As an outstanding pointer to not only the Gr1 Golden Slipper but future Group 1 success in general, Saturday's Gr2 Silver Slipper Stakes should be taken note of for a future aspect. In the last 14 years alone, we've seen Silver Slipper winners Pierro, Mossfun, She Will Reign and Farnan go on to win the Slipper while we can add Sweet Idea, Astern, Sunlight, Home Affairs, Cylinder and Beiwacht who all went on to record Group 1 success. The boom horse going into this year's race is debut Gr3 Canonbury Stakes winner Hidrix (Extreme Choice-Shadow, by Medaglia D'oro). Purchased for $1.7m at the Inglis Easter yearling sale by Chris Waller Racing, Mulcaster Bloodstock and B2B Thoroughbreds the grey colt was expected to run well on debut, but surprised a few with his acceleration to score with ease, defeating his stablemate Confederation (Wootton Bassett-Pretty Fast, by Not A Single Doubt) who will also race here on Saturday. As Chris Waller has said many times, he does not push his 2YOs so it isn't really until race day where he sees their true ability, and as evident by his win, Hidrix has plenty. Currently favourite for the Gr1 Golden Slipper, success on Saturday could see Hidrix shorten further, especially if those high up in the betting fail to produce the goods in the Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes down at Caulfield.
Leopardstown Racecourse Could Change Its Spots
Friday, 20th February 2026
A push to reshape Leopardstown into a year-round destination has advanced, with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) launching a pre-market consultation aimed at finding partners for a proposed arena and hotel on the racecourse campus. According to racingpost.com, HRI said it will engage international developers, investors and operators as it tests appetite for a landmark project at Dublin's only racecourse and explores options to "unlock long-term commercial and placemaking potential". In outlining the pitch, HRI described Leopardstown as a "rare combination of attributes that are highly attractive to arena and hospitality investors", pointing to a large, well-serviced landholding in a prime metropolitan setting, established demand through sport and major events, direct links to public transport and road networks, and the capacity to integrate new infrastructure with an existing, globally recognised venue. Those ambitions sit alongside a separate housing initiative agreed between HRI and the Land Development Agency. About 17 acres have been earmarked for the potential delivery of up to 800 homes, following a 2025 agreement on transferring land currently used as a car park, subject to the planning process. The site has been identified within the government's Housing for All policy, and while higher density was considered, the negotiated arrangement settled on a ceiling of 800 units and a mix of social and affordable housing. HRI believes the broader campus plan can accommodate both outcomes, arguing an arena would help meet "unmet demand for large-scale indoor events in Dublin", while a hotel would benefit from consistent footfall and international visitation, positioning Leopardstown as a multi-use precinct operating all year. Leopardstown currently stages 23 fixtures annually, including the Christmas Festival, Dublin Racing Festival and Irish Champions Festival, providing a calendar of established drawcards around which additional activity could be structured. Location is central to the proposition. The course sits about six miles from Dublin city centre and is supported by strong connectivity, including LUAS access and proximity to the M50. It also borders the Sandyford Business District and sits near major multinational employers, a factor HRI argues supports demand beyond raceday peaks and allows the campus to function as more than a single-purpose sporting venue. Paul Dermody, CEO of HRI racecourses, said: "This pre-market consultation marks a significant step in realising the full potential of the Leopardstown campus. We are engaging openly with leading international developers, investors and operators to understand how best to bring forward a transformative project in one of Dublin's most strategically located and high-profile destinations." He added: "With its scale, connectivity, established international reputation and year-round event demand, Leopardstown presents a compelling opportunity for partners seeking to deliver a landmark arena or hospitality development within the heart of Dublin. Our objective at this stage is to listen, to test the depth of market interest and to ensure that any future procurement process is informed, ambitious and commercially robust."
Ambition Will Be Realised in New Zealand Oaks
Friday, 20th February 2026
A long-held Classic ambition comes to the boil at Ellerslie on Saturday when Fly Zenno steps out in the Gr1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m), a race her connections have circled since she first walked into their barn. For Conor and Sarah Fahy, the daughter of Ancient Spirit has always shaped as a staying filly, even if the journey has been taken with patience rather than haste. Her recent form reads respectably without yet delivering black type. She finished fifth in the Gr2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m) and then fourth in the Gr2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic (2100m) at Te Rapa, staying on solidly on both occasions. In each run she was beaten home by Ohope Wins, who is expected to start favourite again, but Fly Zenno's racing pattern and physical scope suggest the rise to 2400m could suit. "We bought her as a yearling at Karaka with the hope she'd end up in the Oaks, that's what we told all the owners and it is pleasing to see her meet that goal," Conor Fahy revealed to NZ Racing Desk. He recalled being taken by her athleticism from the outset. "She was just a lovely scopey filly, light on her feet and we loved her from the first time we saw her. Jack and Wayne Stewart (of White Robe Lodge) gave us the push to buy her and we're pleased we did." Purchased for a modest $30,000, she has been handled with a long view in mind. Fahy admitted that while the Oaks has always loomed as a logical target, the filly is still learning her craft. "We have been quite soft on her because as much as we were hoping she was an Oaks filly, she is still probably a preparation away from being at her very best," he said. "We are hoping that she will get the distance but at the same time we haven't pushed her to get there." He is under no illusions about the task ahead. "If Ohope Wins gets the run of the race, I'd say she will be extremely hard to beat. It is probably the wrong year for a small stable like us to have a filly for the Oaks. It looks like one of the strongest Oaks fields in recent memory. There is really good depth in the race and we are a maiden going in, so we are under no illusions." Regular rider Matthew Cameron takes the reins from barrier nine, with Fahy hoping for a genuine tempo. "We won't make it a trot and canter but at the same time we would love to take a sit on a good pace and have something to strike at," he stated.
