War Machine hoping for luck in CF Orr
The Hayes brothers will be hoping for a bit of luck for War Machine (NZ) (Harry Angel {Ire}) in Saturday’s G1 CF Orr Stakes. “He's just had an awful amount of bad luck – the amount of scratching fees he's incurred due to bad tracks or bad barriers has been immense,” co-trainer JD Hayes told racingandsports.com.au.
“The ownership group has been patient, but we're just waiting for the right set up for him and hopefully we get that on Saturday. He's raced himself back into form and he looks tremendous. He was terrific first-up at Caulfield and had no luck in the Rupert Clarke (Stakes), so he hasn't done too much wrong. I love Sandown and I think he'll love it too.”
War Machine (NZ) | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Blueblood Horologist gets group run
Trainer Chris Waller will run 3-year-old colt Horologist (Written Tycoon) in Saturday’s Newcastle G3 Spring Stakes. He’s the son of Group 1 winner In Her Time (Time Thief). “He's a Coolmore colt, they're only interested in the top league in terms of making stallions,” Waller told racingandsports.com.au.
“It's not a stallion-making race, but he has to be competitive, otherwise they get traded pretty quickly to Hong Kong, or here in Australia. We'll get him at this level, see where he's at and work out whether he's a Guineas horse in the autumn.”
Inglis Digital delayed by global IT outage
The latest Inglis Digital catalogue is online but won’t be open for bidding until Monday November 16, as a result of the worldwide Microsoft outage. The sale will close on Thursday, not Wednesday. “The Microsoft outage affects so many people and so many parts of the auction, we felt it most appropriate to delay bidding to allow time for the issue to be resolved,” Inglis Digital Business Manager Nick Melmeth said.
Summer In Capri (NZ) (Proisir) in foal to Castelvecchio headlines the sale. She is a half-sister to Group 1 winner Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchio). Two 5% shares and one 2.5% share in the Michael Freedman-trained Decorum (Snitzel) are also noteworthy. G3 Breeders’ Plate winner Incognito (Stay Inside) is offered as a racing or stallion prospect.
In total the November (Late) Sale consists of 271 lots – 124 racehorses (54 race fillies), 75 racehorse shares, 44 broodmares, 21 yearlings, four unbroken stock, two 2-year-olds, and one stallion who is Tour De France (Extreme Choice).
Kersley’s epic drive home
Jockey Fred Kersley and partner Mia Smith and their five dogs have driven across the Nullabor from Melbourne to Perth for Saturday’s opening day of The Pinnacles racemeeting. “WA is home, I always appreciate the support and opportunity to ride over here,” Kersley told racingwa.com.au.
“The TABtouch Pinnacles is a great carnival, from the programming to the prizemoney and you can see why it’s getting so much attention from the east coast. I’ve been lucky enough to ride winners on some of Victoria’s biggest race days, but nothing beats the thrill of riding a winner at Ascot.”
Smith, daughter of WA trainer Lindsey Smith, will strap Buckaroo (GB) (Fastnet Rock) for Chris Waller. “Mia has put in a lot of hard work for her to be in a responsible leadership role and entrusted with one of Chris’ superstars. It makes me very proud her journey.
“I think it’s special though, we can write our own chapter in WA racing together. Both our families paved the way for us and to be able to get the opportunity to build on that and do it together is even more special.”
Hunter challenge for She’s An Artist
Ciaron Maher-trained last start winner She’s An Artist (Trapeze Artist) will step up into the Listed The Hunter on Saturday. “Early days she showed a lot and rated very well in her first two starts,” assistant trainer Johan Gerard-Dubord told racingnsw.com.au.
“She went through a phase where she was probably a bit disappointing but this preparation she’s been going very well and coming through her runs very well. I think she’s definitely in the right race, that’s where she’s at now.
Johann Gerard-Dubois | Image courtesy of Ciaron Maher Racing
“The form with Gerringong running so well twice since the Nivison looks like it was the right race. There’s nothing like confidence and winning will definitely help her in that regard. She’s back down in weight, big track, 1300m should be perfect and it looks like a nice progression for her.”
