According to a newscorp.com.au report, decades of discussion surrounding the fragmentation of Australia’s parimutuel wagering system have moved significantly closer to resolution after racing authorities and Tabcorp reached agreement on the introduction of a National Tote. The landmark arrangement follows extensive negotiations between Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys and Tabcorp managing director and chief executive Gillon McLachlan, clearing one of the largest remaining obstacles to combining the country’s separate totalisator pools. Australia presently operates three principal tote pools, an arrangement that divides liquidity, produces different dividends between jurisdictions and weakens the capacity of parimutuel wagering to compete with fixed-odds betting. Under the proposed model, investments placed through participating operators would be consolidated into a single national pool, creating greater depth and reducing the volatility that can occur when substantial bets enter smaller state-based pools. The agreement had originally been pursued with a July 1 commencement in mind, but the complexity of aligning commercial arrangements, technology and regulatory requirements delayed the proposed launch. An August introduction is now being targeted, with Winx Stakes day on August 22 emerging as a possible starting point if the remaining approvals and operational work are completed. Supporters believe the unified structure will deliver greater certainty to punters, improve the attractiveness of tote betting and strengthen returns to racing by making the national product more competitive. Larger pools should also make it more difficult for individual wagers to cause dramatic late changes to dividends, an issue that has frustrated recreational customers and contributed to migration towards fixed prices. The agreement represents an important achievement for McLachlan, who has identified the creation of a National Tote as a central element of Tabcorp’s strategy, while V’landys has long argued that Australian racing must overcome jurisdictional divisions when national cooperation offers a clear commercial benefit. Considerable work nevertheless remains before the system can begin. Regulators must approve the final framework, participating bodies must complete the required contractual arrangements and technology must be tested to ensure investments are transferred and settled accurately across all jurisdictions. The interests of the thoroughbred, harness and greyhound codes will also need to be accommodated within the completed structure. Even with those steps outstanding, the agreement between Tabcorp and Racing NSW is regarded as the decisive breakthrough. Should implementation proceed as planned, the change will mark the most significant restructuring of Australian tote wagering in generations and establish a single national pool capable of offering customers greater liquidity, more stable dividends and a simpler betting proposition.
A national tote would create one major pool with significant liquidity
NEWSavill Condemns BHA Chair Selection Process
Wednesday, 15th July 2026
Fresh controversy has surrounded the search for British racing's next leader after Peter Savill criticised the process that ended his attempt to become chair of the British Horseracing Authority, according to racingpost.com. Savill, who chaired the governing body's predecessor, the British Horseracing Board, from 1998 until 2004, was informed that his application would not progress, while two other candidates are understood to have advanced to the next stage. The position became vacant when Lord Allen resigned in March after only six months in office, forcing the BHA to begin another search during a period of significant political, financial and structural pressure on the sport. Savill returned to prominence in racing politics through the formation of the Professional Racing Association, his position on the Racehorse Owners Association board and his ownership of Plumpton racecourse. He announced his candidacy in May and said he had initially received backing from more than 200 industry participants, a figure he later placed at 250 owners, trainers, breeders, agents, racing managers and other professionals. Savill described himself as extremely disappointed by the outcome but reserved his strongest criticism for the interview conducted by the BHA's interim nominations committee. He said he was not asked to identify British racing's principal challenges or explain what he would do to address them, while the detailed plan he had refined through months of consultation was not examined. According to Savill, the committee appeared more interested in style, collaboration and further consultation than in the substantive problems confronting the industry. He warned that racing had become vulnerable to "death by consultation" after spending years diagnosing its difficulties without displaying sufficient confidence to implement solutions. Savill also questioned whether the chair of British racing should be chosen by a small committee, operating privately and comprised largely of independent directors from outside the industry. He argued that greater transparency would allow candidates' plans and vision to be examined by people whose livelihoods depend on the sport's future. The interim committee consists of independent BHA directors Kyrsten Halley, Tara Warren and Raj Parker, Chester chief executive Louise Stewart and Thoroughbred Breeders Association chair Philip Newton. Responding to Savill's criticism, the BHA said it had published details of the selection procedure, committee composition and candidate specification. A spokesman said the desired chair required active knowledge of racing, its financial model, stakeholder environment, political relationships, connection with gambling and the broader challenges facing the sport. The authority emphasised that the appointment involved several stages, remained in progress and would be subject to further updates, leaving Savill's rejection as the latest flashpoint in an already turbulent period of British racing governance.
