A Galaxy of stars at Rosehill on Saturday

Written by

Jessica Owers

7 min read

Saturday’s G1 The Galaxy over 1100 metres is a vintage edition of what was the first-ever Group 1 sprint feature of the Sydney Autumn Carnival.

Cover image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

On Monday, April 3, 1972, at a time when the AJC and STC shared Sydney racing, a 5.5 furlong scamper called The Galaxy occurred for the first time at Randwick. It fell on Sydney Cup Day and, as tends to happen in the Harbour city at this time of year, it was wet.

There were 61 nominations for the new race, among them 4-year-old champion Baguette chasing a £20,000 purse. By race day, the field was down to 12. Baguette was scratched after a poor showing in the Doncaster two days before, so 3-year-old gelding Playbill (Bogan Road) had things his own way, spurting home by 3l for jockey Laurie Billett.

A pioneering sprint

From its beginning, the G1 The Galaxy had a firm identity, becoming the first ever Group 1 sprint feature of the Sydney autumn carnival. The race was announced by then AJC Chairman Sir Adrian Crowley in November 1971, a Quality H. with minimum and maximum weights for 3-year-olds and up.

Inaugural winner Playbill was owned, in part, by STC Chairman Sir Clyde Kennedy, and the term ‘galaxy’ was heavily used in racing headlines as far back as the 1930s, usually in reference to ‘a galaxy of stars’ heading to the autumn carnival. When the AJC and STC merged in 2011, becoming the Australian Turf Club (ATC), The Galaxy had an established place as an important Group 1 sprint, which followed its move to Rosehill in 2013.

The race has scripted many tales in its near 50-year history.

When Temple Of Boom (Piccolo {GB}) won in 2012, the victory broke the Queensland gelding’s Group 1 duck, also providing trainer Tony Gollan with his first Group 1, and likewise for jockey James McDonald on this side of the Tasman.

The race was also a first Group 1 for Newgate resident Russian Revolution in 2017.

There’s the Mick Bell-trained veteran Jungle Edge (Dubawi {Ire}), who has run in the last four editions of the race and will line up again on Saturday. And there was Pierata, Rubick and Deep Field, all of whom took their places in recent editions of The Galaxy before commencing careers in the stallion barns.

A place in racing

Few know Sydney racing better than Max Presnell, and the seasoned newspaper journalist said the race has been a victim of its Handicap status.

“The Galaxy has been subject to the ebbs and flows of class and quality,” Presnell said.

“It’s a Handicap, where the lesser horses will get their chance. Even the great Handicaps like the Doncaster and Epsom have had their years where you say to yourself, jeez, these are some average horses winning. But the Handicaps give those sorts of horses a chance, and I think there’s a place for that in racing.”

“The Galaxy has been subject to the ebbs and flows of class and quality.” - Max Presnell

Presnell has been at the track three times a week for most of his life. There are few that can read the sport better. While The Galaxy doesn’t jump out at him the way the G1 TJ Smith S. might, or the G1 Sires’ Produce S., he admitted the race has its merit.

“When Nature Strip beat Pierata in 2019, it gave the race some substance,” he said. “The Galaxy has changed a fair bit down the years. You’ve got to remember that weight-for-age races have sprouted up, particularly for fillies and mares, and prizemoney too.”

Going back many decades, Sydney’s racing jewels were its Handicap events, which was where the major prizemoney sat. The best horses, chasing the best purses, were therefore a regular feature of Handicap races and, when The Galaxy was inaugurated in 1972, there was room for a true sprint of that nature.

“That was probably where the idea for it came from,” Presnell said.

“Back in those days, horses had to carry weights because that was where the prizemoney was. You couldn’t pick and choose races. The race would come along, the prize was there, and you ran in it.”

Fashions on the field

The days of savage handicapping are over and, in the last 10 editions of The Galaxy, only Temple Of Boom has carried 57 kilograms to victory. Closest to him was Sweet Idea (Snitzel), who was four when she carried 55.5kg to win in 2015.

In probably the best edition of the race in recent history, when Nature Strip held back Pierata two years ago, the field included 6-year-old Redzel (Snitzel) with 59.5kg. But Presnell said the romance of a stout Handicap has faded, and today they are unfashionable.

Nature Strip and Pierata fight to the finish | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

“Once upon a time, a mare like Winx would’ve been running in Melbourne Cups,” he said. “The money was there and what else would you run her in? Now you’ve got weight-for-age and set-weight races where they carry the one weight, and horses are very well placed. So for a race like The Galaxy, it has suffered a bit over the years because these top-class sprinters don’t have to go into the Handicaps anymore. They can go elsewhere.”

A vintage edition

In defiance of fashion perhaps, and hot on the heels of 2019, the 2021 G1 The Galaxy will occur on Saturday at Rosehill Gardens with a vintage-edition field over 1100 metres. Thirteen horses will vie for the $700,000 purse, a stake not to be sneezed at, according to Presnell.

“It’s a very, very strong chapter this year, or at least it promises to be,” he said.

“It’s a very, very strong chapter this year, or at least it promises to be.” - Max Presnell

The race is spearheaded by the brilliant Haut Brion Her (Zoustar), who is resuming from a spell off a last-start second to Gytrash (Lope De Vega {Ire}) in the Yes Yes Yes S. last October after a quality run in The Everest. She will carry 55kg, and just tips favouritism ahead of in-form Eduardo (Host {Chi}).

