Alibaba set for Inglis Millennium test

Trainer Ken Keys is hopeful Alibaba’s (Alabama Express) laid-back nature will serve him well when the last-start Blue Diamond Preview (C\&G) (Listed, 1000m) winner travels to Sydney for Saturday’s $2 million Inglis Millennium (RL, 1100m) at Randwick. “He’s got a great brain. He takes everything in his stride. When that horse played up beside him [last start], he just stood there and didn’t care. He has the right attitude. I think he’ll adapt to it all pretty well,” Keys, who trains in partnership with daughter Kasey, told Racing.com. The colt is not currently nominated for the Blue Diamond Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) or the Golden Slipper (Gr 1, 1200m), though Keys explained that decision was a practical one made early in the season. "We made a decision [when] we paid up for the Inglis race with the theory being if he could go well enough in that, then you could pay for anything else you want,” he said. “When you’ve got to make a decision back in June on Diamonds and Slippers…there is a point where you haven’t sold a horse and you’ve got to be mindful of whether you’re spending it.” Keys was unable to sell all of the shares in Alibaba, but the colt’s rise has left him with no regrets. The trainer said a late Blue Diamond entry would be firmly in the frame should he deliver in Sydney. "They're only two-year-olds once," he said. Alibaba was rated a $7 chance in early markets with Sportsbet following Tuesday’s barrier draw, where he was handed gate 14. Golden Gift (1100m) third Plagiarism (Written By) drew gate ten and headed early betting at $5.50, while Seymour maiden winner Jacaranda (Home Affairs) split the pair at $6 after drawing well in barrier six.

Fresh test for Napoleonic in Eskimo Prince

John O'Shea believes Napoleonic (Wootton Bassett) will need to be at his best when he resumes in Saturday’s Eskimo Prince Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) at Rosehill. The Pinecliff Racing-owned colt demonstrated his talent with a dominant 4.3-length victory in the Red Anchor Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) last October before being sent to the paddock. Now back under the care of O'Shea and training partner Tom Charlton, the son of Wootton Bassett (Iffraaj) has returned in encouraging fashion, winning a recent Randwick trial. "I'm really happy with him," O'Shea said. "He's trialled up well and made a bit of physical improvement from last season, so we're looking forward to Saturday." However, O'Shea acknowledged the Eskimo Prince presents a fresh challenge, with star filly Tempted (Street Boss) among his key rivals. "She's the benchmark," O'Shea said. "She should've nearly won an Everest. In terms of 1200 metre sprinters in Australia, especially three-year-olds, there are none better. We're respectful of her and we know that we're going to have to be right at the best of our game." While not expecting a repeat of his Red Anchor rout first-up, O'Shea is hopeful Napoleonic can provide a strong indication of where he sits among the elite three-year-olds this autumn. "That was a good day for him to let rip,” he said. “Saturday is a bit different, he's got a long campaign ahead, so whatever he does he'll improve on, but he's done enough to run well." Plans beyond Saturday remain flexible, with the Hobartville Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m) the likely next step and even a Queensland winter campaign on the table.

Light autumn for Jimmysstar ahead of Everest tilt

Multiple Group 1 winner Jimmysstar (Per Incanto) will be kept on a light autumn program as Ciaron Maher prepares the star gelding for another spring assault on The Everest (Gr 1, 1200m). The sprinter will resume in the William Reid Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) at Caulfield on March 21 before heading to Sydney for two major Randwick targets – the T J Smith Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) and the All-Aged Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) in April. Following those assignments, Jimmysstar will head back to the paddock to begin preparations for October’s $20 million Everest, in which he finished third behind Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) last year. Maher took the opportunity to work the gelding at Caulfield on Tuesday. "He spelled well and I've just been ticking him over," Maher said. "He hasn't done a lot, but I thought we could bring him away to a nice surface today and warm the cockles up. He seems great. His condition is really good, his action, I'm happy with it. I don't want to give him too taxing an autumn with a view to having him pretty right for a shot at The Everest again." Jimmysstar boasts a strong record at Caulfield, having won last autumn’s Oakleigh Plate (Gr 1, 1100m) first-up, while his most recent start produced victory in the C F Orr Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) in November. Maher acknowledged the gelding is at his best around 1400 metres, though his sharp sprinting ability when fresh remains a key weapon. "The 1400 metres is probably his pet distance, and we keep him fresher for the ones shorter,” he said. “He likes Caulfield, and the William Reid conditions suit him."

