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Sunday, May 24, 2026

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Lead Story

A clean set of heels from I Am Dirty

Trevor Marshallsea

@ANZ_News

Costly yearling I Am Dirty (I Am Invincible) took a major step towards recouping her pricetag in becoming her sire’s 126th black type winner at start No.3 in Saturday’s Bill Carter Stakes (Listed, 1350m) for two-year-old fillies at Doomben. Ridden by Rachel King, the Bjorn Baker trained filly jumped well and travelled smoothly in the one-one position, swooping to the lead at the 200m and winning by 2.11 lengths, despite easing in betting to start $3.20. Team McEvoy’s Shintono (Satono Aladdin) took second at $21, while Chris Waller’s $2.35 favourite Katoto (Wootton Bassett) was third a further 0.33 lengths away, with both earning their first black type.

What's On

I Am Dirty was a $600,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase for Baker and his main bloodstock agent Jim Clarke, from Ridgmont’s draft. She’s now recovered $201,000 of that price - along with gaining a major boost in residual value from Saturday’s win.

Victory in the set weights event followed her second-up success in a $160,000 two-year-old handicap at Gosford’s metro meeting on May 9. “She's always been a filly we have held in very high regard and she's shown a lot of talent from day one,” said Clarke, representing the stable at Doomben. “She put the writing on the wall when she won the other day at Gosford and Bjorn was very confident coming here today. It was a good ride and she won very well. “She was an expensive yearling, so getting a two-year-old win like that is very important, and I'm very hopeful for her future. She's always shown a lot, so to get that on a record was good.

Clarke said I Am Dirty might make her first attempt at Group level in next Saturday’s $1 million BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m) at Eagle Farm, though doubting whether the distance of the later JJ Atkins (Gr 1, 1600m) would suit her at this stage. “I'd say there's every chance that he (Baker) might consider backing up next Saturday, now that she's ticked up the 1350m box,” he said. “We'll wait and see how she pulls up. The mile will be a question mark - 1400 metres, I'd say, certainly.” King, who’s been aboard I Am Dirty in both of her wins, said the filly was shaping into a highly promising racehorse. “Even from her first start to second start, she improved no end, and she's really learning her racecraft now,” King said. “She’s pretty bomb proof and she's still building a little bit of sass about her. But she definitely channels it in the right direction. She's beautiful and relaxed. “They didn't go overly quick today, but she wasn't too fussed about that. She travelled better today than what she did over the 1200m and showed a really good turn of foot, and handled the (soft 5) track, which is a nice box to tick.”

Bred by Cunningham Thoroughbreds and associates, I Am Dirty is the first foal of Dirty Thoughts (So You Think), who won Caulfield’s Northwood Plume Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) and was twice stakes placed. Third dam Tonzazip (Kaapstar) is the mother of triple Group winning stayer Grey Song (Unbridled’s Song) and Group 3 winning sprinter Tonz More Fun (More Than Ready). Dirty Thoughts’ second foal - also by I Am Invincible - fetched $300,000 at Magic Millions Gold Coast this year. She now has a weanling colt by Zoustar and was covered by The Autumn Sun (Redoute’s Choice) last spring. I Am Dirty became the 126th stakes winner for Yarraman Park’s triple champion sire I Am Invincible, from 1355 starters at a remarkable 9.29 percent.

Fireball Miss explodes in the ANZ Bloodstock News The Roses

Ciaron Maher and Declan Bates may have missed Saturday’s major 2000m prize at Doomben with one notable female but gained substantial consolation when their well-bred filly Fireball Miss (Bivouac) won the ANZ Bloodstock News The Roses (Gr 2, 2000m). Maher and Bates fell short of another heist with eight-year-old Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) when she was run down by Birdman (Free Eagle) in the Doomben Cup (Gr 1, 2000m).

One race earlier the pair prevailed with a three-year-old who swooped late, when Fireball Miss became a stakes winner at her sixth outing in the $300,000 The Roses, graduating from a Listed placing at the Gold Coast at her previous start. The year-younger half-sister to last year’s South Australian Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) winning filly Femminile (Dundeel), Fireball Miss will now head to the Queensland Oaks (Gr 1, 2200m), seeking to become dam Femme Fireball’s (Pierro) second elite winner among her only two starters.

Sent out an easing $13 chance on a track freshly upgraded to a good 4, the Bennett Racing filly was caught four wide from gate six around the first bend, but settled into the one-one position as $5 shot Single Red (Vanbrugh) reached the lead from a wide gate and put the brakes on. After the field bunched before the home turn, Single Red kicked on straightening but with Bates plotting a course to her inside Fireball Miss came away to win comfortably by 1.37 lengths.