Fly Zenno (rails) could cause an Oaks upset (pic: Trish Dunell)
Blue Diamond Victory Could Belong To Home Affairs
Friday, 20th February 2026
The question isn't 'if' Home Affairs will sire a Group 1 winner, but more likely 'when' will it be, and this Saturday could be the day with his son Guest House (Home Affairs-Flamboyant Lass, by Stratum) a leading contender in the $2m Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield. Going down last start as the short-priced favourite behind fellow Blue Diamond contender Closer To Free (Street Boss-Lady Naturaliste, by Choisir), the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr trained colt has always been spoken about highly leading into the race. Already one of seven stakes performers from the first crop of Torryburn Stud-bred dual Group 1 winner Home Affairs (I Am Invincible), Guest House has drawn barrier 3 but is likely to come into 2 with the fourth emergency having drawn the inside gate. Missing the start in the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude before sitting wide, the colt was entitled to drop out, but was coming again on the line to be beaten a length in an effort that suggests the 1200m is a bonus. Interestingly, drawn to his immediate inside is the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bot trained Lady Moscato (Home Affairs-Champagne Cuddles, by Not a Single Doubt), another by the Coolmore-based sire. Purchased for $1,050,000 from the Magic Millions yearling sale, the filly is an outsider in the field, but it is worth noting the stable produced Lady Of Camelot (Written Tycoon) to finish a close second two years back before winning the Gr1 Golden Slipper at her next start.
Sire Home Affairs (centre) can influence the Blue Diamond (pic: Mark Gatt)
Blueblood Can go Woosh in Gold Sovereign
Friday, 20th February 2026
Fresh intrigue has been injected into Friday night’s Listed Gold Sovereign Stakes (1200m) at Launceston, with a well-bred Victorian filly travelling south to test Tasmania’s dominant juvenile. Woosh arrives as the unknown quantity in a race where Aristopolos has so far towered over his local rivals. Purchased for $380,000 at the 2025 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale by Shane Nichols Racing, the daughter of Wooton Bassett from Group 1 Flight Stakes winner Oohood carries a pedigree that demands attention. Trained by Shane Nichols in partnership with Hayden Black at Mornington, she makes her race debut with connections openly chasing black type from the outset. “We’re not bringing her down there because we don’t think much of her. She’s got a big pedigree, and we’d like to get a bit of black type on the board straight away,” Black said. Her preparation has been deliberately patient. “She wasn’t quite ready for those early two-year-old series; we brought her up slowly, and we thought the Gold Sovereign might be light on numbers.” Two recent jump-outs in Victoria, both under a tight hold, have satisfied the stable, and her Caulfield hit-out left a strong impression. “We were very happy with her jump out at Caulfield the other day, she did it pretty easily.” From barrier seven in a field of eight, she will be partnered by multiple Group 1-winning jockey Luke Currie. Standing in her way is Aristopolos, unbeaten in four Tasmanian 2YO starts and already the benchmark of the local crop. Black has been watching closely. “He’s obviously been very impressive, and we have a lot of respect for him.” The clash between proven local form and interstate promise shapes as the defining narrative of the race. The Nichols-Black partnership will also contest the Listed Tasmanian Oaks (2100m) with Stelletta. The seven-start maiden was sixth of eight in the Strutt Stakes on Hobart Cup Day, but Black expects a sharper showing. “It just didn’t go to plan at all in the Strutt, and she doesn’t like soft tracks, so that was a bit of a disaster. Blinkers on and a good gate, she’ll be right up in the race, and she’ll run well.” She will be ridden by apprentice Lauren Burke, currently on loan to John Blacker for three months. Black will remain in Tasmania through Monday’s Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale, eyeing potential additions. “There are a couple in the catalogue that we’ve had a look at, and we’ll see what they look like in the flesh. We’re not hell-bent on buying one, but Shane and I are pretty impulsive.”
