NEWSnitzel 4YO Strengthens Newnham Classic Arsenal
Tuesday, 17th February 2026
A reshuffle in the Four-Year-Old Classic Series narrative has given Mark Newnham renewed cause for optimism, with Infinite Resolve emerging as a serious player after his runner-up finish in the Hong Kong Classic Mile, reports racingnews.hkjc.com. With the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on March 1 fast approaching and the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on March 22 in sight, the Snitzel gelding has put himself squarely in the frame. Sent out at 19/1 in his first Hong Kong attempt at 1600m, Infinite Resolve settled midfield in a strongly run contest before carving through the field in the straight to finish second to the powerful Little Paradise. The effort answered a lingering distance query. “He’s a good-class horse. There was always a doubt about him at 1600m but what he did have going for him going into it was a positive run at his start before where he relaxed really well and hit the line,” Newnham said. Acquired by the Absolute Return Syndicate after racing at Group 2 level in Australia, the gelding had shaped as a horse still learning his craft. Newnham admitted he harboured reservations beforehand. “I still had some doubts whether he would [run a mile], but horses who relax well and conserve energy, you can generally stretch them out in distance, especially against their own age group. Once he drew a good barrier and was able to switch off, he was always going to have a good turn of foot.” The upcoming rise to 1800m presents another test, yet the trainer is encouraged by how the horse finished off. “I was pleased that he ran out the mile strongly. Obviously the 1800m is another step up but his manner is going to take him a long way,” he said. While Infinite Resolve was the stable’s standout in the Mile, Newnham still considers Invincible Ibis his leading Classic hope despite finishing sixth from barrier 11. The run, in his view, told the story. “The run he had didn’t help him. Certainly no jockey error, he was just back and wide and trying to make a long run. The winner was coiled up like a spring and had to sprint 200m, whereas I had to make a 700m run,” he said. He believes the 1800m will suit if the gelding can secure a more economical trip. Crimson Flash (11th) is likely to drop back to sprinting, while Winfield (13th) remains under consideration for the Classic Cup after a recent dirt run. Aerodynamics, rated 74, also sits on the Derby radar following an interrupted passage last start. “Aerodynamics was very unlucky the other day, he should have been in the finish but just got chopped out,” Newnham said, outlining plans to test him at 2000m on Classic Cup day in a bid to secure a Derby berth.
Infinite Resolve finished 2nd in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (pic: hkjc.com)
NEWWA Training Duo Free to Return to Training
Tuesday, 17th February 2026
Shockwaves rippled through Australian racing last month when Western Australia’s leading stable was suspended after one of its runners returned a positive test to Ritalin, a tightly controlled medication more commonly associated with the treatment of ADHD. The development cast uncertainty over the powerful Grant and Alana Williams operation, but that uncertainty has now been eased — at least temporarily, reports punters.com.au.. Racing Western Australia confirmed on Tuesday that the 12-time Group 1-winning trainers have been granted a stay of their suspension pending the outcome of an appeal. The decision allows the pair to resume training while the matter proceeds through formal channels. On Monday, the Williams team appeared in Perth represented by Victorian lawyer Damian Sheales, challenging the stewards’ ruling that had barred them from racing and trialling horses. The appeal itself is scheduled to be determined on March 10, but in the interim the Racing Penalties Appeal Tribunal has intervened. In an official statement, the tribunal outlined its position: “The Racing Penalties Appeal Tribunal (RPAT) today determined the stay application by thoroughbred trainers Grant and Alana Williams against RWWA Stewards' order to suspend their training licenses pursuant to Local Rule 22 of the Rules of Thoroughbred Racing.” The statement confirmed that a Notice of Appeal dated February 5, 2026 had been lodged, seeking to overturn the suspension order imposed under Local Rule 22 pending the determination of a charge under Rule 240 (2). The tribunal further ruled: “Pursuant to s. 17(7) of the Act, the Tribunal directs that the RWWA Stewards' order under Local Rule 22 suspending the Appellants' training licenses be stayed until 4.00pm on 10 March 2026.” It concluded plainly: “Accordingly, Mr and Mrs Williams can resume training racehorses.” The timing is significant. The Williams stable currently sits second in the Western Australian Metro Trainer Premiership with 27 wins, just two behind Michael Grantham on 29. With the stay in place, the stable can continue its pursuit of metropolitan honours while awaiting the tribunal’s final determination next month.
