Ambitions of a Royal Ascot campaign have been pushed to the background for now, but Godolphin-owned Tentyris still faces a searching examination closer to home when he lines up in Saturday’s Gr1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington. According to racing.com, the dazzling Street Boss colt has been allotted 57kg for the straight-six feature, a weight that ensures his three-year-old credentials will be tested against history as much as his rivals. Godolphin managing director Andy Makiv confirmed the stable intends to press on despite the impost, with Mark Zahra booked to ride. “I thought 57kg was at the punchy end, but that’s OK,” Makiv said. “At the end of the day, his international rating has gone up significantly on the back of his last two Group 1 wins in the Coolmore Stud Stakes and the Lightning. “Obviously 57 makes it more of a discussion, but we are pretty keen to go that way, so I’m expecting to see him at Flemington on Saturday.” Three-year-olds have an enviable record in the Newmarket, collecting 16 editions in the past four decades, yet the scale of the task becomes clearer when examining the weights. None in that period has carried more than the 56kg borne by Weekend Hussler in his 2008 triumph. More recently, Home Affairs failed to figure when attempting the same weight in 2022. The closest comparison under 57kg comes from 2005, when Fastnet Rock shouldered that burden and was narrowly denied by fellow three-year-old Alinghi, who carried 53.5kg. That year’s spread emphasised the challenge: Fastnet Rock sat 3kg clear at the top, with the next highest weight 54kg and the majority of the field on the 51kg minimum. It remains one of the more notable weight-carrying efforts in modern renewals. Beyond Saturday, the path appears increasingly domestic. Makiv revealed that while a mid-year Royal Ascot venture followed by an Everest tilt had been canvassed, the stable has cooled on attempting both in the same season by the grandson of multiple Group 1 heroine Divine Madonna. “I don’t think you can do both, certainly not in 2026,” he said. “We’ll take it one week at a time, but the immediate target would be the T.J. Smith and then we’ll probably target The Everest and look to travel in 2027. That’s the most likely scenario, but we’ll assess every opportunity that comes along.” For now, all focus centres on Flemington and whether Tentyris can defy a weight few of his age have managed and add his name to one of Australia’s most storied handicaps.
Sizzling sprinter Tentyris (pic: Mark Gatt)
NEWBHA Chairman Lord Allen's Tenure Cut Short
Wednesday, 4th March 2026
Turbulence at the top of British racing’s governing structure has deepened with the abrupt exit of its chair after only six months in office, leaving the sport facing renewed questions over leadership and reform. Charles Allen’s resignation from the British Horseracing Authority was confirmed on Tuesday by racingpost.com, bringing a swift end to a tenure that had been marked by ambition, resistance and mounting political tension. His departure followed weeks of speculation as talks over governance reform stalled. Central to the impasse was a proposal to create a more commercially focused, independent BHA board, a move designed to modernise decision-making and reduce the influence of shareholder groups. Agreement could not be reached between Allen, racecourses and participant bodies, prompting the stand-off that ultimately proved unsustainable. In the immediate aftermath, the Jockey Club and major racecourses including Ascot, Goodwood, Newbury and York called for an “urgent review of the Racecourse Association governance to support industry change,” underlining how deeply the dispute has reverberated through the sport’s power base. Allen, who had been hailed as a figure of “outstanding calibre” when his appointment was announced in November 2024, reflected on his short spell in the role by saying: “Horseracing is an amazing sport with great potential and over the last year I have met some incredibly passionate people who love the sport who believe to survive and prosper that change is needed. I also want to pay tribute to the hardworking and dedicated BHA team. I wish the sport well for the future.” His tenure had in fact begun in September rather than the originally scheduled June start, after he delayed taking up the position while negotiating for greater independence within the BHA board structure. A former ITV chief executive, Allen pushed for reforms that would separate board members from shareholder interests among racecourses and participant groups. Tensions escalated further over proposals relating to the exploitation of raceday data rights beyond 2028, an issue fiercely defended by racecourses. While Allen is understood to have eventually softened his stance on that matter, the compromise did not resolve wider divisions. Participant representatives indicated they would not support governance changes if he retreated, leaving the reform agenda stranded between opposing camps. Senior independent director David Jones acknowledged the breakdown, stating: “The board would like to thank Charles for the time and effort that he has put into the role helping us to develop a vision that is aspirational and achievable, and we regret that we were unable to put in place at this time the governance changes that would have enabled us to progress this. I have enjoyed working with him and wish him continued success.” The BHA board will now consider interim arrangements, with Jones having previously served as interim chair. Meanwhile, Britain’s leading tracks have written to Racecourse Association chairman Wilf Walsh seeking structural review proposals by April 2026, signalling that the debate over governance is far from settled.
