‘Smoothy’ dialled in for Geelong Cup defence

Having knocked off the Queen’s horse when he won the Ebor Handicap (1m 6f), trainer Brian Ellison is planning to commit a similar act of treason when Onesmoothoperator (Dialed In) attempts to defend his title in the Geelong Cup (Gr 3, 2400m).   The proud Englishman joked that he might not be allowed back into the... Read More

The new reality

In less than ten years the Australian racing scene has been turned on its head. For what seems like an eternity, spring racing in Melbourne has centred on the big three – the Caulfield Cup (Gr 1, 2400m), first run in 1879; the Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m), first run in 1922; and the Melbourne... Read More

Treasurethe Moment confirmed for Cox Plate tilt

Matt Laurie is confident that doubting punters will see the real Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express) when she strives to win him his first major in Saturday’s Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m) at Moonee Valley. Treasurethe Moment – the Yulong homebred the sales companies didn’t want – became a sensation of last season but has been... Read More

‘He was an incredibly kind and intelligent horse’ – Coolmore announces the death of star racehorse and sire So You Think

So You Think (High Chaparral), a ten-time Group 1 winner turned successful Coolmore sire, has died after succumbing to a short illness while receiving world-class care from the team at Scone Equine Hospital. He was 19.  Coolmore Australia, where he had been standing since 2012, announced the news on their social channels on Monday morning.... Read More

My Wish storms to Sha Tin Trophy glory

My Wish (Flying Artie) underlined his mounting Hong Kong Mile (Gr 1, 1600m) credentials with a scintillating performance to scoop the Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (Gr 2, 1600m) on Sunday. The five-year-old remained on course for his long-term target at the Hong Kong International Races on December 14 as he continued his rise through the... Read More

Hunter chasing Derby dream with Autumn Mystery 

Twelve years after $4,000 purchase Polanski (Rakti) completed the Caulfield Classic (Gr 3, 2000m) and Victoria Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) double, Rory Hunter is hoping history can repeat itself as the emerging trainer strives to realise a “boyhood dream” with his bargain buy Autumn Mystery (The Autumn Sun).  So-named because his owners were mystified at... Read More