The Gr1 Moir Stakes (1000m) takes on an entirely different complexion at Sandown Hillside this year, with the transfer from Moonee Valley replacing the track's tight-turning, on-speed emphasis with a longer straight and a sustained speed test. That change may prove crucial in assessing Natural Fling, who arrives as the narrow market favourite around $3.60 after a dominant first-up performance and carrying just 50kg against the older sprinters. The Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained filly has drawn barrier thirteen, but at Sandown that may prove considerably less damaging than it would have been at The Valley, particularly if Jamie Melham can allow her to build through her gears rather than forcing her to cross immediately. Giga Kick is the established star and trades around $4.40, returning under 58.5kg from barrier nine for Clayton Douglas and Mark Zahra. His peak sprinting performances remain clearly superior to anything most of these rivals have produced, but his recent campaigns have been interrupted and the question is how close to his best he will be first-up. My Gladiola and Cavalry Girl sit around $10, with both mares carrying 56.5kg and possessing enough tactical speed to be dangerous, while Point Barrow has attracted support at approximately $11. Rothfire, now an older warrior of the sprinting ranks, has barrier one and should be able to conserve energy before the long run home, although whether his best form is still sufficiently strong to defeat these younger sprinters remains uncertain. Skybird, Generosity, Geegees Mistruth and Extragalactic ensure there will be pressure throughout, making this anything but a soft Group 1. The recent honour roll contains Baraqiel in 2025, Mornington Glory in 2024 and Imperatriz in 2023, following Coolangatta, Wild Ruler and earlier champions including Nature Strip and Black Caviar. Natural Fling receives a remarkable weight advantage over Giga Kick and Rothfire and may simply be too fast under those conditions, but this is the first occasion on which she must prove herself against genuine open-age Gr1 sprinters. Giga Kick remains the horse most capable of overpowering the field if anywhere near his peak. My Gladiola appears the most reliable of the mares behind them, with Cavalry Girl capable of running a career-best race. Suggested Finish: 1. Natural Fling 2. Giga Kick 3. My Gladiola 4. Cavalry Girl
Up and coming Natural Fling (pic: Mark Gatt)
Idle Flyer on the Right Tramway Rails
Friday, 4th September 2026
A fascinating clash between established Group performers and emerging talent shapes the Gr2 Tramway Stakes (1400m), with Idle Flyer appearing particularly well placed second-up after an encouraging return. The Matthew Smith-trained mare finished sixth first-up but did enough to suggest the run would bring her forward sharply, and the market has installed her around $2.70. Barrier two and 56kg give Zac Lloyd the opportunity to settle much closer than usual if the tempo allows, and that combination of tactical position and fitness makes her difficult to oppose. Private Eye is the obvious class benchmark. Joseph Pride's veteran resumed with an excellent second and has previously produced some of his finest performances at Randwick, while his second placing in this race last year confirms that 1400m fresh into a preparation is well within his range. At around $3.80, he offers considerably more experience than Idle Flyer but concedes weight and has drawn barrier eight. Headley Grange is another Pride runner with enough talent to figure prominently, particularly from the inside draw, while Transatlantic and Attica add depth to an already strong race. Attica was runner-up first-up and should appreciate the extra distance, and Kerrin McEvoy can give him every chance from barrier three. Panova returns for Chris Waller with James McDonald engaged, although she may need the outing, while Soothsayer continues to progress and cannot be dismissed with only 55kg. Fangirl has been scratched, materially changing the shape of the race and reducing the amount of top-level pressure confronting the leading hopes. The recent honour roll is instructive: Pericles won in 2025 after also taking the race in 2023, Royal Patronage split those victories in 2024, while Zaaki won consecutive editions in 2021 and 2022. That history shows the Tramway regularly rewards horses already proven at or close to Gr1 level. Private Eye therefore commands enormous respect, but Idle Flyer has the profile of a mare ready to take the next step and the race conditions suit her beautifully. Headley Grange should obtain every conceivable economical run from gate one, and Attica appeals as the runner capable of improving most sharply. Suggested Finish: 1. Idle Flyer 2. Private Eye 3. Headley Grange 4. Attica
Well Written in the Red for Gr1 Proisir Test
Friday, 4th September 2026
