Excitement ahead of Dubai's international racing showpiece is building as nominations for the $12 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan on March 28 reveal an entry list stacked with world-class talent, including Breeders' Cup Classic winner Forever Young and the most recent Dubai World Cup heroes, Laurel River and Hit Show. The event's 30th running has drawn 151 entries for the 2000m highlight, a testament to its global magnetism. Japan's formidable trio of Narukami, Diktaen and Dura Erede stand alongside leading American hopes Gosger and White Abarrio, with the entry sheet showcasing elite contenders from every major racing jurisdiction. A glittering supporting program only strengthens the occasion, headlined by the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic, which boasts 95 nominations. Notable among these are Calandagan, Europe's Horse of the Year, defending champion Danon Decile, Breeders' Cup Turf hero Ethical Diamond, and Rebel's Romance. Japan again asserts its presence with Croix Du Nord, Durezza, and Masquerade Ball in the mix. Attention will also be on the G1 Dubai Turf, with 143 nominations, including last year's winner Facteur Cheval, Coral-Eclipse victor Ombudsman and Jantar Mantar, a multiple Group 1 winner from Japan. Speed takes center stage in the sprints: Breeders' Cup Sprint champion Bentornato is entered for the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, while the Turf Sprint's star, Shisospicy, heads nominations for the G1 Al Quoz Sprint. Beyond the Group 1 contests, Dubai World Cup night features three Group 2 events – the UAE Derby, Godolphin Mile and Dubai Gold Cup – with proceedings opening as tradition dictates with the G1 Dubai Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians. Anticipation will only intensify as the festival draws near, with seasoned campaigners and rising stars from across continents set to converge in Dubai. For trainers, owners, and fans alike, the prospect of old rivalries renewed and fresh stories written on one of the world's most dazzling racing stages is certain to deliver an unmissable night that again affirms Meydan's place at the very heart of international racing.
Yukaina Chasing Consecutive Wins
Wednesday, 28th January 2026
Impressive when winning on debut by more than four lengths over 1210m at Colac, the Micthell Freedman trained Yukaina (Maurice-Joliette, by Charm Spirit) needs to bring that form to town on Wednesday for the Ive > Handicap (1300m) but looks capable of going two from two. Purchased for just $30,000 from the Magic Millions Adelaide yearling sale draft of Glenn Lee Thoroughbreds by his trainer and Pacific Bloodstock, the gelding comes from a strong New Zealand black type family which includes stakes winners Star Satire, Zarzulea, Star Satire and Satin Shoes, who is in turn the dam of last Saturday's impressive debut 2yo winner Satin Summer (Written Tycoon) for Michael Freedman. Drawn wide in barrier nine in the 13-horse field compared to barrier one on debut, jockey Dean Yendall may need to ride him back in the field this time around and work home over the top of them. Resuming with a third placed effort over 1300m at Stawell recently, the Archie Alexander trained Jamesjohno (Strasbourg-Roseberry Street, by Stryker) did win at this track and trip at his final start last campaign, and there is no reason to think he can't be competitive once again. Outside of the top four just once in his seven starts to date, the 4yo gelding is consistent and looks capable of being in the finish here.
Well-Bred Headbanger Looks The One
Wednesday, 28th January 2026
With five of the ten final acceptances for Wednesday's Sportsbet Fast Form Plate (1000m) at Sandown Hillside currently being under double figure odds in the market, it will surely be a hotly contest race by many of the runners in an attempt to secure their maiden victory. Second at her most recent start before heading for a break, the Grahame Begg trained Headbanger (Capitalist-Sistonic, by Bel Esprit) looked good in a recent jumpout victory and comes to the races ready to run a race. Although drawn barrier nine in the ten-horse field, the filly has shown pace in the past, so unless she gets stuck extremely wide in the run, she should be able to put herself in a good position and be hard to beat. A half-sister to the Gr3 winner Semillion (Shalaa), Headbanger is out of a three-quarter-sister to Champion Black Caviar (Bel Esprit) and, also to the dam of dual 1 winner Ole Kirk (Written Tycoon) from the family of Gr1 winners All Too Hard (Casino Prince), Nepotism (Brutal) and Magnus (Flying Spur), so clearly has pedigree on her side. One of two runners in the field for Anthony and Sam Freedman, and surprisingly at 20/1 odds, last start runner-up Zousouth (Zousain-Southern Girl, by More Than Ready) need only need improve from that run to be competitive here. With this year's Magic Million 2YO Classic-winning jockey Thomas Stockdale in the saddle, the gelding jumps away from barrier 3 where he should get a good run.
