Horse Racing News
Ceolwulf needs wet track to challenge Autumn Glow in Verry Elleegant Stakes
The prevailing weather in Sydney will decide if Ceolwulf can overthrow the elite mare Autumn Glow during the Verry Elleegant Stakes at Randwick, trainer Joseph Pride has indicated.A prohibitive $1.30 shot, Autumn Glow aims to make it 10 unbeaten runs on Saturday, with Pride admitting such short odds are appropriate.His...
Chris Waller targets autumn clues from Karinska and Panova in Surround Stakes
While not foreseeing a win against star fillies Tempted and Apocalyptic, trainer Chris Waller expects encouraging runs from Karinska and Panova during the Group One Surround Stakes at Randwick.The fillies carry double-digit quotes into Saturday's three-year-old showdown, where Waller aims for them to strike the line strongly ahead of a...
Stockdale seeks breakthrough Guineas victory at Flemington
Thomas Stockdale, the jockey, aims to extend the thrill of first-time fatherhood with elite-level achievement at Flemington.In the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) on Saturday, Stockdale rides Simon Zahra's Onavuitton, facing a tough three-year-old mile race that frequently produces unexpected outcomes.With wife Lily – former jockey Peter Mertens' daughter –...
Liverpool City Cup at Randwick to gauge potential of progressive Axius
Jockey Tim Clark has no clear idea of the peak potential for rising sprinter Axius, but eagerly awaits the chance to assess him in stakes racing at Randwick.This four-year-old gelding contests Saturday's Group 3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m), his return since a commanding success in the Magic Millions Sprint (1200m)...
Spicy Miss confirmed for Sweet Embrace Stakes as Ciaron's Star weighs weather
Rainfall prospects at Randwick could dictate the composition of Ciaron Maher’s squad heading into the Sweet Embrace Stakes, putting Pierro Plate winner Ciaron's Star at risk of missing out if the ground turns overly soft.In comparison, Spicy Miss is definitely entered for the important Golden Slipper trial, and assistant to...
Launceston Cup falls to Asva in local sweep
Asva, beaten early in the Hobart Cup, attracted no betting interest for the Launceston Cup, where the wagering was led by outsiders Ziryab and Taramansour from the mainland.Those heavily backed pair failed to feature at the wire as Asva guided home a home-state trifecta with Zulu Angel in second and...
Banjora sets sights on Provincial-Midway Championships
Jockey Zac Lloyd showed no nerves navigating a narrow inside path on exciting sprinter Banjora at Rosehill midweek, even as trainer Bryce Heys watched anxiously."Plenty of room," Lloyd said."He's a big horse, so he needs a bit more room than an average horse. He was just going that well he...
Chris Waller unconcerned by rain forecast ahead of Verry Elleegant Stakes
Potential rain could bring an added layer of complexity to the Verry Elleegant Stakes, but Chris Waller, the trainer, plans to ignore weather updates until Saturday morning.Expectations from the Bureau of Meteorology indicate varied precipitation for the week ahead, ranging from 4mm to approximately 60mm.Top mare and heavy favourite Autumn...
Flemington straight set for Befuddle's strong showing
Trainer John Sadler relies on Befuddle's familiarity with the Flemington straight to deliver positive results in her upcoming appearance.She takes her place in Saturday's HKJC World Pool Trophy (1100m), her second race after an 11-month absence.The filly, a daughter of Hanseatic, didn't hit top form in spring, but Sadler was...
Widdup hands Surround Stakes ride decisions to Nash Rawiller
Leading from the front in the Light Fingers Stakes, Savvy Hallie sees trainer Brad Widdup content to entrust tactics to veteran rider Nash Rawiller ahead of her elite Group One battle versus standout filly Tempted in the Surround Stakes at Randwick.The three-year-old stands out as the likely pacemaker in the...