Oaks heroine Vibrant Sun added to National Broodmare Sale lineup

Group 1-winning mare Vibrant Sun (The Autumn Sun) is the latest headline act set for the 2026 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast after being confirmed for Baystone Farm’s draft.

The daughter of The Autumn Sun (Redoute’s Choice) enjoyed a short but high-quality racing career for trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, winning the Australasian Oaks (Gr 1, 2000m) at Morphettville and the Alexandra Stakes (Gr 3, 1600m) at The Valley among her two victories from ten starts, earning over $700,000 in prize-money.

Out of the Group 3-winning Written Tycoon (Iglesia) mare Vibrant Rouge, Vibrant Sun was purchased for $260,000 by Sheamus Mills from the Canning Downs Stud draft at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

“She got through her maiden grade very quickly and as we stretched her out in distance it was evident she was getting better and better,” Mills said.

“When she chased down Grinzinger Belle in the Alexandra Stakes, that’s when I knew I had a good horse.

“To win a Group 1 you need everything to go right and she had a few hurdles in the lead-up. But she showed her class and toughness that day. She’s a beautifully balanced, mid-sized mare with plenty of quality and a great temperament. Talent wise she has it, and physically she’s a very appealing mare.”

Baystone Farm’s Dean Harvey said the opportunity to offer a Group 1-winning race mare at the National Sale was particularly exciting.

“It’s not every day you get to offer a mare of Vibrant Sun’s quality,” Harvey said. “The National Sale consistently attracts the deepest buying bench in the market and we’re delighted to present her for Sheamus and his partners.”

Entries for the 2026 Magic Millions National Sale are now open, with fellow elite-level performers Legarto (Proisir) and O’ Ole (Ole Kirk) also among the early highlights.

Freedman confident Ninja can measure up in Randwick Guineas

Michael Freedman believes Ninja’s (Farnan) ability to race on the speed could prove a key advantage when the colt tackles Saturday’s Randwick Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m). The three-year-old showcased his versatility when winning the Hobartville Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m), settling just off the leader before quickening clear for an impressive victory, while key rivals Autumn Boy (The Autumn Sun) and Attica (Lonhro) typically settle further back in their races. Ninja will be stepping up to a mile for the first time, but Freedman is prepared to test the colt over the trip. “He has never been tried at it, and there is only one way to find out,” Freedman said. “His racing style, where he can sit handy if needs be, that's a big advantage. I've got no more insight into whether he'll run it out or not, but he will certainly run well. He's been very full of himself and right on his feed, so I'm happy to press on.” Freedman will also saddle up emerging stablemate Decorum (Snitzel), who earned his place in the field after successive midweek wins at Warwick Farm. While he expects the step up in class to test the colt, Freedman hopes the run will serve as a platform toward longer-distance targets later in the carnival. “It's a stepping stone perhaps to something else over a bit further for him, but it gives us a look at him against some of the better quality horses,” Freedman said. The Rosehill Guineas (Gr 1, 2000m) and Tulloch Stakes (Gr 2, 2000m) are potential next targets for Decorum, who is also nominated for the ATC Australian Derby (Gr 1, 2400m).

Maher upbeat on Gringotts ahead of Canterbury Stakes return

Ciaron Maher is satisfied with the condition of Gringotts (Per Incanto) ahead of his return in Saturday’s Canterbury Stakes (Gr 1, 1300m) at Randwick, though a rival jockey’s comments have highlighted the strength of the opposition. Nash Rawiller partnered Gringotts to victories in the Big Dance (1600m) and The Gong (1600m) late last campaign and had been booked to reunite with the gelding on Saturday. However, after discussions with Maher, Rawiller opted to remain aboard Lady Shenandoah (Snitzel), who he rode when she finished third in the Expressway Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m). Tommy Berry, who has ridden Gringotts to three wins including last year’s George Ryder Stakes (Gr 1, 1500m), will instead take the ride. “Nash was riding Gringotts, and he said, 'Lady Shenandoah was in second gear the other day. Do you mind if I step off and step on [her]?'. I said, 'no, Gringotts will probably want the run anyway',” Maher said. “Tommy has ridden him plenty of times as well and had good success on him, so it didn't make any difference, really. He can run really well fresh, and he's got a good base on him. He has been up at the beach. But hearing those words out of Nash, and looking at the way Joliestar hit the line too, those two, I wouldn't be surprised if they had his measure [on Saturday]. He's in good order. He ran in the Liverpool City Cup last time and then the George Ryder. This time he will go Canterbury Stakes to George Ryder. He normally runs very well fresh. He had 61 [kilos] last year in the Liverpool City Cup, and I think he ran the fastest last 600 [metres] for the meeting and was unlucky.”

