Cover image courtesy of Michael McInally

Rubick filly the punters’ elect in Tiara

Saturday’s Tattersall’s Tiara at Eagle Farm is not only the last Group 1 race of the season, for some, it will be the final opportunity to either pick up some all-important black type, or, better still, an elite-level success.

As expected, the $700,000 race has attracted a capacity field and includes three 3-year-olds - Ruthless Dame (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), Opal Ridge (Rubick) and Revolutionary Miss (Russian Revolution).

Ruthless Dame already has a Group 1 win on her CV, that being this year’s Robert Sangster S. The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained mare has enjoyed a successful campaign, which includes a placing in the G1 Surround S., while her last-start fifth in the G1 Stradbroke H. against older horses was very good.

She will have to overcome a wide alley if she is to double her Group 1 tally, but jockey John Allen knows her well and is riding in a rich vein of form.

Luke Pepper’s Opal Ridge is yet to be tested in top company, but this race looks ideal and she has the advantage of a good gate.

Opal Ridge has won six of her 12 starts and was far from disgraced when touched off by Comrade Rosa (Capitalist) when favourite in the G2 Dane Ripper S.

Chaillot (Testa Rossa) will face the starter for the final time before heading to the breeding barn in the spring and she is one that is yet to claim a Group 1 success. She is a Group 3 winner, but connections would love nothing more than for her to bow out in perfect style.

Foxy Friday (Foxwedge) is as consistent as they come and she steps up to Group 1 grade for the first time in her career. The Andrew Noblet-trained mare is another that will start from wide on the track, but with even luck, expect her to figure in the finish.

Chris Waller has Kiku (Zoustar) and Roots (Press Statement) engaged, while Brookspire (Hinchinbrook) is an emergency. Lindsay Park also has a pair of mares in the race - Excelida (Exceed And Excel) and the last-start Listed Eye Liner S. victress Lady Of Honour (No Nay Never {USA}).

The Team Hawkes-trained Electric Girl (Declaration Of War {USA}) was purchased for $520,000 at this year’s Inglis Chairman’s Sale. Bloodstock agent Neil Jenkinson signed the ticket at Riverside Stables for IT entrepreneur Simon Delzoppo.

The 6-year-old mare - a dual Group 2 scorer - gets another crack at a Group 1 before a spring date with Darley’s Anamoe in the spring.

High-priced Snitzel colt looks to get off the mark

The opening event on the Eagle Farm card is the Listed Tattersall's Life Member S., where six 2-year-olds are all searching for a maiden stakes victory (some are looking for their first win altogether).

Waller has two runners - the $1.4 million yearling Cap Ferrat (Snitzel) - and Kirikan (NZ) (Tivaci).

Cap Ferrat, who will be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, was bred by Arrowfield Stud and Belford Productions, before Coolmore’s Tom Magnier bought her at the 2022 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale from the Arrowfield draft. The colt is from the Listed winner C’Est Beau La Vie (Bernardini {USA}) and she herself is a half-sister to stakes winners Wales (Redoute's Choice) and Jolly Banner (Lonhro) from the Makybe Diva (GB) (Desert King {Ire}) family.

The colt has placed at his past two starts, with the most recent being in the Listed The Phoenix.

Kirikan was a NZ$135,000 buy at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale (Book 1). Mulcaster Bloodstock / Waller Racing bought him from the draft of Waikato Stud - his breeder. The colt, who finished second on debut in maiden company at Doomben, is out of the winless Savabeel mare Jammu (NZ) and is closely related to the Group 1 heroine Sharvasti (NZ) (Montjeu {Ire}).

Sam and Anthony Freedman will send out Zoustar filly Right To Party, who runs in Jonathan Munz’s Pinecliff Racing silks. Bred by GSA Bloodstock, she is from the unraced Dehere (USA) mare De Groove and she herself is a sister to the Listed winner Super Groove and a half-sister to the Group 3 scorer Taikun (Anabaa {USA}). This family also includes the Listed victress Purple Groove (NZ) (Rhythm {USA}) and the Group 3 winner Zapurple (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}).

Right To Party knocked off her maiden at Doomben earlier this month, beating Kirikan in the process.

Et Tu Brute is a stablemate of Right To Party, and while the Dundeel (NZ) colt is still a maiden, he has shown good ability in his two runs to date. He was consigned by Willow Park Stud at the 2022 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, with Suman Hedge Bloodstock (FBAA), Julian Blaxland Bloodstock (FBAA) and Freedman Racing going to $320,000 for him.

