Australian Oaks
Kiwi superstar Ohope Wins adds her name to history books with famous Oaks success
Star New Zealander Ohope Wins (Ocean Park) joined a select band of fillies to win the major Oaks double on both sides of the Tasman in storming to victory in the Australian Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) at Randwick.
Having won the New Zealand Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) two starts earlier at Ellerslie before a transfer to Chris Waller, Ohope Wins followed her close-up fourth in the Vinery Stud Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) with a popular Randwick triumph as $2.60 favourite on Saturday.
Ridden by James McDonald, she continued the phenomenal run of success for Australian racing’s “power couple”. Waller and McDonald have combined to win at least one Group 1 on a record of seven successive Saturdays, starting with Autumn Glow’s (The Autumn Sun) success in the Verry Elleegant Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) on February 28.
And Ohope Wins, recently declared New Zealand Bloodstock’s Filly of the Year for the current season, became just the fourth filly to take out the New Zealand-Australian Oaks double, after Pennyweka (Satono Aladdin) in 2023, Bonneval in 2017 (Makfi), and Domino (Grosvenor) in 1990.
McDonald was at his coolest in making Ohope Wins the 14th Australian stakes winner for her Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m)-winning sire Ocean Park (Thorn Park), who stood at Waikato Stud last year for $15,000 (plus GST).
Behind a strong pace set by longshot Stand My Ground (North Pacific), the field strung out such that Ohope Wins was some 15 lengths off the pace in second-last spot at the 900 metres. Meanwhile, Profoundly (Farnan), second favourite at $3.20, seemingly held a distinct advantage, travelling fifth, two lengths off a breakaway group.
Profoundly duly took the lead under Tommy Berry over the rise, but behind and to her outside, Ohope Wins was building a formidable head of steam down the centre of the track.
To her credit, Profoundly battled gamely all the way down the straight, but Ohope Wins was able to outstay her, taking the lead 60 metres out and scoring by a half-length.
Dom Sutton’s After Summer (The Autumn Sun), who so nearly pinched the Vinery at $61, showed it was no fluke in running a close third at $9.50.
Savouring his 196th Group 1 success, expat Kiwi Waller paid tribute to Ohope Wins’ previous New Zealand trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott for the progress of the filly, who was subject to a majority buy-in from Yulong in January.
“I can’t take all the credit,” Waller said. “Obviously, I’ve been trusted by Yulong. Lance O’Sullivan did a great job with her prior to coming to me plus they gave me a hand with her as well. Very friendly and very helpful which we’ve got to thank them for.”
“Speaking with Lance O’Sullivan, the confidence he had in her - he said she’s one of the best horses that he’s ever had to deal with, so it’s a pretty big comment coming from him
Waller said inheriting such a proven performer had been “not hard at all because you know the horse is good enough”.
“It was just about keeping it simple,” he said. “Maybe we got it a little bit simple first-up [in the Vinery]; I think she just needed the run.
“Speaking with Lance O’Sullivan, the confidence he had in her - he said she’s one of the best horses that he’s ever had to deal with, so it’s a pretty big comment coming from him.”
Celebrating his 135th Group 1 success, McDonald said Ohope Wins relished the genuine pace.
“They ran it really quickly so it suited her down to the ground,” he said.
“Obviously, on paper it didn’t look that way, but I always had a plan to ride her quiet. I was blessed when the pace went on and it never stopped so it was going to be the toughest stayer, and that’s exactly what she was.
“It didn’t go well last start [in the Vinery], Rosehill, slowly run race.
“She’s gritty, she’s a very gritty filly. She had enough on the line, the other two [placegetters] were brave and it was lucky we were on a good horse.”
Ohope Wins immediately put herself in the reckoning for spring staying highlights such as the Caulfield Cup (Gr 1, 2400m) and Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m).
McDonald, however, said a staying future was not necessarily a fait accompli for the filly.
While he said “2400 metres is a good number for her” he added: “But you never know. As they get stronger some of them get quicker, so she might get quicker.”
Bred by Gartshore Bloodstock, Ohope Wins is the fourth and best of four named foals for the Australian-placed mare Choux Mania (Redoute’s Choice) - the first three of whom are unplaced - and is the only one not put through a public sale.
Choux Mania is a three-quarter sister to elite winner Miss Wilson (Stratum) and a half-sister to five-time Group 1 victor Jimmy Choux (Thorn Park).
