A record-setting moment at Riverside provided a fitting finale to the Classic Yearling Sale, as a Ghaiyyath colt delivered a landmark result for his breeders on the final afternoon. The hammer fell at $625,000, making the colt the 2026’s sale’s top-priced lot and the most expensive yearling ever sold by Wentwood Grange. The result capped a strong closing session for the sale overall, which finished with gains across every major indicator, including a $3.47 million lift in gross turnover. Among 668 yearlings offered, it was lot 668 that commanded centre stage, eventually secured by Tony and Calvin McEvoy in partnership with Damon Gabbedy’s Belmont Bloodstock after sustained competition. For Wentwood Grange principal Dean Hawkins, who operates the family farm alongside his brother Sean and Leigh, the outcome exceeded all expectations. The colt had entered the ring with a $150,000 reserve, a figure that already reflected strong confidence, but the bidding momentum quickly surpassed that mark. Hawkins later described the result as unbelievable, admitting that even a $200,000 outcome would have been warmly received. Instead, the colt soared well beyond that, rewarding months of preparation and a week of flawless presentation. Hawkins credited the colt’s athleticism and movement for attracting such strong interest, noting he had impressed throughout inspections. He also paid tribute to the work of the staff and the consistency of the Classic Sale as a platform, describing it as a fixture the farm values highly after more than a decade of regular participation. While auctions can be unpredictable by nature, Hawkins said the experience reinforced why Wentwood Grange continues to support the sale year after year. From the buying bench, Calvin McEvoy made it clear the colt had been a long-term target. “We loved him from the first time we saw him, which you really need to when you spend that sort of money,” McEvoy said. He explained that repeated inspections only strengthened their confidence, with the colt repeatedly passing scrutiny as they searched for any flaws. That conviction ultimately drove them to bid assertively. McEvoy added that while the final price may have edged slightly beyond expectations, the presence of a respected underbidder only enhanced their belief in the colt. He pointed to recent Group 1 success sourced from the Classic Sale as evidence that diligent inspection can still uncover elite talent, and said this colt stood out clearly as the one they were determined to take home.
Lot 668, a Ghaiyyath colt, topped the sale (pic: inglis.com.au)
Inglis Classic Sale Grosses Over $57 Million
Wednesday, 11th February 2026
Strong trade continued at Riverside on Tuesday as the second-top lot of the session underlined the depth of demand driving the Classic Yearling Sale. A Home Affairs x You Rang filly offered by Mullaglass Stud emerged as a headline act, selling for $380,000 to trainer Bryce Heys and Ellerslie Lodge after attracting sustained interest throughout the week. The result capped an outstanding sale for Dr Richard and Kim McClenahan, whose Mullaglass draft proved one of the most consistent performers of the catalogue. Sixteen of their seventeen yearlings found buyers, contributing to aggregate receipts in excess of $1.9 million and comfortably exceeding pre-sale expectations. Dr McClenahan said the strength of trade had been evident from the outset, with inspections and parades remaining relentless across the three days. “We’ve had a fantastic sale, definitely well above what we expected when we came down here,” he said. “The parades were massive, our staff never sat down all week really and it’s just been a great week.” He added that the filly’s popularity had been obvious early. “She was very, very busy, the busiest horse we’ve ever had at this sale. We put her on the market at $150,000, were sort of hoping she’d make $250,000 and everything after that was a great result.” Heys said the filly’s physical presence and overall quality made her attractive regardless of venue. He noted she rated highly on their assessments and inspired strong conviction during inspections. He also reiterated his support for the Classic Sale model, pointing to its ability to cater for a broad spectrum of horses and buyers. From his perspective, the sale continues to offer genuine opportunity, both for breeders seeking results and buyers willing to look beyond convention. By the end of Day 3, the sale gross had climbed to $57,573,500, supported by an improved clearance rate of 84 per cent, up from 80 per cent last year. Both average and median figures also posted gains, reinforcing the sale’s upward trajectory despite offering fewer yearlings due to scratchings compared with the previous edition. Arrowfield Stud finished as leading vendor for the second consecutive year, selling 32 horses for $3.72 million. On the buying side, Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr, with partners, topped the spenders at $1.47 million, while John Foote, also with partners, secured the most individual lots with 11. Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch said the breadth of international and domestic participation had been particularly pleasing, noting strong competition across multiple price points and a buying bench drawn from Asia, Europe and across Australia. Inglis’ focus now switches to the Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale at Oaklands.