Jacaranda City Ready to Welcome Ramornie Day
Wednesday, 15th July 2026
A capacity field and the prospect of genuine pressure should ensure Wednesday's Listed Ramornie Handicap at Grafton is decided by the sprinter best able to travel economically before sustaining a final 300-metre burst. The $200,000 quality handicap is scheduled for 3.59pm on a Good 4 surface, with the rail returning to the true position following Sunday's meeting. Pereille is the horse to beat. Tony Gollan's gelding has been luckless through much of his preparation, yet two metropolitan placings from four starts this campaign confirm he is racing well enough, and the market has installed him around $4.50-$4.80 despite barrier 12. Robbie Dolan should be able to find cover midfield, and a return to this slightly easier company gives the six-year-old an opportunity to end a lengthy winning drought. Givemethebeatboys appeals as the principal danger. The former Irish colt has mixed his results since joining Michael Freedman, but his best Australian performance, including a strong Eagle Farm win and earlier Gr3 placing, places him firmly in this grade. Nash Rawiller is an important booking, although barrier 10 and 57.5kg demand a polished ride. Band Of Brothers, around $7, may represent the most progressive runner. Matthew Dunn's three-year-old receives 54kg, draws seven and can improve sharply on his latest ninth after resuming with a second. The weight and likely stalking position give him every chance to finish over the top if the leaders overdo things. Fire Star completes the preferred four. Peter Snowden has won six Ramornies since 2010, most recently with Ka Bling in 2024, and his runner has been kept safe near $10 despite drawing 14. That gate is awkward, but Fire Star drops to 54.5kg and owns enough tactical speed to offset it if Andrew Adkins can slot in without excessive work. Brudenell has attracted one specialist's support at double figures after contesting the WJ Healy Stakes, while Harry's Bar is another capable of running above market expectations from barrier one after winning the Wagga Town Plate two starts ago. Cosmic Fire, Manolo Bling and My Mum's Toyboy add further depth, and the presence of several forward runners suggests the tempo will be searching. History favours Queensland-trained sprinters, with Sha Of Gomer winning for Jeff Dunn in 2025 after Ka Bling's success for Snowden twelve months earlier. Pereille fits that northern profile and, on balance, has the strongest blend of current form, class and market confidence. The predicted finish is Pereille first, Givemethebeatboys second, Band Of Brothers third and Fire Star fourth, with Brudenell the value runner capable of disturbing the quartet in a fiercely contested renewal.
Pereille is knocking on the door for Tony Gollan
The Real Man Gives Beamish First Winner
Wednesday, 15th July 2026
Only three starters were required for Liam Beamish to celebrate the first victory of his training career, with The Real Man delivering the breakthrough in Sunday's Benchmark 64 over 1009 metres at Devonport, reveal tasracing.com.au. The three-year-old started at $6 and overcame barrier 10 under apprentice Kirra-Lee Lane, whose three-kilogram claim reduced his allotted 58kg to 55kg. Lane produced a composed ride aboard the chestnut, allowing him to travel before mounting a winning challenge and defeating Volkanovski by one length in 59.26 seconds. Cool Heart finished another 0.2 lengths away in third, while favourite Houlihan filled fourth position. The result came soon after Beamish obtained his licence following a lifetime spent around thoroughbreds and represented an early reward for the decision to establish his own training operation. The Real Man had been his first runner when the new stable commenced and has now ensured the trainer's name appears on the winners' list almost immediately. A son of former Newgate Farm stallion Deep Field, the gelding is out of the Wanted mare Real Desire and began his career in Victoria after attracting a substantial price as a yearling. He was purchased for $260,000 by McEvoy Mitchell Racing and Belmont Bloodstock Agency from the HP Thoroughbreds draft at the 2024 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, but later became available through the Inglis Digital platform. Beamish secured him for only $7,500 in the 2026 Inglis March Early Online Sale, creating a considerable contrast between his original valuation and the amount required to bring him to Tasmania. The Devonport success was The Real Man's first start for Beamish and his second career victory, adding to a maiden win achieved over 1100 metres before his change of ownership. His breeding also offers considerable interest, with Real Desire responsible for Gr2 winner Skybird, while Deep Field established himself as a reliable source of speed before his premature death. Beamish narrowly missed adding another victory later on the program when Henley Extreme contested the Class 2 Handicap over 1650 metres. The five-year-old mare, a daughter of Extreme Choice, finished fifth behind Tikken but was beaten less than two lengths, providing further encouragement from the trainer's small team. For a horseman entering one of the most demanding professions in racing, an initial winner can carry significance far beyond the prize-money attached to the race. The Real Man's Devonport performance validated Beamish's preparation, recruitment and placement of the gelding, while giving the fledgling stable an immediate platform from which to build as its number of runners gradually expands.
