Zoustar share tops successful April (Late) Sale at $850,000

A share in reigning champion sire Zoustar (Northern Meteor) topped Thursday’s Inglis Digital April (Late) Online Sale, selling for $850,000. The share was offered as part of the first Inglis Digital online sale to close out across multiple days. The Zoustar share – offered by Qatar Bloodstock – sold to Richard Pegum’s Red And Green Bloodstock. Pegum purchased Group-performed mare Dancing Alone (I Am Invincible) at last year’s Inglis Chairman’s Sale for $875,000 and bought the Zoustar share to gain access to the stallion for last year’s acquisition. “Dancing Alone is a half sister to Growing Empire so by putting her to Zoustar, she’ll be carrying a three-quarter to Growing Empire which I think would be pretty handy pregnancy, it makes sense to me,’’ Pegum said. “I bred Zousain with Zoustar so I have a bit of an affinity with the stallion so it’s nice to have the equity there now too. When I saw the share come online I was pretty keen to get it and while it took a bit of toing and froing, it’s good to have it all done now.’’

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Mare in foal to Shinzo tops Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale

Meanwhile, Thursday's Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale Session was topped by Atlantic Emerald (Galileo) – in foal to Shinzo (Snitzel) – who sold to Justin Carey for $410,000. Carey confirmed Atlantic Emerald was purchased for a client of Coolmore. “We loved the mating with Shinzo and were all excited by that so it’s nice to see the mare staying on the farm,’’ Carey said. “Shinzo is proving to be hugely popular, to the surprise of nobody, and he should have a great week at the foal sale at Riverside next week. At this stage the plan is for Atlantic Emerald to go back to Shinzo once we foal her down in a few months.’’ The sale's second-top lot was the Coolmore-offered Vinicunca (I Am Invincible) – in foal to Switzerland (Snitzel) – which sold to Kia Ora in partnership with Encompass International for $170,000. In total, there were five mares to realise $100,000 or more through the session, with Snitty Kitty (Snitzel) ($160,000 in foal to Maurice), Excelsior Island (Exceed And Excel) ($130,000 in foal to Street Boss) and Sistonic (Bel Esprit) ($105,000 in foal to Schwarz), joining Atlantic Emerald and Vinicunca. In total the April (Late) Sale grossed $5,243,950, with Thursday's Australian Broodmare Sale Session grossing $2,655,000.

Cumani aiming for maiden Group 1 in SA Derby

Matt Cumani will chase the biggest win of his career as Single Choice (Anders) bids to land Saturday’s South Australian Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) at Morphettville. The Ballarat-trained gelding heads to Adelaide after winning two of his last three starts. He advertised his credentials when taking the Autumn Classic (Gr 2, 1800m) at Caulfield in February and backed that up at his latest outing with victory in the Galilee Series Final (Listed, 2400m) at the same track on April 11. From ten starts, Single Choice has won four times, and been placed on three other occasions. While Anders (Not A Single Doubt) was a high-class sprinter, Single Choice has shown the ability to stretch out in distance, in a manner consistent with others from the same sire line, including South Australian Derby winners Howard Be Thy Name (Redoute’s Choice) and Qafila (Not A Single Doubt). His dam Sebring Sally (Sebring) appears also to be a key influence. She was successful over 2100 metres and performed creditably when fourth in the Queensland Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m). Despite his last-start success at 2400m, Cumani believes the gelding is yet to face a genuine staying test. “He’s got the form on the board, but what he hasn’t had is a true test at 2400 or 2500 metres,” Cumani said. "The Galilee Series Final was meant to be that, but he got pretty easy sectionals up front. It was a beautiful ride by Jamie Mott, and we thought that might happen. So, technically it was a win, and we were happy to take the win at the time, but we didn't get that true test at a mile and a half." Drawn in barrier five, Single Choice will again be partnered by top jockey Jamie Mott.

