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King Charles target for Idle Flyer

Queen Of The Turf Stakes winner Idle Flyer (Dundeel) will complete her spring preparations in a 1000-metre Group trial at Rosehill on Friday. The Matt Smith trained mare will have her second and final trial before resuming at Randwick on August 22, with the Winx Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) or Show County Quality (Gr 3, 1200m) her likely starting point. Smith has identified the King Charles III Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) as Idle Flyer’s primary Sydney target before a possible trip to Melbourne for the Empire Rose Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m). Idle Flyer enjoyed a breakout autumn, winning the Emancipation Stakes (Gr 2, 1500m) before defeating Lady Shenandoah (Snitzel) and Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express) in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m). Stablemate Headwall (Dream Ahead) will trial over 900 metres ahead of his planned return in the Concorde Stakes (Gr 3, 1000m) on September 5. The sprinter has been sidelined by a leg injury since winning last year’s Concorde. Smith hopes strong performances there and in The Shorts (Gr 2, 1100m) could earn Headwall a place in The Everest (Gr 1, 1200m).

Tazima chases fourth straight win at Randwick

Tazima (Awtaad) will attempt to extend his winning sequence to four when he contests Saturday’s Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) at Randwick. The Chris Waller trained gelding has not raced since completing a hat trick on July 11, with connections deliberately waiting four weeks for the $250,000 feature. James McDonald replaces apprentice Siena Grima, who partnered Tazima to his past three victories but will ride stablemate Matusalem (The Autumn Sun). Matusalem finished strongly when sixth in the Winter Stakes (Listed, 1400m) first up and has since completed a barrier trial ahead of the step up in distance. Waller will also saddle Elliptical (Dundeel) and Unlimited (Saxon Warrior). Elliptical is expected to appreciate a firmer surface, while Unlimited will need luck from an outside draw. OTI Racing’s Boniface (Make Believe), runner up to Tazima at his past two starts, shapes as the favourite’s principal rival. Former William Haggas trained stayer Sam Hawkens (Galileo) will also begin his second Australian preparation after winning a recent barrier trial for John O’Shea and Tom Charlton.

Grand Pierro continues Melbourne Cup pursuit

Grand Pierro (Pierro) will continue his bid to earn a Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) berth when he contests Saturday’s Travis Harrison Cup (1800m) at Caulfield. Trainer Jason Warren is working towards the Archer Stakes (Gr 3, 2500m) at Flemington on September 12, the next Victorian race carrying ballot exemption for the Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m). Further qualifying opportunities are available through the Bart Cummings (Gr 3, 2500m), Geelong Cup (Gr 3, 2400m) and Moonee Valley Gold Cup (Gr 2, 2500m), with Melbourne Cup nominations closing on September 1. Grand Pierro finished fourth when resuming in last month’s Mildura Cup (1400m) and will drop in weight at Caulfield. Warren plans to give the gelding another start over 2000 metres at Caulfield before the Archer Stakes. Grand Pierro has previously demonstrated his stamina in the Bagot Handicap (Listed, 2800m) and Adelaide Cup (Gr 2, 3200m). He also finished third behind Half Yours (St Jean) in last season’s Naturalism Stakes (Gr 3, 2000m) before unsuccessfully attempting to qualify for the Melbourne Cup through the Bart Cummings and Moonee Valley Gold Cup.

Fire Bomber seeks another Ipswich success

Progressive gelding Fire Bomber (Better Than Ready) will chase his third career victory in Friday’s QTIS Three and Four-Year-Old Benchmark 68 Handicap (1350m) at Ipswich. The Toby Edmonds trained galloper has recorded two wins and two placings from seven starts and returns to the venue of both his victories after being beaten by less than a length at his past two appearances at Doomben. Fire Bomber will carry 60 kilograms, but Edmonds is confident the strongly built gelding can overcome the weight. Edmonds said the drop in grade and QTIS prize-money made Friday’s race an attractive target. Meanwhile, Stradbroke Handicap (Gr 1, 1400m) winner Spicy Martini (Justify) has returned to the Gold Coast stable and completed her first fast gallop on Saturday. She is being prepared for a possible Everest (Gr 1, 1200m) campaign and is expected to resume in the Concorde Stakes (Gr 3, 1000m) at Randwick on September 5.

