The commercial stakes are enormous in Saturday’s $2 million Gr1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington, but the leading colts face a formidable challenge from a trio of fillies with credentials to claim the straight-track championship. Ciaron Maher’s The Next Episode heads the contenders after returning with victory in the Gr2 Danehill Stakes (1100m), defeating Natural Fling on heavy ground and confirming his effectiveness down the Flemington straight. Mark Zahra retains the ride on the Snitzel colt, who starts from the outside barrier in the field of 14. Whether that position becomes an advantage will depend on the preferred racing ground and how the field divides, rather than the draw alone. Maher has kept his colt fresh for the principal spring target, with four weeks between the Danehill and Saturday’s assignment. The most compelling rival among the colts is St Gotthard, a brother to 2024 Coolmore winner Switzerland and a $2.7 million Inglis Easter purchase. Trained by Chris Waller, he has finished second to Warwoven in both the Gr2 Run To The Rose (1200m) and Gr1 Golden Rose (1400m) this preparation. He returns to 1200m from barrier six with James McDonald aboard, and the stable has used a Flemington jump-out to help prepare him for his first race down the straight. Waller, whose six Coolmore victories underline his command of this race, told Chris Waller Racing that the colt possesses the necessary speed and quality, with the task now bringing those attributes together on the day. Satono Glow presents a serious threat to both, having won four of her five starts and returned this preparation with consecutive victories, most recently in the Gr2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m). The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton-trained filly is already a dual Flemington winner and carries 55kg against the colts’ 57kg, with Ben Melham riding from barrier four. Natural Fling also receives that allowance and has an important form reference through her narrow Danehill defeat. The Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained daughter of Home Affairs previously placed in the Gr1 Moir Stakes (1000m), although Saturday requires her to prove herself over 1200m. Damian Lane rides from gate eight. Queensland filly Pembrey adds depth for Tony Gollan and Craig Williams, while Paradoxium brings winning straight-track experience and Steel Will arrives after finishing second in the Roman Consul. The contest brings proven Flemington speed against Sydney Gr1 form, with the fillies well equipped to disrupt the colts’ stallion-making ambitions.
NEWFilly Adds Historic Twist To Wide-Open Derby
Thursday, 29th October 2026
Following a thirty five year hiatus, an extremely rare challenge from the fillies adds another dimension to Saturday’s $3 million Gr1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington, where Quick Finish takes on a capacity field in a classic bringing together several closely matched form lines. The Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained daughter of Grunt has won her past three starts, including the Gr3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m), and will become the first filly to contest the Derby since Lycra in 1990. No filly has won since Frances Tressady in 1923, but Quick Finish has already beaten male opposition this preparation and receives 2kg from the colts and geldings, carrying 55kg for Jye McNeil. Her connections have been encouraged by both her progression and the increased Derby purse, with Calvin McEvoy telling Racing.com that her Ethereal performance compared favourably with the Caulfield Classic on the same afternoon. The Sydney contingent supplies two leading chances in Cormier and Stormy Marco, who finished third and fourth respectively behind Proxima Dea in last Saturday’s Gr1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m). Cormier has the more economical starting position in barrier three for Jamie Mott, while James McDonald faces a greater tactical challenge aboard Stormy Marco from gate 16 before any withdrawals. Both have shown their quality against strong opposition, but must now reproduce it on a seven-day turnaround over an unfamiliar distance. Danny O’Brien’s True Rebel also backs up after winning the Gr2 Vase (2040m) at Flemington, bringing winning course form into the race, although his capacity to extend that performance to 2500m remains a central question. His original draw of 17 adds another complication. King Snitz offers a contrasting profile, having progressed from a Warrnambool maiden victory to success in the Gr3 Caulfield Classic (2000m). The Shane Jackson-trained colt has drawn six for Damian Lane and brings the confidence of consecutive wins. Ciaron Maher’s three-pronged challenge comprises Murshidi, Vallice and Skua, with Mark Zahra partnering Vallice from gate 14. Maher won last year’s Derby with Observer and also scored with Hitotsu in 2021, while Chris Waller seeks a fourth victory through Stormy Marco and True Tone. With established Sydney form, improving Victorian stayers and an in-form filly converging, the decisive distinction may be which runner settles most efficiently before producing its strongest work through Flemington’s demanding final 400m.
