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Thursday, January 1, 2026
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Kensington Stakes
Labelled an ‘iron horse’ by his co-trainer Troy Corstens, Zou Sensation (6 g Zoustar - Dame Claire by Danehill Dancer) kept his excellent run of form going on Wednesday when securing a victory in the Kensington Stakes (Listed, 1400m) at Flemington.
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Tayla Dyke
ANZ News
Star Thoroughbreds-owned brothers Durazzo and Mazzini capped a memorable day for Armidale Stud and its resident stallion Needs Further (Encosta De Lago) when they both landed their prospective stakes races at Hobart on Sunday.
Both trained by Barry Campbell, Mazzini got the day off to a brilliant start when he opened his stakes account in the Tasmanian Guineas (Listed, 1600m), before Durazzo, not wanting to be outdone by his younger brother, registered his third consecutive stakes victory when claiming the $125,000 The Inevitable Stakes (Listed, 1600m).
Sent off a short-priced favourite, Mazzini, who was partnered by regular rider Kelvin Sanderson, powered clear to win by 3.25 lengths over the Stuart Gandy-trained Crack The Shutters (Alpine Eagle), with Patrick Kearney’s Tempt The Gods (Levendi) a further 1.5 lengths back in third.
Sanderson was also aboard Durazzo, who produced another polished performance, scoring by 0.5 lengths over Just Cruisin’ (Street Boss), with interstate raider Bank Maur (Maurice) a further 0.75 lengths away in third.
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Mazzini’s record now stands at five wins from six starts, with earnings now in excess of $219,000, while Durazzo has 11 wins and two seconds from just 15 starts to his name, with prize-money earnings closing in on $580,000.
The classy duo hail from a family Denise Martin and Brett Howard know well being out of Arenzano (Not A Single Doubt), an eight-time winner for Campbell and Star Thoroughbreds. The daughter of Not A Single Doubt (Redoute’s Choice) is also the dam of four-time winner Emily (Wordsmith), who was trained by Campbell for Martin, having been sourced by her and Howard for $42,000 at the 2020 edition of the Tasmanian sale.
Further back this is the same family as Listed scorer Beyonce’s Star (Orientate), the dam of Group 3 winner Oak Door (Commands).
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Durazzo was purchased for $97,500 by Star Thoroughbreds and Howard’s Randwick Bloodstock from Armidale Stud’s draft at the 2022 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale.
At the same sale two years later, Martin and Howard invested in the family once again when they stretched to secure Mazzini for an auction-topping $145,000, a few days before Durazzo made an uninspiring debut at Launceston, a performance he atoned for on his next start when he broke his maiden at the same track the following month.
Armidale Stud managing director David Whishaw will be hoping the pair’s Brutal (O’Reilly) half-sister can bring another good result for the farm when she comes under the hammer as Lot 70 at the 2026 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale next month.
“The mare has now had four horses to run for three winners and two stakes winners
“I think Brutal's doing enough as a sire, we loved it as a pedigree matchup,” he told ANZ News. “The mare has now had four horses to run for three winners and two stakes winners, the filly out of the mare, that Star Thoroughbreds also raced was lucky enough to run fourth in a Group 3, Emily, she was a very handy mare as well, so I'd hope the filly will attract plenty of interest, that's for sure.”
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With both Mazzini and Durazzo raised and sold by Armidale and sired by the farm’s resident sire Needs Further, Whishaw described Sunday as a ‘dream’ result.
“We dream of days like that,” he said. “It's not the first time we've bred two stakes winners on the card, but it's certainly the first time we've bred two full brothers as stakes winners on the card.
“It's lovely to see and I think that both have got really bright futures. Melbourne is on the radar for both of them, which is really exciting, and certainly something Barry Campbell doesn't look at regularly.
“He's not a big one for taking horses to Melbourne, but normally when he does, he gets it right, and I think they're both up to that quality, that's for sure. Yeah, fantastic.”
Whishaw also paid tribute to Martin and Howard for their ongoing support of the Tasmanian breeding industry.
“Brett and Denise have been a very potent combination since they got together. Nationally, but especially down in Tasmania, their record has been second to none. Denise just surrounds herself with all the right people and Brett's a wonderful judge of a horse.
“Brett, helped secure us Needs Further and he's a real man for pedigrees. He does all his homework and he continues to buy good horses. They bought Deroche together, who was a stakes winner by Needs Further that Newgate then bought a broodmare, and now they've bought another two Needs Further stakes winners in Durazzo and Mazzini.
“I think we're blessed to have their support, blessed to have them down in Tassie and they've certainly bought two nice horses for these two boys.”
As for Arenzano, she missed in 2024, but was covered by Armidale’s first-season sire Bodyguard (I Am Invincible) last September.
Needs Further stood for an unchanged fee of $5,500 (inc GST) in 2025.
Dan Harrold
ANZ News
Labelled an ‘iron horse’ by his co-trainer Troy Corstens, Zou Sensation (6 g Zoustar - Dame Claire by Danehill Dancer) kept his excellent run of form going on Wednesday when securing a victory in the Kensington Stakes (Listed, 1400m) at Flemington.
Having had at least one race a month since May, the now six-year-old gelding has maintained a remarkable run of form during that time, winning four – including the Weekend Hussler Stakes (Listed, 1400m) – and placing in two of nine starts since a fifth at Caulfield on May 10.
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Taking that record to five wins from 11 on Wednesday, Zou Sensation also moved his prize-money earnings beyond the $1 million mark in securing the $175,000 contest.
Ridden by Jamie Melham for the first time since a fourth-placed run in the Chautauqua Stakes (Listed, 1200m) at The Valley in June, the Bennett Racing-owned son of Zoustar (Northern Meteor) hit the lead inside the final 300 metres and gamely fended off the persistent late challenge of Steparty (Artie Schiller) to win by 0.2 lengths. There was a further two lengths back to the third-placed Persian Spirit (Cable Bay).
“He’s had a very good prep and he just keeps fronting up day in and day out, so credit to him and to the team
“He’s a very, very tough horse and he was a dream to ride today,” Melham, who now has three wins aboard the gelding, said.
“With age he’s getting more manageable and it all worked out perfectly. He’s had a very good prep and he just keeps fronting up day in and day out, so credit to him and to the team.”
Troy Corstens, who trains in partnership with his son Leon and Will Larkin, revealed connections would not be sending Zou Sensation for a break just yet.
"I was actually talking to Will [Larkin] this morning and he said, 'I reckon I'm going to have a bet today' and he said, 'do you think he's gone [trained] off?'
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"I said, 'mate, he's as good as he ever is'. But it's always hard when you're coming to the end of the preparation and he's been up for a year.
"He's just an iron horse. Someone just said to me, 'are you going to tip him out now' and I said no. There's no way I'm tipping him out, he's going so well, why would you tip him out?"
Bred by Qatar Bloodstock, Zou Sensation was purchased by Bennett Racing for $150,000 out of the Widden Stud draft at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
He is the best of four winners from five to race out of the stakes-winning Danehill Dancer (Danehill) mare Dame Claire, who produced a filly by Brutal (O’Reilly) in October. Bennett Racing also have the three-quarter sister to Zou Sensation, paying $110,000 at Magic Millions in 2024 for Zousain (Zoustar) filly Zouclaire, who has been placed twice from seven starts.
