A powerful turn of foot carried Hawea to a breakthrough stakes success at Matamata on Saturday, with the promising three-year-old producing a performance of real authority in the first running of the $100,000 Chittick Family Fillies Classic over 1100m at black-type level, reports NZ Racing Desk. Prepared locally by Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall, the daughter of Hellbent resumed from two trials as a $15 chance in a market headed by Miss Janet and Latoya, but those more fancied runners were left with little answer once Hawea was brought to the outside in the straight. Phillyjean was quickest into stride and established the early lead, while Wiremu Pinn allowed Hawea to settle at the tail in accordance with instructions to ride her quietly. Still last approaching the home turn, she was angled into clear running before rapidly building through her gears, sweeping past the field to overhaul the brave Phillyjean by a length, with Latoya another length and a half away in third. Pinn, who had partnered the filly in the second of her lead-up trials, admitted the acceleration had exceeded his expectations. “I didn’t expect her to quicken like she did, it did surprise me, but to her credit, she’s a lovely filly going forward,” he said, adding that Hawea could be headstrong but responded best when handled patiently. He was equally unequivocal about the merit of the performance, describing it as “a very dominant win”. Her ability had already been evident during her juvenile campaign, when she finished third behind subsequent Group 1 winner Lara Antipova in the Gr2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes over 1200m, but barrier problems subsequently complicated her progress. Richardson revealed after Saturday’s victory that respected horseman Mark Brooks had played an important role in helping the filly overcome those issues after she had been stood down, with the trainer believing she may have been frightened during the Breeders’ Stakes. “He’s got her right and we’ve always had a lot of time for her,” Richardson said. The result also added Hawea’s name to a race that has already proved a valuable launching pad for quality fillies, with Alabama Lass and Quintessa among its recent winners, while Richardson and Norvall’s Lollapalooza finished second last year before later placing in the Gr1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas over 1600m. Similar ambitions are now beginning to form around Hawea, who has shortened to $10 for the Christchurch classic in November. Richardson indicated the Gr3 Gold Trail Stakes over 1200m is likely to be her next major target before she progresses through the established three-year-old fillies programme, noting she is naturally clean-winded and does not require a heavy workload. Bred from the Lonhro mare Idlewild, Hawea is a half-sister to five-time winner Idyllic and stakes performer Romilly, and was secured for $300,000 from Wentwood Grange’s 2025 Karaka draft, an investment that now appears increasingly well founded.
Hawea flies home in the Chittick Family Fillies Classic (pic: Kenton Wright Race Images)
McFarlane Challenges His EPO Ban
Weekend, 17th August 2026
Questions surrounding the integrity of blood samples have become central to trainer Greg McFarlane's appeal against a two-and-a-half-year disqualification arising from the detection of Erythropoietin in one of his horses. The Gosford trainer is challenging the Racing NSW stewards' decision after EPO was detected in an out-of-competition blood sample collected from Bremel at McFarlane's stable on February 19, 2025, with his case now focusing heavily on evidence that collection tubes used during the sampling process were beyond their expiry date. McFarlane, who has indicated he intends fighting the finding "all the way", pleaded not guilty to the principal charge before ultimately being found guilty following an inquiry extending over several months. Testing at two laboratories identified peptides associated with EPO, a prohibited substance under racing's most restrictive category and one which cannot be present in a horse under the care of a licensed trainer. Stewards subsequently imposed a disqualification of two years and six months, although McFarlane lodged an appeal and obtained a stay of proceedings pending its determination. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the expired blood collection equipment is now a significant component of his challenge to the original finding. His case raises the issue of whether the age and condition of the collection tubes could have compromised sample integrity sufficiently to affect the analytical result, an argument likely to require detailed scientific evidence rather than simply establishing that the tubes had passed their nominated expiry date. EPO is a naturally occurring hormone involved in red blood cell production, while synthetic forms can be used to increase oxygen-carrying capacity and endurance, explaining racing authorities' stringent treatment of any confirmed detection. Racing NSW stewards said when determining penalty that they considered the seriousness of the offence, McFarlane's personal and professional circumstances, his disciplinary record, deterrence and the need to protect racing's integrity and animal welfare. The trainer had won the 2024-25 Gosford trainers' premiership and a lengthy disqualification would have substantial professional consequences. He also faced lesser matters relating to medication labelling and the manner in which certain medication was administered, resulting in separate fines. The appeal will now place not only the analytical findings but aspects of the collection process under scrutiny, with McFarlane seeking to establish that procedural concerns surrounding the samples are sufficiently significant to undermine the EPO finding. Until that process is concluded, the stay permits him to continue training, leaving the eventual appeal decision to determine whether one of the most serious penalties available to stewards will stand.
