A cautious approach to Jigsaw’s spring preparation is likely to see the dual Gr1 winner bypass the Gr1 Manikato Stakes at Caulfield on September 27, with trainer Cindy Alderson instead favouring the Gr2 Schillaci Stakes over 1100m at the same track on October 10 for his seasonal return, reports racing.com. The eight-year-old Manhattan Rain gelding took another important step towards racing when winning an 800m jump-out on the Cranbourne course proper on Monday under regular rider Logan Bates, showing his customary speed from the gates before travelling strongly to the line. Alderson said the hit-out represented the first occasion this preparation that Jigsaw had been allowed to extend at full pace and she was delighted with both his performance and Bates’ assessment afterwards. Despite the temptation presented by the $2 million Manikato, Alderson believes an additional fortnight will suit a horse who endured a lengthy and highly successful campaign last season, when he emerged as one of Australian racing’s most compelling stories. Jigsaw strung together seven consecutive victories during that remarkable sequence, claiming the Gr1 Sistema Railway at Ellerslie before returning to Australia to win the Gr1 William Reid Stakes at Caulfield and then travelling west to capture the $5 million The Quokka at Ascot. Those performances transformed a sprinter who had long shown significant ability into a genuine elite-level performer and Alderson is conscious that, now aged eight, his programme should be determined as much by how he feels between races as by the availability of suitable targets. “He’s giving me the vibes that he seems in the same order that he left off in, which is exciting,” she said, while stressing there were no soundness concerns behind the decision to adopt a patient build-up. Jigsaw’s spring beyond the Schillaci remains deliberately open, with Alderson prepared to allow his condition and performances to dictate which races he contests rather than lock into a fixed campaign months in advance. One intriguing possibility is a return to Flemington, despite the gelding having historically appeared less effective down the straight course. His Cranbourne jump-out provided some encouragement on that score, with Alderson noting that he appeared sharper and more focused than he has sometimes been in similar work. For now, however, the emphasis remains on bringing him steadily towards the Schillaci rather than rushing him into the Manikato. After a campaign that included victories at Gr1 level on both sides of the Tasman and culminated in a lucrative interstate raid on The Quokka, there is little for Jigsaw left to prove, allowing Alderson the luxury of placing longevity ahead of urgency as one of the country’s most popular sprinters prepares for another spring.
Cult sprint hero Jigsaw (pic: Mark Gatt)
NEWChayan Ready for a Furious Test
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
A booking of champion jockey James McDonald has added to Annabel Archibald’s confidence that high-priced filly Chayan can make a successful entrance into Sydney’s Princess Series when she resumes in Saturday’s Gr2 Furious Stakes over 1200m at Randwick, according to racingnsw.com.au. McDonald had been secured for the three-year-old before Pembrey produced a dominant victory in the Gr2 Silver Shadow Stakes, and Archibald admitted she was relieved to retain the world-class rider after Tommy Berry was subsequently booked for the Queensland filly. Chayan enters the spring carrying both considerable expectation and an extraordinary price tag after Coolmore paid a record $5.6 million for her at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale earlier this year, with the daughter of I Am Invincible remaining in the care of Annabel and Rob Archibald. Her juvenile campaign produced a notable victory in the Gr2 Reisling Stakes before she started favourite in the Golden Slipper, where she finished eighth behind Guest House after conditions and the accumulated demands of the preparation appeared to blunt her performance. Archibald believes the Reisling may effectively have been Chayan’s grand final last autumn and has taken a deliberately different approach this time, initially preparing the filly from the stable’s quieter Scone base before transferring her to Warwick Farm ahead of her first barrier trial. She has subsequently impressed in her trials and completed a public exhibition gallop last weekend, running her final 600m in 38.63 under Zac Lloyd without being asked for anything strenuous. Archibald said the purpose of the gallop was principally to allow Chayan to expend some nervous energy, with the filly settling once she began her work and pleasing Lloyd with the manner in which she stretched out. Although Saturday’s Furious Stakes presents an immediate challenge against Pembrey and a quality group of three-year-old fillies, the broader objective is the Gr1 Flight Stakes over 1600m at Randwick on October 3, for which Chayan shares early favouritism around $6 with Silver Shadow placegetter Global Goal. The question of whether she ultimately wants that distance remains open. Her strong finish in the Reisling encouraged the stable to consider the Flight Stakes pathway, but Lloyd’s impression that she retains considerable natural speed means the Gr2 Tea Rose Stakes over 1400m is likely to provide the crucial indication of whether she continues to 1600m. Stablemate Cherry Bomshell is also expected to contest the Furious, giving the Archibald team two representatives in the second leg of the Princess Series. Chayan has physically developed since her two-year-old campaign, appearing taller while retaining the athletic, racy characteristics associated with I Am Invincible, and her trainers believe she has also become more settled. Saturday will reveal how much that maturation has translated to the racetrack, but with McDonald committed, a carefully managed preparation behind her and improvement expected from whatever she produces first-up, Chayan begins the spring with every opportunity to justify the enormous faith placed in her.