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Hawkesbury Gold Cup for Sea King

Sea King (Sea The Stars) could press on to the Hawkesbury Gold Cup (Gr 3, 1600m) this Saturday as trainer Matthew Dunn searches for the right path with the returning stayer following a lengthy injury layoff. The Bendigo Cup (Gr 3, 2400m) winner is in the midst of a comeback after spending 15 months on the sidelines with a tendon injury, and the Hawkesbury feature – while short of his preferred distance – shapes as an important stepping stone. Originally set to run at Eagle Farm last weekend, Sea King was scratched due to deteriorating track conditions, leaving Dunn to reassess options for his third run this preparation. “He’s still very competitive on the track and keen to do his work,” Dunn said. "The horse is still there, it's just a matter of being nice and patient. I'm lucky I've got a great bunch of owners that are happy to roll with me. Ideally, we wouldn't be going all the way to Sydney for a race that is short of his right trip, but you've got to do what you've got to do. There isn't going to be much on for him here [in Queensland]. We've had a lot of wet weather and we're trying to find the right track surface to build his foundation and get him back to where he needs to be. He will probably come home after Saturday. If not, he could stay down for the Gosford Cup. We'll see how he goes Saturday, how he comes through it, and work it out. But probably the Chairman's will be his next run over 2000 metres. There's also the Hollindale Stakes, but it's a weight-for-age race and his rating isn't that high anymore."

Vivy Air heads to cup outing with confidence

The Ciaron Maher-trained mare Vivy Air (Hellbent) will look to add to her already lucrative record when she lines up in Saturday’s Hawkesbury Gold Cup, with the stable confident there is still improvement to come from the five-year-old. The mare has banked more than $3 million in prize-money, highlighted by her Five Diamonds (1800m) victory and consecutive placings in the Big Dance (1600m). Assistant trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord believes both physical development and confidence have been key to her progression. “Confidence is a big thing. She didn’t win for a while, but after she won at Randwick she took the next step,” Gerard-Dubord told Racing NSW. “But physically is where we’ve seen the most change. She’s a big mare and every preparation she continues to furnish and get stronger.” Vivy Air resumed this campaign with a narrow defeat when finishing third in the Coolmore Classic (Gr 1, 1500m) before finishing down the track in the Doncaster Mile (Gr 1, 1600m), where she was hampered at a crucial stage. “Her first-up run was excellent and she was a bit unlucky not to win. She’s still improving and keeps getting better each preparation,” he said. “She’s versatile in how she can be ridden and enjoys a genuine tempo, so from the draw she should be closer this time.” Vivy Air heads a small but strong Maher contingent, with fellow stablemates Royal Supremacy (Make Believe) and Middle Earth (Roaring Lion) also using the race as part of their Brisbane winter carnival build-up, with longer-term targets including races such as the Q22 (Gr 2, 2200m).

Chidiac to take on Hawkesbury Crown after country win

Country Championships Final (1400m) heroine Chidiac (Better Than Ready) will be tested at stakes level for the first time when she lines up in the Hawkesbury Crown (Gr 3, 1300m), with trainers Brett and Georgie Cavanough keen to see whether her dominant country form can translate to Saturday grade. The five-year-old has been a standout this preparation, culminating in victory in the Country Championships Final, but Brett Cavanough is cautious about the rise in class. “I’m mindful of those country races when you step out of them,’’ Cavanough told Racing NSW. “It’s good winning the Country Championships, it’s a $1 million race, but don’t get carried away that you’ve got a Group horse.” Chidiac carries 56 kilograms under the set weights and penalties conditions and, while she may not be ideally suited, she is a versatile performer in career-best form, which Cavanough sees as a plus. “It answers a couple of questions for us,’’ he said. “Is she up to that level and is she a solid 1300-metre horse at that level? She can run time, she’s got a really good turn of foot, so I’m pretty happy with her that way. She’s trained on a little bit, which is good. She’s always a relaxed customer, she gives you nothing unless you click her up.”

