With 3YOs having a solid record in the Gr1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) in recent years, this year's favourite is the unbeaten last start Gr2 WA Guineas winner King Of Light (Earthlight-Queen's Parade, by Dalghar), one of just two 3YOs in the $1.5m feature race. Never having raced past 1600m in his five starts to date, the relaxed nature of the colt should see him absorb any pressure in the run with jockey William Pike able to secure a lovely run from barrier 8. "He's a mint horse to train," Morton said when speaking to The West Australian newspaper. "He's so laid-back and he's getting the job done." Having continued to step up to every challenged put in front of him so to date Morton is confident that Saturday's race is a challenge his colt is ready for. "He really raises the bar himself come race day and he's an exciting horse. He's got to raise the bar again Saturday... he's a deserved favourite but he's going to have to take another big step." Of the older horses, Ciaron Maher's Vivy Air (Hellbent-Head Over Heels, by Fastnet Rock) is an interesting one and heading to the race in arguably career best form. Second two starts back behind stablemate Gringotts in the $3m The Big Dance, the mare then went on to win the $2m Listed Five Diamonds at her next start, defeating Gr1 winners Transatlantic (Snitzel) and Militarize (Dundeel), suggesting a Gr1 could be on her radar. Throw into the mix that the stable trained last year's winner Light Infantry Man (FR) (Fast Company), then there is a clear purpose to sending the talented mare west in search of her first elite level score.
Darley stallion Earthlight is the sire of King of Light (pic: Darley)
Hay Brothers May Have Cracked Youth Code
Thursday, 4th December 2025
While racing has long grappled with how to connect with a younger generation, racenet.com.au reports three Queensland brothers may have just cracked the code through a fusion of syndication and podcast power. Cameron, Tom and Michael Hay – none over 30 – have forged partnerships with two of Australia's biggest podcasting communities, Alpha Blokes and Hello Sport, introducing micro share ownership and turning followers into first-time owners. The venture, launched through their company MustR Racing, has turned conventional syndication on its head by leveraging community-driven engagement and digital reach. MustR's first collaboration with Alpha Blokes involved a galloper named Yabby Pump. "We'd only done that with conventional syndication," Cameron Hay explained. "About 11,000 people tried to buy in but only 50 got a share." What followed changed everything. The trio switched to micro shares for Cold Brew and were swamped. "There was so much demand, it broke our computer system for three hours. About 30,000 people were trying to get in and it blew our minds." The rise of podcast syndication isn't just about numbers; it's about demographic impact. "It brings so much of the younger generation into racing that previously wouldn't have any chance of affording it," Hay said. "The big thing was trying to bridge the gap between people that love a punt on the weekend but can't afford to buy a horse." The move also suits podcast hosts eager to produce long-tail content that unfolds over a horse's campaign, further cementing the connection. A natural flow-on from their Alpha Blokes success was the link with Hello Sport. That partnership saw the Hays travel to New Zealand for the Ready To Run Sale, teaming up with Richard and Will Freedman to purchase a Derryn x Mifflin gelding. Micro shares in the horse will soon hit the market, and the selection of Will Freedman's stable was no accident. "He just gets it," Hay said. "He's young, charismatic and honest, and the sort of bloke who can train your horse during the week and have a beer with you at the track on the weekend." The Hay brothers have also turned raceday events into something more akin to music festivals for owners. Their next one takes place this Sunday at Rosehill, where Yabby Pump is set to run. "We were supposed to have Cold Brew there as well," Hay noted, "but he pulled up a bit sore on Tuesday. It's been tricky shifting to Sunday with so many owners flying down from Queensland, but we still expect a cracking day."
