A sense of purpose continues to build ahead of Highview’s Unreserved Deplenishing Sale, with the 43-lot catalogue now live and interest filtering in for the on-farm auction at the Hamilton property on Sunday 15 March. Conducted by NZB from 1pm, the sale presents a deliberate reshaping of numbers as the Gillovic family streamlines its broodmare band and young stock portfolio. The draft spans yearlings, two-year-olds, unraced horses, broodmares and mares with foals at foot, offering a cross-section designed to appeal to breeders and traders alike. Seventeen yearlings headline the commercial appeal, featuring progeny of Armory, Divine Prophet, Embellish, Xtravagant, Hello Youmzain, Santos, Sweynesse and Wrote among others. Adding further depth are two-year-olds and unraced stock by Shocking and Sword of State, while the broodmare contingent includes mares in foal to Santos, Wrote and freshman sire Mr Mozart, alongside eight mares selling with foals at foot. A generational transition provides context to the offering, with Kurtis Gillovic stepping forward in the family enterprise established by his father. He describes the sale as a practical recalibration rather than a departure from established standards. “This is a genuine sale, numbers have accumulated quite quickly over the last couple of years, and we are just tidying up the operation to make it a little more boutique,” he said. Any suggestion of retreat was swiftly dismissed. “Nothing is going to change here in the future, it’s business as usual.” Commercial confidence underpins the draft. “There are 17 yearlings by commercial sires, colts and fillies, some nice trade horses. There’s money to be made,” Gillovic noted, reinforcing the opportunity for buyers seeking value in a transparent, unreserved environment. All broodmares in foal will be pregnancy-tested in the week leading into the sale to confirm status, providing additional assurance for investors assessing residual value and breeding upside. Gates will open from 10am at 1544 Kakaramea Road, with inspections welcomed throughout the morning. While online bidding will not be available, NZB and BAFNZ agents can act on behalf of clients unable to attend, ensuring wider participation. Existing NZB account holders may register with the team on site prior to selling, while new buyers are encouraged to establish accounts ahead of time to facilitate a smooth process under the special terms and conditions available online. With something for every level of the market and a clear intent to refine rather than retreat, Highview’s Sunday offering shapes as a genuine dispersal-style opportunity.
Sword Of State will be represented at the sale (pic: Trish Dunell)
NEWWaller/JMac Combo Paused on 499 Wins
Thursday, 26th February 2026
History was paused rather than denied at Rosehill on Wednesday, as the formidable partnership of Chris Waller and James McDonald edged tantalisingly close to a landmark 500 winners together. According to racenet.com.au, two seconds were as near as they came, first with Almaaz, whose narrow defeat prompted an unsuccessful protest, and later with Soverato, leaving the celebrated duo stranded on 499. The Almaaz result carried further consequence when McDonald weighed in 1kg above his declared weight. Stewards handed the champion jockey a three-meeting suspension, though the penalty was framed with context, acknowledging both the tight margin and his otherwise exemplary record regarding overweight breaches. Crucially, the ban will not rule him out of Randwick Guineas Day, preserving the stage for a potential milestone under brighter lights. Opportunity knocks quickly. Canterbury on Friday night offers four Waller-trained runners for McDonald to steer before they reconvene at Royal Randwick on Saturday with six more chances to reach the half-thousand mark. Given the stable’s depth, the achievement feels inevitable, yet racing has a habit of testing assumptions. Of their 499 wins to date, 50 have come at the elite Group 1 level, underscoring not merely quantity but quality. The most recent arrived when Via Sistina claimed the Champion Stakes at Flemington last November, a victory that doubled as her farewell to racing. In terms of scale, only Peter Moody and Luke Nolen’s 908-win alliance surpasses the Waller–McDonald tally, while Andrew Gibbons and Kris Lees sit close behind on 484. Within Waller’s expansive operation, McDonald stands as his most prolific ally, comfortably ahead of Hugh Bowman, Tommy Berry, Nash Rawiller, Kerrin McEvoy and the retired Glyn Schofield on the stable’s all-time list. It is a statistic that reflects not only durability but trust in the biggest moments. A poetic twist remains possible. Should Autumn Glow salute in the Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m), the unbeaten filly would deliver the milestone in the most fitting fashion. McDonald then jets to Hong Kong to reunite with Romantic Warrior in the Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, setting up a weekend that bridges hemispheres. Autumn Glow on Saturday, Romantic Warrior on Sunday – an itinerary befitting the sport’s premier rider and a partnership poised to etch another figure into the record books.
