Unreserved drafts and Group 1 winner highlight MM Digital Sale

Bidding is now open for the Magic Millions Digital (29 May-4 June) Sale with 105 lots catalogued, making this sale the platform’s largest to date.

Featured in the sale is the Geisel Park Stud Unreserved Dispersal with 60 lots including racehorses and fillies (9), shares (4), weanlings (15), yearlings (9) and broodmares (23).

On-farm inspections are welcome between 8am and 4pm each day until the sale closes. Inspections can be organised by contacting stud manager Conor Dunlop, with contact details published on the website. Members of the Magic Millions team have also inspected and can provide assistance. Please contact Magic Millions Digital for more information.

Following the National Sales Series, the Hesket Thoroughbred Unreserved Reduction continues with 11 lots catalogued including race fillies, weanlings, broodmares and a breeding right to Bivouac (Exceed And Excel) on offer.

The catalogue is further bolstered by additional stakes-winning fillies and broodmares, headlined by Australasian Oaks (Gr 1, 2000m) winner Vibrant Sun (The Autumn Sun), who is being offered unreserved – giving breeders a chance to secure an elite-level performer for the upcoming breeding season.

A daughter of the Group winner Vibrant Rouge (Written Tycoon), Vibrant Sun also captured the Alexandra Stakes (Gr 3, 1600m) at Moonee Valley.

Perth stakes winner Toropa (Toronado) is another top prospect straight off the track – she is being offered by Amelia Park Racing and Breeding.

A daughter of Toronado (High Chaparral), Toropa won seven of her 19 lifetime starts headlined by her success in the Jungle Dawn Classic (Listed, 1400m) at Ascot. She won her only start in Perth as a two-year-old and all seven wins were on city tracks.

Other stakes winners in the catalogue include four-time Group winner and Group 1 placegetter Luvaluva (Mastercraftsman) - who is offered in foal to leading Darley sire Street Boss (Street Cry) - and Split Lip (Your Song) - who is offered in foal to Golden Slipper (Gr 1, 1200m) winner and hot young sire Stay Inside (Extreme Choice).

Bidding is now open and will begin closing from 12pm (AEST) on Thursday, June 4. To view the catalogue, please click here.

Magnum Park announce acquisition of Sizzling

Magnum Park has announced that proven Group 1-winning stallion Sizzling (Snitzel) will stand in Tasmania for the upcoming breeding season. A brilliant juvenile and Group 1-winning son of champion sire Schnitzel (Redoute’s Choice), Sizzling brings elite Australian speed and proven performance to the Tasmanian breeding industry. Sizzling was one of the standout juveniles of his generation, winning the TJ Smith Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) at two, along with the Champagne Classic (Gr 2, 1200m) and BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m), before later adding the Queensland Guineas (Gr 2, 1400m) to his record. He retired with seven wins, more than $1.3 million in prize-money, and has since established himself as a proven source of winners at stud, producing over 220 individual winners and more than $22 million in progeny earnings. “Sizzling is a horse we have admired for a long time,” Magnum Park’s Alexis Beadman said. “He was an outstanding racehorse with genuine speed, toughness and presence, and we feel he offers something very exciting for Tasmanian breeders. What really stood out to us was not only his race record and sire power, but also the type of horse he is physically. He has great strength, quality and athleticism, along with a beautiful temperament, and he has settled in wonderfully here at Magnum Park. We’re incredibly excited to continue his journey here in Tasmania and look forward to introducing him to breeders throughout the upcoming season.” Further details regarding Sizzling’s upcoming season, including service fee and booking information, will be released shortly.

