A proven performer with a history of punching above his weight, Overpass has been locked in for a third crack at The TAB Everest, this time under the slot held by Newgate supremo Henry Field, revealed racenet.com.au. After surveying his options, Field opted for the $10.5 million-earner, describing it as a “sensible play” in a year where reliability may trump raw potential. “We know what we are going to get with Overpass,” he said. “He's a top sprinter and if he runs to his mark in the TJ Smith Stakes earlier this year and the Sydney Stakes last spring then he will give us a good shout.” Field considered younger prospects like Tempted, but the Bjorn Baker-trained gelding ultimately won out for his consistency and first-up strike rate. The selection marks a return to The Everest stage for Overpass, who ran sixth to Giga Kick in 2022 and 10th behind Think About It in 2023. Last year he wasn’t picked for The Everest but made a compelling case regardless, winning the Sydney Stakes in a time marginally faster than Bella Nipotina’s Everest performance on the same day. Trainer Bjorn Baker believes the gelding is primed to deliver his best yet. “We have learned over the years with Overpass that he is at his absolute best first-up from a spell,” Baker said. “His preparation won’t change. We had him primed to be at his peak on October 18 anyway and it is exciting he has another chance in The Everest.” Baker, who is hoping for a case of “third time lucky,” said Overpass will have another barrier trial and may also step out for an exhibition gallop before Everest day. Owner Scott Darby of Darby Racing welcomed the call from Field, having long felt the sprinter had been overlooked in elite sprinting discussions. “We have always thought Overpass deserved a spot in The Everest,” Darby said. “Overpass is going as well as ever and we certainly believe he will acquit himself well.” He added that Field “knew all about the horse and how effective he can be first-up over the Randwick 1200m.” With the announcement, Overpass becomes the seventh confirmed starter for this year’s $20 million showpiece. The field so far includes Hong Kong speedster Ka Ying Rising (Hong Kong Jockey Club), Private Harry (Yulong), Briasa (Max Whitby, Neil Werrett, Col Madden and Steve McCann), Jimmysstar (TAB), Joliestar (Chris Waller Racing) and Lady Shenandoah (Fairway Thoroughbreds). A few slots remain in what is shaping to be a vintage edition of the world’s richest turf sprint.
Waller Cards Four for Newcastle Gold Cup
Thursday, 18th September 2025
Having recorded success three times in the last four years in the race and in particular with 2022 winner Great House (Galileo) who went on to finish fifth in both the Gr1 Metropolitan and Gr1 Caulfield Cup before contesting the Melbourne Cup, while 2023 winner Durston (Sea The Moon) went on to win the Gr1 Caulfield Cup two starts later. This year the Champion trainer has accepted with four runners in Friday's Gr3 Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m) with leading contender Travolta (Lope de Vega-Hertford Dancer, by Foxwedge) appearing the best on paper from the stable. Stablemate Soul Of Spain (Phoenix Of Spain-Aimhirgin Lass, by Pivotal) also has the runs on the board, with three wins from his last three starts, but the class of those races are lesser than those conducted by Travolta. Scoring over 2000m two starts back, Travolta then started favourite in the Listed Tattersalls Club Cup (2400m) at Randwick where he was unable to run down the all the way winner Changingoftheguard (Galileo). Australian Bloodstock, who are no strangers to winning staying races will have two in Friday's contest with the pair both coming off a break. Trained by Ciaron Maher, Royal Supremacy (Make Believe-Adelasia, by Iffraaj) has not been seen since winning the Wyong Cup Prelude (2000m) in mid-August but has since finished a nice third in a 1200m Wyong barrier trial. Successful in the Listed Grafton Cup in mid-July, the Annabel and Rob Archibald trained Don Diego De Vega (Lope de Vega-Fairly Fair, by Sinndar) has always shown promise and with nominations to all the big spring staying contests, he should be followed closely.
