Ten for Anodin

Haras De La Haie Neuve sire Anodin (Anabaa) sired his tenth individual stakes winner when imported gelding Sayedaty Sadaty (4 g ex Bell Su River by Galileo) took out Wednesday’s Bendigo Cup (Gr 3, 2400m). Now raced by Australian Bloodstock, the gelding was ridden by Harry Coffey for Ciaron Maher and worked home impressively to score by one length over race favourite Quietness (Bated Breath), with Raging Bull (Bull Point) a further two lengths behind in third. Bred in Ireland by Thomas Lines, the gelding was a €30,000 buy for Ahmad Alshaikh from Haras d' Ombreville at the 2022 Baden-Baden Premier Yearling Sale. He is the seventh foal and only stakes winner out of Galileo (Sadler’s Wells) mare Bell Su River. Anodin stands at Haras De La Haie Neuve for a fee of €5,000.

Maher hopeful Sayedaty Sadaty makes Cup field after Bendigo win

Ciaron Maher is optimistic Sayedaty Sadaty can sneak into next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) after claiming the Bendigo Cup on Wednesday.

Sitting 35th in the Cup ballot prior to the win, the gelding’s victory should see him edge closer to a start, though he may still need to be re-handicapped to secure his spot in Flemington’s $10 million feature.

The success continued Maher’s remarkable Bendigo Cup record – his third win in four years. His previous winners, Interpretation (Galileo) and High Emocean (Ocean Park), both progressed to Flemington, finishing sixth and third respectively.

Sayedaty Sadaty, who arrived in Australia last year, ran in the Caulfield Cup (Gr 1, 2400m) straight off the plane, an experience Maher said “did not work out”. This campaign, however, has been about grounding the horse and building stamina for two miles.

“The Archer run was very good and then that next one, it just didn’t suit him that race shape at all when the other horse took off,” Maher said. “It can bottom a horse when they’re in a race like that but that’s why I’m just rapt for the team.”

“We always target this race, and the horses have run well [in the Melbourne Cup] that have run well in this race…High Emocean, Interpretation. Hopefully this horse is another one. We’ll just tick him over now and hopefully he gets a spot.”

Should he make the field, Maher will need to find a new jockey, with Coffey already booked to ride Moonee Valley Gold Cup (Gr 2, 2500m) winner Onesmoothoperator (Dialed In) in the Cup on November 4.

Taste Of Heaven tops inaugural Magic Millions Digital Sale

Well-related mare Taste Of Heaven (Encosta De Lago) topped the first Magic Millions Digital Sale conducted on Wednesday.

A daughter of the blue hen Shantha's Choice (Canny Lad), Taste Of Heaven has been secured by New Zealand interests having been purchased by Milan Park Stud for $350,000.

Offered by Yarraman Park Stud, the Encosta De Lago mare is a half-sister to former champion racehorse and sire Redoute's Choice (Danehill).

The proven Group producer is also a sister to Manhattan Rain and half-sister to Platinum Scissors (Danehill).

The mare, who has produced the Canadian Grade 3 winner Heavenly Curlin (Curlin), is in foal to Coolmore's young sire Home Affairs (I Am Invincible).

"We, along with our partners in Taste of Heaven decided to offer a top class mare for sale through the new Magic Millions Digital platform and we are extremely happy with the result," Yarraman's general manager Matt Scown said.

"From the time we began discussing offering the mare through the platform, through to during the sale and now post sale, the whole process with Magic Millions Digital has been seamless.

"We will continue to support the Magic Millions Digital platform moving forward," Scown added.

Unraced So You Think (High Chaparral) three-year-old filly You Are Correct was another lot to receive significant buyer attention.

Offered by Anderson Racing without reserve, You Are Correct was purchased by bloodstock agent Will Johnson for $47,500.

You Are Correct, from the imported stakes winner Perfect Trust (Galileo), is a half-sister to Queensland Derby winner Magicool (Fastnet Rock).

The unreserved dispersal for the Robinson family in Western Australia was headlined by the $35,000 sale of a Playing God (Blackfriars) yearling colt to Michael Lane Racing and TMJ Bloodstock.

The colt is from Tricky Trix, a five time winning half-sister to the family's Group 1 winner and $1.4 million earner Trix Of The Trade (Trade Fair)

All up the inaugural Magic Millions Digital Sale notched a gross of $755,150 with 50 lots selling at an average price of $15,103.

"We are extremely pleased with the results of the first sale and feedback regarding the platform has been very positive," Magic Millions head of digital Bryce Bevan said.

"The sale has grossed over $750,000 with a clearance rate in excess of 71 per cent, which will only continue to rise as some more private sales are finalised."

"We had all aspects of the market represented, including bidders from each State and Territory in Australia as well as great overseas interest from New Zealand and several Asian jurisdictions.”

