Horse Racing News
Via Sistina confirmed for 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes field
Star mare Via Sistina is on the move again, with connections confirming she will line up in Saturday’s Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington following another reshuffle to her spring program. The multiple Group 1 winner was expected to resume in the 7 Stakes in Sydney, but plans changed after...
Maher pair chase Melbourne Cup start in The Archer 2025
With three horses nominated, Ciaron Maher will ultimately rely on Sayedaty Sadaty and Jennivamoose in Saturday’s Group 3 The Archer (2500m) at Flemington, leaving Turnbull Stakes winner Smokin’ Romans for the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield a week later. The Archer is one of the coveted “win and you’re in” contests for...
Take Two for North England in 2025 Run To The Rose
Dual Group winner North England will bypass the San Domenico Stakes (1000m) after failing to fire in a Canterbury trial, but a sharper effort has the colt back on course for the Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill. Connections were left puzzled when the Kindergarten Stakes winner weakened out late...
Apocalyptic ending to 2025 Furious Stakes
Randwick witnessed the re-emergence of a star on Saturday when Apocalyptic broke her maiden in the best possible way, capturing the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m). Trainer Michael Freedman, who once rated her above Golden Slipper winner Marhoona as a juvenile, finally saw his faith rewarded. Apocalyptic’s career had been delayed...
Angel Capital resumes with big win in 2025 Chautauqua Stakes
Angel Capital announced his arrival in Chris Waller’s stable with a brilliant first-up success at Moonee Valley, underlining his potential to be one of the spring’s headline acts. Sent out favourite in the Listed Chautauqua Stakes (1200m), the son of Wootton Bassett delivered exactly what his new connections were hoping...
2025 King Charles III Stakes earmarked for Mr Brightside
The Hayes brothers are carefully plotting Mr Brightside’s lead-up to his spring grand final, the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 18, after the gelding’s encouraging second in the Memsie Stakes. The eight-year-old could head to Flemington for the Makybe Diva Stakes or wait for Randwick’s...
Headwall stakes The Everest claims in Concorde Stakes
Headwall has thrown his name firmly into Everest discussions with a determined victory in Saturday’s Concorde Stakes at Randwick, though Lady Shenandoah’s fast-finishing second almost stole the spotlight. Trainer Matt Smith was delighted to see his stable star return with a win after Group 1 placings last campaign. Held up at...
Baraqiel scores emotional 2025 Moir Stakes victory
The rollercoaster career of Baraqiel reached its peak on Saturday when the galloper claimed a thrilling win in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley. Despite a checkered history with multiple tendon injuries and late withdrawals, the Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin-trained sprinter showed his trademark tenacity....
Rosberg stamps his potential in the 2025 McKenzie Stakes
Trainer Clinton McDonald had his emotions tested at Moonee Valley, first watching former stable runner Angel Capital capture the Chautauqua Stakes, then celebrating when his new colt Rosberg stormed home to win the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m). Angel Capital, winner of last year’s McKenzie Stakes for McDonald, was sold to Yulong...
First stakes winner for revamped Godolphin in 2025 Tramway Stakes
Randwick’s Group racing double on Saturday provided highlights for two top trainers, with Bjorn Baker guiding Pericles to an emotional Tramway Stakes win and Chris Waller celebrating Lindermann’s Chelmsford triumph. Pericles ($9.50) impressed at his first start for Baker, bursting between runners to land the 1400m feature by 1-1/4 lengths from...