Saturday Summary: Fireball leads Snitzel’s Randwick stakes sweep

Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

The G1 Champagne belongs to Snitzel’s Fireball

Almost two months before the anniversary of Snitzel’s death, the multiple Champion Sire showed the depth of his loss with the quinella in the G1 Champagne Stakes, and a treble of stakes winners at Randwick.

Trainer Chris Waller had three runners in Group 1 mile, and they ran out the trifecta with Fireball and jockey Tim Clark brave in a hard-fought finish to beat James McDonald-ridden favourite Campione D’Italia.

"Both by Snitzel, he's an amazing stallion. These boys will get their chance now that Dad's passed away, sadly," Waller said.

Adam Hyeronimus was third on Diameter (Brazen Beau) half a length from the winner. Diameter had the rails run with Fireball eyeballing him, with Campione D’Italia out wide, and Fireball lifted under pressure to stick his nose in front.

"Full credit to the horse because he's been able to deal with (the long campaign). As I said to the owners before the race, he's coping so well. You wouldn't know he's deep into a prep, each run has had so much merit and not a lot of luck, so he deserved that today," Waller said.

Fireball showed his talent early, winning on debut as a November juvenile, before a spell. Back in February, he won R.Listed Inglis Millennium before a tough sixth in the G2 Skyline Stakes and seventh in the G1 Golden Slipper. He regained form last start, when third to Campione D’Italia in the G1 Sires’ Produce Stakes.

"He's got there by telling us that he's coping well with his racing. Distance-wise, I've never really been too concerned. I thought in the Golden Slipper, he was beaten at the 300m, but he was still strong through the line, then that showed me that 1400m, and then last start he didn't have much luck. He was great."

The win takes him to three wins from six starts and earnings over $2 million. He becomes the 28th Group 1 winner for Snitzel, and the second out of a Charge Forward mare following G1 Golden Slipper winner Estijaab.

Sales: Purchased by James Harron Colt Partnership and Tony Fung Colts for $460,000, Fireball was offered by Yarraman Park Stud at the 2025 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.

Pedigree: Fireball is the second foal for Advance Party (Charge Forward) whose 3-year-old gelding has been named Eight Aces (I Am Invincible). Advance Party was a winner as a July 2-year-old, adding a second win at three.

Advance Party is out of unraced Redoute’s Choice mare Luanne who is a half-sister to juvenile Listed Ken Russell Memorial Classic winner I Have No Fear (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}). Fireball’s third dam is the very good juvenile filly Countess Christie (Marscay) who won the G2 Magic Night Stakes, G3 Sweet Embrace Stakes, and Listed Widden Stakes at two. G1 Diamond Stakes (now Sistema Stakes)-placed O’Rachael (Northern Meteor) also features in this family.

Beiwacht makes every post a winner in All Aged triumph

Beiwacht (Bivouac) produced a commanding front-running display to claim the G1 All Aged Stakes at Randwick, dictating throughout and holding off a wave of challengers to secure his second Group 1 victory over 1400 metres.

Stepping out against older opposition at Group 1 level, the three-year-old colt delivered a performance of authority, adding a second elite victory at 1400 metres to his rapidly building résumé.

Jumping cleanly from barrier two, Nash Rawiller wasted no time in sending Beiwacht forward to assume control. Rolling along at a solid yet controlled tempo, he quickly established a clear rhythm in front, with Royal Patronage (Wootton Bassett {GB}) working across to sit outside him, while Pericles (Street Boss {USA}) enjoyed the run of the race in the box seat.

Behind them, the field settled with the key contenders biding their time, including Jimmysstar (Per Incanto {USA}), who drifted back towards the rear, and race favourite Angel Capital (Harry Angel {Ire}), who found himself buried in traffic from the outset.

As the field approached the home turn, Beiwacht continued to travel strongly, showing no signs of relinquishing his advantage. Upon straightening, Rawiller asked for an effort and the colt responded immediately, kicking hard.

Chasers quickly emerged, with Lazzura (Snitzel) threading her way through the field to launch late, while Jimmysstar produced a powerful run from the rear, flashing home down the outside. However, the leader had already established a winning break.

Sustaining his gallop strongly over the final furlong, Beiwacht proved too tough, holding his margin to score by a length, with Lazzura finishing sharply into second and Jimmysstar a short half-head away in third.

