Cover image courtesy of Inglis

Western Australia strikes

The pedigree of Sous La Terre (Pierro) was certainly a stand-out in the catalogue, the unraced half-sister to the dual Group 3 winning high class broodmare Solar Charged (Charge Forward) having one of those one dam on the page pedigrees.

A page which caught the eye of Darling View Thoroughbreds’ Brent Atwell who, upon inspecting the 9-year-old on Wednesday thought she may just well be out of reach.

“She was one our top picks and once I saw her I thought we’d struggle to get her as she is such a lovely mare - but thankfully she just fell into her budget.”

Sold by Tyreel Stud for $240,000, Sous la Terre went through the ring as a second time for a broodmare - fetching $550,000 in 2021 with her first two foals by Zoustar selling for $550,000 and $300,000.

“We are very lucky to get her,” Atwell said, citing Ozzmosis as a possible mate for the mare who is currently in foal to Spirit Of Boom.

“Spirit Of Boom has a very nice, progressive filly in Keshi Boom in Perth which helps but if Sous La Terre has a filly we may well keep it.”

“She may stay in the Hunter for a couple of years then maybe head home and visit a horse like (the Darling Views resident) Lightsaber - we will see what her foals are like and take it from there.”

Starla stars

Multiple city winning 7-year-old Starla (Snitzel) in foal to Wootton Bassett (GB) attracted plenty of attention and it took $240,000 for Twin Hills Stud to secure the well related mare from the family of Princess Coup (Encosta de Lago).

Twin Hills’ Olly Tait is pleased to be taking home the mare he described as “a big, correct mare with a nice head - I think she was good shopping and hopefully she has a nice foal.”

“At sales like this you are buying a pregnancy as well as the mare,” he continued. “And as a commercial farm we have to try for progeny who are going to get as much as possible back for us.”

To that end Tait has been happy with how the Wootton Bassett progeny have been selling and as a member of his third local crop, Starla’s foal will be sold as his sire’s first are racing.

“Hopefully they will do as well here as they have overseas,” Tait said, “and that will put us in a very good position.”

Mitchell swoops late on a nice duo

Posing (USA) (Medicean {GB}) and Wolves (Wolf Cry) were the two best sellers in the final stages of the sale, both purchased by Mitchell Bloodstock - the former for $210,000 from Coolmore and the latter for $180,000 from Yarraman.

Dam of the recent G3 James HB Carr S. winner Konasana (Dundeel {NZ}), the imported Posing - whose G3 Musidora S. winning grandam Magnificent Style (USA) (Silver Hawk {USA}) produced Nathaniel (Ire) - is in foal to St Mark’s Basilica (Fr).

“She is a lovely type in foal to a stallion we like,” James Mitchell said - “and the foal will be a perfect horse to sell at Easter.”

“She could go to any of our three stallions, we will see what the foal is like.”

Going through the ring just two lots later, the Group 2 place Larneuk Stud bred Wolves caught the eye on type - “she is impeccable physically,” Mitchell said - “and we could not find any reason not to buy her.”

“She may have her swansong in the Listed Luskin Star S. at Scone in a couple of weeks.”

Soldier Hollow mare to Victoria

There are just three daughters of the three times German Champion Sire Soldier Hollow (GB) in the Australian stud book and Three Bridges Thoroughbreds’ Toby Liston is happy to be taking one of those home.

Purchased on his behalf by Paul Willetts, Clear For Take Off (GB) came from Widden Stud for $200,000 in foal to Zoustar - a stallion who has been good to Three Bridges with Liston noting that “every time we’ve touched a Zoustar we’ve made money!”

A fan of the German breed - “it is good, sound blood” - Willetts loved Clear For Take Off’s pedigree with the Group 3 placed five times winner being a daughter of the dual Listed winner Chantra (Ger) (Lando {Ger}) - half-sister to the German Champion 2YO Colt Cheirokratie (Ger) (Winged Love {Ire}) and also dam of the Group 3 mare Calyxa (GB) (Pivotal {GB}).