Wild Ruler, the exciting and consistent Snitzel colt, is third choice in the betting and remains the only 3-year-old in the field. He was a $525,000 Inglis Easter yearling in 2019, purchased by China Horse Club with Newgate and WinStar. The colt has already notched up a three-time stakes-winning resumé, and will carry 52kg in this field.

In the Spendthrift colours, G2 Scillachi S. winner Dirty Work (Written Tycoon) was a last-start fifth in the G1 Oakleigh Plate. A quality Inglis Easter yearling purchased for $800,000 from Sledmere Stud in 2018, he has drawn the inside marble with Tommy Berry, and is close to top-weight with 56.5kg.

Dirty Work will contest Saturday's G1 The Galaxy | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

With 52kg, The Odyssey, by topical sire Better Than Ready, jumps into the field with a January win in the million-dollar Magic Millions QTIS Open H. and Godolphin mare Tailleur (Shooting To Win), with her lifetime record of six wins from eight starts, slides in with Rachel King at 51kg.

Drawn almost widest, old warrior Jungle Edge, at 10-years-old, takes his place in the race for the fifth time and gives Presnell all the feels.

“Horses like him, and Razor Sharp was one too, they come into races like this and it adds spice to a program,” he said. “Champions are great, and they contribute so much, but there are the lesser lights that also play a role, and that’s where The Galaxy comes into it.”

The Galaxy

Max Presnell

Sydney Autumn Carnival

Life Is Good on path to Derby

Written by

Bren O'Brien

5 min read

Trying to keep the lid on the expectations of an early market Kentucky Derby fancy is not an easy thing at this time of year, but China Horse Club's Chief Operating Officer Michael Wallace is happy to keep a low profile with Life Is Good (USA) (Into Mischief {USA}) as he heads towards next month's G1 Santa Anita Derby.

China Horse Club know what it's like to have a high-profile build-up to the famous 'Run for the Roses', which this year will be held on May 1. Three years ago, Justify (USA), which it co-owned with Head of Plains Partners LLC, Starlight Racing and WinStar Farm, emerged through the G1 Santa Anita Derby to become the leading contender for the Kentucky Derby.

The son of Scat Daddy (USA) duly saluted at Churchill Downs before going on to claim the G1 Preakness S. and then complete the Triple Crown when winning the G1 Belmont S. in China Horse Club's red and yellow colours.

The comparisons between Justify and Life Is Good are somewhat inevitable, given the Into Mischief (USA) colt is also trained by Bob Baffert and has been ridden in his three starts by the man who had such a strong connection with the Triple Crown winner in Mike Smith, who has described him as 'very, very talented'.

Another Into Mischief colt trained by Baffert, Authentic (USA), managed to demolish his rivals in the Kentucky Derby in 2020.

Wallace, currently in the United States, was trackside to watch Life Is Good win the G2 San Felipe S. by 8l at Santa Anita earlier this month and while keeping expectations in check, is clearly excited by what he has seen.

"It’s the time of year when you are sorting out the wheat from the chaff a little bit and it was great to see him put in a performance like that. There's a long way to go, but you'd rather see that than not," he told TDN AusNZ.

"Everybody knows that the targets for him are a little bit later on and there's no-one better to have involved than Bob to get them ready for those days. What we are seeing is a progression to those type of races, as Bob is such a genius at doing."

China Horse Club has been very active pursuing quality talent from the American yearling market in recent years and it was at the 2019 Keeneland September Yearling Sale that it came together with Maverick Racing, WinStar Farm's racing arm, to spend US$525,000 (AU$678,740) for a colt by Into Mischief consigned by Paramount Sales.

Bred by Gary and Mary West, Life Is Good is a half-brother to the three-time winner Approved (USA) (Awesome Again {USA}), out of Beach Walk (USA) (Distorted Humor {USA}), a daughter of stakes-winning mare Bonnie Blue Flag (USA) (Mineshaft {USA}). Bonnie Blue Flag is a half-sister to Diamondrella (USA) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}), who along with being a Grade 1 winner is also the dam of a horse Australians will know well in Spectroscope (USA) (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}), who was a Group 3 winner for Godolphin.

From powerful yearling to Derby contender

Life Is Good left an impression on Wallace as a yearling and has continued to impress every time he has seen him.

"He was always a very physical and powerful horse. He always had that great balance. He looked like a fast horse, a speedier horse, so that's what he's showing now, that he's very, very fast," he said.

"We just need to see if he can stretch out to that distance (10 furlongs), but he was a beautiful model and he's continued into that now. He's a magnificent specimen."

"We just need to see if he can stretch out to that distance (10 furlongs), but he was a beautiful model and he's continued into that now. He's a magnificent specimen." - Michael Wallace

But experience has taught Wallace not to get too far ahead of himself and he is keen to let Life Is Good do the talking on the racetrack, with his next assignment on April 3.

Teo Ah Khing and Michael Wallace

"We set out a plan a couple of years ago to go and buy yearlings to try and get horses like this. It’s a hard thing to do, and we are lucky enough to have a horse that at this early stage is putting himself in contention to go to the big days," he said.

"We all know that it’s a day-to-day and week-to-week proposition, so you hold your breath, cross your fingers and hope for the best."

More Mischief likely

Pre-post markets currently have Life Is Good as second favourite at US$4.50 for the Kentucky Derby, and he would be bidding to become the second son of Spendthrift Farm's Into Mischief to win the race in as many years after Authentic.

Into Mischief's remarkable record in the United States just continues to grow, both on the racetrack, where he had two Breeders' Cup champions in 2020 in Authentic and Gamine (USA) and in the sales ring he had five seven-figure yearlings in the US.

