Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

Waller has a strong hand in the Turnbull

Chris Waller holds a powerful hand in Saturday’s $750,000 G1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington, with five stable stars set to line up. His team is spearheaded by outstanding mares Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) and Aeliana (Castelvecchio), who are joined by Land Legend (Fr) (Galileo {Ire}), Moira (Can) (Ghostzapper {USA}) and River Of Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}).

The spotlight will fall firmly on Via Sistina and Aeliana, with little separating them in their two runs this preparation. They have already traded blows: Via Sistina edged out Aeliana in the G1 Winx Stakes, before Aeliana turned the tables in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m). On that occasion, both mares had to settle for minor placings behind the brilliant Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars).

Speaking in his Chris Waller Racing Weekly Preview, the trainer said he was struggling to find any negatives around his leading duo.

“They both had a gallop on Saturday morning at Flemington and both were perfect,” Waller said.

“Via Sistina is working great, forget her last start run, the sectional times suggested she couldn’t win, but (she’s) come through it very well. James (McDonald) rides and she won the race last year. I’ve got no negatives.”

“Aeliana is ready to peak, she is not fully developed yet, she is still maturing, that is the only negative I can say about her. She doesn’t know that, she has never raced any better. She is a Derby winner, so the distance is going to suit and she placed in the Rosehill Guineas. There’s no negatives, apart from she is still six months away."

"Can she beat Via when she’s like that? If she does, she has a big future ahead.”

Waller boasts an outstanding record in the Turnbull Stakes, having won six of the past 10 editions. In that time, he has trained the quinella five times, and even swept the trifecta in 2020.

Via Sistina will attempt to defend her Turnbull Stakes crown after winning last year’s edition over her stablemate, the high-class Buckaroo (GB) (Fastnet Rock). The biggest threats to Waller’s star mares may come from Antino (GB) (Redwood {GB}), who looks ready to peak, and Sir Delius (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who was impressive when defeating Buckaroo in the G1 Underwood Stakes last start.

Waterhouse-Bott team out for early juvenile black-type glory

Few stables command more respect in early 2-year-old contests than the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott partnership, and they again hold a powerful hand heading into Saturday’s juvenile stakes races at Randwick. Tulloch Lodge, which won six of the nine official trials, will saddle three colts and three fillies across the G3 Breeders’ Plate and G3 Gimcrack Stakes, while also sending Knightsbridge (Farnan) south to Flemington for the Listed Maribyrnong Plate Trial.

Of their six Randwick runners, five were trial winners: Eviction Notice (Stay Inside), Revengeance (Hellbent), I’m Ya Huckleberry (Home Affairs), Shiki (Too Darn Hot {GB}) and Home Invasion (Home Affairs). The Wildling (Wild Ruler) also shaped well when finishing third.

The stable’s record in the Breeders’ Plate is remarkable, having not only won the past two editions but also training the trifecta both times—Espionage defeating Straight Charge (Written By) and Prost in 2023, followed by King Kirk beating Tempestuous (Extreme Choice) and North England (Farnan) last year.

Bott was taken by the trial of I’m Ya Huckleberry, a son of Home Affairs.

“I think there’s a lot of depth to him, he did a great job the way he executed his trial,’’ Bott told media earlier in the week.

“He has a nice action to him, he travelled well, he was lovely and settled. He came back and quickened when needed, he was strong late so I think there was a lot to like about him.”

Eviction Notice, a son of Golden Slipper winner Stay Inside, was one of the most eye-catching trial performers, scoring by almost eight lengths.

“I thought he was one of the standouts for the day,’’ Bott said.

“He ran good time, he was visually impressive in the way he did it. He’s a fast horse with some nice substance to him, he has a good constitution as well so it was hard to miss his performance.

“He’d been showing plenty at home, maybe the margin had he lined up in another event may have been different but he didn’t surprise us in the professionalism he showed.”

Revengeance also showed ability, though Bott noted he still has learning to do.

“He was still figuring it out on the day, he was challenged and really responded nicely,’’ he said.

“There was more to what we saw in his heat. When he puts it all together he’s going to be a nice horse, physically he’s a lovely strong individual.”

Among the fillies, Home Invasion impressed when scoring by nearly two lengths, while Shiki produced a sharp display.

