Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

Flemington: G1 Lightning S., $1,000,000, 1000m

Showing both class and heart recording her ninth win at Group 1 level, Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) proved - on the back of an unplaced Cranbourne trial - that she is a professional who knows exactly when raceday is!

The most prolific stakes winner for her Yarraman Park-based, reigning Australian Champion Sire (whose stakes winner total sits at 105), Imperatriz was bred by Raffles Dancers and purchased by David Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ) for $360,000 from the Bhima Thoroughbreds draft at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Imperatriz is the second foal and first winner for Berimbau (Shamardal {USA}) who earned her black type with a G3 Moonee Valley Fillies Classic third to Lumosty (Fastnet Rock).

Also dam of the multiple city winner Cabaca (Fastnet Rock), Berimbau produced a full brother to Imperatriz last August, subsequently served by Pierata. Her 2-year-old is a Capitalist colt, a $200,000 Magic Millions purchase for Lofth Thoroughbreds and AGR Racing.

Berimbau is out of the winner Percussive (Encosta De Lago), half-sister to the G2 Todman Slipper Trial winner Royal Courtship (Royal Academy {USA}).

Percussive's six foals to race have all been winners including the Listed Spear Chief H. winner Vinco (also by I Am Invincible).

Boasting crosses of the wonderful mares Natalma (USA) (Native Dancer {USA}), Somethingroyal (USA) (Princequillo {Ire}) and Lalun (USA) (Djeddah {Fr}), Imperatriz hails from the same family as the stakes winners Poor Judge (Royal Academy {USA}) and Proud Player (Squill {USA}).

G3 CS Hayes S., $200,000, 1400m

Part of a great 20 minutes or so for his proud owner and breeder Debbie Kepitis, Riff Rocket (American Pharoah {USA}) looked well in the yard and it was a smart performance to win over 1400 metres at his first run since taking out the G1 Victoria Derby in November.

One of the 43 stakes winners for his former Coolmore shuttling sire, Riff Rocket is the second foal produced by the stakes-placed, multiple city winner Missile Coda (Smart Missile) who was also raced by Debbie Kepitis.

Her first foal Quintillion (Deep Field) is a lightly raced metropolitan maiden placegetter and she was served last spring by Home Affairs having also visited him (no online stud return as yet) the previous season.

Her third foal is the Michael Freedman-trained 2-year-old Codetta (Nicconi).

Missile Coda is out of the triple city winner Rain Melody (Lonhro), a half-sister to the Listed Toy Show H. winner Walk Alone (Honour And Glory {USA}) from the family of the stakes winners Rai Affair (Commands), Ranges (Shooting To Win) and Wayupinthesky (Snitzel).

A descendant of the 1945 G1 Melbourne Cup winner Rainbird (The Buzzard {GB}), Riff Rocket boasts a cross of the terrific mare Crimson Saint (USA) (Crimson Satan {USA}) via her grandson Storm Cat (USA) and son Royal Academy (USA).

This cross works particularly well when Royal Academy appears via Fastnet Rock (sire of Smart Missile) - he and Storm Cat combining in the pedigrees of 45 stakes winners.

G3 The TAB Vanity, $200,000, 1400m

It was a second-generation stakes winner for Danny O'Brien - Grinzinger Belle (NZ) being a daughter of Shamexpress (NZ) who he trained to a G1 Newmarket H. victory in 2013.

That Windsor Park stallion's 10th stakes winner, she was bred by Windsor Park and sold by them to her owner J.R Wheeler for NZ$32,000 at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale (Book 2).

She is the first foal produced by Ripsomemore (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) who was a long last at her only outing at Awapuni. A half-sister to the G3 Kenilworth Chairman's Cup winner Golden Parachute (NZ) (Montjeu {Ire}), she is out of the G2 Matamata Breeders' S. winner Maxamore (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}).

A half-sister to the G3 Hawke's Bay Cup winner Maxam (NZ) (Gaius {Ire}), Maxamore is also grandam of the Group 2 winners Wild Night (NZ) (Vanbrugh) and Play That Song (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}).

Due to have foaled last spring to Turn Me Loose (NZ), Ripsomemore missed the previous season with her only other foal to date being the 2-year-old Porthouse Lady (NZ) (Rageese) who ran on well when fourth at her Riccarton Park debut last spring.

