Raceday decisions can change quickly in the thoroughbred world, and the space of just a few days has been enough to transform the outlook for Black Opal Stakes winner Music Time, reports racenet.com.au. What initially looked like the end of a successful juvenile preparation may now develop into an ambitious tilt at the Golden Slipper, with trainer Gratz Vella weighing up whether to pay the $150,000 late entry fee for the world’s richest race for two-year-olds. The impressive Canberra victory had originally prompted thoughts of sending the colt for a spell. However, the son of All Too Hard has recovered so well from Sunday’s performance that connections are reconsidering their plans. A final decision is expected later this week after the stable reassesses his condition. “Pierre was very happy with the way he pulled up and felt like he could go around tomorrow so I spoke to the owners and gave them the option,” Vella said. “They said they will leave it up to me so I said by Thursday I should know 100 per cent what he is like and then we will make a decision.” With the colt showing no ill effects from his latest run, the possibility of pressing on toward the Slipper has grown stronger. “It’s a big chance with the way he has pulled up at the moment that we might be going ahead with that next step,” Vella said. Sunday’s Black Opal triumph was the latest in a sequence of impressive performances on his home track, propelling Music Time into serious calculations for the Rosehill feature. Allowed to roll forward in the Canberra race, he controlled the contest from the front before proving far too strong in the closing stages. The performance delivered Vella his second Black Opal success following the victory of You’re Canny in 2011. “He was tremendous and the jockey even said he had plenty left,” Vella said. “He said when he got to the front he was a bit lost.” Confidence within the stable has continued to grow as the colt’s form is assessed alongside the leading Slipper prospects. “I have been speaking to a few blokes over the past few days and they said, the way he is going, he could nearly match strides with any horse that is going to go in the Slipper.” With $180,000 already banked in prizemoney, Music Time would sit comfortably within the 16-horse field should the late entry be confirmed. That financial position only strengthens the temptation to take on the challenge. History offers both encouragement and caution for connections. The Canberra lead-up has rarely translated into Slipper success, with Catbird the only horse to complete the Black Opal Stakes–Golden Slipper double when he achieved the feat in 1999 following the shattered hopes of Clan O’Sullivan nearly a decade earlier.
Caballus Aiming to Add to Darby’s Quokka Record
Wednesday, 11th March 2026
A trip west now looms for last Saturday’s Newmarket Handicap hero, with connections confirming that talented sprinter Caballus will head to Perth to contest the $5 million The Quokka at Ascot on April 18. Caballus, the Bjorn Baker-trained and Darby Racing-owned 5YO by I Am Invincible, is set to represent RAM Racing in the lucrative slot race, a contest that has already delivered significant success for the partnership. RAM Racing combined with Baker and Darby Racing to claim the first two editions of The Quokka with the outstanding sprinter Overpass in 2023 and 2024, and hopes are high the stable’s latest Group 1 winner can measure up on the same stage. “It’s a great money race, no doubt about it. And it’s been a very special race for me and Darby,” Baker told SEN’s Giddy Up With Gareth Hall. “RAM Racing have been great supporters and that’s how it came about initially. “I think he’s going to be a pretty good horse for that race, too. It’s a good space between runs and I think he’s going as good as ever.” Confidence in Caballus, who was intially sold by Bhima Thoroughbreds and then by Coolmore Stud through Inglis sales, rose further after his bold front-running display in the Gr1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington, where Craig Newitt rated the gelding perfectly from the front to secure a memorable victory. Newitt had only picked up the ride after Hugh Bowman was unable to make the allocated 55kg, but the experienced jockey made full use of the opportunity, controlling the tempo and proving extremely difficult to run down. Despite the success of those tactics, Baker believes the gelding may be even more effective with a slightly different run in transit. “I think he’s probably better with a touch of cover, if he can sit off one,” Baker said. Barrier one in the Newmarket proved decisive, allowing Newitt to dictate the race. “I think gate one… you can overanalyse gates when they come out. Gate one ended up being a good place to be and ‘Froggy’ Newitt took it up and made it hard for everyone else. It worked out beautifully, didn’t it?” Although Caballus has yet to race at Ascot, Baker does not anticipate the venue presenting any issues for the adaptable sprinter. I think he’ll go great there, left-handed,” he said. “You never quite know how they travel, but he’s been up to Queensland. He’s been around and about and he’s pretty tractable.” Originally raced by Coolmore and trained by Chris Waller for his first five starts, Caballus changed hands when Darby Bloodstock secured him for $300,000 through the 2023 Inglis October (Early) Online Sale. The move has proven an inspired one, with the gelding now boasting six wins and earnings exceeding $2 million. Meanwhile, stablemate Overpass – the horse who dominated Perth’s premier sprint features with back-to-back victories in The Quokka – is set to resume in the Gr1 T J Smith Stakes at Randwick on April 4.