Dark Glitter Can Back Up Strongly in Tibbie
Thursday, 18th September 2025
Almost causing a boilover last Saturday when a half-length second (see below) in the Gr2 Sheraco Stakes behind Manaal (Tassort), the Mike Van Gestel-trained Dark Glitter (Spieth-Berning Affair, by Bernardini) backs up in Friday's $250,000 Gr3 Tibbie Stakes (1400m) at Newcastle. Yet to break through at black type level, a victory by the 5yo mare on Friday could not only see the mare take her earnings past $500,000 but will also see her value increase considerably. From barrier 2, the mare should get a cosy run, and as long as she can get out if she becomes cluttered back on the rail, then watch for her late. Coming into the race with three wins and a second from her last five starts, the David Pfieffer trained Diamond Lil (So You Think-Rare Diamond, by Redoute's Choice) has drawn well and with Rachel King in the saddle, the mare looks capable of going to the lead and proving hard to catch. Likely to be suited over further, the C J Waller-trained Movin' Out (Staphanos-Wahaha, by Stravinsky) finished third at Group 2 level and fourth at Gr1 level last campaign, and with two handy trial efforts leading into Friday's race, the mare should be watched late. With three scratched runners already in the 20 strong field, which includes four emergencies, we will hopefully see the Gary Portelli-trained Verona Rose (Castelvecchio-Minamya, by Makfi) secure a start and produce an improved effort off the back of her poor first up run from a wide gate. Unbeaten second up, the Gr3 Kembla Grange Classic winner will be ridden by Jason Collet and is capable of a big finish when things go to plan.
McColm to Target Magic Millions Carnival
Thursday, 18th September 2025
Trainer David McColm has recently moved to the Gold Coast from Murwillumbah to support his son's apprentice jockey career, but the move has rendered stable star Far Too Easy (All Too Hard-Mnemonic, by Hussonet) ineligible to defend his Kosciuszko crown, repors racingqueensland.com.au. Instead, he will target the Magic Millions carnival in January with Far Too Easy and stablemate Pareto (Pierata-O'Rachael, by Northern Meteor). "We decided to give Far Too Easy a longer break and he's just come back into work," McColm said. "We going to take him along slowly and target the Magic Millions but we'll see how he's going closer to the time." Pareto ran eighth of 10 in the Listed Dalrello Stakes at Eagle Farm at his second start at two, and the now 4YO gelding has won two of his seven starts. "It was only his second race start and mentally and physically he wasn't there. He's a lot stronger now and I probably threw him in at the deep end a bit too quick when he was younger," he said. "He's a very good horse but he hasn't reached his full potential yet. He has had a few feet issues and like Far Too Easy he likes softer tracks. When he gets the sting out of the ground, he's a couple of lengths better horse." Pareto was sold by Telemon Thoroughbreds at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $160,000 to Tresbland. He is the second foal of O'Rachael who placed in the Gr1 Diamond Stakes in New Zealand behind Queensland sire Heroic Valour (Fastnet Rock-Myrhh, by Nassipour). Far Too Easy has earnings over $2 million and was sold by Baramul Stud at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale of 2020 for $45,000 to Tresbland.
Wide Open Cameron Handicap a Minefield
Thursday, 18th September 2025
With Big Dance eligibility on the line, Friday's Gr3 Cameron Handicap (1500m) at Newcastle sees a large field of 16 plus four emergencies come together, in what looks a very even field as many are racing first or second up from a break. Beaten just over three lengths when resuming recently in the Gr2 Tramway Quality, the Hawkes Racing-trained Swiftfalcon (Exceedance-Tempting Delight, by Northern Meteor) does have some handy second up form and in all three runs has never been out of the top three including a Listed win and a Group 1 placed effort suggesting the gelding has a level of class about him. Unfortunately drawn wide, jockey Tyler Schiller may need to ride for luck in the home straight, but he does have a strong finish and the fact he has not accepted for any races this Saturday, suggests connections are keen to run here. With three wins from his last four starts, the Joe Pridetrained Headley Grange (Exosphere-Hard Go Jo, by Hard Spun) has since gone to the trials for a nice second, and although he has not started at the track in the past, he has a first and a second from two starts at the distance suggesting he has the form to play a leading role in the Group 3 contest. One who has race fitness on his side is the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Fully Lit (Hellbent-Sunlit, by Snitzel), but unfortunately the 4YO gelding is the third emergency; should he secure a run, he has a light weight and a good barrier to make his presence felt.