NEWCavalry Girl Earns Her Moir Shot
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
A spectacular winter campaign has earned Cavalry Girl her opportunity at the highest level, with the Tom Dabernig-trained mare set to tackle Saturday’s Gr1 Moir Stakes over 1000m at Sandown after compiling an imposing sequence of victories through the colder months, according to racenet.com.au. The four-year-old daughter of Bivouac has won four of her past five starts and enters her first Gr1 assignment chasing a fourth consecutive success, most recently confirming her place in the Moir with a determined victory in the Gr3 Carlyon Stakes over the same Sandown course and distance. Ridden by Craig Williams, Cavalry Girl settled behind leader Beast Mode from the inside barrier and appeared momentarily trapped for room before an opening emerged along the rail inside the final 200m. She accelerated through the gap and defeated Bazaball Rewarded by half a length, with Losesomewinmore third, providing Dabernig with the performance he needed to justify progressing immediately to weight-for-age company. The Carlyon followed an emphatic Listed Lightning Stakes victory at Morphettville in late July and another success in Benchmark 100 company at Caulfield Heath, completing a transformation from useful sprinting filly to one of the most progressive short-course mares in the country. Cavalry Girl has now won seven of 17 starts with another four placings and more than $500,000 in earnings, an outstanding return on the $110,000 paid for her by Joe O’Neill’s Prime Thoroughbreds at the 2024 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale. Her rise has also enhanced an already valuable broodmare profile, but connections are in no hurry to contemplate the next phase while she continues to thrive on racing. Dabernig had briefly considered giving Cavalry Girl a break after her Caulfield Heath success and saving her for the Flemington carnival, but her condition and continued improvement persuaded the stable to press on through the Carlyon, a decision vindicated by another stakes victory. The Moir represents a substantially tougher assignment, with the nominations including boom three-year-old Natural Fling, Gr1 winners Marhoona and Ole Dancer, established stars Giga Kick and Rothfire, and Gr1-placed mares My Gladiola and Extragalactic. Yet Cavalry Girl brings one advantage many of her rivals do not possess: proven race fitness and winning form over Saturday’s exact course and distance. Her sire Bivouac has enjoyed an outstanding start at stud, headed by dual Gr1 winner Beiwacht and Queensland Oaks heroine Fireball Miss, and Cavalry Girl now has the opportunity to join his elite performers. For Dabernig, who shared in numerous Gr1 victories during his years at Lindsay Park but is seeking his first since establishing his own operation, the mare represents one of several genuine spring chances alongside Oliveanotherday and Shadhavar. What began as a productive winter campaign has consequently developed into something considerably more ambitious, with Cavalry Girl now entitled to discover precisely where she sits among Australia’s premier sprinters.