Savvy Hallie Angling to Upset Surround Fancies
Thursday, 26th February 2026
Few arrive at Randwick on Saturday with more to prove than Savvy Hallie, yet Brad Widdup insists his filly deserves her place among the headline acts in the Group 1 $750,000 Surround Stakes (1400m). With attention centred on TAB Everest runner-up Tempted and fellow Group 1 winner Apocalyptic, the Hawkesbury trainer is content to let others command the spotlight. Confidence stems from her Light Fingers victory two weeks ago, where she accounted for Apocalyptic and confirmed she belongs in elite company. Widdup has never been reluctant to test his stable stars against the best and sees no reason to flinch now. "I don't want to get ahead of myself but I don't see why she can't run well," he said. The 1400m holds no fears in his view, particularly with rain forecast. "I've always said she can run 1400m and I don't back down from that. There looks a bit of rain around and that will help her as well." Her record at the trip is solid rather than speculative. She was runner-up to Nepotism in the Ballieu on a Heavy 10 and later split Tempted and Within The Law in the Percy Sykes. In the spring she beat Within The Law in the Silver Shadow and finished within half a length of Apocalyptic in the Furious before connections opted to bypass the remainder of the Princess Series in favour of the $3 million Sunlight. Widdup believes the shorter sprints did not play to her strengths. "They all knocked her off one run over 1100m where they ran 1:02 and I don't think she is a 1000m-1100m horse but you have to have a go at those races," he said. "It's very select, it's a bloody good little field. There's not much wrong with anything there." Comparisons with former stable star Icebath are inevitable. At a similar stage, Icebath had only just broken through in maiden grade before building a career that included The Invitation, a Golden Eagle placing and a Group 1 in the Empire Rose Stakes. Widdup suggests Savvy Hallie may be further advanced. "Her record is pretty good, she's well in front of Icebath and other horses I've had in the past," he said, adding that improvement is still to come. Nash Rawiller again has freedom to ride her as he sees fit, as he did in the Light Fingers when a sharp beginning allowed him to seize control. Beyond Randwick, Widdup's focus also turns to the Provincial-Midway Championships, where Bella Khadijah resumes in Saturday's Newcastle qualifier and Hyperbolic and Audrey's Lane are being carefully prepared. For now, however, Savvy Hallie carries the stable's Group 1 hopes, a filly her trainer believes is ready to test the very best.
Holts Looking for the Jewel in the Crown
Thursday, 26th February 2026
For generations the old racing maxim has insisted a good colt will usually have the measure of a good filly, yet Friday's QTIS Jewel qualifier over 1000m at Townsville's Cluden Park shapes as a genuine test of that theory. With depth across both genders and multiple unbeaten juveniles engaged, the northern feature promises more intrigue than certainty. A four-pronged assault from Georgie Holt ensures she will play a major hand in the outcome. Unbeaten pair Better Blitzem and Gone Country headline her team, with Scarlena and Tambo's Sister adding further depth. Holt admits she struggles to separate her leading duo. "I think Better Blitzem and Gone Country are probably my best chances and I can't split them," she said. While the colt may possess sharper raw speed, the filly's race smarts could prove decisive. "He's probably faster than Gone Country but she's smarter and she could easily outsmart him." She noted Better Blitzem "stargazed a bit in front last time while the filly is switched on." Better Blitzem has been kept ticking over with a recent jump-out ahead of his return, having not raced since claiming his second victory over 1050m at Mackay in November. Gone Country, by contrast, arrives race-hardened and unbeaten in two starts at her home circuit, most recently proving too strong for Scarlena over this course and distance on February 3. Tambo's Sister also commands respect from a favourable draw, and Holt believes she "could bring them all undone if she gets to the front as she's a natural leader." Whether any of Holt's quartet progresses to the $500,000 QTIS Jewel Final on the Gold Coast remains undecided. "It's a long way for two-year-olds to make the trip to the Gold Coast from here," she said, recalling previous campaigns with Time To Prophet and Satisfied Mugs, the former finishing fourth in the rich feature. She indicated a final decision would be made post-race, mindful of the clash with the Capricornia Yearling Sale race. "It's a big ask for a two-year-old to run in both the QTIS Jewel and the Capricornia Yearling Sale race so we'll decide after Friday where to go." Bowen trainer Tom Button also fields two runners but has already signalled a different path. Dub Stepping impressed first-up at Mackay at just his second start, yet the Capricornia Yearling Sale race in April is his primary objective. "We're trying to educate him to get 1200 metres so I'm taking the blinkers off him, so he'll hopefully settle better," Button said. Mersey Lass, recently transferred from Bill Kenning, will make her stable debut after a solid trial against older horses, though Button confirmed she is unlikely to press on to the Jewel Final.
