Lara Antipova made a strong first impression at Te Aroha on Sunday, delivering a dominant performance in the Manco Maiden 2YO (1150m) to win by eight lengths on debut. The well-supported daughter of Russian Revolution – there was a $10,000 wager – was sent out a short-priced favourite and gave her backers little cause for concern. According to loveracing.nz, the Fortuna Syndications filly had shown promise in two trial appearances, finishing second at Ellerslie in October before winning at Avondale last month. That form, paired with a confident betting push, proved a reliable indicator of her readiness. Jumping quickly from the gates alongside Alohamoana, she settled off the early speed and travelled comfortably under Craig Grylls. Asked to extend at the top of the straight, she responded with a sharp turn of foot, drawing well clear of her rivals in the final stages. Sam Bergerson, who trains the filly in partnership with Mark Walker, said the Te akau team was impressed with how she handled the occasion. “She was electric,” he said. “Her trials leading in had been good.” He noted she still does a few things wrong at home but raced like a seasoned professional. “She was very professional today and hopefully there are some nice targets for her over the summer.” Stakes company now beckons, with the Gr2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) at Trentham in a fortnight under consideration. Another option is the Eclipse Stakes (Gr2, 1200m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. “While they are up and going it is good to carry on,” Bergerson said. “The Wakefield is a quick turnaround, or the Eclipse. They look like two nice initial potential targets. We’ll get her home and see how she pulls up, and have a good chat with John, Mark, Dave and the team to work it out.” Later in the card, Grylls completed a notable double when guiding Stella Ma Bella to victory in the Shackell Electrical Maiden 3YO (1400m). The well-related filly, a full-sister to Group 1 winner Campionessa, is raced by breeder Simms Davison and carries high expectations. “She’s a lovely filly, well-bred, and that always helps,” said Grylls. “She began well, travelled sweetly, and once I asked her, she put them away nicely. I think a mile or even further will suit her in time; she’s only going to keep improving.”
Lara Antipova was miles too good on debut (pic: Race Images Kenton Wright)
NEWQueensland Racing Review Welcomed by RQ
Weekend, 8th December 2025
A new chapter in Queensland racing was unveiled at Doomben on Saturday with the release of the Queensland Racing Review and the Government’s formal response to its more than 100 recommendations. Presented by Racing Minister Tim Mander, the long-anticipated roadmap reflects the most comprehensive examination of the state’s racing codes in recent memory and was shaped by over 1,200 contributors spanning stakeholders, owners, trainers, breeders, officials, and welfare groups. The blueprint includes a $200 million Racing Future Fund aimed at modernising infrastructure across all three codes. Central to that investment are marquee upgrades such as a new Eagle Farm grandstand, a ‘Racing HQ’ at Albion Park, and major harness enhancements at Marburg and Toowoomba. Bundaberg Greyhounds will also benefit from a new track, while Toowoomba Turf Club will see its lighting system overhauled. Eagle Farm’s ageing John Power Stand will be replaced with modern facilities offering improved amenities, greater accessibility, and a premium race-day experience. That project, delivered jointly with Brisbane Racing Club, is structured to ensure any additional public investment is ultimately repaid. At Albion Park, the proposed ‘Racing HQ’ will anchor the future of harness racing in Queensland while housing Racing Queensland, QRIC, and a new Racing Science Centre under one roof. A key plank in the reform is the shift toward a hybrid governance model. Non-core responsibilities currently under QRIC will transition to Racing Queensland, allowing the Commission to focus squarely on stewarding and integrity services. An Independent Commissioner of Stewards will report directly to the Racing Minister, sharpening accountability while separating operational and oversight functions. The plan also places regional racing at the heart of its long-term vision. Harness training will return to Toowoomba, while a new facility at Marburg is expected to grow grassroots participation. An independent Racing Infrastructure Board will assess projects against industry-wide criteria, and underutilised assets – including Norwell and QRIC’s Bowen Hills site – are earmarked for divestment. Animal welfare programs will receive a significant boost, including expanded support for post-racing care of both horses and greyhounds. A revamped Greyhound Retirement Program will now offer monthly care vouchers for rehomed dogs. Country racing, meanwhile, will be underpinned by initiatives to reduce the administrative burden on small clubs, alongside enhanced support for feature events such as the Battle of the Bush Series. “The Crisafulli Government delivered on its election promise to conduct the most thorough examination of racing in our history, and now we have delivered our plan for the future of Queensland racing,” said Minister Mander. “This plan delivers a more efficient and effective approach to governance and integrity, builds fit for purpose infrastructure, safeguards animal welfare and ensures the ongoing success of country racing.” RQ will now assemble an implementation team, with legislative reform and infrastructure rollout scheduled to begin in the New Year.