Generosity Locked in for Chairman’s Sale
Wednesday, 11th March 2026
With a valuable sprint victory now on the board at weight-for-age level, a lucrative future both on the racetrack and in the breeding barn awaits the talented mare Generosity, whose next appearance in the sales ring is already locked in for the Inglis Chairman’s Sale in May. The Chris Waller-trained mare enhanced her reputation at Randwick on Saturday when claiming the G2 Challenge Stakes over 1000m, a performance that came at just her fourth start since joining the champion trainer’s stable. The strength of that victory was underlined by the calibre of her opposition, with four G1 winners chasing her home including Golden Slipper heroine Marhoona, established sprinter Mazu, Everest winner Giga Kick and Lightning Stakes winner Skybird. Her success also carried a measure of rarity, with Generosity becoming only the third mare to win the Challenge Stakes in the past decade, joining the names of English and Passive Aggressive on the race’s honour roll. Earlier in the spring she had already hinted at her quality when finishing third in the Gr2 Shorts at her second run for Waller, beaten only by brilliant Zoustar mare Joliestar and Briasa. The granddaughter of Gr1-winning sprinter Bel Mer began her career in Western Australia under Simon Miller, quickly establishing herself as one of the state’s leading sprinting talents. That period included a Stakes victory over 1400m and a strong showing in the 2025 edition of the $4m The Quokka, where she finished third and defeated multiple Gr 1 winner Overpass. Attention now turns back to the racetrack before her appearance at Riverside, with the Gr1 Galaxy over 1100m at Rosehill on March 21 shaping as the next major target. In early markets she currently sits as a $7 joint second favourite. Waller has been effusive in his praise for the mare’s temperament and natural ability. “Generosity is a quality type with a lovely attitude and a fantastic horse to train,” he said. “She has excellent natural speed and as her record shows, she is very versatile. With more racing still to come, she presents as a very exciting prospect over the next 12 months.” The prospect of offering such a mare has also generated significant enthusiasm within Inglis. Bloodstock Sales Manager Harry Bailey described her as an ideal addition to the upcoming catalogue. “I was at Randwick on Saturday to see her win, she is a very pretty mare and obviously exceptionally quick,” Bailey said. “She will be hard to beat in the Gr1 Galaxy and there is a fantastic program of races for her after that, including the TJ Smith and a series of Group 1 sprints in Brisbane. Mares like this don’t come on the market very often and she makes a huge amount of appeal as a race filly and breeding prospect.” The Chairman’s Sale has quickly established itself as a major fixture on the global bloodstock calendar, with fillies and mares off the track averaging $879,222 at last year’s auction. Recent headline results have included Bella Nipotina at $4.2m and Amelia’s Jewel at $3.8m, alongside a long list of elite mares who have commanded multi-million dollar prices.