Oh Diamond Lil bidding to add to first-up record

Oh Diamond Lil (So You Think) will look to continue her strong first up record when she resumes in Saturday's Hawkesbury Crown, with trainer David Pfieffer confident the mare has returned in top order. The five-year-old made an immediate impact fresh last spring, leading throughout to claim the Tibbie Stakes (Gr 3, 1400m) and Pfieffer is aiming to follow a similar path second-up into a winter campaign. "She looks good, and her first-up record is quite good," Pfieffer said. "She won first-up at Scone last year, and when she won the Tibbie at Newcastle she was first-up. I think she is well placed." A winner of seven of her 17 starts, Oh Diamond Lil has been carefully managed and competed well at stakes level last preparation, finishing within three lengths of multiple Group 1 winner Stefi Magnetica (All Too Hard) in The Invitation (1400m) before placing fourth in the Inglis Bracelet (1600m). Pfieffer believes she has returned in at least similar order and is well placed to add further black type. "She's got a lovely string of races coming up for her," Pfieffer said. The Dark Jewel Classic (Gr 3, 1400m) at Scone looms as her likely second-up target, with a Brisbane winter campaign also under consideration, including the Magic Millions National Classic (1600m).

Second shot at Golden Mile for Von Hauke

Von Hauke (Savabeel) will get another opportunity to make his mark in the Golden Mile (Listed, 1600m) at Bendigo on Saturday, with trainer Cliff Brown confident the six-year-old is beginning to deliver on his early promise. Long regarded as a horse of ability, Von Hauke has taken time to mature, but Brown believes the gelding is now starting to put it all together. Von Hauke finished fourth in last year’s Golden Mile before being sidelined after being galloped on, forcing him to miss a possible Brisbane campaign. A winner of the Crystal Mile (Gr 2, 1600m) last spring, he resumed with a solid fifth in the Victoria Handicap (Gr 3, 1400m) at Caulfield, a run Brown expects him to improve on second-up. “I thought his first-up run was excellent, but he peaked in the last bit,” Brown said. “At least now, he’s grown up and we can run him over a little bit further, as in the past you couldn’t as he would want to go too hard, so he’s better in that aspect. He trialled up well after his first-up run but I still think there’s improvement to come. He is only second-up and I think the weight, which he was always going to get, is a negative and there are some lovely horses in this, but depending on how he goes, he might head to Queensland.”

Stakes task for Gold Coast Belle at Bendigo

Progressive filly Gold Coast Belle (So You Think) will chase valuable black type when she lines up in Saturday’s Bendigo Guineas (Listed, 1400m), with trainer Danny O’Brien opting against a trip to Adelaide. A winner of three of her five starts, along with two placings, the three-year-old has been in excellent form this preparation, highlighted by a dominant last-start victory over 1400 metres at Caulfield on April 11. O’Brien said the Bendigo assignment had long been the preferred option, with an Adelaide Guineas (Listed, 1600m) entry lodged only as a contingency. “We accepted for both races in case she drew poorly at Bendigo, but she’s come up with a suitable barrier and she’s in good order,” he said. "She'll come into seven or eight when the barriers sort themselves out, and she's in good shape, so it looks in a race that should be really competitive in." Gold Coast Belle has improved with each outing this campaign, progressing from a maiden win at Seymour to successive metropolitan victories at Sandown-Lakeside and Caulfield. "She's just one of those fillies that's just continued to thrive the deeper she has got into the prep," O'Brien said. "Each time she's gone to the races, she's looked a better horse, and she was dominant the other day, and she certainly hasn't gone backwards. She's a good style filly." Saturday’s performance will determine if she heads to Queensland for the winter carnival or is given a break ahead of the spring. "It's still open-ended, but we'll get through the weekend," O'Brien said. "There is either that or the temptation may be to give her a break and have a really good look at the spring."

Berry follows Yellow Brick to The Archer

Tommy Berry will cap a busy stretch of travel with a lucrative opportunity in Sunday’s $1 million The Archer (1300m) at Rockhampton, where he partners Yellow Brick (The Mission). Berry picked up the ride on the Tony and Maddysen Sears-trained gelding after leading hoop James McDonald, who has ridden him to two wins, was unavailable due to a pre-booked holiday. “They asked James McDonald, and he was away, so he put my name forward,” Berry said. "He gave him a pretty good wrap and said the horse gets in well at the weights with 56-1/2 kilos. I know Maddy and her father, but I haven't ridden for them before, I don't believe. So it was through James I got the ride there and decided to go up." Yellow Brick has not raced since his Gold Coast victory in January but has impressed in a recent trial, with Berry confident the gelding will be primed for his return. “His last trial was sharp and the team is very happy with him. James really liked him, so that gives you confidence,” he said. Berry has previously ridden nine times at Rockhampton for two winners and as many placings. "I also rode there on Newmarket day four or five years ago and I think I rode a couple of winners out of five rides. That was the first time I ever went there," Berry said.

