Horse Racing News
2025 The Golden Eagle still on Linebacker’s radar after setback
All eyes will be on Hong Kong’s star sprinter Ka Ying Rising at Tuesday’s Randwick trials, but the return of Linebacker will be just as significant for his camp as the Group 1 winner begins his build-up toward the Golden Eagle. Initially aimed at the Epsom Handicap (1600m), Linebacker was withdrawn...
Second Caulfield Group 1 on Sepals agenda in 2025 Toorak Handicap
Cliff Brown’s stable star Sepals will take the next step in his spring campaign when he lines up in Saturday’s Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield. The progressive four-year-old is chasing back-to-back Group 1 wins after a brave performance in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m), where he overcame early...
Briasa fires warning shot for 2025 The Everest
Briasa ($2.25F) validated his early-confirmed Everest slot, sweeping home to capture the $1 million Group 2 Premiere Stakes and cement his credentials for the big one. Under the guidance of the Hawkes team, the son of Smart Missile produced a lethal closing sprint to hold off rival Everest hope Jimmysstar ($2.90)...
Eurocanto takes out the 2025 Maribyrnong Trial Stakes
Early-season two-year-olds aren’t usually Mark Zahra’s go-to rides—unless the request comes from Lindsay Park. Answering the call from Ben, Will and J D Hayes, Zahra piloted Eurocanto to a debut stakes win in Victoria’s opening juvenile contest, the Listed Maribyrnong Trial (1000m) at Flemington. Eurocanto ($8) was ridden quietly, swung wide late...
Sir Delius reigns supreme in the 2025 Turnbull Stakes
Sir Delius has stormed into favouritism for the Melbourne Cup after a statement victory in Flemington’s Turnbull Stakes. Widely seen as a key pointer, the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) once again proved decisive, with Sir Delius shortening for the Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 4 and pressing toward the top...
Valiant King races into the 2025 Melbourne Cup field
With a powerful staying surge, Valiant King thrust himself into Melbourne Cup calculations by winning The Bart Cummings (2520m) at Flemington. As tradition dictates, success in The Bart Cummings secures a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 4. Thirteenth in last year’s Cup behind Knight’s Choice, the gelding has...
Royal Supremacy too good in 2025 The Metropolitan Handicap
Ciaron Maher’s Royal Supremacy ($7.50) stamped his staying credentials with a gritty win in the Group 1 $750,000 Metropolitan at Randwick, a performance that could funnel him toward the Melbourne Cup. The five-year-old gelding dug in late to repel the fast-finishing Soul Of Spain ($4.80F) by three-quarters of a length, while...
Autumn Glow remains unbeaten and wins first G1 in 2025 Epsom Handicap
Measured as ever, Kerrin McEvoy still reached for the big call after Autumn Glow’s sparkling victory in the Epsom Handicap, branding the flawless mare a potential champion following her first Group 1 success at Randwick. Autumn Glow ($1.75 fav) overcame an awkward alley, a 54-1/2kg impost and a first test at...
Apocalyptic too good again in the 2025 Flight Stakes
Even with a résumé that includes top-line performers, Michael Freedman says nothing has excited him like Flight Stakes winner Apocalyptic. The brilliant filly completed a sweep of Sydney’s Princess Series crowns, adding the Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick to her earlier wins in the Furious (1200m) and Tea Rose Stakes (1400m),...
Deakin on track for Caulfield Cup and 2025 Melbourne Cup
Deakin’s formline this spring might look modest at first glance, but trainer Phillip Stokes says the stayer is right where he needs to be for the bigger prizes ahead. He resumes his ascent in Saturday’s Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington, a pivotal stepping stone toward both the Caulfield Cup...