Friday, 7th August 2026
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Global Breeding, Racing and Sales News

  • Fluro Neuro Primed to Confirm Bolton Form

    Friday, 7th August 2026
    Recent course form points strongly towards Fluro Neuro as the horse to beat in Saturday's Listed Swan Draught Belmont Newmarket over 1200m, with the Grant and Alana Williams-trained seven-year-old returning to the scene of his narrow H G Bolton Sprint victory a fortnight ago. He settled well off the speed on that occasion before producing the strongest closing run, edging out Snowdome and confirming that his earlier second in the Gr3 Northam Stakes was no isolated performance. Although he rises to 59.5kg, barrier one should allow Chloe Azzopardi to conserve ground before searching for clear running, and his record over the Belmont 1200m remains persuasive. Repossession shapes as the principal danger after an eye-catching third in the Listed Beaufine Stakes, where he was slowly away and held up before making late ground. The question is whether a gelding whose five victories have all come at 1000m can be equally effective at 1200m, but his soft-track record and proven Belmont affinity suggest the distance is within reach. Snowdome fought tenaciously when runner-up to Fluro Neuro in the Bolton and may receive a cleaner passage from barrier seven than he did from the outside gate last time. He possesses the tactical speed to control the race and meets the winner slightly better at the weights. Immortal Bliss was unable to reproduce his Beaufine victory when fifth in the Bolton, but he was only a length from the winner and remains lightly raced enough to improve at his second attempt over this course and distance during the preparation. Twain's Angel owns an imposing eight wins from 16 starts at 1200m, although two subdued runs since resuming leave her needing to rediscover her best.  Suggested top four: 1. Fluro Neuro; 2. Repossession; 3. Snowdome; 4. Immortal Bliss.

  • Changing of the Guard After Transformative Tenure

    Friday, 7th August 2026
    A major leadership transition is approaching at Flutter Entertainment, with long-serving chief executive Peter Jackson set to leave the global gambling group at the end of September after nearly nine years at its helm. Dan Taylor, currently president of Flutter and chief executive of its international division, will assume the top role on October 1, while Jackson will remain as an adviser until the end of the year to assist with the handover. The announcement accompanied Flutter's second-quarter financial results and comes during a difficult period for the owner of Paddy Power, Betfair, Sky Bet and FanDuel, whose share price has fallen sharply over the past year. The company's senior ranks had already undergone change in May when FanDuel chief executive Amy Howe departed. Jackson first became involved with the business as a Betfair non-executive director in 2013 and remained on the board following its merger with Paddy Power. He was appointed chief executive of Paddy Power Betfair in January 2018 and subsequently oversaw its evolution into one of the world's largest betting and gaming companies, including the transformative combination with Sky Bet owner The Stars Group. "It has been such a privilege to lead Flutter's transformation, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved over nearly nine years," Jackson said. "Flutter is a fantastic business, with a portfolio of world-class brands, talented colleagues and genuine competitive advantages." He expressed confidence in Taylor, citing his record of growing businesses, building strong teams and delivering results. Flutter chair John Bryant credited Jackson with making a substantial contribution and said he would leave the company holding leading positions across major international markets. Taylor joined the organisation in 2015 as managing director of the Paddy Power Betfair retail operation and has since occupied a series of senior roles across the group. His international responsibilities have given him oversight of Flutter brands outside the United States, and he was elevated to the additional position of company president in May. Bryant said Taylor's breadth of experience, understanding of the gambling sector and knowledge of Flutter made him the appropriate choice to guide its next phase. Taylor said the immediate priority would be continued delivery for employees, customers and shareholders while extending the strengths that distinguish the business. His appointment leaves him with the task of managing a vast international portfolio while restoring investor confidence after a turbulent period, as Jackson departs having presided over the mergers, expansion and corporate repositioning that created the present-day Flutter.

  • Angel Capital Holds The Fresh-Run Advantage

    Friday, 7th August 2026
    A high-quality field has assembled for the Gr2 Kia Ora Stud Missile Stakes at Randwick, but the fresh record and proven sprinting class of Angel Capital make him the runner to beat. Chris Waller's entire has won four of his five first-up appearances and returns under favourable set-weight conditions with James McDonald aboard from barrier three. His autumn campaign included a narrow second in the Gr1 Newmarket Handicap and a luckless sixth in the Gr1 All Aged Stakes, where he was held up before finishing within two and a half lengths of Beiwacht. Two recent trials should have him ready to perform, and the return to 1200m appears ideal. Ninja is the emerging force and could easily prove the best horse in the race. He won the Gr2 Hobartville Stakes before finishing fifth in the Randwick Guineas, and his two trials have been especially sharp, including a recent 900m victory. The query is whether he will be fully wound up for a sprint when his broader spring programme may extend beyond 1200m. Napoleonic has won all three of his starts at the distance and was successful in the Gr3 Red Anchor Stakes last spring. His record suggests he performs particularly well early in a preparation, while his Randwick trials indicate he has returned in excellent order. Beiwacht brings the strongest elite-level credentials after winning the All Aged Stakes and placing in both the William Reid and Canterbury Stakes. He may ultimately be better suited over 1300m or 1400m, but his class demands inclusion, particularly if the tempo becomes searching. Angel Capital's superior first-up record provides the deciding edge in a race likely to reveal several leading spring candidates. Suggested top four: 1. Angel Capital; 2. Ninja; 3. Napoleonic; 4. Beiwacht.