Gollan with two runners in The Archer

Tony Gollan will launch a two-pronged attack on Sunday’s The Archer at Rockhampton, with Rockribbed (Night Of Thunder) and Boomtown Boss (Spirit Of Boom) set to represent the Brisbane trainer in the $1 million feature. Gollan noted the strength of this year’s field. “This is by far the strongest Archer we've seen, particularly in depth of field,” Gollan told Racing Queensland. “So, whatever wins it, you can expect them to really play their part this Stradbroke Season. My horses probably do not get in as well as some others in the field. There are some really high-rated horses there under the set weights and penalties. They are probably getting a touch better than mine. But, that's not always what wins these races. It’s a unique race where it sits at the start of this carnival and it’ll be about how horses’ preparations have gone leading into it. It’s very early in our carnival to be going over 1300 metres up there and we’re all eight hours away from home. It’s a whole new journey for us all here from the south-east corner.” The first four editions of The Archer were won by Lubrication (I Am Invincible), Namazu (Medaglia D’Oro), Alpine Edge (Better Than Ready) and Emerald Kingdom (Bryannbo’s Gift), and Gollan said he would relish adding his name to that list. “I love country racing,” he said. “I've been going to the Rockhampton carnivals since I was a boy, since I started training in Toowoomba. It's a town I love, they're a great racing community and every time there's a good race up there, I want to support it and this race is no different. For $1 million, there’s a million reasons for me to want to win this race.”

Murray lands Wagga Town Plate with Harry’s Bar

Paul Murray continued his family’s rich association with the Wagga Cup carnival when Harry’s Bar (Harry Angel) captured Thursday’s $200,000 Wagga Town Plate (1200m). Murray’s late father, Bede, was a regular visitor to the feature country meeting from the 1970s, rarely leaving without a winner, highlighted by victories in the Wagga Gold Cup (Listed, 2000m) with Vanquished (Hector Protector) and the Town Plate with Scorpio (Kaoru Star). Harry’s Bar added another chapter to that legacy, running down leader Love Shuck (Mikki Isle) to score by 0.9 lengths, with Bandi’s Boy (The Brothers War) finishing 1.9 lengths further back in third. The win provided Murray, who trains a small team at Kembla Grange, with his second feature success in six months following Where’s The Circus’ (Trapeze Artist) victory in the Inglis Nursery (RL, 1000m) at Randwick in December. "It's unbelievable. I was only a boy when we used to come down with Dad," Murray told Sky Racing. "We had a runner after [Scorpio], Sure And Fast, and I think he ran second or third in it, but this is my first runner." Harry’s Bar’s victory was her third from 16 starts and followed a string of consistent performances. "She is just a very good mare," Murray said. “She gives you two hundred per cent. Every time you go to the races you know you're going to get a run for your money. She loves a fight, and I've never seen a mare as tough as her." Murray indicated the Dark Jewel Classic at Scone could be her next target.

Stallion Nomination Centre changes hands as Howards retire

Randwick Bloodstock Agency’s Brett Howard has recently decided to retire from full-time work, while Brett’s wife, Rachael, has also chosen to hang up her boots, after having successfully operated Glenesk Thoroughbreds for the past 18 years, initially at the Howards’ farm in Quorrobolong, and more recently from their 76-acre property at Mount Vincent in the lower Hunter Valley. “After many years of dedication and commitment to the thoroughbred industry, we are stepping back to enjoy the next chapter of our lives,” Brett Howard said. “We are grateful for the opportunities and experiences we have had, and we look forward to staying in touch with colleagues and friends across the industry. A huge thank you to our employees and to every person who has supported and patronised Randwick Bloodstock over the past 39 years, and more recently our Glenesk Thoroughbreds operation. It has truly been an amazing journey for us both." One of the key legacies the Howards leave behind is The Stallion Nomination Centre, which has formed part of their operation for the past 20 years. Long-time industry participant Jane Henning has purchased the business and, earlier this month, launched a new website to mark the transition. Jane Henning added: “After three seasons managing the business for Brett and Rachael, I’m really looking forward to building on the valuable relationships already in place and expanding the service for breeders on both sides of the stallion / mare coin. I am incredibly fortunate to have taken on this business from such a reputable and professional team as Brett and Rachael. It is a great leg-up for the future of the business."