Ole Kirk (pictured) is closely related to Head Banger (pic: vinery.com.au)
Well Bred Coco Dior Looks the One
Wednesday, 28th January 2026
Third on debut before heading for a spell, Mitchell Beer and Georgie Carpenter's 3YO fill yCoco Dior (Trapeze Artist-Sharapova, by Sebring) appears one of a host of chances in Wednesday's Master Builders Association Midway Maiden Plate (12300m) at Kembla Grange. Passed in when offered through the Inglis Easter yearling sale draft of Marque Stud, the well-related filly was retained to race by her breeder. From the family of South Africa's Champion Sire Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready) and his Gr1-winning half-sister Ofcourseican (Mossman), Coco Dior comes into the race with a handy second placed effort in a recent trial over 800m at her home track of Kembla Grange. Having had two trials leading into her debut performance, it will be interesting to see if she is fit enough on Wednesday, but in the large field of 15 (including two emergencies), there are clearly a lot of unknowns. Looking to back up off the back of a third placed effort last Thursday, Robert and Luke Price's Zougotme (Zousain-Change Channels, by Bradbury's Luck) has had five starts to date and his most recent effort was his best to date, suggesting he could be ready to turn the corner. Having finished fourth last start in a race where last Friday's metro winner Willingham (Justify) had finished second in, the Robert Pearse trained Tahurangi (Territories-Weeping Waters, by Medaglia D'oro) could improve to play a role here.
Extreme Choice on Offer in Super Maiden
Wednesday, 28th January 2026
A pair of 3YOs by Newgate Farm's Extreme Choice look capable of battling out Wednesday's Super Maiden (1000m) at Kembla Grange. Having faced the start just once, the Bjorn Baker's Extraglow (Extreme Choice-Skylight Glow, by Northern Meteor) finished third on debut, just a quarter of a length off the winner over 1100m at Hawkesbury and since she led throughout and was only run down in the shadows of the post, the drop back in 100m should see her right in the finish with Dylan Gibbons in the saddle. With five barrier trials to his record, the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr trained Juvenal (Extreme Choice-Serious Satire, by More Than Ready) has finished a narrow second in his two trials this time in, suggesting he looks capable of making an impact on debut. Purchased for $340,000 from the Inglis Easter draft of Kia Ora Stud, Juvenal is out of the G3-winning More Than Ready mare from the Gr1 family of Champion 3YO Sprinter Star Satire (Volksraad). Outside of that pair, Michael Freedman's Manukau (Lonhro-Pohutukawa, by Medaglia D'oro) has recorded four second placed efforts from five starts and with his last start effort over 1200m at Warwick Farm, the query comes from the drop back in distance and the ask of carrying top weight of 59kgs, but he has drawn barrier 1.
Two Extreme Choice 3YOs in the same race is rare (pic: Mark Gatt)
Exciting Tassie 2YO Colt Remains Unbeaten
Wednesday, 28th January 2026
A sharp performance at Hobart on Sunday underscored the dominance of rising two-year-old, Aristopolos whose unbeaten record remains intact after the Listed Kevin Sharkie Elwick Stakes (1100m). The St Mark’s Basilica colt, already touted as Tasmania’s standout juvenile, furthered his credentials by stretching his winning streak to three and collecting his first black-type victory in the process. A measured ride from premiership leader Erica Byrne Burke saw the favourite settle midfield from a wide barrier before launching at the top of the straight. Confidence in her mount was never in doubt. “He’s an absolute pleasure to ride. He was a total professional,” Byrne Burke reflected, savouring her maiden Listed win and crediting trainer John Blacker and the stable for their support. “This is my first Listed winner, and I’m very grateful to John and the whole team who have been very supportive of me.” Victory came by just over a length from Momentslikethese, with Sovereign Dash, making his debut, well back in third. The sense of relief in the aftermath was evident for Blacker, who admitted to pre-race nerves with the unbeaten colt. “He’s a good horse going forward, and he will improve now he’s had the trip away,” the trainer remarked, satisfied with both the result and the learning opportunity for the promising youngster. All three of the colt’s wins this season have come against local two-year-olds, his earlier successes posted at Launceston before Sunday’s return to Hobart. Attention now turns to the $85,000 Magic Millions Classic (1200m) back at Hobart on February 6, where connections hope the purple patch continues. A significant offer to purchase the colt was rebuffed prior to his Elwick Stakes triumph, a decision that may prove even wiser after this latest display. “There are a lot of people in this horse that haven’t had a good horse, so it’s not an easy decision, but it’s a good problem to have,” Blacker conceded. Byrne Burke and Blacker were prominent throughout the card, Byrne Burke striking early for Adam Trinder aboard Lady Galadriel and Blacker landing the Class 1 with outsider Sandual.