Joliestar and Overpass jump out at Flemington

Australian Royal Ascot hopefuls Joliestar (Zoustar) and Overpass (Vancouver) have completed their final piece of work on home soil, stepping out in a 900-metre jump-out at Flemington ahead of their departure for the UK next week. The pair are scheduled to fly out on Wednesday evening before tackling Group 1 assignments at the famous meeting. TJ Smith Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) heroine Joliestar will contest the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Gr 1, 6f) on the final day of the carnival, while dual Winterbottom Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) winner Overpass is bound for the King Charles III Stakes (Gr 1, 5f) on the opening day. Joliestar finished in front of Overpass in Friday morning’s jump-out, pleasing trainer Chris Waller, who said the mare had done everything required ahead of the trip. “As soon as you see a horse win down the straight at Flemington, it’s always in the back of your mind,” Waller said of the Royal Ascot plan. “It’s not about the prize-money, it’s about the mare and her name. If she could win at Royal Ascot, she is going to be seen as a champion sprinter in both hemispheres.” Overpass will again represent trainer Bjorn Baker after his successful raids in Perth, with racing manager Luke Hilton reporting the seven-year-old had pleased connections in his final hit-out. “Josh was rapt with him and the horse has never looked as good as he looks at the moment,” Hilton said. "We'll keep him in a good frame of mind, and he won't have too much to do once he gets over there. I think we've got a course proper gallop on the Royal course on the Friday before. We'll go there, give him a look around, and give him a nice hit-out there and then we'll be right to go." Both horses will be based with English trainer Charlie Hills at Lambourn ahead of their Royal Ascot assignments.

Accidental Bid aiming to bounce back in Derby

Accidental Bid (Phoenix Of Spain) may have surrendered Queensland Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) favouritism after his Rough Habit Plate (Gr 3, 2000m) defeat, but connections remain confident the imported colt can bounce back in Saturday’s Eagle Farm Classic. Purchased by Australian Bloodstock after just two starts in the UK, the Ciaron Maher-trained three-year-old heads into the Derby off a sixth-placed finish in the Rough Habit, his first run in a month after narrowly missing a start in the South Australian Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) when he was first emergency despite being favourite for the race. Australian Bloodstock’s Jamie Lovett felt the colt was entitled to improve significantly from his Queensland debut after a disrupted lead-up that included travel to Adelaide and back before heading north. “We asked the horse to go to Adelaide, then we brought him back and then we brought him up here,” Lovett said. “I thought he ran terrific the other day. He got tired late, but Johnny said he had trouble pulling him up. He's bounced out of the run. He's drawn soft and there's a bit of rain around, so I think he's a live chance.” Accidental Bid created a big impression at Pakenham earlier this autumn, following a maiden victory over 1600 metres and a dominant 7.8-length win over 2000 metres, performances that quickly propelled him into Derby calculations. “Tony seems to think he's trained on a bit and Ciaron's happy with him,” Lovett said. John Allen, who has built a strong record in Australian Derbies, retains the ride from barrier six as Accidental Bid attempts to give Maher another major staying success.

Griffiths hoping for special win with Verdad

Trainer Robbie Griffiths will have more than prize-money on his mind when Verdad (Justify) lines up in Saturday’s Rod Griffiths Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield. Named in honour of Griffiths’ late brother Rod, a champion jockey whose greatest successes came at Caulfield, the race carries special significance for the Cranbourne horseman. Rod Griffiths passed away in May, 2022 following a long illness, and Saturday marks the third running of the event in his memory. Griffiths has already gone close to claiming the race, finishing runner-up with I Only Wish (Puissance De Lune) last year after Queen Of Tuscany (Fiorente) ran fifth in the inaugural edition. “Rod had his best successes at Caulfield,” Griffiths said. "He scored a Group 1 double there one day, which is no mean feat and hopefully he's looking down on us on Saturday." Verdad heads into the race off another honest performance when third behind Wonder Boy (Cosmic Force) at Flemington on May 16. The five-year-old son of Justify (Scat Daddy) has built a reputation for consistency, with three wins and finishing in the placings on a further 16 occasions from his 31 starts. Griffiths believes a lack of luck with barrier draws has often worked against the gelding. “When they're around the money, you question whether do they give their all,” Griffiths said. “Or the other way to look at it is if they are around the money, maybe they're just lacking that length and try their guts out, but the horse has won nearly $800,000. I think barriers have been against him a lot in his career as there hasn't been many inside draws and if he gets an inside draw, normally the inside is off. Logan Bates takes 1.5 kilos off, so one thing you do know, he's going to give you a great run.”