“She went into it a bit fresh and did a few things wrong, she was in a rush to get it over and done with,’’ Bott said of Home Invasion.

“She’s shown sharp improvement off the back of the trial and is doing everything right at home.

“Shiki sat outside the lead and was impressive through the line. The Wildling led them up and was the ultimate professional, showed good speed and she stuck on well but might have bumped into a smart heat.”

In the G3 Breeders’ Plate, the Waterhouse/Bott-trained trio face stiff opposition, including Bjorn Baker’s Extreme Choice colt Paradoxium and the $1 million Stay Inside colt Incognito, prepared by Michael Freedman.

Meanwhile, the Gimcrack Stakes looks equally competitive, with Baker’s fillies Better Off Alone (Better Than Ready) and Masvingo (Zoustar) shaping as key contenders.

Autumn Glow poised to shine in the Epsom

The outstanding Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun) puts her unbeaten record of six wins on the line in Saturday’s time-honoured $1.5 million G1 Epsom Handicap at Randwick.

Her flawless résumé already features two Group 2s, two Group 3s and a Listed victory, but this will be her biggest test yet. Adding to the challenge is barrier 14, the widest draw, which jockey Kerrin McEvoy will need to navigate if she is to secure that coveted Group 1 success for owners Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd and Hermitage.

“It always makes it harder but she is a good horse,’’ Waller's assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said after Tuesday's barrier draw.

“She obviously is very, very short in the market and she is just going to need to be really good.

“She is terrific. She obviously had that exhibition gallop on Saturday at the races and bounced through that. She was literally just doing too well. She is bouncing out of her skin and ready to explode.

This is her crack at a Group 1 but she deserves it.’’

It won’t be easy in what looks like a highly competitive edition of the famous mile. Among the biggest dangers are the proven topweight Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), Godolphin’s Pericles (Street Boss {USA}), who was sharp resuming for new trainer Bjorn Baker, and the Kiwi Pier (NZ) (Proisir), who looks to have returned in outstanding order and looms as a smoky under jockey Ethan Brown.

Apocalyptic looks for three in a row in the Flight

The Michael Freedman-trained Apocalyptic (Extreme Choice) will chase a third straight win, and her first at Group 1 level, in Saturday’s Flight Stakes at Randwick. The daughter of boom sire Extreme Choice has already stamped herself as one of the season’s standout 3-year-old fillies, winning both the G2 Furious Stakes and the G2 Tea Rose Stakes under regular rider Tommy Berry.

Like many of her rivals, Apocalyptic will step up to the mile for the first time, but Freedman is confident she has the quality to handle the test.

“She seems good, did a bit of striding work on Saturday morning and seems in good order so we are looking forward to next Saturday,” Freedman told Racenet.

“I would like to think (she will come into her own at a mile) but racing can throw up some funny scenarios sometimes.

“Whilst I really feel she is a filly that is shaping that will love the mile, you have to see them do it but she seems in great order.”

The G1 Flight Stakes shapes as a competitive affair with an even bunch of fillies. Tupakara (Trapeze Artist) is still chasing her maiden Group 1 victory after six consecutive stakes placings, Within The Law (Lucky Vega {Ire}) finally draws a good gate and looks a strong chance, while Queen Of Clubs (Maurice {Jpn}), appears to be peaking at the right time and could thrive over the mile, looming as the upset danger.

Another Step on the Way to ‘The Everest’

The G2 $1 million Premiere Stakes looms as a key lead-up to the G1 The Everest, with slot-holders Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}), Briasa (Smart Missile) and Private Harry (Harry Angel {Ire}), likely having their final hit-out before the $20 million feature in two weeks’ time.

Several others are also out to press their claims for a late slot, keeping the pressure on in what is shaping as one of the most competitive editions of the Premiere in recent years.

One under the spotlight is Private Harry, who disappointed in the G2 The Shorts. Trainer Nathan Doyle has turned to Tim Clark and admits improvement is needed, though he remains upbeat.

“It’s a competitive race, I suppose he needs to improve and he needs to get things right,’’ Doyle told Racenet.

“He definitely needs to run top three to warrant pushing on to an Everest, but I feel he can do so.

“He just got it all wrong first-up. You can’t do anything wrong, you’re against the best sprinters in A grade.

