Momentum toward a long-awaited Winterbottom Stakes bid has steadied for Pat Carbery, whose recovery from last week’s race-day fall is progressing smoothly enough to keep his Group 1 plans intact. The timing of the setback forced him to watch Jokers Grin’s Colonel Reeves victory from the sidelines, but the early signs from doctors have been encouraging and point toward a full return in time for Ascot’s $1.5 million sprint. What could easily have become a derailing moment instead appears to be little more than an unwelcome pause. Carbery has been careful to follow the required concussion protocols and was quick to share the medical view of the incident. “When I saw the doctor on Friday, he classed it as a mild concussion,” he told SEN’sGiddy Up, later conceding that the fall “certainly knocked me around but I’m back on track now.” The enforced break has come with strict limits – he’s not allowed to ride at all and has to find other ways to keep fit – but optimism remains the dominant theme. With Shaun O’Donnell deputising in the Colonel Reeves, Jokers Grin again demonstrated why he sits near the top of the Winterbottom market. Dropped out early before unleashing his trademark burst, the gelding swept past his rivals to score by half a length (see below). Carbery watched the performance from home, calling the experience “really weird” but acknowledging the reassurance of having spoken extensively with O’Donnell beforehand where he passed on everything he could. O’Donnell’s post-race reaction offered its own endorsement. “He called me… said, ‘he was better than I thought you thought he was’,” Carbery recounted, pleased but unsurprised. The win added further weight to the belief within Bernie Miller’s stable that Jokers Grin is still climbing. The decision to decline an Everest slot after the Quokka, preferring to let him mature at home, now looks measured rather than conservative. His action suggests he may reach a mile in time, though that will hinge on how well he settles as he continues to develop. As markets stand, Jokers Grin sits as the $3 second pick for the Winterbottom behind Overpass, who arrived in Perth on Tuesday morning, along with a number of other high-profile raiders from the east coast that are hoping to plunder the west's riches.
NEWChampion Tassie Apprentice Joins Lindsay Park
Wednesday, 19th November 2025
Progress has been gathering around Jackson Radley in quiet but unmistakable ways, and Friday night’s Newmarket meeting in Launceston will mark the end of his current Tasmanian chapter. According to tasracing.com.au, a little more than two years after winning on debut, the apprentice is preparing to relocate to Victoria, where a new phase of his career awaits under the guidance of the Hayes brothers. He has already forged an early connection with the Lindsay Park operation, riding for them 14 times for three wins and several placings, enough to confirm that the leap across Bass Strait is the natural next step. Radley’s enthusiasm for the move has been in no way diluted by the scale of the challenge ahead. “I’m very excited about the move to Melbourne for Sienna and me. It’s a very good opportunity and I’m really looking forward to going up against some of the best riders in the world each week,” he said. His apprenticeship in Tasmania has yielded rapid progress, highlighted by last season’s 51-win haul, second only to Anthony Darmanin on the overall standings. More telling, though, has been the maturity he has shown when venturing beyond his home state, each outing strengthening the view that his development ceiling lies well above the provincial level. He admits the interstate shift has been on his radar for some time. “It’s been in the works for a while. I was planning on heading over in winter this year, but I hadn’t ridden enough winners, so I had to put it off for a while,” he said. Now on 91 career victories, he departs as a polished and in-demand young rider still searching for his first black-type breakthrough. Friday night offers a final chance to achieve that milestone for local supporters through Wineglass Bay in the Listed Jackson Security Newmarket Handicap. Wineglass Bay arrives unbeaten in three Tasmanian runs since joining John Blacker, though the gelding returns first-up after a strong 1430m win on heavy going at Hobart in July. Radley believes the horse is primed for a forward showing. “I think Wineglass Bay will run well; his work has been very good,” he said. While acknowledging that 1200m may be short of ideal, he is confident the inside half of the draw will allow him to secure a midfield position and build momentum at the right time. Radley also partners Daytona Diva in the night’s other feature, the Baker Group 3YO Cup, where the filly looks well placed after finishing only a length behind Mazzini last start. Regardless of results, celebrations will be short-lived: Radley is booked on the Spirit of Tasmania on Sunday, symbolically turning the page on one phase of his riding life and opening another.
