A positive trajectory carried through Day 3 of the 2026 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale on Thursday as elite female families again proved their pulling power, with Arrowfield Stud’s celebrated broodmare band firmly in the spotlight. The day’s headline act emerged late when a blue-chip filly with deep residual appeal drew sustained competition before setting the session’s high-water mark. Offered as Lot 504, the Snitzel filly out of Madame Andree eventually went the way of Hermitage Thoroughbreds at $1.6 million, a price that reflected both her physical presence and the proven strength of her maternal line. Madame Andree, an unraced daughter of War Emblem, has already produced five stakes performers, with Gosford Guineas winner Caffe Florian the most recent to enhance the page. Hermitage principal Shannon Clarke admitted the bidding unfolded at the upper edge of expectation. “There was a lot (of competition for her). She was our top pick for the sale,” he said, adding that recent success with a filly by the same sire helped shape the decision-making. “That was our limit. That was where we were going to sit and my heart was pounding at that point and I’m happy that we were able to secure her.” Clarke also highlighted the longstanding relationship with Arrowfield, describing it as a partnership built on trust and results. In assessing the filly, Clarke pointed to similarities with another of their top Snitzel fillies, Lady Shenandoah. Both, he said, showed natural athleticism early, noting their physique, leg quality and movement through the parade ring as decisive factors. “We’re just chuffed to get her,” he said. Strong international and domestic engagement remained a theme throughout the session, with Sydney-based bloodstock agent James Harron again active on premium lots. Harron and his Colts Partnership, in conjunction with Tony Fung Colts, secured two more colts over the million-dollar mark, including a Snitzel colt out of Play That Song from the Newgate Farm draft for $1.2 million.“They’re not making any more Snitzels,” Harron empasised, praising the colt’s strength, medium frame and pedigree profile, while also acknowledging Newgate’s production record. He described the depth of the Snitzel offering across the sale as exceptional, adding that ongoing demand underscored the stallion’s enduring influence, even in his absence following his passing.
Arrowfield sold Lady Shenandoah to Hermitage (pic: Steve Hart)
More Seven Figure Success for Segenhoe
Friday, 16th January 2026
Strong early bidding on the third day of the 2026 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale was firmly established when the first seven-figure result flashed up, reinforcing the depth of demand for elite fillies with speed-laden pedigrees. The moment arrived when a filly by Yarraman Park’s speed influence I Am Invincible out of Blue Diamond Stakes placegetter Lankan Star commanded the day’s first million-dollar-plus bid. Consigned by Segenhoe Stud, the filly is only the second foal of her dam, a Nicconi mare renowned for her own precocity, and she was secured by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott in conjunction with Bruce Slade’s Kestrel Thoroughbreds. Leading bloodstock agent James Harron, who signed the ticket, was immediately buoyed by the early strike. “She’s a beauty,” he said. “A lovely way to start the day and has put a pep in our step for the day.” Harron acknowledged the bid landed near the limit of expectation, adding: “We’re delighted to secure her where we wanted to be and where we wanted to land. We probably didn’t have too much more after that.” Beyond the price tag, it was the filly’s composure and physical presence that left the strongest impression. Harron described her as “a real quality filly,” noting the way she handled the sale environment and how neatly her profile aligned with her breeding. With Lankan Star herself a sharp and speedy performer, there was confidence that those traits could carry through. “The mare was fast and precocious in her own right so hopefully her daughter can do the same,” he said, while also crediting the preparation. “She well and truly stood out physically. The farm did an immaculate job presenting her.” The headline result was a fitting reflection of a sale that continues to outperform year-on-year benchmarks. By the end of the session, the gross had climbed beyond $146 million, surpassing the same point last year despite fewer horses being offered. That progress has been driven by an average north of $281,000 and a clearance rate holding above 85 per cent, underlining the market’s resilience across categories. Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch described the trade as genuine and well-distributed. “I thought it was genuinely strong across the board, at all levels,” he said, pointing to healthy competition even in the $80,000 to $150,000 bracket. He noted that both average and median figures have remained remarkably consistent throughout the week, with buyer confidence translating into sustained clearance. With momentum clearly intact, attention now turns to the Howden Super Session, where Bowditch expects the atmosphere to lift again as racing crowds merge with buyers. “I think the Super Session will be buzzing,” he said. “There is a really good vibe and everything that we hoped for.”