WFA sprint winner Generosity (outside) has loads of options (pic: inglis.com.au)
Quality MM March Clear Mountain Fairview Dozen
Wednesday, 11th March 2026
Buyers attending the Magic Millions March Yearling Sale on March 12 and 13 will find a well-balanced draft from respected Queensland vendor Clear Mountain Fairview, featuring athletic colts and fillies drawn from proven Australian sprinting families and commercially successful sire lines. Among the highlights is Lot 57, a bay colt by Group 2-winning sprinter Star Turn from the Astern mare Arranmore. The dam is a half-sister to Group 1 winner Warhorse and the pedigree features performers such as Zee Falls, American Wolf, Calamari Ring, California Dane, Epona Princess and Battleton. A September foal with strength and athleticism, he is eligible for both QTIS and BOBS, adding further appeal for buyers chasing early-running types. Worthy Cause is represented by Lot 111, a chestnut colt from the American-bred mare Craft Show by Creative Cause. The sire is best known as the producer of Group 1 Surround Stakes winner Hinged and has already demonstrated versatility with progeny capable of performing across a range of distances. This early August foal also carries international depth, being closely related to multiple American Group 1 winner Giant Oak. Another by Worthy Cause is Lot 174, a well-grown bay filly from the General Nediym mare Girls Aloud. The dam has produced five winners from six runners including black-type performers Little Mix and Don’t Stop, giving the filly both pedigree strength and QTIS appeal. Sprint sire Love Conquers All is strongly represented, beginning with Lot 196, a colt from the Worthy Cause mare Hue, a full sibling to Group 1 winner Hinged. Lot 217, from the Not A Single Doubt mare Just A Girl, also carries strong credentials, with the dam responsible for three individual metropolitan winners. Lot 220 is another colt by Love Conquers All and is out of the Street Cry mare Jyler, a black-type producer and the dam of Group 3 and Listed winner Col ’n’ Lil, an eight-time winner who earned close to half a million dollars in prizemoney. The sire also features in Lot 306, a colt from the Myboycharlie mare My Girl Charlie and closely related to the eight-time winner Cassia Lane, with the pedigree including metropolitan winners Come Fly With Me, Flying Jess, Sizzlefly and Maritess. Among the fillies is Lot 313, a bay by Barbaric from the Quest For Fame mare Never Despair, a metropolitan winner and the dam of Ipswich Cup victor Flash Aah. Lot 130 is a grey filly by Sooboog from Dolly’s Dream, a half-sister to Group 3 winner and dual Group 1-placed sprinter Vital Silver. The family also includes Group 1 performer Silver Empire. Another by Sooboog is Lot 345, a colt from the five-time winner Princess Cinders, whose progeny include stakes performer Last Chance as well as prolific winners Fire King and Princess Rules. Further depth comes with Lot 365, a chestnut colt by Supido from the Americain mare Reflecting Image, a half-sister to stakes winners Perfect Reflection, Ideal Image, New Image and Elusive Image. Completing the draft is Lot 447, a filly by ill-fated Exosphere from the Magic Albert mare Tabatha Miss, combining the speed of Lonhro’s sire line with a family known for toughness and durability.