The unbeaten Well Written faces the defining test of her brief but exceptional career when she resumes in Saturday's Gr1 Proisir Plate (1400m) at Ellerslie, where Stephen Marsh's four-year-old attempts to extend a perfect six-from-six record against established weight-for-age performers. The Written Tycoon mare has been installed a dominant $1.80 favourite after two encouraging trials, the latest at Taupo producing a two-length victory, and Marsh reported that her subsequent Ellerslie gallop left both trainer and rider Matt Cartwright delighted with her progress. Barrier seven should allow Cartwright to settle wherever comfortable in the 16-horse field, while 56.5kg gives Well Written a useful weight advantage over the older males at 59kg. Her principal danger appears Alabama Lass at around $5.50, with the Ken and Bev Kelso-trained mare drawing perfectly in six for Michael McNab and bringing proven high-class sprinting form into her first major assignment of the season. First Five, around $9.50, has drawn awkwardly in barrier 14 but remains a serious threat if Wiremu Pinn can secure cover, while Crocetti, Tuxedo and Platinum Attack supply considerable depth. Platinum Attack signalled his readiness with a runaway five-length Foxton trial victory, while Tuxedo has Opie Bosson and barrier one, a combination that gives him every chance to obtain an economical passage. Moxie is another capable of exceeding market expectations after winning a Te Awamutu trial over 1150m, although trainer Ken Harrison has conceded she may still be slightly short of peak fitness for a Gr1 first-up assignment. She's A Dealer resumes after establishing her elite credentials with victory in last season's Gr1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes, while New Zealand Derby winner Willydoit adds another layer of interest despite the 1400m being short of his eventual optimum distance. Recent history favours mares: Quintessa won the race last year following Grail Seeker in 2024 and Skew Wiff in 2023, while the honour roll also includes Melody Belle, Callsign Mav, Kawi and Ocean Park. Well Written must now translate her unbeaten age-group form to weight-for-age Gr1 company, but everything about her preparation suggests she is ready to do so. Alabama Lass profiles as the most credible danger, while First Five can feature with luck from the gate and Tuxedo appeals as the value runner from an ideal draw. Suggested Finish: 1. Well Written 2. Alabama Lass 3. First Five 4. Tuxedo
Gr1 NZ 1000 Guineas heroine Well Written (pic: Race Images Kenton Wright)
Ceolwulf Poised to Strike in the Chelmsford
Friday, 4th September 2026
The Gr2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) offers Ceolwulf an ideal opportunity to remind the spring contenders of his genuine Gr1 quality after an encouraging fifth behind Autumn Glow in the Winx Stakes. Joseph Pride abandoned the gelding's autumn campaign after two disappointing runs, but his first-up effort this preparation was considerably more encouraging and the step from 1400m to 1600m is precisely what he requires. Ceolwulf's best form includes victories in both the Gr1 King Charles III Stakes and Champions Mile, and at around $3.40-$4.00 he appears much closer to peak fitness than several of his principal rivals. Lindermann remains the obvious danger despite a plain first-up ninth, because his racing pattern allows him to control his own destiny and he has long demonstrated a liking for Randwick. Campaldino resumes for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott and is a fascinating inclusion after compiling an excellent winning record; barrier ten will almost certainly encourage Tim Clark to roll forward and establish a rhythm rather than risk being trapped wide. Attica is fit, drawn perfectly in three and was runner-up last start, giving him a fitness advantage over much of the field, while Soul Of Spain and Travolta represent Chris Waller's typically deep middle-distance arsenal. Fangirl's inclusion would ordinarily dominate discussion, but she has been scratched from the Tramway and her Chelmsford status must be monitored closely; if she takes her place here she clearly introduces elite class but may be using the race primarily as a stepping stone deeper into the carnival. The Euphrates is another who may appreciate 1600m first-up, while Piggyback and Green Spaces require improvement but are not without claims under the weight conditions. The likely tactical shape favours horses capable of settling within striking distance, with Campaldino and Lindermann potentially controlling the race while Ceolwulf positions just behind them. That should reduce the possibility of the favourite becoming trapped in a sprint from the rear. Ceolwulf's first-up performance suggested last autumn's problems are behind him, and this is exactly the type of second-up mile at which his class should assert itself. Lindermann can improve sharply with fitness, Campaldino may prove extremely difficult to pass if left alone, and Attica deserves respect on current form. Suggested Finish: 1. Ceolwulf 2. Lindermann 3. Campaldino 4. Attica
Pembrey Sets the Standard in Furious Stakes
Friday, 4th September 2026