  • Sir Now Ready for His Strongest 1200m Test

    Friday, 7th August 2026
    Speed and race fitness give Sir Now a genuine opportunity to claim his first Group victory in the Gr3 Sportsbet Behemoth Stakes at Morphettville, despite the 1200m representing unfamiliar territory. The Darryl Hewitt-trained gelding has been highly consistent through the winter, winning twice over shorter trips before finishing a close third in the Gr3 Sir John Monash Stakes and then chasing home Lingani over 1100m. He should again roll forward from the outside barrier, and if Connor Murtagh can establish a measured rhythm rather than becoming embroiled in a speed contest, his toughness may carry him further than his pedigree record suggests. Lingani defeated him last start and deserves enormous respect after showing she remains particularly effective on rain-affected ground. She was also third in this race last year and has won five of her seven starts at Morphettville, making her an obvious threat despite the awkward draw. Watchme Win possesses arguably the strongest established sprint form, including his second in the Gr3 John Hawkes Stakes and a solid Sir John Monash performance after a disrupted preparation. His record when fresh is excellent, and the weight-for-age conditions suit a runner who has already proven competitive against stronger interstate opposition. Lim's Saltoro is the intriguing runner. The former Singapore star owns a perfect four-from-four record at 1200m and has won at Gr1 level overseas, but he has not raced for more than a year after being eased down at Caulfield. His class is undeniable, although the long absence makes him difficult to assess. Air Assault and Mating Call are accomplished horses but are likely to find the 1200m too sharp, while the lightly raced Shady Thinker faces a substantial rise in grade. Suggested top four: 1. Sir Now; 2. Lingani; 3. Watchme Win; 4. Lim's Saltoro.

  • Bangkok Hottie Faces Princess Series Audition

    Friday, 7th August 2026
    A spring campaign through Sydney's Princess Series awaits Bangkok Hottie if the promising filly confirms David Payne's confidence when she resumes in Saturday's Midway Handicap over 1100m at Randwick, reveals racingnsw.com.au. Although she has not had an official trial leading into the assignment, Payne believes the preparation has been sufficient and expects the three-year-old daughter of Darley sire-sensation Too Darn Hot to acquit herself strongly against older and more seasoned opposition. The race provides an important early test of whether Bangkok Hottie is ready to progress towards the Gr2 Silver Shadow Stakes over 1200m at Randwick on August 22, the opening leg of a series that continues through the Furious Stakes and Tea Rose Stakes before culminating in the Gr1 Flight Stakes over 1600m on Epsom Day. Payne has already won the Flight twice, with Unearthly in 2003 and Montefilia in 2020, and is keen to discover whether his latest prospect possesses the quality required to follow a similar route. "If you've got a good filly you want her to be competitive in a race like that," Payne said. "If you think they're going to race in Group races they should be competitive. It's a kick off for her to go to the Silver Shadow and she looks a nice type going forward." Bangkok Hottie broke through at her second start in a Warwick Farm maiden before returning on Anzac Day to record a dominant Randwick victory (see below), and Payne has been encouraged by the physical improvement she has made since then. "She's come back very good, she's a strong filly now," he said. "She's not big, I'd say average, but she's got a bit stronger for sure. We're aiming at the Princess Series but she has to step up." Chad Schofield takes the mount for the first time on race day, having ridden the filly in a trial before her debut in the Kindergarten Stakes, and Payne is not unduly concerned by the wide barrier. With longer races in mind, he does not want Bangkok Hottie pressured forward or encouraged into habits that could compromise her ability to settle when she reaches 1400m and 1600m. Ideally, she will travel within striking distance without being bustled, somewhere among the first four or five. Stablemate Persian Wonder will also be asked to strengthen his spring credentials in the Precise Air Handicap over 1400m. Gr3-placed in the Baillieu during the autumn, the gelding shed his maiden status first-up at Canterbury after racing prominently, but Payne believes he is more effective when allowed to settle. "He's a horse that likes to be left alone and is better ridden quiet," he said. "The other day Zac had to use him up which he doesn't really enjoy and I think he'll be midfield in a race like that." The inside draw should assist, although his Baillieu placing leaves him carrying 57kg. A year-younger brother to Hello Captain, Persian Wonder could earn a return to Stakes company in the Up And Coming Stakes over 1300m on August 29 should he continue his progress with another victory.

