Nature Strip’s (Nicconi) reputation, mooted Royal Ascot venture and bid to become Australia’s highest-rated sprinter will be tested for the first time in 2020 when he resumes in today’s $750,000 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (Gr 1, 1000m) at Flemington.  The return of Chris Waller’s star speedster and the first Australian appearance of Catalyst (Darci Brahma)... Read More

Hanseatic (Street Boss) stamped himself as a high-quality colt in overcoming difficulties when taking out Saturday’s Blue Diamond Prelude (C&G) (Gr 3, 1100m) at Caulfield to remain unbeaten in three starts, yet again producing brilliant closing sectional times. Appreciating a good barrier (2) on this occasion, Hanseatic settled closer in sixth place, but he was... Read More

2 g Smart Missile – Valerina by Val Royal O:  J Yianni, Mrs S Aldridge, G W Aldridge, A Donald, A Melching, S Loane, W Shelton, Mrs S Shelton, Miss A Shelton, P Griffin, A Mitchell, A Gessel, S Evans, Mrs K Hall, D Hall, M Williams & D & M Payne Racing (Mgr: D... Read More

It was perhaps the most probable of improbable wins and the most remarkable of stories – albeit somewhat unheralded – and one which may have only just begun. Mike de Kock won the Meydan Classic Trial in Dubai last Thursday with the Uruguayan-bred, three-year-old filly Bella Fever (True Fever). The filly was first-up at 1400... Read More

New winners Headwater – Vinery Stud stallion Headwater (Exceed And Excel) sired his third individual winner on Sunday when Aquagirl (2 f ex Galapagos Girl by Dehere) landed the Firstly Sprint 2YO (1000m) at Flemington’s Rapid Racing meeting. The Phillip Stokes-trained juvenile quickened up nicely under Dean Holland to post a half-length success and in... Read More