“He’s a fast horse and he likes to be up on speed and when they are like that they need to get everything right out of the machines. If he gets that right I’m sure he can bounce back and be competitive.”

The Everest slot-holders naturally look hardest to beat, but Mazu (Maurice {Jpn}) could again give a bold sight up front, while Jedibeel (NZ) (Savabeel) looms as a potential giant-killer for trainer Brad Widdup if he brings his best.

Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

First held in 1978, the Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes has long been a testing ground for Victoria’s sharpest juveniles. It has unearthed future stallions such as Canny Lad, Danzero and Zizou, and more recent names like Unite And Conquer, Ingratiating and Bodyguard.

The race has seen its share of change over the years. At times run exclusively for colts and geldings, it was Lemongrass (Horbury {Ire}) who became the first filly to win in 1980. In 2007, the distance was extended from 900 metres to 1000 metres, with Exceedingly Good successful, one of five winners by champion sire Exceed And Excel.

Tony and Calvin McEvoy will be the busiest stable on Saturday, saddling three runners - Knurl (Brazen Beau), One Day At A Time (Bivouac) and Sabrina (Blue Point {Ire}). Tony McEvoy previously won the race with Risen From Doubt (Not A Single Doubt) in 2013.

The Hayes family also boast a strong record, with Ben Hayes - now training alongside brothers Will and JD, part of the Lindsay Park team that won consecutive editions with Madeenaty (Exceed And Excel) and Nomothaj (Snitzel). This year, the Hayes brothers will line up Eurocanto (Per Incanto {USA}) and Rich On Bubbles (Capitalist).

Mark Walker has two contenders in Harry Met Sally (Yes Yes Yes) and Flash Of Class (Capitalist), the latter carrying Te Akau Racing’s famous Tangerine colours.

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, while concentrating more heavily on the Group 3 juvenile features at Randwick, will still be represented by a strong chance in Knightsbridge (Farnan), who has impressed at the Sydney trials and looks a winning hope for Champion jockey James McDonald.

On the breeding front, Capitalist - who himself began his career with victory in the G3 Breeders’ Plate - is the only sire with multiple runners, through Rich On Bubbles and Flash Of Class. Two first-season stallions are also represented for the first time, with Guest House (Home Affairs) and Given The Extreme (Extreme Warrior) making their debuts.

No.1 - Eurocanto

2-year-old colt, Per Incanto (USA) x Shespending (NZ) (Savabeel)

Trainers: Ben, Will and JD Hayes

Jockey: Mark Zahra

Barrier: 3

Breeder: Evergreen Stud Farm

Owners: Lindsay Park Bloodstock (Mgr: Mrs S Steel), C E Holt, M Bogoievski, Ad Infinitum (Mgr: D I Hollyman), A Abdullah, F W Cook, Ms J P Cook, G Devonport, D Grasso, Mrs L I V Holt, S D O'Flaherty, D S Whitmore, R Green, B S Wilson, Ms S Ryner & J Fry

Sale information: This promising colt was purchased for $250,000 by Lindsay Park Racing from the Evergreen Stud Farm draft at this year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Eurocanto (Per Incanto {USA}) comes from a very strong Waikato Stud family with his damsires being Savabeel, Pins and O’Reilly (NZ). Some strong Group winners that feature within the page are Splurge (NZ) (Savabeel), Splashing Out (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) and Waikato Stud’s own Sacred Falls (NZ).

Eurocanto has prepared for his debut with two jump-out seconds at Flemington, where he was handled by Mark Zahra, who again takes the reins on raceday.

No.2 - Guest House

2-year-old colt, Home Affairs x Flamboyant Lass (Stratum)

Trainers: Mick Price and Michael Kent (Jnr)

Jockey: Jamie Melham

Barrier: 8

Breeder: Love Racing Pty Ltd

Owners: R T D Racing, A P Grant, J Molinaro, Refugee, D + A Racing, G & C Bayview, R Bradridge, Three Amigos, Hallowsand, L M R Racing, Henderson Racing & Breeding, C Watts, A O N Racing, T Clark, Mrs A Gniel, Dr B A Boan, P W Henley, Mrs L J Perry & Z Gocturk

Sale information: This son of Home Affairs was purchased for $270,000 by Mick Price Racing and Breeding Pty Ltd, Roll The Dice Racing, and Rogers Bloodstock from the Newgate Farm draft at this year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Guest House is out of the dual winner and Group 2 and Listed placed Flamboyant Lass (Stratum), who has already left four winners. She is also well-related, being a full sister to Attention (Stratum), who was successful in the G2 Sires’ Produce Stakes and the G3 Schweppervescence Handicap.

