A fitting conclusion to Melbourne's elite spring racing programme awaits at Sandown on Saturday when eight accomplished gallopers contest the $1 million Gr1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m), with the continuing rivalry between champion trainers Chris Waller and Ciaron Maher providing another compelling dimension to a contest rich in established Gr1 performers. Waller will saddle Beiwacht and Angel Capital, while Maher relies upon defending champion Jimmysstar in his pursuit of a third consecutive victory in the feature, having also prepared Another Wil to win its earlier 2025 renewal. The decision to transfer the race from its traditional autumn position to November has created an unusual opportunity for the stable to claim three successive editions within two calendar years. Jimmysstar, drawn ideally in barrier one for Ethan Brown, returns to his preferred 1400m after finishing seventh behind Pericles in the Gr2 Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) at Randwick, having previously captured the Gr1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley. Although that latest performance was below expectations, Maher remains confident the seven-year-old is performing at his customary level, with Sandown's expansive circuit expected to assist his powerful finishing style. Beiwacht, meanwhile, has emerged as the early favourite following a remarkably consistent preparation that included victory in the Gr1 Memsie Stakes (1400m), and the booking of James McDonald from barrier three adds considerably to his prospects. Stablemate Angel Capital, winner of the Gr1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m), has drawn barrier six and will be partnered by Ben Melham, providing Waller with two formidable opportunities to extend his extraordinary calendar-year Gr1 tally beyond 27. However, the opposition extends well beyond the dominant training establishments, with Bjorn Baker's Pericles arriving from his Russell Balding Stakes triumph and Craig Williams accepting the challenge of overcoming barrier eight. Mark Zahra will partner the Lindsay Park-trained War Machine from barrier five, seeking a maiden Sandown Gr1 victory to complete his collection of Melbourne metropolitan racecourses. The Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) winner returned to winning form in the Gr3 Moonga Stakes (1400m) and possesses the physical strength to challenge the established weight-for-age specialists. Grahame Begg's Splash Back, winner of the Gr1 Tattersall's Tiara (1400m), also deserves consideration following an encouraging first-up appearance, while the progressive Shadhavar brings successive victories into his toughest assignment yet. Desert Lightning completes a field whose modest numerical strength is more than compensated for by its depth of achievement. With Beiwacht prominent in early betting ahead of Jimmysstar, Angel Capital and Shadhavar, the Orr Stakes presents a fascinating examination of whether established championship credentials or emerging talent will prevail in Melbourne's final Gr1 contest of 2026.
Beiwacht is one of Waller's representatives (pic: Mark Gatt)
Magna Sententia Heads Open Sandown Guineas
Friday, 13th November 2026
A compelling contest between progressive three-year-olds promises to unfold at Sandown on Saturday when 12 emerging performers clash in the $400,000 Gr2 Sandown Guineas (1600m), with last-start winner Magna Sententia heading an unusually open market following his emphatic victory at Geelong. Prepared by Taige Weir, the three-year-old has attracted considerable attention after producing a dominant performance over 1600m last Saturday, accelerating clear of his rivals in fast time and demonstrating the potential to make an immediate transition into Group company. Dean Yendall retains the ride, although barrier 11 presents a significant challenge in a race featuring several promising opponents drawn to enjoy more economical passages. Magna Sententia opened favourite at approximately $5, with Star Of Macedon prominent at $5.50 and Harry Lime and Consulate attracting support around $7 in early markets. Star Of Macedon, prepared by John Symons and Sheila Laxon, has secured the services of Blake Shinn from barrier nine and appears capable of making a substantial contribution if able to reproduce his best recent performances. Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott will saddle Harry Lime, partnered by Jordan Childs from barrier four, with the colt seeking to capitalise on an improved draw after encountering traffic difficulties during his latest appearance in the Listed Amanda Elliott Stakes (1400m). Lindsay Park's Strong Tempo also commands considerable respect following an encouraging finishing effort behind The Roaring Sun in the Gr3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington. Although Harry Coffey must overcome barrier ten, the gelding's demonstrated ability to finish strongly against accomplished opposition suggests he can make his presence felt if the race develops at a suitable tempo. Ciaron Maher's Milsons Point, partnered by Mark Zahra from barrier two, possesses one of the stronger exposed ratings profiles and could prove particularly competitive if afforded a favourable passage behind the leaders. Chris Waller presents an intriguing two-pronged challenge through Consulate and Katoto, both receiving a 2kg allowance from their male rivals. James McDonald has been engaged for Consulate from barrier seven, while Craig Williams partners Katoto from barrier five, providing the stable with two experienced riders capable of exploiting opportunities during Sandown's demanding home straight. Arthur Pace's Hydro Rush arrives with three victories from four starts and will be ridden by Jamie Melham from barrier eight, although the gelding faces a substantial rise in class. Mark Walker's Meness has drawn the inside barrier for Ben Melham, while Anthony and Sam Freedman's Fast Freddie, Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr's Viking Kid and Clinton McDonald's Anglais add further depth to a competitive field. As outlined by Racing.com, Magna Sententia's impressive Geelong performance has established him as the early market leader, but Milsons Point's ratings advantage and the improving form of several rivals suggest this renewal remains considerably more open than last year's contest, dominated by Sheza Alibi. With a valuable Group victory and enhanced future prospects awaiting the winner, the Sandown Guineas offers an important opportunity for Australia's next generation of middle-distance performers to establish their credentials.
