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Friday, February 20, 2026
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Stud news
Coolmore has bought Waikato Stud’s rising young sire Super Seth, with the son of Dundeel (High Chaparral) set to relocate to the Hunter Valley later this year.
Read more below
Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale
Tayla Dyke
ANZ News
Sparks flew early on day one of Thursday’s Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale when a filly by Australia’s reigning champion sire Zoustar (Northern Meteor) out of Group 3 winner Lubiton (Snitzel) topped proceedings, selling to Sheamus Mills Bloodstock for $525,000.
Mills, bidding online from his home state of Victoria, delivered the final blow to outlast bloodstock agent Johnny McKeever and trainer Annabel Archibald.
Archibald, alongside husband and training partner Rob, will saddle the filly’s I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit) half-sister Chayan as a $26 chance in Saturday’s Blue Diamond Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) at Caulfield and Mills is hoping for a timely pedigree update.
“That would be a bit of a dream scenario, but not without a chance,” Mills told ANZ News. “She ran well on debut, so in probably a fairly open race hopefully she can make her presence felt.”
On a fly-in, fly-out mission to Western Australia, Mills said the filly was not initially on his shopping list but proved impossible to leave behind after he inspected her at the beginning of the week.
“I came over on Tuesday and looked at about 50 or 60, and came home Wednesday,” he said.
“I like the medium-sized, athletic Zoustars who stand over plenty of ground. She had a lovely sort of shape to her, she wasn't too heavy and she moved particularly well.
“Her number one attribute I liked was her personality. I thought she's a lovely, tough filly, very settled. I saw her when I first got there, and then I saw her just before they closed up at the end of the day, and the girl who led her said she'd had her ears walked off by the end of the day and had been very popular.
“I could see how tired she was, but when she was asked to walk, you wouldn't have known the day that she'd had. She's obviously held up very well and that little glimpse into her temperament sealed the deal.”
Selling for $525,000, the filly became the second highest-priced filly ever sold at the Perth sale, second only to a filly Mills purchased for $625,000 at the 2024 renewal. Named Fight For Life (Playing God), who sadly died without making a racecourse appearance.
Mills did not attend in 2025 but returned this year with a specific target in mind, the sister to Fight For Life, catalogued as Lot 154, who was eventually knocked down to Pearce Racing for $475,000 later in the day.
“I suppose the original reason was to come and see the sister [to Fight For Life] and going that far, there were certainly enough other horses in the catalogue of interest. I had a few other little jobs to do in terms of other clients who were interested in various horses.”
Mills said a trainer for the Zoustar filly had yet to be finalised.
“Not really sure at the moment [who will train]. We put all the horses through the same process and then we'll work them out at the end. The majority obviously go to Mick Price, but we do have a couple of horses with Waller and Malua Racing. So we'll just see, once we learn a little bit more about her.”
The result marked a strong return for Ridgeport Farm, who bought Lubiton carrying the filly for $400,000 from Longwood Thoroughbred Farm at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale.
“She had a lovely sort of shape to her, she wasn't too heavy and she moved particularly well
“She’s a beautiful filly. We were so excited and so glad she has gone to a good home,” Ridgeport Farm’s Vaughan Lees told ANZ News.
“It’s a team effort. We are a small, close knit team, so thank you to all of the staff here and at home as well. Our farrier Ben, Dwayne our farm manager - they’re all doing their part. And to Santo, he’s amazing and we are very excited for everyone.”
Lees said the filly had all standout attributes.
“Her attitude and movement, she has the attributes to make a good horse,” he said. “There was good competition for her, Annabel even flew over, obviously having the half-sister, and the mare is actually back in foal to I Am Invincible, so exciting times ahead.”
“She’s one out of the box that you hope you could breed more of, and we are trying. We have got a lovely draft.”
Lubiton, who foaled the filly at Yarraman Park Stud, remained there and missed to Brave Smash (Tosen Phantom) in 2024, but after scanning in foal to I Am Invincible in 2025 has since moved to Ridgeport Farm in Waroona.
At the close of trade on the first day of the two-day sale, the auction had returned healthy numbers at the top end and through the middle market, with 138 yearlings sold at a clearance rate of 82.14 per cent clearance, with an impressive 22 lots making over $200,000.
The aggregate rose 9.7 per cent from last year’s corresponding session to $14,737,500, while the average weighed in at $106,793, up 20.8 per cent and the median increased 14.2 per cent to $80,000.
Magic Millions’ Western Australia manager David Houston said the opening session set a strong platform heading into the second and final day.
“It’s a team effort. We are a small, close knit team, so thank you to all of the staff here and at home as well
“It has been a super day today,” Houston told ANZ News. “To be up $20,000 on average selling 20 horses less than last year and up a million dollars in gross, it is fantastic.
“The number of people who have gone home without a horse tonight, but hopefully will be back tomorrow.
“The interstate buyers were very, very strong today. The locals were super strong again. I'm thrilled for the vendors to be able to get such a result. It's great that so many of the horses are going to go into good stables, which will only give us a good future here in WA.
“I think tomorrow I'll be strong again. There's obviously not so many horses to go through, it'll be a shorter day, but there have been a lot of good horses come out of day two and there'll be great value there.
“I spoke to a number of the buyers or potential buyers today and they have missed out, so they'll be looking tomorrow to fill their orders as well, so I'm very hopeful for tomorrow.”
2026 |
2025 |
|
|---|---|---|
Catalogued |
182 |
190 |
Offered |
168 |
177 |
Sold |
138 (82%) |
152 (86%) |
Aggregate |
$14,737,500 (+9.7%) |
$13,433,500 |
Average |
$106,793 (+20.8%) |
$88,378 |
Median |
$80,000 (+14.2%) |
$70,000 |
Top Lot |
$525,000 |
$450,000 |
Sponsored by IRT
One of Western Australia’s leading training partnerships Daniel and Ben Pearce were among the busiest buyers on day one, securing nine lots throughout the session in various partnerships and independently.
Their first notable purchase came when they signed for a colt by Playing God (Blackfriars) out of four-time winner Amthaal (Lonhro) from the Greenfields Lodge draft for $360,000.
“He's a lovely colt,” Ben Pearce told ANZ News. “We came here last year, to try and buy what we thought was the best Playing God colt, and we got the Playing God from Superstardom, and we're really happy with him. He's coming through well and we had the same plan this year, so we think we've got one of the nicest Playing Gold colts here.”
Pearce praised the ongoing dominance of Darling View Thoroughbreds’ leading sire.
He said: “He keeps doing it everywhere. He's had a two-year-old Magic Millions winner and a group One over 1800 metres. He's done a fantastic job as a stallion.”
He also highlighted the strength of the local industry and incentives on offer.
“We got a ladies horse, the girls just purchased it. The prize-money is good and WestSpeed as well. There's plenty of prize-money on offer.
“I think there's plenty of nice horses around. There's a lot of positivity around. I think the industry is in a good place.”
“He [Playing God] keeps doing it everywhere. He's had a two-year-old Magic Millions winner and a group One over 1800 metres. He's done a fantastic job as a stallion
A few lots later, the Pearce brothers struck for another by the stallion, securing a filly in partnership with Geisel Park and Boomer Bloodstock for $475,000.
From the Mungrup draft, the filly is out of Cosmah Domination (Oratorio), a sister to the star-crossed sale-topper Fight For Life purchased by Mills in 2024 and Group 1 winner Bustler, as well as a half-sister to Group 2 winner A Lot Of Good Men (A Lot).
“She's got residual value that she'll have forever,” Daniel Pearce told ANZ News. “Obviously, the half to two very good horses. We loved the sister two years ago, and we were out bid on that.