Second Time Lucky For Miss Joelene Likely
Friday, 16th January 2026
A winner of the $500,000 The Wave (1800m) last year before finishing third in the $1m Magic Millions Subzero (2200m), Kelly Schweida's 5YO mare Miss Joelene (Russian Revolution-Cellargirl, by More Than Ready) will be out to improve on her effort last year, having won The Wave (1800m) once again this year, and now looks to start one of the favourites in Saturday's Subzero. The conditions of the race see her lumped with the topweight of 60kg, which could pose an issue, especially with the three Gr1 winners in the field carrying less than her. Miss Joelene does come into the race in better form this year having won the Listed Tails Stakes two starts back in what appears to have been a campaigne aimed totally at having her ready to fire on Saturday. With two wins and a third from five starts at the track, the Cannon Hayes Stud bred and raised mare is yet to win at the 2200m trip in the past but does have two third placed efforts, finishing third in the Gr1 Queensland Oaks of her 3YO season as well as last year's Subzero placing. A winner at 2100m at Listed level in the past, the 2200m should not pose an issue, although she will need to overcome barrier 11 in the 15-horse field, but does like to get back. Sold for just $20,000 when offered through the National yearling sale draft of Kenmore Lodge back in 2022, if Miss Joelene is successful on Saturday, she will surpass $2m in earnings for owners Wilrace Pty Ltd.
$500,000 The Debut Looks Like a Lottery
Friday, 16th January 2026
With nine of the twelve acceptances for Saturday's $500,000 Magic Millions The Debut 2YO Plate (1000m) at the Gold Coast having won a their most recent barrier trial leading into the race, it appears a lottery on paper. Local trainer Paul Shailer will be taking on the big name trainers come Saturday with his two runners, both coming in off super impressive trial winning performances. With the added bonus of having James McDonald in the saddle come Saturday, 2YO filly Toorak Jewel (Tassort-Toorak Rose, by Toorak Toff) was utterly dominant in her trial win, pulling clear by almost ten lengths over 1000m in a time of 0:57.47 seconds. One of the cheapest yearling purchases in the field, costing just $36,000 when secured from the Raheen Stud draft by Mishani Enterprises Pty Ltd from last year's Book 2, the filly comes from the extended family of Champion sprinter Schillaci. Drawn well in barrier two, it's worth nothing she defeated Baciami (Castelvecchio) in her trial, with that runner making his debut last Saturday in the $250,000 Aquis Gold Nugget, beaten four and three quarter lengths by the winner. The other of Shailer's runners is the 2YO colt Profit In Paradise (Profiteer-Gobelin, by Dawn Approach), who should be ready to run a great race with two trials under his belt including a last start seven length victory over 1000m in a time of 0:57.44, ever so quicker than the race favourite Toorak Jewel. Sold through the Bowness Stud draft for $35,000 through their National draft, if successful, the colt may give an added boost to the vendor as they offer two yearlings by Profiteer in Sunday's Book 2 – Lots 1073 and 1178.
Warwoven Chasing Unbeaten Run In 2YO Classic
Friday, 16th January 2026
If you're an omen punter, then Warwoven (Sword of State-Needle And Thread, by Makfi), the current favourite for Saturday's $3m Magic Millions 2Yo Classic (1200m) ticks a few boxes. Unbeaten in both his starts, Warwoven is trained by Bjorn Baker who was successful in the race last year with O' Ole (Ole Kirk), who interestingly lines up in the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) at the same meeting. Set to be ridden by Rachel King, the impressive colt sports the silks of the Ridgmont's Cunningham family, which were worn to victory two years back aboard the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Storm Boy (Justify), who has recently finished covering his first book of 224 mares at Coolmore Stud where he stood at a fee of $16,500 (inc. GST). Winning over 1200m at Eagle Farm last start by more than three lengths from Lumbini (Russian Revolution-My Conquestadory, by Artie Schiller), who is one of four in the field from the Waterhouse/Bott trained stable to line up on Saturday, Warwoven was a $380,000 yearling purchase from the draft of Kia Stud, who remain in the ownership. The first foal of the Gr2-winning Makfi mare Needle And Thread, it will be an amazing start to Cambridge Stud's Sword Of State (Snitzel) if Warwoven is successful as the sire already has three winners from eight runners, and in particular in Australia he has two from two, also represented by the Listed winner Tortue. Outside of Warwoven, the Chris and Corey Munce trained unbeaten colt Zip Lock (Hellbent-Honolulu Lass, by Hinchinbrook), is the only other runner under double figures odds. If you take a line through the James Moore trained filly Leaves Of Lorien (Cool Aza Beel-Dixie Dreams, by More Than Ready) who has finished third to the first and second favourites at their past start, then it all points to Warwoven.