Chris Waller’s $3.80 favourite Chispa (Savabeel) took second, 0.14 lengths ahead of Matt Laurie’s Grand Omaha (Omaha Beach) at $6, with both fillies earning their first of black type, as Single Red took fourth at $5. “She's thrived since coming up here to Queensland,” said Maher of Fireball Miss, thanking Brisbane’s premier trainer Tony Gollan and team for caring for her since her arrival. “She’s in really good order. She's improved every run. It was a beautiful ride by Dec. She'll go on to the Oaks now and she'll be a very good chance.” Bates said he’d found himself closer to the lead than anticipated after Fireball Miss jumped “a lot cleaner” than in her last start. “But the way it ended up being run, it was probably ideal really because it was a bit of a muddly old race, and I was well positioned,” the expat Irishman said. “When the three-wide line came around me I thought it could end up tricky, but there was a lot of runs coming and that injected the pace into it early enough. “I was able to get plenty of room and we needed it, and she was really good.” Fireball Miss was bred, like Femminile, by Gold Coast-based IT entrepreneur Simon Delzoppo’s Aralet Pty Ltd, and was bought by Bennett Racing for just $140,000 at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale of 2024.

Her mother, the Listed-placed Femme Fireball (Pierro), is a full-sister to dual Group 3 winner and Group 1-placed Rock (Pierro). Their third dam was the Group 1-winning Credit Account (Imposing).

Femme Fireball has a two-year-old filly named Fiamina (Pinatubo) awaiting her first start with Gary Portelli and a yearling filly by So You Think (High Chaparral), and a weanling filly by Anamoe (Street Boss), her fifth filly from as many covers.

Trapeze Artist Mating Paying Dividends

Godolphin mare Pinito (Trapeze Artist) further boosted her value with a third stakes victory alongside a Group 1 placing with a tough win in Saturday’s Magic Millions Fillies and Mares’ Plate (Gr 3, 1600m) at Doomben.

She was another winner on a red-letter day for the Chris Waller and James McDonald axis, four-year-old Pinito was sent out a slightly easy $4.20 chance after a month-long gap following her seventh when a longshot in Randwick’s Queen Of The Turf Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m). Although slow to muster from gate two, Pinto eventually improved to sit sixth on the fence and was held up momentarily rounding the home turn before moving into the clear at the 300m to chase down the leaders. Pinito was given a torrid contest by Brad Widdup’s $21 shot Hyperbolic (Proisir) to her inside over the last 100m, but under urgent riding by McDonald, gained the decision by 0.13 lengths.

Waller’s $16 shot Pippie Beach (Maurice) claimed her first slice of black type in running home well for third, beaten 0.56 lengths. The $3.90 favourite Tomato Toastie (Too Darn Hot) ran fifth. Pinito’s victory further enhanced her future stock in the Darley breeding barn, following her win in Randwick’s Aspiration Quality (Gr 3, 1600m) in March, and her success in the Gold Coast Bracelet (Listed, 1800m) last May, one start before her narrow second in the Queensland Oaks (Gr 1, 2200m) “Godolphin have been terrific supporters of a lot of trainers over the past year, and I've been a beneficiary of that. They're a great team to work with and they appreciate black type results,” said Waller, who’ll aim for more Brisbane winter riches with Pinito, including the $500,000 Magic Millions National Classic (1600m) on June 6. “There’s a fantastic series of races up here and they’ll get better horses as a result.” McDonald said Pinito’s win was full of merit. “She's a good horse. Obviously running second in the Oaks this time last year, so she's no slouch,” he said. “The writing was on the wall, so to speak, because she was the well-performed horse coming into this race.” Bred by her sire Trapeze Artist’s (Snitzel) owner Bert Vieira, Pinito was bought by Godolphin for $260,000 from Widden Stud’s draft at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale in 2023. She’s the second of six foals - all by Trapeze Artist - for two-time winner Waltzing Wodka (Sebring), a full-sister to Group winners Catch A Fire and Seaburge, and a half-sister to Group 2 victor Zloties (Snitzel).

Waltzing Wodka’s second dam was Australasian Oaks (Gr 1, 2000m) winner La Volta (Laranto). Waltzing Wodka bore full sisters to Pinito in 2024 and 2025. Her yearling filly sold for $100,000 at this year’s Inglis Premier yearling sale to Proven Thoroughbreds and Hayfields Racing. Trapeze Artist, whose progeny are in a rich vein of form, is standing his eighth season at Widden Stud this spring for $27,500 and 12 stakes winners from 256 runners at 4.68 per cent.

Birdman swoops in the cup

Chris Waller was reduced to tears - of joy and sorrow - after Birdman (Free Eagle) chalked up the master trainer’s 200th elite victory in the Doomben Cup (Gr 1, 2000m) on Saturday.