Blinkers go on Hidrix for final Slipper lead-up

Deposed Golden Slipper (Gr 1, 1200m) favourite Hidrix (Extreme Choice) will sport blinkers for the first time and gain the services of James McDonald when he lines up in Saturday’s Todman Stakes (Gr 2 ,1200m) at Randwick. The Chris Waller-trained colt will be partnered by McDonald in race conditions for the first time after the champion jockey previously rode stablemate Confederation (Wootton Bassett) in both the Canonbury Stakes (Gr 3, 1100m) – which Hendrix won impressively – and the Silver Slipper (Gr 2, 1100m). Assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said the switch was largely about giving McDonald the opportunity to partner the stable’s leading Slipper hope ahead of the $5 million juvenile feature. “He has ridden Confederation twice and knows the horse well,” Duckworth said. “We want to afford James the best opportunity to ride our best opportunity in the Slipper, so it’s probably important he rides Hidrix.” Duckworth added the colt, who finished third behind Stretan Ruler (Wild Ruler) in the Silver Slipper, had pleased in a recent gallop with the new gear applied. Hidrix will jump from barrier nine in the 11-horse field, with Confederation drawn alongside him. The Todman is not a must-win assignment, with Hidrix already assured of a Slipper berth, allowing the stable to trial the gear change. “They’re just to help sharpen him up,” Duckworth said. “Slippers aren’t easy to win and we want him to have that killer punch.”

Abounding launches Group 1 campaign in Wenona Girl Quality

Trainer Robert Heathcote will launch a winter carnival campaign for star mare Abounding (Rich Enuff) when she resumes in Saturday’s Wenona Girl Quality (Gr 3, 1200m) at Randwick. The five-year-old, to be ridden by Tommy Berry, has not raced since finishing ninth behind Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) in the Empire Rose Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) at Flemington last spring. Heathcote said the mare had returned in excellent order after two trial wins at Doomben last month. “She’s going super and was very impressive winning two barrier trials,” Heathcote told Racing Queensland. “She trialled like a bomb so I couldn’t be happier with how she’s going.” Abounding’s Randwick appearance is likely to be a brief Sydney raid before attention shifts to the Stradbroke Handicap (Gr 1, 1400m) and Tattersall's Tiara (Gr 1, 1400m) during the Queensland Racing Carnival. Heathcote hopes the campaign will deliver the Group 1 victory needed to enhance her broodmare value. “It’s a bit of a hit-and-run mission,” he said. “Her main aim is the Stradbroke and Tatt’s Tiara, but I want to give her space before the winter because I’d love to win a Group 1 before she eventually goes to the breeding barn.” Meanwhile, stable star Rothfire (Rothesay) has returned to work ahead of another winter campaign. The eight-year-old is being set for the Doomben 10,000 (Gr 1, 1200m) and another tilt at the Stradbroke after finishing second and third in previous editions of the race.

Almost An Angel set to relish Sires’ Produce step-up

Trainer Robbie Griffiths believes Saturday’s VRC Sires' Produce Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m) at Flemington provides the ideal opportunity for promising filly Almost An Angel (So You Think) to showcase her staying potential. With the Blue Diamond Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) now run and the leading sprinting juveniles heading toward the Golden Slipper in Sydney, the Flemington feature offers a different test for the local two-year-olds over 1400 metres. Griffiths said the race had been in his plans for Almost An Angel from the outset of her debut preparation. The daughter of So You Think (High Chaparral) made a winning debut over 1000 metres at Caulfield Heath before contesting both the Blue Diamond Prelude (F) (Gr 2, 1100m) and the Blue Diamond itself. “She’s a So You Think and she surprised us on debut winning over the 1000 metres,” Griffiths said. “We ran her in the Prelude and she was super running fifth, but in the Diamond it didn’t work — they went too steady up front and sprinted and she couldn’t match it.” Griffiths expects the step up in trip and a differently run race to suit the filly. “Going to 1400 metres, being by So You Think, you’d imagine it should be a nice race for her,” he said. “It gives her a chance to get into the race without it being over in a split second.”

