A catalogue featuring 760 yearlings by 119 individual sires has been released for the 2027 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, scheduled for February 7–9 at Riverside Stables in Sydney, with the auction house highlighting an increasingly compelling record of producing elite racehorses at accessible prices. The 2027 offering features progeny of established commercial heavyweights including Extreme Choice, I Am Invincible, Snitzel, Zoustar, Written Tycoon, Justify, Wootton Bassett, Anamoe, Home Affairs, Ole Kirk and Maurice, while a particularly strong representation of emerging stallions promises buyers opportunities across a broad spectrum of the market. Twenty-three first-season sires will be represented, compared with 14 in the previous catalogue, including Anamoe's contemporaries on the stallion roster such as Golden Mile, Militarize, Ozzmosis, Shinzo and Cylinder, alongside international newcomers Paddington, Native Trail, Panthalassa, Chaldean and Benbatl. A total of 73 vendors, including Arrowfield, Coolmore, Widden, Yulong, Sledmere and Vinery, will offer yearlings eligible for various state-based incentive schemes, with every lot also eligible for the Inglis Race Series. The Classic Sale's growing reputation is supported by an impressive record since 2018, during which its graduates have included 26 Gr1 winners, 54 horses earning at least $1 million in Australian prizemoney and 171 individual Australian stakes winners. Significantly, 15 of those Gr1 winners could have been purchased for $100,000 or less, while the average price of an Australian stakes winner emerging from Classic during that period was $111,904, compared with $317,726 for equivalent graduates of the Gold Coast sale. Among the outstanding performers associated with Classic are Pride Of Jenni, Private Harry, Mazu, Skybird, Arkansaw Kid and Libertad, while $70,000 purchase Idle Flyer joined the Gr1-winning ranks during 2026. The auction's international credentials have also strengthened considerably, particularly in Hong Kong, where $80,000 graduate Invincible Ibis won the 2026 Hong Kong Derby, following the historic Hong Kong Triple Crown triumph of six-time Gr1 winner Voyage Bubble. Classic graduates have accumulated 621 victories through 231 individual winners in Hong Kong since 2018, with Little Paradise adding the Hong Kong Classic Mile to that record in 2026. Inglis Managing Director Sebastian Hutch noted that the sale's appeal extended beyond the quality of its graduates to the comparatively modest prices at which many of its greatest successes had been secured, reinforcing the belief that buyers across every market segment could discover future Gr1 performers when the Riverside auction commences in February.
Classic graduate Pride of Jenni (pic: Mark Gatt)
NEWJedi Dream Delivers Placid Ark Thriller
Weekend, 16th November 2026
A breathtaking final-stride victory in Saturday's $500,000 Listed Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) at Ascot has delivered emerging trainer Stefan Vahala the biggest success of his career and provided jockey Steven Parnham with a remarkable conclusion to an afternoon on which he celebrated his 1000th winner. Sent out at $41 against a competitive field of three-year-old sprinters, Jedi Dream appeared to face an almost impossible task approaching the home turn, with only three runners behind her before producing an extraordinary finishing burst to snatch victory in the final bound. The daughter of Cosmic Force surged down the outside to defeat Gaintree ($17) by a nose, with One Last Resort ($3.40) overcoming a troubled passage to secure third, while early leader Anaconda Jones ($41) was overhauled in the closing stages. Parnham had reached his career milestone earlier in the programme aboard Street Band ($10), making Jedi Dream's triumph his 1001st winner and completing a memorable double celebration. For Vahala, the victory was particularly satisfying after a frustrating sequence of narrow defeats throughout the year, with six of his previous seven nose decisions having gone against his stable. “Just amazing. I thought we came second over the line and then to get that result, I had to run back out and hug the family,” Vahala told The West Australian. The result also vindicated a significant change in programme for the promising filly, who had initially been considered for the Gr3 WA Champion Fillies' Stakes (1600m) before connections decided her inability to finish strongly over 1400m made a return to sprinting preferable. Jedi Dream had demonstrated considerable natural ability when finishing fourth in the Karrakatta Plate earlier in the year, but Vahala acknowledged that her preparation had not always unfolded as expected, despite his confidence in her devastating acceleration. The trainer said her performance was especially rewarding following a season of numerous placings without a corresponding number of victories. The decision to contest the Placid Ark rather than the Champion Fillies' proved doubly significant when Profit Motive ($1.70 favourite) subsequently confirmed her superiority over longer distances with a three-quarter-length victory over Ruthless Angel ($21) in the Gr3 $300,000 feature. Jedi Dream's breakthrough has now raised the possibility of an ambitious attempt at the Gr1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on November 28, although Vahala indicated that the filly's recovery would determine whether she tackles older opposition. Having never previously saddled a Gr1 runner, the trainer faces an intriguing decision as his rapidly improving three-year-old approaches the most significant challenge of her young career.