NEWToorak Class Meets Rising Mile Star
Thursday, 29th October 2026
Established Gr1 quality meets a rapidly improving mile specialist in Saturday’s $1 million Gr1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, where Lady Shenandoah and Surfin’ Bird provide contrasting routes to the same championship. Lady Shenandoah brings four elite-level victories and a last-start success against male opposition in the Gr1 Toorak Handicap (1600m), making her the standard against which the field will be measured. The Chris Waller-trained mare carried 58kg to defeat Changing Colours at Caulfield and now returns to weight-for-age company against her own sex, carrying 57kg from barrier eight with James McDonald aboard. Her proven ability to deliver at the highest level is a substantial asset, particularly against rivals seeking their first Gr1 success. Surfin’ Bird, however, arrives with the strongest immediate course-and-distance reference after defeating Buckaroo in last Saturday’s Gr2 Crystal Mile (1600m) at Flemington. That followed victory in the Gr3 Ladies’ Day Vase (1600m), leaving the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained mare chasing a hat-trick and protecting an unbeaten record over the distance. Blake Shinn takes over from the suspended Jordan Childs and starts from barrier nine. Her recent performances suggest she can occupy a prominent position, potentially leaving Lady Shenandoah with ground to recover when the race develops. The absence of dual winner Pride Of Jenni changes the likely tempo, removing the field’s most conspicuous source of sustained pressure. That places greater emphasis on tactical positioning and the ability to accelerate, rather than assuming the contest will become an uninterrupted test of stamina. Another emerging contender is Unleeshing, who makes her Melbourne debut for Bjorn Baker after consecutive Randwick wins, including the Gr3 Angst Stakes (1600m). Jason Collett rides from barrier 10, with the mare required to translate her improving Sydney form to a deeper weight-for-age assignment. Concord Connie supplies further interest for Charlotte Littlefield, having finished third in the Gr2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m) at her latest appearance. Craig Williams replaces Jett Stanley and told Racing.com that the mare’s Flemington record and recent performance encouraged him to believe she could rise to this level. Matthew Smith’s Idle Flyer brings established Gr1 mile credentials and has Mark Zahra aboard, while Sass Appeal draws favourably in five for Damian Lane. Lady Shenandoah’s class makes her the reference point, but Surfin’ Bird’s fitness, tactical speed and winning Flemington form ensure this shapes as a genuine examination rather than a straightforward opportunity to add another trophy.
NEWSheza Alibi Sets Golden Eagle Standard
Thursday, 29th October 2026
A first running at Gr1 level gives Saturday’s $10 million Gr1 Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick another milestone, with Sheza Alibi seeking to confirm her position among the country’s outstanding four-year-olds. The Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained mare heads the market after a preparation that has already delivered victory in the Gr1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), although her latest appearance ended in a narrow defeat by Land Legend in the Gr1 Might And Power Stakes (2000m). The return to 1500m after three weeks between runs is the principal change in her assignment, placing a premium on retaining her sharpness after the longer-distance test. Her autumn victories in the Gr1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) and Gr1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) provide powerful evidence of her suitability to the course, while Luke Nolen continues the association at 55.5kg. Racing NSW lists her at $1.90, with Chris Waller’s Beiwacht and Autumn Boy heading the opposition at $7 and $9 respectively. Beiwacht carries 57.5kg for Nash Rawiller and brings a Gr1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) victory from the opening stage of his preparation. His subsequent efforts have been less decisive, most recently a third behind Apocalyptic and Skyhook in the Listed Silver Eagle (1300m), but a return towards his best would make him a significant opponent. Autumn Boy, partnered by Zac Purton, must improve on his seventh in the Gr1 Epsom Handicap (1600m), although his preceding second to Sheza Alibi in the Makybe Diva offers a stronger guide to his capabilities. Skyhook brings an especially consistent spring campaign for Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou, having won the Gr2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) and Gr2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) before his Silver Eagle second. Alexiou believes the return to 1500m is in his favour after the shorter lead-up exposed him to pressure while chasing Beiwacht. Chad Schofield takes over from the suspended Kerrin McEvoy, with the stable confident its horse is reaching his peak. Apocalyptic commands respect after winning that lead-up, while Ciaron Maher’s import Amazing Journey introduces an international form line under visiting jockey Saffie Osborne. Originally attracting 18 acceptors, the race is now listed by Racing NSW with 16 runners following withdrawals. Ten per cent of each starter’s prizemoney goes to its nominated charity, adding a substantial charitable return to a contest in which Sheza Alibi’s proven Randwick class remains the strongest form reference.