Clark seeks Missile redemption aboard Gangsta Granny

Tim Clark will reunite with Gangsta Granny (Written Tycoon) in Saturday’s Missile Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) at Randwick as he seeks to build on his season-opening treble at Rosehill. Clark’s only previous ride aboard the Hawkes Racing-trained mare resulted in a third behind Stefi Magnetica (All Too Hard) in last year’s The Invitation (Gr 2, 1400m), when he felt the pair endured little luck. “I didn’t quite have the best of luck when I rode her in The Invitation, so I’m looking to redeem that,” Clark said. Gangsta Granny pleased Clark in a recent Randwick trial and has drawn barrier one for her first test against stronger open company. The mare has not finished outside the placings in 12 starts, with her record including two Group 3 victories and five further black-type placings. Clark believes Gangsta Granny’s consistency reflects her toughness and the careful placement of Team Hawkes. “Now is the time to test her at that little bit better level to see where she measures up,” he said.

Cavalry Girl targets Caulfield success

Cavalry Girl (Bivouac) will attempt to extend her successful campaign when she contests Saturday’s Sweeney Estate Agents Handicap (1000m) at Caulfield Heath. The Tom Dabernig trained four year old secured valuable black type at her latest start, defeating two and three year old rivals in the Lightning Stakes (Listed, 1050m) at Morphettville on July 25. “She’s raced very consistently and won quite comfortably in Adelaide,” Dabernig said. “Getting that black type was important for her breeding future.” Cavalry Girl now steps into Benchmark 100 company, but Dabernig believes her race fitness, light weight, favourable draw and previous Caulfield form will help offset the stronger opposition. The mare has won over 1050 metres and performed well at 1100 metres, although Dabernig considers Saturday’s 1000 metre journey her preferred distance. A strong performance could earn Cavalry Girl an opportunity in the Moir Stakes (Gr 1, 1000m), which will be held at Sandown on September 5. However, Dabernig said her affinity for Caulfield and the Flemington straight, along with Sandown’s current surface, would be considered before committing to that target. 

Freedman mares launch spring campaigns

Michael Freedman will unveil two mares with black type ambitions this weekend, with Magenta Skies (Frankel) and Mareth (Harry Angel) set to begin their latest preparations. Magenta Skies is poised to make her first appearance in ten months after missing the autumn following surgery to remove bone chips from a knee. The four year old showed promise during her initial campaign, earning a start in the Flight Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m), in which she finished seventh behind stablemate Apocalyptic (Extreme Choice). Magenta Skies has been accepted for Saturday’s Precise Air Handicap (1400m) at Randwick and a Benchmark event at Kembla Grange, with Freedman to assess both options. “She’s had a steady, long build up that has been going well,” Freedman said. “Hopefully we can have an uninterrupted preparation with her and get her to her full potential.” Stablemate Mareth will resume in the Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1200m) at Randwick, with apprentice William Stanley’s three kilogram claim reducing her weight to 56.5 kilograms. The Godolphin owned mare ended her autumn campaign with a narrow second to Beskar in the South Pacific Classic (Listed, 1400m). Freedman has identified the Mona Lisa Stakes (Gr 3, 1350m) at Wyong as her short term target. Mareth has completed one barrier trial ahead of her return, with Freedman satisfied the lightly framed mare did not require another hit out before racing.