“I think this filly is as good, if not better, than the one two years ago and we were able to buy her cheaper than that one went for. We’re really happy to get her and can't wait to get her back at the stable. She looks sharp enough, so we'll just get her into the system and see what we make of her.”
“We've got some good owners behind us and some good studs that we train for. So we are excited to put a good ownership group together to race her.”
Another familiar face at the Swan Valley complex was last year’s record-breaking buyer Idan Young, who returned to secure a colt by Darley shuttler Pinatubo (Shamardal) out of nine-time winning Listed-placed mare Wilchino (Maschino) for $360,000.
Set to join the Dan Morton stable, Young said the colt’s physicality stood out during inspections.
“Danny, who trains my horses, trained the mum who won nine races, but what I liked about him is he reminded me of the first crop of I Am Invincibles, short coupled, really strong, and I'm hoping that the sire side can help the mum's side stretch out the 1400. I just thought he was lovely.”
“I don't have much other than horses and my family and business, so I love horses and I don't think we saw the best from the mum and arguably if she didn't get heat stroke, she maybe would have won the Winterbottom, then he would have been even dearer. I'm happy to buy him, I thought he was maybe a bit dear, but that's life.”
Spirited bidding unfolded ringside, with Young joined by a group of owners connected to the colt’s dam.
“I was laughing, the boys said ‘not the top lot again’. I'm glad that someone paid 500, so it takes the heat off me’,” Young said.
“I met them 15 minutes ago,” Young laughed, when asked if the guys alongside were his friends. “Danny said they owned the mum. And they said, is there any chance if you buy him, we could grab your share in it? So I said, well, yes, how could I resist? So there’ll be a big winners circle and a big fun group.”
The Book 2 session gets under way at 10am (WST) on Friday.
Stud news
Daniel Harrold
ANZ News
Coolmore has bought Waikato Stud’s rising young sire Super Seth, with the son of Dundeel (High Chaparral) set to relocate to the Hunter Valley later this year.
A standout on the racetrack and now one of the most exciting young stallions in the southern hemisphere, Super Seth has made a remarkable impact in a relatively short space of time at stud.
“Super Seth has been on our radar for a while now and he strikes us as a stallion that can make a significant impact on the Australian breeding industry,” said Coolmore’s Tom Magnier.
“For a young horse, the trajectory that he is on is something that is very rarely seen. To produce three Group 1 winners in Australia from his first crop, including two Guineas winners, and then follow it up with a champion two-year-old in his second crop, is an amazing achievement.
“Justin Carey and I went over to see him and his young stock at Waikato this week and we were very impressed by what we saw. He is going to be ideal for so many Australian mares, both physically and on pedigree.”
Magnier acknowledged the role played by Waikato Stud and the Chittick family in establishing the stallion.
“It is a tremendous privilege to be given the opportunity to purchase Super Seth from Mark, Pippa and the Chittick family. Waikato Stud and the New Zealand industry have done all the hard work to get him to the position that he is in now and we look forward to getting him back to Australia and sending our very best mares to him.
“When it comes to making elite stallions, the Chittick family have got it right time and time again by producing multiple Champion Sires and we have a firm belief that Super Seth is the next one.
“Super Seth will not be completely lost to New Zealand however, as a number of his existing New Zealand-based shareholders are staying in with us and Waikato will also continue to support him. Coolmore sells at Karaka each year, and we look forward to sending Super Seth yearlings with the ‘C’ brand over in 2029 and beyond.”
Retired in 2020, Super Seth’s race record featured victory in the 2019 Caulfield Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m), where he defeated subsequent seven-time Group 1 winner Alligator Blood (All Too Hard), along with Group 3 wins in the McNeil Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) and Manfred Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m).
He wasted little time making his mark as a sire, recording his first winner in October 2023. Black-type success quickly followed when Linebacker captured the Baillieu Stakes (Gr 3, 1400m) at Rosehill before finishing second in the Champagne Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) at two.
Super Photon became his second stakes winner, remaining unbeaten with victory in the Listed 2YO Stakes (1400m) at Te Rapa, while Feroce announced himself as a stakes winner in waiting with a narrow second in the 2024 Caulfield Guineas.
The momentum accelerated through late 2024 and early 2025. Sethito claimed the Bonecrusher Stakes (Gr 3, 1400m), while La Dorada landed the Karaka Million 2YO (RL, 1200m) and later added the Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m).
Feroce provided Super Seth with his breakthrough Group 1 success in the Australian Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) at Flemington. Linebacker followed suit a week later in the Randwick Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m), before La Dorada secured the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m). In May, Maison Louis further enhanced the stallion’s resume with victory in the Queensland Derby (Gr 1, 2400m).
Those top-level results ultimately led to his acquisition by the Magnier family’s Coolmore Stud, where he will stand alongside the likes of Home Affairs (I Am Invincible), Pride Of Dubai (Street Cry) and Shinzo (Snitzel) for the upcoming season.
“This is a massive achievement for the New Zealand industry, our fellow breeders and Super Seth’s shareholders who went all-in to help Waikato develop this world-class stallion,” said stud principal Mark Chittick, who will retain a share in the stallion.
“But also, for the Waikato team and our stallion manager, Ryan Figgins. It’s very hard to make a stallion, let alone to do it during the COVID-19 pandemic where there was so much uncertainty; it’s a very big achievement for New Zealand.
“It makes the early mornings and long nights a little easier knowing what we’re doing is working.”
“On behalf of the Chittick family, thank you very much to the Magnier family and Coolmore team, whose enthusiasm to support New Zealand will continue on through joining us in Return To Conquer. And to our breeders, very well done - it’s a privilege to be part of this industry with you all.”
The announcement comes after Waikato Stud secured the unbeaten Group 1-winning two-year-old Return To Conquer (Snitzel) and he will join the operation’s roster for 2026.
Super Seth’s racetrack success has been mirrored in the sales ring. His highest-priced yearling to date was a Pencarrow Stud colt out of Irion (Danroad), sold to Patella Bloodstock for NZ$700,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale.
Recent highlights include a colt sold by Hallmark Stud for NZ$675,000 to KPW Bloodstock at Karaka.
His service fee for the 2026 breeding season will be announced at a later date.