Sumbe appoint Johnson as bloodstock and racing manager

Sumbe and Nurlan Bizakov have announced the appointment of Will Johnson as Bloodstock and Racing Manager for the southern hemisphere. Following the recent announcement that Charyn (Dark Angel) will begin shuttle duties in 2026 to Cambridge Stud, as well as Sumbe’s first investments in yearlings at the Australian sales, Bizakov felt it was the right time to establish a presence in the region. Commenting on the appointment, Bizakov said: “I am delighted to announce and to welcome Will to the Sumbe team. We previously worked together during his time as assistant to Roger Varian, and we have remained in contact ever since. I very much look forward to a successful and fruitful collaboration.” Will Johnson added: “I have witnessed the growth and accompanied success of Nurlan's breeding and racing operation from afar since first meeting him whilst working for Roger Varian. To have Nurlan and his Sumbe operation expand their footprint to Australia and New Zealand is an endorsement for our industry. I look forward to working with Nurlan, Tony Fry and his team to grow their commercial presence in the southern hemisphere.”

Vale Robert Harding

Respected owner-breeder Robert Harding has passed away, leaving a significant legacy within the Australian racing and bloodstock industry. Harding, alongside his wife June, was a long-time participant in the sport and enjoyed enduring success as both an owner and breeder, notably through his long-standing associations with trainer Mick Price and bloodstock agent Shamus Mills. Among the many quality horses to race in his colours were dual Group 1 winner Gallica (Redoute’s Choice), Listed winner and Group 1-placed Chattanooga (Scenic), and stakes performer Pivot City (Not A Single Doubt). He also had involvement with Group 1 producing sire Bullbars (Elusive Quality), the sire of Mr Brightside. “He was a great friend and a great influence in my life for the last 35 years,” Mick Price said in a post on Instagram. Harding was widely respected for his passion for the thoroughbred and his commitment to the sport across decades, with his involvement spanning racing, breeding and major yearling sales.

Group 1 racing returns to Sandown in 2026/27

Group 1 racing will return to Sandown in the 2026/27 season, with the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) confirming two elite-level features as part of an expanded metropolitan program. Sandown-Hillside will host the C.F. Orr Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) meeting on November 14, while the Moir Stakes (Gr 1, 1000m) has also been transferred from Moonee Valley and will be run at the venue on September 5. The announcement forms part of a broader fixture release that includes five transferred meetings from Moonee Valley, with additional Group 1 races staged at Caulfield, including the William Reid Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) and Manikato Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m). MRC CEO Tanya Fullarton said Sandown would play a key role throughout the season, particularly during the Spring Carnival. “Sportsbet Sandown is a proven metropolitan racing venue and will have a significant role in the 2026/27 season,” Fullarton said. “The return of Group 1 racing to Sandown is a great outcome for the Club and for Victorian racing.” The 2026/27 program will feature 78 race meetings across Caulfield, Sandown and Mornington, with Sandown to host 28 fixtures. Caulfield will continue to stage its traditional spring highlights, including the Memsie Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m), Caulfield Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) and Caulfield Cup (Gr 1, 2400m), before undergoing scheduled track resurfacing works following the October carnival. Mornington will again feature on the Saturday program, including the Mornington Cup (Listed, 2400m) in April. The revised schedule reflects collaboration between the MRC, Moonee Valley Racing Club and Racing Victoria to support the broader racing calendar while maintaining key feature races across the state.