Weather to determine Ryan and Alexiou’s Rosehill hand

Track conditions will play a key role in determining how many runners Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou saddle up at Rosehill on Saturday, with the stable monitoring forecasts before finalising plans for a trio of acceptors. The stable has Costabit (Brutal) entered for the NSW Bookmakers Co-Op Handicap (1500m), while Sequista (D'Argento) and Fleeting Spirit (Per Incanto) are both engaged in the Vale Sandro D'Amore Handicap (1200m). Alexiou said Costabit could yet head to Kembla Grange instead, but the prospect of rain has them leaning towards Rosehill. “He is a very effective wet tracker,” Alexiou said. “He's probably out of his grade in that Saturday race, but what he lacks in class he makes up for with an outdoor motor on a heavy track. We've accepted for Kembla as well on Saturday and we'll weigh up our options.” The gelding has done most of his racing in provincial company and was unlucky not to finish closer last start when he struggled to secure clear running behind Hush Hush (Street Boss), who he meets again on Saturday. “He should have gone close to winning the other day,” Alexiou said. “He'll be a good chance wherever he winds up.” Sequista is another whose plans could hinge on the weather, with the mare generally producing her best performances on firmer ground. She closed off strongly when sixth in the Denise’s Joy Stakes (Listed, 1100m) at Scone and could instead be saved for a Brisbane assignment next weekend. “I don't think she's at her best on heavy ground,” Alexiou said. “We'll see how the weather plays out but there is also the option to go up for a race at Eagle Farm next Saturday.” Fleeting Spirit is expected to take her place regardless, with the stable considering a change of tactics after two encouraging but ultimately unplaced runs in midweek grade. “We're going to toy with the option of riding her dead quiet on Saturday and giving her one crack at them,” Alexiou said. “She has been a bit one-paced ridden up near the speed, so we'll change a few things and see how she reacts. She's got a good turn of foot, but she just hasn't been showing it.”

Parisest Magic chases maiden success

Tyler Schiller is confident experience and a rise in distance can help Parisest Magic (Prague) take another step forward when she lines up in Saturday’s Bookmakers Recognition Day Handicap (1300m) at Rosehill. Prepared by Hawkesbury based trainer Alexandre Lemarie, the filly made an encouraging debut at Gosford earlier this month when finishing third behind subsequent stakes winner I Am Dirty (I Am Invincible) despite racing greenly throughout. After settling well off the pace, Parisest Magic worked home strongly in the straight, a performance Schiller believes showed plenty of promise. “She was very green. She was one trial into a start, and she didn't really know what race pace was,” Schiller said. “The race was run at a quick enough tempo that she should have been chasing, but not 12 lengths off them, and the rest of the field could travel satisfactorily, so I couldn't really give much as to why she couldn't tack on early. I'm hoping up to 1300 [metres] she can put herself a bit closer. If she finishes off the way she did there she will be a good chance.” A daughter of Prague (Redoute's Choice), Parisest Magic was a bargain $9,000 purchase from the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale and shapes as a filly with upside after just one race start. While she is yet to race on heavy ground, there is optimism she will handle testing conditions if required. “She's a handy enough filly, so it will be interesting to see what she does on the weekend,” Schiller said. “If she can come out and run a really good race again they will have a lot of fun with her.”

Sandown Cup stretch for Pounding

Few would have predicted Pounding (Exceed And Excel) would one day contest a two-mile race, but the veteran gelding will get his chance when he lines up in Sunday’s Sandown Cup (Listed, 3200m). Now a seven-year-old, Pounding has built a remarkably durable career, winning eight races and earning more than $1.6 million in prize-money. Most of that success has come between 1400 and 1600 metres, with six victories recorded at a mile. Co-trainer Peter Moody admits a staying test of this nature was never part of the original plan. “I never thought I'd see him at 3200 metres, but he keeps whacking away, so why not give it a try,” Moody said. While best known as a miler, Pounding has continued to stretch his distance range in recent seasons and arrives at the Sandown Cup off runner-up finishes in the Mornington Cup (Listed, 2400m) and Andrew Ramsden Stakes (Listed, 2800m). “He'll whack away and run around the money again. He's already won $150,000 for the prep,” Moody said. “He's run second in the Bairnsdale Cup, second in the Mornington Cup, second in the Andrew Ramsden, and he's been around the mark in his other runs. Overall, he's won something like $1.6 million.” While optimistic about the horse’s current form, Moody conceded rain-affected ground could make the assignment tougher. “Slow ground probably sees him out,” he said.