Two weeks ago, the wonder mare Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) had pinched her customary break and held off Birdman’s finish in the Gold Coast’s Hollindale Stakes (Gr 2, 1800m), this time - over an extra furlong - those placing were reversed in Doomben’s $1m feature.

Pride Of Jenni was some 12 lengths clear by the 800m mark, with James McDonald waiting patiently, second last near the back of the chasing peloton, at the rear of the seven-horse field.

Unlike at the Gold Coast, the eight-year-old Pride Of Jenni was noticeably shortening stride soon after straightening with the margin reduced to eight-lengths.

And it was Birdman - fitter for his first run in five weeks in the Hollindale - who emerged from the ruck to mow her down, coming away to score by 2.66 lengths, as a solidly backed $3.30 favourite.

To her credit, Pride Of Jenni boxed on to take second at $3.60 - lifting her earnings past $12.5 million - and 0.88 lengths clear of the third-placed $8.50 chance Vauban (Galiway). Half Yours (St Jean) was 0.76 lengths further back in fourth at $4.40.

The Irish-bred Birdman finally has an elite title after five unplaced top-level attempts alongside three Group wins in his 18 starts since being imported to race in Ozzie Kheir’s colours,

However, this day was all about Waller, the expat Kiwi who came to Sydney with nothing 26 years ago and has built himself into one of the world’s all-time greats. With the past 15 Sydney training premierships to his name, he’s now one of only three Australian trainers to break the 200 Group 1 barrier.

Tommy Smith and Bart Cummings ended tied on 246. Waller is only 53 and seems destined to fly way past that pair of greats before he is done.

But on Saturday, it was a time of reflection as Waller marked the milestone in his customary way, with this sentimental bloke letting his emotions flow.

“With Tommy Smith, I was embarrassed to be around him. I used to be in awe of him,” he managed to say through the tears on Channel 7.

“And Bart, I had a good relationship with him, and he was an amazing man.

“I think what I’ve done is show that anything is possible. I’ve got a good team and respect that team.

“Anything is possible when you’ve got confidence and good horses.”

Yet the occasion was marked with sorrow as well, as Waller remembered Mark Timms, a part-owner of Birdman who recently lost a 12-month battle with cancer.

“We lost a good friend, Mark Timms, six weeks ago,” Waller told Sky Thoroughbred Central. “He was in the horse, and his wife Leah is here today. He was a beautiful man, so it's a pretty touching win.”

Asked then how his milestone felt, Waller said: “I wish Timmsy was here, it's as simple as that.”

Waller set another yet another record with Birdman’s win, breaking his own old mark of 19 Group 1 victories in a season, set only in 2024-25.

And he earned more praise from his main partner in all his dizzying success, McDonald, who’s now extended his Australian record tally of G1s to 138.

“The man behind the operation, he is just an absolute master and it's a privilege to be part of his team,” McDonald said post race.

“How he preps these horses is incredible, and he deserves all the accolades he gets and all the records he breaks, because he's a one of a generation sort of trainer and we're lucky to be in his bubble.”

Waller concurred that Birdman’s preparation was timed for this Doomben Cup.

“He was peaking today,” Waller said. “Obviously, we want to win the race … but I said, ‘Ride him to run second. If Pride Of Jenni fails, we’ll win the race, but don’t take her on at the 800 because we won’t win.

“Pride Of Jenni, we were all worried about her. She was the talking point and that’s what sells racing. Well done to Tony (Ottobre, owner), Ciaron (Maher, trainer) and his team.

“It’s a shame she wasn’t right there (in the finish). I don’t beat her very often. She’s beaten Via Sistina, she’s beaten Fangirl, she’s beaten a lot of our better horses, and she’s been my nightmare.”

McDonald was hugely impressed with Birdman’s finishing burst, after the field had met a headwind down the side heading to the turn.

“Pre-race I was going to wait a little bit longer. As she turned for home, there was a strong side breeze, but he was coasting so well, I thought I’d let him stride. The closer we were turning for home, the better.

“Over that distance, he switched off and he showed an incredible turn of foot.”

Jockey Declan Bates paid tribute to Pride Of Jenni after her gallant effort.

“Couldn’t be happier with her,” he said.

“Great job by Ciaron to have her here so fresh after putting in such a huge run two weeks ago. She was on it again today. It’s tough here today with the wind conditions. She got a bit tired in the straight but it was a massive run again.”

Bred in Ireland by Windflower Overseas Holdings, Birdman is the sole stakes victor among three winners for his dam Carol (Acclamation), who’s from the same extended family as six-time G1 winner Snow Fairy (Intikhab), Ireland’s Champion Older Mare in 2011.