NEWWizard of The West Weighed Up Railway Call
Wednesday, 19th November 2025
Decision-making at the top level is rarely straightforward, and William Pike made that clear as he explained why Watch Me Rock will be his Railway Stakes mount on Saturday. The champion Western Australian rider had the option of sticking with Western Empire, a past winner of the race and a proven Group 1 performer, yet opted for the lighter-weighted stablemate in what amounts to one of the more delicate calls of this year’s carnival. According to racingwa.com.au, the choice reflects form, balance, handicapping history, and instinct in equal measure. Pike, who struck a winning treble on the opening day of The Pinnacles, said the 54kg allotted to Watch Me Rock ultimately tipped the scales. “I’ve elected to go with Watch Me Rock for the Railway,” he told SEN WA Breakfast. It was, he stressed, anything but straightforward. “There’s a lot of competition out there, Western Empire was one of my other main choices.” Even after landing on his pick, he admitted to lingering doubt. “I’m not certain I’ve made the right choice but that’s the choice I’ve made and I’m going to make it work. I do think he’s good enough to win it and good enough to hold any (eastern state) raiders at bay.” Handicap trends also shaped his thinking. Horses carrying 53.5kg or less have claimed 13 of the past 15 editions of the Railway, a pattern impossible to ignore for a rider whose style leans toward economical positioning. “I just like a young horse, pretty much, and it’s a lighter weight,” Pike said. “Historically, at least in the last 10 years, the lighter weight horses have done better.” He added that ability alone offered no clear separation between the pair. “It’s the flip of a coin and honestly I was just trying to find something that worked in my favour. If I picked Western Empire I could probably flip the story in his favour as well.” That the Williams stable entrusts Pike with the final call speaks to their long and successful association. “They’re really good to me. I get to pick which one I want,” he said, noting that even in tight scenarios the dialogue remains open and respectful. “They don’t want to make the wrong call either. So I do get ultimate say. I could have ridden Western Empire if I wanted to, but I was happy to go with Watch Me Rock.” Pike now chases a sixth Railway for the training partnership, having won the race with Elite Belle, Galaxy Star, Regal Power, Inspirational Girl and Western Empire. Billy Egan takes over on Western Empire, while Pike’s other feature ride is rising star King Of Light in the WA Guineas. Unbeaten in four starts, the Dan Morton-trained colt brings talent and a touch of unpredictability. “He is still raw and he is learning his trade, so he’s certainly not a point and shoot,” Pike said. Even so, the excitement is obvious. “He has the ability to win it and he has the ability to win it in his own way.”
Even Field at Canterbury on Wednesday
Wednesday, 19th November 2025
With five of the nine final acceptances for Canterbury's Asahi Super Dry (1550m) on Wednesday all under double figure odds, the race appears to be a slightly tricky one on paper with the majority of the runners all appearing to have some chance. Backing up from winning last Wednesday at the Rosehill meeting over 1400m, the G Waterhouse and A Bott-trained Big Tiger (So You Think-Stormy Choice, by Redoute's Choice) is the current favourite and looks hard to beat. Third on debut behind Swift Legend (Dundeel-Global Queen, by Snitzel), who he will once again meet here, Big Tiger looked good last week when holding off all challengers in the run to the line as the short-priced favourite. Jockey Tim Clark will stick with the gelding with the pair drawing barrier 8. One of three 4YOs in the field, the John O'Shea and Tom Charlton-trained Sarrismo (I Am Invincible-Francaletta, by High Chaparral) was narrowly beaten last start by Green Spaces (Street Boss), with that winner then coming out last Saturday and winning the Gr3 Spring Stakes by more than three lengths (see below). Never outside of the top three in his five starts to date, including two wins, the Yarraman Park-bred and part-owned gelding has drawn the outside barrier and if he can overcover 59.5kg on his back, then he looks a leading chance.