War Machine seeks redemption in Russell Balding

Ben Hayes is urging punters not to lose faith in Group 1-winning sprinter War Machine (Harry Angel) as he looks to bounce back in Saturday’s $3 million Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) at Randwick. The gelding was below expectations when finishing tenth in The Everest (Gr 1, 1200m) earlier this month, but Hayes believes the performance was better than it appeared on paper. "He sprinted really well fresh and then got a bit crowded and a bit further back than we wanted in the Everest and then he was good through the line," Hayes, who trains in partnership with brothers Will and JD, said. "The 1300 is right up his alley and he'll now be third-up and ready to go and he'll go really well. We go to the Russell Balding and then we've got the Orr Stakes on the 15th [of November] and that's probably been his Grand Final race for the spring." War Machine resumed with a sharp win in the Gilgai Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) at Flemington on October 4 before contesting The Everest, where he was sent out a $10 third favourite but finished 3.5 lengths from Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress). "He's got a lot of improvement [to come], he's only third-up into the Russell Balding, so don't discount him,” the trainer added. Tim Clark, who guided War Machine to his maiden top-level success in the Stradbroke Handicap (Gr 1, 1400m) in June, retains the ride and will jump from barrier seven.

Jimmystarr targeting Russell Balding

Everest placegetter Jimmysstar (Per Incanto) will continue his spring at Randwick on Saturday in the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes. The four-year-old ran a brave third behind Ka Ying Rising in The Everest, overcoming a wide barrier to produce a gutsy performance. A win in the Russell Balding would see his connections collect just over $3.4 million, thanks to two bonuses on top of the $1,725,000 first prize-money. “He seems to have come through very well, we don’t do a lot with him when he’s on a two week turnaround,” trainer Ciaron Maher said on Sky Sports Radio. "The Russell Balding over that little bit further is only going to be of benefit to him.” Maher praised Jimmysstar’s Everest performance, saying he had no choice but to ask jockey Ethan Brown to do his best from a wide draw. “He’s just a ripper horse. Ethan knows him very well and I said to him I didn’t want to die wondering. So given where we were drawn I thought we were going to be three wide anyway so we might as well own being three wide. I thought he did that very well, the horse was very brave. From the 1000m to the 800m he’s run a 10.2 or something like that. Then to be there at the end. He was ready to peak for that day and that’s certainly what he did.”

Autumn Glow set for Golden Eagle

Unbeaten mare Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun) heads into Saturday’s $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick as favourite, and trainer Chris Waller admits he’s still learning the extent of her talent.

“She just moves like, I guess you could relate her to a panther,’’ Waller told Racing NSW. “She just glides across the ground. She’s got an amazing stride length, a great demeanour, she’s got the best attitude and she loves her job. That’s been evident from day one. She’s gone way beyond what we first thought, to go through and be unbeaten has been unbelievable.”

While comparisons to Winx (Street Cry) and Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock) have surfaced, Waller is keeping perspective.

“It’s way too early. She’s got the brilliance of a very good horse,’’ he said. “It’s rare to get these winning sequences and hard to maintain them. The difference between your Via Sistina and Winx is they did it over a long time. She needs to maintain what she’s doing, keep improving, and let’s hope we’re talking about her in the same terms.”

Fresh from her Epsom Handicap (Gr 1, 1600m) triumph, Autumn Glow faces her sternest test yet under James McDonald.

“We don’t know how good Autumn Glow is just yet, she hasn’t reached the ceiling and hopefully she doesn’t this Saturday,’’ Waller said. “She’s unbeaten, this is her biggest test to date. She’s taking on an international field and the best of what’s around.”

Waller said barrier nine and potential rain pose no concern.

“It gives you options…it’s a lovely big track. Autumn Glow is a beautiful horse to work with – the ultimate professional who really turns it on race day but post-race she’s back to an everyday horse.”

Panja Tower set for Golden Eagle debut

For Shinsuke Hashiguchi, having Panja Tower (Tower Of London) run in the Golden Eagle at Randwick on Saturday is a milestone. While Japanese horses are no strangers to winning the feature, Saturday marks Hashiguchi’s first foray into international racing. Panja Tower has won four of six starts and brings a Japanese Grade 1 win into the Eagle, raising expectations. “Winning the Golden Eagle would be a great honour for both the horse and myself,” Hashiguchi told Racing NSW. “It would also give us a lot of confidence. If we could win on our first international start, it would definitely open the door to targeting more overseas races in the future. His speed and fighting spirit are what make him special. He’s in excellent condition, and if he can perform to his ability on the day I believe he has a very good chance.” Hashiguchi took over from his father, Kojiro Hashiguchi, a champion trainer in Japan, in 2016. The horse arrived at Canterbury in good shape and had a gallop on the course proper on Wednesday. “The transportation went smoothly, and we’ve been able to prepare him exactly as planned at Canterbury,” Hashiguchi said. “I’m very satisfied with how everything has gone. He’s a horse that handles new environments and different track conditions very well. We actually decided before the NHK Mile that if he won that race, we would bring him here for the Golden Eagle.” Panja Tower, drawn barrier four, could settle around midfield or go forward if required. “Randwick is a bit wider and has a longer straight than Rosehill, so it’s less affected by the draw, which I think will suit Panja Tower well,” Hashiguchi said.

