Wonder mare toast of the racing world

Written by

Paul Vettise

3 min read

Winx (Street Cry {IRE}) hit rarefied air on Saturday in lifting the G1 Cox Plate for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year.

Like Neil Armstrong taking those first steps on the Moon in 1969, she too has gone to a new frontier with her history-making third successful defence of the Southern Hemisphere’s weight-for-age championship.

Winx, Queen of the saucer-like Moonee Valley track, and everywhere else she has been for that matter, is the toast of the racing world.

Integral to her story are trainer Chris Waller, jockey Hugh Bowman and owners Debbie Kepitis, Richard Treweeke and Peter and Patty Tighe’s Magic Bloodstock, all of whom have been most gracious throughout.

“I’m just blessed to have a horse like Winx.” – Chris Waller.

“I’m just blessed to have a horse like Winx,” an emotional Waller said. “Every race with Winx is so important and this was her grand final for this preparation.

“The reception has been amazing – this is our sport at its best and I’m just so proud to be part of the Winx story.

“It’s indescribable. It’s all gone to another level, it’s obviously pretty special and I can’t say much more – I’m gassed.”

Chris Waller and Winx following her 4th Cox Plate win

Rapturous applause

Winx raced on her own in fifth spot and when rider Hugh Bowman made his move 600 metres from the 38,000 fans on course erupted.

The great mare ambled around the field to be in front before the turn and then coasted to her 29th win on the bounce and 22nd at Group 1 level.

The crowds cheering Winx after her victory

“They were going a bit slowly early and that was my only concern – she only performs under pressure, but then to see her unleash as she does was great and Hughie had them covered a long way from home,” Waller said.

Bowman had the ride of his life and, humble as ever, just paid tribute to Winx and her super equine qualities.

“It was a huge build-up and the expectations were on her, and myself I suppose, and I’m so proud of the horse and Chris Waller and his staff.” – Hugh Bowman.

“It was a huge build-up and the expectations were on her, and myself I suppose, and I’m so proud of the horse and Chris Waller and his staff,” he said.

“It’s a really humbling feeling and she’s such a wonderful horse and I’m lucky to be part of a fairytale.

Hugh Bowman and Winx salute to the crowd

“I can’t describe the feeling. We were stepping into unchartered territory, but she’s a super athlete who has brought so much joy to so many people.

“I’m just pleased so many have seen the superb ability of this horse. I’m so, so proud to be part of this amazing story.” – Hugh Bowman.

“I’m just pleased so many have seen the superb ability of this horse. I’m so, so proud to be part of this amazing story.”

Winx’s part-owner Debbie Kepitis was understandably overwhelmed by the occasion.

Debbie Kepitis and Hugh Bowman

“It’s a bit surreal, four Cox Plates – how do you describe that?” she said. “She’s a mighty mare and Benbatl was there to beat her and I thank them for coming over. She showed her talent and Holy Moly, we’ve done it.”

Multiple Group 1 winner Benbatl (GBN) (Dubawi {IRE})finished a gallant second ahead of last year’s runner-up Humidor (NZ) (Teofilo {IRE} and trainer Saeed Bin Suroor was most gracious in defeat.

“She’s a superstar. He ran a great race and we took our chance, but she’s something very special,” he said.

Any comparisons both unfair and unnecessary

3 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Words can certainly tend to be on the inadequate side when it comes to Winx (Street Cry {IRE}). They fall woefully short of doing the great mare justice in the wake of another majestic performance to lift her fourth consecutive G1 Cox Plate.

Shy of renaming the Moonee Valley championship the Winx Plate, it’s perhaps best just to treat and revel in what she is – a freak of nature. Her effort will undoubtedly raise the question of best ever, but comparisons are both futile and unfair.

The only view the competition got of Winx down the straight of Moonee Valley

They’ve all been great in their era. In this part of the world, Black Caviar (Bel Esprit) will certainly be to the fore in racing circle discussions/arguments. In her court is an unbeaten record, including success overseas, but neither party deserves any comparison. Both unique, both breath-taking, both stand alone.

From an international perspective, the 10-time Group 1 winner Frankel (GB) (Galileo {IRE}) was another undefeated wonder galloper, as were the Italian-based pair of Nearco (ITY) (Pharos {GB) and Ribot (GB) (Tenerani {ITY}.

Tesio champions

Never beaten and both products of the Italian master Federico Tesio, one of the greatest thoroughbred minds.

Ribot was undefeated in 16 races, including the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, while Nearco had the perfect record after 14 outings and won the G1 Grand Prix de Paris.

Watch: A tribute to the great Nearco

And what of Kinscem (HGR )(Cambuscan {GB}), never headed in 54 outings. Over four seasons, she beat both sexes in England, France, Germany, Austria and in her native Hungary. As a 5-year-old, she won all 12 starts under an average 69.5kg.

There are countless others – the likes of Nijinsky (CAN) (Northern Dancer {USA}), Sir Ivor (USA) (Sir Gaylord {USA}), Secretariat (USA) (Bold Ruler {USA}), Man O’War (USA) (Fair Play {USA}), Brigadier Gerard (GB) (Queens Hussar {GB}) and Zenyatta (USA) (Street Cry {IRE}).

