Bavella (Snitzel), a recent trial winner, won with plenty in hand on debut at Ellerslie on Friday. She sped through after a slightly tardy start to sit outside the lead at the 600 metres before taking over in the straight at the 400 metre mark, where she was stargazing and seemed a little lost. Jockey... Read More

Both, especially the Valley, played with a distinct advantage to horses on pace and close to the inside. Precisely the same pattern was the case at the two meetings the year before. Whether this is clear track bias, with the inside part of the track faster than the outside, is debatable. There are a number... Read More

Japanese-bred Brave Smash’s win was decisive despite the margin of only a head over Aidan O’Brien’s raider Spirit of Valor (War Front), as Kementari (Lonhro) flew late to be third, only another half-length further back. Time was 1:09.36 with the last 600 metres covered in 34.84. This was Brave Smash’s second Group 1 triumph in... Read More

Juddmonte Farms have 28 lots catalogued in this year’s sale (prior to withdrawals), a number of which catch the eye, while John Gosden has enjoyed another career-defining year on the racecourse and a selection of interesting three-year-olds trained from his Clarehaven Stables are set to be offered under the banner of The Castlebridge Consignment tomorrow.... Read More

It has reduced everything to the lowest common denominator, eliminated rigorous debate, desensitised all of us and given us – not journalists or accomplished broadcasters – but media performers…like Matt Chapman. Reluctant though I may be to give Chapman’s comments about Winx’s lack of quality opposition any more airtime, his comments prompted me to want... Read More

In somewhat of a surprise, the leader was the 2017 Victoria Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) winner Ace High (High Chaparral), who went to the front in the early stages due to the initiative of Damien Oliver. The leading rider was then able to keep steadying the pace that actually resulted in two mid-race 200 metre... Read More