Tuesday’s barrier draw for Saturday’s $3 million Stradbroke Handicap has added another layer of uncertainty to an already tricky betting race, with one of the most popular runners in the market still needing a scratching to gain a start. Sixities is first emergency for the 1400m feature, but TAB senior trader Tim Owens said punters have continued to support the Chris Waller-trained colt despite his place in the field remaining uncertain. The draw also left attention fixed on stablemate Fangirl, whose position near the top of betting is complicated by the wet conditions that have followed persistent rain in Brisbane. The four-time Group 1 winner drew barrier 11 and was quoted at $6.50 after final acceptances, sharing the second line of betting with Regal Award, who came up with barrier nine. Headley Grange remained favourite at $5 from barrier eight, giving Joe Pride a significant stroke of fortune in a race where his stable appears to have landed three highly workable gates. Private Eye drew barrier four, Headley Grange barrier eight and Estadio Mestalla barrier 10, a rare piece of luck for a yard with multiple live chances in one of the country’s toughest handicaps. Owens said the market had been largely steady after the draw, although Fangirl had tightened before rain again became a talking point. “Once the field came out yesterday (Monday), the one that did firm up a bit was Fangirl, she was $8 in futures betting and came into $6,” Owens said. “This rain would lead to a chance of her not running, it's been suggested anyway, but it depends on how much it dries up.” That uncertainty has helped keep interest in Sixities alive, with the colt shortening significantly since the start of the week. “They (Waller camp) have got the incentive there with Sixities being the first emergency and if it gets a run, it's drawn well with gate three,” Owens said. “It's been the most popular runner since Monday. It was $15 into $12 and since the draw, it's come into $11.” His draw in gate three only adds to the sense that he would be a genuine player if Waller can find a way into the field, particularly in a race where early position and cover can prove decisive despite the size of the Eagle Farm straight. While Waller’s hand remains fluid, the draw delivered a clear result for Ciaron Maher, with Warnie landing the coveted inside gate and stablemate Another Wil drawing barrier 17. Maher said the $16 chance would appreciate his light weight, the big Eagle Farm circuit and the 1400m assignment. “He drops to a nice weight, big track here, 1400m, he'll be running on strongly,” Maher said about Warnie. Rob Heathcote’s pair Rothfire and Abounding drew barriers 13 and 15, while fellow Eagle Farm trainer Tony Gollan faces a similar task with Transatlantic after he came up with barrier 18.
Private Eye drew barrier 4 (pic: Steve Hart)
Graham's JJ Atkins Dream Sunk by Temp Spike
Wednesday, 10th June 2026
The lion, Scar, said it best in The Lion King: “Life’s not fair, is it?” No, it’s not. An elevated temperature at the worst possible time has forced Port Macquarie trainer Jenny Graham to abandon a Group 1 target with Vantorix, with the promising NSW country 2YO withdrawn from Saturday’s $1 million JJ Atkins at Eagle Farm and sent for a spell. According to racenet.com.au, the highly promising son of Captivant had shaped as one of the more intriguing runners in the final juvenile Group 1 of the season after making a strong impression in his first campaign, winning three of his first four starts since being bought for just $30,000 at last year’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale. His Queensland form had also suggested he belonged in the conversation, with victory in the Group 2 Spirit Of Boom Classic (1200m) two starts ago followed by a narrow second in the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm on May 29. Those performances had put him on a direct path to the JJ Atkins (1600m), but the plan was halted before Tuesday’s final field was released. “He had an elevated temperature so we pulled out and he will go for a spell now,” Graham said. “He is fine. It is a little bit (gutting) but he is OK so that’s the main thing and I didn’t want to risk it at this stage. The horse has been going really well and has done a good job so he will go for a break.” Graham said Vantorix was likely to spend a couple of months in the paddock before being aimed at a spring return, with the Group 2 winner having already shown enough to suggest he can continue to develop through the next stage of his career. His absence leaves the JJ Atkins market firmly in the hands of the powerful Chris Waller stable, with the champion trainer set to saddle two leading chances in Tron Bolt and Stormy Marco. Tron Bolt was listed at $2.15 following the scratching, while Stormy Marco was quoted at $5 and Glenorchy at $31.