NEWForever Young Continues His World Cup Prep
Wednesday, 4th March 2026
Meanwhile, bloodhorse.com reports that routines have continued at Meydan this week, even as events beyond the track have injected uncertainty into Dubai’s sporting calendar. At the centre of attention is Forever Young, the 2025 Eclipse champion Older Dirt Male and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, who is already on the ground and maintaining his preparation for the March 28 Dubai World Cup (G1). The Yoshito Yahagi-trained star has been training alongside stablemate American Stage, a four-year-old son of Into Mischief who was fourth in the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1). In an update posted March 2 on the stable’s X account, Yahagi’s team moved quickly to reassure supporters amid reports of regional tensions. “We apologize for causing concern to everyone. Forever Young and American Stage are running side-by-side on the main track, at a light canter, and are continuing their training as usual. There were no explosions or intercepting sounds last night, so the staff seemed to be able to get some rest.” For Japanese racing followers, the situation has been closely monitored at government level. Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, which oversees the Japan Racing Association, confirmed it had received updates regarding JRA-affiliated horses and personnel in Dubai. Minister Norikazu Suzuki wrote on X that he had “received reports on the status” of those involved and stated: “With the protection of Japanese nationals as our top priority, the government will take every possible measure to ensure their safety.” While security concerns in the wider region have prompted travel adjustments and contingency planning, Forever Young’s camp has maintained a steady focus on the task at hand. The colt’s presence in Dubai underscores the global nature of the World Cup meeting, with leading stables from Japan, the United States and Europe converging for one of the sport’s richest prizes. Among potential challengers is last year’s Dubai World Cup winner Hit Show (see below), who is tentatively scheduled to defend his title. Trainer Brad Cox acknowledged on the BH Monday podcast that the evolving geopolitical landscape is being monitored closely. “It hasn't yet. I don't know if it will,” Cox said when asked whether events had disrupted his operation. “It's definitely something we've been thinking about the last few days. Our next scheduled trip to the Middle East right now is Hit Show leaving on (March) 14th out of Miami to Dubai. I don't know if that will happen. We're preparing as if it will right now. We'll just kind of monitor things and see how things unfold over the next few weeks.” For now, the focus at Meydan remains on training gallops and race-day ambitions, with Forever Young continuing his light canters and preparations, the rhythm of elite sport carrying on even as the wider world watches closely.
NEWPirate Ready to Plunder WA Derby Purse
Wednesday, 4th March 2026
A rise through the grades gathered pace at Ascot on Saturday when The Crimson Pirate turned a recent Class 1 win at Pinjarra into black-type success in the Listed Lex Piper Stakes (1600m). According to tbwa.net.au, the Oakland Park homebred son of high-flying Widden stallion Trapeze Artist displayed a sharp turn of foot that suggests his campaign is only just warming up as attention shifts towards the G2 WATC Derby (2400m) on April 11. Settling in behind the speed, he tracked front-runner Pure Mac before peeling out to challenge in the straight. Once balanced, he quickly put the race to bed, bounding clear to defeat Aberdeen Flyer by more than two lengths. The performance had a touch of authority about it, the kind that encourages connections to think beyond immediate targets. Trainer Dan Morton believes there is more to come. “He’s a natural athlete and looks the real deal,” Morton said. “He’s been a project since the early days when he could be a bit difficult and we’ve had plenty of help behind the scenes thanks to people like Darren Mitchell.” That patience appears to be paying dividends at precisely the right time of year. By Trapeze Artist out of Emmalene, a Listed VRC Gucci Stakes winner, The Crimson Pirate was catalogued for the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale but was passed in when bidding stalled short of a $350,000 reserve. Oakland Park’s Neville and Susan Duncan race him alongside Busselton-based Neil MacDonald, and Lucy Fiore was in the saddle for his breakthrough stakes triumph. Fiore offered a candid assessment of the gelding’s quirks. “He’s a strange critter but that’s what probably works for him. He doesn’t know when to focus or calm down. He pricked his ears and baulked at the 200m but we were so far in front it didn’t really matter.” The comment captured both his rawness and his margin of superiority. A traditional path to the Derby now beckons, with the LR John Roberts Stakes (1800m) and LR Melvista Stakes (2200m) pencilled in as lead-ups. Oakland Park has tasted success in those races before with Lord Vampi and Sail Session, though the Derby itself proved elusive on both occasions. Pedigree offers encouragement. The Crimson Pirate is the sixth winner from Emmalene, whose progeny also include dual Listed winner King Kapa. Later on Saturday, the stable’s Fancy Red added further gloss with victory in the Wittens Irrigation Handicap (1600m), lifting her record to seven wins from 15 starts and prizemoney beyond $489,000, underscoring a productive day for the Oakland Park colours.