Bob Peters Has Another Potential WFA Star
Weekend, 17th August 2026
A growing reputation as one of the spring's more intriguing weight-for-age prospects was enhanced at Caulfield on Saturday when Cosmic Crusader preserved his unbeaten Melbourne record with a strong victory in the $300,000 Gr2 PB Lawrence Stakes over 1400m. Having announced his arrival in Victoria with an emphatic two-and-a-half-length success in the Gr3 Bletchingly Stakes over 1200m three weeks earlier, the former Western Australian galloper faced a significantly deeper examination second-up but again produced when required for Pakenham trainer Andrea Leek. Sent out the $2.40 favourite under visiting Perth jockey William Pike, Cosmic Crusader settled midfield as Evaporate controlled proceedings before Pike brought the six-year-old into clear air approaching the home turn. Once balanced, the son of Maurice quickly gathered in the leader and established an advantage, but was required to dig deeper when seasoned campaigner Private Eye launched a determined challenge nearer the inside. Cosmic Crusader answered impressively, holding the $12 million earner at bay by three-quarters of a length, with Evaporate another three-quarters of a length away in third. The performance completed the Bletchingly Stakes-PB Lawrence Stakes double previously achieved by only Super Elegant in 2003, Apache Cat in 2007 and Shoot Out in 2010, while also providing a compelling platform for a return to Group 1 company in the Gr1 Memsie Stakes over the same course and distance on August 29. Racing News NZ reports Pike was particularly taken by the gelding's tractability and acceleration, the jockey saying, "The horse was fantastic and has a lovely stride. We found a nice position behind a good, even pace." Leek had some concern about Cosmic Crusader settling farther from the speed than anticipated but believes the gelding had improved since his first-up victory and remains capable of progressing again. The result continued an outstanding transformation for the Bob Peters-owned galloper since relocating east, with his Melbourne record now standing at two starts for two wins. Already a Gr1 winner through last season's Northerly Stakes over 1800m at Ascot, Cosmic Crusader has accumulated 10 victories and five placings from 19 starts while pushing his earnings beyond $1.8 million. Saturday's performance was arguably more significant than the bare margin suggested, given the rise in opposition and the pressure applied late by Private Eye, and the Memsie will now provide the clearest indication yet of where Cosmic Crusader sits among Australia's established weight-for-age performers. With Mr Brightside and other elite spring contenders looming, his next assignment represents another substantial rise, but successive Caulfield victories have ensured he will arrive there as far more than simply a visitor from the west.
Cosmic Crusader is two from two in Melbourne (pic: Mark Gatt)
Encouraging Willydoit Steps Ahead of Spring
Weekend, 17th August 2026
A return to the scene of one of his finest achievements is beginning to take shape for New Zealand Derby winner Willydoit after the talented gelding pleased trainers Shaun and Emma Clotworthy in a low-key trial at Ruakaka on Saturday. According to loveracing.nz, the son of Tarzino was not asked for anything extravagant over 1000m, finishing third behind stablemates Espadas and Pulsatilla, but the manner in which he moved and, importantly, breathed following recent surgery gave his trainers plenty of encouragement. Willydoit emerged as one of New Zealand's leading three-year-olds when winning four races during his first campaign, highlighted by the Gr1 New Zealand Derby over 2400m, before confirming his quality across the Tasman with a fourth placing in the Gr1 Australian Derby. His fortunes changed after joining Ciaron Maher, however, with five subsequent appearances as a four-year-old failing to produce a placing. A decision was subsequently made to return him to New Zealand, where a wind operation preceded his reunion with the Clotworthy stable. Saturday represented another important stage in that rehabilitation and Shaun Clotworthy said the horse had been showing the right signs at home. "We have been happy with him at home," he said. "He looks good, is breathing nicely and Masa (Hashizume, jockey) was happy with him." The Gr1 Proisir Plate over 1400m at Ellerslie on September 5 is now being considered as a possible starting point, although the stable will resist committing until Willydoit has completed further work. "Maybe the Proisir Plate, but there are a couple of gallops to come before then, and then we will make a decision," Clotworthy said. The Ruakaka exercise was also an encouraging morning for the stable's other triallers. Listed Trevor & Corallie Eagle Memorial 3YO winner Pulsatilla is being aimed towards a Rating 75 over 1300m on Proisir Plate day, with Clotworthy reporting that the mare has strengthened since her previous preparation. Espadas, meanwhile, led the trio home and also appears to have benefited from time away. After dealing with soundness problems during his previous campaign, Clotworthy believes those issues are presently under control, describing the gelding as freer in his action and improved from his previous preparation. For Willydoit, though, the immediate priority is simply continuing a measured progression towards race fitness, with his remaining gallops likely to determine whether an early shot at weight-for-age company becomes the next chapter of his comeback.