She now has two-year-old and yearling full-brothers to Ohope Wins. She lost her foal by Noverre (Savabeel) in 2025, before being covered by that stallion again.
Ocean Park has 26 stakes winners worldwide from 614 runners at 4.23 per cent.
Asahi Super Dry Australian Oaks (GR 1)
Show
Asahi Super Dry Australian Oaks (GR 1)
$1,000,000, Randwick, 3yo, 2400m, Good(4)
-
Ohope Wins (NZ) 3 b F 56kg
Ocean Park (NZ) - Choux Mania (AUS), by Redoute's Choice (AUS)
2nd Dam: Cierzo (NZ), by Centaine (AUS)
3rd Dam: Gale (NZ), by Wild Rampage (AUS)
B: Gartshore Bloodstock Ltd, Waikato, NZ T: C J Waller J: J B Mc Donald -
Profoundly (AUS) 3 b F 56kg
Farnan (AUS) - Profound Wisdom (AUS), by Al Samer (AUS)
B: Mrs A Caldwell NSW T: Michael Freedman J: Tommy Berry
-
After Summer (AUS) 3 ch F 56kg
The Autumn Sun (AUS) - Al Jasrah (IRE), by Shirocco (GER)
B: Arrowfield Group Pty Ltd NSW T: Dominic Sutton J: W Egan
Betting: $2.60, $3.30, $9.00
Then followed: Classic Gem (AUS), Soverato (NZ), Dance With Destiny (NZ), Queen of Clubs (AUS), Stand My Ground (AUS), Mountain Queen (AUS), Satono Invader (NZ), La Morra (AUS), Long Legs (AUS), last.
1st dam: CHOUX MANIA, by Redoute's Choice. Placed in Aust. Dam of-
2019 f. Stiletto Falls, by Headwater. Unplaced.
2020 g. Watchouxlookinat, by Rubick. Raced
twice.
2021 g. Torrey Pines, by Ocean Park. Unplaced.2022 OHOPE WINS (f by
Ocean Park). NZB Filly of the Year in 2025-26. 4 wins from 2000m to 2400m,
NZ$894,120, A$727,750, in 2025-26, New Zealand Oaks, Gr.1, ATC Australian Oaks,
Gr.1, Auckland TR Sir Patrick Hogan S., Gr.2, Waikato TR Sir
Tristram Fillies Classic, Gr.2, 4th ATC Vinery Stud S.,
Gr.1.
2023 c. by Ocean Park.
2024 c. by Ocean Park.
2025 foal
by Noverre. Died.
Sir Delius lands biggest career success in QEII as Autumn Glow’s run comes to an end
Sir Delius (Frankel) - the headline horse of the spring for reasons good and bad - proved his rare quality beyond doubt in taking the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) as Autumn Glow’s (The Autumn Sun) winning streak came to a decisive end at Randwick on Saturday.
Imported to Australia after a Group 3 win and an elite placing from six starts in France, Sir Delius was a sensation of 2025, with victory in Doomben’s Chairman’s Handicap (Gr 3, 2000m) on his Australian debut followed by imposing spring victories in Caulfield’s Underwood Stakes (Gr 1, 1800m) and Flemington’s Turnbull Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m).
But as a dominant favourite for the Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m) and Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m), he was sensationally ordered out of the remainder of the carnival by Racing Victoria vets, due to unfavourable bone scans.
However, rebooted for the autumn by trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, the five-year-old entire hinted he’d retained his spring sparkle with thirds in Randwick’s Verry Elleegant Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) - behind Autumn Glow - and second-up in the Ranvet Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m), won by Aeliana (Castelvecchio).
And while most of the Australian racing community will have been cheering for the 11-from-11 Autumn Glow to remain unbeaten on Saturday - not least those who took her $1.31 starting price - the doubts surrounding her first try beyond 1600 metres proved vindicated, and it was Sir Delius who pounced on her vulnerability.
Sir Delius, Sir Owen Glenn’s $6 second elect, was masterfully ridden by Craig Williams who, if Autumn Glow’s partner and Australian Group 1 record holder James McDonald is the country’s No.1, can’t be far behind in second.
Williams, and his training collaborators, knew they had to be in front of Autumn Glow in the run, for if doubts about her 2000-metre capabilities were to prove justified, they would be put to a stern test if asked to chase down a proven middle-distance performer of Sir Delius’ class.
