Sheza Alibi wins jump out
On Tuesday, dual Group 1 winner Sheza Alibi (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) won a jump out at Pakenham but co-trainer Peter Moody is cautious about her spring. “You come out in your four-year-old season and it’s a whole different ball game. So, she’s got to step up again. It’s no good saying – ‘you’ve rated this, you’ve rated that’ – they’ve got to take it out there and put it on the track,” Moody told racing.com.
“I’m not getting ahead of myself. She is exciting, what she’s done makes her exciting, but she’s got to go to another level. You’re chasing around horses like Autumn Glow and Mr Brightside – that’s a whole different ball game. She obviously beat a lot of nice horses in the Doncaster, but she had the weight advantage.”
As to the jump out, Moody was pleased. “We’re very happy, she came though it very well, she had a nice gallop. She’s not unaccustomed to soft ground, obviously being trained down here, and she’s done a fair bit of work on it, and she’s actually raced on soft ground and hasn’t minded it at all.
“Her action was good, she was quite bold through the first part of the trial – she’s probably still a little fresh. That will help her come on a hell of a lot. I was really pleased with the way she recovered, she recovered very quickly. By the time she got back to us back here in the enclosure, she wouldn’t have blown a match out, which was very pleasing.”
The Everest sales up 55% on last year
With more than two months until the G1 The Everest, the sold out sign has already gone out on some corporate packages, with sales 55% up on this time last year. “The response from racing fans has been extraordinary and it's clear people don't want to miss out,” ATC CEO Steve McMahon said.
“The message is simple: Be Here For It. The TAB Everest isn't just a race, it's one of Australia's most exciting sporting and entertainment events and fans want to be part of it. We're seeing people lock in their tickets earlier than ever before and that's a terrific sign for Sydney, for racing and for everyone who enjoys world-class events.”
Steve McMahon | Image courtesy of Australian Turf Club
Last year, 50,167 people watched Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) win The Everest. “The TAB Everest continues to grow and we're looking at ways we can create even more experiences for racegoers by activating new spaces and delivering new entertainment opportunities across the venue. We're also developing a fresh food and beverage offering that captures the energy, creativity and style of modern Sydney.”
Myhro's Ruler is early favourite for Vain Stakes
John McArdle-trained 3-year-old gelding Myhro’s Ruler (Wild Ruler) is the early favourite for Saturday’s G3 Vain Stakes, with only a Echuca maiden win on his record from two starts. “He started favourite in a Listed race at The Valley (at two) but he pulled up badly shinsore,” McArdle told racenet.com.au.
“We had to tip him out but he trialled well before winning easily at Echuca. I don't think he beat any world beaters at Echuca but he did it easily and will be better for it.”
Jimmysstar’s brother wins at Ballarat
Ciaron Maher-trained 4-year-old gelding In’Kantosstar (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}), a full brother to Group 1 winner and stablemate Jimmysstar (NZ), won at Ballarat on Tuesday. “He is a very nice horse,” jockey Ethan Brown told racing.com.
“He is very green. He didn’t really get out of first gear, I don’t think, once he hit the front. He pricked his ears and waited. He has got a lot to learn, but has a lot of ability.” Both are out of Listed winner Anniesstar (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) who also produced another full sibling, Group 3 winner Charms Star (NZ).
Astute Bloodstock thrilled with season results
Astute Bloodstock have put out a press release with their current results and their stats are impressive. “You've heard me say it. We're highly selective with every acquisition, every yearling purchase. That's not a slogan. It's a discipline. Talk is cheap. Here's the proof,” Louis Le Metayer said.
“Strip out the 8 yearling fillies bought this year, and we're left with 18 racehorses aged 3yo and up. All purchased by us. Most managed by us.” Of those 18 runners, the best is recent Randwick winner Eliyass (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) who placed in the G1 Turnbull Stakes last spring. Astute Bloodstock purchased him for €330,000 (AU$540,000) at the 2023 Arqana Arc De Triomphe Sale.