With his keen eye rarely missing anything, Willetts noticed Clear For Take Off’s first foal by Blue Point (Ire), taking a liking to him - something he had in mind when recommending her to Three Bridges.

“And of course she is in foal to the best stallion in Australia,” Willetts said, “and we got her for less than his service fee.”

There are six stakes winners amongst the first 78 winners produced by daughters of Soldier Hollow who died, aged 24, just last week.

Mares in foal to Justify in demand

Another mare in foal to Justify (USA) had her admirers with Wu Darl (Dundeel {NZ}) sold by Rathmore Lodge to Holloway Equine for $180,000.

Purchased on Ian Holloway’s behalf by Swettenham Stud’s Sam Matthews, the 7-year-old half-sister to the four times Group 1 winner Montefelia (Kermadec {NZ}) was being sold as a broodmare for a second time - purchased by Rathmore and Avesta Bloodstock for $220,000 at the 2022 Chairman’s.

“She is a very nice mare - a typical Dundeel/High Chaparral (Ire) type, not overly big so Justify is the right mating for her,” Matthews said, pleased to source a mare from “a good, active family.”

“Her dam Bana Wu (GB) (Shirocco {Ger}) is still at stud and has another couple of Kermadecs” Matthews noted - and Montefilia is also being given every chance, served in her debut season last spring by Alabama Express.

Stratheden Pastoral get their mare

It is always satisfying for a breeder to get the mare they really wanted and such was the case for Stratheden Pastoral’s Gerard Maher who was impressed by the breeding and looks of the stakes placed winner Celtic Glory (Toronado {Ire}).

Purchasing the 5-year-old from Glenbeigh Farm for $180,000, Maher described the chestnut as “just a lovely mare,” one who came with the bonus of being in foal to an exciting young stallion in the shape of Home Affairs.

“I bought her to sell her progeny and Home Affairs is a very commercial young stallion. I have not thought too far ahead as yet so I will have a think about who she visits this spring.”

Celtic Glory is out of the winner Reward For Glory (Reward For Effort), half-sister to the speedy Listed Merson Cooper S. winner British Lion (Celtic Swing {GB}), dam of the Listed Chester Manifold S. winner British General (General Nediym).

Fireflies to North Bloodstock

Sold by Segenhoe to North Bloodstock for $175,000, Fireflies (Not A Single Doubt) was described by Mick Malone as “just a lovely mare.”

“I love Not A Single Doubt mares,” he enthused (and rightly so, the late stallion already broodmare sire of 20 stakes winners) “and she has a nice pedigree being out of a stakes winning mare.”

“I thought she was good value in a tough market,” he added, very happy at the prospect of a Pierata foal.

“We sold him as a yearling so obviously there is a connection there - and he is doing a great job with his first crop.”

A lightly raced winner of two races, Fireflies is out of the G3 Eulogy S. winner Whistling Dixie (NZ) (Pins), a half-sister to the Listed winner Atmosphere (NZ) (Savabeel).

Nocab Racing - excited newcomers

It was an enjoyable experience for Brisbane couple Steve and Tina Bacon of Nocab Racing being part owners of the Group 3 placed two times Rosehill winner Shihonka (Capitalist) and it seems that fate has decreed that the mare they named - “it is Japanese for capitalism” - become an even bigger part of their lives.

Sold off the track for $110,000 to Newgate at last year’s Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale the daughter of the Group 3 placed Stroak (Real Saga) was put in foal to In The Congo and reoffered - and for $175,000 she is now owned wholly by Nocab.

Shihonka is just the second broodmare purchase for Nocab who were in action at the Chairman’s last night, the very first mare they have called their own being the $450,000 Rocket Science (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) in foal to Justify (USA).

They are very excited to have a Justify on the way, having already enjoyed a fair bit of luck with that stallion - being part owners of Storm Boy.

It was only six or so years ago that the couple first ventured into racehorse ownership. Always racing fans, they enjoyed a trip down to the Melbourne Cup with Steve’s parents (whose dual Group winner Autumn Ballet (The Autumn Sun) sold at the Chairman’s for $1.6 million) and during that week attended a lunch at the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stables at Flemington.