World Leading Prices at Tattersalls December Mares
Thursday, 4th December 2025
A surge in bidding saw records tumble on an extraordinary day at Tattersalls, with two Group 1-winning fillies commanding global headlines and sending the December Mares Sale into rarefied territory. When the final figures were tallied, turnover had eclipsed £57.6 million, setting a new benchmark for the highest-grossing day in European auction history, matching last year's record of 11 million-guinea lots. All eyes were on the Prix de l'Opéra heroine Barnavara as she soared to a world-leading 4.8 million guineas. The bid came online from Sugar Whiskey Trading, outlasting a spirited challenge from bloodstock agent Henry Lascelles. The daughter of Calyx, offered through Baroda Stud for trainer Jessie Harrington and owners Alpha Racing, completed a fairytale rise from a €70,000 yearling to the world's highest-priced filly in training this year. Even Harrington appeared stunned by the outcome. "Jeepers! That was more than my wildest dreams," she said. "We sort of thought in our excitement that she might make three million guineas." She recounted how bidding initially faltered around 1.5 million before exploding into life. "It went on and on and on. It is amazing." Barnavara's progress had mirrored her development. "She went on improving all year," Harrington noted. "She actually won her maiden in May, then we ran her in Listed and Group races and she was getting placed. Her first run this year was not good, but then it just all came together." Alpha Racing, she explained, was designed to blend racing excitement with commercial sense, racing yearlings and selling at the end of their 3YO season. "Everyone has had fun doing it and a lot of the syndicate are here today." David Cox of Baroda Stud was equally thrilled. "She has an amazing race record and she is on the up. There is a lot of racing left in her," he said. "It is the biggest result for Baroda in the ring too." The electricity barely subsided before Porta Fortuna, the multiple Group 1-winning star of Royal Ascot and beyond, lit up the ring again. Bidding reached 4.5 million guineas, with MV Magnier ultimately securing the Caravaggio filly for Coolmore. "She is very talented... hopefully she can breed one as good as her," he said. Phillip Shelton of Medallion Racing was moved by the moment. "She has taken us to a stratosphere we could never have dreamed about," he said. "She has unbelievable presence and an unbelievable mind." The daughter of a Holy Roman Emperor mare, and close relative to Numerian and Milan, ended her racing chapter on a high, but her legacy may just be beginning.
Brilliant race filly Porta Fortuna (pic: Tattersalls)
Stokes Filly Appears to Be an Emerging Star
Thursday, 4th December 2025
With $250,000 in prizemoney on offer, Saturday's Emerging Stars Final (1400m) looks a very interesting contest. Defeated in her first three starts be stakes performers, the Philip Stokes trained Shystar (Cosmic Force-Why Be Discreet, by Medaglia) resumed from a spell recently at Geelong and was too good for her rivals, breaking her maiden over 1250m as the favourite. At her final start of her last campaign, Shystar finished third, beaten just over a length by Ole Dancer (Ole Kirk) with that winning filly going on to win the Gr1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) just three starts later. Stepping up to the 1400m for the first time, and unfortunately drawn wide in barrier 12 of 13, jockey Lachlan Neindorf will need to be right on song to ensure his filly gets the best run possible so she can run out the trip. Having only had one start, when winning with ease as the race favourite, the Brendan McCarthy trained Royal Flare (Zoustar-Our Crown Mistress, by Star Witness) is the likely race favourite. Having gone back to the jumpouts since his November 3 debut, the 4YO gelding won that jumpout in style and should prove hard to beat here. Fourth on debut at his only start to date, the Ben, Will & JD Hayes-trained Storm Leopard (Ghaiyyath-Brilliance, by Street Cry) was beaten far that day and should be open to plenty of improvement. By the same sire as this season's Gr1 VRC Derby winner Observer and Listed winners Different Gravy and Freedom Flame, the step up to 1400m second time out, and even further as he progresses into his campaign, is clearly a positive for the My Racehorse colour-bearer.