Winner of Flemington’s Blamey Stakes (Gr 2, 1600m) and Caulfield’s Peter Young Stakes (Gr 2, 1800m) earlier this autumn, Birdman is the first Group 1 winner among seven stakes winners from 328 runners for his sire Free Eagle (High Chaparral).

A previous shuttler to South Australia’s Cornerstone Stud for three seasons, Free Eagle now stands at Ireland’s Anngrove Stud.

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Morning Briefing

Australia

200 Group Ones for Chris Waller

James McDonald has described Chris Waller as a once in a generation trainer after delivering the champion horseman his 200th Group 1 win with Birdman in the Doomben Cup. Waller joins elite company with only Tommy Smith and Bart Cummings reaching the extraordinary milestone. Both Smith and Cummings finished their careers with 246 Group One victories apiece, a figure seemingly well within the reach of the Waller juggernaut. Birdman’s victory comes 18 years after Waller collected his first major with Triple Honour in the 2008 Doncaster Handicap (1600m) at Randwick and McDonald, who has shared in more than a quarter of those subsequent Group 1 successes, paid tribute to Waller's exceptional talent. "The man behind the operation, he is just an absolute master and it's a privilege to be part of his team," McDonald said. Birdman also gave Waller his 20th Group 1 for the season, eclipsing his own record for most majors in a racing term set during 2024-25, while McDonald has equalled his best effort of 15 Group 1s in a single season.

14 for Flying Artie

Ahead of Asfoora’s tilt at the Temple Stakes (Gr 2 1005m) at Haydock overnight, Flying Artie secured his fourteenth Stakes winner when Flying Destiny notched an impressive fourth consecutive victory in the $160,000 Listed Chief De Beers (L 1110m) at Doomben. It was the six year old gelding’s first attempt at Stakes level and there might be more to come according to trainer Michael Freedman. “He just thriving up in Queensland and he’s loving being trained very fresh and at these shorter trips,”
Bred by Tim and Celie Nolan and offered through their Murrulla Stud draft at the Inglis HTBA May Yearling Sale, Flying Destiny was purchased for $50,000 by Darby Racing and has now won over $580,000. Out of unraced Noverre mare Courting Destiny (IRE), Flying Destiny is the first stakes winner from four to race, all winners. Flying Artie will stand his tenth season at Blue Gum Farm this spring for $14,850.

Five for Bivouac

Fireball Miss became the fifth stakes winner from just 110 runners (4.54 per cent) for her sire Bivouac (Exceed And Excel). Fireball Miss’s victory added a fresh twist to the engrossing three-way battle at the top of the Australian second season sires’ table. Bivouac entered Saturday in third place just $109,482 behind leader Farnan (Not A Single Doubt), who was only $23,375 ahead of second-placed Ghaiyyath (Dubawi). But the $174,000 earned by Fireball Miss allowed Bivouac to improve to second, with Farnan maintaining a slender lead through the Randwick win of his two-year-old gelding Friendly Fire. Bivouac will stand his sixth season at Darley Kelvinside this spring for $33,000.

Abounding books Stradbroke berth

Trainer Rob Heathcote continued his successful Brisbane winter carnival when Abounding (Rich Enuff) secured a place in the Stradbroke Handicap (Gr 1, 1400m) with victory in Saturday’s BRC Sprint (Gr 3, 1350m) at Doomben. A week after stable star Rothfire (Rothesay) captured the Doomben 10,000 (Gr 1, 1200m), Heathcote celebrated another feature success when Abounding edged out Cifrado (Encryption) and Harry's Yacht (Harry’s Angel) in a thrilling finish. Stable representative Oliver Clark said the mare had enjoyed a smoother run in transit after finally drawing a favourable barrier. “She finally drew a gate today because we feel she has been going as well as she was in the spring,” Clark said. “We were confident going into today, she has that great sprint, and a bit like last week with Rothfire we couldn’t believe the odds.” Ridden by Tim Clark, Abounding ($10) prevailed in a blanket finish where only half a length separated the first five home. Clark paid tribute to injured regular rider Vlad Duric, who offered insight into the mare prior to the race. “Vlad came and spoke to me and gave me a really good push about this mare’s chances today,” Clark said. “Everything fell into her lap today. Although we got held up a bit on the turn, that suited her because she has a short, sharp dash.” Clark said Abounding was likely to head to the Stradbroke before a possible tilt at the Tattersall’s Tiara (Gr 1, 1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 27. “She has to have a run between now and the Tiara and this win is her ticket into the Stradbroke,” he said.