Rare Filly Addition Adds Vic Derby Intrigue
Thursday, 29th October 2026
A rare challenge from the fillies adds another dimension to Saturday's Gr1 Victoria Derby (2500m), with Quick Finish among 16 acceptors and two emergencies for the $3 million Flemington classic. According to The Straight, the Yulong-owned daughter of Grunt will become the first filly to contest the race since Lycra in 1990, attempting to end a winning drought for her sex stretching back to Frances Tressady in 1923. Trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, she has won her past three starts, most recently the Gr3 Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield, and will carry 55kg with Jye McNeil aboard. Her allocated barrier is 11, with the final starting position dependent on whether the emergencies gain a run. The published field places several prominent male contenders wider, including Chris Waller's Stormy Marco in barrier 16 and Danny O'Brien's Vase winner True Rebel in 17. Caulfield Classic winner King Snitz has drawn six for Shane Jackson and Damian Lane, while Cormier starts from three with Jamie Mott riding for Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich. Ciaron Maher has three runners: Murshidi, Vallice and Skua. Their allocated barriers are 18, 14 and 13 respectively, with Blake Shinn booked for Murshidi, Mark Zahra for Vallice and John Allen for Skua. Waller also has True Tone, drawn 15. Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young are represented by Cignetti and Icy You, with William Pike and Craig Williams their respective riders. Among those drawn closer to the inside are Written Empire in two for Ben, Will and JD Hayes, Hierarchy in four for Anthony and Sam Freedman, and Cold Shower in five for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Russian Rock and King Winston complete the main field, while Meet The Prince and Locked In are the emergencies. All male runners have been allocated 57kg, giving Quick Finish a 2kg allowance. The race's prizemoney has increased from $2 million to $3 million for this edition, adding further incentive to pursue the classic. For Quick Finish's connections, the immediate challenge is converting her winning lead-up form into success over the additional distance against the colts and geldings. Her inclusion supplies a distinctive historical thread to a field bringing together the principal Victorian lead-ups and contenders emerging from Sydney's spring three-year-old races.
Grunt is the sire of Quick Finish (pic: Mark Gatt)
Racing Fund Wins Coalition Commitment
Thursday, 29th October 2026
A $72 million election commitment would preserve funding for Victorian racing infrastructure under a Liberal–Nationals government, with the announcement at Wednesday's Bendigo Cup putting the Victorian Racing Industry Fund firmly into the state election debate. According to The Nationals Victoria, shadow racing minister Tim McCurdy said the proposed investment would continue support for capital works across thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing, helping clubs address safety and compliance requirements and plan future improvements. Recipient clubs would still be required to match grants dollar for dollar, bringing industry money into projects alongside the public contribution. Track improvements, jockey facilities and upgrades at regional venues were among the works identified in the announcement. McCurdy, the Member for Ovens Valley, linked the commitment to the importance of racing beyond metropolitan Melbourne, pointing to its contribution to employment, local businesses and community activity. The Coalition cited an annual economic contribution of $5.5 billion and approximately 33,450 full-time equivalent jobs across the industry. Its pledge follows Labor's October 1 announcement of an $80 million renewal of the fund if re-elected, an increase on the previous $72 million commitment. Labor's announcement identified racing and training infrastructure, regional community facilities and events, animal welfare and breeding investment among the areas supported. It also pointed to previous projects at Moonee Valley, Ballarat, Bendigo and Benalla as examples of the fund's reach. The Victorian Government's published program details show that the fund extends beyond track construction, with separate streams covering regional events, customer facilities, racing and training facilities, centralised marketing and strategic industry initiatives. Those strategic initiatives include breeding, participant welfare and racing animal welfare. The Major Racing Events Fund operates separately, supporting significant new or expanded events. For clubs considering their next infrastructure project, the competing commitments provide a clearer indication that the principal racing fund would continue under either major party, although the proposed allocations differ. The Coalition's announcement remains an election promise rather than funding already awarded, and individual projects would still need to satisfy the relevant grant requirements. Its immediate significance is the commitment to retain the matching-investment model and maintain an infrastructure funding pathway across all three codes.
