Horse Racing News
Kiwi raider chasing Australian Oaks Goldrush
Dubai Goldrush wasn’t even considered for the Australian Oaks when early nominations opened, according to her trainer Pam Gerard. The filly hadn’t won a maiden race at that time, making the classic an unlikely target. “When the ‘noms’ were first put out she hadn’t even won a maiden so we never...
Alalcance primed for G1 Sydney Cup distance test
Alalcance is set to tackle her first 3200-metre race in the Sydney Cup, as trainer Adrian Bott aims to cap her impressive autumn with a Group 1 win over two miles. The mare has already swept through three stakes races this campaign. Her dominant display in last weekend’s Chairman’s Quality (2600m)...
Ceolwulf ready to take on big guns in G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes
Ceolwulf faces his biggest challenge yet in Saturday’s $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes, where he aims to prove he can match it with Australia’s elite over 2000 metres. The talented miler will line up against a world-class group featuring Cox Plate champion Via Sistina, European contenders Dubai Honour and Rousham Park,...
Scheelite to show form at Bendigo
The training partnership of Ken and Kasey Keys has a history of finding talented racehorses from their modest-sized stable, with Rich Enuff and Soul Patch both going close to Group 1 success. Scheelite emerged as their next big hope after two promising early wins, sparking dreams of elite-level victories. But his...
Short journey to Sydney Cup no issue for Zardozi
Despite her preparation not following the traditional script, Godolphin is confident Zardozi is ready to contend in Saturday’s $5 million Sydney Cup. Most of her opponents have had recent runs over extended distances, but Zardozi heads into the race off a strong placing in the Australian Cup (2000m). Assistant trainer Darren Beadman...
Patience pays off with Santa Ana Moon
The connections of Santa Ana Moon finally got their reward after a long wait, as the colt captured his maiden win in the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Plate (1200m) at Sandown. Prepared by Leon and Troy Corstens in partnership with Will Larkin, the three-year-old overcame early career interruptions to secure his breakthrough...
Waller sees a lot to Leica about NZ filly in Australian Oaks
The 2024 Australian Oaks is shaping up as a blockbuster with Chris Waller calling it a “clash of the queens” as elite fillies from both sides of the Tasman prepare to go head-to-head. Waller has opted not to run Aeliana again after her dominant Derby performance, instead relying on Leica Lucy...
Better Bendigo track to suit Arran Bay in Golden Mile
Phillip Stokes is hopeful that Arran Bay can make an impact in Saturday’s Golden Mile at Bendigo, but concedes the gelding might still be one run away from peak condition. Arran Bay steps up from a 1200m first-up outing to 1600m in the Listed race and will have to overcome both...
Trainers hoping for Grand week with juveniles
A strong midweek performance from Grand Eagle has Ryan and Alexiou eyeing further juvenile success at The Championships this weekend. The promising colt broke through in the Good Luck Paris Eaton Handicap (1100m) at Hawkesbury, winning by 1-1/4 lengths in his third career outing. He had previously placed at Warwick Farm and...
Aeliana G1 Australian Oaks decision Tuesday, but start unlikely
Chris Waller is keeping his options open ahead of the ATC Australian Oaks, with a final decision on his runners to come Tuesday morning. It's unlikely, however, that Derby-winning filly Aeliana will back up for the Group 1 feature over 2400m. Waller, speaking from the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, said that...