A courageous performance under top weight has enabled General Salute to claim Saturday's $1 million Listed The Hunter (1300m) at Newcastle, providing jockey Tim Clark with a welcome reversal of fortune following a frustrating sequence of narrow defeats during the Sydney spring carnival. The Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained six-year-old carried 59kg to a determined nose victory over the Ciaron Maher-trained She's An Artist ($7), with favourite Sweynesday ($6) finishing third after a thrilling contest that remained unresolved until the judge examined the photograph. Starting at $10, General Salute was required to sustain a prolonged battle with the lightly weighted runner-up, whose late challenge threatened to deny Clark another major success after his recent disappointment aboard Decorum in the $10 million Golden Eagle at Randwick. On that occasion, Clark had been beaten in a photo-finish by Skyhook, adding to a series of spring carnival near misses, but his perseverance was rewarded when General Salute prevailed in similarly dramatic circumstances. Clark admitted he was reluctant to celebrate prematurely after crossing the line, having experienced enough narrow defeats in recent weeks to appreciate how easily the result might have gone against him. Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, the experienced rider also acknowledged the special significance of winning at Newcastle, where his affection for the Newcastle Knights makes any major sporting triumph particularly satisfying. The success was equally important for Ryan and Alexiou, who recorded their first victory in Newcastle's flagship race just a fortnight after celebrating a career-defining Golden Eagle triumph at Randwick. General Salute's achievement was especially noteworthy given the physical setbacks that have interrupted his career, including foot problems during his early development and surgery to remove bone chips earlier this year. His ability to return to competitive racing and defeat a strong field under the impost of 59kg demonstrated the resilience that has characterised his preparation. The victory represented his sixth success from 22 starts and lifted his career earnings beyond $1.6 million, further establishing him as a valuable campaigner for his Rosehill connections. Alexiou indicated that the $1 million Supernova at Pakenham could emerge as the gelding's next assignment, providing another lucrative opportunity over a suitable distance. The Newcastle programme also produced an emotional result when apprentice Siena Grima won the race named Izzy's Gift aboard Ertijaaj, honouring the memory of fellow apprentice Izzy Neale. For Clark, however, General Salute's victory provided a particularly satisfying conclusion to a demanding spring, demonstrating that persistence and a willing horse can ultimately make the difference when the margins are at their narrowest.
NEWBong Bong Celebrates 140 Years Of Racing
Weekend, 16th November 2026
One of Australia's most enduring country racing traditions reaches a significant milestone on Friday, November 20, when the Bong Bong Picnic Race Club celebrates its 140th anniversary with a meeting expected to attract a large gathering of racing enthusiasts and social visitors to the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. Situated approximately 125km southwest of Sydney, the historic club traces its origins to 1886, when racing was first conducted on the banks of the Wingecarribee River, establishing a tradition that has developed into one of the region's most recognisable annual sporting and social occasions. Club secretary Lucinda Murchie told Racing NSW that the anniversary represented an opportunity to celebrate the generations of local families, volunteers, sponsors and horsemen who have sustained the event throughout its lengthy history. Describing Bong Bong as the oldest racing club in New South Wales, Murchie reflected on the transformation of a modest country gathering into a fixture that continues to occupy a special place in the Southern Highlands community. The anniversary meeting will open with a commemorative parade honouring those associated with the club's development, while the traditional racing programme will be complemented by an extensive programme of entertainment and hospitality. Fashions on the Field will again feature prominently, with organisers anticipating an enthusiastic display of contemporary millinery and traditional racewear, while local food vendors, live music and a shuttle bus service will contribute to the celebrations. Among the attractions will be regional catering offerings ranging from traditional country barbecue favourites to wood-fired pizza, dumplings and paella, reinforcing the meeting's reputation as an occasion extending well beyond the racecourse. The anniversary also highlights the continuing importance of picnic racing within regional Australian communities, where race meetings often serve as major annual reunions and provide a valuable connection between rural traditions and contemporary sporting culture. The Southern Highlands celebrations form part of a particularly active weekend for country racing in New South Wales, with Adaminaby Cup Day scheduled for Saturday, November 21, featuring a musical-icons fashion theme and associated community festivities. Further south, the Canberra Racing Club will stage its $200,000 Canberra Community Chest (1400m) on Sunday, November 22, bringing together 12 local charities and community organisations competing for a share of $50,000 in funding. For Bong Bong, however, the immediate focus remains on honouring a remarkable 140-year legacy and ensuring that one of the state's most distinctive racing institutions continues to flourish for future generations.