Zahra confident weight won’t halt Tentyris in Newmarket

Mark Zahra believes Tentyris (Street Boss) has the talent to overcome a hefty impost when the colt attempts to claim Saturday’s Newmarket Handicap (Gr 1, 1200m) at Flemington. The three-year-old will carry 57 kilograms, meaning he must equal the weight-carrying record for a horse of his age set by Ajax (Heroic) in 1938 to win the famous straight-track sprint. Tentyris arrives in peak form, having returned from a successful spring campaign, highlighted by his Coolmore Stud Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) win, to claim the Lightning Stakes (Gr 1, 1000m) first-up on February 14. “I don't think weight has got much to do with it as I'm a heavy weight jockey,” Zahra said. “All the rating's gurus might think a bit different, but I worked him Monday and he absolutely flew. He's flying, so I don't think the weight will stop him.” Zahra returned to race riding at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday after an injury-enforced break, pushing his recovery to ensure he could partner his key autumn rides. He narrowly missed returning in time for Observer’s (Ghaiyyath) win in last week’s Australian Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) but was determined to be back for Tentyris. “If it had of been any other time, I probably would have taken my time with it, but I just couldn't afford to,” Zahra said. “The horses I had lined up for autumn, was unbelievable. I was trying to get back for Observer, but the doctor said that was five weeks and that might be pushing it a bit, but when you have a goal, for a horse like this, it definitely helps getting up early, getting to physio twice a week and that sort of stuff.”

Waller: Group 1 status enhances All-Star Mile appeal

Chris Waller says the Group 1 status of the All-Star Mile (Gr 1, 1600m) has enhanced the race as he prepares to saddle up Buckaroo (Fastnet Rock) and Leica Lucy (Derryn) in Saturday’s Flemington feature. First run in 2019 and initially rotated between Melbourne’s metropolitan tracks, the race was modelled on Japan’s Arima Kinen (Gr 1, 2500m), where the public voted on their favourite runners. Waller only sparingly targeted the race in its early years but welcomed its elevation to Group 1 level last year. “The Group 1 status means a lot to me, more so than the prize-money,” Waller said. “It was a bit confusing in the first few years, but I think they've got it right now and hopefully the best horse can win.” Both of Waller’s runners have come through the Futurity Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) at Caulfield, where Buckaroo finished second and Leica Lucy fifth. “They both ran well first-up at Caulfield, and they came out of the race well,” Waller said. “It was great to see Buckaroo finishing his race off like he does. It's exciting and he's got good form at the mile, and he's got form around the right horses. He's definitely better here in Melbourne. Leica Lucy, she finished off well first-up. She got back and came up on, in arguably, the worst part of the track. She will come on nicely for the run. She had a couple of Group 1 placings last spring, and she looks like she has come on a bit better.”

Maher imports kick off at Flemington

The Australian Cup Prelude (Gr 3, 2000m) at Flemington will be the starting point for two imported stayers for Ciaron Maher in German Group 2 winner Augustus (Soldier Hollow) and UK Group 3 winner Desert Hero (Sea The Stars). Augustus arrives in Australia with strong European form and is now part-owned by Australian Bloodstock, the ownership group behind Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) winners Protectionist (Monsun) and Gold Trip (Outstrip). Maher said the newcomer reminded him of the latter, who delivered the stable its maiden Melbourne Cup triumph in 2022. “He flicks his action a bit like Gold Trip,” Maher said. “He’s got good, strong formlines coming across and I think he’s come up super.” Augustus has been prepared with a jump-out and a 1500-metre trial and will be partnered by Mark Zahra at his Australian debut. Maher expects the Flemington circuit to suit the stayer, who is being aimed toward the major spring staying features. “I think he’ll be a horse we’ll see more of in these better staying races,” Maher said. Stablemate Desert Hero brings prior Australian experience, having raced in Sydney last autumn when trained in the UK by William Haggas. The gelding has since enjoyed an extended break, including time in New Zealand, before joining Maher’s yard. “He had a long break, which I think he needed, and he’s come up well,” Maher said. “He’s been out of form for a little while, but he should hit the line strongly.”