NEWRyan Lands Fifth Cairns Cup with Choir Boy
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
Tolga trainer Janel Ryan reinforced her standing as one of Far North Queensland’s most successful country trainers when Choir Boy delivered her a fifth Cairns Cup at Cannon Park on Saturday, reports racingqueensland.com.au. The seven-year-old produced a dominant performance in the 2100m feature, defeating Brisbane visitor Zoology by almost two lengths under a well-judged ride from Ivo Fry. Choir Boy entered the race in strong form after winning the Banana Cup at Innisfail at his previous start, and Ryan had been confident his recent efforts under significant weights had him well placed for the Cairns assignment. The victory was Choir Boy’s 13th from 62 starts and his eighth since joining Ryan’s stable, an achievement made more notable by the serious leg problem that threatened his racing career little more than a year ago. The gelding developed an infection in his leg a couple of starts after winning the Laura Cup last season and required a lengthy recovery, but his return to form has vindicated the patience shown by connections. Ryan now plans to pursue qualification for the Country Cups Challenge Final at Doomben in December, a programme that would give Choir Boy the opportunity to carry his regional form to metropolitan level later in the year. Ryan’s association with Cairns racing stretches back decades. The American-born horsewoman spent 11 years based in Cairns after settling in Australia before relocating to Tolga on the Atherton Tablelands more than a decade ago, where she and husband Ronnie have built a formidable record in feature races throughout North and Far North Queensland. Choir Boy joins Pretty Fox, Sea Fight, We Just Love It and Tutelage as Ryan-trained Cairns Cup winners, underlining her extraordinary affinity with one of the region’s signature staying events. The Cannon Park meeting also produced a notable result for trainer Tom Button, who secured his first feature victory since relocating his stable to Townsville when Bianca Mia won the Magic Millions Daintree Guineas. Ridden by Ben Kennedy, the former Sydney-trained mare enjoyed an economical run behind the leaders before making her move approaching the home turn and proving strongest in the straight. Bianca Mia, raced by prominent Townsville owner Joe Rapisarda, was having only her third start for Button, whose training career has taken him from Rockhampton to the Sunshine Coast, Canungra, Bowen and now Townsville. Yet the headline belonged to Ryan and Choir Boy, whose latest success combined durability, resilience and a trainer’s exceptional record in the region. With five Cairns Cups now on her résumé and Choir Boy seemingly thriving again after his injury setback, Ryan has another opportunity to extend that record when the country cups circuit progresses towards its lucrative Doomben finale.
NEWValuable Guineas Black Type for Perfect Chaos
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
Perfect Chaos confirmed herself as another promising New Zealand Bloodstock graduate for trainer Stephen Marsh and bloodstock agent Dylan Johnson when she resumed with victory in the Listed Wanganui Guineas over 1200m on Saturday, reports nzb.co.nz. The three-year-old daughter of Hello Youmzain, purchased by Stephen Marsh Racing and Dylan Johnson Bloodstock for $50,000 from The Oaks Stud’s draft at the 2025 Karaka Book 1 Sale, had finished in the placings in each of her four juvenile starts and arrived at Wanganui as the well-supported $3.20 favourite after finishing a close second in a lead-up trial. Jockey George Rooke rode positively from the outset, allowing Perfect Chaos to work forward and settle outside the leader before asking her to increase the tempo at the top of the straight. Despite having done some work early and racing fresh-up on testing ground, the filly responded strongly and held a margin of just under a length over the fast-finishing O’Baby, with Singletary third to complete an all-NZB trifecta. The performance continued an outstanding run with Karaka-sourced fillies for Marsh and Johnson, whose previous purchases include last season’s outstanding Well Written along with black-type winners Hitabell, Glamour Tycoon and Bourbon Empress. Johnson said Perfect Chaos had displayed excellent juvenile form without managing to win and believed securing black type so early in her three-year-old campaign was particularly valuable given both her pedigree and relatively modest purchase price. A daughter of Gr3 winner Kali, by Darci Brahma, Perfect Chaos competed against a strong group at two, including subsequent stakes performers Honour Roll, Belle Rebelle, Bourbon Time and Phillyjean, giving further context to the consistency she showed during her first preparation. Rooke believes the filly may prove even better when she encounters firmer ground, describing her as a fluent-moving type whose natural speed enables her to take up advantageous positions. Johnson was similarly encouraged by the way Perfect Chaos had matured physically since her two-year-old season and indicated the Gr1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas over 1600m at Riccarton remains a possible long-term target. The immediate plan is to gradually extend her to 1400m before deciding whether she is ready for the trip to Christchurch. Her Wanganui victory also continued a notable trend, with Perfect Chaos becoming the second consecutive Hello Youmzain filly purchased at Karaka to win the race after Platinum Diamond last year. O’Baby, an $80,000 Book 1 purchase, and Singletary, bought for $125,000 from Book 2, reinforced the sale’s influence by filling the minor placings. Perfect Chaos has now earned $62,680 from five starts and, more importantly, has converted four juvenile placings into valuable stakes success at the first attempt as a three-year-old.