Ascot to Generate 569K kWh of Electricity
Wednesday, 10th June 2026
A major step in Ascot Racecourse’s sustainability programme has placed one of British racing’s most recognisable venues alongside some of the United Kingdom’s leading sporting sites, with a new rooftop solar array now installed across the grandstand. Delivered in partnership with SSE Energy Solutions and Ortus Energy, the project is scheduled for final grid connection and electrification in early summer and will help support both Royal Ascot and the racecourse’s year-round operations. The system sits across the 480-metre-long roof of the grandstand and consists of more than 1,200 solar panels with a combined capacity of 608.04kWp. Once fully energised, it is expected to generate about 569,000 kWh of renewable electricity in its first year, enough to power a medium-sized electric car for more than one million laps of the course. Ascot expects the array to offset about 9% of its annual electricity consumption and deliver year-one carbon savings of approximately 118 tonnes of CO₂. Crucially, the project has been designed so that all energy produced on site will be used by the racecourse, providing measurable emissions reductions while strengthening day-to-day resilience across the venue’s wider operations and its non-racing events. The scale of the installation places Ascot among a select group of major sporting venues with substantial on-site solar generation, with London Stadium and Manchester City’s campus among the comparable examples in UK sport. Within British racing, it stands as a flagship renewable energy project and a visible statement of the racecourse’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint without compromising the demands of a high-profile international venue that must operate at full capacity during Royal Ascot and other major meetings. Felicity Barnard, chief executive of Ascot Racecourse, said the installation represented a significant milestone for the venue and would turn the grandstand roof into a long-term energy asset. “It allows us to take a major step forward in our plans to cut emissions and strengthen the resilience of our operations,” Barnard said. “By turning our grandstand roof into a long-term energy asset, and bringing the system online later this year, we will be supporting both our environmental commitments and the future sustainability of the racecourse.” For Ascot, the project also gives practical form to a broader ambition to become one of the most sustainable sporting venues in the world. The panels will assist with regular race days, Royal Ascot, non-racing events and everyday operations, making the grandstand roof part of the venue’s operating infrastructure rather than a symbolic environmental gesture, on an estate where energy demand naturally rises sharply during major race days. Tamzin Lishman, customer asset director for SSE Energy Solutions, said rooftop solar was one of the most effective ways for organisations to cut emissions while improving cost stability and energy security, with Ascot showing how commercial solar can be delivered at scale, even in complex and high-profile environments.
Kentucky Derby Winner Shows Who’s Boss
Wednesday, 10th June 2026
Almost overlooked amid questions about whether there would be enough speed to bring him into the race, Golden Tempo forced his way into racing history at Saratoga on Saturday, powering down the stretch to win the Belmont Stakes and complete a remarkable Triple Crown sweep for trainer Cherie DeVaux. Five weeks after landing the Kentucky Derby, the 3YO colt was again too strong, giving DeVaux her third major in the series and making her the first woman to train winners of multiple Triple Crown races. She also became the second woman in four years to win the Belmont. With Jose Ortiz aboard, Golden Tempo settled before producing the decisive run in the straight, holding Commandment into second, with favourite Renegade third. The victory came at odds of 6-1 and confirmed that his Derby performance had been no fluke, even though the race shape was very different from the one he had used to win at Churchill Downs. “Golden Tempo is amazing. Jose is amazing,” said DeVaux, who was born in Saratoga Springs and began her training career there. “I think he needed to do this to kind of show that he was meant to win the Derby and that he is a horse that belongs in that conversation of being one of the top three-year-olds.” The Belmont was not run at the same tempo as the Derby, but Golden Tempo still quickened when it counted, closing from the one-and-one-quarter-mile point in 2:03.49 and proving clearly superior to the field of nine. Ortiz said the slower set-up made him briefly cautious, but the colt’s response settled the matter. “He wasn’t going to get that setup as he did in the Derby,” Ortiz said. “We all knew that, and I was a little worried about it. He needed some kind of setup. But today, there wasn’t one and he showed up today and won.” The result also added another layer to an unusual chapter in the race’s history, with the Belmont staged at Saratoga for the third and final time while its traditional home, Belmont Park on the Queens-Long Island border, is demolished and rebuilt. For DeVaux, victory at the track where she was born and where her training life began gave the moment a deeply personal resonance. “It’s so meaningful,” DeVaux said. “A lot of family here. Saratoga, it’s been wonderful to have such a historic race here. ... It’s so meaningful because the town gets to have this and celebrate it along with us.”