Coal Crusher to kick off big weekend for Pride

Veteran sprinter Coal Crusher (Turffontein) could give trainer Joe Pride the perfect start to a busy weekend when he lines up in Friday’s Newcastle Stakes (Gr 3, 1400m). The gelding will back up six days after his unplaced run in the Liverpool City Cup (Gr 3, 1300m) at Randwick and returns to a track where he has thrived, recording three wins and three placings from six starts. “The 1400 [metres] is the top of our range, but he's won at it before,” Pride said. “Now he is older and more sensible, he harnesses his energy a bit better and it's the right time to give it another go.” Pride will also have a strong presence at Randwick on Saturday with runners in four Group races, including Attica in the Randwick Guineas and Headley Grange (Exosphere) in the Canterbury Stakes. He will also saddle up Mazu (Maurice), In Flight (Flying Artie) and The Black Cloud (Shamus Award) in the Challenge Stakes (Gr 2, 1000m) as the trio build toward The Galaxy (Gr 1, 1100m) at Rosehill on March 21. “I wanted to give them all a run before the Galaxy, so we will probably take our place with all three,” Pride said. “Any rain on the day would be good, and there is some predicted.” While Giga Kick (Scissor Kick) heads the market, Pride said outsider In Flight could be the one to watch if conditions suit. “She’s the widest one in the market, so go figure,” he said. “All three horses are going well but I feel like she is the one about to emerge and really launch her career this winter. But she needs wet tracks. She is nowhere near as good on the dry.”

Sir Maurice well-placed at Ipswich

Trainer Jack Bruce believes conditions are lining up well for Sir Maurice (Maurice) to return to the winner’s list when the gelding steps out at Ipswich on Friday. The five-year-old will contest the Great Northern Benchmark 65 Handicap (1200m) at his fifth start this campaign, with Bruce optimistic the race presents a suitable opportunity. “I think it is a nice race for him,” the Deagon-based trainer said. “He drew wide last start and had to go all the way back in the run, which made it challenging for him to win. He got held up at a crucial time and flew late for second.” Sir Maurice has been a consistent performer throughout his 25-start career, recording three wins and eight placings, but has not saluted since May last year. He again showed his competitiveness when finishing runner-up at the Sunshine Coast over 1200 metres in Benchmark 60 grade on February 22. Apprentice Leah Martyn retains the ride, with her two-kilogram claim reducing the gelding’s impost to 56 kilograms. “She’s riding well and she’s very dedicated,” Bruce said. “She does her homework and as far as two-kilo claimers go in the provincials, she’s well worth using. She rode him last start and got held up at the wrong time, so she’ll be hungry for success on him on Friday.”

Snitzel filly Aryaam shines again at Randwick trials

The Anthony Freedman and Sam Freedman-trained Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice) filly Aryaam continued to impress at Randwick on Thursday, making it two wins from as many trials over 736 metres. The $1.2 million Inglis Easter Sale purchase travelled comfortably to the front under Tommy Berry and was held together to score by 0.1 lengths over Victorious Ruler (Wild Ruler). Low Key (Pinatubo) was another 1.7 lengths back in third. Purchased by her trainers, Emirates Park and Julian Blaxland Bloodstock, Aryaam is a sister to metropolitan winner Cash being the second foal out of Group 2-winning mare Super Cash (Written Tycoon), whose latest offspring is a Dundeel (High Chaparral) colt set to be offered by Arrowfield Stud at Inglis Easter as Lot 130. Another notable heat winner was the well-bred Stay Inside (Extreme Choice) filly Reachin’ Out, prepared by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. A $400,000 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale purchase for her trainers and Kestrel Thoroughbreds, the filly was pushed along to hold off a late challenge from Born To Fly (I Am Invincible) by 0.4 lengths. Reachin’ Out is a half-sister to Group 2-winning Widden Stud sire Zousain (Zoustar). Meanwhile, the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained Satoshi (Wootton Bassett) showed improvement at his second trial, leading throughout to score by 1.2 lengths over Mount Atlas (Tassort). The Dorrington Farm homebred is out of Group 3 winner My Sabeel (Savabeel). Additional juvenile heat winners included Zoo Dazzler (Zoustar), Baylie’s Folly (Stratum Star) and Rebel Elegance (Rebel Dane).

