Loud Charlie out to back-up Sandown success
Lloyd Kennewell likes to aim high with his horses and he hopes the big league is where Loud Charlie belongs.
After breaking through for his maiden win at Sandown at the end of last month, Loud Charlie heads to the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday.
And a good showing from the gelding on Saturday could see Loud Charlie in contention for the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on February 28.
Loud Charlie created a good impression with his win at Sandown on January 28 after being beaten on debut at Terang on January 2.
The son of Prague chased home Asakura at Terang and that gelding’s only appearance since he was a 2-¾ length winner at Geelong on January 26.
Asakura and Loud Charlie are down to clash for a second time on Saturday.
Kennewell said Loud Charlie gained a lot of experience from his first start to his second start and is expecting the same again on Saturday.
“He’s on the up,” Kennewell said.
“His sectionals were very good the other day.
“I’ve always liked him as a horse, but he’s just got to keep climbing the ladder at this time of the year, so we’ll give him his chance as they’re only three once.
“The Guineas is there for him potentially afterwards, but we’ll see what happens Saturday, but he’s in good order and he’ll be thereabouts.”
A field of 13 has accepted for the C S Hayes on Saturday which is the traditional lead-up to the Australian Guineas two weeks later.
Loud Charlie has drawn out in gate 12 and will be ridden Jamie Mott who was successful on the gelding at Sandown.
More Racing News
Beiwacht to launch campaign in Lightning Stakes 2026
Godolphin and trainer Chris Waller have taken Beiwacht to Melbourne in a bid to familiarise the colt with straight-track racing ahead of potential international targets. Beiwacht is set to contest Saturday’s Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington, where he will meet stablemate Tentyris, the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained three-year-old. Both colts...
Savvy Hallie ready for Apocalyptic rematch in Light Fingers Stakes
Trainer Brad Widdup is looking forward to a renewed clash with champion filly Apocalyptic when Savvy Hallie lines up in Saturday’s Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Randwick. Savvy Hallie established herself among the leading fillies of her generation with placings behind Nepotism and Tempted before resuming in the spring with a...
Chris Waller not worried about protecting Autumn Glow’s winning run
Chris Waller says his focus is on having Autumn Glow ready to perform first-up rather than protecting the mare’s unbeaten streak as she prepares to resume in Saturday’s Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick. Autumn Glow, widely regarded as one of racing’s emerging stars, is the $1.55 favourite as she...
Treasurethe Moment ticking over for Futurity Stakes 2026 return
Trainer Matt Laurie is weighing up a return to Caulfield for a final hit-out with Treasurethe Moment ahead of her first-up appearance in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday week. The mare stepped out in a 1000m jump-out at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday, where she pinged the...
Apocalyptic ready to go in Light Fingers Stakes 2026
Apocalyptic will resume in Saturday’s Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Randwick, with trainer Michael Freedman anticipating a potential clash with fellow star filly Tempted later this autumn. Tempted set a high standard with her dominant victory in the Eskimo Prince Stakes over the same course and distance, while Apocalyptic...
Chris Waller weighing up 2026 Expressway Stakes team
Chris Waller has nominated three leading chances for Saturday’s $300,000 Group 2 Expressway Stakes at Randwick but says it is unlikely all will run. The 1200-metre feature has attracted 10 entries, including Joliestar, Angel Capital and Lady Shenandoah, and will serve as a stepping stone toward upcoming Group 1 targets. “We have...
Trainer Clinton McDonald still dreaming big with Rosberg
Chris Waller has nominated three leading contenders for Saturday’s $300,000 Group 2 Expressway Stakes at Randwick but indicated it is unlikely all will take their place in the field. The 1200-metre feature has attracted 10 entries, including Joliestar, Angel Capital and Lady Shenandoah, and serves as an important stepping stone toward...
Incognito remains in 2026 Golden Slipper equation
Former Golden Slipper favourite Incognito remains on a path to the world’s richest two-year-old race, with minor gear tweaks planned to keep him on track. The Breeders' Plate winner was below his best in the Canonbury Stakes first-up, with jockey Tommy Berry reporting a possible palate displacement post-race. Trainer Michael Freedman said...
Caulfield gallop takes edge off Tentyris ahead of Lightning Stakes 2026
A raceday gallop between events at Caulfield has helped sharpen Tentyris as he builds towards his first-up assignment in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes at Flemington. Trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, the talented three-year-old colt is being prepared for a brief autumn stint that could open the door to an...
Blonde Star causes upset in the 2026 Hobart Cup
Blonde Star delivered a stunning upset in the Hobart Cup (2400m) at the 2026 carnival, handing trainer Imogen Miller and jockey Erica Byrne Burke their maiden Group 3 triumph. Sent out at $31, the daughter of Starcraft dug deep to deny the race favourite in a gripping photo finish, while also...