In the build up to Karaka 2026, all eyes are turning toward a new stallion whose early stock is already generating buzz among buyers. Windsor Park Stud’s Profondo is set to make his mark at the 100th National Yearling Sale, where his first-crop yearlings will be offered in strength and with no shortage of expectations. Windsor Park’s investment in Profondo is set to be showcased with remarkable breadth: thirty-seven of his first-crop yearlings are catalogued for Book 1, twenty-five for Book 2, and five for the inaugural Karaka Summer Sale. The stallion’s credentials are compelling – by Japanese phenomenon Deep Impact, out of precocious Australian Group 3 winner Honesty Prevails (Redoute’s Choice), Profondo was a $1.9 million yearling whose career always hinted at significant things to come. He wasted little time confirming that promise, clinching the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick at just his third start. The list of past winners of that classic has grown into a roll call for future stallion success, with Savabeel and Dundeel both etching their names on the same honour board. Consistent form at the top level followed, including a runner-up finish in the Group Three Gloaming Stakes, a third in the prestigious Winx Stakes, and competitive performances in both the Rosehill Guineas and Tramway Stakes. Retirement came in 2023, with Profondo standing at Windsor Park for an introductory fee of $17,500 and covering a full book of 177 mares in his first season. A preview of his influence came at the NZB National Weanling Sale in June, where Profondo emerged as leading sire by average, his four weanlings averaging $62,500 and fuelling optimism for the main event at Karaka. This year’s sale will be a wide-ranging showcase for Profondo’s early progeny, with Windsor Park offering twenty-one yearlings, and others appearing across the drafts of a who’s who of New Zealand’s leading nurseries including Mapperley Stud, Landsdowne Park, Inglewood Stud, Carlaw Park, and more. The stallion’s profile has generated widespread support, not just for his pedigree or price tag, but for his sheer presence. Windsor Park’s nominations manager, Nick Hewson, describes Profondo as an “absolutely magnificent physical specimen” whose attributes have resonated with breeders. “Hewson says. “Breeders have really been drawn to all of [his] attributes and he’s served big books all the way through. His first weanlings were well sought after earlier in the year, and now he’s got some beautiful yearlings heading into the sales series.” Having observed the Profondo yearlings day in and day out, Hewson is convinced the stallion has stamped his best qualities on this first crop. “They’ve got wonderful attitudes and he’s really stamped a lot of his physical qualities on them as well. I think they’ll be quite precocious.”
For Stephen Kirkwood, the rhythm of laying bricks on Toowoomba’s building sites rarely misses a beat, but this week there’s a different kind of anticipation in the air. According to racingqueensland.com.au, Eagle Farm on Wednesday will host business as usual for the hard-working tradesman, yet the real excitement lies ahead at the Gold Coast, where a starter in the Magic Millions Classic could deliver the kind of payday most only dream about. Before then, Kirkwood will send out Straight Blast in the Class 1 Handicap over 1350 metres, a prelude to saddling Magritte in the $3 million Magic Millions Classic – his first ever runner in the feature. Securing a spot in the 16-strong field, Magritte sits 17th in the order of entry, but confirmation that Paradoxium won’t take his place has provided Kirkwood with a rare opportunity. Family ties run deep: his father-in-law Ron Macrae still trains a horse or two at 85, and Kirkwood himself juggles a stable of eight in work, four more in pre-training, and the constant demands of a busy bricklaying business on the Darling Downs. At home, wife Catherine has been a crucial figure behind the scenes, though a recent injury forced her to the sidelines. “She had a stress fracture in a foot and she tripped and fell,” Kirkwood explained, detailing the accident that also saw her pull a hamstring and partially dislocate her hip. “That happened about six weeks ago but she’s still helping out, though she has been a lot quieter since then.” Until last weekend, the prospect of having a Magic Millions Classic runner had barely registered. “Cathy did a spreadsheet and we thought we were about 17th in the order of entry up to last Friday,” Kirkwood recalled. “There were a couple who could have jumped us had they won but now we know we’ve got a spot with at least one not running.” For Kirkwood, time to ponder the momentous occasion has been in short supply. “I haven’t had much time to think about having a runner in the Magic Millions but if we win, I’d probably get drunk for a month.” Magritte, a maiden after four starts but with three placings to her name, impressed most recently when flashing home for second behind Itchintogo in the Listed Phelan Ready. Her last outing yielded a seventh in the Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes. The daughter of leading Queensland stallion Better Than Ready is a $34 outsider, but in a race known for its surprises, Kirkwood remains quietly hopeful.
