Horse Racing News
Vahala’s Ruler up for a 2026 Standish Handicap fight
Stefan Vahala accepts Aztec Ruler faces a stiffer challenge in this year’s Standish Handicap, but believes his seasoned campaigner is ready to rise to the occasion. The Perth gelding returns to Flemington hoping to improve on last year’s narrow defeat, when he was beaten a head by It’Sourtime in the $200,000...
Early return for Esha at Flemington races
Esha’s appearance as a $6.50 chance in a weight-for-age Group 1 at just her third start only months ago suggests Saturday’s summer sprint should be well within her grasp. Trainer Shane Nichols is nevertheless treating the assignment with respect as the filly returns to competition. The Extreme Choice filly resumes in Saturday’s...
Petticoat off to Wyong races on The Lake day
Brett Dodson would have loved to be setting Petticoat for a Magic Millions target, but the trainer is happy to instead chase black-type style prizemoney at Wyong this weekend. The Coffs Harbour-based horseman has his talented mare engaged in Saturday’s $160,000 Lawrie McKinna Mayor’s Cup F&M BM78 Handicap (1100m). A $100,000 Book...
Tentyris trials ahead of 2026 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes return
Mark Zahra is set to return to action at Flemington this Saturday, and a midweek jumpout aboard Tentyris suggested the jockey is primed for the weeks ahead. The Melbourne premiership leader reunited with the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained colt in an 800-metre jumpout at Mornington. Although Tentyris finished fourth behind Tropicus, beaten...
Skull’s Star chases big money in 2026 The Lakes at Wyong
Gallant Star has yet to add another win to his record this preparation, but trainer Brett Robb is confident the gelding deserves his shot at Saturday’s $500,000 Lakes Mile at Wyong. The Dubbo-trained son of Zoustar will contest the 1600-metre feature for the fifth time this campaign. His preparation began with a...
Waller wins with Catkins’ girl
Chris Waller will win bigger races this year than Wednesday’s second event at Warwick Farm, but the satisfaction derived from his win with Nandina ran beyond a midweek maiden. A daughter of So You Think, Nandina is out of Catkins, who was an early star for the champion trainer. The daughter of...
Touchdown out to score more fans
Lindsay Park is rarely without a cult horse in the stable and the gelding who has put up his hand as potentially the Hayes family’s next crowd favourite will chase a fourth-straight win this Saturday at Flemington. Touchdown is set to start odds-on favourite in the $130,000 Honouring Our Jockeys Plate,...
Simon Zahra considering maiden Wyong trip
Simon Zahra will consider his options with Princess Que, who is a chance to take him into unchartered territory in this Saturday’s $160,000 Central Coast Community News BM78 Handicap at Wyong. The speedy mare is in line to become the Flemington trainer’s first runner at the venue that hosts the rich Lakes...
Ice to stay Kool in the 2026 Magic Millions Sunlight
David Pfieffer is optimistic Ice Kool can rise to the challenge when he steps into Saturday night’s $3 million Magic Millions Sunlight Plate (1100m) at the Gold Coast. The lucrative three-year-old slot race was won by future Group 1 star Private Harry last year and will again see 12 runners face...
Flemington next for Stealth Of Night
While Will Hayes is confident Stealth Of Night possesses the talent to progress beyond benchmark level, the immediate goal is to continue taking advantage of her current form. The daughter of Night Of Thunder is set to contest the $130,000 Benchmark 74 over 1400 metres on Saturday at Flemington. Raced by Trilogy...