Tigroni Gives Tiger of Malay Trial Winner
Wednesday, 19th November 2025
Having had just three first crop runners so far this season, Newgate Farm's Tiger of Malay (extreme Choice) appears to have a smart juvenile in the shape of John O'Shea and Tom Charlton's Tigroni (Tiger Of Malay-Campari, by O'Reilly) who improved considerably from her first trial to win her second by almost four lengths on Tuesday at Rosehill. Purchased by O'Shea Charlton Racing, James Bester Bloodstock and Ladies Syndicate for $85,000 from the draft of Newgate Farm on behalf of breeder Aston Bloodstock, the well-related filly is the second foal of the multiple stakes placed Campari from the family of dual Gr3 winner Red Martini (Red Ransom) and the Gr1 winners Pernod (Centaine) and Kushadasi (Choisir). Bouncing swiftly from the gates under Dylan Gibbons, the filly held the lead, and once in the home straight she continued to extend, pulling away with ease to defeat Firm'N'High (Bivouac) who had sat second throughout with Marwooba (Wootton Bassett) working home well into third. With Tiger Of Malay making a winning debut in the Kirkham Plate of his juvenile year off the back of a second placed trial effort, connections of his progeny would be hoping they get up and run, possibly securing some juvenile black type just like their sire did.
Vinnie Fillies Look Leading Canterbury Hopes
Wednesday, 19th November 2025
The second race of the Canterbury seven-race card, the TAB Plate (1200m), sees a host of 3YO and upwards fillies chasing their maiden victory with a pair by Yarraman Park Stud's multiple Champion sire appear leading contenders. Closely related to last Friday night's maiden winner Ernaux (I Am Invincible x Booker, by Written Tycoon), the Michael Freedman trained Sylph (I Am Invincible-Noondie, by Flying Spur) comes into the race off two barrier trial performances this time in, winning her most recent one over 1074m at Randwick. Having ended her juvenile season with a fifth behind Stardom (Zoustar) at Listed level, the Yarraman Park Stud bred and raced filly will have the services of Tommy Berry on Wednesday with the duo to jump from barrier two in the 13-horse field. Second on debut at her only start, the Yulong-raced La Basilique (I Am Invincible-Vezalay, by Shamardal) was a $1m yearling purchase from the draft of Widden Stud at the Magic Million yearling sale. Having had four trials leading into her debut, the C J Waller-trained filly was beaten a length and a quarter by Virgil's Gift (Street Boss), with that winner then stepping out last Wednesday at just her second start and running a solid second in town, suggesting that the form should be watched.
Gr1 winner Booker (pictured) is a half to Sylph (pic: Mark Gatt)
Hawkes Racing Duo Nails Juvenile Trials
Wednesday, 19th November 2025
Of the three trials on Tuesday at Rosehill for the 2YOs, Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes-trained juveniles won two of the three heats. The first of the two trial winners was the Vinery Stud yearling sale graduate Wild Atlantic (Exceedance-Innishbeg, by Lonhro). Secured for $320,000 by his trainers at the Magic Millions yearling sale, the colt is a half-brother to stakes winners Aspect (Pluck) and Brown Ben (Big Brown). Going forward from the barriers for Tyler Schiller, the colt settled in the lead and once the home turn was reached, Wild Atlantic kicked up a gear to record an impressive three and a quarter length win, which could have easily been further. Although recording the slowest of the three juvenile trials run, he had the potential to have finished quicker and should be followed with confidence. Having trained her dam, 2yo colt Dr Hook (Too Darn Hot-Sylvia's Mother, by Snitzel) looked good recording the equal quickest time of the three trials for Hawkes Racing. One of the slowest from the gates before tracking along in a wide position, jockey Tyler Schiller came around the outside of the field, and chased down the leader, nabbing him right on the line in what was a very professional effort. With his Home Affairs half-brother catalogued for next year's Inglis Classic yearling sale as Lot 491, connections will be hoping Dr Hook gets out early and adds some updates to the pedigree of his half-brother.