NEWEmbarrassment of Riches a Poisoned Chalice
Tuesday, 13th January 2026
Deciding on the right mount for Hong Kong’s Classic Mile can be a headache even for a champion, especially in a year as competitive as this. For Zac Purton, the task of selecting between an enviable shortlist – Invincible Ibis, Little Paradise, Beauty Bolt, and Top Dragon among them – has occupied his mind for months. The four-year-old series is shaping as one of the deepest in recent memory, each candidate presenting a strong case on both form and potential. After considerable deliberation, Purton has opted for Sagacious Life, the Pierre Ng-trained Brazilian import, a Group 1 winner before his arrival in Hong Kong and a horse who has done little wrong since. The decision was hardly straightforward, given the champion jockey’s association with most of the main players this season. “At the end of the day, Sagacious Life has got the highest rating and when you come into a set-weight race that plays a certain role, although the four-year-olds at this time of year are all untapped,” Purton reflected. “You don’t know where the ceiling is, so it’s not the be-all and end-all, but he’s come in and he’s run three really good races, and he won over the track and distance in a decent Class Two, carrying top weight of 135 [pounds].” It was that weight-carrying exhibition last month, when Sagacious Life prevailed in the Class Two Leighton Handicap, that provided the crucial evidence. Despite being the smallest of the group at just 1,050lb, he showed tenacity to hold off a determined field, with Top Dragon back in third. For Purton, the run suggested a genuine ability to handle both the company and the conditions of a Classic Mile. Even so, the choice came with the knowledge that he could only partner one in a field where he has guided all the main contenders to wins at some point this term. Invincible Ibis, for instance, continues to improve and has become the “talking horse” under premiership-leading trainer Mark Newnham’s care, with Purton observing his growing confidence and stamina. “He relaxes really well and he’s run the distance. There’s a lot of positives there for him as well.” Little Paradise earned praise for a recent outstanding win, while Top Dragon’s effort behind Sagacious Life suggested he, too, should not be dismissed. Beauty Bolt, meanwhile, has turned up on every occasion, running bravely each time. Such depth has forced Purton to accept that, come raceday, even the best-laid plans can unravel. “At the end of the day, you’ve got to pick one out of seven and if any one of the other six win, then I’ve made the wrong decision,” he admitted. As the Classic Mile looms, Hugh Bowman will keep the ride on Invincible Ibis after his latest success, and Vincent Ho has picked up Little Paradise. For Purton and Sagacious Life, the focus now is on etching a new name onto the honour roll, in a contest where any verdict will have been hard-earned.
Brazilian Gr1 winner Sagacious Life (pic: hkjc.com)
NEWTiny Tot Could Be a Derby Giant Slayer
Tuesday, 13th January 2026
Performance isn’t always a matter of size in racing, as Aaron Bidlake has been reminded time and again. At Ellerslie on Sunday, it was the smallest horse in his stable who delivered a performance big enough to keep Classic ambitions firmly alive, producing a rattling second in the Listed Gingernuts Salver (2100m) and suggesting the upcoming Trackside New Zealand Derby is well within reach. Tulsa King, a son of Staphanos, might not cut a striking figure in the parade ring, but his trainer has long believed good things can arrive in unassuming packages. The journey to this point has been as improbable as it has been rewarding. A trio of trials and two unremarkable raceday starts hardly set expectations sky-high, but Bidlake’s eye for potential has served him well before. “They put him on Gavelhouse and we were lucky enough to get him for only $1,500, I guess being so small put a lot of people off,” he reflected, unconcerned by Tulsa King’s lack of stature. Memories of Grand National heroics with Eric The Viking – another compact type – provide a reference point. Tulsa King’s record is rapidly outgrowing his modest beginnings, with a Group 3 placing and now a Listed second underscoring his Derby credentials. The ride at Ellerslie drew special praise. “He went super and the ride from Sam Collett was fantastic, they got held up a bit in the straight but for a horse she’d never sat on before she gave him such a good ride along the fence.” It was a performance that left connections buoyant, the gelding arriving home at Hastings the next morning “bouncing in the paddock.” Racing, for the Bidlake and Young family, is a collective pursuit. Ownership of Tulsa King is shared with Bidlake’s uncle and aunt, Barry and Teresa, while his parents, Karen and Graeme, are part of the Grassroots Syndicate. The logistics are equally homegrown: “We travel all our own horses and Michelle does all the driving so it’s very much a team effort.” Next up, the campaign takes a strategic detour. “We will go a little bit different because of the travel, so he’ll go to the Wairoa Cup (2100m) at Waipukurau,” Bidlake explained, preferring to avoid the stress of another long northern journey during the summer heat for the 400kg gelding. “In his previous races, he has got back and gone to sleep and we’ve thought all along he was a staying type of horse and the pedigree suggests that, the further he goes the better he’ll be.” Tulsa King is out of Lilies, herself a half-sister to dual Group 1 winner Soriano, and hails from the family of Derby winner Rocket Spade – a pedigree, it seems, that is starting to blossom in the most unlikely of packages.