Natural Fling Belts Quezette Stakes Rivals
Weekend, 17th August 2026
A potentially serious spring filly emerged from Caulfield on Saturday when Natural Fling produced a devastating first-up performance to demolish her rivals in the $200,000 Gr3 Quezette Stakes over 1100m. Having raced only twice as a juvenile, the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained daughter of Home Affairs returned noticeably stronger and more professional, and the result was emphatic as Damian Lane allowed the $2.40 favourite to travel comfortably before asking her to extend in the straight. Natural Fling quickly put the contest beyond doubt, accelerating clear to defeat Scintillation by four lengths, with Oh Yes She Did another three-quarters of a length away in third, stopping the clock at 1:03.91 on a Soft 6 surface. The victory continued an outstanding opening chapter to a career that began with a three-length Caulfield success in May before she finished runner-up to The Next Episode in the Magic Millions National 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast later that month. Her record now stands at two wins and a second from three starts, with earnings of $384,100, while Saturday also supplied an important first piece of black type for a filly purchased for $550,000 from Yarraman Park at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Calvin McEvoy believes the filly has made a significant physical and mental progression between preparations, telling AAP, "She's grown up this preparation, and she was impressive and put a gap on a quality field." The stable has long held Natural Fling in high regard and the strength of Saturday's victory has opened several ambitious spring avenues, including a possible lightweight assault on the Gr1 Moir Stakes over 1000m at Sandown on September 5. The Listed Cap D'Antibes Stakes and ultimately the Gr1 Coolmore Stud Stakes over 1200m at Flemington are also under consideration, with the latter carrying particular significance for the McEvoys after Sunlight won both the Quezette and Coolmore in the same colours during her celebrated three-year-old season. McEvoy indicated that Natural Fling's newly acquired Group status was already valuable from a breeding perspective, but made clear the stable believes there is considerably more to come. Saturday's margin and the ease with which she created it were difficult to ignore. Natural Fling was not merely superior to her opposition; she separated herself from them almost instantly when Lane released her, producing the sort of acceleration that can rapidly alter spring plans. With only three race starts behind her, the most compelling aspect may be how much improvement remains, but her Quezette display has already placed her firmly among Melbourne's most exciting three-year-old sprinting prospects.