“Next thing we knew we had a share in a horse!” Steve laughed and of course like so many of us, they found the experience rather addictive and one share led to several.

Enjoying feature race success not only with Storm Boy but also with the G3 Gimcrack S. winner Platinum Jubilee (Zoustar) whose half-sister is this year’s G1 Golden Slipper S. winner Lady Of Camelot (Written Tycoon), the couple consider the transition into breeding a natural one.

Buying a share in Ozzmosis, they intend to support him and Storm Boy - planning to buy another two mares this year and two next year - “we have a plan to get up to around ten mares over a five year period.”

Meanwhile they will continue to race horses with the Waterhouse and Bott stable, forming relationships with Bruce Slade (advisor) and Ridgmont Farm where they will keep their mares.

A Pearl of a purchase

It was a happy and relieved Tammy Notman after securing one of her top picks early in the sale - Lot 247 Pearl Congenial (Gio Ponti {USA}) purchased from Newgate for $160,000.

“We (Northmore Thoroughbreds) have been here all week and have found it very difficult to buy one we (husband Rod) both loved. The market for quality horses is very strong.”

“We missed out on a few wealings and a couple of mares at The Chairman’s so we are rapt to get this mare so early today.”

“She is a beautiful mare with a lovely head,” she said, adding that she tries to envisage what the progeny of the in-foal mares are going to look out - confident that Pearl Congenial is just the right mare for what she has inside her - a Justify (USA).

Especially as that mating has already produced results, Pearl Congenial’s Justify colt purchased by Ciaron Maher and David Redvers (who raced Pearl Congenial) for $380,000 at this year’s Magic Millions.

And this is a family which enjoyed success during the week - Pearl Congenial’s half-sister Atomic Pulse (Deep Field) the dam of a Toronado (Ire) colt who sold for $320,000 on Tuesday.

A two times stakes placed Sandown winner, Pearl Congenial is out of the Randwick winner Congenial (Redoute’s Choice) whose Group 2 winning dam Toast Of The Coast (Rory’s Jester) is grandam of the G1 Caulfield Guineas winning emerging stallion Super Seth.

“We have bought her in partnership with a friend,” Notman said, hoping to sell the Justify at the Inglis Melbourne Premier where Northmore sold one of the breed this year, a $180,000 colt out of Shahzade (Sebring).

“We have found that the sire of a yearling is what gets a horse out of the box,” she said, “and with Justify not returning to Australia it will be great for us to have another yearling by him to sell.”

Confessing to being “a bit of a control freak with my horses,” Northmore is looking forward to getting Pearl Congenial to her new home at Murchison straight after the sales - “we have the float hooked up and ready to go!”

Hutch sums up

“It’s been a really pleasing week,” Inglis’ Sebastian Hutch said.

“We like to get to the end of each sale with the feeling that we have done our best for vendors and I come out of this week with the comfortable knowledge that we have addressed the challenges as best as we can.”

“There are some holes in the market but on the whole the market is very, very keen to reward quality - there are plenty of people willing to speculate on pregnancies with foals they can bring back to our sales.”

“Right to the last lot there was demand for quality,” he said.

Top lots

Top buyers

Vendors by aggregate

Vendors by average (3 or more sold)

Sires by aggregate

Sires by average (2 or more sold)

Lot 370: Crowned Princess (Star Witness x Danoise (GB) {Danehill {USA}}) - $47,500

Buyer: Paul Moroney/Windsor Park

Vendor: Willow Park Stud

Crowned Princess, a daughter of the dual Group 1-winner Star Witness was purchased by astute agent Paul Moroney in conjunction with New Zealand’s Windsor Park Stud.

The mare was offered in foal to the multiple Group 1-producing sire All Too Hard. Crowned Princess is from the unraced Danehill (USA) mare Danoise (GB), the dam of Mihiri (More Than Ready {USA}), who in-turn is the dam of the Champion Hong Kong Sprinter Wellington, a son of Vinery Stud’s All Too Hard.