Callow reunites with Lim aboard Saltoro

Noel Callow will renew his association with prominent Singapore owner Lim Siah Mong when partnering Lim’s Saltoro (Shamexpress) in Saturday’s Behemoth Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) at Morphettville. Callow rode numerous winners for Lim during his time in Singapore, including for trainer Dan Meagher’s father John, before Dan established himself as one of the jurisdiction’s leading trainers. Lim’s Saltoro followed Meagher to Australia after racing ceased in Singapore and will make his first appearance in more than 12 months on Saturday. “It’s a full circle moment having Noel aboard,” Meagher said. “He rode plenty of winners for Dad and Mr Lim, and I think he will suit this horse.” Lim’s Saltoro was sidelined after suffering a hindquarter issue following his fourth Australian start at Caulfield last July. Meagher said the gelding had fully recovered and completed four jump outs ahead of his return. The trainer believes the weight for age contest provides a suitable starting point but remains uncertain how Lim’s Saltoro will handle a rain affected surface. The gelding finished behind subsequent Group 1 winner War Machine (Harry Angel) during his previous preparation. Drawn barrier nine, Lim’s Saltoro is expected to race prominently before progressing to longer distances later in his campaign.

Lepolo impresses on debut at Ballarat

Lepolo (Written Tycoon) scored a dominant debut victory at Ballarat on Thursday. The Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained three-year-old, bred and raced by Yulong, started favourite following three jump-outs. Jockey Harry Coffey allowed the colt take control at the 300 metres and kicked to win the 1400-metre maiden by three and a quarter lengths. Calvin McEvoy said Lepolo had always displayed natural ability but had required time to mature mentally. McEvoy believes Lepolo could develop into a 2000-metre performer and possesses the ability to progress to Saturday company. The stable will assess Coffey’s feedback before deciding the colt’s next assignment.

Wild Ruler lands interstate double

Newgate Farm stallion Wild Ruler (Snitzel) continued his winning ways, recording an interstate double on Thursday through three-year-olds Count Du Money and Face The Wild. Count Du Money broke through at his second start for trainer Nathan Doyle, defeating short-priced favourite Temptation (Lucky Vega) at Gosford. Ridden by Ashley Morgan, Count Du Money settled outside the leader before taking control in the straight and scoring by just under a length. The result followed the gelding’s debut second at Scone. He was purchased by Doyle and Mitchell Bloodstock for $200,000 from Attunga Stud at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Face The Wild completed the double when winning her maiden at Ballarat for Tony and Calvin McEvoy holding off Isle Of Mona (Royal Meeting) by three-quarters of a length. Face The Wild was bought by the McEvoys, First Light Racing and Belmont Bloodstock for $150,000 from Telemon Thoroughbreds at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Wild Ruler finished second to run away leader Home Affairs (I Am Invincible), by winners among Australia’s first-season sires last season. His 11 winners include stakes winners Stretan Ruler and Queen Regent,  

Finalists announced for Sydney Strapper of the Year

The finalists for Racing NSW’s 2025–26 Sydney Strapper of the Year award have been announced. Now in its 17th year, the award recognises is peer-nominated, with strappers attending metropolitan race meetings invited to nominate deserving colleagues. A selection panel of racing officials will choose the winner from the following finalists:

• Christen Ercig-Wilson – foreman for trainer Jack Pilkington.
• Danielle Akon – works for trainer John Sargent.
• Garance Lathiere – works for trainer Robert Quinn.
• Jacob Anderson – works for trainer Joe Pride.
• Jane Shaw – assists trainer Karin Owen.
• Kathleen Watts – works for the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr stable.
• Malak Singh – foreman for trainer Chris Waller.
• Megan Booker – works for trainer Angela Davies.
• Michael Harry – works for trainer Peter Snowden.
• Stephanie Alexander – works for trainers Brett and Georgie Cavanough.

The winner will be selected based on their dedication, horsemanship, professionalism and contribution to their stable and the wider racing industry.