Angel Capital was arguably the hard-luck story, never obtaining clear running and finishing hard held behind a wall of horses.

The performance from Beiwacht not only validated his Golden Rose-winning credentials, but also confirmed his ability to take on and defeat older horses at the highest level when allowed to roll in front.

Trainer Chris Waller was full of praise for the colt, highlighting the significance of the performance for his future in the breeding barn.

“He’s a very special horse. He did it in the Golden Rose as well and to beat older horses in a race like the All Aged Stakes - it’s a very strong field - he deserves the accolades,” Waller said.

“We needed a stallion-making race and this one stood out. He ran well in the George Ryder and even behind Joliestar he showed he was up to this level. Back on a good track today, he was terrific.”

Rawiller, who controlled the race from the front, said the colt gave him complete confidence throughout.

“He just travelled beautifully and ran the sectionals. When you’re on a really good horse, you know you’re home,” Rawiller said.

“I loved the way he lengthened again when I asked him. He’s a very talented horse.”

While future plans remain open, the colt now shapes as a major player across the sprint–mile ranks, with his tactical speed and ability to sustain a strong tempo proving a potent combination.

The victory sees Beiwacht take his record to three wins from 13 starts and pushes his earnings beyond $2 million.

Sales: Beiwacht is a homebred for Godolphin.

Pedigree: By Bivouac, Beiwacht is the second stakes winner out of Listed winner Metastasio (Street Cry {Ire}), making him a half-sister to Gravina (Sebring), from the family of influential broodmare Truly Special (Ire) (Caerleon {USA}). The pedigree also features elite performers including Hong Kong Champion Sprinter Wellington (All Too Hard) and Group 1 winner Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}). Metastasio visited Bivouac again last season.

Seventh heaven: Jigsaw digs deep to land $5m Quokka

Jigsaw (Manhattan Rain) extended his remarkable winning streak to seven in succession with a brave front-running display to capture the $5 million Quokka at Ascot, holding off a surging Rey Magnerio (Magnus) in the closing stages.

Asked to overcome a wide draw, jockey Logan Bates was positive early, sending the seven-year-old forward from barrier 13 where he was able to cross and dictate terms. Once in front, Jigsaw travelled strongly at a solid tempo, with the field stringing out behind him.

Approaching the home turn, Jigsaw continued to travel smoothly, but inside the final furlong the challengers quickly emerged. Rey Magnerio charged into contention down the outside, with Talkanco (I'm All The Talk) also producing a strong finish.

At the 100 metres, Jigsaw looked vulnerable as the margin narrowed, however the veteran dug deep under pressure, responding to Bates’ urgings to lift again and cling on for a long neck victory, with Talkanco a further neck away in third.

Trainer Cindy Alderson was emotional post-race, reflecting on the journey of the gelding.

“Words just fail me. Seven in a row, seven years old — there was just some kind of synergy to it. It’s been an amazing trip. I can’t thank everyone enough,” Alderson said.

Jockey Logan Bates praised the gelding’s determination and will to win.

“He’s left me speechless. What a horse. Cindy has done a fantastic job with him,” Bates said.

“He probably wasn’t 100 percent today, but it just shows his will to win. At the 100 metres he was all out, but he just kept surging. He’ll do anything for you.”

In an incredible career, Jigsaw has now had 40 starts for 16 wins with earnings now soaring close to $5 million.

Sales: Bred by Mrs L B Alderson, Jigsaw is raced by Cindy Alderson in partnership with M Price.

Pedigree: By Manhattan Rain, Jigsaw is out of Demandz (NZ) (Lonhro), a three-time winner and daughter of Listed winner Loaded Command (Commands). He is a half-brother to stakes-placed Queen Adele (Adelaide {Ire}) and hails from the family of Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap winner Mid Summer Music (Oamaru Force) and her daughter Stefi Magnetica (All Too Hard).

Snitzel Dancer causes James H B Carr Stakes upset

There was a strong focus pre-race on the unbeaten blue-blood Plaintiff (Zoustar) but in the end it was a fresh face at stakes level who stole the show as Snitzel Dancer (Snitzel) produced a decisive late surge to claim the G3 James H B Carr Stakes at Randwick.

Stepping sharply up in grade off a Class 1 victory at Hawkesbury, the Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained filly arrived with far less fanfare than her more exposed rivals, but delivered a performance that suggested she belongs at this level.