NEWColic Scare Derails Jigsaw's Sprint Campaign
Weekend, 16th November 2026
An untimely bout of colic has forced trainer Cindy Alderson to abandon an ambitious interstate and international campaign with outstanding sprinter Jigsaw, although the eight-year-old could still return to New Zealand in January to defend his Gr1 Railway Stakes crown. The gelding, who has emerged as one of Australia's most accomplished sprinters over the past 12 months, required veterinary hospital treatment after suffering the setback approximately a week ago, prompting connections to abandon plans for a defence of his Meteorite title, a return trip to Perth and a possible appearance in December's Gr1 Hong Kong Sprint. Alderson confirmed that surgery was unnecessary and the condition had been brought under control relatively quickly, but lingering concerns about the horse's recovery persuaded connections that an extended spell was the most prudent course. Speaking to Racing.com, Alderson explained that although Jigsaw initially appeared to have recovered, he subsequently displayed signs that the episode had affected him more than anticipated. “He had colic a week or so ago and he ended up at the hospital, but he didn’t have to have surgery, and they got it under control pretty quickly,” she said. The decision interrupts a remarkable period during which Jigsaw compiled eight consecutive victories, including the Railway Stakes in New Zealand, the Gr1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley and the $5 million Quokka (1200m) at Ascot. His transformation into an elite sprinter had opened the door to international opportunities, with Hong Kong representing a potentially significant next chapter in his career. Alderson acknowledged the disappointment of losing those opportunities but stressed that the gelding's long-term welfare remained paramount, particularly given the success he has already delivered for his connections. The trainer noted that the horse's owner had described the contrast between the past two seasons as a change from a succession of green lights to a series of amber warnings. Jigsaw has since returned to the paddock and is reportedly feeling well, raising hopes that his interruption will prove relatively minor rather than a lasting impediment. While his immediate racing programme remains uncertain, a return to New Zealand for the Railway Stakes has not been ruled out, offering the prospect of the popular sprinter resuming his career at a venue where he has already demonstrated his considerable ability.
Jigsaw will miss some significant races (pic: Mark Gatt)
Shadhavar Delivers Dabernig Maiden Gr1
Weekend, 16th November 2026
An inspired decision to extend Shadhavar to 1400m has delivered Tom Dabernig his first Gr1 victory as an independent trainer, with the progressive daughter of Pride Of Dubai producing a commanding performance to capture Saturday's $1 million Gr1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Sandown. Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, the five-year-old mare ($7) travelled comfortably behind the early pace established by Beiwacht before accelerating decisively approaching the final 350m, opening a winning advantage that proved beyond the reach of the fast-finishing Pericles ($3.70), who finished three-quarters of a length away, with defending champion Jimmysstar ($3.50 favourite) another 2¼ lengths behind in third. The victory completed a remarkable transformation for Shadhavar, whose previous appearance over 1200m at Murray Bridge had produced a disappointing result before Dabernig elected to test her over 1400m. The change immediately produced success in the Gr2 Tristarc Stakes at Caulfield, followed by the Gr3 HKJC Stakes at Flemington, with Saturday's triumph extending her unbeaten record at 1400m to three appearances. As reported by racing.com, Dabernig believed his mare's improvement had made a Gr1 attempt increasingly difficult to resist. "When this Group 1 was on our doorstep, I said, 'We're mad not to have a try', because when mares get in form like this, that purple patch that we talk of, you really have to take advantage of it," he explained. McEvoy, called upon after regular rider Craig Williams committed to Pericles, executed the tactical plan perfectly, allowing Shadhavar to use her powerful stride rather than waiting for the opposition to dictate proceedings. The performance was particularly significant for Prime Thoroughbreds principal Joe O'Neill, whose syndication operation had celebrated more than 1,050 victories without previously securing a Gr1 success. Purchased for $85,000 at the 2023 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, Shadhavar has now earned approximately $1.368 million, with nine victories and five placings from 20 starts. For Dabernig, the result marked his first elite-level triumph since establishing his own Warrnambool stable in 2021, having previously enjoyed considerable success in partnership with members of the Hayes family. While Jimmysstar was unable to deliver Ciaron Maher's hoped-for Orr Stakes hat-trick, Shadhavar's convincing success provided a fitting conclusion to Melbourne's Group 1 spring programme and established another formidable contender for the major weight-for-age races of the coming autumn.