Autumn Boy To Follow in His Sire's Footsteps
Friday, 20th February 2026
Having both won the Gr1Caulfield Guineas (1600m) at their final start of their 3YO Spring campaigns, the Chris Waller-trained Autumn Boy (The Autumn Sun-Rosegarden, by Savabeel) will be out to emulate his sire and win the Gr2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at his first run back in the Autumn. Highly regarded by the stable, Autumn Boy is a valuable commodity being the only colt by his sire to win a Group 1 race so far, with the remaining four Group 1 winners sired by the Arrowfield Stud based sire being fillies. From just five starts, the Amarina Farm, Magic Millions graduate has won three times, winning at Listed level at 2 in Queensland, where he defeated eventual Gr2 Sandown Guineas winner Sheza Alibi (Saxon Warrior) before resuming at 3 with a solid effort behind stablemate Sixties (Flying Artie) who is a leading chance in the upcoming Gr1 Australian Guineas. While not all went to plan in the Gr1 Golden Rose when he was out the back, with eventual winner Beiwacht (Bivouac) controlling the race from the front, Autumn Boy showed his class at his next start when winning the Caulfield Guineas, with the third placed Observer (Ghaiyyath) winning the Gr2 Vase, Gr1 VRC Derby and the Gr3 Autumn Stakes at his next three starts, clearly franking the form. Working between races recently with James McDonald in the saddle, his race day rider indicated that the colt had improved since the Spring. Likely to head to the Gr1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) after Saturday's race, Waller is also keen to test the colt against the older gallopers and if successful will add another feather in his cap as a stallion prospect for later down the track.
O'Brien Victorian Stable Restructure Underway
Friday, 20th February 2026
A major piece of Danny O’Brien’s training infrastructure is headed to the market, with the Melbourne Cup-winning horseman offering his Thirteenth Beach Training Centre on the Bellarine Peninsula for sale. The move signals a tightening of focus for a stable that has used the Barwon Heads base as a key satellite for more than a decade. Set across 64.39 hectares, the property is built for scale and variety. It includes three tracks — a 2000m grass circuit, an all-weather sand track and a 1600m heavy sand track — alongside a 46-box barn and 16 spelling paddocks. Its proximity to Thirteenth Beach has also been a strong card, providing easy access for horses to work on the sand when conditions and programming suited. A long list of headline performers has passed through the facility during its peak years. Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare did important work there, as did Cox Plate hero Shamus Award, 2013 Newmarket Handicap winner Shamexpress, weight-for-age talent Russian Camelot and the high-class colt Star Witness. For O’Brien, the base has served as both a training hub and a reset button, allowing horses to thrive in a quieter environment away from the bustle of the major courses. The decision to sell, however, stems from a broader shift in business shape. O’Brien said a review late last year prompted a plan to reduce overall numbers and consolidate operations. “We just had an evaluation of all of our business towards the end of last year and figured that rather than training 120-140 horses like we have for the last five or six years, we’d like to get down to about 80,” he told Racing.com. That change makes three venues unnecessary, particularly with renewed investment planned at Flemington. “In doing that, we really only need two venues now, not three. Particularly with the recommitment to Flemington, there’s going to be a lot of money spent on Flemington over the next few years, upgrading the facilities here,” he said. O’Brien added: “We’re going to keep the Flemington and Geelong bases, the property at Barwon Heads we’re probably not going to need now that we’re going to streamline things a bit.” “It’s been a fantastic property for us, and we’ll be sad to see it go but the way we’re going to structure things going forward, we’ll just have a Geelong base and a Flemington base,” he said. The Thirteenth Beach Training Centre is being sold through Donovan and Co. and can be viewed online. O’Brien’s stable has opened 2026 in strong form with 11 winners from his past 50 runners at 22 percent, and he will be represented in Saturday’s Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes by Closer To Free, winner of the colts and geldings division of the Blue Diamond Prelude (see below).
Yulong's Treasure to Return A Winner
Friday, 20th February 2026
With victory in the Gr2 Angus Armanasco and the Gr1 Memsie Stakes first up in her last two campaigns, both over 1400m at Caulfield, the Matt Laurie trained Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express-Draconic Treasure, by Street Cry) looks set to continue that winning trend on Saturday where she resumes in the Gr1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield. A third to fellow Yulong owned mare Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock) last campaign in the Gr1 WS Cox Plate, Treaurethe Moment has proven herself over a range of distances and it will be interesting to see how far in trip she is extended out to this time in. Working on Tuesday at Caulfield's Blue Diamond breakfast morning, the 4YO mare looked extremely good, and ready to chase her fifth elite level victory. An interesting runner is last season's Gr1 Railway Stakes winner Watch Me Rock (Awesome Rock-What Choux Want, by Jimmy Choux). Transferred to the Mark Walker yard to chase some of the lucrative prizemoney on offer in the eastern states, while the 5YO gelding is yet to race at Caulfield he does have six top three placed finishes from eight starts at 1400m and has never been outside the top three in all five first up runs. Overdue to break his Group 1 maiden, the Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained Evaporate (Per Incanto-Savanna, by Animal Kingdom) looks to have conditions to suit on Saturday and off the back of a very nice jumpout recently, the Jamie Melham ridden gelding will surely be right in the finish.