Saudi Buyers Set Autumn Day-Two Pace
Thursday, 29th October 2026
International demand again shaped the upper end of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale, with a 750,000-guinea purchase securing The Lost King for a prospective Saudi Arabian campaign while Australian buyers assembled a separate group of recruits further down the price scale. According to Tattersalls, Najd Stud and Archdale Bloodstock bought the four-year-old Kingman horse from Jamie Railton's consignment on behalf of King Power Racing. Previously trained by Andrew Balding, he arrived with a Timeform rating of 117 after a productive autumn that included two Gr3 placings and second in the Gr2 Joel Stakes behind subsequent Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner Talk Of New York. The same buying partnership paid 450,000 guineas for Victoire Magique, a son of Victor Ludorum offered by Amy Murphy Racing following his Gr3 Prix Gerald de Geoffre victory at ParisLongchamp. Murphy had bought him for 40,000 guineas as a yearling. Nico Archdale identified Saudi Cup Day as the objective behind the purchases, with the Red Sea Turf Handicap and Neom Turf Cup among the targets under consideration. Another Middle Eastern acquisition was Yordan, bought by BBA Ireland's Michael Donohoe for 420,000 guineas. The lightly raced Starman three-year-old had won all three of his all-weather appearances and was purchased with Saudi dirt racing in mind. Stuart Boman of Blandford Bloodstock subsequently secured Bamako Beach for 360,000 guineas, with the Dubai Carnival the intended destination. Australian involvement was led by High Degree, a son of Too Darn Hot bought for 220,000 guineas by Paul Moroney, Catheryne Bruggeman and Armando Duarte, reports The Straight. Blandford Bloodstock and Archibald Racing paid 200,000 guineas for Hand Of God, while Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott teamed with McKeever Bloodstock to secure Andab for 180,000 guineas. Other Australian purchases included River Card at 150,000 guineas, Mr Vettori at 130,000, Straight Up at 55,000 and Trinquette at 50,000. Shaune Ritchie Racing and Ed Stapleton Bloodstock added the Frankel colt New Zealand for 90,000 guineas. Session turnover reached 11,230,700 guineas, with an average of 42,865 and median of 20,000. The clearance rate was 87 per cent, although both average and median finished below the corresponding session last year.