Guest House has placed in his two jump-outs at Flemington and Cranbourne, where he was handled by Jamie Melham, who again takes the reins on raceday.

No.3 - Harry Met Sally

2-year-old colt, Yes Yes Yes x Agueda (General Nediym)

Trainer: Mark Walker

Jockey: Michael Dee

Barrier: 11

Breeder: Mr B Sokolski

Owners: YES Bloodstock (Mgr: B F Sokolski), Jomara Bloodstock Ltd (Mgr: M P Carter), M C Scown, D Swiatlo, N Gold, Dr D Goldbloom & D Harris

The Brae Sokolski-bred and raced (with partners) colt is by Yes Yes Yes, who wore Sokolski’s colours to victory in the Everest Stakes in 2019. He is out of Agueda (General Nediym), a dual winner, who was also six times Group and Listed placed on the track.

She has left six winners from six to race, with the best of them being the 10-time winner Heat (Smart Missile).

Harry Met Sally has had three jump-outs and has finished second in two of them, including at Flemington last time out in the hands of race day jockey Michael Dee.

No.4 - Knightsbridge

2-year-old colt, Farnan x Festivity (Nicconi)

Trainers: Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott

Jockey: James McDonald

Barrier: 2

Breeder: Lime Country Thoroughbreds

Owners: James Harron Bloodstock Colts, TFI, Mrs B C Bateman, Bundarra Breeding and Racing, M A De Stoop, G1G Colts & Breeding, The Northerly 25, Love Racing, F P Doyle, D Saab, Balius Farm, Ravenswood Bloodstock & Gemstash

Sale information: Knightsbridge (Farnan) was purchased for $750,000 by James Harron Bloodstock and Tony Fung Colts from the Lime Country draft at this year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

The son of Farnan is the fifth foal of Festivity (Nicconi), who was a three-time winner on the track, and has since thrived as a broodmare. She has left three winners, including Semana (Winning Rupert), who has won at Group 3 and R. Listed level, and placed at Group 1 level three times, and Gala Queen (Deep Field), who has been a Listed winner in South Australia.

Knightsbridge won very nicely at the Kensington trials in Sydney over 850 metres in the hands of Tim Clark, and looks well-placed to run well in Melbourne.

No.5 - Knurl

2-year-old colt, Brazen Beau x Mollycoddle (Lonhro)

Trainers: Tony and Calvin McEvoy

Jockey: Damian Lane

Barrier: 12

Breeder: Godolphin Australia

Owners: Godolphin

The Godolphin-bred and raced son of Brazen Beau is the first foal out of Mollycoddle (Lonhro), a four-time winner up to 1350 metres. His grandam is Mascareri (Commands), an eight-time winner, and was successful in the Listed Silk Stocking Handicap. She is also a full sister to the four-time Group 1 winner Appearance (Commands).

Knurl has won both of her jump-outs at Flemington in preparation for this Listed race and looks one of the hardest to beat.

No.6 - Rich On Bubbles

2-year-old colt, Capitalist x Champagne Boom (Spirit Of Boom)

Trainers: Ben, Will and JD Hayes

Jockey: Blake Shinn

Barrier: 6

Breeder: Kingstar Farm

Owners: Lindsay Park Bloodstock (Mgr: Mrs S Steel), T Poli, Horse Ventures (Mgr: M B Sandblom), Four-Point Racing (Mgr: C Mobilio), B E Buchanan, Dr C C McGillivray, R M North & B S Wilson

Sale information: This sharply-bred son of Capitalist was purchased by Lindsay Park Racing for $200,000 from the Kingstar Farm draft at this year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Rich On Bubbles is out of Champagne Boom (Spirit Of Boom), who won the Listed Debutant Stakes as a juvenile, so he is definitely bred for speed. Her only foal to race is the promising Stoli Bolli (Deep Field), who has already placed in Listed company as a 3-year-old.

