Griffiths confident Legacy Bound can turn the tables in Coolmore

Robbie Griffiths believes Legacy Bound (Ole Kirk) can reverse the Danehill Stakes (Gr 2, 1100m) result when he takes on familiar rivals in Saturday’s Coolmore Stud Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) at Flemington. The gelding finished fourth in the Danehill Stakes on October 4 behind McGaw (I Am Immortal), My Gladiola (I Am Invincible), and Tentyris (Street Boss) – all of whom reappear in the Coolmore. While Tentyris has since turned the tables on McGaw, Griffiths is optimistic his unbeaten two-year-old from last season can strike back over an extra 100 metres. “He won first-up down the straight and he was good last start,” Griffiths said. “In my opinion, they finished in order of how the track played that day – widest first to us fourth, in the slower section. If Derby Day plays fair, I think we’re right in the mix.” Griffiths said the 1200 metres would suit Legacy Bound better than the shorter trips he’s tackled so far this preparation. He is, however, praying the rain stays away, with the colt showing a clear preference for firmer footing. “The wet is negative for us,” Griffiths said. “All his wet form has been in trials on different surfaces, but Flemington drains well. Maybe a tarpaulin down the straight from barrier four would do me fine.” After a solid tick-over jump-out and strong work on Monday, Griffiths is confident his colt has progressed since the Danehill. “We’ve got the right horse in the right form, we just need a few one-percenters to go our way,” he said.

Autumn Mystery draws wide in Derby

Rory Hunter admitted that the nerves started to kick in after Autumn Mystery (The Autumn Sun) drew wide for Saturday’s Victoria Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) at Flemington. “I was [sleeping well] until we drew barrier 17,” the young trainer told Racing.com. “That sort of knocked us back a bit.” Despite the wide alley, Hunter remains upbeat about Autumn Mystery, who will chase a third straight win in Saturday’s 2500-metre Classic. “The horse is really happy and well,” Hunter said. “He’s come through his last run really well and worked well on Tuesday. All we can do is turn up on grand final day and have a go. Like I have said all the way along, he’s going to be better in six months’ time. We are really excited about the future with him.” Blake Shinn is tasked with navigating the tricky gate, but Hunter believes the gelding’s temperament and stamina will help offset the draw. “If we are in striking distance at the top of the straight, I feel confident he’ll be there at the finish,” he said. “He’s such a relaxed horse and is able to switch off early in the run and conserve energy. His last two runs he has gone to the line full of running.”

Waller trio primed for Empire Rose challenge

Chris Waller will saddle a formidable trio in Saturday’s Empire Rose Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) at Flemington. Waller, who has previously won the race on three occasions, will be represented this year by Fangirl (Sebring), Leica Lucy (Derryn) and Lazzura (Snitzel). “I’m very happy with Fangirl after her work on Tuesday,” Waller said. “She would be the top seed just on class alone based on what she has done. She’s in the twilight zone [career-wise], but she was bright and happy on Tuesday morning. She had a good look around up the straight, but she’s ready to turn it on, on Saturday.” Fangirl enters off a sixth-place finish in the King Charles III Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) after winning the 7 Stakes (1600m) earlier in the spring. Stablemates Leica Lucy and Lazzura both come via the Toorak Handicap (Gr 1, 1600m), where they finished third and fifth respectively. Waller has made a minor gear change for Leica Lucy following input from new stable advisor Darren Beadman, with Steven Arnold providing positive feedback after Tuesday’s gallop. “She lays in quite badly and Darren Beadman suggested a one-eyed blinker,” Waller said. “We put it on her…and he said she worked really well. It’s feedback from two great former riders.” As for Lazzura, Waller expects a return to Flemington and a quieter ride to bring out her best. “She had a tough run early [in the Toorak] and I think she’s better ridden off the speed,” he said. “She’ll really love coming back to Flemington.”