Group 3 winner Mr Monaco (GB) (Territories {Ire}) was a 410,000 gns (AU$822,000) purchase from the 2024 Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale. Elamaz (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) won the Listed WJ McKell Cup on his Australian debut. He was a €480,000 (AU$785,000) purchase from the 2024 Arqana Vente de l’Arc.
Stakes placed Cando Attitude resumes on Wednesday
Stakes performed 4-year-old mare Cando Attitude (D’Argento) returns at Canterbury Park on Wednesday for trainers Barbara Joseph, Paul and Matt Jones. “We feel our way through and see how she measures up, whether that is something Listed again, she might sneak something here or there,” Paul Jones told racenet.com.au.
“It's more of a wait and watch kind of scenario. If she gets out to a mile, and I think she will this time because she is starting to relax a bit more in her work and races (it opens more doors). She is a half to Louie's Legacy and he's won over a mile, and (Cando Attitude) being by D'Argento, she is stouter bred so I would be confident she will get to a mile.”
Spirit Of Boom colt wins 2-year-old trial
In New Zealand, Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained 2-year-old colt Zanardi (NZ) (Spirit Of Boom) won a 600 metre trial at Avondale by 2.25 lengths from stablemate Scorching (NZ) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). Cambridge Stud sold Zanardi for NZ$280,000 to David Ellis at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale. He is the second foal of Pazienza (Written Tycoon) who won on debut at three and added another win at four.
Cleverly named Quick Finish wins
Yulong-owned 3-year-old filly Quick Finish (Grunt {NZ}), who is out of Gentle Strokes (Golden Horn {GB}), won her maiden at Ballarat on Tuesday with an impressive two length victory for trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy.
She is the first winner, and second foal, for unraced Gentle Strokes, who is a half-sister to G3 BJ McLachlan Stakes-placed Poster Girl (Alabama Express) and Listed-placed Sketched (Snitzel).
Dunn treble at Ballina
Trainer Matthew Dunn won the first three races on the card at Ballina on Tuesday with Herald Angel (All Too Hard), Tsunuki (Dundeel {NZ}) and 3-year-old gelding Ashkirk (Ole Kirk). Ashkirk was sold by Gilgai Farm at the Inglis Great Southern Sale for $24,000 to Z Baylis, and Vinery Stud put him through their Inglis Classic Yearling Sale draft where he realised $70,000 to the bid of Dunn, Neil Jenkinson (FBAA) and Topline Thoroughbreds.
Double for Peltzer
At Dalby on Tuesday, Peltzer enjoyed a double with a pair of first crop 4-year-olds. Paul Butterworth-trained Not Telling won his maiden by 3.2 lengths. Stephen Kirkwood-trained Straight Blast took his record to two wins from six starts.
White Abarrio retired
Multiple Grade I winner White Abarrio (Race Day) has been retired from racing and will join his grandsire Tapit in Lexington at Gainesway Farm, co-owner C2 Racing revealed in a post on X.
An 11-time winner, with four at the elite level–the GI Pegasus World Cup, GI Breeders' Cup Classic, GI Whitney Stakes, and the GI Florida Derby–White Abarrio had earned just shy of US$8.6 million (AU$12.1 million) during a six-year career. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. had said Sunday that the son of Race Day would be evaluated after fading to seventh in last Saturday's GI Whitney Stakes, and that a decision on his future would be made pending those results.
C2 Racing Stable tweeted the announcement Monday, saying “After an unforgettable career – 4x Grade I winner, 2023 Breeders' Cup Classic champion, and a fan favourite through and through – White Abarrio has officially retired. To everyone who followed his journey – thank you. It's not often you get to watch a horse like this compete at the highest level for as long as he did. Tip your cap one more time to 'The Champ'.”
Tattersalls October release remaining books
Tattersalls managing director Matthew Prior has hailed the “quality, depth and value” on offer during the second week of the October Yearling Sale following the publication of the catalogues for Books 2, 3 and 4.
