Two exciting colts set to clash at Rosehill races
A longer-term plan will be at play when promising colt Theblade heads to an off-season race at Rosehill looking to keep his perfect record intact.
A dominant winner by almost six lengths on debut at Randwick’s Kensington track in August, The Team Hawkes three-year-old will resume in the Petaluma Handicap (1200m) at his home track on Saturday where he takes on fellow unbeaten prospect Private Harry.
While Theblade’s career got off to a belated start, co-trainer Michael Hawkes hoped the horse could add some experience to his resume over the summer ahead of an autumn carnival tilt.
“He was supposed to run at Warwick Farm as a two-year-old at the end of last season, but he got scratched at the barriers and everything turned to custard,” Hawkes said.
“He ended up winning as a three-year-old at Kensington. We were just trying to win a race, give him a short break, bring him back, give him a run or two, and then give him a short let-up and head towards the autumn.”
A son of Toronado, Theblade was successful on a soft 7 surface at his debut despite not being comfortable on the ground and Hawkes felt the likelihood of a good track at Rosehill would suit him.
“That’s why Tommy (Berry) got him to the outside and to the middle of the track, his wheels were actually spinning on the ground,”‘ Hawkes said of Theblade’s first start.
“But his class prevailed, and he ended up winning by a big margin.
“Saturday, it’s a lovely race – three-year-olds, 1200 metres, home track, small field.
“He’s working great and he is there to win. He has done everything right and I can’t fault him.”
Theblade will be one of four Rosehill runners for the stable along with Zondee in the Canadian Club Handicap (1500m), Catahoula in the Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1300m) and Scorch in the final race.
Hawkes says their remaining trio are in good shape and make each-way appeal.
“They are all running well and they’re all top three chances,” he said.
Theblade ($3.10) and Private Harry ($2.15) dominate markets for the Petaluma Handicap, while first-up Canterbury winner Scorch is regarded as the yard’s next best chance on Saturday at $6.50 with online betting sites.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Tony Gollan’s two-year-old Itching To Go in 2026 Magic Millions Classic
Tony Gollan is leaning on a proven strategy as Itchintogo lines up on a seven-day backup in the Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) this Saturday. The approach has delivered strong results historically, with six winners of the $3 million race following the same path over the past 15 years. Purchased for $60,000...