A performance of genuine authority at Rosehill on Saturday has reshaped the early narrative of this season's juvenile ranks, with a colt announcing himself as a serious Golden Slipper contender through a debut that left little room for doubt. The Gr3 Arrowfield Canonbury Stakes has long been a proving ground for top-class two-year-olds, and this year's edition delivered another emphatic endorsement of that tradition. Prepared by Chris Waller, Hidrix, a son of Extreme Choice, showed maturity well beyond his experience, cruising through the race before putting it beyond doubt when asked to extend. The manner of the victory, rather than just the margin, saw markets respond swiftly, with bookmakers firming him into $8 second favouritism for the Gr1 Golden Slipper to be run at Rosehill on March 21. It was a performance that immediately separated him from the pack among this season's emerging juveniles. Bred by respected breeder Kate Nivison and purchased for $1.7 million at the Easter Yearling Sale, the colt was secured by Waller alongside Guy Mulcaster and Ricky Surace's B2B Thoroughbreds from the Coolmore Stud draft. For Nivison, the moment carried deep personal significance, having watched him sell at Riverside less than a year ago. The emotions returned in force as the race unfolded. "I'm a bit in shock, I'm speechless which is unusual for me," Nivison said. "But you know what? It's everything I want. I want to breed proper racehorses and be known for breeding proper racehorses. I don't give a sh*t about sale ring prices, my job as a breeder is to produce horses that win, that's all I want to see, so it's really satisfying to see a colt like this do what he just did on debut in a key 2YO race." Surace admitted the ease of the win exceeded expectations, even for a colt they had long held in high regard. The plan had been to give him a soft introduction and assess how he finished off, rather than apply pressure early. "We knew he went pretty good but it was about giving him a run today and see how he ran home," Surace said. "Chris was confident he'd run well and then progress to his next race, but he was pretty impressive there, especially at the end. He was eased down that last 50 or 75 metres and the jockey said post-race that he had plenty left." Although the colt always carried presence, Surace noted he was not an obvious Slipper type early in his preparation. That view only began to change when James McDonald partnered him in work and came away surprised by the feel of the horse beneath him. Part-owned by Henry Field and Newgate Farm, the colt adds further momentum to a remarkable period for Extreme Choice, whose limited numbers continue to produce elite performers. Field said the depth of his upcoming crops reflects that momentum, with an unusually strong representation heading to the major yearling sales over the coming weeks. That comprises 3 at Inglis Classic, 9 at Inglis Premier, and 11 at Inglis Easter. "Extreme Choice, what he does so consistently with such limited opportunities is nothing short of extraordinary," Field noted.
Blue Army Lots Highlight Latest Inglis Digital Sale
Weekend, 2nd February 2026
Depth, diversity and genuine commercial appeal headline a strong Godolphin presence in the upcoming Inglis Digital February (Early) Sale, with the global breeding powerhouse once again offering a draft that balances immediate racing opportunity with long-term broodmare value. The 361-lot catalogue presents a wide cross-section of stock, but it is the Godolphin entries that provide much of the early intrigue. Seven three-year-olds form the core of the draft, including two fillies, with stakes performer Chergui emerging as the headline act. The progressive galloper was last seen finishing less than two lengths from Gallant Son at Flemington, a performance that comfortably places him among the more appealing racing prospects in the catalogue. His inclusion continues a strong recent trend for Godolphin on the Inglis Digital platform, following in the footsteps of subsequent stakes winners such as Barber and Alegron, as well as last weekend's Listed Carrington Stakes winner Sandpaper. Those offerings are catalogued as lots one through seven and reflect a broader strategy that has seen Godolphin use the digital format to move high-quality, race-ready stock. Among the other standout inclusions is Mount Bona, a daughter of Night Of Thunder who arrives with an enviable profile as both a racing and breeding proposition. Having won her past three starts and four of eight overall, she represents a rare chance to acquire a mare by a stallion who produced 32 individual stakes winners worldwide in 2025. Beyond the racing stock, the sale also features an appealing group of broodmare prospects, led by Velours Bleu, a daughter of Nicconi who is in foal to elite American sprinter Cogburn. She is one of only a handful of mares carrying a pregnancy by the G1 winner, adding considerable appeal for commercial breeders. Be Optimistic also features prominently, bringing dual stakes-winning form and earnings nearing $750,000 into the mix. The broader catalogue underlines the scale of the offering, comprising 179 racehorses, including 86 fillies, alongside 79 broodmares, 77 racehorse shares, 24 yearlings and two two-year-olds. That balance ensures appeal across a wide buyer base, from pinhookers and breeders to trainers seeking ready-made performers. Among the additional highlights are Avila, a daughter of three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva offered in foal to Russian Camelot with a colt at foot, and Blackthorn, an unbeaten three-year-old by The Autumn Sun. Duchess Kate also draws attention as a Group 3 winner whose progeny have sold for up to $950,000, while Layton Abbey brings close pedigree ties to Group 1 winner Nakeeta Jane. Others of note include Lovelier, offered in foal to King's Gambit, and The Real Mahjong, an unbeaten three-year-old from the Ciaron Maher stable.
