Cover image courtesy of Rich Hill Stud

Rich Hill Stud's quality lineup of stallions has been flying the flag high across Australasia, and another outstanding 12 months of racetrack and sales success have just been completed.

Rich Hill Managing Director John Thompson has given breeders an opportunity under the current economic climate as all fees have been reduced, apart from Ace High, who holds firm at NZ$15,000 plus GST.

In addition to Ace High, Champion Sire Proisir will stand at NZ$70,000 plus GST, Satono Aladdin (Jpn) at NZ$45,000 plus GST, and Shocking at NZ$10,000 plus GST. The latter three's fees have reduced from $NZ80,000 plus GST, NZ$65,000 plus GST, and NZ$12,500 plus GST in 2024.

“Breeders who have supported Rich Hill stallions over recent seasons have reaped substantial rewards,” Thompson said.

“Our 2025 service fees directly reflect this ongoing success, but we have made some adjustments in line with current market challenges.

“This ensures the industry continues to benefit from the exceptional value they offer.”

Proisir’s rise rolls on

Proisir’s progeny have continued to shine on racetracks across Australasia, with 19 individual stakes performers already recorded this season.

Among his 10 individual Australasian stakes winners this season are multiple Group winner Waitak (NZ), the brilliant mare Legarto (NZ), and exciting 3-year-olds Vegas Queen (NZ) and Sergeant Major (NZ).

Proisir currently sits second by earnings on the New Zealand Sires’ Premiership, and leads the way in individual stakes winners (seven), winners (41), and total wins (56)—a testament to his dominance and consistency.

His 2025 yearlings were again in hot demand, providing breeders with outstanding returns. At the 2025 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale, Proisir sired three of the top five-priced yearlings, including the standout Donna Marie (NZ) (Don Eduardo {NZ}) filly, who fetched NZ$1.1 million. In total, his 41 lots at the 2025 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale Book 1 yearlings averaged NZ$233,171.

“Going forward, we can all be very excited about Proisir’s future results,” Thompson said.

“At this stage he has 10 individual stakes winners in a season across Australasia, and for any stallion that is a big effort, he’s in the top echelon.

“He’s had a million dollar yearling and his Book 1 average was around $230,000.

“You would like to think, if you support him this year, who knows where he will be.

“He is proven in Australia and that is very important, he had Legarto and Prowess win two time-honoured Group 1s and that really opened up people's eyes to what this horse is capable of.

“We eagerly anticipate his upcoming 2-year-olds, which are the first progeny to race from the higher quality mare books bred over the last three seasons.”

Satono Aladdin well patronised, as his momentum continues to build

Deep Impact’s (Jpn) outstanding son Satono Aladdin (Jpn) will return to New Zealand for the 2025 breeding season, and despite not yet having a current crop of Southern Hemisphere 3-year-olds on the track, he has firmly held his status as one of the country’s most exciting young sires.

His Australasian progeny statistics are world-class. From limited early opportunities, Satono Aladdin boasts an elite 12.2 per cent stakes winners to runners ratio—an exceptional return that places him among the very best.

His 2020–21 crop of 43 foals has already produced six individual Group winners—a remarkable 14 per cent Group winners to foals ratio—with standout names including Firestorm (NZ), Raf Attack (NZ), Lupo Solitario (NZ), and Tokyo Tycoon (NZ).

“A lot of stallions lose momentum when they miss a crop, but he’s very much still in everyone’s calculations and commercially they have sold very well, and the lovely filly of Trelawney’s made $725,000 at Easter,” said Thompson.

“(There have been) massive returns for people from what those horses were conceived at. Breeders that support him this year are really going to benefit from a lot of the hard work we have already done with the horse over the last few years.”

Satono Aladdin’s appeal has extended beyond the racetrack. At the 2025 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale, his 29 yearlings averaged NZ$170,690, with prices climbing as high as NZ$525,000.

“Satono Aladdin’s progeny display incredible versatility and class. With his larger foal crops now emerging, his future impact on Australasian racing and breeding looks set to ascend to new heights over the next few seasons,” Thompson summarised.

All eyes on the exciting Ace High

Ace High made an immediate impact at stud, producing G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas winner Molly Bloom (NZ) from his very first crop.

