Wednesday, 8th April 2026
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  • Roma Cup Hero Looks Sharp for The Quokka

    Thursday, 9th April 2026
    A dazzling return in stakes company has reinforced the growing belief that a long-held target may now be within reach for a seasoned campaigner thriving deep into his career. The Roma Cup at Ascot proved more than just another win; it offered a timely glimpse of a horse peaking at precisely the right moment. Rope Them In added to his impressive first-up record with victory in the Gr3 Roma Cup over 1100m, maintaining a remarkable strike-rate fresh and setting the tone for a tilt at the $5 million The Quokka in a fortnight. While last year’s attempt in the slot race ended without a placing behind Joker’s Grin, there is renewed confidence within the camp that this preparation has brought him to a new level. Settling off a genuine tempo set by Acromantula, he produced a decisive finishing burst to run down the previously unbeaten Smooth Chino, clocking 63.40 seconds in a performance built on both patience and power. Stable representative Tamara McGuinness sees a horse who has continued to evolve with racing. “He’s a natural athlete and I reckon he’s better than ever,” she said, adding that his racing pattern plays to his strengths. “The harder they go in front the better he goes. He’s so gutsy and we can’t fault him. He will go home to Albany and only requires a couple of gallops to be right for The Quokka.” Jockey Shaun McGruddy echoed that optimism, noting the effort came despite the gelding not being fully wound up. “Full credit to him today at weight-for-age. He’s not a big horse and Wolfie said he was only 80% fit but he responded with that explosive turn of foot.” With improvement to come, he believes the key lies in race circumstances. “He only needs to get a good run to be a chance in The Quokka. He was beaten a bit more than a length in the Winterbottom last prep and would have troubled the winner from a good draw.” Bred by Noel and Peter Carter, who retained an interest after his $60,000 sale through Willaview Park at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions, the gelding has now amassed $1.45 million in earnings, including significant Westspeed bonuses. By Playing God out of Lead Rope, his pedigree traces back to a family that has produced durable metropolitan performers. As it stands, the confirmed line-up for The Quokka is beginning to take shape and adds further depth to the challenge ahead. Rope Them In joins a growing roster that includes Newmarket Handicap winner Caballus, dual Group 1 performer Jigsaw, and the in-form Rey Magnerio, along with local filly Luana Miss and fellow Western Australian hope Smooth Chino. Interstate and international interest is represented by Jedibeel, while Talkanco and West Star add further local intrigue, and Magnificent Andy rounds out the current list of locked-in contenders. With his slot secured, the stage is set for another crack at Western Australia’s richest sprint, and on current evidence, few will head to Ascot in better form.

  • Waldron Ready to Strike While the Iron's Hot

    Thursday, 9th April 2026
    Fresh from a breakthrough result that turned heads well beyond Otago, a confident return to stakes company now looms for an emerging stable intent on making its mark, reports loveracing.nz. The Wingatui-based operation, still in its infancy, has already struck a notable blow and is now aiming to double down at Riccarton Park this weekend. Cluedo Lane delivered that statement performance when taking out the Gr3 White Robe Lodge Weight-For-Age over 1600m, a result that belied both his modest rating and the strength of opposition. Carrying 59kg with a rating of just 78, he was expected to struggle against higher-rated rivals, yet accounted for Sir Albert and Matscot with authority. For trainer Joe Waldron, the outcome may have surprised the wider racing public, but not entirely those closest to the horse. "It was a surprise to a degree but not a shock for me," he said, pointing to consistent lead-up form including a narrow first-up defeat and a strong TAB Mile Trial placing. Only in his second start for the stable, the Ghibellines gelding has quickly justified the faith of co-breeder and owner Michael Stokes, with Waldron now targeting the $350,000 Southern Alps Challenge at the same trip. Careful planning has underpinned the approach, with the trainer opting to keep his charge fresh to avoid a penalty. "We purposely haven't raced him since the White Robe as we didn't want to risk getting any more weight," he explained. The resulting drop to 57kg is seen as a key advantage, despite a wide draw that mirrors his previous assignment. "He's good, he's done well in the meantime with a jumpout and a gallop between races, there are no fitness concerns… I'm confident he'll be competitive again." Waldron's journey to this point has been shaped by both local grounding and international exposure. Time spent as travelling foreman for Murray Baker provided a window into elite-level operations, later informing a stint in Victoria where results were respectable but hard-earned. "It wasn't as if I wasn't successful – I had 60 runners for 11 wins there in our last season – but up against so many big outfits it's very tough getting established," he said. Competing with modestly priced stock only heightened the challenge, reinforcing the appeal of returning home. Now back in familiar surroundings, the smaller scale of the Wingatui setup has proven an advantage. With just 10 horses in work, Waldron and partner Sarah Fannin are hands-on, riding their own trackwork and building momentum through carefully placed runners. Among those heading to Riccarton are Awesome Lineup and American Liaison, both former Victorian performers who have transitioned well. "I won two races with Awesome Lineup over there and dropping back to Rating 65 on Saturday I'm expecting a good run," Waldron said, while noting American Liaison "has definitely got more wins in him" despite tackling open company.
  • The Doncaster Stats Provide Cold Hard Facts