Japan Connections Planning Melbourne Cup Sting
Wednesday, 15th July 2026
A direct assault on the first Tuesday in November is being prepared from Japan, with high-class stayer Stinger Glass set to travel to Australia for the Gr1 Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 3. According to racing.com, trainer Yasuo Tomomichi has confirmed the five-year-old will enter quarantine at Northern Farm Ten-ei before heading south, with no Australian lead-up planned ahead of the 3200-metre feature. "We'll quarantine him at Northern Farm Ten-ei and then go straight into the race," Tomomichi said. "The distance seems to suit him, and he should be able to handle the turf there." A rider has yet to be secured for the ambitious campaign, although Christophe Lemaire has already offered a ringing endorsement of the entire, describing him as possessing "a lot of stamina and a big heart" and suggesting 3200 metres should be ideal. Stinger Glass brings a record of six wins from 12 starts and has demonstrated an ability to perform across a broad staying range, from 2000 metres through to 3400 metres. His most significant success came in this year's Gr3 Diamond Stakes at Tokyo, where Lemaire was aboard as he recovered from a slow beginning, improved his position along the back straight and sustained his effort strongly to score over the marathon journey. That victory underlined the qualities likely to be required at Flemington, while his previous campaign had already established him as a serious staying prospect. He won the Listed Sapporo Nikkei Sho over 2600 metres in 2025 and later finished a narrow second in the Gr2 Copa Republica Argentina at Tokyo over 2500 metres. His latest appearance produced a less flattering result when he finished 13th in the Gr1 Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin in June, but the 2200-metre trip was considerably short of his preferred distance and Tomomichi has not treated the performance as an accurate measure of the horse's staying ability. Bred for depth and endurance, Stinger Glass is by Japanese Derby winner and leading sire Kizuna, a son of Deep Impact, from the Argentine mare Life For Sale. A daughter of Not For Sale, Life For Sale was a multiple Gr1 winner in Argentina before joining Northern Farm's broodmare band, giving her son a potent blend of Japanese and South American staying influences. Stinger Glass was purchased for ¥126.5 million at the 2021 JRHA Select Sale, a price reflecting both the quality of his pedigree and the expectations attached to him from an early stage. Japan's pursuit of another Melbourne Cup has remained a compelling thread since Delta Blues defeated Pop Rock in the 2006 edition, while Warp Speed went agonisingly close in 2024 when narrowly denied by Knights Choice. Stinger Glass will now attempt to add his name to that history through a deliberately uncomplicated preparation built around quarantine, travel and the race itself, relying on his proven stamina, tactical adaptability and capacity to settle before producing a sustained finishing effort over the Flemington two miles.