Excite And Coniston Head Riccarton Classic
Friday, 13th November 2026
A fascinating clash between two sons of internationally acclaimed stallion Wootton Bassett will headline Saturday's NZ$700,000 Gr1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton, where Excite and Coniston dominate calculations for the 54th renewal of the prestigious three-year-old Classic. Prepared by Roger James and Robert Wellwood, Excite has emerged as a leading contender following an impressive 1.25-length victory over 1600m at Ellerslie on October 24, a performance that confirmed his ability to handle the distance after earlier displaying considerable promise against stronger opposition. The colt, drawn in barrier eight for George Rooke, had previously finished seventh in the Gr2 Hawke's Bay Guineas (1400m) after beginning awkwardly and settling too far from the leaders, but the decision to address his barrier manners and step up to 1600m has produced an encouraging improvement. His principal rival Coniston, prepared by Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott, brings particularly compelling credentials following his victory in the Gr2 James & Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Rapa on October 26, where he demonstrated the sustained finishing ability likely to prove valuable along Riccarton's demanding straight. The Blandford Lodge homebred has an intriguing commercial history, having originally been destined for the yearling sales before unfavourable veterinary radiographs prompted breeders Graham and Helen-Gaye Bax to retain him. That decision has proved remarkably fortunate, with Coniston developing into a leading Classic prospect after winning two of his four starts. "He is the sort of horse that likes to roll forward and if you let him do his own thing he has got pace enough to get into a good position," Bax told Joshua Smith of NZ Racing News, adding that the colt's sustained acceleration should be particularly effective at Riccarton. Joe Doyle has been engaged from barrier ten, presenting a tactical challenge against his principal rival. Stephen Marsh's Raymond, third in the Hawke's Bay Guineas, provides another serious threat from barrier four, while Te Akau Racing will rely upon Zafar and Sword Of Stars following the unfortunate withdrawal of highly regarded colt System Of Play, who sustained a pastern injury requiring surgery. Mark Forbes' Thunder In Motion represents an intriguing lightly raced prospect after winning his maiden at Trentham, while fellow emerging contender Kumara Straight has also demonstrated considerable promise. Wexford Stables' Rip Tide, drawn ideally in barrier one, adds further depth, with High Rock completing the male representation. Particularly interesting is the inclusion of Dashing Dixie, who backs up against the colts following her runner-up finish in last Saturday's Gr1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), while Sword Of Stars provides another female challenge. The contrasting credentials of the principal contenders make this an unusually open Classic, with Excite's proven effectiveness at 1600m balanced against Coniston's stronger recent black-type form. With several leading early hopes, including System Of Play and Old Fashioned, absent through injury, the race offers a valuable opportunity for a new star to emerge from New Zealand's developing three-year-old ranks.