Grinzinger Belle is the first stakes winner (from eight runners/five winners) line-bred to Volksraad (GB), a 3 X 3 cross which is supported by duplications of the excellent mares Lalun (USA) (Djeddah {Fr}) and Volksraad's fourth dam Mesopotamia (Ire) (Zarathustra {GB}) - also fifth dam of Rip Van Winkle (Ire).

G3 Frances Tressady S., $200,000, 1400m

Classy and consistent is Revolutionary Miss (Russian Revolution) who so boldly recorded her fourth success at Group level.

Bred by China Horse Club Racing and purchased by Triple Crown Syndications for $195,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, the Snowden-trained 4-year-old is the one of the nine stakes winners for her Newgate Farm-based, G1 The Galaxy and G1 Oakleigh Plate-winning sire.

She is the fourth foal and one of two stakes winners for the stakes-placed Purcentage (Onemorenomore) whose son Equation won the 2021 Listed Canberra Guineas.

Last spring paying a return visit to Russian Revolution (no online return as yet for the previous spring), Purcentage foaled a Savabeel colt in 2022.

Her 3-year-old Hampton Palace (also by Russian Revolution) - a $250,000 Inglis Easter graduate, trained by Danny O'Brien - has been runner-up at three of his first four starts.

Purcentage is a daughter of the Listed Gimcrack S. winner Spurcent (Flying Spur), half-sister to the G1 Hong Kong International Mile winner Glorious Days (Hussonet {USA}) and the Listed Dunedin Guineas winner Bangalore Bullet (Hussonet {USA}).

A descendant of the G1 VRC Oaks winner Sanderae (NZ) (Oncidium {GB}), Revolutionary Miss boasts a 5 X 6 cross of her sire's high-achieving fourth dam Fanfreluche (Can) (Northern Dancer {Can}) - the third dam of Purcentage's damsire Flying Spur.

Putting a seal on a lovely pedigree, Revolutionary Miss is also line-bred to the great mares Natalma (USA) (Native Dancer {USA}) and Best In Show (USA) (Traffic Judge {USA}).

Listed Talindert S., $175,000, 1100m

Holding up the Coleman (Pierata) form from the spring, Aardvark (Capitalist) recorded a smart win at just his second outing - the team behind him to make a decision during the week as to whether or not he backs up in the G1 Blue Diamond S.

Bred by Highgrove Stud, he was sold by them to Baystone Farm for $240,000 at last year's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. The 18th stakes winner for his Newgate Farm-based sire, he is the third live foal for Hollywood Mistress (All American) who was also bred by Highgrove, racing six times for them - winning a 1000-metre maiden at Hawkesbury.

Served last year by Ole Kirk after foaling a Bivouac filly, Hollywood Mistress - whose dam Sponsored (Redoute's Choice) was also bred by Highgrove - missed the previous season.

Sponsored is a half-sister to the stakes winners Order Of The Sun (Encosta De Lago), Beauty (Smart Missile) and Get To Work (Snippets) and to the dams of the G1 Diamond S. winner Summer Passage (Snitzel), All That Pizzazz (Spirit Of Boom) and Excitable Boy (More Than Ready {USA}).

Bred on a 4 X 4 cross of Danehill (USA) with duplications of the terrific mares Natalma (USA) (Native Dancer {USA}), Best In Show (USA) (Traffic Judge {USA}) and Flower Bowl (USA) (Alibhai {GB}), Aardvark can boast amongst his relations the stakes winners Shania Dane (Danehill {USA}), Scintillation (Danehill {USA}), Risk Aversion (Encosta De Lago), Pacific Dragon (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}), Man From Uncle (Uncle Mo {USA}) and Head Of State (American Pharoah {USA}).

Listed The Elms H., $175,000, 1400m

Not too many stakes races are won by 100-1 shots but Makram (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) is one of them!

Purchased by Blandford Bloodstock and Lindsay Park for 340,000gns (AU$689,000) at the 2021 Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale, he was bred by Frank Dunne.

He is the ninth stakes winner for his Ballylinch Stud-based sire, a dual Group 1-winning son of Makfi (GB).

And he is the second stakes winner (both at Flemington) for his winning dam Spontaenous (Ire) (Sinndar {Ire}), also dam of Glentaneous (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) who won the the Listed Bagot H. on New Year's Day.

Spontaneous is a daughter of the outstanding broodmare Sadima (Ire) (Sadler's Wells {USA}) whose 10 foals to race are all winners including the Group 1-winning stallions Youmzain (Ire) and Creachadoir (Ire) and the Group 3-winning filly Shreyas (Ire) (Dalakhani {Ire}).