Australasian greats

Closer to home, and in no particular order, Phar Lap (NZ) (Night Raid {GB}), Sunline (NZ) (Desert Sun {GB}), Kingston Town (Bletchingly), Makybe Diva (GB) (Desert King {IRE}) and Northerly (Serheed {USA})… the list is endless.

They’ve all pushed racing’s boundaries in their decorated careers and been idolised in their times.

So where does Winx sit in all this? Everyone will have an opinion, but let’s just forget comparisons and celebrate them all for what they are - supremely talented athletes so blessed by the racing gods.

Winx is another in the line of thoroughbred history-makers, let’s just savour another all-time great.

Mystic's legend grows with Valley win

Written by

Bren O'Brien

4 min read

A one-time $11,000 yearling, a fly-in, fly-out jockey and a trainer previously without a Group win relished the big stage on Cox Plate day.

Adam Trinder's decision to target what he saw as the weaker fillies' Group race paid significant dividends as his star filly Mystic Journey (Needs Further) showed her mettle and her talent to prevail in the G2 Aquis Farm Fillies Classic at Moonee Valley.

The 2.25l win over G1 Thousand Guineas runner-up Fundamentalist (Not A Single Doubt) raised questions about whether the Tasmanian filly would have been better placed at Group 1 level two weeks ago at Caulfield, but Trinder was satisfied with her success on Saturday.

"I just felt the three weeks into that (the Guineas) with the timing of things, she was a little bit hollow," he said.

"We were more than content to go the five weeks between runs by design. We bypassed a Group 1 but we are more than satisfied with a Group 2 win on Cox Plate Day."

"We bypassed a Group 1 but we are more than satisfied with a Group 2 win on Cox Plate Day." - Trainer, Adam Trinder

On one of the biggest days on the Australian racing calendar, the victory of a one-time $11,000 yearling, who arrived in Melbourne by boat the day before the race, to be ridden by a fly-in fly-out jockey and trained by someone who had never had a Group winner, can not be underestimated.

Overcoming all those factors, Mystic Journey was then forced to race three-deep without cover throughout the 1600m event. But the trainer was never really worried.

"She was strong and solid to the line and it’s easy to say it after the fact, while she was three deep without cover, she continued to build throughout the race and I grew in confidence as further they went," Trinder said.

Mystic Journey's connections celebrate her G2 win

Sticking with Darmanin

Darmanin, who mixes his Tasmanian riding duties with his work at Macedon Lodge, knew it wasn't his prettiest ride, but was delighted to have captured the second Group 2 victory of his journeyman career.

"It wasn't very nice to watch from a punter's perspective. But Adam Trinder has done a terrific job with this filly and all credit goes to him," he said. "It’s an amazing feeling."

Jockey, Anthony Darmanin

"It wasn't very nice to watch from a punter's perspective. But Adam Trinder has done a terrific job with this filly and all credit goes to him. It’s an amazing feeling." - Anthony Darmanin

While he had plenty of other options for who to put on Mystic Journey, Trinder said he was always going to stick with the jockey who has ridden her in eight of her nine starts.

"Anthony's our senior jockey, he does all of our riding. There was a temptation there to go with the big names, but he's got a good understanding of her, he's done nothing wrong and we stuck with him," he said.

With six wins in nine starts, Mystic Journey now has claims on being one of the more exciting fillies in Australia, let alone in her home state. Trinder is convinced she will improve even more as she heads to the paddock to be aimed at features in the autumn.

"She was very dynamic as a sprinting filly. She ran times and broke 1100m track records as a 2-year-old which is unheard of. She's bred to get a trip, and now she is getting out to these trips where she can just get an easy sectionals mid race, she's very good," he said.

Mystic Journey

Big day for Needs Further

Her win is also huge boost for her sire, Needs Further, who stands at Armidale Stud at Carrick, near Launceston.

Mystic Journey is one of the two stakes winners for the stallion, whose oldest progeny are four.

His progeny swept the major 2-year-old races in Tasmania last season, leading to a much stronger demand for him this season alongside one of Armidale's other stallions, Alpine Eagle.

Armidale Stud's, Needs Further

Expensive filly takes thick end of stake

3 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Emirates Park hasn’t had to wait long to reap a reward on a major investment.

Principal Nasser Lootah went to $750,000 to secure Espaaniyah (I Am Invincible) at the Inglis Easter Sale and that looked money well spent when the filly sped to an authoritative debut victory at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

She was quickly into stride to lead from a handy gate and the more rider Tim Clark asked of her in the straight the more she gave to comfortably keep the challenge of Biscara (Rubick) at bay.

“She’s a really nice filly and it was a professional performance.” - Adrian Bott

“She’s a really nice filly and it was a professional performance,” said Adrian Bott, who trains with Gai Waterhouse.

“She’s gone ahead in leaps and bounds since she’s been down here and there’s a lot more in store for her.”

Clark was equally effusive about the future of Espaaniyah, who is from the family of the Group 3 winner and Group 1 performer Aichi ( Strategic).

“I’ve had a bit to do with her at home and I was keen to come down and ride her.” – Tim Clark

“I’ve had a bit to do with her at home and I was keen to come down and ride her,” he said. “I think she’s pretty smart.”

Espaaniyah was a $750,000 yearling purchase

While her task was made somewhat easier when True Serendipity (Toronado {IRE}) ran off on the turn and took half the field with her, Espaaniyah ran straight and true and never looked like being headed.