Kia Ora’s Bloodstock Investments to Bear Fruit
Wednesday, 10th June 2026
A fresh round of high-end bloodstock investment has underlined Kia Ora Stud’s determination to deepen its broodmare band and strongly support its stallion roster following the recent consolidation of its stallion operations with Vinery Stud. The Hunter Valley nursery has continued to buy with long-term purpose through the 2026 sales season, securing eight fillies and three colts at the yearling sales, along with 10 mares across the Inglis Chairman’s Sale and Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. For Bloodstock and Breeding Manager Shane Wright, the strategy is built around proven families, racetrack quality and the kind of mares capable of giving Farnan and Kia Ora-bred Gr1-winning freshman sire Tropicus every possible chance. “We know the standard we want to maintain at Kia Ora and that drives every decision we make from a breeding and bloodstock perspective,” Wright said. “Our philosophy continues to be sourcing quality mares from proven families that give us every opportunity to breed top-class racehorses.” Among the most significant purchases was Gr2 MRC Angus Armanasco Stakes winner Sassy Boom, bought for $575,000 at Magic Millions and viewed as an appealing outcross for Golden Slipper winner Farnan. Wright said she came from one of Emirates Park’s best families, was closely related to Golden Slipper winner Mossfun, and suited both Farnan and the farm. Gala Queen was another key addition, with the stakes-winning 3YO secured for $470,000 at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale from a family already carrying strong commercial endorsement. Her half-sister Semana made $1.55 million at Chairman’s last year, while her Farnan half-brother realised $750,000 at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Kia Ora also secured imported dual stakes winner Ippodamia’s Girl, in foal to Too Darn Hot, for $625,000 at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale, while Heaven Forbid was purchased at Magic Millions in foal to Toronado. As a granddaughter of Shantha’s Choice, Heaven Forbid brings access to one of Australasia’s most influential families, with Redoute’s Choice, Platinum Scissors, The Broken Shore, Echoes of Heaven and Manhattan Rain among its descendants. Wright said Kia Ora had enjoyed success with mares carrying the USA suffix, including Gypsy Robin, dam of Gr1 Moir Stakes winner Wild Ruler, and Pavitra, a Group winner and twice Gr1 placed. Multiple Group placegetter Vestas, a $600,000 Chairman’s purchase, will join the Kia Ora racing team alongside Group-winning fillies Inkaruna and Pembrey, while Kia Ora-bred Straight Sets returns to the farm after her dam Sabatini, bought by Kia Ora for a significant sum in 2018, was later lost. Straight Sets had gone on to become the highest-priced yearling by Prague when selling for $375,000. Many of the mares bought this season are expected to visit Farnan in spring, with Wright saying Kia Ora had been deliberate in targeting young, well-performed mares for Farnan and Tropicus. The farm plans to send more than 30 mares to each stallion, while also supporting Ole Kirk, Hawaii Five Oh and All Too Hard through its close relationship and major investment in Vinery. With its broodmare base strengthened, its racing team active and its young stallions receiving serious backing, Kia Ora’s next phase is being shaped around sustained investment, patience and a clear ambition to keep producing elite racehorses.