Payne enjoying rehoming role with Racing Victoria

Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m)-winning jockey Michelle Payne has been recognised as an official Racing Victoria Acknowledged Rehomer, formalising a role she says has become a passion in life after race riding. Payne said joining the program was a natural extension of the work she was already doing with retired thoroughbreds, helping place them in suitable homes once their racing careers had ended. “I’m really excited to be joining the acknowledged rehomer program,” Payne told Racing.com. “What we ask of these horses on the track, to then be able to find them a nice home for the right rider and the right person, it’s the best feeling in the world.” Payne said the process of matching horses with new owners had become increasingly rewarding, particularly seeing former racehorses thrive in different environments after racing. “I started finding them homes just because they were accumulating, and I felt that they were ready for that,” she said. Payne said many retired thoroughbreds continued to enjoy active lives beyond racing, whether through jumping, competition or simply developing a bond with a new rider. One of Payne’s favourite recent success stories involved rehoming a “gentle giant” to a young girl returning to riding. “She just absolutely fell in love with him,” Payne told Racing.com. “It warms your heart when you see that. It’s what we get up for each day.”

Newcastle Jockey Club chairman Brian Judd retires

Newcastle Jockey Club chairman Brian Judd will retire from both his rose as chairman and as a director on June 30, bringing to a close a long association with the club spanning more than four decades. Judd leaves the club in a strong position, having served as a director for the past ten years, including six years as vice-chairman. He also held the position of chief executive officer between 1980 and 1988. A highly respected administrator, Judd has played a significant role in the development of the Newcastle Jockey Club and the broader racing industry throughout his career. “It is gratifying to conclude my involvement with the Club as chairman at a time when the Club has such a bright future,” Judd said. “I extend my sincere thanks to a committed board, capable management team and loyal staff for their support and contribution and for their role in helping guide the Club to where it is today.” Newcastle Jockey Club chief executive officer Duane Dowell paid tribute to Judd’s contribution and leadership. “Brian has been such a positive influence on my development as a racing administrator, and I sincerely thank him for his support since I joined Newcastle Jockey Club,” Dowell said. “Brian’s leadership has been highly valued and greatly appreciated during his time as chairman and vice-chairman, and I know he will maintain a strong connection with the Club well into the future.” The Newcastle Jockey Club board is expected to announce Judd’s successor in due course as the club continues to build on its recent progress and strategic direction.

Quirindi meeting cancelled

Quirindi's race meeting scheduled for Saturday, May 30 has been abandoned after persistent rainfall left the track unsuitable for racing. The Quirindi track received 28mm of rain in the past 24 hours, taking the seven-day total to 44mm. Racing NSW considered alternative venues in the region, however no tracks were deemed suitable following significant rainfall and forecasts for further inclement weather.

Murwillumbah abandoned, new Coffs Harbour meeting

The Murwillumbah race meeting scheduled for Sunday, May 31 has been abandoned after the track was deemed unsuitable for racing following 18mm of overnight rain, taking the seven-day total to 103mm. As a consequence, Racing NSW has scheduled a replacement meeting at Coffs Harbour on Wednesday, June 3. Nominations for the meeting close at 8am on Monday, June 1, with acceptances due by 10am the same day. Preference in the ballot will be given to horses that had accepted for the abandoned Casino meeting on May 29 and the Murwillumbah meeting on May 31.

Muswellbrook transferred to Scone

The Muswellbrook race meeting scheduled for Sunday, May 31 has been transferred to Scone after Racing NSW stewards deemed the Muswellbrook track unsuitable for racing. The course received 33mm of rain in the past 24 hours, taking the seven-day total to 57mm. Scone is currently rated a Heavy 10, with several distance amendments applying to the transferred meeting. The amendments can be found here.

Latta chasing stakes success on both sides of the Tasman

Awapuni trainer Lisa Latta will chase black-type success on both sides of the Tasman on Saturday, with runners engaged at Wanganui and Eagle Farm. At Wanganui, Latta will saddle up Belardo Boy (Belardo) and Platinum Diamond (Hello Youmzain) in the AGC Training Stakes (Listed, 1600m), with track conditions likely to play a key role. Belardo Boy has won 11 races, eight of them on Heavy tracks, and Latta said she would have preferred more rain ahead of the weight-for-age contest. “We were looking for rain and we haven’t got it,” Latta said. “He always operates a touch better when it is Heavy, but as long as the fire is out of the track, that’s the main thing.” Stablemate Platinum Diamond has won both of her starts on the track, including the Wanganui Guineas (Listed, 1200m), and the daughter of Hello Youmzain will be seeking to keep her undefeated record at Wanganui intact this weekend. “We rode her handy at Waikato and she just wasn’t happy at all,” Latta said. “We added the tongue-tie at Rotorua but Matt Cameron [jockey] said she wasn’t that comfortable in that either, so we have pulled that back off. She gets in with that weight relief, that is always a help, and Bruno [Queiroz, jockey] knows her pretty well so we will leave it to him.” Across the Tasman, Latta will be represented by Platinum Pantheon (Hanseatic) in the Fred Best Classic (Gr 3, 1400m) at Eagle Farm. The gelding finished sixth in the Gold Coast Guineas (Gr 3, 1200m) at his Australian debut and Latta was encouraged by the performance. “We rode him a touch handier than what we usually do,” she said. “There wasn’t a lot of room to get out, and he only finished two lengths from them, so I thought it was a tidy enough run.” Initially the first emergency, Platinum Pantheon gained a start after scratchings and will jump from barrier ten with Mark Du Plessis aboard. “He ended up one on the ballot, but he made the field on Wednesday. It is a really strong field,” Latta said.