Castagnola Inching Towards Derby Possibilities
Wednesday, 11th February 2026
Another Gosford win on Wednesday could open a longer-term conversation about distance for a progressive three-year-old who continues to shape as a horse with time on his side. While any Derby discussion remains premature, racingnsw.com.au reports Castagnola is doing enough to suggest that stamina, rather than speed alone, will become his calling card as the season unfolds. The Viridian Advisory Handicap (1600m) represents a significant step in that direction, with the gelding tackling the mile for the first time against stronger opposition. Bjorn Baker’s racing manager Luke Hilton said maturity remains the key variable, but there is quiet confidence the son of So You Think is heading the right way. “He’s a promising stayer and it’s another good stepping stone for him,” Hilton said. “I think the mile and potentially beyond is going to suit him.” Any Derby path is unlikely to point toward Randwick in April, with Hilton suggesting patience will be the better guide. “The Sydney Derby might come a bit too soon for him maturity wise this preparation,” he said. “He might put his hand up for Queensland.” That approach reflects how the gelding has progressed through his first two starts, showing adaptability and composure beyond his limited experience. A debut at Kembla Grange on January 3 saw him charge home from near last into third, before adopting a more prominent position when scoring decisively at Kensington 18 days later. Those contrasting performances have encouraged the stable, even as he faces a tougher test under the handicap conditions this week. “He was very good first-up, he had to get a long way back from a bad gate,” Hilton said. “He brought that form to town and improved again.” The rise in trip and a 3kg weight increase will provide further information, but Hilton believes the gelding has already shown an important trait. “He showed a little bit of versatility, but as he gets up in trip the further he will get in the run,” he said. “He has a big weight, it’s hard for young horses, but I think he has a bit of quality and hopefully can go on to better things.” The Gosford meeting also marks the return of lightly raced filly Tigletta, who resumes in the Ignite HR & Employment Law Plate (1000m) after a foot issue halted her campaign following a Wyong placing in November. Hilton said her recent trial should be disregarded, particularly from a wide draw. “She just stepped slowly in her trial the other day, she’s generally on pace and has good natural speed,” he said. “She’s been consistent and very honest and deserves a win.”
So You Think (pictured) has another Derby prospect in Castagnola (pic: coolmore.com.au)
Moody Pivots Away From Australian Guineas
Wednesday, 11th February 2026
Plans for one of the autumn’s most talked-about fillies have been recalibrated, with a late change all but ruling her out of the Australian Guineas, revealed racing.com. Early favourite Sheza Alibi is now “highly unlikely” to take her place in the Group 1 after co-trainer Peter Moody opted to delay the start of her campaign by a week. The decision was confirmed on Tuesday morning following discussions with the ownership group, led by Fred Noffke, with the filly set to bypass her intended Saturday kick-off and instead resume at Caulfield the following weekend. The shift effectively removes the Australian Guineas from contention and places the focus on an alternative Sydney path. “I’ve just had a chat with the ownership group of Sheza Alibi, Mr Fred Noffke, and we are not going to run her on Saturday which makes it highly unlikely she will take her place in the Australian Guineas,” Moody said. “It’s more than likely she will run in the (G2) Armanasco Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday week en route to the Randwick Guineas (March 7).” Moody said the adjustment was based on how the filly has come through her early work rather than any concern with her overall wellbeing. “I just thought another week. She’s a filly that carries good condition,” he said. “She worked super (on Tuesday morning) but just had a little bit more of a blow than I thought. She looks very well but maybe just a tad too well, so we made the decision.” There remains some flexibility around the opening target should more time be required, with the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on February 28 also under consideration. “I don’t think she’ll have a deep autumn,” Moody said. “Our plan was to probably have two runs in Victoria and probably spell her because she’s had a long spring, but I never say never.” Meanwhile, Moody confirmed Gr1 Guineas heroine Ole Dancer (Ole Kirk) will take her place on Saturday in either the Listed Desirable Stakes (1400m) for fillies or the Group 3 Frances Tressady (1400m) for mares as she builds toward the Surround Stakes. “Ole Dancer, she will take her place in one of those races on Saturday en route to the Surround Stakes,” Moody revealed in relation to the prized 3YO Group Fillies event. “She’s pulled up a little cleaner in the wind and is certainly ready to go to the races this weekend.”