Aristopolos is yet to be bested (pic: tasracing.com.au)
Unlikely Freshman Foal Trifecta in USA
Wednesday, 28th January 2026
An ultra rare day of fresh beginnings unfolded on January 24 as the first foals by Breeders’ Cup Mile hero More Than Looks made their appearance at three farms across the country, offering a glimpse into the future for the Lane’s End stallion. According to bloodhorse.com, the sequence began near Lexington at Chesapeake Farm, where Sampson Racing Stables celebrated the arrival of a robust colt out of Eden Prairie. This mare, a prolific winner and multiple graded performer by Mizzen Mast, previously produced Minnesota Ready, who made a mark in the Commonwealth Stakes at Keeneland. Chesapeake Farm’s Collier Mathes was quick to express optimism, noting, “We couldn't be more pleased with this colt, he's a strong, good-looking individual.” The decision to send Eden Prairie to More Than Looks came naturally, given her successful match with More Than Ready and the stallion’s high-profile Breeders’ Cup win. Expectations run high for the colt’s future on the track. The excitement was mirrored in Kentucky’s bluegrass, where Machmer Hall welcomed a leggy filly out of Clear Voice. This youngster is the first foal for the Kantharos mare, herself a half-sister to Vegas Magic, a two-year-old graded stakes winner. Carrie Brogden of Machmer Hall described the filly as “the epitome of class for a newborn,” adding, “She has a beautiful expression and is the kind you hope for when breeding to a horse like More Than Looks.” Further south in Florida, Tag Stables witnessed the arrival of a sizable colt out of Spirited Storm at Lambholm South. Spirited Storm has produced quality before, including Uncaptured Spirit and Spirited Boss, the latter a stakes winner just last season. Shelly Fournier shared, “He is a huge colt with lots of personality, but smart,” capturing the early promise shown by More Than Looks’ progeny. Their sire was quick to stamp his mark as a racehorse, notching up a graded victory in the Manila Stakes at Belmont Park and later scoring decisively in the Jefferson Cup at Churchill Downs, clocking a 101 Beyer in the process. He returned at four to race exclusively in top company, producing an emphatic win in the Breeders’ Cup Mile and earning a career-best 105 Beyer speed figure, his record pushing past $1.8 million in earnings. A homebred for Hinkle Farms, More Than Looks, who shuttled to Australia in 2025, descends from a distinguished female line that includes multiple grade 1 winner Critical Eye. His dam, Ladies’ Privilege, is herself a black-type winner and a full sister to graded star Takeover Target, ensuring a potent blend of performance and pedigree for his first foals. Standing for $10,000 at Lane’s End near Versailles, More Than Looks is already shaping a new generation with the promise and quality expected from his celebrated bloodlines.