    Thursday, 9th April 2026
    Numbers rarely lie, but on occasion they do more than confirm what the eye has seen – they elevate a performance into something altogether rarer. That was the case at Randwick last Saturday, where the Gr1 Doncaster Handicap produced a result that, through the lens of data, carries even greater authority than the visual impression. Through the analysis of The Ratings Bureaus’ Daniel O’Sullivan, the scale of Sheza Alibi’s win sharpens considerably. He described it as “a rare feat,” one that will endure in memory, before outlining that it stands as the highest-rated performance by a three-year-old in Australia or New Zealand in at least the past decade, even after weight-for-age adjustments for her 49kg. Her race pattern only adds to the significance. She was 10.7 lengths off the lead at the 800m, still 5.8 lengths back at the 400m and positioned near last, yet had the race in her keeping by the 200m. It was a display of sustained finishing power layered over a strong overall time – two elements that rarely combine at this level. O’Sullivan’s data underscores that point. He noted she ran “+12.9 lengths above standard overall and +4.4 for her final 200m,” a profile he labelled “exceptionally rare.” That combination of speed and stamina, he suggested, indicates that stepping up in trip should hold no fears, adding that “2000m will hold no concerns.” In historical terms, the performance carries further weight. O’Sullivan concluded she is “clearly the highest-rated Doncaster winner of the past decade,” both on the weights carried and on a weight-for-age adjusted basis. Comparisons with past champions reinforce the merit of that statement, placing her firmly in elite company despite still being early in her career. Attention now naturally shifts to what lies ahead. From a racing purist’s perspective, the Cox Plate presents as the logical spring target, though the Golden Eagle, with its significant prizemoney, may also enter calculations. Either way, the data suggests her ceiling remains well beyond what has already been seen. Behind her, the numbers also paint a positive picture for Autumn Boy, whose second placing rated 102.4 – an improvement on his previous peak. His progression this campaign has been steady, moving from 97.1 first-up to 99.8 in the Randwick Guineas, then 100.5 in the Rosehill Guineas, and now another step forward at the highest level. While he has repeatedly encountered one better, his profile continues to strengthen. On a day defined by one exceptional performance, the broader data suggests there may yet be significantly more to come from other runners other than just the winner.