NEWShirreffs is Gone but He’ll Never be Forgotten
Tuesday, 17th February 2026
One good horse can sustain a lifetime in racing. For John Shirreffs, who died last week at 80, that simple truth defined a career built not on volume but on conviction. Though he trained a Kentucky Derby winner and a string of elite performers after taking up the profession in earnest during middle age, it was a towering mare who came to define his name. According to TDN, Zenyatta became the emblem of his patient craft. Unbeaten in her first 19 starts, conqueror of males in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic and crowned 2010 US Horse of the Year, she captured the public imagination in a way few modern champions have managed. Her final defeat, by a head, only deepened the affection. Shirreffs, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam before shaping the California racing landscape with quiet authority, guided her ascent with instinctive restraint. “Zenyatta was the ultimate racing machine,” he said. “She evolved into something great. Even walking to the paddock with Zenyatta was such a special experience, the crowd yelling ‘Zenyatta, Zenyatta, Zenyatta’. She meant so much. She was a miracle.” The miracle required time. She did not race at two and debuted just shy of her fourth birthday. As a younger horse she could test riders and bristle at the starting gate, yet Shirreffs resisted haste. “I think kindness is the big key to horses,” he explained. “I think it’s good to talk to them… Horses are always trying to learn from their environment.” That same philosophy shaped the preparation of Giacomo, the Moss-owned colt who stunned the 2005 Kentucky Derby at 50-1. Arriving at Churchill Downs off three defeats, he was handled with care once Shirreffs sensed anxiety creeping in. “After about his third race, he started to fret a little on the racetrack,” he said. “So we had to be careful that we didn’t push him hard.” He eased the work, waiting for the horse to come to himself. After each loss, Mike Smith remembered hearing the same reassurance: “I can feel it, I know it’s there. I just want to get it better and better.” Public acclaim never altered his bearing. Success was met with courtesy and a willingness to share his horses, Zenyatta foremost among them, with fans who felt personal ownership of her story. Jerry Moss once observed, “He sees things in horses that people maybe don’t see from time to time, but he can look at a horse for hours.” The record lists 596 winners, including Life Is Sweet, Tiago, Gormley, Express Train and others. Yet numbers were incidental. What endures is the image of a softly spoken horseman in a blue cap, attentive to the animal before the accolades. In Zenyatta he found greatness; in Shirreffs she found understanding.
NEW2026 Royal Juveniles Come into Focus
Tuesday, 17th February 2026
Change arrived swiftly at the Royal Studs following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, prompting a trimming of numbers within a breeding operation that had grown expansive in its later years. The reset may yet prove beneficial, reports sportinglife.com. While many long-established royal families have delivered at the highest level, a certain unpredictability has also threaded through the bloodlines. From 2010 onwards, annual gifts of homebred yearlings from Sheikh Mohammed and His Highness the Aga Khan – often around six each year – bolstered the late Queen’s ranks. Those reinforcements yielded major prizes, including Gold Cup heroine Estimate, Hardwicke Stakes and Yorkshire Cup winner Dartmouth, and Dante Stakes scorer and Derby third Carlton House. Patience has typically been required with the royal stock, so it is little surprise that several of the current juveniles are only just filtering through to trainers. On paper, however, the class of 2026 appears among the stronger recent crops set to carry the purple and scarlet for HM The King & HM The Queen. Two youngsters – the Blue Point colt out of Kinematic and the Camelot filly from Desert Breeze – have been lost, while a Cracksman/Make Fast filly and an Australia/Approximate colt realised 42,000gns apiece at auction. Sixteen 2YOs remain in contention. Broodmares Estimate and Golden Stream anchor much of the intrigue. The former, less convincing in her second career to date, has been paired again with Siyouni; their earlier mating produced the useful 10f 3YO Market Value, and the resulting colt is named Rough Guess. Golden Stream continues to upgrade her page, having already supplied black-type performers including Solario Stakes winner Reach For The Moon. Her current 2YO is Golden Reflection, a Sea The Moon colt closely related to Reach For The Moon and the Group 3/Listed-placed Chalk Stream. Elsewhere, Too Darn Hot filly King’s Prize, trained by Ralph Beckett, represents the deep-rooted Amicable family that entered royal ownership in 1961. Laurel Crown, a Dubawi colt out of Daphne, and Kingman trio Lancaster Tower, Amber Spyglass and Lord In Waiting add further depth, while Light Music’s line contributes Romantic Melody and Persian Touch. Frankel is represented by Top Scholar and another colt from Sweet Idea’s branch, and Night of Thunder has Glimpseoflightning, sent to Clarehaven. Additional interest centres on La Torre, a Lope de Vega filly from Magnetic Charm’s family, a Dubawi filly out of Desert Flyer, and a Land Force filly from Star Value. Not all may ultimately race in royal silks, yet the blueprint for a revitalised era is clearly being assembled.