The momentum has continued further this season, with My Lips Are Sealed (NZ) claiming Group success, and a wave of emerging talents—She’s A Hustler (NZ), O’Ziggy (NZ), Texas Dolly (NZ), Bullets High (NZ), and Angland (NZ)—all progressing nicely through the grades.

His second crop of 3-year-olds has also begun to make its mark, headlined by stakes performers Kitty Flash (NZ) and Dealt With (NZ), along with promising types such as She’s A Dealer (NZ), Croupier (NZ), Canny Queen (NZ), and Katashi (NZ).

“Ace High continues to attract strong breeder support, achieving his largest book yet in 2024,” Thompson said.

“He is in a really strong position. It’s exciting as there are a lot of promising Ace Highs around. We saw a couple of nice ones at Ellerslie on the weekend—Andrew Campbell’s horse looks very good, and he has his sights set on Queensland.

“There’s other horses coming through the grades that are very exciting. He has a few at Te Rapa, and we have a filly named She’s A Dealer who we think is pretty good.

“He has had good breeder support the whole way through and he looks to be building towards a really solid position in a couple of years.”

Ace High also performed strongly in the sale ring, with his 2025 Karaka Yearling Sale draft averaging $122,000. With his outstanding pedigree as a son of High Chaparral (Ire) and a profile that suggests his progeny will thrive over distance and with maturity, Ace High is clearly a sire on the rise.

Shocking proves he can leave a real good one

Proven Group 1 producer Shocking continues to deliver, enjoying another outstanding season.

In a spectacular display of sire power, Shocking pulled off a remarkable Group 1 double at Te Rapa in February—one of the biggest days on the New Zealand racing calendar. His son El Vencedor (NZ) stormed home to win the G1 Herbie Dyke Stakes, while Here To Shock (NZ) was equally impressive taking out the G1 Waikato Sprint.

Shocking also narrowly missed a rare Derby double this season, with Scary (NZ) finishing a gutsy second in the G1 VRC Derby, and Packing Angel (NZ) running a close third in the prestigious G1 Hong Kong Derby.

Gallery: Group 1-winning horses sired by Shocking, images courtesy of Kenton Wright (Race Images)

Beyond his success as a sire, Shocking’s influence continues to grow in the broodmare ranks—highlighted recently through Repo Bay (NZ), the dam of Proisir’s Group 1 winner Waitak (NZ).

“Shocking’s racetrack progeny consistently deliver outstanding results, and he offers breeders access to a proven Group One sire at remarkable value,” Thompson said.

“He's an old trooper—people are probably surprised we aren’t putting him up. He's still very fertile, and that fee puts him in a great spot in the market.

“Some breeders out there don't like spending more than $10,000 on a service fee, and he's a great option at that price.”

Whether it’s top-tier Group 1 winners or versatile, durable performers, Shocking continues to prove why he’s a stalwart of the New Zealand stallion ranks.

Thompson went on to comment; "No doubt we will have to be looking to get a new stallion at some stage, but at the moment we are in a fortunate position where we have four stallions and they are all proven and they have all had recent Group 1 winners; it's quite an unusual position to be in.”

Table: 2025 service fees for Rich Hill Stud's stallion roster (fees excluding GST)

Widden Stud has announced service fees on a diverse roster of 20 stallions split between New South Wales and Victoria. A high priority at Widden is offering more affordable value to budget-conscious breeders.

Widden are also taking a step back into the shuttle sire market with the addition of the world’s fastest horse in 2024, Cogburn (USA) and he stands for $27,500 inc GST.

With nearly 70 per cent winners to runners and 12 per cent stakes winners to runners, Not This Time (USA) has sired 46 stakes winners in total and his fee for 2025 has been set at $US175,000 up from $US150,000 in 2024.

A horse with many similarities to leading first season sire Ole Kirk, Southport Tycoon was successful at Group 1 level at 1200 metres and 1600 metres, and comes from an elite female family, so will satisfy broodmare owners on the score of both pedigree and performance. His introductory fee will be $38,500 inc GST.

Widden Stud's flagship sire Zoustar remains at the fee of $275,000 inc GST.

Zoustar was the world’s leading sire of winners in 2024 and is powering through 2025 in a similar vein. The champion son of Northern Meteor has sired a dozen Australian stakes-winners this season headed by Group I winners Joliestar and Schwarz with his seasonal earnings already topping $20 million.