And thus it transpired in a tactical affair, and one somewhat surprising. William Haggas’s raider Dubai Honour (Pride Of Dubai), who boldly led last start over longer and was just caught by Aeliana in the Tancred Stakes (Gr 1, 2400m), this time took a sit, midfield of the seven, as $7.50 third favourite.
Lindermann (Lonhro), who usually leads, this time sat last under the wily Nash Rawiller, at $31.
And Aeliana, felt by many to pose perhaps the most serious threat to stablemate Autumn Glow, took no position at all. Trainer Chris Waller scratched her on race morning, saying she wasn’t as sharp as he’d have hoped in her work through the week.
As last-start Australian Cup (Gr 1, 2000m) winner Light Infantry Man (Fast Company) led under an even pace, Williams was right where he wanted to be, four lengths off him in fourth, with Autumn Glow three lengths further behind.
The pace picked up from the 800 metres and Williams easily sent his mount forward, eventually taking the lead entering the straight.
Autumn Glow ranged up behind, and the crowd was set alight. But as she shaped for her usual charge to the line, worrying signs appeared. Asked for her effort, she veered out at the 350 metres, and veered back in again soon after, her action far rougher than usual. The distance was indeed telling.
In front of her, Sir Delius was bullet straight, under hands and heels riding from Williams, and full of running. Two reminders with the whip at the 150 metres put the issue beyond doubt, and Sir Delius scored a thoroughly deserved win, by 2.2 lengths.
Lindermann showed the benefits of his new tactics in working home well for second, relegating the tiring Autumn Glow into third a further 0.3 lengths away.
Purchased by Sir Owen’s Go Bloodstock, De Burgh Equine, Waterhouse-Bott and McKeever Bloodstock at the 2024 Tattersals Autumn Horses in Training Sale at Newmarket for 1.3 million guineas, Sir Delius has now earned his new owners $4.49 million in seven Australian starts.
He took home $3.06 million from the $5 million Queen Elizabeth, providing a second win in the race for Williams and Sir Owen after the 2015 victory of Criterion (Sebring).
And his trainers were delighted to have won a bonafide Australian major, essentially at his first realistic time of asking following his late spring scratching dramas.
“This is the one that counted,” said Adrian Bott, dubbing Sir Delius a “once in a lifetime horse”.
“Obviously it was difficult in the first parts of the preparation. He had a little bit of expectation on him from what he was able to achieve in the spring.
“But we kept focus and this was the goal that we really wanted to be able to achieve. Today was the right set-up and Craig executed it perfectly.
“We were a little bit negative last start. Sir Owen gave Craig the rev up he maybe needed today and he’s come out and responded like champions do and he’s given a beauty [of a ride].”
Bott said the race was “always going to be a tactical affair” considering his team were taking on Autumn Glow.
“We did want to be in front of her, though I always felt it wasn’t going to be necessarily us making the pace,” he said.
“It was unfolding really well. Travelling into the straight I thought we were in a great position.”
Asked about the disappointments of the horse’s scratching in Melbourne last spring, Bott said: “We move forward. You’ve got to look at those targets in front of you. I’m delighted he’s been able to get back to the top level. He’s executed really well and I can’t wait for the spring again.”
Bott has won two Golden Slippers (Gr 1, 1200m) since teaming with Waterhouse, but said winning the Queen Elizabeth was on a par, particularly given the pressures of training an expensive import.
“Coming here today against a champion mare [Autumn Glow] as well, it’s one of the biggest races we’ve been able to win as a partnership, so it’s certainly right up there. Once in a lifetime horses are difficult to come across
“It’s got to be right up there. Obviously the weight of these types of horses, that does weigh on you throughout the preparation,” he said.
“Coming here today against a champion mare [Autumn Glow] as well, it’s one of the biggest races we’ve been able to win as a partnership, so it’s certainly right up there.
“Once in a lifetime horses are difficult to come across.”
McDonald said Autumn Glow was “brave in defeat”.
“They really stretched it from basically the 1400 metres,” he said. “She relaxed and travelled into it beautifully. Credit to the winner. He sustained that speed. He was up there fighting and too good on the day.”
Celebrating his 90th Group 1 win, Williams said he was privileged to be able to partner Sir Delius.
“I was lucky enough to get invited to this horse when they first purchased him for a Melbourne Cup path and what we had with him in the spring was just amazing,” he said.
“Then, they brought him back in the autumn. The trainers and owners had so much challenges with what happened in the spring. ”
Still, Williams was left to praise Waterhouse-Bott for their work with the stallion this preparation, after the jockey had been less than impressed with one recent trackwork session.