Kris Lees’ Infancy (Wandjina) is a winner of two of her three starts, while the Maher/Eustace runner Zoukerette (I Am Invincible) boasts a victory over the very talented Tutta La Vita (The Autumn Sun).

Racing returns to Caulfield

Caulfield will on Saturday host its first meeting in seven months. Not since last year’s Zipping Classic Day has racing been held at The Heath.

The course proper track has undergone major remedial works, while an inner track has also been built.

“We took the opportunity to give the track two really good renovations, usually we do that once a year but we had the time to do it twice,” Melbourne Racing Club General Manager of Racecourses, Jason Kerr, told Racing.com earlier this week.

“It’s been a good break since November, we’re all pretty excited at the MRC to get back into racing.”

The track was given a road test, with a set of gallops held a fortnight ago, before jump-outs took place there the following week. Kerr said the feedback from industry participants was extremely positive

“We had 50-odd jump-outs, that was a week after the gallops, all reports were terrific,” Kerr claimed.

“We’ve had a few horses around the place the last couple of weeks with a few gallops on the track, so yeah, exciting time to get back to Caulfield and we’ve got a good program to open up.

“The damage they did was next to nothing, so this track, we haven’t been on it in seven months, will be A1 on Saturday. The rail is back in the True, we have got a 100 per cent cover of fresh grass, so (I’m) expecting pretty good things.”

Caulfield hosts a good off-season juvenile race

The first of nine races at Caulfield is the $150,000 McCafe H. (1000 metres) for 2-year-olds, which carries a SUPER VOBIS Nominators Bonus of $7000 and a SUPER VOBIS Owners Bonus of $23,000 for qualified horses.

Rubick filly Outback Miss was very good on debut, winning by 3l in maiden company at Bendigo on June 3. Blake Shinn goes aboard and the pair will have to contend with a wide draw. Bred by Glenlogan Park, Outback Miss was knocked down to Mick Price Racing and Breeding Pty Ltd and The Osher Group for $150,000 at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. The filly is from the eight-time winner Outback Saga (Real Saga) and she herself is a half-sister to the Group 3 victor Snippets Land (Snippetson).

The Peter Moody-trained Amigo (Snitzel) was well supported in the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude (Colts and Geldings) on debut and was far from disgraced, finishing fifth, 2.15l behind the winner Barber (Exceed And Excel). The colt made $975,000 at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale after being offered by his breeder - Arrowfield Stud. Amigo’s dam is the Listed winner You’re So Good (NZ) (Savabeel) and the colt is closely related to the dual Group 1 heroine Melito (Redoute’s Choice).

Moody also has Scorsese (Written By) and Ginger ‘N’ Pink (Zoustar) in the race.

Shane Nichols’ debutant Jehbenti (Hellbent) is the only unraced runner and he is closely related to the reigning Cox Plate Champion Anamoe. The colt was bred by Eureka Cambooya Thoroughbreds and is out of the winless More Than Ready (USA) mare Moojeh - a half-sister to the brilliant Grand Armee (Hennessy {USA}) - a seven-time Group 1 winner. Jehbenti has tuned up for his first start with two trials, winning the most recent of these (at Moe on June 5).

Mantua (Fastnet Rock) ran well on debut, placing second behind Links (Spieth {NZ}) at Sandown-Hillside on June 10. He is from the star mare Viadana (NZ) (Towkay) - a triple Group 1 victress.

O’Shea with two top hopes in Randwick feature

At Randwick, the main event is the Listed Civic S., which will be run over 1400 metres and carries a prize purse of $150,000.

Randwick-based trainer John O’Shea won the race in 2014 with Generalife (Lonhro) and he has a pair of leading chances here. Waihaha Falls (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) races well here, having won twice and placing three times from seven starts, but he is drawn out wide for apprentice Reece Jones. Stablemate Cotehele (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) is a last-start winner, but he too must overcome an outside draw.

Cisco Bay (So You Think {NZ}) is racing in great heart and loves the trip. He should get every chance from gate two, with Robbie Dolan to steer. The gelding’s co-trainer Gerald Ryan won this race with Damigos (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) way back in 2004.

Chris Waller is a two-time winner of the race - Fangirl’s (Sebring) dam Little Surfer Girl (Encosta De Lago) was first home in 2011, before Liapari (NZ) (Nom Du Jeu {NZ}) was too good in 2018. Australia’s leading trainer will launch a four-pronged attack here, with Polly Grey (NZ) (Azamour {Ire}), Tycoonist (Written Tycoon), Longvillers (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) and Bonny Ezra (NZ) (Road To Rock) all set to represent the stable.

Unraced juveniles to debut at Riccarton

Twelve 2-year-olds will head to the races for the first time at Riccarton Park.

