Nonconformist poised for a third shot at Caulfield Cup
Nonconformist is poised for a third shot at the Caulfield Cup, following an impressive second-place finish in The Q22 at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Trainer Grahame Begg was highly pleased with Nonconformist’s performance, attributing the resurgence to the firm Brisbane track conditions that favoured the horse over the softer turf in the Doomben Cup.
“The horse had thrived up here in Brisbane. He ran up to his appearance as that was the best I’d ever seen him,” Begg said.
He confirmed that after a short break, Nonconformist will be back in training from the third week of July, aiming squarely at the Caulfield Cup.
Regarding Cardinal Gem’s subpar performance in the Stradbroke Handicap, Begg noted his discomfort when crowded among other horses, hinting at a shift in strategy for the upcoming Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, considering Cardinal Gem’s strong record at Caulfield over 1400 metres.
Finally, Begg expressed excitement over his expanding team, particularly about Lunar Flare, winner of the Andrew Ramsden Stakes, and She’s A Con, last start New Zealand Stakes winner, set to join the Melbourne team this week.
More Racing News
Mission Central on The Everest Radar After Royal Ascot Group 1 Victory
A stellar performance in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot has put Mission Central firmly in Coolmore's sights for a potential start in The Everest, completing a significant achievement for trainer Aidan O'Brien and jockey Ryan Moore.The Irish sprinter, a 14/1 chance, delivered an outstanding performance...
Shocking 50-1 win for Ten Bob Tony in the Queen Anne Stakes
It has been since 1950 that a horse priced longer than Ten Bob Tony has won the Queen Anne Stakes.The 50-1 outsider stunned competitors in the opening contest of Royal Ascot in 2026, with the five-year-old gelding benefiting from a ten-day back-up, his chestnut coat shining brightly under the brilliant...
Regal Zeus set for Eye Liner Stakes as McArdle eyes Group 1 targets
Mornington-based trainer John McArdle is already charting a course for a Group 1 campaign early in the season, with Queensland playing a key role in his plans.The gelding Regal Zeus is heading to Ipswich for the Listed Eye Liner Stakes (1350m) on Saturday, which is slated as the initial of...
The Western Front seeks more staying honours
The Lindsay Park training operation, managed by Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, is anticipating a fruitful outcome with their in-form stayer at Flemington.The Western Front is slated to compete in a 2500m handicap this Saturday, aiming to build on his consistent recent performances.This galloper, originally from New Zealand, was...
Pride's Poison Chalice eyes Civic Stakes success
Joseph Pride, a trainer known for elevating tried horses, is now guiding the talented gelding Poison Chalice.The six-year-old Savabeel progeny was formerly trained by Paul Preusker in Horsham, with his last run being a tenth-place finish in the Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m).While Poison Chalice has not yet won beyond benchmark...
Caulfield Cup prize money boosted for historic 150th running
A substantial increase in prize money has been announced for the Caulfield Cup, perfectly timed for the historic 150th running of this iconic Australian thoroughbred race.The renowned 2400m handicap event, set to take place on October 17, will now feature a total prize pool of $6 million. A key feature...
De Bergerac's final preparation ahead of Santa Ana Lane Series
With a place already secured in next month's Santa Ana Lane Series Final, De Bergerac will have its final tune-up in this Saturday's qualifier for the Listed event.The Grahame Begg-trained five-year-old, a gelding, is set to contest the $150,000 open handicap over 1100 metres at Flemington.This race represents the last...
Asfoora set for Royal Ascot return with blinkers on
The pinnacle event, Grand Final Day, is fast approaching for Asfoora, and her trainer Henry Dwyer is anticipating an enhanced performance from his globe-trotting mare in the King Charles III Stakes on the first day at Royal Ascot.The seven-year-old daughter of Flying Artie, who triumphed in the 1005-metre Group 1...
Skyhook proves mile credentials in Gunsynd Classic success
Skyhook has successfully demonstrated his aptitude for the mile distance with a dominant performance in the Gunsynd Classic, now firmly establishing himself as a contender for the prestigious Golden Eagle in the spring.Co-trainer Sterling Alexiou confirmed that the promising three-year-old colt would be sent for a spell following his impressive...
Remedial trial work for See That Storm after debut setback
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr's stable has opted for remedial trial work for former European import See That Storm following a disappointing debut performance in Australia.The gelding finished at the tail of the field on his Australian debut at Caulfield on May 30, crossing the line more than 10...