NEWBaffert Claims G2 a Ninth Consecutive Time
Weekend, 8th December 2025
Few races have proven as consistent for a single stable as the Starlet Stakes has been for Bob Baffert, and even with a key scratching, the Hall of Famer made it nine straight victories in the Gr2 event at Los Alamitos, reports bloodhorse.com. Himika, a two-time stakes winner trained by Baffert, was withdrawn on raceday, but Juddmonte homebred Consequent proved more than capable of carrying the stable’s banner with a well-earned success in the 1700m contest for 2YOs. Baffert’s remaining duo each boasted unbeaten records, but rider Juan Hernandez committed to the flashier Nimah, who was sent out a dominant 2-5 favourite. That left Kazushi Kimura to partner Consequent, whose quieter debut win saw her start at 5-2. Cashed, a stakes-placed local, took up pacemaking duties early, flanked by Nimah, with Consequent kept within striking range in third. A two-turn debut gave Kimura confidence in his mount’s staying power. “She had already run in a two-turn race, and I had confidence with that,” he said. “So when I started riding from the three-eighths (600m), she just kept responding and had a big, beautiful stride.” That rhythm became crucial as the field turned for home, with Nimah edging up on Cashed before Consequent loomed three wide. Contact between the leaders prompted an inquiry, but no changes followed from the Stewards. It was Consequent who asserted herself late, drawing away to win by a length in 1:44.03. Cashed held second, a further 4 lengths ahead of Nimah, who weakened under pressure. The fourth and fifth placings went to Cosmic Heat and Jewlz respectively, who trailed off behind the principals. Assistant trainer Mike Marlow acknowledged Consequent’s rawness but saw clear promise. “That looked pretty good right there – she needed all that stretch for sure,” he said. “She’s still pretty green. She was tough to saddle, but she’s going to figure it out. She’s going to be good, and it looks like more distance will be even better for her.” The Starlet awarded Road to the Kentucky Oaks points on a 10-5-3-2-1 scale and may mark just the beginning of a larger campaign. Consequent had broken her maiden only weeks earlier over a mile at Del Mar, while Nimah had won impressively over 6.5 furlongs. Bred in Kentucky from the Uncle Mo mare Cognitive, herself a $500,000 Saratoga yearling, Consequent carries a pedigree that suggests her future may lie well beyond Los Alamitos.