Stellar Ami set for Classic debut
Juvenile filly Stellar Ami (I Am Invincible) will make her debut in Saturday’s Max Lees Classic. “She’s always been so professional, in her jump outs and her gallops. You saw that in the trial and she was able to hit the ground running. She drew the outside in that trial and was on the fence after 100m,” jockey Regan Bayliss told racingnsw.com.au.
“So she’s very quick, professional, and there’s a bit of a motor there too. She’s only going over 900m, not only is she professional she showed a good turn of foot in that trial once she got balanced. I felt she’s only going to improve off that trial and she’s going to be hard to beat.”
Stellar Ami as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Connie gets one more chance in Summoned
Trainer Charlotte Littlefield will have one more crack with Concord Connie (Contributer {Ire}) in Saturday’s G2 Summoned Stakes. “We went in (to spring) with the three runs in mind with the Empire Rose being the Grand Final and then she came through that race so well,” Littlefield told racingandsports.com.au.
“She certainly gave us every indication that she had thrived since that run and was only improving, so it seemed a complete waste for her to be in the paddock. We've got some lofty ambitions for the autumn, but we would just love to try and get that win on her CV in Group company first.”
Capitalist juvenile to debut at Doomben
Trainer Kelly Schweida will debut 2-year-old filly Velvet Hustle (Capitalist) at Doomben on Saturday. “It's a good question as to whether Venus Invicta or this filly is the better filly, I think they both trialled about the same,” Schweida told racenet.com.au.
“I also find it really hard to line up all the 2-year-old form from all over the place. Velvet Hustle is a nice filly she has only had the one trial, whether that's enough or not we will see. You just run them and see. She is just fairly foolproof, she jumps and goes.”
Melbourne run for Adelaide youngster
Richard and Chantelle Jolly will bring Bred ‘Em All (Peltzer) to the Listed Doveton Stakes, hoping to win the race for the second year in a row after winning with Aviatress (Smart Missile) last year. “It was a really good run (last start). We were happy that he ran second, but it was frustrating getting beaten by so little, another bound and he probably wins,” Richard Jolly told racenet.com.au.
“He cost himself at the start, beginning so poorly. Hopefully he can begin better on Saturday and put himself into a handier position. If he can get a run just behind the speed, obviously the Sandown straight is quite long, I really think he can be hitting the line well.”
New winner for Home Affairs
Second season sire Home Affairs added winner number 33 when Chris Waller-trained 3-year-old filly Coral won at Ballina on Friday. Not offered for sale, she is the third winner for Group 1 winner Red Tracer (Dane Shadow) who has also produced stakes placed Overlord (Sebring).
Impending double at Geelong
On Friday at Geelong, Impending sired a double, opening with maiden winner Mystic Rapture. Paul Koumis-trained Albanian I Am took his record to four wins and over $310,000 in earnings. The half-brother to Group 2 winner Old North (Lonhro) has been sold twice through Inglis Digital for $16,000 in 2023 and $40,000 in 2025.
Impressive clearance for Keeneland Horses Of Racing Age Sale
Tip Top Thomas (Volatile), winner of last year's GIII Indiana Derby and runner-up in the previous term's GI Champagne S., brought US$460,000 (AU$677,000) from Blandford Bloodstock to top Thursday's Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age Sale.
Keeneland sold a total of 84 horses for US$7,798,000 (AU$11.3 million), for an average of US$92,834 (AU$136,700) and a median of US$52,500 (AU$77,200). Compared to the 2025 sale–topped by the US$1.3 million (AU$1.9 million) KAS Stables purchase and subsequent three-time graded winner Bishops Bay (Uncle Mo)–the gross declined 25.41% from $10,455,000 (AU$15.4 million), and the average dipped 4.10%. The median jumped 31.25% from US$40,000 (AU$58,800).