NEWLindsay Park Per Incanto Duo Under the Radar
Tuesday, 17th February 2026
With the autumn weight-for-age narrative reshaping in the absence of Mr Brightside, a fresh Lindsay Park angle could emerge quickly if Evaporate is ready to announce himself at Caulfield on Saturday, suggests racing.com. Trainer Ben Hayes believes the Per Incanto 4YO has tightened the key screws since spring, and says recent work has finally started to address the habit that has blunted him on race day. “I haven’t spoken about him much, but he’s trailled up excellent and will be hopefully announcing himself this autumn,” Hayes said. “What has let him down is his racing manners. He’s always been a headstrong horse and doing things wrong but still ran well.” A jumpout win at Werribee on February 6, with Jamie Melham aboard, is the reference point. “When Jamie (Melham) rode him in his last jumpout (win at Werribee on February 6) he actually relaxed and he finished off and we have been really working on it in his trackwork,” Hayes said. “Jamie was really happy with him, and I think she’s keen to ride him (in the Futurity).” The upside was obvious last year when Evaporate ran third in the 2024 Gr1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m). Two weeks later he was pitched into the Gr1 Cox Plate (2040m) and failed to adapt, not beating a runner home, before a brief autumn campaign that included second in The Kiwi (1500m) in New Zealand. Back in Australia last spring, he stacked up well at the elite level, finishing second in the Gr1 Toorak Handicap (1600m), third in the Golden Eagle (1500m) and third in the Gr1 Orr Stakes (1400m). With Tom Kitten unlikely to run, Hayes expects Evaporate to be a key danger to early Futurity Stakes (Gr.1, 1400m) favourite Treasurethe Moment. Lindsay Park will also chase a Group 1 result in the Oakleigh Plate (Gr1, 1100m) through Oak Hill, another Per Incanto who has been learning on the job. “He’s going really well,” Hayes said. “Again, he’s a horse that was doing a lot wrong. He was an aggressive horse, and we saw last start he relaxed and he ran well so if he does that in an Oakleigh Plate, he’ll run very well.”
Evaporate has come on strongly (pic: Mark Gatt)
NEWMagnolia Sky Continues to Raise Tassie Eyebrows
Tuesday, 17th February 2026
A determined finish at Hobart on Sunday carried a progressive 3YO filly to a third straight victory, as Magnolia Sky confirmed her rise through the grades with another tough display. In a competitive Class 2 (1200m), she had to dig deep to justify favouritism but did so with authority. Trained by John Blacker, the $3.10 elect was positioned outside longshot leader Angel Sphere by apprentice Catherine Van Munster, who ensured a steady rhythm before asking for a decisive effort in the straight. Challengers Material Madam and Antheia loomed late, yet Magnolia Sky refused to yield, clinging on to score in a performance that spoke as much of resolve as raw ability. Purchased for only $16,000 at the 2024 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale, the daughter of now deceased Widden Stud stallion Magnus has already returned more than $93,000 from just four starts, a tidy result for connections and further evidence of astute placement. Blacker has long held her in high regard. “She’s always shown a lot of promise from day one,” he said, indicating that a short freshen-up now beckons. “We’ll tip her out now and give her a few weeks off and see what happens as a later three-year-old.” The success capped a productive afternoon for the stable. Araya Sunshine delivered a race-to-race double for Blacker when surging past heavily backed Flying Billie to claim a BM68 (1430m), adding further polish to the trainer’s day. For Van Munster, the meeting carried added significance. The apprentice notched the first riding double of her career on the eight-race program, having earlier partnered Outbush to victory in the opener. It marked her first visit to the winner’s stall since 23 November and comes as she prepares to conclude her apprenticeship in April. “You won’t find a harder worker than Catherine. I’m glad the horse won for her. She rides him in work,” said Outbush’s trainer John Lutrell after that maiden breakthrough. Meanwhile, Sarah Cotton prepared a training double with Tribal Council and Carnotaurus, while Bulent Muhcu celebrated a riding brace aboard Miss Keeds and Coal River. The meeting was not without incident, however, as premiership leader Erica Byrne Burke was stood down after sustaining a back injury in the barriers, though she walked back unaided and is hopeful of riding later in the week.