Willydoit to wear blinkers for Golden Eagle

Ciaron Maher is hoping blinkers will give Willydoit (Tarzino) an edge when he lines up in the Golden Eagle at Randwick on Saturday. The gelding, whose charity partner Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation will receive ten per cent of his prize-money, returned smartly in the Tramway before an eye injury forced him to miss the Epsom Handicap. He followed up with a seventh in the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m). “His first-up run was very good and I thought that might have been his fresh run,” Maher told Racing NSW. “Given the purse on offer I just thought we needed to travel that little bit better to have a bit better turn of foot. We tried the blinkers in trackwork and they seemed to have the desired effect.” Drawn 11, Maher said ideally he would have liked a closer barrier but is confident the large gelding can cope around Randwick. He sees Willydoit’s future in races around 2000 metres. “He’s a very athletic, high quality, horse that’s very adaptable,” Maher said. “You saw his run first-up over 1400 metres, his splits were very good, then last prep he got out to a mile and a half and was able to win a Derby. He’s still furnishing, he’s a massive horse, and I think he’s got such a bright future for the autumn and beyond. He’s just a very exciting horse. There’s ten million reasons to have a crack at the Eagle with the shades on.”

Evaporate out to strike gold at Randwick

New Zealand-bred gelding Evaporate (Per Incanto) will chase the biggest payday of his career when he lines up in Saturday’s $10 million Golden Eagle at Randwick. The Per Incanto (Street Cry) four-year-old is no stranger to the big stage, having finished third in last year’s $3 million Caulfield Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) and runner-up in the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (Listed, 1500m) at Ellerslie in March. Trained by Ben, JD and Will Hayes, Evaporate brings excellent form into the Sydney feature, having won the Sandown Stakes (Gr 3, 1500m) before finishing second to Transatlantic (Snitzel) in the Toorak Handicap (Gr 1, 1600m) last month. “His run in the Toorak was excellent,” Ben Hayes told SENTrack. “He got beaten by Transatlantic, who has come out since and won well, so the form is strong. He’s been trained to peak – this is his grand final.” Evaporate has drawn barrier seven and will be ridden by Nash Rawiller.

Fully Lit earns Golden Eagle shot after remarkable comeback

It’s been a wild ride for connections of Fully Lit (Hellbent) over the past few months, and not even co-trainer Adrian Bott could have predicted his comeback campaign would include a crack at Saturday’s $10 million Golden Eagle at Randwick. The four-year-old has walked a fine line between form and fatigue this preparation and at one point a spell looked imminent after a series of unplaced runs. That changed dramatically on August 16, when he blitzed a Benchmark 78 field by five lengths at Rosehill. Just over two months later, Fully Lit is Group 1 and Group 3-placed and bound for one of the richest races in the country, lining up for his tenth start since returning from more than a year off. “At any stage we’ve been waiting for signs,’’’ Bott told Racing NSW. “Remarkably it was quite the opposite, the more he raced and deeper he got into the campaign the stronger he got. He would have been forgiven to say 'I’ve had enough' but he’s kept stepping up so I'm happy for him to do it again.” A $34 TAB chance after drawing barrier 14, Fully Lit will again clash with star mare Autumn Glow, who ran him down to win the Epsom Handicap (Gr 1, 1600m) last month. “It’s not as good a set up for him,’’ Bott said. “But he runs well at the track and slightly back in trip for a strongly run race will suit. It was an excellent run in the Epsom and I thought he looked equally good in his tickover trial.”