Favoured Runners Drawn Wide in MM Fillies & Mares
Friday, 16th January 2026
In the large field of 18 plus three emergencies for Saturday's $1m Magic Millions Fillies & Mares (1300m), it appears wide open contest with many of the favourite runners needing to overcome wide barriers. With the likes of previous winners Lady Laguna, Snapdancer, Krone and Invincibella all highlighting the class of the race as Gr1 winners, there are no elite level winners in this year's field, but that's not to say any can't progress towards recording their own Gr1 victories in the future. Of the favoured runners, last start Listed Black Pearl Stakes winner Jenni The Fox (Too Darn Hot-Miss Foxwood, by Fastnet Rock) has drawn well in barrier two and therefore looks the logical favourite whereas Lonhro's Queen (Lonhro-Queen of the Hill, by Danehill) has drawn barrier 18 while her Chris and Corey Munce trained stablemate Poster Girl (Alabama Express-Caricature, by Dubawi) is in 14. The Gooree bred and raced Lonhro's Queen is an interesting runner as after she scored in the Listed Nudgee Stakes last time out, she was awarded a golden ticket entry into Saturday's race despite not being a graduate of the Magic Millions. Co-trainer Chris Munce was adamant post-race that she would not be heading to the race and would instead spell with Queensland's lucrative winter carnival her long range plan. While it's a clear a change of heart was had, connections must have been gutted with the barrier draw, but if she can overcome it, then the Rachel King ridden mare could be a chance. A winner last Saturday at the track and trip, Poster Girl does drop in weight for Saturday's race, and with Martin Healey in the saddle, the 4YO mare does appear the leading chance for the stable based on the current betting market.
Yellow Brick to Back Up in Magic Millions Cup
Friday, 16th January 2026
In a story slightly similar to that of Miss Joelene (Russian Revolution), who races earlier in the day in the $1m Magic Millions Subzero (2200m), race favourite Yellow Brick (The Mission-Magical Mist, by High Chaparral) comes through a last start victory on Saturday ahead of backing up in this Saturday's $2m Magic Millions Cup (1400m). Asked to carry 60.5kg, a drop of just half a kilo on his length and quarter win last start, the Tony & Maddysen Sears trained gelding has a solid second up record with three wins and two second placed performances from eight starts while his efforts at the Gold Coast track are also very good. The 6YO gelding has plenty in his favour. Purchased for just $20,000 by his trainers and Paul Moroney Bloodstock from the Waylon J Stud draft at the 2021 National Yearling Sale, Yellow Brick's earnings will soar to more than $4.5m if he is successful here. Having trained West Of Africa (Not A Single Doubt-Serena Bay, by Sebring) to victory last year, Annabel and Rob Archibald will once again saddle up the gelding on Saturday, but another from the stable looks a leading chance. A winner of the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas at last year's meeting, Bosustow (Blue Point-Bumbasina, Canford Cliffs) comes into the race first up, and although he has drawn very wide in barrier 19, the half-brother to multiple Gr1 winner Amelia's Jewel (Siyouni) does have a show with James McDonald in the saddle.