Portelli bullish on promising juvenile Friendly Fire

Dual Golden Slipper-winning trainer Gary Portelli believes emerging juvenile Friendly Fire (Farnan) has a bright future after the gelding’s tough victory in Saturday’s Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1200m) at Randwick. The gelding showed plenty of determination under Alysha Collett, edging out Keen To Exceed (Exceedance) by a half neck after a prolonged duel in the straight. “Friendly Fire still has a lot to learn but that was a really strong win,” Portelli said. “He is not there physically yet but he has ability and that was a good, fighting win. He is a nice horse and has a future.” Purchased for $80,000 at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, Friendly Fire improved sharply on his debut second at Wagga, where he closed strongly behind Global Goal in the Inglis Challenge. Portelli said he went to Randwick expecting another strong performance. “He got back at Wagga early then sprinted quickly and I thought he was going to win but his run came to an end in the last 100 metres,” he said. “But he has done well since that run so we expected him to run a very good race today.” Collett said the juvenile still had plenty to learn but possessed significant upside. “He’s still doing a few things wrong but he has ability and that was a very good win,” she said. Portelli, who prepared She Will Reign (Manhattan Rain) and Fireburn (Rebel Dane) to Golden Slipper victories, indicated Friendly Fire could have another run before the end of the season as the stable looks to build experience ahead of his three-year-old campaign.

Brisbane Cup on radar for progressive stayer Thebudgiesmugla

Thebudgiesmugla (Redwood) has stamped himself as a staying prospect on the rise after maintaining his unbeaten record at 2400 metres with a determined victory at Randwick on Saturday. The former New Zealand galloper, purchased by Darby Racing and trained by Bjorn Baker, claimed his third win from six Australian starts in the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation Handicap (2400m). Despite carrying 59.5kg, the five-year-old dug deep under Josh Parr to hold off Casual Connection by a half-head, with Hutchence a further two lengths away in third. “He’s a Darby horse, they’re always tough and they always fight,” Baker said. “It was a good effort. He was still going to be vulnerable late up to 2400 with the big weight and I think we can look at better options. He’s a really good stayer in the making, and it was good to see him win.” Baker confirmed the Brisbane Cup (Gr 2, 3200m) at Eagle Farm on June 13 was now under consideration. “We’ll definitely look at it,” he said. “I think the further you go, the better he gets, and he loves the wet tracks.” Less than 10 minutes after Thebudgiesmugla’s victory, Baker completed a two-state double when I Am Dirty (I Am Invincible) captured the Bill Carter Stakes (1350m) at Eagle Farm. Saturday’s Randwick staying contest was also marked by tributes to veteran Queensland jockey Shane McGovern, with riders wearing black armbands following his death from injuries sustained in a trackwork accident at Charters Towers last month.

Divine Dot gives McArdle spring options third victory

Two year old Divine Dot (Overshare) has continued her impressive rise with a maiden metropolitan victory at Sandown, leaving trainer John McArdle weighing up interstate and spring carnival options. The filly added Saturday’s Sportsbet Jockey Watch Handicap (1000m) to her recent Warrnambool success, giving jockey Jamie Mott another city winner aboard the progressive sprinter. Starting at $5.50, Divine Dot fought strongly in the straight to hold off Stars Of Dom (Exceedance) by a half-neck, with favourite Semantics (Exceed and Excel) a short-neck away in third. McArdle said the performance opened several possibilities for the filly, including a Queensland trip or an early spring stakes campaign. “I’ve got in mind that maybe we could produce her as the fit horse early in the spring for a race like the Quezette, or a race of that ilk,” McArdle said. McArdle admitted he had concerns pre-race after Divine Dot incurred a weight penalty following earlier wins and drew awkwardly. “She had to give them the penalty having won two races, so she had a decent weight, and it was a bit of a sticky gate,” he said. “I thought she was in a little bit of trouble when she straightened up with Semantics back to her inside. But one thing is, she is tough and when that horse came at her late, she held it off.” McArdle also joked the victory would ensure a warm reception at home, with Divine Dot raced in part by his wife Bernadette. “At least I won’t have to sleep outside with the dog tonight,” he laughed.