Inglis Banner Form Appears the Key
Wednesday, 19th November 2025
Down to just six runners, Wednesday's Sportsbet Race Previews Handicap (1000m) at Caulfield for the 2YOs looks an extremely interesting contest. With stablemates Iconic Ruler (Wild Ruler-Iconic Star, by Brazen Beau) and Angelic Rise (Harry Angel-Ladder, by Commands) having both come through the Restricted Listed Inglis Banner last time out when finishing 11th and 6th respectively on a very wet track that day, it would not surprise to see significant improvement from the pair with better footing underneath. One of four fillies in the race, Angelic Rise looks the one capable of bouncing off her last start effort, especially as she'd looked good in her prior jumpout efforts. Yet to face the starter under race day conditions, the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young trained Ko Phangan (Ole Kirk-Singing Sand, by Poet's Voice) defeated fellow Wednesday runner Astilla (Hanseatic-Too Discreet, by Henny Hughes) in a recent jumpout, with that filly having since gone to the jumpouts again where she proved too strong over the 1000m, winning her heat at Cranbourne. The most expensive yearling purchase in the field, the Trilogy Racing colour bearer Oman (Capitalist-Manaya, by Hinchinbrook) has placed third in both her jumpouts, and with the Grahame Begg-trained Magic Millions yearling sale graduate having drawn gate one, she may get all the favours in the run to the line. The first foal of the Listed winner Manaya, herself a half-sister to the dual Group 1 winner Hot Danish (Nothin' Leica Dane), surely Oman has pedigree on her side.
Harry Angel is the sire of promising filly Angelic Rise
Luana Miss Could Overturn 50 Year History
Wednesday, 19th November 2025
Few 3YOs get the chance to tackle the older sprinters in the Gr1 Winterbottom Stakes, but connections of Luana Miss now face that decision after her tough win in Saturday’s LR Placid Ark Stakes (1200m), which offers a ballot-free ticket into Perth’s premier sprint on November 29. According to tbwa.net.au, the last 3YO filly to beat the older horses in the Winterbottom was Belinda’s Star, way back in 1975. Luana Miss might not carry the same weight of history just yet, but her performance in the Placid Ark demanded respect. Crowded early and forced to ease approaching the 800m, she had little room from the turn until the 200m when she finally burst through to defeat Sherpa Express and Country God. The margin was a length, and the winner returned to scale having cast a plate in the run. Shaun O’Donnell, who never found clear air until late, described the win as “phenomenal.” “I was all over heels and blundered at the top of the straight. That was a courageous effort… if she pulls up alright, you would be mad not to have a crack at the Winterbottom.” Trainer Trevor Andrews echoed the sentiment, noting she was in a good position but had horses all around her. “Credit to Shaun, he persevered and she has an electric turn of foot. She just keeps raising the bar and even a place at Group 1 level adds to her value.” Saturday’s win was her fourth from six starts, with earnings now topping $529,000 including $69,000 in Westspeed Platinum bonuses. Already a black-type winner in March’s LR Supremacy Stakes at Ascot, Luana Miss had resumed with victory in the Placid Ark Prelude and was sent out a $1.50 public-elect in the main event. Bred by Clive Atwell at Darling View Thoroughbreds, she is by Bivouac out of Little Bit Ditsy, a mare Atwell purchased for $160,000 while in foal with the Placid Ark winner. Luana Miss was knocked down for $110,000 at the 2024 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale, but Darling View stayed in for a share. The mare has since produced a Farnan 2YO and a Playing God filly born in September. If she takes her place in the Winterbottom, Luana Miss will carry the weight of both potential and pedigree, and regardless of the outcome, her credentials have already earned the filly a place among the season’s rising stars.