NEWMajor Kiwi WFA Treble the Goal for Kingswood
Tuesday, 13th January 2026
A lucrative New Zealand stud career could be the prize if Kingswood (Roaring Lion) can sweep a trio of weight-for-age assignments, beginning with his Zabeel Classic triumph on Boxing day before targeting the Herbie Dyke Stakes at Te Rapa on February 7 and the New Zealand Stakes at Ellerslie in March. With a pedigree boasting a half-brother in English and Irish St Leger winner Eldar Eldarov, expectations are high as the six-year-old charts a carefully planned path through the country’s feature staying contests, reports racingnews.co.nz. Australian trainer Gavin Bedggood has ensured Kingswood returns fresh after his maiden Group 1 triumph, with a brief spell and a steady build-up designed to have the gelding primed for the next challenge. “He had eight days in the paddock and he’ll have a gallop Tuesday morning,” Bedggood said, outlining a schedule that includes a trial at Pukekohe and a crucial gallop at Te Rapa eight days ahead of his next race. “We just need to maintain him really. Four weeks between runs is no issue. He went four weeks between Ballarat and the Zabeel Classic so we’ll just try to replicate that.” Extensive homework went into the decision to send Kingswood across the Tasman. Bedggood admits to pouring over New Zealand form before making the call. “I pulled the pre-post betting up about four weeks prior and did a lot of homework before we went. There were two or three good ones and outside of them, I thought they were pretty even,” he explained. “I didn’t go over there thinking we were a moral but I would have been pretty disappointed if we couldn’t run top four too.” While the opposition in the Zabeel Classic proved manageable, Bedggood expects the challenge to stiffen as the campaign continues. Word that Australian Group 1 winner Attrition will be heading over for the New Zealand Stakes has not gone unnoticed. “It should be fairly similar but I heard Attrition is going over for the third run. That will add a little different element,” he acknowledged. Attrition, fresh off a Gr1 Toorak Handicap win and a respectable showing in the Cox Plate, looms as a new benchmark for Kingswood and his team to measure themselves against as the New Zealand autumn approaches.
NEWKIDS Foundation 2026 MM Charitable Partner
Tuesday, 13th January 2026
A philanthropic partnership has taken centre stage for Magic Millions in 2026, reflecting the evolving role of the horse as a force for connection and community. The announcement that the KIDS Foundation will serve as the official Charitable Partner signals a new chapter in a relationship that has already delivered tangible support to children and families navigating trauma across Australia. The KIDS Foundation, short for Kids in Dangerous Situations, is dedicated to empowering young people who have endured injury or hardship, building resilience through education and hands-on recovery programs. The charity’s reach has grown rapidly, thanks in no small part to industry support. Last year’s Tour d’Horse, the foundation’s flagship fundraiser, raised an extraordinary $1.17 million in its second edition. Much of this was made possible through the combined efforts of Magic Millions and the broader equestrian and racing communities. These funds now underpin trauma recovery and educational programs that benefit more than 300,000 children nationwide. Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page Harvey believes the partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when the horse industry rallies as one. “Last year’s Tour d’Horse showed the incredible impact our industry can have when we come together,” she observed. “Naming the KIDS Foundation as the Magic Millions Charitable Partner for 2026 allows us to continue building on that impact. This partnership is about more than fundraising – it’s about connection, community, and recognising the unique role horses, especially off-the-track thoroughbreds, play in supporting children and families who have been through unimaginable trauma.” The sentiment is echoed by Dr Susie O’Neill OAM, founder and CEO of the KIDS Foundation, who points to the pivotal role Magic Millions now plays in the charity’s operations. “Magic Millions has been a game-changer for the KIDS Foundation. Tour d’Horse alone accounts for about half of our annual budget, with over $250,000 directly or indirectly raised through our partnership. Their support is life-changing and helps us reach hundreds of thousands of children and families each year.” At the heart of the collaboration are the off-the-track thoroughbreds, led by Equine Ambassador Eleven Eleven, a horse whose post-racing career has brought him into direct contact with those the charity serves. A son of Fastnet Rock and a dual Magic Millions Cup winner, Eleven Eleven now provides inspiration and hope as he participates in events, connects families and the wider community, and exemplifies the healing power of the human-horse bond. Eleven Eleven is set to return for the 2026 TAB Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival, appearing at key events and raising awareness for the KIDS Foundation’s work. Meanwhile, Magic Millions will field its own team at the upcoming Tour d’Horse, continuing a proud tradition of community engagement and equine impact. For those attending the Carnival, supporting the partnership is as simple as entering the 50:50 competition or making a donation – every ticket sold represents another step toward lasting change.
