Incoming trainer James Cummings will resist any temptation to chase early-season results as he begins the next chapter of his training career in Hong Kong, with the decorated Australian horseman prepared to build gradually after assembling a predominantly young and unexposed stable. As revealed by scmp.com, Cummings is unlikely to have a runner at Sunday's Sha Tin season opener, with Falcon Hunter only sixth reserve for a Class 5 event over 1200m, but the lack of immediate representation is entirely consistent with the 38-year-old's longer-term strategy. The grandson of legendary trainer Bart Cummings arrives in Hong Kong after eight years as Godolphin's head trainer in Australia, during which he became the youngest trainer in Australian racing history to reach 50 Gr1 victories. Rather than relying heavily on established local transfers in his first season, Cummings has concentrated on building a team containing a high proportion of private purchase griffins and imported private purchases, leaving him with fewer horses ready to race immediately. His stable stood at 42 horses at the end of August, but only about a dozen are transfers capable of reaching the track in the short term. Cummings explained that new trainers cannot begin working horses on the Hong Kong training tracks until July 31, despite some being able to undertake limited preparation after leaving quarantine in June, making a rushed assault on the opening meetings neither practical nor desirable. "We're not in a rush," he said, noting that owners understood the first quarter of the season would be relatively quiet. The approach reflects his belief that the right horses, rather than merely quick early winners, will determine the success of the operation. His recruitment strategy has been shaped around promising private purchase griffins with significant upside, higher-class private purchases capable of eventually competing at elite level and other imports suited to the Class 3 bonus structure across varying distances. Among the most exciting members of the team are Providence and Generic, both of whom are being prepared with the HK$28 million Hong Kong Derby in March as their principal objective. Providence arrives with outstanding credentials after winning this year's Gr1 Queensland Derby, while Generic captured the Gr3 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot. Cummings said both horses had settled well since arriving and possessed profiles that could translate strongly to Hong Kong racing. The move marks a major professional transition after his long association with Godolphin, but Cummings has embraced the challenge of establishing his own identity within one of world racing's most competitive jurisdictions. Early statistics may therefore offer little indication of the stable's eventual strength. With a young roster, limited preparation time and several horses being aimed towards targets later in the season, Cummings appears determined to follow the philosophy long associated with his family: patience first, results when the horses are ready.
James Cummings will hasten slowly in Hong Kong (pic: Steve Hart)
O'Brien Shapes Powerful Arc Hand
Wednesday, 2nd September 2026
Ballydoyle maestro Aidan O'Brien could launch a three-pronged attack on next month's Gr1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, with Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini and four-time Gr1 winner Diamond Necklace potentially joining last year's runner-up Minnie Hauk, reports racingpost.com. Benvenuto Cellini is set to sharpen his credentials in Sunday's Gr2 Prix Niel at Longchamp after confirming his place among Europe's leading middle-distance three-year-olds through a productive summer. The colt endured a bizarre Derby experience at Epsom, where he finished tenth after being unsettled in the stalls but was subsequently declared a non-runner, before rebounding emphatically in the Irish Derby when defeating stablemate Christmas Day by 1.75 lengths. He subsequently tackled older horses for the first time in the Gr1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, producing an encouraging third behind Kalpana and Calandagan. O'Brien indicated the colt is unlikely to contest the Irish Champion Stakes, with the Prix Niel instead providing a more direct pathway to the Arc, although suitable ground will be critical. Should conditions deteriorate markedly, the Breeders' Cup and potentially Hong Kong remain alternative options. Diamond Necklace also remains under Arc consideration despite losing her unbeaten record when beaten two lengths by Aventure in the Gr1 Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville. The daughter had won her first six starts, including the Gr1 Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, and O'Brien believes several factors combined against her in France, including soft ground, a relatively quick turnaround and deliberately light training designed to leave improvement for later in the season. She could now be trained directly towards either the Arc or the Gr1 Prix de l'Opéra on the same card, with O'Brien expecting her to be considerably fitter than she was at Deauville. Minnie Hauk appears the most certain Ballydoyle Arc representative despite an interrupted campaign. The mare finished runner-up in last year's Arc and most recently took third in the Yorkshire Oaks after being held up off a pace that became tactically awkward. O'Brien revealed recurring foot issues had required careful management through the season but believes those concerns are now under control, with the entire campaign designed around peaking at Longchamp on October 4. Elsewhere, Irish 2000 Guineas winner Gstaad heads to Sunday's Gr1 Prix du Moulin, with O'Brien encouraged by his recent physical development after three defeats by the now-retired Bow Echo. The immediate focus, however, falls on Benvenuto Cellini's Prix Niel test, which could determine whether O'Brien arrives at Europe's richest middle-distance contest with three genuine Arc contenders.