NEWTempted Rating Above Average in Surround Win
Wednesday, 4th March 2026
Numbers rarely lie, and from a ratings perspective Tempted’s Surround Stakes triumph reads far stronger than the narrow winning margin might suggest. That is the view of weight-for-age analyst Daniel O’Sullivan, who believes the performance places the Everest runner-up squarely in elite company. Securing her first Group 1 over 1400m, Tempted returned a 102.2 figure, only half a length shy of the 103.3 she produced first-up over 1200m. In simple terms, the visual impression of a tight finish disguises how little she gave up in performance level. O’Sullivan’s assessment is that runner-up Savvy Hallie’s dramatic new peak has slightly obscured just how well the winner actually ran. Historically, a 102.2 rating sits almost a length above the median winning mark for the Surround over the past decade, and this was no sit-and-sprint affair. Savvy Hallie ensured there was genuine pressure early, with the tempo building from the 800m. Positioned 4.8 lengths off the lead at that point, Tempted was required to chase and sustain her run. She built strongly through her final 800m to overhaul the race, and although she may have peaked late, her closing 200m remained above standard in the context of a solid overall time. While 1400m may not represent her absolute sweet spot, the figure she posted at the trip stands comfortably alongside the better editions of this race. To illustrate how Savvy Hallie has shaped the narrative, O’Sullivan told racing.com that had the second-placed filly performed to her previous peak, Tempted would have defeated Thousand Guineas heroine Ole Dancer by 1.9 lengths, with Savvy Hallie 3.4 lengths away in third and Apocalyptic five lengths adrift in fourth. In that scenario, the conversation would centre entirely on Tempted’s dominance and her apparent comfort at 1400m. Instead, Savvy Hallie surged from a prior peak of 95 to produce a 101.8 rating, a performance fully supported by the clock and by the margins back to Ole Dancer and Apocalyptic. O’Sullivan noted that, naturally, caution accompanies any sharp spike, particularly when a filly breaks through the 100 barrier without obvious prior indicators of that ceiling. Even so, the substance of Saturday’s effort is beyond dispute. Whether she can reproduce a 101.8 remains to be seen, but the run effectively resets her profile. Savvy Hallie now shapes as a filly capable of operating at a level comfortably above her former benchmark, and in doing so has inadvertently enhanced the merit of the winner.