Hailing from the family of the European Champion Older Horse Pilsudski (Ire) - damsire of the late Fiorente (Ire), Makram boasts crosses of the terrific mares Little Hut (USA) (Occupy {USA}) and Somethingroyal (USA) (Princequillo {Ire}).

Pinjarra Park: R. Listed Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic, $250,000, 1200m

Choosing a nice race in which to break his maiden, Big Shots (Sizzling) was deserving of the win having finished runner-up at three of his first four starts.

Bred by Joslyn Summerhayes and sold by Alwyn Park Stud to Luke Fernie for $27,500 at last year's Magic Millions Perth Winter Yearling Sale, Big Shots is the second stakes winner for his Riverdene Stud-based sire, a Group 1-winning son of Snitzel.

HIs dam is the five-time winner Pintupi (Alert {Arg}) whose dam Girl Trouble (Zemindar {NZ}) won nine races - producing another three winners including the multiple city winners Casanova Jack (Jacamar {Ire}) and Yourcayeye (Real Jester).

Served last spring by Ducimus after foaling a Gingerbread Man colt, Pintupi has a yearling colt by King's Troop.

Hailing from the family of the Group 1 mare Ellicorsam (Fimiston) and the Group winners Ellicazoom (Testa Rossa) and Soul Patch, Big Shots has as his seventh dam Enticing (NZ) (Nightmarch {NZ}) - three-quarter sister to the legendary Phar Lap (NZ) (Night Raid {GB}).

R. Listed Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy, $250,000, 1200m

Well here is a horse who knows where the line is - Bondi Bubbles (Bondi) up in class but too good recording his seventh consecutive victory from a total of 15 starts.

The first stakes winner and one of the five winners amongst the first 19 runners for his Lynward Park Stud-based, Group 1-placed sire - a son of Snitzel - Bondi Bubbles was bred by Alwyn Park and sold by them to Bridge Patrol Lodge for $35,000 at the 2022 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale.

He is the second foal and first winner for Tousled (More Than Ready {USA}) who was a long last at her only outing in a Geraldton maiden.

Served last spring by Ducimus after foaling a colt by Macshino, Tousled has yet-to-be-named fillies by Awesome Rock and Maschino.

She is out of the city-placed Snaps (Flying Spur), dam of eight winners and gramdam of the stakes-placed One Lotto (Super One).

Snaps is a daughter of the Listed Keith Mackay H. winner Snapshots (Success Express {USA}) whose full sister Express A Smile produced the triple Group 1 winner Sea Siren (Fastnet Rock) who has been in the limelight of late as dam of the recently retired globe-trotting multiple Group 1 winner Warm Heart (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).

Ancestress of this family is the famed matriarch Cinna (GB) (Polymelus {GB}).

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Randwick: G2 Apollo S., $300,000, 1400m

Fangirl (Sebring) looks set for another successful campaign, letting down so impressively to gather in her rivals before racing away by 2.25l.

One of her late sire's 82 stakes winners, the Ingham racing homebred is one of five winners for her triple Listed-winning dam Little Surfer Girl (a $1.5 million yearling by Encosta De Lago), daughter of the wonderful mare Special Harmony (Spinning World {USA}) who won 10 races, three of those at Group 1 level.

Special Harmony's dam Marooned Lady (Marooned {GB}) was also classy, that G2 WA Sires' Produce S. winner producing 10 winners including the G2 Perth Cup winner King Canute (King Of Kings {Ire}) and the G2 Karrakatta Plate winner Redwoldt (King Of Kings {Ire}).

Marooned Lady is also ancestress of the Listed Hobart Guineas winner Reprisal (Galileo {Ire}), the Listed Sir Ernest Lee-Steere Classic winner Saintorio (Oratorio), the G3 Western Australian Oaks winner She's Fit (Pride Of Dubai) and the Listed JF Meynink S. winner Double Heart (Lion Heart {USA}).

Like fellow multiple Group 1 winner Alligator Blood (All Too Hard), Fangirl is line-bred to the terrific mare Rolls (USA) (Mr Prospector {USA}), dam of Sebring's damsire Flying Spur and grandam of Encosta De Lago.

Fangirl is a descendant of the lovely mare Democratie (Fr) (Epinard {Fr}), also ancestress of the high-class stallions Red Ransom (USA) and Showdown (GB).

Served last spring by Home Affairs having foaled a colt by him in September, Little Surfer Girl had a Wootton Bassett (GB) filly in 2022. She has also produced the city winners Dancing Gidget (Al Maher) and Palmateer (Fastnet Rock) with the latter being the dam of the stakes-placed Cigar Flick (Churchill {Ire}).

