A devastating turn of foot has carried Senorita Bonita to her first Group 1 success, with the high-priced juvenile producing a performance of genuine quality in Sunday’s Prix Morny at Deauville. The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained filly swept past her rivals inside the final furlong to win the €350,000 feature by four lengths, stamping herself as one of Europe’s leading two-year-old fillies and setting up an eagerly anticipated clash in next month’s Gr1 Cheveley Park Stakes. Purchased for 900,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale in April, Senorita Bonita was sent out the 13-5 favourite following the withdrawal of Great Barrier Reef. She was allowed to settle well away from the early speed by Oisin Murphy as Carry The Flag established a strong tempo in front. Still several lengths from the leader approaching the final 400m, the daughter of Starspangledbanner was brought to the outside before producing an exceptional change of gear. Senorita Bonita quickly reeled in the tiring leader and surged clear, with Carry The Flag holding second by a short-neck from the previously unbeaten Kosuma. Thoroughbred Daily News reports the victory improved Senorita Bonita’s record to three wins and a second from four starts, with her only defeat coming when runner-up in the Gr2 Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot. Simon Crisford said the Gr1 Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket at the end of September was now the obvious destination. “They set some very good fractions up front, she's shown a great turn of foot and she finished off super well,” he told Thoroughbred Daily News. Murphy was equally enthusiastic, comparing the filly favourably with two outstanding juveniles he has ridden in Porta Fortuna and Alcohol Free. Senorita Bonita’s pedigree adds further substance to her growing reputation. She became the 12th individual Gr1 winner for Starspangledbanner and is out of the unraced Ruler Of The World mare Belicious, from a family containing numerous European stakes performers. Her next assignment promises considerably more than another examination of her own credentials. The Cheveley Park is expected to bring together Senorita Bonita, Sun Goddess and Libertango in what could become one of the defining juvenile races of the European autumn. For now, however, the impression left at Deauville was unmistakable. A filly who had already advertised considerable ability turned a strong Gr1 field into a procession and did so with the finishing speed of a youngster potentially capable of much more.
NEWLet’sfacethemusic Set For Weetwood
Weekend, 24th August 2026
An increasingly productive Queensland campaign has placed Let’sfacethemusic firmly on course for the Listed Weetwood Handicap, with Corey and Kylie Geran planning to give their talented sprinter a freshen-up before tackling Toowoomba’s signature sprint. According to racenet.com.au, the five-year-old continued his rise with victory over 1110m at Doomben on Saturday, defeating Fukubana and Zoubaby in the Class 6 Plate under Gary Geran. Sent out favourite, Let’sfacethemusic justified strong market confidence and recorded his fourth career victory from 21 starts, taking his earnings beyond $260,000. The son of I Am Invincible has now won three times at distances between 1100m and 1200m, while his recent campaign has underlined how effectively he races when able to establish a prominent position. His latest success followed a victory over the same Doomben 1110m course in July and confirmed connections’ belief that the former Victorian galloper is developing into a genuine stakes-class sprinting prospect. Rather than chase another metropolitan race immediately, the Gerans intend keeping Let’sfacethemusic fresh for the Weetwood. “He’s onwards to the Weetwood,” Corey Geran said after Saturday’s victory, adding that a five-week break between runs had been part of the stable’s intended programme. That approach reflects the patience shown since Let’sfacethemusic joined the Toowoomba operation. Earlier in the year, Geran identified the gelding as one of the stable’s leading carnival prospects, and his performances since have justified that confidence. Racing Queensland reported in April that connections already considered him potentially capable of progressing through Brisbane’s better sprint races.