Into Mischief (USA) | Standing at Spendthrift Farm America

Wallace sees that influence only growing on a global scale, and while his bloodlines haven’t reached Australia in a significant way yet, there is every chance the likes of Authentic and others could be headed this way in the near future to make a major impact.

"We are getting a few more farms which have those cross-over stallion portfolios. No doubt Into Mischief is going to continue to play a leading part in the American scene here in the next short while," Wallace said.

"We'll see a number of colts come out in the coming years that will head down to Australia. He's a horse that throws a lot of speed into his progeny, so obviously that's very suitable for Australia."

"He's (Into Mischief) a horse that throws a lot of speed into his progeny, so obviously that's very suitable for there in Australia." - Michael Wallace

Wallace also sees the appeal that the Into Mischief genetics would have to commercial breeders in Australia, who are becoming more and more aware of the opportunities on offer from these American bloodlines.

"I think genetically and physically, they will cross with the Australian broodmare band really well. You have that bit of colonial speed there and with what he can provide, it could work for sure," he said.

Kentucky Derby

China Horse Club

Life Is Good

Michael Wallace

History awaits Guineas class of 2021

Written by

Bren O'Brien

5 min read

When seven colts, two geldings and a filly race for Group 1 glory in Saturday's Rosehill Guineas, they will be looking to follow in the footsteps of some of the legends of the Australian racetrack.

Cover image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

Names like Phar Lap (NZ) (Night Raid {GB}), Ajax (Heroic), Tulloch (NZ) (Khorasson {Ire}), Dulcify (NZ) (Cecies {GB}) and Kingston Town (Bletchingly) adorn the honour board, as does Octagonal (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), who won the most famous edition of the race of all, 25 years ago.

The 1996 Rosehill Guineas lives long in the memory of those who witnessed it, as not only the most exciting and competitive renewal of a famous race, but also one of the best races of the late 20th century.

On the line, just 0.3l separated three champion horses, with Octagonal holding off Saintly (Sky Chase {NZ}) after getting the better of Nothin' Leica Dane (Danehill {USA}). Filante (Star Way {GB}) finished a closing fourth.

Octagonal, trained by John Hawkes and raced by the Ingham brothers, would win 10 Group 1s in his career, and this victory, with Darren Beadman in the saddle, was his fourth at the elite level and achieved in race record time. Later in that campaign, he (as first interpreted as Daz) would go on to win both the G1 Tancred S. and the G1 AJC Derby, where he edged out Saintly again, with Filante third and Nothin' Leica Dane in fourth.

That 3-year-old class of 1995/96 was undoubtedly the best in a generation. Saintly, already a G1 Australian Cup winner by this stage, would go on to win a G1 Cox Plate and G1 Melbourne Cup for trainer Bart Cummings later that year, while Nothin' Leica Dane had already won a G1 VRC Derby and finished second in a Melbourne Cup under the eye of Gai Waterhouse. In an interesting quirk, five times between 1992 and 1999, including in 1996, the runner-up from the VRC Derby in the spring would win the Rosehill Guineas the following autumn.

Saintly wins the 1996 Melbourne Cup

The Jack Denham-trained Filante may not have enjoyed the profile of the other three but would end his racing career a dual Group 1 winner who ran close seconds in two Cox Plates.

The impact of the 1996 Rosehill Guineas is still felt a quarter of a century later in the 2021 edition of the race. The Chris Waller-trained Wheelhouse is by Octagonal's Triple Crown-winning grandson Pierro, while the Brent Stanley-prepared Here To Shock (NZ) (Shocking {NZ}) also carries Occy's famous blood, being out of a mare by his champion son Lonhro.

Here To Shock (NZ) will contest Saturday's G1 Rosehill Guineas

The dawning of a legend

Some 67 years before Octagonal's memorable success, the Rosehill Guineas proved a launching point for the successful part of Australasia's most famous racing career. Ahead of the 1929 edition, when the race as run in the early spring, the Harry Telford-trained Phar Lap had won just one of his 10 starts.

The Rosehill Guineas, which he won by 3l, was his first Principal win and launched him on an amazing run where he would win 36 of his final 42 starts and capture international headlines and the hearts of a racing nation.

The race also holds a strong connection with one of the other immortals of the Australian turf in Kingston Town, who became the first horse to win it at Group 1 level in 1980, one of his incredible 15 wins at the elite level.

More notably in recent times, it proved the racetrack farewell for one of the most prodigiously talented horses of the past decade in the Waller-trained The Autumn Sun (Redoute's Choice). His narrow win over Arrogant (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) in 2019 was his eighth win and his fifth at Group 1 level.

He is now one of three winners of the Rosehill Guineas to currently reside at Arrowfield Stud, which is another endorsement of the quality of the race.

Fellow Arrowfield sire Dundeel (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}) won the race in 2013 as part of his brilliant autumn of 2013, where he became just the fifth horse to win the Sydney 3-year-old Triple Crown of the Randwick/Canterbury Guineas, Rosehill Guineas and the AJC Derby, and the first since Octagonal did in 1996.

Dundeel would also emulate Octagonal in another way, in becoming a winner of the Rosehlll Guineas to sire a winner of the race themselves. Octagonal did it in 2004 with Niello, while seven years after Dundeel's win, his son Castelvecchio would win the race in 2020.

Castelvecchio became the third Guineas winner on the Arrowfield roster when he stood his first season last year.