Catwalk Queen makes winning start for charity

Catwalk Queen (Per Incanto) made a winning start to her career at Tauranga on Friday, providing an ideal result for the CatWalk Trust, the charitable organisation she was donated to by Kaha Nui Farm principals Nicky and Nick White. The three-year-old filly, trained by Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott, was gifted to the Trust to help raise funds and awareness for spinal cord injury research. Through the CatWalk Collective Syndicate, 75 per cent of prize-money earned by the filly is directed to the Trust. “Our family donated her because we have a soft spot for the CatWalk Trust and everything they are trying to do,” Nicky White said. “It is a great cause and we are keen to get more exposure because I think a lot of people aren’t quite aware of it and all the great things and inspirational people involved. We have got a bit of money to raise for the research team, the cure programmes, so hopefully she will go a long way towards helping us out.” White said Entain had also supported the initiative by covering the filly’s training and racing expenses. “Entain have kindly come on board and are sorting out all of her training fees and expenses to race her,” White said. “We have donated the horse to the CatWalk Trust, but we have stayed in as owners on paper. We have got 25 new owners that have entered the racing game and they have each got a one percent share. We wanted to get a bit more awareness for the Trust and they came in on a pretty good wicket being able to buy into a racehorse and gain some experience, support a good cause and be a part of the fun.” After winning one trial and placing in three others, Catwalk Queen justified expectations with a front-running debut victory in the Mills Reef Maiden (1200m), scoring by 1.8 lengths under Matt Cartwright.

Riviera Rebel on song for Wairio Cup

Riviera Rebel (Pure Champion) will look to make the most of favourable conditions when he lines up in the Wairio Cup (2200m) at Wingatui on Sunday, with Riverton trainers Graham Eade and Brooke Kincaid confident the heavy ground will suit. The southern stayer heads into the feature with a Heavy 10 track, an inside draw and proven wet-track form in his favour, although co-trainer Graham Eade admits topweight of 60 kilograms remains a concern. "He is good in himself and the track should suit him as well as the draw. It is just the weight that is the concern," Eade said. Riviera Rebel was runner-up in the Riverton Cup (2147m) before finishing down the track in the Canterbury Gold Cup (Gr 3, 2000m) at Riccarton, a performance Eade is prepared to forgive. "He just won’t let down if the track is rock hard. He went very well in the Riverton Cup on a wetter track." With limited staying opportunities available in the south through winter, connections are considering a possible northern campaign later in the season. "There’s not a lot around for him, we don’t know what to do at this stage. I have got trainer mates up there [North Island] that I could send him up to, so it is a thought."