The Anderston stable has two runners - Ascend (NZ) (Ghibellines) and Move On (NZ) - and both are by Smokin Romans’ (NZ) sire Ghibellines, who stands at the Anderton’s White Robe Lodge. Featuring in Ascend’s pedigree is the 1970 Melbourne Cup hero Baghdad Note (NZ) (Kurdistan {GB}). Move On, meanwhile, is out of the stakes performer Turn The Page (NZ) (Danzighill).

Samantha Wynne’s Cliodhna Maeve (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}) has been well supported in pre-race betting and he is from the family of the seven-time winner and Group 3 scorer The Book Maker (NZ) (Honor Grades {USA}).

U S Navy Flag (USA), who stands at The Oaks Stud, currently sits second behind Satono Aladdin (Jpn) on the New Zealand 2YO Sires’ Premiership. The sire of the Listed victress Chantilly Lace (NZ), U S Navy Flag has two runners here - Lee Callaway’s Empress Suiko (NZ) and Steven Woodsford’s Nova Remnant (NZ). The latter’s third dam is Kasora (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}) and she has thrown the great racehorse and sire High Chaparral (Ire).

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Race 1, Listed Chesham S., (7 furlongs) 1400m - 11.30pm AEST (2.30pm local)

Prizemoney: £100,000 (AU$189,500)

The Listed Chesham S. was inaugurated in 1919 and reportedly ran on Wednesday, June 19. The year 1919 was hugely significant in 20th-century history as June saw the signing of the Treaty Of Versailles, several months after World War I ended in November 1918.

The Chesham S. was first run over five furlongs (1000 metres) and wouldn’t be extended to the seven furlongs (1400 metres) until 1996 when Saeed bin Suroor saddled up Shamikh (GB) (Unfuwain {USA}) to score.

Over the years, the Chesham has produced some significant moments, such as the 1989 edition won by Be My Chief (USA) partnered by Champion North American jockey Steve Cauthen who had been reportedly lured to Britain by Robert Sangster and legendary late Henry Cecil to replace Lester Piggott as the stable jockey.

Be My Chief, who would also win a G1 Racing Post Trophy, was owned by Peter Burell, who had been manager of the National Stud during the golden era when the stud produced Sun Chariot (GB) (Hyperion {GB}) and Big Game (GB).

Recently the Chesham S. has produced a host of significant winners. Among them was the filly, Maybe (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who saluted in 2011 for Coolmore and partners; she was trained and partnered by one of the best combinations of the modern era, Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore.

Maybe, was crowned the European Champion Filly in 2011. However, at stud, she has been just as impactful, with her son Saxon Warrior (Jpn), winning the G1 2000 Guineas and now carving out a successful stallion career at Coolmore Ireland, including shuttling to Australia.

In 2016, O’Brien and Moore were back together, but this time with a colt by the peerless Galileo (Ire); the colt carried a fitting name, Churchill (Ire), no doubt named after one of the greatest statesmen of the 20th century, Winston Churchill.

Churchill, the colt, would retire as one of the most gifted sons of Galileo, retiring as a dual Classic winner and four Group 1s overall. Retired to Coolmore Stud, he is proving quite the stallion, producing the hugely talented Blue Rose Cen (Ire) and Vadeni (Fr).

In 2019, another fittingly named colt, Pinatubo (Ire), kept his unbeaten record intact with a resounding victory in the Chesham S.

The Godolphin-owned and Charlie Appleby-trained colt would retire as a three-time Group 1 winner at Darley’s Dalham Hall Stud and shuttle to Darley, Australia.

In 2023, the race favourite is the O’Brien-trained Pearls And Rubies (USA) (No Nay Never {USA}); the juvenile filly will be partnered by Moore and was a winner at Navan on debut.

She is the fifth foal from the Fastnet Rock mare Diamondandrubies (Ire), who claimed the G1 Pretty Polly S.

Furthermore, Pearls And Rubies is from the family of the Frankel (GB) sired pair of Eminent (Ire) and King Frankel (Ire). The former being placed at Group 1 level in Australia, while the latter is a Listed winner and Group 1 placegetter in Australia.

Another runner with an Australian connection is the Joseph O’Brien-trained Warnie (Ire) (Highland Reel {Ire}); perhaps the late Australian cricketer Shane Warne was an inspiration. The colt will be ridden by the Champion New Zealand-born jockey James McDonald and was purchased by Stuart Boman of Blandford Bloodstock and Bennett Racing from the 2023 Tattersalls Guineas Breeze Up Sale for 65,000gns (AU$97,000).