Chidiac Eyes Kosciuszko Farewell
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
A possible swansong in the $2 million The Kosciuszko is looming for accomplished country mare Chidiac, with co-trainer Georgie Cavanough encouraged by the six-year-old's condition as connections contemplate one final major target before retirement. Chidiac has become the standout performer for the Brett and Georgie Cavanough stable through an outstanding past 12 months, highlighted by victory in the Country Championships Final and the Gr3 Hawkesbury Crown after she had finished third in last year's Kosciuszko. The mare's preparation for another crack at the 1200m country feature stepped up with a strong Friday morning jump-out, which left Cavanough buoyant about her prospects should she secure one of the 14 available slots. "The Kosciuszko is the target then it saddens me to say the breeding barn is looking very near," Cavanough told Racing NSW, adding that Chidiac remained sound, healthy and fit as she attempts to improve on last year's placing. Chidiac was a $31 chance when third behind Clear Thinking in the 2025 edition but has been posted around $8 in early markets this year, reflecting the improvement she has made since. Her Country Championships Final success earlier this season demonstrated both her toughness and versatility, and victory in October would see her emulate Art Cadeau, who in 2021 completed the Country Championships-Kosciuszko double in the same calendar year. Cavanough said the mare had not required an extended break following her previous campaign and had instead been given enough time to freshen and rebuild condition. She also indicated Chidiac would likely head directly to The Kosciuszko without another race if selected, such is the confidence in her current fitness level. Selection remains the crucial first hurdle, with the Kosciuszko sweepstakes winners determining the 14 runners after the draw on September 9. Tickets for the promotion remain on sale until September 7, with each successful ticket-holder receiving a share of the prizemoney earned by their chosen horse. A number of late qualifying opportunities remain for horses seeking to push their case for selection, including the Black Mountain Quality at Canberra on September 18. For Chidiac, however, the task is less about advertising her credentials than securing the slot that would allow her to return to a race in which she already boasts proven form. With retirement increasingly close, another Kosciuszko appearance would offer an appropriate final stage for a mare whose progression from country racing into stakes company has made her one of the most accomplished regional performers in New South Wales.
Crisford Builds Powerful Dubai Team
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
A high-class European group headed by Dubai World Cup placegetter Meydaan will join Ed Crisford's new private training operation in Dubai this winter as Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum strengthens his international racing team. According to racingpost.com, Crisford is preparing to begin training from an 80-box base at Jebel Ali by the end of October after accepting the role earlier this year, with several proven European performers scheduled to relocate to the UAE for the International Carnival. Meydaan is the headline recruit after finishing third in the Gr1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan in March, a performance that followed his emphatic victory in the Gr2 Al Maktoum Classic over 2000m on dirt the previous month. The Frankel gelding has now won four of 19 starts and earned more than AED6.9 million, while demonstrating adaptability across turf and dirt. He will be joined by the Roger Varian-trained pair Sallaal and Raammee, with Sallaal having most recently won the Gr3 Rose of Lancaster Stakes and Raammee arriving off a valuable handicap success at York's Ebor meeting. Another notable addition is Morshdi, a former Derby prospect trained by William Haggas who won the Listed Feilden Stakes at Newmarket earlier this season. Crisford said Sheikh Ahmed was assembling a strong group of international horses specifically for campaigns at Meydan and Jebel Ali, while thanking the owner for the opportunity to head the operation. The venture represents a significant step for the 35-year-old, who has accumulated extensive UAE experience while operating a Dubai satellite stable in partnership with his father Simon. Their 2025-26 season produced 17 winners and more than AED21.4 million in prizemoney, providing Crisford with a strong platform as he branches out independently. Meydaan will follow a slightly different timetable to some of his new stablemates, with the gelding expected to have one preparatory run in Britain during October before returning to Dubai for a campaign aimed squarely at another attempt on the Dubai World Cup. Some of Sheikh Ahmed's other European horses are expected to be given a short break before being shipped at the end of September. The longer-term structure of the operation is also set to include a small satellite stable in Newmarket next summer, broadening its capacity to move horses between Europe and the Middle East. With proven Group performers already committed and Meydaan possessing established form at Meydan's highest level, Crisford begins his new role with considerably more firepower than most newly established stables. The combination of European recruits and Jebel Ali's extensive training facilities should provide him with immediate opportunities across the UAE season, while Meydaan's return to Dubai gives the operation an obvious flagbearer for the country's richest race.