Meanwhile at Trentham, the covers came off the highly-regarded Exuberant (NZ) (Savabeel) and he didn’t let the side down with victory in the Listed Hanley Formula Wellesley S.

“To do that at his first start in a Listed race shows he’s a pretty classy animal.” – Todd Pollard

“To do that at his first start in a Listed race shows he’s a pretty classy animal,” trainer Stephen Marsh’s racing manager Todd Pollard said.

"He’s a lovely looking 2-year-old, not overly big, but he’s a beautiful horse.”

Bred and sold by Waikato Stud, Exuberant was a NZ$160,000 Karaka purchase for Go Racing whose principal Albert Bosma was celebrating from afar. He is currently in England to source staying prospects at the Tattersalls Horse in Training Sale, which opens on Monday.

Bavella shines

At Ellerslie, the blue-blooded filly Bavella NZ) (Zoustar) raced accordingly and made best use of an inside gate to sit outside the leader before dashing clear in the straight to win the Partners Life Juvenile.

Bred and raced by Cambridge Stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay, the Lance Noble-trained youngster is a daughter of the G3 Ladies’ Day Vase winner Zonza (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}).

“Obviously, the barrier draw played a big part and she’s been pretty professional all the way through,” Noble said.

“With 2-year-olds it’s a bit day to day when they’re still growing.” – Lance Noble

“With 2-year-olds it’s a bit day to day when they’re still growing. There is a nice race for her at Pukekohe in a month – she’ll tell us if we go there.”

Miss Federer (NZ) (Swiss Ace) was able to turn the tables on Challa (Dissident) at Riccarton in the New Zealand Bloodstock Pearl Series Race.

The latter had finished ahead in their first meeting when both placed behind Challa’s stablemate Puysegur (Fastnet Rock), but it was Miss Federer who asserted her dominance this time around.

She is trained by Andrew Carston, who bought the sister to stakes performer Starlight Angel out of Bradbury Park’s draft at Karaka for NZ$10,000.

Cliff's Edge the model racehorse

3 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Darren Weir has got hundreds to choose from, but he had no hesitation in putting Cliff’s Edge (Canford Cliffs {IRE}) in the favourite category.

The champion Victorian trainer espoused his admiration for the millionaire earner after he proved superior to his rivals in the G2 Schweppes Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

“He’s got the perfect racing style, up on the speed and he makes his own luck,” Weir said. “He’d be a great horse to own, he never runs badly.”

Cliff’s Edge raced outside the leader Siege Of Quebec (Fastnet Rock) and he went past him at the top of the straight and stayed on strongly to have Prized Icon (More Than Ready {USA}) comfortably covered at the finish.

“He’s had a fetlock chip removed and he appreciates a smidgeon of give in the ground.” - Darren Weir.

“He’s had a fetlock chip removed and he appreciates a smidgeon of give in the ground,” Weir said. “It was the right race for him.”

The 4-year-old is now a dual Group 2 winner, having won last season’s Alister Clark S., and Weir is now looking to take him to the next level in seven days’ time.

“Hopefully, he has a good week and we’ll back him up next Saturday in the G1 Kennedy Mile,” Weir said.

“If you fire enough bullets hopefully a few hit now and then.” – Darren Weir.

“We train a large amount of horses and we’re expected to win more with the number of runners we have. If you fire enough bullets hopefully a few hit now and then.”

Irish jockey John Allen has become a vital member of the Weir team and he rode a copybook race aboard the free-going Cliff’s Edge.

Irish jockey, John Allen

“It’s all thanks to Darren and all the team, they put their faith in me and it’s good to be able to pay them back,” he said.

“He’s as tough as old boots this horse.” – John Allen.

“He’s as tough as old boots this horse. He didn’t want to go early so I had to roust him up to get outside the leader.”

Cliff's Edge connections celebrating his win in the G2 Crystal Mile

Allen elected to give Cliff’s Edge his head near the turn to burn off Siege Of Quebec, who wilted to finish fourth.

“I put the pressure on early enough, he likes a dog fight and he toughed it out,” he said.

The Kris Lees-trained Prized Icon enjoyed a cosy run in the trail and he closed off well with Godolphin’s Duca Valentinois (IRE) (Holy Roman Emperor {IRE} turning his recent form around with a solid run for third.

Sky Boy's win a tribute to Dato Tan

3 min read

Promising 4-year-old Sky Boy (Pendragon {NZ}) provided a fitting tribute to Dato Tan Chin Nam on a day which the Malaysian businessman tasted some of his biggest successes.

The thoroughbred industry mourned Dato Tan's passing this week at the age of 92 and at Randwick on Saturday, Sky Boy, carrying the famous white, black and yellow colours of his Think Big Stud, romped to victory in the Cellarbrations Hcp.

Making the moment even more significant was the fact that Sky Boy is prepared by Anthony and Edward Cummings, the son and grandson of Bart Cummings, who combined with Dato Tan to win four Melbourne Cups and three Cox Plates.

Anthony Cummings with jockey, Christian Reith following Sky Boy's win

"It's very fitting on Cox Plate Day that he gets a winner. He's been a great support to our family and he's a great loss." - Anthony Cummings reflecting on the loss of Dato Tan Chin Nam

Pendragon was Think Big Stud's foundation sire, while Sky Boy's dam, Zazabelle (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) was raced by Dato Tan and trained by Bart Cummings to run third in the 1999 Melbourne Cup.