Natural Fling Dominates Million-Dollar Feature
Weekend, 16th November 2026
A decisive return to winning form has confirmed Natural Fling's standing among Australia's most promising three-year-old sprinting fillies, with the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained daughter of Home Affairs producing a commanding performance to capture Saturday's $1 million Gr3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m) at Sandown. Sent out at $3.60 despite possessing comfortably the highest domestic rating in the field, Natural Fling settled behind the strong early pace established by Lady Catalina before accelerating powerfully under Damian Lane to establish a winning advantage that her rivals were unable to challenge. The filly scored by 2¼ lengths over the $51 outsider Cavill Avenue, with Nishioka finishing third and Chris Waller's Sequinned fourth. The result provided a fitting conclusion to a lengthy spring campaign that had commenced in August and already included victory in the Gr3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield and a placing against older opposition in the Gr1 Moir Stakes (1000m). Her most recent appearance in the Gr1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington had produced a disappointing result, but the stable remained convinced the performance was attributable to the race's tactical circumstances rather than any deterioration in her form. According to Andrew Eddy of Racing.com, Calvin McEvoy acknowledged that questions surrounding Natural Fling's stamina and the demands of her extended preparation had influenced market confidence. "The query was 1200 (metres) and the query was: is she at the end of her campaign? But we felt that she wasn't," he said, adding that the filly had presented in outstanding condition despite her considerable workload. Natural Fling's victory lifted her earnings beyond $1.1 million from just seven appearances, providing a substantial return on the $550,000 invested when she was purchased at the Gold Coast Yearling Sale. The result also carried particular emotional significance for several owners involved with last year's Cups champion Half Yours, whose fatal injury in the Caulfield Cup had cast a shadow over the stable's spring carnival. McEvoy acknowledged the continuing support of those connections and expressed satisfaction at delivering another important success for them. Although the Magic Millions Gold Coast carnival in January had been considered as a possible target, the stable now intends to spell Natural Fling before preparing her for a potentially lucrative autumn campaign. The Gr1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) has emerged as the preferred objective, with McEvoy believing the filly possesses the necessary quality to compete successfully against established open-age sprinters. Saturday's decisive victory suggested that those ambitions are well founded, with Natural Fling demonstrating both the acceleration and resilience required to progress towards the highest level.
Kumara Straight Strikes in Riccarton Classic
Weekend, 16th November 2026
A spectacular late finishing burst from Kumara Straight provided Cambridge trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray with a memorable triumph in Saturday's NZ$700,000 Gr1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton, with expatriate New Zealand jockey Logan Bates returning to his hometown to secure another major victory on familiar territory. The lightly raced son of Yarraman Park stallion Hellbent entered the Classic with just two previous appearances, including a maiden victory at Ellerslie and a narrow defeat at the same venue, but demonstrated remarkable maturity to overcome an interrupted passage and defeat several more experienced rivals in the country's premier three-year-old mile contest. Bates initially secured an economical position before the race developed into a tactical affair, with the tempo slowing sufficiently to encourage the rider to allow his mount to improve rather than restrain him behind the leaders. Approaching the final 200m, Rip Tide, Coniston and Excite appeared likely to dominate the finish, but Kumara Straight ($16) emerged from behind the leading group and accelerated powerfully to secure victory by half a length over Rip Tide, with Coniston another half-head away in third. Excite finished fourth, completing an extraordinary result in which the principal pre-race contenders were unable to withstand the winner's sustained acceleration. As reported by NZ Racing Desk, Bates credited the colt's willingness and determination for the victory, explaining that the decision to allow him to improve during the middle stages had been crucial. "It was a messy sort of race as I was in a lovely spot then the tempo came out of it and I decided to just let him use his action and not get in an arm wrestle," Bates said. The result carried considerable personal significance for the young jockey, whose parents Jamie Bates and Kylie Williams both enjoyed careers in the saddle and whose connection to Christchurch racing remains strong despite his growing reputation in Victoria. Bates had previously partnered Jigsaw to major victories on both sides of the Tasman, including the Gr1 Railway Stakes (1200m), Gr1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) and $5 million Quokka (1200m), but Saturday's Classic success provided another memorable homecoming. For Murray, the victory represented his first Gr1 triumph as a trainer, while Ritchie's judgment in purchasing Kumara Straight for $75,000 at the 2025 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale was emphatically vindicated. Raced by Ken Malone and Ritchie, the colt is out of the Sakhee's Secret mare Snow Secret, runner-up in the Gr3 Waikato Cup (2400m), and descends from a family that includes Gr1 Queensland Oaks winner Zagalia. With only three starts behind him, Kumara Straight has demonstrated considerable scope for further improvement, providing connections with an exciting prospect whose Classic victory suggests his racing future could extend well beyond 1600m.