“I said, ‘Look, the horse is going really well, [but] he’s not fast enough’,” Williams said. “A week later I said, ‘You’ve done a fantastic job’.
“In the spring, he was flying; he was airborne. The only time I’ve felt that since then was last Tuesday morning. What an amazing racehorse.”
Williams also paid tribute, with a smile, to Sir Delius’s professionalism as a racehorse, despite his stallion status.
“In the gates, he had Autumn Glow next to him and he was giving her a look,” he said. “I said, ‘If you win this, you’ve got a chance of dating her’.”
Sir Delius has always had a price tag commensurate with his regal bloodlines.
Breeders David and Trish Brown of Furnace Mill Stud sold him to Coolmore’s MV Magnier for 675,000gns at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale in 2021.
His dam, Whatami (Daylami), has bred five winners and three stakes victors among eight runners. His siblings include his Wolferton Stakes (Listed, 1m 2f) winning full-brother Juan Elcano and the Group 3-winning Nkosikazi (Cape Cross).
The 20-year-old Whatami is a sister to Group 2 winner James Garfield’s (Exceed And Excel) dam Whazzat, who in turn is the second dam of another Group 2 victor in Wimbledon Hawkeye (Kameko).
Sire Delius is one of 173 stakes winners globally for Juddmonte’s super sire Frankel (Galileo), from 1,042 runners at a phenomenal 16.6 per cent.
Frankel has 21 stakes winners in Australia including four at the elite level, a quartet also including Australian-breds Hungry Heart and Converge, and British import Mirage Dancer.
Still only 17, Frankel has 40 Group 1 winners worldwide.
Queen Elizabeth Stakes (GR 1)
Show
Queen Elizabeth Stakes (GR 1)
$5,000,000, Randwick, 3yo+, 2000m, Good(4)
-
Sir Delius (GB) 5 b H 59kg
Frankel (GB) - Whatami (GB), by Daylami (IRE)
2nd Dam: Wosaita (GB), by Generous (IRE)
3rd Dam: Eljazzi (IRE), by Artaius (USA)
B: Mr & Mrs David Brown T: G Waterhouse & A Bott J: Craig Williams
GBG1,300,000, Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale 2024
V: Coolmore
P: Go Bloodstock / De Burgh Equine / Waterhouse & Bott Racing / McKeever Bloodstock
GBG675,000, Tattersalls December Foal Sale 2021
V: Furnace Mill Stud
P: M V Magnier
-
Lindermann (AUS) 6 br G 59kg
Lonhro (AUS) - Self Esteem (AUS), by Stratum (AUS)
B: Woppitt Bloodstock Pty Ltd NSW T: C J Waller J: N Rawiller
-
Autumn Glow (AUS) 4 b M 57kg
The Autumn Sun (AUS) - Via Africa (SAF), by Var (USA)
B: Newhaven Park Stud NSW T: C J Waller J: J B Mc Donald
Margins: 2.2 lens, 0.3 lens. Time: 2:00.59 (last 600m 36.33)
Betting: $6.00, $31.00, $1.30
Then followed: Dubai Honour (IRE), Light Infantry Man (FR), Wootton Verni (FR), Caviar Heights (IRE), last.
1st dam: WHATAMI, by Daylami. Placed at 3 in GB. Dam of-
2011 g. Constantine, by Holy Roman Emperor. 10 wins-2 at 2-from 1000m to 3000m
in GB and Italy.
2012 f. Wotnot, by Exceed and Excel. Placed in GB. Dam of-Geliceaux.
Winner at 1¼m in GB.
2013 g. Ravenswood, by Lawman. Placed in GB.2015
NKOSIKAZI (f by Cape Cross). 3 wins from 1m to 10¼f, Newcastle
Hoppings S., Gr.3, 2d Newmarket John Deere & Ben Burgess H., 3d Lingfield
River Eden S., L, Newmarket Premier Fillies' H. Dam of-Queen of the Bogs.
Winner at 9f in 2025, Curragh Visit Keadeenhotel.Ie Fillies.
