A first appearance down Flemington's famous straight six presents the principal challenge for The Everest heroine Tempted when the outstanding mare attempts to extend her remarkable winning sequence in Saturday's $3 million Gr1 VRC Champions Sprint (1200m). The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old arrives following six consecutive victories, including her memorable defeat of Hong Kong champion Ka Ying Rising at Randwick last month, and has been installed as a commanding favourite against 11 rivals. Tempted produced the defining performance of her career when overcoming the international sprinting superstar in the Gr1 Everest on October 17, having previously dominated the Gr2 Premiere Stakes by three lengths. Chad Schofield retains the mount from barrier nine, with the mare carrying 56.5kg under weight-for-age conditions. Her outstanding record over 1200m makes her the obvious benchmark, although the transition from Sydney's turning courses to Flemington's demanding straight circuit introduces an unfamiliar variable. Chris Waller's Joliestar looms as the strongest opposition, having finished third behind Tempted in The Everest. The daughter of Zoustar has demonstrated her effectiveness at Flemington and will be partnered by James McDonald from barrier ten. Her previous experience down the straight could become significant should track conditions or race tempo complicate the favourite's assignment. Matthew Smith's Headwall also emerges from The Everest, where he finished fourth at considerably longer odds, while Bjorn Baker's Caballus will be seeking improvement on his seventh placing in the same race. The established straight-track performers add considerable interest. Defending champion Giga Kick returns for Clayton Douglas, although his recent performances suggest a significant improvement is required. Mazu, another Maher representative, brings useful Flemington form and the ability to race prominently. Point Barrow arrives in strong form following successive victories, including the Gr3 Northwood Plume Stakes at Caulfield, and could provide a challenge from barrier two. Tempted deserves her position at the head of the market, but Joliestar's course experience and Headwall's competitive Everest performance provide compelling reasons to consider the opposition in a race where straight-track positioning could prove decisive.
NEWAutumn Set to Glow in Champions Mile
Thursday, 5th November 2026
A Melbourne debut for superstar mare Autumn Glow promises to be one of the highlights of Champions Day at Flemington on Saturday when Chris Waller's outstanding five-year-old contests the $3 million Gr1 VRC Champions Mile (1600m). Winner of 14 of her 15 starts, including five Gr1 victories, the daughter of The Autumn Sun will attempt to extend her unbeaten sequence this preparation against eight rivals in a race where bookmakers have installed her at prohibitive odds. Autumn Glow has dominated her three appearances this spring, beginning with victory in the Gr1 Winx Stakes over 1400m before comfortably accounting for Aeliana in the Seven Sunrise Stakes over 1600m. Her latest performance was equally compelling, defeating Ceolwulf by more than two lengths in the Gr1 King Charles III Stakes at Randwick on October 17. James McDonald again takes the ride, with barrier two providing the champion jockey an opportunity to secure an economical position before calling upon the mare's exceptional acceleration. The principal question concerns her first appearance at Flemington, having previously raced exclusively in Sydney. However, her versatility and ability to perform from different positions in running suggest the unfamiliar surroundings should present few difficulties. Stablemate Lindermann arrives following victory at his latest appearance and has drawn barrier three for Damian Lane. The experienced son of Lonhro brings proven weight-for-age credentials, while fellow Waller representative Buckaroo will be attempting to capitalise on his latest second placing. Anthony and Sam Freedman's Tom Kitten represents another legitimate contender after successive placings, with Mark Zahra engaged from barrier six. A proven Gr1 performer, the son of Harry Angel possesses sufficient class to become competitive should the favourite encounter difficulties. Cliff Brown's Sepals and Ciaron Maher's Another Wil provide further depth, although both must produce improved performances to challenge the exceptional favourite. Pounding, El Soleado and Within The Law complete the nine-horse field. The market reflects Autumn Glow's dominance, with the mare trading around $1.20 to $1.30 in early betting. Her principal opponents face the formidable task of conceding two kilograms to a champion who has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to defeat elite opposition.