Speaking to The Thoroughbred Report, Moroney said, “Crowned Princess was a quality young mare and one of the better types I inspected in the general session.

“It’s a fantastic international family, including the recent G1 Australian Derby runner-up Ceolwulf and, being in foal to All Too Hard, she is possibly carrying a three-quarter brother to the recent high class Hong Kong sprinter Wellington, who won four Group 1s.

Moroney shared the potential mate for Crowned Princes, “I had put her to Windsor Park on Thursday afternoon and, after missing out on another on the list earlier, we were lucky to secure her for such good value late in the day.

“Crowned Princess should cross extremely well with Windsor Park’s exciting new stallion acquisition, Paddington, a son of Siyouni.”

Cover image courtesy of Leneva Park

Seymour-based nursery, Leneva Park, has undergone a rebranding to become Lovatsville. This transformation is under the leadership of Sam White, who has secured a three-year lease for the property.

Under the Lovatsville banner, the roster boasts the esteemed G1 Blue Diamond-producing sire, Royal Meeting (Ire), positioned at the top with a fee of $22,000 (inc GST), an increase from his previous rate of $11,000 (inc GST). Additionally, Lovatsville has announced the acquisition of Generation, a dual Group 3-winning sprinter and son of Snitzel, at an introductory fee of $11,000 (inc GST).

White, 37, hails from a non-racing background, stepping into the industry at the age of 27 with the esteemed operation Coolmore. He reminisced, “I came into racing later. I joined Coolmore when I was 27 and I spent five years with them, including a short stint in Ireland but primarily out of Coolmore’s Jerry Plains base in the Hunter.”

He further elaborated on his journey, stating, “I then linked up with Ciaron Maher, some years ago. Actually, it was still just the one stable at Caulfield. I’ve taken a bit of an alternative path compared to a lot of the industry, but I’ve always been a fan.”

Reflecting on his prior experience, White shared, “I was in property before, and I’d worked in Australia and overseas in London, New York, and St. Petersburg in Russia. Whilst it was a great experience and I learned an awful lot, I didn’t think it was the future I was interested in pursuing. I firmly believe if you want to work and grow and really enjoy your life it needs to be exciting and something you’re passionate about.”

He acknowledged the shift in his career focus, stating, “I probably didn’t have the same fire in real estate as what I did for racing and sports. So, I had a complete career change and here we are 10 years later.”

White further elucidated on the rebranding of Leneva Park to Lovatsville, stating, “We’ve got a group behind me, and it’s something I’ve been looking to do for a little while. Over the past 18 months, I’ve done some consulting back to Leneva to assist them with the marketing and promotion of its stallions. That led to an opportunity and discussion where I expressed a bit of an interest that I’d like to grow my role and possibly take a bit more of a lead.”

He emphasised his belief in partnerships, remarking, “I'm a firm believer in partnerships; I don’t think in this day and age, particularly, you can do it alone. And if you do, you’re probably going to get burned in the process given the demands of the industry. Leneva was really open and willing to be in the conversation and see what it may look like.”

White also highlighted the collaboration involved, stating, “I had some private backers behind me willing to resource the startup of a new entity, and thankfully the Seymour Bloodstock team (Darren Thomas and Mark Pilkington) also saw merit in the concept and have come into the partnership too. So, it’s a bit of a coming together of a variety of people in and outside of the industry.”

He concluded with enthusiasm, saying, “It is something I’m incredibly excited about and something I really wanted to drive on with.”

Royal sees fee increase

Royal Meeting (Ire), a Group 1-winning son of Invincible Spirit (Ire), will stand for an increased fee of $22,000 (inc GST). This hike comes after his outstanding daughter, Hayasugi, claimed the G1 Blue Diamond S., G2 Blue Diamond Prelude (Fillies), and the G3 Blue Diamond Preview (Fillies). Hayasugi, from a debut crop of 60 lives, stands as Royal Meeting’s sole winner among seven runners. Notably, his placed son, War Council, has already earned connections $71,600.