2016 f. I'm
Impressed, by Toronado. Unraced. Dam of-Titainium. 3 wins from 7f to 1¼m to
2025 in GB.2017 JUAN ELCANO (g by Frankel). 2 wins-1 at
2-at 7f, 1¼m, £130,854, Royal Ascot Wolferton S., L, Haydock British Stallion
Studs 2YO S., 2d Newmarket Superlative S., Gr.2, York S.,
Gr.2, 3d Doncaster Champagne S., Gr.2, York Dante S.,
Gr.2, Sandown Gordon Richards S., Gr.3, Ayr Doonside Cup,
L, 4th Royal Ascot Hampton Court S., Gr.3.
2018 g.
Whatzupwithme, by Lethal Force. 2 wins at 1m, 1¼m in GB and Jersey.
2019
f. Wazzitadream, by Oasis Dream. Unraced.2021 (SIR) DELIUS (c by Frankel).
7 wins from 1800m to 2400m, €164,680, A$4,489,145, to 2025-26, ATC Queen
Elizabeth S., Gr.1, VRC Turnbull S., Gr.1, MRC Underwood S.,
Gr.1, Chantilly Prix du Lys, Gr.3, BRC Chairman's H.,
Gr.3, Chantilly Prix du Puits Aux Chiens, ParisLongchamp Prix Juigne, 2d ATC
Chelmsford S., Gr.2, ParisLongchamp Prix Niel, Gr.2, 3d ATC
Verry Elleegant S., Gr.1, Ranvet S., Gr.1, ParisLongchamp
Grand Prix de Paris, Gr.1.
2022 f. Whatamoon, by Sea the Moon. Placed at 3
in
2025 in GB.
2023 f. Sapphire Secret, by Kingman. Unraced.
Smith’s Flyer nothing like Idle as she lands huge Group 1 in Queen Of The Turf
Underrated filly Idle Flyer (Dundeel) gave more proof her sire’s gender tide was turning by upsetting a supposed three-horse race to score her elite breakthrough in Saturday’s Queen Of The Turf Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m).
The $1 million Randwick feature was promoted as a clash of three star mares. Chris Waller’s Lady Shenandoah (Snitzel) started favourite at $3.50, marginally ahead of Matt Laurie’s Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express) at $3.80 and Ciaron Maher’s Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) at $4.
But it was Idle Flyer - from the boutique Warwick Farm stable of Matt Smith and a $6 fourth elect - who stole the show in the fillies and mares’ event.
The four-year-old wasn’t without her backers, firming from $6.50 in light of her previous start victory in Rosehill’s Emancipation Stakes (Gr 2, 1500m), and she rewarded their faith with a thoroughly professional display.
Pride Of Jenni set the pace, of course, and held a Pride Of Jenni-like five-length lead passing the 800 metres. But perhaps sapped by her heroic near-stealing of the Australian Cup (Gr 1, 2000m) two weeks earlier, this would not be her day. She ended up on the bottom of the highly rated three, weakening in the straight to finish fifth.
James McDonald on Lady Shenandoah had the job of taking the field up to Pride Of Jenni before the turn, while Treasurethe Moment stalked her in third.
But while Lady Shenandoah and Treasurethe Moment made their runs after straightening, it was Idle Flyer behind those two who was travelling the strongest.
Set loose by Zac Lloyd, she had a battle with Lady Shenandoah for 100 metres, but gained the ascendancy in the last 50 to beat her by 0.9 lengths.
Treasurethe Moment held third, a further 0.8 lengths away.
Sold by breeders Torryburn Stud to Smith and Randwick Bloodstock for just $70,000 at Inglis Classic in 2023, Idle Flyer has now earned $1.27 million from 15 starts for eight wins. Saturday’s was her third stakes victory in a neat progression, having first earned black type in October’s Angst Stakes (Gr 3, 1600m) at Randwick.
“I just can’t believe she’s won. I knew she was going good but I didn’t think she’d win that so we’ll take it,” said Smith after his sixth elite success.
“It was a proper Group 1. We’ve got a great crew in the horse and great supporters of the stable. It’s what we get up in the morning for, it means a lot to us.
“She’s always looked like she’d run a strong mile here and you need to be able to run a strong mile to win one of these good mile races. You’ve got to be able to run further probably.
“When she won here last time here over the mile we thought this was the race for her. It was just a matter of getting here fit and well.”
Smith was full of praise for the 22-year-old Lloyd, who also completed a sixth Group 1 win.
“I was happy he was on the back of the right horses,” Smith said. “The three to beat were in front of us. We were just hoping that Pride Of Jenni had a bad day and we were able to get home over the top of them.”
