Hedged returns to winning form in the 2026 Australia Stakes

Hedged rewarded Gavin Bedggood’s persistence with a gutsy victory in the Group 2 Australia Stakes at Pakenham.

The win came after a disappointing Flemington run, with jockey Harry Coffey admitting he had initially suggested a spell following the Group 3 Standish Handicap.

“When this Hedged turns up, he is a serious horse,” stable representative Darryl Horner said.

“Gavin is convinced that he is a Group 1 horse, but he is a bit of a head-scratcher now.

“He’s a funny sort of horse who has been good all prep and into each run, but Gavin being the perfectionist, this is a big thing for a small stable.”

Two starts earlier, Hedged had claimed the Listed Christmas Stakes (1200m) and added further black type with this performance.

“We just wanted to keep it simple and ride the horse where he was happy,” Coffey said.

“We wanted to lead and get things on his terms but old Veight was pretty sharp from the machine so I was going to have to bustle through to hold him out.

“I was in a predicament but when the field broke up, I was able to get to the outside of the heels of Veight, Hedged grabbed the bridle and he was a different horse.

“He is so much happier outside of horses compared to being bustled up on the inside.”

War Machine appeared the major threat turning for home but weakened late, while Cannonball sadly suffered a fatal injury during the race.

Those assessing future sprint form can check the latest racing betting markets following the Australia Stakes result.

The post Hedged returns to winning form in G2 Australia Stakes first appeared on Just Horse Racing.