NEWConnections Opt to Retire Caulfield Cup Hero
Tuesday, 17th February 2026
A successful international chapter has come to a close, with Caulfield Cup hero Duke De Sessa retired after a leg setback curtailed plans for another autumn campaign. According to racenet.com.au, the Irish-bred stayer will now leave the racetrack behind and return to his homeland, ending a career that yielded almost $4.4 million in prizemoney and a place in recent Australian racing folklore. His defining moment arrived in the 2024 Caulfield Cup (2400m), where he controlled the race from the front and held off the late surges of Buckaroo and Land Legend in a performance of authority and grit. That triumph formed part of a remarkable afternoon for trainer Ciaron Maher, who had captured The Everest with Bella Nipotina little more than an hour earlier. For jockey Harry Coffey, celebrating his 29th birthday, the Cup success delivered an emotional high that resonated well beyond the mounting yard. The decision to retire was confirmed by Maher’s assistant Johann Gerard-Dubord after the seven-year-old failed to come through a recent trial as hoped. “He’s retired, he’ll go back to Ireland where he started his career,” Gerard-Dubord said. “He doesn’t owe anything to anyone so we just want to make sure he’s got a happy life now. He deserves to be looked after.” The Lope De Vega gelding had trialled under Chad Schofield at Randwick on January 27 but did not pull up sound, prompting the stable to draw a line through further ambitions. With his rating elevated following the Caulfield Cup, the most logical target remaining had been the weight-for-age Gr1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill. That option is now redundant, and any return next season would have required the veteran to stretch his durability even further. “When they get to that age, you know they won’t last forever so you get prepared,” Gerard-Dubord said, acknowledging the inevitability that accompanies seasoned campaigners. Bred by Newtown Anner Stud in Ireland, Duke De Sessa arrived in Australia in early 2023 carrying a strong European pedigree but mixed form. Gelded ahead of the 2023 spring, he blossomed into a genuine elite stayer, later finishing runner-up to Dubai Honour in the Tancred Stakes. A minor leg issue prevented a 2025 Caulfield Cup defence, and that same fragility has now signalled the end. He departs as a memorable import whose Cup victory stands as a lasting highlight.
Blue Diamond Could End Up Being Child's Play
Tuesday, 17th February 2026
Experience and familiarity could prove decisive in Saturday's $2m Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield, where Jordan Childs reunites with the colt he believes can return him to the Group 1 honour roll. Big Sky has been one of the early two-year-old standouts of the season, and Childs is convinced the colt's natural progression has him primed for the 1200m test. The opportunity to reconnect came after Ben Melham opted to partner Streisand, leaving Childs back aboard the youngster he guided to a dominant Flemington debut. That three-length performance, achieved with a notably high head carriage and raw exuberance, hinted at upside still to be tapped. "I obviously had the experience on him at Flemington so that held me in good stead," Childs said, confident the grounding would count for plenty on the big stage. Subsequent evidence only strengthened that view. Big Sky stepped out in the Group 3 Chairman's Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield and again asserted his authority, improving sharply in both professionalism and race manners. Childs has been taken by that progression. "Big Sky's a horse in form and going extremely well, from his first to second start he improved a lot naturally, so hopefully he can improve again," he said. While acknowledging the quirks — "he doesn't really pull too hard … it's just his natural reaction to put his head up in the air" — the rider felt the colt raced more tractably last start, even without sustained pressure. The Blue Diamond market reflects that promise, with Big Sky installed as the $3.50 favourite ahead of Guest House ($6) and Closer To Free ($7). Talindert Stakes winner Hard Kick appears set to bypass the contest in favour of the Gr1 Golden Slipper, while Magic Millions 2YO Classic victor Unit Five remains among the contenders. Childs expects no soft landing. "It looks pretty even," he said. "He's probably one of the leading chances at the moment but you wouldn't be surprised if a few of them could stand up on the day." For the jockey, there is also a personal narrative unfolding. His sole Group 1 triumph came in the 2018 Blue Diamond aboard Written By, and a second has proved elusive despite consistent performances at the elite level. "It was a little while ago now, it's been a while between drinks, so hopefully I can get another one on the board," Childs said. "I feel like I've been riding well for a long time but I haven't had the success in Group 1 races … you got to keep turning up and do your best." Barrier tactics will be addressed once the draw is known. "There's pros and cons to both," he said. "It's out of my control, we'll deal with that once the barriers come out."