Rich On Bubbles won his first jump-out at Pakenham, then was given a quiet time at Flemington next time out, finishing seventh.

No.7 - Flash Of Class

2-year-old filly, Capitalist x Flashing Speed (War Pass {USA})

Trainer: Mark Walker

Jockey: Craig Williams

Barrier: 7

Breeder: G 1 G Racing and Breeding

Owners: Te Akau News Flash Syndicate 1 (Mgr: Mrs K W Fenton-Ellis MNZM), DL Horse Venture Pty Ltd (Mgr: P K Leung), Fortune 1 Racing and Breeding (Mgr: G J Diamond), G1G Racing & Breeding (Mgr: Mrs T L Vogel) & G1G Colts & Breeding Pty Ltd (Mgr: G J Diamond)

Sale information: Flash Of Class (Capitalist) was originally purchased by James Harron Bloodstock Ltd for $55,000 from the Widden Stud draft at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale. She was then purchased by D Ellis (BAFNZ) and Te Akau Racing for $70,000 from the Widden Stud draft at this year’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.

Out of the Group 3 placed mare Flashing Speed (War Pass {USA}), Flash Of Class has a lovely international pedigree that features War Pass (USA) and Galileo (Ire) as damsires.

Flashing Speed is a half sister to Thunder Fantasy, a Group 2 and Listed winner, who also placed in the G1 Rosehill Guineas, G1 Victoria Derby and the G1 Australian Guineas.

Flash of Class has had three jump-outs, winning his first one at Cranbourne in the hands of his race day rider Craig Williams.

No.8 - Given The Extreme

2-year-old filly, Extreme Warrior x On A Given Day (Fastnet Rock)

Trainer: Simon Zahra

Jockey: Thomas Stockdale

Barrier: 1

Breeder: Mr R W Tierney

Owners: Monarch Bloodstock, Monarch Racing EW, R W Tierney, First Sight Racing, J Smith, R C Mclean, R S Hannaford, J W K Thomas, Mrs L Eastaughffe, A J Kingdon, Ms A L Thomson, D A Kingdon, D Neylon, Ms S Frost, Pirie Misfits, Cooper Hugh, L S K B & J Shaw

Sale information: This son of Extreme Warrior was purchased by Monarch Racing, Catherine Bruggeman and Paul Moroney Bloodstock for $100,000 from the Riversdale Farm draft at this year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale Book 2.

Given The Extreme is out of On A Given Day (Fastnet Rock), who has left three winners including the G2 Sweet Embrace Stakes-placed Extreme Diva (Extreme Choice). His grandam Full Bloom (Snippets), was also stakes placed at two, so there is plenty of early speed in the family.

Given The Extreme may be the outsider in the field, but he has placed in two jump-outs at Flemington and has looked handy in both of them.

No.9 - One Day At A Time

2-year-old filly, Bivouac x Everyday Lady (Charge Forward)

Trainers: Tony & Calvin McEvoy

Jockey: Harry Coffey

Barrier: 4

Breeder: Rosemont Stud

Owners: Pipeliner Bloodstock Pty Ltd (Mgr: W G Mitchell)

Sale information: This promising Bivouac filly was purchased by McEvoy Mitchell Racing and Belmont Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) for $270,000 from the Rosemont Stud draft at this year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

One Day At A Time is out of Everyday Lady (Charge Forward), who was a four-time winning sprinter, who won the Listed Manihi Classic, and ran fourth in the G1 Robert Sangster Stakes.

She is from the extended family of the outstanding Weekend Hussler (Hussonet {USA}) a seven-time Group 1 winner from 1200 metres up to 1800 metres.

One Day At A Time has had two jump-outs, she only found stablemate Sabrina (Blue Point {Ire}) narrowly too good for her in her first one at Flemington, before she was too good for her race rival Eurocanto at her second one over 800 metres.

No.10 - Rubare

2-year-old filly, Rubick x Miss Belisa (Lope De Vega {Ire})

Trainer: Nick Ryan

Jockey: Jordan Childs

Barrier: 9

Breeder: Campolina Pty Ltd

Owners: N R Ryan, Campolina Pty Ltd (Mgr: I C Bell), G R Dawson, Behind The Glass Racing, Ms A Creighton, Ms N S Dennis, Off To The Track, G J Reid, J Sheridan, R Sheridan, Victoria Club Ltd, Whiskywill, S Hubbard, P Humphries, J Marinos, S D Levidis, S C Nankervis, G R O'Sullivan, G Rose & E B Tenberge

Sale information: Rubare (Rubick) was purchased for $35,000 by Nick Ryan Racing Pty Ltd from the Twin Hills Stud draft at this year’s Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.