Overpass Also on Verge of WA History
Wednesday, 19th November 2025
Meanwhile, a chance to etch his name in Winterbottom Stakes history also beckons for Sydney galloper Overpass who is back in Perth and aiming to become the first horse to win Western Australia’s premier sprint three years running. The seven-year-old landed on Tuesday morning following a familiar route west from Sydney for trainer Bjorn Baker, who confirmed to racenet.com.au that the gelding is in peak condition. “He left on Monday night and I'd say, form and condition-wise, arguably heads over as good as he’s ever been,” Baker said. Victory on Saturday would not only complete a Group 1 hat-trick in the $1.5 million feature but elevate Overpass above a roll call of greats – La Trice, Belinda’s Star, Hardrada, Ortensia and Buffering – who all won the race twice but never managed a third. The build-up mirrors previous years, with Baker again using The Everest as a lead-in. “We've followed the same formula as we have the past two years… I couldn’t be happier with him.” Overpass finished fourth behind Think About It in the world’s richest turf race and has reportedly thrived since. “His run in The Everest was probably his best in defeat,” Baker added. “He did everything we wanted in his last trial.” Last year’s Winterbottom win, achieved from a wide gate, was rated by the stable as his most complete effort to date. Saturday’s rematch with Jokers Grin is one of the most anticipated clashes of the Perth summer. The local star denied Overpass a third straight win in April’s $5 million The Quokka – his only WA defeat. “Jokers Grin is obviously a top-class horse in good form so it sets up as a great clash,” Baker said. “He got the better of us in The Quokka so fingers crossed we can turn the tables on him this time.” Josh Parr retains the ride on Overpass, who has earned more than $12 million and remains undefeated in Perth outside of that Quokka reversal. Also making the journey west is Iowna Merc, who represents the same Baker–Darby Racing partnership and holds a $15 quote for the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m). “He’s flying under the radar a bit,” Baker said. “His run in the Sydney Stakes (second to Rothfire) was very good, and then he just didn’t like the wet in the Russell Balding. We’re just working out who will ride him but I couldn’t be happier with him either.” Eight other eastern state horses joined the Baker-trained duo en route to Perth on Monday, including Five Diamonds winner Vivy Air, Benedetta, Grand Pierro, Apulia, Rey Magnerio, Libertad, Depth Of Character and Osipenko. The Chris Waller-trained Osipenko will be ridden by Tim Clark in Saturday’s Railway Stakes and is being aimed toward the Gr1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) on December 6.
UK Racing Could Be Spared the Worst
Wednesday, 19th November 2025
Plans for a major overhaul of the UK’s betting tax framework appear to have spared horseracing, with a racingpost.com report suggesting the sport will remain exempt from changes that could affect other forms of online wagering. According to sources cited by The Financial Times, chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to retain the general betting duty (GBD) at 15 per cent for bets placed in shops in next week’s budget. While a “slight” increase is tipped for online sports betting, it is understood this would not apply to racing – a decision seen as a win for the industry after months of lobbying. The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) responded swiftly, warning that any rise in tax, whether online or land-based, would have a “significant impact” on sectors like racing that rely heavily on betting revenue. Industry leaders have spent much of the year voicing concern about potential alignment of the GBD with remote gaming duty (RGD), which currently stands at 21 per cent. That fear was triggered in April when the Treasury launched a consultation into harmonising online gambling duties. It has since been overtaken by broader fiscal pressures, with the chancellor reportedly considering a mix of tax options to plug the UK's growing budget shortfall. During her Labour Party Conference speech, Reeves said the gambling sector should pay its “fair share,” prompting speculation that a steeper rise could be on the table. Campaigners, including former prime minister Gordon Brown, have gone further, calling for the RGD and machine games duty (MGD) to be doubled to 50 per cent. They argue such a move could help offset the costs of social reforms like abolishing the two-child benefit cap. The BGC, however, maintains that higher taxes would ripple through the industry with damaging consequences. “Any further tax rise in betting or gaming duties, whether on online or land-based operators, will have a significant impact on racing, sport, jobs and investment across the UK,” a spokesperson said. Figures released by the BGC show the betting sector contributes more than £4 billion annually in taxes and supports over 109,000 jobs, with £6.8 billion in gross value added. Horseracing remains a major beneficiary, receiving millions each year in sponsorship, media rights and levy funding. One BGC study warned that the sport could lose £84 million in funding if the most extreme tax measures were adopted, and more than 3,400 betting shops could close. With the government now seemingly poised to retain the status quo on GBD for racing, the outcome represents a rare policy win. The BHA and its allies had consistently argued that racing should be taxed differently from other products due to its economic structure and long-standing relationship with bookmakers. Even a “slight” increase elsewhere, if racing remains untouched, would be a welcome result for the sport’s financial stability.
