. The five-year-old, a half-sister to 2021 Launceston Cup winner Glass Warrior, had never previously raced past 1600m in 19 starts, but relished the step up in trip to score in impressive fashion under apprentice Jabez Johnstone. Ridden with poise just off the speed set by Dustland Fairytale, Johnstone had the mare positioned perfectly before peeling out in the straight and grinding down the leader in a race largely controlled up front. "When we were lucky enough to receive this horse, we had this race pinpointed for her; this has been her target the whole way through," said Neil Walsh, representing partner and trainer Jessie Bazan. Island Warrior began her career with John Blacker and won the 3YO Cup in 2023. By former Darley stallion Frosted, the well-related mare now looms as a live contender for next year's Hobart and Launceston Cups. "She's had a seamless preparation, and we came here to find out how good she was in what was basically a mini–Hobart Cup minus the mainlanders," Walsh said. "She's just a high-class mare and we'll give her every chance to step up and aim for the Hobart and Launnie Cups." Her performance capped off a calculated campaign that saw the stable test her staying credentials against a strong local field before committing to more ambitious targets. Elsewhere on the card, a sombre note followed a serious incident involving apprentice Lauryn Bingley, who was taken to hospital after a scary fall in Race 2. Her mount Freiburg broke down approaching the home turn and had to be euthanised. Bingley was conscious throughout and later diagnosed with a small lung puncture. While the injury was not life-threatening, the young rider was stood down for the remainder of the meeting, which had earlier opened and closed with wins for John Keys.
Promising Castelvecchio 3YO Hong Kong Bound
Tuesday, 2nd September 2025
Plans for a classic campaign have been shelved after Quantum Legend was confirmed for export to Hong Kong, despite Cambridge trainer Tony Pike’s hopes of retaining the talented gelding in New Zealand for his 3YO season. An impressive debut winner at Te Rapa, the Castelvecchio gelding had shortened to equal second favourite for the New Zealand 2000 Guineas, but will now depart Pike’s team under the ownership of Kenneth Lau. “Unfortunately, it looks like he is going to take him up there. The PP bonuses (for previously raced horses) are so attractive for the owners if they win in Class 3,” Pike explained. “We made a good case and the owner thought about it long and hard but, no, he’s heading up there.” Purchased by Waikato Bloodstock for $400,000 at NZB’s Ready to Run Sale, Quantum Legend hails from the Redoute’s Choice family and had caught the eye with a strong trial before winning as a hot favourite on debut. While Pike believes the outcome may have been different had the horse been a colt, the draw of Hong Kong’s stakes and bonuses proved too great. Attention now turns to stablemate Storm Front, who resumes in Saturday’s Listed Sir Colin Meads Trophy at Ellerslie. The Snitzel colt opened his career with a slick debut win before finishing unplaced in the Star Way Stakes, where he was later found to have suffered cardiac arrhythmia. “He trialled really well at Te Awamutu,” Pike said. “He’s one of a number of nice three-year-olds who will probably run in the next couple of weeks and then we’ll know where they’re heading.” Storm Front is rated a $31 chance for the 2000 Guineas, but a sharp return on Saturday could see him firm into contention. Meanwhile, Pike has adjusted the spring path for Val Di Zoldo, bypassing the Gr1 Proisir Plate in favour of an open 1600m at Te Rapa. “I just didn’t want to run her first-up on a good surface over 1400m against weight-for-age horses, they’ll be too sharp for her,” he said. Her programme will continue through the Gr1 Howden Insurance mile and into the Gr1 Livamol Classic. “The Livamol is probably her best chance, but if they happened to get a Soft 8 or 9 for the second day at Te Rapa, where she has always run well, then it would be suitable for her as well.”