Fee Reductions (include GST)

Trapeze Artist - $33,000 (down from $55,000)

Jacquinot - $24,200 (down from $27,500)

Portland Sky - $16,500 (down from $19,800)

Anders - $13,200 (down from $16,500)

Supido - $9,900 (down from $16,500)

Rebel Dane - $8,800 (down from $11,000)

Russian Camelot - $16,500 (down from $19,800)

Nicconi - $13,200 (down from $16,500)

Bruckner - $9900 (down from $11,000)

Gold Standard - $5500 (down from $9,900)

Stallions with unchanged fees (include GST)

Zoustar ($275,000)

Zousain ($27,500)

Written By ($22,000)

Sweet Ride ($11,000)

King Colorado ($16,500)

Doubtland ($13,200)

Dirty Work ($13,200)

Star Witness ($8,800)

2025 Widden Service Fees

Cover image courtesy of Magic Millions

A sensational catalogue has been unveiled for the Magic Millions Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale, which includes 10 individual Group 1 winners - including seven straight off the track. The catalogue will see prospective buyers spoilt for choice at the Gold Coast from the May 27 and 28 auction.

Elevated quality as the sale condenses to two days

The 2025 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale clearly emphasises quality, with a significantly condensed and streamlined offering of 524 high-calibre lots. By comparison, the 2024 edition featured 622 lots, the 2023 sale catalogued 725, and in 2022, 753 fillies and mares went under the hammer.

Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch commented,

“I think that’s the way the world is—the condensed catalogue does assist with quality, and the quality that people are willing to bring to sales is where they focus their efforts.

“I think this catalogue is no different. It’s got some unbelievably elite racetrack stars, some mares off the track in our race filly section that are absolute highlights, and then you look at the big day of mares in foal—it’s a fantastic selection.

“Everyone’s busy, in their lives and businesses, so the opportunity to compress the sale a little bit, and still make it very impactful has been really well received.”

In terms of outlining the quality within the catalogue, there are 72 stakes winners, 67 stakes placegetters, 17 dams of stakes winners, and 20 dams of stakes placegetters.

In adiditon to that, there are 58 fillies or mares that are either full, three quarter, or half-sisters to Group 1 winners.

“The catalogue is world class," Bowditch said. "This will again be Australia's biggest and most commercial sale of its kind.

“There is such depth to the catalogue from the race fillies on Day One through to the broodmares on Day Two.

“All ends of the market will be covered by quality lots. We are looking forward to getting everyone here, offering a great catalogue, showing them a great time, but obviously compressing it into two days, will keep it flowing.”

Elite race mares add weight to a quality catalogue

There’s no doubt that some seriously talented race mares are being offered this year, with the Chris Waller-trained pair of Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) and Zougotcha (Zoustar) naturally grabbing the headlines.

Atishu won just under $6 million, was an 11-time winner on the track, and claimed victory in the G1 Mackinnon Stakes, G1 Empire Rose Stakes, and G1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes. Zougotcha was equally impressive, taking out the G1 Coolmore Classic, G1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes, and G1 Flight Stakes among her eight career wins.

The quality doesn’t stop there, with Climbing Star (NZ) (Zoustar), Belclare (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}), Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High), Socks Nation (Sioux Nation {USA}), and Campionessa (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}) all successful at the elite Group 1 level.

Bowditch commented: “Atishu and Zougotcha are as well credentialled as any mare that has gone through the ring in recent years, we are very excited to have them in our catalogue.

“We are looking forward to seeing many others, obviously Climbing Star is in a Group 1 this Saturday, and there's plenty others still running towards the sale. So there is plenty to follow in the next month leading into the big auction.”

New virtual chapter opens for National Broodmare Sale

In an innovative shift for the Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale, this year’s event will include a new International virtual component. Thirteen mares from New Zealand and one from the United States will be offered remotely in Book 1, as part of a curated mini session that removes the need for physical presence on the Gold Coast.”

Bowditch is enthusiastic about the addition. “It’s a really strong little session that we have put together, and obviously, hopefully, it will grow from now until the sale with supplementary entries.”

Included amongst the virtual component are Glowsity (Can) (Bodemeister {USA}), a Listed placegetter closely related to filly of the moment Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Expresss), Millefiori (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}), a Listed-placed half-sister to Gringotts (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}), Wolverine (NZ) (Tivaci), a dual Group 2-winning juvenile, Babylon Berlin (All Too Hard), a seven-time stakes-winning sprinter who has been Group 1-placed multiple times, and Campionessa (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}), winner of the G1 Zabeel Classic.