Golden Tempo Pivots Toward Breeders' Cup
Wednesday, 2nd September 2026
Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Golden Tempo will head towards the $7 million Gr1 Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland despite suffering his first defeat since emerging as America's outstanding three-year-old during the spring, confirms bloodhorse.com. The Cherie DeVaux-trained son of Curlin returned from a near three-month break to finish third behind Leading Change and Napoleon Solo in last Saturday's Gr1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga, beaten 2.25 lengths after encountering traffic when attempting to improve from off the pace. Golden Tempo had not raced since capturing the Belmont Stakes on June 6, having subsequently suffered an illness that sidelined him for about 10 days and forced him to miss his intended Travers lead-up in the Gr2 Jim Dandy Stakes on August 1. DeVaux nevertheless rejected the suggestion that the absence of a preparatory run cost him victory, believing the circumstances of the Travers itself were more significant. Jose Ortiz advanced along the rail around the far turn but struggled to secure uninterrupted running room in the stretch, preventing Golden Tempo from building the sustained run that has characterised his best performances. "He's an ultra-consistent horse, and he does show up every time," DeVaux said, adding that while defeat was naturally disappointing, the colt had emerged from the race in excellent condition and the stable was already looking ahead. Golden Tempo will now return to DeVaux's Keeneland base, where the Breeders' Cup will be staged on October 30 and 31, giving him the advantage of preparing from his own barn ahead of the Classic. Stablemate Englishman is also expected to head directly to the championships after adding the Gr1 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial to his résumé at Saratoga and is likely to target the $2 million Gr1 Breeders' Cup Sprint. The Travers produced less straightforward outcomes for several other leading three-year-olds. Arkansas Derby winner Renegade finished eighth after becoming fractious in the barriers, jumping awkwardly and being crowded soon after the start, while trainer Todd Pletcher indicated the colt is likely to remain in training next season. Ocelli finished ninth after sustaining a cut to his right foreleg in early interference, with trainer Whit Beckman prepared to allow the colt time before determining whether he returns to maiden company, contests another stakes race or is spelled. For Golden Tempo, however, the pathway is considerably clearer. His Travers defeat ended an exceptional winning sequence but did little to alter DeVaux's assessment of his standing, and with the Derby and Belmont already secured, Keeneland now offers the colt the opportunity to close his season against America's best older horses in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Cosmic One Earns Melbourne Call Up
Wednesday, 2nd September 2026
Rapidly improving sprinter The Cosmic One could be given the opportunity to test his progress in Melbourne this spring after extending an outstanding early-career record with another authoritative Morphettville victory, reports racingsa.com.au. The Travis Doudle-trained five-year-old son of Cosmic Force took his tally to five wins from seven starts when he swept clear in Saturday's Urban Environs Group Handicap over 1200m, completing a hat-trick after successive victories on the Morphettville Parks circuit. Regular rider Ben Price allowed the gelding to travel comfortably before taking control around the 300m and drawing away to defeat Dobbinair by almost two lengths, with Dancing Storm filling third place. The performance continued a remarkable rise through the grades for a horse who began his current preparation in Class 1 company at Balaklava in late June, where he carried 62kg to a 2.5-length victory over 1200m. A difficult Heavy-track outing followed, but The Cosmic One immediately regained winning form when defeating Benchmark 64 opposition by 2.5 lengths over 1250m at Morphettville Parks on August 1 before overcoming a wide run to score again over the same course and distance a fortnight later. Saturday's move into open company represented his most demanding assignment yet, but the gelding handled the rise with sufficient authority for Doudle to begin contemplating targets across the Victorian border. "He's done a great job. He's happy, he's really enjoying life, and he's showing that on the track," Doudle said. The trainer indicated there is another suitable Adelaide race in approximately three weeks, after which The Cosmic One could be freshened before travelling interstate for a spring assignment. The decision reflects both his rapid rating progression and his unusually light racing background, with Doudle believing there remains considerable upside despite the horse already being several runs into his campaign. By Cosmic Force from the Sepoy mare Hanami, The Cosmic One was purchased for only $22,500 at the 2023 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale from the Holbrook Thoroughbreds draft, making his development into an open-class sprinter particularly rewarding for connections. His record now stands at five victories from seven outings, with his only other placing coming on debut, and his recent form has demonstrated an ability to perform on both soft and heavy ground while racing effectively around the 1200m to 1250m range. A Melbourne target has yet to be finalised, but Doudle's intention to freshen him after one more Adelaide appearance suggests the stable is prepared to protect rather than overextend a horse progressing rapidly through the grades. With three consecutive wins behind him and Saturday's success his strongest yet, The Cosmic One has earned the opportunity to discover whether his remarkable strike rate can be translated to spring company interstate.