Star filly seeks historic win

None of the sires of the 11 runners on Saturday won, or even contested a Rosehill Guineas for that matter, but there is one piece of history that could be created by the David Payne-trained filly, Montefilia (Kermadec {NZ}).

The last filly to win the race was Riverina Charm (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}) in 1989. Jameka (Myboycharlie {Ire}) is the most recent filly to contest the race, running third in 2016.

Montefilia

Payne is looking for his second win, having won it with Criterion (NZ) (Sebring) in 2014, while Waller, who has three runners in Saturday's race, Wheelhouse, The Elanora (Redoute's Choice) and Bucharest (Deep Impact {Jpn}), has won it twice before. Anthony Cummings, who has Kobestar (Star Witness), and John O'Shea, with Lion's Roar (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}), have also won it before.

Rosehill Guineas

Neasham spends up at Inglis Digital Sale

4 min read

Written by Bren O'Brien

Stakes-placed 3-year-old gelding Osamu (Exceed And Excel) has topped the Inglis March (Early) Online Sale, and is set to remain with Annabel Neasham, after selling for $340,000.

He has had two runs for Neasham, including a second at Randwick back in January, and obviously made some impression, with Neasham and her Bloodstock Manager Brian McGuire paying $340,000 to buy him outright, the highest price ever for a racehorse colt or gelding on the Digital platform and the third highest-priced lot ever.

Osamu, a former $1.7 million yearling, who has been runner-up in five of his 11 career starts, including the G2 Skyline S., and the Listed Gothic S. when trained by Chris Waller, was offered by his owners Aquis.

Osamu as a yearling

Neasham said Osamu was a horse she didn’t want to lose from her stable.

“It’s obviously part of Aquis’ policy that the geldings don’t fit their business criteria so I knew for a few weeks he was going to be offered on Inglis Digital as part of their racehorse reduction," she said.

“That gave me some time to put together a group of existing clients to purchase him. I probably paid a bit more than I thought I’d have to but the market is so unbelievably strong and I’m just delighted to have secured him.”

“I probably paid a bit more than I thought I’d have to but the market is so unbelievably strong and I’m just delighted to have secured him.” - Annabel Neasham

“Osamu has got to be one of the best maidens in the country. He’s got good form around some serious Group horses," she said.

“He works like a superstar at home and while he hasn’t quite been able to deliver on raceday, I thought his first-up run was exceptional off one trial and admittedly we maybe went a bit soon with him in the Inglis Sprint.

“So the plan now is to win a maiden with him to build his confidence and then target the Brisbane Winter Carnival.”

Bred by Tyreel Stud, he is out of Group 3 winner Written Dash (Written Tycoon) and was initially purchased for $1.7 million by Aquis at the 2019 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.

Neasham purchased former Aquis galloper Ruddock (Written Tycoon) for $47,500 in the November (Early) Online Sale and he won first-up for new connections at Canterbury last month.

Neasham was also the winning bidder on Maui Girl (Lope de Vega {Ire}), who was last seen when fourth in the G3 Newcastle Newmarket for trainer Jason Coyle. The 5-year-old mare, offered by her owners, sold for $240,000.

A winner of three of her 18 starts, she is a mare who should hold significant residual value, being out of Listed-winning and Group 1-placed mare Run For Naara (More Than Ready {USA}), who is from an American family with a wealth of black type.

She initially started her career with Tony McEvoy, winning her maiden at Morphettville and finishing fourth in a Listed Hill Smith S., before transferring to Coyle where she won her first two starts at her new stable. While she hasn't won since May last year, she has proven very consistent in that time.

Maui Girl

Three-year-old gelding Vital Verse (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}), who placed twice in five starts in the Aquis colours for Neasham, also found a new home, and is headed to the Dubbo stables of Kody Nestor after being sold for $90,000.

The Aquis Farm racehorse reduction – which included five racehorse shares – grossed more than $1.2 million alone.

“It’s been a huge sale and we’re elated by the results,” Aquis Farm CEO, Shane McGrath said.

“It’s been a huge sale and we’re elated by the results.” - Shane McGrath

“While racing geldings is not part of the Aquis policy, these horses are sound, well-bred, good types and readymade racehorses.

“So many Aquis graduates have gone on to successful careers with new owners, like Persan and Ruddock just to name two, the team genuinely wish every buyer all the best with their purchases,” McGrath said.

Also sold for $90,000 was the three-time winning mare Specialism (Safeguard), who will remain in Western Australia after being purchased by Santo Guagliardo's Ridgeport Holdings. She is likely to head to the stables of Neville Parnham.

Annabel Neasham

Osamu

Inglis Digital

Valachi Downs' mare reduction launched

3 min read

Valachi Downs has confirmed the make-up of its 52-lot reduction auction, which was launched on Gavelhouse Plus on Wednesday.

The auction will run through until Friday, March 26 and features 52 mares, 38 of them in foal to sires such as Belardo (Ire), Contributer (Ire), Redwood (GB), Savile Row (NZ), Ten Sovereigns (Ire), Time Test (GB), U S Navy Flag (USA), Vadamos (Fr), Vespa (NZ), War Decree (USA) and Zacinto (GB).

There are also 10 mares offered with foals at foot, by stallions Almanzor (Fr), Eminent (Ire), Reliable Man (GB), Vadamos, Vespa, War Decree and Zacinto.

Among the highlights is Amisfield (NZ) (Savabeel) (Lot 2), a daughter of Listed winner Sapphire Belle (NZ) (Danske {NZ}) and half-sister to multiple stakes winner Merion (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}), in foal to Vadamos.