Patience Key for Under The Radar Zahra Stable
Wednesday, 28th January 2026
A quiet storm is brewing at Flemington as Simon Zahra’s operation signals a notable resurgence, and Saturday’s Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes could offer another chance to underline the stable’s return to prominence. After an accomplished partnership with Mathew Ellerton – capped by a Golden Slipper win with Crystal Lily in 2010 – Zahra found himself rebuilding virtually from scratch when their paths diverged at the close of 2021, reports racenet.com.au. This summer, results have started to reflect the patient work behind the scenes. Since the start of January, Zahra’s team has produced six winners from just 26 runners, with several near-misses suggesting the numbers could be even more flattering. Five second placings have come during the same period, three of them separated from victory by less than the width of a horse’s head. The narrow margins only hint at the progress being made within the yard. A more robust approach to yearling selection in the past two seasons has paid dividends, with Zahra crediting “stronger crops” for a fresh injection of talent. “We’ve had to rebuild since Mathew and I split. We’ve had to go back to basics a fair bit and start again,” Zahra admitted. At the same time, some of the stable’s battle-hardened veterans have benefitted from subtle adjustments in routine and arrangement, helping them extend their careers. “We’ve got some nice three-year-olds that we’ve got going and they’re coming good. There’s a nice crop of horses coming through, which is really good and a couple of the older horses have stood up – like Djockovic the other night (at Cranbourne), he’s in for a good prep.” A focal point this weekend will be Captive Rock, a colt by Stay Inside and a recent jumpout winner at Flemington, who steps out in the $200,000 Chairman’s Stakes at Caulfield. The race carries sentimental significance for Zahra, as Crystal Lily claimed it on her way to Golden Slipper glory sixteen years ago. Captive Rock had shown promise in two spring jumpouts before plans to race him pre-Christmas were shelved. “He’s not massive and looks like a real running colt,” Zahra noted. “We half had him ready pre-Christmas but he just lightened off a bit so we gave him six weeks off then brought him back.” With a low-key first jumpout at Werribee on January 16 and a subsequent winning effort at Flemington, the colt has done enough to warrant a city debut, though Zahra concedes he’s “still a bit new when he’s off the bridle” and needs to learn to pace himself. “Chairman’s Stakes nominations include Blue Diamond Stakes second favourite Big Sky, as well as La Gitana and Lady Of Five, both late scratchings from last week’s Blue Diamond Previews after traffic issues on the Monash Freeway delayed their arrival.
Leaner NZB NYSS Book 1 Proves a Hit
Wednesday, 28th January 2026
Momentum built quickly at Karaka as the first session of New Zealand Bloodstock’s 100th National Yearling Sale delivered a result that surpassed expectations, despite a leaner catalogue. After two days of selling, Book 1 closed with more than $79 million in turnover, an increase of $3.6 million on last year, reinforcing confidence in the middle and upper tiers of the market. The figures told a compelling story. The average climbed to a record $187,257, representing a 14 per cent lift, while the median surged 27 per cent to $140,000. A clearance rate of 81 per cent further underlined the strength of demand, particularly notable given the decision to compress Book 1 from three days to two and offer 94 fewer yearlings than the previous year. NZB managing director Andrew Seabrook said the outcome vindicated the revised format and reflected the positive mood across the grounds. He noted the aggregate had risen by more than $3 million despite the reduced catalogue and described the clearance rate as the strongest seen in some time. Seabrook added that the energy among buyers and vendors had been palpable all week and said he was looking forward to that momentum carrying through into a strong Book 2 session. Fittingly, the sale’s landmark edition was topped by one of its longest-serving participants, with Cambridge Stud claiming both the leading vendor title and the highest-priced lot. Lot 513, a colt by emerging sire Sword of State and a half-brother to multiple Group One winner Ceolwulf, was secured for $1.1 million by Mr Sanxiong Gao in partnership with Ciaron Maher Racing. Sir Brendan Lindsay said the result highlighted what remained possible in the New Zealand breeding industry, pointing to the colt’s modest service fee as evidence of opportunity. He described the moment as one the team would remember for a long time and said the milestone nature of the sale made it even more meaningful. By the close of selling, Cambridge Stud had moved 50 lots for a total of $10.64 million, a result Lindsay attributed to years of groundwork and belief in local breeding. He said the occasion carried special significance given the centenary of the National Sale and praised the wider industry for the way it had embraced the event. Ciaron Maher’s bloodstock representative Will Bourne confirmed strong competition for the sale-topper, noting that David Ellis was always difficult to beat on home soil. Bourne said the colt had been identified early in the process, with Maher closely involved in the selection, and credited the support of new client Mr Gao for securing the purchase. Meanwhile, Te Akau Racing’s Ellis claimed the leading buyer title for an 18th time, describing the sale as a much-needed lift for the industry and commending NZB for its execution. Darley’s Anamoe emerged as the leading sire by average, with six yearlings selling at a mean of $487,500, while Sword of State finished close behind after averaging $260,250 for 20 sold. All purchases remain eligible for the Karaka Millions Series, including the $1 million 2YO, $1.5 million 3YO and the NZB Mega Maiden, ensuring the next chapter of the sale’s influence is already in motion.
Sir Brendan Lindsay with bloodstock agent Will Bourne (pic: nzb.co.nz)
