On The Watch

Nature Strip’s brilliant mid-race sectional times tested his opposition in impressive T J Smith Stakes victory

After James McDonald rated Nature Strip (Nicconi) through a steady first 200 metres, the outstanding sprinter then clocked brilliant sectional times that would have tested any opposition in taking out Saturday’s T J Smith Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) at Randwick. Following some challenging moments, the leading combination of trainer Chris Waller and jockey James McDonald... Read More

A quick mid-race pace in Tancred Stakes played into the hands of impressive winner Verry Elleegant

The Chris Waller-trained mare Verry Elleegant (Zed) capitalised on a quick mid-race pace to produce a career-best performance in taking out Saturday’s Tancred Stakes (Gr 1, 2400m) at Rosehill. Ridden patiently by James McDonald, the 2019 ATC Australian Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) winner settled well back in seventh place and was looking to be facing... Read More

Farnan clocks impressive sectional times in overcoming wide barrier in Golden Slipper Stakes victory

Farnan (Not A Single Doubt) staged a brilliant performance in overcoming his wide barrier in winning Saturday’s Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m), aided by a well-rated ride from Hugh Bowman. After beginning quickly from barrier 12, Farnan worked in the early stages, covering the first 200 metres in a conservative 13.49 before crossing clearly... Read More

A cracking mid-race pace turned the All-Star Mile into a stern test of stamina

A cracking mid-race pace set by the free-running filly Flit (Medaglia D’Oro) turned Saturday’s $5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield into a stern test, perhaps bringing about the defeat of the favourite Alligator Blood (All Too Hard) who missed a place for the first time in his career. “Flit wants it over and done... Read More

Farnan claims Golden Slipper Stakes favouritism with brilliant performance on the clock

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained colt Farnan (Not A Single Doubt) now heads to the Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) tomorrow week as favourite after returning fast times in his brilliant win in Saturday’s Todman Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) at Randwick. Now the winner of four of his five starts, Farnan came firmly... Read More

Shark shows his brilliance on the clock in stunning Chipping Norton victory

After drawing badly in stall 12 and conceding the leaders some eight lengths nearing the home turn, talented New Zealander Te Akau Shark (Rip Van Winkle) needed to produce an effort out of the box to win Saturday’s Chipping Norton Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) at Randwick. And he did. The five-year-old took a moment to... Read More