Race 2, G3 Jersey S., (7 furlongs) 1400m - 12.05pm AEST (3.05pm local)

Prizemoney: £150,000 (AU$285,400)

The G3 Jersey S., like the Listed Chesham S., was inaugurated in 1919 and had a significant history of producing runners to further success.

In 2021, the G3 Jersey S. was won by the late Godolphin-owned Creative Cause (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), denying his stablemate Naval Crown (Ire).

The following year, in 2022, the Jersey S. would be the key form guide in the G1 Platinum Jubilee when Naval Crown turned the tables to deny his stablemate in the Group 1.

Another recent significant winner is the outstanding Ribchester (Ire), who also carried the royal blue of Godolphin to victory in 2016. Ribchester shuttles to Haunui Farm in New Zealand where he will stand the 2023 season at a fee of NZ$12,000 Plus GST.

And Expert Eye (GB) gave James McDonald his first winner at Royal Ascot in 2018, with a romp in the G3 Jersey S.

Expert Eye would bow out in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile at the end of 2018, retiring to Juddmonte Farms’ Banstead Manor Stud.

The 2023 edition has attracted a competitive field of 15, with the favourite being the progressive John and Thady Gosden-trained Covey (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who Frankie Dettori will partner in his final Royal Ascot.

The Australian Champion Sire, Zoustar, who stands at Widden Stud, but shuttles to Tweenhills Stud in the United Kingdom, will be represented by Zoology (GB).

Trained by James Ferguson, Zoology will be partnered by Oisin Murphy. He was a winner two starts ago at Southwell on the All Weather.

Other gallopers with an Australian connection is the outsider, Clare Connell-trained Empty Metaphor (Ire), a son of James Garfield (Ire), a son of the great Darley-based Exceed And Excel.

Race 3, G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee S., (6 furlongs) 1200m - 12.40am AEST (3.40pm local)

Prizemoney: £1 million (AU$1.8 million)

The G1 The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee S., has had many name changes since its inauguration in 1868, registered under the Cork and Orrery S.

In 2023, the race was named in the late Queen Elizabeth’s honour after her passing in 2022.

In 2012, the year the mighty Black Caviar (Bel Esprit) prevailed in an agonisingly close finish, the race was renamed the Diamond Jubilee to commemorate the late Queen Elizabeth’s 60th year as the Monarch.

Last year, when the Godolphin-trained Naval Crown (GB) saluted, and the returning Australian raider Artorius (Flying Artie) finished third, the race was renamed the Platinum Jubilee.

Australian-bred gallopers have an excellent record in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee S., a landmark moment when Choisir prevailed in 2003; his triumph was followed by Starspangledbanner in 2010, the aforementioned Black Caviar in 2012 and most recently, Merchant Navy in 2018.

This year flying the Australian flag is the returning Artorius; James McDonald will partner the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained galloper, who has come up favourite.

The warhorse The Astrologist (Zoustar), trained by Leon and Troy Corstens, will have the jet-setting Damian Lane in the saddle. At the same time, the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Cannonball (Capitalist) is expected to back up with Brett Prebble aboard after a below-par run in the G1 King's Stand S.

Rounding out the gallopers carrying the Australian suffix is Wellington, a son of the Vinery Stud-based All Too Hard. Wellington, trained by Richard Gibson, has been based in Hong Kong, where he has been one of the elite sprinters. Wellington gets the services of Ryan Moore.

The strongest of the domestic chances look to come from Highfield Princess (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Sacred (GB) (Exceed And Excel) and Kinross (GB) (Kingman {GB}).

Highfield Princess, like Cannonball, will be backing-up after running in the King's Stand S. although the multiple Group 1 winner was placed in the King's Stand.

Sacred has won two of her last three starts including the G3 Chartwell S. at Lingfield previous start.

Kinross hasn't raced since running third in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile in November, but before that claimed the G1 British Champions Sprint at Ascot and the G1 Prix de la Foret.

Historically, the G1 Queen Elizabeth Jubilee S. has an honour roll of who’s who, including the influential Danehill (USA) in 1989, the grand sprinter-miler Diadem (GB) (Orby {GB}), the Champion Blue Point (Ire) and the brilliant Slade Power (Ire).

Race 4, G2 Hardwicke S., (1 mile and four furlongs) 2400m, 1.20am AEST (4.20pm local)

Prize money: £250,000 (AU$474,700)

The G2 Hardwicke S. was named after the 5th Earl Of Hardwicke, who served as the Master of the Buckhounds in the 19th century. The Hardwicke has been a launching pad to the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. ran in July, with Aureole (GB) owned by the queen Elizabeth, and Harbinger (GB) in 2010 being the most recent to complete the double.