So You Are Poised for Osland Farewell
Wednesday, 15th July 2026
A final assignment for the stable could provide Stirling Osland with his first stakes success when progressive stayer So You Are contests Thursday's $200,000 Listed Grafton Cup over 2350 metres. The four-year-old will transfer to the Bjorn Baker stable after the race, a decision Osland believes will give the gelding the best opportunity to fulfil his potential while substantially reducing the amount of travelling required from his Armidale base. So You Are has spent considerable time on the road during his development and, although regarded as an excellent traveller, his trainer considers a permanent move to Sydney the logical next step. The change has been made with the interests of owner Stuart Ramsey and the horse at the forefront, despite the possibility that Osland is relinquishing a future Gr1 performer. "He's done his job for us, I think he deserves his chance to race in Sydney and cut the travel out," Osland said. "With us he's probably spending 30 hours a month on a float, he doesn't mind it because he's a good traveller but at the same time the best thing for him is to be in town." Osland had raised the prospect of transferring So You Are after his three-year-old season, but Ramsey preferred to leave the gelding in familiar surroundings and allow him time to mature. That patience has been rewarded during his latest campaign, with So You Are emerging as one of the most promising younger stayers racing in NSW and Queensland. His past two performances have come behind Baker-trained Thebudgiesmugla, who defeated him by less than a length in the Winter Cup over 2400 metres at Rosehill before holding him by half a length in the Caloundra Cup over the same distance. Osland believes those efforts carry considerable merit because So You Are is a year younger than his recent conqueror and is only beginning to develop the strength and experience required of a seasoned distance horse. The trainer felt his runner briefly lost concentration when crowded in the Caloundra Cup, allowing Thebudgiesmugla to establish a decisive advantage, but was encouraged by the manner in which So You Are reduced the margin late. Most of the gelding's recent rivals have been older stayers, yet he has repeatedly demonstrated that he belongs in their company and appears capable of becoming a regular Group-level competitor. Ben Looker retains the ride at Grafton, where barrier two should allow So You Are to obtain an economical position before being asked to produce his customary sustained finish. Osland is confident the gelding has arrived at the right race in excellent form, giving the stable every chance of ending their association with a richly deserved feature victory.
Margot's Deel Drops in Grade for Confidence Lift
Wednesday, 15th July 2026
A deliberate retreat from stakes company is expected to give Margot's Deel the opportunity to rediscover winning form when she returns in Wednesday's Class 3 Plate over 1600 metres at Eagle Farm. Deagon trainer Jason Edwards had considered two races at Randwick last weekend, but abandoned the Sydney trip because of the wet conditions and elected to remain in Queensland for a significantly easier assignment. The daughter of Dundeel has not raced since finishing ninth in the Magic Millions National Classic at Eagle Farm on June 6, although Edwards has maintained her fitness and gave her a 1000-metre barrier trial at Doomben on June 30. She finished fourth in that hit-out and enters Wednesday's race after more than five weeks between starts, a gap Edwards acknowledges while remaining hopeful that the class reduction will allow his mare to regain confidence before spelling. Margot's Deel made an immediate impression after joining the stable last winter, winning three of her first five starts for Edwards and prompting him to describe her as the best horse he had trained. Those performances encouraged connections to raise their ambitions during the Queensland Racing Carnival, when she competed in a sequence of stronger races without securing the major result they had hoped to achieve. She began the campaign by narrowly finishing second in the Military Rose at the Gold Coast in March, producing an effort Edwards described as outstanding after going within another stride of victory. Margot's Deel subsequently raced behind Miss Joelene at Doomben before finishing seven lengths away in the Listed Brisbane Handicap at Eagle Farm. Her next two performances were more encouraging, with a close fourth in the Listed Silk Stocking on May 9 followed by a seventh, beaten less than three lengths, in the Gr3 Magic Millions Mile at Doomben. Edwards believes her carnival performances were better than the bare results suggest, particularly because she was disadvantaged by the conditions of several set-weights races compared with what she would have received under handicap terms. "She probably never reached the heights we had hoped for, but I wasn't disappointed with her," he said. Although Margot's Deel has been in training for an extended period, the stable has resisted immediately turning her out and instead sought a winnable race capable of restoring the assurance evident during her earlier preparation. Wednesday's contest carries prize-money of $38,000 and represents a substantial drop from the black-type company she has been meeting. Edwards remains mindful of the time between races but believes she has been kept sufficiently sharp, describing the assignment as an intended confidence-building victory before she heads for a break.