Lot 2 - Amisfield (NZ)

Lot 13, Curraghmore Girl (Duke Of Marmalade {Ire}), is a half-sister to Group 1-placed Summerbliss (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) and a grand-daughter of Group 1 winner Infamy (Ire) (Shirley Heights {GB}). She is offered with a Reliable Man colt at foot and is foal to U S Navy Flag.

Lot 21, Hayley Ann (NZ) (Keeper), is also offered in foal to U S Navy Flag and is from the family of multiple Group 1-winner Humidor (NZ) (Teofilo {NZ}), through her third dam Habibti (Ire) (Habitat {USA}).

Grey mare Laaffaire (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}), offered as Lot 23, is a stakes-performed relative of Group 3 winner Sheezallmine (NZ) (Super Easy {NZ}) who is in foal to Time Test, while Lot 38, Rainbow Lace (High Chaparral {Ire}), is a two-time winner offered in foal to Vadamos.

1/5

Imported mare Shower Of Roses (GB) (Hurricane Run {Ire}), a half-sister to Group 3 winner Gravitation (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) out of a stakes-placed half-sister to champion stayer Fame And Glory (GB) (Montjeu {Ire}), is offered as Lot 45. She is in foal to Cambridge Stud's Almanzor.

“Kevin and Jo Hickman are refocusing Valachi Downs as a more private and smaller nursery and racing stable with the same goal of producing, selling and racing elite racehorses,” Valachi Downs’ General Manager, Gareth Downey, said.

“Kevin and Jo Hickman are refocusing Valachi Downs as a more private and smaller nursery and racing stable with the same goal of producing, selling and racing elite racehorses.” - Gareth Downey

“We have put some nice bloodstock up for auction with the in-foal mares, I believe, having all been suitably mated and we will be eager to hear of the resulting foals.

“We have managed to retain a connection to most of the bloodlines on offer and will look forward to these families excelling both for the purchasers’ benefit and ours at Valachi.”

Valachi Downs is happy to facilitate inspections during the auction, which requires buyers to pre-register.

Click here to view the Valachi Downs catalogued draft at Gavelhouse Plus

Valachi Downs

Mid-week win for 2-year-old Coastwatch

4 min read

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Written by Jess Owers

G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Mighty Boss (Not A Single Doubt) passed away in July 2019, but his name popped up at Randwick on Wednesday when three-quarter brother Coastwatch (Fastnet Rock) won the 2-year-old maiden event on the Kensington surface.

The Ghaiyyath New To Darley Plate, over a Soft 7 and 1400 metres, featured a few experienced juveniles, and it produced a dazzling finish, with Coastwatch only just getting the better of Gin Martini (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) and Maurice’s Medad (Maurice {Jpn}) in a blanket finish.

The margins were a nose and a long head between the first three, with jockey James McDonald just getting Coastwatch home for his first win in four lifetime starts. The bay colt, in ownership that includes Coolmore and Chris Waller Racing, had a previous best result of third at Warwick Farm in December.

“He’s a decent horse,” said trainer Chris Waller post-race. “I know he’s only won a mid-week today, but I like the way he did it. It was a good finish, and it was a nice ride from James who managed to bounce him out and utilise his draw (barrier four).”

“I know he’s only won a mid-week today, but I like the way he did it.” - Chris Waller

Waller said Coastwatch had come back this side of the season a different horse.

“Last preparation he was really excitable, and he was worrying about everything else but being a racehorse,” the trainer said. “He felt the pinch in his last start (when he was last of eight), but he’s come back a completely different horse. It’s amazing how much these 2-year-olds can change.”

Coastwatch | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Despite the tight squeeze at the end, McDonald said the race was smooth sailing.

“He’s had the blinkers off and visor on, which was a good move,” the jockey said. “He’s been able to see them coming, albeit he needs the blinkers to keep himself focused, being a Fastnet Rock colt. But he’s a beautiful horse and, the further he goes, he’ll cope with whatever is put in front of him.”

Pedigree on the Easter up

Coastwatch was the most expensive yearling graduate in Wednesday’s field, with a price tag of $750,000 at the 2020 Australian Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. He was sold by Coolmore Stud to Mulcaster Bloodstock, the eighth foal from broodmare Bullion Mansion (Encosta De Lago).

Coastwatch as a yearling

The mare has been a handy producer for Coolmore, which purchased her at the Teeley Assets reduction Sale in May 2014 for $160,000. Coastwatch’s Pierro half-brother will sell at the upcoming Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, supplying a handy pedigree boost to Lot 228.

Coastwatch became the sixth juvenile city winner for Fastnet Rock this season alone, the Champion Sire producing the likes of O’President, winner of the G2 Skyline S. last month, million-dollar Golden Gift winner Sneaky Five and Listed winner Acrobat.

Supporting act

The Heineken H. at Kensington on Wednesday also produced a worthy winner in the Gary and John Moore-trained Petronius (Redoute’s Choice), who was winless since May last year. The 4-year-old gelding was strong in the race, landing the result by 0.5l to Safado (Lonhro) and Napoleon Solo (Uncle Mo {USA}).

Petronius (yellow silks) | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Petronius, raced in the Arrowfield silks, was among the likes of Global Quest (More Than Ready {USA}) and Julian Rock (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), and it proved win number three for the horse in 13 starts.