Keeneland Hosts Huge Breeders’ Cup Weekend
Thursday, 29th October 2026
This weekend’s Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland has all the makings of a two-day international festival worthy of the billing, with 14 Grade 1 races, more than US$34 million in purses and a programme that builds from the juvenile showcases on Friday to a heavyweight Saturday headlined by the US$7 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic. 2026 will be Keeneland’s fourth time as host and the official race order again gives the meeting a strong narrative arc, beginning with Future Stars Friday and ending with one of the most intriguing Classics in recent memory. Friday’s 10-race card starts at 11.55am ET, with five undercard races before the first championship event, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, at 2.55pm ET. From there the meeting rolls into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at 3.35pm, the Juvenile Fillies Turf at 4.15pm, the US$2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at 4.55pm and the Juvenile Turf at 5.35pm. It is a day traditionally devoted to clues for next year’s classics, but it is no mere curtain-raiser. The Juvenile remains one of the defining two-year-old tests in North America, often an early signpost to the Kentucky Derby trail, while the turf juvenile races have increasingly become true international contests. Balding’s Moonrise has already put herself in the conversation for the weekend through her Princess Margaret Stakes success, and Future Stars Friday also carries the appeal of pure discovery, that annual chance to identify horses who may dominate headlines in 2027. Saturday, however, is where the meeting expands into its full championship dimensions. The 12-race card begins at 11.15am ET, before the championship races commence with the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint at 1.10pm. That is followed by the Turf Sprint at 1.48pm, Dirt Mile at 2.26pm, Filly & Mare Turf at 3.04pm, Sprint at 3.42pm, Mile at 4.20pm, Distaff at 4.58pm, Turf at 5.36pm and the Classic at 6.16pm. The Filly & Mare Turf has gained extra lustre with Juddmonte’s decision to send Blue Bolt there rather than to the Mile. Unbeaten in six starts this season and already the winner of four Gr1 races, she brings genuine star quality and a compelling European angle to a race in which overseas-trained mares have thrived. If she stays the extra trip strongly, she could become one of the weekend’s signature performers. The Mile may still have a Juddmonte presence through Qirat, whose Prix Daniel Wildenstein victory revived memories of his shock Sussex Stakes success in 2025 and offers the prospect of another strong European challenge in one of the meeting’s deepest divisions. The Turf has lost some of its sheen with Ombudsman’s withdrawal, but it remains one of the meeting’s grandest contests and should again underscore the Breeders’ Cup’s international pull. Yet the Saturday centrepiece is unquestionably the Classic, where defending winner Forever Young returns as one of the headline attractions. The Japanese star again sits at the top of the Breeders’ Cup Classic conversation, but he faces a formidable group that includes reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty and Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Golden Tempo. That alone would be enough to ensure high drama: a defending champion from Japan, an established American heavyweight and the season’s standout three-year-old locking horns over 1.25 miles on dirt. Keeneland’s autumn setting should only heighten the theatre. From an Australasian perspective there is also the broader significance of what the Breeders’ Cup means beyond Kentucky. Greg Carpenter’s remarks in Hong Kong have already pointed to this weekend as a key staging post for horses with HKIR ambitions, so performances here may shape not only end-of-season honours in America and Europe, but the complexion of December’s Hong Kong meeting as well. In that sense the Breeders’ Cup is not an isolated championship gathering but the centrepiece of a larger global circuit, and this year’s edition appears rich in that international texture. Friday should reveal the next wave of talent; Saturday should determine the hierarchy of the present. For racing fans, there is scarcely a better way to spend a weekend.
Prix de l'Abbaye Star Heads to Keeneland Auction
Thursday, 29th October 2026
Meanwhile, Gr1 Prix de l’Abbaye winner Miss Yechance (Cotai Glory) will be offered at Wednesday’s Keeneland Championship Sale just days before contesting Saturday’s Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (1000m), providing prospective buyers with a rare opportunity to acquire an elite European sprinter immediately before a major international assignment. Trained by Karl Burke for Al Leith Racing Club, the progressive filly has enjoyed a spectacular rise through the ranks, culminating in her commanding front-running victory at Longchamp earlier this month. Her appearance among a select catalogue of just over a dozen offerings adds considerable interest to the boutique Kentucky auction. Bloodstock agent Alessandro Marconi secured Miss Yechance for 250,000gns through Tattersalls Online approximately 16 months ago, having identified her potential after she failed to sell at the Goffs UK Breeze-Up Sale. Despite her diminutive stature, the daughter of Cotai Glory has developed into a formidable sprinting talent, progressing from a valuable handicap victory at York’s Ebor meeting to Gr1 success in France within weeks. Marconi has watched her transformation with understandable satisfaction, although her Breeders’ Cup prospects have been complicated by drawing the outside barrier of 14. “She's a little pocket rocket, we were aiming for a very different gate but hopefully we’ll be able to get the best out of it anyway,” he said. Miss Yechance is one of just three European representatives being offered outright at the Championship Sale, alongside Ballinea Star, an intended runner in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, and Hell Of A Spin, who is entered for the Juvenile Turf Sprint. The auction provides an unusual opportunity for purchasers to acquire proven international performers while their racing careers remain active. Marconi, whose previous bloodstock successes include Facteur Cheval and Classic winner Metropolitan, believes Miss Yechance’s recent achievements have considerably enhanced her commercial appeal. With her future ownership potentially determined before Saturday’s championship contest, the filly faces an extraordinary week in which her value, reputation and racing achievements could all reach new heights.