Derby plan for Top Reward

Mornington trainer Clayton Douglas has Group 1 ambitions for emerging colt Top Reward (Shamus Award), who will launch his autumn campaign in Saturday’s Autumn Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m) at Caulfield. The colt raced twice in the spring before being sent for a break, debuting with a win over 1500 metres at his home track in October before stepping straight into stakes company, finishing third in the Sandown Guineas (Gr 2, 1600m) at Caulfield in November. Douglas believes the colt has returned in strong order. "He's a lovely colt. He's got a lovely brain about him and nice ability," the trainer said. "It was good to get those couple of runs into him in the spring and he's come back a more furnished colt. We'll probably look to step him up to 1800 metres second-up, but he's a lovely, clean-winded horse and I'm looking forward to seeing how he goes first-up. He could be a Derby colt, but we'll take each run as it comes. Over the next eight to 12 weeks there are plenty of options, so long as he keeps stepping up to the mark, we'll keep putting it to him." Douglas took Top Reward to Caulfield on Tuesday for a gallop ahead of Saturday. The long-term aim is the Australian Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) at Randwick in April, with the Autumn Classic (Gr 2, 1800m) at Caulfield on February 21 pencilled in as his second-up assignment. Douglas admits 1400 metres may be short of the colt’s best trip first-up. "He's got good gate speed, so I wouldn't think he would be too far away, but there might be something a bit sharper on Saturday. Going forward he might be a horse to look out for."

Brown the beneficiary with strong autumn book

Ethan Brown is set to benefit from Mark Zahra’s absence, with the in-form jockey assembling a great book of rides as Victoria’s autumn carnival gathers momentum. Already the regular rider of Group 1 winners Jimmysstar, Sepals (Calyx) and Light Infantry Man (Fast Company), Brown has also picked up key opportunities on Giga Kick (Scissor Kick) and Observer (Ghaiyyath) while Zahra recovers from a fractured leg. “It’s unfortunate what happened to Mark but I’m happy to take the opportunities as they come and I know where I stand,” Brown told Racing.com. Brown sits fourth in the Victorian metropolitan premiership with 24 wins, while Zahra (36) leads the standings but is expected to be sidelined for at least another month. Brown’s book of rides at Caulfield on Saturday is headed by the resuming Observer in the Autumn Stakes. “I thought his recent gallop was a lot sharper than what he’s shown at the trials,” Brown said. “He’s come back more mature. I think he’ll be sharp enough for 1400 metres first up.” The rider reunites with Group 1 winner Light Infantry Man first-up in Saturday’s T.S. Carlyon Cup (Gr 3, 1600m). “He’s going great,” Brown said. “His mindset is outstanding and his trial was great. He’ll want further but I think he’ll run a bold race.” Meanwhile, Brown is optimistic about the chances of Invicto (I Am Invincible) and Portinari (Home Affairs) in their respective Blue Diamond Prelude targets. “I expect Invicto to take a lot of benefit out of that [last-start third in the Blue Diamond Preview (C\&G) (Listed, 1000m)]. I expect him to be more mature on Saturday. If he does take that step, he’ll be competitive. The Hayes brothers asked me to ride Portinari. They’re great two-year-old trainers, so I took the opportunity. She’s trialled up well. I’ve never sat on her but I’m backing in the stable. She’s well-bred and ticks a lot of boxes.”