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Evergreen eight-year-old Future History (8 g Showcasing - Likelihood by Mizzen Mast) chalked up a fourth career stakes success on Wednesday when landing the Bagot Handicap (Listed, 2800m) at Flemington. Making it back-to-back Listed wins, having scored in the Christmas Cup (Listed, 2400m) at Randwick on December 13, the Ciaron Maher-trained son of Showcasing (Oasis Dream) displayed his class as he carried the 60-kilogram topweight to a 0.8-length victory over Wealdstone (Free Eagle). There was a further 0.7 lengths back to Interpretation (Galileo) in third. The win was Maher’s second in the Bagot following San Huberto’s (Speightstown) success back in 2023, when he trained in partnership with David Eustace. Winning rider Brown was aboard on that occasion in 2023, and also partnered Future History on Wednesday. "He's a dream to ride, he just gets himself into a lovely rhythm, I just worked with him," Brown said. “He had a big weight, so he was better off just rolling along then I clicked him up at the 700 [metres] and he was full of running all the way through the line." The rider has teamed up with Maher to land three Group 1 wins this season with Jimmysstar (Per Incanto) and an Australian Cup (Gr 1, 2000m) with Light Infantry Man (Fast Company). "It's been a great '25 and it's great to top it off with a stakes win with Ciaron," Brown said. "He's been my number one seed throughout last season and good horses like Jimmysstar and Light Infantry Man were big highlights. All's well that ends well and hopefully we can carry it on to next year."
Fresh off the Gosford Guineas (Listed, 1200m) success of Caffe Florian (Snitzel), Richard Litt is hoping experienced sprinter Barber (Exceed And Excel) can deliver another highlight for the stable in Thursday’s Canterbury Sprint (Listed, 1200m). The former Godolphin runner joined Litt’s care in April and has thrived since the stable change, including a victory in the Takeover Target Stakes (Listed, 1200m) in May. Drawn barrier one in Thursday’s 15-runner field, the five-year-old shapes as a key contender. “What a wonderful horse to have in the stable,” Litt said. “He's going very, very well and he's been great to his owners. You know, they're very hard races to win all the time. Those sorts of black type Listed sprint races are so competitive.” Litt said the stable’s strong relationship with Godolphin helped smooth the transition after Monarch Racing purchased Barber for $215,000 late last year. “We have a very good connection with Godolphin and their horses and their staff,” Litt said. “So we always keep an eye on these horses and Monarch Racing bought him and paid a lot of money [$215,000].” Looking ahead, Litt is confident Barber can continue to deliver at stakes level. “He's going to pick up a couple of more wins and he's going to be a load of fun over the next 12 to 18 months. We love him.”
Insurrection (Russian Revolution) will take a different path into Thursday’s Canterbury Sprint, but his trainer Michael Freedman remains confident the six-year-old can again figure prominently in the New Year’s Day feature. The gelding resumes in the race he won last year, chasing his first victory since that success. His 2025 Canterbury Sprint triumph followed a second placing in the Razor Sharp Stakes (Listed, 1200m), and a win in The Warra (1000m), before his campaign ended with a seventh in the Star Kingdom Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) in April. “He just had a few aches and pains that he was dealing with and we were more or less one step forward, two steps back with him,” Freedman said. “So, we just decided to give him a nice, long break and let him go and be a horse for a few months in the paddock, which he did, and I think he's really enjoyed that and come back with a bit of a fresh body and fresh mindset.” Insurrection has since impressed in two 850-metre Randwick Kensington trials in December, winning one softly before finishing a close second under a light ride in the other. “It's probably one of those things where you'd love to it to be maybe 1000 [metres] or 1100 rather than the 1200, but just at this time of year there's simply nothing else around that suits a horse of his rating,” Freedman said. “He's had two nice trials going into it, he's had a nice steady build-up, and I think it's a nice race for him. Whether he's quite rock-hard fit enough for it against a few race-fit horses remains to be seen, but he's a very competitive, genuine customer, so I'm sure he'll give his all.”
Having been withdrawn from a $65,000 race at Flemington's New Year's Eve meeting and from a meeting at Caulfield Heath on December 20 due to a wide gate, the Clinton McDonald-trained Miss Ole (Ole Kirk) will make her seasonal reappearance in Saturday's $150,000 Brandt Colac 3YO Handicap (1100m) at Geelong. The three-year-old daughter of Ole Kirk (Written Tycoon) has made three starts to date, running fifth in the Vobis Gold Strike (1000m) at Warrnambool on debut before back-to-back victories at Sandown-Hillside and Flemington - the latter of those coming over 1100 metres on July 7. "I think she's going well enough to win first-up, we just needed to have the right ducks in a line to push the button," McDonald said. Miss Ole was being prepared for the Spring Carnival before suffering an infection and McDonald decided to turn her out. "We just said 'no, let's stop', because she was on heavy antibiotics and that's when you stuff them, when you try and force them back," he said. "The owners were patient, gave her a spell and came back, and she's right to go now. She's growing into a good type of filly, she's going to be a nice three-year-old in the autumn. We're hoping that she can get to Adelaide for a Sangster [Stakes], or somewhere like that if she keeps going the way she's going. We thought if we can get these two runs under her belt [we'd] then back off her and come into Adelaide with a little freshen-up."
Lindsay Park's ten-time Group 1 winner Mr Brightside (Bullbars) is set to undergo minor surgery meaning he will miss the upcoming Autumn Carnival. Ben, JD and Will Hayes revealed on Wednesday in a Facebook post that a routine vet check had revealed a small chip in the gelding’s left-fore fetlock, and he is expected to return in the spring. "He is sound and his usual happy self but best possible practice for his wellbeing, comfort and long-term soundness is to have minor surgery to remove the chip,” the Facebook post from Lindsay Park read. “Afterwards he will enjoy a lovely long VIP holiday at Lindsay Park Euroa. This means he will unfortunately miss the upcoming autumn racing carnival but absolutely all that matters is his wellbeing and we look forward to seeing him back in the spring,”
Four-time elite-level winner Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express) is set to have a lighter autumn campaign as her trainer Matt Laurie eyes a second crack at the Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m) during 2026. The Yulong-owned four-year-old mare scored an impressive win in the Memsie Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) in August before then suffering a bout of colic, which interrupted her campaign. The daughter of Alabama Express (Redoute’s Choice) ran a 1.6 lengths third behind Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock) in last year's Cox Plate, prompting Laurie to target the race again. "Ultimately, I'd just love to get her into the Cox Plate at Flemington at the end of the year," the trainer told Racing.com. "I think she's had three extraordinary preparations, they've been big preparations, so I don't want to do too much with her in the autumn. We could be looking at two runs and spelling; probably the Futurity into an All-Star Mile and then a holiday, then try to prep her for the next big one."
Mornington-based trainer John McArdle is targeting Group 1 races with his filly My Gladiola (I Am Invincible) in 2026 after she proved ultra-consistent in four starts last preparation. Having scored in the Cap D'Antibes Stakes (Listed, 1100m) at Flemington on September 13, the daughter of I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit) then ran second in the Danehill Stakes (Gr 2, 1100m) and Coolmore Stud Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) before a last-start third in the Thoroughbred Club Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m). My Gladiola worked at Mornington on Tuesday morning and is due to have a barrier trial at Caulfield Heath at the end of January. "She actually started to do a bit of work [Tuesday] morning, she just did a bit of even time work this morning," McArdle told Racing.com. "The plan is that there's official trials on the 29th, she'll trial then and then look to run most likely in the Lightning [Stakes], but either the Lightning or the Oakleigh Plate first-up."