NEWMr Brightside Ready for Memsie Return
Weekend, 24th August 2026
After months of rehabilitation and preparation, Lindsay Park believes Mr Brightside is ready to remind Australian racing that age has done little to diminish his appetite for competition. The multiple Gr1 winner is scheduled to return in Saturday’s Gr1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield, his first race appearance of 2026 following a fetlock issue that kept him sidelined throughout the autumn. Now nine, Mr Brightside completed his final serious public workout in a special gallop between races at Sandown on Saturday, again working alongside stablemate Café Millenium. His effort was hardly spectacular to the casual observer, with Café Millenium finishing ahead of him, but co-trainer Ben Hayes says that is entirely consistent with a horse notorious for keeping his best work for raceday. According to NZ Racing Desk, Mr Brightside has failed to beat Café Millenium in their work throughout the preparation, something that has caused little concern within Lindsay Park. “He’s always been a big, lazy horse so we’re never really that confident going into races because he leaves it all for race day,” Hayes said. The stable believes Saturday’s gallop provided precisely the conditioning exercise required before the gelding tackles 1400m at weight-for-age level. Hayes said Mr Brightside was close to his racing weight after putting on considerable condition during his extended break and believes the veteran may actually be more forward for his first-up assignment than at comparable stages of previous preparations. Importantly, the Bullbars gelding is also pleasing Lindsay Park physically. “He’s got a better coat than this time last year and it’s probably the soundest he’s been for a while,” Hayes said. That assessment will encourage supporters of one of Australian racing’s most durable performers. Mr Brightside’s longevity has been remarkable, his rise from a relatively inexpensive New Zealand purchase developing into a career featuring elite victories and repeated performances against the country’s best weight-for-age horses. The Memsie represents a demanding return, particularly after such a lengthy absence, but 1400m at Caulfield is hardly unfamiliar territory for a horse whose tactical versatility has been one of his greatest assets. Stablemate Evaporate, meanwhile, is being directed towards the So You Think Stakes, with the Gr1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes or Gr1 Toorak Handicap among subsequent possibilities. Saturday will ultimately provide the evidence Lindsay Park has been waiting for. Trackwork has never been where Mr Brightside makes his strongest statements; the gelding has spent much of his career saving those for when the barriers open.
Evergreen performer Mr Brightside (pic: Mark Gatt)
NEWKingswood On Caulfield Cup Trail
Weekend, 24th August 2026
Group 1 winner Kingswood is being prepared for another attempt at the Caulfield Cup, with trainer Gavin Bedggood plotting a spring campaign designed to have the talented import reaching his peak over longer distances. The son of Roaring Lion returned to public view with an encouraging Pakenham Synthetic jumpout earlier this month, working strongly through the line behind Sheza Alibi as he builds towards his first start of the preparation. Kingswood is nominated for both the Gr1 Caulfield Cup and Gr1 Cox Plate, although the former increasingly shapes as the principal target for a horse whose Australian and New Zealand performances have demonstrated his effectiveness from 1800m through to 2000m and beyond. His breakthrough at the highest level came in the Gr1 Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie last December, when he defeated Jaarffi and Legarto over 2000m. He subsequently finished a close second to Legarto in February’s Gr1 Herbie Dyke Stakes at Te Rapa. Those performances transformed Kingswood from a talented handicapper into a genuine weight-for-age prospect. The Heatherlie Stakes at Caulfield has been flagged as a likely spring starting point, giving Bedggood the opportunity to gradually increase the horse’s distances ahead of the major October assignments. Recent jumpout analyst Warren Huntly’s colleague David Ingram was particularly taken by Kingswood’s Pakenham hit-out, telling Racing.com the entire continues to appeal as a horse capable of improving as he matures. “I think he’s a really good racehorse,” Ingram said. “I love the way he sticks his neck out and tries.” Bedggood has long held Kingswood in exceptional regard. Even before his Group 1 breakthrough, the trainer described him as potentially the best horse in his stable and suggested there remained considerable untapped ability in the European import. Kingswood’s pedigree offers every encouragement for a Caulfield Cup preparation. By champion European three-year-old Roaring Lion from the Sea The Stars mare All At Sea, stamina is strongly represented on both sides. He also gained valuable Caulfield Cup experience last spring, finishing fourth in the 2025 renewal after continuing to develop through the campaign. The task this year is therefore less about discovering whether Kingswood belongs in elite company than determining how high his ceiling might ultimately be. With elitesuccess already secured and another strong New Zealand campaign behind him, Bedggood now has the luxury of preparing a proven top-level performer specifically for Melbourne’s spring majors. The opening chapters will be about conditioning; the real examination comes when Kingswood reaches the distances for which he appears increasingly suited.