Burke Turns Pennies into Bitcoin on Steroids
Weekend, 8th December 2025
Pulling a headline act from the humblest of beginnings has long been trainer Karl Burke's signature, but transforming a 12,000gns Somerville yearling into a €2.6 million filly in training may now top the lot, reports racingpost.com. That kind of turnaround was achieved with Half Sovereign, winner of the Group 3 Prix Miesque, when she went through the Arqana Breeding Stock Sale ring in Deauville on Sunday evening. A tense bidding war unfolded between David Redvers, situated in the ringside restaurant, and Henry Lascelles, who took position at the top of the stairs near the rostrum. It was familiar ground for Lascelles, who had filled the role of underbidder just days earlier when Barnavara topped the Tattersalls December Mare Sale at 4,800,000gns. This time, there would be no repeat disappointment. Though keeping his client's identity confidential, Lascelles said: "She's a lovely filly and she's going to go back to Karl Burke and hopefully be aimed at the French Guineas with a trial before. She was very impressive last time and, looking at her, she's a big, scopey filly so you'd hope she'll go on next year." He added that proven race fillies with a Group record could justifiably command that sort of figure, as had been witnessed at Newmarket earlier in the week. Half Sovereign was bred by Haras des Trois Chapelles and emerged from Petches Farm's Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale draft in September last year. Burke, who trained her throughout her 2YO season, admitted he had thought she was a steal at 12,000gns: "It's just brilliant, and she comes back to us as well, so it's win-win. I didn't expect that. She was just a lovely model as a yearling. Elaine and I couldn't believe we got her for 12 grand. Literally before I'd signed the docket Mick Easterby came up and offered me a grand profit, and two or three others followed." He credited co-owner Adam Spratt for stepping in at the right moment when he was considering selling a share: "I hadn't met Adam at that time but I said no problem. We would've sold half to someone and I'm delighted it was him." The daughter of Ten Sovereigns took her time to blossom, winning novices at Ayr and Yarmouth before stringing together victories at Newmarket and Doncaster. After finishing second to Jel Pepper in the Tattersalls October Auction Stakes, she landed the Prix Miesque with authority. Burke praised the work of Harriet Jones and Chloe Battam from Consign, who prepared the filly for the ring. "They're very good and they'll do very well in this business. I told Harriet I was more nervous than I would be before a Group race." Jones called the result "a dream come true" and credited the support of Burke and Spratt. "These are the kind of guys you need to show you're capable of delivering big results on the big days."
Sea Admiral Leaves Private Eye in His Wake
Weekend, 8th December 2025
There are few better ways to catch the eye than beating a $12 million earner in a barrier trial – especially when your own galloper has just one win to his name. But that's the feather Randwick trainer John Thompson now carries into next Sunday's meeting at Nowra, where he's set to saddle two runners across the feature races. Lugarno is nominated for the $65,000 Country Motor Company Nowra Showcase Cup (1600m), while promising type Sea Admiral lines up in the Bomaderry Bowling Club Class 1 Handicap (1000m). Thompson hasn't confirmed Lugarno's start, noting he's also considering a Midway race later in the week, but confirmed Sea Admiral would be making the trip in good order. Lightly raced and last seen in August, Sea Admiral recently trialled at Kembla Grange and put on a display that turned heads – surging clear to beat Group 1 star Private Eye by more than two lengths. It was no fluke. Thompson couldn't hide a smile, telling racingnsw.com.au, "It's not every day you beat a horse of Private Eye's calibre." He was also quick to temper expectations, adding that Sea Admiral is a nice type who trialled well, and that the team is simply looking forward to seeing him back at the races. Though still green, Sea Admiral showed raw talent when breaking his maiden in July at Kembla. He was turned out after finishing down the track at Hawkesbury but returns stronger and more seasoned, with Keagan Latham to take the rideFor the club, Sunday marks an important fixture. Shoalhaven City Turf Club CEO Paul Weekes said the Cup meeting had grown in significance since moving to its summer slot. As a qualifier for the Big Dance, it now attracts deeper fields, and last year's runner-up Hollywood Hero offered proof by later winning at Randwick and running strongly in the $750,000 Little Dance. That kind of form line, Weekes noted, is part of what makes this regional Showcase meeting such a compelling one – with $320,000 in total prizemoney and the lure of bigger targets down the line.