Rubare comes from the extended family of the Singapore Champion 3-year-old Gingerbread Man (Shamardal {USA}), and the Listed winner Snitch (Lope De Vega {Ire}).

Rubare has had a couple of jump-outs and placed in her last one at Flemington behind race rival Knurl.

No.11 - Sabrina

2-year-old filly, Blue Point (Ire) x Witchfulthinking (War Chant {USA})

Trainers: Tony & Calvin McEvoy

Jockey: Luke Currie

Barrier: 10

Breeder: Amelia Park Racing & Breeding Pty Ltd

Owners: Kildalton Park Racing (Mgr: D Gordon), P V Walsh, P T O'Brien, C J Atkins, Mrs J M Evans, B J Barnett, Milton Mangoes (Mgr: D L Beale), The Double Fault (Mgr: B C Faithfull), C J Finnegan, Ms A Walsh, Miss S Walsh, M M Clingly, D P Oman, Miss J Sprlyan & Miss S L Jackson

Sale information: This promising daughter of Darley Stud’s former shuttler Blue Point (Ire) was purchased by McEvoy Mitchell Racing and Belmont Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) for $90,000 from the Amelia Park draft at this year’s Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale.

Sabrina is out of the four-time winner Witchfulthinking (War Chant {USA}). She comes from the family of the outstanding West Australian galloper Delicacy (Al Maher), a dual winner of The G1 Oaks and Derby in Perth.

Sabrina has looked sharp at the jump-outs, winning both of them at Flemington, and she deserves to be one of the favourites.

No.12 - Streisand

2-year-old filly, Magnus x Zouper Star (Zoustar)

Trainer: Clinton McDonald

Jockey: Ben Melham

Barrier: 5

Breeder: Eldon Park Stud

Owners: GFY Racing Success (D Painter), Primal (M Gardiner), This Is My Lane (Mrs T Notman), Riddell Racing (B Besanko), D&D Racing (D Painter), Miss A McGrath, D McGrath, A Blackshaw, R Bowen, C Gilder, T Hartley, A Spargo, P Brenton, R Darrah, D Gilby, A Haines, E Hughes, Mrs G Oscar, R Smith & D Thomson

Sale information: Streisand (Magnus) was originally purchased by Northmore and Waterford for $22,000 through the Yarran Thoroughbreds draft at the Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale. She was then successfully sold at this year’s Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale for $100,000 by Northmore Thoroughbreds to the purchasers Shane McGrath Bloodstock and Clinton McDonald Racing.

Streisand is out of the dual winner Zouper Star (Zoustar), who is well related, being a half sister to the Listed winner Best Yet To Come (Econsul {NZ}) and the Group 3 placed Simply Put (Charge Forward)

Streisand has looked talented at the jump-outs, winning one at Flemington over 650 metres, and placing third behind Race rival Sabrina again at Flemington, but over 800 metres.

Cover image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography

Raging Force back on track for Coolmore

G3 San Domenico Stakes winner Raging Force (Cosmic Force) cruised home to a trial win at Warwick Farm on Friday for Peter Snowden. Seventh in his most recent start in the G2 Run To The Rose, the 3-year-old gelding made short work of his seven rivals, easing down past Penpel (Written By) to claim a three-quarter-length win.

Video: Watch replay of Raging Force, video courtesy of Racing NSW

“He had a gut-buster (in the Run To The Rose)," Snowden told Racing And Sports on Tuesday. The trainer indicated the 3-year-old was still set for the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, and would like head to the G2 Schillaci Stakes on October 11 against the older horses as his stepping stone to the target.

“He went way too hard the other day. I gave him an easy week and he is nice and bright again now. The trial is nothing more than just a jump-out and relax.”

Darby Racing paid $150,000 for Raging Force out of Mullaglass Stud’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale draft.