Autumn Glow Reasserts Authority in Winx Stakes
Weekend, 24th August 2026
Sydney sensation Autumn Glow returned to Randwick with her reputation fully intact and strengthened it further with a decisive victory over Sheza Alibi in the Gr1 Winx Stakes (1400m), establishing an early benchmark for the Australian weight-for-age season. The first major Group 1 of the spring had been billed as a confrontation between two outstanding mares, and the market reflected that expectation. Autumn Glow started the $1.70 favourite, while Doncaster Mile winner Sheza Alibi was the clear second elect at $3.50. James McDonald positioned Autumn Glow perfectly from barrier three, settling close enough to the speed to ensure she would not be vulnerable to a slowly run race. Luke Nolen tracked economically aboard Sheza Alibi from the inside draw, keeping the principal rivals within striking distance of each other. Once the field balanced for the run home, however, Autumn Glow produced the sharper acceleration. McDonald allowed her to build progressively before asking for maximum effort, and she established a margin that Sheza Alibi could not reduce despite continuing to chase strongly. Autumn Glow defeated Sheza Alibi by 1.5-lengths, with Gringotts producing an excellent first-up effort for third and Lady Shenandoah completing the first four. The performance was particularly significant because Autumn Glow was returning from the first defeat of her career, having finished third in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at the end of her autumn preparation. Rather than leaving any residual doubt, the Winx Stakes confirmed that she had returned with the same combination of tractability and acceleration that made her one of the country's outstanding horses. Her pre-race profile was already exceptional. Racing Post listed Autumn Glow with an official rating of 121 and an RPR of 138, the strongest figures in the field, while Gr1 winners including Aeliana, Fangirl, Gringotts and Ceolwulf supplied genuine depth around her. Sheza Alibi faced the strongest weight-for-age examination of her career and finished comfortably ahead of the remainder, suggesting the margin between the two mares is much narrower than the bare result might imply once longer distances are introduced. Gringotts' third also deserves recognition. His previous preparation had been inconsistent, but his return showed that his best form remains within reach. The central conclusion nevertheless belongs to Autumn Glow. Twelve wins from 13 starts now tell only part of the story. The more important characteristic is how rarely she is required to do anything inefficiently. Against genuine Gr1 opposition, she again travelled, balanced and accelerated. That economy is becoming her defining weapon.
Dominant Silver Shadow Return for Pembrey
Weekend, 24th August 2026
Prague filly Pembrey produced one of the most authoritative performances of Winx Stakes Day when she controlled the Gr2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) and powered clear to establish herself among the leading three-year-old fillies of the early spring. The Tony Gollan-trained filly had shown considerable promise as a juvenile, winning the Magic Night Stakes before enduring a difficult Golden Slipper, but Saturday suggested she had made the physical improvement expected between two and three. James McDonald allowed Pembrey to use her natural speed from barrier nine and settle prominently rather than searching for cover at all costs. Once balanced, she travelled comfortably and was never forced to expend unnecessary energy through the middle stages. When McDonald increased the tempo approaching the straight, the response was immediate. Pembrey opened a decisive advantage and maintained it to the line, defeating Bangkok Hottie by 2.5-lengths. Global Goal finished third, with Coco Affair fourth, while favourite Cherry Bomshell finished tenth after failing to reproduce the form that had carried her through a successful juvenile campaign. The winning time of 1:08.74 was particularly noteworthy on ground described as good to soft. More significant, however, was the manner in which Pembrey combined sustained speed with a second acceleration. It was not simply a case of gaining an uncontested lead and holding on; she was able to quicken after travelling strongly, which is generally the trait that separates talented sprinters from horses capable of progressing toward elite company. Bangkok Hottie lost little in defeat. She resumed with a strong third before Saturday and again finished her race honestly, but Pembrey had established too great an advantage before the final 200m. Global Goal also performed with credit at only her second start, immediately converting maiden promise into Group 2 form. The result strengthened Pembrey's already impressive 1200m credentials. The Magic Night winner returned with a 56kg impost, while the majority of the field carried 55kg. The Silver Shadow is traditionally the first serious examination of Sydney's spring fillies and frequently identifies horses capable of extending toward the Furious, Tea Rose and Flight Stakes later in the campaign. Pembrey now belongs firmly in that discussion. The margin was decisive enough to suggest further improvement is not essential for her to remain competitive at the next level. Yet given this was her first run since the Golden Slipper, the more intriguing possibility is that Saturday represented only the beginning of her three-year-old development.