Lot 174 Worthy Cause-Girls Aloud filly (pic: Clear Mountain Fairview)
Small March Drafts by Elite Southern Vendors
Wednesday, 11th March 2026
The Gold Coast March Yearling Sale has a proud history of producing high class racehorses and this year the sale has been given a new look by Magic Millions. For the first time the sale will have a selection of non-QTIS youngsters who will help in adding for depth, variety and appeal for local, interstate and international buyers. Stock by no fewer than 94 individual stallions are represented this March and the incentive to buy QTIS eligible lots is strong with the exclusive Magic Millions Race Series nomination savings staying in place. With 268 QTIS fully paid or first payment lots, 216 BOBS eligible, 43 VOBIS Sires and 12 VOBIS Silver and all being eligible to be paid to the Magic Millions Race Series the incentives are second to none. Locally based leading sires Better Than Ready (56 lots) and Spirit of Boom (26 lots) are the two most represented sires in the catalogue and their stock are sure to be well sought from buyers. If one assumes that the Magic Millions March Gold Coast Yearling Sale lacks punch from leading Australian sales vendors from the southern states, one would be mistaken. The prized QTIS-dominated sale is understandably exceptionally well supported by many of the biggest Queensland vendors, like Alexia Fraser Bloodstock, Eureka Stud, Lyndhurst Farm, Kenmore Lodge, Glenlogan Park, Clear Mountain Fairview, Figtree Thoroughbreds, KBL Thoroughbreds, Daandine Stud, Noble Bend Farm, Oaklands, Telemon, Yarramalong, Raheen et al, but there are also plenty of southern state stud farms that recognise the demand that permeates through the sale that runs through Thursday 12 and Friday 13 March. They include NSW properties like Attunga, Murrulla, Alma Vale, Valiant Park and North to name a few. Hiding in plain site for those that do their homework are an aggregation of small drafts entered by prominent Australian Premium Black Type Vendors, renowned for their prized stakes-performing graduates. In this year’s 508-strong catalogue are yearlings being offered by Bell River Thoroughbreds (4), Berkeley Park Stud (2), Blue Gum Farm (5), Evergreen Stud Farm (5) and Newhaven Park (9). Collectively, their contribution of 25 yearlings to the catalogue demands inspection based on historical graduate success. The sires of these yearlings speak for themselves and showcase magnificent diversity given that there are 22 individual stallions featured: Acrobat, Admire Mars, Anders, Artorius, Astern, Better Than Ready, Capitalist, Cool Aza Beel, Doubtland, Extreme Warrior, Flying Artie, Hitotsu, Microphone, Nicconi, North Pacific, Pierata, Pride of Dubai, Royal Meeting, Russian Revolution, Sejardan, Stroner and Yes Yes Yes. To peruse their respective drafts, click on the links above.
Magic Millions' Gold Coast sales arena will be a hive of activity (pic: supplied)
Bootlegger Refuses to Lie Down in Guineas
Wednesday, 11th March 2026
A determined finishing effort down the Morphettville straight saw Bootlegger capture Monday’s Listed Morphettville Guineas on Adelaide Cup Day, delivering a first stakes success for the Robert Hill-Smith-owned Too Darn Hot gelding and a rewarding result for the training partnership of Dan Clarken and Oopy MacGillivray. After an early contest for the lead, the gelding eventually settled just behind the front-runner Uptown Monk before jockey Emily Finnegan angled him back to the inside approaching the 300m. As reveald by racenet.com.au, once presented with clear running, Bootlegger responded strongly under pressure, grinding his way past the tiring leader and forging clear to defeat Victorian visitor Cannae and Dirty Old Town, while longshot Oui Oui Ma Cherie produced a bold performance to finish fourth over the mile. MacGillivray said the victory was particularly pleasing for connections, who had long believed the horse possessed the ability to measure up in stakes company. “I know that Robert Hill-Smith will be at home screaming at a screen – he'll be very excited,” MacGillivray said. He reserved special praise for Finnegan, who has become a trusted rider for the stable since stepping in when apprentice Tala Hutchinson suffered an injury nearly a year ago. “Emily rode her brilliantly … he found for her and that's exactly what we expected to see. She's done a good job and has been there when our apprentice Tala Hutchinson injured herself about 12 months ago. Emily stepped up, she's been at Murray Bridge every morning to ride the horses. She's basically done nothing wrong, things happen in racing as we know, she's vindicated today and she's ridden brilliantly – let's celebrate today.” Finnegan said she was grateful for the continued support from the stable, particularly with many leading riders travelling to Adelaide for the feature meeting. “I'm just rapt to have the opportunity to ride some really nice horses for Dan and Oopy, they've got some real talent in the stable,” she said. “I thought there might have been a question mark with the big jockeys coming over today but they were very loyal (to me) … and I couldn't be any more grateful.” The Morphettville crowd was treated to further highlights across the early races, including a striking display from the Yulong-owned Mathematician, who stamped himself as a promising young talent when dominating a 1050m event for trainer Will Clarken under Jamie Melham. Melham continued her successful afternoon by guiding the Ciaron Maher-trained mare Celerity (Exceed and Excel) to victory in the Listed Manihi Classic before completing a riding treble later in the day aboard Phillip Stokes’ Arran Bay (All Too Hard) in the Listed CS Hayes Memorial Cup. The accomplished rider also filled the placings in two other feature races, finishing third in the Adelaide Cup aboard Hurry Curry and second in the LR Morphettville Guineas on Cannae.