Sassy Boom is a perfect outcross for Farnan (pic: Mark Gatt)
Hello Captain Salutes Again for Ritchies
Wednesday, 10th June 2026
After being given time to furnish into the type of horse Chris Waller thought he could become, Hello Captain has quickly repaid that patience with two wins from as many starts this preparation and a glowing assessment from Nash Rawiller. The 3YO gelding first appeared in Queensland, finishing second on debut at Doomben before going one better at the Sunshine Coast on Boxing Day. Waller then put him aside, brought him south and has been rewarded with an immediate response. Hello Captain resumed successfully at Warwick Farm before stretching his unbeaten campaign to two at Canterbury on Monday, where Rawiller allowed him to settle off the speed and the heavily backed favourite finished too well over 1250m on rain-affected ground. It was not a grand final performance so much as another step in a carefully managed education, but Rawiller came away convinced the son of Hello Youmzain has the scope to make his presence felt in stronger company as he develops. The leading Sydney rider said Waller’s handling of the gelding fitted a familiar pattern of letting a progressive horse build confidence before raising the bar. “It’s a tried and true way of Chris’s to gradually let them creep up to better company and that’s what he has done with this bloke,” Rawiller said. “He’s got plenty of scope and this time next year he might be a force to be reckoned with I think.” That view was supported by the manner of the Canterbury win, with Hello Captain coping with the ground, producing when asked and suggesting he still has further improvement to come with experience and maturity. Hello Captain was a $425,000 purchase by Chris Waller Racing and Mulcaster Bloodstock from Cambridge Stud’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale, and races for Christchurch owner Glenn Ritchie. He is out of the Pivotal mare Steer By The Stars, who has produced four winners from five foals to race, headed by European stakes winner Never Look Back, while Wonder was runner-up in the Gr3 Baillieu Handicap over 1400m in March for David Payne. The result also continues the promising Southern Hemisphere start made by Hello Youmzain, who has had 83 runners to date for 40 individual winners and 13 black-type performers.
McEvoys Confident Ahead of The Q22
Wednesday, 10th June 2026
A more suitable stage awaits Half Yours at Eagle Farm on Saturday, with co-trainer Calvin McEvoy confident the reigning Caulfield and Melbourne Cup winner is ready to show his best in the $1.2 million Q22. Brisbane’s richest race day is headlined by the $3 million Stradbroke Handicap, but the presence of Pride Of Jenni in the Q22 has given the 2200m feature its own compelling edge. Her bold, high-pressure racing style has already shaped parts of the Queensland winter carnival, and rivals will again be forced to decide whether to chase, hold their nerve or ride their own race. For Half Yours, the hope is that Eagle Farm provides a fairer and more forgiving platform than his two previous Queensland runs. He was unable to get properly involved when Pride Of Jenni stretched the field in the Gr2 Hollindale (1800m) at the Gold Coast, then was ridden more positively in the Gr1 Doomben Cup (2000m), only to find the smaller track and race shape against him when the pressure came on. McEvoy is not looking to excuse either defeat, but believes Saturday’s conditions are much closer to what the gelding needs. The bigger Eagle Farm circuit and the rise to 2200m are both seen as positives for a horse whose best form has been built around stamina, rhythm and the chance to wind into his work. “He’s very, very well,” McEvoy said. “Looks great. He’s shining and I think he’s probably as good as he’s been all preparation. He’s going to need to be. The team up there are super happy. He’ll do one more piece of work next Tuesday morning.” With Pride Of Jenni expected to ensure another genuinely run race, Half Yours will still need to produce a peak performance to turn the tables, but McEvoy is far happier with the assignment this time. “The 2200 (metres) is going to be really good and Eagle Farm is going to suit,” he said. “It’s been the one race out of all the races so far that should be suitable to him. I don’t want to sound like we are making any excuses after the fact, but we thought Gold Coast wouldn’t suit and he’d be a little bit vulnerable and Doomben, a little bit similar, [but] now we are at Eagle Farm, he’s got no excuse.”
