Think It Over to contest the $1m 7 Stakes
Kerry Parker is set to implement the final stage of his initial three-part plan for comeback galloper Think It Over before committing to the horse’s path for the remainder of the spring.
The 2022 Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner will make his next appearance in Saturday’s $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick after two encouraging runs, the latest when hitting the line strongly for third to Navajo Peak in the Chelmsford Stakes over the Randwick mile.
That followed a solid first-up sixth in the Winx Stakes (1400m), Think It Over’s first start in 16 months, and Parker has taken heart from both performances.
“That was a bit more of a tough test,” Parker said of the horse’s Chelmsford assignment.
“There was a lot of tempo early, but he didn’t shirk the task and he was honest all the way to the line. I’m sure that will bring him on a bit more.
“His two runs back have been a credit to him and let us know he’s back at this level.”
In a bid to lay a strong foundation of fitness and confidence, the next stage of Parker’s plan is Saturday’s 7 Stakes and Think It Over’s performance there will determine the trainer’s next move.
The horse is among entries for the Cox Plate (2040m), while a race like the $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Everest day could also be on the radar.
“He will probably go around in the 7 Stakes,” Parker said.
“That was our plan from the start to give him these first three runs fortnightly apart and then we’ll know where he’s at.
“But to me, he’s come back terrific and he’s in great order.”
Parker will also nominate Hope In Your Heart for the 7 Stakes, while Winx Stakes winner Fangirl and her Chris Waller-trained stablemate Hinged are set to run, that pair tuning up for next weekend with a 1000m exhibition gallop at Rosehill on Saturday.
More Racing News
War Machine to target the 2026 Australia Stakes
Top-class sprinter War Machine will resume in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Pakenham on Friday night as connections eye a strong autumn campaign. The race, traditionally held at Moonee Valley, has been moved due to redevelopment works and shapes as an ideal launchpad for the Lindsay Park galloper. War Machine...
Antino to target 2026 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the Autumn
A strong trial session at Deagon on Tuesday will be highlighted by the return of Antino as Tony Gollan begins plotting another autumn campaign for the talented gelding. Antino has not raced since his disappointing effort in the Group 1 Cox Plate, where he finished last after failing to fire on...
2026 Golden Slipper Stakes favourite Incognito nearing return to the races
The absence of Incognito from the Magic Millions 2YO Classic did little to dent his standing in Golden Slipper markets, with the colt edging closer to a raceday return. Michael Freedman elected to sidestep the Gold Coast feature with the $1 million purchase, instead opting for a controlled trial as the...
Torque To Be Sure breaks maiden in 2026 Magic Millions Guineas, survives protest
Torque To Be Sure finally lived up to his promise with a breakthrough victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 3yo Guineas, though his success came with a nervous wait in the stewards’ room. The Matthew Dunn-trained gelding drifted under pressure in the closing stages, bumping race favourite Ninja as the...
Golden Slipper Stakes 2026 plans for Godolphin’s Outspan
The Godolphin-trained Outspan has thrust himself into Golden Slipper calculations after a commanding win at Rosehill on Saturday. After settling just behind the speed in the 1100m contest, the Michael Freedman-trained colt finished strongly to defeat Long Throw ($15) by 1-1/2 lengths, with Miss Chanel ($4.60) another half-length back. The performance marked...
Unit Five powers home in the 2026 Magic Millions Classic
Unit Five announced himself as a rising star with a powerful victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic, overcoming far more seasoned rivals despite limited race experience. The Ciaron Maher-trained colt, ridden confidently by Thomas Stockdale, held off Tornado Valley by a length, with By Choice finishing just behind...
Big Sky surges into 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes calculations
Big Sky’s dominant debut at Flemington has propelled him straight into calculations for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), giving Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr the top two runners in early betting. The Bivouac colt overcame a wide draw in the TAB We’re On (1000m), travelling strongly under Jordan...
Future History too strong in the 2026 January Cup
Future History showed his class and toughness when landing the $200,000 Listed January Cup at Rosehill, giving Ciaron Maher another feature race success. The eight-year-old almost didn’t take his place in the race after heavy rain downgraded the track, but connections elected to press on despite concerns about the conditions. Ridden positively...
Mile no issue for Merrigold in 2026 Vobis Gold Distaff
Trainer John Sadler admitted a touch of stubbornness delayed Merrigold’s step up to 1600 metres, but the mare made him look wise with a dominant Flemington victory. The five-year-old was having her first start beyond 1400 metres and handled the rise in distance with ease when taking out the Vobis Gold...
Mile test for Harry’s Yacht in 2026 Vobis Gold Reef
Will Larkin is confident the timing is right to test Harry’s Yacht over the mile when the gelding contests Saturday’s Vobis Gold Reef at Flemington. The four-year-old has enjoyed a strong preparation to date, registering two wins at benchmark level and adding two placings in Vobis races over 1200 metres. Training in...