NEWHeavyweight Cox Plate Rivals Renew Battle
Thursday, 5th November 2026
A fascinating rematch between three of the spring's outstanding middle-distance performers headlines Saturday's $3 million Gr1 TAB Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington, with Cox Plate hero Cosmic Crusader attempting to complete an extraordinary campaign against familiar rivals Birdman and Aeliana. The Andrea Leek-trained gelding has emerged as one of the season's most compelling success stories, but faces another demanding assignment after contesting some of Australia's toughest weight-for-age races. Cosmic Crusader produced a memorable performance to capture the Gr1 Cox Plate over 2040m at Flemington on October 24, defeating Birdman and Aeliana with a powerful finishing burst. His victory followed success in the Gr1 Turnbull Stakes over 2000m and a brave fourth in the Caulfield Cup, establishing the son of Maurice among the country's leading middle-distance gallopers. William Pike retains the mount, although barrier eleven presents a tactical challenge in a race where the early tempo could become a decisive factor. Cosmic Crusader benefited from a strongly run Cox Plate, and a more moderate pace might make his customary finishing acceleration less effective. Chris Waller's Birdman shapes as a particularly dangerous opponent after finishing three-quarters of a length behind Cosmic Crusader in the Cox Plate. The progressive import has already established his Gr1 credentials this season and again draws barrier one, providing Ben Melham with an opportunity to secure another economical passage. Stablemate Aeliana also warrants considerable respect following her third placing in the Cox Plate. The Castelvecchio mare has consistently performed at the highest level, adding further credibility to her outstanding autumn campaign, which included victories in the Gr1 Ranvet Stakes and Gr1 Tancred Stakes. James McDonald partners Aeliana from barrier four, with the mare receiving a two-kilogram allowance from her male rivals. Her ability to sustain a strong finishing effort makes her especially competitive should the race develop into a genuine staying examination. Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott's Sir Delius will be seeking redemption following his sixth placing in the Cox Plate. The imported entire entered the spring with considerable expectations, and Craig Williams takes the ride from barrier seven. Joseph O'Brien provides international interest through Omni Man, while Light Infantry Man, Land Legend and Sabaj contribute additional depth to the eleven-horse field. Cosmic Crusader deserves favouritism on his recent achievements, but the combination of an extensive preparation, outside barrier and potentially different race tempo creates opportunities for Birdman and Aeliana to reverse the Cox Plate result.
Cosmic Crusader's Cox Plate connections (pic: Mark Gatt)
NEWKing Can Light Up Lee-Steere Stakes
Thursday, 5th November 2026
A clash between one of Western Australia's most exciting emerging gallopers and several established weight-for-age performers promises a compelling renewal of Saturday's $300,000 Gr2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) at Ascot, with King Of Light seeking to strengthen his claims for the Gr1 Railway Stakes later this month. The Daniel Morton-trained four-year-old has won seven of his eight appearances, establishing an imposing record that includes victory in the Gr3 Eurythmic Stakes over the same course and distance on October 17. That performance further enhanced the reputation of the son of Earthlight, who displayed considerable determination to overcome experienced opposition and maintain his remarkable winning sequence. King Of Light will again be partnered by Lucy Fiore, although barrier eight presents a tactical challenge in a compact field containing several accomplished rivals. His ability to accelerate and sustain a strong finishing effort nevertheless makes him a formidable contender under weight-for-age conditions. Grant and Alana Williams provide three runners, headed by former Railway Stakes winner Western Empire, who will be attempting to improve on his first-up sixth behind King Of Light in the Eurythmic Stakes. The nine-year-old veteran has accumulated 14 career victories and almost $3.8 million in prizemoney, with his considerable Ascot experience likely to prove valuable. Stablemate Watch Me Rock also emerges from the Eurythmic Stakes, having finished fourth after encountering traffic difficulties. The gelding returns to a circuit where he has enjoyed considerable success and should appreciate the opportunity to race from barrier four under Brad Parnham. Neville Parnham's accomplished Bustler provides another significant obstacle. The son of Playing God is a proven elite-level performer, with Steven Parnham engaged from barrier three. Let's Galahvant, Sentimental Hero, Too Dardy and London's Image complete an eight-horse field that combines established quality with considerable potential. For King Of Light, the assignment represents another important examination before the Railway Stakes over 1600m on November 21, while his older opponents will be determined to demonstrate that experience remains a potent weapon against the state's emerging talent.