Australian Racehorse of the Year finalists unveiled

Racing Australia has announced the finalists for the 2025–26 Australian Racehorse of the Year awards, with Half Yours (St Jean), Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun), Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock), Sheza Alibi (Saxon Warrior) and Sir Delius (Frankel) among the contenders for the top honour. The awards will be presented at Racing’s Night of Champions at Royal Randwick on August 27, recognising performances in Australia and abroad by Australian-trained horses and people. Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) winner Guest House (Home Affairs) headlines the Champion Two-Year-Old finalists alongside Campione D’Italia (Snitzel), Fireball (Snitzel), Streisand (Magnus) and Tron Bolt (Toronado). Autumn Boy (The Autumn Sun), Beiwacht (Bivouac), Green Spaces (Street Boss), Observer (Ghaiyyath) and Tentyris (Street Boss) are nominated in the Champion Three-Year-Old Colt or Gelding category, while Apocalyptic (Extreme Choice), Marhoona (Snitzel), Ohope Wins (Ocean Park), Sheza Alibi and Tempted (Street Boss) comprise the Three-Year-Old Filly finalists. Champion Sprinter nominees are Autumn Glow, Jigsaw (Manhattan Rain), Joliestar (Zoustar), Tempted and Tentyris, while the Champion Middle Distance category features Aeliana (Castelvecchio), Autumn Glow, Sheza Alibi, Sir Delius and Via Sistina. Aeliana, Changingoftheguard (Galileo), Dubai Honour (Pride of Dubai), Half Yours and Royal Supremacy (Make Believe) will contest the Champion Stayer award. Highland Blaze (Highland Reel), Instigator (Nayef), Mr Waterville (Camelot), Sing For Peace (Tavistock) and Stern Idol (Raven’s Pass) are the Champion Jumper finalists, with Stern Idol bidding for a fourth consecutive title. Chris Waller has secured the Bart Cummings Award as Champion Group 1 Trainer for a 14th successive season after preparing a record 22 elite-level winners. James McDonald has been named Champion Group 1 Jockey for a sixth consecutive year following a record 17 Australian Group 1 victories. The late Snitzel secured his fifth Champion Sire title after his progeny earned $25.9 million during the season.

CHAMPION 2YO Campione D’Italia Fireball Guest House Streisand Tron Bolt	CHAMPION 3YO FILLY Apocalyptic Marhoona Ohope Wins Sheza Alibi Tempted
CHAMPION 3YO COLT/GELDING Autumn Boy Beiwacht Green Spaces Observer Tentyris	CHAMPION SPRINTER  (up to 1400m) Autumn Glow Jigsaw Joliestar Tempted Tentyris
CHAMPION MIDDLE DISTANCE (1401m – 2040m) Aeliana Autumn Glow Sheza Alibi Sir Delius Via Sistina	CHAMPION STAYER (2041-3200m) Aeliana Changingoftheguard Dubai Honour Half Yours Royal Supremacy
CHAMPION JUMPER  Highland Blaze Instigator Mr Waterville Sing For Peace Stern Idol	BART CUMMINGS AWARD – GROUP 1 TRAINER OF THE YEAR Chris Waller  GROUP 1 JOCKEY OF THE YEAR AWARD James McDonald  CHAMPION SIRE OF THE YEAR AWARD Snitzel

World Pool expands Australian schedule

World Pool will debut at nine new fixtures across Britain, Australia and South Africa during the final four months of 2026. The internationally commingled pools, hosted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, will be offered in Western Australia for the first time on Winterbottom Stakes Day at Ascot on November 28, covering three races. New Australian fixtures also include full cards on Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Day at Caulfield on September 19, Golden Rose Day at Rosehill on September 26 and VRC Oaks Day at Flemington on November 5. The C F Orr Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) at Caulfield on November 14 will be commingled as a single race, while Turnbull Stakes Day at Flemington returns to the World Pool schedule for the first time since 2023. Returning fixtures include Makybe Diva Stakes Day, Might And Power Stakes Day and The Everest Day. The Caulfield Cup (Gr 1, 2400m) will join six races from British Champions Day on October 17, while all ten races on Cox Plate Day at Flemington on October 24 will form part of World Pool. Victoria Derby Day on October 31 and Champions Stakes Day on November 7 will also return, alongside selected meetings from Ireland, Britain, Germany and South Africa.