Horse Racing News
Futurity Stakes delivers Pericles breakthrough Group 1 success
The resilient gelding Pericles shed his Group 1 maiden status by grabbing a well-deserved top-level victory in the $750,000 Futurity Stakes on Saturday at Caulfield.Six heartbreaking placings at the highest grade—including a runner-up effort in the Futurity Stakes two seasons prior—were put behind him as the Street Boss six-year-old saluted...
Dominant Silver Slipper win catapults Stretan Ruler towards Golden Slipper
Phillip Stokes, the Pakenham trainer, admitted to getting disoriented at Rosehill Gardens, yet his exceptional colt Stretan Ruler navigated straight to an authoritative triumph in Saturday's Group 2 $300,000 Silver Slipper (1100m).Stretan Ruler demanded respect by blistering around the 1100m in 1:03.64s, finishing 3-1/2 lengths clear of Sydney's leading juveniles."I...
Buckaroo welcomes Jye McNeil for Futurity Stakes return
Cox Plate placegetter Buckaroo will have jockey Jye McNeil back on board for his opening outing of the autumn series at Caulfield.The gelding heads into the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, piloted by McNeil.In the gelding's tally of 31 career starts, McNeil has only been aboard...
Walker team warming to Geegees Mistruth ahead of Caulfield feature
Mark Walker's Cranbourne stable has developed an increasing fondness for Geegees Mistruth the longer she has been in their care.The four-year-old, bred in Tasmania, transferred to the Walker outfit last spring following preparation by Stuart Gandy.With six successes in 15 races, Geegees Mistruth remains without a mainland triumph, but hopes...
Berry confident in Ninja's Hobartville Stakes bid
Premier jockey Tommy Berry reckons a Queensland summer campaign has reshaped the previously unruly Ninja, placing his trust in the gelding to match the top three-year-olds at Rosehill.During his Queensland stint, Ninja raced three times, claiming victory in the Vo Rogue Plate (1300m) at Eagle Farm and battling from a...
Stablemates Sam Hawkens and Athabascan chase common Sydney Cup prize
Tom Charlton and John O'Shea are anxiously awaiting confirmation of a run for fresh addition Sam Hawkens in the Parramatta Cup, whereas stable companion and Sydney Cup contender gelding Athabascan is confirmed to take part.Once prepared by William Haggas, Sam Hawkens holds first reserve status for Saturday's key 1900m contest,...
O'Brien backs Closer to free despite inexperience for blue diamond stakes
Danny O'Brien refuses to let Closer To Free's shortage of race exposure hinder expectations for the colt in Victoria's leading juvenile feature at Caulfield.The colt secured entry to Saturday's Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield via a winning performance in the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) on February 7.O'Brien...
Big Sky sidelined ahead of Blue Diamond Stakes after vet checks
X-rays taken after a canter workout at Cranbourne have excluded favourite Big Sky from Victoria's leading race for two-year-olds.Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr's colt had been installed as the top pick for Saturday's Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), but the trainer was displeased with the colt's movement spotted...
Thornton backing Run Lucy Run for Ipswich repeat
Trainer Glenn Thornton is aware of Run Lucy Run's capabilities, but unlocking her top form requires a patient approach that he believes will ultimately prove fruitful.Having shifted from Victoria to the Gold Coast, the handler is developing his 12-strong 2026 string, and Run Lucy Run seeks to capitalise on her...
Autumn Mystery's autumn plans target South Australian Derby
The staying three-year-old Autumn Mystery kicks off his bid for the South Australian Derby taking on more experienced competitors at Caulfield.Having most recently been eighth across the line in the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington during November, Autumn Mystery now contests the benchmark 84 Lamaro's Hotel Handicap (1400m) this Saturday.Rory...