From 87 head offered, all but one horse found a buyer. Two additional horses that did not meet their reserves through the ring were successfully sold post-sale.
“There is a real appetite for racehorses in the market right now, and the clearance rate is a clear reflection of that demand,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “As owners and trainers look ahead to a new racing season, there is an opportunity to add new talent, strengthen their stables and find horses that fit their plans. This sale is well-positioned to meet that demand by giving buyers a chance to make those additions and sellers an opportunity to connect with an active audience.”
Kind Of Blue retired to Newsells Park
The G1 British Champions Sprint Stakes winner Kind Of Blue, the highest-rated sprinter by Blue Point, has been retired from racing and is being syndicated to stand at Newsells Park Stud, with Newsells Park and Wathnan Racing as the majority shareholders. His fee will be £8,000 (AU$15,600).
Kind Of Blue made a deserved breakthrough at the top level when returning to Ascot to win the G1 Champions Sprint. “Kind Of Blue sealed Wathnan's love-affair with Ascot with his Champions Sprint win,” said Richard Brown, Wathnan's racing adviser, who brokered the deal to purchase Kind Of Blue after his near miss at Haydock.
“It was a mighty achievement for a 3-year-old – he absolutely cruised into contention and then ran right up that hill and through the line. A great day!”
Fees steady at Irish National Stud
The 2027 fees for the three stallions on the Irish National Stud (INS) roster have remained as they were during the latest season, with CEO Cathal Beale acknowledging the “significant cost pressures” faced by breeders.
He added, “As ever, our priority is to provide breeders with the opportunity to make a profit on their stock while simultaneously producing high-quality racehorses.
“We look forward to welcoming breeders to Irish National Stud in the coming weeks and would like to take this opportunity to thank you all again for your support and assistance in 2026.”
Heading the three-strong roster is the Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Phoenix Of Spain, who covered 122 mares when standing for €12,500 (AU$20,300) in 2026. The G1 Flying Five Stakes hero Arizona Blaze will also command a fee of €12,500 (AU$20,300) for the second consecutive year. Joining Phoenix Of Spain and Arizona Blaze is the G3 Prix de Ris-Orangis winner and G1 Sprint Cup runner-up Shouldvebeenaring, with Beale encouraging breeders to “take a chance” on the son of Havana Grey at his unchanged fee of €6,000 (AU$9,800).
Big Mojo announced for Yeomanstown Stud
Big Mojo (Mohaather), the winner of last year's G1 Sprint Cup at Haydock, will stand for €10,000 (AU$16,300) as the new name on the stallion roster at Yeomanstown Stud for 2027, while former champion sire Dark Angel will command his lowest fee since 2013 at €25,000 (AU$40,700).
“We are delighted to present a highly competitive and commercial roster for 2027,” said Yeomanstown's David O'Callaghan. “Speed, precocity, and soundness are the core pillars of the Yeomanstown brand, and this line-up perfectly embodies that.
“Welcoming a champion sprinter of Big Mojo's calibre gives breeders a fantastic option, alongside a living legend in Dark Angel, the success of Sands Of Mali and a top-level July Cup winner in Mill Stream. We look forward to welcoming breeders for the upcoming season.”
Zeus Olympios joins Ace Stud in 2027
High-class miler Zeus Olympios (Night Of Thunder) has been retired from racing and will take up stallion duties at Ace Stud for the 2027 breeding season. He will stand for an opening fee of £8,000 (AU$15,600).
Trained by Karl Burke, Zeus Olympios was unbeaten in four starts as a 3-year-old, culminating with a decisive defeat of subsequent Group 1 winner Opera Ballo (Ghaiyyath) in the G2 Joel Stakes at Newmarket.
“Zeus Olympios was always a horse with a great attitude and bundles of ability,” said Burke. “We saw his explosive turn of foot on multiple occasions, including in some of the strongest mile races in Europe, and physically he has improved all the way through his racing career. He went within a neck of a Group 1 at Deauville, and he was a very worthy contender at the highest level. He has been a pleasure to train, and I believe he has the ability, class and temperament to make a stallion. I'm sure he'll do very well for Ace Stud.”