While there was temptation to raise Royal Meeting’s fee further, White and shareholders opted to keep it accessible for breeders who have supported him since his first runners. White explained, “There was a temptation to push his fee a little higher. However, we considered the breeders that have supported Royal Meeting year in, year out." He emphasised the importance of rewarding loyal supporters, stating, “You have to reward the people that have supported you to get to this point, and we’re really conscious of that.”

Regarding Hayasugi and the future prospects of Royal Meeting’s progeny, White expressed optimism, “Hayasugi looks something really special. Clint McDonald (trainer) thinks she’ll come back as an even better 3-year-old and he really feels there’s a lot more to come from her."

White highlighted the potential for Royal Meeting's progeny to mature with time, drawing comparisons to other successful progeny of Invincible Spirit, “What probably what heartens us most around Royal Meeting, what he’s been able to do with his first crop. I Am Invincible, who’s the star of the show and we all love what he’s brought to the Australian racing and breeding industry, but he only ever saw his first Group 1-winning 2-year-old this season (Move To Strike)."

He concluded with praise for Aquis, stating, “It’s a credit to Aquis, who really do want to leave something for the breeder. They’ve been very consistent in that and making sure breeders can make money, and that sentiment rings true here again.”

Generation fits the mould

Lovatsville has welcomed Generation, a son of the four-time Champion Sire Snitzel, to Victoria, with an introductory fee of $11,000 (inc GST).

This handsome son of Snitzel was a $575,000 yearling purchase by Ciaron Maher Racing and Dermot Farrington Bloodstock from the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Generation boasts victories in the G3 Red Anchor S. and the G3 Manfred S., along with placed efforts in the G2 Caulfield Sprint and the G3 Heath S.

Additionally, he was fourth in both the G1 Moir S. and the G1 William Reid S. He is the penultimate foal from the talented juvenile Fontiton (Turffontein), who claimed victories in the G2 Blue Diamond Prelude (Fillies), the G3 Blue Diamond Preview (Fillies), and the R. Listed Inglis Banner.

Commenting on the acquisition of Generation, White expressed, “He’s very well-bred and good-looking. He was a quick horse with 2-year-old form, and I guess it comes back to that I Am Invincible, Written Tycoon, Tassort model. They all had similar attributes without the Group 1 victory.”

White highlighted Snitzel's impressive record as a stallion, stating, “Generation is by the four-time Champion Stallion Snitzel, who’s had 55 stakes-winning juveniles and is now looking to be a sire of sires."

Discussing Generation’s physical attributes, White shared with TTR AusNZ, “I don’t think people will be disappointed when they see him. Generation is sort of typical of that sprinting type; he’s not the biggest horse but he’s got great length and strength."

White also praised Generation's pedigree, saying, “He’s also extremely attractive and has a brilliant pedigree. His dam Fonition was a great 2-year-old, and her own dam Personal Ensign was a 2-year-old winner and a stakes-winning sprinter.”

He further added, “Also, Fontiton before she passed had two foals, who were both black-type performers. So, I think it’s a family littered with speed, and it just makes a lot of sense for Victorian breeders to be able to access that opportunity.”

Impact set to be Fierce

Completing the 2024 Lovatsville roster is the triple Group 1 winner Fierce Impact (Jpn), a son of the extraordinary Deep Impact (Jpn). He will stand at a slightly reduced fee of $13,750 (inc GST).

Fierce Impact has garnered strong support in his three seasons at stud, covering a total of 405 mares, with a book of 105 mares last season. His first yearlings made their debut at sales across Australasia this year. Out of 32 offered, 28 have sold at an aggregate of $1,265,408, averaging $45,193, with a top price of $310,000.

A versatile and tenacious campaigner, Fierce Impact claimed victory in six races, earning the title of Joint Champion Middle Distance Horse in Australia through his triumphs in the G1 Cantala S., the G1 Makybe Diva S., and the G1 Toorak H. He also secured placings in the G1 CF Orr S., the G1 Chipping Norton S., and the G1 Winx S.

