It's a quiet first Saturday of the year with only one stakes race each in Australia (the Listed Black Pearl S. at Geelong) and New Zealand (the Listed Marton Cup at Hastings) but there are plenty of up-and-comers in action - especially in the 2-year-old events in the lead-up to next weekend's big Magic Millions meeting. 

Saturday preview: six things to keep an eye on

The Chase Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Preview

Click here to view Ole Kirk's yearlings to be offered at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale

With a backdrop of consistent rain and blustery conditions, the whisper in the wind was ‘Ole Kirk’, as buyers and breeders intently looked on at his first progeny on offer as yearlings. The Thoroughbred Report caught up with Vinery Stud and bloodstock agent Mark Player, as well as a range of supportive breeders, to see what they like about the well-related stallion.

Ole Kirk the hot name in town as Magic Millions inspections ramp up

Darley

Click here to watch Shall Be's trial replay

Click here to watch Flying Argyle's trial replay

Click here to watch Asuriito's trial replay

Click here to watch Aroha Stone's (NZ) trial replay

The G1 Doncaster H. hero Brutal (NZ) has made a promising start to his stallion career at Newgate Farm. The son of O'Reilly (NZ) was represented by two fillies on Friday, who, despite not winning their trials, showed plenty of tenacity towards the line to pin themselves as ones to follow. 

Trial Report: Harlem and Eyes chase hard for Brutal 

Aushorse

Black type results: Hobart

Black type results

Kick Sales Platform

Black type fields: Geelong and Hastings

Black type fields

Newgate

Worldwide Group 1s and sale dates

Worldwide Group 1s

Job Board

Daily News Wrap

Daily wrap-up

Looking Ahead - January 6

Looking Ahead

Social

Debutants

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

Winners By Sire