Yellow Brick can back up again on Saturday (pic: magicmillions.com.au)
Sydney Cup Dream Still Alive for Curtis
Friday, 16th January 2026
Trainer Lee Curtis believes evergreen mare Bacio Del Mist is in a much better place to make it to her Sydney Cup goal than 12 months ago and hopes it shows at Rosehill on Saturday. The eight-year-old didn't make it to the Group 1 grand final last year after she failed in the Chairmans Handicap but Curtis is convinced things can be different this time around, according to racingnsw.com.au. Bacio Del Mist will run in the Listed $200,000 Yulong January Cup (2000m) then the Australia Day Cup (2400m) later this month before Curtis plots the path to the Chairmans again and hopefully the Sydney Cup. "I feel like she's in career best form. Her work on Saturday was very good, every year she just gets better and better,'' he said. "We toyed with brining her up (to the Gold Coast) for the Subzero but she's not a great traveller and there's a little bit against her, we thought we'd play it safe and run on her home track. "The big aim is to try and get her into the Sydney Cup so it'd be better if her rating came up a bit. That's where we'd love to see her at the end of the autumn. The grey, $10 with TAB on Wednesday, won the Stayers Cup at Rosehill back in June and Curtis, who co-trains with wife Cherie, said her two runs back have been pleasing following a small setback. She ran into fourth behind Unlimited, who has since won again, at Randwick three weeks ago which showed the trainer she's on the right path. While she does have a backmarker's racing pattern he said the January Cup should allow her the chance to pose a threat. "We're upbeat about her chances particularly if some rain arrives. Her run the other day was really good, she just got a little held up for a stride,'' he said. "When she raced first-up she'd had a few little problems and was delayed getting back to the races by probably three weeks. Third-up into that race it's just perfect. "With most horses as soon as you try something different it doesn't work. In a smallish field drawn one I don't think she will be too far back. Alysha (Collett) knows her, we think she really suits her. "At some point we'll probably have to say 'you're going to have to retire' but there's not doubt she's a much stronger horse than she was 18 months to two years ago." Meanwhile, Curtis has Group 1 ambitions for talented mares Modella and Bauhinia when they return in the autumn. The former will be given the chance to qualify for the Doncaster Mile while the Coolmore Classic could be an appealing aim for the latter. Modella hasn't raced since finishing eighth behind superstar Autumn Glow in the Golden Eagle while Bauhinia was runner-up in the Group 2 Hot Danish Stakes in the spring.
Ninja Still Short in Guineas Despite Outside Barrier
Friday, 16th January 2026
Outstanding last start when winning the Gr3 Vo Rogue Plate (1300m) at Eagle Farm, the Michael Freedman trained Ninja (Farnan-Impulsive, by So You Think) is still a short-priced favourite for Saturday's $3m Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) despite drawing barrier 17 of 17. A narrow third two starts back behind Grafterburners (Graff), who was since claimed the $3m Sunlight Classic, it's clear that Ninja has the form on the board and with the Magic Millions straight allowing horses the opportunity to run on, the outside barrier may not be the biggest disadvantage. Owned by My Racehorse and a host of leading stud farms such as Widden, Sledmere, and Torryburn, the gelding will be ridden by Tommy Berry who has not ridden a winner of the 3YO Guineas in the past. My Racehorse's Ben Willis felt that Ninja had the ability to overcome the bad gate when speaking after the barrier draw during the week. "He'll have his work cut out for him but at least he is last in, and he can be a bit sloppy out of the gates so being last to load is probably glass half full looking at it. I am not concerned about it really. I think the best horse in the race should be able to win and hopefully he is the best horse on the day." If Ninja can continue to progress through his career, he looks a horse that can go places, especially as he's only lightly raced with three wins and two third placed efforts from just five starts.
Jewel Bandit Can Steal the Show Again
Friday, 16th January 2026
Momentum has been steadily building for a lightly raced three-year-old who has forced punters to reassess their early opinions ahead of a summer swansong at Flemington on Saturday. After starting his career as an afterthought in the market, Jewel Bandit now finds himself taken seriously as he steps into deeper waters for the Thank You Firefighters Plate over 1400m. According to racenet.com.au, those revised expectations are rooted in two performances that caught many off guard. A debut victory at Cranbourne at $21 was followed by an even bigger surprise when he saluted again at $41 at the Geelong stand-alone meeting on January 3. Each win suggested there was more substance beneath the raw speed, and early betting for Saturday's $150,000 contest reflects that growing confidence, with the gelding opening at $9.50. The race will also mark the end of the campaign, with trainers Mark and Levi Kavanagh already mapping out a spell regardless of the outcome. Saturday's assignment is viewed as an important measuring stick rather than a must-win target, offering insight into how the son of Pierata shapes against stronger opposition as plans begin to form for the future. That examination will be thorough. Jewel Bandit lines up against nine last-start winners, a scenario Levi Kavanagh believes is ideal for taking stock. "It is a pretty strong race. It would be good to see where he's at," he said. "It's going to be good for us to see him up against some horses with some really good form. The topweight has won three in a row and there's a few others that are only lightly raced that have had wins and placings and things like that." The contest also represents a step into new territory over 1400m after victories at 1000m and 1100m. Confidence in the move stems from the way Jewel Bandit has been finishing his races, with Kavanagh pointing to his strength late as a key indicator that the extra distance should be within reach. A rise from 54kg to 60kg adds another layer of difficulty, but the camp expects the spacious Flemington track to play to his strengths, much as the wide expanses of Geelong did previously. Brad Rawiller, who partnered the gelding on debut, reunites with him for the assignment, rounding out a test that should reveal just how far the upward trajectory can extend.