“We are very happy with the support we have got for this session. Off the back of how it went with Imperatriz, we think there's a reason to do this, and give people who can’t get their horses here to Australia the best opportunity to sell within this big, strong market.”

When asked whether this year’s edition could act as a springboard for the concept to expand in the future, Bowditch was confident in its potential.

“Absolutely, we have given ourselves reason to succeed. The quality of the horses will show that. Buyers will get all the information they possibly can to ensure they can bid on those 13 horses as well as the rest of the catalogue,” he said.

While Bowditch acknowledges that having a horse on-site is always ideal, the virtual offering presents an exciting and viable solution for international vendors.

“Always a horse in the complex is the best way to go, but this provides a really viable way to sell them, and hopefully we grow off this year and build confidence that it is a session of its own in years to come.”

A catalogue full of youth and potential

An interesting observation in this year’s catalogue is the strong presence of younger mares. While it’s expected that race fillies or mares straight off the track will generally be younger, the overall statistics across the full catalogue highlight a clear preference for youth—a trend that offers buyers increased opportunity and long-term potential for their investment, including future trading prospects.

Bowditch explained:

“It’s very commercial, it’s very young, I think 430 of the 524 entered are 10 years or younger, so it shows you the depth of youth in the catalogue.

“The longevity of their career when they are young is incredibly important, we have 160 race fillies, and that’s growing.

“Then mares that are only on their first, second, or third cover and are in foal to some of the best credentialed stallions globally—it’s very, very exciting.

“The covering sires in the National Broodmare Sale read like a who's who of the industry – young and highly commercial prospects aplenty. We encourage you to immerse yourself in the pedigrees – it's an incredible lineup of fillies and mares.”

Proven ground for future success

The Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale has long cemented its reputation as a proven launchpad for success—an elite marketplace where astute buyers secure mares capable of producing future turf stars.

“Across the years, so many astute buyers have made life-changing purchases to boost and enhance their broodmare bands—the catalogue in 2025 will again provide those incredible opportunities,” Bowditch said.

The track record speaks for itself. Mares purchased through this sale have gone on to produce champions and Group 1 winners such as Aeliana (Castelvecchio), Benedetta (Hellbent), Devil Night (Extreme Choice), Golden Sixty (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}), Magic Time (Hellbent), Private Harry (Harry Angel {Ire}), Schwarz (Zoustar), Skybird (Exosphere), Stefi Magnetica (All Too Hard), Sunlight (Zoustar), and the incomparable Winx (Street Cry {Ire}) —all proudly representing the legacy of National Broodmare Sale purchases.

With another outstanding catalogue on offer in 2025, there’s every reason to believe that this edition will deliver again—shaping the pedigrees, performances, and headlines of the future.

Cover image courtesy of Racing Photos

Impact Zone leads all the way

Jockey Tom Sherry led all the way on 2-year-old colt Impact Zone (Exceed And Excel) in the opening juvenile 900-metre scamper at Newcastle on a Heavy track on Wednesday. The Peter Snowden-trained colt was impressive as he accelerated off the corner and flew away from the field to win by 1.68l from the dead-heated pair of James Cummings-trained filly Lipstick (Street Boss {USA}) and Michael Freedman-trained gelding Offenbach (Snitzel).

“He’s obviously a lovely colt with good gate speed, and we came here confident with that run under his belt and he showed good improvement to win,” said Peter Snowden’s assistant trainer Aaron Lau.

“He’s always shown talent at home.” When asked about plans, Lau mentioned the Magic Millions National Stakes. “He’ll probably head to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions race, but we’ll have to discuss it with the owners first.”

And it’s an impressive group of owners with Newgate Farm and China Horse Club leading the charge. They, along with Go Bloodstock and Trilogy Racing, purchased him at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $575,000 from Rosemont Stud.

“He was a really exceptional type of Exceed And Excel colt (as a yearling) with great size and scope and quality,” said China Horse Club’s Michael Smith.

“He’s out of a tough race mare who won at Group 2 level and had 11 wins, and is from an iconic New Zealand family with Octagonal, Don Eduardo. The family has plenty of class and it was great to see him win in such style today. He couldn’t have been more impressive, and it’s a great step in the right direction.”