Whangaehu Shows Promise Ahead of Gr1 Tilt
Thursday, 4th December 2025
A quiet trial at Woodville on Tuesday may yet serve as the springboard back to elite company for consistent stayer Whangaehu, whose connections are eyeing a return to Group 1 targets following a satisfactory hit-out under the scrutiny of the stewards. The Proisir gelding had been stood down after finishing eighth in last month's Gr3 Thompson Handicap at Trentham, where he was slow from the gates and reluctant to stretch out early. Trainer Bill Thurlow and jockey Sam O'Malley were encouraged by the 1000m heat, which saw Whangaehu jump cleanly and finish fourth behind Silent Is Gold. "The main thing was we needed to get the tick of approval from the stewards," O'Malley said. "He actually jumped away really well. He lacked a little bit of speed through the middle stages of the trial, but they were getting along pretty quickly on a good track." While the trip was on the sharp side for a proven stayer, O'Malley felt the gelding was doing his best work late. "He really needs to go at least 2000m these days, so he was always going to be a bit outpaced over that trip, but he was working home nicely late." Whangaehu is best known for his success in the Gr3 Trentham Stakes earlier this year, backed up by Group 1 placings in the Herbie Dyke Stakes and Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes, both over 2000m. His team now hopes he can rediscover that form over a similar distance range. "It's a bit hard to set a programme for him to get to some of the good races from here," O'Malley said. "We probably have to stick to weight-for-age now. The Zabeel Classic on Boxing Day might come up a little bit soon for him now, but it's a possibility." Meanwhile, the stable will be represented by Field Of Gold and Frank The Tank in Saturday's Gr3 Spring Sprint (1400m) at Trentham. "They both galloped well this morning," said O'Malley. "I think Frank The Tank is a really nice up-and-coming horse. He might go to another level in this campaign if he stays sound. The old boy Field Of Gold, I thought his run was okay the other day at Waverley, but he was just a bit outpaced over 1200m. Maybe 1400m is his sweet spot, and he goes well at Trentham."
Group 1 targets lie ahead for Whangaehu (pic: Race Images Peter Rubery)
Queensland Racing Review Set for Saturday Release
Thursday, 4th December 2025
The anticipated McGrath review into the Queensland racing industry will be released on Saturday at the Doomben races, according racenet.com.au. The report had been due to be released in October but concerns from senior Queensland government officials about a review recommendation to reduce the point of consumption tax (POCT) paid by bookmakers from 20 per cent to 15 per cent in Queensland led to the delay. Corporate bookmakers pushed for the change, with Queensland’s POCT one of the highest in the country. The review’s website states that the review will focus on “Industry sustainability: Strengthening the economic, social, and regional benefits of racing; Integrity and welfare: Ensuring racing continues to uphold the highest standards; and Governance: Identifying opportunities for improved oversight, structure, and operations.” Former chair of the ATC, Matthew McGrath was appointedas the Independent Committee Chair of the Queensland Racing Review. Three other members of the committee include one expert from each code. Kym Daly was appointed for gallops, with the review website saying he “has significant experience in Thoroughbred racing, delivering integrity services, training and consulting internationally. Mr Daly has stood down from his role as a steward with the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) to take on the role.” Racing participants in Queensland await the review which could discuss the funding model for the whole state, including assistance with infrastructure upgrades. The John Power grandstand at Eagle Farm is a key asset, with the grandstand marked for closure in August next year and a replacement expected to cost $100 million.
Waller Praises Choice to Move Rosehill Meeting
Thursday, 4th December 2025
Racing NSW’s decision to move Saturday’s Rosehill meeting to Sunday due to forecast temperature of 41C has been applauded by trainer Chris Waller, reports punters.com.au. “Well done to Racing NSW in being proactive and making this decision in response to the forecast high temperatures at Rosehill on Saturday,” Waller said. “We as trainers respect that this is a financial challenge with wagering dropping off on a Sunday compared to a Saturday. But this is a decision not just for the horses but the jockeys and staff who will all appreciate the cooler conditions on Sunday. To be able to still race for Saturday money, and not lose the meeting at the last minute and have horses' programs interrupted, I'm sure is appreciated by all the trainers.” Racing NSW CEO Peter V’Landys spoke about the decision, saying, “The welfare of our horses is paramount and we're not going to risk putting them under any sufferance or pain. I have seen first-hand horses suffering from heat distress and there is no way in the world that we are going to put them under such duress. I have also seen jockeys severely affected both physically and mentally from extreme heat.” The Australian Turf Club announced that entry would be free to the public on Sunday. “We have worked closely with Racing NSW to make this decision as early as possible to prepare for the move to Sunday,” ATC Interim CEO Steve McMahon said. “Whilst we apologise for any inconvenience this change has on Members and our customers, horse welfare and safety is our first consideration.” Sunday's forecast temperature will see the mercury plunge 16 degress from Saturday's 41 to 25.
