With C J Waller’s 2024 Gr1 WS Cox Plate heroine Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock-Nigh, by Galileo) likely to start favourite in Saturday’s running of the famed race, connections of the Tony Gollan trained Antino (NZ) (Redwood-Mahamaya, by Bahhare) will surely be hoping their Gr1 winner can produce another top class effort to give the Queensland based stable their first Cox Plate win and second elite level win of the Spring carnival after the earlier success of Transatlantic (Snitzel) in the Gr1 Toorak Handicap. Is Via Sistina in the same form that saw her dominate last year’s race and win by eight lengths in race record time – based off her last two third placed efforts, the answer appears to be no, but the question of can she win this year’s Cox Plate – the answer has to be, yes she can. It will all come down to how the race will be run, as we know Antino and Blake Shinn have a very good relationship and with a mid-race move a possibility, the gelding could hit the lead and sprint clear rounding the home turn, with the short straight seeing it impossible for anything to run him down. Then there is Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchio-Temolie, by Star Witness), who like Via Sistina, was a little disappointing last start. What she did in last year’s Gr1 ATC Derby was utterly dominant, and she has proven she can match it with the likes of Via Sistina, but will the 2040 suit her, or is she looking for further at this stage? There are so many if, buts and maybes heading into the race, particiularly given the scratching of Globe who, almost certainly, would have been the hare in the field. At around $2.30, it’s fair to suggest that Via Sistina is either going to look like a very smart investment or proof that past performance is no guarantee of future success. Either way, given last year’s jaw-dropping success, Via Sistina is a fitting favourite as Moonee Valley farewells the Cox Plate as we have come to know it over decades. It's also an opportunity for James McDonald to make it four Cox Plates on the bounce.
Plenty Of Chances to Take Home the Crystal
Friday, 24th October 2025
Having had two wins at the Valley earlier in his career, the Ben, Will & JD Hayes-trained Rise At Dawn (Almanzor-Kay's Awake, by Towkay) had had his last three starts in three different states, but after looking beaten at Rosehill last time out in the Gr2 Shannon Stakes came again late to finish second, albeit more than two lengths from the winner Waterford (Atwaad), who is interestingly the name of a former sponsor of this race – is that an omen? If you look back through his form and see four starts ago, he was beaten into fifth by Joliestar and five starts ago finished fourth (less than a half-length) in the Doncaster behind Stefi Magnetica, coupled with barrier 2 here should see the 5YO a winning chance. It's been a while since Enver Jusufovic's Pinstriped (Street Boss-Snitzel Blitz, by Snitzel) has raced at Moonee Valley, in fact two years to the day since he finished down the track in Romantic Warrior's 2023 Cox Plate win, and two starts prior to that run he took out the Gr2 Feehan Stakes (1600m), the same track and distance as this Saturday's Gr2 Crystal Mile (1600m) that the Gr1 Memsie Stakes winner will contest. Out of form for quite some time, the 8YO gelding did produce a quality run two starts back when finishing fifth, beaten just over two lengths in the Gr1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m), in a run that would suggest he has a leading chance here. Having failed at her only attempt at the Moonee Valley track, and that was two starts back as favourite, 6YO mare Oh Too Good (All Too Hard-Good Oh, by Duporth) bounced back last start and impressed with a win in the Gr3 Ladies Day Vase (1600m), and a repeat of that run sees her right in this race.
Preusker Throws up Another Cup Surprise
Friday, 24th October 2025
Metaphorical ‘Struggle Street’ triumphed over the monarchy on Thursday when Torranzino surged past race favourite Gilded Water in the Geelong Cup, handing Horsham-based trainer Paul Preusker a coveted Melbourne Cup berth and jockey Celine Gaudray a career-defining moment in the saddle. According to racing.com, it was a classic David and Goliath scenario, with Preusker’s hardy stayer wearing down the highly touted Gilded Water over the long Geelong straight. Despite starting a clear second elect, Torranzino’s determined finish denied the favourite and booked a spot in the race that stops the nation. The win gives Preusker his first Melbourne Cup runner since Gr2 Adelaide Cup winner Surprise Baby in 2020 – she finished fifth in the Cup – and his joy was unmistakable. “That’s what it’s all about for me – getting a go. I came here yesterday thinking I’d run one-two. He’s done plenty of work for it and I love the way he’s going,” he said. It’s been a journey to get there. “We came through the hurdles yesterday, but we might camp away next time,” Preusker said, referring to the gelding’s unconventional background. “He’s been unbelievable all the way through. I’ve hurdle-schooled him, steeple-schooled him – we’ve locked horns – but he’s a happy horse now.” Gaudray’s winning ride saw her become just the second female jockey to claim the Geelong Cup, following in the footsteps of Debbie Healey (1983). Her emotion after the win by the son of Tarzino was genuine and unguarded. “It is so surreal. Ever since I was a little girl I watched the Melbourne Cup – as does everybody – and to get a ride is unbelievable,” she said. The $1.80 favourite Gilded Water was chasing a piece of history but instead became the latest odds-on elect to falter in the Geelong feature. Midlander (1967) also failed to salute when sent out odds-on, while the last to succeed at such short odds was Crete, all the way back in 1911. Reflecting on the run, Gaudray added, “The whole race I was giggling to myself. He was travelling really well, and I thought at the 600 I’d pop out and let him come into it. I had so much horse underneath me and he took me to the line.” Preusker believes Torranzino is where he needs to be heading into Cup Week. “He’s pretty much there. Just need to keep the weight off him. He’s a horse that does well, so we’ll keep him ticking over.” For those that follow roughies in the Cup, that ticking noise might be indicative of tick-tick boom and maybe even better Surprise Baby’s effort.