Wootton Bassett has two serious Guineas prospects (pic: Coolmore Stud)
Natural Fling's Million-Dollar Sandown Challenge
Friday, 13th November 2026
A final opportunity to crown an outstanding spring campaign with another valuable black-type victory awaits Natural Fling at Sandown on Saturday, with the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained filly heading a formidable 15-runner field for the $1 million Gr3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m). The daughter of Home Affairs has already established herself among Australia's most accomplished three-year-old sprinting fillies, having captured the Gr3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield before finishing third against older opposition in the Gr1 Moir Stakes (1000m). Her most recent appearance produced a disappointing ninth in the Gr1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington, but Tony McEvoy believes the performance was considerably better than the result suggested, with Natural Fling becoming exposed after racing prominently in a contest dominated by horses able to conserve their energy for the closing stages. A subsequent workout under Damian Lane reinforced the stable's confidence that the filly had recovered satisfactorily, prompting connections to pursue the lucrative Sandown assignment rather than conclude her preparation. Lane retains the ride from barrier eight, although the opposition promises to provide a searching examination of her credentials. Among the principal challengers is Caddington, prepared by Liam Howley, whose recent victory in the Listed Crockett Stakes (1200m) established her as a significant threat despite drawing barrier 12 for Billy Egan. Ciaron Maher's powerful representation includes Gr3 winner Lady Catalina, who captured a feature at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week, together with Calamari Ring, Ciaron's Star and Angels Fury. The latter is seeking redemption following a disappointing performance as favourite in the Crockett Stakes, while Ciaron's Star possesses sufficient ability to improve substantially with more favourable circumstances. Chris Waller will saddle Sequinned and Affari, with the latter drawing ideally in barrier one for Jye McNeil after producing a consistent series of recent performances. Grahame Begg's Aroused, runner-up in the Crockett Stakes, represents another intriguing contender, particularly after her trainer suggested that inexperience racing down the Flemington straight contributed to her defeat. Jordan Childs takes the ride from barrier three, while Craig Williams partners the promising Semantics from barrier 11. Chayan, entrusted to James McDonald, faces a difficult task from barrier 14, and Cavill Avenue must overcome the outside gate for Jamie Melham. The race will be conducted on Sandown's Lakeside circuit rather than the Hillside course used for the majority of Saturday's programme, an important tactical consideration for a large field of fast fillies. With Natural Fling seeking to translate established Gr1 form into a valuable victory against her own generation, the contest promises to provide one of the day's most compelling examinations of emerging sprinting talent.
Concord Connie Primed for Stakes Breakthrough
Friday, 13th November 2026
An opportunity to convert a sequence of excellent performances into an important black-type success awaits Concord Connie at Sandown on Saturday, where the Charlotte Littlefield-trained mare will confront 13 rivals in the $200,000 Gr3 Summoned Stakes (1500m). The progressive performer has assembled an encouraging record during her current preparation, including successive placings following an earlier victory, and appears particularly well placed under the set-weights and penalties conditions. Craig Williams has accepted the ride, although barrier 12 presents a challenge in a race featuring several capable mares with established metropolitan form. Littlefield will be hoping that Williams can secure a suitable position during the early stages before allowing Concord Connie to produce her finishing effort along Sandown's spacious straight. The mare's recent consistency has attracted considerable market attention, with early assessments suggesting she could start a pronounced favourite, but the depth of opposition ensures that the assignment is far from straightforward. Grahame Begg's Cilacap, the 59kg topweight, represents one of the most accomplished rivals, with Jordan Childs taking the ride from an advantageous barrier two. The mare has previously demonstrated her effectiveness in stronger company and could prove difficult to contain if able to reproduce her best form, although the weight concession to several opponents presents a significant consideration. Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr will saddle On Display, partnered by Damian Lane from barrier seven, while John Sadler's Merrigold has secured the services of James McDonald. The latter has drawn barrier eight and will be seeking to reverse a sequence of disappointing recent performances. Particularly interesting is Superfabulistic, the Waikato Stud-bred daughter of Super Seth who produced an impressive victory at Flemington on Champions Day for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. The four-year-old has been accepted on a seven-day turnaround, with Ben Melham booked from barrier four, and her connections will be hoping that the relative ease of her latest victory has left sufficient reserves for another demanding assignment. Stablemate Tomato Toastie, ridden by Blake Shinn from barrier three, also possesses encouraging recent form after finishing second at her latest appearance. Mitchell Freedman's Savitri arrives following a runner-up performance and has drawn favourably in barrier five for John Allen, while Terilee, despite barrier 14, remains a possible improver for Michael Kent and Billy Egan. Bossy Benita, Astral Flame, Betwitchery, Davida, Naraghi and Russian Choice complete a substantial field featuring a mixture of established performers and progressive mares seeking valuable breeding credentials. Concord Connie appears the logical starting point on recent consistency, but Superfabulistic's rapid progression and the proven quality of Cilacap ensure that Saturday's contest could provide a fascinating conclusion to the Melbourne spring's programme for mares.