Kiwi Strike on West Coast's Group 1 Northerly
Weekend, 8th December 2025
New Zealand-breds continued their season of influence across the Tasman by dominating Saturday's $1.5 million Northerly Stakes at Ascot, with Cosmic Crusader (Maurice) producing a career-defining performance to lead home a trio of Kiwi-bred stars. Following a spring that yielded Group 1 victories for the likes of Mr Brightside, Globe, Ka Ying Rising, Ceolwulf, and Jimmysstar, NZ Racing Desk reports the Maurice gelding added to the (NZ) suffix's impressive tally in Australia. His powerful surge from midfield, coupled with gritty determination in the straight, sealed a seventh Australian Group 1 win for New Zealand-breds this season and was backed up by strong showings from Western Empire and Osipenko, who finished third and fourth respectively. Having announced his arrival with five wins from seven starts since October 2024, Cosmic Crusader had already caught the eye in stakes company. His only two defeats in that span came when placing in both the Asian Beau Stakes and the RJ Peters Stakes, which ultimately left him stranded as an emergency for the Railway Stakes. Redemption, however, was swift – he romped home in the Listed Carbine Club of WA Stakes on the undercard and set the scene for his biggest assignment yet. Drawn wide in a strung-out field and ridden by regular partner Clint Johnston-Porter, Cosmic Crusader circled the pack and loomed ominously at the top of the straight. He was met by Watch Me Rock, who had earlier claimed the Railway, and the pair engaged in a thrilling duel. For a moment, the latter appeared to edge ahead, but the Peters-owned five-year-old lifted again near the line to prevail by a neck. The victory marked the first Group 1 win for trainer Michael Grantham and a second for Johnston-Porter, who dedicated the triumph to his late grandfather. "I always thought he was a good horse," he said. "I was so gutted when he didn't get a run in the Railway, but to get it right today is pretty special. I felt Watch Me Rock coming, but he gritted his teeth and found something extra." Cosmic Crusader now boasts a record of eight wins and four placings from 16 starts, with earnings of $1.23 million. His rise is a testament to patience, observed highly reepected owner-breeder Bob Peters, who bred and races him in his iconic cerise and white silks. "He had an injury early and I gave him 12 months off to recover. That gave him the time to strengthen, and now he's a big, strong horse." Out of the Street Sense mare Cosmic Storm, herself a multiple stakes winner and sister to Cantala Stakes winner Superstorm, the gelding comes from a deep family. Whilst she was in New Zealand, Cosmic Storm produced a Charm Spirit filly named Cosmic Spirit, also trained by Grantham. She's won two of her three starts and looks to be another promising chapter in the same story. Cosmic Crusader is by Arrowfield Stud's Japan-bred shuttler Maurice.
Ballarat Cup Squared for Bounceback Berkeley
Weekend, 8th December 2025
Home track advantage proved decisive in Saturday's Ballarat Cup, where local hope Berkeley Square surged from the back to claim a second consecutive win in the race for trainer Dan O'Sullivan, reports racing.com. The five-year-old, whose last win came in this same feature 12 months ago, had been winless since – but arrived in solid condition and was kept safe at $9. With blinkers back on, tempo up front, and Luke Nolen back aboard, the Territories gelding delivered a commanding finish that quickly silenced any doubters. From the tail of the field, he swung wide and launched, sailing past rivals including talented Dargento gelding Statuario, who had loomed at odds of $14, before putting a couple of lengths on the field. Last year's edition saw Jaylah Kennedy ride the winner as a late replacement for an injured Nolen. This year, their roles reversed under calmer circumstances, prompting a few light-hearted reflections post-race. Nolen joked, "He's two-for-two at the 2000-metres here, so might as well go for a three-peat and it'll be between Jaylah and me as to who rides it." He reflected, "It is a swings and roundabouts sort of thing. I was supposed to ride this horse in this race last year, but I had a fall. Jaylah did a marvellous job, and I was happy to take the reins again. You take the rough and the smooth. These things turn around quickly. He's toiled, as he hasn't won since this day last year, but he's continued to run well and tested the patience. A lot of the credit goes to Dan and his team; they deserve this success." O'Sullivan, typically restrained in post-race emotion, couldn't hide his pleasure. "With the blinkers on and how he was travelling at the half mile, I thought, 'this is going to be beautiful,'" he said. "And to see him win so comfortably, it's really, really good. He's just a bloody good horse." The trainer acknowledged he'd hesitated before reapplying blinkers, fearing they might trigger over-racing. "But Luke got it perfect today… We knew he would be strong late in the race and to see him win by a couple of lengths there is great." Berkeley Square has now amassed more than $2 million in prizemoney and, based on his affinity for Ballarat and the 2000m trip, appears well placed to chase a historic third Cup win next year, whoever ends up in the saddle.