Legarto to Sell Through Magic Millions in May
Wednesday, 11th February 2026
A return to top-level winning form on Saturday has put one of New Zealand’s most decorated racemares on a clear end-of-career path, with just one further start likely before she heads to the breeding shed. The Te Rapa victory came in the Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m), where Legarto (NZ) (Proisir) secured a fourth Group One success and confirmed that her final preparation remains firmly on track. The six-year-old had gone almost twelve months without a win before successfully defending her Herbie Dyke crown, producing a determined performance to account for Victorian raider Kingswood (Roaring Lion). The result also marked a milestone afternoon, delivering jockey Opie Bosson his 100th elite victory and extending the Group 1 tally for trainers Ken and Bev Kelso to fifteen. It was a win built on resilience rather than brilliance, but one that underlined the mare’s enduring class. Saturday’s success took her career record to 11 wins from 23 starts, with earnings approaching $2.6 million. Earlier highlights included victories in the New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and Australian Guineas (1600m) as a three-year-old, while consistency at the elite level has been a hallmark of her career. She has finished second, third or fourth in a further six Group 1 contests, three of those coming in the lead-up to her latest triumph. The immediate focus now shifts to Ellerslie, with the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) on Champions Day identified as the logical next assignment. Ken Kelso said the mare had come through the run in excellent order. “We put her out in the paddock after getting home from the races, but it took a while to catch her when I went out to put her cover on later on,” Kelso said. “That tells me she’s taken no harm from the race, so the Bonecrusher is the obvious next target for her.” While this campaign has been flagged as her final one, Kelso acknowledged that strong form at Ellerslie could open other options. “Beyond that we’ll have to talk things through. She’s rising seven and we’ve already decided this is her final preparation, but if she was to go well at Ellerslie we could perhaps look at a race like the Australian Cup (Gr1, 2000m).” Longer term, her future is already mapped out. Philip Brown, speaking for the 12-strong ownership group, confirmed the mare will be offered at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast in May. “We’ve already arranged for her to go to Brian Nutt at Attunga Stud to be prepared for the sale,” Brown said. “Being a partnership, public auction is the proper way to realise her true worth.” Brown noted the emotional weight of Saturday’s win and drew parallels with another Proisir mare raced by the group, Levante, who is now part of a successful breeding programme. “As a multiple Group 1 winner including one in Australia, she’s obviously a valuable mare, so it’s going to be an interesting exercise,” he said. Retained by the Browns following her retirement, Levante has since been integrated into a foal-share breeding arrangement with Arrowfield Stud. Her first foal, a Snitzel yearling filly, realised $600,000 at the Gold Coast Magic Millions in January and is set to join the Chris Waller stable. The mare is currently in foal to The Autumn Sun and is programmed to return to the Arrowfield stallion again next spring before heading back to the Browns’ Ancroft Stud.
