Horse Racing News
'Magic Man' gearing up for Militarize mission
Less than a year after Joao Moreira began what he thought would be a global farewell tour, retirement plans have been put on the backburner as another Australian Group One target beckons. Moreira feared his days of riding were numbered when he struggled with an ongoing hip issue last year, prompting him...
Without A Fight set for Underwood Stakes return
Sam Freedman has been happy to talk about Without A Fight but he is now more than ready to see the galloper back at the races. That appearance comes in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on Saturday. Without A Fight came to Australia last year with Simon and Ed Crisford for the...
Will Hugh Bowman ride Sharp ‘N’ Smart in the Melbourne Cup 2023?
Sharp ‘N’ Smart, trained by Graeme and Debbie Rogerson, faces uncertainty ahead of the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) after being assigned a weight of 53.5kg. This puts the booked jockey, Hugh Bowman, in doubt as he was hoping for 54.5kg. Graeme Rogerson stated, “At this stage it is Hugh’s ride and we...
Cox Plate favourite Romantic Warrior settles in at Werribee
Romantic Warrior has successfully navigated a series of challenges, including a disruptive pre-export quarantine in Hong Kong and the impact of Super Typhoon Saola. Now settled in Australia, the horse is adjusting well, says Ben So, travelling foreman for trainer Danny Shum. Previously plagued by feed import issues, the team is relieved...
Slipper winner chasing slice of Golden Rose history
Sticking to campaign templates that have worked in the past is Chris Waller’s usual formula for big race success. But the champion trainer is stepping outside the box in his attempt to win the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) first-up with Shinzo. No horse has captured the $1 million spring feature without...
New look Alenquer steps out in G1 Underwood Stakes
Trainer Mike Moroney is looking to Alenquer showing the form that earned him equal second top-weight in the Melbourne Cup when he resumes at Caulfield. Alenquer lines up in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) on Saturday, his first run as a gelding. The French-bred galloper was gelded after two moderate runs in the...
Melbourne Cup 2023 could beckon for two-mile Marvel
While the Melbourne Cup isn’t a specific goal for dour stayer True Marvel, trainer Matthew Smith hasn’t ruled out giving him a shot at Australia’s most famous race. Placed in the Sydney and Brisbane Cups earlier this year, Smith says the eight-year-old is a genuine two-miler who could find himself in 2023...
Tough draw for Snow Patrol in Caulfield Guineas Prelude
Trainer Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr will await the final fields of Flemington before deciding on where to start Snow Patrol. The three-year-old is an acceptor for the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) on Saturday but also holds a nomination for the Three-Year-Old Benchmark 64 (1400m) at Flemington on Sunday. Snow Patrol drew the...
Barrier to decide Ducasse starts in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude
Trainer Michael Freedman will look to send Ducasse to Melbourne for a lead-up to the Caulfield Guineas. But a start in the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) on Saturday will be dependent on Ducasse drawing a decent barrier. The Prelude is the traditional lead-up to the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October...
Acromantula on track for Moir Stakes
Ben Pearce, along with co-trainer and brother, Dan, said there were a couple of choices on the table for Acromantula, but they settled on Friday week’s G1 Moir Stakes (1000m) as the best option. Moonee Valley’s unique track has proven to be a happy hunting ground for Acromantula, who landed a...