“It was a proper Group 1. We’ve got a great crew in the horse and great supporters of the stable. It’s what we get up in the morning for, it means a lot to us
Lloyd has built a superb association with Idle Flyer, riding her eight times for seven wins, including all three stakes races.
“Fantastic to win on her. I love her as a horse and that just shows in our record together,” he said. “For her to go into that race, it was a proper horse race against the best milers in the country. They’ve got a proper horse on their hands.
“She can travel at a high speed. Obviously that’s the key when you're versing [racing against] Pride Of Jenni. I got a lovely run today in behind Lady Shenandoah and Treasurethe Moment. I was in the perfect spot at the 600 and my horse delivered.
“I’m very happy to get the Group 1 for Matt [Smith] because I love riding for Matt and he’s been a good supporter of me.”
With Idle Flyer only three runs into her campaign, Smith said he may push on to the Brisbane carnival, with the Stradbroke Handicap (Gr 1, 1400m) in mind.
Lloyd, however, feels the mare would be better suited over longer.
“I actually said to Matt when she was trialling back in this prep, ‘this filly could probably get further now’,” Lloyd said.
“She’s just started to mature and relax. Today was probably the most she’s been in the bridle, so Matt had her nice and fresh for the occasion and wasn’t worried about her pulling with having Pride Of Jenni in the race. But I’m sure Matt will figure it out.”
Idle Flyer is the fifth foal out of Progressive (Street Cry), a Sydney city winner of four races from the uber-successful American-bred family of her third dam Dancing Show (Nijinsky), and that mare’s granddam Best In Show (Traffic Judge).
Progressive’s yearling filly by Harry Angel (Dark Angel) was bought from Torryburn by Broodmares P.L. at this year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $200,000. She now has a weanling colt by Tassort (Brazen Beau), and was not covered last spring.
Idle Flyer became the tenth Group 1 winner for Dundeel (High Chaparral), who stood at Arrowfield Stud last spring for $88,000 (inc GST).
While Dundeel’s sons made virtually all the early running for the stallion on the track, his daughters have been addressing that gender imbalance of late.
Dundeel’s 40 stakes winners include 26 sons, but of his ten Australian black type victors last season, seven were female.
Of his past 14 stakes victories, fillies and mares have accounted for 12, while his past two top-tier winners now have been female, with Idle Flyer joining last season’s SA Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) heroine Femminile.
Dundeel’s stakes winners come from 735 runners at 5.44 per cent.
Moet & Chandon Queen Of The Turf Stakes (GR 1)
Show
Moet & Chandon Queen Of The Turf Stakes (GR 1)
$1,000,000, Randwick, 3yo+, 1600m, Good(4)
-
Idle Flyer (AUS) 4 b M 57kg
Dundeel (NZ) - Progressive (AUS), by Street Cry (IRE)
2nd Dam: Movin' Out (AUS), by Encosta de Lago (AUS)
3rd Dam: Twyla (AUS), by Danehill (USA)
B: Torryburn Stud NSW T: Matthew Smith J: Zac Lloyd
$70,000, William Inglis & Son Pty. Ltd. Classic Yearling Sale 2023
V: Torryburn Stud
P: Mathew Smith Racing / Randwick B/stock Agency FBAA
-
Lady Shenandoah (AUS) 4 b M 57kg
Snitzel (AUS) - Star Pupil (AUS), by Starcraft (NZ)
B: Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd & Planette Thoroughbred NSW T: C J Waller J: J B Mc Donald
-
Treasurethe Moment (AUS) 4 br M 57kg
Alabama Express (AUS) - Draconic Treasure (USA), by Street Cry (IRE)
B: Yulong Investments Yulong Stud VIC T: M M Laurie J: Damian Lane
Margins: 0.9 lens, 0.8 lens. Time: 1:33.81 (last 600m 35.99)
Betting: $6.00, $3.50, $3.80
Then followed: She's a Hustler (NZ), Pride of Jenni (AUS), Leica Lucy (NZ), Pinito (AUS), Modella (AUS), Melody Again (AUS), Arctic Glamour (AUS), Dark Glitter (AUS), last.
1st dam: PROGRESSIVE, by Street Cry. 4 wins to 1250m, A$94,405, ATC TAB Rewards H.-twice, 2d ATC Professor Geoff McKellar Memorial H. Dam of-
2017 f. Temptress, by Sebring. Unraced. Dam of-Don't Touch. 2 wins at 1000m,
1100m in 2025-26 in Aust.Elronte. Winner at 850m in 2025-26 in Aust.