Inglis Premier Powers to a Spectacular Finish
Wednesday, 4th March 2026
A strong finish to Book 2 trading has sealed another highly successful edition of the Premier Yearling Sale at Oaklands, with the 2026 renewal reinforcing the depth and resilience of the Victorian marketplace. Across three days in Melbourne, the overall gross reached $68,594,000, an increase of more than $8.52 million on the same stage last year, representing growth of 14 per cent. Beneath that headline figure, the middle market told its own compelling story. A total of 283 lots realised $100,000 or more, up 22 per cent year-on-year, while $200,000-plus and $300,000-plus transactions also climbed by 15 per cent and 17 per cent respectively. Book 1 indicators followed suit, with the average rising to $144,569, the median to $120,000 and the clearance rate to 81 per cent, all year-on-year improvements. Gilgai Farm finished as leading vendor after selling all 13 yearlings offered for $3,740,000, while Bell River Thoroughbreds recorded the highest average among those selling three or more lots, turning four yearlings into $301,250 apiece on average, also clearing the deck. On the buying side, Ciaron Maher Racing headed the Book 1 table with 13 purchases across various partnerships, narrowly ahead of Lindsay Park with 12 and Clinton McDonald and Shane McGrath with 11. Inglis Bloodstock chief executive Sebastian Hutch described the result as a reflection of building momentum. “There is incredible momentum behind this sale now, with an excellent set of results, particularly in the context of the market, following last year’s market-defying sale,” Hutch said. While improved financial benchmarks were pleasing, he noted the size and engagement of the buying bench stood out just as much. “We’re hugely grateful as always to the breeders and vendors who have supported the sale and I’m very proud of the effort the team at Inglis put into the sale. We are motivated to have as many people as possible go home from each and every one of our sales as happy as possible and it feels like there are plenty of happy sellers and buyers heading home from this sale. The diversity at the top of the market was great – the top 12 lots were all by different stallions, off service fees from as little as $16,500 so it goes to show there really is something for everybody at Inglis Premier. To have Premier as the Southern Hemisphere’s best performing yearling sale to this point of the season for the second consecutive year is a great thrill.’’ Day 3 top honours were shared at $220,000 by the Extreme Warrior colt from Who’s Zooming Who, offered by Rosemont Stud and secured by Lloyd Kennewell with Group One Bloodstock and SP Bloodstock, and the Zousain colt out of Cavalry Rose, presented by Blue Gum Farm for Hillside Downs and purchased by Taiwanese-based Elysian. Kennewell was emphatic in his assessment. “We go on physicals, we want fast 2YOs and he looks all of that. The market’s so strong in all aspects…it’s amazing how the industry just keeps backing up, sale after sale, year after year, but it shows we’re in really good hands.’’
Extreme Choice-Who's Zooming Who was a co top lot on Day 3 (pic: inglis.com.au)
Gandy Juveniles Loom Ahead of Launceston
Wednesday, 4th March 2026
The summer carnival may be in the rear-view mirror, but Tasmanian night racing rolls on at Launceston on Wednesday, and a familiar Brighton-based operator looks poised to arrive with a genuine winning chance. Stuart Gandy is sending a small team north, and the one creating the most interest is 2YO filly Momentslikethese, who finally gets her chance to break through without having to chase the unbeaten Aristopolos. Placed at all four starts, she has repeatedly found one too good, and that one has always been Aristopolos. Her last three runs have produced consecutive seconds, including at Listed level in the Elwick Stakes and Gold Sovereign Stakes, where she again chased home the same rival. Consistency has been her calling card, but so has frustration, and Wednesday shapes as the first time she can turn promise into a win. By Tiger Of Malay out of Mintha, she draws the inside alley and meets only a handful of opponents, conditions that should allow her to settle forward and make full use of gate one. With the rail out between seven and nine metres, the pattern is expected to reward those on speed, which only sharpens her appeal as the likely favourite to land her first victory, reports tasracing.com.au. Success would also tick over an important personal milestone for her trainer. Gandy sits on 346 career winners and a win here would nudge him closer to 350, a neat marker for a stable that has quietly built momentum across the past decade and a half. His first winner came back in 2010 with Just A Geegee, and the Geegee colours have remained a constant feature of his story. The banner performer, Geegees Mistruth, delivered a memorable Mystic Journey/Vamos double at Group 3 level last season before being transferred to Melbourne to continue her career. In recent seasons, Gandy has developed a reputation as a patient educator of young horses, and early-season two-year-old races have become a reliable hunting ground for his team. “I guess with the young horses, it’s keeping them happy and making everything enjoyable. You don’t want to make it a chore for them, the main thing for young ones is education, they go to school every day, but you have to mix it up with a bit of enjoyment,” Gandy told Racing.com. “We train on course, but when we can, we take them to the beach.” The stable’s profile received another lift last week at the Tasmanian Magic Millions Sale, when MyRacehorse Australia paid $120,000 for a Capitalist filly out of Speedonova and placed her with Gandy, marking the syndicator’s first Tasmanian purchase. Elsewhere on Wednesday’s card, debutant Kion’s Kingdom also appeals after drawing gate one in the 1220m maiden following a Longford trial win.