He is the first winner out of Listed Debutante Stakes winner Miss Loren (Stryker), who has a 2-year-old called Vantorix (Captivant), a yearling colt by Zousain, and is due to foal again to Zousain in November.

Farnan filly flies home at Warwick Farm

A juvenile daughter of Farnan, Wings Of Glory, made an impression at her first trial at Warwick Farm on Friday morning when winning her heat by a quarter of a length. Trained by Ciaron Maher, the filly travelled with the pack into the straight before striding away to take the lead in the final furlong.

Blueblood Thoroughbreds and Ciaron Maher Bloodstock went to $180,000 to secure the filly at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, where she was offered by her breeder Mullaglass Stud.

Wings Of Glory is the fourth foal from Dorotea (Lope De Vega {Ire}), a half-sister to Listed-winning Just As Sharp (Swiss Ace) whose third dam is five-time Group 1-winning mare Triscay (Marscay). Dorotea’s second foal Robrick (Invader) was runner-up in the Listed Always Welcome Stakes and the $750,000 Inglis Sprint. She has a yearling full sister to Wings Of Glory to follow, and missed to Stay Inside this season.

Green Kirk impresses for Blake Ryan

Ole Kirk colt Green Kirk put on a strong showing for his debut trial at Warwick Farm on Friday, where the Blake Ryan trainee led the pack from the jump and worked home well in the home straight for a two-length win.

Video: Watch replay of Green Kirk, video courtesy of Racing NSW

Magus Equine Limited paid $320,000 for the son of Champion First Season Sire Ole Kirk at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, where he was offered by Tyreel Stud on behalf of breeder Wallings Bloodstock.

Green Kirk is the second foal from Snit Ball (Snitzel), a full sister to G1 Diamond Stakes winner Summer Passage. Snit Ball delivered a filly by All Too Hard in mid-September.

Captivant colt a winner at second trial

Courthezon (Captivant) flew the flag for his first season sire at Warwick Farm’s trial morning on Friday, coming away with a comfortable win at his second public hit-out. The Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained colt had to work wide from a mid-pack position when flying home, winning the 815-metre heat by a length and three quarters.

Kia Ora Stud, who stand Captivant, purchased the colt for $150,000 from Bhima Stud, who offered him on behalf of breeder Mr D Monnery at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Courthezon is the third foal from Group 3-performed winner Rayas (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}), a full sister to G2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders winner Lasarla (NZ) and a half-sister to 10-time winner Changing Eyes (NZ) (Black Minnaloushe {USA}). Rayas has a full brother to Courthezon bound for the sales ring in 2026, and is due in early October to Exceedance.

Stay Inside filly blitzes field at Murray Bridge

Juvenile filly Inhabit (Stay Inside) left her rivals in the dust in a 800-metre heat at Murray Bridge on Friday. The Michael Hickmott trainee put a tick over six lengths on second place and posted a slick 48.87s, almost two seconds faster than the other trial of the morning.

Video: Watch replay of Inhabit, video courtesy of Racing SA

Inhabit was a $200,000 purchase for her trainer from Segenhoe Stud’s draft at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Bred by Chris Barham and Binalong Bloodstock, Inhabit is the second foal from Jenga (All Too Hard), making her a half-sister to stakes-performed Kujenga (King’s Legacy), who resumed this preparation with a fourth in the G2 Furious Stakes. Jenga, a half-sister to dual Listed winner Granny Red Shoes (Not A Single Doubt), was covered by Capitalist in 2024, and will be due to foal down in mid October.

Rebel Tuesday debuts a winner

Phillip Stokes-trained Rebel Tuesday (Rebel Dane) came home the winner in the second juvenile heat at Murray Bridge on Friday. The filly made short work of the field to win by three quarters of a length over Vandaross (Anders), with Kejayaan (Tiger Of Malay) in third.

Video: Watch replay of Rebel Tuesday, video courtesy of Racing SA

JP Bloodstock paid $30,000 for Rebel Tuesday in an Inglis Digital sale last November, where she was offered by her breeder Jen Campin Bloodstock. She is a half-sister to Listed Dulcify Handicap winner Ganbare (Maurice {Jpn}) out of city-winning Redoute’s Choice mare Mardi. Her dam has a Hitotsu yearling colt to follow and missed this season to Lauda Sion (Jpn).