White expressed satisfaction with the reception to Fierce Impact and anticipates the debut of his first runners this spring. However, he acknowledges that time will be advantageous for Fierce Impact’s progeny, stating, “We were happy. Fierce Impact’s progeny sold up to $310,000 to Lindsay Park at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale. Gandharvi and Michael Freedman paid $170,000 for another at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

“With Fierce Impact, you’re tapping into that Sunday Silence blood that’s worked so well with Maurice, Brave Smash, and Satono Aladdin here. All of whom have Sunday Silence in their pedigrees.

“I think one thing we’ve really learned about Fierce Impact is that his stock just continues to improve. Anyone you speak to, it doesn’t matter if they’re a foal, to be a weanling to a yearling and even in the early stages of breaking they continue to transition and improve and work.

“The more time I’ve spent with Fierce Impact the more you come to appreciate what he was as a racehorse and the pedigree he possesses. His dam is a multiple Group 3-winning sprinter from the Elusive Quality line and he’s a full brother to a Group 1 winner and he won three Group 1s himself.”

“There are only four males by Deep Impact to have ever won three or more Group 1s and they are: Contrail, Auguste Rodin, Fierement and Fierce Impact. - So, that’s pretty elite company.

“We don’t expect Fierce Impact to have pre-Christmas runners. I don’t think the market expects him to that either but he’s probably a really risk-reward piece and he’s one that we’ve just given a bit of a fee reduction.

“We will look to price, packet, and market Fierce Impact pretty generously to make breeders. We want to be out there doing business and make sure that he gets good support again this season.”

The final word

White, a proud Victorian, is thrilled to be at the helm of Lovatsville this spring, seeing it as an opportune time to be involved in the Victorian breeding industry due to the strength and quality of the stallions and operations. He expresses, “I’m just excited. I think the Victorian breeding industry in the last few seasons has regained its swagger a little bit."

He attributes this resurgence to the efforts of farms such as Swettenham, Rosemont, Darley, and the emergence of Yulong and Widden in Victoria. White notes, “We have been seeing more high-profile horses standing in Victoria, and there is a bit of renewed enthusiasm in the local industry. I’m a proud Victorian, and I was always keen to get home and try and do something here."

With enthusiasm, he adds, “I’m so excited about it. We want to attract business from all Australasia - Tasmania, South Australia, New South Wales, Western Australia, and New Zealand. We want to keep that momentum going, and I’m just thrilled to be in this position and hope to make a contribution."

Table: Lovatsville stallion fees for 2024

Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

G1 The Goodwood - historic sprint

South Australia’s major sprinting contest, the G1 Goodwood boasts a long and proud history having been won by such classy speedsters as Aurie’s Star (Stardrift {GB}), Matrice, Bomber Bill (Air de France {USA}), Takeover Target (Celtic Swing {GB}), Black Caviar (Bel Esprit) and Santa Ana Lane (Lope De Vega {Ire}).

This year’s running is an even one with horses from across the country, the best local form lines being those owned by the G1 Robert Sangster S. winner Climbing Star (NZ) (Zoustar) and the G3 Hawkes S. winner Extremely Lucky (Extreme Choice).

The the G3 Standish winner Sghirripa (Lonhro) is another good representative for South Australia whilst two horses making their way over from Western Australia are mounting major challenges - the star mare Amelia’s Jewel (Siyouni {Fr}) and the promising 3-year-old Oscar’s Fortune (Rich Enuff) who were both good filling the placings behind Overpass (Vancouver) in The Quokka.

I Am Me (I Am Invincible) has performed with distinction in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide - as has Benedetta (Hellbent) who was strong to the line off a slow start in the Sangster.

Johnny Rocker (Jukebox) earned fans with his brave G1 William Reid S. second to Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) two starts ago, not beaten far in demanding conditions in the G1 TJ Smith S.

Fellow Victorians What You Need (Supido), Skybird (Exosphere) and Stretan Angel (Harry Angel {Ire}) are all lightly raced and talented.

G2 Hollindale S. - the Gold Coast at the Sunshine Coast

One of the features of the Gold Coast calendar, this 1800-metre weight-for-age contest heads to the Sunshine Coast with its normal home having all sorts of problems.