Eustace Pinning Derby Hopes on Seraph Gabriel
Tuesday, 17th February 2026
A stepping stone to the Hong Kong Derby (2000m) looms at Sha Tin on Thursday night, where David Eustace hopes Seraph Gabriel can break through locally and confirm his credentials for the city's most coveted four-year-old prize. The Class Three Red Packet Handicap (2000m) shapes as an ideal platform, according to scmp.com, with the Saxon Warrior colt set to strip fitter and better suited by the rise in distance. Imported after a light but promising career in Britain, Seraph Gabriel won at Lingfield before finishing a close second in the Class Two Golden Gates Handicap (1993m) at Royal Ascot on his final start there. His Hong Kong introduction was low key, an unlucky 11th, but he quickly signalled his adaptation when beaten a neck by the prolific Lucky Sam Gor at Sha Tin on February 1. That effort, in which he travelled strongly before being collared late, has given Eustace confidence that a Derby tilt on March 22 is well within reach. "His last run was excellent and he was probably just a bit complacent in front," Eustace said. "He's still a colt and looked to have kicked and won the race, but he was just run down by a very good horse." The trainer believes the move to 2000m will unlock further improvement. "He's improving all the time and there was a lot of merit in that run. He goes up to 2,000m, which he's proven at in the UK, and I'm sure he'll see it out fine in Hong Kong too." Eustace deliberately bypassed the Classic Mile, explaining: "I just felt the Classic Mile and the hustle and bustle of that race would have come too soon for him. I thought I'd rather get a couple of runs into him and just go to the one race in the series." Helene Supafeeling also features in the opening section of the Class Three Yue Yee Handicap (1200m), with Eustace opting to revert to sprinting after a recent experiment at 1400m. A winner over this course and distance on debut in Hong Kong, the British import raced too keenly when stretched in trip and is being recalibrated. "We tried him up in trip and gave him that opportunity to look suitable for the Classic Mile – he will stay the distance, but he's probably not relaxing well enough yet to see it out," Eustace said. "He's back to 1,200m and that should suit him; I'm looking forward to getting him back out." Riding Together rounds out the stable's trio in the Class Three Kut Cheong Handicap (1400m). The consistent five-year-old, who scored three starts ago, faces barrier 13 under Dylan Browne McMonagle but continues to please at home. "He's a very solid horse and rarely runs a bad race. Hopefully he can put in another consistent performance again as he's certainly in great nick at home," Eustace said.
Headline Act Could be Half Queensland's Luck
Tuesday, 17th February 2026
A $28 million winter carnival will again cast Queensland as the nation's stage for elite stayers, and Melbourne Cup hero Half Yours is set to return north to begin his title defence. The program, running from May 2 to July 4, features nine $1m races and 55 black-type events across 11 meetings, including eight Group 1 contests that anchor Brisbane's claim as Australia's premier winter destination. Seven of the headline days will be hosted by the Brisbane Racing Club, with Tattersall's Tiara day on June 27 bringing the Group 1 schedule to a close. The $3m Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm on June 13 remains the flagship, complemented by the $1m JJ Atkins for juveniles and the $1.2m Q22 for stayers. The Doomben 10,000 and Doomben Cup (May 16), Kingsford Smith Cup and Queensland Derby (May 30), and the Queensland Oaks (June 6) complete the top-tier roster. Preparing to target those riches is the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained Half Yours, who will resume in the $1.5m Group 1 All-Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on April 18 before heading north. "Then he'll go to the Hollindale Stakes, Doomben Cup and the Q22," McEvoy said. The five-year-old is back in work after a spell. "He's back in work now, although he hasn't trialled or anything yet. He's put on about 40kg when he was spelling. The horse is happy and back into his routine." A return to the Sunshine Coast's Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m), which he won last July, looms as a possible stepping stone. That race now carries $500,000, a $200,000 increase that underscores its growing reputation as a Melbourne Cup launching pad. Half Yours parlayed that Queensland foundation into a Caulfield Cup–Melbourne Cup double under Jamie Melham in the spring. Officials are quick to point to the state's record. Racing Queensland acting chief executive Lachlan Murray noted the past three Melbourne Cup winners – Half Yours, Knight's Choice and Without A Fight – all began their campaigns in Queensland, alongside subsequent Group 1 winners Sir Delius, Transatlantic and Autumn Boy. "Add to that another three subsequent Group 1 winners in Sir Delius, Transatlantic and Autumn Boy, and the proof is in the pudding that there is no better platform for success than the Queensland Racing Carnival," Murray said. While some have speculated about a Japan Cup venture, McEvoy dismissed that notion unless circumstances change. "No, unless the handicapper weighs him out of the Melbourne Cup," he said. "If that happens then he'd go to Japan after the Cox Plate but we'd like to keep him here." For now, the focus remains squarely on Queensland, where winter dreams are forged before spring glory is pursued.