Question Marks Over 2026 Blue Diamond Quality
Thursday, 26th February 2026
Doubts have emerged about the overall strength of this year's Blue Diamond after The Rating Bureau's weight-for-age assessments painted a picture of an edition that fell short of recent benchmarks. While Streisand secured the Group 1 with a 96.5 WFA Performance Rating, defeating Closer To Free (94.7) and Guest House (94.2), the figure sits well below the 10-year winner median of 100.7 and suggests a race lacking the usual depth of a vintage renewal. The tempo was no excuse. Closer To Free ensured a genuinely run contest, affording the field every opportunity to return a competitive overall time. Instead, the race rated -3.6 lengths below standard and not one runner exceeded standard for the final 200m. That combination indicates they were given the platform to run faster but failed to capitalise. Context from the broader meeting reinforced that view: by overall time rating the Blue Diamond ranked 10th of 10 races on the program, and by the winner's last 400m speed rating Streisand also ranked 10th. Two-year-olds are not expected to match older horses on pure speed, particularly when they carry similar weights and are still developing physically. That is precisely why the WFA Performance Rating provides a more appropriate measure. On that scale, Streisand's performance ranked equal fourth on the card, a more respectable position but still not indicative of a standout edition when underlying speed measures are considered. Comparisons with recent renewals underline the contrast. Hayasugi's 2024 success returned a 99.5 rating, while Little Brose's 2023 victory rated 101. Both editions produced significantly faster overall times and ranked fourth on their respective programs, with WFA figures that placed second and third for the meeting. Although WFA ratings are influenced by factors beyond time, including pace shape, the gap highlights that juveniles are capable of markedly stronger performances than what unfolded on Saturday. For Streisand, however, the narrative is one of progression rather than limitation. She lifted from a 92.8 rating in her Prelude win to 96.5 in the Blue Diamond, establishing a new peak and continuing an upward trajectory. Lightly raced two-year-olds who consistently run new career highs remain open-ended propositions, and her ceiling is not yet defined. History further tempers any rush to judgement. Devil Night's 96.7 edition produced Tentyris, Tempted and My Gladiola, while Daumier's 96-rated year yielded Jacquinot, later a Golden Rose and CF Orr winner. Meanwhile, Stretan Ruler sidestepped the Diamond to dominate the Silver Slipper with a 95.2 rating, improving on earlier peaks of 89.2 and 92.3. The headline figure may read modest, but development, not raw rating alone, ultimately shapes a generation.
