Horse Racing News
Gates sets sights on Victoria Derby 2023
Peter Moody and syndicator Wylie Dalziel put their necks on the line when they purchased Gates at a Magic Millions Yearling Sale. The son of Frankel, a close relation to stayer Mirage Dancer that third in the 2019 Caulfield Cup, and won The Metropolitan in Sydney, was a $950,000 purchase by the pair in 2022. Gates had his...
Joao Moreira turns up the heat at Warwick Farm
Adding his star power to the midweek meeting at Warwick Farm, celebrated jockey Joao Moreira wasted no time making an impact with a winner at his first ride. Moreira, who has been competing in Japan, is back in town to partner the Chris Waller-trained Militarize in Saturday’s $1 million Golden Rose (1400m),...
Eeyore Wayz backs up in the TABTouch Stakes
There were a couple of upward spikes with thirds in the Ngawyni Stakes (1000m) and Blue Spec Stakes (1600m), but aside from those two runs it’s been a barren campaign. Raquel Reid usually goes on the theory you can forgive a horse one bad run, but after two poor efforts, she’s been...
'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...