Widdup mare Sneaky chance in Starlight Stakes
Black-type placegetter Sneaky Paige will kick off her second campaign for Brad Widdup in the Starlight Stakes and the trainer is looking forward to the fresh slate.
The mare joined Widdup’s team earlier this year following the departure of Mark Newnham to Hong Kong and in hindsight he said it wasn’t the smoothest start.
“I got her last time off Mark and things didn’t go to plan,” Widdup said.
“I wouldn’t say I rushed her last time in, but I probably treated her like I knew her, and I didn’t.
“We gave her a break and started again and her two trials have been excellent.
“She has had a better prep this time in, I know her a bit better, and she has been trouble-free.”
Sneaky Paige has looked bright and keen in her two recent trial wins and along with a handy first-up record, she is also adept on wet ground.
Rosehill was rated a slow 7 on Friday and all of the mare’s victories have been on rain-affected tracks.
Widdup has also been buoyed by Tyler Schiller’s willingness to stick with her after partnering her in the trials, the jockey having been in the saddle for her four career wins.
“He trialled her and was happy to stay with her, so it was a good booking,” Widdup said.
“We’re kicking her off in a solid race, but she handles soft going and she has trialled up really well.”
While the Starlight Stakes (1100m) is the immediate focus for Sneaky Paige, longer-term Widdup is hoping she can embark on her first interstate foray to the Magic Millions carnival at the Gold Coast in January.
The $1 million Magic Millions Snippets (1200m) and the Fillies & Mares (1300m) are both races Widdup would entertain.
“If we can get a run or two in before then, and if she’s going well we will definitely look that way,” he said.
“There is the sprint and the fillies and mares’ race, which is 1300, but you’re in fillies and mares’ grade and it’s not always as strong.”
Sneaky Paige is a $6.50 chance for the Starlight Stakes in pre-post markets with likely leader Malkovich the $3.20 top pick with betting sites.
More Racing News
Mr consistency heads to the 2026 Ballarat Cup
Ocean Beyond might not always warm the hearts of punters, but he remains an exceptionally consistent earner for his connections. The Simon Ryan-trained gelding will attempt to secure his biggest payday yet when he contests the $500,000 Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on Saturday, entering the race with more than $535,000 already...
Bar raised for in-form colt Swift Legend
Swift Legend has earned his opportunity in stronger company after back-to-back midweek victories, but jockey Jason Collett remains cautious as the colt continues to mature. The Dundeel youngster lines up in Sunday’s Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill, stepping out from recent wins at Warwick Farm and Canterbury. Collett says...
Inhabit out to book a 2026 Magic Millions Classic trip
Unbeaten filly Inhabit will be racing for a Magic Millions berth when she steps out again on Saturday. A stylish debut winner at Murray Bridge in October, she now lines up in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Two-Year-Old Plate (1000m) at Morphettville Parks. Her assignment has been simplified with three scratchings, leaving...
Rob and Annabel Archibald hoping to return north with West Of Africa
Despite Sydney lacking a feature race this weekend, Sunday’s Rosehill program will be pivotal for Rob and Annabel Archibald as they shape their Magic Millions carnival team. The Archibalds will run West Of Africa and Mickey’s Medal in the TAB Handicap (1400m), with both aiming to justify a January trip to...
Tommy Berry to test the summer carnival waters in 2025 George Moore Stakes
Tommy Berry will be a key figure in Brisbane this weekend as he reunites with Caballus, while also unveiling a valuable Magic Millions hopeful. Berry’s association with Caballus includes a Flemington stakes win two starts ago, prior to the sprinter backing up into the Champions Sprint, where he was unplaced behind...
SA raider Promises Kept chases 2025 Ballarat Cup
Trainer Michael Hickmott is confident that new stable acquisition Promises Kept can give his owners plenty to look forward to over the next fortnight. The gelding heads east for Saturday’s Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) and may then target the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) seven days later. Previously trained by Greg Eurell and...
Michael Dee makes Ascot return for Apulia in 2025 Northerly Stakes
Group 1-winning jockey Michael Dee is set to make a rare Perth appearance as he chases more elite-level success aboard Apulia. Dee will ride the Lindsay Park-trained entire in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot, marking his first visit to the track since November 2018. The Victorian lightweight has a strong record...
Son of ill-fated stallion St Jean scores impressive debut win
Melek, a staying-bred son of St Jean, made the perfect start to his racing career with a determined win over the mile at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday. The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old debuted in the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1600m) and made an immediate impact. Starting at $4.20 after firming late, Melek charged...
Air has second Assault on the 2025 Ballarat Cup
A mature and more composed Air Assault will attempt to push his prizemoney beyond $1 million when he lines up in Saturday’s Ballarat Cup. Trainer Andrew Gluyas says the gelding has finally pieced it all together after years of racing keenly, noting the now nine-time winner has developed into a tractable,...
Weather prompts Rosehill races transfer
Saturday’s Rosehill race meeting will now be held on Sunday after Racing NSW moved to avoid anticipated extreme heat across Sydney, with temperatures set to surge past 40 degrees. Racing NSW stewards had tracked forecasts closely all week and, with no relief in sight, chief steward Tom Moxon confirmed the rescheduling...