Sydney Return Has Joker Connections Grinning
Wednesday, 2nd September 2026
West Australian sprint star Jokers Grin is poised to relaunch his Sydney campaign after an impressive Warwick Farm barrier trial suggested the foot problem that disrupted his autumn and winter programmes is firmly behind him verified tbwa.net.au. The Maschino gelding, winner of last year's $5 million The Quokka at Ascot, produced an eye-catching last-to-first effort over 822m after missing the start before driving through along the rail for Tommy Berry to defeat a high-class group containing Gr1 winners Tempted, Jimmysstar and Mazu. Only half a length separated the first four, but managing part-owner Mark Jones said both Berry and trainer Chris Waller were pleased with the performance and Jokers Grin is likely to have another trial before returning to racing later this month. The $1 million Gr2 The Shorts over 1100m at Randwick on September 19 is among several potential starting points for the campaign. Jokers Grin's eastern states programme was repeatedly compromised earlier in the year by a foot abscess which prevented Waller from pursuing intended targets in both Sydney and Brisbane, forcing connections to reassess and give the gelding time through the Queensland winter. The patience now appears to have paid off, with his trial displaying both his accustomed acceleration and the ability to recover after beginning poorly. His return also provides an important spring showcase for Alwyn Park stallion Maschino, who has started the new season strongly with 11 individual winners during August, sharing the Western Australian lead in that category with Playing God. Jokers Grin remains the sire's headline performer after elevating himself into elite sprint company with his Quokka victory, while Machine Gun Gracie supplied Maschino with his first eastern states black-type winner when taking the Listed Epona Stakes over 1900m at Rosehill in March. The family has been particularly productive for Maschino. Jokers Grin's dam Walk In Beauty, by Barely A Moment, also produced Gr3 Northam Sprint winner Cup Night by the same stallion and currently has a two-year-old Maschino filly already broken in, along with a yearling colt expected to be offered at the 2027 Perth Magic Millions Sale. Maschino, a son of Encosta De Lago, stands at Alwyn Park for $13,750 including GST alongside Minsk Moment at $5,500. The immediate attention, however, is firmly on Jokers Grin as he prepares to return to competition under Waller. Having missed much of the year through an untimely setback, the gelding now has the opportunity to re-establish himself among Australia's leading sprinters, and his Warwick Farm trial indicates he is returning with considerably more than residual fitness.