Smart Tactics and Fitness Combine for Tokyo Test
Weekend, 24th August 2026
Midnight In Tokyo demonstrated the enduring value of tactical speed and race fitness when she led throughout to capture the Gr3 Show County Quality (1200m), denying the more fancied closers the opportunity to fully impose themselves. The Todd Pollard-trained mare had been racing through the winter and arrived at Randwick with a fitness edge over several rivals beginning their spring preparations. Ben Thompson immediately used that advantage, allowing the seven-year-old to establish a comfortable forward position and control the shape of the race. That proved to be pivotal. Rather than waiting for the better-supported runners to gather momentum, Midnight In Tokyo increased the pressure before straightening and forced her rivals to chase. Favourite Soothsayer made steady ground along the inside and reduced the margin late, but the leader had done enough to prevail by a neck. Matcha Latte finished third and Infancy fourth, while Midnight In Tokyo returned a starting price of $5.00 compared with Soothsayer as $2.30 favourite. The result was an excellent example of how a 1200m handicap can be shaped as much by position as raw ability. Midnight In Tokyo carried the highest official rating in the field, yet her greatest advantage was that Thompson never allowed the race to develop into the kind of stop-start contest that would favour horses with a sharper late sprint. Soothsayer showed quality in defeat. He tracked from the inside and finished strongly enough to confirm that he remains competitive at stakes level, but he was effectively forced to reel in a runner who had enjoyed every opportunity to balance and increase speed gradually. Matcha Latte also produced an encouraging return and may prove better suited once he steps beyond 1200m, while Infancy's fourth represented a substantial improvement on her recent form. The field itself contained several runners with established black-type credentials, and Racing Post listed Midnight In Tokyo on an official mark of 103 before the race, eight points superior to Soothsayer at 95. That makes the result less surprising than the market suggested. Her recent form figures may have been inconsistent, but she had the class, the fitness and the tactical scenario required to capitalise. For Pollard, the win carries particular significance because it confirms that Midnight In Tokyo remains capable of competing successfully at Group level despite entering the latter stages of her racing career.
Cavalry Girl Extends Winning Run In Carlyon Stakes
Weekend, 24th August 2026
Continuing a purple patch of form, Cavalry Girl continued her rapid progression through the sprinting ranks with a composed victory in the Gr3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown, extending a sequence that increasingly suggests she is capable of competing beyond Group 3 level. Trainer Tom Dabernig's four-year-old daughter of Darley's Bivouac entered the race after winning her previous two starts and was sent out the $2.30 favourite despite meeting a field containing several more seasoned sprinters. Craig Williams immediately ensured she would receive an economical passage from barrier one, allowing others to establish the early speed while keeping the mare within striking distance. The inside draw briefly threatened to become a disadvantage approaching the straight as Cavalry Girl waited for clear running, but once room appeared she accelerated sharply through the gap and quickly joined the leaders. Bazaball Rewarded fought strongly after racing prominently and refused to concede, but Cavalry Girl gradually established superiority to win by half a length. Losesomewinmore finished third, with Beast Mode holding fourth after contributing significantly to the early pace. The performance demonstrated an important development in Cavalry Girl's racecraft. Her recent victories had showcased natural speed and consistency, whereas the Carlyon required her to absorb pressure, wait for an opportunity and then accelerate through restricted room. Horses attempting to progress toward stronger sprint company generally need precisely that versatility. Her official rating of 93 placed her below several rivals on exposed figures before the race, yet her current form had been significantly stronger than most with a sequence of 0-2-1-2-1-1 entering the Carlyon, illustrating the steady improvement that had carried her into favouritism. Bazaball Rewarded produced the performance of the outsiders, starting at $10 and forcing the winner to sustain her effort right to the line. The five-year-old may have been underestimated by the market and should remain competitive in similar sprinting company. Losesomewinmore again proved reliable in stakes grade, while Beast Mode's fourth was creditable after racing in the more demanding forward position. The race was contested on soft ground, meaning Cavalry Girl also answered another question regarding her adaptability. She had previously relied heavily on acceleration, but Sandown required her to maintain balance through a more testing surface before producing that finishing burst. The margin was not large, yet the result was persuasive because of the manner in which it was achieved. Cavalry Girl did not require perfect circumstances; she overcame a temporary lack of room and still found enough when the race became serious. That combination of speed and composure gives Dabernig every reason to raise the bar further.
