The classic was the fifth consecutive success for the Clayton Chipperfield-trained Catalyst, previously a winner of three other black type events including the Hawke’s Bay Guineas (Gr 2, 1400m) and the Northland Breeders’ Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) but based on pedigree it is difficult to predict whether he will get 2000m or the Derby distance... Read More

Not to mention the forecast of rain which, alas, could be a complication for the arguably two best-credentialed of just four Australasian bred and trained horses remaining in the field, as it sits now, for Tuesday’s $7,775,000 Melbourne Cup. Nonetheless, I am not giving up on the notion of a seemingly unlikely “local” victory, most... Read More

However, it may be premature to declare that it signals a return to continuing local celebrations in the years to come on the first Tuesday in November. Less than one length separated the first five to finish – from the winner Vow And Declare – the Australian bred son of Declaration Of War (War Front)... Read More

They are two of the better meetings of the carnival. Enough people to engender atmosphere, not enough to make it a bunfight. I may be biased given Ballarat is the place of my birth but in regards to Sandown, well it simply provides the best racing in Melbourne on what is now a great racing... Read More

However, the $575,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the Tyreel Stud draft for George Moore Bloodstock, will be entering virtually unchartered waters – as a southern hemisphere bred three-year-old – when he proceeds to the Group 1 Hong Kong International Sprint over 1200 metres, at Sha Tin on 8 December. Only two southern hemisphere breds of... Read More