As Winx (Street Cry {Ire]) won a fourth Cox Plate at Moonee Valley, Anthony Cummings was left to reflect on the Cox Plates his father and Dato Tan won with Saintly (1996) and So You Think (NZ) (2009, 2010).

"It's very fitting on Cox Plate Day that he gets a winner," he said. "He's been a great support to our family and he's a great loss."

Bart Cummings and Dato Tan Chin Nam following Viewed's win in the 2008 Melbourne Cup

It was also a significant moment for jockey Christian Reith, who paid tribute to Dato Tan having given Sky Boy a perfectly-rated ride at just his ninth start.

"It was a shock to the racing industry and he's been a loved man. He's been a big supporter of racing and I'm pleased to be able to wear these colours today," he said.

Reith has a high opinion of Sky Boy, who he feels will continue to improve as he learns.

"I think he's got the makings of being a really nice horse. He's still learning his trade and he's still doing a few little things wrong," he said.

"I think he's got the makings of being a really nice horse." - Jockey Christian Reith

"He just got to relax a bit more. He's got the groundings there and if he keeps making those steps, he can make the grade."

Cummings, too, feels that Sky Boy will be paying tribute to his owner and breeder for some time to come.

"He really is a very nice horse and he has got a big future ahead of him. Today was as good as he's raced. He's shown improvement since last time. I expect he’ll improve again," he said.

"He's basically in school, he's learning about his craft and what’s in front of him. By the time the autumn comes around, he’ll be an A-grade student and on with the job."

Pendragon's sole stakes winner has been Miss Gunpowder, who was also raced by Dato Tan.

Black-Type Results

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G1 Cox Plate, Moonee Valley

Race Summary:

The world’s highest rated thoroughbred raced right up to expectations, and then some, with an historic performance.

Winx (Street Cry {IRE}) coasted along in fifth spot and when her regular partner Hugh Bowman slipped her a bit more leather 600 metres from home she moved smoothly through her gears.

She was in front before the turn and it was game over as she lengthened her elegant stride to put the issue beyond any doubt to claim her fourth consecutive G1 Cox Plate.

Pedigree Notes:

Winx’s dam Vegas Showgirl (NZ) (Al Akbar {NZ}) was a decent mare herself and won seven times and was a Group 3 placegetter.

The G3 Kindergarten S., winner El Divino (Snitzel) is her only other winner, but she’s quite obviously done enough in the breeding barn to be forever remembered.

Winx was identified and secured for her owners by New Zealand bloodstock agent Guy Mulcaster at the 2013 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $230,000 and her stake earnings have now surpassed $20 million, some investment!

G2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup, Moonee Valley

Race Summary:

Ventura Storm (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) is destined for the G1 Melbourne Cup after recording his first win in Australia in the G2 McCafe Moonee Valley Gold Cup.

Ventura Storm had been winless in 16 starts since coming from Europe, but after being gelded, he was given a wind operation, which Lindsay Park's David Hayes credits with his more consistent performance.

Mark Zahra gave him a peach of a ride on Saturday, sitting him just in behind the pace set by Trap For Fools (Poet's Voice {GB}) before getting him into clear to challenge at the top of the straight.

Trap For Fools gave a strong kick, but Ventura Storm proved the superior stayer, winning by 0.4l, with Libran (Ire) (Lawman {Fr}) getting up for third.

Pedigree Notes:

Ventura Storm, a Group 1 winner in Italy, is out of Sarawati (Ire), making him a half-brother to UK winner Bella Ventura. Sarawati is a half sister to Listed winner Sahool as well as the dams of G2 Hardwicke S winner Maraahel, G3 winner Laraaib and G2 winner Gutaifan.

He joins Carzoff (Ire) as an Australian stakes winner for Zoffany.

G2 Drummonds Golf Vase, Moonee Valley

Race Summary:

Stars Of Carrum (Fiorente {Ire}) has surged into contention for the G1 Victoria Derby with an upset win in the G2 Drummonds Golf Vase.

The Robbie Lang-trained 3-year-old broke his maiden in spectacular style, launching late to claim Savoie (Livethiscity) in a thrilling finish to Cox Plate Day.

Having been narrowly beaten in the Listed Hill-Smith S. at his previous start, Stars Of Carrum showed his staying potential, getting home strongly after an excellent ride from Ben Melham.

Aramayo (Poet's Voice {GB}), coming off a second in the G1 Spring Champion S., got a long way out of his ground, charging home for third, but three lengths from the winner.

Laing indicated Stars Of Carrum would back up in the Derby next week.

Pedigree Notes:

Stars of Carrum was a $75,000 Premier Sale buy and is out of Signoret (Anabaa {USA}), who was a city winner out of Group 2 winner Jameela, the sister of Hobart Cup winner Jeune's Mark.

Signoret's first foal Zelsignoret (Snitzel) is a two-time winner, while there is also two-year-old colt by Fighting Sun.

Significantly, he is the first stakes winner for Sun Stud's Melbourne Cup winning sire Fiorente.

G2 Aquis Farm Fillies Classic, Moonee Valley

Race Summary:

Tasmanian filly Mystic Journey (Needs Further) has overcome a tough run to easily win the G3 Aquis Farm Fillies Classic at Moonee Valley.