Crofskeys living the dream with Leica Lucy

Heather and Peter Crofskey are still pinching themselves as they prepare to fly from Taranaki to Melbourne to watch their homebred mare Leica Lucy contest Saturday’s Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington. “It is a dream come true,” Heather Crofskey said. “It [dreaming of racing a horse at Flemington] started many years ago, just before we started breeding, and it has happened.” The couple bred the Derryn (Hitchinbrook) mare and initially raced her with Robbie Patterson, for whom she quickly emerged as a standout. “Robbie said very early that she is the best horse he’s trained,” Crofskey said. “Joe Doyle was the first jockey to ride her and he said ‘this one is a keeper’. After the first win, Robbie said she was an Oaks horse and that’s what we headed towards.” That faith proved well-placed as Leica Lucy went on to win four Group races before capping her three-year-old season by claiming the New Zealand Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m). Following that triumph, prominent owner Ozzie Kheir purchased a share and transferred her to Chris Waller, under whose care she ran fourth in both the Australian Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) and the Let’s Elope Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m), before a brave third in the Toorak Handicap (Gr 1, 1600m). Connections’ confidence is quietly building with first-time blinkers added and Mark Zahra aboard from barrier three. “We are over the moon that she’s racing on Derby Day,” Crofskey said. “It’s a Group 1 with an awesome field. We are not expecting anything – just to be there is going to be out of this world.”

Waller happy to play long game with Wootton Verni

Chris Waller believes Wootton Verni (Wootton Bassett) has the makings of a future Melbourne spring contender but says patience remains key as the import continues to mature. The gelding will line up in Saturday’s $750,000 Rosehill Gold Cup (Gr 3, 2000m), now run at Randwick, chasing consecutive wins after his Coongy Cup (Gr 3, 2000m) success at Caulfield on October 15. “There are 750,000 reasons why,” Waller said when asked about the decision to return to Sydney. “He’s found form, but he’s still a year away from Melbourne Cups and things like that, so that was the reason.” The Wootton Bassett (Iffraaj) gelding, a northern hemisphere four-year-old, broke through for his first Australian win in the Coongy Cup – his first attempt at 2000 metres since arriving from France – and now boasts six wins from 15 starts. In Europe, he captured the Prix Greffulhe (Gr 3, 2100m) at Saint-Cloud and finished runner-up in the Prix Eugene Adam (Gr 2, 2000m) before being imported. Waller has been pleased with the horse’s development but said there’s still more to come. “Last start was certainly much better, but he’s still quite keen and aggressive,” he said. James McDonald takes the reins on Saturday, replacing Damian Lane, who steered Wootton Verni to his Caulfield victory. The gelding heads a strong Waller contingent that also includes Imperialist (Churchill), Mutasalem (The Autumn Sun) and Scarlet Oak (Kermadec).

Osland confident Concoction can measure up in Highway

Trainer Stirling Osland said he doesn’t make the trip from Armidale to Sydney for the scenic drive, suggesting a clear confidence in Concoction (Rageese) ahead of Saturday’s TAB Highway (1400m) at Randwick. The four-year-old gelding, a $9 chance with TAB on Thursday, will line up for his fourth start chasing a hat-trick of wins after back-to-back victories at Gunnedah and Armidale. “I think he could have been three from three,’’ Osland told Racing NSW. “He should have won at Coffs Harbour [on debut]…he went past the leader on the bit, then looked around and waited and let it have the chance to come back. He’s fast, he’s four so he’s not a young horse. They’ve given him plenty of time and done a lot of pre work on him early on in life and we’re reaping the rewards of it.” Osland’s recent Sydney runners, So You Are (So You Think) and Calico Miss (Better Land), have both performed strongly, and he expects Concoction to do the same. “We don’t bring them down unless we think we can get a cheque,” he said. “We’ve got a rough idea how our horses need to be going to have a crack.” Regular rider Ben Looker sticks with the gelding, who drops 5kg from his latest win and jumps from barrier one.

