Horse Racing News
Stokes pins hopes on Pakenham prep for Stretan Angel's Group 1 quest
Phillip Stokes as trainer is pinning his hopes on a method that clinched a former installment of the Robert Sangster Stakes to pay off for Stretan Angel.With operations at Pakenham and Morphettville stables, preparing Stretan Angel for the Group 1 1200m race restricted to fillies and mares on Saturday from...
Grahame Begg's Profligate targets black-type in Anzac Day Stakes
The Listed Anzac Day Stakes over the years at Flemington has delivered a number of strong contenders.Victors in the 1400m two-year-old race have included Epimeles (2024), Tijuana (2022), Chaillot (2019), Vassilator (2017), Merchant Navy (2017), Long John (2013) and Confectioner (2003).This event suits a horse with limited starts perfectly, one...
Maher's hardy fillies Salty Pearl and Paltrow Miss eye Australasian Oaks
No filly in work matches the toughness of Salty Pearl, prepared by Ciaron Maher.After a grueling spring that included Group 2 triumphs, the steadfast filly seeks Group 1 glory in Saturday's Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville.Her run this Saturday represents the sixth of her current campaign, started in January, following...
Lightly raced pair from Lees to shine on Anzac Day card
Confirmation has come that Lord Of Biscay will contest the Tamworth Cup, leaving Kris Lees to spotlight two skilful three-year-olds leading his Anzac Day squad at Randwick.Having taken out the Provincial-Midway Championships Final, Lord Of Biscay is among the early fancies for the First Australian Imperial Force Handicap (1500m) this...
Cumani seeks repeat success in VRC St Leger with Deal Done Fast
The Ballarat trainer Matt Cumani is convinced that colt Deal Done Fast has what it takes to triumph in Stakes company, yet his immediate priority remains landing that elusive debut victory.Opportunity knocks for both at Flemington on Saturday via the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m), contingent on the colt overcoming...
Dual Freedman assault set for Robert Sangster Stakes
Anthony and Sam Freedmans stable is poised to chase a prominent Adelaide sprint prize with a pair of entrants for the inaugural occasion.The duo of Ameena and Point Barrow will carry the father-and-son trainers colours in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) scheduled at Morphettville on Saturday.The Freedman family...
Cristal Clear eyes strong return post-Doncaster issue in Randwick benchmark
The five-horse team from Annabel and Rob Archibald aimed at Randwick's headline race on Anzac Day may drop to just three, with the training duo intending to send some north to Tamworth.Formal Display and Hellsing hold entries in Saturday's First Australian Imperial Force Handicap (1500m), but are also paid for...
Away Game filly Lady Catalina eyes Randwick improvement
It's rare for recent two-year-olds to boast a schedule as intense as Away Game's from six years prior, which explains why her offspring, Lady Catalina from the now-broodmare, has taken a more relaxed path into competition.The juvenile Away Game notched eight starts at two for four successes, featuring the 2020...
Ipswich test for Pollard's new filly Scrumptious
Although Todd Pollard has only recently launched his independent training venture, his team is already increasing in size within months.The former Annabel assistant has brought in Scrumptious as a fresh team member with strong prospects ahead.The three-year-old filly was previously handled by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott until last month,...
Liam Howley targets VRC St Leger success for Valiant Sun
Liam Howley, the trainer, has prioritised extended trips for three-year-old Valiant Sun in his program.Saturday brings the premier staying test for Victorian three-year-olds, the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) at Flemington, with Valiant Sun entered to compete.The gelding will confront 16 competitors from the second widest stall, seeking his second...