Prepared by Adam Trinder at Spreyton, Mystic Journey made it six wins from nine starts, despite sitting three deep through the 1600m race. She surged to early leader and eventual runner-up Fundamentalist (Not A Single Doubt) at the top of the straight to win by 2.25l, with El Dorado Dreaming (Ilovethiscity) coming home from the rear of the field for third.

It is her second stakes success after her last start win in the Listed Jim Moloney S. and the most significant win of Trinder's career. It was just the second Group 2 win for jockey Anthony Darmanin, who has ridden her in eight of her nine starts.

Pedigree Notes:

Mystic Journey is the first Group winner for Armidale Stud's Needs Further, the half-brother to Darley's Hallowed Crown, who has made significant impact on the Tasmanian scene.

She is out of White Gold (NZ) (Colombia {NZ}), who has produced city winner Leodoro (Jayemzed) as well as the winner Gold Phoenix. She is a sister to stakes-placed Oronero (Colombia). Further back, the fourth dam, Lanna D'Oro, is a half-sister to Eight Carat.

G2 Schweppes Crystal Mile, Moonee Valley

Race Summary:

Darren Weir is keen to get Cliff’s Edge (Canford Cliffs {IRE}) to the next level and, all going well, he won’t waste any time in trying.

Following the 4-year-old’s win in the G2 Schweppes Crystal Mile, the champion Victorian trainer announced plans to run the entire in next Saturday’s G1 Kennedy Mile.

Cliff’s Edge has now won twice at Group 2 level and, under jockey John Allen, he sat outside the leader before taking control on the turn and he held a strong gallop to the finish.

Pedigree Notes :

Cliff’s Edge is out of Simulation (Snaadee), who won on eight occasions and all eight of her foals to run have been successful.

Her dam Wodgina (USA) (Verbatim {USA} is a half-sister to the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner All Along (FR) (Targowice {USA}), a former champion of the United States and Europe.

Cliff’s Edge has now surpassed $1 million in stake earnings, an outstanding return on his $60,000 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale price tag.

G3 1300 Australia S., Moonee Valley

Race Summary:

Charge (Zoustar) secured the second win of his career and some handy black-type with a strong on-pace victory in the G3 1300 Australia S.

The Qatar Bloodstock-owned colt, surged forward from a wide barrier and was never headed under Hugh Bowman, repelling a strong challenge from Sunset Watch (Akeed Mofeed) with 100m to go to prevail from the Team Hawkes runner, with Ringerdingding (Sebring) third.

He is the fourth stakes winner for Widden Park's Zoustar and having broken through for his second win, will likely to be set for another stakes race during the Flemington carnival.

Pedigree Notes:

Charge, a $450,000 Magic Millions buy, is out of Queen of the Falls (General Nediym), a half sister to Elite Falls, who has already produced the winners Falconic, Wilker and Tuscan Falls, all by Nicconi. There is also a yearling full-sister to Charge as well as a another Zoustar foal due this spring.

Queen Of The Falls is out of Group 3 winner Niagara Falls, who herself is out of Group 2 winner in Bracken Bank.

G3 Powerflo Solutions S., Moonee Valley

Race Summary:

Shoko (Sebring) continued her excellent first campaign by adding a stakes-victory with an all-the-way win in the G3 Powerflo Solutions S. at Moonee Valley.

Shoko only began her career as a 5-year-old in early August but has overcame that to win three of her first six, including a strong victory under Linda Meech on Saturday in her first start for John Sadler.

Sadler took over from Peter Morgan, who is undergoing cancer treatment, in the past fortnight and while he was concerned she may have come to the end of her preparation, she never really looked like losing, dominating on the pace and holding off Mamzelle Tess (O'Lonhro), with Princess Posh (Canford Cliffs {Ire}) third.

Pedigree Page:

Shoko's victory marks a milestone for Widden Stud's Sebring, who notches his 50th stakes winner. She was a $300,000 buy for Dean Hawthorne and Gary Mudgeway at the 2015 Magic Millions Sale.

She is a half sister to Group winning pair Mimi Lebrock and Heavenly Thought out of God Love It, who is a half-sister to Lord Sreva. It is also the family of Wake Me Not and Affordable Prince.

G3 Soliloquy S., Ellerslie

Race Summary:

Media Sensation (I Am Invincible) boosted her Group 1 claims with a hollow victory at the expense of Rocket Fuel (Smart Missile).

She bounced to the early lead before settling in the trail and once rider Michael Coleman asked for an effort she drove to the lead and held a strong gallop to the line.

Media Sensation’s performance showed she was on target for a trip south to Riccarton for next month’s G1 gavelhouse.com New Zealand 1000 Guineas.

Pedigree Notes :

Out of the High Chaparral (IRE) mare Different To, Media Sensation was a NZ$425,000 purchase at Karaka.

The dam is a half-sister to the two-time Group 1 winner Dorabella (NZ) (Postponed {USA}) and to Crusoe (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}), who earned black type in New Zealand and Singapore.

Also featuring in the pedigree is the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas winner Insouciant (NZ) (Keeper).

G3 Thompson Handicap, Wellington

Race Summary:

A rise in class wasn’t enough to halt the winning run of Dark Princess (NZ) (Cape Blanco {IRE}).

