Horse Racing News
Zakouma's road to the Cups is on track
Trainer Grahame Begg is feeling more at ease with Zakouma now qualified for a Caulfield Cup lead-up event.The six-year-old gelding was initially listed as the second emergency for Saturday's Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield, but two horses being scratched has allowed him to gain a start.With a ballot exemption already...
Craig Williams aims for history in Caulfield Group 1
Craig Williams, the only jockey to have conquered Australian racing's 'Super Slam'—comprising the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate, Golden Slipper, and The Everest—has secured victories in races of greater prestige than the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.Nevertheless, the decorated rider has always held the 1400-metre handicap, set to be contested...
Matthew Smith banks on Queen's Gamble's potential in the Tea Rose Stakes
Emerging filly Queen's Gamble is set to face some of Sydney's most accomplished three-year-olds in the Tea Rose Stakes at Randwick. Trainer Matthew Smith, however, has a solid precedent for his confidence in her ability to compete.Smith's previous charge, Hurtle Myrtle, was a consistent performer in the 2009 Princess Series,...
Tactical racing expected in 7 Stakes due to small field
Autumn Glow is set to be a very short-priced favourite for the $1 million 7 Stakes at Randwick. Connections are confident in her ability to perform, but they are also aware that a small field can introduce unexpected challenges.Following Chris Waller's decision to withdraw stablemates Lindermann and Lady Shenandoah to...
Mollie Fitzgerald set for big stage in The Shorts
Apprentice jockey Mollie Fitzgerald is counting down the days until Saturday, when she will ride in her first Group race aboard the talented mare Flying For Fun in the lucrative $1 million Shorts at Randwick.The 24-year-old rider, indentured to trainers Annabel and Rob Archibald, has had three rides in Listed...
Blind Raise set for Caulfield Guineas Prelude challenge
The Spring Carnival is reaching a stage where horses have fewer opportunities to avoid facing their toughest rivals.Trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young are keenly aware of this as they prepare Blind Raise for an assault on the Caulfield Guineas.The Caulfield Guineas, a 1600m feature race scheduled for October 10,...
Lloyd backs talented pair to perform at Newcastle
Leading jockey Zac Lloyd is set to test the mettle of Metropolitan contender Aethelwulf and Epsom Handicap hopeful Althoff in key lead-up races at Newcastle, with their respective carnival aspirations on the line.Aethelwulf, aiming for his fourth consecutive win, faces a dual test in Friday's Group 3 Newcastle Gold Cup...
Tennessee Spirit's speed set to shine at Morphettville Parks
Tennessee Spirit, a former rapid runner, has successfully learned to control her speed under the training of Toby Lake.Fresh off a win on the Ballarat synthetic track, Tennessee Spirit is heading to Adelaide this Saturday to compete in the Sportsbet Green Tick Handicap over 1000 metres at Morphettville Parks.The filly...
Scarole proves his worth over distance at Caulfield Heath
The Ciaron Maher stable is hopeful about Scarole's prospects for the upcoming spring racing season following his maiden win at Caulfield Heath.This victory in the Sportsbet Playbook Plate, contested over 1500m, was the colt's fourth start. It suggests he may be ready for longer races in the near future.Under the...
Crescent King's Canterbury win leads to stakes race ambitions
Trainer Peter Snowden suggests Crescent King has the potential to compete in stakes races this spring after his hard-fought maiden win at Canterbury.Although Crescent King won by a short neck over Better By Far, Snowden highlighted the three-year-old's above-average home track ability and predicted further improvement as he matures."He put...