Gluyas keeps faith in Guru Warrior ahead of Skybeau heat

Andrew Gluyas has resisted the urge to make gear changes to promising stayer Guru Warrior (Saxon Warrior) ahead of Saturday’s Skybeau Series Heat (2028m) at Morphettville. The Saxon Warrior (Deep Impact) gelding veered sharply under pressure last time out at the track but still managed a length victory and is a short-priced favourite to make it three straight wins. Gluyas said he considered headgear or a bit of change but ultimately decided against it. “We did consider gear but we decided against it and gave him the benefit of the doubt,” Gluyas said. “He does seem to travel so well in his races and we didn’t want to upset that component of his racing.” Gluyas is confident the progressive gelding will continue to climb the ranks. “It’s small on numbers again but hopefully there is that little bit more pressure or something for him to follow on Saturday. We think we can work through the grades with him.” Meanwhile, Gawler Cup (1500m) winner Air Assault (Justify) will next line up in Tuesday’s John Letts Cup (Listed, 1800m), while stable stars Watchme Win (Harry Angel) and Arugamama (Churchill) are set for feature assignments at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week.

Mark Twain sent to paddock

New Zealand stayer Mark Twain (Shocking) was withdrawn from Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) on Thursday and will head to the paddock following his unplaced run in Wednesday’s Bendigo Cup (Gr 3, 2400m). Trained by Roger James and Robert Wellwood, the four-year-old failed to fire in the 2400-metre contest, prompting the stable to call an early end to his campaign. It marks the end of a mixed Australian spring for Mark Twain, who had shown promise earlier in his career as a Derby-placed stayer and was considered a leading Kiwi hope for the Cup before Wednesday’s run.

Sayedaty Sedaty closes in on Cup run

Sayedaty Sadaty (Anodin) is just one withdrawal away from securing a start in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup after his Bendigo Cup victory on Wednesday. Ciaron Maher’s emerging stayer has not been handed a penalty for the Group 3 win, with Racing Victoria’s head of handicapping David Hegan confirming on Thursday that the gelding will remain on the Cup minimum of 51kg. However, the one-length victory and its $300,000 prize-money boost have lifted Sayedaty Sadaty’s rating, moving him from 35th to 25th in the Cup order of entry. “Sayedaty Sadaty was aided by a perfect ride from Harry Coffey but ultimately was too strong for his rivals and won going away at the post to claim the Bendigo Cup,” Hegan said. “The performance does not warrant a weight penalty like it did for Sea King last year…but Sayedaty Sadaty’s win does warrant an adjustment to his handicap profile, which results in his elevation up the order.” Hegan explained that while the gelding’s true weight is now assessed at 50.5kg, the raised scale means he will carry 51kg in the Cup. The result saw Sayedaty Sadaty leapfrog Birdman (Free Eagle), who now sits 26th, following Mark Twain’s withdrawal and the removal of Quietness (Bated Breath), runner-up at Bendigo. Hegan noted Birdman’s tough luck in missing a re-handicap after winning the Kingston Town Stakes (Gr 3, 2000m) just days after Cup weights were released. The final field for the Melbourne Cup will be confirmed at 4:30pm (AEDT) on Saturday, followed by the barrier draw from 5:30pm.

McDonald thrilled with Meydaan ahead of Melbourne Cup

James McDonald has given Meydaan (Frankel) another glowing report after partnering the import in a strong 1400-metre workout at Werribee on Thursday morning, his second visit this week to ride the $15 Melbourne Cup hopeful.

“I can’t wait,” McDonald said. “He’s done really, really well.”

The four-year-old Simon and Ed Crisford-trained gelding has continued to please since finishing ninth in the Caulfield Cup (Gr 1, 2400m) on October 18, where he endured a chequered run but was still only five lengths behind winner and current Cup favourite Half Yours (St Jean).

“He’s come through Caulfield really well,” McDonald said. “Even when you feel him, he doesn’t seem like the type of horse suited to Caulfield and I think that was evident on his run as well. Getting back to the big stretches of Flemington, I think you’ll see a really good version of him.”

McDonald, who also rides Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun) in Saturday’s $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m), said Meydaan is primed for Tuesday’s 3200-metre feature.

“He can’t be any fitter, he can’t look any better, he can’t feel any better, so he’ll have every opportunity to run as good a race in the Melbourne Cup as he can,” he said. “I’m quietly excited that he’s a nice, progressive horse on the way up.”

The rider is also confident Meydaan’s 54.5-kilogram weight and adaptable racing style make him a strong contender.

“He’s got the speed of a mile-and-a-half horse and in this day and age that is probably the type of horse that you need for a Melbourne Cup,” McDonald said.