Dynamic Syndications edges closer to 1000-win milestone

Agent Zero (Snitzel) delivered Dynamic Syndications its 999th win when the Ciaron Maher-trained gelding captured Saturday’s PF Civil Handicap (1800m) at Randwick. Leading syndicators Dean Watt and Adam Watt now sit just one win away from the 1000-win milestone since establishing Dynamic Syndications in 2005. Ridden by Nash Rawiller, Agent Zero ($8) held off the fast-finishing fillies Angel City and Sunsprite to score by a long neck. Despite the victory, Adam Watt was cautious about paying a $25,000 late entry fee for the gelding into next Saturday’s Queensland Derby (Gr 1, 2400m). “We haven’t nominated Agent Zero for the Derby, I think this is his about right trip anyway and he has just won a $160,000 race,” Watt said. Dean Watt later confirmed the decision would be left to the ownership group. The win was Dynamic Syndications’ 48th success of the 2025/26 season and the 339th individual winner for the syndicator. While Agent Zero’s Queensland Derby plans remain undecided, both Angel City and Sunsprite enhanced their Queensland Oaks (Gr 1, 2200m) credentials with strong finishing efforts after racing off a slow tempo. Trainer Matthew Smith believes Angel City has done enough to earn a start in the Oaks. “Angel City’s run was really good and I hope that gets her into the Oaks now,” Smith said. “She won’t have any trouble running 2200 metres.” Annabel Archibald was equally pleased with Sunsprite’s (The Autumn Sun) performance. “The pace was very slow which didn’t help Sunsprite so she has done so well to finish third,” Archibald said.

Declichy Boulevard makes winning return after lengthy lay-off

Declichy Boulevard (Snitzel) made a successful return from a 14-month absence when the Group 1 placegetter resumed with victory in Saturday’s Taylor Construction Handicap (1400m) at Randwick. The mare had not raced since finishing third behind Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express) in the Vinery Stud Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) in April last year before being sidelined by a tendon injury. Assistant trainer Darren Beadman admitted there were understandable nerves heading into the comeback run. “Running on a track like this with an issue like that prior was a bit of a question mark, but class prevailed today,” Beadman said. Ridden patiently by apprentice Siena Grima, Declichy Boulevard ($9.50) burst through along the rail to defeat La Roja by three-quarters of a length, with stablemate Surf's Up a further half-head away in third. Beadman credited Victorian rehabilitation specialist Lee Evison for the mare’s recovery and praised Grima’s ride. “She gave her the chance to switch off, used no petrol with the big weight, and cut the corner,” he said. The four-year-old carried 59.5kg and impressed with the way she finished off despite the testing conditions. “At the 600, I was looking for runs. I had a tonne of horse under me,” Grima said. “What a run from her. Big weight and she just kept finding the line.” Trainer Chris Waller indicated earlier in the week that Declichy Boulevard would likely have just two runs this preparation before being set for a spring carnival campaign.

Apprentice Grima lands a Randwick treble

Hall of Fame jockey Darren Beadman offered apprentice Siena Grima some simple advice before her ride aboard Tazima (Awtaad) at Randwick on Saturday, and it proved the key to victory. “Tazima has drawn bad so go back and ride for luck,” Beadman told Grima. Grima executed the plan perfectly, steering Tazima ($5) through along the inside to score by a nose over favourite King Of The Sea (Sea The Moon) in the General Australia Handicap (2000m), with Starzintheireyes (Starspangledbanner) another half-neck away in third. The ride mirrored Grima’s earlier success aboard Declichy Boulevard (Snitzel) in the Taylor Construction Handicap (1400m), where she also hugged the rail before bursting through late. Remarkably, Grima repeated the tactic again in the following race aboard God's Window to complete her first metropolitan treble. All three winners were trained by Chris Waller, with Grima now apprenticed to the champion conditioner. Tazima also holds special significance as the apprentice’s first winner for Waller, having partnered the gelding to victory on the Kensington track last August. “They have been coming off the fence the whole day and I knew I would get the run through,” Grima said. “I just wanted to fill him with confidence and let him build into the race. “Tazima is very competitive and likes to win as much as me, the 52kg certainly helped.”

Siriusly Hot leads Maher quinella at Sandown

Siriusly Hot (Too Darn Hot) continued his strong form with a front-running victory in Saturday’s Sportsbet Fixed Odds Exotics Handicap (1600m) at Sandown, leading home a quinella for the Ciaron Maher stable. Ridden positively by Craig Williams, Siriusly Hot ($12) scored by three-quarters of a length over stablemate Kaleo (Churchill), with favourite Bella Verona (Castelvecchio) another 1¼ lengths away in third. The race served as a qualifier for both the Silver Bowl Series and Mahogany Challenge, with finals to be held at Flemington on July 4. Ciaron Maher Racing national assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said Siriusly Hot could continue through the staying series, while Kaleo would likely be kept to shorter trips. “Siriusly Hot will be a chance to stay on while Kaleo, 1800 metres would possibly see him out,” Turnbull said. Siriusly Hot brought up back-to-back wins following his benchmark 62 success at Ballarat earlier this month, with Turnbull crediting Williams’ aggressive ride. “Craig went forward and rode him with endeavour and intent,” he said. “This horse has found his groove in his last couple of starts. The soft tracks are the key, and confidence is a large player. “Credit must go to the Ballarat team. They have him humming at the moment.”