Underestimated Caballus Smokes Moore Rivals
Weekend, 8th December 2025
One week on from the sting of a narrow Group 1 defeat in Perth, holidaying trainer Bjorn Baker found consolation at Doomben as Caballus delivered a timely triumph in the Group 3 George Moore Stakes under a cool ride from Tommy Berry. The pain of Overpass being overhauled late in the Winterbottom still lingered, but Berry ensured there would be no repeat. By Yarraman Park Stud's leading stallion I Am Invincible, Caballus, widely overlooked in the market, sprang the gates, dictated terms, and kept up a relentless gallop to turn the $200,000 feature into a one-act affair. Watching on from Fiji, Baker wasn't sure if his phone or the horse would hold up, but only one left him smiling. "It stopped-started when I was watching the race and when it paused, he was three lengths in front with 100m to go so I thought 'they're going to struggle to beat him'," he said. "To win a Group 3 race in the George Moore is very special and it was a great ride from Tommy Berry. We've had a really good association with him this year." While Berry had missed the Winterbottom ride on Overpass, he wasn't about to let Caballus slip through his fingers. "It wasn't quite the plan to do that (lead from the front) but Tommy dictated and dominated and when you do that, you make it count," Baker added. "I know Tommy has always held this horse in very high esteem. From that point of view I knew we had a confident rider and if you need one to overcome that gate (10), then he's your man." The win snapped Tony Gollan's emphatic stranglehold on the race, having won the previous four editions. This time, $3.10 favourite Hidden Wealth finished fourth, behind stablemate Pereille ($9) in second and Cosmic Fire in third. Berry admitted even he was puzzled by the market's assessment. "It was the last place we expected to be but you've got to ride the horse how he jumps and he flew the gates," he said. "I thought there would be more speed in the race but they were all just having a look at each other and I thought 'ah well, I'll take it up'." Berry sensed during the week that the gelding had returned to form after a disappointing heavy-track run in Melbourne and a month between starts had freshened him up. Confident he was on the best horse, the high profile Sydney hoop rode accordingly, and Caballus delivered.
75 Immediate Gr1 Connected Easter Yearlings
Weekend, 8th December 2025
Anticipation is mounting as the 2026 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale edges closer, with the catalogue now entering its final stages of completion. Universally recognised as one of the world’s great bloodstock sales, Easter will once again take place at Riverside Stables in Sydney, this time across March 29 and 30. While the inevitable spotlight will fall on the Snitzel colt out of Winx, he’s just one thread in a tapestry of extraordinary pedigrees. Inglis has lifted the curtain on a cross-section of standout lots, and while the final catalogue will be revealed in January, it’s already clear the 2026 edition will surpass even last year’s record-breaking renewal in terms of both depth and desirability. Among the elite offerings are siblings to some of the modern era’s best-performed horses. Yearlings closely related to Switzerland, Zougotcha, Sunshine In Paris, Private Eye and Golden Sixty feature prominently, alongside progeny of Group 1 winners including Coolangatta, Classique Legend, Magic Time, Celestial Legend and Hitotsu. The siblings of Champion juveniles like Fireburn and Estijaab are expected to draw intense interest, as are those connected to Hong Kong stars such as Cap Ferrat and Beauty Eternal. Equally compelling is the cohort of foals out of exceptional racetrack mares. Annavisto, Azkadellia, Bonham, Celebrity Queen, Dixie Blossoms, English, Every Rose, Fiesta, Forbidden Love, Icebath and In Her Time all have yearlings catalogued, with the list extending to Montefilia, Mizzy, Shoals, Sunlight and Yearning, among dozens of others. Between them, these mares have amassed an astonishing haul of elite-level victories and many millions in prizemoney – an unparalleled foundation for the next generation of champions. According to Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch, the calibre of entries has exceeded even the highest expectations. “It eventuated that we had a very nice group of horses for the sale in 2025, but the success of that sale and positive market sentiment around Inglis in general has meant the support for Easter 2026 has been incredible,” Hutch said. “There are over 75 yearlings entered at the moment which are siblings to or progeny of Group 1 winners, which gives some illustration of the strength of the line-up – it’s staggering.” The scale of quality is complemented by diversity in sire power, with leading stallions such as I Am Invincible, Snitzel, Written Tycoon, Justify, Zoustar, Dundeel, Pierro, Home Affairs and Too Darn Hot all strongly represented. This blend of proven bloodlines and progressive pedigrees should ensure strong international participation from the likes of Japan, Hong Kong, the US and the UK, where Easter graduates continue to fly the flag. The catalogue is expected to be bigger than last year’s, opening up more opportunities for buyers across every budget. Hutch was quick to point out that value is still very much part of the Easter equation. “Despite the strength of the sale in 2025, there were 104 yearlings that could have been bought for $200,000 or less,” he said. The official ‘Easter Yearling Sale 2026 Preview’ booklet is now available, offering a tantalising glimpse of what’s to come. For pedigree purists, commercial buyers, and those chasing Group 1 dreams, it may well be the strongest and most varied line-up in Easter history.