New Magic Millions & Scone Race Club Partnership
Tuesday, 13th January 2026
A landmark commercial alliance has been struck in the Upper Hunter, with a long-term partnership designed to deepen the connection between Australia's premier breeding region and one of the sport's most influential sales companies. From the start of 2026, the agreement will formalise a shared commitment to racing, breeding and regional investment at the heart of the thoroughbred industry. The arrangement will see Magic Millions become the exclusive thoroughbred auction house partner of Scone Race Club, alongside the creation of the Magic Millions Mounting Yard at the historic racecourse. The timing is deliberate, coinciding with preparations for the 80th running of the Darley Scone Cup in 2026, a milestone year for a club that sits at the centre of what is widely regarded as Australia's Horse Capital. Few regions carry the depth of influence held by the Upper Hunter Valley. Anchored by Scone, it is home to some of the most significant stud farms in the world and is responsible for producing a remarkable concentration of elite racing talent. The racecourse itself functions as both a physical and cultural focal point, hosting events that bring together breeders, owners, trainers and racing fans from across the country. For Magic Millions, the partnership represents a deliberate investment at the source of its business. Co-owner Katie Page described the Upper Hunter as a national asset, both economically and culturally, and said the collaboration was rooted in long-standing personal and professional ties to the region. She noted that Magic Millions has grown its January Sales and Raceday Carnival into a fourteen-day celebration generating more than 100,000 visitor nights on the Gold Coast, and that a similar opportunity exists to elevate the Scone Racing Carnival as an event destination built around the region's natural beauty and breeding heritage. Page said the establishment of the Magic Millions Mounting Yard would serve as a daily reminder that the journey of many champions begins in the Hunter, reinforcing the connection between breeders and the sales ring. From the club's perspective, the agreement strengthens an already formidable group of partners drawn from the Upper Hunter's leading farms. Chairman Alister Fraser said the board was delighted to welcome Magic Millions into that fold, describing the offering as highly complementary and aligned with the club's long-term vision. With the recent opening of the Polytrack, the continued development of Racing NSW stables within the adjoining equine precinct, and sustained industry backing, Fraser said the outlook for the club and the wider region was extremely positive. Magic Millions managing director Barry Bowditch characterised the partnership as a natural alignment between sales and raceday, linking conception, preparation and competition in a single ecosystem. He said the proximity of the Scone Racing Carnival to the National Sale creates an opportunity to showcase the full lifecycle of the thoroughbred, ensuring economic benefits flow directly back to farms, local businesses and the broader community. The Upper Hunter's influence is already evident through the success of Magic Millions graduates bred in the region, from champions of the past to emerging stars of the present. As the company marks the 40th anniversary of its January Yearling Sale, the partnership signals a forward-looking commitment to the foundations of the industry, with further activations expected to strengthen the bond between breeding, sales and racing in the years ahead.