Zippy Colt Locked Out of Qld Winter Carnival
Weekend, 2nd February 2026
A demanding summer schedule has led to a patient approach for one promising young Eagle Farm galloper, with connections opting against a rushed campaign toward Queensland's winter riches. The decision, made late last week, follows a Magic Millions 2YO Classic run that left more questions than answers but hasn't dented long-term hopes for the colt's future. The turning point came after a luckless sixth placing in the $3 million feature at the Gold Coast, where any real chance slipped away in the final stages under Irish hoop Martin Harley. Trainer Chris Munce, reflecting on the effort, suggested the result was more a blip in an otherwise exciting rise, not a sign of a waning star. Rather than force another taxing preparation, Munce now intends to let Zip Lock continue maturing, potentially focusing instead on a spring campaign. "I might focus on the spring with him and not worry about the winter," Munce explained, recalling how the colt burst to prominence in the Group 3 McLachlan Stakes at Eagle Farm just after Christmas. "He's still growing and developing so he's not the finished product yet. Magic Millions was always a bit out of his time. He's still got plenty of racing left in him." Munce believes many underestimate the toll that qualifying for a race of that calibre can take on such a young horse. He's quick to point out that Magic Millions was never a do-or-die mission. "That's why I said right from the start, Magic Millions for him was if he made it, he made it, if he didn't, he didn't," Munce said. "He did get there but in my opinion the horse is still growing, developing and maturing. He's got the world at his feet, really." There's no dwelling on setbacks in the Munce camp. "It was just one of those races where everything went wrong. He'll live to fight another day," Munce shrugged, recalling how even Cool Archie missed out in the Magic Millions but bounced back with Group 1 glory in the JJ Atkins just months later. "It would've been lovely to win it but we can't dwell on it, we move on."
Overseas Hoops Caught in Jurisdictional Limbo
Weekend, 2nd February 2026
An unexpected roadblock has left a British-born jockey and other international riders in limbo as Racing NSW keeps a firm stance on restricting foreign participation at country meetings. Queensland-based Harrison Shaw, who has quickly found success since his move from the UK, is urging authorities to rethink the policy that sidelines visiting jockeys from New South Wales competition. Shaw, who notched nearly 200 wins in Britain before arriving in Australia, has made an immediate impression in Queensland, including a winning double at Doomben. Yet his efforts to cross the border for country rides have been frustrated by ongoing rejections, a situation affecting several newcomers. For Shaw, the issue runs deeper than individual disappointment. "I just want to stress that this isn't just about me, it's about any overseas riders that are caught up in this situation," he said. Rides at Ballina for leading stables were lost when his application was refused the day before, despite him joining the NSW Jockeys' Association and completing all required paperwork. "To get knocked back, it came as a bit of a shock," he said, having received no clear feedback or guidance from officials. Shaw's experience is emblematic of Racing NSW's new rule, which effectively bans international jockeys from country meetings. He is not the only one affected. Fellow visitor Fred Larson also had to forgo Ballina rides, and apprentice Jack Callan has been similarly restricted at country level, despite metropolitan experience. This policy stems from concerns by the New South Wales Jockeys' Association about the growing number of UK riders on country tracks – a trend they fear threatens local jockeys' livelihoods. Association chief Tony Crisafi maintains that while metropolitan opportunities remain, the NSWJA wants a minimum standard for visiting license applicants to manage numbers and protect locals. Such moves are not entirely new; similar attempts to tighten overseas jockey rules surfaced in 2020 but didn't stick. With little clarity provided now, international riders face ongoing uncertainty. "I've got a working holiday visa, I'm paying my taxes and I've had to jump through a lot of hoops just to get to this point," Shaw said. "Taking rides and building relationships is vital, and when you're told where you can and can't ride, it makes things really hard." He added, "The problem is, I don't even know what the rule is or why I don't comply. Or even more, what I need to do to comply. It's hard enough without restrictions, let alone with limitations put on you."