Turf legend Winx has a Snitzel Easter colt (pic: Steve Hart)
Karaka Centennial Edition Meets Expectations
Weekend, 8th December 2025
A centenary celebration demands something exceptional, and NZB’s 100th National Yearling Sale has delivered just that in the form of a star-studded Book 1 catalogue for Karaka 2026. Set to unfold across Sunday 25 and Monday 26 January, the sale will offer 567 yearlings featuring some of the most potent pedigrees in the Southern Hemisphere. A dozen or more siblings to Group 1 winners are peppered throughout the offering, while an even deeper pool of elite relations adds weight to what is shaping as one of the most significant editions in Karaka history. Trelawney Stud brings forward a Proisir colt catalogued as Lot 94, a half-brother to dual Group 1 winner and stallion Grunt, as well as Group 2 winner Zayydani and the stakes-performed Addison. Their dam Ruqqaya is also a half-sister to five-time Group 1 star Ocean Park. Milan Park will offer a Super Seth colt as Lot 138, a half-brother to New Zealand stakes performers Provence and Damask Rose. Ardsley Stud’s draft features a Satono Aladdin filly out of the same mare as Pennyweka, with Lot 192 shaping as a full sister to the G1 winner. They also return with Lot 336, a colt from the first crop of Snitzel stallion In Congo. Hallmark Stud’s Proisir filly, Lot 387, is a full sister to G1 winner Prowess, while Waikato Stud’s Lot 452 – by Savabeel out of Glee – is a full brother to champion 3YO Savaglee. Cambridge Stud adds further depth via Lot 513, a Sword of State colt and half-brother to Ceolwulf. Wentwood Grange, meanwhile, will present a Satono Aladdin colt, Lot 521, whose half-brother is none other than Mr Brightside. Another Satono Aladdin colt in their draft is a half-brother to Gringotts. One assumes that both Lindsay Park and Ciaron Maher will take particular interest in each of them, respectively. Backed by premium genetics, boutique preparation and global buyer interest, Karaka 2026 is shaping up as both a centenary celebration and a high-stakes contest of its own where other catalogue highlights include:
Lot 91, half-sister to Telegraph winner Mercurial
Lot 96, Proisir filly out of the dam of Ruthless Dame and unbeaten juvenile Torture
Lot 197, Noverre filly and half to G1 winner Tiptronic
Lot 206, half to Levin Classic winner Romancing the Moon
Lot 222, full brother to Derby winner and A$4m earner Kovalica
Lot 306, full sister to Campionessa
Lot 365, Proisir filly and half to Derby winner Maison Louis
Lot 459, Proisir filly and half to 2000 Guineas hero Crocetti
Lot 553, Satono Aladdin filly and half to Belclare
Bumper 2025 MM Tasmania Catalogue Released
Weekend, 8th December 2025
Another chapter in the story of affordable champions is poised to unfold with the release of the 2026 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale catalogue. Set against the backdrop of Quercus Park near Launceston, the sale has carved out a reputation for delivering exceptional value and breeding the kind of horses that punch well above their weight. This year’s line-up showcases 125 yearlings, a mix of rising stars by Tasmania’s leading stallions and an impressive spread of progeny from powerhouse sires such as Artorius, Brutal, Capitalist, Earthlight, Extreme Warrior, Hanseatic, Home Affairs, Nicconi, Paulele, Pinatubo, Shamus Award, Stay Inside and Tiger Of Malay. Catalogue watchers will also note a compelling selection of well-related youngsters, several linked to black type winners or proven families with strong commercial appeal. Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch praised the strength of local support behind the 2026 edition, calling the Tasmanian vendor base “more committed than ever.” He added, “We have a great line-up of yearlings – a number of significant lots by high-class stallions – buyers will be impressed.” Bowditch also pointed to the sale’s growing profile in Asia. “It’s been doing a remarkable job, particularly with recent winners in Hong Kong, led by Bundle Award.” Among the headline offerings is a three-quarter sister to Mystic Journey, the $4 million earner who launched her career from this very ring before making history on the mainland and eventually transferring to Japan. That filly forms part of the Armidale Stud draft, a