NZB Unveils 460-Lot Ready To Run Catalogue
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
A 460-strong catalogue has been assembled for New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2026 Ready to Run Sale, which will be conducted at Karaka on November 18 and 19 following the traditional breeze-up sessions at Te Rapa Racecourse on October 12 and 13. The two-year-old sale has built an imposing international record in recent seasons, with its graduates responsible for 33 Gr1 victories and 115 stakes wins across the past five seasons, including 26 black-type successes during the most recent campaign. Among the headline graduates are Hong Kong Derby winner Invincible Ibis (Hellbent), alongside Gr1 performers Ceolwulf (Tavistock), Mr Brightside (Bullbars), Gringotts (Per Incanto), Lucky Sweynesse (Sweynesse), Golden Sixty (Medaglia d’Oro), Antino (Redwood), Feroce (Super Seth), War Machine (Harry Angel) and Warmonger (War Decree). This year’s catalogue has been prepared by 36 New Zealand consignors and features progeny by 119 individual sires, making it the most diverse stallion representation yet assembled for the Ready to Run Sale. Established New Zealand influences Proisir, Savabeel, Per Incanto, Shamexpress, Super Seth, Wrote, Satono Aladdin, Ocean Park, Sweynesse and Sword Of State are joined by leading Australian and international names including The Autumn Sun, Street Boss, Hellbent, Written Tycoon, Toronado, Capitalist, So You Think, Russian Revolution, Frankel, Too Darn Hot and Home Affairs, together with numerous emerging and first-season stallions. NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook said the sustained racetrack performance of graduates remained the sale’s strongest advertisement, pointing to both the number of Gr1 winners produced and the breadth of their success from sprinting races through to Classics. “The results year in and year out show the phenomenal quality of horse that is brought to this Sale and educated to an incredible standard by our preparers,” Seabrook said. The breeze-ups will be conducted over two consecutive days on the Te Rapa turf before selling commences from 11am NZT on both November 18 and 19 at the Karaka Sales Centre. Twenty-three youngsters catalogued for the sale are eligible for the Karaka Millions Series, while every horse purchased through the auction will be eligible to compete in the $4.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), New Zealand’s slot race for three-year-olds. Prospective buyers unable to attend Karaka will also have access to online bidding, with pedigrees, parade footage, photographs, breeze-up videos and subsequent updates available through NZB’s digital catalogue.
Promising Boy Crush Set for Placid Ark
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
A successful return at Belmont has encouraged trainer Luke Fernie to aim promising three-year-old Boy Crush at the $500,000 Listed Placid Ark Stakes at Ascot on November 14 after the Manhattan Rain colt resumed with an authoritative performance over 1000m. Racing for Greenfields Lodge owner-breeder Tony Patrizi and Andrew Inglis, Boy Crush settled behind the in-form Dawn Dancer before eventually wearing down the leader in the Afgri Equipment Plate, despite still showing signs of immaturity through the straight. According to tbwa.net.au, Dawn Dancer had entered the race chasing a fourth consecutive victory, but once apprentice Holly Nottle shifted Boy Crush into clear running he produced enough late to secure the win and reinforce the opinion Fernie has held since the colt's juvenile season. "He's well-above average and looks a quality colt," Fernie said after the race, adding that defeating a horse of Dawn Dancer's consistency made the first-up result particularly encouraging. Boy Crush had announced himself by winning an $80,000 Magic Millions Plate over 1100m at Ascot on debut in January, defeating They'reallsisters, before that filly reversed the result when they met again a fortnight later. Both subsequently stepped into black-type company, where Boy Crush finished a creditable race in the Listed Perth Stakes before failing to reproduce that performance in the Gr2 Karrakatta Plate. Fernie believes physical development during the break has helped the colt progress beyond his two-year-old preparation and confirmed the Placid Ark Stakes over 1200m as his principal target. Nottle said the strong early speed at Belmont had allowed her to settle behind Dawn Dancer and conserve energy, while acknowledging Boy Crush remained green when asked for his effort. Once focused, however, he finished strongly enough to suggest further improvement remains. His pedigree also provides considerable encouragement. Boy Crush is by Manhattan Rain from the All Too Hard mare Crushed and is a full-brother to Man Crush, who has earned $944,000 and won both the Magic Millions 3YO Trophy and Listed Miss Andretti Stakes for a syndicate managed by Luke Fernie's father Peter. The family traces through NZ Gr1 winner Juice, purchased by Patrizi for $350,000 at the 2014 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale while carrying Crushed. That investment is now yielding another promising runner, and Boy Crush's first-up performance suggests he may yet add further black-type to the family record.