2018
g. Progress, by Snitzel. Unraced.
2019 g. Mayhem, by Russian Revolution.
2 wins at 1300m, 1350m in Aust, 2d HKJC TVB Po Leung Kuk Gala Spectacular H.
2020
g. Influential, by The Autumn Sun. 2 wins at 1400m, A$150,750, to 2024-25, BRC
Sky Racing H., 2d ATC Vale Sue Hutchison Mile, Toyota Forklifts H., Home Affairs at Coolmore 2YO
H., BRC Ladbrokes H., March Yearling Sale H., Gold Coast March P., 3d ATC Drinkwise Mile, BRC
Stradbroke Season Sale P., 4th BRC The Phoenix S., L.2021
IDLE FLYER (f by Dundeel). 8 wins-1 at 2-from 1250m to 1600m,
A$1,265,300, to 2025-26, ATC Queen of the Turf S., Gr.1, Emancipation S.,
Gr.2, Angst S., Gr.3, Agency Real Estate H., Headwater H.,
Palace Pier H., Precise Air H., 2d ATC Melbourne Storm Mile, 4th ATC Wenona Girl H.,
Gr.3.
2022 f. Bubbles Please, by King's Legacy. Raced 3 times.
2023
c. Husky Flyer, by Russian Revolution. Unraced.
2024 f. by Harry Angel.
2025 c. by
Tassort.
Percy Sykes plan for Team Archibald’s Bomshell works out
Cherry Bomshell (Lucky Vega) became her sire’s second Australian black type winner with an upset victory in Saturday’s Percy Sykes Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) for two-year-old fillies at Randwick.
Well ridden by visiting Brisbane-based regular partner Ben Thompson, Cherry Bomshell settled second-last of the nine while Thompson let a small squadron battle for the lead.
The Team Archibald-trained filly was full of momentum inside the straight while the leaders were tiring but couldn’t see clear galloping room as the Team Hayes/Godolphin $3.90 favourite Medicinal (Brazen Beau) took what looked a commanding lead.
But once she was clear at the 200 metres, Thompson pulled the pin on Cherry Bomshell’s pent up energy and she exploded in a devastating finish, surging to the line to beat Medicinal by 0.8 lengths.
Ciaron Maher’s Ciaron’s Star (I Am Invincible) gained her first dash of black type, running a further 0.6 lengths behind in third at $21.
While Medicinal went into the race after winning Flemington’s Ottawa Stakes (Gr 3, 1000m) at her third start, Cherry Bomshell claimed her first black type with the victory.
Starting off in Team Archibald’s Brisbane stable, she’d proven herself worthy of an ambitious trip south by winning her second and third starts over 1000 metres at Eagle Farm, the first of those a 6.7-length maiden romp on February 4. But in her first start since February 28 - with a Warwick Farm barrier trial win in between - punters were content to let her drift from $15 to start at $17.
However, Annabel Archibald, who co-trains with husband Rob, said the win wasn’t out of the blue. The stable had entertained thoughts of a Golden Slipper (Gr 1, 1200m) attempt with the filly, but demurred due to what would have been a busy Sydney schedule required to earn a start.
Archibald was delighted with the value boost that came in the prestigious Sykes instead for Cherry Bomshell, who races in Australian Bloodstock’s colours.
Asked if she was surprised, she said: “Not really. She’s always been so progressive.
“We’d actually half-hoped we’d get her into a Slipper, but we weren’t going to chase. We would’ve had to go through the Magic Night and we would’ve run three times in four weeks so we left it alone and came here.
“We had a chat with the Australian Bloodstock crew and they were keen with that plan. It worked out well and I’m glad we decided to fly Ben Thompson down.
“It was a big cheer when she crossed the line. Lovely ride from Ben. It was a tricky draw so ultimately we left it up to him. We weren’t sure there was a whole lot of speed but we were just adamant we didn’t want her caught wide. He just bided his time and she’s just a beautiful, straightforward filly.”
She added: “A big shout out to the Queensland team up at Eagle Farm because she’s actually had most of her prep up there. They’ve done a great job with her. She’s a long time in between runs, first time at the 1200 metres, but she trialled very well and she’s now a very valuable Percy Stakes winner.”
Thompson said the win was a plan well executed.