| Lot | Sex | Sire | Dam | Vendor | Buyer | Location | Price ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | f | Zoustar | Lubiton | Ridgeport Holdings | Sheamus Mills Bloodstock | VIC | 525,000 |
| 154 | f | Playing God | Cosmah Domination | Mungrup | Pearce Racing/Geisel Park/Boomer Bloodstock | WA | 475,000 |
| 111 | c | Pinatubo | Wilchino | Mungrup | Idan Young | WA | 360,000 |
| 125 | c | Playing God | Amthaal | Greenfields Lodge | Pearce Racing | WA | 360,000 |
| 158 | f | Playing God | Dainty Tess | Yarradale Stud | Byerley Bloodstock | WA | 340,000 |
| 138 | c | Too Darn Hot | Brave Angel | Greenfields Lodge | Pearce Racing/Boomer Bloodstock/Hayley Coyne | WA | 325,000 |
| 169 | f | Playing God | Express Time | Ridgeport Holdings | Parnham Racing Stables/Yarradale Stud/Ridgeport Holdings | WA | 300,000 |
| 60 | f | Maschino | Real Beauty | Ruby Racing & Breedin | Trevor Andrews | WA | 260,000 |
| 147 | c | Playing God | Clear Blue Sky | Alwyn Park Stud | Hong Kong Jockey Club | HK | 260,000 |
| 176 | c | Playing God | Flirtatious | Ruby Racing & Breeding | Simon Miller Racing | WA | 260,000 |
| Sire | Sold | Aggregate ($) | Average ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playing God | 25 | 4,030,000 | 161,200 |
| Maschino | 8 | 805,000 | 100,625 |
| Splintex | 8 | 790,000 | 98,750 |
| Marine One | 6 | 525,000 | 87,500 |
| Sessions | 3 | 250,000 | 83,333 |
| Aysar | 11 | 625,000 | 56,818 |
| Gingerbread Man | 5 | 275,000 | 55,000 |
| Awesome Rock | 6 | 325,000 | 54,167 |
| Lightsaber | 9 | 477,500 | 53,056 |
Leading sires by average with three or more lots sold
| Vendor | Sold | Aggregate ($) | Average ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mungru | 5 | 1,055,000 | 211,000 |
| Ridgeport Holdings | 9 | 1,790,000 | 198,889 |
| Greenfields Lodge | 10 | 1,595,000 | 159,500 |
| Amelia Park Racing & Breeding | 3 | 455,000 | 151,667 |
| Forest View Farm | 3 | 450,000 | 150,000 |
| Ruby Racing & Breeding | 6 | 860,000 | 143,333 |
| Yarradale Stud | 7 | 995,000 | 142,143 |
| Balmoral Park Stud | 3 | 352,500 | 117,500 |
| Alwyn Park Stud | 8 | 835,000 | 104,375 |
| Gold Front Thoroughbreds | 6 | 525,000 | 87,500 |
Leading vendors by average with three or more lots sold
| Buyer | Lots bought | Aggregate ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Trevor Andrews | 7 | 925,000 |
| Ryan Hill Racing | 7 | 635,000 |
| Byerley Bloodstock | 3 | 600,000 |
| Pearce Racing | 3 | 530,000 |
| Michael Lane Racing/TMJ Bloodstock | 4 | 525,000 |
| Sheamus Mills Bloodstock | 1 | 525,000 |
| Morton Racing | 4 | 520,000 |
| Pearce Racing/Geisel Park/Boomer Bloodstock | 1 | 475,000 |
| Gangemi Racing | 4 | 460,000 |
| Archibald Racing/McKeever Bloodstock | 3 | 455,000 |
| Location | Lots | Aggregate ($) | % share |
|---|---|---|---|
| WA | 119 | 11,912,500 | 80.83% |
| VIC | 8 | 1,420,000 | 9.64% |
| NSW | 6 | 675,000 | 4.58% |
| HK | 4 | 660,000 | 4.48% |
| QLD | 1 | 70,000 | 0.47% |
2026 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale - Book 1
Sponsored by Magic Millions
Bel Esprit (Royal Academy), the influential stallion best known as the sire of unbeaten champion sprinter Black Caviar, has died at the age of 26.
Widden Stud announced on Thursday that the son of Royal Academy (Nijinsky) had succumbed to the effects of old age.
The announcement of his death comes days before the Blue Diamond Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) — a race Bel Esprit famously won 24 years ago.
Trained by John Symons, he was the dominant juvenile in Victoria during the autumn of 2002. He swept through the Blue Diamond lead-up races undefeated before justifying favouritism in the Group 1 feature at Caulfield.
“With the Blue Diamond to be run this Saturday, it brings back those memories of Bel Esprit and what a fantastic two-year-old he was,” said Adam Henry of Widden Victoria.
By outstanding shuttle sire Royal Academy, Bel Esprit trained on to claim the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (Gr 1, 1200m) before retiring to stud at Eliza Park in Victoria in 2003. The Kerrie property later became Sun Stud and now operates as Widden Victoria.
Across 19 seasons at stud — spending three seasons in Queensland but predominantly in Victoria — Bel Esprit covered more than 2,400 mares and became one of Australia’s most popular and enduring stallions.
He achieved global recognition as the sire of Black Caviar, widely regarded as the world’s greatest sprinter. She was one of his 28 stakes winners.
Bel Esprit’s progeny earned in excess of $90 million in prize-money, and his influence continues through the broodmare band. He has sired the dams of 24 stakes winners, including leading young sire Ole Kirk (Written Tycoon), who is out of a sister to Black Caviar.
Retired from active stud duties in early 2022, Bel Esprit spent his final years enjoying a well-earned retirement.
Henry continued: “Bel Esprit has left a real legacy that will extend well beyond his passing and it has been a privilege to have him in our care.”
Lloyd Kennewell needed only one inspection of Eternal Warrior (Extreme Warrior) to believe he had an early two-year-old capable of targeting the majors, and the colt now gets his chance in Saturday’s Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield. Purchased with Blueblood Thoroughbreds for $80,000 at the Magic Millions Adelaide sale, Eternal Warrior boasts deep ties to Victoria’s premier juvenile race. He is out of Devout Hero (No Nay Never) whose dam Perfect Persuasion (Encosta De Lago) is a sister to 2004 Blue Diamond winner Alinghi. On the sire’s side, he is from the first crop of Rosemont stallion Extreme Warrior, a son of 2016 Blue Diamond hero Extreme Choice (Not A Single Doubt). "We thought he was an early two-year-old, hence the reason we were keen to dive in," Kennewell said. "We liked him a lot. We thought if he wasn't the best colt, he was close to it, in Adelaide. He's got a very good pedigree, we've had a bit of luck with Extreme Choice and I thought he looked like an Extreme Choice." Eternal Warrior announced himself with a $41 debut win in the Merson Cooper Stakes (Listed, 1000m) before finishing third in the Blue Diamond Prelude (Gr 3, 1100m) (C\&G) behind Closer To Free (Street Boss) and Guest House (Home Affairs). "Damian [Lane] thought he was going to win the Prelude when he straightened and he just blew out the last 100 meters," Kennewell said. "He had the fastest last 800, 600, 400 metres of the race.” Eternal Warrior drew gate 16, to come into 13 if emergencies don’t run, with Damian Lane chasing his first Blue Diamond victory.
Evaporate (Per Incanto) is still chasing his maiden Group 1 victory, but Lindsay Park believes the breakthrough is within reach. The four-year-old resumes in Saturday’s Futurity Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) at Caulfield, with co-trainer Ben Hayes confident the gelding has returned stronger for his autumn campaign. Evaporate has been placed in three of his five starts at the elite level, including third in the Caulfield Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m), second in the Toorak Handicap (Gr 1, 1600m) and most recently a closing third in the C.F. Orr Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) behind Jimmysstar (Per Incanto). Last season he also contested the Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m) and finished fourth in the Futurity before a New Zealand campaign. "I think he's trialled up very well," Hayes said. "He seems a lot more relaxed and has shown us a really good turn of foot in both his jump-outs and his work at home. He’s always shown us above average ability and it's a race he can run very well in. He’s already shown that he is capable at weight-for-age and he's more hardened now." Evaporate’s chief obstacle looms in the form of Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express), who claimed the Memsie Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) over the same course and distance last spring. "It would be nice to get that Group 1 on his CV," Hayes said. "He's a Group 1 horse, but we're going to run into a horse like Treasurethe Moment, who was amazing last spring campaign. But I think we've improved, which we have to, to beat her."
Connections of Don’t Hope Do (So You Think) will chase a breakthrough at the highest level in Saturday’s Oakleigh Plate (Gr 1, 1100m) at Caulfield. Trainer Simon Zahra has enjoyed past success in the race, preparing Booker (Written Tycoon) to win in 2019 when in a training partnership with Mathew Ellerton. He was also part of winning teams with River Dove (Hurricane Sky) (2003), Miss Kournikova (Mr. Greeley) (2001) and Sports (Zeditave) (2000). "We didn't think Booker could win," Zahra said. "We knew what type it takes, and whether this bloke is up to that class, time will tell, but the weight [52.5kg] certainly helps." A four-time winner from 15 starts, Don’t Hope Do has ventured into stakes grade twice, finishing fourth in the Wylie Handicap (Listed, 1100m) at Morphettville last spring before a first-up second in the Rubiton Stakes (Gr 2, 1100m) at Caulfield on February 7. "We've placed him quite well over the last 12 months, but I said probably 18 months ago, the Oakleigh Plate was the race for him," Zahra said. "He loves the 1100 metres at Caulfield. We put him up against better sprinters in the Rubiton at set-weights. We didn't have him screwed down, we left a little in the tank in case we got into the Oakleigh Plate and we've got him there." Don’t Hope Do drops 4.5 kilograms from the Rubiton and boasts three placings from as many Caulfield runs. "He might get to the front a bit easier with Jigsaw and some of those horses not running,” the trainer said. “We've drawn well [in barrier seven], so we'll see how we go."