Quantum Legend's owner is moving him to Hong Kong (pic: Kenton Wright Race Images)
The Kosciuszko Ticket Sales Closing
Tuesday, 2nd September 2025
Sydney’s hugely popular race, The Kosciuszko, has developed into one of the most remarkable success stories on the Australian racing calendar, offering ordinary people the chance to live out extraordinary dreams, reports racingnsw.com.au. With $2 million in prize money, the October feature at Royal Randwick has quickly become a cultural phenomenon, built on the $5 sweepstakes tickets that give everyday fans a stake in the big time. The closing date to secure a ticket this year is midnight Monday, September 8, with the draw taking place two days later to determine the 14 lucky winners who will act like Everest slot-holders, choosing the horses to represent them in the final field. The race has already created folklore. In 2023, Far Too Easy carried the hopes of a syndicate of about 50 people from Tattersall’s Hotel in Inverell, each walking away with a return exceeding $6,500. Their manager, publican Scott Williams, recalled a “hero’s reception” when he returned from Randwick. He described the Kosciuszko as an “unbelievable concept,” pointing out that his syndicate included everyone from retirees and property owners to tradies and business people. Even casual pubgoers were inspired to join in, highlighting the race’s unique ability to connect with communities across the state. Twelve months earlier, the magic was alive in Goulburn, where retired soil conservation worker and firefighter Garry Dyson saw his syndicate’s pick Front Page storm to victory. Dyson said the moment he saw the horse’s colours hit the front “was just great,” admitting he never truly expected such fortune. Front Page also gave Queanbeyan’s John Hurley and his syndicate of family and friends their own taste of glory, twice delivering life-changing moments. Hurley recalled pooling $500 worth of tickets with mates and admitted, “You never think you’re really going to win it … very lucky.” For them, the thrill wasn’t just financial, it was the shared sense of striking gold. Art Cadeau’s 2021 success told a similar story of community windfalls. South coast racing enthusiast Brenda Gent, who had long worked in TABs, entered alongside her five children and 16 grandchildren. Their collective prize money went towards weddings, first homes, and renovations. Brenda said she was “tickled pink for the kids” and proud that the race helped several family members “get their heads above water.” These tales illustrate why the Kosciuszko is far more than a race; it’s a lifeline, an event that binds small towns and city pubs together through chance and hope. This year’s edition will again be run at Randwick on Saturday, October 18. Full details and ticket information are available at www.thekosciuszko.com.au, with the draw broadcast live on Sky Thoroughbred Central and the Racing NSW website from 10am, Wednesday, September 10.
Dettori and Owen Revel in Rich US Win
Tuesday, 2nd September 2025
Meanwhile, also in the United States, a wide draw and unfamiliar territory proved no obstacle for James Owen’s emerging stable star, Wimbledon Hawkeye, who made a successful American debut in Saturday night’s DK Horse Nashville Derby Invitational Stakes, according to sportinglife.com. Kentucky Downs hosted the valuable Grade 3 contest over an extended 10 furlongs, where the UK-trained Wimbledon Hawkeye, ridden by Frankie Dettori, overcame gate 12 and a midfield settling position to deliver another career-best performance, securing Owen his first US victory in the process. Dettori, who tracked the early stages quietly, allowed the Kameko colt to creep into contention approaching the final half-mile. With two furlongs to travel, King Of Ashes began to feel the pinch, and the UK raider pounced, surging to the front and opening a slender break. Burnham Square emerged late to throw down a serious challenge, but the 9/4 favourite clung on gamely under pressure to win by a head. A Group 2 winner at Newmarket last season, Wimbledon Hawkeye added the $2.78 million prize to a CV that continues to build momentum. “He’s run an absolute cracker and done us proud,” shared Owen on NBC Sports. “It was a big call from [owner] Tim [Gredley] coming out here but they've laid on a fantastic show for us. We’ll be coming back, we’ve had a great time!” The trainer also praised the colt’s development, noting how far he’d come since the European spring. “He’s matured all year, he’s been busy but he’s improved all year. From stall 12 Frankie’s given him a great ride… he’s toughed it out well. He’s a real, proper stayer and he’ll want further in time.” With earlier 2024 wins in the JCB Triumph Hurdle and Chester Cup via East India Dock, the international breakthrough marked another milestone for Owen, now in just his third season as a trainer. “To win this prize is unreal. My team has done a great job.” Gredley acknowledged the appeal of American purses: “We’re almost running for as much money as the English Derby… it’s a massive incentive, it’s quite addictive and I think, hopefully, more European horses will come to take them on.” Dettori, still grieving the recent loss of a close friend, was visibly emotional. “It’s been a very difficult time for me but an amazing win… He’s proven at the distance, he’s proven on the grass. I was just hoping he brought his A-game. He did.” From start to finish, it was a transatlantic triumph born of ambition, timing, and a colt whose upward curve shows no signs of flattening.