Home Affairs (I Am Invincible) filly Lady Moscato again showcased her clear talent when comfortably taking out a 740-metre trial at Randwick on Tuesday.
In what was the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained filly's second consecutive trial victory, she defeated Mayflower (Capitalist) by three lengths.
A $1.05 million Magic Millions purchase from Coolmore for her trainers and Kestrel Thoroughbreds, Lady Moscato runs for a partnership that includes John Stewart and she carries his Resolute Racing colours.
She is the third foal out of the Group 2-winning and multiple Group 1-placed mare Champagne Cuddles (Not A Single Doubt), herself a daughter of Group 1 winner Sky Cuddle (Snippets).
The other 740-metre heat on the card was won by the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Street Boss (Street Cry) colt High Alert, who came home eye-catchingly for a 0.1 lengths success over Eviction Notice (Stay Inside).
A homebred for Godolphin, High Alert is the first foal out of the winning Exceed And Excel (Danehill) mare Suricate, herself a daughter of Group 3 scorer Antelucan (Domesday).
The other trial for juveniles on the card was run over 1050 metres and was also won by a Freedman-trained colt in Zambales. The son of Pinatubo (Shamardal) defeated Lucky Vega (Lope De Vega) filly Cherry Bombshell by 0.4 lengths.
He is the fifth foal out of the Group 2-winning Exceed And Excel mare Calliope, who has had three foals to race with all being winners, highlighted by $4.5 million earner and The Everest (Gr 1, 1200m) runner-up Tempted (Street Boss), alongside with Group 2 scorer Kallos (Medaglia D’Oro).
Arrowfield Stud’s late Champion Sire Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice) registered his 165th individual stakes winner when Caffe Florian (3 f ex Madame Andree by War Emblem) won Sunday’s Gosford Guineas. Bred and sold by Arrowfield Stud, the filly was a $400,000 buy for Galletta Constructions Co at the 2024 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. Caffe Florian is the eighth foal and fourth stakes winner out of the unraced mare Madame Andree (War Emblem), making her a three-quarter sister to Group 3 winner turned stallion Anders (Not A Single Doubt) and Listed-winner Ostraka (Pariah), as well as a sister to stakes-placegetters Battleground (Snitzel) and Satin Love (Snitzel). Arrowfield Stud will offer a sister to Caffe Florian at the upcoming Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, catalogued as Lot 504. Madame Andree has foaled again this spring producing yet another filly by Snitzel.
Yulong Stud’s Champion Sire Written Tycoon (Iglesia) notched up his 82nd individual stakes winner when the Kris Lees-trained Kind Words (5 m ex Gracious Grey by Redoute's Choice) took out Sunday’s Belle of the Turf Stakes (Gr 3, 1600m) at Gosford. Bred and sold by Cambridge Stud, Kind Words was a $280,000 buy for Bruce Perry Bloodstock at the 2022 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. She is the second foal and first stakes winner out of the winning Redoute’s Choice (Danehill) mare Gracious Grey, herself a sister to Group 2 winner Positive Peace (Stratum), out of Listed scorer Warpath (Reset). The Spirit Of Boom (Seqalo) half-sister to Kind Words will go through the ring at the upcoming NZB Karaka National Yearling Sale, cataloged as Lot 461. Written Tycoon stood at Yulong Stud in Nagambie for a private fee in 2025.
Kind Words added a long-awaited black type success to her record when notching a third consecutive victory in the Belle Of The Turf Stakes. Jumping from an awkward barrier ten, Tom Sherry pushed the five-year-old forward early before easing mid-race, with the mare forced to settle three-wide. Despite the run, Kind Words proved resolute, holding off Hyperbolic (Proisir) by 0.14 lengths with Chica Mojito (Zacinto) a further 0.8 lengths away in third. Dropping back in distance posed no issue for the Kris Lees-trained mare, who continued her strong summer form. “It was a tough win,” stable representative Cameron Swan said. “Everything worked out as we chanced our arm early and got into a nice spot. She finished it off well. Though she was in a nice position, she lacks that real turn-of-foot over a mile. She probably should have won a Queensland Oaks where she had a really torrid run and she went really good so it is good for her to get this group three win. This preparation she has really shown what she's made of.”
Armidale Stud stallion Needs Further (Encosta de Lago) sired his tenth individual stakes winner when Mazzini (3 g ex Arenzano by Not a Single Doubt) registered a powerful victory in Sunday’s Tasmanian Guineas (Listed, 1600m) at Hobart. Bred and sold by Armidale Stud, the gelding was purchased by Star Thoroughbreds with Randwick Bloodstock Agency for a sale-topping $145,000 at the 2024 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale. Mazzini is the sixth foal and second stakes winner out of eight-time winner Arenzano (Not a Single Doubt), making him a brother to four-time stakes-winner and fellow Star Thoroughbreds-owned gelding Durazzo. The Brutal (O’Reilly) half-sister to Mazzini will go under the hammer at the 2026 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale, offered by breeder Armidale Stud as Lot 70. Arenzano missed in 2024, but was covered by Armidale’s first season sire Bodyguard (I Am Invincible) early this season. Needs Further stood for an unchanged fee of $5,500 (inc GST) in 2025.
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Stephen Marsh can make a strong case for each of his top-flight contenders at Trentham on Saturday where the Cambridge-based trainer will be represented by the in-form trio of Ardalio (Ardrossan), Tardelli (I Am Invincible) and To Cap It All (Capitalist) in the Telegraph (Gr 1, 1200m), a race he won in 2024 with Mercurial (Burgundy). “They are really difficult to split, Ardalio is a proven, sharp sprinter but with a sticky draw [11], while blinkers will go on Tardelli and he’s a very good colt,” Marsh said. “To Cap It All is the up-and-comer with a good gate [five] and she hasn’t had a lot of luck of late,” Marsh said. Ardalio has won four of her eight starts, including a most recent victory in the Counties Bowl (Gr 3, 1100m) and has since been kept ticking over with a quiet trial. “She’s a high-quality mare and put a very good field away last time out, she’s going super,” Marsh said. Tardelli has been brought back in distance to give the son of I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit) every chance to boost his future stallion value. “At the start of the campaign, we thought he was a miler but we’ve changed tack and think he’s a better 1200-1400-metre horse,” Marsh said. “That’s why we have identified the Telegraph, it’s always been a hard 1200 metres so this could be his race. Eight isn’t a bad draw for him and gives him a bit of room to move.” Meanwhile, To Cap It All has finished runner-up in three of her last four appearances and she is also proven on the course, having won last season’s Wellesley Stakes (Listed, 1100m) on debut. “She’s got the draw to get a smother and obviously likes the chute,” Marsh said. “She’s got a great turn of foot, and if she can be ridden a little bit conservatively then I think she can be right in it.”