Stapleford relishing biggest opportunity yet with Vetwelve

It’s probably another six months before Mitch Stapleford plans to be a regular fixture in the city apprentice ranks, but the rising talent is keen to make an impression in the biggest race of his career at Randwick on Saturday. While the $10 million Golden Eagle takes centre stage, Stapleford’s focus is on guiding the John Sargent-trained Vetwelve (Grunt) in the $500,000 Four Pillars Midway (1500m). The 23-year-old, who has been based with Joe Pride for five months, notched his 100th career win earlier this month and rode in his first Group race in September for former boss Scott Singleton. “It’s hard to get opportunities in town let alone in a race worth $500,000, but Sarge has been really good to me,’’ Stapleford told Racing NSW. “I’ve started trackwork for him once a week to try and give back. I’m very excited to be able to ride Vetwelve and I hope I’m able to put in a good one for John and his owners.” Stapleford partnered Vetwelve to victory at Kembla Grange in July and again at Rosehill three weeks ago when finishing runner-up to Modella (Castelvecchio). “I did a bit of the donkey work for Modella who was able to get a nice drag into it and come off my back and be strong late,’’ he said. “I was really happy with his run and the way he’s prepping up it seems like a good time to be targeting this race.” Drawn in barrier seven, the apprentice is confident Vetwelve’s tactical speed gives him an edge. “He's quick out of the barriers…if I can have a pinch of luck I think he’s going to be a great chance.”

Waller backs Derby tradition as he readies maiden duo

Chris Waller has joined the conversation around the Victoria Derby (Gr 1, 2500m), stating that the current 2500-metre trip remains integral to what makes the race special. “The Derby is a unique race,” he said. “They have to be fit and well prepared, and stamina is the key.” Waller has trained three previous Derby winners: Preferment (Zabeel) (2014), Manzoice (Almanzor) (2022) and Riff Rocket (American Pharoah) (2023) and will chase a fourth on Saturday with Providence (Wootton Bassett) and Savisanta (Savabeel), both still maidens. Like his 2014 winner, Providence brings family ties to the race. The colt is out of Southbank (Fastnet Rock), a Thousand Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) placegetter from the same family as Preferment. Providence pressed his case with a strong second to Observer (Ghaiyyath) in last Saturday’s Vase (Gr 2, 2040m) at The Valley, convincing Waller to back him up in the Derby. “Providence is by Wootton Bassett, a great international stallion that leaves winners over all distances, so that gives us confidence he’ll get 2500 metres,” Waller said. "He certainly hit the line strongly last Saturday, so he's a great chance. We thought he might have been a bit sharper earlier in the prep and subsequently it's a bit of a rush now and we're backing him up in only seven days, but it's worked before. He's come through the race really well. He's a colt, so he's got some natural strength and hormones. He's got a great nature, he relaxes well, so he'll give himself every chance." Savisanta finished third in the Geelong Classic (Listed, 2200m) after a string of provincial placings. “He’s coming through a similar prep to Preferment,” Waller said. “He’s by Savabeel – Preferment was by Zabeel – so there’s some relationship there. They’re both big, athletic horses, and there’s a real sense of timing about both of them.”

Henderson hopeful rain can boost Azazel’s Derby bid

OTI Racing’s Terry Henderson believes a touch of rain at Flemington could prove the key to Azazel’s (Shocking) chances of toppling the favourites in Saturday’s Victoria Derby. “He’s bred that way,” Henderson told Racing.com. “He’s out of a Tavistock mare, by Shocking. If we get some rain on Friday, that will bring him right into the race.” The gelding has made a bright start to his career, winning two of his three starts, including last week’s Geelong Classic, where he dug deep to hold off his rivals late. Henderson said Azazel’s pedigree and toughness would stand him in good stead for the step up to 2500 metres. “We’re hoping for the rain and we are pretty confident he’ll get the mile and a half,” he said. “The Godolphin horse [Observer] is going to be very hard to beat, obviously, but you know what it’s like…they’re all tackling something new at this distance, and that can change things quickly.” Drawn barrier ten, Azazel will again be partnered by Mick Dee, who guided him to victory at Geelong.

Jenni set for Empire Rose

Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) will return to her home state this weekend after being confirmed among the acceptors for Saturday’s Empire Rose Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) at Flemington. The Ciaron Maher-trained mare will again be partnered by Declan Bates and has drawn barrier seven in the field of 11. Pride Of Jenni made a scorching return to racing last month, taking out the Feehan Stakes (Gr 2, 1600m) at Moonee Valley, where she defeated subsequent Cox Plate third Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express) and fourth Attrition (Churchill). She then travelled to Sydney and finished three lengths behind Ceolwulf (Tavistock) in the King Charles III Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) at Randwick, losing no admirers in defeat. Her return to Flemington sets up a mouth-watering clash with Fangirl (Sebring), who will make the trip south for Chris Waller, with Kerrin McEvoy to ride from barrier six. Waller’s strong hand in the race extends to Leica Lucy (Derryn), Lazzura (Snitzel), and Firestorm (Satono Aladdin), each confirmed among the final acceptors.