Jumping cleanly from barrier one, Kerrin McEvoy allowed Snitzel Dancer to find her rhythm early, settling third last along the rail as the field established its pattern. Plaintiff, the well-backed favourite, settled just ahead of her in fourth last, with both fillies content to allow the race to unfold in front of them.

As anticipated, the tempo built into the middle stages, and approaching the home turn the race began to take shape. Plaintiff was the first of the key contenders to make a move, peeling three and four wide around the field to improve into a striking position. In a pivotal moment, McEvoy elected to follow that move, angling Snitzel Dancer onto Plaintiff’s back and tracking her into the race.

Straightening for home, Plaintiff loomed as the winner, travelling strongly as she balanced up in the centre of the track. However, Snitzel Dancer had travelled just as well into the race and, once presented into clear air inside the final furlong, quickly let down with purpose. She surged past the favourite, drawing clear to score by three-quarters of a length. Plaintiff stuck on gamely for second, while Karinska (Spirit of Boom) worked home steadily to grab third a further half-length away.

Trainer Gerald Ryan said post-race the filly had always shown above-average ability, with the stable deliberately targeting this race following her Hawkesbury win.

“We’ve liked her all the way along,” Ryan said.

“Her first two runs back at Warwick Farm, I couldn’t understand them because she was going really well. I just reckon she didn’t like Warwick Farm. We took her to Hawkesbury and she beat the older horses with a big weight, then decided to back off her and aim at this race.”

Ryan indicated the filly could now be aimed towards Queensland features, with the potential to stretch out in trip.

“I’ve always believed this filly will run 2000 metres. We’ll just see how she’s going and not stretch her too far, but it’s good to see her live up to what she’s shown.”

McEvoy, having his first ride aboard the filly, credited both her attitude and the run he was able to secure in transit.

“I got good confidence from Gerald and Sterling — they said ride her where she’s happy,” McEvoy said.

“The further we went, the better she felt. Once I was able to get off and into clear air around the 600 metres, she came onto the bridle and did the rest.”

For beaten favourite Plaintiff, the performance was still full of merit, with jockey Jordan Childs noting a slight difference in her finishing effort second-up and up in trip.

The victory sees Snitzel Dancer record her third win from seven starts and secure her first stakes success, taking her earnings beyond $200,000 while announcing herself as a filly with significant upside heading into the winter.

Sales: Snitzel Dancer was purchased for $425,000 by Ryan & Alexiou Racing from Sledmere Stud’s draft at the 2024 William Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.

Pedigree: By champion sire Snitzel, she becomes the 171st stakes winner for the four-time Australian Champion Sire. She is the fifth foal and second stakes winner out of stakes-placed Novel Dancer (Written Tycoon), making her a half-sister to stakes winner Pancho (Dissident).

Matias ticks the Derby box in Frank Packer Plate

The G3 Frank Packer Plate loomed as a key staying test for a number of progressive three-year-olds stepping to 2000 metres for the first time, and it was the proven performer who rose to the occasion as Matias (Snitzel) delivered a polished victory to confirm his credentials at the trip.

Coming through the Carbine Club Stakes formline, where he had finished third, Matias was well supported in betting to go a couple better, and with a softer run in transit he proved too strong late, handing the Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou stable back-to-back stakes wins on the Randwick card.

Jumping cleanly from barrier two, Nash Rawiller was able to secure an ideal position midfield along the rail, allowing the gelding to settle comfortably as a genuinely run tempo was established. In contrast to his previous start, Matias enjoyed a far more economical run throughout.

Up front, the speed ensured the race developed into a true staying contest, with runners given their chance to build momentum approaching the home turn. As the field straightened, Rawiller eased Matias into clear air, presenting him at the right moment to launch his challenge.

Providence (Wootton Bassett {GB}) had worked into the race impressively from the rear, weaving through traffic to emerge as a clear threat, while Pictor (Written Tycoon) had enjoyed a favourable run closer to the speed and was sticking on gamely.

However, once balanced, Matias quickly let down strongly, he surged past Providence and edged clear to score by a length, with Providence finishing well for second and Pictor holding third a further long neck away.

Trainer Gerald Ryan said the performance had been a key stepping stone in mapping out the gelding’s staying future.

“Today was the deciding point, whether he ticked the 2000 metre box,” Ryan said.