Ultimate Habit Displays Oaks Flashing Lights
Weekend, 2nd February 2026
Impetus is building at the right time for a filly who now looks firmly on course for one of the autumn's major staying tests, following a determined performance at Trentham by 3YO Ultimate Habit (Embellish) that suggested bigger days lie ahead. The latest success has put another Oaks contender on the radar for Robbie Patterson, who appears to be holding a strong hand as the Gr1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks approaches. Saturday's breakthrough came in the Gr2 Jennian Homes Lowland Stakes, where the daughter of Embellish showed both resilience and finishing strength to secure her maiden victory. It was a result that carried familiar echoes for her trainer, who used the same race as a stepping stone last season with Leicy Lucy before that filly went on to claim Oaks glory. With the feature now staged at Ellerslie, the path forward is clear, even if the challenge will be slightly different. "We are definitely going to go to the Oaks on that," Patterson said. "It is going to be a lot trickier going the other way around at Ellerslie, but she is such a laidback filly." The win was a deserved reward after a preparation that had promised more than the form guide initially suggested. She had finished second at New Plymouth before an unflattering sixth in the Desert Gold Stakes, a run that Patterson was prepared to forgive given how the race unfolded. From his perspective, there had been enough in her work at home to suggest she was capable of stepping up when conditions fell her way. "I wasn't disappointed with her run the other day, she just got stuck on the inside on a tricky track, but I knew she was a good filly," he told NZ Racing Desk. "The two runs at home, the way she got home, she was unlucky. She should have won her maiden. Gryllysy rode her a peach, got her in a good rhythm and the horse had a good turn of foot." That assessment was echoed by rider Craig Grylls, who was impressed by the filly's ability to quicken despite still learning her craft. Settling off the speed, she travelled comfortably before making her move late, showing the kind of acceleration that marks a horse with upside. Bred to improve with time, she hails from the influential Rough Habit family and is out of the Bachelor Duke mare Queens Habit. With one win and a placing from four starts and more than $107,000 already banked, the foundation is firmly in place for a genuine Oaks campaign.
The NZ Oaks is on Ultimate Habit's radar (pic: Peter Rubery Race Images)
Liguria Hits the Line Hard in Colin Jillings
Weekend, 2nd February 2026
A polished juvenile performance at Ellerslie on Saturday underlined the depth of quality emerging from Cambridge Stud, with a promising filly announcing herself at stakes level in the Gr3 Colin Jillings 2YO Classic (1200m). According to loveracing.nz, the victory came in a race named in honour of one of New Zealand's most respected horsemen and provided a fitting stage for a performance built on composure, acceleration and resolve. Having shown promise when finishing fourth on debut at the venue on Boxing Day, the daughter of Snitzel brought that experience to bear in decisive fashion. Settling beautifully from barrier four, she was ridden with patience by Warren Kennedy, who allowed the early pace to unfold ahead of him as Parfait Dimanche and the heavily supported Harvey Wallbanger ensured genuine tempo through the middle stages. The race began to take shape turning for home, with the favourite moving to assert control as the field fanned for the run in. Poised just off the leaders, the filly was still travelling comfortably when asked to improve. Once balanced, she produced a sharp turn of foot, surging past the front-runner late to score by a short neck in a finish that spoke more of authority than the margin suggested. The win not only opened her account but confirmed the promise she had shown first-up, stamping her as a juvenile with scope to progress through the autumn. The result carried added significance for trainer Lance Noble, who trained the filly's More Than Ready dam Vernazza during her own racing career. That mare captured the Gr2 Matamata Breeders' Stakes in 2020 before finishing second in the Gr1 Sistema Stakes, and her daughter appears to be following a similar trajectory. Noble reflected on the symmetry of the moment, noting how unusual it feels to now be training the progeny of horses he once prepared himself. "It certainly ages you a little bit when you are training the daughters and granddaughters," he conceded. "She is not very big but is supremely athletic and has that will to win. There is not much of her so we will have to nurse her along. She does have a great attitude and is very popular around the stable." Connections arrived with quiet confidence after her debut effort and left with expectations elevated. A return to Matamata for the Breeders' Stakes on February 14 now looms as the logical next step, offering the chance to mirror her dam's path almost exactly. The victory also rounded out a memorable week for Cambridge Stud, who dominated proceedings at Karaka by claiming leading vendor honours and selling the sale-topper – a colt by Sword Of State – for $1.1 million, further reinforcing the strength of their breeding and racing program.