The Jeff Lynds-trained mare had been successful at her previous start in Rating 82 company and she coped in Group 3 company for the first time impeccably.

She settled behind the leading division and rider Lisa Allpress brought her with a well-timed finish closest to the fence to beat Raw Impulse (Makfi {GB}).

Pedigree Notes:

Bred by Sir Patrick and Justine Lady Hogan, Dark Princess was a NZ$46,000 Karaka purchase in 2015.

She is a half-sister to three winners including the G3 Manawatu Classic winner Exquisite Jewel (NZ) (Lucky Unicorn {NZ}) and the black type placegetter Nordic Duke (NZ) (Viking Ruler {NZ}).

They are all representatives of the legendary Eight Carat family.

Listed Inglis Banner, Moonee Valley

Race Summary:

High-priced yearling Espaaniyah (I Am Invincible) showed pace and quality on debut for trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.

She bounded to the front for jockey Tim Clark and responded to his urgings on straightening to kick clear.

“She’s really switched on and she’s got a really bright future, I like her a lot,” Clark said.

Pedigree Notes :

Espaaniyah is out of Catalonia (Flying Spur), who won two races and earned black type, and is a half-sister to the G3 Kennedy Plate winner Jorda (Exceed And Excel).

Their dam Marmelo (Viscount) is a three-quarter sister to the stakes winner and Group performer Le Mans (Quest For Fame (GB).

Also featuring in the family of Espaaniyah, a $750,000 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale buy, is the Group 3 winner and Group 1 placegetter Aichi (Strategic).

Listed Harrolds Crockett S., Moonee Valley

Race Summary:

Beauty (Smart Missile) maintained her unbeaten streak and added some black-type in the process with a hard-fought win in the Listed Harrolds Crockett S. at Moonee Valley.

At just her third start, Tony McEvoy's filly showed her toughness, overpowering early leader Rainbow's Girl (Pierro) in the final stages to win by 0.5l. Illuminaire (All Too Hard) finished third in a blanket finish.

Beauty debuted with a maiden win at Gawler in May and then returned with a narrow success in benchmark race at Bendigo last start. She has now added substantial value with a Listed win and further victories at stakes level should await should she continue to show that improvement.

Pedigree Notes:

Beauty was bred by Glastonbury Stud from the mare Sequin (Lure {USA}), who has already produced black-type winners Order of the Sun (Encosta De Lago) and Get To Work (Snippets).

Sequin is a half-sister to stakes winners Shania Dane, Risk Aversion and Scintillation, as well as the dam of Northwest Passage. She has not had a surviving foal since Beauty.

Listed Zacinto S., Riccarton

Race Summary:

The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel) kept his unbeaten record intact as he progresses smoothly toward a crack at the G1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas.

The well-bred colt was tardily away before driving through to lead and he was travelling comfortably on the turn.

He lengthened stride in the straight and glided clear to be undefeated following his Waverley maiden victory.

Pedigree Notes :

The Chosen One is a member of the Dennis brothers’ successful family and is a son of the multiple winner and Group 3 placegetter The Glitzy One (Flying Spur).

He is her first foal her breeders have remained in the ownership of after the colt failed to meet his NZ$150,000 reserve at Karaka.

The major names in The Chosen One’s pedigree are the Group 1 winning brothers The Phantom (NZ) {Noble Bijou}) and The Phantom Chance.

Listed Spring Classic Handicap, Riccarton

Race Summary:

Spring Note (Encosta de Lago) has been in terrific form this preparation and she has now added black type to her record.

She won her first two starts for the season before finishing fifth at Timaru, but was back to winning ways on Saturday at Riccarton where she appreciated the roomier track.

The 4-year-old sat toward the back of the field and she came with a well-timed run under Shaiq Rusof to win for the fourth time in her career.

Pedigree Notes :

Spring Note is a daughter of the Listed Morphettville Guineas winner Andallthatjazz (Bianconi {USA}), who has left one other winner from four to the races.

The dam is a half-sister to stakes performer Mr Jazz Man (Wild Harmony {USA}) and their mother She’s Jazzy (Yeats {USA}) won 10 races.

It is the family of the prolific sprinter Chief De Beers (Hula Chief {NZ}), the winner of 20 races, including two editions of the G1 Doomben 10,000.

Listed Wellesley S., Riccarton

Race Summary:

Exuberant (NZ) (Savabeel) carried his winning trial form over to race day when he made the perfect start to his career for trainer Stephen Marsh.

He was settled close to the pace by rider Jason Waddell and the colt finished determinedly to beat Last Sights (NZ) (Showcasing).

“He’s a gorgeous horse, a lovely looking 2-year-old,” Marsh’s racing manager Todd Pollard said.

Pedigree Notes:

Exuberant is out of the O’Reilly (NZ) (Last Tycoon {IRE}) mare Merrily (NZ), who is a half-sister to the Listed Anniversary H., winner Glad (NZ) (Pins).

The second dam is a half-sister to Scandinavia (Snippets), who is the dam of the G1 Galaxy H., winner Magnus (Flying Spur).

The headline act in the family is undoubtedly the unbeaten champion sprinter and former Australian Horse of the Year Black Caviar (Bel Esprit).