Roadworks Create Speedbump for Doctor Askar
Wednesday, 11th February 2026
Meanwhile, s short, quiet spell in the paddock has replaced what was meant to be a significant career step, after an unfortunate travel incident ruled a promising contender out of Saturday’s Gr1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa, reports loveracing.nz. The setback came late in the piece, turning anticipation into frustration just hours before raceday for Doctor Askar (NZ) (Derryn). The Waverley-trained gelding had shaped as a genuine chance in the $700,000 Group One, coming off a powerful performance in the Thorndon Mile (1600m) that suggested he was ready to test himself at elite level. Connections had been buoyed by that effort and were keen to see how he measured up over further ground against top company, but the plan was undone en route to Hamilton. Trouble struck during the float trip north, with road works and a sudden corner unsettling the gelding and causing him to scramble. By the time he arrived on course, he was clearly uncomfortable, prompting an immediate veterinary inspection and the decision to withdraw him as a precaution. Trainer Joanne Moss explained that he was sore on unloading, leaving little option but to err on the side of caution. The focus quickly shifted from the race to recovery, with the gelding returning home for some well-earned rest. Moss said he had endured close to ten hours on the truck and would be given a few quiet days to let things settle. She noted that he was moving freely in the paddock, eating well and generally content, albeit showing some residual stiffness and soreness from the incident. Although the timing was disappointing, the episode has not dampened confidence in the gelding’s long-term prospects. Moss felt the Herbie Dyke had been the right moment to step him up both in distance and class, but remains philosophical about missing the opportunity. She believes the five-year-old is still maturing mentally and physically, and that patience will be rewarded as he continues to learn his craft. Provided he comes through the coming days as expected, another Group 1 target remains firmly on the radar. The Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day has emerged as a possible next step, though Moss stressed there will be no rush. Any decision will hinge on how the gelding presents closer to the race, with his welfare remaining the priority. A homebred son of Derryn, Doctor Askar has already compiled an impressive record, winning seven of his 21 starts and banking $586,000 in prizemoney. Alongside his Thorndon Mile success, his resume includes victories in the Easter Handicap (1600m) and Flying Handicap (1400m), achievements that suggest there is still plenty to come once circumstances align.
Marhoona Has History to Overcome
Wednesday, 11th February 2026
History offers little encouragement when a Golden Slipper winner attempts to reboot a career in open-age company, particularly in a race as unforgiving as the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes, yet Saturday's assignment at Flemington is not without intrigue. The task falls to Marhoona, a filly whose raw speed and careful management provide at least a plausible counter to a trend that has humbled many before her. Two factors, at least, argue in her favour. She has already returned from her Golden Slipper triumph to win again, scoring first-up in the Listed Heritage Stakes over 1000m in September, and history shows fillies enjoy more latitude than their male counterparts. No Slipper-winning colt or gelding has managed another victory since 2012, while fillies have twice broken through. Recent precedent supports that narrow opening. Fireburn followed her Slipper success with a Group 1 ATC Sires' Produce Stakes win in 2023 before spelling, later salvaging her season with a Group 2 Roses at Doomben. Earlier still, She Will Reign returned the spring after her Slipper to claim the Group 1 Moir Stakes in 2017, reinforcing that exceptional fillies can occasionally defy the pattern. Others have remained competitive without winning, most notably Lady Of Camelot, who consistently performed at elite level after her Slipper victory. Placings in the Group 1 Moir Stakes, Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, Group 1 Surround Stakes and the Group 1 Coolmore Stakes for mares underline that post-Slipper relevance is not confined solely to the winners' list. Confidence within the camp has been shaped by a deliberately conservative preparation. Trainer Michael Freedman said on Monday that the filly had returned in excellent order after an early end to her spring. "She's been very lightly-raced and well looked after and so she certainly hasn't been over-taxed and I think she's come back in really good order this time around," he said. "She's been down there since late last week. Obviously, she hasn't been up the straight before but I've been really happy with how she's been going so we figured it was worth giving her a crack." That assessment was reinforced in late January when she was allowed to stretch out in a Randwick trial, comfortably accounting for the unbeaten mare Autumn Glow. He explained that a minor foot issue curtailed plans last spring and justified the reset, noting that placement for fillies is rarely straightforward. Carrying Group 1 penalties complicates matters, but three-year-olds hold a fair record in the race and a strong showing could open a path to the Newmarket under handicap conditions. Market confidence remains measured, with Marhoona priced at $13. Against the weight of history, the filly's speed, freshness and careful spacing of runs ensure the experiment carries more substance than sentiment alone, as she steps onto Flemington's straight for the first time on Saturday, later in the afternoon program there.