Kingswood Prevails In Zipping Classic Thriller
Weekend, 16th November 2026
An extraordinary finish to the $750,000 Gr2 Zipping Classic (2400m) at Sandown on Saturday saw Caulfield Cup hero Kingswood narrowly repel Melbourne Cup placegetter Juja Kibo and Irish visitor Small Fry, producing one of the closest and most compelling staying contests of the spring carnival. Prepared by Gavin Bedggood and partnered by John Allen, Kingswood ($3.80) demonstrated the determination that had carried him to victory in the Gr1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), prevailing by a nose over the Ciaron Maher-trained Juja Kibo, with Small Fry ($3.50 favourite) another neck behind in third. The result reinforced Kingswood's standing among Australia's leading weight-for-age stayers, with the six-year-old successfully backing up from his Caulfield Cup triumph against a field featuring several established international performers. Juja Kibo, ridden by Sam Clipperton, again demonstrated exceptional resilience following his third placing in the Gr1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) just 11 days earlier, challenging strongly throughout the concluding stages and narrowly missing another valuable victory. Small Fry, trained by Joseph O'Brien and ridden by Mark Zahra, produced another highly competitive performance after finishing runner-up to subsequent Melbourne Cup winner Point Of Law in the Gr3 Geelong Cup (2400m), with the visitor confirming that his earlier effort was an accurate reflection of his staying ability. According to the official results published by Racing Post, only a nose separated the first two finishers, with a further neck to third, highlighting the extraordinary competitive depth of the feature. Torranzino finished fourth, 2¼ lengths behind Small Fry, while several other established stayers were unable to match the acceleration and determination of the leading trio. Kingswood's success was particularly satisfying for Bedggood, whose decision to continue the gelding's preparation beyond the Caulfield Cup was vindicated by another outstanding performance over the same distance. The result also provided Allen with a further significant spring achievement, reinforcing a partnership that has proved remarkably effective during the Melbourne carnival. Although much of the pre-race attention had centred upon Small Fry's Geelong Cup performance and the strong Melbourne Cup form associated with Juja Kibo, Kingswood ultimately demonstrated that his Caulfield Cup victory had been no isolated achievement. With another valuable Group success secured and his capacity to sustain demanding staying performances firmly established, Kingswood has completed an exceptional spring campaign, while Juja Kibo and Small Fry emerged with considerable credit from a finish in which the smallest of margins separated three accomplished international-bred gallopers.
Popular grey Kingswood (pic: Mark Gatt)
Consulate Crushes Guineas Rivals At Sandown
Weekend, 16th November 2026
An emphatic performance from lightly raced filly Consulate provided Chris Waller and James McDonald with another significant spring success at Sandown on Saturday, with the daughter of Home Affairs overwhelming her male rivals in the $400,000 Gr2 Sandown Guineas (1600m). Sent out at $5 following a promising sixth in the Gr3 Vanity Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Derby Day, Consulate relished the rise to 1600m and rain-affected conditions to storm clear in the straight, defeating $3.80 favourite Magna Sententia by 4.25-lengths, with Star Of Macedon another length away in third. The commanding victory represented a significant improvement on her earlier performances and suggested the three-year-old possesses considerable potential beyond the end of her spring preparation. Waller admitted that the filly's effectiveness over 1600m had surprised him, although her previous Flemington appearance had convinced the stable that she deserved an opportunity in the feature. As reported by Betsy, Waller explained that the decision to extend Consulate to the mile followed an encouraging effort in the Vanity, where she had encountered difficulties securing clear running. "Her run on Derby Day was very good," Waller said. "We brought her down here thinking 'ok, we can give her a chance'. Some do rise, some don't. She certainly did." McDonald was equally impressed, particularly with the manner in which his mount accelerated when the field encountered the rising ground in Sandown's demanding home straight. The victory also ended an unusual absence from the Sandown winners' enclosure for the champion jockey, whose previous success at the venue had come aboard Who Shot Thebarman in the Gr2 Sandown Classic (2400m) in 2015. Consulate became just the 14th filly to win the Sandown Guineas since 1968, joining a distinguished honour roll that includes Sheza Alibi, whose victory in the corresponding event last year preceded her emergence among Australia's leading performers. Purchased for $300,000 from Coolmore Stud's draft at the 2025 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Consulate is out of the Medaglia D'Oro mare Tangier and has now won twice from seven appearances, with Saturday's triumph substantially enhancing her future breeding credentials. Magna Sententia, who entered the race following an impressive Geelong victory, was unable to match the winner's acceleration but retained second ahead of the consistent Star Of Macedon, while Anglais finished fourth. Waller indicated that Consulate would now be prepared for an autumn campaign, with the filly's considerable improvement suggesting that further opportunities at the highest level could await.