Half Yours will be a big drawcard for Queensland (pic: Mark Gatt)
Tentyris’ Biggest Newmarket Challenge is Weight
Tuesday, 17th February 2026
Speculation has been running hot since Saturday’s Lightning Stakes, with one question dominating the aftermath: will the brilliant colt who tore down the Flemington straight now back up in the Newmarket? Tentyris (Street Boss) delivered a performance of rare authority, rounding up seven rivals in a matter of strides and asserting late to win with something in hand, immediately firming to $1.75 in All-In betting for the handicap feature. For all the market confidence, certainty remains elusive, reports racing.com. The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained three-year-old now finds his fate resting largely with Racing Victoria’s chief handicapper, David Hegan, who must determine how severely that Group 1 triumph alters his rating. “I’d rather the pressure go on to Dave Hegan than us,” Freedman said, conceding the weight could quickly become prohibitive. “A cutoff – I’m not sure. Coming into this prep we were thinking he was going to have 54 and a half or 55. It’s obviously likely he’s going to have more.” Context will be everything. With Giga Kick and Joliestar both unlikely to take their place at this stage, the possibility looms that Tentyris could be asked to shoulder 59kg. “But it’s relative as well to what else is there. If there’s no superstar or there’s nothing thrown in at the weights, you could potentially line-up,” Freedman said. History offers little comfort: no horse in the modern era has carried 59kg to victory in a Newmarket, Hay List’s 58.5kg in 2012 the closest comparison. Nature Strip was allotted 59.5kg in 2013 and did not run, while one must look back to Bernborough and Gold Stakes to find winners shouldering more than 59kg. The age factor compounds the dilemma. As a three-year-old, Tentyris would be venturing into territory rarely conquered under such imposts. Weekend Hussler captured the race at the same age in 2008, but with 56kg, even after an Oakleigh Plate victory. “Fifty-nine sounds ridiculous, to be honest, for a three-year-old in a Newmarket,” Freedman said. “I’m not sure how many have carried that weight at all, in the race, but it is what it is.” Freedman also pointed to the modern calendar, where multiple high-value options dilute the handicap’s depth. “You’re a victim of everyone having so many options. You’d love to see some of those better horses have to run in a Newmarket, because there are no other options. In the past… you’d have big fields, horses right down in the weights, horses carrying big weights in a proper handicap.” Beyond March, horizons stretch far wider. Royal Ascot has been floated since his Coolmore triumph, and there is enthusiasm within Godolphin for Tentyris to travel. “We’d love to (go overseas), and there’s an appetite from Godolphin to see him travelling,” Freedman said. An Everest clash with Ka Ying Rising also tempts, though the trainer admits a straight-track showdown would be purer theatre. For now, however, the scales will speak first.