Begg targets Empire Rose from the sidelines

Grahame Begg will miss this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival as he continues to recover from hip replacement surgery, but that hasn’t stopped him remaining hands-on with his team’s plans. The Cranbourne-based horseman has been in regular contact with his staff as his stable readies Splash Back (Le Havre) for her grand final in Saturday’s Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington. The progressive mare heads into the feature in top order having enjoyed an excellent spring preparation. She claimed the Stocks Stakes (Gr 2, 1500m) at The Valley on September 26 before finishing a gallant second behind Abounding (Rich Enuff) in the Tristarc Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m) at Caulfield on October 18. Begg said the slight drop in distance last start wasn’t ideal but was part of a bigger plan to keep the mare fresh ahead of her grand final. “I thought she ran very well at Caulfield,” Begg said. “I didn’t want to run her over the mile beforehand as I thought it might make her a bit dour, so that’s why I kept her at 1400 metres to keep a bit of spring in her step. She ran really well considering where she was in the run; it just wasn’t the best part of the track that day.” Jordan Childs, who partnered Splash Back to her Valley win, will reunite with the mare on Saturday. Begg has expertly managed Splash Back’s rise through the grades since joining his stable last year, guiding her from Benchmark company to Group success. “This is her grand final: the race for mares in the spring,” Begg said. “It’s come up a very strong race. Chris Waller has three good mares in there, and Pride Of Jenni adds real spice. If it becomes a true test, that’s perfect for Splash Back.”

Payline seeking Melbourne breakthrough in Damien Oliver

Chris and Corey Munce are hoping for a change of fortune in Melbourne this weekend when Payline (Shooting To Win) lines up in The Damien Oliver (Gr 2, 1400m) at Flemington on Saturday. The gelding has endured an unlucky spring campaign, with four starts across three of Melbourne’s metropolitan tracks yielding little reward. “He's had four runs down here and he's run into a bit of traffic on all occasions,” Chris Munce said. “He's in terrific order. He galloped well at Flemington on Tuesday morning and the big track over 1400 metres, I'm hoping it will suit him.” Payline, who was previously ridden in Melbourne by Justin Huxtable and Blake Shinn, will be partnered by Craig Williams on Saturday, following a gallop at Flemington on Tuesday. “The 1400 metres probably suits, and he could get a mile, the way he is going,” Munce added. “I don't fear the 1400 [metres] the way he went the other day. He's handling his workload and he's doing well down here.” Depending on Saturday’s performance, Payline could back up in the Champions Mile (Gr 1, 1600m) next week, with the Munces also mindful of the Queensland Summer Carnival later in the season. “If he put them away very easily, maybe we could back-up, but he's still got a few races ahead of him in Brisbane during the summer,” Munce said. “He's a Magic Millions horse. He won the $1 million syndicate race up there last year, so there's plenty of races up there he can run in.”

Ben Allen strikes treble at Bendigo

Jockey Ben Allen rode $120 double early on Wednesday's Bendigo Cup card, striking first in the second event aboard Too Darn Hot (Dubawi) filly Hey Jessie. Sent off a $16 chance, the Dom Sutton-trained filly produced a gritty victory after Allen was forced to thread a path from the rails. It was her second win in five starts. Allen quickly followed up when taking Race 3 with The Autumn Sun (Redoute’s Choice) gelding Entrusting ($7.50) after weaving through traffic with blinkers back on. It was a first win since February for the four-year-old, and a second win from eight starts. “The plan was trying to be midfield one off…but after missing the kick I thought we’ll roll the dice, ride for luck and he towed me right through the field,” Allen told Racing.com post race. “He had a bit of a think about it in the straight, but it was good.” Allen completed the treble aboard Harry’s Yacht (Harry Angel) in the sixth event of the afternoon, a Benchmark 78 over 1100 metres. The Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin-trained gelding was first-up for the campaign but proved 1.8 lengths too strong for his nine rivals, notching the fifth win of his 15-start career.

Long Legs powers to impressive maiden win at Rosehill

Long Legs (Russian Revolution) announced herself as one to follow after an authoritative victory in Wednesday’s $100,000 ATC TAB Plate (1400m) at Rosehill. Trained by Gary Portelli and ridden by apprentice Anna Roper, the daughter of Russian Revolution (Snitzel) jumped favourite on the back of two recent trial wins. From barrier 11, Roper controlled the tempo and, turning for home, Long Legs had her rivals under pressure. The filly went clear to score by nearly 1.8 lengths from Matias (Snitzel), who ran on strongly from midfield. “You thought ‘this is going to be probably a gap job here,’ but she did get a little bit tired late,” Portelli said. “She's a very promising horse, and we're really thankful for BK Racing giving the opportunity. I've been chasing Benny Vassallo for a long time to get one, and he's given me a good one straight up.” Portelli said the filly relished the Soft 7 track and believes she has stakes potential. “She’d already handled it last preparation, so she had that under her,” he said. “After just two trials on a heavy track over 1400 metres, you’d expect her to get a bit tired late. But I’m looking forward to seeing where she ends up — I think she can get black type.” A $250,000 Inglis Premier purchase by BK Racing & Breeding, Long Legs was bred by Bowcock Bloodstock and is the second winner from Fastnet Rock (Danehill) mare Fabvier, a half-sister to Group 3 winner Bella Rosa (Snitzel).

