Winx a glorious exception to Murphy’s law
Except, it seems, if your name is Winx. While the extraordinary frequency of her stride length has been well canvassed of late her freakish winning run has to be as much about trainer Chris Waller’s incredible management in minimising the Murphy risk; his management in having her free from pain and injury; her heart and... Read More
York hoping increased Ebor prize-money will lure overseas raiders
The Ebor prize-money will, next year, be boosted to £1 million ($1.78 million) which almost certainly will have it as the richest Flat handicap in the northern hemisphere and ensure its status as a valued precursor to the world’s richest handicap race at Flemington (boosted, this year, to $7.3 million). It’s hoped that the increased... Read More
Appleby heading to the spring with a strong team
Perhaps the most telling sign of a trainer at the top of their game is a patient and well-placed campaign for a progressive horse and Appleby’s Hamada (Cape Cross), who secured his fifth consecutive victory when landing the Geoffrey Freer Stakes (Gr 3, 1m5.5f) at Newbury on Saturday, fits that bill perfectly, justifying the time... Read More
Voodoo Lad’s fast sectional times in winning Aurie’s Star suggest he should not be underrated
The seven-year-old is in peak form, winning the Sir John Monash Stakes (Gr 3, 1100m) at Caulfield on July 14 three starts ago, prior to recording fast closing sectional when second to Vega Magic (Lope De Vega) in the Bletchingly Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) at Caulfield on July 25. Then on Saturday, Voodoo Lad settled... Read More
Miss Fabulass (AUS) 3 f Frankel – Samantha Miss by Redoute’s Choice
Wednesday’s race looked like boasting strong form despite comprising only three runners. The impeccably bred Miss Fabulass, who was resuming after her promising second on debut at Rosehill in February, showed good early pace and soon went to the front. She then travelled strongly, was pressured nearing the home turn, got a break at the... Read More
‘Chautauqua deserves to take his place in The Everest’
The whole saga of Chautauqua’s racing embargo, in place until he trials to the satisfaction of stewards, borders on farce. Comic and dramatic from the start. Frankly it doesn’t make sense given that he’s never significantly transgressed on raceday. He’s been slow to begin on occasions but been no barrier rogue. Yes, of course, he... Read More