Golden Slipper winner Marhoona (pic: Mark Gatt)
Hong Kong Shines Light on Awesome Rock Yearlings
Wednesday, 11th February 2026
An international highlight has added fresh lustre to an already productive season for Awesome Rock, just as his yearlings prepare to step into the spotlight at the Perth Magic Millions. With a half-dozen youngsters entered from Gold Front Thoroughbreds, momentum lifted further on Wednesday night when his Hong Kong-based runner Awesome Fluke rewrote the record books at Happy Valley. Formerly known as Awesome John, the six-year-old stopped the clock at 1:37.74 in the Shan Kwong Handicap (1650m), lowering the previous course record by 0.16 seconds in an on-pace victory for trainer Ricky Yiu and jockey Andrea Atzeni. The performance added another layer to his résumé, which already included a Group 2 WA Derby (2400m) success in 2023, and pushed his Hong Kong earnings to the equivalent of around AUD1.34 million. Yiu credited both preparation and ride for the result, noting that continuity had been key. "The light weight (53kg) helped and he has stayed fit, right from the beginning of the season, until now," he said. He also pointed to Atzeni's familiarity with the gelding. "Andrea knows him well and made the right move to take over at the 600m. That's the key with him. You have to get going early and get that momentum because he can stay all day." The offshore success followed a strong domestic moment for the sire when Watch Me Rock landed the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot during the Pinnacles. Together, the results have reinforced Awesome Rock's standing at a time when breeders and buyers are assessing his next crop, including five fillies and a colt entered by Alan and Sue Olive for the Perth sale. The colt, catalogued as Lot 72, is out of Fine Approach, a six-time Adelaide city sprint winner, and comes from a family that has already delivered black-type stayer Seven Iron. Sue Olive said the colt appealed on multiple levels. "He's a lovely type and it's a very successful family," she said. "He also ticks all the boxes as a physical as a big, scopey colt." Another highlight is the filly out of Zoushine (Lot 115), the first foal from the Group 3-winning mare who was a $375,000 purchase at the 2022 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. Zoushine completed a Moonee Valley 2YO hat-trick before progressing to stakes success, and Olive is pleased with the outcome. "Mum has thrown a good one first up," she said. "She's a bit smaller than the standard Awesome Rock but she's a lovely natured filly with a body-shape that's picture perfect." Beyond Awesome Rock, Gold Front's Swan Valley consignment spans 16 yearlings and includes first-crop representatives by Western Australian sires Aysar, Marine One and Lightsaber, alongside colts by State Of Rest, Pierata and St Mark's Basilica. Among them is a leggy State Of Rest colt from River Goddess (Lot 66) who has thrived through preparation, plus a Pierata colt (Lot 69), a half-brother to Sydney staying winner Outlandos, and a St Mark's Basilica colt (Lot 78) bred following targeted advice from Cannon Hayes. Gold Front's draft will be stabled in Barns I and J, carrying both proven performance and emerging promise into the Perth Magic Millions ring.