Royal Pedigree Behind Frankel's Cup Breakthrough
Thursday, 5th November 2026
A remarkable combination of British and Japanese bloodlines has delivered a historic Melbourne Cup triumph for Frankel, with Point Of Law providing the champion stallion with his first winner of Australia's most celebrated race. Bred by King Charles III and previously owned by the King and Queen, the Ciaron Maher-trained three-year-old produced a commanding performance at Flemington under Ethan Brown, adding another significant achievement to a stallion career that has already yielded 45 Gr1 winners. Point Of Law is the first foal of Portfolio, a daughter of Japanese breeding legend Deep Impact who won twice for Queen Elizabeth II and Sir Michael Stoute. Portfolio also secured valuable black type with a narrow third in the Listed Chalice Stakes, but her greatest contribution has emerged through her first offspring. Her dam, Diploma, was a Listed-winning daughter of Dubawi whom the late Queen sent to Deep Impact in an ambitious international mating that combined two of the world's most influential thoroughbred families. Deep Impact, an 11-time champion sire in Japan, has enjoyed extraordinary influence through his daughters, while Frankel continues to extend the legacy of his own sire Galileo. Remarkably, Point Of Law is the only runner recorded in the Racing Post database bred from the direct Frankel–Deep Impact cross, making his Melbourne Cup achievement particularly significant. The victory also fills a notable gap in Frankel's record and follows Soulcombe's second placing behind Without A Fight in the 2023 Melbourne Cup. Another Galileo son, Teofilo, has already supplied three winners of the Flemington feature through Cross Counter, Twilight Payment and Without A Fight. Point Of Law's deeper maternal family reflects generations of careful royal breeding decisions. His third dam, Enticement, was purchased for 310,000 guineas at Tattersalls in 2007 and subsequently won two Listed races. Portfolio has since produced a colt by Churchill and visited Kingman, providing further opportunities for the family. For Frankel, whose 2026 achievements also include major victories by Benvenuto Cellini and Giant Sequoia, the Melbourne Cup success reinforces his remarkable versatility, while demonstrating the enduring value of the late Queen's ambitious breeding programme.
Point Of Law's pedigree shone through in the Melbourne Cup (pic: Mark Gatt)
Juddmonte's New Consequential Direction
Thursday, 5th November 2026
A carefully revised bloodstock strategy has helped Juddmonte emerge as one of the most influential forces in European racing during 2026, with the operation's outstanding season providing a formidable challenge to the continuing dominance of Aidan O'Brien and Ballydoyle. Five years after the death of legendary owner-breeder Prince Khalid Abdullah, the famous green, pink and white silks remain prominent at the highest level, with a combination of exceptional homebreds and selective yearling purchases underpinning their success. Trainer Andrew Balding has been among the principal beneficiaries, with Juddmonte stars Kalpana, Blue Bolt and Item collecting a combined £3.6 million in British prizemoney. Their achievements have helped Balding mount a sustained challenge for the British trainers' championship, reducing O'Brien's advantage to approximately £175,000 as the season approaches its conclusion. The operation's evolving approach emphasises quality rather than quantity, supplementing established maternal families with carefully identified outside bloodstock. Classic winners Chaldean and Field Of Gold exemplify the strategy, having been purchased for 550,000 guineas and €530,000 respectively. Both are sons of Juddmonte stallions, Frankel and Kingman. Blue Bolt represents an even more striking example of successful recruitment. Purchased for €400,000 at Arqana, the daughter of Blue Point developed into one of Europe's outstanding milers, capturing four Gr1 races between July and October, including the Falmouth Stakes, Prix Rothschild, Matron Stakes and Sun Chariot Stakes. Kalpana has meanwhile maintained Juddmonte's traditional homebred excellence. Her victories in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Yorkshire Oaks increased her career tally to four Gr1 successes, while Item, another son of Frankel, contributed a major victory in the Juddmonte International. The future also appears promising through Entrust, the first son of champion mare Enable, who made an impressive winning debut at Doncaster. By Dubawi, the colt has already attracted attention as a potential contender for the 2027 Derby. With O'Brien seeking further records and Balding continuing to strengthen his position, Juddmonte's resurgence demonstrates how an established breeding empire can successfully modernise without abandoning the bloodlines responsible for its extraordinary history.