Boniface Converts Consistency into Cup Success
Weekend, 24th August 2026
A succession of near misses gave way to a deserved stakes breakthrough at Randwick when Boniface claimed the Gr3 Premier's Cup (2000m), confirming that his Australian preparation had been building toward a performance of consequence. Sent out favourite, the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained import was given a straightforward ride by Tommy Berry, who kept him within striking distance of So You Are rather than allowing the race to become a test of acceleration from too far back. That tactical decision proved important because So You Are enjoyed a relatively economical passage and was still travelling strongly entering the home straight. Boniface gradually moved alongside the leader and the pair settled down to a determined battle through the closing stages. The favourite ultimately asserted by half a length, while Matusalem finished only a short head behind So You Are in third. Thebudgiesmugla was another half-length away in fourth, emphasising how compressed the finish remained despite Boniface appearing the horse with most in reserve. The victory represented a logical progression rather than a sudden reversal in form. Boniface had already finished runner-up twice at Randwick during the preparation before being beaten only narrowly in the Premier's Cup Prelude. He had repeatedly shaped as though the step to 2000m would suit, and Saturday's result confirmed that assessment. More importantly, he finally enjoyed a race in which he could build momentum gradually without being forced to make up excessive ground in a short space of time. His Make Believe pedigree, allied to the stamina influence of Sea The Stars through his dam, has always suggested that middle-distance racing would be his natural sphere, and the 2000m contest allowed him to settle into a sustained rhythm. So You Are lost little in defeat. He controlled much of the race, responded strongly when challenged and made Boniface earn the victory. Matusalem also continued his encouraging progression with another competitive performance, while Thebudgiesmugla remained honest despite failing to reproduce the same finishing strength. The official result recorded Boniface stopping the clock at 2:03.80 on ground described as good to soft, with eight runners contesting the race. For Boniface, the narrow margin arguably understates the importance of the win. It was less about domination than confirmation: the import has adapted, settled into Australian racing and now possesses the confidence of having converted consistent form into black type.
Prima Bella Makes Weight Advantage Count
Weekend, 24th August 2026
Consistent mare Prima Bella completed her transition from progressive handicapper to stakes-winning mare with a determined victory in the Gr3 Toy Show Quality (1100m), capitalising on fitness, a light weight and an economical passage at Randwick. The Matthew Smith-trained six-year-old entered the race in career-best form after winning her two previous starts and was asked to carry only 53kg, a substantial advantage over proven performers Apocalyptic and Savvy Hallie. Kerrin McEvoy ensured that advantage was not wasted, allowing Prima Bella to settle prominently rather than sacrificing ground against rivals who were capable of producing superior late sectionals. Stardom also raced forward and the pair turned the closing stages into a sustained duel. Prima Bella maintained a narrow advantage deep into the final 100m and held on by a short neck, with the lightly weighted pair proving impossible for the higher-rated mares to reel in. Apocalyptic closed strongly to finish third, three-quarters of a length further back, while Catch The Glory completed the first four. The result illustrated the particular demands of quality handicaps. Prima Bella was rated 89 before the race, considerably below Apocalyptic at 103 and Savvy Hallie at 104, yet those ratings were offset by the weight scale and the fact that both better-performed mares were returning from breaks. Racing NSW listed Prima Bella at a true weight of 53kg compared with 58.5kg for Apocalyptic and 59kg for Savvy Hallie. That difference became decisive once the leaders were allowed to maintain their positions without excessive mid-race pressure. Apocalyptic produced the strongest performance among the beaten runners and did enough first-up to suggest she remains a serious spring prospect. Savvy Hallie, by contrast, finished seventh and never became a meaningful factor after being expected to feature prominently. Stardom deserves considerable credit for her second at $16. She arrived without the recent winning form of Prima Bella yet matched her almost stride for stride, suggesting the Waterhouse and Bott mare may have returned in better order than her previous preparation indicated. Prima Bella's victory also continued a strong recent honour roll in the race. Autumn Glow won the Toy Show in 2025 and Kimochi in 2024, while previous winners include Zapateo and Sweet Deal. Three consecutive wins now place her firmly among the more improved mares in Sydney.