Antino Begins New Chapter in Ekka Spotlight
Weekend, 17th August 2026
The competitive arena may have changed, but former Queensland champion Antino has wasted little time demonstrating the temperament that made him such a favourite during a glittering racing career, reports racingqueensland.com.au. Tony and Jane Gollan's multiple Group 1 winner made one of his first significant public appearances since retirement at the Royal Queensland Show, taking part in the Ekka's Thoroughbred and Standardbred Day and immediately looking at ease in surroundings far removed from the pressure of elite racing. Led by Jane Gollan in the Best Presented Horse and Handler class, the son of Redwood also contested the Gelding, 3 Years Old and Over category for horses that had raced during the calendar year, finishing runner-up to fellow Group winner Yellow Brick. The outing came only months after Antino's racing career was prematurely ended by a tendon injury sustained when fourth in the Listed Brisbane Handicap in April. He had been preparing to defend his Doomben Cup crown during the Queensland Racing Carnival before the setback forced connections to call time on a career containing 13 wins from 33 starts and earnings just short of $3.5 million. Five Group victories included the 2024 Gr1 Toorak Handicap and a memorable 2025 Gr1 Doomben Cup, and Tony Gollan subsequently described him as the finest horse he had trained. Watching from beside the Ekka show ring provided a very different experience for Queensland's champion trainer. "Seeing him in a different discipline, it's great to see him like this," Gollan said, praising those responsible for preparing Antino for the occasion. The gelding's affectionate nature may prove particularly well suited to his second career. Gollan said Antino had always relished individual attention in the stable and was accustomed to the intensive handling that accompanies travelling and competing at the highest level. Retrainer Amy Taylor is among those expected to play a role in the next phase, with Antino due to begin training under saddle in the coming weeks before a suitable equestrian direction is determined. Jane Gollan said the adjustment already appeared remarkably natural. "He's professional and absolutely loves getting doted on, and it's almost like he has already adjusted to the new discipline," she said. More than $25,000 in prizemoney was offered across 18 led and under-saddle classes during the Ekka program, an initiative the Gollans regard as an important showcase for the versatility of retired racehorses. Antino's presence ensured that message had an unusually high-profile ambassador, with one of Queensland racing's brightest recent stars beginning to demonstrate that his value extends well beyond the winning post.
All Too Hard Colt Earns Redemption
Weekend, 17th August 2026
A disappointing return to racing was quickly consigned to history at Caulfield on Saturday as Hard Kick rediscovered the ability that made him one of last season's more exciting juveniles with a determined victory in the $200,000 Gr3 Vain Stakes over 1100m. The Lindsay Park-trained three-year-old had been beaten as a $2 favourite at Flemington four weeks earlier, but a patient reset by Ben, Will and JD Hayes produced an immediate dividend as Damian Lane allowed the son of All Too Hard to roll forward and control Saturday's contest from the outset. Hard Kick travelled far more comfortably than he had first-up and still had enough in reserve when Organised Crime emerged as the principal threat inside the final 200m, holding that colt by 0.35 lengths in 1:04.37, with Confederation a further length away in third. The victory represented an important return to the trajectory Hard Kick established when winning the Listed Talindert Stakes on debut at Flemington in February, with that performance prompting high expectations before his first-up failure raised questions about how readily he would progress at three. Lindsay Park resisted the temptation to press ahead immediately, instead returning him to the trials and adding a tongue tie, while Lane replaced apprentice Jackson Radley for Saturday's Group assignment. Ben Hayes told Racing.com the difference in the gelding's demeanour was evident before the race. "Today, he was still on his toes but he wasn't sweating. He was in a lot better mood," Hayes said, adding that Lane had produced a "10/10 ride" by allowing Hard Kick to find his rhythm. The stable now has the Gr1 Coolmore Stud Stakes over 1200m at Flemington on October 31 firmly in mind, although several options remain available before then, including another appearance down the straight where Hard Kick has already demonstrated considerable ability. Organised Crime also emerged with his reputation enhanced after making the leap from a Sale maiden victory into Group company. Trainer Lloyd Kennewell felt inexperience during the opening stages may have proved costly, but the I Am Invincible colt fought strongly through the final furlong and will likewise be prepared towards the Coolmore. For Hard Kick, however, the Vain Stakes provided considerably more than another stakes victory. It restored confidence in a colt whose raw talent had never been seriously questioned and, with his racing manners considerably improved second-up, reopened the path towards one of the spring's defining sprint prizes for three-year-olds.