Black-Type Preview

2 min read

Brisbane trainer Steven O'Dea is looking to raid some Victorian country riches with Doubt Defying (Not a Single Doubt) in the Listed Ladbrokes Sale Cup on Sunday.

The 5-year-old gelding, owned by Aquis Farm, is coming off a last start win at Randwick, and is looking for his first stakes win, having won seven of his first 16 starts.

O'Dea will be hoping success in the $200,000 feature can be a portent of things to comex with Doubt Defying's half-brother Sesar (Sebring) to contest the G1 Coolmore Stud S. next Saturday.

Lindsay Park's Fastnet Tempest (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) looks his main rival off his second behind Iconoclasm (Toorak Toff) in the Listed Weekend Hussler S. last start.

Iconoclasm has won again since as has third-placed Sircconi (Nicconi) franking the form further for Fastnet Tempest as well as top-weight Grande Rosso (Written Tycoon), who was fourth in that event.

The Team Hawkes prepared Kingsguard (NZ) {Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) was down the track in the G1 Toorak Hcp last time, but was only narrowly beaten in the G2 Shannon S. before that and looks well placed in the Sale feature.

Al Passem (Al Maher) finished alongside him in the Toorak Hcp and is also given a strong chance on the minimum of 54kgs.

There is also black-type racing at Northam in Western Australia where the Listed XXXX Northam Cup is held over 1600m.

Achenar Star (Gingerbread Man) and Royal Star (Redoute's Choice) are the main contenders.

The Daily Wrap

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7 min read

Quinton holds Celebration for autumn

Ron Quinton will likely look to the autumn with consistent 3-year-old Royal Celebration (Excelebration), who broke through for a much-deserved win in the 2019 Membership Hcp at Randwick.

Royal Celebration had finished second at his last three starts, including to subsequent triple Group 1 winner The Autumn Sun (Redoute's Choice) at his final start of last preparation, but was dominant on Saturday, sitting outside the pace before surging clear to beat Evalina (I Am Invincible) by 1.3l.

Quinton said post-race, it was an important win for the colt, given he'd seemingly lost the habit of winning.

"It’s lovely to win with him, because sometimes they run all these seconds and continue to do it. It’s nice from him to break through again," he said.

"He's still not fully mature for a 3-year-old colt. I think he'll be a better horse in the autumn. He's had a couple of hard runs, we’ll just see what we do with him."

A $35,000 buy at the 2017 Classic Sale, he is out of the unraced Crimson Code, who has produced city winner Barcode (Kaphero) and comes from the family of Sir Alberton, Alberton Star and Lady Alberton.

Carrum no surprise for Laing

Robbie Laing was just about the only person of the 40,000 on course at Moonee Valley unsurprised by Stars Of Carrum's (Fiorente {Ire}) win in the G2 Drummond Golf Vase.

Stars Of Carrum saluted at odds of $51 in the traditional Victoria Derby lead-up, but Laing was always confident that the colt could measure up, given the right luck,

"It's no surprise for me, he probably should have won the Hill Smith Stakes (in Adelaide) and with clear running in the Stutt Stakes (at Moonee Valley) he probably runs second to Leonardo Da Hinchi," Laing said.

"He worked the place down this week."

Laing is hoping to recreate his success with Polanski (Rakti {GB}) in the Derby five years' ago. But he feels Stars Of Carrum has had a much tougher 3-yer-old campaign.

"I would have loved to have given him the same prep as Polanski going two weeks between runs but the problem was when there was a race at Flemington a few weeks ago, all the sprinters got into it as they had more prizemoney and a genuine stayer like him got balloted out and had to go to Adelaide," he said,

"It wasn't fantastic for him, he lost a bit of weight (on the trip) but he's a tough horse, you can serve it up to him because he's a good eater."

Double joy for Widden

Widden Stud enjoyed a day out at Moonee Valley on Saturday with Sebring having his 50th stakes winner and Zoustar his fourth.

Shoko's win in the Group 3 Powerflo Solutions S. saw her notch up the half century for her sire, having progressed all the way to a black-type win in her first campaign.

She is likely to head to the paddock now, with new trainer John Sadler well-and-truly satisfied with her efforts.

Soon after, Charge, sporting the Qatar Bloodstock colours, won the G3 1300 Australia S.

He joins the stars of Zoustar's first crop, Sunlight, Zousain and Lean Mean Machine, as stakes winners for the Widden stallion.

Zoustar

Terrific treble

Brendan and Jo Lindsay were familiar faces in the winners’ enclosure at Ellerslie on Saturday.

The Cambridge Stud principals enjoyed a memorable meeting with a winning treble.

The 2-year-old Bavella (Snitzel) started the ball rolling with a debut success in the Partners Life Juvenile before Save The Date (NZ) (Savabeel) struck in the Mondiale H.

In the closing event, it was the turn of Prince Jabeel (NZ) (Savabeel), whose brother Fratello won at Pukekohe on Friday, to join the party when he produced a strong staying performance to claim the Coverstaff H.

The three Ellerslie winners are prepared at Karaka by the Lindsay’s private trainer Lance Noble.

Guineas hopes shine

The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel), Sir Nate (NZ) (Nadeem) and Media Sensation (I Am Invincible) have drawn further attention to the Group 1 prospects.

The former was untested to remain unbeaten after the Listed Zacinto S., at Riccarton for trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman.