Compressed Ratings a Headache for Punters
Thursday, 26th February 2026
Margins are razor thin heading into Thursday night's $250,000 Future Stars Final (1400m) at Pakenham, where an 11-horse field is split by only three rating points from top to bottom. In a race where the handicappers can barely separate them, punters have been forced to lean on market momentum rather than raw figures. Five runners share the top rating of 64, among them early favourite Plunger at $4.40, while maiden pair Ten Warriors and Sparkling Luck sit only three points inferior on 61. The compressed ratings have translated directly to betting, with Savoyard, Silver Bullet and Ten Warriors forming a tightly packed second line at $6. Plunger and Ten Warriors have attracted the strongest support, the former tightening from $5.50 and the latter opening at $8.50 when markets went up on Tuesday. Cranbourne trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young return to the feature hoping to repeat last year's success with Nostringsattached, and Nostro Roccia shapes as their $19 chance to go back-to-back. The stable's 2024 winner claimed the race at his fifth start; Nostro Roccia arrives with one extra run under his belt at the same stage, bringing comparable seasoning into the contest. By Pierro, the colt showed his on-speed capability when leading throughout two runs ago at Cranbourne, but circumstances conspired against him when fourth there on February 13. Busuttin noted he was forced to expend too much energy early from a wide alley that night, leaving him vulnerable late. Barriers again dictate discussion. "He won his maiden nicely then had to do too much work from a wide gate last start," Busuttin said. "He's drawn wide again so we might try to ride him a little bit different. It's a $250,000 race, a great concept and we'll be happy to have a crack at it." With Daniel Stackhouse engaged and a more spacious Pakenham circuit to work with, Nostro Roccia will be given every opportunity to measure up in a contest where the slightest tactical edge could prove decisive. Seven runners under double figure odds reflect the large spread of genuine chances but even those whose quotes are in the teens cannot be discounted.
Classic Cup History Points to An Potential Upset
Thursday, 26th February 2026
History suggests that while quality often rises to the top in Sunday's Classic Cup (1800m), the second leg of Hong Kong's four-year-old series is hardly immune to upheaval. According to scmp.com, five favourites have saluted in the past nine years, yet memories remain fresh of rougher results such as It Has To Be You at $126, Mission Tycoon at $92, Thunder Fantasy at $23 and Healthy Happy at $22. With HK$13 million on offer, intrigue once again surrounds the Sha Tin feature. At the head of most assessments sits Little Paradise, whose Classic Mile victory on February 1 marked him as a colt of significant promise. Jimmy Ting Koon-ho's charge was badly held up between the 400m and 200m before Vincent Ho Chak-yiu angled him into daylight, where he unleashed a sharp turn of foot to round up his rivals and score decisively. In answering lingering stamina doubts with that late surge, he shapes as a major player stepping to 1800m. Classy commodity Numbers presents as the principal danger. Frankie Lor's import has adapted seamlessly, stringing together two wins capped by a comfortable two-length success in the Group Three Centenary Vase over Sunday's trip. A natural front-runner with staying credentials, he will take catching if afforded any control in the early stages and looms as a genuine Derby contender later this month. Depth extends well beyond the leading pair. Beauty Bolt, trained by Tony Cruz, stuck on gamely for third in the Classic Mile after working early from gate 13 and absorbing interference; a kinder draw could sharpen his prospects. Mark Newnham's team is well represented by Lucky Sam Gor, a four-time winner this season who was luckless when fourth to Stormy Grove, and Infinite Resolve, who followed seconds behind Little Paradise with a strong-finishing second in the Mile. Both command respect at the extended distance. Opinions remain divided on Sagacious Life, whose Classic Mile fourth drew a blunt assessment from Zac Purton: "Terrible." The Brazilian import had previously won two of his first three local starts for Pierre and boasts a Group One Derby Paulista (2400m) on his résumé, suggesting 1800m may suit better. Invincible Ibis, sent out favourite after four straight wins, endured a wide and difficult run from gate 11 when sixth and is capable of atonement. Further down the list, Patch Of Cosmo was never fully tested in the Mile when held up near last before finishing ninth, while Stormy Grove surged from the tail to win impressively at 1600m on February 14. Dazzling Fit also merits inclusion after a close third at 1800m despite his tendency to miss the start. With proven talent and hidden form intermingling, the Classic Cup again promises a compelling examination of this generation.