While rain is forecast for Cup Day, McDonald isn’t concerned.

“I’d be worried if it became heavy but Flemington is always in such pristine order that it probably won’t be heavy,” he said. “He’s a good horse, this.”

Morrison hoping for change of luck with Smart Action

Beaudesert trainer Michael Morrison is hoping a touch of luck and a softer track can turn around a frustrating campaign for Smart Action (Smart Missile), who lines up in Friday’s Benchmark 70 Handicap (1700m) at Ipswich. The six-year-old, who began his career with Annabel Archibald, has three wins and as many placings from 21 starts. Morrison admits this preparation hasn’t gone to plan after the gelding failed to fire in the Murwillumbah Cup (1550m), a race that had been his early target. “He’s had a bit of a frustrating prep,” Morrison said. “The initial target was the Murwillumbah Cup and his two runs into that were quite good and we were fairly confident that he would run well there but the track was pretty chopped up by the time we got to his race and he didn’t quite appreciate it. He didn’t travel in the run and pulled up poorly so the prep has gone a little off the rails since.” Now dropping in grade and returning to a rain-affected surface, Morrison hopes Smart Action can regain confidence. “Friday we’re trying to get a confidence-building win on the board for him and this is a great opportunity for that with the drop in grade,” he said. “With the rain we’ve had and the sting out of the ground, that should be to his liking.” Blinkers will go back on for the first time since the gelding joined Morrison’s stable 12 months ago.

Onesmoothoperator to remain in Australia

Onesmoothoperator (Dialed In) will remain in Australia following Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, with Boyle Bloodstock confirming the decision on Thursday. “That is the plan, for him to stay in Australia. There is more for him here than taking him back to Europe,” the ownership group said. “We have sold part of the horse ahead of the Melbourne Cup but retain the majority share. He will be trained by Brian’s [Ellison] long-time friend Tim Fitzsimmons.” Currently prepared by UK trainer Brian Ellison, Onesmoothoperator is in his second Melbourne Spring Carnival and once again achieved Group success when landing last week’s Moonee Valley Gold Cup (Gr 2, 2500m) under Mark Zahra. The gelding won the Geelong Cup (Gr 3, 2400m) under Craig Williams last year before an unlucky midfield finish in the Melbourne Cup, and heads to Flemington this year with Harry Coffey booked to ride. The move to keep Onesmoothoperator in Australia ensures the consistent stayer will continue to feature prominently in the nation’s premier staying races, with his future now in the hands of former Singapore-based trainer Tim Fitzsimmons.

Raging Bull delivers a hometown thrill for Pace

Arthur Pace was duly rapt after Raging Bull’s (Bull Point) third-place finish in Wednesday’s Bendigo Cup. The former Victoria Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) fourth placegetter has been a model of consistency since joining Pace’s stable late last year, never finishing more than 3.5 lengths from the winner in seven starts this campaign. After a gritty third in the Hamilton Cup (2200m), Pace decided to take a chance on his hometown feature – a move that paid off handsomely as Patrick Moloney guided Raging Bull to a fast-finishing third behind Sayedaty Sadaty, earning $45,000 in prize-money and giving Pace his first Group placing as a trainer. “I’m just rapt,” Pace told Racing.com. “He’s been so consistent in the country Cups, so I thought, ‘I have to give him a go’ and it’s worked out bloody good, hasn’t it! He’s such a tough horse, he fights his way through the pack…he was good, he was really good.” The result was also special for Pace’s daughter Courtney, a clerk of scales for Racing Victoria and former champion Picnic jockey, who played a key role in settling the once-tense gelding under saddle. “When I got him, he was in beautiful condition… but he didn’t want to go out on the track,” Pace said. “She has done a really good job with him. A really good job.” Raging Bull will likely have one more start before a short spell, with Pace eyeing an autumn return when the tracks have a bit more give.

Tabitha Ridley-Thomas joins Magic Millions bloodstock team

Australia's leading thoroughbred auctioneer Magic Millions has boosted its impressive bloodstock team with news Tabitha Ridley-Thomas has joined the company.

Having spent much of her life working in the industry in the United Kingdom and Australia, Ridley-Thomas has joined Magic Millions as a bloodstock consultant.