Ashley Meadows is aiming for a strong start to the new year with in-form gelding The Scunner (Shamexpress), who tackles Thursday’s Rich Hill Mile (Gr 2, 1600m) at Ellerslie. The six-year-old has been in excellent form this preparation, winning first-up in September, finishing runner-up in the Thompson Handicap (Gr 3, 1600m) at Trentham, and returning to the Upper Hutt track to claim the Spring Sprint (Gr 3, 1400m) last start. “That was a huge run last time,” Meadows said. “This prep he has improved so much. He started off in an open handicap and then went to Group 3s and he just keeps stepping up.” Meadows is confident in The Scunner’s readiness for his first run on a right-handed track, although barrier 11 poses a potential challenge. “He is looking smart, I think I have got him pretty spot on,” the trainer said. “It is his first time going right-handed, but I don’t think it will be a problem, I think barrier 11 might be the bigger issue.” Expectations remain high, especially if rain falls at Ellerslie. “I am expecting him to run well. It is a long way to travel, so you do want them spot on,” Meadows said. “If it rained up there it would probably help us.” The Scunner will carry equal topweight of 56.5 kilograms, with Kelly Myers retaining the ride.
Gifted four-year-old She’s A Dealer (Ace High) will attempt to extend her winning streak when she steps out in Thursday’s Rich Hill Mile. The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained mare, who is unbeaten this preparation, has won four of her seven starts. “Her work has been terrific and this race comes up at the right time, conditions suit and it’s an appropriate race for her,” Wellwood said. Bred by race sponsor Rich Hill Stud, She’s A Dealer resumed with a dominant win over 1400 metres at Ellerslie and followed up with a decisive victory over 1500 metres at Te Rapa. “She’s very exciting and has been great in her last two starts and it would be nice to see her add black type to her record,” Wellwood said. The stable will also be doubly represented in the Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (Gr 2, 2000m) with Dance The Night (Almanzor) and Della Ricci (Ocean Park). “Her run the other day pointed toward New Year’s Day and she’s come through the race very well,” Wellwood said of Dance The Night. “She will have blinkers going on and it will suit her down to the ground going 2000 metres,” he said of Della Ricci.
Shaun and Emma Clotworthy are hoping a couple of their runners can return to form when they line up at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day following disappointing runs on Boxing Day. Aftermath (Rock ‘N’ Pop) has been largely consistent this preparation, finishing a series of fourths including in the Livamol Classic (Gr 1, 2040m) and Balmerino Stakes (Gr 3, 2000m), before claiming black type with a third in the Counties Cup (Gr 3, 2100m). After missing the Waikato Cup (Gr 3, 2400m) due to a minor injury, he resumed in the Zabeel Classic (Gr 1, 2000m) on Boxing Day but could only beat one rival home. He will make a quick reappearance when he lines up in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (Gr 3, 2400m). “He had a little bit of an issue, a slight muscle twinge, before the Waikato Cup so he missed a bit of work,” Shaun Clotworthy said. “It [Zabeel Classic] was a very strange run race. If you took into account he finished just under three-lengths away from El Vencedor and Waitak, it wasn’t too bad under weight-for-age conditions. I wasn’t totally disappointed in his run. He has been at the beach after the race and he had an easy bit of work [on Monday] and he seems nice and bright. I expect him to improve and under handicap conditions he is a lot better.” Stablemate Pulsatilla (Redwood) will also be looking to bounce back to form when she contests the Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes. The filly has been mixing her form, and Clotworthy is hoping the step up to 2000 metres can help her return to her winning ways. “She was a touch disappointing in the Eight Carat,” he said. “She looked like she was going to come into the race and then she battled on a bit. She may just be looking for the 2000 metres already.”
Te Akau Racing will be tackling plenty of feature targets over the coming days, but one of their more interesting runners will appear on the undercard at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. Four-year-old entire Espionage (Zoustar) will make his debut for the stable after previously being trained in Australia by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, for whom he won two of his eight starts, including the Breeders’ Plate (Gr 3, 1000m) and Kindergarten Stakes (Gr 3, 1100m), and placed in the Silver Slipper Stakes (Gr 2, 1100m). Bred by Westbury Stud principal Gerry Harvery, through his Australian operation Baramul Stud, Espionage was purchased by James Harron Bloodstock Colt Partnership for $1 million out of the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Coolmore, along with several partners including Sir Peter Vela, purchased an interest in the son of Zoustar (Northern Meteor) last season, and he has been unplaced in his subsequent four starts. Coolmore elected to send him to New Zealand in October to be trained by Te Akau’s Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, for whom he has made pleasing progress, including placing in his 1100-metre Group and Listed trial at Matamata a fortnight ago. He will step out at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day in the concluding open handicap over 1200 metres, albeit with an unsuitable barrier draw of 13. “He is a very interesting runner,” Bergerson said. “Unfortunately, he has drawn the outside, which doesn’t make it easy over 1200 metres. But he is a lovely animal, he is beautifully put together. His temperament will hold him in great stead, he is so laid back you wouldn’t even know he is a colt. He loves his work and he is a real pleasure to have around. We were happy enough with his trial, he has been very straightforward here at home, he is a lovely horse to do anything with. I am very grateful for the Coolmore team sending him over. We are looking forward to tomorrow with him, he is just going to need a lot of luck from the draw.”
Kelvin Tyler will again be a major force at Riverton on New Year’s Day, a year after celebrating a four-win haul at the fixture, with strength in numbers across the card. The trainer will be well represented in the feature open handicap over 1600 metres, saddling King Of The Castle (Castledale), Master Marko (Contributer) and Go Lotte (Teleperion). “I would really like to see King Of The Castle bounce back to what he can do, he looks really well,” Tyler said. “At the weights, he comes into it best [55.5 kilograms] and Master Marko has got a bit [60kg] and Go Lotte [53kg] probably isn’t racing as good as she should be.” King Of The Castle produced a promising return when fourth in the Tapanui Cup (1335m) and is expected to appreciate stepping up in distance. “He is looking for more ground now, it’s taken him a bit to get over that fall he had at Riccarton, but I can’t fault him now and the rest is up to him,” Tyler said. Master Marko has been racing consistently, while Go Lotte will need to lift on recent form.
Dual Group 1 winner La Crique (Vadamos) has been retired due to ongoing foot issues, ending a remarkable Australasian racing career. The seven-year-old mare was retired following a fourth-placed finish in the Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. “She is still putting in some terrific races and even on Boxing Day she ran a terrific race,” said Katrina Alexander, who trained La Crique alongside her husband Simon.
“However, she hasn’t pulled up from that as well as we would have hoped so we x-rayed her foot [Monday] morning, the same foot that has caused her problems for the last two years, and she has degeneration of the foot tissue inside the hoof capsule. I have been waiting for a sign for her to tell me that this [racing] just isn’t possible anymore, so it was a really easy decision in the end.”
Bred and raced by John and Jan Cassin, La Crique burst onto the scene as a three-year-old, winning the Avondale Guineas (Gr 2, 2100m) and Desert Gold Stakes (Gr 3, 1600m), and placing in the New Zealand Derby (Gr 1, 2400m). She later claimed the Arrowfield Stud Plate (Gr 1, 1600m) and the Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (Gr 1, 1600m), alongside the Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m).
“She has never in her career put in a bad race for any unknown reason. She is an incredibly tough horse that just races through a pain barrier that a lot of horses would give up on,” Alexander said.
La Crique will be retained by the Cassins for breeding purposes. “The Cassins have always shown an interest to retain her to breed from,” Alexander said. “They enjoy their breeding and they bred her, and we have a sister there as well.
“She will most definitely, at this stage, be retained by them. The luxury of having her retire at this time of year, they don’t have to make any quick decisions on that. It came as a bit of a surprise to them this morning when we broke the news of our findings. We have also known that this was probably going to be her final preparation.