Ka Ying Rising in Trial Cruise Control
Tuesday, 2nd September 2025
There was no urgency from Zac Purton on Saturday morning, yet the stopwatch told a different story. In his latest Sha Tin hit-out, Hong Kong’s and, arguably the world’s top sprinter Ka Ying Rising breezed through a 1000m trial in 56.45 – a controlled, unhurried display that ended two lengths clear of his rivals. According to scmp.com, the effort sets up a return in next Sunday’s HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1200m) before eyes turn firmly to The Everest in mid-October. Trainer David Hayes took heart from more than just the time. “It was a pleasure to watch, so fluent and his action was perfect, and the most important thing is mentally he’s more mature this year,” he said. The contrast with last spring was marked. “Last year, if you watched the trials, he was jumpy and out of his skin a bit – too fresh. This year he’s walking around like you’d want him to walk around.” Hayes had told Purton not to win by more than a length, but the horse had other ideas. “To run that time with his eyes shut is pretty impressive.” The gelding’s conditioning also drew comment. At 1160lb, he’s heavier than last year’s campaign but not worryingly so. “I think he’s a more mature horse now so he’s always going to be heavier than last year… He’ll come down but I want a bit of wiggle room for travelling, and I think by Everest time we’ll have him around 1150.” The five-year-old’s usual race weight has hovered between 1135 and 1140. What really delighted connections was his improved tractability. “Zac is a pessimist but even he was happy,” Hayes said. “He was thrilled with his manners behind the gates. He changed legs – that’s the only criticism Zac has of him as he never changes legs, but when you don’t get under pressure you don’t have to. Today he thinks he changed legs, which is a good sign.” For those lining up against him this season, it may prove an ominous one.
Ryan Moore Out for Remainder of Season
Tuesday, 2nd September 2025
The international racing scene has been rocked by confirmation that leading jockey Ryan Moore will miss the remainder of the season after scans revealed a fracture in his right femur, reports racingpost.com. The setback rules him out of the Irish Champions Festival, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and several other major European fixtures. Aidan O’Brien revealed the news at the Curragh, where Moore had been stood down from his intended rides after ongoing pain became too much to ignore. The problem traces back to Irish Derby weekend, when Moore began riding through discomfort that only worsened in the weeks that followed. O’Brien admitted they had tried every treatment option before sending him for scans that finally confirmed the stress fracture. “Since the Irish Derby weekend he’s been struggling with it but he’s been doing his best with it. When they found a stress fracture in his femur that was the answer. There is only one thing that is going to fix it and that’s time,” O’Brien explained. He added that Moore had been effectively competing with a broken leg for two months, remarking that “in all fairness to him, he’s been riding for probably two months with a fracture to his femur. Talk about concrete, that man is concrete.” There were several moments that may have aggravated the injury further. O’Brien pointed to an incident in Germany when Moore’s mount whipped around heading to the start and the jockey landed awkwardly on his feet, as well as other misdiagnosed niggles around his knee and heel. Ultimately, it was not until Friday’s scan that the true extent of the damage was made clear. O’Brien said, “Ryan runs a lot and they think it could be running and that might have originally started it.” When asked if he expected Moore to ride again this season, he admitted it would be highly unlikely. The timing is particularly difficult given Wayne Lordan, Moore’s key deputy at Ballydoyle, has been suspended for ten days following a Goodwood ride, sidelining him from both the Irish Champions Festival and the St Leger at Doncaster. While Lordan has appealed, O’Brien conceded the stable faces a testing period. “We have plenty of jockeys and the lads are all there but Wayne is gone for Irish Champions Festival at the moment. All the usual people, they’re all there, so everyone will row in,” he said. Moore departs the season having added more top-level wins at York’s Ebor festival, including Group 1 success aboard Minnie Hauk in the Yorkshire Oaks.