G2 Expressway S., $300,000, 1200m

Really putting in the big strides late, King Of Sparta (I Am Invincible) was tough to the line recording his eighth win from 28 starts - taking his prizemoney tally to beyond $3.3 million.

Bred by Yarraman Park - home to his Champion Sire - with HG and MG Cope, King Of Sparta is raced by them with various other owners including the China Horse Club who, with Newgate Bloodstock and Starlight Racing, bought him for $700,000 at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Also winner of this year's R. Listed Magic Millions Guineas, the G3 Bletchingly S. and the Listed Falvelon Quality, King Of Sparta is one of his sire's 105 stakes winners and one of four (from five to race) winners for his G3 Cockram S. and Listed Kevin Hayes S.-winning dam Octavia (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}).

Also dam of the metropolitan winners Aviemore (Written Tycoon) and Ljungberg (I Am Invincible), Octavia was again served by I Am Invincible last spring having missed to him the previous year, producing a dead foal by him the year before that.

Also by I Am invincible is her 2-year-old Braveheart, a $1.3 million Inglis Easter colt in the Peter and Paul Snowden stable.

Octavia is one of the nine (from as many to race) winners produced by the multiple city winner Filming (Brocco {USA}) whose dam is the two-time Group 1-placed, two-time Group winner Paklani (Haulpak), dam of the Group 3 winner Real Mak (Brahms {USA}) and grandam of the South African Group 1 winners Stellite (SAf) (Fard {Ire}) and Zirconeum (SAf) (Jallad {USA})

King Of Sparta is also closely related to the local stakes winners Jersey Lily (Catbird) and True Valour (NZ) (Honour And Glory {USA}).

Bred on a 4 X 4 Danzig (USA) cross, King Of Sparta also boasts duplications of the influential mares Natalma (USA) (Native Dancer {USA}) and Somethingroyal (USA) (Princequillo {Ire}).

G2 Light Fingers S., $300,000, 1200m

It was a deserved - and determined - breakthrough at stakes level for the consistent Kimochi (Brave Smash {Jpn}) who had seven black-type placings on her resume including placings in the G1 Flight S. and the G1 Thousand Guineas.

Having her first run since the latter, Kimochi is the second stakes winner from the debut crop of her Yarraman Park-based, dual Group 1-winning sire.

Bred by Aquis Farm, Kimochi was sold by Valiant Stud for just $21,000 to Hall Of Fame Bloodstock at the 2021 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale.

She is second foal and second winner for the unraced Summer Fun (I Am Invincible) whose G1 VRC Oaks-placed dam Summerbliss (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) produced the Group 3-placed, multiple city winner Real Charisma (I Am Invincible).

Served last spring by Farnan having lost her previous foal, Summer Fun has a yet-to-be-named 2-year-old filly by Invader and a yearling colt by Russian Revolution.

Summerbliss is a granddaughter of the G1 Woodbine International S. winner Infamy (Ire) (Shirley Heights {GB}), dam of 11 winners including the Group winners Innuendo (Ire) (Caerleon {USA}), Moon Queen (Ire) (Sadler's Wells {USA}) and Barafamy (Ire) (Barathea {Ire}) as well as the Listed winner Rostropovich (Ire) (Sadler's Wells {USA}).

Hailing from the family of Dubawi (Ire), Infamy is also ancestress of the stakes winners Criticism (GB) (Machiavellian {USA}), Magical Touch (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Peacoat (GB) (Doyen {Ire}), Beauty Parlor (USA) (Elusive Quality {USA}), The Brothers War (USA), Enola Gay (USA) (Uncle Mo {USA}), Famous Wolf (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}), Raa Atoll (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Selfie Star (Ind) (Excellent Art {GB}), Silver Beauty (Ind) (Aussie Rules {USA}) and Wonderful (Ind) (Excellent Art).

G3 Triscay S., $250,000, 1200m

Adding a Group 3 win to a nice record that also includes her previous start success in the R. Listed Magic Millions Cup, Semana (Winning Rupert) became a millionaire with this classy performance.

One of the three stakes winners for her Grandview Stud-based sire - a very fast son of Written Tycoon - she was bred by G1G Racing and Breeding, David Murphy, David Warner, Joel Oliver, Simon Lamont and Dahlia Bloodstock and sold by Newgate Farm to James Bester Bloodstock and Vantage Thoroughbreds for $200,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

She is the second foal and second winner for the triple city-winning mare Festivity (Nicconi), also dam of the six-time winner More The Merrier (Dissident).