Giga Kick May Take Sydney’s WFA Option
Wednesday, 4th March 2026
A decision looms for one of Australia’s premier sprinters as connections weigh up whether to chase Group 1 glory at Flemington or take a more measured path north to Sydney. Giga Kick is among the 24 entries for Saturday’s $2 million Newmarket Handicap, yet trainer Clayton Douglas has indicated a tilt at Randwick’s Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m) is the more likely scenario. The handicap conditions of the Newmarket would see the gelding carry 59kg off his 116 rating, a stiff task in a race that traditionally demands both speed and resilience. By contrast, the Challenge Stakes is run at weight-for-age, albeit for a quarter of the prizemoney. Weather may ultimately determine the route. “It’s all going to be dependent on weather but more than likely, he’ll head to the Challenge Stakes in Sydney,” Douglas said. Giga Kick resumed in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on February 14, finishing fifth behind Tentyris after racing closer to the speed than usual. Douglas felt the run was solid, even if the result did not flatter. “He seems to have come through the Lightning well and everything is in good order,” he said. “He’s worked well since so it’s all systems go.” The trainer acknowledged the change in tactics may have blunted the gelding’s trademark finish. “He was far from disgraced and he travelled a bit free in the run. He was a lot closer than where we thought he would be. First-up last time in, he was out the back and finished off. This time, he rode the speed and he only got beaten a couple of lengths. I certainly didn’t think he ran badly at all.” Douglas noted that riding him conservatively has often yielded his best performances, allowing him to unleash late. “It’s always disappointing on the day when he’s right in the market but there’s a few factors there that can be considered. He’s a horse that likes to be ridden conservatively and finish off.” The broader aim remains next month’s $3 million TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick during The Championships, a race in which he finished second to I Wish I Win in 2023. The Challenge Stakes would serve as a stepping stone, with a trial planned between runs to ensure he is primed for third-up. “There’s still a little bit of water to go under the bridge yet, but we’re happy with where he’s at,” Douglas said. “He’ll have a trial then head to the TJ third-up, which should have him screwed down."
Costa and Family Bunkered Down in Dubai
Wednesday, 4th March 2026
A career move to Dubai to train thoroughbreds has taken a turn, with missiles and attack drones streaking overhead and an Australian horseman trying to keep his family steady amid crisis. Based at Jebel Ali as private trainer to Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Michael Costa has been a witness as Iran launches missiles towards the United Arab Emirates.m Contacted from Dubai, Costa said he was limited in what he could say for security and safety reasons, but he described a week of little sleep and constant alertness. “It has all been a bit blurry, we didn't get much sleep the first night at all,” he revealed to racenet.com.au. “There [were] hundreds of missiles and drones and the major issue was the debris falling all around. It was very loud, obviously nothing like anything we have experienced before.” Inside their villa, the priority has been keeping the noise and the anxiety away from his four young children. Costa and his wife Mel have had everyone in one room, staying put as events unfold. “We have had all the family together in the villa and we have been all sleeping in the one room, we are just staying put. I certainly didn't have this on the cards for 2026.” He admitted the fear is real. “I have got my family here, so it's a natural instinct for me to feel a bit scared and for me to feel protective,” he said. He also paid tribute to the technology keeping the city safe. “The defence system that the UAE has is unbelievable, you are looking up in the sky and the way that these drones and missiles are being intercepted is incredible.” To dull what the kids might hear, white noise became part of the plan. “The first night we had the white noise music pumping inside the room, so it blocked out the noise outside,” Costa said. “The kids did about a month's work of screen time that night.” He added: “It's a very unique situation, but the kids don't really know what is going on.” Costa said: “We are just thankful that the Government has got this amazing defence system and it is doing its job. We are living on the news platforms to get all the latest information.” Racing has not been immune. While Saturday’s Meydan meeting went ahead, Sunday’s Jebel Ali card was cancelled and racing has since been suspended in the UAE. Living on-course at the Jebel Ali Stables, Costa is trying to keep the operation moving despite the track being shut. “The Jebel Ali track has been closed, but we have been running the horses on treadmills and swimming them,” he said. “We are playing it by ear and waiting for advice on what to do, we are taking it day-by-day.” With disruption spreading across the region, the March 28 Dubai World Cup meeting could yet come under a cloud, while Dubai airport and Jebel Ali seaport have been closed after suffering damage in retaliatory attacks.