“I know he's by Snitzel but his first three dams either won or ran a place in the Oaks. It’s always been the aim since he won in Queensland to head towards the Derby up there.”

Ryan indicated the gelding would now likely press on to the Queensland Derby via the Rough Habit Plate, confident the foundation had been laid.

“I think he’ll go up and run in the Rough Habit Plate, then a fortnight into the Derby. He’s a big, gross horse so you can’t overwork him, but we’re happy with where he’s at.”

Rawiller, who delivered a composed and well-timed ride, was equally encouraged by the gelding’s progression.

“He’s been building towards this for 12 months,” Rawiller said.

“It was a genuinely run staying race and he just thrived on that. Today we probably saw the finished product of what we always thought he could be.”

Now the winner of three races from nine starts and approaching $400,000 in prizemoney, he continues to build an imposing résumé as his distances increase.

Sales: Matias was purchased by Curran Bloodstock for $450,000 from Kenmore Lodge’s draft at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Pedigree: By Snitzel, he is the first foal out of G1 VRC Oaks runner-up Never Listen (Trusting), a mare from a strong staying family. She is a half-sister to Listed winner Rose Of Peace (Hussonet), out of multiple stakes winner Rose O’ War (Danehill {USA}), with the family also featuring Group performers including Coeur Volante (NZ) (Proisir).

Mazu turns back the clock for Hall Mark hat-trick

There were pre-race queries around whether Mazu (Maurice {Jpn}) could reproduce his best form on a firmer surface but the veteran sprinter answered them in emphatic fashion, producing a typically tenacious front-running display to claim a third consecutive G3 Hall Mark Stakes at Randwick.

In a race where much of the focus centred on the chasing pack, including the progressive King’s Secret and star veteran Private Eye, it was the 7-year-old who dictated terms from the outset and refused to yield when it mattered most.

Jumping cleanly, Rachel King sent Mazu straight to the front from his draw, quickly establishing a clear lead over Mal Coupe (Xtravagant {NZ}), with King’s Secret and Private Eye settling together just behind them in an ideal stalking position. With a strong tempo established, the race shape played out as anticipated, placing the onus on those in behind to run Mazu down.

Approaching the home turn, the field began to close, and as they straightened Mazu was quickly challenged. King’s Secret loomed ominously, travelling strongly into the race, while Private Eye also worked into contention, poised to strike.

For a moment, it appeared the leader would be swallowed up, however Mazu had other ideas.

Digging deep under pressure, the seasoned campaigner responded to the challenge, lifting again inside the final furlong. With his determination on full display, he found just enough to repel the late surge.

In a driving finish, Mazu held on by a head over King’s Secret, with Private Eye a further short neck away in third, completing a remarkable trifecta for trainer Joe Pride.

Trainer Joe Pride was full of admiration for the gelding, who continues to perform at a high level deep into his career.

“What a fantastic old warrior he is,” Pride said.

“We’ve won three of these in a row and done it on a dry track today. I think the track might still have a bit of give in it, but he’s just been running so well and he deserved that big win.”

Pride also reflected on the gelding’s unique personality and longevity.

“He’s grumpy - everything is on his terms - but he’s enjoying his racing. Hopefully there’s another season or two left in him.”

Pride was equally encouraged by the performance of runner-up King’s Secret, who continues to develop through the grades.

“I thought he was terrific. He’s probably the eye-catcher out of the race - he’s not quite the finished product yet but he’s going the right way.”

Jockey Rachel King praised the gelding’s determination in the closing stages, particularly given pre-race concerns around the conditions.

“I was a bit worried about the firmer deck, but that last 50 metres - his ears went back and he just wanted to beat them,” she said.

“I love seeing an older horse like that. Even if he only wins one race a year, he deserves it.”

For Private Eye, the run was full of merit first-up, with Pride suggesting the veteran may benefit from further ground as his preparation progresses.

The victory marks Mazu’s 10th win from 46 starts and takes his earnings beyond $10 million, adding yet another chapter to an already outstanding career that includes a Group 1 victory in the Doomben 10,000.

Sales: Mazu was purchased for $180,000 by Triple Crown Syndications from the Parsons Creek Pastoral draft at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.

Pedigree: Mazu is out of Chatelaine (Flying Spur), making him a half-brother to Champion 2YO Filly Headway (Charge Forward), winner of the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes and runner-up in the Golden Slipper, from a family rich in elite sprinting talent.