Treasurethe Moment could start at odds-on (pic: Mark Gatt)
Major US Thoroughbred Organisations Square Off
Friday, 20th February 2026
A new hearing has been set in the escalating standoff between the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority and Churchill Downs Inc., with HISA calling a March 11 board panel session over what it says is CDI's refusal to pay millions in required assessments tied to four of its tracks. The proceeding is scheduled to be held remotely and comes alongside a separate, pending legal dispute between the parties. Notices issued on February 18 outlined a three-member panel chaired by Joe De Francis, with board members Bill Thomason and Terri Mazur, to consider alleged violations connected to unpaid fees at Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, Presque Isle Downs and Turfway Park. HISA is a federally authorised, private, self-regulatory body tasked with implementing uniform safety and integrity rules across most US Thoroughbred racing. HISA's assessment model has been a flashpoint. The original methodology allocated fees using projected racing starts weighted by projected purse levels, an approach criticised by CDI, the New York Racing Association and other high-purse operators, many of which are supported by supplemental gaming. CDI and NYRA sued HISA in late 2024. Soon after, the Federal Trade Commission, which oversees HISA, approved a shift to a starts-only assessment model beginning this year. NYRA later settled with HISA in early 2025 and withdrew from the lawsuit. Some jurisdictions, including West Virginia and Louisiana, remain outside HISA enforcement due to ongoing federal challenges and an injunction; CDI's Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in Louisiana was not cited for unpaid assessments. For 2025, HISA invoiced Churchill Downs more than $6.3 million under the approved formula and says none has been paid. Using a starts-only calculation, HISA says Churchill Downs owes $2,408,501 plus nearly $94,000 in interest, arguing CDI owes at least that lower amount regardless of how the court ultimately rules on the broader methodology. HISA says it reserves the right to pursue additional sums later if its original formula is upheld. HISA also alleges CDI used its own starts-only "CDI Formula" to calculate and partially pay 2023 and 2024 assessments, leaving $1,708,475 outstanding, which is the subject of a separate enforcement action. HISA's filings list further 2025 assessments, using the original methodology, for the other CDI tracks: Turfway Park at $1,436,186 plus $56,051 interest; Ellis Park at $447,568 plus $17,467 interest; and Presque Isle Downs at $732,593 plus $28,591 interest. In its board materials, HISA wrote that "CDI even refuses to pay what it believes it owes for the CDI Racetracks under its own CDI Formula… The CDI Racetracks stand alone among Covered Racetracks in refusing to make any HISA assessment payments whatsoever for 2025." HISA is seeking an order directing CDI to pay the starts-only amount within 10 days, and is requesting a further penalty if payment is late: "Churchill be prohibited from conducting any Covered Horserace," applied on the next scheduled race day(s). Turfway is currently racing through late March, while Churchill Downs is due to begin its spring meet in late April, one week before the May 2 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Oakleigh Plate Appears to Be a Lottery
Friday, 20th February 2026
The conditions of the Gr1 Oakleigh Plate often make it tricky for those up in the weights to win, and looking at the history books sees seven winners of the race in the last 21 years carry more than 54.5kg to record success, and with those winners including the likes of Fastnet Rock (57kg), Eagle Falls (57kg) Lankan Rupee (56kg), Flamberge (58kg) and Russian Revolution (56.5kg), there doesn't appear to be any runners of that class, just yet at least, so it will surely be an interesting race. Looking at this year's field, last start Gr2 Rubiton Stakes winner Oak Hill (Per Incanto-Isstoora, by High Chaparral) looks the one to beat here and would be a coup for Little Avondale Stud's Per Incanto to record consecutive winners of the race after Jimmysstar's success last year. Drawn wide in barrier 11 of 14, jockey Beau Mertens will hopefully not get too far back with 57kgs on his back as sometimes the lighter weighted runners in this race can sit on the speed before proving too hard to run down. Lightly raced with four wins and two second placed efforts from six starts, 3YO filly Point Barrow (Blue Point-Take Pride, by Reward for Effort) is a very interesting commodity here. If her usual racing pattern was to go forward, then she would be the one on top here, but she does settle back, but with just 50kgs and Jamie Melham in the saddle, she could cause a boil over as she has shown above average ability to date.