First Step Towards Everest for Lady Shenandoah
Tuesday, 2nd September 2025
A bold sprint campaign beckons for one of Sydney’s most explosive mares, who returns to the track on Saturday chasing a spot in the $20 million The Everest. According to racenet.com.au, the Gr3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick will mark the start of Lady Shenandoah’s spring, with trainer Chris Waller charting a deliberate short-course path for the four-year-old following her outstanding 3YO season. Wins in the Flight Stakes, Surround Stakes and Coolmore Classic confirmed her class, but Waller has resisted the temptation to kick off in longer Group 1s like the Winx Stakes, instead opting for the speed route. “We are going down the sprinting route with Lady Shenandoah,” confirmed assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth. “She was awesome over the 1200m last preparation getting past Lady Of Camelot who was already race fit, which only added further strength to that first-up win.” The trial work by the daughter of reigning Black Type Premiership Stallion Snitzel has sharpened nicely, and despite the 1000m trip being shorter than ideal, the camp believes she has the raw speed to handle it. “Her trials have been good and although 1000m might be short and sharp, she’s an absolute ‘aeroplane’… She keeps herself pretty sharp and she has always had an explosive turn of foot.” James McDonald has been in the saddle through her recent work, including a quiet 900m hitout last Thursday. She’ll be joined in the Concorde by new stablemate Generosity, a high-profile ex-WA mare having her first start for Waller after being transferred east following her fifth in the Gr1 The Goodwood in Adelaide. The daughter of Divine Prophet finished third in the $5 million Quokka at Ascot in Perth before making the move, and has since put in two trials, most recently running second over 900m at Rosehill. “Generosity is probably the best ‘black booker’ out of Thursday’s Rosehill trials,” Duckworth opined. “She trialled up super and seems very tractable. You don’t really know fully whether the form will marry up but if you watch the trial she should give a bold showing.” With both mares forward and the stable brimming with confidence, Waller’s Concorde pairing looms large this weekend.
Wayward Humza Bey Goes Back to Back
Tuesday, 2nd September 2025
Despite veering sharply off course on the home turn at Wanganui, Humza Bey showed grit and potential to remain unbeaten in his second racetrack appearance. According to NZ Racing Desk, the Belardo gelding looked all at sea when shifting out under pressure with 800 metres to run, handing inside runs to his rivals, but he quickly gathered momentum once balanced and surged clear in the straight to land the Whanganui Chronicle 1340 in convincing style. Rider Kate Hercock worked overtime to keep him steady after he veered mid-race, but her efforts were rewarded with another strong win from a horse still learning his craft. Prepared by the Lavelle-Rennie partnership, Humza Bey had debuted earlier in August with a gritty victory at Hawera over Amazing Son, who subsequently franked the form by winning on Saturday's same card. Despite his waywardness, Humza Bey again displayed the determination and raw talent that has marked him as a horse to follow. Lady Performer and Monologue filled the minors, but neither looked like overhauling the winner once he regained his composure. Co-breeder Christine Juett shares ownership alongside trainers Joshua Lavelle and Sacha Rennie, who have handled the lightly raced gelding with patience. Lavelle admitted to pre-race nerves with the gelding stepping up to rating 65 grade, wary of how his immaturity might show under pressure. “That was awesome, as he dug deep at the end there,” he said. “A big thank you to Kate as he is very very green and we were a bit worried as last time at Hawera he did a bit wrong when he hit clear air and today she rode him a treat. Hopefully he will learn a lot from that.” It’s clear connections are managing expectations carefully, but it was hard to miss the scope Humza Bey possesses when he finally straightens and lets down. Hercock echoed Lavelle’s thoughts, noting that the gelding was awkward into stride and had to work hard from a wide position. “He was a little slow away but we went forward before coming around the home turn where he just didn’t want to steer,” she said. “I just about had two hands on the inside rein as he is just young and immature, but once the penny drops he is going to be not a bad horse. He was three wide early on, had every chance to get beaten and just kept kicking.” Bred by Juett and Denise Howell, he descends from the Gr1-winning mare La Bella Dama via her Elusive City granddaughter Torba.