  • O'Brien's Spring Could Stretch Across Both Cups

    Friday, 7th August 2026
    A potentially formidable Australian spring challenge is taking shape around Joseph O'Brien, with the two-time Melbourne Cup-winning trainer preparing a deep staying team that could extend beyond Flemington's $10 million feature and into the Caulfield Cup. Although O'Brien has had only three runners in the Caulfield Cup since taking out his licence in 2016, that record may expand this year through Endorsement and Omni Man, who contest the Gr3 Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown on Thursday night. The winner receives ballot exemption for the $6 million Caulfield Cup, giving the race considerable importance for both horses and potentially determining whether O'Brien launches a broader assault on Melbourne's spring staying programme. Endorsement heads Ballyroan betting after winning a Listed race in Ireland by seven lengths before finishing third in the Gr3 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot, while outsider Omni Man requires a placing to satisfy the Melbourne Cup's first ballot clause. Racing Victoria's head of racing Paul Bloodworth believes O'Brien is a realistic chance of having at least one Caulfield Cup runner and has already discussed the logistics of arranging two flights to Melbourne to accommodate separate groups of horses. "I wouldn't be surprised if Joseph had a runner in the Caulfield Cup this year and a lot I suppose depends on what happens in the Ballyroan with his two horses," Bloodworth said. The Irish trainer already possesses a strong Melbourne Cup hand through Goodie Two Shoes, runner-up in last year's edition, and former topweight Al Riffa, who finished seventh. Bloodworth expects both to return, while Irish Derby placegetter James J Braddock, recent French Gr2 winner Sons And Lovers and Gr2 Curragh Cup victor Trustyourinstinct are also among the stable's possible contenders. Aeronautic could further strengthen the squad if he progresses through the Ebor at York on August 22 after an unlucky third at Goodwood. O'Brien's recent form adds weight to the threat. He finished second to his father Aidan among the trainers at Royal Ascot with five winners before claiming the Goodwood premiership through four victories from 11 runners. His Melbourne Cup record already includes wins with Rekindling in 2017 and Twilight Payment in 2020, together with four other top-seven finishes, most recently through Goodie Two Shoes and Al Riffa last year. By comparison, his Caulfield Cup representatives have been limited to Buckhurst, Valiant King and Okita Soushi, but success in the Ballyroan could provide the pathway for that imbalance to change and give O'Brien a meaningful presence in both of Melbourne's great Cups.

  • Magic Millions Digital Breaks $2 Million Barrier

    Friday, 7th August 2026
    A record-breaking result has carried Magic Millions Digital beyond the $2 million mark for the first time, with the online sale conducted from July 31 to August 5 closing at $2,020,250 and delivering the strongest aggregate in the platform’s brief history. The opening instalment of the Forest View Farm Unreserved Dispersal provided the principal attractions, led by Sminky Shorts and Western Lady, who generated sustained competition from the moment bidding began. Sminky Shorts attracted 64 bids before Three Bridges Thoroughbreds secured the mare for $365,000, with Toby Liston impressed by both the offering and the digital process. “Today was the first time I logged in and bid and it was very easy to use. The platform has come a long way in a short period of time,” Liston said. He noted the Duncans’ longstanding reputation as breeders and was encouraged by the mare’s existing production record, while her mating plans added further appeal. Sminky Shorts is in foal to Anamoe and will now head to Yarraman Park to visit Hellbent. Western Lady proved equally popular after arriving at the sale in strong form, having won her two most recent starts at Ascot. Byerley Bloodstock prevailed after 65 bids, purchasing the mare for $265,000. Interest extended well beyond the Forest View draft, with three-year-old Cansort attracting domestic and international attention before Hong Kong-based buyer Tobias Chong secured the gelding for $120,000. Cansort will continue his racing career in Hong Kong, providing another example of the platform’s expanding reach. Group 3 New Zealand Cup winner Bozo headed the breeding prospects outside the dispersal when sold to Hall of Fame Bloodstock for $105,000, while Listed-placed mare En Pointe remained in Queensland after Steve Morley Bloodstock paid $60,000. Racehorse shares also met with complete demand, recording a 100 per cent clearance rate. A 35 per cent interest in Group 2 Perth Cup runner-up Filthy Habits led that section at $40,000, a 10 per cent share in last-start winner Dirty Habits realised $14,000, and two separate 10 per cent interests in Group 1-placed Basilinna were sold to different buyers for $4,000 each. The combination of quality breeding stock, active racehorses and fractional ownership opportunities underlined the growing versatility of Magic Millions Digital while establishing a significant new benchmark for the online marketplace.