The nature of his win will ensure Tentyris a big Newmarket weight (pic: Mark Gatt)
Yulong Invests in Another Key Oaks Filly
Tuesday, 17th February 2026
A significant ownership shift has added fresh intrigue to Saturday’s Gr1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Ellerslie, with Waikato Guineas winner Autumn Glory (NZ) to carry the green and white of Yulong Investments. According to racingnews.co.nz, the daughter of Ocean Park heads into the Classic off a dominant Gr2 performance at Te Rapa, where she overwhelmed her male rivals and confirmed the promise she had hinted at since breaking her maiden at Ruakaka in January. Patiently prepared by Roger James and Robert Wellwood, the filly has been handled as a late bloomer, her trainers resisting the urge to rush her through the grades. That patience was tested when she struck a bottomless surface at Taranaki at her second start, but the experience ultimately hardened her. James revealed they had long held her in high regard, stepping her straight from maiden company into black-type company because they believed she was above average. The Waikato Guineas result vindicated that assessment, her work at home having lifted to a new level in the lead-up. Bred and raced by the Smithies family under their Monovale Holdings banner, Autumn Glory has now been sold outright to Yulong, though she will remain in her current stable through the Oaks. “It's a privilege to have international owners of their magnitude in the stable, and it's great to see them becoming involved in New Zealand in a bigger way,” James said. He views the partnership as a reflection of what New Zealand racing can offer in terms of stakes and high-class horses, but is keeping the immediate focus simple. “Our aim is the New Zealand Oaks and what happens after that will be discussed after the race, but it is a Group One and that is what we are focussed on.” The filly has thrived since Te Rapa. “We’re really happy with the way she's bounced through the Waikato Guineas. She's feeding well and looks great in the coat,” James said, satisfied she is peaking at the right time. Yulong’s growing presence in the country now includes Oaks favourite Ohope Wins and unbeaten Guineas winner Well Written, giving the operation a powerful hand among the elite three-year-old fillies. For Monovale, the sale aligns with a clear commercial model. “Yulong has purchased her outright, and she will stay with Roger and Robert for the Oaks, who have done a terrific job,” Joe Smithies said. “We've got to stick to our core business model, which is breeding horses for the yearling sales. Racing for us is probably a by-product of what we do, but having said that, we really do enjoy racing horses, particularly nice fillies like Autumn Glory.” The Smithies will still have a personal stake in the Oaks narrative through stakes-winning filly Acer (NZ), another Monovale graduate.
Ridgeport and Mogumber Dominate Pinjarra
Tuesday, 17th February 2026
Ahead of this week’s Magic Millions Perth Sale, Pinjarra’s Magic Millions meeting delivered a two-pronged domination, with Ridgeport Farm and Mogumber Park combining to shape the headline races on Saturday. The $250,000 RL Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) went to 2YO filly Maria Lucia (Rommel-Mindarie, by Safeguard), and Ridgeport’s stallion Rommel (Commands) later completed a feature double when Twisted Steel won the $250,000 RL Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy (1200m). According to tbwa.net.au, Mogumber Park-bred Maria Lucia was conceived in the sixth and final book Rommel covered there before he relocated from Bullsbrook to Waroona in 2023. Owner Maureen Daly also collected the $60,000 Magic Millions WA Racing Women’s 2YO Bonus, and the result kept it in the family after her older half-brother Do I Feel Lucky (Dirty Work) won the same race last year. “She is just a beautiful horse,” co-trainer Sean Casey said. “Chris (Parnham) made a plan how he was going ride her and was very confident going into race.” The Mogumber Park team of Colin Brown and Fiona Lacey also tasted success earlier when their 2023 Magic Millions graduate Shamilian Miss (Shamus Award) landed the Geisel Park Stud Hcp (1600m), having been sold for $135,000 as agent for Woodbridge Thoroughbreds breeders Ian Riley and Rachelle Huckson. A 3YO gelding, Twisted Steel (Rommel-Real Beauty by I Am Invincible), bred by Jason Cheetham, became Rommel’s fourth individual black-type winner and his second winner of the Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy, following Pixie Chix in 2022. Ridgeport owner Santo Guagliardo bred and sold Pixie Chix for $20,000 at the 2021 Perth Magic Millions through Mogumber Park as agent, and he also struck on Saturday when Ridgeport-bred Monte Tremezzo (Hellbent) split runners late to win the Darling View Thoroughbreds Hcp (1400m) for trainer Dan Morton’s clients. With the Karrakatta Plate (1200m) now on the radar, Parnham was pleased with the filly’s professionalism under pressure. “She’s a talented filly and I had to extricate her out of a tricky situation in running. She couldn’t have impressed me more and I think she’s got a fair bit left in store.” Twisted Steel had been bought for $100,000 through the Ruby Racing & Breeding consignment at the 2024 Perth Magic Millions and won his first two starts before a summer campaign that didn’t go to plan. “I thought he could be a Winterbottom Stakes horse but he was too revved up and not chilled enough pre-race to take on a field of Group 1 sprinters,” trainer Simon Miller said. “We were asking too much too early but my team have done a great job and now he’s really starting to settle.” A break is planned ahead of the $5 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot on April 18, and Clint Johnston-Porter agreed: “I’ve always had a massive opinion of this horse. We idled up to Heeza Phoenix and when I looked around I knew it was going to be an easy win.”