The Gr2 Furious Stakes (1200m) looks likely to revolve around whether Pembrey can reproduce the authority of her first-up Silver Shadow Stakes victory, when the Tony Gollan-trained filly swept aside her rivals by 2.5 lengths over this same Randwick course and distance. That performance suggested she had improved considerably from two to three, and from barrier seven Tommy Berry should be able to find cover before allowing her to build into the race rather than being forced to chase the leaders early. The market has responded accordingly, with Pembrey around $2.30 ahead of unbeaten Chilly Girl at approximately $2.70, while Chayan and Bangkok Hottie represent the next tier. Chilly Girl is the intriguing runner: Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou have brought her along patiently and she has won both career starts, giving the impression there is substantially more to come. Barrier three and Tim Clark are significant positives, and if the tempo becomes tactical she may get first opportunity to challenge Pembrey. Chayan returns after a juvenile campaign in which she showed sufficient quality to warrant respect, and the booking of James McDonald is hardly incidental, although barrier ten could leave her with a more difficult assignment than the two favourites. Bangkok Hottie chased Pembrey home in the Silver Shadow and continues to race honestly, but she requires a sizeable turnaround on their latest meeting. Oh Yes She Did is another with upside after resuming with a win before placing last time, while Striking Alibi remains lightly raced and represents the Chris Waller stable. Recent winners underline the standard demanded here: Apocalyptic took the 2025 edition after Manaal won in 2024, while earlier names include Winx, Sunline, Samantha Miss and Dame Giselle. The query is whether this year's field contains a filly capable of joining that calibre of company. Pembrey has already demonstrated the most compelling current form, and if she improves even modestly second-up she appears the filly they all have to beat. Chilly Girl is the clear danger because her ceiling remains unknown, with Chayan capable of running into the finish if McDonald can overcome the draw. Suggested Finish: 1. Pembrey 2. Chilly Girl 3. Chayan 4. Bangkok Hottie
Persian Spirit Gets His Chautauqua Chance
Friday, 4th September 2026
A wide-open Gr3 Chautauqua Stakes (1300m) gives Persian Spirit an excellent opportunity to convert consistency into a significant black-type success after his encouraging first-up second. Symon Wilde’s gelding has been installed around $4.50 and appears ideally suited by the rise to 1300m, while barrier four should allow Harry Coffey to find a comfortable stalking position without spending unnecessary energy. The absence of a dominant weight-for-age performer makes this one of the most competitive races on the programme, with Warnie, Tennessee Bound and several older Group-class horses capable of winning without surprise. Warnie is close to Persian Spirit in betting at approximately $4.60 after finishing fourth first-up and should improve with that run behind him. Mark Zahra takes the ride for Ciaron Maher, and although barrier eight is not perfect, he should be able to settle midfield with cover before producing the gelding late. Tennessee Bound is perhaps the most intriguing runner. He has won three of his past four starts and carries only 54kg, giving apprentice Jabez Johnstone an opportunity to place him close to the pace from barrier three. His latest second suggests the winning streak has not exhausted his progress, and he could prove the hardest horse to pass if allowed to establish an economical rhythm. Desert Lightning brings the highest established class and top weight of 60kg from the inside barrier. His first-up sixth was satisfactory rather than spectacular, but Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman will expect improvement and Luke Nolen can use barrier one to save every metre. Here To Shock is another proven Group performer and carries 59kg, while Abounding has Blake Shinn aboard and possesses enough residual quality to rebound from a disappointing previous campaign. Amenable has always hinted at talent beyond his recent figures, and Royal Insignia has been knocking on the door with consecutive seconds. Current markets reflect the uncertainty, with Persian Spirit only narrowly favoured over Warnie and Tennessee Bound. The weight spread may ultimately decide the race: Desert Lightning and Here To Shock must concede between 5.5kg and 6kg to the leading lightweight hopes, which is a considerable impost over a strongly run 1300m. Persian Spirit looks ready to peak second-up and receives the right combination of weight, draw and race fitness, while Tennessee Bound appeals as the main danger if he continues his rapid progression. Suggested Finish: 1. Persian Spirit 2. Tennessee Bound 3. Warnie 4. Desert Lightning
Tempted Can Jet Home in the Concorde
Friday, 4th September 2026