Stojakovic returns a winner after nine-year break

Lauren Stojakovic’s fairytale comeback to the saddle couldn’t have been scripted better, with the popular jockey guiding home It’sanotherbattle (Harry Angel) in her first race ride in almost nine years at Murray Bridge on Wednesday. The 2013 Blue Diamond Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) heroine – best known for her triumph aboard Miracles Of Life (Not A Single Doubt) – delivered another feel-good moment for racing fans as the Shane and Cassie Oxlade-trained filly stormed to an easy all-the-way win. Backed from as much as $7.50 into $1.70, It’sanotherbattle jumped cleanly from barrier two and never looked in doubt, giving Stojakovic time for a quick glance over the shoulder before the post. “I am just so thankful and grateful that they trusted me with her today,” Stojakovic told Racing.com of the Oxlades. “I was lucky to have one [fairytale win in the Blue Diamond] and now this is two.” Stojakovic, who last rode competitively in 2017, admitted she never wanted to walk away from racing. “Probably the day I retired I wanted to come back but I had real weight issues,” she said. “I thought maybe six, 12 months off it would get better, it didn’t, but somehow, eight-and-a-half years later, it’s in check. Hopefully I can keep it that way.” Trainer Shane Oxlade said the win was richly deserved. “She has worked hard,” he said. “I said to her a month ago, ‘Mate, if you’re serious and you’re coming back, we’ll make this your first ride, we know it goes good.’ I’m just pumped for her.”

Harry Angel enjoys perfect three from three

Darley shuttler Harry Angel enjoyed the perfect day when all three of his three starters were victorious. The stallion enjoyed two winners at Murray Bridge when Angel Torque chalked up her third career when she landed a 1100-metre event. A few races earlier It'sanotherbattle (Harry Angel) made a winning debut in a 900-metre contest. Meanwhile, at Bendigo Harry's Yacht added a fifth victory to his CV in a 1100-metre event. Harry Angel is standing for an increased fee of $66,000 (inc GST), having stood the 2024 season for a fee of $38,500 (inc GST).

Zahra impressed with Cup mount Al Riffa

Dual Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Mark Zahra has given Al Riffa (Wootton Bassett) a glowing endorsement after partnering the Irish raider for the first time at Werribee on Wednesday morning. Zahra travelled to the quarantine centre to familiarise himself with the Joseph O’Brien-trained stayer ahead of next Tuesday’s Group 1 at Flemington. Al Riffa will carry the famous Australian Bloodstock silks – the same colours Zahra steered to victory aboard Gold Trip (Outstrip) in 2022. He went back-to-back in 2023 with Without A Fight (Teofilo) for owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. “It’s good to have a bit of success with past Melbourne Cup winners and I’m very thankful to have the ride,” Zahra said. Al Riffa will carry 59kg, which Zahra said wouldn’t trouble him. “He’s a big strong horse and the 59 is no problem, but giving the weight away is a problem,” he said. “I’ve no issues with him carrying it – he’s powerful, he’s classy, and he’s got all the qualities that Gold Trip had.” O’Brien is chasing a third Melbourne Cup victory, having won previously with Rekindling (High Chaparral) (2017) and Twilight Payment (Teofilo) (2020), and Zahra revealed the trainer’s travelling team rate Al Riffa as his best Cup contender yet. “He was very relaxed, which you need for a Melbourne Cup horse,” Zahra said. “His action was beautiful and when he needed to pick up, he picked up straight away. You’re hoping for a good feel — and that’s exactly what he gave me.”

Williams locks in Melbourne Cup ride on Buckaroo

Craig Williams will partner Buckaroo (Fastnet Rock) in next Tuesday’s $10 million Melbourne Cup at Flemington. The announcement came on Wednesday morning, with connections giving the green light for the Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2400m) runner-up to take his place in the field. The six-year-old contested last year’s Melbourne Cup as the favourite, but after being caught wide throughout from barrier 20 under Joao Moreira, he faded late to finish ninth. The son of Fastnet Rock (Danehill) sits at $9 in early markets to deliver Williams a second Melbourne Cup triumph after his victory aboard Vow And Declare (Declaration Of War) in 2019.