Azazel Could Prove the Exception to The Rule
Friday, 24th October 2025
Not many 3YOs have done it from just three starts, but the promising Azazel has now earned a tilt at the Victoria Derby after landing Thursday's Listed Geelong Classic with the kind of staying performance that can't be ignored. By Rich Hill Stud's Melbourne Cup winner Shocking, the gelding took a moment to wind up under pressure, but jockey Michael Dee never panicked. With a grinding finish reminiscent of his sire, Azazel reeled in the leaders and edged clear in the final stages, stamping himself a genuine Derby hope for Saturday week at Flemington. It wasn't a sparkling turn of foot, but a relentless one nonetheless. "He doesn't have a great turn-of-foot, but he keeps grinding away," Dee said. "He was really grinding at the top of the straight but I felt he was doing it quite comfortably." The winning margin was a half-neck over the Nick Ryan-trained Highvol ($4.40), with Chris Waller's Savisanta ($9.50) in third. The win marked just Azazel's third racetrack appearance. After winning on debut at Seymour, he was narrowly beaten last start in the Listed Super Impose Stakes when second to a promising type. That form line now looks stronger than ever, especially with the extra trip looming as a positive. Trainer Mark Walker, who has enjoyed a standout season, was pleased with the gelding's effort and believes the 2500m of the Victoria Derby is right in his wheelhouse. "He's probably not a horse who will ever win by a huge margin, but he's got a great will to win and he's improved each time he steps out," Dee noted. "He looked a picture in the yard and he'll definitely give a sight in the Derby." Bookmakers clearly agreed, trimming his Derby price from $15 into $9 after the Geelong win. Still, a word of caution for punters. No horse has managed to complete the Geelong Classic–Victoria Derby double since Haymaker in 1974. Not even the likes of Rebel Raider (2008) or Preferment (2014) could do it – they were both beaten in the Classic before bouncing back to win the Derby. But history aside, few would argue Azazel's progression and pedigree make him a player to watch closely this spring. He may not dazzle, but as Thursday proved, he stays.
Global Scale to Breeders’ Cup Nominations
Friday, 24th October 2025
While the nominations for this year’s Breeders’ Cup meeting are down slightly at 207, from 211, they represent five different continents, reports bloodhorse.com. To be run at Del Mar on October 31 and November 1, the meeting consists of 14 Breeders' Cup World Championships races. Horses from five continents – Africa, Asia, Europe, NorthAmerica, and South America – have been pre-entered, including 58 from abroad. Contenders hail from Argentina, Canada, Chile, England, Ireland, France, Japan, Peru, South Africa, the United States, and Uruguay. Last year’s trifecta runners in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic are back again - Sierra Leone (Gun Runner-Heavenly Moon, by Malibu Moon), Fierceness (City Of Light-Nonna Bella, by Stay Thirsty), and Forever Young (Real Steel-Forever Darling, by Congrats). They are joined by leading 3YOs Sovereignty (Into Mischief-Crowned, by Bernardini) and Journalism (Curlin-Mopotism, by Uncle Mo). "The incredible group of horses pre-entered for this year's Breeders' Cup reflects the unmatched quality and global prestige of the World Championships," said Drew Fleming, president and CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited. "The divisions are loaded with champions, classic winners, and international stars. We are deeply grateful to the owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, and teams, whose dedication and care make it possible for these extraordinary Thoroughbreds to put on an incredible show. Our thanks also go to Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for their partnership, to our nominators for their vital support, and to the passionate fans and bettors whose enthusiasm continues to drive our sport forward.” Fleming enthused, “We can't wait to deliver another unforgettable edition of the World Championships at Del Mar." Among the 207 nominations are 46 horses that qualified via one of the ‘93 Win and You’re In’ races held globally. Sky Sports Racing in Australia will broadcast the races locally, and is one of the many companies involved in getting the races beamed out across 180 different nations.