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Predicting the path of a lightly raced two-year-old is never straightforward, particularly when a setback interrupts their preparation, but jockey Tommy Berry is taking an optimistic view as Incognito (Stay Inside) looks to revive his Golden Slipper (Gr 1, 1200m) aspirations in Saturday’s Silver Slipper (Gr 2, 1100m) at Rosehill. Once the favourite for the $5 million juvenile feature, Incognito faltered on his return in the Canonbury Stakes (Gr 3, 1100m) and was reported to have made a gurgling noise on pulling up, often a sign of a displaced palate. Trainer Michael Freedman has since made gear adjustments, fitting a tongue-tie and tongue control bit, and Berry says the colt has responded positively. "On his work on Tuesday morning, there will be no excuses and nowhere to hide for him Saturday because he couldn't be going any better," Berry said. "It will be one or the other with him. He'll either come out and show us what he's made of, and he'll be right back in contention, or I don't really want to think about the other option. But they're two-year-olds, and it's week to week with them and how they perform. I have been let down by plenty in the past, but I'd be very surprised if that's the case with this guy." A dominant Breeders’ Plate (Gr 3, 1000m) winner in the spring, Incognito started odds-on in the Canonbury, won by Hidrix (Extreme Choice). Berry conceded tactics may have played a part and plans to ride the colt with cover on Saturday after drawing well in barrier five.
Napoleonic (Wootton Bassett) stamped himself as a colt of promise when resuming with a placing behind star filly Tempted (Street Boss), and now faces the task of proving he can extend that form. The three-year-old steps to 1400 metres for the first time in Saturday’s Hobartville Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m) at Rosehill, with connections confident the rise in trip will suit. Unbeaten in three of four 1200-metre starts during the spring, culminating in a stakes win at The Valley, Napoleonic shapes as a colt looking for further. "We feel confident about the 1400 metres and, in regards to a mile, it's definitely a possibility," said Tom Charlton, who trains the colt in partnership with John O’Shea. "This weekend will give us a more definitive answer to whether we press on [to the Randwick Guineas]. We will get through the weekend but there are some nice options on the table." Jockey Zac Lloyd, who partnered Napoleonic first-up in the Eskimo Prince Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m), shares that optimism. "I think he's a very good colt," Lloyd said. "He does appreciate a bit of give in the track, which he might not get at Rosehill, so that could be a little knock against him. But I think 1400 metres, and in due time a mile, will suit him a lot." Napoleonic will measure up against Group 1 winners Autumn Boy (The Autumn Sun) and Attica (Lonhro) on Saturday. Ninja (Farnan), an impressive winner of the Vo Rogue Stakes (Gr 3, 1300m) two starts ago, is rated the $3.20 favourite.
Godolphin will get a telling gauge of Mareth's (Harry Angel) autumn prospects when the lightly raced filly tackles older mares in Saturday’s Millie Fox Stakes (Gr 2, 1300m) at Rosehill. The three-year-old has had just five starts, breaking through at Canterbury in December before finishing runner-up to boom filly Caffe Florian (Snitzel) in the Gosford Guineas (Listed, 1200m). Trainer Michael Freedman has lifted the bar again, with Mareth stepping to 1300 metres for the first time against seasoned performers including Lazzura (Snitzel), Oh Diamond Lil (So You Think) and stablemate Cinsault (Brazen Beau). Zac Lloyd reunites with the filly after partnering her at Gosford. "She is a very nice filly. A pleasure to ride, and she does everything right," Lloyd said. "She’s made her way through the grades quite quickly. She was unlucky not to win the Gosford Guineas. Her performance was very good, we just bumped into a very smart horse. We'll get a good guide on her level at the moment after Saturday." Lazzura heads the betting at $2.50 as Chris Waller chases an eighth Millie Fox triumph. Waller will also saddle Pinito (Trapeze Artist) ($12), who resumes for her first start since finishing runner-up in last year’s Queensland Oaks (Gr 1, 2200m) and her first outing for the stable after transferring from James Cummings. Pinito joins Mareth ($10) and Cinsault ($6.50) as part of a strong Godolphin presence in the fillies and mares’ feature.
Since bursting onto the Australian scene with a hat-trick of wins, Just Fine (Sea The Stars) has struggled to reproduce his early form but co-trainer Adrian Bott believes the stayer is poised to make an impact in Saturday’s Parramatta Cup (Gr 3, 1900m) at Rosehill. He lines up alongside stablemates Hoo Ya Mal (Territories) and Campaldino (Ghibellines), with Bott deeming the former the stable’s leading chance. "I feel he's back to where we had him originally," Bott said. "His last couple of trials have been encouraging. We're pleased with him. Out of our three, he seems the most forward and the most suited by the race." Just Fine hasn’t raced since finishing last in the Mornington Cup (Listed, 2400m) last April, while Hoo Ya Mal is also resuming after over 12 months off the track. The 2022 Epsom Derby (Gr 1, 1m 4f) runner-up placed in the Hill Stakes (Gr 2, 1900m) in 2023, and Bott is hoping he can rediscover that level. "The talent is there, but he needs a lot to go his way," he said. "I want to see something from him first, but he's got the potential to be very competitive in these types of races." Campaldino resumes after claiming the Brisbane Cup (Gr 2, 3200m) in June and has the Sydney Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) as his autumn target. "He showed enough potential for us to pursue him as a tried prospect out of New Zealand, and he went from strength to strength last campaign and finished up with a very good win in the Brisbane Cup," Bott said. "We might have to be a bit more negative from his draw, but he's got a nice campaign ahead." Campaldino opened at $7.50 on Thursday, ahead of Just Fine ($9.50) and Hoo Ya Mal ($16).
Trainer Clayton Douglas will roll the dice in Adelaide with Mr Waterville (Camelot) despite the stayer drawing the outside barrier for Saturday’s Lord Reims Stakes (Gr 3, 2600m) at Morphettville. The Irish-bred, formerly prepared in Australia by Chris Waller, is being set for the Adelaide Cup (Gr 2, 3200m) at Morphettville on March 9, with Saturday’s assignment his final lead-in. "Drawing 19 is not ideal but he'll be in the middle to back-half of the field anyway and the 2600 metres should be ideal," Douglas said. "It's a stepping stone to hopefully starting in the Adelaide Cup and he needs this grounding run to head there. The set-weights and penalties on Saturday makes it a suitable race." Mr Waterville finished third in the Colac Gold Cup (2000m) at his first run for Douglas on February 6. Originally trained by Aidan O’Brien in Ireland, where he won twice from seven starts, the gelding went winless in 20 runs for Waller, who retains a share in the ownership. Douglas revealed Waller suggested the horse be tried in a different environment, with Rod Lyons helping facilitate the move. "He's done some schooling down here and that seems to have helped," Douglas said. "Maybe if he doesn't perform well in his next couple of flat runs, we might see him in a maiden hurdle at Warrnambool during the carnival." Mr Waterville also holds a nomination for the Sydney Cup at Randwick in April.
Aryaam, a $1.2 million Inglis Easter purchase by Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice), made a good first impression at the juvenile trials at Randwick on Thursday, winning by 2.2 lengths on her first trial appearance.
Trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, Aryaam showed natural pace, rolling forward under Zac Lloyd to lead and kick clear, accounting for well-bred Zoustar (Northern Meteor) colt Starblitz. Over The Mountain (Savabeel) finished another 2.6 lengths adrift in third.
Bought by Emirates Park, Julian Blaxland Bloodstock and her trainers out of the Arrowfield Stud draft at Inglis Easter last year, Aryaam is a sister to metro winner Cash out of Group 2-winning Written Tycoon (Iglesia) mare Super Cash.
The Michael Freedman-trained Pinatubo (Shamardal) filly Promenade claimed the second of her two trials this preparation, pressing forward from barrier one under Sam Clipperton and responding well to win by a comfortable 2.2 lengths over Southend (Palace Pier).
She is the 12th living foal of blue hen Essaouira (Exceed and Excel), dam of Group 1 winners Alizee (Sepoy) and Astern (Medaglia d'Oro) as well as Newgate Farm stallion Tassort (Brazen Beau).
Meanwhile, Ron Quinton unveiled Too Darn Hot (Dubawi) filly Found The Gold, who hit the line strongly to score by 1.2 lengths over Ektifire (I Am Invincible). A $210,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast purchase for Peter Morgan, Pedrille Bloodstock and her trainer, she is out of a daughter of Group 2 winner Rose O’ War (Danehill) from the family of Australian Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) heroine Savana City (New Regent).
Rosemont-owned Zoustar colt Peyton also caught the eye at his second trial appearance, charging home between runners for John O’Shea and Tom Chalrton to win by 0.1 lengths. Retained after being passed in at Magic Millions, he is the first foal out of Group 3-winning juvenile Mildred (Hitchinbrook).
Peter Snowden’s Profiteer (Capitalist) gelding Keystrike also impressed, edging out Campione D’Italia (Snitzel) by a half-length in his fourth trial, suggesting his race day debut is imminent.
Sponsored by Magic Millions
For the first time in four years, the NZB Filly of the Year Series will go down to the wire in Saturday’s $1 million New Zealand Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) at Ellerslie. With 12 points awarded to the winner, seven for second and 3.5 for third, the Oaks shapes as the decider after ten of 11 legs. Well Written (Written Tycoon) and Lollapalooza (El Roca) currently share the lead on 20 points, having earned their tallies before the New Year. Ohope Wins (Ocean Park) looms as the major threat, sitting on 16 points following dominant wins in the Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (Gr 2, 2000m) and David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (Gr 2, 2100m). Tajana (Darci Brahma) has ten points, while Ultimate Habit (Embellish) has eight. The scenario contrasts sharply with recent seasons, when Leica Lucy (Derryn), Molly Bloom (Ace High) and Legarto (Proisir) had already sewn up the title before the Oaks. Adding further intrigue, this year’s Oaks has shifted from Trentham to Ellerslie and moved to February, aligning it two weeks ahead of the New Zealand Derby (Gr 1, 2400m). “The new February timing at Ellerslie strengthens pathways for fillies, creates synergy with the Derby two weeks later, and gives New Zealand’s classic calendar better alignment with Australia's autumn features,” Auckland Thoroughbred Racing CEO Paul Wilcox said.
Aksil’s (Ace High) connections were initially split on his ideal distance, but the progressive three-year-old now shapes as a genuine staying prospect ahead of Saturday’s Avondale Guineas (Gr 2, 2100m) at Ellerslie. The Simon and Katrina Alexander-trained gelding will step beyond a mile for the first time, with a bold showing set to confirm plans for the New Zealand Derby on March 7. “We thought he may have been a Karaka Millions horse over a mile, but the more we did with him the more we realised that probably wasn’t his go,” Katrina Alexander said. “He’s just needed a little bit of extra time to furnish and learn how to race, he certainly now looks the type of horse that needs this distance.” Aksil has two wins and a placing from four starts and impressed when scoring over a mile at Ellerslie last time. “Last time at Ellerslie, he pulled up well and didn’t blow out a match… I don’t have a worry about the extra distance,” Alexander said. By VRC Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) winner Ace High (High Chaparral) out of Savabeel (Zabeel) mare Savasong, Aksil’s staying credentials attracted OTI Racing to buy into the gelding late last year.
Group 1 targets are on the horizon for New Zealand’s leading juveniles and Chad Ormsby is hoping State Of Valour (Sword Of State) can force his way into that mix. The Cambridge Stud-bred-and-raced gelding will press his claims in Saturday’s Eagle Charters 1100 (1100m) at Ellerslie after wet ground ruled him out of last weekend’s Matamata Slipper (Gr 3, 1200m). The son of Sword Of State (Snitzel) has had two starts for a debut win and a second placing behind Justin Case (Banquo), who franked the form by taking out the Matamata Slipper. “We were really excited about the Slipper at Matamata but track conditions didn’t suit and we could wait a week and head to Ellerslie where you are a good chance of getting a really good track,” Ormsby said. “He has good form, running second to the horse that went on to win that race, which gives us a bit of confidence for Saturday.” Ormsby said the Sistema Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) and Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) were possible targets, provided the gelding continues to progress. “He is a natural two-year-old and he has come on nicely since his last run,” he said.
Bulgari (Hello Youmzain) will be asked a crucial question at Ellerslie on Saturday, with his performance in the Uncle Remus Stakes (Gr 3, 1400m) set to determine whether he secures a slot in the $4 million NZB The Kiwi (Listed, 1500m). The colt is firmly in calculations for several slot holders, but his three unplaced runs at 1400 metres remain a sticking point. Bulgari impressed when runner-up in last month’s Almanzor Trophy (Gr 3, 1200m), and trainers Darryn and Briar Weatherley are prepared to give him one more chance at 1400 metres. “I am looking forward to a bold showing on Saturday,” Darryn Weatherley said. “He is still in the mix for a slot if he gets the 1400 metres. This will be the line in the sand for us.” The stable will also saddle Group 1 winner Pier (Proisir) in the WFA Classic (Gr 1, 1600m). The six-year-old resumed with a fifth in the BCD Group Sprint (Gr 1, 1400m) at Te Rapa and reunites with Michael McNab. “Michael knows the horse well… Michael won’t want to just turn up to go around to get fit, he will want to make a statement,” Weatherley said.
Former top jockey Jamie Bullard enjoyed a day to remember at Riccarton on Wednesday, preparing three winners and a second from just four runners. “I’ve never done that before, definitely a one-off,” said Bullard, who rode 1011 winners across a two-decade career. “Maybe it’s a one-off but we’ll take it. We’ve only got seven in work and one more coming in next month makes it eight and that’s our limit.” The haul began with El Doute (Redoute’s Choice) juvenile Hezzarocstar, who broke through at his second start. “My mother co-bred him but she passed away six or seven months ago and never got to see him race, so seeing him win was a bit emotional,” Bullard said. After Nortibutnice (Niagara) ran second, The Boss Lady (Vadamos) returned from a break to claim a Rating 65 (1600m) event. “My partner Rochelle is the majority owner and that’s where the name came from, after all she is the boss around here,” he said. Super-consistent gelding Villasanti (Jon Snow) completed the treble, improving his tidy record to two wins and ten placings from 12 starts. All four runners were ridden by Kate Hercock, whose season has been highlighted by last month’s Wellington Cup (Gr 3, 3200m) victory aboard Manzor Blue (Almanzor). “When we got to that last race I was starting to think this can’t be happening, but it did and a lot of the credit has to go to Kate,” Bullard said.