“She now has a good amount of time to letdown, have a good rest in the paddock and she should hit the breeding season fairly early. It will be interesting to see who she goes to, I wouldn’t want to be making that decision myself.”
Three-time Group 1 winner Daffodil (No Excuse Needed) has died aged 20. Bred by Waikato Stud’s Garry and Mary Chittick, Daffodil was out of the winning O’Reilly (Last Tycoon) mare Spring, a three-quarter sister to Symphonic (O’Reilly), the dam of dual Group 1 winner Orchestral (Savabeel), and Glee (O’Reilly), the dam of Group 1 winner Savaglee (Savabeel). Daffodil, a daughter of No Excuse Needed (Machiavellian), was in turn a sister to Posy, the dam of multiple Group 1 winner Atishu (Savabeel) and Group 3 winner Mazzolino (Savabeel). Retained to race by Waikato Stud, Daffodil was entrusted to the care of Kevin Gray, for whom she won eight of her 26 starts, including the Australian Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m), Windsor Park Plate (Gr 1, 1600m) and New Zealand 1,000 Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m), and earned more than $1.1 million in prize-money. She retired to Waikato Stud in 2010 and continued to excel as a broodmare, producing the likes of Group 2 performer Grand De Flora (Savabeel), Group 3 performer Grand Bouquet (Savabeel), and stakes performer Snowdrop (Pins). “Daffodil will be sorely missed,” Waikato Stud principal Mark Chittick said. “She gave us some incredible highs, the highlight being the Australian Oaks on a memorable day for WS as we bred three individual Group 1 winners on the day in Australia, which was quite extraordinary. Most of all, she was just the most beautiful personality. When you walked into her paddock, all she wanted to do was hang out with you and give you a cuddle. She was an incredible part of WS legacy and the Chittick family and she will never, ever be forgotten.”
Te Akau Racing enjoyed a thrilling triumph when five-year-old What You Wish For (Embellish) surged from last on the home bend to win Monday’s Taupo Cup (2000m). Trained by Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, the gelding had produced mixed results in his first four starts this preparation, including a midfield finish in the Manawatu Cup (Gr 3, 2300m) at Trentham on December 20. “It was a really good effort today, although we were happy with him heading into Trentham, but he just fails to get past 2000 metres,” Bergerson said. “We gave him a light week, changed it up a little and kept him nice and fresh. It was a good, patient ride by Billy (Pinn), but geez he sprinted well. He just loves Taupo and he won like this first-up last season, so we thought we would try our luck and come back again. He has always been a talented galloper but just hasn’t had the rub of the green at times and is a good horse on his day. We may freshen him up again and go to the Taranaki Cup or even defend his Kaimai Stakes title.”
Stephanie Faulkner realised a lifelong dream on Sunday when Shaking Stevens (American Pharoah) stormed home to win the Timaru Cup (1600m) at Phar Lap Raceway. The five-year-old gelding jumped from his ace barrier to take an early lead under Tina Comignaghi, settled behind improving Tumuch (Satono Aladdin), then rallied in the straight to snatch victory by 0.2 lengths over Sir Albert (Savabeel). “It wasn’t in my wildest dreams that I would win the big race at Timaru, but we have done it,” Faulkner said. “He won it at the start, he jumped out that well and she [Comignaghi] could dictate what she wanted to do then,” she added. Purchased for $8,000 via gavelhouse.com, Shaking Stevens has flourished under Faulkner’s care, winning four of his last five starts after a shoeing adjustment early in spring. “Before he started winning for us, he was hanging and carrying on a little bit and doing a few things wrong. He had a bit of trouble with his feet, so we got the shoes fixed up and balanced a bit better and got that all ironed out and he turned the corner after we gave him that treatment,” Faulkner said.
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Light Years Charm (Rubick) will attempt to add a first stakes win to his record when he takes his chance in Thursday’s Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (Gr 3, 1400m) at Sha Tin. The gelding has progressively earned a 107 rating across 12 appearances in Hong Kong – highlighted by five wins over Thursday’s course and distance. Zac Purton, who has ridden the David Eustace-trained bay in all of his wins and resumes riding duties after the pair finished eighth in the Jockey Club Mile (Gr 2, 1600m), said: “He’s continued to improve over the last 12 months – he’s done a really good job. He can’t run a mile – he’s shown that on a couple of occasions now, so we’re back to 1400 metres, which suits him better,” Purton said. “But once again, it’s just a matter of how he gets out of the gates. He just doesn’t begin, and usually by now they’ve figured it out, but he hasn’t. He’s not making it easy for himself and that’ll be his next step. Now that he’s up to the rating that he is at, if he doesn’t start getting away with the field, then it’s going to be really hard for him.” Purton, who partnered Light Years Charm when second in a recent barrier trial, added: “He feels like he’s in good form and his trial was good. Hopefully, we get some speed on and he can chime in when he’s ready.”
Tomodachi Kokoroe (Written Tycoon) is enjoying his best season to date and Harry Bentley is hopeful the speedster can maintain his positive trajectory in Thursday’s Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap. Having won his first three starts this term, Tomodachi Kokoroe was last seen in action when finishing sixth behind Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) in the Hong Kong Sprint (Gr 1, 1200m) on December 14. Bentley said: “It was a solid effort. It wasn’t easy taking on those horses at level weights in a Group 1 – I still think he ran an okay race. He’s back up to 1400 metres for the first time in a while, but he has finished second over the distance before having led nearly all the way. These Group 3s or handicap Group races are often won by horses with bottom weight. So, you’d have to go into it with managed expectations carrying top weight. But the horse is in good form and there’s some tough opposition, so we’ll do our best.”
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Nebras (3 g ex Princess Loulou by Pivotal) became the 316th individual stakes winner for Darley’s breed-shaping stallion Dubawi (Dubai Millennium) when narrowly landing the Quebec Stakes (Listed, 1m 2f) at Lingfield on Wednesday. Ridden by Oisin Murphy for trainers John and Thady Gosden, the three-year-old gelding made all in the Listed contest and found extra when challenged towards the finish by 2023 winner Tyrrhenian Sea (Dark Angel) to score by a short-head. There was a further two and a quarter lengths back to Duke’s Command (Dubawi) in third. Bred by Blue Diamond Stud Farm, Nebras was purchased by Oliver St Lawrence Bloodstock for 725,000gns at the 2023 Tattersalls October Book 1 Yearling Sale and is raced by Imad Alsagar. A half-brother to three-time Group 1 winner Nashwa (Frankel), he is out of the Listed-winning mare Princess Loulou (Pivotal). Dubawi will command a fee of £350,000 (approx. AU$704,920) at Dalham Hall Stud in 2026.
Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, the breeder of Dubawi and owner of 2023 Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) winner Without A Fight (Teofilo), died on Monday.
A cousin of Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai and founder of Godolphin, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s death was confirmed to directors at Darley in a note on Monday evening.
An owner in Britain since 1992, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid enjoyed notable success both in Europe and internationally, including with High-Rise (High Estate) in the 1998 Epsom Derby (Gr 1, 1m 4f), while the excellence of his broodmares came to the fore in recent years.
The owner’s star performer in the last three years was Rosallion (Blue Point), the Group 1-winning juvenile who landed the 2024 Irish 2,000 Guineas (Gr 1, 1m) and St James’s Palace Stakes (Gr 1, 1m) at Royal Ascot before running close in a string of Group 1s in 2025.