Waller Eyes $30m Prize In Coolmore Stud Stakes
Thursday, 29th October 2026
Champion trainer Chris Waller believes Saturday’s Gr1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington could produce the most valuable thoroughbred of Melbourne Cup week, with the winning colt potentially commanding a valuation exceeding $30 million. While Tuesday’s $10.2 million Melbourne Cup remains Australia’s most celebrated race, the Coolmore has established itself as a premier stallion-making contest, with victory capable of transforming a three-year-old colt’s commercial prospects. Waller, who has won six of the past 13 editions, will chase a seventh triumph with St Gotthard and Steel Will when the prestigious sprint takes centre stage on Victoria Derby Day. St Gotthard, a $2.7 million Inglis Easter Yearling Sale purchase for Coolmore, is a full-brother to Waller’s 2024 Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Switzerland. The Snitzel colt will be partnered by James McDonald and carries considerable expectations as he attempts to emulate his older sibling. Stablemate Steel Will also boasts an intriguing family connection, being a half-brother to Waller’s 2020 winner September Run. With both runners closely related to previous winners of the race, Waller hopes their pedigrees translate into success on Flemington’s famous straight course. Beyond the substantial prizemoney, a Coolmore victory could establish a valuable future stallion prospect. Meanwhile, Waller acknowledges his Melbourne Cup prospects are less compelling, despite having claimed Australia’s greatest staying race with Verry Elleegant in 2021. His possible representatives include Asterix, Soul Of Spain, Pinhole and Soulcombe, although the latter requires a strong performance in Wednesday’s Bendigo Cup to satisfy the ballot conditions. Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott also have a vested interest in the Bendigo feature through The Euphrates, while their established Cup contender Vauban prepares for his fourth attempt at the 3200-metre marathon. Yet for Waller, Saturday’s Coolmore could prove the carnival’s greatest commercial prize, underlining the extraordinary breeding value attached to elite sprinting colts.
Saffie Osborne Chases Golden Eagle
Thursday, 29th October 2026
British jockey Saffie Osborne will bid to add another landmark achievement to her remarkable season when she reunites with Amazing Journey in Saturday’s $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Royal Randwick. The 24-year-old, who became the first female jockey to win a British Classic when partnering Highwayman in September’s Gr1 St Leger at Doncaster, has been recruited by trainer Ciaron Maher to ride the talented import. Osborne knows the gelding intimately, having ridden him during his development in the stable of her father, Jamie Osborne, before Maher purchased him in August specifically for the Golden Eagle. “It was very kind of Ciaron to ask me to come down and ride him,” Osborne said. Amazing Journey emerged as a high-class prospect during the European summer, culminating in an impressive victory over 1408 metres at Ascot in July. His improvement followed a gelding operation, and Osborne believes he has developed the tactical versatility necessary to compete at the highest level. Following his arrival in Australia, Amazing Journey trialled against Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising at Randwick before another encouraging appearance at Rosehill. Osborne, who previously worked for Maher in Australia, is confident the gelding has continued progressing. The son of New Bay faces a formidable assignment in the Golden Eagle, particularly after drawing barrier 15, but his rider believes his powerful acceleration will prove an important asset. Osborne’s Australian engagement follows an extraordinary international season that has included victories at major British festivals and her historic St Leger triumph for Joseph O’Brien. She also became the first female jockey to ride a winner at Meydan in Dubai in 2024. Following Saturday’s assignment, Osborne will commence a six-week riding contract in Hong Kong, further extending her international ambitions. A Golden Eagle victory would represent another significant milestone for one of Britain’s most exciting young riders, while providing Maher with a spectacular return on his latest European acquisition.