Tuxedo Targets $2 Million Five Diamonds
Thursday, 5th November 2026
New Zealand trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray are preparing talented gelding Tuxedo for an ambitious Australian assignment in Saturday's $2 million Gr3 Five Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill, with a possible appearance in The Gong also under consideration. The five-year-old has been specifically prepared for the lucrative restricted-age feature, which offers connections an opportunity to compete for prizemoney rarely available in comparable races across the Tasman. A multiple Group 1 placegetter, Tuxedo has established himself among New Zealand's competitive older horses, having finished behind outstanding performers Legarto and Waitak in recent starts. His form includes three elite placings from his past four appearances, while his victory in the Aotearoa Classic over 1600m demonstrated the ability that connections hope will translate successfully to Sydney. Ritchie believes the 1800m distance is particularly suitable and has planned the gelding's preparation around the Rosehill assignment. Tuxedo will be having his fourth start of the campaign, leaving scope for another appearance should he perform to expectations. The possibility of extending his Australian visit to contest The Gong at Kembla Grange is especially appealing because the race provides an eligibility pathway towards the 2027 $3 million Big Dance. Although Ritchie acknowledges that New Zealand weight-for-age form does not necessarily match Australia's strongest Group 1 competition, he considers restricted-age and suitable handicap races attractive alternatives. Tuxedo was narrowly beaten by Waitak over a mile before finishing behind the same rival in last month's Gr1 Livamol Classic (2000m) at Hastings. Ritchie subsequently questioned his decision to remove the blinkers, believing the gelding lost concentration after reaching the lead. The equipment will therefore be reinstated at Rosehill. Champion New Zealand jockey Opie Bosson has committed to the Australian assignment, sacrificing his opportunity to ride at home on Thousand Guineas Day. His decision has further encouraged Ritchie, who considers Bosson's confidence in the horse particularly significant. Drawn in barrier one, Tuxedo should appreciate an economical run provided the inside section of the Rosehill track remains competitive. Ritchie is also comfortable with some give in the ground, while acknowledging that securing cover will be important for a horse inclined to race keenly.
Hong Kong buyers secured the leading lot at Wednesday's Inglis Digital November (Early) Online Sale when promising three-year-old Klocke realised $400,000, highlighting continued international demand for Australian-trained racing prospects. The son of Zoustar, who has been prepared by champion trainer Chris Waller, was purchased by Pato Leung's Good Time Syndicate following competitive bidding from domestic and overseas interests. Offered by the Coolmore Colts Syndicate and Eric Koh, Klocke has raced on four occasions and already earned valuable black type through a Stakes placing. Connections initially considered him a potential stallion prospect, but a decision to redirect his career towards Hong Kong provided an attractive commercial outcome. Leung indicated that Klocke could eventually be aimed towards Hong Kong's prestigious Four-Year-Old Classic Series, although his suitability for longer distances will determine whether a campaign towards the Hong Kong Derby becomes realistic. The purchaser acknowledged the role played by Inglis International Business Development Manager Nicky Wong in identifying the gelding and expressed confidence in the online platform, having previously acquired several horses through Inglis Digital. Koh, who was associated with the $5.6 million sale of Chayan at this year's Inglis Chairman's Sale, welcomed the result after connections elected to offer Klocke online rather than negotiate a private transaction. Coolmore representative Brian McGuire was similarly pleased with the $400,000 return and pointed to the success of former Coolmore horses in Hong Kong, including Derby winner Cap Ferrat. The sale's second-highest price was achieved by eight-year-old mare Wrote To Arataki, who realised $150,000 when purchased by Rollo Thomassi. Offered through bloodstock agent Sheamus Mills on behalf of trainer Matthew Williams, the mare attracted a strong result that further demonstrated buyers' willingness to invest substantial sums through digital auctions. Mills highlighted the growing importance of comprehensive photographs, videos and supporting information in allowing prospective purchasers to assess horses remotely without necessarily contacting vendors directly. The November (Early) Sale generated total turnover of $2.27 million, reinforcing the commercial significance of Inglis Digital as a platform connecting Australian vendors with both domestic and international buyers. Entries for the November (Late) Online Sale close on November 11, with bidding scheduled to operate from November 13 to 18.