The new partnership comes on the eve of the 2026 MMGC Yearling Sale (pic: supplied)
2026 Amarina Farm Vendor Profile
Tuesday, 13th January 2026
Amarina Farm sold 2025 G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Autumn Boy. One of seven individual Group 1 winners for the boutique Hunter Valley farm, he adds to a long line of group performers for the nursery. Going into the autumn of 2025/26, he headlines the current crop of 3YOs for the property. Autumn Boy was a Listed winner as a late 2YO and will be looking to build on his spring Guineas victory into the autumn. Promising stakes-placed Royal Chic and the bargain buy Bang Stick, who won three races at two and is also a winner at three, look like up-and-coming prospects for Amarina. Prestige Ole, who won in impressive fashion at Flemington at two last season went through an Amarina Farm weanling draft. Operated by Craig and Sue Anderson with part-owners Gavin Murphy and Cath Donovan, Amarina Farm is a beautiful 420 acres near Denman in the Hunter Valley. The quality of care, horsemanship, and attention to detail has seen Amarina Farm garner a reputation for being commercially savvy, and their sales drafts often include horses entrusted to them by other breeders. “Amarina Farm is centrally located in the Hunter Valley, with a terrific aspect. Amarina has been developed into an extremely well appointed farm, that produce well grown and presented yearlings for the sale ring and more importantly as racehorses of the future,” said Vin Cox. Amarina’s Black Type Premiership points-earning horses also include Bandersnatch, Rubiquitous, Canara, and Pivot City. Group 2 winner Kiku was sold by Amarina as a yearling and later on-sold after her racing career for $1.46 million in a Magic Millions virtual auction, making her an outstanding investment for her racing connections, Star Thoroughbreds. Fan favourite Catkins is another high profile graduate off the farm as is Geblitzt, dam of Gr1 Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare. Since 2006, when the Anderson’s took over running Amarina Farm, Autumn Boy is the seventh Gr1 winner to be raised there. The others are Zoutori, Gallica, The Heckler, Super Cool, Sheidel, and The Mitigator. Amarina Farm will present 18 yearlings at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, and nine yearlings at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
Autumn Boy is Amarina Farm's latest Gr1 winner (pic: Mark Gatt)
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Maher Footprint in Tasmania Set to Grow
Tuesday, 13th January 2026
A Tasmanian campaign begins this week for a Victorian stable that has found fertile ground on the island in recent seasons, with a promising young stayer set to test deeper waters on Wednesday night. The Listed Launceston Guineas over 2000m will serve as both an immediate target and a key reference point for a larger summer ambition, according to tasracing.com.au. Ciaron Maher's operation has enjoyed notable success in Tasmania and expects that trend to continue into 2026. Dad and Dave has been selected as the opening representative, lining up in the Guineas as a stepping stone toward the Tasmanian Derby in Hobart on February 7. A decisive maiden victory at Kyneton over 1850m in early December convinced connections the time was right to pursue a staying pathway. Melbourne foreman Reece Murphy said the gelding has always shaped as a longer-term prospect. "We tried Dad and Dave as a two-year-old, but he wasn't ready, and while he is still learning his craft, there's a lot to like about him," Murphy said. His preparation has been methodical, with four jump-outs spread over three months prior to his debut at Echuca. "That was encouraging and the same for his following run, but he put it all together last start to win by over three lengths at a more suitable trip." The gelding travelled to Tasmania on Sunday and will be stabled at Seven Mile Beach with John Keys, a familiar base for horses making the transition south. "He will be right at home being prepared in a beach training environment," Murphy said, with the Guineas expected to provide a clear guide to his Derby credentials. Maher's summer team will also feature proven staying types across the major cups. Ziryab has emerged as a genuine Tasmanian prospect after arriving from the UK as a maiden and progressing rapidly through the grades, collecting five wins over trips ranging from 2000m to 2500m. "Ziryab is a genuine stayer that races on speed, and he has the form that suggests he is going to be very competitive in Tassie," Murphy said. "He will run in the weight-for-age Summer Cup and then go to the two major cups." Last year's Hobart Cup winner Strawberry Rock returns on a familiar path, bypassing the Summer Cup before heading straight into the Ladbrokes Hobart Cup. "Strawberry Rock hasn't won since last year's Hobart Cup (see below) but he has been ticking along nicely this preparation," Murphy said, confident the gelding can again thrive in Tasmanian conditions.
Ballina Mission Could Be Dunn and Dusted
Tuesday, 13th January 2026
A short float trip north could translate into a strong on-track presence on Friday, with a northern rivers stable arriving at Ballina Cup Day in rare form. Recent weeks have delivered a sustained run of results, and confidence is high that the momentum can be carried into one of the region's showcase meetings. Operating from Murwillumbah, Matthew Dunn's team has struck 14 winners from its past 46 runners, reports racingnsw.com.au strike rate that underlines the depth of form coming through the yard. That surge places the stable firmly in the picture across multiple races, headed by a key contender in the $65,000 Ballina RSL Club Cup over 1590m. Tribeca Star shapes as the headline act. While Ballina itself remains untested territory raceday-wise, the gelding has completed two trials around the circuit and brings a proven résumé that includes more than $434,000 in prizemoney. A Country Championships victory at Lismore over 1410m provides a strong foundation, and connections are comfortable with the step to 1590m for the first time. Two runs into his preparation have sharpened the edge, the latest a strong-finishing third behind Chief Witness at Eagle Farm over 1400m after a four-month spell. Dunn believes conditions will play to the horse's strengths. "He's come back well and the [tight] track will help," he said. "He will be racing over the distance for the first time and has never run more than 1410m. But in saying that, it's not a dramatic rise and if ever he's going to run a longer journey it's now as he's in great shape. He only quickens for 200-metres, so he's got to be held up for that finishing burst." Depth beyond the Cup runner adds further intrigue. The Torque Express lines up in the Class 2 Handicap over 1400m with a record that suggests upside remains, having won twice and finished second from just four starts. Dunn is clearly taken with the gelding. "He's not a big guy but I really like this horse. He got back a fair way at Ipswich but really motored home to score." New faces also feature, including former Victorian galloper Tophet, set to resume in the Country Boosted Class 1 over 1000m. "He will be having his first run for us, but he has trialled twice and both were good efforts. He was consistent down south and I'm sure he will fit in well up here." Royal Commodore debuts for the stable in the Benchmark 82 Handicap, also over 1000m. "I was a bit disappointed with his first trial, but he settled better and really improved in his second trial. If he doesn't go too keenly, I think he has a great chance." With summer holidays in full swing, Ballina Cup Day is expected to draw a sizeable crowd, bolstered by Calcutta festivities, Big Dance eligibility and a rich supporting program that adds further incentive for connections and punters alike.