Joe Pride Entitled to a Spring In His Step
Friday, 24th October 2025
Fresh from an outstanding weekend where he claimed the $5m Gr1King Charles III Stakes (1600m) with Ceolwulf (Tavistock) and Private Eye took his earnings past $12.6m with victory in the Gr3 Moonga Stakes (1400m), trainer Joe Pride will saddle up leading Gr1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) contender Attica (Lonhro-Savatiano, by Street Cry) at Randwick on Saturday. Having only made his debut with success at Warwick Farm on September 3, the colt was last seen winning the Listed Dulcify Stakes (1600m) by just under two lengths. While his dam never raced beyond 1600m, his Champion Sire Lonhro recorded multiple Gr1 victories at 2000m – who could forget the memorable win in the Gr1 Australian Cup (2000m) when he was blocked for a run. The hardest for Attica to beat will be the G Waterhouse and A Bott trained Shangri La Boy (Pierro-Pelican, by Fastnet Rock), an impressive winner at his last two starts highlighted by a two-length romp in the Gr3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) last time out. Although he's a half-brother to noted sprinter Storm Boy (Justify), the stable clearly know what direction this colt is headed and it would not surprise to see him take this race out if he can control the race. Stepping up to the 2000m for the first time, Bjorn Baker's Within The Law (Lucky Vega-Contract Signed, by Dundeel) deserves this win based purely on her consistency, but having bled from one nostril last Saturday in the Gr1 King Charles III Stakes when down the track in ninth, hopefully all has gone to plan during the week and she can show her true form here.
Purton Eases Past Another Milestone
Friday, 24th October 2025
At Happy Valley on Wednesday night, Champion jockey Zac Purton took his Hong Kong record past 1900 victories, reported scmp.com. He is the first jockey to have reached the figure, having previously beaten Douglas Whyte’s all-time Hong Kong win record last season. “It’s a really good number to get to. Obviously I can’t do it without the support that I get and it was nice to do it on one of Danny’s horses as well, because he has been my biggest supporter across my time in Hong Kong. Hopefully in another 100 rides I get to 2,000,” said Purton. “It means a lot. It means I’ve been given a lot of opportunities and I have had very good support. I’m very thankful to all the owners and trainers for everything that they have given me and also the Hong Kong Jockey Club for giving me the opportunity to come here and ride as well. I’ll forever be in debt and thankful to them. It’s a lot of years of a lot of hard work. You have your ups and downs – I’ve had to battle through injury, the fights for the titles – but when I sit there at home and I look at the trophy cabinet, it feels pretty good.” With over 100 wins per season, he could reach the 2000 benchmark by June. “It’s possible as long as I stay fit and healthy. There’s no doubt that I can get to it, so hopefully I can get to it as quick as I can because it’s a very big number to get to. It gives me something to think about and it gives me some direction for the next few months of the season.” His 1900th winner was on Danny Shum-trained Talents Supremo (Bated Breath-Tested, by Selkirk) and he added two more wins on the card to make it a treble for the evening. Trainer Mark Newnham also enjoyed a treble to keep his position at the top of the Trainers’ Premiership where he is on 17 points. In second place is Caspar Fownes on 13, followed by David Hayes on 11.