Stanley Stands Tall After Adelaide Cup Drama
Wednesday, 11th March 2026
A dramatic Adelaide Cup produced the biggest victory of Jett Stanley’s career, although the young rider did not immediately know he had won after American Wolf (Tivaci) lunged for the line in a gripping photo finish at Morphettville. Moments after the post, Stanley was dislodged by the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained stayer and was jogging back toward the mounting yard when the crucial news arrived, reports racing.com. Paramedics checking on the 21YO rider were the ones who delivered the verdict following the photo, confirming that American Wolf had prevailed by the narrowest of margins over Highland Bling in a stirring finish between the two stayers. “The ambos asked whether I was okay? I said to them tell me the result of the photo and I’ll tell you. One of the ambos said American Wolf and you’ve won. The limp cleared up quickly,” Stanley said with a laugh. “I actually said are you joking and then the crowd started yelling. It’s something I won’t forget.” Reunited with his mount after the horse had been caught by the clerk of the course, Stanley was legged back aboard before returning to scale to celebrate what he described as the most important win of his career. Only 12 days earlier he had partnered Asva to victory in the Launceston Cup, but the Group 2 success in Adelaide quickly eclipsed that achievement. “He’s a proper stayer. Hopefully we can see him on the first Tuesday in November,” Stanley said. The victory capped a remarkable fortnight for the young jockey, who estimated he had travelled roughly 18,000 kilometres across the country while chasing rides. His recent schedule had taken him from Darwin to Launceston, while the previous weekend alone included meetings at Murray Bridge on Saturday and Stony Creek on Sunday before returning to Adelaide for the Cup. The pace will not slow either, with Stanley heading to Sydney immediately after the meeting to partner Jenni The Fox for owner Tony Ottobre and trainer Ciaron Maher in the Coolmore Classic. “I’ve done a Group 3, now a Group 2 today and hopefully I tick off a Group 1 on Saturday,” he said. The Cup itself was filled with drama long before the tight finish. Berkeley Square missed the start by several lengths after standing flat-footed in the barriers, while Komaichi injected speed into the contest by opening a sizeable mid-race lead before the field reeled him in. Turning for home, Highland Bling surged to the front under Lachie Neindorf before American Wolf emerged to challenge, the pair staging a prolonged duel that carried them to the post locked together. Young said the victory represented a carefully planned target for the horse, who had shown steady improvement throughout the preparation. “This was always going to be his grand final, but we were scared he wasn’t going to get in. Sixth start in today, Jett rode him a treat and he’s coming along in leaps and bounds. He’s becoming such a good jockey,” she said.