German star Hammer-Hansen to make Australian debut in Cup

Leading German jockey Thore Hammer-Hansen will make his Australian debut in the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday when he partners the German-trained Flatten The Curve (Zarak). The rider has competed across Europe, America, the Middle East and Asia, and earlier this year defeated Craig Williams in the World All-Star Jockeys Championship in Japan. Hammer-Hansen reacquainted himself with Flatten The Curve at Werribee on Tuesday morning and was full of praise for the gelding’s condition. “He seems to have travelled very nicely,” Hammer-Hansen said. “It certainly doesn’t stop him anyway. His work was very good this morning. I was very pleased with him, he moves well. He’s settled in nicely and he’s kind of similar to what he did in America when he was there, so I’m very happy with him.” The Henk Grewe-trained stayer has twice raced in the United States this year, running fourth behind Parchment Party (Constitution) in the Belmont Gold Cup (Gr 2, 14f), who will re-oppose on Tuesday, before returning to win the Bowling Green Gold Cup (16.5f) at Kentucky Downs by five and a half lengths. “He obviously ran a huge race in America,” Hammer-Hansen said. “It’s very hard for me to say how the form will work out but he’s in very good form, he’s unbeaten on turf since he changed yards. I just hope that the ground doesn’t dry up too much, he’s pretty versatile but the slower the ground, the better for us I think. He’s won his races from the front and from coming from last…he switches off nicely, he’s got a great turn of foot for a horse that can go two, two-and-a-half miles.”

Dee delighted with Cup mount Furthur after Werribee hit-out

Caulfield Cup (Gr 1, 2400m)-winning jockey Michael Dee couldn’t be happier with the feel he’s getting from Furthur (Waldgeist) ahead of next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup. “He feels super,” Dee told Racing.com after partnering the Andrew Balding-trained stayer in a strong gallop at Werribee on Tuesday morning. “I couldn’t be any happier with how well he galloped this morning. I’ve had two sits on him now; last week he just had a nice, easy gallop and he gave me a great feel then. Today, he seems to have improved, he’s settled in well and is taking the Australian environment in his stride. I’m very happy.” Furthur worked in company with American raider Parchment Party, impressing Dee with his professionalism. “We sat off that horse and joined at about the 400, 500-metre mark and he was going pretty comfortably,” Dee said. “He had a little, healthy blow, this is the hardest piece of work he’s done since he’s been here, but he pulled up great and I’m very happy.” A northern hemisphere three-year-old, Further boasts winning form in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes (Gr 3, 1m 5.5f), a race previously taken out by Mount Athos (Montjeu), who went on to place in two Melbourne Cups. Dee is now hoping the luck of the draw goes his way. “If everything aligns, we get a gate that we can just get a nice sit, say midfield, he’s a horse that I feel once he gets cover, he’ll just switch off and relax and go to sleep,” Dee said. “Hopefully everything can align, and he should be running well.”

Vin Cox joins Star Thoroughbreds buying team

Star Thoroughbreds, a leading light of Australia’s syndication scene, is pleased to announce its partnering with Vin Cox for the 2026 yearling sales season. Cox will take up the role of yearling selection advisor, commencing in early January, and will bring profound experience to the brand as a former general manager of Yulong and managing director of both Godolphin Australia and Magic Millions. He will replace Brett Howard, of Randwick Bloodstock, who has announced his retirement. Syndicator Denise Martin said; "Star has enjoyed a wonderful association with Brett the last eight years, through fillies like Invincibella, Olentia, Kiku and Espiona. His contribution to our success has been immeasurable and appreciated, and we wish him the best in his retirement. In his wake, Vin is a huge coup for us and we are looking forward to him representing Star Thoroughbreds at the major sales next year." Cox added: "I was flattered to be asked by Denise to continue the success built by her, Brett, Chris Waller and the entire Star team. Brett has done an amazing job, demonstrated by the incredible success of the Star Thoroughbreds silks, and I can only hope that I continue that legacy." Cox will advise Star Thoroughbreds across the five major yearling sales of the year, beginning at the Gold Coast in January and wrapping up at Easter. Typically, the Star team purchases 22 to 25 yearlings each year across these catalogues. Howard, who advised on the purchase of more than 200 Star yearlings during his tenure, said Cox's succeeding him will prove a lucrative alliance. "It's a testament to Denise that someone of Vin's repute has joined her team. I've had an amazing journey with Star and I'm grateful for all the opportunities it afforded me. I wish Vin all the best in the role."