Confidence can boost Margot's Deel (pic: Racing Queensland)
Conghua Central to Hayes Development Model
Wednesday, 15th July 2026
An expanding group of young horses has given David Hayes confidence that his stable's extensive use of Conghua Racecourse will produce even stronger results during the 2026-27 Hong Kong season. The dual champion trainer has become one of Conghua's most successful supporters, with 20 of his 54 winners during the latest campaign having been prepared at the mainland facility between races. Hayes regards the varied surroundings, turf access and quieter environment as particularly valuable for inexperienced horses, allowing them to mature physically while becoming accustomed to situations they do not regularly encounter at Sha Tin. He believes the education received by his younger team will become increasingly evident next season and is hopeful they can develop into a vintage crop. "Most of my young horses have benefited from training in Conghua," Hayes said. "They will continue to improve next season and hopefully become my vintage crop." The availability of regular grass-track training is a notable advantage in Hayes's view, while the change of scenery encourages developing horses to observe new surroundings and become more adaptable. Conghua has also played an important role in the career of Ka Ying Rising, the world's highest-rated sprinter and a consecutive Hong Kong Horse of the Year. The elite speedster spent significant periods of his early development at the facility and is currently galloping there ahead of his return next season. Ka Ying Rising is scheduled to travel back to Sha Tin in August, arriving four or five days before a late-month barrier trial as he builds towards the season opener and another appearance in the Gr1 The Everest over 1200 metres. Hayes said Conghua had consistently formed part of the gelding's preparation and race build-up, providing visible proof that the centre can contribute to the development and maintenance of the world's best horses. Ka Ying Resilience offers another example of its versatility. The Blue Point gelding completed his rehabilitation at Conghua after injury, enjoyed a break and contested two barrier trials before returning to Hong Kong only two days before an impressive victory. Hayes identified the quality of the tracks, the less congested environment and rehabilitation resources such as the water walker as three important benefits for horses recovering from physical setbacks. The trainer is also enthusiastic about Conghua's future as a racing venue and intends to support regular meetings there when they begin. Immediate attention turns to Stormy Knight, who contests Wednesday's Class 4 Super Oasis Handicap over 1200 metres at the Happy Valley season finale. The three-year-old Headwater gelding trained at Conghua last month and is viewed by Hayes as a horse capable of becoming highly competitive after another year of development, with Wednesday's experience expected to assist his progression into his four-year-old season.
Invincible Ibis Claims Champion Awards Double
Wednesday, 15th July 2026
A spectacular rise through Hong Kong's ranks was recognised with two major honours when Karaka graduate Invincible Ibis was celebrated at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Champion Awards. The Mark Newnham-trained four-year-old was named Champion Four-Year-Old for the 2025-26 season and also received the Most Improved Horse title after lifting his handicap rating from 55 to 112 during an outstanding campaign. Purchased by Mark Newnham Bloodstock for $425,000 from Kilgravin Lodge's draft at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, Invincible Ibis has provided an emphatic return for the Ibis Syndicate and strengthened the international record of Karaka's two-year-old auction. The son of Hellbent raced nine times during the completed Hong Kong season, producing five wins and two placings while earning HK$24.1 million, approximately NZ$5.3 million and more than 12 times his purchase price. His defining performance came in the Hong Kong Derby over 2000 metres, where he completed the distance in a race-record 1:59.43 and established himself among the jurisdiction's leading younger horses. Invincible Ibis subsequently ventured into Gr1 company for the first time and finished a creditable fourth in the Champions Mile over 1600 metres, confirming that his Derby success was no isolated peak. Bred by A Goonan, he is out of the Darci Brahma mare My Dear Friend and emerged from a sale that has developed a formidable record of producing horses capable of succeeding in Hong Kong's demanding environment. His awards contributed to a distinctly New Zealand-influenced evening at the Rosewood Hotel, where Ka Ying Rising was named Champion Sprinter and shared Horse of the Year honours with Romantic Warrior. The world's highest-rated sprinter is by Windsor Park Stud stallion Shamexpress and, like Invincible Ibis, collected two titles during the ceremony. Invincible Ibis's rapid transformation from a relatively modestly rated runner into a Derby winner also arrived as New Zealand Bloodstock prepares for another edition of its Ready to Run Sale at Karaka on November 18 and 19. Breeze-ups for the auction will be conducted at Te Rapa on October 12 and 13. The sale has recorded three successive record-breaking editions, with its 2025 aggregate reaching $41.4 million, accompanied by a record median of $100,000 and average of $156,255. Its aggregate has climbed 74 per cent from the $23.8 million recorded in 2019, while the average has risen 70 per cent during the same seven-year period. Invincible Ibis now stands as a potent advertisement for that upward trajectory, combining substantial racetrack earnings with championship recognition and one of Hong Kong racing's most coveted Classic victories.