Epsom Derby Overturns 30 Years of History
Thursday, 26th February 2026
A transatlantic storyline has emerged among the 88 entries unveiled for the 2026 Betfred Derby at Epsom Downs, with the prospect of a first US-trained runner in more than three decades now firmly on the table, reports sportinglife.com. Should plans crystallise, Greenwich Village would become the first American-based challenger since Wolf Prince finished eighth to Commander In Chief at 40/1 in 1993. Prepared by Bob Baffert, the son of Quality Road has won three of his four starts and arrives on the back of victory in the Pasadena Stakes over a mile on turf at Santa Anita. His steady progression from sprint distances to a mile has encouraged connections to at least consider the Classic route, even if the undulating test of Epsom remains an unknown. Tom Ryan, of joint-owners SF Racing, admitted the invitation caught them by surprise. "We are incredibly grateful to The Jockey Club for extending an invitation to the Betfred Derby for Greenwich Village. It was a wonderful and unexpected surprise for all of us, and something we don't take lightly. It's a very intriguing opportunity, and we'll be giving it serious thought as we map out his path from the winter into the spring." He added that the colt has thrived as distances have increased. "We've loved seeing how he's progressed, stretching out from six and a half furlongs to a mile on the turf, and he keeps finding and finishing through adversity, which is what you want to see from a developing three-year-old." The physical scope of the colt offers encouragement, though caution remains. "He's a big, powerful colt — and he's bred to keep moving forward as distances increase. The Derby distance is the great unknown," Ryan said, noting that any final decision would rest with his trainer. "We will be guided by Bob Baffert when it comes to making a decision. When we originally purchased him, we had the Kentucky Derby in mind. It would be quite a pivot if he ended up in Epsom Downs." Also among the entries are two Japanese contenders, Akkan and Choreo Sequence, adding further international depth to the 247th running on Saturday, June 6, where a record £2 million prize fund awaits. It may not carry quite the cache it did of yesteryear, however the Epsom Derby is still considered one of the greatest thoroughbred races on the thoroughbred world stage.
Racing SA's Incentive Bonuses Adding Up
Thursday, 26th February 2026
In a jurisdiction long praised for innovation, Racing Rewards SA continues to deliver tangible returns for owners willing to race in South Australia. The scheme again proved its worth through January, with emerging three-year-olds and precocious juveniles cashing in on lucrative bonuses that significantly boosted their earnings. Among the headline acts is Violet Lovebug, now the equal Racing Rewards Highest Earning Horse for the 2025-26 season. The Travis Doudle-trained filly secured her second bonus when she shared in the January distribution, adding $21,120 to her tally after lifting her record to four wins from seven starts and edging towards $200,000 in prizemoney. Doudle's admiration for the filly is straightforward. "She's a really nice filly,'' he said. "She's not an over-complicated horse. Take her forward, she doesn't pull too hard, rates herself." With a strong ownership group behind her, the focus has shifted to enhancing her residual value. "We just have to find the right race for her,'' Doudle said, noting there are "plenty of options before she turns four" as he searches for black-type to strengthen her page. The bonus scheme has also underpinned the rise of Dirty Old Town, whose January 17 victory at Murray Bridge delivered another $21,120 reward for connections. Prepared by Andrew Gluyas, the progressive three-year-old has since made it back-to-back metropolitan successes with a follow-up at Morphettville on February 7, firming as a potential contender for a feature during the Adelaide Racing Carnival. Juvenile ranks have not been left out of the spoils. Aaron Bain and Ned Taylor unveiled two-year-old filly Zouwin at Murray Bridge and watched her lead throughout on debut, defeating Verzain and collecting $56,620, inclusive of the bonus. "She's one of 40 two-year-olds we've got,'' Bain said. "She's the first one we've stepped out for the year, so it's a big win for Ned, me, and the team. She was a $36,000 purchase; she's paid for herself." With established stables and emerging trainers alike benefiting from the initiative, Racing Rewards SA continues to shape programming decisions and reward ambition. For horses such as Violet Lovebug, Dirty Old Town and Zouwin, the bonuses are more than welcome additions to the bank balance; they are stepping stones toward bigger stages in a state intent on keeping its talent close to home.