Shining a Spotlight on Stallions with No Runners
Thursday, 18th September 2025
A couple of weeks ago this column published a popularly received article revealing that there are close to 90 stallions standing commercially in Australia that don’t yet have a runner [source: Arion Pedigrees]. With a global flight to known stallions, it’s a challenging sire niche during an economic period of uncertainty. Black Type Racing is providing Australian stud farms standing stallions that first stood in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 with a cost-effective opportunity to have as-yet unproven stallions stand out to a significant audience of breeders at the start of the breeding season. The $290 + GST offer per stallion is open to all sires that meet the above criteria of first standing in the above four yearsSee the below NEWS BULLETIN example for Clear Mountain Fairview’s 2nd Season Sire Alpine Edge. All participating stallions will also have a stand-alone link that can be emailed out to clients or embedded on the sire’s stud farm website – here’s Alpine Edge’s example. To include any stallions or for further information please either email gknowles@breedingracing.com or call 0406 599 773.
2025 Spotlight Sire: ALPINE EDGE
Thursday, 18th September 2025
Stallion: ALPINE EDGE (Better Than Ready-Freezethemillions, by Freeze)
Stands: Clear Mountain Fairview
Year First Stood: 2024
Season: 2nd Season
First Foals: Due in 2025
2025 Stud Fee: $7,700
Race Record: Won 5 races - 3 at 2 -1000 to 1300m, A$1,882,125, BRC BJ McLachlan S., Gr3, Phelan Ready S., L, Millers Swim School 2YO H., GCTC 2023 Magic Millions H., Central Queensland ARC 2023 The Archer P., 2d GCTC Magic Millions 2YO Classic (R), RL, BRC Emery, Mears & Jeffs P., 4th MRC Caulfield Guineas Prelude, Gr3.
Alpine Edge's Arion Pedigrees Web Page: Click Here
Contact: Michael Frappell (07) 4697 1198
OVERVIEW: Standing at a fee of $7,700, the Group winning son of Better Than Ready is an exciting addition to the Queensland breeding ranks. Alpine Edge is an exciting young stallion by leading Queensland sire Better Than Ready, out of emerging top producer Freezethemillions – dam also of Gr.1 winner Port Lockroy and exciting 2YO Mortal Halo. A multiple stakes winner with over $1.8M in earnings, Alpine Edge brings a powerful mix of precocity, consistency and class. He burst onto the scene as a brilliant early 2YO, winning the Listed Phelan Ready Stakes and the Gr.3 BJ McLachlan Stakes. He also finished an unlucky closing second in the $2M Magic Millions 2YO Classic. Alpine Edge continued to perform at top level through his 3, 4 and 5YO seasons, winning the QTIS Magic Millions and placing in multiple Group races. By Better Than Ready – Australia’s leading sire of 2YO winners in recent years – Alpine Edge inherits outstanding speed and commercial appeal. His Group 1-producing dam adds another layer of sprinting quality, making him an ideal choice for breeders aiming to produce fast, early running types. After covering 110 mares in his first season at stud, Alpine Edge is better than ready for 2025.