The Trackside commentator internship programme has delivered another success story, with 23-year-old Dan Fogarty appointed full-time racecaller for the Southern region. Fogarty called Saturday’s Southland Guineas meeting at Ascot Park in Invercargill before backing up at Sunday’s Gore Harness Racing Club fixture, signalling the start of his expanded role across Southland and Otago. He replaces contractor Craig Rail. “Dan has followed in the footsteps of our premier Canterbury racecaller Matt Cross, who also gained opportunities through the Trackside commentator internship,” Entain Australia and New Zealand’s head of live racing Kyle Bettler said. “His ability to switch effortlessly between codes, his professional calls, and his ability to find a winner for punters means now is the right time for him to step into a full-time position.”
Sponsored by Magic Millions
Friday, February 20, 2026
Sponsored by Swettenham Stud
Dance The Boogie (AUS) (ch f ex Boogielicious (AUS) by Dubawi (IRE))
R3 (7:15pm): Cranbourne, 2yo ACW Facility Services Hcp, 1000m
Fawlty Affairs (AUS) (b c ex Sybella (AUS) by Snitzel (AUS))
R6 (3:46pm): Canberra, 2yo ETS Refrigeration Black Opal Preview, 1000m
Lady Rizu (AUS) (b f ex Cafe Rizu (AUS) by Rubick (AUS))
R3 (7:15pm): Cranbourne, 2yo ACW Facility Services Hcp, 1000m
Restless Spirit (AUS) (b g ex Hollaback Girl (AUS) by Your Song (AUS))
R6 (3:46pm): Canberra, 2yo ETS Refrigeration Black Opal Preview, 1000m
Aristopolos (AUS) (b c ex Flying Krupt (AUS) by Krupt (Aus))
R5 (8:08pm): Launceston, 2yo The Agency, Katrina Garwood & Ian McCallum Gold Sovereign Stakes, 1200m
Toscanella (AUS) (br f ex Miss Cavallo (AUS) by Nicconi (AUS))
R1 (1:29pm): Ipswich, 2yo Poco Vino Hcp, 800m
Momentslikethese (AUS) (b f ex Mintha (AUS) by Redoute's Choice (AUS))
R5 (8:08pm): Launceston, 2yo The Agency, Katrina Garwood & Ian McCallum Gold Sovereign Stakes, 1200m
Tiger Tiers (AUS) (gr f ex Heart Of Tier (AUS) by Show A Heart (AUS))
R1 (1:05pm): Quirindi, 2yo Krakatini River Ridge Hcp, 1000m
King Candy (AUS) (b c ex Peppermint Patty (AUS) by Denman (AUS))
R5 (8:08pm): Launceston, 2yo The Agency, Katrina Garwood & Ian McCallum Gold Sovereign Stakes, 1200m
The Wildling (AUS) (b f ex Tarabai (AUS) by Sepoy (AUS))
R6 (3:46pm): Canberra, 2yo ETS Refrigeration Black Opal Preview, 1000m
Hong Kong News
Leo Schlink
HKJC
Tony Cruz will target Hong Kong’s elite 2000-metre races with Stunning Peach (Wootton Bassett) after the Irish-bred fulfilled long-held promise with dramatic victory in the Class 2 The Year Of The Horse Cup Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin on Thursday.
Ridden by Angus Chung, Stunning Peach fended off a desperate late challenge from Top Dragon (Pierata) to triumph by a short-head in 1m 33.95s, with Regal Gem (Zoustar) third, as dual Hong Kong champion trainer Cruz posted his third win in the race previously known as the Chinese New Year Cup.
Settling sixth, Stunning Peach speared into clear running entering the straight and forged to the lead at the 300 metres, only to be challenged by the luckless Top Dragon, who had to change course before unleashing a rousing finish under Maxime Guyon. Under desperate riding from Chung, Stunning Peach prevailed.
Having added Stunning Peach’s name to the race winners’ list, joining former Cruz gallopers Penglai Xianzi (Encosta De Lago) (2013) and Beauty Smile (Free Eagle) (2021), Cruz outlined ambitious plans for the Wootton Bassett (Iffraaj) gelding.
“I’ve got big ideas for him. I always thought he was a good horse. He got injured [in 2024] at Happy Valley and now he’s fully recovered I’m aiming for the top – I’m aiming for Group races in Hong Kong and when he wins Group races, I would consider looking overseas with this horse,” Cruz said.
“He had a light weight today. The last time he ran he had 135 [pounds]. Today, he had 116 – that tells the tale. With that light weight, these other horses don’t stand a chance. He was getting weight off every horse.
“Angus rode a perfect race from his good draw [barrier four] and the weight was such a big advantage today – it was massive even though the distance was too short.”
Formerly trained by Joseph O’Brien in Ireland, where he raced as Islandsinthestream, the bay twice finished runner-up in Group 1 contests in France and Ireland before export to Hong Kong, where he has now posted two wins for prize-money of HK$7.8 million (approx. AU$1.41 million).
Cruz sealed a double when Gentlemen Legacy (Showtime) claimed the Class 3 Red Packet Handicap (2000m) under Hugh Bowman, defeating stablemate Liveandletlive (Muhaarar) by a short-head.
Francis Lui compared Hot Delight (Too Darn Hot) to retired champion and winner of ten Group 1s, Golden Sixty (Medaglia D’Oro), after the three-year-old underlined his rich talent with a brilliant win in the first section of the Class 3 Yue Yee Handicap (1200m) under Vincent Ho to maintain his unbeaten record after two starts.
Stepping up in class, the Too Darn Hot (Dubawi) gelding sat outside the leader before sweeping to an unextended two-and-three-quarters length margin over Armour War Eagle (War Decree) in 1m 09.04s, clocking 22.01s for the final 400 metres, prompting Lui to declare Hot Delight superior to Golden Sixty at the same stage of their careers.
“He’s a nice horse. He needs to improve but the way he runs, he looks like he’s better than Golden Sixty at the same stage. He’s learning – especially after his first run, he’s more relaxed. I think that’s the main thing for a young horse,” Lui said.
“He’ll have one or two more runs [this season]. We won’t push him too hard. I think even up to a mile will be no problem.”
Lui stablemate Baby Sakura (Tagaloa) also created a good impression with success under James Orman in the second section of the Class 4 Fat Choi Handicap (1200m).
“I trialled him maybe three times in Conghua and he’s a nice horse,” Orman said. “The wide gate [barrier 11] was a bit of a worry, but he got across well and he’ll only improve off that. He’s still quite new. He’s a lovely, progressive horse.”
Jubilant Winner (Capitalist) provided Jamie Richards with his 100th Hong Kong winner when Alexis Badel piloted the Capitalist (Written Tycoon) gelding to an emphatic victory in the Class 3 Yue Yee Handicap (1200m) as Caspar Fownes took the lead in the trainers’ championship when Zousain (Zoustar) debutant Papaya Brose struck in the third section of the Class 4 Fat Choi Handicap (1200m) under Hugh Bowman.
The four-time champion trainer Fownes moved to 36 wins for the campaign, one more than Mark Newnham.
Hong Kong International Sale graduate Circuit Champion (Starspangledbanner) swept to an easy win in the first section of the Class 4 Fat Choi Handicap (1200m), scoring for Keith Yeung as Danny Shum slotted his 32nd victory of the campaign to remain in contention for the trainers’ championship.
Aeroinvincible (Per Incanto) returned to the winners’ arch for the time since 2024 with an all-the-way success in the Class 4 Prosperity Handicap (1400m) for Pierre Ng and Andrea Atzeni, before David Eustace’s Riding Together (Profitable) resisted all pursuers under Dylan Browne McMonagle to close the meeting with success in the Class 3 Kut Cheong Handicap (1400m).