With extensive experience in racing and bloodstock management across both Australia and the UK, she brings a strong commercial understanding of horse valuation, sales strategy and client engagement.

Her experience in the UK includes hands-on and administrative roles with Whitsbury Manor Stud and Andrew Balding Racing.

Having since relocated to Australia the well respected horsewoman spent over a year at Newgate Farm before a four year tenure at Annabel and Rob Archibald Racing.

"I'm incredibly excited to be joining the team at Magic Millions as a bloodstock consultant," Ridley-Thomas said.

"It's a privilege to be part of a company so deeply respected within the industry for its forward-thinking approach and proven success.

"I look forward to working alongside such a talented and driven team, collaborating with breeders, trainers, owners and agents across the industry and embracing the opportunities ahead," she added.

"We are delighted to welcome Tabitha to the Magic Millions team," Magic Millions managing director Barry Bowditch said.

"Tabitha brings a wealth of experience, with strong industry knowledge both here in Australia and the UK.

"As Racing and bloodstock manager to Annabel and Rob, Tabitha most recently played a key role in the selection of quality horses for one of the fastest-growing stables in the country," Bowditch added.

Passiflora to test her class at Tauranga

Connections of Passiflora (Farnan) will gain a clear guide to the filly’s standing among her generation when she steps out in Saturday’s Armory Standing At Mapperley Stud 3YO (1200m) at Tauranga. Trainers Steven Ramsay and Julia Ritchie expect the Farnan (Not A Single Doubt) filly to handle the rise in class after a strong debut win on the Cambridge synthetic last month. “It will give us a good line on where we go with her,” Ramsay said. “She’s not overly big and it will be a good test. If she runs very well, we’ll be looking for some black type.” Raced by Sir Peter Vela, Passiflora is out of Lilikoi (Charm Spirit), a Eulogy Stakes (Gr 3, 1600m) winner. Ramsay said the stable had waited for suitable ground after wet weather delayed her debut. “She’s been ready to go for a while. We just wanted a better track and the right three-year-old race,” he said.

Taylor homebred Tukituki chasing further success

Carl Taylor is hoping the feel-good story of his homebred stayer Tukituki (Complacent) continues at Tauherenikau on Saturday. A builder by trade, Taylor has balanced work with his small racing team for years, but Tukituki carries extra meaning as he was bred from Zinika (Zed) in partnership with Taylor’s late daughter, Pip. “Myself and my late daughter bred him together, so what he’s doing for us is pretty special,” Taylor said. A winner over a mile, Zinika later became Pip’s show horse before returning to the broodmare paddock after her passing in 2018. Tukituki, her second foal, has now won twice from 15 starts, most recently when leading throughout over 2000 metres at Taupo. “He’s a horse you just let roll,” Taylor said. “If you try to take a hold, he fights you. Bruno [Queiroz] rode him perfectly last time.” Tukituki again teams with Queiroz in the Rating 65 (2200m), for which he heads the market. “He’s happy, he’s fit, and I just keep him ticking over,” Taylor said. “It’s special to see him doing so well.”

Marotiri Molly out to overcome weight again at Tauherenikau

Consistent mare Marotiri Molly (Per Incanto) faces another stern test under a big weight in Saturday’s Redcraze Bowl (1400m) at Tauherenikau. The Group 2-winning daughter of Per Incanto (Street Cry) has paid the price for her high rating this spring, carrying topweight in each of her runs in open company. Despite that, she’s run well: third fresh and fifth at Trentham after missing the Breeders’ Stakes (Gr 3, 2050m) on a heavy track. Trainer Matt Dixon has turned to apprentice Toni Davies to claim on the 61kg mare, hopeful that a better surface and step up to 1400 metres will play in her favour. “It wasn’t my intention to run her in all these open handicaps with big weights, but it’s just how things have worked out,” Dixon said. “She got home well at Trentham and her sectionals were great. The 1400 metres will suit her a lot better now, and hopefully the track improves – all her best form’s on Good 4s.” Marotiri Molly won last year’s Redcraze Bowl before a fast-finishing third in the Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m), which remains Dixon’s next target. “Saturday’s a trial for Pukekohe in three weeks,” he said. “If she runs well, she’ll head back there.”

