Horse Racing News
Berkeley Square out for Queen Elizabeth Stakes success
Melbourne Cup plans can be years in the making and Ballarat trainer Dan O’Sullivan is already thinking about next year’s race at Flemington. The Melbourne Cup (3200m) is still more than 360 days away, but O’Sullivan’s stayer Berkeley Square will pass an important qualifying clause if he can run top three in the...
Attrition drawn to advantage in The Five Diamonds
A rare stroke of fortune ahead of a big race has been gratefully accepted by trainer Mitchell Freedman as he prepares Attrition for the second leg of his two-part Sydney mission. Having drawn closer to the outside than the inside at his past 10 starts, Attrition has landed barrier five for Saturday’s Five...
Baraqiel set to make G1 debut in Champions Sprint
Not many horses, especially older geldings, go from winning a maiden to Group 1 success in one campaign, but that is what the Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin-trained Baraqiel will attempt to do at Flemington. A maiden winner on debut at Sale in May, Baraqiel heads to the big league...
Voyager sets sail for The Five Diamonds consolation
Melbourne Cup dreams for Relentless Voyager were quashed when he failed Racing Victoria’s strict veterinary tests, but connections still harbour aspirations to plunder riches north of the border. While the gelding didn’t pass muster with RV when examined prior to leaving Europe, he was cleared by Racing NSW vets to compete in...
Too Darn Discreet ready to go in VRC Oaks
Ballarat trainer says he would not change anything as Too Darn Discreet looks to extend her winning sequence at Flemington. The Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m) on Thursday will be the daughter of Too Darn Hot’s fourth win on end if successful. Too Darn Discreet started the ball rolling with a maiden...
Distance rise to favour Franz Josef in Ladies Day Cup
A rousing trackwork gallop has Gerald Ryan optimistic Franz Josef can improve on his first-up effort and play a role in the Listed Ladies Day Cup at Hawkesbury. The son of Snitzel found his rivals too sharp when finishing down the track behind Ostraka in the Silver Eagle (1300m) last month, but Ryan expected...
Draw key as Miss Hellfire pursues Hot Danish Stakes
Connections of Miss Hellfire are banking on an inside barrier draw to help her turn the tables on last start conqueror Olentia when the pair clash again in the Hot Danish Stakes at Rosehill. Having her first start for Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald, Miss Hellfire got back to last from a wide...
Champions Mile: Bates all class after Pride Of Jenni sacking
Pride Of Jenni has accepted to defend her Champions Mile crown at Flemington this Saturday and if she runs she will do so under a new rider. Ben Melham has been engaged to partner the Ciaron Maher-trained mare, with Declan Bates replaced aboard the seven-year-old. Bates won last year’s Champions Stakes and Empire Rose Stakes...
International races could be on the agenda for Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice
Dual Melbourne Cup winning trainer Sheila Laxon believes Knight’s Choice is capable of being a performer on the world stage. Knight’s Choice won the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on Tuesday to give Laxon her second Cup success and her partner John Symons his first. It was also a first Cup success...
Champions Stakes or The Five Diamonds for UK galloper Docklands
UK galloper Docklands is set to have his second Australian start, most likely to be in a Group 1 race at Flemington. The Harry Eustace-trained galloper is an acceptor for the Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday while he is also one of 20 horses that were paid up for at...