NZB Launches Landmark 100th NYSS Catalogue
Wednesday, 19th November 2025
Anticipation is building for the 100th edition of New Zealand’s National Yearling Sale, with the catalogue for Karaka 2026 officially unveiled and featuring 1009 yearlings across a restructured and expanded format. Set to run from January 25 to 29 at the Karaka Sales Centre, the milestone sale will coincide with the iconic week on New Zealand’s bloodstock calendar and has been carefully curated to reflect its historic significance. Book 1 will lead proceedings over the Sunday and Monday with 567 yearlings, followed by Book 2’s offering of 281 yearlings across Tuesday. A third selling session – rebranded as the Karaka Summer Sale – returns on Thursday with 161 lots catalogued. The restructure offers a balanced format that caters to a wide range of buyers while acknowledging the momentous occasion. New Zealand Bloodstock Managing Director Andrew Seabrook said the momentum from the record-breaking Ready to Run Sale has flowed directly into preparations for January. “There is a sense of momentum building ahead of Karaka 2026,” he said. “The support and interest from people eager to attend in January, including those that have not been here in a few years, is very encouraging and a sign of how incredible the milestone of 100 National Yearling Sales is.” Seabrook also expressed confidence in the catalogue itself. “Auction houses are renowned for claiming they have assembled their best yearling catalogue, but I’m confident that rings true this year given the increased vendor support, the smaller numbers catalogued and tough selection decisions, which naturally has increased the quality across the board.” Karaka’s success has long rested on its ability to produce winners at every level, and recent results across Australasia and Asia continue to support that reputation. “We’re also incredibly proud of the New Zealand-bred and Karaka graduates over the last twelve months, as they just continue to get results and prove themselves wherever they race,” Seabrook added. As part of the centennial celebrations, the week will open in fitting style with the $4.5 million TAB Karaka Millions raceday at Ellerslie on Saturday, January 24. Featuring the $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), both restricted to sale graduates, the meeting sets the stage for a five-day celebration of New Zealand bloodstock. Selling for Book 1 will begin Sunday and Monday at 10am, followed by Book 2 on Tuesday, with the Karaka Summer Sale rounding out the week on Thursday from 11am. “The new Karaka Summer Sale is a fresh addition to the week, we’ve committed a variety of resources for it, and it has been supported by a number of top vendors,” Seabrook said. “We look forward to seeing everyone back at Karaka to celebrate the 100th National Yearling Sale, and of course to view an incredible line-up of yearlings. If there was ever a year to ensure you’re at Karaka, this is it.”
Gringotts Closing on $6m With Gong Win
Wednesday, 19th November 2025
Likely to start the favourite in this Saturday's $1m Gr3 The Gong (1600m) at Kembla Grange and if successful in taking the lucrative first place prize, the Ciaron Maher-trained Gringotts (Per Incanto-Miss Bluebell, by Savabeel) will take his career earnings past $6m. A winner of the Gr1 George Ryder Stakes earlier this year, announcing himself as a potential top line older horse where he defeated Fangirl (Sebring) and Ceolwulf (Tavistock), the gelding was also successful in last year's $1m The Gong off the back of his victory in the $3m Listed Big Dance where he defeated his stablemate Vivy Air (Hellbent). Interestingly, the pair repeated their one-two finish in this year's $3m Big Dance, off the back of Gringotts winning the Listed Big Dance once again, with Vivy Air then going on to win the $2m Listed Five Diamonds at her next start clearly franking the form. So highly thought of is Vivy Air, that the mare will now head to Perth to contest the $1.5m Gr1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) on December 6. One of 35 initial nominations for Saturday's 16 plus four emergencies Kembla Grange feature race, Gringotts has come out of his last start effort in great form with Maher confident ahead of his next assignment. "He's come out of The Big Dance super," Maher told racing.com. "He's probably in career best form."