Bassett Hound Fronts Ascot Sprint Challenge
Friday, 13th November 2026
An unbeaten sequence of four victories has propelled Bassett Hound into calculations for Saturday's $200,000 Gr3 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) at Ascot, where the rapidly improving Mitchell Pateman-trained sprinter will confront a formidable collection of established black-type performers. The five-year-old has made an outstanding impression during his relatively brief racing career, displaying the tactical speed and determination required to progress rapidly through the grades, but Saturday's assignment presents a significant examination of his ability to compete against seasoned stakes performers under set-weights and penalties conditions. Bassett Hound has drawn the inside barrier for Patrick Carbery and will carry 55kg, a favourable position compared with several higher-rated opponents, although the capacity to secure clear running against experienced sprinters will be critical. The gelding's unbeaten record on rain-affected ground could prove particularly valuable should Ascot retain the softer conditions indicated during the week, with his four victories from four appearances on such surfaces providing an encouraging statistical foundation. Among the most accomplished challengers is Steve Wolfe's Rope Them In, who carries the 58.5kg topweight and has drawn barrier six for Shaun McGruddy. A proven stakes performer, Rope Them In possesses the experience and quality to challenge the emerging talent despite his substantial weight impost. Daniel Morton's Immortal Bliss has been particularly consistent during his current preparation, producing a sequence of competitive performances that includes a victory and several placings. Lucy Fiore takes the ride from barrier nine, seeking another major success during an exceptional start to the Perth summer carnival. The Daniel and Ben Pearce-trained Talkanco also commands considerable attention after returning to winning form at his latest appearance, with Brad Parnham entrusted with the ride from barrier 12. Although the wide draw presents a tactical challenge, Talkanco's recent success suggests he possesses sufficient ability to become involved in the finish. Simon Miller's representation includes Twisted Steel and Madhi Girl, while Dion Luciani will saddle the accomplished Oscar's Fortune, whose best performances would place him firmly in contention despite an interrupted recent racing programme. The lightly weighted Santanova, partnered by Chris Parnham from barrier ten, has resumed with an encouraging third placing and could appreciate the opportunity to compete against stronger opposition. Rissoles, Jaz Session, Thermosphere Lad, Kraken Time, Pisanello and Devine Belief complete a competitive 14-runner field. The Colonel Reeves Stakes provides an important lead-up to the $1.5 million Gr1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) on November 28, with Saturday's result likely to influence the composition of Western Australia's premier sprinting feature. For Bassett Hound, the occasion represents an opportunity to establish whether a perfect recent record can be translated into success at a substantially higher level.
Cup Form Under Scrutiny in Zipping Classic
Friday, 13th November 2026
A fascinating examination of Melbourne's outstanding spring staying form awaits at Sandown on Saturday when Irish visitor Small Fry confronts Caulfield Cup winner Kingswood and Melbourne Cup placegetter Juja Kibo in the $750,000 Gr2 Zipping Classic (2400m), with three contrasting preparation paths converging in one of the carnival's final major distance events. Prepared by Joseph O'Brien, Small Fry has attracted considerable market support following an excellent Australian debut in the Gr3 Geelong Cup (2400m) –see below – where he finished a determined second, beaten half a length, behind Point Of Law, whose subsequent Melbourne Cup triumph significantly enhanced the form. The six-year-old son of Harzand has drawn barrier four for Mark Zahra and heads early betting at approximately $2.60, although his participation remained subject to Racing Victoria veterinary clearance following an examination that prevented him from progressing towards the Melbourne Cup. Small Fry's proven stamina and relatively light Australian preparation offer an appealing contrast to several opponents emerging from demanding spring campaigns. Chief among them is Kingswood, whose outstanding victory in the Gr1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) established the Gavin Bedggood-trained galloper among Australia's leading stayers. John Allen retains the ride from barrier eight, with the six-year-old carrying 59kg under the weight-for-age conditions and expected to produce another competitive performance over his preferred distance. Ciaron Maher presents a formidable challenge through Juja Kibo, who has assembled an exceptional preparation featuring victories in the Gr2 Metropolitan (2400m) and Gr2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) before finishing third behind Point Of Law in the Gr1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Drawn ideally in barrier one for Sam Clipperton, the Irish-bred gelding possesses proven effectiveness at the distance, although backing up just 11 days after his Flemington exertions presents an important consideration. Maher also saddles experienced stayers Middle Earth and Smokin' Romans, while Chris Waller relies upon Travolta and Asterix. Travolta, partnered by James McDonald from barrier seven, arrives following a confidence-building victory, while Asterix, scratched from the Melbourne Cup after a raceday treatment irregularity, has drawn barrier 11 for Damian Lane. Defending champion She's A Hustler represents another intriguing contender for Grahame Begg, having captured last year's Zipping Classic at Caulfield and remained unbeaten from two previous Sandown appearances. Jordan Childs takes the ride from barrier six, with the mare receiving a 2kg allowance from the older males. Former Melbourne Cup winner Knight's Choice, Vauban, Darkbonee, Torranzino and Strictly Business complete the 13-runner field. As highlighted by Racing.com, the contest brings together several compelling form references, with Small Fry's Geelong Cup performance particularly significant following Point Of Law's Flemington triumph. However, Kingswood's proven Gr1 credentials and Juja Kibo's outstanding consistency suggest the visitor will face a formidable examination should he receive clearance to start.