I’munstoppable impresses ahead of Legacy Lodge Sprint

Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott were rewarded for a midweek fact-finding mission to Pukekohe, with classy mare I’munstoppable (Charm Spirit) delivering an emphatic trial win on Wednesday. The Group 3-winning mare, who resumed with victory over 1200 metres at Matamata earlier this month, was tested right-handed for the first time in a Group and Listed 1100-metre trial alongside stablemate Lux Libertas (Almanzor). Jumping smartly under Masa Hashizume, I’munstoppable led throughout and powered clear to win by three and three-quarter lengths. “We raced her in the earmuffs last time and she won well at Matamata,” Scott said. “We wanted to trial her without any ears on today and Masa said she was very tractable. “We had a bit of a hunch she was better left-handed than right, but Masa said she was good this way of going around, so she will be back here on Saturday week in the Legacy Lodge Sprint. The way she trialled today indicates she is going well, got around here well, and she doesn’t mind what the ground is like, so she will race well.” Scott was also pleased with Lux Libertas’ trial, the mare finished back in the field after being given a light hit-out by jockey Warren Kennedy. “Lux Libertas is not quite as forward,” Scott said. “She only just cantered around behind them. Warren was happy with her and the way she is striding, and she is hopefully in for a good summer too.”

Who Knows on target for New Zealand Cup

Who Knows (Redwood) will have her final lead-up run towards the New Zealand Cup (Gr 3, 3200m) when she lines up in Saturday’s Pete’s Kitchen Feilding Cup (2050m) at Tauherenikau. The consistent daughter of Redwood (High Chaparral) has enjoyed a near-perfect preparation, highlighted by a dominant victory in the Egmont Cup (2100m) earlier this month following a strong winter campaign that included a runner-up finish in the Winter Cup (Gr 3, 1600m). Trainer Niall Quinn said the mare was in excellent order ahead of her final outing before the Cup. “We wanted to give her a good gallop somewhere and the trials fitted in really well, it was going to be a month between runs, so it was just to give her a bit more exercise,” Quinn said. “Kate was really happy with her, and on Saturday, we’re looking for another good run and a nice hit-out before the New Zealand Cup. Everything has been going along pretty smoothly with her, Emma [Quinn] and Jade have been doing a great job with everything at home so hopefully she can continue to go well.” Regular rider Kate Hercock will again take the reins on Saturday, with Who Knows expected to start among the favourites in the $80,000 contest. Quinn confirmed the mare would head straight to the New Zealand Cup at Riccarton rather than back up in the Metropolitan Handicap (Listed, 2500m) on the opening day of the carnival. “I don’t think we’ll go to the Metropolitan, the plan is to go straight into the Cup instead of backing up,” he said.

Show Pony steps up as Cup Week targets loom

John Blackladder is hoping his progressive gelding Show Pony (Vespa) can continue his rise through the grades when he lines up at Ashburton on Friday. The four-year-old finished fourth in a Barneswood Farm Stakes (Gr 3, 1400m) at just his second start before placing in the Gore Guineas (Listed, 1335m) and Blackladder has been delighted with his progression this season, putting his only defeat this time in down to poor luck. “He’s been going amazingly well really, he just got a little bit too far back in his last start and that cost him his chances, he was just unlucky,” he said. “He’s matured a hell of a lot, he’s just grown up into a lovely horse. He goes down to the beach when the tide is available and he loves it, all of the horses do with the change and variety in their work.” Should Show Pony impress Blackladder on Friday, he will have a possible TAB Mile (Gr 3, 1600m) tilt during New Zealand Cup Week. “There are two or three options through Cup Week, the TAB Mile is in the back of our mind so we’ll see what happens on Friday,” he said. “I’ve put him in the Open mile to see where we’re at with him, if he happened to go alright, it is worth a lot more points than running in the 75. If he doesn’t, there are nice 75 races there for him on the first and last day of Cup Week.”

Herbert ready to strike back in class

Taranaki trainer John Wheeler will look to get a clearer guide on the progress of his talented galloper Herbert (Sweet Orange) when he returns to open company in the Bayleys Mount Maunganui 1300 at Tauranga on Saturday. The gelding stepped up to elite-level, kicking off his campaign with a tenth-placed finish in the Proisir Plate (Gr 1, 1400m) before fading after leading in the Howden Insurance Mile (Gr 1, 1600m). “His first run was outstanding, he finished only about three lengths from the winner, and it was especially a good run because he didn’t have a trial leading into it, they were mucked up,” Wheeler said. “He was pretty fresh. His second run was disappointing, he led and then hit the wall about 300 metres out. I think he may have been going too quick for his own good, the split times will tell you that, and I don’t think he was all that happy on the track that day either. I’ve been very happy with him since, he’ll run on Saturday at Tauranga and we’ll decide where we go from there.” Herbert enjoyed a breakout season last term, rising from a one-win galloper to a six-time winner from 24 starts, earning close to $360,000 in stakes through victories in the Taranaki Cup (Gr 3, 1800m) and the $350,000 Wairere Falls Classic (1500m). That success was a reward for patience, with Wheeler recalling a challenging education for the now six-year-old. “He was a very difficult horse to teach to race properly, he did a lot wrong and tried to run off, would over race fiercely and never did anything right,” he said. “It took us about 10 starts before we got him racing right, but he always showed us a lot of ability.”