Devonport Golden Mile Put on Hold
Weekend, 17th August 2026
Tasmania's $50,000 Golden Mile will require a new date after racing at Devonport was halted when rocks emerging through the synthetic racing surface forced officials to close the track and begin urgent remedial work, according to tasracing.com.au. The feature had been scheduled as the centrepiece of the Devonport Racing Club program, but concerns over the condition of the surface brought the meeting to a premature conclusion and left Tasracing assessing both the immediate repairs required and where the abandoned races can be accommodated. At this stage no replacement date has been confirmed for the Golden Mile, ensuring connections will need to wait for a revised program before determining whether to persist with their original plans or redirect horses elsewhere. The interruption comes at the beginning of Devonport's new season and is particularly significant given the all-weather venue's important role in Tasmania's racing schedule, allowing meetings to proceed through periods when conventional turf tracks can be vulnerable to winter conditions. Safety, however, took precedence once material began appearing through the racing surface, with the remaining program unable to continue until officials were satisfied the underlying issue had been addressed. The early abandonment denied the Golden Mile field the opportunity to contest one of Devonport's established feature events, although the completed portion of the card still produced a notable start to the afternoon for trainer John Blacker. His stable won the opening race with All Intrigue, ridden by Sam Kennedy, before Brutal Empire gave the trainer a second winner with Jett Stanley aboard. That double became the principal racing highlight before surface concerns overtook proceedings. Tasracing's decision to suspend activity and undertake repairs means further inspection will determine when the venue can safely resume racing, while the Golden Mile's position within the coming program remains unresolved. Rescheduling feature races can require balancing the preparation of horses originally targeted at the event with existing meetings and other programmed races, making the timing of the replacement potentially important for several stables. The unusual nature of the incident also places additional focus on the remediation work itself, given synthetic tracks are relied upon to provide consistency and durability through Tasmania's colder and wetter months. For Devonport officials the immediate task is therefore restoring confidence in the surface before racing returns, rather than rushing to preserve the original timetable. Connections of the Golden Mile runners will consequently have to remain flexible until Tasracing confirms both the track's readiness and a suitable replacement date for the $50,000 contest, with the abandoned feature now set to be staged later in the season rather than lost from the calendar entirely.
Mr Brightside Sharp Ahead of Memsie Return
Weekend, 17th August 2026
There was enough familiar enthusiasm from evergreen star Mr Brightside at Caulfield Heath on Saturday to suggest Lindsay Park's remarkable campaigner has lost little of his appetite for competition as his Gr1 Memsie Stakes return draws closer. The nine-year-old was among an exceptional collection of spring horses assembled for a specially arranged 1000m hit-out before the Caulfield meeting, with reigning Memsie winner Treasurethe Moment, Giga Kick, Tom Kitten, Yellow Jersey, De Bergerac and unbeaten filly Aethera completing a field possessing considerably more quality than the average August jumpout. Treasurethe Moment ultimately took honours in the exercise, but Mr Brightside's work provided another positive indication that Ben, Will and JD Hayes have the multiple Group 1 winner progressing as intended following an extended break from racing, reports racenet.com.au. Saturday marked another public step forward for the gelding, whose most recent racetrack appearance came when fifth behind Ceolwulf in the Gr1 Champions Mile at Flemington last November. Plans for an autumn campaign were abandoned after minor surgery to address a bone chip, giving connections the opportunity to allow one of Australian racing's most durable horses an unusually lengthy spell. His first public hit-out back came at Flemington earlier this month and Lindsay Park deliberately kept that exercise quiet, with the focus always on gradually building towards the Memsie Stakes over 1400m at Caulfield on August 29. The specially organised Caulfield Heath session became particularly valuable after persistent wet weather disrupted grass jumpouts at Mornington and Cranbourne, prompting the Melbourne Racing Club, Racing Victoria, Australian Trainers' Association and Victorian Jockeys' Association to establish an alternative for several leading spring contenders. Mr Brightside's preparation carries particular interest given his extraordinary record in Melbourne's early-season weight-for-age features. He won the Memsie in 2023, finished runner-up in both the 2024 and 2025 editions and has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to produce elite performances fresh. Treasurethe Moment, who defeated him in last year's Memsie before extending an exceptional winning sequence, also looked comfortable in Saturday's exercise as she builds towards a title defence. Tom Kitten is another expected to resume in the August 29 feature, ensuring the trial could prove an unusually accurate preview of the opening Group 1 of Melbourne's spring. For Lindsay Park, however, the principal takeaway was that its veteran headline act continues to travel in the right direction, with Saturday's sharper work another reassuring marker in a carefully managed return.
The Memsie Stakes is in Mr Brightside's wheel house (pic: Mark Gatt)
Cosmic Crusader Wins G2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes
Weekend, 17th August 2026
Track: Caulfield
Race: G2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m)
Winner: Cosmic Crusader (Maurice-Cosmic Storm, by Street Sense)
Placings: 2nd: Private Eye, 3rd: Evaporate
Stallion: Maurice (Screen Hero-Mejiro Frances, by Carnegie)
