Horse Racing News
Danny O'Brien seeks Grand Slam completion via Closer To Free in Golden Slipper
When Closer To Free lines up in this Saturday's Golden Slipper, Danny O'Brien will pursue induction into a distinguished circle.Securing the $5 million Group 1 at Rosehill would enable the Victorian trainer to notch the full Grand Slam of Australian thoroughbred racing.Only Chris Waller, among trainers active in Australia, has...
Jimmysstar set to shine at Caulfield in William Reid
The Ciaron Maher barn isn't upset that the William Reid Stakes has shifted from Moonee Valley, as Jimmysstar likely would have targeted it regardless at his preferred venue.Caulfield hosts the $1 million Group 1 sprint on Saturday due to renovations sidelining The Valley.At Caulfield, Jimmysstar has raced six times, triumphing...
Weight allocation to pick Jedibeel's jockey in The Galaxy
Trainer Brad Widdup keeps two potential jockeys waiting to team up with Jedibeel for Saturday's Group 1 The Galaxy, hinging on the sprinter's handicap weight.Handicaps for Rosehill's 1100-metre showcase will drop Tuesday, allowing Widdup to select the rider once Jedibeel's burden is set."Depending on the weight, we've got Tommy (Berry)...
Caulfield trial for Treasurethe moment sets stage for Sunline Stakes
Matt Laurie, the trainer, made use of an exhibition canter at Caulfield to ready Treasurethe Moment for her next engagement.The multiple Group 1 champion is set for the Group 2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) on Saturday as her most likely next appearance, with the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) also...
Baker anxious over barrier positions for Golden Slipper runners
The two Golden Slipper prospects under Bjorn Baker's care are taking divergent roads to the $5 million spectacle, Paradoxium lined up for an intense workout Tuesday and Warwoven set for a gentle recovery period.Warwoven earned his berth in the juvenile feature through a dominant success in the Pago Pago Stakes...
Birchley's two-year-old run persists with Swift Dragon in QTIS Jewel 2YO
Despite long odds of $19 in the wagering, Swift Dragon demolished his rivals with a strong win ahead of favourite Esperanza, leaving the prior undefeated Rockhampton contender Better Blitzem to fill third spot.Birchley marked his third victor from the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) this season when Dream Roca dominated the...
Tough Ajax Stakes victory secures Cristal Clear's Doncaster Mile ticket
Braith Nock, the standout apprentice, notched the standout result yet in his developing career by steering Cristal Clear to victory in the Group 2 Ajax Stakes.Rob Archibald, the trainer, revealed Cristal Clear's next target is the Doncaster Mile, scheduled for the renowned Royal Randwick mile distance on April 4 as...
Blinkers key as Salty Pearl dominates VOBIS Platinum Guineas
Equipping Salty Pearl with blinkers and entering her on short rest has yielded a handsome payday for her owners at Caulfield.After the filly trailed the capable Sass Appeal in a Stakes contest at Flemington just seven days prior, the Ciaron Maher barn confidently proceeded with the $500,000 VOBIS Platinum Guineas...
Coolmore Classic conquered by Lazzura at Rosehill in bold display
James McDonald has drawn within a single victory of Damien Oliver's record for major wins, while Chris Waller notches his fourth consecutive Coolmore Classic thanks to Lazzura's valiant performance in Rosehill's premier contest.Shouldering 58kg, Lazzura joined Sunline (60kg) from 2002 as the only mare in recent decades to prevail in...
Birdman flies high with Peter Young Stakes win for Australian Cup tilt
Ben Melham has his sights set on a further Australian Cup victory after Birdman delivered a comfortable triumph at Caulfield.The jockey will team up with the Chris Waller-trained import from Ireland for the key Flemington race on March 28, fresh off piloting the gelding to a win in the Group...