Rosallion, who joins the Darley roster at Dalham Hall Stud in the coming weeks, was one of a number of talented horses bred in recent years by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, including Bow Echo (Night Of Thunder), who is second favourite for the 2026 English 2,000 Guineas (Gr 1, 1m), and the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Without A Fight, who landed the Melbourne Cup off the back of a success in the Caulfield Cup (Gr 1, 2400m).
Sam Freedman, who was also associated with Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s horses during his time working for Roger Varian, who sent out 198 winners for the owner, said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. His passion and support for the thoroughbred industry globally will be greatly missed.
“We will forever be grateful for the opportunity to train his Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup champion Without A Fight. Our thoughts are with his family and those close to him during this time.”
Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s exploits as a breeder stretch back to Dubawi, who was bred from his mare Zomaradah (Deploy), the 1998 Italian Oaks (Gr 1, 2200m) winner, from the only crop of the ill-fated Dubai Millennium (Seeking The Gold).
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Thursday, January 1, 2026
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Harvey Wallbanger (NZ) (b g ex Mai Tai (NZ) by Atlante (AUS))
R3 (1:45pm): Ellerslie, 2yo Skycity Eclipse Stakes, 1200m
Kinnaird (AUS) (b/br c ex Orinda (NZ) by O'Reilly (NZ))
R3 (1:45pm): Ellerslie, 2yo Skycity Eclipse Stakes, 1200m
Uninvited (AUS) (b f ex Hot Dipped (AUS) by Written Tycoon (AUS))
R3 (1:45pm): Ellerslie, 2yo Skycity Eclipse Stakes, 1200m
Lassified (AUS) (b/br f ex Exclusive Lass (AUS) by Nicconi (AUS))
R3 (1:45pm): Ellerslie, 2yo Skycity Eclipse Stakes, 1200m
Sword of Stars (NZ) (b f ex Angelica Hall (NZ) by Guillotine (NZ))
R3 (1:45pm): Ellerslie, 2yo Skycity Eclipse Stakes, 1200m
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Margins: 0.2 lens, 2 lens. Time: 1:22.29 (last 600m)
Betting: $4.00, $6.50, $2.50
Then followed: Run Harry Run (AUS), Grid Girl (NZ), Hughes (AUS), Roll on High (AUS), Jimmy the Bear (AUS), Suparazi (AUS), last.
1st dam: DAME CLAIRE, by Danehill Dancer. 6 wins from 1400m to 3200m, A$360,883, VRC Andrew Ramsden S., L, MRC (Mornington) RM Ansett Classic, L, VRC Schweppes P., MVRC John Paraskevas H., 2d VRC Roy Higgins H., L, MVRC Bensons H., 3d SAJC Adelaide Cup, Gr.2, VRC Bart Cummings H., L. Dam of-
2014 g. Maclairey, by Makfi. 4 wins at 1600m, 1950m, A$222,775, Yarra
Valley Cup, MRC Big Screen Company H., Thoroughbred Club H., 2d MRC Polytrack P.,
Ladbrokes Multiverse P., MVRC Drummond Golf P., Stony Creek Cup, 3d MVRC Ladbrokes Odds
Boost H., MRC Blue Star Print P., MRC (Mornington) Peninsula Essence H.
2015 f.
Mekelle, by Makfi. 2 wins at 1200m, 1400m, ARC Mainstream Plumbing S., 3d
ARC Network Visuals H., Celebrating Showoroses H., Dunstan Feeds Qualifier H., Waikato RC
Fairview Motors H.
2017 f. Clara Belle, by Charm Spirit. Winner at
1550m in NZ.2019 ZOU SENSATION (g by Zoustar). 9 wins-1
at 2-to 1400m, A$1,044,775, to 2025-26, VRC Kensington S., L, MRC Weekend
Hussler H., L, VRC Jockeys' Association Trophy, MRC Sportsbet Race
Replays H., Sportsbet H., MVRC MSC Signs H., Adoria Jewels H., Murray Bridge RC Weddings
at Bridges Event 2YO H., 2d VRC Damien Oliver H., Gr.2, MRC Sportsbet
More Places H., MVRC Summer Sprint Series H., Geelong RC Community H., 3d VRC Poseidon S.,
L, Yulong 2YO Sprinters Final, Southside Racing The Meteorite, Cranbourne
TC Hallam Truck Centre H., 4th MVRC Chautauqua S., L.
2022 f.
Zouclaire, by Zousain. Placed at 2 & 3 to 2025-26, 2d MRC Magic Millions Victorian 2YO
Classic.
2023 foal by Trapeze Artist. Dead.
2025 f. by Brutal.
Margins: 0.8 lens, 0.7 lens. Time: 2:56.5 (last 600m)
Betting: $3.30, $31.00, $6.00
Then followed: Garachico (GB), Strawberry Rock (IRE), Diwali (AUS), Star Vega (IRE), Commander Harry (NZ), Speycaster (GB), last.
1st dam: LIKELIHOOD, by Mizzen Mast. Winner at 2 in GB. Dam of-
2016 f. Caballine, by Motivator. Unplaced.
2017 f. Incidental, by Oasis Dream. Raced
once.2018 FUTURE HISTORY (g by Showcasing). 9 wins from
1800m to 2800m, €48,960, A$1,144,975, to 2025-26, VRC Bart Cummings H.,
Gr.3, MVRC JRA Cup, Gr.3, ATC Christmas Cup,
L, VRC Bagot H., L, MVRC Ranvet H., Deauville Prix du
Logis, 2d MRC Naturalism S., Gr.3, MVRC Strathmore Bendigo Bank H., MRC
Neds Open Groups H., ParisLongchamp Prix Juigne, 3d Moonee Valley Gold Cup,
Gr.2, MRC Coongy Cup, Gr.3, Heatherlie S.,
L, Newcastle JC The Beauford H., 4th VRC LKS Mackinnon S.,
Gr.1, MVRC JRA Cup, Gr.3.
2019 f. Paddy's Fancy, by
New Bay. Winner at 15½f in GB.
2020 c. Rispetto Per Tutti, by
Muhaarar. Unraced.
2021 g. Mayko, by Havana Gold. Placed at 3 in
2024 in
France.
2023 f. by Havana Grey.
2024 f. by Tip Two Win.
Margins: 0.8 lens, 0.3 lens. Time: 1:36.22 (last 600m)
Betting: $4.50, $8.50, $7.00
Then followed: Vivacissimo (NZ), All So Clear (AUS), Mamuno (AUS), Salchow (NZ), Fox Appeal (AUS), Thunder Hawk (AUS), Leg Drive (AUS), Onlygoldwilldo (AUS), last.
Margins: 0.8 lens, 0.4 lens. Time: 1:48.44 (last 600m)
Betting: $3.50, $3.30, $5.00
Then followed: Corona Lad (AUS), Junebug (IRE), Tishman (AUS), Maktoob (GB), Intuitu (FR), Draw Attention (AUS), Thorin (GER), Sea Strike (GB), Beach Pad (AUS), Blue Cowboy (AUS), last.
Margins: 0.2 lens, 0.3 lens. Time: 0:58.09 (last 600m)
Betting: $4.30, $17.00, $8.50
Then followed: Pure Bliss (AUS), Wiltshire Square (AUS), Mystic Reign (AUS), One Hard Lady (AUS), Always Enuff (AUS), Lavandula (AUS), Furosshi (AUS), last.