This is the first time in four years that the grand campaigner Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}) has not lined up - that recently retired gelding the only three-time winner of the Hollindale.

It has been won on three occasions by the same horse twice and what a nice list of horses that is - Rough Habit (NZ) (Roughcast {USA}), Shogun Lodge (Grand Lodge {USA}) and Leebaz (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}).

Also won by the likes of Durbridge, Danewin and Might And Power (NZ) (Zabeel), the Hollindale is always a good Queensland carnival watch, a race in which imported gallopers boast a strong recent record.

And they again play a big part in proceedings this year with 11 of the 14 contestants born in the Northern Hemisphere. One of those - Le Don De Vie (GB) (Leroidesanimaux) - shares links with Zaaki; by the same sire with the same breeder - Lanwades Stud’s Kirsten Rausing.

Zaaki’s trainer Annabel Neasham saddles up four of the imports - Numerian (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) who can race well fresh, Mighty Ulysses (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}) who did well finding Listed-winning form at only his second local outing, Naval College (GB) (Dartmouth {GB}) who was in flying form over the summer and Jimi Hendrix (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) whose excellent second up form is worth noting.

Huetor (Fr) (Archipenko {USA}), Luncies (GB) (Territories {GB}), Osmose (Fr) (Zoffany {Ire}) and Hoo Ya Mal (GB) (Territories {Ire}) are also strong imported chances as is the sales bound Deny Knowledge (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai) who will be looking the winner at some stage.

Leading the local charge is last weekend’s G3 Hawkesbury Cup winner Just Folk (Magnus) whist the New Zealand bred Kovalica (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) will find this easier than the three Group 1s he has contested at his latest outings.

G3 SA Fillies Classic - an Oaks by another name

The race which for so many years was known as the South Australian Oaks, the 2500-metre contest undertook a name change in 2010. Until 2005 it was a Group 1 race, downgraded to Group 2 status for two years - run as a Group 3 since 2007.

Like all Oaks races, this race has proven a great breeding ground for future broodmares with 24 of its winners producing stakes winners.

Amongst that tally are the dams of the Group 1 winners Arctic Star (Arctic Explorer {GB}), May’s Dream (New Approach {Ire}), First Seal (Fastnet Rock), Danske (NZ) and Arena.

With the G1 Australasian Oaks form holding up just a week later with the third-placed Coco Sun (The Autumn Sun) proving too strong for the boys in the G1 South Australian Derby, there is a strong chance the race could also provide the winner of this.

Only two fillies from the Oaks line up here but they are both major chances - Positivity (NZ) (Almanzor {Fr}) bound to appreciate a more Classic distance having been second on the G1 New Zealand Oaks whilst The Autumn Belle (The Autumn Sun) can be closer up from barrier 1 than she was from barrier 14.

It would be some achievement for her sire should he be represented by yet another nice 3-year-old filly winner!

Victorian trainer Patrick Payne boasts a good record in interstate features and he saddles up Zambezi Khan (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) who is bred to relish the step up in distance. As is Gotta Go Guru (Fiorente) who certainly impressed racing away to a seven-length victory at Strathalbyn late last month.

G3 Gold Coast Guineas - in-form 3-year-olds

First run as a Listed race in 2016, gaining an upgrade to its current status two years later, this 1200-metre 3-year-old contest has more often than not been won by horses who have gone on to further stakes success.

And it has been won by several Group 1 horses - such as Fashions Afield (Redoute’s Choice), Gold Edition (Lion Hunter) and Takedown (Stratum).

It is a big field of 18 contesting the prize on Saturday with four last start winners amongst the major chances - Celui (Toronado {Ire}) a strong all the way winner of the VOBIS Gold Dash, Xidaki (Zoustar) freshened since his Listed Canberra Guineas success whilst Empress Of Wonder (Choisir) looking promising for the Annabel Neasham stable.

Gallery: Four last-start winners are amongst the major chances

Tiger Shark (Rich Enuff) will strip all the fitter off her smart performance in the Listed Mick Dittman S., a race in which her stablemate Abounding (also by Rich Enuff) was game off a wide run.