A half-sister to the Listed Atlantic Jewel S. winner Merriest (Denman) out of a granddaughter of the G1 VRC Oaks winner Scomeld (Scotian), Festivity was served last year by Farnan and Spirit Of Boom having foaled a colt by the former. Her 2-year-old Gala Queen (Deep Field) ran second in a December Pakenham jump-out for the Phillip Stokes stable.

Ellerslie: G2 Avondale Guineas, NZ$175,000, 2100m

The only filly in the field, Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) won in the style expected off an odds-on favourite, proving a class above her rivals as she raced clear by 4l.

One of the 139 stakes winners her Waikato Stud-based sire, she is the first live foal for her Group 3-placed, four-time winning dam Symphonic (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) who was due to again have foaled to Savabeel last spring, in 2022 producing a colt by him.

Symphonic is out of a half-sister to the G1 Ellerslie Sires' Produce S. winner Good Faith (NZ) (Straight Strike {USA}), dam of the stakes winners Tully Dane and Mygoodgrace (Royal Academy {USA}).

Other members of this prolific family include the Group 1 gallopers Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}), Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) and Daffodil (NZ) (No Excuse Needed {GB}).

Orchestral is one of the 30 stakes winners (amongst 161 winners from 220 runners) by Savabeel out of a mare by O’Reilly (NZ). And she is one of the 11 winners from 13 runners by Savabeel out of a mare by O’Reilly with a grandam by Danasinga.

G2 Avondale Cup, NZ$175,000, 2400m

Returning to the scene of his 2022 G1 New Zealand Derby success, Asterix (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) relished a step up to 2400 metres, outstaying his rivals with this classy performance.

One of the 46 stakes winners for his much -missed sire, Asterix was bred by Go Bloodstock New Zealand and sold by Curraghmore to Bruce Perry Bloodstock for NZ$450,000 at the 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run.

He is one of the three winners (from as many to race) for the imported stakes-placed, two-time winner Mourasana (GB) (Shirocco {Ger}) whose G2 Prix de Royallieu winning half-sister Mouramara (Ire) (Kahyasi {Ire}) is the dam of the G1 Sydney Cup winner Mourayan (Ire) (Alhaarth {Ire}) and the Listed winner Mourilyan (Ire) (Desert Prince {Ire}).

Asterix's two-time winning grandam Mamoura (Ire) (Lomond {USA}) is also ancestress of the stakes winners Skins Game (GB) (Diktat {GB}), Epatha (Ire) (Highest Honor {Fr}), Volkan Star (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Endless Time (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}).

Boasting a cross of the Canadian Oaks heroine Flaming Page (USA) (Bull Page {USA}), Asterix is a descendant of the star mare Pretty Polly (GB) (Gallinule {GB}).

Mourasana was due to have foaled last spring to Tarzino (NZ) having foaled an Ocean Park (NZ) filly in 2022. Her 3-year-old Perfect Ten (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) is a yet-to-race member of the Lloyd Kennewell and Lucy Yeomans stable.

Listed Uncle Remus S., NZ$100,000, 1200m

Measuring up to stakes class as he recorded the third win of his seven-start career, Pericles (NZ) (Rubick) was part of a good few minutes for Ballymore Stables who had won the previous race at Flemington with Big Watch (Shamus Award).

Bred by Pencarrow Thoroughbreds, Pericles was sold by them to Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Ballymore Stables for NZ$110,000 at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale.

The 10th stakes winner for his Swettenham Stud-based, regally bred sire, Pericles is the first foal for the unraced Empyrean (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}) whose dam is the star mare Ethereal (NZ) (Rhythm {USA}).

That four-time Group 1 winner did a great job at stud with her six winners (from seven to race) including the Listed Marton Cup winner Seraphim (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}), three stakes-placed winners and the dam of the multiple Group winners Supera (NZ) (Savabeel) and Eleonora (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) - noting that the latter is the dam of the Listed winner Ethereal Star (Snitzel).

Ethereal is one of the seven winners produced by the five-time Group 3 winner Romanee Conti (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}), a three-quarter sister to the G1 Australasian Oaks winner Grand Echezeaux (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) who produced the multiple Group 1 winning successful stallion Darci Brahma (NZ).

Served last spring by Farnan having missed the previous season, Empyrean has a yearling colt by Ole Kirk. He recently went through the Karaka ring, purchased by Go Racing and Blandford Bloodstock for NZ$200,000.