Cavalry Girl Leads Key Sprinting Challenge
Thursday, 5th November 2026
A return to Flemington's straight-course sprinting provides the setting for Thursday's $200,000 Listed G.H. Mumm Century Stakes (1000m), where the progressive Cavalry Girl will attempt to continue an outstanding preparation against a field containing several seasoned specialists at the minimum distance. Prepared by Tom Dabernig, the four-year-old mare has compiled eight victories and five seconds from 19 starts, establishing herself as one of the more reliable short-course performers in training. She arrives following another impressive success at Caulfield, having also produced a competitive performance in the Gr1 Moir Stakes earlier in her preparation. Craig Williams has been engaged to partner Cavalry Girl, who carries 57kg and has drawn barrier twelve. That outside draw may prove advantageous depending upon track conditions and the preferred racing lanes, although the straight 1000m configuration is capable of rewarding different tactical approaches. Veteran sprinter Rey Magnerio presents an imposing challenge despite being required to shoulder 59kg. The Robbie Griffiths-trained gelding boasts ten victories and eleven minor placings from 30 appearances, with William Pike taking the mount from barrier three. His considerable experience at the distance and established record against high-class opposition make him an obvious contender, even if his most recent performances have fallen short of his best. Bev's Nine, prepared by John O'Shea and Tom Charlton, is another serious threat after winning six of ten career starts. The five-year-old has finished third at both appearances this preparation and should derive further benefit from those outings. Zac Lloyd rides from barrier seven, with the gelding carrying 58kg. Ice Kool provides another interesting form reference, having finished a close third over the Flemington straight course during October. Trained by Damien Pfieffer, the gelding has Damien Lane engaged and possesses the advantage of recent experience over the precise racing surface. Don't Hope Do, Saluted and the resuming Marble Nine add depth to the contest, while the comparatively lightly weighted Stokke arrives following a return to winning form. The prevailing question concerns whether Cavalry Girl's present superiority can withstand the experience and competitive toughness of Rey Magnerio and Bev's Nine. Her recent form and excellent winning percentage make her a deserving leading contender, but a Listed sprint over 1000m allows little margin for error, particularly when several seasoned rivals possess the early speed and finishing ability to capitalise upon even the smallest tactical mistake.
Sequinned Seeks Further Success in Red Roses
Thursday, 5th November 2026
A strong collection of emerging sprinting fillies will contest Thursday's $300,000 Gr3 Crown Red Roses Stakes (1100m) at Flemington, with Chris Waller's progressive Sequinned attempting to build upon an emphatic Caulfield victory against opposition that includes several promising lightly raced performers. The daughter of Pinatubo has won three of her six appearances, including a decisive two-and-a-half-length success over 1000m at Caulfield at her most recent start, and returns to stakes company with James McDonald engaged from barrier ten. Her ability to settle off the speed and produce a sustained finishing effort should be particularly valuable over Flemington's straight course, although the additional distance and larger field introduce fresh considerations. As Racing and Sports indicated in its race assessment, Scintillation shapes as a principal danger following a consistently competitive preparation for John O'Shea and Tom Charlton. The daughter of Too Darn Hot has registered two victories and four minor placings from six appearances, including a most recent third at Caulfield after racing prominently. Zac Lloyd has been engaged from barrier two, providing the filly with another opportunity to demonstrate her natural speed and determination. Ciaron Maher has several representatives, including Calamari Ring, Lady Catalina and Sanctuary, the latter arriving after an encouraging victory at Bendigo. Sanctuary has made only two starts and displayed improvement when winning second-up, although the significant rise in class will test her development. Anthony and Sam Freedman's unbeaten Parcae is another fascinating runner, having won both career starts and drawn barrier one for Michael Dee. Her immediate transition into Gr3 company demands a substantial improvement in performance, but an unblemished record makes her difficult to dismiss. The Freedmans also saddle Semantics, a recent winner, while Bjorn Baker's Fovea brings an encouraging record of a debut victory and a subsequent placing. Handee, The Wildling and I Am Algadon contribute further winning form to an unusually deep contest. Unlike races involving established sprinters, this assignment requires balancing proven competitive performances against the potential improvement of fillies whose careers are only beginning. Sequinned possesses the strongest recent winning profile and a particularly accomplished jockey, but Scintillation's consistency and the untapped ability of Parcae and Sanctuary suggest that the favourite will face meaningful opposition. The outcome could depend as much upon how the field divides across Flemington's straight course as upon the relative ability of the leading contenders.