Romance in The Air at Sha Tin on Sunday
Thursday, 26th February 2026
A formidable cast assembles at Sha Tin on Sunday as Romantic Warrior pursues a Triple Crown milestone in the HK$13 million Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m), but depth rather than deference shapes the opposition. Among the five standing in his path is My Wish, the Mark Newnham-trained talent who will be partnered by Hugh Bowman in a race that doubles as a litmus test of his progression, reports racingnews.hkjc.com. Last season's standout four-year-old resumed this campaign with authority, stringing together victories in the G3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) and G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) before tackling elite company over a mile. The step back to 2000m is significant, recalling his flashing second to Cap Ferrat in the 2025 BMW Hong Kong Derby when he stormed home from the rear and fell short by a short-head. Bowman senses untapped upside. "He's certainly on the way up – his age and form suggest that. I think he's probably still got some physical maturing to do, but in saying that, he's come a long way in the last 12 months and his best is probably still ahead of him," he said. The pair sharpened up in a February 20 turf trial at Sha Tin, where My Wish clocked 1m 38.84s when hard held behind Voyage Bubble and Romantic Warrior. "I've only sat on him once in a trial, but I was really pleased with him. He's performed well at the distance before, and there's no hiding the fact there is some very strong opposition to tackle, but I think he'll certainly make his presence felt." The Gold Cup field also features Voyage Bubble, Beauty Joy, Ensued and Winning Wing, ensuring any slip will be punished. Bowman, a past winner of the race with Werther in 2017, knows the assignment demands both class and timing. Attention then shifts to the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, where Bowman reunites with Invincible Ibis. The Newnham-trained four-time winner was favourite in the Classic Mile but finished sixth after jumping from barrier 11. "Not much went his way from an awkward barrier (11) in the Classic Mile. I think there's still certain queries about him from a stamina point of view, but he's certainly got the class – he's proven that, and with a more economical run in the Classic Cup, I'd like to think that he can finish a bit closer," Bowman said. Newnham has also entered Infinite Resolve and Lucky Sam Gor, with Aerodynamics first reserve, underscoring a significant weekend for the stable. Bowman's recent Classic Cup success aboard Helios Express in 2024 offers encouragement that, amid strong opposition, opportunity still awaits.
Romantic Warrior will face five rivals (pic: hkjc.com)
In the Spotlight Davis Locks in Two Chances
Thursday, 26th February 2026
Experience counts for plenty in a race as unforgiving as the $150,000 Evergreen Turf Southern Districts Country Championships (1400m), and few understand that better than Kym Davison as he prepares to saddle two live chances at Wagga on Saturday. According to racingnsw.com.au, the Albury horseman has already lifted the trophy once, but this time he returns with both the defending winner Canny Hell and the rapidly emerging Autumn Break, whose rise has stirred unusual attention around the stable. For a trainer who describes himself modestly, the spotlight has taken some adjustment. "I only whack around with my eight horses and I'm chuffed to have two horses in this race,'' Davison said. "Both horses are going there in great shape and will run very good races." The pair are closely linked beyond the stable gate: their dams are half-sisters, they share several owners, and a barrier trial last August first alerted Davison that Autumn Break might be a cut above average. Second favourite at $6 for the April 4 Final, Autumn Break heads to Wagga at just his fifth start, having learned plenty from his first trip to Sydney. His unbeaten record ended in the TAB Highway at Royal Randwick three weeks ago, where he finished third after encountering trouble. "The horse will take great benefit out of it,'' Davison said. "It's the first time he'd been in a really big field, and with them going a lot harder early he got back a bit further than anticipated. Between the 800m and 400m when he got tightened he was a little bit unsure of himself. He showed that he's capable of winning that type of race, he hit the line well and they are the bonuses we take out of it." That defeat may yet prove advantageous. Instead of a penalty, the three-year-old carries 56kg, 1.5kg less than if he had won in Sydney, giving Davison flexibility should he choose to run again before the Final. Confident 1400m "is right up his alley", the trainer believes clear running from the top of the straight will tell the tale, adding that the gelding has come through the Randwick run better than any previous outing. Canny Hell provides the counterpoint of experience. He contested this qualifier as a three-year-old in 2024 before returning to win it last year, later finishing ninth in the Final. That grounding underlines the task facing younger horses, yet Davison feels Autumn Break is an exception. "I don't often like going into this race with three-year-olds but he's put himself there and he's definitely well up to it,'' he said, predicting that if his assessment is right the gelding's record will look far different in twelve months' time. Should Canny Hell defend his crown, he would continue a notable trend in the region. Another One claimed back-to-back qualifiers in 2022 before winning the Final, and Bianco Vilano matched the feat in 2024.