Northern Raider Enrico Grabs the Spoils
Tuesday, 17th February 2026
A bold northern raid paid handsome dividends at Matamata on Saturday when the $350,000 Comag Wairere Falls (1500m) fell the way of Central Districts visitor Enrico, a gelding whose recent record suggested a breakthrough was imminent. After a string of high-quality performances without quite landing the spoils, he finally converted consistency into a feature-race cheque, reports loveracing.nz. Trained at Levin by Ilone Kelly, the galloper had been racing in rich vein. Three stakes placings from his previous four outings – in the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup (1800m), Gr.3 Phar Lap Trophy (1600m) and Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m) – underlined his competitiveness in strong company. Yet the market was not convinced, allowing him to drift to 23-1 for his Matamata assignment despite that solid résumé. The price did little to shake the belief of regular rider Madan Singh, who was determined to partner the gelding at 53.5kg. “I was definitely a little bit confident, but 53.5kg is a bit hard for me,” Singh said. “But I knew he was a good chance and she (Kelly) has always been a big supporter of mine, so that’s why I made 53 to ride this horse.” His commitment was evident from the outset. Away cleanly, Enrico was urged forward to hold a prominent position and briefly engaged in an early contest for the lead with Leroy Brown and Vegas Queen. Rather than press on at all costs, Singh eased into the trail to secure cover and a kinder run. That patience proved decisive as the field turned for home, with Leroy Brown slipping clear by two lengths and appearing to have pinched a winning break. Singh, however, remained composed. Keeping his mount balanced and within striking range, he asked for a final effort in the closing stages and Enrico responded strongly, lengthening stride by stride to reel in the leader and snatch victory by a head in the final bound. Relief and satisfaction were evident afterwards. “It was very good,” Singh said. “He is a nice horse who is always knocking on the door, and he always has wide draws. We got a nice enough draw (6) and got a nice run and when I asked he gave me a really good response.” Co-bred and part-owned by respected Horowhenua horsewoman Syliva Kay, Enrico now boasts seven wins and nine placings from 33 starts, with earnings beyond $420,000 – figures that now carry the weight of a deserved feature success.
The gamble on Enrico paid off (pic: Kenton Wright Race Images)
Correct Weight Declared for Juliet Partridge
Tuesday, 17th February 2026
A long apprenticeship behind the scenes has given way to a moment in the saddle, and for Juliet Partridge the return to Queensland as a race rider carried special meaning. After years strapping horses and riding trackwork around Brisbane, she came back north on Saturday not as part of the support crew but as the jockey. Now 27, Partridge spent more than five years with the Chris and Corey Munce operation at Eagle Farm, serving as travelling foreman and trusted trackwork rider. She accompanied eventual Group 1 winner Palaisipan on interstate trips and was on strapping duties when the mare captured the Tatt’s Tiara in the winter of 2023. Those experiences, she believes, laid the groundwork for her own ambitions. Her race-riding journey began in New South Wales late last month, and Dalby marked her first competitive appearance back on home soil. Partnering Smackeroony into third for Ipswich trainer Beau Gorman, Partridge soaked in the reception from familiar faces. “It was fabulous because I saw so many faces that were excited to see me riding,” she said. “Beau Gorman heard that I was keen to come up to ride to get more experience and he rang me straight away and offered me the ride.” The reunion extended beyond one trainer. “And, then I got there and I saw lots of old faces and they were happy to see me riding. That included Darren Bell and a few other trainers. People were happy to see that I was kind of chasing my dreams.” Earlier in her career, weight had proven a stumbling block to commencing an apprenticeship in Queensland. A move south to the stable of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott proved pivotal, with added gym work helping her reach a riding weight now listed at 54kg. She is currently based with Melanie O’Gorman at Tamworth. Partridge credits her grounding under Chris Munce as instrumental. “He was a terrific boss,” she said. “I spent five-and-a-half years there and they let me do lots of jumps-outs, like I did a lot of my riding there. I would have done 20 or more jump-outs at Chris' before I even decided to do an apprenticeship.” She added: “I learned so much at Chris’, I just galloped a lot of nice horses and did a lot of jump-outs. He just taught me everything, he was a terrific boss.” Still chasing a first winner, she was encouraged by Smackeroony’s effort in the 0–55 Handicap over 1000m. “I think he just peaked on his run,” she said. “The horse was five-and-a-half weeks between runs. There's a race for him in three weeks’ time and I think it can win then in the same sort of race.”