The Gr2 Concorde Stakes (1000m) provides one of the most anticipated sprinting returns of the early spring, with Tempted resuming as the clear horse to beat on the road towards The Everest. The Ciaron Maher-trained mare has not been beaten since finishing second to Ka Ying Rising in last year’s Everest, subsequently winning the Gr3 Eskimo Prince Stakes, Gr1 Surround Stakes and Gr2 Arrowfield Sprint, and her two recent trials have been designed to have her sharp enough for this unusually short assignment. She has raced only once at 1000m, winning on debut, but possesses sufficient tactical speed to prevent the distance becoming a serious disadvantage, while the market has reacted strongly by installing her around $1.85. Headwall is the most interesting challenger. He has not raced since winning this very race last spring after a pastern injury interrupted his career, but two barrier trials have reportedly been encouraging and Matthew Smith has always regarded him as an Everest-level sprinter. Zac Lloyd rides from barrier five, and although race fitness is the obvious query, Headwall’s explosive acceleration makes him particularly dangerous over 1000m. Roselyn’s Star returns from a win and has drawn ideally in six, while the highly promising Wanaruah resumes after consecutive victories but must negotiate the extreme outside barrier. Marhoona, Beadman and Beskar possess sufficient quality to capitalise if the principals are short of peak condition, while Way To The Stars should ensure an authentic tempo by using his natural speed. Tempted, however, brings a different level of recent performance to this field. Her Everest second alone would make her formidable, and the subsequent winning sequence indicates she has continued to progress rather than merely holding her form. The challenge will be whether she can produce her best acceleration over a sharp 1000m while fresh, particularly if Way To The Stars and several other speed horses make the opening 600m severe. Headwall has the proven race profile and is the logical danger, but Tempted appears capable of absorbing whatever tactical scenario develops and still possessing enough quality to finish over them. Roselyn’s Star should obtain the best run of the second-tier chances, while Wanaruah could announce himself as a serious spring sprinter if he overcomes the gate. Suggested Finish: 1. Tempted 2. Headwall 3. Roselyn’s Star 4. Wanaruah
Laxon And Symons Blindsided At Macedon
Friday, 4th September 2026
Melbourne Cup-winning trainers Sheila Laxon and John Symons have been left scrambling to find new accommodation for 27 horses after their training arrangement at Macedon Lodge was terminated with immediate effect, abruptly ending the partnership’s latest association with one of Victoria’s most famous private training properties. Laxon, who became the first woman to train a Melbourne Cup winner when Ethereal completed the Caulfield Cup-Melbourne Cup double in 2001, said she and Symons were given no warning before being informed on Wednesday morning that their contract with Macedon Racing had ended, reports racenet.com.au. The timing is particularly damaging for the stable, which has only recently begun another Melbourne Cup preparation with 2024 winner Knights Choice and had already lodged his nomination for this year’s race. Knights Choice delivered one of the great Cup surprises when Robbie Dolan partnered the Symons-Laxon-trained gelding to victory two years ago, after which the trainers returned to Macedon Lodge and helped rebuild the horse population at the property. Laxon described the sudden development as extremely disappointing after the stable’s success there and said relocating such a substantial team at short notice presented an obvious logistical problem. Macedon Lodge, now owned by Bruce and Michael Dixon and formerly synonymous with seven-time Melbourne Cup-winning owner Lloyd Williams, has already welcomed New South Wales trainer Sara Ryan, who began operating from the complex this week. Managing owners were subsequently advised by Macedon Racing that horses remaining on the property would continue to be fed and exercised but would not undertake ridden work until a trainer had been appointed. Ownership groups have effectively been offered the choice of transferring their horses to Ryan, allowing preparations to resume once approved, or settling outstanding accounts and arranging transport to alternative stables. For horses in which Macedon Racing acts as managing owner, shareholders will be asked to vote on Ryan’s appointment. Racing Victoria has also liaised with the property’s administrators to ensure horse welfare is protected during the transition. The eviction carries an additional layer of history for Laxon and Symons, both of whom have enjoyed major successes from Macedon Lodge during earlier chapters of their careers. Symons prepared outstanding sprinter Bel Esprit from the property, while Laxon trained Ethereal there during her remarkable 2001 Cups campaign. The immediate concern, however, is considerably more practical, with the partnership needing to secure suitable accommodation for a team of 27 while attempting to minimise disruption to spring preparations, including another Melbourne Cup campaign for the horse who returned them to racing’s greatest stage only two years ago.