Proxima Dea Faces Ultimate Oaks Test
Thursday, 5th November 2026
An unbeaten record and a commanding victory against male opposition have established Proxima Dea as the filly to beat in Thursday's $1 million Gr1 Crown Oaks (2500m) at Flemington, although the David Payne-trained three-year-old faces a considerable challenge from an outside barrier and several accomplished rivals in the Melbourne Cup Carnival's premier staying contest for fillies. Successful at all five career appearances, Proxima Dea arrives following her impressive victory in the Gr1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on October 24, having previously captured the Gr3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Rosehill. Her progression through the distances has been encouraging, with the additional 500m presenting the next examination of her stamina. Zac Lloyd retains the mount, but barrier 19 could complicate matters in a race where securing an economical passage will be particularly important. As Racing.com reported, Chris Waller's De Armas is another leading contender following her breakthrough victory in Saturday's Gr2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington, the traditional Oaks lead-up. Drawn ideally in barrier one for James McDonald, she possesses the advantage of proven form at Flemington, while the additional distance offers an opportunity to further establish her staying credentials. Ciaron Maher's Icelady finished third in the Wakeful after racing prominently, having previously contested the Gr1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield. Ethan Brown takes the ride from barrier four, with the filly expected to benefit from her recent experience over 2000m. Another compelling contender is Quick Finish, prepared by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, whose third placing in Saturday's Gr1 Victoria Derby (2500m) provides the significant advantage of proven form over the Oaks course and distance. Jye McNeil rides from barrier five, giving the filly an opportunity to secure a favourable position without expending unnecessary energy. Waterhouse and Bott's Waiheke Rose also warrants consideration following a last-start victory, while Chris Waller's Your Colour has demonstrated sufficient ability to merit respect despite her latest unplaced performance in the Wakeful. The central question remains whether Proxima Dea's superior achievements at 2000m will translate into an equally authoritative performance over 2500m. Her defeat of the colts and geldings in Sydney supplies a compelling form reference, but Flemington's demanding final stages, the size of the field and her wide draw ensure the favourite will have to earn every metre of a potential sixth consecutive victory.
Air Assault Lands John Letts Cup Hat-Trick
Thursday, 5th November 2026
A remarkable affinity with Morphettville's 1800m circuit has enabled Air Assault to complete a hat-trick of victories in the Listed John Letts Cup on Melbourne Cup Day, taking the Andrew Gluyas-trained gelding beyond $1 million in career prizemoney. Ridden by his regular partner Jason Holder, the six-year-old son of Justify claimed his third consecutive success in the $120,000 feature, defeating Florey, ridden by Kayla Crowther, with Talisay finishing third for Rochelle Milnes. The victory was particularly satisfying given Air Assault's disappointing form at his previous two appearances, when ninth in both the Listed Murray Bridge Cup (1600m) and Gr3 Coongy Handicap (2000m) at Caulfield. Those performances had raised questions about whether the experienced campaigner could reproduce his best form, but returning to his preferred course and distance again proved decisive. Before Tuesday's assignment, Air Assault had won all four previous starts over 1800m at Morphettville, including the corresponding race in 2024 and 2025. His latest success extended that exceptional record to five victories from five attempts while adding another important achievement to an already distinguished career. The locally trained gelding has now won ten races from 43 starts, having previously established himself among South Australia's most accomplished performers with victories in the Gr3 Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m), Listed Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m), Listed Hill Smith Stakes (1800m), Listed Morphettville Guineas (1600m) and Listed Balaklava Cup (1600m). He also demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level when finishing third in the Gr1 South Australian Derby (2500m) during his three-year-old season. Bred by the Toorak Thoroughbred Breeding Trust, Air Assault is out of the Zabeel mare Elegant Eagle, making him a half-brother to Gr1 winner Go Indy Go and Gr3 winner Essay Raider, both by Bernardini. The gelding has forged an enduring association with Holder, who has partnered him throughout the overwhelming majority of his career victories. Tuesday's result was another significant success for Gluyas, who has consistently managed the gelding's programme around his proven strengths while also testing him in stronger interstate company. The John Letts Cup, named in honour of the dual Melbourne Cup-winning jockey, has become an especially productive assignment for Air Assault, whose three consecutive victories represent a notable achievement in South Australian racing.