mainstay of the sale’s upper echelon. Other highlights include siblings to black type performers such as Still A Star, I’ll Have A Bit, Tango’s Daughter and Mystical Pursuit, while the progeny of stakes-winning mares like Mirjulisa Lass, Eperdument and Life On The Wire also feature prominently. Building momentum into the sale, the twilight Magic Millions Tasmanian Raceday will shift to Hobart’s Elwick Racecourse on February 6. The showcase card includes the $85,000 2YO Classic (with an additional $10,000 Racing Women’s Bonus), the $75,000 3YO & 4YO Classic and the Tasmanian Derby. From Hong Kong breakthroughs to Australian feature wins, the Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale has built a reputation as a springboard for success, and 2026 is shaping to be no different. Below is the full schedule:
Friday 6 February: Magic Millions Tasmanian Raceday - Elwick Racecourse, Hobart, featuring the $85,000 Magic Millions Tasmanian 2YO Classic (plus $10,000 Racing Women's Bonus) and $75,000 Magic Millions Tasmanian 3YO & 4YO Classic
Sunday 8 February: Hobart Cup Raceday - Elwick Racecourse, Hobart
Friday 20 February: Tasmanian Oaks Raceday - Mowbray Racecourse, Launceston; Magic Millions Yearling Inspections - Quercus Park from 1pm
Saturday 21 February-Sunday 22 February: Magic Millions Yearling Inspections - Quercus Park from 8am
Monday 23 February: Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale - Quercus Park from 11am
Wednesday 25 February: Launceston Cup Raceday - Mowbray Racecourse, Launceston
5% Overpass Share a Major MM Digital Attraction
Weekend, 8th December 2025
With the Magic Millions Digital Sale now live, buyers have a rare chance to secure ownership in a string of proven black-type performers with their sights firmly set on major targets over the coming months. The latest online catalogue, open until December 10, features 45 lots including Group-winning talents who are not just making headlines, but preparing to chase more of them. Chief among the offerings is a 5 per cent share in Overpass, a high-class sprinter who narrowly missed Group 1 glory in last weekend’s Winterbottom Stakes. The son of Vancouver is set to back up in Saturday week’s $1.5 million The Gold Rush at Ascot, giving one lucky buyer the opportunity to jump aboard a campaign already in motion. “To have the opportunity to buy a share in a horse that ran second in a Group One less than a week ago and is planning to run in a $1,500,000 race within a week is a very exciting proposition,” said Magic Millions Head of Digital, Bryce Bevan. Alongside Overpass, shares in high-profile 3YO filly Within The Law are again on offer. A Group 2 winner and twice placed at the elite level, the daughter of Capitalist has already proven her class and will be aimed at rich Sydney targets in the Autumn. Two new shares – 5 per cent and 2.5 per cent – are available, following the successful sale of two others during the previous digital auction. “It is another great opportunity to buy into a genuine Group 1 filly with big Autumn Carnival targets ahead,” Bevan said. Buyers also have a shot at a 2 per cent share in Blitzburg, winner of the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes and poised for a summer campaign under the guidance of Michael Freedman. The Snitzel colt showed precocity at two and remains on track to target more black-type races, while another Freedman-trained prospect, the lightly raced Decorum, is also catalogued. With a win and a second from just two career starts, the three-year-old looks set to continue his upward trajectory, and a 2.5 per cent share in the colt is expected to draw keen bidding. The racehorse section also includes Why Me, who scored in Western Australia just this week, and Intruder, a consistent performer with multiple placings for the Munce stable. In the broodmare category, highlights include Klum, a well-related Snitzel mare and sister to Canterbury trial winner Campione D’Italia. She is offered with a filly at foot by Officiating and back in foal to the same sire. Stakes performer Ghobella, in foal to Maschino, rounds out a compelling set of options for those looking to invest in mares. Bidding for the Magic Millions Digital Sale continues until Wednesday, with lots set to close progressively from midday (Qld time).