Pericles is the second Rubick stakes winner out of a mare carrying a strain of his relation Try My Best (USA) - Shades Of Rose the other. Bred on a 6 X 6 cross of Rubick's prolific fifth dam Best In Show (USA) (Traffic Judge {USA}), Pericles is also line-bred to the Kentucky Oaks heroine Lalun (USA) (Djeddah {Fr}).

Ascot Park: Listed Southland Guineas, NZ$120,000, 1600m

There were some impressive performances across Australasia today and the 5.5l victory recorded by Aberlour (NZ) (Mongolian Falcon) was certainly one of them.

Also the winner of the Listed Gore Guineas last time out, she is the first stakes winner (from 17 runners) for his Group 3-winning sire, a son of Fastnet Rock. She is a homebred for A.S Todd out of the winning mare Sophie Louise (NZ) (Postponed {NZ}).

Last spring foaling a Satono Aladdin (Jpn) filly, Sophie Louise has also produced amongst her first three foals the stakes-placed, five-time winner Tobilicious (NZ) (Natural Destiny).

Sophie Louise is a three-quarter sister to the G1 Easter H. winner Pasta Post (NZ) (Postponed {USA}) out of a half-sister to the G3 Hawke’s Bay Cup winner Don Domingo (NZ) (Don Eduardo {NZ}) and the dam of the dual Group 3 winner Polly Grey (NZ) (Azamour {Ire}).

Aberlour is the second stakes winner (from 12 runners/six winners) combining Fastnet Rock and Postponed - noting that the latter’s fourth dam Crimson Saint (USA) (Crimson Satan {USA}) is the dam of Fastnet Rock’s damsire Royal Academy (USA).

King gets his Group 2

Malkovich (Choisir) tried gallantly to steal Saturday’s G2 Expressway S. but he couldn’t hold the late charge of Peter and Paul Snowden’s King Of Sparta (I Am Invincible), who also held Coal Crusher (Turffontein) in the feature.

It was the first Group 2 success for King Of Sparta, who had previously won a Group 3 and a Listed race, alongside three R. Listed events on the Gold Coast on Magic Millions Raceday.

The son of I Am Invincible was a $700,000 purchase by China Horse Club, Newgate Bloodstock and Starlight Racing from the draft of Yarraman Park Stud at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. King Of Sparta’s dam Octavia (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) was served by I Am Invincible last spring.

Four for J-Mac

Champion Jockey James McDonald rode four winners on Saturday at Randwick. Starting with Switzerland (Snitzel) for Chris Waller in Race 1 and Fangirl (Sebring) in the G2 Apollo S. in Race 7.

In between, McDonald won the G2 Expressway S. on King Of Sparta (I Am Invincible) for Peter and Paul Snowden and a BM88 for Annabel Neasham on Redstone Well (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}).

Pericles causes an upset in Uncle Remus

The Mike Moroney and Pam Gerard-trained Pericles (NZ) (Rubick) caused an upset in Saturday’s Listed Uncle Remus S. at Ellerslie. The 3-year-old gelding, ridden by Vinnie Colgan, was sent out at $41 but was too good for Just A Floozie (NZ) (I Am Invincible) and No Rain Ever (No Nay Never {USA}).

Pericles is from the unraced O’Reilly (NZ) mare Empyrean (NZ), who is a daughter of the great mare Ethereal (NZ) (Rhythm {USA}). The gelding is the 10th stakes winner for Rubick.

Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Ballymore Stables paid NZ$110,000 to secure Pericles from the draft of Pencarrow Stud at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale.

Mother and daughter celebrate Randwick win

Trainer Karen Owen and jockey Madeline Owen celebrated a mother and daughter success at Randwick when Fay’s Angels (Anacheeva) took out Race 3 by 2.2l from Leica Storm (Snitzel) and Brok Cafe (Mikki Isle {Jpn}).

Genuine as the day is long

Revolutionary Miss (Russian Revolution) showed plenty of tenacity when winning Saturday’s G3 Frances Tressady S. at Flemington. The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained 4-year-old mare was able to get the upper hand on Forbidden City (I Am Invincible), while Fortunate Kiss (Divine Prophet) ran into third.

Revolutionary Miss was a $195,000 purchase by Triple Crown Syndications from the draft of Sledmere Stud at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and has proven to be an astute purchase with earnings over $1 million and four stakes victories, alongside two placed efforts in Group 1s. She is one of two stakes winners for her dam Purcentage (Onemorenomore), who was served by Russian Revolution last spring.