Saturday is forecast to be 41 degrees at Rosehill Gardens (pic: Steve Hart)
ATC Extends Partnership with Racing and Sports
Thursday, 4th December 2025
A major strategic extension between Australian Turf Club and Racing and Sports will see Sydney racegoers benefit from a suite of innovative media, wagering, and digital services right through to 2027. The renewed partnership builds on foundations laid in 2022, with the shared ambition of elevating the raceday experience and increasing fan engagement across all ATC meetings. Central to this offering will be enhanced content delivery through platforms like ‘Venue Buddy’ – a mobile tool enabling punters to access RAS form analysis, tips, and digital race previews via QR code. Racing and Sports will supply data-rich insights for every ATC meeting, with content featured on-course through big screens and monitors, ensuring racegoers are kept well informed throughout the day. Animated Race Predictor segments will also be shown on Saturdays both in Venue Buddy and on infield displays. Powered by RAS’s proprietary modelling and expert analysis, the Predictor turns complex form into easy-to-digest narratives designed to appeal to tech-savvy fans and emerging punters. The partnership’s goal is not only to improve on-course presentation but also to support wagering growth by reaching new demographics through sharper, story-led content. RAS has committed to maintaining naming rights for two Sydney features: the $400,000 Group 2 Racing and Sports Golden Pendant during the spring carnival at Rosehill, and the $250,000 Group 3 Doncaster Prelude at Randwick in Autumn 2026. In addition, RAS will contribute to a broader calendar of ATC racedays and co-produce a weekly transcription and statistics service for distribution to media outlets. This service commenced on Winx Stakes Day (August 23) and continues through to Five Diamonds Day (November 8), before returning for the Autumn Carnival from January 31 to April 18, covering key meetings such as Southern Cross Stakes and All Aged Stakes Day. ATC Head of Racing and Wagering Nevesh Ramdhani said Racing and Sports remained “one of world racing’s most respected brands” and that the extension reflected ATC’s focus on enhancing the racegoer journey. “The extra content and expertise that RAS will bring to our racedays is central to our commitment to continue to grow the on-course experience,” he said. “We look forward to engaging with more punters and customers in new ways, including introducing new and younger audiences to the track via digital experiences.” Racing and Sports CEO Stephen Crispe echoed that view, adding: “The suite of innovative products, backed by our premium data and analytics, will drive engagement and participation… RAS are proud to be collaborating with the ATC in a partnership that continues to provide community and industry benefits beyond the track.”
Well Written Primed for Major Kiwi Features
Thursday, 4th December 2025
Fresh from a well-earned break following her Group 1 triumph at Riccarton, unbeaten filly Well Written has returned to work with a potential tilt at the $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) shaping as the next major goal. Connections are weighing up which slot to pursue ahead of Ellerslie’s showpiece on March 7, as interest builds around the country’s richest race. Stephen Marsh confirmed the filly had settled back in nicely after her brief spell. “She’s been back in the stable five days and looks great after having an easy time since the 1000 Guineas,” he said. While nothing is yet locked in, the Kiwi looms large. “That’s the race she’ll be targeting, and this week there’ll be a lot going on as we work through the various slots and other matters,” Marsh added. “We’ve asked all the interested parties to put their offers down in writing and by the end of the week we expect to be closer to making a decision as to where it lands. There’s a lot in play between the owners and everyone else involved, but we’ll get there, it’s just a matter of working through the process.” A new dynamic in that ownership equation is the involvement of Yulong Investments, who made their most significant New Zealand move yet by acquiring a 50 percent share in the daughter of their own stallion Written Tycoon, shortly before her third consecutive victory in the Group 1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas. Although a run in the Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m) on January 24 remains on the table, Marsh suggested the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) or the Group 3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m), both on the same card, may prove more likely. Bookmakers currently have Well Written at $2.20 for the Karaka Millions 3YO, $2.50 for the NZB Kiwi, and $4 equal favouritism with Alabama Lass for the Railway. She also tops the market for the Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) at $8, though that race appears unlikely due to its distance and timing. Meanwhile, Marsh will saddle up To Cap It All in Saturday’s Group 3 Bonecrusher Stakes at Pukekohe, hoping for improvement after her unplaced run in the 2000 Guineas on heavy ground.