Impact Zone’s dam, Gift Of Power (NZ) (Power {GB}) won 11 races, three as a 2-year-old, and three stakes races led by the G2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes and two Listed races in New Zealand. She was also twice Group 3-placed. Impact Zone is her first live foal, and she has a yearling filly by I Am Invincible who was withdrawn by Rosemont Stud from this year’s Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.

Gift Of Power’s third dam is the Group 1 winner Diamond Lover (Sticks And Stones) who is one of five Group 1 winners out of Eight Carat (GB) (Pieces Of Eight {Ire}). Diamond Lover produced Group 1 winners Don Eduardo and Tristalove (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}), as well as placed mare Diamond Smile (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) who has produced stakes placed Capital Diamond (NZ) (Lucky Unicorn), who is the dam of Gift Of Power. Capital Diamond’s half-sister Passion Cut (NZ) (Pins) is the dam of recent Group 3 winner Devastate (NZ) (Vadamos {Fr}).

Godolphin colt Green Spaces digs deep

First seen just after Christmas when fifth of eight on debut, Godolphin’s juvenile colt Green Spaces (Street Boss {USA}) resumed at Geelong for his second start with a gritty victory. Ridden by Jye McNeil, Green Spaces put 2l on the field, then looked around a bit, but dug deep as Phillip Stokes-trained debutant gelding Regal Award (Ole Kirk) came flying home for jockey Daniel Stackhouse to hold on for a 0.25l victory. The pair were 2l ahead of third-placed Danny O'Brien-trained debutant filly Getta Good Feeling (So You Think {NZ}).

Street Boss (USA) has had another good season of juveniles thanks to G2 Percy Sykes winner Tempted who was third in the G1 Golden Slipper, and G2 Todman Stakes winner Tentyris who was second in the G1 Blue Diamond Stakes.

A three-quarter-brother to Group 1 winner Trekking (Street Cry {Ire}) whose sire is also the sire of Street Boss, and a half-brother to Listed winner Winnie Star (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) and stakes placed Plymstock (Ribchester {Ire}), Green Spaces is the sixth winner from as many to race for Outdoor (Redoute’s Choice).

A daughter of triple Group 1-winning Champion 3YO filly in Australia Serenade Rose (Stravinsky {USA}), Outdoor won three races and is a half-sister to the stakes-placed pair of Minnesinger (Lonhro) and Entertains (Street Cry {Ire}), who is the dam of French Group 3 winner Egot (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}).

Better than it looks for Guac On

Jockey Cejay Graham clung to the rails at Doomben on Kelly Schweida-trained 2-year-old colt Guac On (Zousain) and he stuck on well to win by 0.63l over Desleigh Forster-trained Meet George (Better Than Ready), with Matthew Dunn-trained debutant filly Shortcut (King’s Legacy) in third. Guac On is the fourth juvenile winner for Zousain’s second crop.

“To be honest, it was well below what I know he can do. It was still a good effort, he rallied up at the 200 metres and toughed it out,” said Schweida of the colt, who ran last on debut on a Heavy track at the start of the month.

“I’m not sure he’s comfortable in the ground either. They said it was a soft, but the times weren’t great, so I wonder if it wasn’t heavier. He’s a big unit too, and I’m not sure how long he’ll keep his balls. He’s a half-brother to El Morzillo.”

Stablemate 3-year-old filly El Morzillo (Star Witness) won the $1 million Inglis Sprint at her last start and was second to Bittercreek (Snitzel) in the G2 Spirit Of Boom Classic this time last year.

“I think he can do a lot more. I’ve seen him do better at home, but we’ll take the win. I’ll see how he pulls up. It’s coming smack into our carnival here. I might give him one more soft run for confidence, and go from there. I want to see him do what I know he can do.”

Guac On and El Morzillo are out of Avocado (Snitzel) whose first foal, 4-year-old gelding Steps Ahead (Written By), ran in the Listed Hong Kong Derby recently and was second at his most recent start. He’s won three races in Hong Kong. Avocado won over 950 metres, and is a full sister to Listed winner Spending To Win, both being out of G2 Flying Childers Stakes winner Madame Trop Vite (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}).

Guac On was sold by Widden Stud at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $110,000 to Kelly Schweida, who had to spend half that for his half-sister from the same vendor. Avocado’s yearling filly by Dirty Work was purchased by Kellie Avison Bloodstock for $130,000 at the recent Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.