Into Mischief Closes in on Eighth Title
Thursday, 5th November 2026
An extraordinary late-season resurgence has transformed North America's general sires' premiership into a potentially historic contest, with seven-time defending champion Into Mischief narrowing Not This Time's advantage to just US$111,397 following a spectacular Breeders' Cup weekend at Keeneland. What appeared to be a commanding lead for Not This Time only a fortnight earlier has been virtually eliminated after Into Mischief's progeny delivered two of the most valuable victories during the October 30-31 championships. According to bloodhorse.com, Into Mischief entered the Breeders' Cup facing a deficit of approximately US$4.4 million, but the decisive victories of Sovereignty in the US$7 million Gr1 Breeders' Cup Classic (2000m) and Hughes in the US$2 million Gr1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (1700m) (see below) dramatically changed the complexion of the championship. Sovereignty's success in the Classic provided an especially important contribution to his sire's earnings, while Hughes reinforced the remarkable breadth of Into Mischief's influence through the performance of his younger progeny. Not This Time nevertheless retained the lead in the November 2 standings, receiving a timely contribution when Unrivaled Time captured the Gr2 Twilight Derby on November 1. The result helped preserve his narrow advantage and ensured that the competition would continue into the final weeks of the calendar year. An eighth consecutive championship would represent another outstanding achievement for Into Mischief, whose sustained dominance has established him among the defining North American stallions of the modern era. However, Not This Time's emergence as a genuine challenger demonstrates the strength of a younger generation seeking to reshape the established breeding hierarchy. The present margin is sufficiently small that a single major stakes victory could alter the standings, making the remaining valuable fixtures potentially decisive. Perez noted that the final result could rank among the closest North American sires' championships this century, recalling margins of US$130,323 between Thunder Gulch and Rahy in 2001, US$114,042 between Giant's Causeway and Distorted Humor in 2010, and US$111,752 between Giant's Causeway and Empire Maker in 2012. Behind the leading pair, Gun Runner remained third in the general sires' rankings, followed by Nyquist and Justify, while Practical Joke advanced from eighth to sixth. Medaglia d'Oro climbed six positions to nineteenth following Nitrogen's victory in the Gr1 Breeders' Cup Distaff, while Volatile entered the leading 25 after T O Elvis captured the Gr1 Breeders' Cup Sprint. With the premiership determined by progeny earnings, the closing weeks of 2026 promise to provide an unusually compelling conclusion to the North American breeding season.
Buccleuch Chases Listed Breakthrough
Thursday, 5th November 2026
An intriguing contest between established stakes performers and several improving gallopers is expected in Thursday's $200,000 Listed Channel 9 Chester Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, where the lightly weighted Buccleuch will seek to extend his recent winning form against considerably more experienced opposition. Prepared by Patrick Payne, the progressive gelding has won three of his past four appearances and enters the contest following another victory, suggesting he is capable of making the transition into stronger company. As Racing and Sports confirmed in its published field, Buccleuch has drawn barrier nine with Billy Egan engaged at 54kg, an attractive impost against several rivals carrying substantially more weight. His recent consistency contrasts with the mixed results of some established runners, although the move into Listed company provides a meaningful test of his credentials. The experienced Just Folk is among those capable of challenging, having finished in the minor placings at each of his past four appearances. Prepared by Gavin Bedggood, the gelding carries 59kg for John Mott and has drawn barrier eleven, presenting his rider with an important tactical decision in the early stages. Despite the weight difference, his sustained competitiveness in stronger company ensures he remains a significant consideration. Kris Lees has engaged James McDonald for Tavi Time, who draws barrier one and carries 58.5kg following an encouraging third placing at his latest appearance. His favourable barrier may allow McDonald to secure an economical passage, particularly if the race develops into a tactical contest rather than an uncompromising test of stamina. Another runner deserving attention is Gary Portelli's Encap, whose latest second placing suggests a return towards his more competitive form. Carrying 54kg from barrier three, he could benefit from a favourable run close to the pace. Former Gr1 Australian Guineas winner Feroce is the topweight with 59.5kg and has Mark Zahra engaged, while Pinstriped, Warmonger and Revelare bring considerable back-class to the field. Their recent performances have been less compelling, but established talent should not be discounted entirely in a race containing several runners seeking to rediscover their best form. The Chester Manifold therefore presents an interesting contrast between current form and proven class, with Buccleuch's favourable weight and upward trajectory placing him firmly among the leading chances. Much will depend upon the early tempo and whether the more accomplished runners can produce something approaching their previous peak performances over the demanding Flemington mile.
