Trainer Stefan Vahala has an anxious few days coming up with his unbeaten gelding Aztec Ruler suffering a minor setback, placing his return in Saturday week’s Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) in serious jeopardy. Initially scheduled to have a Lark Hill trial this morning (Monday), Aztec Ruler is racing the clock to be fit for the…
DetailsStephen Miller says Saintorio took a big stride towards next month’s WA Guineas (1600m) following a gritty win in the Quayclean Handicap (1600m) at Ascot on Saturday. Ridden by Brad Parnham, Saintorio had a perfect run behind the leader in third position and held on to defeat Tri For Us by a short-neck after hitting…
DetailsVictorian entire Aysar will kick off his Ascot Pinnacles campaign in the Group 2 Lee-Steere Stakes (1400m) on November 5. Representing Ben and JD Hayes, the well-bred five-year-old has spent the past few weeks acclimatising in Perth ahead of his first-up assignment. Bought for $260,000 by Shadwell Stud, Aysar headed west after finishing eighth to…
DetailsA new year will dawn a new era for Lindsey Smith as he plans to shut down his Olbury stables in WA. Smith left Perth several years ago to set up a satellite stable in Melbourne and will continue that operation at his Warrnambool base. The astute horseman had maintained a small team of horses…
DetailsMy Bella Mae made the best possible start to her racing career when she bolted in to win by 2 ¼ lengths on debut in the Westerntrilogy.com.au Handicap (1100m) at Ascot on Wednesday. The way in which the daughter of Deep Field put away her rivals with a minimum of fuss following a sluggish start…
DetailsYoung trainer Luke Fernie hopes the gap between his filly Rumour Says and Snowdome and Amelia’s Jewel is not an insurmountable hurdle to overcame at Ascot on Saturday. Snowdome, a brilliant winner of the 3YO Classic (1000m) two weeks ago and boom filly Amelia’s Jewel, resuming after her unbeaten juvenile season, are the dominant favourites.…
DetailsFor Donna Riordan it was a complete bolt out of the blue and a decision that took her by surprise, albeit by admission a pleasant one. After an approach by owners, Riordan has been entrusted to take over the training duties of God Has Chosen from Lindsey Smith. On a Group 1 path to the…
DetailsIn a disappointing blow, quality three-year-old Top Of The Pops has been ruled out of the Ascot Pinnacles carnival after a track work accident last week. Trainer Dan Morton had high hopes for Top Of The Pops and rated him as a leading contender for the Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m) on November 19. Morton’s…
DetailsHow long can Resortman keep going for? That’s a pleasant conundrum facing trainer Michael Lane after the Helmet’s gelding’s brilliant win in the Eurythmic Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on Saturday. At this point Lane is unsure, but he is daring to dream that he can extend Resortman’s amazing preparation until at least December. Resortman has…
DetailsThe wait is just about over for Perth trainer Simon Miller with his exciting filly Amelia’s Jewel set to launch her Pinnacles campaign at Ascot in a fortnight. The spotlight will shine on Amelia’s Jewel, who is considered one of Australia’s hottest prospects after her sensational exploits as a juvenile last season. In an unbeaten…
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