Cover image courtesy of Western Racepix

The Quokka, worth $5 million, has only been run for two years, and in both 2023 and 2024, Overpass (Vancouver) won and Amelia’s Jewel (Siyouni {Fr}) ran second. In 2023, Bella Nipotina (Pride Of Dubai) was third, and last year Oscar’s Fortune (Rich Enuff) finished in third.

With Amelia’s Jewel retired, the quinella is guaranteed to be different in 2025, but will it be rinse and repeat for Overpass? The only parallel in history is Redzel (Snitzel) who won the first two editions of Sydney’s slot race, The Everest, then ran eighth in his attempt at a third.

A different pathway this year for Overpass

Dual winner Overpass has taken a slightly different path this year. In 2023 and 2024 he came into the race fresh, but this year, he ran first-up in the G1 TJ Smith Stakes where he was second to Briasa (Smart Missile) on April 5.

“He’s in great order. He galloped well yesterday, and he loves it in the west. As opposed to other horses travelling there, he has adapted well to the heat and thrives in it. He has the same routine as at home, but does go to the beach a bit more than here, which he loves,” said Bjorn Baker’s Racing Manager Luke Hilton.

When asked about the draw (10 of 13), Hilton wasn’t fussed; “He won the Winterbottom from barrier 10 last year and he has a forward racing pattern, so the draw allows him to roll forward. We hope he can make it three in a row, he’s in perfect condition and the field isn’t as strong as last year, although there are a few good ones in there.”

That Overpass loves the west is something of an understatement. Four of his 10 wins have come in Perth – and he’s only had four starts in Perth – so his record in Western Australia is impressive as an unbeaten horse in that region.

“He’s done a good job here too. He was second in the TJ Smith last start, and he won the Sydney Stakes (this spring).”

Overpass, a COVID Inglis Easter Yearling Sale graduate who cost Darby Racing and Will Johnson Bloodstock $75,000 from Corumbene Stud, showed plenty early, winning three of his six starts at two and running fourth in the G2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes.

At three, he was sixth in Home Affairs’ G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, then won the G2 Expressway Stakes at his next start. Another win in the autumn, as well as knocking around for a few fifths and sixths in Group 1 sprints, he then ran second to Nature Strip (Nicconi) as a spring 4-year-old in the G2 Shorts Handicap.

He attempted The Everest that spring, running sixth, and after a couple of poor performances, he was given a let up before heading to Perth for the 2023 The Quokka. Coming into the race, having not raced for four months, he won, then headed to Brisbane where he ran second in the G1 Doomben Ten Thousand.

In the spring of 2023, Overpass ran second in the G2 Shorts (again), then had an ordinary run in The Everest, before he headed west to win the G1 Winterbottom Stakes at the start of December. Again, he was rested before The Quokka, coming into the race fresh for 2024 and making it two from two.

This season, he won the G3 Sydney Stakes first up, then the G1 Winterbottom Stakes, and was freshened again. But rather than head directly to The Quokka, this year he’s coming off a second place in the G1 TJ Smith Stakes.

Will the different pattern make a difference? Or does he need the extra run now he’s a 5-year-old gelding? We will find out on Saturday.

The Roma Cup as a formline

Four of the runners in The Quokka ran in the G3 Roma Cup last start with The Boss Lady (Street Boss {USA}) winning from Jokers Grin (Maschino) and Generosity (Divine Prophet). Rope Them In (Playing God) was disappointing in running seventh.

“She’s good. It’s a big jump in class, we’re in so we’ll have a go and she’s done really well this season,” said The Boss Lady’s trainer Michael Lane.

“It’s a big jump in class with Overpass in it, and others from east. I’m not disillusioned about the task ahead of her, and it’ll be a good test. We (WA) normally hold our own with our sprinters, so will be good to see (how the form holds up).”

The Boss Lady, a 4-year-old mare, has won 10 of her 17 starts including her last four in succession. Bred and raced by the Canal Enterprise Syndicate, she is one of 82 stakes winners for Street Boss (USA) and is the second foal of Top Of The Class (Star Witness) who won twice in WA and placed in both the Listed Jungle Mist Classic and Listed Jungle Dawn Classic. She has an unraced 3-year-old colt named Longway To The Top (Long Leaf) and a colt foal by Universal Ruler.