Incredibly well-bred as he is, from the Tale Of The Cat (USA) mare Cat By The Tale (USA), Petronius was a million-dollar yearling at the 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Coastwatch

Petronius

A Fresh Look

6 min read

Cover image courtesy of The National Stud

Written by TDN Europe

It's that time of year: with just weeks to go to the start of the turf season in Europe, thoughts are turning to which of this year's freshman sires will be making a splash with their first runners.

With 26 European first-crop stallions to consider, we have asked the views of those who have seen a good range of young stock at the sales.

Ross Doyle

We have a system where we see every single horse at the foal sales and the yearling sales amongst our team, so we get a very good overview on what stallions are throwing, and types and temperaments.

Obviously we buy for other people but when we're buying for Richard Hannon, we're often buying horses on spec, so our budget is limited to a point. So we are able to take a bit of a gamble on a physical by a stallion that we like the look of, where other agents might be tied down a bit to instructions, or an owner wanting a specific established stallion.

We bought close to 100 yearlings last year and that includes four by Ribchester (Ire), four by Profitable (Ire), three or four by Ardad (Ire), a couple by Aclaim (Ire), and a couple by Churchill (Ire). As far as physicals go, all those horses were stamping their stock in their own way, and in the way you'd like them to.

They are all getting a consistent type of horses that we liked. I see there are an awful lot of Ardads in the breeze-ups, which is interesting. The breeze-up men must have liked the look of them.

As a racehorse, he was hard-knocking all year long at a very good level, and he's a good-looking horse with a good pedigree, by one of the outstanding sires in Europe in many years.

Ross Doyle | Image courtesy of Tattersalls

It would also be no surprise if Aclaim did well—he's by Acclamation with a very good pedigree, from Montjeu's family. He got a very nice type and I really liked the way the Aclaims improved with time, even from the foal sales to yearlings. I think that's a great sign in young stock. They were grand types as foals but they really came back as very good yearlings.

It's the first time in a good couple of years that we have really seen five or six horses that potentially have a solid chance on the types they are getting or on how they're bred. That makes it an extremely competitive first-season sire list.

If I was to tip one, I think Ribchester has a good chance on the types he got, and I know the feedback coming from Hannon's and other places that have them is that they've got lovely temperaments and they carry themselves well. They seem to be showing all the right signs. Churchill is probably going to be a slower burner but we liked his stock as well.

Oliver St Lawrence

I loved the Almanzors (Fr) at the yearling sales last year. I think he'll be the stallion of this generation. We bought two Almanzors, a colt and a filly (Lots 158 and 185 at Arqana's Deauville Select Sale).

There is a colt out of Minakshi (Fr) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}) who is with Ger Lyons; he's our first horse in Ireland. He is a lovely colt and I know Ger is very happy with him. He's not going to be early but he looks a nice type.

For (leading) first-season sire, I'm going to go with Ribchester. I thought they were nice types. I don't think they'll be early-early, but I'd like to think they'll be out in July in time to make an impact.

We bought one and we have a homebred out of Shumoos (USA) (Distorted Humor {USA}), who was second in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint.

Matt Coleman

I guess Churchill is the headline act of the first-season sires and I have heard some good words on his stock from Ireland. He has obviously covered a good book of mares and was well supported by Coolmore. He has covered large books of mares ever since he went to stud and, from what I hear, even this year people are giving him plenty of support.

Also at Coomore I think Highland Reel (Ire) has a chance. He obviously wouldn't have covered anything like the book that Churchill covered. I bought one yearling by him and I liked his stock. I would expect his horses to be a little more backward, though he won the Vintage S. at Goodwood in his 2-year-old year.

I think he's still the highest-earning European racehorse of all time and in every country, on every ground, he was just a really adaptable and consistent horse. If he breeds stock that were as tough and hardy as he was then he'll have a chance.

Matt Coleman | Image courtesy of Tattersalls

Of the English-based sires I thought Time Test (GB) and Ulysses (Ire) both produced quite nice stock. Again they probably wouldn't have had the greatest books but they had nice stock. The British breeders are probably keeping more of their mares at home this year and they are two of the unproven sires in Newmarket that breeders are gravitating towards to take a bit of a chance with.

Time Test produces a very nice-looking horse and he is himself well bred, from one of the best Juddmonte families. He's a son of Dubawi (Ire) and he was talented so I think he has a bit of a chance.

Of the speedier horses I think Ardad is interesting. I liked his stock, they looked sharp and I tried to buy a couple. He produced a nice type of horse and they looked like they would be fast and early. I actually underbid Ardad at the breeze-up sales. I bought Prince Of Lir (Ire) and underbid Ardad within 10 minutes of each other and they both won at Royal Ascot that year.

It would be great for the British breeding industry if a few more of these British stallions did well because I think that at the moment, for the 'working' breeder', there's not that many proven sires in the mid-division market in the UK.

A Fresh Look

International First Season Sires

Job Board

2 min read

Mark Newnham Racing - Stable Foreman

Mark Newnham Racing currently has a position available for a Stable Foreman at Warwick Farm. Please read through the information below before emailing robyn@mnracing.com.au

About the Role

The successful applicant will have extensive industry experience, will be motivated, dedicated and have a genuine love of horses. You will work closely with, and under the guidance of the Trainer, Mark Newnham. The right applicant will have the opportunity to learn and grow within the role, and responsibilities will increase with consistently demonstrated ability.

We are offering an attractive salary package negotiable for the right applicant.