Media Sensation winning the Listed Zacinto S.

He made the jump to black type company with ease in his second appearance ahead of the G1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas.

Last season’s Listed Wellesley S., winner and G1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce S., placegetter Sir Nate sealed his trip south for the Riccarton feature when he beat the older horses in the Harrisons Curtains & Blinds H.

The colt was out of the frame in the G2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas, but he bounced back to his best at Trentham for trainer Lisa Latta.

Media Sensation won for the fourth time in her five-start career when she was victorious in the G3 Parrtners Life Soliloquy S., at Ellerslie.

Trainers Peter and Dawn Williams elected to back the mare up following her success at Rotorua seven days ago in order to have her rock hard fit for the G1 gavelhouse.com New Zealand 1000 Guineas.

Princess rules again

Smart filly Princess Amelie (Snitzel) returned to winning ways way at Trentham to remain in the Classic mix.

She was a first-up winner for the season at Hastings before she was unplaced off the outside gate beat her in the G2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas.

“It was a big ask in the Guineas and hindsight is a great thing, we probably should have scratched her,” trainer Lisa Latta said. “We freshened her and dropped back to 1200 metres for this.”

Princess Amelie sat close to the pace and she was determined in the straight to beat More Wonder (NZ) (Mossman) and Beam Of Light (NZ) (Power {GB}).

The filly is still in the G1 gavelhouse.com New Zealand 1000 Guineas, although Latta has yet to commit to the Riccarton feature.

Princess Amelie as a yearling

All go for NZ Cup

High Spirits (NZ) (Darci Brahma) has booked her passage south for a staying feature.

The 6-year-old triumphed in Saturday’s BCD Travel Des Coppins RWC Japan Tour H., to confirm plans for a tilt at next month’s Christchurch Casino G3 New Zealand Cup.

“She’ll get the points for a start now so bring on Riccarton,” trainer John Bary said.

High Spirits has already showed her depths of stamina and last preparation she was successful over 3200 metres and also finished fifth in the G3 Wellington Cup.

She is out of the Montjeu (IRE) mare Spiriting, a half-sister to the G3 Kingston Town S., winner Just Polite (Dehere {USA}).

3YO on his way home

Hasabro (NZ) (Savabeel) will return home from Australia for a break.

The 3-year-old had crossed the Tasman to try and win a spot in the G1 VRC Derby and was luckless when runner-up at Geelong before unplaced runs at Cranbourne and in the Listed Geelong Classic.

“He had a tough run, he was caught three and four wide all the way and got galloped on,” McKee said. “We’ll bring him home and freshen him for a few weeks before we start again.”

A brother to stablemate Hasahalo, who won last season’s G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas, he was a NZ$220,000 purchase by Go Racing out of Waikato Stud’s draft at Karaka.

Looking Ahead - October 28

3 min read

Looking Ahead puts the spotlight on runners of interest across Australia and New Zealand. Whether they are a particularly well-bred or high-priced runner having their first or second start, a promising galloper returning to the track or a horse which has trialled particularly well, we’ll aim to give you something to follow.

On Sunday, we check out a pair of Snitzels in action, one at Sale and one at Sunshine Coast, while we look for second-up improvement from a well-related 4-year-old in Hong Kong.

Sale Race 1, TAC Maiden Plate, $26,000, 1100m, 12:30pm AEDT

Blinder (Snitzel) makes his debut for Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young off a fairly strong jumpout when second at Cranbourne a couple of weeks back. He looks well prepared for his debut.

He has been through the sales ring twice, firstly for $130,000 at the Adelaide Magic Millions Sale before fetching $300,000 at last year's NZB Ready To Run 2YO Sale.

Pedigree-wise, he is hard to fault. He is out of the American mare Passiflora (USA), who already has a debutant winner in Prestwick. She is out of stakes-placed mare Quick To Please, who is a full sister to none other than Danehill, as well as Eagle Eyed, Shibboleth and Harpia.

Blinder as a yearling

Sunshine Coast Race 2, The Mac Lamond Mdn Hcp, $15,000, 1000m, 2:50pm AEDT

Trevello (Snitzel) resumes after over 16 months off the track having been last seen when down the track in a Group 3 race. This looks a very winnable maiden, especially when you consider this 4-year-old has won two trials in preparation for his racetrack return.

He was a $380,000 Magic Millions buy out of the imported mare Estatuilla (Arg), who was a multiple group winner in South America and has already produced a couple of winners. She is a half sister to the champion sprinter Estambul, who stood at Ealing Park and Park Crest Stud.

Trevello

Happy Valley Race 5, Tsing Lung Tau Hcp (C4), $154,000, 1200m, 6:05pm AEDT

A lot was expected from Naboo Star (Casino Prince) first-up, but after dwelling at the start, he never really got into the race. You can expect him to be improved from that experience and no doubt he'll be looking to get across quickly from his wide barrier here.

A $160,000 buy from the 2016 Easter Sales, he is the half-brother to the G2 winner Believe Yourself, out of unraced mare Private (Encosta de Lago). Private is out of Good Faith (NZ), the champion NZ juvenile who produced stakes winners Tully Dane and Mygoodgrace.

Naboo Star as a yearling

NSW Race Results

Randwick (Metropolitan)

Kembla Grange (Provincial)

Albury (Country)