NZ Racing Pivots to Asian Pattern Committee
Thursday, 18th September 2025
A strategic overhaul of New Zealand’s Group 1 calendar will see two of the nation’s premier races shift venues and dates in 2026, in a bid to preserve their international standing and better align with the Australasian racing landscape. The adjustments follow pressure from the Asian Pattern Committee and come amid broader efforts to future-proof the country’s top-level racing. The $1 million Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks will now be staged at Ellerslie on 21 February, slotting in two weeks before the $1.25 million Trackside New Zealand Derby at the same venue. The shift, approved for an initial one-year trial, is designed to link the Oaks more naturally with both the Derby and Australia’s autumn features while addressing recent ratings concerns. Long regarded as New Zealand’s elite test for 3YO fillies, the Oaks had failed to meet international benchmarks for three consecutive years, placing it at risk of downgrade. NZTR CEO Matt Ballesty said the revised structure aims to “preserve the quality of New Zealand’s Group 1 calendar, protect critical breeding pathways, and deliver top-class racing experiences nationwide.” Paul Wilcox, CEO of Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, welcomed the change as “a fresh opportunity for the Oaks to flourish,” emphasising that the new timing “creates synergy with the Derby and strengthens pathways for fillies.” In parallel, the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes will return to its traditional late-March position at RACE Awapuni, forming part of a blockbuster Central Districts Day alongside the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes. The race, New Zealand’s only Group 1 contest for fillies and mares, has been won in recent years by elite performers such as Imperatriz and Avantage. A cluster of supporting black-type fixtures will also be realigned to better complement the new calendar. These include the $200,000 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (to RACE Awapuni on 1 March), the $600,000 Westbury Classic (shifting from Karaka Millions night to Champions Day on 7 March), and the Royal Descent Stakes (moving from Boxing Day to Karaka Millions). An APC-triggered review also assessed the Group 1 status of five races, resulting in the Harcourts Thorndon Mile being downgraded to Group 2 due to consistent underperformance. Despite the change, the race retains its $500,000 purse and will run at Trentham on 17 January. The Oaks, Breeders’ Stakes, Livamol Classic, and Telegraph retained their Group 1 status – albeit with caveats. NZTR Senior Handicapper Bruce Sherwin noted the downgrade was “disappointing,” but also pointed to “significant prizemoney increases, stronger turnover and renewed investment at the NZB sales” as signs of recovery. He added that the season had opened strongly, with the Proisir Plate at Ellerslie delivering “excellent depth and quality,” and stressed the importance of ensuring “our best horses contest Group 1 races” to maintain prestige.
Global Stars to Shake Up Everest Carnival
Thursday, 18th September 2025
International firepower is set to descend on Sydney for this year’s $81 million Everest Carnival, with a world champion sprinter from Hong Kong and a top-flight UK yard among the headline acts targeting October’s riches. According to racingnsw.com.au, the contingent will be spread across the Carnival’s three marquee races: the $20 million TAB Everest and $5 million King Charles III Stakes (both on 18 October), and the $10 million Golden Eagle (1 November), all at Royal Randwick. From Canterbury’s quarantine centre to the Randwick parade ring, anticipation is building for a spring carnival with global reach. Among those drawing the biggest spotlight is Ka Ying Rising, the Hong Kong sensation rated the world’s best sprinter and early favourite for The Everest. The five-year-old, trained by expat Australian David Hayes and ridden by Zac Purton, arrives in Sydney on 22 September. His imposing record includes 14 wins from 16 starts, 13 of those on the trot, with earnings north of $A10 million. After two weeks of quarantine at Canterbury, Ka Ying Rising will stretch out in a public gallop and barrier trial at Randwick on 7 October as part of his final lead-in to The Everest. The UK will also be well represented. William Haggas returns to Australia with a powerful hand, led by Lake Forest, last year’s Golden Eagle winner. This time around, the gelding is targeting the King Charles III Stakes on Everest day, aiming to build on his trainer’s already stellar Sydney record: 11 wins from just 24 runners across five years, including six at Group 1 level. Haggas also sends Sam Hawkens for a crack at the $500,000 ATC St Leger Stakes, another black-type feature on a blockbuster Everest Day undercard. Later in the spring, attention will turn to the Golden Eagle, with more international talent arriving. Japan will be represented by Panja Tower, trained by Shinsuke Hashiguchi, who hopes to follow in the footsteps of 2023 winner Obamburumai. The UK sends a pair of hopefuls in Seagulls Eleven (Hugo Palmer) and Luther (Charlie Fellowes). Australian Turf Club’s Nevesh Ramdhani said Sydney’s spring had become a key focus for major stables worldwide. “Sydney will host the world’s best sprinter, some of the biggest trainers in UK racing, and another contingent of Japanese runners,” he said. “We are also seeing more horses staying on with local stables – it’s a significant vote of confidence in our product.”