Zac Purton has written himself into history (pic: hkjc.com)
Just Sit Back and Observe the Talent
Friday, 24th October 2025
While we'll never know if Ciaron Maher's Observer (Ghaiyyath-Smooth, by Lonhro) would've won the Gr1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) with clear running, one thing we do know from watching the replay over and over again, is that the 3YO Godolphin colt would have gone very close! With his sire recording his second Australian stakes winner last weekend when the Andrew Gluyas trained Freedom Flame won the Listed Hill Smith Stakes, Observer looks more than capable of becoming the first local Group winner for his four-time Group 1-winning sire Ghaiyyath and potentially the first Group 1 winner if he heads to the VRC Derby (2500m), a race he is currently the favourite for. While trained by last Saturday's Gr1 Caulfield Cup-winning duo of Tony and Calvin McEvoy, fellow Godolphin-bred and raced colt Options (Impending-Alternatively, by New Approach) looked good winning the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) last start, off the back of a third the start prior behind Autumn Mystery (The Autumn Sun), with that winner coming out last Saturday and franking the form with a win in the Gr3 Norman Robinson Stakes. He is now second favourite for next Saturday's Gr1 VRC Derby. With Godolphin surprisingly having never won the race in the past, they head into his year's running with two high quality chances. Scratched from Wednesday's Listed Geelong Classic (2200m), presumably to race here, Henry Dwyer's Crack A Deel (Dundeel-Mother's Mercy, by Redoute's Choice) was given an easy time in a recent jumpout. By a noted sire of middle-distance horses, Crack A Deel is out of a half-sister to Gr1 ATC Oaks (2400m) winner Autumn Angel (The Autumn Sun), suggesting the VRC Derby will be his main aim. One thing's for certain, his sire Dundeel is on song at the moment, boasting 12 stakes performers over the past 12 months.
Light Infantry Man Could Get the Last Shot
Friday, 24th October 2025
Saturday’s Cox Plate may represent a longshot on paper for Ethan Brown, but the 26-year-old jockey is leaning on momentum and familiarity with his mount to make a statement in his first crack at The Valley’s famous 2040m feature. The Maher camp has booked Brown to partner $41 outsider Light Infantry Man, a Group 1 Australian Cup winner over 2000m last campaign and a galloper the jockey believes is poised to peak at the right time. “He just wants a genuine run race and a decent trip, he gets 2000m Saturday,” Brown explained. “I was happy with how he felt (first two starts of the preparation). He’s bound to run an improved race. It just takes him a while to hit his straps and hopefully he can do that Saturday.” While punters may be leaning elsewhere, Brown’s season has been building in a way that suggests confidence is well placed. He was aboard Jimmysstar in last weekend’s Everest, running third in a career-highlight performance that capped off a productive stint in Sydney. “He (Jimmysstar) ran out of his skin. I had the thrill of my life… it felt like I won,” he said. “It felt amazing, just so proud of the horse.” Based primarily at Maher’s Sydney stable through spring, Brown has made sacrifices to stay sharp and connected, a move that appears to be paying dividends. “I’ve spent a lot of time in Sydney and it paid off last Saturday… it’s been a great experience,” he said. “It was all based around Jimmy and Light Infantry kicked his prep off there, I’ll go wherever the opportunity is and it paid off well and truly on Saturday.” Despite missing Derby Day at Flemington to continue the Maher association, Brown sits equal with Blake Shinn atop the Victorian premiership at 29 wins apiece. With nine career Group 1 victories a half-dozen of those last season—his development hasn’t gone unnoticed. “He’s gone to another level,” said Ciaron Maher. “He’s got that air of confidence about him… he rides Light Infantry very well, probably missed him last start.” If Light Infantry Man has a chink in his armour, it’s also a challenge facing Cox Plate favourite Via Sistina: a race that may lack pace, albeit historically it's an event renowned for its pressure cooker evironment. If there’s anything we’ve learned from last week’s 200/1 and 100/1 Group 1 winners at Ascot, $41 about Light Infantry Man could possibly look like a gift late on Saturday afternoon.
Snowden Saddles Up Smart Brian Crowley Duo
Friday, 24th October 2025
The conditions of Saturday's Listed Brian Crowley Stakes (1200m) at Randwick sees Peter Snowden's Gr3 Magic Night Stakes-winning filly Memo (Capitalist-Notation, by Fastnet Rock) carry the top weight. Unlucky not to win the Gr3 Champagne Stakes at Moonee Valley last time out when unsuccessfully protesting against the winner, Memo has headed back to race at her home track on Saturday. Given an easy time in a recent barrier trial where she finished two lengths behind Gr1 Golden Rose winner Beiwacht (Bivouac) in third, Memo will be ridden for the first time by Tom Sherry come Saturday, with regular rider Kerrin McEvoy set to partner C J Waller's unbeaten Skyglider (Flying Artie- Ex Lady, by Exosphere). From barrier six in the ten-horse field, Memo is likely to get back, which is her normal racing pattern. Set to contest black type racing for just the second time, Memo's stablemate Miss Freelove (Tassort-Vee, by Sebring) comes into Saturday's race off an impressive two and three-quarter length win over 1100m at Warwick Farm recently. Purchased by Trilogy Racing and Suman Hedge Bloodstock from the Magic Millions Adelaide yearling sale draft of Twin Hills for $110,000, the filly has never finished wore than fourth in her five starts and with just 54kg on her back she could show up.