Hellbent is the sire of awarded Invincible Ibis (pic: Yarraman Park Stud)
Winter Specialists Master Morphettville Deluge
Wednesday, 15th July 2026
Relentless rain transformed Morphettville Parks into a searching examination of stamina and adaptability, with Jandami, Prickly Poppy and veteran Willybeafactor among those thriving as the surface deteriorated to a Heavy 10. The meeting began on a Soft 6 but was downgraded repeatedly as showers swept across the circuit, eventually making the outside section of the track increasingly valuable. Campbell Rawiller recognised the developing pattern and produced a decisive tactical ride aboard the Darryl Dodson-trained Jandami in the Benchmark 62 over 1578 metres. Starting from barrier 11 with 60kg, Rawiller deliberately kept the lightly raced grey away from the inferior inside ground before crossing, then angled towards the outside rail in the straight. That manoeuvre allowed Jandami to wear down short-priced favourite Pierroplane and score by just over a length, taking his record to three wins from eight starts. The son of Barbados had returned from almost a year away when seventh over 1200 metres at Bordertown on June 28, where he was not fully tested despite finishing only three and a half lengths from the winner. The step to 1578 metres and return to genuinely rain-affected ground brought him sharply forward, adding to previous victories on Heavy and Soft tracks at Mount Gambier and Warracknabeal. Another striking performance came from Prickly Poppy, who defied odds of approximately $46 to win a gruelling 2294-metre contest for dual-licensed trainer Caitlin Lacy. Positioned prominently under Ashvin Goindasamy, the seven-year-old appeared vulnerable when several rivals moved past her on straightening and favourite Eight On The Dot established what looked a winning advantage. Prickly Poppy continued to respond, however, regaining ground in the heavy conditions and fighting back along the outside to secure a determined victory. Bought for $2,000 through an Inglis Digital sale earlier in the year, the Belardo mare has earned more than $32,000 from seven starts for her new connections. The result also gave Goindasamy his first metropolitan success in South Australia since relocating from Queensland in February. At the opposite end of the age spectrum, nine-year-old Willybeafactor demonstrated that his appetite for testing ground remains undiminished. The George Dimitropoulos-trained gelding registered the 13th victory of his career, with 12 of those wins achieved on rain-affected surfaces. Stacey Metcalfe guided the durable campaigner to another success, lifting his earnings beyond $437,000 and reinforcing his reputation as one of South Australian racing's most dependable winter performers on a day when proven wet-track credentials became the defining advantage.
