Under Focus into second favouritism for Run To The Roses
Kris Lees-trained colt Under Focus (Too Darn Hot {GB}) is one of the top three favoured runners in Saturday’s G2 Run To The Roses. “On Saturday, he has a nice gate (barrier 5) and he should be able to stalk the speed. He will have had four weeks between runs but I did give him a barrier trial at Gosford where I thought he was very good,” Lees told racingandsports.com.au.
Under Focus | Image courtesy of Georguia Young Photography
“This is a proper race on Saturday but he's a promising horse and I'm confident he will give a good account of himself.”
Streisand returns in Cap D’Antibes
G1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Streisand (Magnus) will resume in Saturday’s G3 Cap D’Antibes Stakes at Flemington. “She had seven starts as a two-year-old, so that's why we want to give her a light spring, only three runs, and that will set her up for the better sprint races in the autumn,” trainer Clinton McDonald told racingandsports.com.au.
Streisand | Image courtesy of Teh Image Is Everything
“We don't want to be hard on her, she's rewarded us all the way through and being by Magnus, she should get better with age. She runs on Saturday, then goes to the Schillaci at weight-for-age four weeks later and then into either the Coolmore Stud Stakes or Champions Sprint. If (owner) Yulong taps me on the shoulder and say that they have too many colts going there (Coolmore), we'll go to the Champions Sprint.”
Weeping Woman to show Everest credentials
Trainer Joe Pride thinks that if Weeping Woman (Lonhro) can win her next two starts, she might earn a slot in the G1 The Everest. “I’m not getting ahead of myself, hopefully she will play a good role in the carnival and her performances will dictate where she ends up,” Pride told racingnsw.com.au. She runs in Saturday’s G2 Sheraco Stakes.
“If she goes really good and wins this and wins the Premiere she might be in the Everest. I’m open minded about her, I want to see how she comes back. There’s an unbelievable amount of options for her and she’ll take us on the journey and show us what she’s up to.”
Tenenbaum steps up to Ming Dynasty
Brad Widdup-trained last start winning 3-year-old colt Tenenbaum (Snitzel) will step up in grade to Saturday’s G3 Ming Dynasty Stakes. “I think he did what we needed to see him do to go to this level,” Widdup told racingnsw.com.au.
“He’s got to go again. This is not the be all and end all but I’d like to see him run well. He’s a well bred, expensive, colt you’d like to think will aim up at this time of year. It was 50-50 which way I went between the Run To The Rose and Ming Dynasty but the 1400m will probably give him more chance to find his feet.
“He’s not a big horse, he’s a pretty sharp sort of horse, and I thought 1200m to a mile would suit him.”
Verona Rose to resume in Theo Marks
Trainer Gary Portelli was thrilled with the way Verona Rose (Castelvecchio) trialled at the end of August and she runs in Saturday’s G2 Theo Marks Stakes. “Zac (Lloyd) came back and said, 'mate, she's a good horse. I'm sticking with her',” Portelli told racingandsports.com.au.
Verona Rose | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
“He knocked back a couple of nice offers, apparently. On the back of that trial the other day, I think she has come back better. I did not envisage she would be trialling that well against those sprinting types. She was really strong right through the line.”
Inside barrier a concern for Apocalyptic
Jockey Tommy Berry is worried about the inside draw for Apocalyptic (Extreme Choice) in Saturday’s G2 Sheraco Stakes. “Barrier one around Rosehill is probably going to be a little bit tricky. She's going to be in a tricky spot at some stage, but she is going well enough to perform to a good level,” Berry told racingandsports.com.au.
Apocalyptic | Image courtesy of Sportpix
“Her work on Tuesday was as good as it's ever been. We're pretty keen on her chances. I would have loved a barrier a bit more in the middle, but you can't have everything go your way.”
Tawny Port could head to Melbourne Cup
Second in this same race one year ago, Tawny Port (USA) (Pioneerof the Nile {USA}) stepped up to go one better on Wednesday, stretching out from the GI Christope Clement Turf at 1 1/2 miles to win the marathon 2 1/16-mile Marsh McLennan Bowling Green Gold Cup Invitational Stakes.
A true war horse who has contested six straight graded stakes races between last September's Gold Cup runner up and now, the 3-2 favourite took down the two-mile GII Belmont Gold Cup at Saratoga on June 4 with a career-best 101 Beyer Speed Figure but weakened to fifth most recently in the aforementioned Christophe Clement Turf Stakes in New York.