Sydney Pursues Champions Super Clash
Friday, 4th September 2026
Plans for an extraordinary winner-takes-all showdown between Hong Kong sprint phenomenon Ka Ying Rising and Australian stars Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi are gaining traction, with the Australian Turf Club exploring whether the three champions could be brought together at Rosehill Gardens during next year’s Sydney autumn carnival. Golden Slipper Day has emerged as the preferred setting, with one proposal involving a standalone multimillion-dollar International Challenge and another centred on transforming the Gr1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) into the stage for one of the most anticipated clashes in modern Australian racing, according to punters.com.au. ATC chief executive Steve McMahon has publicly championed the concept after Ka Ying Rising’s trainer David Hayes and Autumn Glow’s managing owner John Messara both indicated they would entertain a meeting between their respective stars. McMahon believes Sheza Alibi should be integral to any such event following her outstanding development into an elite performer and her recent second to Autumn Glow in the Gr1 Winx Stakes. Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi are expected to renew their rivalry in the Gr1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Everest Day, while Ka Ying Rising will attempt to defend his Everest title over 1200m on the same programme. Any autumn contest would require careful programming around Ka Ying Rising’s principal Hong Kong objectives, with Hayes identifying Hong Kong’s major December and April meetings as priorities, making March the obvious window for an Australian appearance. Commercial considerations will also be substantial, but the ATC believes sponsorship, broadcast rights and contributions from ownership groups could create sufficient prizemoney to justify a genuinely international championship event. Ka Ying Rising would provide the global centrepiece. The brilliant Shamexpress gelding has established himself as the world’s benchmark sprinter through a succession of elite performances, including his Everest triumph and multiple Gr1 successes in Hong Kong, making any attempt to stretch him to 1400m or 1500m fascinating in itself. Autumn Glow, meanwhile, has developed into Australia’s reigning Horse of the Year and possesses the brilliance to operate from sprinting trips through to a mile, while Doncaster Mile heroine Sheza Alibi has emerged as another genuine headline act. Sydney is not alone in pursuing the concept, with the Victoria Racing Club also expressing interest in staging a three-horse championship contest at Flemington, potentially around Australian Cup Day. For the ATC, however, Golden Slipper Day offers an established international showcase and the Gr1 George Ryder an existing race ideally positioned between sprinting and mile distances. Should the logistics, prizemoney and rival programmes ultimately align, a meeting between Ka Ying Rising, Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi (see below) would deliver the increasingly rare spectacle racing administrators crave: established champions deliberately brought together rather than strategically kept apart.