Profit Motive Eyes Champion Fillies Crown
Friday, 13th November 2026
An increasingly impressive spring campaign has positioned Profit Motive as a leading contender for Saturday's $300,000 Gr3 WA Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) at Ascot, with the Mitchell Pateman-trained three-year-old attempting to extend her winning sequence against a substantial field of emerging Western Australian fillies. The progressive youngster has returned from a spell with successive victories, including a decisive black-type success that confirmed her ability to compete at a higher level, and now faces another significant examination of her credentials over 1600m. Holly Watson retains the ride, although barrier 12 in a field of 16 presents a considerable challenge, particularly if the race develops into a tactical contest in which securing an economical position becomes important. Nevertheless, Profit Motive's proven ability on rain-affected ground provides encouragement should Ascot retain the softer conditions forecast during the week. One of her most serious opponents is Treasured Legacy, prepared by Michael Grantham, who has assembled an admirably consistent record including a victory and successive runner-up finishes during her recent appearances. William Pike has been engaged, although barrier 15 leaves the champion jockey facing an important tactical decision during the opening stages. Daniel Morton will saddle Ruthless Angel, Lady Torque and Pucker Up, with Ruthless Angel particularly interesting following a sequence of placings that suggests she is capable of securing a breakthrough black-type victory. Brad Parnham takes the ride from barrier five, while Lady Torque has drawn favourably in barrier two for Shaun O'Donnell. The Sean and Jake Casey-trained Dixie Doo represents another serious prospect, having drawn barrier 14 for Chris Parnham, whose ability to produce decisive performances in major Ascot features could prove valuable. Grant and Alana Williams, meanwhile, will rely upon Cassandra, partnered by Fred Kersley from barrier seven, while Simon Miller's Duchess Of Dance has secured barrier three. The wide draw could complicate the assignment for She's A Splinter, whose recent form has included a victory and placing, with Steven Parnham facing the task of overcoming barrier 17 should the emergency gain a start. In Good Nicc, Quedjinup, Stern Empire, Flying In The Wind, Miss Billie Jean, Royal Reflection and Crypto Fortune add considerable depth to a race likely to provide an important guide to the strength of Western Australia's three-year-old fillies. All runners carry 56kg under the set-weights conditions, ensuring that tactical positioning, race experience and the ability to sustain an effective finishing effort will assume particular importance. Profit Motive appears to possess the strongest combination of recent winning form and improvement potential, although Treasured Legacy's consistency and Ruthless Angel's established credentials present legitimate threats. With valuable black type and enhanced future breeding prospects awaiting the winner, the Champion Fillies Stakes promises a compelling examination of the state's emerging female talent.