Meridius gives Kennewell Queensland dilemma after Sandown win

Trainer Lloyd Kennewell has a decision to make with Meridius (Extreme Choice) after the gelding returned to winning form in Saturday’s Stow Storage Solutions Handicap (1400m) at Sandown. Dropping back in grade after finishing last in the Goodwood (Gr 1, 1200m) at Morphettville, Meridius ($20) produced a strong performance under Billy Egan to defeat favourite King Zephyr by three-quarters of a length, with Big Swinger a further two lengths away in third. Kennewell ruled out a tilt at the Stradbroke Handicap (Gr 1, 1400m) but said races such as the Eyeliner Stakes (Listed, 1350m) and Glasshouse Handicap (Listed, 1400m) in Queensland were under consideration. “He could spell up there and then come back home, so there are pros and cons for both,” Kennewell said. “I really want him for January, which means he would get a good break and then get ready for the Magic Millions.” The trainer has identified the Magic Millions Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast as the gelding’s long-term target after Meridius finished second in the race two years ago. “It’s a big race for him, the Magic Millions Cup,” Kennewell said. “I don’t want to go too far now, but at the same time I’m being realistic.” Kennewell felt Meridius had excuses in The Goodwood (Group1, 1200m), where he endured little luck from an inside draw. “He ran the fastest, or second-fastest, last 600 metres of the race,” he said. “How he went around at 25-to-one today, I don’t know.”

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New Zealand

Winkers spark Skattebo to another New Plymouth victory

Skattebo (Nadeem) continued his unbeaten run in winkers when the progressive three-year-old made it back-to-back wins in Saturday’s Hirepool New Plymouth 1600 at New Plymouth. Ridden positively by Chris Dell, the son of Nadeem used his inside draw to lead throughout before fighting strongly under pressure to defeat Capaci by a quarter of a length. Dell, who has partnered Skattebo in all three starts, said the addition of winkers after his debut fourth had transformed the gelding. “He did things wrong and we put winkers on and he has been unbeaten in them now,” Dell said. “The gear change has sent him the right way.” Trainer and co-breeder Janelle Millar praised the gelding’s determination after he was pressured throughout the race. “He is only small but when he goes out there he puts in 100 per cent,” Millar said. “They took him on early and I thought he had done too much but he kicked again, he has got a big heart.” Millar admitted there had been some question marks over whether Skattebo would run out a strong mile, but said his previous performance gave her confidence. “Chris and I did discuss whether he would get the mile, and he finished off really strong in his last start,” she said. With the gelding relishing rain-affected ground, Millar said a winter campaign remains under consideration. The trainer completed a home-track double later in the meeting when Prince Of Diamonds (Time Test) won the Seaton Park 1400, while stablemate Ayteem (Eminent) was narrowly beaten as favourite in the Wash Squad (2000m).

Hasstobeawinner storms home for overdue Ellerslie success

Hasstobeawinner (Vadamos) produced a perfectly timed finish to claim a deserved victory in Saturday’s JRA Trophy (1600m) at Ellerslie. The six-year-old gelding was having just his second run back from a six-month break and relished the strong tempo after settling near the rear for jockey Michael McNab. McNab tracked hot favourite Lupo Solitario (Satano Aladdin) into the race before launching late down the outside, surging clear over the final stages to score by almost a length. El Viento (El Roca) narrowly edged Lachie for third. Co-trainer Roger James praised McNab’s ride and the gelding’s determination. “I thought Michael summed it up nicely and rode him well,” James said. “He was going to get caught wide so he eased him back and there was enough pace on to put him in the race at the right time. “I didn’t come here thinking he could win as the hot favourite looked hard to beat, but it shows you that this horse at his best is not far away from them.” James indicated Hasstobeawinner may now head for a spell, with limited suitable options remaining this season. “He is a handy worker at home, an honest horse and he loves a mile, especially here at Ellerslie,” he said. Bred by Colin and Irene Thompson, Hasstobeawinner is out of the Keeper mare Keepereel (Keeper) and was purchased by bloodstock agent Robt Dawe for $45,000 from the Rich Hill Stud draft at the 2021 Karaka Yearling Sale. The victory lifted his earnings to over NZ$290,000.