  • Purton Says Ka Ying Can Rise Even Higher

    Thursday, 9th April 2026
    A performance of outrageous authority at Sha Tin has only deepened the sense that Australia may yet see an even more formidable version of Ka Ying Rising return for the spring. Fresh off another record-breaking display, confidence within the camp is growing that the sprinter's upward trajectory is far from complete. Zac Purton, who partnered the gelding to victory in last year's Everest, believes the Hong Kong star has taken another step forward following his latest triumph in the Group 2 Sprint Cup. Clocking a blistering 1.07.12 over 1200 metres, the run added further weight to his reputation as the world's premier sprinter, and Purton was unequivocal in his assessment. "He's certainly come back from Australia in great order, and his performances show us that he seems more mature on raceday," he said, noting the horse's growing professionalism. "He's handling it so much better, and he's breaking track records for fun now. So yeah, it's scary. It's like he's a Pegasus, with the wings on his hooves." Suggestions that a testing run could expose him in a future Everest have been met with a measured response. Trainer Wayne Hawkes had floated the idea that a three-wide, no-cover scenario might prove decisive, but Purton was quick to downplay the concern while acknowledging the realities of race dynamics. "Wayne's entitled to his opinion, and he likes clickbait – that's part of his job," he said. "I wouldn't like to be caught three-wide … you don't want to take that chance. You want to give your horse every chance every time you can. Would he still be able to win? I'd like to think so, yeah. But I wouldn't want to take that chance." If there is a lingering query, it lies beneath the surface rather than in the spotlight of pressure racing. Purton admitted that a rain-affected track remains the one variable yet to be fully tested. "I would be concerned… I know what he's like on a dry track, I don't know what he's like on a wet track," he said, referencing a Randwick trial where softer conditions made for a less fluent effort. At face value, should he maintain or even possibly improve his ridiculous form, it's all but impossible to see Ka Ying Rising not bossing his rivals in the 2026 edition of The Everest.
  • Charm Stone Added to Royal Ascot Sprint Brigade

    Thursday, 9th April 2026
    Ambitions of an international campaign are taking shape for Charm Stone, with plans now firmly pointing toward Royal Ascot provided the coming weeks unfold as hoped. According to racing.com, the immediate focus sits closer to home, where the mare will attempt to defend her title in the Gr1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on April 26. That run has been earmarked as the springboard for a northern hemisphere venture, with connections keen to see her produce the right performance and, just as importantly, come through the race in top order before committing to travel. Should those boxes be ticked, a trip to England awaits for a tilt at the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes over 1200m on June 20, where she would join fellow Australian contender Joliestar in what shapes as a deep sprint contest. Preparations for the journey are already well advanced, following detailed discussions between her team and Royal Ascot officials. Co-trainer Mick Price indicated the plan is no longer speculative. “At this stage, yes (she will be going),” he said, outlining the groundwork that has already been put in place. Logistics, including vaccinations and travel timing, have been mapped out, while a base at Charlie Fellowes’ Newmarket property has been secured. “We will stay at Charlie Fellowes’ on the flat part of Newmarket... I’m not going to try and reinvent that mare,” Price said, signalling a preference for keeping her routine as familiar as possible. A key component of the campaign would be the presence of Damian Lane, who is expected to travel from Japan to take the ride if the plan proceeds. His association with the mare runs deep, having partnered her on multiple occasions, including early wins that helped establish her profile. “I think Damian Lane is going to fly from Japan to ride her in the 1200-metre race, the Jubilee, on the Saturday. So, yeah, that’s our race,” Price said. While the opportunity is enticing, there is a clear understanding of the scale of the challenge. Royal Ascot has long been a proving ground for the world’s best sprinters, and the likely opposition will demand a peak performance. Price acknowledged that reality, pointing to the presence of top-level rivals while maintaining a sense of perspective. “Joliestar’s there, she’s won five Group 1s, we’ve won two Group 1s, but it is a horse race. You never know, do you?” The Sangster remains a critical stepping stone, not only as a Group 1 target in its own right but as the final piece of preparation before any travel. Price is mindful of the need to arrive in England with fitness already established. “All the information says don’t try and get them fit over there, so we’ll go to the Sangster,” he said. Australian sprinters have carved out a formidable record at Royal Ascot, with a string of high-profile victories over the past two decades reinforcing the strength of the local sprinting ranks. Should Charm Stone earn her place on that stage, she will be looking to add her name to a roll of honour that continues to grow.