Gun Runner colt stars at Warwick Farm juvenile trials

Champion North American sire Gun Runner (Candy Ride) may have only a light footprint in Australia, but one of his few local representatives made a strong statement at Warwick Farm on Tuesday when the Richard and Will Freedman-trained Genesis Runner powered home to win his juvenile heat over 820 metres.

One of just three two-year-olds in the country by Gun Runner, Genesis Runner was having his second official trial after an aborted debut hit-out earlier this month, when he was eased out of the contest and failed to finish behind subsequent Widden Stakes (Gr 3, 1100m) winner Chilly Girl (Trapeze Artist).

There were no such issues on Tuesday, with the colt showing good tactical speed before finding plenty under Teaque Gould to account for the Ciaron Maher-trained Inner Gold (Zoustar), beating that colt by 0.8 lengths in a time of 48.56 seconds. Karkadaan (Yes Yes Yes) was 0.2 lengths further behind in third.

A $575,000 Inglis Easter purchase for Yulong, Genesis Runner is the second foal from the stakes-placed US import Originator (Artie Schiller).

The Ciaron Maher stable unveiled Home Affairs (I Am Invincible) youngster Barracks in the next heat, who lengthened well with clear running to score by 0.1 lengths over Sardar (Wootton Bassett), clocking 49.44s for 820 metres.

Barracks was a $420,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase for his trainer and is a half-brother to the stakes-placed mare Spring Lee (Zoustar). He is out of the Group 2-winning sprinter Wild Rain (Manhattan Rain) from the family of the legendary Northerly (Serheed).

The third juvenile heat was won by the Clarry Connors-trained filly Gone To Gowings (Farnan), who continued her upward trajectory with a dominant front-running display. Having her second this preparation, she led throughout and scored by 0.6 lengths over Godolphin filly Handloom (Exceed And Excel), who was having her first outing since finishing unplaced in the Gimcrack Stakes (Gr 3, 1000m).

A $260,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast buy for David Norris, Gone To Gowings is the third foal out of Devout Heiress (Speightstown), whose pedigree traces back to an elite European female line that has already delivered Australian Group 1 sprinting success through 2021 Newmarket Handicap (Gr 1, 1200m) winner Zoutori (Zoustar).

Smith injured at Stawell trackwork

Stawell apprentice Jade Smith was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital on Tuesday morning following a fall during trackwork in the western districts town. The Victorian Jockeys’ Association confirmed the update on Tuesday, advising the 18-year-old had suffered a laceration to her liver. Smith, the daughter of Stawell-based former jockey Dane Smith, rode her first winner in August last year and has ridden 11 winners so far in her career.

Stable Connect and Kaplan launch syndicate compliance course

Stable Connect has partnered with Kaplan Professional to launch a new education course aimed at lifting compliance standards and professionalism across Australia’s horse racing syndication industry. The course, Investing in Horse Racing Syndicates, focuses on ASIC Regulatory Guide 91 (RG 91), which applies to managed investments including syndicates where ownership is shared and funds are pooled. It is designed to help those promoting or selling syndicate interests better understand licensing, education and competency requirements. Stable Connect director Adam Tims said the initiative was about leading industry best practice. “This is not about reacting to possible regulatory change – it is about demonstrating leadership and encouraging best practice across the industry,” he said. Tims said education was key to confidence and trust among participants. “If people are involved in promoting or selling interests in horses, it is important they clearly understand the rules, the risks and their responsibilities,” he said. Kaplan Professional CEO Brian Knight said the partnership reflects Kaplan’s long-standing role in setting education standards in financial services. “High-quality education helps people make informed decisions, understand their obligations and participate with confidence,” he said. Delivered digitally over 12 weeks, the course covers regulatory frameworks, authorised representative responsibilities and ethical decision-making, with a certificate provided on completion.