Joker's Grin is back in Sydney (pic: Western Racepix)
Jigsaw Poised for Patient Spring Return
Wednesday, 2nd September 2026
A cautious approach to Jigsaw’s spring preparation is likely to see the dual Gr1 winner bypass the Gr1 Manikato Stakes at Caulfield on September 27, with trainer Cindy Alderson instead favouring the Gr2 Schillaci Stakes over 1100m at the same track on October 10 for his seasonal return, reports racing.com. The eight-year-old Manhattan Rain gelding took another important step towards racing when winning an 800m jump-out on the Cranbourne course proper on Monday under regular rider Logan Bates, showing his customary speed from the gates before travelling strongly to the line. Alderson said the hit-out represented the first occasion this preparation that Jigsaw had been allowed to extend at full pace and she was delighted with both his performance and Bates’ assessment afterwards. Despite the temptation presented by the $2 million Manikato, Alderson believes an additional fortnight will suit a horse who endured a lengthy and highly successful campaign last season, when he emerged as one of Australian racing’s most compelling stories. Jigsaw strung together seven consecutive victories during that remarkable sequence, claiming the Gr1 Sistema Railway at Ellerslie before returning to Australia to win the Gr1 William Reid Stakes at Caulfield and then travelling west to capture the $5 million The Quokka at Ascot. Those performances transformed a sprinter who had long shown significant ability into a genuine elite-level performer and Alderson is conscious that, now aged eight, his programme should be determined as much by how he feels between races as by the availability of suitable targets. “He’s giving me the vibes that he seems in the same order that he left off in, which is exciting,” she said, while stressing there were no soundness concerns behind the decision to adopt a patient build-up. Jigsaw’s spring beyond the Schillaci remains deliberately open, with Alderson prepared to allow his condition and performances to dictate which races he contests rather than lock into a fixed campaign months in advance. One intriguing possibility is a return to Flemington, despite the gelding having historically appeared less effective down the straight course. His Cranbourne jump-out provided some encouragement on that score, with Alderson noting that he appeared sharper and more focused than he has sometimes been in similar work. For now, however, the emphasis remains on bringing him steadily towards the Schillaci rather than rushing him into the Manikato. After a campaign that included victories at Gr1 level on both sides of the Tasman and culminated in a lucrative interstate raid on The Quokka, there is little for Jigsaw left to prove, allowing Alderson the luxury of placing longevity ahead of urgency as one of the country’s most popular sprinters prepares for another spring.
Cult sprint hero Jigsaw (pic: Mark Gatt)
Chayan Ready for a Furious Test
Wednesday, 2nd September 2026
A booking of champion jockey James McDonald has added to Annabel Archibald’s confidence that high-priced filly Chayan can make a successful entrance into Sydney’s Princess Series when she resumes in Saturday’s Gr2 Furious Stakes over 1200m at Randwick, according to racingnsw.com.au. McDonald had been secured for the three-year-old before Pembrey produced a dominant victory in the Gr2 Silver Shadow Stakes, and Archibald admitted she was relieved to retain the world-class rider after Tommy Berry was subsequently booked for the Queensland filly. Chayan enters the spring carrying both considerable expectation and an extraordinary price tag after Coolmore paid a record $5.6 million for her at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale earlier this year, with the daughter of I Am Invincible remaining in the care of Annabel and Rob Archibald. Her juvenile campaign produced a notable victory in the Gr2 Reisling Stakes before she started favourite in the Golden Slipper, where she finished eighth behind Guest House after conditions and the accumulated demands of the preparation appeared to blunt her performance. Archibald believes the Reisling may effectively have been Chayan’s grand final last autumn and has taken a deliberately different approach this time, initially preparing the filly from the stable’s quieter Scone base before transferring her to Warwick Farm ahead of her first barrier trial. She has subsequently impressed in her trials and completed a public exhibition gallop last weekend, running her final 600m in 38.63 under Zac Lloyd without being asked for anything strenuous. Archibald said the purpose of the gallop was principally to allow Chayan to expend some nervous energy, with the filly settling once she began her work and pleasing Lloyd with the manner in which she stretched out. Although Saturday’s Furious Stakes presents an immediate challenge against Pembrey and a quality group of three-year-old fillies, the broader objective is the Gr1 Flight Stakes over 1600m at Randwick on October 3, for which Chayan shares early favouritism around $6 with Silver Shadow placegetter Global Goal. The question of whether she ultimately wants that distance remains open. Her strong finish in the Reisling encouraged the stable to consider the Flight Stakes pathway, but Lloyd’s impression that she retains considerable natural speed means the Gr2 Tea Rose Stakes over 1400m is likely to provide the crucial indication of whether she continues to 1600m. Stablemate Cherry Bomshell is also expected to contest the Furious, giving the Archibald team two representatives in the second leg of the Princess Series. Chayan has physically developed since her two-year-old campaign, appearing taller while retaining the athletic, racy characteristics associated with I Am Invincible, and her trainers believe she has also become more settled. Saturday will reveal how much that maturation has translated to the racetrack, but with McDonald committed, a carefully managed preparation behind her and improvement expected from whatever she produces first-up, Chayan begins the spring with every opportunity to justify the enormous faith placed in her.