Track works and scheduling changes shape 2026/27 Victorian race dates

Racing Victoria has released its 2026/27 race dates, with infrastructure works and strategic programming changes to play a key role across the season. A total of 528 meetings have been scheduled, including 101 metropolitan and 380 country fixtures, with the calendar shaped by the redevelopment of Moonee Valley and planned resurfacing works at Caulfield. The Spring Carnival will again feature 12 consecutive Saturdays of Group 1 racing, headlined by the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m) and Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) in October and November. With Moonee Valley unavailable for the season, its key meetings have been redistributed, including the Cox Plate moving to Flemington and the Moir Stakes to Sandown. Caulfield will also be offline from mid-October to late January for major track upgrades, with several feature meetings temporarily shifted to Sandown. Among broader programming changes, Racing Victoria has increased Friday country meetings, introduced more twilight racing, and moved selected low-performing weekend fixtures to Mondays in a bid to boost engagement and wagering outcomes. RV CEO Aaron Morrison said the schedule balanced infrastructure requirements with commercial opportunities. “We’ve sought to ensure the program better meets customer demand while maximising returns for the industry,” Morrison said. The revised calendar reflects ongoing consultation with clubs and stakeholders, with a focus on sustaining field sizes, wagering performance and long-term investment across Victorian racing. To view the full schedule of 2026-27 Victorian race dates, click here.

Wrote heads up 2026 roster for Highview Stud

Highview Stud have announced the service fees for their quartet of stallions ahead of the 2026 breeding season, headlined by Group 1 sire Wrote (High Chaparral), who will again stand for a fee of $12,000 (all fees plus GST).

A Group 1-winning son of High Chaparral (Sadler’s Wells), Wrote is the sire of New Zealand Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) heroine Pulchritudinous, who trained on to win the Magic Millions Mile (Gr 3, 1600m).

In the past 12 months highlight progeny have included multiple Group winners Wrote To Arataki and Midnight Edition, as well as the Dennis Yip-trained Group 3 winner Fast Network, who has been Group 1 placed behind Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) on multiple occasions.

“He has had a Group winner in Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia this season and you’ve got to remember he has done it off some smaller crops,” Highview Stud’s Brent Gillovic said.

“His yearlings averaged $170,000 at the Karaka Yearling Sales and his winners-to-runners ratio is very high.

“His stock are particularly popular in Hong Kong where he has had nine individual winners from 14 to the races.

“We pondered whether to increase his fee, but given the state of the economy in Australasia, it is just a nice time to sit back and give breeders a chance.”

Barnmate Mr Mozart (Snitzel) has been well supported in his first two years at stud, with the multiple Group-winning son of Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice) covering 91 and 82 mares respectively and will stand at $6,000.

“Mr Mozart covered 173 mares in his first two seasons, so he gets every opportunity. Everybody's rapt with his first foals,” Gillovic said.

“Kurtis [Gillovic] and Dylan Ralph went around and inspected a good cross-section of foals by Mr Mozart. They were really impressed with the type he's left — good, strong, correct foals with fantastic temperaments.”

Associate stallions Divine Prophet (Choisir) and Santos (I Am Invincible) will both stand at $5,000, with Divine Prophet represented by Royal Ascot aspirant Generosity and Santos represented by in-form black-type sprinter Platinum Attack.

No worries about No Fear coping with more ground

A future Classic campaign has already been tabled for promising filly So Fear (Ardrossan) who will close out her two-year-old preparation at Te Rapa. The in-form youngster will be given a break following Saturday’s Waikato Equine Centre Veterinary Stakes (Listed, 1400m), with expectations high that she can sign off with another bold showing. “We’ve always had this race in mind to get her up over a bit further, I don’t think the trip will be any trouble at all for her,” trainer Stephen Marsh said. So Fear is also expected to prove equally effective over more ground next season with her demeanour instilling further confidence. “She’s got a remarkable temperament, which is great, she just does everything so well and she’s always been laid back and comfortable in her work,” Marsh said. “All going well, she’ll be on a 1,000 Guineas path in the spring when I’m sure she’ll run a mile without a worry.” So Fear was unbeaten in her first two appearances at Wanganui and Pukekohe when racing on the speed before she came from last to place in the Star Way Stakes (Listed, 1200m) at Ellerslie. “She’s got a good record, three starts for two very good two wins and her third the other day was a great effort,” Marsh said. “From a bad gate, she got well back and hit the line strongly and has gone ahead since.”