“I need to speak with (Peachtree Stables') Mr. (John) Fort, but I would be game to do it, why not? We've done a lot of bold things in the stable lately,” winning trainer Miguel Clement told the TDN of a potential next start in the Nov. 2 Melbourne Cup. “I was there once when I was on the Flying Start program, it's a great race. My owner is keen to run him in the Canadian International and then bring him back for some of the big races in New York, but winning this race perhaps gives me a little more leeway. Regardless, I think the horse is very talented and let's see how he comes out of it, but we are heavily considering the race.”
Moroney family honoured by new race
Saturday will see the inaugural running of the Listed Michael Moroney Stakes at Flemington. “It’s a great honour and Mike would be absolutely chuffed,” Mike’s brother Paul Moroney told racing.com.
Michael Moroney | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
“It will be quite nostalgic, along with some emotion, I’m sure. But a lot of pride, a lot of honour. We realised it at the time Mike passed away, but this really does hammer home how much respect there is for Mike from the Victorian and Australasian racing communities.
“He did consider Flemington to be headquarters, even though he was brought up near Matamata and trained there for a long time.
“In fact, he really did love Australia – so much so – that he even sung the national anthem and backed the Wallabies, just not when they played the All Blacks. He was a proud Kiwi, but he loved Australia and he loved Australians.”
Vale Murray Campbell
Well known pedigree expert Murray Campbell died this week aged 93. “Malcolm had not been in good health for some time with mobility issues and failing eyesight, but his passion for pedigrees never waned and he spent most days on his computer that had been specially set up for him so he could continue to study the horses and bloodlines he loved,” friend Gary Martin said.
“Malcolm was an exceptional man. We had been friends since about 1995 when we met at Arrowfield Stud and I used to go on the stud tours with him. He was good at other things too and was a child prodigy on the piano which not many people know… he could certainly tickle the ivories! He had a great life pursuing his passion and is survived by his partner Sharon Currie and their lovely family.”
Country Cup community good for Murray
Trainer Leigh Murray hopes Star Testymony (Star Witness) can win this Saturday’s Carnarvon Cup, but knows that country racing is about more than just winning. “It’s good just get out here and compete and have a bit of fun,” Murray told racingwa.com.au.
“The whole community gets around these cups and events and it’s just a different feeling. It’s probably a bit more relaxed and it’s so good for communities like Junction and Marble Bar. Broome was packed this year and it’s absolutely ridiculous how many people get there. It’s a major tourist drawcard.”
Pailleron wins on debut
Bjorn Baker-trained 3-year-old filly Pailleron (Extreme Choice) won on debut at Hawkesbury on Thursday. Bought by Trilogy Racing, Bjorn Baker, and Suman Hedge Bloodstock (FBAA) for $425,000 from Newgate Farm’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft, Pailleron is the second foal of Listed winner Skate To Paris (Bradbury’s Luck).
Five of the eight race card was won by 3-year-olds, and two of those were by Dundeel (NZ). Power Broker, a $750,000 yearling, won his maiden at start two, and Call Me Coach won on debut.
The other 3-year-old winners were Not On My Watch (NZ) (All Too Hard) and Concrete Storm (NZ) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}) who took his record to two wins from five starts.
New winner for Profiteer
Second season sire Profiteer added winner number nine when Peter Robl-trained 3-year-old gelding Profiteur’s Fil won at Lismore on Thursday. He was bought by Stephen Webster for $10,000 from Midlands’ Magic Millions National Weanling Sale draft. He is the first foal of Midsummer Rain (Manhattan Rain) who won three times including the Dandy Cup.
Double for So You Think at Seymour
So You Think (NZ) sired a double at Seymour on Thursday. Covert Thinking took her record to four wins, while Yauson made it two wins from five starts.
Four 3-year-olds won their maidens at the meeting; Skua (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Zoehrer (Toronado {Ire}), Nikitria (The Autumn Sun) and Fiery Fun (Rubick).
Ocean Park filly wins on debut
At Bunbury, Peters Investments’ 3-year-old filly Royal Reflection (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) won on debut for trainer Michael Grantham. A half-sister to stakes placed Royal Law (Pierro), her dam is Listed winner Royal Star (Redoute’s Choice). Royal Star is a sister to Group 2 winner Perfect Jewel and a half-sister to Group 2 winner and G1 Doomben Cup-placed Star Exhibit (Statue Of Liberty {USA}).