Ka Ying Rising Primed for Everest Defence
Weekend, 24th August 2026
Another assault on Australian racing's richest sprint is gathering pace in Hong Kong, where David Hayes believes Ka Ying Rising has returned bigger, stronger and potentially even better as he prepares to defend his A$20 million Everest crown at Randwick on October 17. The champion sprinter has developed into a sporting celebrity at home since conquering Sydney last year, and reports racingnsw.com.au, Hayes now regards the gelding as unquestionably the finest horse he has trained and among the best he has witnessed. Ka Ying Rising has won another four Gr1 races since his Everest triumph, extending his unbeaten sequence to 20 while continuing to rewrite the record books, including a blistering 1:07.10 in April's Chairman's Sprint Prize. His latest campaign will begin in the Chief Executive's Cup over 1200 metres at Sha Tin on September 6 before quarantine and another journey to Australia, where he will again trial at Randwick ahead of the Everest. Hayes has no desire to dramatically alter a formula that worked last year, although the experience gained from that first international campaign has given him confidence to increase the gelding's workload slightly during quarantine. "I didn't train him very hard at all, I didn't know how he'd handle the trip," Hayes said of last year's preparation. "But the way he handled it last year, especially close to the race, I know I can do a bit more with him." The trainer believes Ka Ying Rising has continued developing physically, noting that his racing weight increased while his performances became faster last season and that he returned from his latest break around 20 pounds heavier than previously. His 2025 Sydney expedition was not entirely straightforward, with concerns raised after a public trial defeat and speculation surrounding his fitness before race day. Even his first appearance before the Randwick crowd brought an unexpected reception when some patrons booed the Hong Kong visitor, although those jeers were replaced by cheers following his emphatic victory. Hayes expects a warmer welcome this time, particularly with Hong Kong supporters likely to travel for the occasion. The Everest itself has also changed dramatically in his estimation since he saddled Vega Magic to finish second behind Redzel in the inaugural 2017 running. What Hayes initially regarded as something of a novelty has evolved into a race he considers worthy of being Ka Ying Rising's sole annual international assignment. Australian challengers are still emerging, with Tempted, Jimmysstar, Overpass and Joliestar among the established names potentially standing between the champion and history. Hayes remains respectful of the domestic sprinting ranks but believes his gelding's sustained brilliance has elevated him to another plane. "He is without doubt the best I've trained and one of the best I've seen," he said, leaving Sydney's sprinters with the formidable task of preventing Ka Ying Rising from joining Redzel as the only back-to-back Everest winner.
Bacio Turns Nunthorpe into American Speed Show
Weekend, 24th August 2026
Raw speed proved more important than surface conditions at York when American visitor Bacio simply overwhelmed his opposition in the Gr1 Nunthorpe Stakes, giving trainer Wesley Ward a long-awaited first victory in the five-furlong showpiece. Questions had surrounded the colt's ability to reproduce his best on softer ground after his Royal Ascot success came on good-to-firm going, but those concerns proved misplaced as he blasted straight to the front and never surrendered control, eventually scoring by one-and-a-quarter lengths. The performance bore striking similarities to his Royal Ascot victory and, reports theguardian.com, confirmed Bacio as a major contender for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland on October 31. Jockey Juan Hernandez had little time to celebrate, with a helicopter waiting to carry him towards Heathrow for an evening flight to Los Angeles and riding commitments in California the following afternoon, but his mount ensured the travel schedule was never threatened. Bacio was aggressive before the start and equally enthusiastic once released from the barriers, forcing Hernandez to temper that early energy before allowing him to fully exploit his pace late. "When the gate opened, he was all fire," Hernandez said, having nevertheless managed to conserve enough of the colt for the decisive stages. Ward watched from his Keeneland base rather than travelling to York, where three previous attempts to win the Nunthorpe had ended unsuccessfully, and the victory added another significant British prize to a record already containing 13 Royal Ascot successes since 2009. The four-year-old had shown his aptitude for straight-course sprinting when winning over five furlongs at Ascot in June, and York demonstrated that his effectiveness was not dependent upon fast ground. Even after the race he remained full of energy, bucking and snorting as he left the winner's enclosure, suggesting the campaign had taken little out of him. Caitlin Ward, the trainer's daughter-in-law, attributed his versatility to exceptional natural speed, describing him as a classic turf sprinter capable of skimming across different surfaces. That adaptability could prove especially valuable when Bacio returns home for the Breeders' Cup, where his Nunthorpe performance is certain to see him occupy a prominent position in the market. For Ward, who has spent much of his career successfully targeting British juvenile and sprint prizes, York had remained an important omission. Bacio removed it in emphatic fashion, delivering an American victory built not upon tactical complexity but sustained speed, aggression and the ability to carry both regardless of what lay beneath his feet.
