Options open for Big Blue at Cheltenham The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained hurdler Big Blue (Galileo) has been nominated for four races at next month’s famous Cheltenham Festival in England. Maher said he was favouring the Coral Cup (Gr 3, 2m 5f) on the second day of the Festival while the eight-year-old gelding has... Read More

Coronavirus forces fanless Japan meetings The Japan Racing Association has banned racegoers from attending meetings from tomorrow in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Cards are scheduled for Nakayama, Chukyo and Hanshin, while the same venues are also due to race on Sunday. However, a statement from the JRA read: “In measures to... Read More

First for Exosphere Group 1 winner Exosphere (Lonhro) sired his first winner yesterday when the Godolphin homebred Thermosphere (2 f ex Glows by Canny Lad) posted a breakthrough win after two promising efforts. Trained by James Cummings, Thermosphere took out a two-year-old maiden at Newcastle over 1300 metres by a short-head from the favourite Cultural... Read More

James shoots for sixth Derby win Co-trainer Roger James will launch a three-pronged assault on tomorrow’s New Zealand Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) as he tries to win Ellerslie’s blue riband for the sixth time. Star filly Two Illicit (Jimmy Choux) heads the trio following her seven and a half-length Waikato Guineas (Gr 2, 2000m) success... Read More

2 c Snitzel – World Joy by Anabaa O: Aquis Hk G1 (Mgr: S J McGrath)  T: Gerald Ryan  S: Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale V: Baramul Stud P: Aquis Farm, $500,000  W: 2YO Maiden (1000m), February 26, Gosford Two promising juveniles fought out the finish to the 1000-metre maiden at Gosford on Wednesday,... Read More

Lightly-raced, but talented, mare Pippie (Written Tycoon) produced a stunning performance in taking out Saturday’s Oakleigh Plate (Gr 1, 1100m), only failing by the barest of margins to break the 10-year-old track record at Caulfield. After beginning brilliantly from barrier 14, Pippie crossed to the front in a twinkling. She  continued at a fast tempo... Read More