  • Busy Weekend Ahead for Lindsay Park

    Thursday, 9th April 2026
    A hustle-bustle Saturday looms for the Lindsay Park operation as runners are deployed across multiple states, with several key prospects at varying stages of their campaigns, reports racenet.com.au. At Caulfield, attention centres on a progressive juvenile filly who could yet add to her early-season stakes success. Gin Twist, already a Listed winner this campaign, is set to line up in the Redoute's Choice Stakes over 1200m following encouraging signs at home. Her most recent appearance, a third placing behind Satono Glow in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes, was sound without being ideal, with conditions and race manners working against her. That outing briefly prompted discussion around a spell, but a subsequent gallop has tipped the scales toward pressing on. JD Hayes indicated the stable was satisfied with her condition, saying, "She seems to have come through her gallop nicely, at this stage we'll accept." Confidence has also been buoyed by her recovery from the Flemington run, which he described as being in "super" order despite the circumstances. The view internally is that immaturity rather than limitation played its part. "We think she was just a bit fresh and it might have been the wet track," Hayes said, adding that a more suitable surface would allow a clearer assessment of her capabilities at the trip. "If we get conditions to suit, we want to see if she can run a strong 1200m. It'll help us shape what she targets in the spring." The race will also introduce Gleamstone, a $700,000 Ready To Run purchase, who earned his chance with a sharp Werribee jumpout. While still learning, his presence adds depth to the stable's representation on a day when they cast a wide net across Caulfield, Randwick and Morphettville. In Adelaide, the spotlight falls on Stung (see below) who continues to build a compelling case as a leading Australasian Oaks contender. Her dominant win in the Clare Lindop Stakes suggested a filly on the rise, and improvement is expected again stepping into the Auraria Stakes. Hayes was unequivocal in his assessment: "Stung has improved out of her last start, I think she'll be very hard to beat on the weekend." Elsewhere, sprint ambitions are beginning to crystallise around The Goodwood, with Pisanello and Tycoon Star both resuming their upward curves. The former was solid first-up in the Hoysted Stakes and is expected to strip fitter, while the latter went within a whisker of winning fresh. "Pisanello will improve after his first-up run after a long time off," Hayes said, adding of Tycoon Star, "He's improved as well, (we're) looking forward to seeing him again."

  • Autumn Glow Dodges Potentially Disruptive Bullet

    Thursday, 9th April 2026
    A clearer path has emerged for Autumn Glow heading into the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Randwick on Saturday, with the absence of a key rival reshaping the tactical landscape for the $5 million feature. Unbeaten through 11 starts, the four-year-old will step beyond a mile for the first time, drawing barrier two in a compact field of eight. While her preparation has been faultless to date, much of the pre-race discussion has centred on who will not be there, rather than who will. Pride Of Jenni’s decision to contest the Queen Of The Turf instead removes one of racing’s most disruptive on-pace forces from the equation. Her front-running exploits, highlighted by that extraordinary 2024 Queen Elizabeth performance where she opened up a massive mid-race lead before scoring decisively, have the capacity to reshape races in ways few others can. For part-owner John Messara, that absence is significant. “She can disrupt the race,” he said. “She can go 10 [lengths] in front … then all of a sudden you think, ‘I can’t let her get too far in front’. So you push, push, push, and you upset the apple cart. In a way, I prefer she’s not there.” Without that dynamic, the race is expected to unfold in a more conventional pattern, something that may suit a horse stepping up in distance for the first time. Autumn Glow remains a dominant $1.40 favourite, her record and consistency underpinning strong market confidence. The step to 2000m poses a fresh question, but her racing style and progression suggest she is well equipped to handle the challenge. Beyond Saturday, discussion has also touched on the possibility of a match race between the unbeaten mare and the established star she will not meet this weekend. Pride Of Jenni’s owner, Tony Ottobre, has floated the idea of a high-stakes one-on-one contest, but Messara views such scenarios with caution. “Those match races are of questionable interest to people and if there’s a big differential with one or the other horse, you get a ridiculous outcome,” he said. “You could beat the other horse by four or five. It takes all the fun out of life.” While not dismissing the concept entirely, he acknowledged the unpredictability involved. “It could be either way, I don’t know. She’s a great mare and has a lot of heart. It’s an unlikely outcome, but I’m always open to suggestions.” The immediate focus remains firmly on the task at hand, where a rising star has the opportunity to extend an unblemished record on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

    Pride of Jenni

    Pride of Jenni won't run in the Queen Elizabeth (pic: Mark Gatt)
  • Further Tests for Campaldino Before Green Light