State Of Rest heads Rathbarry Stud roster
Rathbarry Stud has announced the 2027 fees for its four stallions, with State Of Rest, who is responsible for seven individual winners in Europe from his first crop of juveniles, including the 'TDN Rising Star' and G2 Lowther Stakes runner-up Star Of State, leading the way at €15,000 (AU$24,300).
It will be the second consecutive year at that fee for State Of Rest, while Kodi Bear also remains unchanged at €12,500 (AU$20,300), having been represented by nine black-type performers in Europe during the latest season. They include the G3 Round Tower Stakes winner Push The Boat Out, who was also beaten just a length and a half when finishing fourth in the G1 Middle Park Stakes.
Changes to USA Triple Crown nomination process
Nominations are now being taken for the inaugural Thoroughbred Championship Series at TCSnominations.com. The TCS is a new 10-race championship series created by Churchill Downs and the New York Racing Association (NYRA).
Noteworthy in the new process is that horses may no longer be nominated to the Triple Crown, as the Thoroughbred Championship Series does not include the second leg of the Triple Crown, the GI Preakness Stakes, among the six races for 2027.
Evita heads new wildcards for Arqana
A trio of wildcards, including the group-placed Evita (lot 180), have been added to the Arqana Vente d'Elevage catalogue. The sale takes place from December 5-8 in Deauville.
The daughter of Persian King was third in the G2 Prix Saint-Alary and is a half-sister to multiple Group 1-placed Stunning Peach (Wootton Bassett) and the stakes-placed Mehmist (Mehmas).
Listed Prix Rose de Mai winner Arkansas (Sottsass) and Too Darn Hot mare Break Dance are the other two.
Vale Pierre E Bellocq
Pierre E. Bellocq, best known to his fans and readers of the Morning Telegraph and Daily Racing Form as Peb, passed away early Thursday morning at the Princeton, New Jersey Medical Center after a brief illness, just 13 days shy of his 100th birthday.
Bellocq was born in Bedenac, France on November 25, 1926. His father, Hilaire, was a steeplechase jockey; his grandfather was a trainer and his great-grandfather was a breeder. But Peb's gift was cartooning and he dabbled in drawing as a young child before taking it up as a profession in 1945.
Even under Nazi rule, racing continued around Paris, and Bellocq documented it both with his sketchbook and his camera. Nearly 80 years later, he shared a photograph he had taken during the occupation at Maisons-Laffitte racecourse showing his brother Louis, a leading jockey at the time, returning after a race with two uniformed German officers standing among the French crowd in the background. Peb remarked that despite the madness of the war and the presence of occupying forces, local racing fans still came out to put their burdens aside for a few hours and try to pick a winner.
With Peb's acclaim growing in France, he caught the attention of Laurel Race Course owner John D. Shapiro, who commissioned him to create logos, program covers and artwork for the inaugural Washington D.C. International in 1954.
He was hired by the Morning Telegraph, the sister paper of the Daily Racing Form, in 1955 and his first cartoon for his new employer coincided with the opening day of Jamaica Racetrack.
What made Peb so unique and so popular was his ability to capture in a charming way the personalities of the horses and what might be going through their minds. On the morning after the ill-fated match race between Ruffian and Foolish Pleasure, he showed a saddened Foolish Pleasure wearing a Ruffian pin. He had said that one of his favorites was the front-page cartoon for the 2004 Belmont Stakes, where he linked Philadelphia legend Smarty Jones to Philadelphia legend Rocky Balboa. He drew 50 caricatures of Riva Ridge and Secretariat that explored their relationship on almost human terms.
In 2020, he was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame as part of the Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor. He was even recognized in France, 28 years after he left, receiving the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) in 1983. Awarded by the French government, the honour recognized his artistic contributions as part of France's premier cultural honours.