Thunder rumbles at Flemington

Rumbled Again (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) done her future broodmare prospects no harm when the Michael Trotter-trained mare won at Flemington. The 6-year-old mare, ridden by Craig Williams, launched late to nab Magnaspin (Magnus) and Belle Savoir (Not A Single Doubt) in the Royal Ascot Plate.

Rumbled Again is the 11th and final foal from the Flying Spur mare Adulate, who is the dam of seven winners.

Three in a row for Aberlour

The Kelvin Tyler-trained Aberlour (NZ) (Mongolian Falcon) has been in rare form and on Saturday claimed the Listed Southland Guineas at Ascot Park. It was the second consecutive Listed victory for the daughter of Mongolian Falcon, who won the Listed Gore Guineas last start.

Aberlour, ridden by Kylie Williams, was a 5.5l winner over Quintabelle (NZ) (Embellish {NZ}) and Riviera Rebel (NZ) (Pure Champion {Ire}).

Derby hero wins Avondale Cup

Asterix (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) found his best form to win the G2 Avondale Cup at Ellerslie on Saturday. The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained 5-year-old gelding had won the G1 New Zealand Derby as a 3-year-old but had mixed his form since.

Asterix was a NZ$450,000 purchase by Bruce Perry Bloodstock (BAFNZ) from the draft of Curraghmore at the 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale.

Makram upsets the apple cart

The Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained Makram (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) was a shock winner of the Listed Elms H. on Saturday at Flemington. Most expected the progressive Ciaron Maher-trained Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) to go about his winning ways but Makram, ridden by Harry Coffey, swamped the favourite late to secure success.

Makram is a half-brother to the Listed Bagot H. winner Glentaneous (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}).

Jenni is best fresh

Jennilala (Shalaa {Ire}) had not raced since finishing unplaced in the G1 Empire Rose S. but returned to Flemington on Saturday and was an impressive winner first-up.

The Ciaron Maher-trained 4-year-old, ridden by Declan Bates, defeated Lounge Bar Rubi (Rubick) and Bel Air (Written Tycoon).

Jennilala was a $70,000 purchase by Tony Ottobre from the draft of Arrowfield Stud at the 2021 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, and won the Listed Auraria S.

Soleado impresses Kah

Jamie Kah labelled El Soleado (Toronado {Ire}) ‘freakish’ after the Robbie Laing-trained 4-year-old gelding won his third consecutive race at Flemington on Saturday. El Soleado took out a Flemington BM70 in January and then a BM78 at Caulfield before his latest success.

The son of Toronado (Ire) defeated the in-form Aramco (Ire) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) and Star Vega (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) in the BM84.

El Soleado is from the Monsun (Ger) mare Sunnyvale (Ger), who is from the family of the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe victor Sagace (Fr). Sunnyvale has an unnamed 2-year-old filly and a yearling colt by Yes Yes Yes and revisited Toronado last spring.

Moroney’s Big Watch wins at Flemington

Mike Moroney’s progressive galloper Big Watch (Shamus Award) took out the second race at Flemington down the straight on Saturday.

The 4-year-old gelding, ridden by Jamie Mott, ran down a gallant Ouroboros (Harry Angel {Ire}), while Cute As (Thronum) held third.

Big Watch is the third and last reported foal from the Bon Hoffa mare Golden Sally, who's status reads, 'Dropped from official record (01/08/2023)' as stated on the Australian Stud Book. She won four races and her two foals to race have been winners.

Dubai Honour ruled out of Australian trip

Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai), the winner of last year's G1 Ranvet S. and G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. in Sydney, will not be returning to Australia for this year's Championships after meeting with a setback.

The 6-year-old, who is trained in Newmarket by William Haggas for owner Mohamed Obaida, had been set to defend his crown this spring but will be prepared instead for Hong Kong's G1 QEII Cup, in which he finished third last year.

“We are disappointed to announce that Dubai Honour has had a setback and is unable to travel to Australia for the upcoming carnival in Sydney,” said Haggas on Friday morning. “It is particularly frustrating as we felt he was in the form of his life. We hope to be able to prepare him for another tilt at the QEII in Hong Kong on April 28, with a run beforehand, more than likely in Magnolia Stakes at Kempton on April 1.”

This year the trainer will be represented by two runners in Sydney, with Shadwell's G2 Huxley S. runner-up Mujtaba (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) set to travel to Australia along with the Old Borough Cup winner Post Impressionist (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}).