Spicy Martini Claims Queensland Crown
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
A remarkable rise from bargain-priced yearling to the highest echelon of Queensland racing has earned Stradbroke Handicap heroine Spicy Martini the title of Queensland Horse of the Year for the 2025-26 season, reports racenet.com.au. Trained on the Gold Coast by Toby Edmonds, the daughter of Justify defeated fellow finalists Rothfire, Transatlantic and Yellow Brick for the major honour at Sunday night’s Queensland Thoroughbred Awards, while also collecting the 4YO and Older Horse of the Year title. Bought for only $8000 through Inglis Digital as a yearling, Spicy Martini has transformed that modest investment into almost $2.7 million in earnings from just 12 starts, winning six races and establishing herself among the country’s leading sprinting mares. Her defining performance came in June’s $3 million Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap over 1400m at Eagle Farm, where Taylor Marshall secured his first victory at racing’s highest level when guiding the mare to a 1.1-length success over Sepals, with Von Hauke completing the placings. Carrying 51.5kg on a Heavy 9 surface, Spicy Martini enjoyed an economical run before producing her acceleration from the 300m, giving Edmonds his second Stradbroke success following Tyzone in 2020. The achievement was particularly significant for Marshall, whose late father John won the 1999 Melbourne Cup aboard Rogan Josh, and his Stradbroke ride was recognised with the Darby McCarthy Performance of the Year award. Spicy Martini had already advertised her winter credentials by finishing runner-up to Rothfire in the Gr1 Doomben 10,000, while her earlier record included the Gr3 Fred Best Classic and Listed victories in the Ascot Handicap, Mick Dittman Plate and Mode Stakes. Rothfire was also honoured on the night, receiving the QTIS Horse of the Year title after his extraordinary $61 Doomben 10,000 victory. Tony Gollan continued his domination of the Queensland training ranks by receiving the Jim Atkins Trainer of the Year award for a 13th successive season after preparing 213 statewide winners, including 147 metropolitan victories. His promising filly Pembrey was named 2YO Horse of the Year following her Gr3 Magic Night Stakes success and subsequent Gr2 Silver Shadow Stakes victory, while Kelly Schweida’s Grafterburners collected the 3YO award after stringing together four consecutive wins culminating in the $3 million Magic Millions Sunlight 3YO Plate. Ben Thompson was crowned George Moore Jockey of the Year and Jace McMurray received the Ken Russell Apprentice title, while Planet Ruler, Jim Byrne, Basil Nolan and Jack Booth were inducted into the Queensland Hall of Fame.