Forsman confident Hinekaha is ready for Group 1 test

Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman is in an upbeat mood after Hinekaha’s (Savabeel) final hit-out at Te Rapa on Tuesday morning ahead of her Group 1 debut in Saturday’s $700,000 Herbie Dyke Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m). Raceday rider Craig Grylls partnered the Savabeel (Zabeel) mare in a solo workout on the course proper, with Forsman pleased by both the conditions and her performance. “The track was lovely after a bit of rain overnight and it was good to get across there for a nice hit-out ahead of the weekend,” Forsman said. “Hinekaha worked over 1400 metres and picked up the tempo from the 800. She got home in around 36.5 seconds, which was great work, she did it very well. Craig was very happy with her, so she looks all set for Saturday.” Hinekaha completed a hat-trick when winning December’s Cal Isuzu Stakes (Gr 2, 1600m) at Te Rapa, and was last seen closing late for a short-neck second to Tuxedo (Tivaci) in the Aotearoa Classic (Gr 3, 1600m) on the Karaka Millions card. Forsman believes the mare has strengthened significantly this season and is ready to take her chance at the top level, particularly with the field not as strong as first anticipated. “She’s a completely different proposition to this time last year, she’s so much bigger and stronger. There’s still a little way to go, but the way this track plays for her, it really suits, and with the field not quite as strong as it looked originally, we’ve decided to run. Put it this way, I think she’s going well enough to do it.”

Beckett eyes black-type path for Gemma Flitz

Six-time winner Gemma Flitz (Telperion) will return to the races at Riccarton on Wednesday, lining up in the C S Stevens Memorial Banks Peninsula Cup (1100m) for local trainer Ross Beckett. The seven-year-old mare was a model of consistency last season, winning three races and placing in three of her six starts, with her campaign highlighted by a victory in the $100,000 Polytrack Championship (1200m) on the Riccarton Synthetic in August. Beckett is pleased with how Gemma Flitz has come back from her spell, though he is keeping a close eye on the weather ahead of the midweek meeting. “She’s done a great job, she is very honest,” Beckett said. “She’s come back from a spell and hopefully we don’t get too much rain, she needs a firm track.” While Wednesday’s assignment is the immediate focus, Beckett believes Gemma Flitz could be capable of earning black-type later in the campaign. “We will just get through this race and then try to find a nice race for her,” he said. “Getting black-type is something I would love to do with her, it would help her out as a broodmare.”

Regal Gem bids to maintain Challenge supremacy

Regal Gem (Zoustar) will look to cap a strong Happy Valley campaign when he lines up in Wednesday’s HK$2.84 million Class 2 Blue Pool Handicap (1200m), with trainer Frankie Lor chasing overall honours in the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge. Heading into the penultimate meeting of the series, Regal Gem tops the standings on 42 points, holding a six-point buffer over King Miles (Exceed And Excel) and Storm Rider (Dracarys), who are locked together on 36. The competition, which rewards horses racing at Happy Valley in Class 3 or above, concludes on Wednesday with HK$1 million on offer to the winner. “I’m trying to win the Million Challenge,” Lor said. “Sometimes he’s had hard draws. We’re leading by six points, and at this moment, we can’t say who will win.” Victory in the Blue Pool Handicap would secure Regal Gem 15 points, while a top-four finish would still boost his tally. Drawn wide in barrier 12 but carrying just 116lb, Lor expects tactics will be dictated by the tempo. “Draw 12 doesn’t make it easy, but he does have a light weight,” Lor said. “The pace should be fast, so I think we have no choice but to jump, take him back, and see how he finishes.” Storm Rider, partnered by Hugh Bowman, reopposes Regal Gem from barrier two, while King Miles contests the Class 3 Sing Woo Handicap (1200m). Bowman said Storm Rider’s draw could prove decisive. “If we can win, then he’ll win the Challenge,” Bowman said. “Regal Gem was notably a bit unlucky on January 14, but they’ve drawn not so well out wide.” Several others remain mathematically in contention, including Helene Feeling (Sioux Nation), Romantic Son (Smart Missile) and Silvery Breeze (Dundeel), who all race on the card.