Purton Bosses Sha Tin Card with 5 Wins
Tuesday, 13th January 2026
Two rising four-year-olds kept their Hong Kong Classic Mile credentials firmly on track at Sha Tin on Sunday, producing authoritative performances that sharpened anticipation for a HK$13 million clash on February 1. The afternoon, however, belonged to multiple champion jockey Zac Purton, whose five-win haul underlined his enduring dominance and placed him at the centre of several key selection calls ahead of the feature mile. Little Paradise delivered the closing act, completing Purton's quintet with a commanding victory in the Class 2 Racing Club Cup Handicap over 1400m. The Toronado gelding swept past Infinite Resolve and Mid Winter Wind in 1m 20.84s, earning a HK$1 million PPG bonus and drawing glowing praise from the eight-time champion jockey. "It was a really good effort. He's progressive, a lovely horse to ride. He relaxes nicely. It was a good, strong field. He ran a good time, he did a good job," Purton said, noting the depth of options he holds when selecting a ride for the Classic Mile. Trainer Jimmy Ting is hopeful Purton will remain aboard when the step up to 1600m arrives, confident the gelding is still trending in the right direction. Purton's lead atop the jockeys' premiership, meanwhile, stretched to 33 wins over Hugh Bowman, though loyalty prevented the margin from growing further. Honouring a prior commitment aboard Beauty Bolt in the Class 3 Pak Shek Au Handicap, Purton had to watch Bowman land the prize on Invincible Ibis, another Classic Mile hopeful trained by Mark Newnham. Settling at the rear before weaving through traffic, the gelding unleashed a sustained finish to prevail by a neck in 1m 34.18s. "Invincible Ibis was very straight forward. I didn't expect to be so far back but I was reluctant to pressure him just to hold a position and he enjoyed being left alone," Bowman said. "I was in a position – to avoid traffic – that I had to make a long run on him and he coped with that, too. And when I needed his effort at the 100 metres mark, he did it with consummate ease." Newnham was equally impressed. "He's putting up quite a good record now and the nice part about the race was when it got a bit tough and he had to stretch the last part to beat Beauty Bolt, he did." The win also lifted Newnham back to the top of the trainers' standings, edging ahead of Caspar Fownes after Lucky Sam Gor struck in the Stanley Gap Handicap. Purton's remaining successes came aboard Snowthorn, Majestic Valour, Robot Star and China Win, with the jockey offering candid assessments throughout. Immediate attention now turns to Happy Valley on Wednesday for the Gr3 January Cup Handicap.
Purton's big day increased his title lead to 33 (pic: hkjc.com)
No Melbourne Cup Hurdles for Aspirant Sober
Tuesday, 13th January 2026
A possible Melbourne Cup campaign edged closer in Ireland on Sunday, where a polished Grade 2 success hinted at ambitions extending well beyond the European spring jumps calendar, reports racing.com. Returning to action after a lengthy break, the performance suggested not only that stamina remains intact, but that the blend of class and versatility required for international objectives is firmly in place. The seven-year-old, racing in the Australian-based OTI Racing colours, had already built an impressive résumé on the Flat before switching codes, winning six times in France and stamping himself as a genuine stayer at Royal Ascot in June. That victory, achieved under Ryan Moore, placed him squarely on the radar of international staying prospects, and his latest hurdle success only reinforced the sense that a carefully managed dual-purpose campaign could be unfolding later this year. Despite drifting in the betting from $1.75 to $2.25 in a small three-runner field, he was never far from the action. A slightly untidy leap at the first hurdle cost early ground, but Paul Townend was content to settle behind the other two runners and allow the race to come to him. With Road Exile strongly backed and Free Spirit still inexperienced, patience proved the decisive weapon. Townend made his move approaching the second-last, sweeping past Free Spirit before tracking the hard-ridden Road Exile around the turn. Once asked to lengthen, the response was immediate. Flat-bred acceleration carried him clear in a matter of strides, and he stretched five and a half lengths clear at the line, with Free Spirit staying on into third and the runner-up unable to respond. “He had a break after Ascot and we thought he’d improve for this,” assistant trainer David Casey said. “We thought he might need a bit further, but maybe his Flat class and experience told. He put it to bed well. Paul said he quickened very well, probably better than what he expected. He was delighted with him, and a stronger, truer-run race would probably suit him as well.” Casey also acknowledged an early mistake, noting that rustiness was understandable after such an absence. With proven stamina, established Flat credentials and growing confidence over hurdles, connections are now weighing up an unusually broad set of options. But with OTI Racing involved and international staying form already confirmed, the long-range target is unmistakable. Flemington in November looms as a realistic and enticing objective for one of the most compelling dual-code prospects currently in training.