Golden Eagle hero Lake Forest is returning (pic: Steve Hart)
ARC Appoints Interim Chief Executive
Thursday, 18th September 2025
Leadership change has swept through the Australian Turf Club, with a familiar figure stepping in as interim CEO following the departure of Matt Galanos, reports racenet.com.au. The move comes amid weeks of speculation and signals a pivotal juncture for Sydney’s principal race club as it prepares for the spring carnival. Galanos’ twelve-year tenure included a decade as CFO before assuming the top job in 2022. His sudden departure, after a fortnight on sick leave, follows persistent whispers within racing circles about a shift at the helm. The Club’s board acted decisively, installing corporate affairs and government relations head Steve McMahon as interim leader. Chairman Tim Hale confirmed the decision aimed to bring members and the racing community closer to the heart of governance. “Our members and the great sport of thoroughbred racing are at the heart of the Australian Turf Club,” he said. “We are committed to building stronger connections, being more transparent, and creating new ways for our members to help shape the future of their Club.” Hale also acknowledged Galanos’ contribution through difficult periods, noting, “We wish him nothing but the best for the future.” This latest development continues a turbulent few months at the ATC. In July, Hale succeeded Peter McGauran as chairman after the board’s controversial proposal to sell Rosehill Gardens fell through. McMahon’s elevation has been broadly welcomed across the industry. NSW Trainers’ Association Chairman Richard Pegum endorsed the appointment, citing McMahon’s “deep understanding of the challenges facing trainers and the industry more broadly.” Pegum pointed to his prior leadership of the NSWTA and more recent work with the ATC as placing him in a unique position to strengthen ties between key stakeholders. “It is very important to have a person of Steve's calibre at the helm as we head into a very important spring carnival.” McMahon’s resume includes a pivotal role in rebuilding the fractured relationship between Sydney’s training ranks and race club administration during his NSWTA tenure. That background could prove especially valuable in the weeks ahead, with pressure mounting over proposed increases in stabling rents at Randwick, Rosehill and Warwick Farm. Trainers are pushing back against the planned 10 per cent rise due to come into effect on October 1, and many believe the interim CEO’s diplomatic skillset will be tested early. For now, however, the focus remains on restoring confidence and clarity at a time when the Club’s direction, and its stewardship of Sydney racing, faces renewed scrutiny.
Cambridge Stud Tests Hong Kong Waters
Thursday, 18th September 2025
A fresh chapter in Cambridge Stud’s storied history is set to unfold, with the iconic gold and black silks soon to grace the tracks of Hong Kong. After receiving a rare ownership permit, Sir Brendan and Lady Jo Lindsay will campaign their Group 1-performed homebred Red Sea under the guidance of expatriate Kiwi trainer Jamie Richards. The invitation to participate in the Hong Kong Jockey Club system was extended to around a dozen international owners, and Cambridge Stud viewed it as an opportunity not to be missed. “Hong Kong is a very important market for New Zealand,” observed Henry Plumptre, Cambridge Stud CEO. “They’re well represented at the Ready to Run Sale and at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale every year.” With only one permit available, Red Sea was selected as their Private Purchase Griffin – having raced, and with a rating in hand. By Pierata out of the Commands mare Egyptian Cross, Red Sea ticks several key boxes. As a juvenile, he won on debut and later finished second in the Gr1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes. “The fact that he was Group 1-placed in New Zealand and a winner of quite a strong race suggested to us that he would be more than capable of holding his own up there,” said Plumptre. Now four, Red Sea will join Class 3 ranks and could prove a flagbearer for the Cambridge brand in Asia. He resumed with a sharp trial win at Taupo last month and followed up with a solid right-handed gallop at Ellerslie. “Jamie wanted him to have a decent gallop right-handed… once again, he went very well.” That readiness follows an enforced break. Red Sea failed to fire in two Melbourne runs as a 3YO before scans revealed a fractured rib. “We couldn’t work out why he wasn’t extending in his races at Moonee Valley and Sandown,” Plumptre recalled. “We got him home and did a complete scan and found the fractured rib… it took four months for him to recover.” With the injury behind him, the focus is now on letting him acclimatise. “I’m tipping that Jamie will feel his way and if he’s racing around Christmas time that would be good, but more likely toward the end of January.” From the same family as Group 3 winner Egyptian Symbol and Gr1 Railway heroine Our Egyptian Raine, Red Sea carries a pedigree of substance. “If he’s competitive in Class 3 and can maybe get to Class 2, then that will be an important step,” Plumptre added. “We’re confident we’ve got the right horse; it’s just a question of him acclimatising.”
Red Sea will continue his career in Hong Kong (pic: Kenton Wright Race Images)