Cavalry Girl Earns Her Moir Shot
Wednesday, 2nd September 2026
A spectacular winter campaign has earned Cavalry Girl her opportunity at the highest level, with the Tom Dabernig-trained mare set to tackle Saturday’s Gr1 Moir Stakes over 1000m at Sandown after compiling an imposing sequence of victories through the colder months, according to racenet.com.au. The four-year-old daughter of Bivouac has won four of her past five starts and enters her first Gr1 assignment chasing a fourth consecutive success, most recently confirming her place in the Moir with a determined victory in the Gr3 Carlyon Stakes over the same Sandown course and distance. Ridden by Craig Williams, Cavalry Girl settled behind leader Beast Mode from the inside barrier and appeared momentarily trapped for room before an opening emerged along the rail inside the final 200m. She accelerated through the gap and defeated Bazaball Rewarded by half a length, with Losesomewinmore third, providing Dabernig with the performance he needed to justify progressing immediately to weight-for-age company. The Carlyon followed an emphatic Listed Lightning Stakes victory at Morphettville in late July and another success in Benchmark 100 company at Caulfield Heath, completing a transformation from useful sprinting filly to one of the most progressive short-course mares in the country. Cavalry Girl has now won seven of 17 starts with another four placings and more than $500,000 in earnings, an outstanding return on the $110,000 paid for her by Joe O’Neill’s Prime Thoroughbreds at the 2024 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale. Her rise has also enhanced an already valuable broodmare profile, but connections are in no hurry to contemplate the next phase while she continues to thrive on racing. Dabernig had briefly considered giving Cavalry Girl a break after her Caulfield Heath success and saving her for the Flemington carnival, but her condition and continued improvement persuaded the stable to press on through the Carlyon, a decision vindicated by another stakes victory. The Moir represents a substantially tougher assignment, with the nominations including boom three-year-old Natural Fling, Gr1 winners Marhoona and Ole Dancer, established stars Giga Kick and Rothfire, and Gr1-placed mares My Gladiola and Extragalactic. Yet Cavalry Girl brings one advantage many of her rivals do not possess: proven race fitness and winning form over Saturday’s exact course and distance. Her sire Bivouac has enjoyed an outstanding start at stud, headed by dual Gr1 winner Beiwacht and Queensland Oaks heroine Fireball Miss, and Cavalry Girl now has the opportunity to join his elite performers. For Dabernig, who shared in numerous Gr1 victories during his years at Lindsay Park but is seeking his first since establishing his own operation, the mare represents one of several genuine spring chances alongside Oliveanotherday and Shadhavar. What began as a productive winter campaign has consequently developed into something considerably more ambitious, with Cavalry Girl now entitled to discover precisely where she sits among Australia’s premier sprinters.