Experience/Qualifications

Extensive knowledge of the racing industry and experience with:

- Safe operation of all training/racing equipment and personal safety equipment

- Handling horses from yearlings upwards with a variety of temperaments

- Educating horses on the ground, including swimming and barrier work

- Rules and Regulations as set by Racing Australia, Racing NSW and other states where required

- Occupational Health & Safety

Other Skills

- Strong organisational skills

- Ability to communicate effectively with the Trainer, staff, owners and officials where required

- Ability to follow direction

- Ability to manage a team of horses and staff under the guidance of the Trainer

Duties and Responsibilities

- Implement and manage the training plan for each horse as set out by the Trainer

- Prioritise, co-ordinate and delegate tasks on a daily basis and make adjustments where necessary based on weather, staff changes and the racing schedule

- Report and liaise on a daily basis with the Trainer

- Monitor and manage horse welfare

- Ensure all records are updated on a daily basis in accordance with requirements of Racing Australia

- Co-ordinate and manage staff roster

- Attend barrier trials

- Attend race meetings as the stable representative as required

- Ensure OH&S standards are adhered to

To apply please email your resume to robyn@mnracing.com.au

Daily News Wrap

Wet weather could derail Slipper Day

The Australian Turf Club's General Manager of Tracks, Nevash Ramdhani isn’t willing to make a concrete decision on the potential abandonment of Saturday’s G1 Golden Slipper S.

Ramdhani said that liaison with the Bureau Of Meteorology at around 2pm local time tomorrow would confirm whether the Rosehill meeting will proceed.

“To be honest, we just don’t know. However, the forecasts have been a fair way off the mark. Last week, for instance, they predicted 70-80mls and we got seven,” Ramdhani told RSN927.

“The area of concern is what we might get Saturday and we’re going to get a better indication from the BOM tomorrow than we would today. The most reliable information will come as late as we can get it.”

Surprise Baby recovering well

Trainer Paul Preusker has confirmed that star stayer Surprise Baby (NZ) (Shocking) is recovering well from a hairline fracture to his third tarsal bone.

The Horsham-based horseman remains hopeful that the lightly raced 6-year-old will return to the track and compete at the highest level again.

Surprise Baby (NZ)

“The horse will always be put first and we won’t put any pressure on him, he’ll be ready when he is ready,” Preusker told Racing.com.

“However, the vets seemed confident everything went well and all he needs now is time on his side and a little bit of luck.”

Affair To Remember's career likely to be cut short

Trainer Dan O’Sullivan has announced that Group 2-winning mare Affair To Remember (Toronado {Ire}) is unlikely to race again, after bone scans on Tuesday confirmed significant bruising to her hoof.

O’Sullivan explained that the breeding barn would be calling by the time the 4-year-old recovered from the serious injury.

Affair To Remember

“There’s some potential she could race again but its (hoof) got to hold. If it doesn’t hold it dies and then it has to grow out, and that’s three months away and it's close to breeding season by then and she’s worth a lot of money,” Bowman told Racing.com.

“It’s just so frustrating but we can’t change it now.’’

Damien Oliver to pilot star mare

Champion hoop Damien Oliver will replace William Pike aboard star mare Arcadia Queen (Pierro) in Saturday’s G1 George Ryder S.

Oliver was delighted to secure the ride, stating that he was looking forward to reuniting with leviathan owner, Bob Peters.

“I’ve had success with Bob going back a long time and she’s (Arcadia Queen) a star,” Oliver told Racing.com.

Arcadia Queen

Dalasan to target Doncaster

Co-trainer Andrew Gluyas has confirmed stable star Dalasan (Dalakhani {Ire}) will head towards the G1 Doncaster Mile, bearing he comes through his second-up assignment in Saturday’s G1 George Ryder S.

Gluyas said that the flashy chestnut has settled in to his Sydney surroundings at the Team Hawkes stables in good order, ahead of his eighth attempt at Group 1 glory.

“Tommy (Berry) rode him in his final piece of serious work on Tuesday morning and also provided some good feedback,” Gluyas told Racing.com.

“And all being well, after Saturday we will then head towards the Doncaster.”

Sargent delighted by first Slipper starter

Trainer John Sargent is expecting his first ever G1 Golden Slipper S. starter, Four Moves Ahead (Snitzel) to relish a Heavy surface at Rosehill on Saturday.

“She seems to handle it that’s for sure and her half-sister Emeralds loves the wet, so hopefully we get her to Saturday in good order because the track won’t play a major part,” Sargent told RSN927.

Four Moves Ahead

Berry declares Slipper tactics

Leading Sydney jockey Tommy Berry has declared that he is more than likely to push forward from barrier three on classy colt Stay Inside (Extreme Choice) in Saturday’s G1 Golden Slipper S.

Berry is hopeful of following last year’s winning hoop, Hugh Bowman, from the jump and taking a sit in behind his mount Profiteer (Capitalist).

“Barrier three takes the pressure off him (Stay Inside) a little bit and gives us the option to be where we would like,” Berry told Racenet.

“Profiteer is a horse we could follow from the draw and I would be happy to do so as there is plenty of pressure out wide.”

First-season sire Capitalist eyes rare company

Leading first-season sire Capitalist is looking to emulate champion juveniles, Stratum and Marauding (NZ) as only the third G1 Golden Slipper S. winner to sire a subsequent winner in his first season at stud.

The former Peter and Paul Snowden-trained galloper will have race favourite Profiteer and fellow Team Snowden-trained Kalashnikov, owned by James Harron Bloodstock, representing him in the $3.5 million feature at Rosehill on Saturday.