Classic Stars Lead Fasig-Tipton First-Croppers
Wednesday, 15th July 2026
A first glimpse of the yearling progeny by two American Classic winners will add intrigue to Fasig-Tipton's The July Sale on July 14, where buyers will assess forward members of the 2025 foal crop. According to bloodhorse.com, Kentucky Derby winner Mage (see below) and Belmont Stakes hero Arcangelo are among the debut sires represented, with consignors reporting encouraging physical traits and interest. Airdrie Stud will offer Hip 55, a grey or roan Mage colt out of stakes-placed French Politics, whose produce record includes stakes winner Hurricane Nelson and two further stakes performers. The family also features champion sprinter Orientate and Gr1 Oak Leaf Stakes winner Dream Team. Airdrie president Bret Jones believes the colt was an obvious choice to introduce Mage's yearlings to the market, describing him as balanced, sound and strongly reminiscent of his sire. Mage, a son of Good Magic who stood the latest season for $15,000, has left Jones impressed across the crop. He said the youngsters consistently display substance, balance and powerful hindquarters, along with the calm disposition that enabled Mage to deliver his finest performance before a Kentucky Derby crowd of 150,000. Jones considers the crop exceptional based on those raised at Airdrie and inspected elsewhere, and believes the stallion can make a significant impact through the yearling season. Similar assessments have come from C & S Thoroughbreds and Warrendale Sales, whose Mage offerings have been described as big, strong individuals carrying the pronounced hips and shoulders associated with their sire. C & S presents Hip 132, a chestnut filly from the family of champion older mare Close Hatches and dual champion Idiomatic. Sarah Estrada said the filly was well suited to the auction and noted a growing buzz around Mage's first yearlings. Warrendale's Hip 223 is a chestnut colt out of the Cupid mare Winter Love, whose dam Street Love is a full sister to Gr1 King's Bishop Stakes winner Capo Bastone. The colt's two-year-old half-sister Ruby Express finished third on debut at Lone Star Park in June, while Warrendale's Hunter Simms highlighted Hip 223's imposing hip and shoulder. Simms also recalled that Mage foals sold well in November and expects that reception to carry into the yearling market. Arcangelo, the Arrogate colt crowned champion three-year-old after winning the Belmont and Gr1 Travers Stakes, has two representatives catalogued. C & S offers Hip 121, a grey or roan filly out of Indian Charlie mare Morea and a half-sister to graded-placed stakes winner Half Is Enough. Estrada described her as a lovely individual who possesses the maturity required for July, despite expecting some Arcangelo progeny to benefit from additional time. Taylor Made Sales Agency, acting for DJ Stable, consigns Hip 81, a grey or roan filly from Bernardini mare Ice Cream, already the dam of stakes-placed Braums Run. Her extended pedigree includes stakes winners Value Engineering and Catrageous, along with graded winner High Velocity, giving depth to Arcangelo's opening auction representation after standing at Lane's End for US $30,000.
Magical Sequence Extends Winning Run
Wednesday, 15th July 2026
A successful return from a spell strengthened an already impressive record when Magical Sequence completed a winning hat-trick for Karnup trainer Jason Miller and a syndicate managed by his wife Sarah in Saturday's Mrs Mac's Handicap over 1200m at Belmont. Bred by Mogumber Park, the four-year-old daughter of Rommel had closed her previous campaign with consecutive Ascot victories in February and resumed with enough determination to defeat Atlantic Spirit by half a length, with Zourun Run filling third place. According to a report by tbwa.net.au, Willie Pike secured an economical position from the inside barrier before presenting the mare at the right stage, helping her register a sixth success from only 11 appearances and suggesting further improvement could emerge during her second winter preparation. Purchased by the Millers for $77,500 from Mogumber Park's draft at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Magical Sequence has now earned her large ownership group more than $200,000, including approximately $70,000 through Westspeed bonuses. Stable representative Jordie Rolfe said the result had delighted connections, many of whom were holidaying in Coral Bay, and revealed their confidence had been particularly strong before the race. "They've always had confidence in her ability and were alarmingly confident when we spoke this morning," he said. Pike had also been encouraged by Magical Sequence's trial performance and her increasingly professional approach, despite some nervous behaviour before the start. "She was edgy in the barriers but was tractable and it felt like the race was scripted perfectly when the runs came every time." Brayden Gaerth partnered the mare for her maiden victory at Pinjarra in June 2025 before Pike assumed riding duties. Magical Sequence is out of the Ascot winner Jinsky Magic, an Ihtiram mare who has produced four winners from four runners, and was bred by Mogumber Park principals Colin Brown and Fiona Lacey. The same operation also bred Rommel's RL Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Maria Lucia. A son of Commands, Rommel stands alongside Deep Field stallion Aysar at Ridgeport Farm, with both advertised at $6,600 including GST.