    Anamoe

    Sminky Shorts is in foal to champion Anamoe (pic: Steve Hart)

  • Yellow Jersey Could Add Further Memsie Depth

    Friday, 7th August 2026
    An already formidable renewal of the Gr1 Memsie Stakes may gain another compelling contender, with Tony and Calvin McEvoy considering redirecting lightly raced import Yellow Jersey towards Caulfield’s opening Victorian elite-level contest of the season. Seven Gr1 winners are already expected to assemble, headed by Mr Brightside, Jimmysstar, Sheza Alibi, Treasurethe Moment, Cosmic Crusader, Buckaroo and Tom Kitten, while Angel Capital and Evaporate are also likely starters. Chris Waller has additional decisions to make around Aeliana, Autumn Boy, Beiwacht, Lady Shenandoah and Leica Lucy, each an elite-level winner, giving the 1400m feature the potential to rank among its strongest modern editions. Yellow Jersey had originally been earmarked to resume in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes over 1700m at Caulfield on August 29, but the sharpness he displayed in a recent Rosehill trial has persuaded the McEvoys to reconsider. “I was at Rosehill on Friday last week and he couldn’t have trialled much better, he was nearly a bit too sharp, I thought, ‘How are we going to get you to relax over 2000 metres?’,” Calvin McEvoy said. The gelding will trial again at Flemington on August 14 with Mark Zahra aboard, after which the stable will determine whether he begins over the Heatherlie distance or drops back to the Memsie. Yellow Jersey has raced only once in Australia, finishing second to War Eternal in the Listed The Wayne Wilson Stakes over 1600m at Eagle Farm on June 13. McEvoy believes that performance understated the five-year-old’s ability, explaining that persistent rain had restricted his preparation and left him both fresh and slightly short of peak fitness. His sole lead-up trial had been conducted on a Heavy 10, where the stable protected him, and he travelled keenly at Eagle Farm before weakening over the final 50m. “He’s very untapped, this horse,” McEvoy said, with the stable’s assessment supported by a brief but high-class European record. Previously trained in France by Andre Fabre, the son of Dubawi won his first three starts, including a Listed race, before finishing third behind Convergent and Dubai Honour in the Gr2 Prix du Conseil de Paris over 2200m last year. Raced by Qatar Bloodstock, Ozzie Kheir, Sonney Roth and Tony Guoga, Yellow Jersey has also been nominated for the Cox Plate at Flemington, and his next trial should reveal whether the speed he has shown warrants an immediate examination against one of the deepest Memsie Stakes fields assembled in recent years.

  • American Affair Set for Nunthorpe Test

    Friday, 7th August 2026
    A blistering Goodwood performance has placed American Affair firmly among Europe's leading sprinters, with trainer Jim Goldie confirming the Nunthorpe Stakes at York and Flying Five Stakes in Ireland as the gelding's next major assignments. The six-year-old returned to his best when capturing last week's Gr2 King George Qatar Stakes, vindicating a deliberate change in tactics after connections abandoned previous attempts to conserve his speed and instead allowed him to race with complete freedom down Goodwood's five-furlong course. American Affair produced an exceptionally fast second furlong, completed in less than 10 seconds, and sustained the gallop through to the finish, narrowly missing the course record established by outstanding sprinter Battaash. Goldie admitted the result was particularly satisfying because the approach had been planned rather than discovered by chance. "It was quite a sweet result because we'd been having an argument with the horse because he's been wanting to do that all his career," he said. "So, we decided if we were going to let him rock 'n' roll, so to speak, we'd do it at Goodwood down the hill." American Affair had made considerable progress through the handicap ranks in 2024, improving 24lb, before confirming his emergence at the highest level by winning the Gr1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot the following season. Injury subsequently ruled him out for the remainder of that campaign, and although his latest preparation began quietly, the Goodwood victory indicated he had regained the form that established him as an elite five-furlong performer. Goldie said the Gr1 Nunthorpe represented the obvious next destination, with the Gr1 Flying Five at the Curragh likely to follow. Connections deliberately declined to enter him for the Prix de l'Abbaye, preferring to retain flexibility and supplement later should his performances justify the expense. Both planned races provide automatic qualification for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, although Goldie remains cautious about travelling to the United States. American Affair has raced successfully around a bend at Wetherby, but the trainer believes the different racing style, lengthy journey and stringent veterinary requirements make an American campaign far from straightforward. The horse underwent bone scans and MRI examinations after last year's injury, creating the possibility that further scrutiny could complicate any Breeders' Cup venture. "If we win the Nunthorpe we'll think about it but we probably have to do that before we think of going to America," Goldie said. For now, the focus remains squarely on York, where another unrestricted display of speed would strengthen American Affair's claim to being Britain's dominant five-furlong sprinter.

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2025 BTR Stud Stallions

BTP STUD STALLIONS

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A Lot Established
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