The honour of winning the first race in the Lunar Year of the Horse fell to Jimmy Ting’s Come Fast Fay Fay (Wrote), who charged late under Richard Kingscote to land the Class 5 Kung Hei Handicap (1200m), before the Michael Chang-trained Flying Boom (Saxon Warrior) under Matthew Poon edged out Glorious Success (Star Witness) to clinch the Class 4 Lucky Star Handicap (1600m).
Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday with the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (Gr 1, 1400m), where Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) will aim to secure an 18th consecutive win.
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Margins: 0.5 lens, 0.3 lens. Time: 1:9.86 (last 600m undefined)
Margins: 1.5 lens, 0.1 lens. Time: 1:9.230 (last 600m undefined)
Margins: 0.1 lens, 0.4 lens. Time: 1:35.14 (last 600m undefined)
Margins: 1.8 lens, 1.2 lens. Time: 1:9.680 (last 600m undefined)
Margins: 2.3 lens, 0.2 lens. Time: 1:9.120 (last 600m undefined)
Margins: 0.2 lens, 2.6 lens. Time: 1:33.95 (last 600m undefined)
Margins: 1.3 lens, 1.2 lens. Time: 1:21.37 (last 600m undefined)
Margins: 1.3 lens, 1.2 lens. Time: 1:08.53 (last 600m undefined)
Margins: 0.1 lens, 0.7 lens. Time: 2:00.95 (last 600m undefined)
Maiden Of The Week
2yo: (13Sep23 b g)
Trainer: Ben, Will & JD Hayes
Owner: Lindsay Park Bloodstock (Mgr: Ms S Hayes)
Sale: 2025 Inglis Ready2Race Sale V: Hannover Lodge P: Lindsay Park, $140,000
Sire: All Too Hard
Dam: Friendly Donna
Dam's Sire: Exceed And Excel
Breeder: Macquarie Stud
Won: TAB Talindert Stakes, Listed, 1100m, February 14, Flemington
Hard Kick (All Too Hard) put his hat into the ring for next month's Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) when scoring an impressive victory in Saturday’s Talindert Stakes (Listed, 1100m) at Flemington on debut.
The son of Vinery’s ultra-consistent sire All Too Hard (Casino Prince) went in as a well-supported $3 second favourite after winning all three of his jump-outs, and didn’t disappoint his backers.
Jumping from gate four of seven for Damian Lane, Hard Kick bolted to an early three-length lead, maintained a clear margin heading onto the course proper, then lived up to his name with a burst of acceleration at the 200 metres to beat $2.30 favourite Zambales (Pinatubo) by 2.8 lengths.
There was a further 1.7 lengths back to the third-placed Diameter (Brazen Beau).
Bearing Lindsay Park’s famed white with the green sash and black sleeves, Hard Kick also provided a welcome boost for the Hayes family after the death on Friday of former star Miss Finland (Redoute’s Choice), aged 22. That came while the Hayes Brothers’ Euroa stable still recovers from extensive recent bushfire damage.
“We’re not sure he’s as good as Miss Finland, but he looked pretty good there,” JD Hayes said of Hard Kick. “What a thrill. He’s been very well educated at home and we thought he was pretty good and he won with authority there.”
Lane was most impressed with Hard Kick, who took quite some pulling up past the post, saying he could be one of the best two-year-olds of the current Australian crop.
“Once the other horses got near him, he wanted to race them, so he’s just a natural competitor and he took a bit of slowing down after the line,” the jockey said.
“He’s a good horse. He’s been impressive at the jump-outs. You’re never sure going up to 1100 [metres] with two-year-olds off the back of 800-metre jump-outs, but he did give the feel he was going to be better past 800 metres and that's what he’s done today.
“He’s gone to another level and really sustained a good gallop throughout. I thought before today that he was a good horse, but just off the better ones, but off the back of that, he might be right up there.”
Bred by the Baxter family’s Macquarie Stud in the lower Hunter Valley, Hard Kick was bought by Avesta Bloodstock from Middlebrook Valley Lodge’s draft at last year’s Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale for $30,000.
Put back through the Inglis Ready To Race sale by Hannover Lodge in October, he was purchased for $140,000 by Lindsay Park under the watchful eye of Hayes family patriarch David, who was in Sydney for The Everest (Gr 1, 1200m) win of his star sprinter Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) four days later.
Hard Kick became the 32nd individual stakes winner for All Too Hard, who also won the Talindert, in 2012.
2026 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Margins: 1.9 lens, 0.8 lens. Time: 1:10.42 (last 600m 35.11)
Margins: 1.7 lens, 0.2 lens. Time: 1:25.11 (last 600m 36.71)
Margins: 0.3 lens, 0.7 lens. Time: 1:05.68 (last 600m 35.65)
Margins: 2.7 lens, 0.2 lens. Time: 1:12.48 (last 600m 35.26)
Margins: 0.2 lens, 0.7 lens. Time: 1:12.64 (last 600m 34.79)
Margins: 0.2 lens, 3.7 lens. Time: 1:38.17 (last 600m 36.43)
Margins: 0.6 lens, 0.4 lens. Time: 1:39.83 (last 600m 35.96)
Margins: 1.8 lens, 1.3 lens. Time: 0:57.64 (last 600m 33.37)
Margins: 0.4 lens, 0.1 lens. Time: 2:19.37 (last 600m 35.60)
Margins: 3.3 lens, 0.4 lens. Time: 0:57.48 (last 600m 34.13)
Margins: 1.1 lens, 0.1 lens. Time: 1:08.28 (last 600m 34.81)
Margins: 0.6 lens, 0.2 lens. Time: 1:08.40 (last 600m 34.25)
Margins: 0.7 lens, 0.3 lens. Time: 1:23.81 (last 600m 35.44)
Margins: 0.4 lens, 4.3 lens. Time: 0:57.57 (last 600m 33.48)
Margins: 0.8 lens, 0.3 lens. Time: 0:56.63 (last 600m 33.09)
Margins: 0.5 lens, 0.1 lens. Time: 1:17.06 (last 600m 35.26)
Margins: 0.8 lens, 0.6 lens. Time: 1:30.67 (last 600m 33.94)
Margins: 0.4 lens, 0.9 lens. Time: 2:01.81 (last 600m 35.60)
Margins: 1 lens, 2 lens. Time: 1:21.26 (last 600m 34.00)
Margins: 0.4 lens, 0.4 lens. Time: 1:16.93 (last 600m 34.51)
Margins: 2 lens, 1.7 lens. Time: 1:49.72 (last 600m)
Margins: 4.8 lens, 3.3 lens. Time: 1:01.46 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.1 lens, 1.6 lens. Time: 1:25.45 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.1 lens, 0.2 lens. Time: 1:02.35 (last 600m)
Margins: 2 lens, 0.6 lens. Time: 1:11.84 (last 600m)
