Black Caviar Lightning Stakes 2025 out but Royal Ascot still a possibility
Isthmus' hopes of competing in a Group 1 event at Flemington have been put on hold due to surgery for an entrapped epiglottis. However, trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman remain optimistic about the mare’s chances of racing internationally.
Originally set to launch her autumn campaign in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday, Isthmus had to undergo a procedure on Monday instead.
The Freedman-trained mare took part in an 800m barrier trial along the Flemington straight last Friday, securing fourth place behind Traffic Warden in a heat stacked with Lightning Stakes hopefuls.
Although the surgery ruled her out of the Lightning Stakes, the stable is still considering the Group 1 Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in April, followed by a possible trip to Royal Ascot in June.
“The Sangster and Royal Ascot are still a possibility,” Sam Freedman confirmed.
“She had surgery on Monday. It’s gone well and she just needs two or three weeks to come right from that and she’ll be back working along as normal.”
Freedman indicated that Isthmus could make her return in the Listed ATA/Bob Hoysted Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on March 29 as a lead-up to the Sangster Stakes four weeks later.
Isthmus is the second mare owned by Jonathan Munz under Freedman’s care to encounter a setback.
Right To Party, who finished runner-up in the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, was recently retired after sustaining a career-ending injury.
“It seems to happen to the good ones, doesn’t it,” Freedman remarked.
Meanwhile, Freedman is hopeful for a successful return of Henlein, who is set to compete in the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Henlein has not been seen on the track since finishing second to El Castello in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick last October.
“He’s forward enough. He’s done enough work, and he’ll love Flemington,” Freedman said.
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...
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...
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...
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...