The final pieces have fallen into place for Saturday’s $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie, with Slot Holder Kerri Spence Bloodstock and Clotworthy Racing confirming To Bravery Born as their representative and completing the field for Champions Day. According to racingnews.co.nz, the selection adds another layer of intrigue to a race already rich in storylines, while also lifting Te Akau Racing’s representation to four runners in the Southern Hemisphere’s richest three-year-old contest. To Bravery Born joins stablemates with their own strong claims, including He Who Dares, who will compete in Te Akau’s slot, and La Dorada, the popular filly dubbed “The People’s Horse”. In-form Belle Cheval, set to carry the colours of slot holder The King’s Men, rounds out a powerful Te Akau presence that is likely to shape how the race is run. Bred by Greg Tomlinson under his Nearco Stud banner, To Bravery Born is by Snitzel and out of Milunka, a mare with deep black-type ties. Milunka is a half-sister to Group 1 winner Kahma Lass, Group 1 performer Kuro, and emerging filly Drops Of God, giving the colt a pedigree that hints at quality and progression as distances rise. He was offered through Curraghmore’s 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 National Yearling Sale draft, where Te Akau principal David Ellis (CNZM) secured him for $200,000. On the track for trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, he made an immediate impact by winning his first two starts as a two-year-old. That early promise was followed by a fourth in the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO and a third in the Gr3 Fairview Matamata Slipper, performances that stamped him as a colt capable of mixing it with the best of his age. His three-year-old season began in style with a 3.25-length win at Taupo, and he backed it up at Te Rapa on Waikato Cup Day, scoring over 1200m in a race that included his Group 1-winning stablemate and fellow Kiwi contender La Dorada. Results since then have been mixed but suggest a colt looking for a touch more ground. He finished eighth in the Gr2 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy on TAB Karaka Millions night and seventh in last month’s Gr3 Eagle Technology Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m), a key lead-up that has thrown multiple Kiwi runners. For Clotworthy Racing, securing him came after a frustrating search that included a near miss with Australian raider Asakura. “It is a bit of a relief to get a nice horse like that,” Shaun Clotworthy said. “We were really targeting Asakura, and we thought we had secured him, but they went with Ozzie Kheir. That put us on the back foot a touch, but luckily this horse has become available, and I thought his run in the Uncle Remus was good.” Clotworthy added: “The stable thought he was more of a 1200 to 1400m horse but he is looking like he wants to stretch out to 1500m now… He has come at the right time for us and the right time for them, so we have managed to broker a deal.” Ellerslie holds special meaning for Shaun and Emma Clotworthy after training Willydoit to win last year’s Group 1 New Zealand Derby, and the stable expects to savour another big day on racing’s grand stage.