Margins: 3.8 lens, 0.4 lens. Time: 0:57.37 (last 600m)
Betting: $2.30, $8.00, $6.00
Then followed: Harry Got Styles (AUS), Soju (AUS), Pano's Pride (AUS), Commands Success (AUS), Umgawa (AUS), Big Day Out (AUS), Dapper Don (AUS), Reigning King (AUS), Hulm (AUS), last.
Margins: 0.1 lens, 2.3 lens. Time: 1:03.63 (last 600m)
Betting: $5.00, $41.00, $26.00
Then followed: Jakivy (AUS), Sea Poem (NZ), Alero (AUS), Mr Assertive (AUS), Rose de Vellor (AUS), Flat Chat (AUS), It's a Yes (AUS), Tan Tat Delight (AUS), Esquel (AUS), Valpantena (NZ), Artistic Genius (AUS), Formidable Force (IRE), last.
Margins: 0.5 lens, 2.7 lens. Time: 1:9.650 (last 600m)
Betting: $5.00, $10.00, $4.80
Then followed: Hedonist (AUS), Shaalute (AUS), Palm of Jumeirah (AUS), Heavenly Eagle (NZ), Jacks on Ice (AUS), Podargoni (AUS), My Angel Shell (NZ), Gundaroo (AUS), Strike Gold (NZ), Barnage (AUS), Notabadbuy (NZ), Bedtime Angel (AUS), last.
Margins: 2 lens, 1.2 lens. Time: 1:41.05 (last 600m 36.13)
Margins: 2 lens, 1 lens. Time: 1:9.299 (last 600m 34.34)
Margins: 1.8 lens, 5.1 lens. Time: 1:20.73 (last 600m 34.78)
Margins: 0.9 lens, 0.2 lens. Time: 1:10.45 (last 600m 34.72)
Margins: 1.5 lens, 2.7 lens. Time: 1:11.04 (last 600m 34.40)
Margins: 0.8 lens, 0.9 lens. Time: 1:21.67 (last 600m 35.37)
Margins: 1 lens, 1.5 lens. Time: 2:15.21 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.3 lens, 2.5 lens. Time: 1:04.15 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.8 lens, 0.7 lens. Time: 1:24.26 (last 600m)
Margins: 1.5 lens, 1.5 lens. Time: 1:23.81 (last 600m)
Margins: 2.3 lens, 2.7 lens. Time: 1:37.37 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.2 lens, 0.2 lens. Time: 0:58.11 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.8 lens, 0.3 lens. Time: 1:10.82 (last 600m)
Margins: 1 lens, 0.6 lens. Time: 1:03.17 (last 600m 34.41)
Margins: 0.1 lens, 3.3 lens. Time: 0:57.35 (last 600m 34.70)
Margins: 0.1 lens, 2.2 lens. Time: 1:37 (last 600m 36.67)
Margins: 1.7 lens, 0.8 lens. Time: 1:10.15 (last 600m 35.42)
Margins: 1 lens, 1.9 lens. Time: 1:10.39 (last 600m 36.33)
Margins: 1.3 lens, 0.5 lens. Time: 1:10.43 (last 600m 35.99)
Margins: 1 lens, 8.5 lens. Time: 2:9.909 (last 600m)
Margins: 2.5 lens, 0.8 lens. Time: 1:55.83 (last 600m)
Margins: 1 lens, 1.8 lens. Time: 1:24.97 (last 600m)
Margins: 2.3 lens, 0.2 lens. Time: 1:25.29 (last 600m)
Margins: 5.8 lens, 1.8 lens. Time: 1:11.59 (last 600m)
Margins: 4.3 lens, 2.5 lens. Time: 1:10.46 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.4 lens, 2 lens. Time: 1:24.84 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.4 lens, 2 lens. Time: 2:10.11 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.2 lens, 5 lens. Time: 2:17.59 (last 600m 37.33)
Margins: 0.7 lens, 1 lens. Time: 1:37.2 (last 600m 35.07)
Margins: 0.1 lens, 0.8 lens. Time: 1:36.5 (last 600m 36.61)
Margins: 1.3 lens, 0.8 lens. Time: 1:10.39 (last 600m 34.26)
Margins: 0.4 lens, 0.8 lens. Time: 0:57.91 (last 600m 33.57)
Margins: 0.5 lens, 1.3 lens. Time: 1:9.709 (last 600m 35.42)
Margins: 3.5 lens, 0.3 lens. Time: 1:18.62 (last 600m 34.53)
Margins: 0.6 lens, 0.6 lens. Time: 1:25.09 (last 600m 35.68)
Margins: 0.3 lens, 2.2 lens. Time: 1:24.59 (last 600m 36.08)
Margins: 0.2 lens, 1.7 lens. Time: 1:12.61 (last 600m 35.14)
Margins: 2.4 lens, 1.3 lens. Time: 1:11.67 (last 600m 34.60)
Margins: 1.8 lens, 0.3 lens. Time: 1:38.2 (last 600m 36.61)
Margins: 0.3 lens, 1.4 lens. Time: 2:05.34 (last 600m 36.82)
Margins: 2 lens, 0.4 lens. Time: 2:04.93 (last 600m 36.49)
Margins: 0.3 lens, 0.5 lens. Time: 1:14.96 (last 600m)
Margins: 1.9 lens, 0.2 lens. Time: 0:59.85 (last 600m)
Margins: 1.5 lens, 0.9 lens. Time: 1:14.34 (last 600m)
Margins: 1.3 lens, 0.2 lens. Time: 0:59.75 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.4 lens, 1.4 lens. Time: 0:59.72 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.3 lens, 1.1 lens. Time: 1:14.48 (last 600m)
Margins: 1 lens, 0.3 lens. Time: 1:14.40 (last 600m)
Margins: 1.1 lens, 1.3 lens. Time: 2:02.60 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.4 lens, 2.1 lens. Time: 1:22.75 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.3 lens, 0.4 lens. Time: 1:04.25 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.2 lens, 0.1 lens. Time: 1:43.47 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.1 lens, 2.5 lens. Time: 2:06.60 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.5 lens, 0.3 lens. Time: 1:23.39 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.2 lens, 0.1 lens. Time: 1:22.58 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.5 lens, 1 lens. Time: 1:10.29 (last 600m)
Margins: 1.3 lens, 0.4 lens. Time: 1:43.34 (last 600m)
Margins: 1.5 lens, 4.5 lens. Time: 1:42.04 (last 600m)
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Data supplied by Arion pedigrees
Leading Sires by
| Rank | Stallion Ccode Yof - To Stud | Breeding | Rnrs | Wnrs | Wins | SW(SWins) | Earnings | Best Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Autumn Sun (AUS) 2015 - 2019 | Redoute's Choice - Azmiyna | 126 | 44 | 58 | 3(5) | $11,402,654 | Autumn Glow - 6,800,500 |