Other classy winners of the G2 Hardwicke S. include the G1 Derby winner St Paddy (GB), a son of Aureole, the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Rheingold (Ire) and Crystal Ocean (GB), who would claim the G1 Prince Of Wales’s S. the following year.

While he would claim the 1993 Hardwicke S. Jenue (GB) would be sent to Australia and won the G1 Melbourne Cup in Australia and three other Group 1s before retiring to stud, where he proved to be a successful stallion.

Other Hardwicke winners who have tasted success in Australia include Sea Moon (GB), who won the G2 Herbert Power S.

The 2023 edition of the Hardwicke S. has several intriguing runners, none more than the Bon Ho, Legend Racing-owned Deauville Legend (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). Trained by James Ferguson, the 4-year-old was favoured in the 2022 G1 Melbourne Cup, where he ran fourth and hasn’t raced since then.

His regular jockey Daniel Muscutt will partner him for the 2400-metre contest first-up.

Another interesting runner is Ardakan (GB) (Reliable Man {GB}), trained by Marco Botti and carrying the colours of Bennett Racing.

The 4-year-old was crowned the Champion 3YO in Italy in 2022 after winning the G2 Roma Derby Italiano. Ardakan will have the services of James McDonald.

There will be stiff competition from the classy Group 1 winner Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) and the in-form Coronation Cup winner Hukum (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), who returned strongly in the G3 Brigadier Gerard S.

*The results from Day 4 of the Royal Ascot meeting will be updated in this edition overnight.

Cover image courtesy of Ascot Racecourse

Coming through in a highly tactical renewal of the G1 Coronation S. at Royal Ascot, The Aga Khan's Tahiyra added to her Irish 1000 Guineas and Moyglare Stud S. successes to provide Dermot Weld with his first renewal since 1978.

Sent off the 8-13 favourite, the homebred half-sister to superstar Tarnawa (Ire) (Shamardal) missed the break a fraction and ended up in rear with Chris Hayes unwilling to use up her acceleration early. Swooping wide in the straight, she went slightly right as Sounds Of Heaven (GB) (Kingman {GB}) drifted left causing the filly in between Remarquee (GB) (Kingman {GB}) to snatch up approaching the furlong pole. While Tahiyra forged ahead, Remarquee was playing catch-up and finished with a flourish to be just a length behind the winner at the line and a head in front of the Craig Bernick and John Camilleri owned Sounds Of Heaven.

After an inquiry, the result was allowed to stand and Siyouni in turn responsible for a notable St James's Palace-Coronation double.

For Weld, who saddled Sutton Place to win this in an entirely different era as a young man at the end of his twenties in 1978, this success was proof of the unending expertise of the septuagenarian. “I have been very fortunate in life,” he said. “She has brilliant speed and I suppose she’s learning more about racing and getting more professional. I thought she won fair and square. Her sister was a brilliant racemare and this one is equally good. They are different sorts, this one has more pace. I enjoy so much training these fillies, I know the families and do my best to train them.”

Weld is set on giving Tahiyra a break now, after three tough encounters since the start of last month and having openly expressed that Newmarket’s 1000 Guineas was coming a touch too soon. “I think the plan always was to give her a nice holiday, a nice break,” he adedd. “She’s had a very busy spring and early summer and we will look at a programme for her in the autumn.”

The Aga Khan Studs' Georges Rimaud confirmed earlier this month to TDN AusNZ that Siyouni, who will be available for around 20 Southern Hemisphere covers, will stand for €60,000 ($97,798) this year.

Shaquille takes Commonwealth Cup in eye-catching fashion

He had obvious credentials entering the G1 Commonwealth Cup, but after Shaquille (GB) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) had blown the start all looked lost until Oisin Murphy conjured an incredible effort from the Steve Brown and Julie Camacho-trained 9-1 shot.

Gradually eased into contention after his disastrous break, the Listed Carnarvon S. scorer who carries the colours of his breeder Martin Hughes overhauled the 10-11 favourite Little Big Bear (Ire) (No Nay Never {USA}) in the closing 50 yards for a 1 1/4-length success. Last year's G2 Lowther S. winner Swingalong (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) was 3/4 of a length away in third, having raced on the pace with Ballydoyle's bigwig throughout.

Had he broken on terms here, it is probable that he would have been an impressive wide-margin winner and Oisin Murphy had a far less stressful ordeal. “As the stalls opened, he went up into the air and took his time coming back down to the ground,” he explained. “It’s very hard to do that in a 1200 metre race and win. I thought the race was almost over and you just have to hope they’ve gone too fast and will slow down at the end and I got to the back of Ryan quite easily without having to go for him.”