Cifrado (Encryption) is suited up in distance second up whilst one of his rivals in the past in Chrysaor (Better Than Ready) is capable of pulling out a good run fresh. Corniche (Fastnet Rock) keeps racing well and Bases Loaded (Deep Field) is an interesting runner - a horse with talent last seen finishing second to Militarize (Dundeel {NZ}) in last year’s G1 Champagne S.

G3 Proud Miss S. - the speedy mares

Taken out last year by Snapped (Not A Single Doubt) who just recently was again in stakes winning form, this Group 3 sprint for fillies and mares is usually won by a horse capable of winning further black-type races.

And it has been won by several successful broodmares including Bonnie Mac (NZ) (Thorn Park), dam of Vinery Stud’s Exceedance, Blue Gum Farm’s new boy Oxley Road and the dual Listed winner Mac ‘N’ Cheese (Sebring).

In-form stallion Toronado (Ire) plays a big role here with his daughters Laced Up Heels and Extratwo being leading contenders - the former bringing her consistent Perth form east whilst the latter has won three of her last four in Melbourne.

Gallery: Toronado's progeny Laced Up Heels and Extratwo are leading contenders

Also in flying form (get it?!) is Aviatress (Smart Missile) who has been beaten only once in four starts. Grey River (Al Maher) finally has a good gate having run nice races from the outside barrier at each of her three runs this time in.

She’s So High (I Am Invincible) won this race in 2018 and her relation - a fellow descendant of Eight Carat (GB) (Pieces Of Eight {Ire}) - Wonderful Tonight (I Am Invincible) - has another tricky gate to contend with but she was far from disgraced at her Australian debut in the G1 Robert Sangster S.

The juveniles - the G3 Ken Russell Memorial Classic and the G3 David Coles AOM S.

There is black-type 2-year-old action at the Sunshine Coast and Morphettville. Run as a Group 3 race since 2014 and at Listed level since its inception as the Rothman’s Classic in 1984, the Ken Russell Memorial is a 1200-metre contest with some very good horses on its honour roll. Such as Brave Warrior, Gold Edition (Lion Hunter), Spirit Of Boom and Sizzling.

Plenty of horses take on the challenge this year with a full field of 18 plus four emergencies vying for a run - and it is the sort of race where not one of the runners would be a surprise winner.

Neither Chris Waller or Ciaron Maher have ever won this race but both saddle-up multiple chances - the former represented by Imperial Force (Snitzel) who impressed with his second up Canterbury victory, Althoff (Written Tycoon) who finished off so nicely at debut) and the first emergency President (I Am Invincible) who has been competitive with some of the better juveniles.

Maher saddles up two last start winners who are both by in-form first season sires - Perspiration (Too Darn Hot {GB}) and Froebel Star (Zousain).

Too Darn Hot also has Super Alloy running for him and there is further first-season sire action in the shape of Barbaric Lad (Brutal {NZ}), Silva ‘N’ Suave (D’Argento), Poster Girl (Alabama Express) and Pulpit (Microphone).

Gallery: Neither Chris Waller or Ciaron Maher have ever won this race but both saddle-up multiple chances

Meanwhile the Champion Sires Snitzel (Volatile and Imperial Force) and Written Tycoon (Althoff, Rich Dottie and Runaway Tycoon) have multiple runners as do Better Than Ready (Gin A Tonic and Alpha Bravo) and Zoustar (Kaluakoi and Zoular).

The David Coles also sees a number of first-season sires represented - Strasbourg (by Colmar), Alabama Express (Karavas), Exceedance (Flyer), Zousain (The Dabble Effect), Royal Meeting (Ire) (Royal Majesty) and D’Argento (Teardrop Rotation).

Nabbed only late by the exciting Stanley Express (Starspangledbanner) in the VOBIS Showdown, Symphony Of Colour (Shamus Award) looks hard to beat whilst debutants add interest including That Archies Girl (Per Incanto {USA}) - the Jamie Kah ride who bolted in with a Bendigo trial.