Two for St Mark’s Basilica

Coolmore Stud’s first-season shuttle stallion St Mark’s Basilica (Siyouni) sired his second southern hemisphere-bred winner on Thursday when St Monica (2 f ex Forbetterforworse by Dubawi) won impressively on debut at Tauherenikau. Ridden by Masa Hashizume for Roger James and Robert Wellwood, the filly kicked clear in the home straight to win by 2.8 lengths over Butler Cabin (Ardrossan), with Sax Appeal (Saxon Warrior) 0.2 lengths further behind in third. Bred by Jomara Bloodstock Ltd, St Monica was a $310,000 buy for her trainers from Hallmark Stud’s 2025 NZB Karaka National Yearling Sale draft. St Monica is the eighth foal and seventh foal from unraced Dubawi (Dubai Millennium) mare Forbetterforworse, making her a half-sister to Group 3-winning Group 1 placegetter Scorpz (Charm Spirit). Forbetterforworse herself is out of Listed winner For The Good Times (Hennessy), making her a half-sister to Group 3 winner and multiple Group 1 placed Fast ‘N’ Rocking (Fastnet Rock) and Listed winner Good ‘N’ Fast (Sebring). St Mark’s Basilica stood at Coolmore Stud in the Hunter Valley for $38,500 (inc GST) in 2025.

Haunui quintet targets riches in NZB The Kiwi

Haunui Farm will have five graduates chasing glory in Saturday’s $4 million NZB The Kiwi (Listed, 1500m) at Ellerslie with Romanoff (Belardo), He Who Dares (Snitzel), L’Aigle Noir (Ribchester), War Princess (U S Navy Flag) and Lollapalooza (El Roca) all hailing from the stud. “The amazing thing is that it’s a different style of race, someone has to pick your horse and it’s not just up to the handicapper,” Haunui’s managing director Mark Chitty said. “I think all five justifiably deserve to be in the race, they have all showed nice form from a Group 1 winner to a Rating 67 in L’Aigle Noir, who was a bit unlucky in the Uncle Remus. To run a farm, you’re doing it 365 days of the year in all types of weather and circumstances, so we are very proud. We’ve got some wonderful clients who have bred some of these horses as well as ourselves, that are in the race. You can’t deny Well Written has been sensational in her performances and she might just be way too good for them. It is a horse race though, and we’ve seen before and we’ll see it again that not all $1.20 favourites win races, so we’ll take our chance and see what happens.”

Gerard to launch two-pronged attack at NZB The Kiwi

Trainer Pam Gerard farewelled stable star Savaglee (Savabeel) earlier this week and now hopes to finish it on a high when she saddles Romanoff and Affirmative Action (Yes Yes Yes) in Saturday’s $4 million NZB The Kiwi at Ellerslie. The pair have been prominent members of the three-year-old division this season, most notably when they filled the quinella in the New Zealand 2,000 Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) at Riccarton. Romanoff’s victory in that race secured the Canterbury Jockey Club’s slot in the NZB Kiwi, while Affirmative Action will represent Auckland Thoroughbred Racing. Gerard said it was a thrill to have two runners in the lucrative feature. “The staff have done an awesome job,” she said. “It’s something you dream of getting to and we did it very early on in the season. It’s exciting to have two runners in a big prestige race like the NZB Kiwi.” Affirmative Action has drawn barrier three with George Rooke, while Romanoff, who will carry the top weight of 60 kilograms, has gate ten for Ryan Elliot. “It’s the first time Affirmative Action has drawn a barrier,” Gerard said. “It gives us a much easier start and we can be where we want to be. Romanoff will pop in midfield somewhere and hopefully get the softest trip we can from that draw.”