Margins: 1.5 lens, 2.7 lens. Time: 1:50.08 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.1 lens, 0.2 lens. Time: 1:23.48 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.4 lens, 1.3 lens. Time: 1:24.43 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.5 lens, 2.8 lens. Time: 1:26.34 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.1 lens, 2 lens. Time: 1:39.51 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.5 lens, 0.4 lens. Time: 0:58.36 (last 600m)
Margins: 1.5 lens, 0.4 lens. Time: 1:10.79 (last 600m)
Margins: 0.2 lens, 0.5 lens. Time: 1:25.33 (last 600m)
Margins: 1.8 lens, 0.7 lens. Time: 2:07.93 (last 600m)
Friday, February 20, 2026
Data supplied by Arion pedigrees
Leading 3YO Sires by
| Rank | Stallion Ccode Yof - To Stud | Breeding | Rnrs | Wnrs | Wins | SW(SWins) | Earnings | Best Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Street Boss (USA) 2004 - 2009 | Street Cry - Blushing Ogygian | 44 | 16 | 23 | 4(7) | $6,215,243 | Tempted - 3,309,000 |
| 2 | I Am Invincible (AUS) 2004 - 2010 | Invincible Spirit - Cannarelle | 80 | 39 | 44 | 5(5) | $5,131,065 | Ohope - 910,025 |
| 3 | Ghaiyyath (IRE) 2015 - 2021 | Dubawi - Nightime | 36 | 14 | 20 | 4(6) | $3,205,348 | Observer - 1,942,750 |
| 4 | Snitzel (AUS) 2002 - 2006 | Redoute's Choice - Snippets' Lass | 73 | 32 | 44 | 3(3) | $3,038,748 | Matias - 229,125 |
| 5 | The Autumn Sun (AUS) 2015 - 2019 | Redoute's Choice - Azmiyna | 31 | 14 | 18 | 2(2) | $2,874,210 | Autumn Boy - 1,876,250 |
| 6 | Farnan (AUS) 2017 - 2021 | Not a Single Doubt - Tallow | 65 | 23 | 29 | 1(1) | $2,850,588 | Ninja - 859,675 |
| 7 | Zoustar (AUS) 2010 - 2014 | Northern Meteor - Zouzou | 77 | 27 | 34 | 2(2) | $2,606,298 | Ice Kool - 284,250 |
| 8 | Bivouac (AUS) 2016 - 2021 | Exceed and Excel - Dazzler | 66 | 24 | 32 | 2(2) | $2,511,850 | Beiwacht - 804,700 |
| 9 | Wootton Bassett (GB) 2008 - 2012 | Iffraaj - Balladonia | 68 | 26 | 32 | 2(2) | $2,467,373 | Napoleonic - 285,300 |
| 10 | Capitalist (AUS) 2013 - 2017 | Written Tycoon - Kitalpha | 78 | 38 | 49 | 2(3) | $2,414,611 | Alpha Sofie - 275,400 |
| 11 | Written Tycoon (AUS) 2002 - 2007 | Iglesia - Party Miss | 77 | 30 | 32 | 3(3) | $2,331,560 | Tycoon Star - 230,850 |
| 12 | Shamus Award (AUS) 2010 - 2014 | Snitzel - Sunset Express | 39 | 9 | 9 | 1(1) | $2,315,105 | Torque to Be Sure - 1,772,500 |
| 13 | Ole Kirk (AUS) 2017 - 2021 | Written Tycoon - Naturale | 57 | 17 | 20 | 2(2) | $2,254,415 | Ole Dancer - 992,875 |
| 14 | Extreme Choice (AUS) 2013 - 2017 | Not a Single Doubt - Extremely | 26 | 12 | 18 | 2(4) | $1,983,190 | Apocalyptic - 1,105,000 |
| 15 | Graff (AUS) 2015 - 2021 | Star Witness - Dinkum Diamond | 33 | 10 | 14 | 1(1) | $1,887,362 | Grafterburners - 1,506,300 |
| 16 | Tagaloa (AUS) 2017 - 2021 | Lord Kanaloa - Vasilissa | 60 | 19 | 24 | 2(2) | $1,792,455 | Salty Pearl - 320,750 |
| 17 | Too Darn Hot (GB) 2016 - 2020 | Dubawi - Dar Re Mi | 59 | 23 | 29 | 1(1) | $1,742,685 | Rivellino - 281,100 |
| 18 | Blue Point (IRE) 2014 - 2020 | Shamardal - Scarlett Rose | 56 | 16 | 24 | 1(1) | $1,623,950 | Point Barrow - 382,920 |
| 19 | Maurice (JPN) 2011 - 2017 | Screen Hero - Mejiro Frances | 65 | 26 | 30 | 0(0) | $1,621,282 | Miewa - 199,950 |
| 20 | So You Think (NZ) 2006 - 2012 | High Chaparral - Triassic | 51 | 15 | 19 | 2(3) | $1,603,800 | Getta Good Feeling - 537,040 |
Leading 3YO Sires by
| Rank | Stallion Ccode Yof - To Stud | Breeding | Rnrs | Wnrs | Wins | SW(SWins) | Earnings | Best Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Written Tycoon (AUS) 2002 - 2007 | Iglesia - Party Miss | 4 | 2 | 6 | 1(4) | $1,441,945 | Well Written - 1,415,625 |
| 2 | Ocean Park (NZ) 2008 - 2013 | Thorn Park - Sayyida | 17 | 6 | 10 | 3(4) | $807,605 | Ohope Wins - 319,120 |
| 3 | Snitzel (AUS) 2002 - 2006 | Redoute's Choice - Snippets' Lass | 9 | 5 | 8 | 1(1) | $785,360 | He Who Dares - 322,300 |
| 4 | Hello Youmzain (FR) 2016 - 2021 | Kodiac - Spasha | 30 | 17 | 19 | 2(2) | $643,157 | Hello Hayley - 96,425 |
| 5 | Savabeel (AUS) 2001 - 2005 | Zabeel - Savannah Success | 20 | 7 | 11 | 3(4) | $626,300 | Belle Cheval - 216,665 |
| 6 | El Roca (AUS) 2010 - 2015 | Fastnet Rock - Rubimill | 15 | 4 | 5 | 2(2) | $597,180 | Lollapalooza - 313,725 |
| 7 | Belardo (IRE) 2012 - 2017 | Lope de Vega - Danaskaya | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1(1) | $518,420 | Romanoff - 451,100 |
| 8 | Super Seth (AUS) 2016 - 2020 | Dundeel - Salutations | 24 | 5 | 5 | 1(1) | $447,680 | La Dorada - 328,250 |
| 9 | U S Navy Flag (USA) 2015 - 2019 | War Front - Misty for Me | 23 | 7 | 10 | 1(1) | $397,935 | War Princess - 169,500 |
| 10 | Tivaci (AUS) 2012 - 2017 | High Chaparral - Breccia | 21 | 9 | 11 | 0(0) | $346,507 | Luna Capella - 55,560 |
| 11 | Satono Aladdin (JPN) 2011 - 2018 | Deep Impact - Magic Storm | 12 | 5 | 7 | 1(1) | $328,545 | Magic Carpet - 117,275 |
| 12 | Yes Yes Yes (AUS) 2016 - 2020 | Rubick - Sin Sin Sin | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1(1) | $299,960 | Affirmative Action - 283,275 |
| 13 | Circus Maximus (IRE) 2016 - 2021 | Galileo - Duntle | 21 | 5 | 6 | 1(1) | $291,745 | Towering Vision - 103,750 |
| 14 | Darci Brahma (NZ) 2002 - 2007 | Danehill - Grand Echezeaux | 19 | 3 | 5 | 1(2) | $286,555 | Tajana - 198,625 |
| 15 | Almanzor (FR) 2013 - 2018 | Wootton Bassett - Darkova | 23 | 7 | 8 | 0(0) | $274,565 | Argo - 92,875 |
| 16 | Lucky Vega (IRE) 2018 - 2021 | Lope de Vega - Queen of Carthage | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1(1) | $272,740 | That's Gold - 272,740 |
| 17 | Proisir (AUS) 2009 - 2015 | Choisir - Prophet Jewel | 15 | 2 | 4 | 1(1) | $251,310 | Fairy Dream - 144,185 |
| 18 | Contributer (IRE) 2010 - 2016 | High Chaparral - Serisia | 19 | 6 | 6 | 0(0) | $215,955 | Shoma - 76,290 |
| 19 | Time Test (GB) 2012 - 2018 | Dubawi - Passage of Time | 23 | 5 | 5 | 0(0) | $209,310 | Geneva - 39,800 |
| 20 | Sweynesse (AUS) 2011 - 2016 | Lonhro - Swansea | 10 | 3 | 4 | 1(1) | $169,745 | Miss Starlight - 95,125 |