“I had to sustain an effort from quite a long way out. It really was a tremendous task that he managed to overcome,” Murphy added. "He’s a tough, top-class animal. It’s an astounding performance."

Aidan O’Brien said of Little Big Bear, “He ran very well. I think he is a sprinter and we will be looking forward to the July Cup.”

Charm Spirit stands at Haras Du Logis Saint Germain in France for €5,000 ($8,145), and previously shuttled to Windsor Park Stud.

Another Royal Ascot winner for Amo Racing, and also Wootton Bassett

He's as big as it gets among top-class thoroughbreds, but Amo Racing's King Of Steel (USA) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) showed for the second time this month that he has grace in abundance as he stormed to glory in the G2 King Edward VII S.

Denied only by Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in a dramatic finale to the Derby, the imposing grey was at risk of coming back too quickly but Roger Varian is too skilled to make that mistake and confidence was high as he traded as the 11-10 favourite.

Anchored in last by Kevin Stott even though the early pace was moderate, he arrived wide in early straight before seizing control two out. Despite lugging right to the rail, he powered to a 3 1/2-length verdict over Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) with the Derby also-ran Artistic Star (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) another 2 1/2 lengths behind in third.

“He's got such a great constitution and we went on the signs he was giving us, which were great,” Varian said. “He's a super horse and it is very satisfying that he confirmed today what he did in the Derby. We'd like to go to the [G1] Grand Prix de Paris, but we'll see how he is after this.”

Wootton Bassett, who sired the G2 Coventry S. winner River Tiber (Ire) on Tuesday, will stand for $93,500 (inc. GST) at Coolmore Australia this season.

Caravaggio's Porta Fortuna wins the Albany

Frankie got going early on Friday as he steered Steven Weston, Barry Fowler, Medallion Racing 2020 LLC and Reeves Racing's Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio {USA}) to success in the G3 Albany S. for a landmark 80th Royal Ascot winner.

Sent off at 5-1 having garnered Naas's G3 Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Fillies Sprint S. last month, the Donnacha O'Brien trainee travelled smoothly over two lengths behind the speed up the centre. Arriving to reel in Matrika (Ire) (No Nay Never) passing the furlong pole, Porta Fortuna who was bought by Mark McStay from Annemarie O'Brien following her success in a five-furlong Curragh maiden in April beat Ballydoyle's TDN Rising Star by a length. Highclere Throughbred Racing's Soprano (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), representing the George Boughey stable was the same margin away in third.

Donnacha, who was celebrating his first Royal winner, added, “Porta Fortuna is a very smart filly and big congratulations to all the owners–they spotted her potential early and bought into her. She is quite a scopey filly–she is owned by a bunch of American owners, so the Breeders' Cup will be a target but whether she will stay that far or not we will see. It is a big gamble to buy a filly out of a maiden, but they have been proven right so fair play to them.”

Caravaggio who previously shuttled to Coolmore Australia now stands at the Shizunai Stallion Station in Japan.

Also on the card, Okita Soushi (Ire) won the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap) for trainer Joseph O'Brien and owner Toshihiro Matsumoto. The son of Galileo is out of the Australian Group 1 winner Amicus (Fastnet Rock). Amicus, now owned by Coolmore, was served by Frankel on Southern Hemisphere time in 2022.

This week's episode

Week of June 19, 2023

In this final episode Caroline Searcy sheds light on a great story on bringing a broodmare who's had a foal out of a paddock and back into a riding environment thanks to Racing Victoria's Reset Program and accredited retainer, Lou Abey.

Two graduates from Thoroughbred Breeders' Australia's Fast Track program, now working together at Yarraman Park Stud putting into practice the best thoroughbred care they learnt over the past 12 months in their farm placements.

And the popular 'Ginger' - Ian Smith, runner-up in the Dedication to Racing category at the 2023 Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards in Arrowfield Stud's Strapper Stories.

Earlier episodes

Week of June 12, 2023

Caroline Searcy reviews the inaugural Kick Up Workshop, bringing together Australian horseracing stakeholders to form strategies to protect the racing industry from the anti-racing community.

Thoroughbred Breeders' Australia celebrates another graduation ceremony for its students who prepare for full-time work in the breeding industry, and we meet the class of 2023.

And Anna Connors (nee Power) with a sweet mare formerly trained by Sydney's John Thompson in Arrowfield Stud's Strapper Story.