James And Wellwood Ready Spring Team
Friday, 4th September 2026
A strong spring team is beginning to assemble around Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood, who will send three runners to Ellerslie on Saturday headed by Gr1-winning mare She’s A Dealer in the Gr1 Proisir Plate (1400m). The five-year-old daughter of Ace High earned her place among New Zealand’s leading mares when winning last season’s Gr1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Trentham and returns at weight-for-age following a Taupo trial and a more recent gallop at Ellerslie. While Wellwood believes She’s A Dealer will derive considerable benefit from her first-up appearance, he is satisfied with the mare’s preparation and expects the 1400m assignment to provide an ideal launching pad towards her preferred distances later in the campaign, according to racingnews.co.nz. Wellwood said the mare had enjoyed being back in work and indicated older mares could sometimes require additional time to reach peak fitness, with her Taupo trial and Ellerslie gallop nevertheless providing encouraging signs. The stable has already established the opening stages of her programme, with the Gr1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) to follow the Proisir Plate before connections decide whether to remain in New Zealand for the Gr1 Livamol Classic (2040m) or investigate opportunities elsewhere. Earlier on Saturday’s Ellerslie programme, the stable will unveil promising Wootton Bassett colt Excite in the Rich Hill Stud 1400m, with the three-year-old currently prominent in futures betting for November’s Gr1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton. Excite, an $8 second favourite for the Guineas, has shown Wellwood enough to be regarded as a genuine classic prospect despite enduring mixed luck during his brief career. He encountered trouble when contesting last season’s Gr1 Sires’ Produce Stakes at Trentham before also overcoming traffic problems to win at Te Rapa, and although barrier eight of eight creates another challenge on Saturday, the trainers remain convinced they have a colt of considerable talent. Staying prospect The Precursor completes the stable’s Ellerslie representation and resumes over 1600m as he begins a preparation aimed towards the Gr3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton in November. James and Wellwood also have Too Darn Hot filly Shore Breeze progressing towards her return after an impressive Cambridge trial, while Wellwood expects Ellerslie to figure prominently in the stable’s spring plans, citing the reliability of the reconstructed racing surface and the attractive level of prizemoney as important factors in determining where their better horses compete.
Romantic Warrior Retired After Glittering Career
Friday, 4th September 2026
One of the great international racehorses of the modern era has run his final race, with Romantic Warrior retired after further diagnostic examination revealed a new problem in his front leg, bringing down the curtain on a remarkable career encompassing 24 wins from 31 starts, 15 Gr1 victories and world-record prize-money of HK$288.74 million. Owner Peter Lau Pak-fai made the decision in consultation with Hong Kong Jockey Club veterinarians after scans identified a change in one of the gelding’s joints, similar to the issue which required surgery on his left front leg last year, although the latest problem involves the opposite foreleg, according to scmp.com. Romantic Warrior will remain at Conghua Racecourse for approximately three months under veterinary supervision before transitioning into retirement through the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s RESTART aftercare programme, while a farewell ceremony is planned at Sha Tin later this season. Trained throughout his career by Danny Shum, Romantic Warrior developed from an outstanding domestic performer into a genuine global champion, compiling an extraordinary record at racing’s highest level and becoming the only Hong Kong-trained horse to win Gr1 races in four different jurisdictions. His international résumé included a landmark victory in the 2023 Gr1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley, where he became the first Hong Kong-trained galloper to win the Australian weight-for-age championship, followed by the 2024 Gr1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) in Japan and further elite success in the United Arab Emirates. At Sha Tin, his dominance was even more pronounced, highlighted by four consecutive victories in the Gr1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) and four editions of the Gr1 QE II Cup (2000m), feats which established him among the finest middle-distance horses Hong Kong has produced. Romantic Warrior also became just the third horse to complete Hong Kong’s Triple Crown earlier this year and, remarkably, returned from his previous fetlock operation to remain unbeaten through six starts last season, ultimately sharing Hong Kong Horse of the Year honours with champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising. His final appearance came in May when he captured the Gr1 Champions & Chater Cup at Sha Tin, ensuring his career ended with another major triumph rather than through diminishing form. Regular rider James McDonald described Romantic Warrior as the best horse he had ever ridden, while Shum has repeatedly spoken of the gelding in deeply personal terms, describing him as part of his family. Few racehorses combine longevity, versatility, international success and sustained Gr1 dominance to the extent Romantic Warrior achieved, and his retirement removes not merely Hong Kong’s champion middle-distance performer but one of the defining thoroughbreds of his generation.