Arrowfield Announces New Shuttler Elite Artist
Weekend, 2nd February 2026
In a major early 2026 stallion announcement, a significant addition to Arrowfield Stud’s 2026 roster was unveiled on Thursday, with confirmation that Group 1-winning miler Lead Artist will shuttle from Juddmonte’s Banstead Manor base to stand in Australia. The Dubawi–Frankel cross has been keenly anticipated, and Lead Artist’s blend of world-class pedigree, Group 1 talent and stallion-making bloodlines is already generating excitement among breeders. The new recruit has drawn comparisons with past Juddmonte legends, including Danehill, and Arrowfield Chairman John Messara didn’t hide his enthusiasm. “Lead Artist reminds me of Danehill, also bred and raced by Juddmonte. His third dam is the greatest mare of the modern era, both his sire and broodmare sire are prepotent and, significantly, he is from a stallion-producing family,” Messara said. “Add his high-class race performance, perfect size – a tick over 16 hands – and his handsome physique, and he is a compelling addition to the Arrowfield roster. And of course, we’ll be supporting him strongly with broodmares of our own.” Juddmonte’s Douglas Erskine Crum highlighted Arrowfield’s rich history with shuttle stallions and champion sires as a key factor in the partnership. Arrowfield’s success with shuttling stallions along with a proven track record for producing Champion Sires such as Danehill, Redoute’s Choice and Snitzel will provide Lead Artist with the perfect platform to start his Southern Hemisphere career,” he said. “Australian breeders should expect a strong, well-balanced horse with a wonderful outlook, physically very difficult to fault with a good easy action. In terms of pedigree, this regally bred Group 1-winning miler comes from the family of outstanding Blue Hen mare Hasili, whose descendants are responsible for a staggering 59 Group 1 performances. Lead Artist possesses all the credentials to continue the significant influence of the Dubawi line in Australia.” Trained by John and Thady Gosden, Lead Artist raced exclusively in stakes company following a five-length maiden win over a mile at York as a Spring three-year-old. He quickly notched a Goodwood Thoroughbred Stakes (G3), wiring the field with impressive front-running speed, and closed out his first season with a second Group win in the Newmarket Darley Stakes. The much-anticipated return as a four-year-old saw him achieve his primary target—a stirring Group 1 victory in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. That performance, in which he bested Guineas winners Rosallion, Notable Speech and Fallen Angel, cemented his status among the world’s elite milers. The Lockinge’s roll call includes leading sires Kris, Cape Cross, Night Of Thunder and Frankel himself. Lead Artist’s peak Timeform rating of 124 saw him retire at the top of his game, and he will now serve his first book at Banstead Manor before shuttling south. John Gosden, who oversaw his entire career, described him as a horse “with so much natural speed” and “a great demeanour,” noting his robust constitution and ability to thrive on firm ground – traits likely to resonate with Australian breeders. As a direct descendant of Hasili and sired by sire-of-sires Dubawi, Lead Artist brings together bloodlines responsible for many of Juddmonte’s greatest champions. His first Australian fee will be set after the Inglis Easter Sale.
Stellar Finish to Karaka Centennial Sale
Weekend, 2nd February 2026
Celebrations capped a historic week at Karaka, where the 100th National Yearling Sale concluded with a landmark inaugural Karaka Summer Sale. Momentum from previous sessions carried through to Thursday as 112 yearlings went under the hammer, generating more than $3.4 million in aggregate sales at an average of $30,612. The appetite for quality was evident, with six lots realising $100,000 or more and the clearance rate holding strong at 81 percent. Reflections on the sale's significance were upbeat, with NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook describing the achievement as a milestone for the entire industry. "To sum it up, this week we've turned over $9.6 million more than last year, with 79 less horses catalogued." He continued, "We're just over the moon, seeing these results from the new format. The Karaka Summer Sale today was one of the strongest sessions, almost matching Book 2 results from last year." The milestone was felt beyond mere numbers, as Seabrook explained: "It's just been a phenomenal week all around, celebrating such a big milestone in New Zealand thoroughbred history, and returning almost $96 million back to breeders. Our vendors have done an incredible job presenting their yearlings, our buyers supporting the Sale so well and our whole NZB team who have all contributed to its success. We're looking forward to the demand for our yearlings continuing to our Online Yearling Sale, where of course the outstanding filly Well Written was purchased from." Among the day's highlights, first-time vendor Stew McGregor made a memorable debut with his sole yearling – a colt by emerging sire Armory out of Hanako (by Satono Aladdin). The colt drew significant interest before being secured by John Foote Bloodstock for $130,000. The moment was not lost on McGregor, who shared, "We're so, so thrilled. To have that amount of people and trainers come through and inspect him, it's really neat. We hope he's got an exciting future for us to follow." He was quick to acknowledge those who had played a part in his journey, saying, "Dean Hawkins, Windsor Park Stud and others around me have been instrumental in helping me along the way. It's a team sport, alright." Westbury Stud emerged as leading vendor by both aggregate and average, selling seven yearlings for $432,000 at an impressive $61,714 average. At the close of trade, Patrick Payne led the buyers, purchasing three lots for $236,000, including a $100,000 colt by Redwood, the sale's leading sire. Every yearling sold is eligible for the Karaka Millions Series, which features the $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO and $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO, as well as the lucrative NZB Mega Maiden Bonus Series. The Karaka Summer Sale is further enhanced by a $200,000 bonus – offering $100,000 each to the vendor and purchaser of the first Summer Sale graduate home in both the 2027 Karaka Millions 2YO and 2028 Karaka Millions 3YO. Entries for the series close Monday, 2 March 2026.