Mitchell Pateman-trained 3-year-old gelding Pistone (Universal Ruler) also won on debut at the same meeting.
Call for National Thoroughbred Week hosts
National Thoroughbred Week will run from November 20 - 30, 2026 across Australia and New Zealand, and have confirmed nine locations for New Zealand but are looking for more. “Opening our doors allows people to see the knowledge, commitment and care that go into supporting Thoroughbreds every day, both during their racing careers and afterwards,” NZTR Head of Thoroughbred Welfare Catlyn Calder said.
“It is also an opportunity to answer questions, build greater understanding of our industry and showcase the many people and career pathways involved in caring for these horses. We encourage stables, studs, farms and other industry organisations across New Zealand to get involved.”
Auckland will host 2028 Asian Racing Conference
New Zealand has been selected to host the 2028 Asian Racing Conference from Tuesday March 7 to Sunday March 12, 2028. It will encompass Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s Champions Day meeting at Ellerslie Racecourse on Saturday March 11. “Bringing the Asian Racing Conference to Auckland in 2028 is an important opportunity for New Zealand to showcase a Thoroughbred industry that continues to perform strongly on the international stage, while also highlighting the innovation, capability and modern direction of our racing sector,” Racing Minister Winston Peters told NZTR.
“We are proud of the numerous high impact, positive changes this government has introduced to the New Zealand racing industry, strengthening both its financial base and long term sustainability and hosting this major gathering is further evidence of the industry’s significant economic potential.”
Wellwood announced as President of NZ Trainer’s Association
Trainer Robert Wellwood has succeeded Shaun Clotworthy as National President of the New Zealand Trainers’ Association. “It’s a hard role because you can never keep everybody happy, I don’t think people quite realise what happens in the background and how much effort people put in of their own time,” Wellwood told Loveracing.nz.
“Without a trainers’ association you’ve got zero power, so it is important and it’s come around to my turn to do it.”
Treble for Vincent Ho at Happy Valley
Jockey Vincent Ho rode a treble at Happy Valley on Wednesday night on Fortunate Son (NZ) (U S Navy Flag {USA}), Ace Champion (Ire) (Arizona {Ire}) and Jumbo Blessing (Starspangledbanner). “I was lucky to pick up this ride. He’s a quality horse,” Ho told scmp.com.
“I honestly thought he’d just be winning, the way he’s been working in the mornings,” trainer Caspar Fownes said. “I didn’t even trial him, I said ‘he’s ready to go to the races’. He’s still being a little bit tricky, but he’s starting to understand what his job is.”
Cygames partner with France Galop
Cygames, a video game publisher and developer, has partnered with France Galop as a premium partner of the G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Tromphe in October. It is the first Japanese company to hold that role, with Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club remaining a major partner for the event.
The Cygames logo will be on display during the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on race programs handed out ParisLongchamp and trackside board signage. There will also be life-sized figures of Umamusume: Pretty Derby characters inspired by Arc challengers Orfevre and Gold Ship.
Guillaume de Saint-Seine, France Galop president, said, “We are delighted to welcome Cygames, a video game developer and publisher, as a premium partner of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Having been the title sponsor of the Cygames Grand Prix de Paris for the past two years, Cygames is now further strengthening its commitment to French racing through this new partnership.”
Cygames president Koichi Watanabe said, “We are immensely proud to support one of the world's most prestigious horse races as a premium partner of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. For generations, Japanese horses have pursued the dream of winning the Arc, and their stories have transcended the world of horse racing, inspiring people around the globe through the dreams and passion that this iconic race continues to embody.”
Justify filly adds Grade 3
Pounded into 4-5 favouritism for the final stakes race of the meeting at Kentucky Downs, WinStar Farm's Kentucky Belle (Justify) was forwardly placed throughout the running of Wednesday's GIII Dueling Grounds Oaks Invitational Stakes and ran away from her overmatched rivals to score by the better part of a half-dozen lengths.
“She just keeps getting better,” said WinStar's Elliott Walden. “Distance was always going to be her friend, (trainer) Brad (Cox) identified that last year and we just let her develop. She really put it together today.”