Book 2, which takes place from Monday, October 12 to Wednesday, October 14, features a total of 806 yearlings, including 486 siblings to Group/Listed performers and 247 out of black-type mares. Potential highlights include the Sea The Stars full-brother to the multiple Group 1-placed The Lion In Winter; the St Mark's Basilica half-brother to the 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes winner Poetic Flare; and the Nathaniel full-brother to the Nassau Stakes heroine Lady Bowthorpe.
Purchases from Book 2 have enjoyed notable success at the top level in 2026, headlined by Ombudsman, who has added both the G1 Dubai Turf and a second G1 Prince of Wales's Stakes to his illustrious CV. The son of Night Of Thunder is joined by the 15-time Group 1 winner Romantic Warrior (Acclamation), dual Group 1 winner Hotazhell (Too Darn Hot) and GI Belmont Derby Stakes scorer Title Role (Too Darn Hot) as flagbearers for the sale this year.
Prior said, “The world's highest-rated horse, Ombudsman, and the 15-time Group 1 winner Romantic Warrior are the perfect poster-boys for Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. Since 2024, Book 2 has produced an outstanding 13 Group 1 winners and 98 Group/Listed winners, more than any other European yearling sale apart from October Book 1.
“Alongside Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner Cicero's Gift, who was purchased for just 32,000 guineas at October Book 3, they demonstrate the quality, depth and value to be found throughout the second week of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.”
Flights return to South Africa
NZB Airfreight took a flight of 15 Thoroughbreds to South Africa this week, the first trip since 2014. “There has been a lot of work, time and communication between both countries over the last 18 months to get this flight off the ground,” NZB Airfreight consultant Greg Northcott said in a press release.
“We were delighted to get this route back up and running, with thanks to Craig Ramsay who we have been working alongside to ensure the safe delivery of these horses. The first load has arrived safely and happy. It’s a long haul but our grooms update us frequently with all reports that this bunch of horses were very content passengers.
“It is another market now open for New Zealand breeders and producers, we see this as further benefit to sellers and buyers now that the transport and protocol issues have been solved.”
Inaugural AKTEM Flat Yearling Sale catalogue released
Leading sires such as Starspangledbanner and Zarak are among those represented in the 93-strong catalogue for the inaugural AKTEM Flat Yearling Sale, which will take place in Maisons-Laffitte on Friday, September 18.
Guy Petit, AKTEM's bloodstock director, said, “We are delighted to unveil this first catalogue dedicated to Flat yearlings. AKTEM's aim is to offer sales in both disciplines and to support breeders in enhancing the value of their production. Once again, we are committed to welcoming clients in the best possible conditions in September in Maisons-Laffitte. We would like to thank all the breeders and consignors who have placed their trust in us for this first edition.”
Vale Marie Jones
Marie Jones, who dedicated 55 years to the Thoroughbred industry and whose breeding program with late husband Aaron Jones produced several influential horses, passed away peacefully at her home on August 5, announced Taylor Made Monday.
In a press release from the farm, of whom Jones was a longtime client of over 25 years, Taylor Made paid tribute to the horsewoman's impact not just on the industry, but the pivotal role the Joneses had played in the early success of Taylor Made Stallions. This included financial backing during the founding years, most notably through the purchase and management of Saint Ballado.
“The Jones breeding program set a standard that few will ever equal,” said Taylor Made's Frank Taylor. “Aaron and Marie believed in quality, patience, and doing things the right way. They produced champions, but more importantly, they built a legacy that changed the Thoroughbred industry. We were incredibly fortunate that they trusted Taylor Made from our earliest days, and Marie will always hold a special place in the history of our farm.”
Together with her late husband, Jones created a program that yielded the likes of Hall of Famer Ashado; champion sprinter and top sire Speightstown; champion older mare Riboletta; multiple Grade I winner Drosselmeyer; and many other graded stakes winners. The program's latest success is Grade 1 winner Ted Noffey (Into Mischief).
Eclipse Award winner Ted Noffey, who was taken off the GI Kentucky Derby trail in January after being diagnosed with bone bruising, returned to the work tab on Monday morning at Saratoga.