Cosmic Crusader Wins Gr1 Northerly Stakes
Weekend, 8th December 2025
Track: Ascot
Race: Gr1 Northerly Stakes (1800m)
Winner: Cosmic Crusader (Maurice-Cosmic Storm, by Street Sense)
Placings: Watch Me Rock and Western Empire
Stallion: Maurice (Screen Hero-Mejiro Frances, by Carnegie)
Stud Farm: Arrowfield Stud
Race Record: 8 Wins and 4 Placings from 16 Starts
Sales Details: N/A
Provence Wins Gr1 Mufhasa Classic
Weekend, 8th December 2025
Track: Trentham
Race: Gr1 Mufhasa Classic (1600m)
Winner: Provence (Savabeel-Sombreuil, by Flying Spur)
Placings: Waitak and La Crique
Stallion: Savabeel (Zabeel-Savannah Success, by Success Express)
Stud Farm: Waikato Stud
Race Record: 7 Wins and 2 Placings from 19 Starts
Sales Details: N/A
Caballus Wins Gr3 George Moore Stakes
Weekend, 8th December 2025
Track: Doomben
Race: Gr3 George Moore Stakes (1200m)
Winner: Caballus (I Am Invincible-Calming Influence, by Commands)
Placings: Pereille and Cosmic Fire
Stallion: I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit-Cannarelle, by Canny Lad)
Stud Farm: Yarraman Park Stud
Race Record: 6 Wins and 2 Placings from 18 Starts
Sales Details: $1 million yearling at the 2022 Inglis Easter Sale
Berkeley Square Wins LR Ballarat Cup
Weekend, 8th December 2025
Track: Ballarat
Race: LR Ballarat Cup (2000m)
Winner: Berkeley Square (Territories-Bahamas, by Teofilo
Placings: Cadmus and Statuario
Stallion: Territories (Invincible Spirit-Bahamas, by Machiavellian)
Stud Farm: Darley
Race Record: 9 Wins and 9 Placings from 36 Starts
Sales Details: N/A
Itchintogo Wins LR Phelan Ready
Weekend, 8th December 2025
Track: Doomben
Race: LR Phelan Ready (1100m)
Winner: Itchintogo (Sun City-Itchintowin, by Nothing To Lose)
Placings: Magritte and Elusive Capital
Stallion: Sun City (Zoustar-Roulettes, by Flying Spur)
Stud Farm: Telemon Thoroughbreds
Race Record: 1 Win and 1 Placing from 2 Starts
Sales Details: $60,000 yearling at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale
Foreign Press Wins LR Mode Stakes
Weekend, 8th December 2025
Track: Doomben
Race: LR Mode Stakes (1200m)
Winner: Foreign Press (Invader-Writer’s Block , by Written Tycoon)
Placings: Sylph and Ernaux
Stallion: Invader (Snitzel-Flame of Sydney, by Encosta de Lago)
Stud Farm: Aquis Farm
Race Record: 4 Wins and 3 Placings from 8 Starts
Sales Details: $65,000 yearling at the 2024 Magic Millions Sale
Buckets Ridge Wins LR G.A. Towton Cup
Weekend, 8th December 2025
Track: Ascot
Race: LR G.A. Towton Cup (2200m)
Winner: Buckets Ridge (Pride of Dubai-Reveille, by High Chaparral)
Placings: Forever Boy and Filthy Habits
Stallion: Pride of Dubai (Street Cry-Al Anood, by Danehill)
Stud Farm: Coolmore Stud
Race Record: 6 Wins and 3 Placings from 22 Starts
Sales Details: $75,000 yearling at the 2022 Magic Millions Perth