    Thursday, 9th April 2026
    Plans for the Sydney Cup have been thrown into uncertainty after a routine veterinary check raised an unexpected concern around leading contender Campaldino, casting doubt over his participation in the two-mile feature at Royal Randwick, reports punters.com.au. The issue emerged during standard inspections conducted on Tuesday morning, where the presence of cardiac arrhythmia was detected. It came as a surprise to connections, particularly given the gelding’s recent performance when finishing second in the Chairman’s Handicap (2600m), a run that suggested he was on track for a peak showing. Co-trainer Adrian Bott confirmed there had been no prior indication of any irregularity. “He presented with cardiac arrhythmia in the tests this morning,” he said. “He’ll go through the ECG process. He was checked immediately following the race (on Saturday) and all the vital signs, everything was all in order.” The absence of any previous history has added to the unusual nature of the case. “It’s a bit of an unusual case. He’s never had any history. It’s something that has just popped up.” Further testing is now underway, with blood samples taken and additional monitoring planned. A key step will come on Thursday, when the horse is required to gallop in front of racing officials in order to demonstrate that the condition has resolved before being cleared to compete. Despite the setback, the stable has maintained a measured approach, with the welfare of the horse taking precedence over any race-day ambitions. Bott emphasised that Campaldino would only take his place in the Gr1 Sydney Cup (3200m) if there was complete confidence in his fitness and wellbeing. If cleared, the expectation remains that he can perform strongly. A proven stayer, he arrives off a preparation that mirrors successful Sydney Cup campaigns the stable has executed in the past. His latest effort at Randwick reinforced that he is nearing peak condition, while his previous Brisbane Cup victory over the same distance provides further confidence in his credentials. Barrier 14 presents an added challenge, although his tactical speed offers some flexibility in navigating the early stages. Tim Clark has been booked to ride, should the gelding receive the final clearance. For now, however, attention remains firmly on the immediate task of ensuring he passes the required examinations, with a decision on his participation hinging entirely on the outcome of those tests.
  • Japanese Derby Hero Strikes Again

    Thursday, 9th April 2026
    At Hanshin on Sunday, a colt already etched into Japanese racing folklore reaffirmed his standing with a performance that blended resilience, class and tactical maturity, as Croix Du Nord returned to winning form in the G1 Osaka Hai over 2000m. The victory, his third at the highest level, came against a field rich in proven talent and underlined his credentials for a major international campaign later in the year. Settling from the widest gate in 15, the near-black colt was asked to do early work, gradually working across to sit three deep with cover through the opening stages. Up front, Meisho Tabaru dictated proceedings at a strong tempo, carving out the first 1000m in 58.01 and ensuring the race would be a genuine test of both stamina and positioning. With the field compacting approaching the home turn, Croix Du Nord improved into the leading division, travelling with purpose as the pressure intensified. Turning for home, Meisho Tabaru attempted to kick clear, but Croix Du Nord was poised to strike. When asked for his effort, he responded with determination, gradually wearing down the leader before asserting in the closing stages to score by three-quarters of a length. Danon Decile, another Japanese Derby winner, finished strongly nearer the inside to claim third, while Tagano Dude closed late to be beaten narrowly for that position. The result not only marked a return to peak form but also secured a berth in the G1 Irish Champion Stakes, providing connections with a clear international target. For jockey Yuichi Kitamura, the win carried both relief and affirmation after the colt’s recent high-profile outings. “To be honest, I'm relieved that we were able to win and live up to the expectations as race favourite,” he said. He acknowledged the testing conditions and race dynamics, adding, “The going was tough to handle and the incredible speed of the pacesetter, Meisho Tabaru, was also tough to beat but I gave my all to drive the colt to the wire in which he responded beautifully.” Looking ahead, Kitamura expressed confidence in what lies ahead, noting, “I'm confident that this season will be all about Croix du Nord and that he will play the leading role in all of his starts.” Already crowned a champion two-year-old following victories in the Hopeful Stakes and Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes, the Sunday Racing representative has consistently competed at the elite level. His three-year-old season featured a narrow second in the Satsuki Sho before a defining triumph in the Tokyo Yushun. Internationally, he has also shown his quality, edging out future Arc winner Daryz in France before contesting Europe’s premier middle-distance events. Bred by Northern Farm, Croix Du Nord is by Kitasan Black, a sire whose influence continues to grow, headlined by the exceptional Equinox. Out of the Group 2-winning mare Rising Cross – she placed in both the Gr1 Oaks and Gr1 Irish Oaks – his pedigree blends stamina and class, traits that were again on full display in a performance that signals he remains a major force on the global stage.

