The one and only mare Winx will be there we trust – barring some overnight misadventure – and an emerging female with star quality is set to take the ATC Oaks. That, in my view, is Hiyaam who would certainly then become the best of her sire High Chaparral’s female progeny. But first a word... Read More

The 2017 Golden Rose Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) winning colt, recorded his second Group One success in most impressive fashion, dashing clear despite a wide trip, to defeat the outstanding sprinter Redzel (Snitzel) by two lengths in the fast time of 1:08.29. That was only 0.23 seconds outside of Deploy’s (Fastnet Rock) course record of... Read More

In a surprise result, the $81 chance El Dorado Dreaming, a maiden after three prior starts, broke through for her first win, doing so in good style in this Group One feature. The Ben Smith-trained filly settled in second last place in the 15-horse field, fanned widest of all at the home turn, sprinted quickly... Read More

Levendi staged a soul-stirring battle with VRC Victoria Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) winner Ace High (High Chaparral) in the closing stages, the two coming together in the heat of battle, but stewards, correctly in my view, let the result stand after the pair had drawn almost six lengths clear of third placed Tangled (Snitzel). On... Read More

This had more to do, of course, with having trained his third Group One winner two days earlier than what looked a tasty toastie. But a man has to eat, as do his horses, so Group One win or not, it was back to work as usual. Limited time to celebrate but time enough, in... Read More

“Lucky be buggered,” is his reply as he examines the ‘folding’ and the accompanying pay-slip. “Look at the tax I’m paying!” The point is that is exactly how I’m going to feel next Wednesday if the noble Troy Corstens selected and trained Hinchinbrook two-year-old Thunderdome, in whom I have a small share, happens to win... Read More