Walkin In Memphis on song for stakes assignment

Trainer Andrew Forsman is looking forward to heading to Te Rapa on Saturday where he will give his exciting juvenile Walkin In Memphis (Too Darn Hot) his first tilt at black type in the Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes. The Too Darn Hot (Dubawi) colt finished sixth on debut to race rival So Fear at Pukekohe last month but bounced back with a dominant maiden victory at Otaki earlier this month, much to the delight of Forsman, who shares in the ownership of the promising youngster. “It was a confidence-boosting win,” Forsman said. “He has always shown nice ability, he has just been figuring things out through trialling and racing. I think he will keep getting better and better with the experience of raceday. We could have had him in the paddock by now and we did toss up between doing that or giving him another one, but given how well he has worked and how well he is coping, we thought the extra experience of racing in a competitive field like this on Saturday would really set him up nicely for next time around.” Walkin In Memphis was a $4.50 second favourite with TAB bookmakers for Saturday’s feature on Thursday, with the Donna Logan-trained Belle Rebelle (Ribchester) heading the market at $4.40.

HK: Nautical Force out to confirm promise in Queen Mother Memorial Cup

Nautical Force (Ghaiyyath) will look to build on a striking debut success when he steps up to 2400 metres in Sunday’s Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap (Gr 3, 2400m) at Sha Tin, with trainer John Size and rider Karis Teetan confident there is more to come. The British-bred import produced a blistering late turn of foot to score his maiden Hong Kong victory in a Class 2 1800-metre contest against a field of more experienced rivals, several of whom he will meet again on Sunday. Sitting 12th as they turned for home, Nautical Force was able to weave through the field courtesy of an accomplished steer from Teetan, who will be in the saddle again. “It was a good start for him; his win was a really good win. You have to give him a lot of credit for that win,” Teetan said. “The only thing Mr Size said was, ‘It’s his first run. Just take him back, don’t chase him and save his energy.’ The way he came through was really good.” Size was impressed by the debut performance of the diminutive four-year-old, but acknowledged the minimum weight may have played a part in his first-up heroics. “Well, it’s hard to do what he did. There aren’t many horses that win first up over 1800 metres against competition like that,” Size said. “Admittedly, I was aiming to get him in a race with a light weight, because he’s only a small horse. Luckily, Karis was able to find a way through. But after that, we’ve got to find him something else. So, hopefully, he can go around safely and run well again.”

UK: Bow Echo to face 14 rivals in English 2,000 Guineas

The George Boughey-trained Bow Echo (Night Of Thunder) is set to take on 14 rivals in Saturday's English 2,000 Guineas (Gr 1, 1m) at Newmarket. The son of Night Of Thunder (Dubawi) was last seen winning the Royal Lodge Stakes (Gr 2, 1m) over Saturday's course and distance and will be ridden by Billy Loughnane – who seeks a first Classic success. Ballydoyle maestro Aidan O'Brien will rely on just the sole runner in the Classic, with the Ryan Moore-ridden Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (Gr 1, 8f) winner Gstaad (Starspangledbanner) his representative. Charlie Appleby and Godolphin send out a duo of runners as they bid to land the race for the third successive year in Distant Storm (Night Of Thunder) and King's Trail (Sea The Stars). Craven Stakes (Gr 3, 1m) winner Oxagon (Frankel) has also been declared, while Karl Burke relies on Greenham Stakes (Gr 3, 7f) victor Alparslan (Dandy Man).

UK: McAlpine takes to Tattersalls rostrum during Guineas Sale

Australian Harry McAlpine took to the rostrum at the Tattersalls Guineas Sale on Thursday. From Queensland, McAlpine worked with Inglis for five years before becoming an Australian representative at Tattersalls in 2022, as well as continuing with his bloodstock consultancy, and is planning on making Newmarket his home for the rest of this year. "I guess the audience will be the judge but it felt fine, horses in training is a great market because there's a lot of different end-users there, so it was a good one to kick off at,” McAlpine told the Racing Post. “As a Tattersalls Australian representative, I come over here for December every year anyway. They were looking for a few new auctioneers so I thought I'd throw my hat in the ring, come and spend a bit of time here and see if we make the grade. It's a different style; in Australia you're very much reliant on your bid-spotters, they take the bids on behalf of you and you take the bids off them, whereas here you need to have a connection with the actual person bidding and take it all directly. It slows the process down a bit but it’s good in a way, you build a connection with all the bidders.”