Sponsored video

Thoroughbreds Are Go EP 4 2023 (Season 4)

Week of June 5, 2023

Caroline Searcy covers the thoroughbred classes at the 2023 Sydney Royal Easter Show featuring well known ex-racehorses such as Hong Kong star Hot King Prawn (Denman), Precedence (NZ), ATC Derby winner Angel Of Truth (Animal Kingdom {USA}) plus jockeys Corey Brown and Jeff Penza front and centre.

Racing SA with more great support for all thoroughbreds heading into new homes off the track in South Australia, sponsoring the Adelaide Equestrian Festival in the CCI***.

And Arrowfield Stud's Strapper Story from Queensland.

Sponsored video

Thoroughbreds Are Go EP 3 2023 (Season 4)

Week of May 29, 2023

Caroline Searcy reviews the 2023 Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards from the Gold Coast Turf Club supported by Godolphin, Racing Australia and Thoroughbred Breeders' NSW. A special emphasis on Thoroughbred Care and Welfare winner Louise Abey.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival featured a number of thoroughbred and part-thoroughbred three-day eventers ridden by elite riders such as Shenae Lowings, Sam Woods and Olympian Shane Rose.

And former Anthony Cummings stable staff member Barry Smith recalls a star Gooree Park colt who is now sire of a horse he's been rehabbing at Celbridge Farm, Frosty Rocks (Your Song), in Arrowfield Stud's Strapper Stories.

Sponsored video

Thoroughbreds Are Go EP 2 2023 (Season 4)

Week of May 22, 2023

Caroline Searcy's Thoroughbreds Are Go (TAG) returns - promoting thoroughbreds to the equestrian world and assisting racing owners and trainers find them their best homes away from the racing and breeding industry.

TAG reviews the 'world's best' conference for the International Federation For The Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) hearing from leading global and Australian experts in rehoming in Melbourne.

Sydney 2000 three-day eventing Olympian Amanda Ross with a new thoroughbred by Frankel (GB) and great advice to help transition thoroughbreds off the track.

And Annamarie Mulligan from the John Thompson Racing Stables at Randwick with a great story about Jumbo Goal in Arrowfield Stud's Strapper Stories.

Sponsored video

Thoroughbreds Are Go EP 1 2023 (Season 4)

Week of November 28, 2022

This week Caroline Searcy's Thoroughbreds Are Go features an interview with Arthur and Charlotte Inglis about the Inglis sponsorship of the Thoroughbred Sport Horse Association and how Australia's historic thoroughbred sales company assists horses outside the racing and breeding industry.

Racing Victoria's Melissa Ware discusses some of the new work done by the Off The Track program in the state and how it's benefitting racing owners who want to rehome their thoroughbreds and assisting the equestrian owners who take them on.

And Holly Pendold with two ex-racehorses she cared for in the Toby Edmonds stable as they compete at the TSHA National Championships, in Arrowfield Stud's Strapper Stories.

Sponsored video

Thoroughbreds Are Go EP 10 2022 (Season 3)

Week of November 21, 2022

This week Caroline Searcy's Thoroughbreds Are Go features the inaugural Thoroughbred Sport Horse Association National Championships in NSW with some great equestrian competitors in a sensational thoroughbreds-only competition!

Racing South Australia and Clare Lindop link up with Lincoln Park, a centre for the rehabilitation of horses and humans, using thoroughbreds to train new stable staff.

And a beautiful story of thoroughbred love stretching beyond the racing stable with Kate Blay and Siege Warfare forging a new dressage career in Arrowfield Stud's Strapper Stories.

Sponsored video

Thoroughbreds Are Go EP 9 2022 (Season 3)

Week of November 14, 2022

This week Caroline Searcy's Thoroughbreds Are Go features Steve and Eliza Grant's Silverdale Farm, the early home of this year's Golden Slipper winner Fireburn (Rebel Dane), is proactive in caring for thoroughbreds it's sold and we see two examples of thoroughbreds who have been brought home to the farm post-racing. Plus hear more about the Silverdale Academy internships and training staff for the thoroughbred industry.

Tim Boland is one of Australia's elite three-day eventers with a passion for thoroughbreds. His Limitless Lodge is an early education and pre-training facility that plays home to some of Australia's best-loved racehorses. It's also home to a number of retired thoroughbreds being schooled for equestrian careers and Tim has strong thoughts on the responsibilities of owners to their retiring racehorses.

Sponsored video

Thoroughbreds Are Go EP 8 2022 (Season 3)

Week of November 7, 2022

This week Caroline Searcy's Thoroughbreds Are Go features some Darley Stud blue-blood mares who have shaped generations of Group 1 winners around the world. Learn what are the things you should know if you are looking after a retired broodmare from Darley Woodlands stud manager John Sunderland.