Half Yours has been training well (pic: Mark Gatt)
Tassie Team Takes Swan Hill Cup Spoils
Wednesday, 10th June 2026
A patient ride from barrier 12 helped turn the $175,000 Swan Hill Cup (1600m) into a Tasmanian triumph as Craig Newitt combined with John Keys to land Sunday's feature aboard Cartoon Graveyard. Sent out the $4.60 favourite after a narrow Caulfield second to Jimmy The Bear on May 30, the 6YO was ridden quietly from the wide draw, according to racing.com, with Newitt electing not to force the issue early. With only one runner behind him coming to the home turn, Cartoon Graveyard was angled towards the outside fence and gradually built into the race before wearing down South Australian visitor Fine Future, trained by Stephen Theodore, with Henry Dwyer's Electric Impulse finishing third. Newitt said the draw forced a tactical choice, but the freedom afforded by Keys, Tegan Keys and foreman Scott Brunton allowed him to ride the race as he saw it unfold. "Obviously, when the marble came out and we drew wide, we either had to bite the bullet and go forward or ride him quiet," Newitt said. "The beauty about riding for Johnny and Tegan (Keys) and (foreman) Scotty (Brunton) is they don't give you many instructions, so I was able to watch the first half-a-dozen races, and I was happy enough to come wide on him, so I just left him alone." That confidence was backed up by his view of Cartoon Graveyard's Caulfield run, which he believed should have delivered victory. The gelding has now become a highly profitable buy, having been secured by Brunton Racing/Tasmanian Bloodstock for $50,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale and banking just shy of $500,000. Tegan Keys said the son of Turffontein had deserved the win after a run of luckless efforts in Melbourne. "He's always thereabouts and he's been pretty unlucky since being in Melbourne this time around, so it's good to actually get the job done today," she said.
Vatican Storm Blessed in Ultra Tight Finish
Wednesday, 10th June 2026
A breathless finish at Belmont needed more than two minutes to settle before Vatican Storm was confirmed as the Listed Raconteur Stakes winner, ending Hot And High's unbeaten run and giving trainer Stefan Vahala another marker horse for the seasons ahead. The rising 3YO son of Playing God was the only runner at single figures against the $1.70 favourite, starting at $3.60, and the market proved accurate as the pair turned the $125,000 contest over 1400m into a private battle. According to thewest.com.au, Clint Johnston-Porter had Vatican Storm away cleanly and quickly found the right stalking position, one out and one back, with Hot And High always within reach. Little changed until the 600m, when Johnston-Porter eased the big bay into clear air and moved three wide around the bend. From there the race became a sustained duel, with Hot And High refusing to surrender and Vatican Storm gradually working into the fight. Inside the final 50m, Vahala's colt appeared to have gained control, only for the favourite to rally fiercely in the last few bounds and leave the result hanging in the balance. The suspense lasted what seemed like an eternity before the judge found the narrowest margin for Vatican Storm, much to Vahala's relief. "I was saying to the boys then that we haven't won a photo finish for four years, so we were a bit worried, but it was awesome," he said. The trainer was equally strong in his praise of Johnston-Porter, saying top jockeys "just find a way to get the right run in the race" and that the rider had produced the colt beautifully. Vahala, who won the Bunbury Stakes and Carbine Club Stakes at Listed level with Aztec Ruler in 2024, was careful not to overstate the result but made clear how highly he rates the winner. "Without going overboard, he definitely has Group 1 ability," he said. "He's that level of horse – not saying he'll win a Group 1 – but he's better than Aztec Ruler, anyway, put it that way. He's a real big kid. I think in 12 months' time, we'll really see the best of him." For Vahala, the win also added momentum to a team he believes can make an impact over the next two years, with the trainer saying the stable had some nice horses and that just getting a Listed win on the board was significant. Johnston-Porter admitted the final strides had made him doubt whether he had held on, despite feeling confident 50m from home. He said Vatican Storm had become more professional with each ride, though he still showed his immaturity by looking around down the back straight. The Belmont Guineas (1600m) in a fortnight is now the target, with a first black-type win already secured and greater promise still to be unlocked from a colt still learning what racing is about.