Return To Conquer Retired to Stud Early
Weekend, 2nd February 2026
A remarkable juvenile campaign has come to a close with news that unbeaten Group 1 winner Return To Conquer has been retired to stud, his future now set to be written in the breeding barn rather than on the racetrack. The highly touted Snitzel colt, a $1.3 million yearling purchase by David Ellis from Blue Gum Farm’s Magic Millions Gold Coast draft, carried the weight of expectation from the outset and lived up to every hope as a two-year-old. Under the guidance of Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, Return To Conquer launched his career with an immediate stakes success, saluting in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes at his first start. What followed was a display of rare consistency and class—three further wins at black-type level, including the Gr.3 Colin Jillings 2YO Classic, Gr.3 Matamata Slipper, and a crowning performance in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes at Ellerslie. That last triumph marked a milestone for Te Akau Racing, delivering the stable’s 100th elite victory. Ambitions only grew as the colt crossed the Tasman to join Te Akau’s Cranbourne barn, the team believing he was well equipped for Melbourne’s testing juvenile scene. However, an untimely injury after his first jumpout in Victoria put those aspirations on hold. The setback proved decisive, and connections have now opted to retire the talented youngster before he could contest a race as a three-year-old. Trainer Mark Walker reflected on what set Return To Conquer apart. “He was a great athlete and it was the first time in my 30-year training career that I’d started a two-year-old first-up in a Listed race, and he duly won it. Every one of his four starts were in stakes races and to win them all shows the calibre of horse that he was. Winning the Group One was the highlight, on such a big day at Ellerslie, and to record the 100th Group 1 for the stable was incredibly special.” Walker described Return To Conquer as possessing “an unbelievable temperament for a colt, huge anaerobic capacity, very clean-winded, and an absolute gentleman to deal with.” He added, “I think he’ll make a high-class sire and he reminds me so much of Sword Of State. He has a similar brain, similar action, and we look forward to watching the progress of his stud career.” Ellis, who rated Return To Conquer the best Snitzel colt in the sale, was gratified to see the youngster deliver on such early promise. “There was some very spirited bidding, but we were able to secure him, and he turned out to be a terrific colt.” Though disappointed his racing career ends prematurely, Ellis is confident about the next chapter. “Unfortunately, he has been unable to race as a three-year-old, but he’s by the right sire and has the right pedigree to make a stallion, and there are quite a few interested parties in standing him, which is great.”