To Bravery Born adds intrigue to The Kiwi (pic: Race Images Peter Rubery)
Hong Kong Derby Optics Have Become Blurred
Wednesday, 4th March 2026
Clarity is in short supply ahead of the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) after Sunday’s Classic Cup (1800m) reshaped the narrative around the HK$26 million feature, reports scmp.com. What once appeared a two-horse discussion has widened considerably, with a shock result and mixed fortunes for the leading fancies leaving the form puzzle far from settled. Stormy Grove, still a Hong Kong maiden just two starts ago and not even among the original Derby entries, has surged into serious contention following a pair of dazzling victories. The Australian import’s $22.25 triumph in the Classic Cup turned heads and upended the market, especially as it came at the expense of more established hopes Little Paradise and Numbers. Little Paradise, who had electrified the city with his Classic Mile win, endured a nightmare beginning. Jockey Vincent Ho later told stewards the $2.5 favourite had been fractious in the gates and blew the start badly. Although Ho called to the starter to delay proceedings, it was too late. The Jimmy Ting-trained galloper struggled to make an immediate impact before charging home over the final 200m to finish eighth, beaten three and a half lengths, in a run that hinted at better things with a smoother getaway. Numbers, regarded as the pick of Frankie Lor’s pair after consecutive victories, also had to work for his position. From barrier 11 he pressed forward to lead, rolling through solid sectionals that ultimately took their toll late in the race. He was collared by a sweeping Stormy Grove, with Invincible Ibis and Patch Of Cosmo also finishing over the top of him, yet his fourth placing carried merit given the effort expended early. Stewards questioned Derek Leung's tactics from the 800m mark, probing whether the tempo could have been steadied. The jockey responded that Numbers was “in a comfortable rhythm and as a result he elected to allow it to continue to stride forward without restraining his mount”. Importantly for Derby backers, Numbers continued strongly beyond the line, and the step up to 2000m appears well within his scope, having been runner-up in the Group One Queensland Derby over 2400m in Australia when racing as King Of Thunder. Elsewhere, Invincible Ibis rebounded from a Classic Mile sixth to reinsert himself into calculations, while Patch Of Cosmo, Dazzling Fit and Pope Cody all produced solid efforts that suggest they cannot be overlooked. In contrast, Sagacious Life’s standing suffered a significant blow after finishing a distant last, failing to settle and encountering interference at the 200m, a result that may prompt Zac Purton to seek alternative Derby prospects. With just weeks until March 22, the once-clear Derby picture has blurred, opening the door to new challengers and leaving punters with far more questions than answers.
Epsom Staves Off Housing Development Plan
Wednesday, 4th March 2026
Plans to construct 110 homes on land near Epsom racecourse in England have been refused by local councillors, delivering a setback to proposals linked to Jockey Club member and Cheltenham chairman Martin St Quinton. The decision followed strong opposition from racing bodies, residents and conservation campaigners concerned about the implications for both the equine population and the surrounding environment, reports racingpost.com. The proposed development at Langley Vale Road sits close to the start of the Derby course and a bridleway regularly used by Epsom trainers to access the gallops. The Jockey Club, which owns the racecourse and training grounds, formally objected to the scheme last year, warning it would “have a significant adverse impact upon the operations of the horseracing industry within the vicinity”. Central to the objections were fears that additional traffic would heighten risks to horses and riders navigating the area. Councillors at Epsom & Ewell borough council’s planning committee cited increased vehicle movements, potential wildlife disruption and the proximity to established training routes as decisive factors in rejecting the application. Public resistance proved substantial. The council received 364 written objections, alongside an online petition attracting more than 2,000 signatures. Councillor Bernice Froud said, “Once we pour concrete over it, we will destroy this site of nature conservation importance forever”, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Fellow councillor Steven McCormick highlighted the potential danger posed by added traffic, stating: “By placing 110 homes and hundreds of daily car movements at the mouth of the Warren, a known site for unseated riders, we are creating a collision corridor.” Developer Fairfax Aspire argued that revised designs could incorporate measures to mitigate harm to the adjacent green belt and surrounding landscape. However, those assurances failed to convince the committee. St Quinton, who will step down as chair of Cheltenham in May after seven years in the role, acknowledged the outcome while signalling that the matter may not be closed. “We are disappointed that the members chose to refuse the application despite the officer's recommendation for approval, but we will take advice and consider next steps,” he said. The Jockey Club declined to expand on its earlier submissions, maintaining its previously stated position. For now, the decision preserves the status quo around one of British racing’s most storied venues, though the prospect of further appeals or revised proposals means the debate over development near Epsom is unlikely to fade quickly.