Railway Stakes Aspirants Meet in Peters Stakes
Friday, 13th November 2026
An important opportunity to secure a place in Western Australia's premier mile contest awaits the runners in Saturday's $200,000 Gr3 RJ Peters Stakes (1500m) at Ascot, with a competitive 12-horse field assembling for the traditional lead-up to the $1.5 million Gr1 Railway Stakes (1600m) on November 21. The handicap conditions have attracted an intriguing mixture of seasoned black-type performers and progressive gallopers seeking to establish themselves among the leading contenders for the opening Gr1 feature of the Pinnacles carnival. Neville Parnham has assembled a particularly strong representation, headed by Zipaway, who carries the 59kg topweight with Steven Parnham booked from barrier nine. A proven performer at a high level, Zipaway has demonstrated sufficient quality to challenge formidable opposition, although conceding weight to several improving rivals represents a significant task. Stablemate Brayden Star will be partnered by Brad Parnham from barrier two and receives a 2.5kg advantage over Zipaway, while Lavalier completes the Parnham representation under 54kg, with Laqdar Ramoly engaged from the inside barrier. Daniel Morton will saddle In Good Order and Too Darn Stormy, with the former carrying 57.5kg for Shaun O'Donnell from barrier five. However, recent form suggests that several runners lower in the handicap could prove difficult to contain, particularly Rock Fest, prepared by Daniel and Ben Pearce, whose progressive record has attracted considerable attention ahead of the feature. Chris Parnham has been engaged from barrier four, with the gelding carrying 54kg and enjoying an advantageous draw that could allow him to secure an economical position before challenging in the straight. Michael Grantham's Western Miss represents another appealing lightweight prospect, with champion jockey William Pike accepting the ride from barrier six. The combination of a favourable handicap allocation and an accomplished rider provides the mare with an opportunity to establish herself against stronger opposition. Grant and Alana Williams will rely upon Essentric Nature, who has drawn barrier 12 for Fred Kersley and faces a demanding task to secure an advantageous position, while Mitchell Pateman's Mojo Rhythm carries 56.5kg from barrier ten for Holly Watson. The Casey-trained Memory Parade, partnered by Chloe Azzopardi from barrier three, also warrants consideration with 54kg, particularly if able to capitalise on a favourable passage behind the leaders. Awesome Boy and Like Clockwork complete a field in which tactical advantages and weight concessions could prove decisive. The Peters Stakes has traditionally offered a valuable pathway towards the Railway Stakes, but its significance extends beyond the immediate prospect of qualification, providing a searching examination of horses hoping to compete successfully at Gr1 level against stronger opposition. With Rock Fest and Western Miss presenting compelling lightweight credentials and established performers such as Zipaway seeking to assert their superior class, the contest promises to clarify the pecking order ahead of Ascot's eagerly anticipated Railway Stakes.
Zipaway looks a strong chance for the Parnham stable (pic: RWWA)
Kickup Rocky Faces Unbeaten Newcastle Hope
Friday, 13th November 2026
An ambitious campaign towards January's $3 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) will undergo an important testat Newcastle on Saturday when promising Queensland galloper Kickup Rocky contests the $250,000 Gr3 NZB Spring Stakes (1600m), confronting an accomplished field headed by unbeaten Prince Of Verona. Prepared by Gr1-winning Brisbane trainer Desleigh Forster, Kickup Rocky has emerged as one of Queensland's most exciting young performers following successive victories since resuming his three-year-old campaign, with his most recent success at Doomben particularly impressive. Settling towards the rear over 1350m, the gelding produced a devastating finishing burst to overwhelm his rivals, reinforcing Forster's confidence that he possesses the ability to compete successfully in stronger company. The decision to travel south has been carefully planned around the Magic Millions programme, with the Newcastle contest's set-weights conditions considered more suitable than the handicap assignments available in Brisbane. Regular jockey Daniel Moor, who has partnered Kickup Rocky in his previous six appearances, retains the ride from barrier four, with the gelding carrying 56.5kg. However, his task has been complicated by the presence of Prince Of Verona, whose unbeaten record from three appearances makes him a formidable opponent. Prepared by Annabel and Rob Archibald, the progressive youngster has drawn barrier eight for Nash Rawiller and enters the contest with considerable scope for further improvement. Another serious threat is Chris Waller's Horologist, who resumed with a victory after placing in two of his earlier appearances and has secured the services of Tommy Berry from barrier seven. Waller has also accepted with Katoto and Consulate, both receiving a 2kg allowance under the race conditions, although the latter has drawn the outside barrier. Ciaron Maher will saddle Zahav, whose two career appearances have produced a placing and victory, with apprentice Braith Nock engaged from barrier five. The Richard and Will Freedman-trained Iminastate adds another interesting dimension, having secured barrier one for Tim Clark following a last-start victory. Jack Pilkington's Am I Dreaming, Adam Duggan's El Pablo and Gary Portelli's Tiger Turf complete a ten-runner field encompassing several lightly raced gallopers whose ultimate ability remains difficult to establish. Early betting has installed Kickup Rocky as favourite ahead of Prince Of Verona, reflecting confidence in the Queenslander's recent performances, although the unbeaten record of his principal rival provides a compelling counterargument. Forster has indicated that the Newcastle assignment will serve as an important educational experience before the gelding returns to Queensland for the Magic Millions carnival, with the interval between races allowing sufficient time to prepare for his principal summer objective. Having previously contested the Gr1 JJ Atkins (1600m), Kickup Rocky possesses valuable experience against high-quality opposition, and his recent development suggests he may now be approaching the level his trainer has long anticipated. Saturday's contest offers an opportunity to strengthen those credentials while adding valuable black type to an increasingly promising record.