Bruce Neill's Cressfield is one of Australia's most successful breeding operations and he has a plan for all the horses he races. If they aren't breeding the next generation with the CF brand on them he finds them good homes in the equestrian world through his Tasmanian base. It's something he believes the racing industry must also do voluntarily.

And, in Arrowfield Stud's Strapper Stories, Nicki Hunt from Matt Smith's racing stables at Warwick Farm talks about her love for Fierce Impact (Jpn) and how she follows him and his new foals well after he retired from racing.

Sponsored video

Thoroughbreds Are Go EP 7 2022 (Season 3)

Week of October 31, 2022

Caroline Searcy returns with Australia's thoroughbred re-homing show Thoroughbreds Are Go, assisting the safe and happy transition of horses from the racing and breeding industry.

This week being Melbourne Cup week, hear how you can help promote the good in the racing world as Kick Collective's Vicky Leonard explains 'Kick Up' - a way to provide real facts in the face of anti-racing criticism.

Australian 5-star eventer Lauren Browne with an elite thoroughbred Sky's Da Limit and her new young horse Rafiki as she explains what you need to know about re-training thoroughbreds for a competitive life.

And Randwick trainer John Sargent's foreman Campbell Ashby with a European champion in Arrowfield Stud's Strapper Stories, as he celebrates the VRC Carbine Club S. win of promising colt Perfect Thought (So You Think {NZ}).

Sponsored video

Thoroughbreds Are Go EP 6 2022 (Season 3)

Week of June 13, 2022

Caroline Searcy returns to the Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Richmond centre in New South Wales to see the thoroughbreds who change the lives of people with disabilities, young and older!

Champion jockey Clare Lindop relies on thoroughbreds to train new track riders as part of a great Racing SA education program attracting new staff to the racing industry. And, in Arrowfield Stud's Strapper Stories, a Golden Slipper-winning Champion Australian stallion features for his former stablehand Julie Scanlon.

Sponsored video

Thoroughbreds Are Go EP 5 2022 (Season 3)

Week of May 30, 2022

In this week's Thoroughbreds Are Go, we take a look at the Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards that celebrate the racing and breeding industry's unsung heroes, with a particular focus on the winner and runner-up in the Thoroughbred Care and Welfare category - Fiona McIntyre and Grace Chantler.

The Victoria Racing Club takes the 2022 Melbourne Cup and a great sponsorship to the Sydney International three-day event with more and more thoroughbreds competing.

The Sydney Royal Easter Show with a whole day of thoroughbred classes and a trainer and strapper with another story about a favourite racehorse in a new life, in Arrowfield Stud's Strapper Story.

Sponsored video

Thoroughbreds Are Go EP 4 2022 (Season 3)

Week of May 23, 2022

In this week's Thoroughbreds Are Go find out how to go from showjumping into a job in a racing stable, learning more about the care of thoroughbreds. Hear from Sydney's Champion trainer Chris Waller and young thoroughbred riders Jasmine Haynes and Chloe Manell about the great opportunities within the racing industry.

Equine nutrition expert Dr Caroline Foote with some great tips on feeding thoroughbreds to keep them in the best condition. And French track-rider Pauline Leflaec, now the proud owner of multiple Group winner Star Of The Seas (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) in Arrowfield Stud's Strapper Story.

Sponsored video

Thoroughbreds Are Go EP 3 2022 (Season 3)

Week of May 16, 2022

In this week's episode of Thoroughbreds Are Go, Caroline Searcy speaks with NSW trainer Kim Waugh about the pros and cons of rehoming thoroughbreds and ensuring they are in a good home. Rebecca Brown's Hillview Thoroughbreds turns ex-Hong Kong racehorses into elite Sydney Royal Show horses.

Inglis Millenium winner, Prime Star (Starspangledbanner), features in this week's Arrowfield Stud's Strapper Story.

Sponsored video

Thoroughbreds Are Go EP 2 2022 (Season 3)

Week of May 9, 2022

Thoroughbreds Are Go returns for 2022 with an update on two-time Racing Victoria top accredited thoroughbred re-trainer Fiona McIntyre. She travels to the prestigious Royal Sydney Easter Show with not only the popular four-time Melbourne Cup runner and earner of over $1.9 million, Precedence (NZ) but also Caravan Rolls On (GB) and Able Fun (Snitzel).

And in Arrowfield Stud's Strapper Story we hear about a son of Nicconi who's found a great home with his strapper from his racing days.

Sponsored video

Thoroughbreds Are Go EP 1 2022 (Season 3)