Sydney racing features for Queensland talent

With the 2025 Queensland Racing Carnival concluded, spring ambitions are beginning to take shape for several of the state’s standout gallopers.

Chris and Corey Munce’s star juvenile Cool Archie, winner of the JJ Atkins Stakes, will be rested for the remainder of the year, opening the door for horses like Sunrays and Philia to lead Queensland’s charge into the spring.

Sunrays, trained by Kelly Schweida and sired by William Reid Stakes champion Hellbent, is being targeted at the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes and Group 1 Flight Stakes in Sydney.

“She’s had a month off and has come through it really well,” Schweida said.

“She’s shown that she should get a mile and we’ll target those fillies races in Sydney.”

Her carnival finished on a strong note with a victory in the Listed Show A Heart. She’s currently rated a $15 chance for the Flight Stakes, with Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes winner Tempted holding top spot in the market.

David Vandyke’s Philia added Group success to her resume by claiming the Group 2 The Roses, but she couldn’t replicate that form in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks. Her path forward remains under discussion during a mid-season break.

Meanwhile, Tony Gollan has welcomed back Antino, whose stunning win in the Group 1 Doomben Cup has set the stage for a tilt at the prestigious Cox Plate.

Antino sits second in early betting at $6, with Via Sistina maintaining favouritism at $2.30.