Ryan Lands Fifth Cairns Cup with Choir Boy
Wednesday, 2nd September 2026
Tolga trainer Janel Ryan reinforced her standing as one of Far North Queensland’s most successful country trainers when Choir Boy delivered her a fifth Cairns Cup at Cannon Park on Saturday, reports racingqueensland.com.au. The seven-year-old produced a dominant performance in the 2100m feature, defeating Brisbane visitor Zoology by almost two lengths under a well-judged ride from Ivo Fry. Choir Boy entered the race in strong form after winning the Banana Cup at Innisfail at his previous start, and Ryan had been confident his recent efforts under significant weights had him well placed for the Cairns assignment. The victory was Choir Boy’s 13th from 62 starts and his eighth since joining Ryan’s stable, an achievement made more notable by the serious leg problem that threatened his racing career little more than a year ago. The gelding developed an infection in his leg a couple of starts after winning the Laura Cup last season and required a lengthy recovery, but his return to form has vindicated the patience shown by connections. Ryan now plans to pursue qualification for the Country Cups Challenge Final at Doomben in December, a programme that would give Choir Boy the opportunity to carry his regional form to metropolitan level later in the year. Ryan’s association with Cairns racing stretches back decades. The American-born horsewoman spent 11 years based in Cairns after settling in Australia before relocating to Tolga on the Atherton Tablelands more than a decade ago, where she and husband Ronnie have built a formidable record in feature races throughout North and Far North Queensland. Choir Boy joins Pretty Fox, Sea Fight, We Just Love It and Tutelage as Ryan-trained Cairns Cup winners, underlining her extraordinary affinity with one of the region’s signature staying events. The Cannon Park meeting also produced a notable result for trainer Tom Button, who secured his first feature victory since relocating his stable to Townsville when Bianca Mia won the Magic Millions Daintree Guineas. Ridden by Ben Kennedy, the former Sydney-trained mare enjoyed an economical run behind the leaders before making her move approaching the home turn and proving strongest in the straight. Bianca Mia, raced by prominent Townsville owner Joe Rapisarda, was having only her third start for Button, whose training career has taken him from Rockhampton to the Sunshine Coast, Canungra, Bowen and now Townsville. Yet the headline belonged to Ryan and Choir Boy, whose latest success combined durability, resilience and a trainer’s exceptional record in the region. With five Cairns Cups now on her résumé and Choir Boy seemingly thriving again after his injury setback, Ryan has another opportunity to extend that record when the country cups circuit progresses towards its lucrative Doomben finale.
Valuable Guineas Black Type for Perfect Chaos
Wednesday, 2nd September 2026
Perfect Chaos confirmed herself as another promising New Zealand Bloodstock graduate for trainer Stephen Marsh and bloodstock agent Dylan Johnson when she resumed with victory in the Listed Wanganui Guineas over 1200m on Saturday, reports nzb.co.nz. The three-year-old daughter of Hello Youmzain, purchased by Stephen Marsh Racing and Dylan Johnson Bloodstock for $50,000 from The Oaks Stud’s draft at the 2025 Karaka Book 1 Sale, had finished in the placings in each of her four juvenile starts and arrived at Wanganui as the well-supported $3.20 favourite after finishing a close second in a lead-up trial. Jockey George Rooke rode positively from the outset, allowing Perfect Chaos to work forward and settle outside the leader before asking her to increase the tempo at the top of the straight. Despite having done some work early and racing fresh-up on testing ground, the filly responded strongly and held a margin of just under a length over the fast-finishing O’Baby, with Singletary third to complete an all-NZB trifecta. The performance continued an outstanding run with Karaka-sourced fillies for Marsh and Johnson, whose previous purchases include last season’s outstanding Well Written along with black-type winners Hitabell, Glamour Tycoon and Bourbon Empress. Johnson said Perfect Chaos had displayed excellent juvenile form without managing to win and believed securing black type so early in her three-year-old campaign was particularly valuable given both her pedigree and relatively modest purchase price. A daughter of Gr3 winner Kali, by Darci Brahma, Perfect Chaos competed against a strong group at two, including subsequent stakes performers Honour Roll, Belle Rebelle, Bourbon Time and Phillyjean, giving further context to the consistency she showed during her first preparation. Rooke believes the filly may prove even better when she encounters firmer ground, describing her as a fluent-moving type whose natural speed enables her to take up advantageous positions. Johnson was similarly encouraged by the way Perfect Chaos had matured physically since her two-year-old season and indicated the Gr1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas over 1600m at Riccarton remains a possible long-term target. The immediate plan is to gradually extend her to 1400m before deciding whether she is ready for the trip to Christchurch. Her Wanganui victory also continued a notable trend, with Perfect Chaos becoming the second consecutive Hello Youmzain filly purchased at Karaka to win the race after Platinum Diamond last year. O’Baby, an $80,000 Book 1 purchase, and Singletary, bought for $125,000 from Book 2, reinforced the sale’s influence by filling the minor placings. Perfect Chaos has now earned $62,680 from five starts and, more importantly, has converted four juvenile placings into valuable stakes success at the first attempt as a three-year-old.