$1.3 million yearling Return To Conquer (pic: Kenton Wright Race Images)
Chilly Girl Wins Gr2 Widden Stakes
Weekend, 2nd February 2026
Track: Rosehill
Race: Gr2 Widden Stakes (1100m)
Winner: Chilly Girl (Trapeze Artist-I Got Chills, by Nediym)
Placings: Miss Chanel and Hardanger
Stallion: Trapeze Artist (Snitzel-Treppes, by Domesday)
Stud Farm: Widden Stud
Winner’s Race Record: 1 Win from 1 Start
Sales Details: N/A
Ultimate Habit Wins Gr2 Lowland Stakes
Weekend, 2nd February 2026
Track: Trentham
Race: Gr2 Lowland Stakes (2100m)
Winner: Ultimate Habit (Embellish-Queen’s Habit, by Bachelor Duke)
Placings: Ariedne and Clara Bow
Stallion: Embellish (Savabeel-Bling, by O’Reilly)
Stud Farm: Cambridge Stud
Winner’s Race Record: 2 Wins and a Placing from 4 Starts
Sales Details: N/A
Hidrix Wins Gr3 Arrowfield Canonbury Stks
Weekend, 2nd February 2026
Track: Rosehill
Race: Gr3 Arrowfield Canonbury Stks (1100m)
Winner: Hidrix (Extreme Choice-Shadow, by Medaglia d’Oro)
Placings: Confederation and Conviction Notice
Stallion: Extreme Choice (Not A Single Doubt-Extremely, by Hussonet)
Stud Farm: Newgate Farm
Winner’s Race Record: 1 Win from 1 Start
Sales Details: $1.7 million yearling consigned by Coolmore Stud at the 2025 Inglis Easter Sale
Big Sky Wins Gr3 Chairman’s Stakes
Weekend, 2nd February 2026
Track: Caulfield
Race: Gr3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m)
Winner: Big Sky (Bivouac-Zoom By, by Red Dazzler)
Placings: Invincible Son and La Gitana
Stallion: Bivouac (Exceed and Excel-Dazzler, by More Than Ready)
Stud Farm: Darley
Winner’s Race Record: 2 Wins from 2 Starts
Sales Details: $140,000 yearling at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale
Wrote To Arataki Wins Gr3 Geoffrey Bellmaine
Weekend, 2nd February 2026
Track: Caulfield
Race: Gr3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m)
Winner: Wrote To Arataki (Wrote-Galloping Gerte, by Align)
Placings: Damask Rose and Bossy Benita
Stallion: Wrote (High Chaparral-Desert Classic, by Green Desert)
Stud Farm: Highview Stud
Winner’s Race Record: 7 Wins and 9 Placings from 28 Starts
Sales Details: N/A
Liguria Wins Gr3 Colin Jillings
Weekend, 2nd February 2026
Track: Ellerslie
Race: Gr3 Colin Jillings (1200m)
Winner: Liguria (Snitzel-Vernazza, by More Than Ready)
Placings: Harvey Wallbanger and Parfait Dimanche
Stallion: Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice-Snippets’ Lass, by Snippets)
Stud Farm: Arrowfield Stud
Winner’s Race Record: 1 Win from 2 Starts
Sales Details: N/A
Willaidow Wins Gr3 JRA Plate
Weekend, 2nd February 2026
Track: Rosehill
Race: Gr3 JRA Plate (1200m)
Winner: Willaidow (Shamus Award-Stimulated, by Casino Prince)
Placings: The Instructor and Zarastro
Stallion: Shamus Award (Snitzel-Sunset Express, by Success Express)
Stud Farm: Rosemont Stud
Winner’s Race Record: 9 Wins and 4 Placings from 26 Starts
Sales Details: $7,000 purchase at the 2022 Magic Millions March Online Sale
Manzor Blue Wins Gr3 Wellington Cup
Weekend, 2nd February 2026
Track: Trentham
Race: Gr3 Wellington Cup (3200m)
Winner: Manzor Blue (Almanzor-Turqiose Toast, by Zabeel)
Placings: Crouch and Be Real
Stallion: Almanzor (Wootton Bassett-Darkova, by Maria’s Mon)
Stud Farm: Cambridge Stud
Winner’s Race Record: 3 Wins and 7 Placings from 21 Starts
Sales Details: $130,000 yearling at the 2022 NZB NYSS
Sghirripa Wins LR Durbridge Stakes
Weekend, 2nd February 2026
Track: Morphettville
Race: LR Durbridge Stakes (1100m)
Winner: Sghirripa (Lonhro-Wonder I Do, by Encosta de Lago)
Placings: Klabel and Great Maximus
Stallion: Lonhro (Octagonal-Shadea, by Straight Strike)
Stud Farm: Darley
Winner’s Race Record: 8 Wins and 7 Placings from 28 Starts
Sales Details: $70,000 yearling at the 2021 Magic Millions Adelaide Sale
Special Sakura Wins LR Fulton Family Stakes
Weekend, 2nd February 2026
Track: Ellerslie
Race: LR Fulton Family Stakes (1500m)
Winner: Special Sakura (Staphanos-Mia Mamma, by Per Incanto)
Placings: What You Wish For and Moxie
Stallion: Staphanos (Deep Impact-Kokoshnik, by Kurofune)
Stud Farm: Novara Park
Winner’s Race Record: 3 Wins and 3 Placings from 10 Starts