Sheza Alibi Draws Perfectly For Golden Eagle
Thursday, 29th October 2026
Meanwhile, Australian superstar mare Sheza Alibi (Saxon Warrior) has strengthened her grip on Saturday’s $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Royal Randwick after drawing barrier six for the lucrative four-year-old feature. The Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained mare remains the $1.90 TAB favourite, with owner Fred Noffke delighted by the draw. “Six is perfect,” Noffke said. “It gives Luke all the options early as to how it unfolds.” Noffke also praised the mare’s determination, declaring, “She is just bloody racehorse before anything else.” Moody and jockey Luke Nolen are seeking their second Golden Eagle triumph, having combined to win the race with I Wish I Win in 2022. Sheza Alibi faces an unusual challenge, dropping 500 metres after contesting a 2000-metre race at her previous start, something no previous Golden Eagle winner has achieved. Champion trainer Chris Waller, who won the inaugural running with Kolding in 2019 and secured a second victory with Autumn Glow last year, has four representatives. His leading contender, Gr1-winning colt Autumn Boy, drew barrier five and will be partnered by Hong Kong champion jockey Zac Purton. Waller’s other runners are Beiwacht (barrier 10), Mr Miller (nine) and Estremo (17). Meanwhile, Silver Eagle runner-up Skyhook faces a difficult assignment from barrier 16 as he pursues his maiden Gr1 victory. Chad Schofield takes over the ride following Kerrin McEvoy’s suspension. International interest centres on English jockey Saffie Osborne, who returns to Australia to partner Ciaron Maher’s recent import Amazing Journey on his Australian debut (see above item.
Aquila Veloce Revives Karaka Millions Ambitions
Thursday, 29th October 2026
Matamata trainer Peter McKay is back in contention for the $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) following an impressive breakthrough victory by promising filly Aquila Veloce (Capitalist) at Ellerslie. The daughter of Capitalist, purchased for $95,000 from Riversley Park’s draft at Karaka earlier this year, claimed Saturday’s $45,000 Speight’s 2YO (1100m) at just her second appearance. Ridden by Sam Collett, Aquila Veloce showed blistering early speed to establish a commanding advantage before holding off the late challenge of Princess Grazi (Capitalist) by half a length. The victory followed an encouraging debut second behind Zanardi (Spirit Of Boom) at Hastings earlier this month. McKay, who trains in partnership with his son Shaun and races the filly with wife Kim, has a special association with New Zealand’s richest juvenile contest. He prepared Vincent Mangano (No Excuse Needed) to win the inaugural Karaka Millions in 2008, having purchased the colt for $80,000, and subsequently saddled Antonio Lombardo (Pins) to finish runner-up in 2011. McKay was particularly taken with Aquila Veloce’s natural pace when inspecting her at the sales, although harnessing that enthusiasm has required patience. “When I saw her at the sales, I just looked at her and thought ‘speed, speed’,” he recalled. Her Ellerslie success confirmed that the training partnership has another exciting juvenile prospect. Aquila Veloce’s victory lifted her briefly to the top of the Karaka Millions order of entry before Australian-trained debut winner Iconic Scenes (Better Than Ready) overtook her with a lucrative Eagle Farm success. With a win and placing from two starts, the McKay filly has already accumulated sufficient earnings to place her in a strong position for the January 23 feature. Her next assignment is likely to be either the Gr3 Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m) or Gr2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m), with McKay favouring the former to maintain her familiarity with Ellerslie’s racing direction. The prospect of a second Karaka Millions triumph, almost two decades after his first, is firmly back on the agenda.
