The weekend’s racing provides significant pointers for Melbourne
Anxious wait for Nakeeta and Withhold The initial reaction to the publication of the weights focussed on the unsurpassed quality on display this season and the numerical strength of the overseas challenge – 22 of the top 50 in the order of entry are trained in Europe – has undoubtedly given the race more depth... Read More
All horses out for exercise on second day in quarantine
The Charlie Fellowes-trained Prince Of Arran (Shirocco) looked in good order as he made his way steadily round Side Hill, under the watchful eye of his young trainer. The five-year-old gelding will run first up in the Herbert Power Stakes (Gr 2, 2400m) at Caulfield on October 13 and also holds an entry in the... Read More
Imports add an interesting angle to Melbourne Cup debate
Unsurprisingly, three are from the Darren Weir stable and the other with the Liam Howley-Lloyd Williams operation. Furrion, Kemono and Tosen Basil step out for Weir while Orderofthegarter represents Macedon Lodge. And as early as next weekend we are likely to see the first of a multitude of 2018 international runners with the Charlie Appleby... Read More
Horses in Quarantine in Newmarket
Count Octave, Andrew Balding (UK) Duretto, Andrew Balding (UK) Red Verdon, Ed Dunlop (UK) Withhold, Roger Charlton (UK) Sound Check, Michael Moroney (AUS) Finche, Chris Waller (AUS) Dal Harraild, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace (AUS) Casterton, Andre Fabre (FRA) Danon Distance, Shozo Sasaki (JPN) Pharrell, Jean-Claude Rouget (FRA) Marathon Man, Carlos Lerner (FRA) Shraaoh, Chris... Read More
Nature Strip’s ratings now support what his sectional times have been indicating
Suggested as a worthy contender for the $13 million Everest (1200m) after his win in a three-year-old handicap (1100m) at Flemington on June 23, slot-holders for that race certainly did not rush offers of a start for Nature Strip who held a rating clearly below his likely rivals. At that stage Nature Strip had not... Read More
Some fascinating contenders enter quarantine in Newmarket
They include recent Grosser Preis Von Baden (Gr 1, 1m4f) winner Best Solution (Kodiac), who spearheads a four-pronged assault for trainer Saeed bin Suroor, the Ronnie Arculli-owned Red Verdon (Lemon Drop Kid), who will carry the same silks as three-time Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) runner-up Red Cadeaux (Cadeaux Genereux), and the Roger Charlton-trained Withhold... Read More