Epsom Downs is one of the most famous racecourses in the world
Thompson Aiming for Victory with Impunity
Wednesday, 4th March 2026
A long-awaited return to the winner’s circle could be within reach at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, provided the conditions fall his way. Impunity, now a year removed from his last victory, lines up in the TAB Handicap (2110m) for what will be his fourth run this preparation, and trainer John Thompson told racingnsw.com.au, the signs are there that a breakthrough is close. Last start offered more frustration than form. In a similar race two weeks ago, there was quiet confidence in the camp that the five-year-old would be in the finish, only for interference at a crucial stage to derail his momentum and leave him sixth behind Stylebender. Thompson felt the effort was better than it reads on paper by the son of Dundeel. “He was going to run well the other day,’’ Thompson said. “We were expecting a big improvement, he was getting to his right distance. He’s a real 2400m horse but it’s far enough for him to get into it. “Just when he was starting to wind up the horse in front of him came back in his face and stopped him in his tracks. It was a non-event. He’s not a horse with a turn of foot, he’s got to wind up.” That grinding style makes positioning critical, and barrier draws have not been kind. Thompson noted the gelding has repeatedly been posted wide, leaving him further back than ideal. “He keeps drawing outside barriers which doesn’t help, with a good draw he could be two lengths closer in the run,” he said. Surface conditions are another variable. While a soft track holds no real fears, heavy going has proven problematic, with two defeats on rain-affected ground marking his record. “He seems to be going well, he’s no good on wet tracks that’s for sure, and he’s ready to win given the right circumstances,’’ Thompson said. “He has to start doing something now he’s at his right distance and he’s fit and well.” Chad Schofield, fresh from a Group 1 success last weekend, takes the reins and brings familiarity, having partnered the gelding in his last win in February 2025. Elsewhere in the stable, Starphistocated is being aimed higher after an effortless 1500m Midway win at Rosehill. Thompson is leaning toward Saturday’s Group 3 Aspiration Quality (1600m) at Randwick as a stepping stone to her primary goal. “Her aim is the Epona two weeks after this, it’s to get a mile run into her but she’s going very well. She’ll be a threat,’’ he said.
Gluyas Stable Banking on Promising 3YOs
Wednesday, 4th March 2026
Momentum is building within the Andrew Gluyas yard as two progressive three-year-olds shape as key players for the remainder of the carnival. Dirty Old Town and Freedom Flame fought out a compelling finish on the Parks track at Morphettville last weekend, and their paths now diverge toward separate autumn targets. Dirty Old Town has scarcely put a foot wrong in her debut preparation, chalking up a third straight victory when charging home from off the speed to edge out her stablemate. The manner in which she attacked the line has fuelled confidence that there is more to come as distances increase and pressure rises. “She’s been really good this prep,’’ Joe Gluyas said. “We weren’t too sure where her ceiling is, she just attacks the line.” Plans are already in place to press on. “The Morphettville Guineas on the Cup Day, that’s where we’ll head all being well,’’ he added. Freedom Flame, brave in defeat at her second run back from a spell, remains on course for the Group 1 Australasian Oaks later in April. While she could not match the finishing burst of her stablemate, her effort suggested she is building fitness at the right time. “We’ve set her for a few races for later in the Carnival,’’ Gluyas said, signalling patience rather than haste as she progresses. Elsewhere on the card, Acapella Moon delivered a moment to savour for Hannah Bryce, who saddled her first winner as a trainer when the mare swept home to overhaul Autumn Frost under Connor Murtagh. Overcome by the occasion, Bryce admitted, “I haven’t been training for year, I’m overwhelmed.’’ She added simply, “It’s unbelievable.’’ Placo further enhanced his South Australian record with a fourth win from nine local starts since joining Luke O’Connor, dictating terms in front under Teagan Voorham. O’Connor felt a rain-affected surface and a heavier workload between runs proved decisive. “Probably trainer error first-up, he was a bit fresh,’’ he said. “We’ve served the work up to him, he just loves the hard work and was very impressive today.” With bigger ambitions floating, he conceded the CS Hayes Stakes on Cup Day was a possibility, though he cautioned against getting carried away. At Port Lincoln on Friday, Tala Hutchinson seized the biggest success of her riding career aboard Excelman, replacing the injured Sophie Potter and steering the grey to a narrow victory in the Cup. “I feel for Sophie,’’ Hutchinson said. “I got stuck three-wide but had cover, he was tough.’’ The win capped a riding double and shared honours with Sairyn Fawke, underlining a weekend of emerging talent across the state.