Profoundly Headlines Inglis Digital Offering
Weekend, 24th August 2026
Elite racetrack performance and access to one of Australia's most sought-after young stallions provide the twin attractions of the Inglis Digital August (Late) Online Sale, with Australian Oaks runner-up Profoundly and a share in Ole Kirk heading a diverse 340-lot catalogue. Bidding is already underway and, reports inglis.com.au, the offering includes 160 racehorses, 79 broodmares, 71 racehorse shares, 20 yearlings, nine unraced horses and the solitary stallion share. Profoundly presents prospective breeders with an especially appealing opportunity after establishing herself among the leading staying fillies of her generation during the autumn. Trained by Michael Freedman, the daughter of Farnan captured the Gr3 Adrian Knox Stakes before backing up just seven days later in the Gr1 Australian Oaks at Randwick, where she finished only 0.4 lengths behind dual Gr1 winner Ohope Wins. A metropolitan winner at two, Profoundly is being offered as a breeding prospect and is ready to visit a stallion for the first time this spring. Considerable interest is also expected around the Ole Kirk share, particularly because the stallion is officially fully booked for the 2026 season at a service fee of $110,000. Australia's Champion First Season Sire of 2024-25 has already produced more than eight per cent stakes winners to runners from his first crop, while his yearlings have commanded prices reaching $1 million, giving the share both commercial and breeding appeal. Racing prospects provide further depth, headed by five-year-old Without Parallel, who has won five of her 11 starts for trainer Matt Dunn and remains in contention for the A$2 million Kosciuszko at Randwick on Everest Day. Well-related four-year-old Eyes Of Blue adds another significant pedigree to the catalogue. The daughter of Snitzel is a sister to Gr3 winner and Gr1 placegetter Bridal Waltz and a half-sister to seven-time winner She Dances, herself successful at Gr3 level. Other notable offerings include Adira River, a winning daughter of champion mare Jameka being sold as both a racing and breeding prospect, while lightly raced Filigree Shadow is a half-sister to Gr3-winning and Gr1-placed sprinter Arabian Summer, who later realised $1 million as an Inglis Chairman's Sale broodmare. Six-time winner Fire Star enters the sale after finishing fourth in the Listed Ramornie Handicap, while the unraced Go Cart carries considerable residual value through a dam closely related to multiple Gr1 winner Zougotcha. Savabeel four-year-old Namaste and last-start winner No Friends strengthen the racing contingent, with Ruinart, a daughter of Gr3 winner Tempt Me Not offered in foal to Capitalist, adding another breeding proposition to a catalogue combining immediate racing potential with substantial longer-term bloodstock value.
Asfoora Calls Time On Global Adventure
Weekend, 24th August 2026
A remarkable six-year racing journey encompassing 35 starts, four countries and three victories at the highest level has drawn to a close, with Australian sprinting mare Asfoora retired after finishing eighth in Friday's Gr1 Nunthorpe Stakes at York. The eight-year-old leaves racing having transformed the international profile of trainer Henry Dwyer, whose adventures with his stable star proved sufficiently rewarding that he has since obtained a British training licence. Her final performance lacked the explosive finish that characterised her finest European appearances, but reports racingpost.com, jockey Oisin Murphy felt she had struggled to properly grip the York surface rather than simply failing to compete. Dwyer was nevertheless satisfied she had acquitted herself honourably, describing the run as creditable and noting that she continued trying despite being unable to reproduce her very best. "It's been fun, but all good things must come to an end," he said. "She's won three Group 1s, it's been a blast and the search continues for the next one." Asfoora's international campaign became one of Australian racing's most compelling travelling stories, beginning with her breakthrough Gr1 King Charles III Stakes success at Royal Ascot before victories in the Nunthorpe and Prix de l'Abbaye established her as a genuinely elite European turf sprinter. Her exploits also turned what began as an ambitious overseas venture into something far more significant for her trainer, opening doors professionally while giving owners, staff and supporters opportunities to experience some of the sport's greatest meetings. Dwyer said attempting to place a numerical value on what the journey had meant was impossible, revealing he had travelled to Britain seven times during the current year alone and regularly brought groups from Australia to experience European racing. Asfoora's farewell came in the Nunthorpe she had previously conquered, although this year's edition belonged to American speedster Bacio, who defeated his rivals by a length and a quarter. Rumstar finished third for trainer Jonny Portman, having also chased Asfoora home when fifth in last year's renewal, and may now be supplemented for the Gr1 Flying Five Stakes if connections decide the €40,000 entry fee is justified. For Asfoora, however, there will be no further international engagement. Her racing career concludes with a record extending far beyond statistics, having carried an Australian stable onto stages at Ascot, York and Longchamp and demonstrated that a comparatively modest operation could successfully campaign a top-class sprinter across hemispheres. Dwyer must now begin the search for another horse capable of taking him on a similar adventure, but replacing the mare responsible for three Gr1 trophies and an extraordinary chapter in his career promises to be considerably more difficult than simply finding another fast horse.
