Beyond that race, which his trainer Mark Newnham won last year with Maid of Heaven (Smart Missile), Shadow Hero has a date in Melbourne on November 2 for the Victoria Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) for which he is already also a short-priced favourite. A relaxed gelding looks a genuine stayer with a real turn of... Read More

A late inclusion in the star studded field and aided by a 3.5kg weight advantage plus blinkers, three-year-old colt Yes Yes Yes, with Glen Boss in the saddle, produced a stunning turn of foot in the home straight to overhaul the leader Nature Strip (Nicconi) before holding off the fast finishing Santa Ana Lane (Lope... Read More

The classic was the fifth consecutive success for the Clayton Chipperfield-trained Catalyst, previously a winner of three other black type events including the Hawke’s Bay Guineas (Gr 2, 1400m) and the Northland Breeders’ Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) but based on pedigree it is difficult to predict whether he will get 2000m or the Derby distance... Read More

Not to mention the forecast of rain which, alas, could be a complication for the arguably two best-credentialed of just four Australasian bred and trained horses remaining in the field, as it sits now, for Tuesday’s $7,775,000 Melbourne Cup. Nonetheless, I am not giving up on the notion of a seemingly unlikely “local” victory, most... Read More

However, it may be premature to declare that it signals a return to continuing local celebrations in the years to come on the first Tuesday in November. Less than one length separated the first five to finish – from the winner Vow And Declare – the Australian bred son of Declaration Of War (War Front)... Read More