Fully Lit’s emphatic win forces Bott into rethink
Trainer Adrian Bott has been handed a pleasant surprise after Fully Lit rediscovered his best form at Rosehill, romping home in the Precise Air Handicap (1400m). The gelding, who announced himself as a star juvenile by winning the 2024 Inglis Millennium, had been battling for consistency this preparation, but Saturday’s 5-1/4 length romp under Adam Hyeronimus has connections reconsidering their plans.
“To be honest, I thought this might have been his last run for the prep,” Bott revealed. “He’s had a few excuses, and the heavy tracks haven’t helped, but today he finally showed us that two-year-old spark again. Maybe he’s only just starting to peak now.”
Racing at $12, Fully Lit surged clear of Anythink Goes ($14) and Puntin ($6) to score in dominant fashion. Bott explained that key adjustments this campaign — including the removal of blinkers two starts back — had played a vital role in settling the gelding and unlocking his ability over longer trips.
While Bott ruled out setting lofty spring goals, he said Saturday’s result ensured Fully Lit would be given more chances to climb the grades, confident that the performance will serve as a turning point in his career.
More Racing News
Kosciuszko placegetter ready to Star at Randwick
Trainer Brett Robb will continue guiding the career of Gallant Star after the gelding’s ownership group firmly declared their intentions to keep him at Dubbo rather than move him to a city stable. Robb said his suggestion to shift the horse was purely practical due to the challenges of travelling to...
Stakes races kick-off for talented Samangu
Promising mare Samangu returns to racing on Saturday, and trainer Grahame Begg is already eyeing Stakes company later in the summer. Samangu resumes in the Sportsbet More Places Handicap (1000m) at Caulfield Heath, her first start since her March victory at the same track. The mare has won five of seven and...
Trainer not happy with Magic Millions programming in QLD
While most trainers are heading north toward the Gold Coast, Liam Birchley is travelling in the opposite direction as he attempts to get Gold Czech into the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. The Sunshine Coast horseman will saddle the debutant in Saturday’s Magic Millions VIC 2YO Classic at Caulfield Heath, believing it...
Guest House to chase the money in Magic Millions Victorian 2YO Classic 2025
After a polished trial win at Caulfield’s Heath track, Guest House is set to debut in Saturday’s Magic Millions Victorian 2YO Classic, with co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr buoyed by the colt’s progress. The Home Affairs son, a $270,000 Magic Millions buy, outclassed his rivals by 1-1/2 lengths in last week’s 850m...
Track experience vital for Oman in the 2025 Magic Millions VIC 2YO Classic
Grahame Begg is banking on Oman’s repeated exposure to Caulfield’s Heath track to give her an advantage when she steps out in the Magic Millions VIC 2YO Classic (1100m) this Saturday. The Capitalist filly has raced or trialled on the circuit three times: a debut fourth over 1000m, a third in...
Savvy Hallie on a path to the 2026 Magic Millions Sunlight
Promising filly Savvy Hallie will launch her campaign in the $3 million Magic Millions Sunlight before being aimed toward Sydney’s autumn features. Trainer Brad Widdup confirmed she had secured a slot in the January 10 sprint, with her preparation already well-advanced following a soft trial at Warwick Farm. One more trial is...
Dream to start 2026 Magic Millions Guineas build up
Icarian Dream is on track to return to Queensland as the Ciaron Maher team maps out a path toward next month’s Magic Millions 3YO Guineas. The Blue Point filly, who contested the Magic Millions 2YO Classic earlier this year, is being considered for Saturday’s Listed Gold Edition Plate at Eagle Farm. Last...
Ingham triumph puts Yorkshire in 2026 Doncaster Mile mix
Tom Charlton may have been only five years old when John O’Shea secured the 2000 Villiers Stakes, but on Saturday the duo jointly celebrated Yorkshire’s commanding victory in the modern equivalent, The Ingham (1600m), at Randwick. The triumph delivered O’Shea a fourth win in the prestigious race and marked Charlton’s first...
Weeping Woman too good in the 2025 Razor Sharp Handicap
Joe Pride’s team fired on all cylinders on Saturday, with six runners producing two wins, three seconds and a third across three states, including a dominant stable quinella in the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap at Randwick. Weeping Woman ($2.60 fav) finished strongest to overhaul Coal Crusher ($6), only 35 minutes after...
Warnie flies late to win The Supernova 2025
With a composed ride inspired by Mark Zahra, jockey Thomas Stockdale steered Warnie to a breakthrough victory in the lucrative The Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham. It was a signature moment for Stockdale, who delivered a tactically brilliant performance as the Ciaron Maher-trained runner stormed to victory in Southside Racing’s second slot...