HK: Sky Jewellery and Patch Of Stars bid to continue rise in Group 3s

With the season nearing its climax, Sha Tin hosts two Group 3 contests on Sunday, which will feature two improving young gallopers reaching their peaks this term. The John Size-trained Sky Jewellery (The Autumn Sun) has made a stunning comeback this season following a 12-month break, with two wins after his April return a reminder of the four-year-old’s exciting potential. Andrea Atzeni retains the ride on Sky Jewellery in the Lion Rock Trophy Handicap (Gr 3, 1600m) following a successful first outing together in a rain-affected Class 2 mile contest four weeks ago. “He’s done nothing wrong so far,” Atzeni said. “He’s won his last two races, and he’s up in grade, with the lightish weight. He’s a nice horse, and we’ll find out a little bit more on Sunday. I wasn’t quite sure about the ground [on his last run]. When he came out of the gates, he just sort of struggled to get a grip. But once we got into the straight and he put himself together, he finished off nicely. I don’t know what the weather is going to be like for the rest of the week, but he’s pretty versatile. If it becomes a bit slow, he’s obviously won on it. But he’s won on top of the ground too. So, I don’t think the ground would be an issue.” Meanwhile, Karis Teetan picks up the ride on the Manfred Man-trained Patch Of Stars (All Too Hard) when he tackles the Sha Tin Vase Handicap (Gr 3, 1200m). The gelding has three wins, a second and a third from seven runs in a hugely successful four-year-old campaign, which has seen his mark climb from 79 since he finished a fading sixth in a Class 3 test on the opening day of the season. “At the end of the season, you get those horses that are still holding their form, and they go in with the nice lightweight. Those are the ones to get on,” Teetan said. “I’m lucky to be able to pick up this horse. It’s a tough race – there’s some horses that we need to respect, of course. But I do believe he’s in the right place to be competitive.”

85 for Wootton Bassett

Coolmore’s late shuttler Wootton Bassett (Iffraaj) sired his 85th individual stakes winner when the Charlie Appleby-trained Talk Of New York (3 c ex Usherette by Shamardal) scored an easy success in Thursday’s Heron Stakes (Listed, 1m) at Sandown. Ridden by William Buick, the three-year-old colt hit the front with over a furlong left to race and pulled five and a half lengths clear of stablemate Time To Turn (Dark Angel). There was a further head back to the third-placed Andab (Saxon Warrior). Bred and raced by Godolphin, Talk Of New York is a half-brother to Listed-placed winner Star Guest (Dubawi) being the fourth foal out of the Group 2-winning Shamardal (Giant’s Causeway) mare Usherette, herself a half-sister to Listed winners Magnetic Charm (Exceed And Excel) and Show Day (Shamardal). Following Thursday’s victory, Talk Of New York was cut to a best-priced 6-1 for next month’s St James’s Palace Stakes (Gr 1, 1m) at Royal Ascot. Wootton Bassett died last year.

21 for Cotai Glory

Where Love Lives (2 c ex Bettys Hope by Anjaal) became the 21st individual stakes winner for Cotai Glory (Exceed And Excel) when landing Thursday’s National Stakes (Listed, 5f) at Sandown. Ridden by Kevin Stott for trainer Kevin Ryan, the juvenile colt doubled his unbeaten tally as he defeated Adaay Of Scarlett (Mehmas) by a half-length. There was a further neck back to the third-placed Princesse d’Orange (Ardad). A half-brother to winner Inbetty, Where Love Lives is the third foal out of the winning Anjaal (Bahamian Bounty) mare Bettys Hope, herself out of a maiden half-sister to Group 1 winner Kyllachy (Pivotal). Cotai Glory is standing at Izmit Stud in Turkey for a private fee.

UK: Ombudsman makes winning comeback in Brigadier Gerard

Last year’s Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (Gr 1, 1m 2f) and International Stakes (Gr 1, 1m 2.5f) winner Ombudsman (5 h Night Of Thunder - Syndicate by Dansili) made a successful return to action on Thursday when narrowly taking out the Brigadier Gerard Stakes (Gr 3, 1m 2f) at Sandown. Ridden by William Buick for trainers John and Thady Gosden, the five-year-old entire carried a seven-pound penalty to victory as he held off the persistent challenge of Gethin (Ghaiyyath) by a neck. There was a further three lengths back to Almeric (Study Of Man) in third place. Ombudsman is a best-priced 5-2 second-favourite to land back-to-back runnings of the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot next month.

UK: Dubai Future downs Sweet William in Henry II Stakes

The Saeed bin Suroor-trained Dubai Future (10 g Dubawi - Anjaz by Street Cry) got himself back into the winner’s circle for the first time in over a year when running out a shock victor of Thursday’s Henry II Stakes (Gr 3, 2m) at Sandown. Ridden by David Probert, the ten-year-old gelding found himself at the year of the field and the front of the field throughout the two-mile Group 3 but, after having kicked for home inside the final two furlongs, the son of Dubawi (Dubai Millennium) kept on to hold off odds-on favourite Sweet William (Sea The Stars) by a neck. There was a further length and a quarter back to Lazy Griff (Protectionist) in third place. Having run third in last season’s Ascot Gold Cup (Gr 1, 2m 4f) at Royal Ascot, Dubai Future will return to the royal meeting for another crack next month.