The trainer added, “We will be represented by Mujtaba who will be aimed at the Ranvet and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, although he does have the option of the Tancred Stakes. He is training well and due to enter quarantine today along with Post Impressionist, a useful stayer who will be aimed at the Manion Cup and the Sydney Cup. Once again Isabella Paul will be in charge.”

Pletcher’s Derby hopes' plans revealed

The road to the G1 Kentucky Derby has been unkind to Todd Pletcher so far this year, but that may be about to change. The Hall of Fame trainer is ready to regroup and will look to win the March 30 G1 Florida Derby with Fierceness (USA) (City Of Light {USA}) and the March 2 G2 Fountain of Youth with Locked (USA) (Gun Runner {USA}).

Locked was originally scheduled to make his debut in the G3 Sam F. Davis S. but Pletcher withdrew him from the race after he spiked a temperature and missed a piece of work. Pletcher had Locked back on the work tab Friday morning and said he was pleased with the move.

Locked won last year's G1 Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland before finishing third in the G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

Fierceness, last year's Champion 2-Year-Old Male, kicked off his 2024 campaign with a lacklustre third-place finish in the Holy Bull S. Afterward, Pletcher said his next race was up in the air, but confirmed Friday that he will go next in the Florida Derby. Fierceness will have his first work since the Holy Bull next week.

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.

Two interesting first-starters will step-out on Sunday, including a 2-year-old son of Widden Stud's Star Witness.

Sunshine Coast, Race 1, 2.34pm AEDT (1.34pm local), NDSIP Housing QTIS 2YO Mdn Plate, $30,000, 1000m

Barnacus, 2-year-old colt (Star Witness x Tocokoe {Epaulette})

Barnacus will debut for Liam Birchley on Sunday at the Sunshine Coast. The son of Star Witness was bred and is co-owned by P D Tuxworth with J M J Rodney.

The colt is the first foal from winning Epaulette mare Tocokoe. She has a colt by Prince Fawaz and was served by King’s Legacy last spring. Barnacus is a great-grandson of Hot Princess (GB) (Hot Spark {Ire}), who won six races, including the Listed Ballycorus.

Hot Princess was also placed in the G3 Ballyogan S. At stud, she produced 13 foals, of which 10 raced, resulting in seven winners headed by Rodrigo De Triano (USA), who won the G1 Middle Park S., the G1 Champion S., the G1 York International S. and the English and Irish 2000 Guineas.

Another significant winner on the page is Chance To Dance (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), a victor of the G3 Alison S., who finished fourth in the G2 Adelaide Cup.

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Sale, Race 2, 1.55pm AEDT, Collegians Cricket Club Celebrating 50 Years Mdn Plate, $37,500, 1106m

Wokou, 3-year-old filly (Saxon Warrior {Jpn} x Misty Rock {Fastnet Rock})

The Cranbourne-based trainers Robbie Griffiths and Mathew de Kock will debut Wokou, a daughter of the royally bred Saxon Warrior (Jpn), at Sale on Sunday.

Wokou is the second foal from the Fastnet Rock mare Misty Rock. She is the dam of the R. Listed Inglis Nursery winner Pacific Padrino (Street Boss {USA}), who also finished fourth in the G2 Skyline S. and the G3 Blue Sapphire S.

Misty Rock has an unnamed filly by Brutal (NZ) and a yearling filly by North Pacific. Misty Rock was served by Capitalist last spring.

Wokou’s third dam, Beauty Bright (Ire) (Danehill {USA}), won the G3 Renaissance and is a half-sister to the Listed Roy Higgins winner Aloft (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).

The filly was a $30,000 purchase by Paul Willetts Bloodstock Consultancy from the Newgate Consignment at the 2021 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale. Newhaven Park reoffered Wokou at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, where Griffiths de Kock Racing, Peter Ford Thoroughbreds (FBAA) and Heywood Bloodstock secured her for $210,000.

Looking Back

Bittercreek (Snitzel) provided the best result from Saturday's selections when he was placed in the Listed Talindert S. at Flemington. Meanwhile, Eject (Street Boss {USA}) was unplaced in that event. Rounding out our selections was Duvana (Dundeel {NZ}), who finished fifth behind Switzerland (Snitzel) in the Pierro Plate at Randwick.

First-time starters lining up on Sunday, February 18

First Season Sires’ Results

Results: Saturday, February 17

First Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Sunday, February 18

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