Amo Racing Buys Ted Noffey Dam for US $6.2m
Tuesday, 13th January 2026
A strong sense of discipline rather than exuberance defined the Fasig-Tipton November Sale in Lexington, where a single-session renewal delivered meaningful gains across the board, reports TDN. Headlined by a $6.2 million mare whose appeal stretched well beyond pedigree alone, the 2026 sale produced sharp rises in both average and median while reinforcing a message buyers have been sending for several years: quality still commands a premium, but excess does not. “The market was very, very good, but it’s still rational,” said Fasig-Tipton president Boyd Browning. “I think that’s one of the things that we’ve seen in recent years during the November sale that there is still a sense of rationality to it. The buyers are demanding. You have to have the proper combination of pedigree and conformation, being by the right horse and the right physical, whether it’s a mare or if it’s a baby. But it’s a very fair market overall.” By the close of trade on Monday, 138 horses had changed hands for a total of $102,027,000. The average climbed 35.4 percent to $739,326, while the median rose 20 percent to $300,000. Those figures compared favourably with 2024, when 172 horses sold for $93,948,500, producing an average of $546,212 and a median of $250,000. Twenty-seven horses reached seven figures this year, up from 25 twelve months earlier. Momentum built steadily through the session before cresting late with the appearance of Streak of Luck, a 10-year-old mare supplemented in mid-October following a timely update at Del Mar. Her unbeaten son Ted Noffey (see below) had completed a perfect juvenile campaign in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile just days earlier, sharpening interest in a mare already well regarded on physical and pedigree grounds. Offered by Taylor Made Sales Agency on behalf of Aaron and Marie Jones, she was secured by AMO Racing after spirited bidding. “It’s obviously very rewarding to see a horse that came in late and that got a significant update top the sale,” Browning said. “Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been longtime patrons, not just of Fasig-Tipton, but of our industry. It’s nice to see Mrs. Jones achieve the success she did tonight with an absolutely beautiful mare for whom all the stars aligned.” In foal to Not This Time, the mare realised the day’s top price when Ben McElroy landed the winning bid on AMO’s behalf. International participation again played a decisive role, with Japanese buyers prominent throughout the upper tiers of the market. Katsumi Yoshida led the charge, purchasing six mares for $14.9 million, including the $4.5 million Just F Y I. Hidetoshi Yamamoto, Haruya Yoshida and Shadai Farm also featured among the seven-figure buyers, underscoring the global depth supporting the sale. “There was tremendous support from international buyers,” Browning said. “I think it was probably very surprising to see the extent and the depth of the support from international buyers.” With 40 horses failing to meet reserve, the buy-back rate settled at 22.5 percent, a figure that reflected confidence rather than compromise. “There is not euphoria,” Browning added. “It’s not like everything that walked in there brought three times what anybody was expecting.”