Brace of Tassie Fillies Hold Their Own
Wednesday, 11th February 2026
A dominant showing from a pair of three-year-old fillies ensured Hobart Cup Day belonged firmly to the younger brigade, with Tasmania’s two all-female features decided in emphatic fashion, reports tasracing.com.au. Both races delivered performances that not only justified their billing but also reshaped the local pecking order heading toward the back half of summer. Redemption came swiftly in the Listed Aviso Tas Insurance Strutt Stakes (2020m), where Daytona Diva (Anders) erased the memory of an unplaced effort in the Thousand Guineas by asserting herself with authority, and providing her Widden Stud-based sire Anders with his first stakes winner. Settling outside the leader under Jabez Johnstone, she travelled strongly throughout and had enough in reserve to repel the late challenge of Aurora Rise, with the pair drawing clear of Miss Aggravation in third. Early favourite Crack the Shutters was a late scratching with a minor leg issue, but the result left little doubt as to the winner’s merit. Trainer John Blacker felt the longer journey was always likely to suit, despite the setback last time at a mile. “We probably got too far back in that mile race, but she was pretty good through the line. We worked her solid to have her fit for today, and I thought, even though the favourite came out, we would’ve rolled her too, so she’s got a good result,” Blacker said. The victory also carried extra significance for Johnstone, who secured his first black-type success and completed a Hobart Cup Day double for the second year running. “It honestly feels amazing. I wouldn’t have wanted to be on any other horse,” he said. Attention now turns to Launceston, with the Tasmanian Oaks (2100m) on 20 February shaping as the logical next step. Many from the Strutt Stakes field are expected to follow that path, but Daytona Diva’s performance suggested she will arrive there with momentum firmly on her side. Earlier on the card, the Kevin Sharkie Mystic Journey Stakes (1200m) was turned into a procession by Sanniya, who delivered a commanding front-running display against older mares. Craig Newitt was forced to work early from barrier nine but was able to cross comfortably, and once in control the $1.50 favourite never looked in danger, scoring by two lengths over Alvarinho and Silver Dagger. Trainer Barry Campbell later confirmed there would be no hesitation stepping her to 1400m next start, with the Vamos Stakes now firmly on the radar.
Best Performed Kiwi Maiden Ready to Atone
Wednesday, 11th February 2026
Wednesday’s Taylor Perry Insurance NZB Mega Maiden (1150m) at Te Aroha shapes as a pivotal assignment for a three-year-old who has built a reputation for running into the right horses at the wrong time. Navy Ensign, a son of U S Navy Flag, lines up with form that has repeatedly measured up well beyond maiden grade, and a freshened profile that suggests this could finally be the day the ledger is balanced. Initially secured as a pinhook prospect by part-owner David Archer for $47,500 from Haunui Farm’s 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 2 Sale, the gelding was retained after failing to reach his $60,000 reserve at the Ready To Run Sale later that year. That decision has proven a blessing, with Navy Ensign producing four competitive performances to date, each resulting in a runner-up finish behind horses who have since validated the strength of those form lines at the highest level. Chief among them is Well Written, who defeated him on debut and has since remained unbeaten through four subsequent starts, capturing the New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), Auckland Guineas (1400m) and Soliloquy Stakes (1400m). Trainer Murray Thompson has little doubt about the quality of the company his gelding has been keeping. “He has got to be the best maidener in the country,” Thompson said. “The horses beating him, you have got to look at the form behind them, it is just unreal.” Thompson said circumstances have played a significant role in each defeat. “In his debut behind Well Written, we were three and four wide, we had the toughest run in the race that day and it was a really good run,” he said. “We didn’t have much luck in our third start (behind Lyin’ Eyes), we were three-wide the trip, and last start (behind Khaleesi) we rode him upside down. We wanted to take luck out of the equation, it didn’t suit him plus he was feeling the ground.” Further encouragement arrived last Saturday at Te Rapa in the Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic (1600m), where That’s Gold defeated Khaleesi and Golden Wings. “That’s Gold won the race and he was behind us in our second start, so the form stacks up,” Thompson said. A short break following his December run over 1400m at Tauranga has also had the desired effect. Navy Ensign will jump from barrier eight with Matthew Cameron aboard. Looking ahead, Thompson said stakes options will be dictated by Wednesday’s performance. “I have pencilled in the Wellington Guineas (Gr.2, 1600m), but if he won and won well I would probably look at headquarters on Saturday week in the Uncle Remus (Gr.3, 1400m), but he would have to win to warrant going there.”
Navy Ensign is owned by David Archer (pic: Race Images Peter Rubery)