Bulgari storms home to cap Ellerslie double for Weatherley stable

Bulgari (Hello Youmzain) produced a dazzling last-to-first performance to claim Saturday’s Trackside.co.nz 1500 at Ellerslie and continue his consistent run of form for trainers Darryn and Briar Weatherley. The son of Hello Youmzain had been racing well in stakes company before finishing second to King's English (Snitzel) over 1100 metres at the same venue a week earlier. Jockey Corentin Berge settled Bulgari at the rear of the six-horse field before unleashing a powerful finishing burst in the straight to defeat Accentuate by half a length. “We didn’t want them to go slowly as we didn’t want him to get over-racing,” Briar Weatherley said. “He has made a liar of us and we’re very pleased as he is such an honest horse, has raced in good company and has a bright future.” The stable had previously earmarked sprint races during New Zealand Cup Week at Riccarton for the colt, but his strong performance over 1500 metres may prompt a rethink. “Dad and I love him to bits as he is such a dude and that’s why we have kept him a colt,” Weatherley said. Purchased for $220,000 from the Jamieson Park draft at Karaka, Bulgari has now earned more than NZ$115,000. The Weatherley stable completed a race-to-race double when Roc de Night Away (Contributer) broke through for her maiden victory at just her fourth start. Ridden patiently by Tayla Mitchell, the daughter of Contributer charged late to defeat Dare To Proisir (Proisir) and Facilitate (Wrote). “It’s Tayla’s first win for us and I’m pleased she has ridden a winner for us,” Weatherley said.

Pounce delivers on promise with stylish Ellerslie victory

Pounce (Almazor) showcased her potential with an impressive finishing burst to capture Saturday’s MyRacehorse 1100 at Ellerslie for trainers Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott. Ridden by Jasmine Fawcett, the filly settled three back in the running line before tracking race favourite Fatal Affair (Home Affairs) into the straight. Once angled clear at the 200-metre mark, Pounce quickly gathered in the leaders to score by 1.3 lengths. “She took a little bit to settle but once she did I was really happy with her in the running,” Fawcett said. “When I said go she changed legs and gee she is fast. She is right up there with one of the best two-year-olds I have ridden.” Pounce had shown ability early, winning a trial at Pukekohe before finishing unplaced in a strong juvenile race at Ellerslie on Boxing Day prior to being sent for a spell. Scott said the break had helped the filly mature physically and mentally. “She came here on Boxing Day and just got a bit keen in a race where the winners were coming from the back,” Scott said. “The team wanted to pop her aside and just give her the opportunity to strengthen and regather.” A sharp trial win at Te Awamutu last month confirmed the filly was back on track. “It was so good to see her settle, Jasmine gave her a nice trip, and she quickened well,” Scott said. Scott believes Pounce has a bright future and expects another spell over winter will bring further improvement.“It is all in front of her, she will only get better with time and experience,” he said.

Smug set to renew rivalry with West Coast in Waikato Hunt Cup

Smug (Complacent) will resume his rivalry with champion jumper West Coast (Mettre En Jeu) when the pair clash in Sunday’s Waikato Hunt Cup (3900m) at Te Rapa. The duo produced one of last season’s standout jumps contests in the Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4800m), where Smug narrowly defeated West Coast after a stirring battle from the 800-metre mark. Trainer Chris Wood said the demanding effort took its toll on Smug, prompting connections to send the gelding for a spell after two further starts. “That race probably took more out of him than I realised,” Wood said. “We gave him a nice break and sent him to Shelley Wright’s place to do hill work. I think it was the right decision.” Wood has been pleased with the gelding’s return to work, with Smug completing much of his preparation at Wright’s Glen Massey property near Huntly. “The horse came back in really good order and that will hold him in good stead for his return,” he said. Smug warmed up for Sunday’s assignment with a steeplechase trial victory at Cambridge last week. “He jumped well and did everything right,” Wood said. Despite his confidence in the horse’s condition, Wood admitted the current Soft 5 surface could make the race more testing. “The track is going to be really firm, so they won’t be loitering,” he said. Wood hopes Smug can add further feature jumps wins this season, with the Waikato Steeplechase and Great Northern Steeplechase among his longer-term targets. The stable will also be represented at Te Rapa by Modelo (Sweynesse) in the Foy and Halse Lawyers 2200. “He is a horse that is going to win a couple of races,” Wood said.

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International

Gstaad too good in the Guineas

The market was accurate with Ballydoyle's gun three-year-old Gstaad (Starspangledbanner) proving far too strong for his eight rivals in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas (Gr1, 1m) at The Curragh. The only O’Brien representative following the withdrawal of Neolithic (Sioux Nation), Gstaad justified his 4-11 favouritism with a dominant display to claim his second career Group 1 following last season's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (Gr1, 1m). Gstaad was second behind Bow Echo (Night of Thunder) in the Newmarket equivalent earlier this month but proved a class above overnight defeating Godolphin's Distant Storm (Night Of Thunder), who was third at Newmarket, with Pacific Avenue (Dubawi) back in third.

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First Season Sire Runners

Sunday, May 24, 2026

Aclaim (IRE)

If She Dares (AUS) (ch f ex If We Must by 9Beneteau)

R1 (11:54am): Sunshine Coast, 2yo Landsborough Pub Mdn Hcp, 1000m