Blackmore makes history at Cheltenham

Irish jumps jockey Rachael Blackmore has become the first female jockey to win a championship race at the time-honoured Cheltenham Festival.

Blackmore steered the Kenny Alexander-trained Honeysuckle (GB) (Sulamani {Ire}) to success in a thrilling edition of the G1 Unibet Champion Hurdle.

The 31-year-old was elated by her ground-breaking victory in her post-race address.

“There is no deal about being a female jockey anymore. If you want to be a jockey you can be a jockey, drive on,” she said.

Grangewilliam Stud secure Miss Federer

Grangewilliam Stud Principal, Mark Corocran, has confirmed that their latest broodmare acquisition Miss Federer (Swiss Ace) will be covered by resident sire and former Australian Group 2-winning sprinter Derryn.

The multiple stakes winner and former Andrew Carson-trained galloper was secured for NZ$95,000 on Monday night via, Gavelhouse Plus online.

“Derryn is a Group 1-performed son of Hinchinbrook whose yearlings are great types, who walk with purpose and the feedback from the breakers is fantastic,” Corocran told Breednet.

“He has all the key attributes to be a success at stud and the mating with Miss Federer will put plenty of strength over her, and I believe her speed and precociousness will provide a lovely match with Derryn’s impressive acceleration and fight at the business end of a race.”

Sinarahma primed for Trentham tilt

New Zealand-trainer Allan Sharrock is confident that his star mare Sinarahma (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) can prevail in Saturday’s G3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle S.

The classy 6-year-old flashed home into second behind champion mare Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) in the G1 Thorndon Mile, after blowing the start at her last Trentham attempt.

The five-time winner has since finished fifth in the G1 Herbie Dyke S. (2000 metres) at Te Rapa and was in line for the G1 Auckland Cup over two-miles before Sharrock elected otherwise.

“We toyed with going to the Auckland Cup, but when they closed the window to six days,” Sharrock said.

“She races well at Wellington (Trentham) and it is not a deep field in numbers, and she will be strong late as well if she goes away from the barrier.”

Strong start at OBS

A filly by Coolmore America’s Munnings (USA) and a colt by Violence (USA) shared top honours at US$550,000 during the opener of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's March Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale.

A total of 160 head changed hands Tuesday for gross receipts of US$18,482,500 at an average of US$115,516 and a median of US$62,500. The RNA rate as of Tuesday evening stood at 20 per cent.

While exact year-to-year comparisons are somewhat difficult due to OBS policy of adding subsequent post-sale transactions to its official statistics, it's clear that participants found a far different market than they did 12 months ago, when the industry and world at large was right on the precipice of COVID-19 shutting down everything and the sport was still trying to weigh the impact of a high-profile doping scandal.

Looking Ahead - March 18

Newcastle, Race 1, 1pm AEDT, Coastline Pools and Spas Mdn, $35,000, 900m

The Kris Less-trained Excelness (Exceed And Excel) showed enough in her recent debut at Port Macquarie to suggest she won't be long breaking through for her maiden success. She was just run down late that day, and will no doubt be improved by the run and the possibility of a slightly better track condition.

Excelness as a yearling

She has the pedigree to be a serious racehorse, being a half-sister to G1 JJ Atkins S. winner Romantic Touch (Northern Meteor) and Group 3 winner Burning Passion (Northern Meteor). Their dam, Dearness (Snippets), is a half-sister to Group 1-winning pair Desert War (Desert King {Ire}) and Laser Hawk (Artie Schiller {USA}). This filly was purchased by Australian Bloodstock for $270,000 at the 2019 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.

Newcastle, Race 5, 3.35pm AEDT, Avid PM 2YO Mdn, $35,000, 1200m

Edinburgh Park has had substantial success breeding and racing horses out of the family of Bjorn Baker's first starter Wolfburn (Snitzel) and it will be hoping he can make an impression in the stud's yellow and red colours here after a couple of good performances at recent trials at Canterbury and Rosehill.

Wolfburn as a yearling

He was passed in short of his $400,000 reserve at last year's Inglis Easter Yearling Sale and was retained to race. He is a brother to the speedy stakes-performed mare Miss Wonderland and a half-brother to stakes-placed Spencer (Pierro), who was also trained by Baker. Their dam, Alice's Smart (USA) (Smart Strike {USA}) is a half-sister to the dams of stakeswinners Eleven Eleven (Fastnet Rock) and Glenfiddich (Fastnet Rock).

Pakenham, Race 2, 6.30pm AEDT, Cormack Pluming Mdn, $35,000, 1400m

Steinem (GB) (Frankel {GB}) was bred overseas by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock, who sold her to Ciaron Maher Bloodstock for $400,000 at the 2019 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. Her dam Thai Noon (Ire) (Dansili {GB}) is a daughter of stakes winner Alsace Lorraine (Ire) (Giant's Causeway {USA}). She is a blood-sister to G1 1000 Guineas winner Miss France (Ire) (Dansili {GB}) and from the family of another Maher runner in Mask Of Time (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}).

Steinem (GB) as a yearling

She looked pretty sharp at a recent Cranbourne trial, finishing third in a performance that gave indication that she's a horse worth following on debut, and she looks well-placed over the 1400 metres in this race.

2YO & 3YO Winners By Sire

First Season Sire Runners & Results

1 min read

First Season Sires' Results

Results: Wednesday, March 17

First Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Thursday, March 18

Second Season Sire Runners & Results

1 min read

Second Season Sires’ Results

Results: Wednesday, March 17

Second Season Sires’ Runners