Rope Them In has been touted as a strong contender for The Quokka for most of the autumn, but a disappointing run in the G3 Roma Cup had him shift out in the betting. On Tuesday, jockey Shaun McGruddy was pleased with drawing five and told racingwa.com.au, “There were no underlying reasons for his run in the Roma Cup. The barrier draw will help because he’s not good enough to give them a head start and reel them in.

“The barrier makes all the difference and the 1200 metres suits him a bit better as well. He worked really well this morning (Tuesday) and Wolfey was happy with the barrier and happy with his work."

Group 1 form lines

With Overpass heading into The Quokka out of the TJ Smith, the horse who was third in that race, Headwall (Dream Ahead {USA}) is also over in Perth, and is the current second-favourite behind Overpass. Headwall has drawn eight.

“He’s great. He’s settled in well and pulled up nicely from his work on Tuesday, and seems happy,” said Headwall’s trainer Matthew Smith.

“I think the TJ form line is good. The track over there is a lot different to Randwick and probably suits Overpass better than us as we tend to get back a bit in the run, and it does favour horses on the speed. But we can’t change our pattern too much and I’m hoping he can run on. It’s important to stick to what works (for the horse).

“If you go back before Overpass, plenty of horses can run on from behind there, so we will wait and see what happens. The horse is fit and well, and that’s all we can do and a little bit of rain might help us too. Our bloke, this time in, has been fantastic.”

Headwall has had three starts this autumn, all in Group 1 company, for a fourth in the G1 Oakleigh Plate, second in the G1 Newmarket Handicap, and third in the G1 TJ Smith Stakes.

“Overpass was just beaten in the TJ, and he’s the one to beat. Hopefully, we’ll be running on strong in the finish.”

Headwall, a 5-year-old gelding, has won six of his 16 starts. A winner on debut as a July 2-year-old, he won three of his first four starts. He won the $300,000 The Warra to finish his spring, and this autumn, his step into Group 1 company have been his first runs in black type.

Not offered at auction, Headwall is by Dream Ahead (USA) sired 35 stakes winners (13 bred in Australia), including four Group 1 winners who were all European bred. Headwall is out of Positive Quest (Not A Single Doubt), who won twice a two, and whose first three foals are winners. She has an unraced 2-year-old filly Flying Sarki (Flying Artie), a yearling colt by North Pacific and a colt foal by Artorius.

The other two runners with immediate Group 1 form are Front Page (Magnus), who comes into The Quokka off a second in the G1 Galaxy Handicap, and Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}), who won New Zealand’s G1 Railway Handicap two starts ago.

"He got taken on in the Galaxy with a horse pressing on. He got carved up a bit in front and that horse ended up running last and he was very strong," Front Page's trainer Matthew Dale told racing.com on Wednesday.

"It's good formlines and it was probably an equal career-peak rating for him as an 8-year-old and just emphasises that he's in really good order. He's done nothing but please us since. We're expecting a bold showing."

Gallery: The Quokka 2025 Field

Cover image courtesy of Hawkesburry Race Club

In the season finale of Bred to Win, Caroline Searcy reviews the thrilling conclusion of the Sydney Autumn Carnival, spotlighting the standout performances on All Aged Stakes Day.

The episode dives into the breeding backstories of the big winners, including sprint star Jimmysstar’s (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) and rising 2-year-old Nepotism (Brutal {NZ}), with pedigree insights connecting these horses to legendary bloodlines. Arrowfield Stud and other major farms also enjoyed success, with several Group and Listed wins highlighting the strength of their breeding programs across Australia and New Zealand.

The show features a special interview with Matt Scown, General Manager of Yarraman Park Stud, who shares his journey through the global breeding industry—from humble beginnings in New Zealand to managing elite stallions like I Am Invincible. Scown offers thoughtful advice on cultivating work ethic, passion, and integrity, particularly for young people aiming to build careers and leadership roles in the thoroughbred world. His story underscores the opportunities available through dedication and the support of mentoring programs.

Also featured is a look at the top thoroughbred class winners from the Sydney Royal Easter Show, celebrating the versatility and presentation of off-track thoroughbreds. The Cambridge Stud Performance of the Week highlights another success story, as Kiwi Skyhawk (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}), a yearling sold by Cambridge Stud, claims victory in the G3 Championship Stakes at Ellerslie. The episode wraps up a season of excellence in racing, breeding, and rehoming, with a preview of the returning series Thoroughbreds Are Go.