| 2 | Snitzel (AUS) 2002 - 2006 | Redoute's Choice - Snippets' Lass | 213 | 84 | 101 | 7(10) | $11,039,613 | Transatlantic - 1,632,500 |
| 3 | Fastnet Rock (AUS) 2001 - 2005 | Danehill - Piccadilly Circus | 68 | 16 | 21 | 2(4) | $10,838,089 | Via Sistina - 6,581,500 |
| 4 | Per Incanto (USA) 2004 - 2011 | Street Cry - Pappa Reale | 72 | 37 | 54 | 3(3) | $9,979,945 | Jimmysstar - 4,539,500 |
| 5 | Zoustar (AUS) 2010 - 2014 | Northern Meteor - Zouzou | 278 | 91 | 115 | 5(7) | $9,812,527 | Joliestar - 2,052,000 |
| 6 | St Jean (IRE) 2010 - 2017 | Teofilo - Oriental Fashion | 7 | 3 | 7 | 1(3) | $8,993,920 | Half Yours - 8,900,950 |
| 7 | I Am Invincible (AUS) 2004 - 2010 | Invincible Spirit - Cannarelle | 241 | 79 | 101 | 7(8) | $8,529,881 | Charm Stone - 1,221,000 |
| 8 | Hellbent (AUS) 2012 - 2018 | I Am Invincible - Volkaspray | 189 | 60 | 82 | 4(4) | $8,165,646 | Vivy Air - 1,910,750 |
| 9 | Shamexpress (NZ) 2009 - 2014 | O'Reilly - Volkrose | 12 | 6 | 8 | 1(1) | $7,680,700 | Ka Ying Rising - 7,549,000 |
| 10 | Street Boss (USA) 2004 - 2009 | Street Cry - Blushing Ogygian | 98 | 34 | 41 | 6(7) | $7,667,252 | Tempted - 3,168,000 |
| 11 | Tavistock (NZ) 2005 - 2010 | Montjeu - Upstage | 52 | 9 | 13 | 2(3) | $6,078,610 | Ceolwulf - 5,031,895 |
| 12 | So You Think (NZ) 2006 - 2012 | High Chaparral - Triassic | 255 | 83 | 104 | 4(5) | $6,001,739 | Getta Good Feeling - 537,040 |
| 13 | Written Tycoon (AUS) 2002 - 2007 | Iglesia - Party Miss | 237 | 89 | 117 | 6(6) | $5,747,084 | Gangsta Granny - 413,500 |
| 14 | Harry Angel (IRE) 2014 - 2019 | Dark Angel - Beatrix Potter | 111 | 44 | 58 | 5(5) | $5,617,563 | Angel Capital - 1,281,000 |
| 15 | Lonhro (AUS) 1998 - 2004 | Octagonal - Shadea | 93 | 31 | 45 | 3(6) | $5,167,450 | Lindermann - 1,958,000 |
| 16 | Dundeel (NZ) 2009 - 2014 | High Chaparral - Stareel | 220 | 76 | 104 | 2(3) | $4,940,271 | Militarize - 395,200 |
| 17 | Russian Revolution (AUS) 2013 - 2018 | Snitzel - Ballet d'Amour | 186 | 77 | 108 | 2(2) | $4,871,362 | Libertad - 1,049,800 |
| 18 | Toronado (IRE) 2010 - 2015 | High Chaparral - Wana Doo | 272 | 92 | 129 | 2(2) | $4,757,123 | Snow Mercy - 219,695 |
| 19 | Capitalist (AUS) 2013 - 2017 | Written Tycoon - Kitalpha | 258 | 91 | 128 | 4(4) | $4,612,017 | Hedged - 200,050 |
| 20 | Maurice (JPN) 2011 - 2017 | Screen Hero - Mejiro Frances | 113 | 32 | 41 | 1(2) | $4,594,442 | Cosmic Crusader - 1,303,340 |
Leading Sires by
| Rank | Stallion Ccode Yof - To Stud | Breeding | Rnrs | Wnrs | Wins | SW(SWins) | Earnings | Best Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proisir (AUS) 2009 - 2015 | Choisir - Prophet Jewel | 82 | 21 | 31 | 1(2) | $1,769,227 | Waitak - 627,750 |
| 2 | Belardo (IRE) 2012 - 2017 | Lope de Vega - Danaskaya | 86 | 32 | 37 | 1(1) | $1,459,765 | Romanoff - 419,600 |
| 3 | Savabeel (AUS) 2001 - 2005 | Zabeel - Savannah Success | 76 | 26 | 32 | 5(5) | $1,440,605 | Provence - 273,125 |
| 4 | El Roca (AUS) 2010 - 2015 | Fastnet Rock - Rubimill | 65 | 21 | 29 | 2(2) | $1,234,750 | Lollapalooza - 286,725 |
| 5 | Time Test (GB) 2012 - 2018 | Dubawi - Passage of Time | 102 | 25 | 30 | 0(0) | $1,135,185 | Notabadspillane - 149,275 |
| 6 | Almanzor (FR) 2013 - 2018 | Wootton Bassett - Darkova | 80 | 22 | 26 | 4(4) | $1,091,300 | Qali Al Farrasha - 162,625 |
| 7 | Ocean Park (NZ) 2008 - 2013 | Thorn Park - Sayyida | 69 | 21 | 24 | 2(2) | $957,150 | Tellum - 177,540 |
| 8 | Redwood (GB) 2006 - 2012 | High Chaparral - Arum Lily | 48 | 15 | 17 | 2(2) | $837,315 | Sharp 'n' Smart - 162,750 |
| 9 | Written Tycoon (AUS) 2002 - 2007 | Iglesia - Party Miss | 10 | 4 | 7 | 2(4) | $819,285 | Well Written - 618,125 |
| 10 | Darci Brahma (NZ) 2002 - 2007 | Danehill - Grand Echezeaux | 74 | 19 | 23 | 1(2) | $817,100 | Tajana - 159,500 |
| 11 | Complacent (AUS) 2010 - 2016 | Authorized - Insouciance | 28 | 15 | 24 | 2(4) | $816,740 | Agera - 267,000 |
| 12 | Satono Aladdin (JPN) 2011 - 2018 | Deep Impact - Magic Storm | 34 | 10 | 14 | 2(2) | $807,370 | Bozo - 299,500 |
| 13 | Ghibellines (AUS) 2011 - 2015 | Shamardal - Camarilla | 55 | 20 | 24 | 1(1) | $803,355 | Inflamed - 112,120 |
| 14 | Per Incanto (USA) 2004 - 2011 | Street Cry - Pappa Reale | 68 | 18 | 19 | 1(1) | $723,990 | Twain - 135,400 |
| 15 | Zed (NZ) 2002 - 2007 | Zabeel - Emerald Dream | 59 | 10 | 14 | 2(2) | $671,095 | Just Charlie - 106,100 |
| 16 | Shocking (AUS) 2005 - 2011 | Street Cry - Maria di Castiglia | 44 | 8 | 10 | 1(1) | $628,055 | El Vencedor - 233,700 |
| 17 | Vadamos (FR) 2011 - 2017 | Monsun - Celebre Vadala | 62 | 12 | 15 | 0(0) | $618,030 | La Crique - 209,000 |
| 18 | U S Navy Flag (USA) 2015 - 2019 | War Front - Misty for Me | 52 | 16 | 22 | 1(1) | $592,090 | War Princess - 119,500 |
| 19 | Tivaci (AUS) 2012 - 2017 | High Chaparral - Breccia | 52 | 14 | 17 | 0(0) | $591,462 | Tuxedo - 57,200 |
| 20 | Wrote (IRE) 2009 - 2014 | High Chaparral - Desert Classic | 43 | 14 | 21 | 1(1) | $587,190 | Midnight Edition - 149,175 |