Te Akau out in force on Champions’ Day

Te Akau Racing will field a strong black-type team at Ellerslie on Saturday, headlined by unbeaten filly Lara Antipova (Russian Revolution) in the Sistema Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) and a quartet of runners in the $4 million NZB Kiwi. Prepared by Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, Lara Antipova has won all three starts to date and has drawn ideally in barrier four for her toughest assignment yet. “She keeps raising the bar and wasn’t overly suited by the conditions last time [in the Matamata Breeders’ Stakes] where class got her through,” Bergerson said. “She’s an incredibly sharp filly who can switch up gears at the drop of a hat.” Stablemate Out Of The Blue (Tivaci) will also contest the juvenile feature after finishing runner-up in the Matamata Slipper (Gr 3, 1200m). Bergerson believes the colt’s race experience could prove valuable. “He’s the most experienced horse in the field and that will hold him in good stead,” he said. In the New Zealand Derby (Gr 1, 2400m), Te Akau will rely on Towering Vision (Circus Maximus), who disappointed in the Avondale Guineas (Gr 2, 1400m) but has reportedly pleased since. “We’ve put a line through that run,” Bergerson said. “His previous form was very good and his work this week has been super.” The stable will also field To Bravery Born (Snitzel), La Dorada (Super Seth), He Who Dares (Snitzel) and Belle Cheval (Savabeel) in the NZB Kiwi, with Bergerson suggesting Belle Cheval may be the leading hope following consecutive Group 3 victories. “We’re really proud of the team and fantastic to have four in the race,” he said. “Well Written is the benchmark, but we’re excited and just hope our runners get their chances.”

Trav out to defend Auckland Cup crown

Trainer Raymond Connors is experiencing a sense of déjà vu as defending champion Trav (Almanzor) prepares to contest Saturday’s Auckland Cup (Gr 2, 3200m) at Ellerslie. The son of Almanzor (Wootton Bassett) followed a similar path last season, finishing fourth in the Wellington Cup (Gr 3, 3200m) before stepping up to claim the Auckland Cup, and Connors believes the gelding has tracked a comparable route this year after running fifth in the Trentham feature in January. “He is pretty similar to last year, so hopefully he repeats it,” Connors said. “It is an even sort of field and I think everybody has got a chance.” Trav has been unplaced since his Auckland Cup triumph 12 months ago, including a spring campaign in Melbourne, but Connors was encouraged by his latest performance at Trentham. “We were hoping he would run well and he did, so that was pleasing,” he said. The seven-year-old carried 53 kilograms to victory from a wide gate last year and faces a similar scenario this weekend, again allotted 53 kilograms and drawing barrier 16. Connors expects the gelding’s usual racing pattern to see him settle towards the rear. “He gets back whether we like it or not,” he said. “He’s not a great beginner, so he will get back, but the two miles is the key with him – the further he goes the better.” Regular rider Masa Hashizume, who partnered Trav to last year’s victory, retains the mount.

UK: BHA appoints Brant Dunshea as permanent chief executive

Brant Dunshea has been confirmed as the permanent chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), providing a measure of stability for British racing following a turbulent week in its governance ranks. Dunshea had been serving in the role on an interim basis since December 2024 after the departure of former CEO Julie Harrington. His appointment comes just days after the resignation of BHA chair Lord Charles Allen, amid an ongoing impasse over governance reforms. A long-serving figure within the organisation, Dunshea joined the BHA in 2015 and most recently held the position of chief regulatory officer before stepping into the chief executive role late last year. “It is no secret that the sport has experienced a challenging period as it faces up to the process of change at a governance level,” Dunshea said. “But I want to be clear that this has not stopped the BHA and the industry making important progress to safeguard the long-term health of British racing.” The BHA board also confirmed David Jones will serve as interim chair while a permanent replacement is sought. Jones previously held the role earlier this year following the departure of the late former chair Joe Saumarez Smith. Member bodies including the Racecourse Association, Racehorse Owners Association and Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association said they unanimously supported Dunshea’s appointment.