Weight Relief Shapes New Path for Lara
Weekend, 24th August 2026
A difficult introduction to Australian racing has prompted Te Akau to alter the spring program of Gr1-winning filly Lara Antipova, with trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson now favouring a Flemington assignment designed to provide more favourable weight conditions. Previously unbeaten through four New Zealand appearances, the daughter of Russian Revolution suffered her first defeat when ninth in last Saturday's Gr3 Quezette Stakes over 1100 metres at Caulfield, where circumstances conspired against her during a demanding Australian debut. Carrying 59kg despite being a relatively small filly, she was forced three and four wide before encountering further interference late, while reports racingnews.co.nz, a subsequent veterinary examination revealed Grade 2 mucus despite her having scoped clean following trackwork earlier in the week. "She had to carry 59 kilos, and she is not the biggest of fillies, and she didn't get many favours in the running either," Walker said. The stable had originally intended progressing to the Gr2 Thousand Guineas Prelude over 1400 metres at Caulfield on September 19, but Lara Antipova will instead head to Flemington seven days earlier for the newly introduced Listed Michael Moroney over the same distance. Set weights and penalties, coupled with the two-kilogram allowance afforded to fillies, will see her carry 57.5kg and provide connections with an opportunity to reassess her Australian prospects under more suitable conditions. A strong performance could then propel her towards the Gr2 Bill Stutt Stakes over 1600 metres, where a return to set-weights racing would again favour the New Zealand visitor. Lara Antipova earned her Australian opportunity after sweeping through her juvenile campaign at home, culminating in victory in the Gr1 Sistema Stakes over 1200 metres, and her Caulfield defeat has done little to diminish the stable's belief that she can measure up across the Tasman. Meanwhile, Te Akau's New Zealand operation has a quieter weekend ahead, with Born To Be Royal its sole raceday representative at Te Rapa. The four-year-old daughter of King's Legacy, previously placed in both the Gr2 Matamata Breeders' Stakes and Gr2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes, has completed two trials ahead of her seasonal return but is expected to improve considerably with racing after a difficult winter preparation. Group performers Qali Al Farrasha, Talisker and Egyptian Queen, together with stakes performer She Suits Herself, will also appear at Te Rapa in a Group and Listed 1050-metre trial. For Lara Antipova, however, the focus has shifted firmly towards Flemington, where reduced weight and a longer journey should provide a much clearer indication of whether her dominant New Zealand juvenile form can translate into an Australian spring campaign.
Star New Zealand filly Lara Antipova (pic: Kenton Wright Race Images)
Autumn Glow Wins Gr1 Winx Stakes
Weekend, 24th August 2026
Track: Randwick
Race: Gr1 Winx Stakes (1400m)
Winner: Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun-Via Africa, by Var)
Placings: 2nd: Sheza Alibi, 3rd: Gringotts
Stallion: The Autumn Sun (Redoute's Choice-Azmiyna, by Galileo)
Sales Details: $600,000, 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale, Vendor: Newhaven Park; resold for $1,800,000, 2023 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Vendor: Silverdale Farm
Pembrey Wins Gr2 Silver Shadow Stakes
Weekend, 24th August 2026
Track: Randwick
Race: Gr2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m)
Winner: Pembrey (Prague-Se Sauver, by Bel Esprit)
Placings: 2nd: Bangkok Hottie, 3rd: Global Goal
Stallion: Prague (Redoute's Choice-Purely Spectacular, by Pins)