2025 BTR Stud Stallions

BTP STUD STALLIONS

Sire
A Lot Established
Acrobat Established
Al Maher Established
Alabama Express Established
All American Established
All Too Hard Established
Alpine Eagle Established
Alpine Edge 3rd Season
Anamoe 1st crop 2YOs
Anders Established
Artie Schiller Established
Awesome Rock Established
Barbados Established
Barbaric Established
Best Of Bordeaux Established
Better Than Ready Established
Bivouac Established
Brave Smash Established
Brazen Beau Established
Bruckner 1st crop 2YOs
Bull Point Established
Bullbars Established
Cape Of Good Hope 1st crop 2YOs
Capitalist Established
Captivant Established
Castelvecchio Established
City Of Troy Established
Cliff's Edge Established
Cogburn 2nd Season
Cool Aza Beel Established
D'argento Established
Danerich Established
Dash For Cash Established
De Gaulle Established
Delaware Established
Denman Established
Dirty Work Established
Dissident Established
Don Corleone 3rd Season
Doubtland Established
Dubious Established
Dundeel Established
Ellsberg 1st crop 2YOs
Encryption Established
Exceedance Established
Exosphere Established
Extreme Choice Established
Farnan Established
Flying Artie Established
Foxwedge Established
Frankel My Dear Established
Gingerbread Man Established
Gold Standard Established
Graff Established
Grunt Established
Hallowed Crown Established
Harry Angel Established
Hawaii Five Oh 3rd Season
Headwater Established
Hellbent Established
Hitotsu 1st crop 2YOs
Home Affairs Established
I Am Immortal Established
I Am Invincible Established
Ilovethiscity Established
Invader Established
Jacquinot 1st crop 2YOs
Ka Ying Master 1st crop 2YOs
Kermadec Established
King Colorado 3rd Season
King's Legacy Established
Lofty Strike 3rd Season
Lord Of The Sky Established
Love Conquers All Established
Manhattan Rain Established
Maschino Established
Master Of Design Established
Maurice Established
Merchant Navy Established
Mo'unga 3rd Season
Murtajill Established
My Admiration Established
Needs Further Established
Nicconi Established
Nostradamus Established
Officiating 3rd Season
Ole Kirk Established
Pariah Established
Pierata Established
Pierro Established
Pinatubo Established
Playing God Established
Portland Sky Established
Power Established
Prague Established
Pride Of Dubai Established
Private Life Established
Puissance De Lune Established
Rebel Dane Established
Rich Enuff Established
Rommel Established
Rubick Established
Russian Camelot Established
Russian Revolution Established
Safeguard Established
Sandbar Established
Sessions Established
Shaft Established
Shalaa Established
Shamoline Warrior Established
Shamus Award Established
Shinzo Established
Shooting To Win Established
Sidestep Established
Sizzling Established
Skilled Established
Smart Missile Established
Snitzel Established
So Secret Established
So You Think Established
Soul Patch Established
Southport Tycoon 2nd Season
Spirit Of Boom Established
Squamosa Established
St Mark's Basilica Established
Star Turn Established
Star Witness Established
Street Boss Established
Super One Established
Supido Established
Swear Established
Sweet Ride 3rd Season
Switzerland Established
The Autumn Sun Established
The Brothers War Established
Time To Reign Established
Too Darn Hot Established
Toorak Toff Established
Top Echelon Established
Toronado Established
Trapeze Artist Established
Turffontein Established
Unite And Conquer Established
Universal Ruler Established
Vancouver Established
Vandeek Established
Victor Ludorum Established
Von Costa De Hero Established
Wandjina Established
Winning Rupert Established
Wooded Established
Wootton Bassett Established
Worthy Cause Established
Written By Established
Written Tycoon Established
Xtravagant Established
Your Song Established
Zousain Established
Zoustar Established