“The Golden Slipper was a dream … but it wasn’t to be. Here was always the plan. She was coming here six weeks [between runs]. It was calculated and she nailed it
“She’s a lovely filly,” he said. “It’s so hard to line these horses up in the same state let alone crossing states. I just thought this was always her race.
“The Golden Slipper was a dream … but it wasn’t to be. Here was always the plan. She was coming here six weeks [between runs]. It was calculated and she nailed it.
“She was a bit keen early, even going to the gates. I had ridden her in her last two, and she was more casual. But I felt once we joined them at the course proper she was going as I wanted her to and it just panned out perfect.”
Yulong’s eight-year-old shuttler Lucky Vega (Lope De Vega) made an exceptional start to stud life in Australia last season when his first runner in the country became a stakes winner. Within The Law claimed Flemington’s Inglis Banner (RL, 1000m) amid two stakes victories and a Group 1 second in her first season.
But Yulong had to wait until Saturday for the stallion’s second Australian black type victor, although New Zealand colt That’s Gold won at Group 3 and Group 2 level in his home country over the summer.
Lucky Vega, who stood last year for $38,500 (inc GST) - up from $16,500 - now has four stakes winners worldwide from 111 runners. In Australia, has had two from 47 and 24 winners.
Cherry Bomshell is the fifth foal out of the city-placed mare Not A Cherry (Not A Single Doubt), whose dam Cherokee Echo (Cherokee Run) won in Listed class in the US.
Older half-brother Rhythm Of Love (Grunt) is a dual Sydney city winner who’s been Group 3 placed in Brisbane.
Not A Cherry missed in 2024 but now has a weanling colt by Yulong’s Grunt (O’Reilly) and was covered again by Lucky Vega last spring.
Bred by Yulong, Cherry Bomshell was sold from the stud’s draft at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale to Australian Bloodstock and Archibald Racing for $220,000.
TAB Percy Sykes Stakes (GR 2)
Show
TAB Percy Sykes Stakes (GR 2)
$1,000,000, Randwick, 2yo, 1200m, Good(4)
-
Cherry Bomshell (AUS) 2 b F 55kg
Lucky Vega (IRE) - Not a Cherry (AUS), by Not a Single Doubt (AUS)
2nd Dam: Cherokee Echo (USA), by Cherokee Run (USA)
3rd Dam: Silver Echo (USA), by Eastern Echo (USA)
B: Yulong Investments Yulong Stud VIC T: Annabel & Rob Archibald J: Ben Thompson
$220,000, Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale 2025
V: Yulong
P: Australian B/stock/Neasham & Archibald Racing
-
Medicinal (AUS) 2 b F 57kg
Brazen Beau (AUS) - Tisane (AUS), by Hallowed Crown (AUS)
B: Godolphin Australia VIC T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes J: Jamie Melham
-
Ciaron's Star (AUS) 2 b/br F 55kg
I Am Invincible (AUS) - Bonny O'Reilly (NZ), by O'Reilly (NZ)
B: Widden Bloodstock Pty Ltd NSW T: C Maher J: Tommy Berry
Margins: 0.8 lens, 0.6 lens. Time: 1:9.590 (last 600m 34.39)
Betting: $17.00, $4.00, $21.00
Then followed: Satono Glow (NZ), Lumbini (AUS), Screen Icon (AUS), Reachin' Out (AUS), Rachini (AUS), She's Extra (AUS), last.
1st dam: NOT A CHERRY, by Not a Single Doubt. Placed at 3, 2d ATC ICL (Scotts) P., 3d ATC TAB Rewards P. Dam of-
2018 f. Cherokee Cherry, by Preferment. Placed in Aust.
2019 f. Cherryette, by Preferment.
Unraced.2020 Rhythm of Love (g by Grunt). 3 wins to 1400m,
A$230,950, ATC Hyland Race Colours H., James Squire H., 2d BRC Fred Best Classic,
Gr.3, ATC TAB 2YO H., John Ramsay 40 Year's Service H., James Squire H., 3d ATC
South Pacific Classic, L, BRC XXXX P.
2021 c. Hillside, by Grunt. Raced 3
times.2023 CHERRY BOMSHELL (f by Lucky Vega). 3 wins at 2,
A$801,500, in 2025-26, ATC Percy Sykes S., Gr.2, BRC Jewel Prelude 2YO (f) P.,
Become a Member 2YO P.
2025 c. by Grunt.