Walden indicated that Keeneland's GI QE II Challenge Cup would be next for Kentucky Belle if they are invited.
Shonan Galleon aimed at G1 Hopeful Stakes
Shonan Galleon (Jpn) (Flightline), who ran his record to two victories from as many starts with a six-length romp in the G3 Sapporo Nisai Stakes to become the first group/graded winner for his first-crop sire (by Tapit), has been given a couple of late-season targets by trainer Shizuya Kato.
Purchased for just over US$1.3 million (AU$1.8 million) as a foal at the 2024 JRHA Select Sale, the son of Argentinian champion Tan Gritona (Arg) (Full Mast) set a new class record when graduating at first asking at Hanshin July 5, stopping the clock in 1:47.6 as the prohibitive 3-10 favourite. The betting public piled into him for last weekend's Sapporo Nisai Stakes over the same 1800 metre trip and the bay colt obliged, coming away through the final furlong to crush at a dime on the dollar.
Kato was non-committal following the effort as it related to near-term objectives, but according to Japanese racing media, Shonan Galleon will likely make his next appearance in the G2 Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes (1800m) at Japanese racing headquarters on Nov. 23 as a possible stepping-stone to the G1 Hopeful Stakes (2000m) at Nakayama on Dec. 26. Katsuma Sameshima is expected to retain the mount. An undefeated season would put the colt in the discussion for champion 2-year-old honours.
Mehmas filly tops Osarus day 2
Expanded in 2026, the Osarus La Teste Yearling Sale concluded on Wednesday with improved metrics across the board.
The clearance rate increased 5% from the 2025 edition, with 182 lots sold from 227 offered (80%). The gross almost doubled at €1,952,750 (AU$3 million) and the €9,000 (AU$14,500) median and the €12,260 (AU$19,800) average increased 6% and 13%, respectively.
Leading the way across the two-day stand at La Teste-de-Buch were a trio of lots consigned by Haras de Castillon, with the two highest prices of the sale finding new homes on Wednesday. A daughter of Mehmas (lot 141) caught the eye of Mandore Agency and Salvador Dink at €61,000 (AU$98,400), while her draftmate, lot 189, a daughter of Armor, changed hands for €55,000 (AU$88,700) to Mandore International Agency.
Arqana release Arc Sale catalogue
The initial lots for Arqana's Arc Sale have been released, with the Wertheimer et Frere homebred Proof (Dubawi) one of 34 lots catalogued. The sale is set for after racing on Saturday, October 3 at Saint-Cloud.
A winner of the Listed Prix Pelleas and third in the G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano, the 3-year-old son of Dubawi is set to sell as lot 40. Trained by Christopher Head, Proof is rated 111 and placed in the G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud at two. He is also a half-brother to four black-type winners, among them group scorer Soustraction (Lope De Vega), while Arc heroine Solemia (Poliglote) is also on the page.
Wildcards will be added to the catalogue each week in the build up to Arc Weekend on October 3-4.
Ombudsman half-sister headlines Tatts Online
The 195-strong catalogue for the Tattersalls Online September Sale is now online. The sale, set end on Wednesday, September 16, is headlined by American Belle (Starspangledbanner), a half-sister to Godolphin's multiple Group 1 winner Ombudsman.
American Belle is carrying to Group 1 winner Lead Artist, and breeding rights in Caturra, Lope Y Fernandez, Palace Pier and Victor Ludorum complete the catalogue.
Pony racing added to Champions Day
The Qatar Racing Pony Racing Championship takes place for the first time on Qatar Racing British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday, October 17.
The race, for ponies 148cm and under, forms part of the Dragon TV & Film Racecourse Series 2026, which is conducted by the Pony Racing Authority (PRA). The introduction of the championship race as the opening contest on Britain's richest raceday provides an exciting showcase for the next generation of racing talent. The importance of pony racing in developing future professional riders is highlighted by many of the sport's current stars, including Billy Loughnane and Hollie Doyle.
David Redvers, bloodstock and racing manager, Qatar Racing, said, “Sheikh Fahad and all at Qatar Racing are absolutely delighted that we will be hosting the Pony Racing Championship at Ascot on Qatar Racing British Champions Day for the first time this year. We are grateful for all the work that has gone on behind the scenes to make this happen and are confident that this will further enrich the day whilst showcasing the next generation of talented riders and giving them and their families a day they will never forget.”