Savaglee Connections Pondering Possible Options
Tuesday, 13th January 2026
Decisions loom over the next few days as one of last season's standout three-year-olds edges closer to a return, with an encouraging trial placing sharpening focus on the path ahead. A first public appearance for the campaign offered enough to please connections, while leaving open several options for how the early part of the preparation might unfold. According to NZ Racing Desk, the Oaks Stud-raced four-year-old stepped out over 1100m at Ellerslie on Sunday and did everything asked of him without being extended, finishing his work under a firm hold. Trainer Pam Gerard was satisfied with what she saw. "I was really happy with him yesterday," she said. "He went to the line under a hold, he was never asked for anything, and it was just a nice day out." A touch of freshness was evident, but nothing unexpected at this stage. "He was a little bit on the fresh side, so he wanted to get along and get going a little bit. The time was good and his action was good." Ellerslie's direction has long posed a minor challenge, though Gerard said that remains unchanged from earlier in the horse's career. "He is never 100 percent happy going the Ellerslie way, but that hasn't changed since he was a two-year-old. He pulled up well and we are happy with where he is at." With that box ticked, attention now turns to race placement. "In the next few days we will make a decision where he kicks off." Next Saturday's Sistema Railway on Karaka Millions night presents an obvious opportunity, but it is not the only one under consideration. A slight delay to target Te Rapa and the BCD Sprint a fortnight later is also on the table. "There are not a lot of choices, it is either the Railway or we miss the Railway and go straight to the BCD Sprint," Gerard said. "The trial was only yesterday, we are happy with how he has come through it, we think he has improved quite a bit off it and thought he was right on the mark to have a go at the Railway if we think that is the right place to go." Beyond domesticNew Zealand targets, longer-term ambitions remain firmly focused across the Tasman. Runner-up in last year's Australian Guineas at Flemington, the son of Savabeel is viewed as a horse whose future value will ultimately be shaped at elite level in Australia. "We could go straight over the Tasman, but realistically we need to be having one run here in New Zealand before we go," Gerard said. "What he does here is also very important, but his main aim is something in Australia to make him valuable when he goes to stud." Bred by Waikato Stud and purchased for $400,000 through NZB's Karaka ring, the stallion prospect has already assembled an imposing résumé, winning seven races and placing four times from 15 starts for more than $1.2 million in prizemoney.
Ammirati Wins LR Gingernuts Salver
Tuesday, 13th January 2026
Track: Ellerslie
Race: LR Gingernuts Salver (2100m)
Winner: Ammirati (Savabeel-Happily, by Pins)
Placings: Tulsa King and Yamato Satona
Stallion: Savabeel (Zabeel-Savannah Success, by Success Express)
Stud Farm: Waikato Stud
Race Record: 3 Wins from 8 Starts
Sales Details: $450,000 yearling at the 2024 NZB NYSS
Ammirati’s Road Less Travelled Pays Off
Tuesday, 13th January 2026
A carefully judged gamble was rewarded at Ellerslie on Sunday when a bold scheduling decision delivered a decisive staying performance and sharpened classic aspirations. The Listed Trackside Gingernuts Salver (2100m) became the stage for $450,000 NZB NYSS graduate Ammirati (Savabeel) to stamp himself as a genuine New Zealand Derby contender, powering clear in a display that vindicated an unconventional lead-up, reports loveracing.com.au. Rather than spacing runs conservatively, the decision was made to roll the dice with an eight-day back-up following a solid fifth in last week’s Gr2 Levin Classic (1400m) at Trentham. That effort had come more than a month after victory in the Gr3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki in late November, leaving trainer Stephen Marsh convinced the Savabeel gelding had come through his racing well enough to stretch out in distance sooner rather than later. From the 2100m start, Ammirati jumped cleanly and quickly found his rhythm, rolling forward before settling into a tracking position as the tempo unfolded. Regular rider Matt Cartwright showed patience, allowing the gelding to travel comfortably until easing him into the contest approaching the home turn. When asked to lengthen with 250m to run, the response was immediate, Ammirati opening a clear advantage and maintaining his authority to the line, scoring by three-quarters of a length. Behind him, the minor placings were fiercely contested. Tulsa King emerged from the Hastings raid to claim second, edging Yamato Satona by a half-head, with the same margin back to Day One in fourth and a nose further to Navy Dreams in fifth, underscoring the depth of the finish. While Marsh was absent on sales duties at the Gold Coast, stable representative Dylan Johnson was quick to acknowledge the thinking behind the plan. “It’s always satisfying when a plan comes off, so you’ve got to hand it to Stephen, it was a good call,” Johnson said. He explained the stable had weighed up whether the gelding was best suited to a Kiwi-style campaign or a Derby path before settling on the back-up. “He had an economical run at Trentham and he hit the line well, so it set up well and it was great to see it all fall into place. The beauty of today’s win is that you now know he’ll run a trip and we can pick a path to the Derby.” Options now loom between the Waikato Guineas on February 7 or the Avondale Guineas on February 27, though the stable is unlikely to attempt both. Meanwhile, a Savabeel full-brother to Ammirati is catalogued for NZB’s Centennial Yearling Sale at Karaka this month.
Ammirati is now a major Derby contender (pic: Race Images Kenton Wright)