Cosmic Crusader Options for Peters and Leek
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
According to racing.com, a decision between two major September assignments will shape Cosmic Crusader’s next step towards the Cox Plate after the Gr1 winner produced an eye-catching performance from an uncompromising position in Saturday’s Gr1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield. Breeder-owner Bob Peters is considering either the Gr1 Makybe Diva Stakes over 1600m at Flemington on September 12 or the Gr1 Underwood Stakes over 1800m at Caulfield seven days later, with the six-year-old having emerged from his Memsie campaign opener in encouraging order. Now prepared by Andrea Leek, Cosmic Crusader finished third behind Beiwacht and Mr Brightside after conceding the winner a substantial start before making steady ground through the straight, eventually crossing the line 3.35 lengths from Beiwacht. Drawn barrier 11 of 12, William Pike elected to take the Maurice gelding back to last rather than become trapped wide, but his task became more difficult when he was inconvenienced by Angel Capital near the 600m. Beiwacht was already establishing a decisive break as the field straightened, leaving Cosmic Crusader with too much territory to recover, although the strength of his work to the line reinforced the view that longer distances will be increasingly suitable as his preparation develops. Peters indicated no immediate preference between the two upcoming targets, saying he would assess the horse before deciding which pathway to follow. The alternatives present distinctly different tests. A Makybe Diva Stakes appearance would likely place Cosmic Crusader against highly regarded mare Sheza Alibi, who is currently prominent in early markets, while the Underwood would immediately extend him to the 1800m distance over which he recorded his breakthrough Gr1 success in the Northerly Stakes at Ascot last December. Markets currently have Cosmic Crusader around $8 for the Makybe Diva, where Sheza Alibi is a dominant $1.70 favourite, while he occupies the second line of betting at approximately $4.50 for the Underwood behind Aeliana at $3.50. The latter distance has obvious appeal given Cosmic Crusader’s established credentials at 1800m and the broader aim of preparing him for the Gr1 Cox Plate, which this year will be run over 2040m at Flemington on October 24. He is currently rated around a $15 chance for that race. Cosmic Crusader transferred to Leek following his Western Australian campaign under Michael Grantham, for whom he won the Northerly Stakes, and Saturday’s performance suggested his interstate move has done nothing to diminish his capacity at weight-for-age level. Rather than the bare third placing, it was the circumstances of the Memsie that provided encouragement: a wide draw, a rearward settling position, interference before the turn and a winner who was already beyond reach entering the straight. With additional distance now looming, Peters has the luxury of choosing between two suitable Gr1 stepping stones as Cosmic Crusader continues towards his principal spring objective.
The are several options for Cosmic Crusader (pic: Mark Gatt)
Northern Qld Carnival Receives Major Boost
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
Almost $3.5 million in prizemoney will be offered across the 2027 Northern Queensland Winter Racing Carnival following a significant funding increase designed to strengthen one of the state's major regional racing showcases. The four principal Cups staged at Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns will each rise to $200,000, representing an increase of $50,000 per race, while the corresponding Guineas events at the four centres will each climb from $75,000 to $100,000. The Mackay Newmarket will also increase to $100,000, bringing its purse into line with the other feature sprint races conducted during the northern circuit. Racing Queensland says the changes are intended to strengthen participation across the two-month carnival and provide greater incentives for metropolitan and regional connections to campaign horses through Central and North Queensland. Acting Racing Queensland chief executive Lachlan Murray says the additional investment reflects the growing stature of the carnival and represents a vote of confidence in the clubs, participants and communities responsible for sustaining it. Beyond the direct benefit to owners, trainers and jockeys, Racing Queensland regards the circuit as an important contributor to regional economic activity, with race meetings generating visitor expenditure and bringing participants and supporters into Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns. The increased feature-race purses should also encourage horses to remain on the northern circuit for longer campaigns rather than targeting isolated meetings, potentially improving both field quality and depth across the carnival. Another element set to return in 2027 is the Great Northern Crowns bonus, introduced in 2026 to provide an additional incentive for connections campaigning horses through multiple stages of the carnival. Racing Queensland will review the inaugural edition of the bonus series in conjunction with clubs and sponsors before determining its final structure for next year. The complete 2027 carnival programme will be confirmed at a later date, but the prizemoney announcement gives participants considerable advance notice when planning campaigns for the following winter. With each of the four Cups now carrying $200,000 and the Guineas races moving into six-figure territory, the northern circuit will offer substantially greater rewards while reinforcing the importance of regional racing within Queensland's broader thoroughbred programme.