Belle Cheval Gets Chance to Bounce in Sydney
Wednesday, 11th March 2026
A heartbreaking near miss in the $4 million NZB Kiwi at Ellerslie has not dimmed the excitement around Belle Cheval, with connections now setting their sights on Sydney and a tilt at the Gr1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), according to loveracing.nz. The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained Savabeel filly produced a powerful late surge on Champions Day but fell just a short head shy of the heavily backed Well Written in the 1500m feature. Despite the narrow defeat, the performance only strengthened belief among her connections that she is ready to test herself at the elite level over further ground. After racing towards the rear turning for home, Belle Cheval stormed home down the outside to challenge the favourite in the closing stages, a run that suggested the step to 2000m could prove ideal. The filly had arrived at the race in strong form, having won her previous two starts over 1200m and 1400m, and her effort against the best of her generation confirmed her standing among the leading three-year-old fillies in the region. Co-owner and breeder David Archer said the narrow defeat had done little to dampen enthusiasm for what lies ahead. “She was so close to what would have been a dream result, but we’re still thrilled with her, so proud of our wonderful filly,” Archer said. “I had a good talk with Mark (Walker) yesterday and he was pleased to tell me she pulled up as if she hadn’t had a race.” With that encouraging report, plans have been quickly mapped out for the filly to travel to Sydney later this month. “That being the case, and subject to everything going to plan in the meantime, she will be flown to Sydney and run in the Vinery, which looks ideal as a fillies’ Group 1 over 2000 metres,” Archer said. Connections have already decided the Vinery will likely mark the end of her current campaign. “That will be it for this season, she won’t be going to the (ATC) Oaks,” Archer explained, adding that a spell on the Mornington Peninsula is then likely before a spring campaign in Victoria. Wet tracks early in the New Zealand spring are a potential concern, making Melbourne a more appealing target. Walker agreed the Ellerslie performance confirmed she was on the right path. “While it would have been fantastic to win on Saturday, you could hardly be disappointed with her, it was a very good effort,” he said. “The way she races she should manage the step up in distance in the Vinery, so she’s gone to the water-treadmill this week and then we’ll build towards Sydney.”
The Gr1 Vinery Stud Stakes is next for Belle Cheval (pic: Race Images Kenton Wright)
Ocean Park Daughter Flags Strong Potential
Wednesday, 11th March 2026
Waikato Stud stallion Ocean Park has been clocking up considerable success this season in New Zealand, headlined by the Gr1 New Zealand Oaks and a fistful of Group 2s. Now, there’s another promising filly who has entered feature race calculations, according to New Zealand Bloodstock. That was apparent when $80,000 NYSS pass-in Elle Sourit (now four from four) announced herself as a rising force among New Zealand’s fillies and mares after an impressive performance in the $120,000 Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Final (1400m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day. The lucrative contest offered far more than its base purse, with an additional $100,000 in bonuses available – $70,000 to the winner, $20,000 to the runner-up and $10,000 for third – provided through the support of Entain, NZB Insurance, the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing. Victory went to the Andrew Forsman-trained Elle Sourit, a daughter of Ocean Park who maintained her perfect record with a fourth win from as many starts. The result also lifted her career earnings to $120,750 for breeders and part-owners Ms A I Barr, J A Bell, W M Dempster and C J Pearce. Offered by Wentwood Grange at the 2023 Karaka Yearling Sale in Book 1, the filly was passed in, a decision that now appears particularly shrewd given the trajectory of her racetrack career. Before Saturday’s return, her previous appearances had all produced victories. She opened her account with a debut win over 1400m at Hawera in March last year before repeating the dose at the same distance at Pukekohe in April in Rating 65 company. Her third success came later in the winter at Te Rapa, where she stretched out to 1500m and delivered another convincing performance. That Te Rapa outing in August proved to be her final start of the preparation, leaving a six-month gap before her return in the Pearl Series Final. Despite the break, the mare produced a performance that suggested she had lost none of her momentum. Settling near the rear under apprentice rider Sam McNab, she still had only a handful of rivals behind her approaching the home turn. Once angled to the outside, however, she lengthened stride impressively and powered home to win by three-quarters of a length. Forsman revealed the race had long been the target following a setback that interrupted her previous campaign. “We set her for this race a little way out,” he said. “The owners have been so patient. We had a little setback in her last preparation and we had to stop, then bring her slowly back up for this. I’m thankful that the owners allowed us to do that.” The trainer believes her future lies over longer distances. “She’s a genuinely good horse and I think she’ll only get better and better. She’ll be a good horse over a mile and 2000 metres in time, and I think she’ll be a black-type performer pretty quickly.” McNab also came away impressed with the mare’s effort fresh. “She’s a tough horse,” he said. “It was a bit of a query fresh up at 1400 metres, but the team presented her in lovely order and she’s a nice horse. She moved through her gears and really got going late.” Ocean Park is currently in fourth place on the New Zealand General Sires table.
Elle Sourit's connections cashed in on Saturday (pic: nzb.co.nz)