Global stars line up for HKIR

An array of global talent is targeting this year’s Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR), with 185 horses, including 70 individual Group 1 winners, nominated for the event on December 14 at Sha Tin. The four-race showpiece – boasting a record HK$130 million in prize money – features the HK$40 million Hong Kong Cup (Gr 1, 2000m), HK$36 million Mile (Gr 1, 1600m), HK$28 million Sprint (Gr 1, 1200m) and HK$26 million Vase (Gr 1, 2400m). Romantic Warrior (Acclamation) and Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) spearhead Hong Kong’s defence. Ten-time elite-level winner Romantic Warrior will chase a record fourth Hong Kong Cup, while the world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising, fresh from his Everest (Gr 1, 1200m) triumph, bids for back-to-back Sprint victories. The Chris Waller Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m) Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock) and Buckaroo (Fastnet Rock) lead Australia’s potential charge and they have been entered alongside the Ciaron Maher-trained Light Infantry Man (Fast Company). International interest is headlined by France’s in-form Francis Graffard, who has nominated Calandagan (Gleneagles) and Goliath (Alderflug), while Andre Fabre could return with Junko (Intello) and Sosie (Sea The Stars). Japan boasts a powerful team of 50 entries, including Group 1 winners Tastiera (Satono Crown), Soul Rush (Rulership), Win Carnelian (Screen Hero) and Croix Du Nord (Kitasan Black). Aidan O’Brien has nominated Minnie Hauk (Frankel), Los Angeles (Camelot), and The Lion In Winter (Sea The Stars), while Godolphin’s Rebel’s Romance (Dubawi) and Notable Speech (Dubawi) also feature. Meanwhile, Executive director of racing for the HKJC Andrew Harding said: “We’re thrilled with the depth and quality of this year’s entries. Hong Kong’s champions will again take on the world’s elite, setting the stage for another unforgettable day at Sha Tin.”

Dettori set to retire from US racing at Breeders’ Cup

Frankie Dettori has confirmed this weekend’s Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar will mark the end of his race-riding career in the United States, with a few farewell rides to follow in South America. In a statement shared on social media, the 54-year-old said: “Following the Breeders’ Cup on Saturday, I will be retiring from race riding in the United States and concluding my career with a few rides in South America, something I’ve always wanted to do. It has been an honour to compete at the highest level of this sport for over four decades. I’m deeply grateful to my family, the owners, trainers, stable staff and of course, the supporters who have made my career possible.” Dettori initially planned to retire at the end of 2023 but extended his career to ride in America. Among his final Breeders’ Cup mounts are Aspect Island (Showcasing) (Juvenile Turf Sprint), Wimbledon Hawkeye (Kameko) (Turf), Imaginationthelady (Not This Time) (Juvenile Fillies Turf), Khaadem (Dark Angel) (Turf Sprint), and Argine (Lord Kanaloa) (Mile).

UK: Dwyer goes to 150,000gns for Skiathos

Australian trainer Henry Dwyer added a third horse to his Tattersalls Horses in Training Sale haul on Thursday when he teamed up with Jamie Piggott and Harvey Williams to buy Skiathos (Wootton Bassett) for 150,000gns (approx. AU$316,045). With Piggott on a plane to the US, and Dwyer at home in the southern hemisphere, Williams, son of trainer Ian, was in charge of bidding. The two-year-old colt has run twice in October, finishing second on October 4 on debut at Redcar and then winning at the same track three days ago. He is out of the mare Catalina Bay (Pastoral Pursuits), who was a Listed winner in Italy, and is dam of Skiathos’ sister Attagirl, winner of the Roses Stakes (Listed, 5f). Skiathos was bred by Ballyhane and owned by Clipper Logistics. On the first day of the sale, Dwyer combined with Sam Haggas of Hurworth Bloodstock to buy Synners Kid (Ten Sovereigns) for 110,00gns (approx. AU$231,770) and he teamed up with Haggas again on Wednesday to purchase Brave Mission, a gelding by Frankel (Galileo), for 70,000gns (approx. AU$147,490).