Internationals Tighten Melbourne Cup Squeeze
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
Competition for places in the 2026 Melbourne Cup could become the fiercest for several seasons as an unusually deep international contingent, spearheaded by Joseph O’Brien, threatens to raise the qualification threshold for Flemington’s 24-horse field. Nominations for the November 3 feature close on Tuesday, with Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup weights to be released on September 17, and Racing Victoria officials are already contemplating a scenario in which horses carrying around 52kg may struggle to secure a start, reports punters.com.au. The strength of the overseas challenge was evident when 32 international horses representing Britain, Ireland, France and Japan appeared among Caulfield Cup nominations, but O’Brien’s potential representation is particularly striking. The two-time Melbourne Cup-winning Irish trainer has around a dozen spring candidates and could conceivably saddle six or more runners in the Cup, an extraordinary concentration even in an era increasingly accustomed to strong European participation. O’Brien, successful with Rekindling in 2017 and Twilight Payment in 2020, has already qualified a powerful group led by last year’s Melbourne Cup runner-up Goodie Two Shoes, together with Sons And Lovers, Trustyourinstinct and the rapidly progressive Defiantly. The latter secured automatic entry when producing a dominant front-running performance in the Gr2 Prix Kergorlay (see below) over 3000m at Deauville, defeating Santorini Star by 5.5 lengths and becoming the first horse to earn a Melbourne Cup Golden Ticket through the historic French staying race. Australian-owned Epsom Derby placegetter James J Braddock is also expected among O’Brien’s travelling contingent, while Small Fry and Royal Ascot winner Kizlyar are other prospective visitors. Four O’Brien runners are scheduled to arrive on the first shipment to pursue Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup lead-ups, with Goodie Two Shoes, Sons And Lovers, Trustyourinstinct and Defiantly among those earmarked for the second shipment in mid-October. Starford and Omni Man remain possible Caulfield Cup runners, although Omni Man may need to improve his ranking and has the Geelong Cup and Moonee Valley Gold Cup available as alternative qualification routes. The potential squeeze represents a significant change from last year’s Cup, when Half Yours won carrying 53kg and runner-up Goodie Two Shoes had only 51.5kg, while three of the first five finishers carried less than 52kg. Racing Victoria head of racing Paul Bloodworth believes the qualifying level could return towards the pre-Covid era, when approximately 52.5kg to 53kg was often required to make the final field. That prospect makes the coming weeks particularly important for local stayers sitting near the lower reaches of the order of entry. With O’Brien’s squad supplemented by further European, Japanese and French contenders and several horses already holding ballot exemptions, performances in traditional qualifying races may again determine whether locally trained runners secure their place or are pushed outside the final 24 by one of the strongest international assaults assembled in recent years.
Racing Mourns Leading Trainer Bev Kelso
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
New Zealand racing has lost one of its most respected horsewomen following the death of Group 1-winning trainer Bev Kelso at the age of 80 after a period of illness. Together with husband Ken, Kelso formed one of the country’s most enduring and successful training partnerships, their deliberately small Matamata stable producing a remarkable procession of elite performers over almost five decades. NZ Racing Desk reveals Bev’s involvement with horses began well before racing, having been an accomplished showjumper who competed in both New Zealand and Australia, and it was through equestrian sport that she met Ken. She later began pre-training thoroughbreds and secured her trainer’s licence in 1977 after being encouraged to take charge of a horse that had struggled elsewhere, promptly training it to win at only its second start for her. Ken joined her in partnership the following year and the couple established themselves at Matamata, where their emphasis on horsemanship, close observation and a hands-on approach became hallmarks of an operation that rarely carried large numbers. That philosophy yielded an exceptional roll of honour headed by Gr1 winners Xanadu, Bounding, Love Dance, Perfect Fit, Envoy, Levante and Legarto, with the latter pair elevating the Kelsos to still greater prominence. Levante won four Gr1 races for Philip and Catherine Brown’s Ancroft Stud interests, while Legarto developed into a five-time Gr1 winner, memorably becoming the first New Zealand-trained winner of the Australian Guineas at Flemington in 2023 before closing her racing career this year with victories in the Gr1 Herbie Dyke Stakes and Gr1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes. She was subsequently sold to Yulong Investments for $2.8 million at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. Brown, who had known the Kelsos since his teenage years, described Bev as an outstanding horsewoman and said the couple operated as a complete team, with meticulous attention to detail underpinning their success. Even as illness increasingly restricted Bev’s physical involvement, she continued to advise Ken, while he would telephone her immediately after important victories she had watched from home. One of the final acknowledgements of their partnership came after Legarto was named Horse of the Year at the Matamata Racing Awards, when Brown ensured the trophy was taken to Bev in hospital. Bev Kelso’s funeral will be held at Matamata racecourse on September 14, fittingly bringing the racing community together at a venue synonymous with a lifetime devoted to horses.