Oscar's Fortune Returns to Winning Form
Weekend, 16th November 2026
An impressive return to black-type success has strengthened Oscar's Fortune's credentials for another assault on Western Australia's premier sprinting prizes, with the Dion Luciani-trained gelding capturing Saturday's $200,000 Gr3 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) at Ascot under an accomplished ride from Fred Kersley. Sent out at $10 following an inconsistent sequence of recent performances, the six-year-old produced the determination and acceleration that have made him a familiar contender in major Perth sprinting events, defeating Talkanco ($8.50) by half a length, with Immortal Bliss ($9) another two lengths away in third. Thermosphere Lad, who started at $61, finished fourth, while the well-supported Rope Them In was unable to reproduce his best form and finished fifth. Oscar's Fortune's victory was particularly satisfying for connections given the gelding's previous achievements in elite company and the challenges associated with maintaining peak performance over successive campaigns. Ridden confidently by Kersley from barrier eight, he completed the 1100m assignment in 1:03.23, confirming his effectiveness at the distance and his ability to compete successfully against accomplished opposition. According to the official Racing WA TV results coverage, the success formed part of an exceptional afternoon for Kersley, who also partnered Ladies Pro to victory in the Listed Jungle Mist Classic (1200m), giving the jockey a memorable feature-race double on his return to Western Australia. For Luciani, the result provided considerable encouragement ahead of the lucrative Pinnacles carnival, particularly with the $1.5 million Gr1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) scheduled for November 28. Although Oscar's Fortune entered Saturday's contest with questions surrounding his recent consistency, the victory demonstrated that he retains the ability required to challenge the state's leading sprinters. Talkanco, prepared by Daniel and Ben Pearce, produced an excellent effort in defeat after drifting considerably in betting, while Immortal Bliss continued his consistent preparation with another valuable black-type placing for trainer Daniel Morton and jockey Lucy Fiore. The result also illustrated the considerable depth of Western Australia's sprinting ranks, with several proven performers finishing behind the leading trio despite entering the contest with strong credentials. Oscar's Fortune's victory was achieved under set-weights and penalties conditions, with the gelding carrying 56.5kg, the same allocation as Talkanco, while Immortal Bliss conceded 1kg to the first two finishers. With the Winterbottom Stakes approaching, Saturday's performance has returned Oscar's Fortune to prominence among the local contenders, although the expected presence of accomplished interstate sprinters will provide a considerably more demanding examination. His success nevertheless represents an important reminder that seasoned performers with established black-type credentials remain capable of producing outstanding results when circumstances favour them.
Concord Connie Earns First Stakes Win
Weekend, 16th November 2026
A determined performance from Concord Connie delivered Charlotte Littlefield an important black-type victory at Sandown on Saturday, with the progressive mare narrowly defeating Terilee in a thrilling conclusion to the $200,000 Gr3 Summoned Stakes (1500m). Sent out the $1.65 favourite following an excellent second placing behind Lady Shenandoah in the Gr1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, Concord Connie faced the considerable burden of market expectations but demonstrated the determination required to prevail under Craig Williams in a contest that remained unresolved until the closing stages. Terilee, prepared by Michael Kent and ridden by Billy Egan, emerged as the principal challenger and fought tenaciously throughout the final stages before conceding by a neck, with Mitchell Freedman's Savitri another 1¾ lengths behind in third. Bossy Benita completed the first four, while several more experienced rivals were unable to match the leading trio. The victory represented a significant reward for Littlefield's patient management of a mare whose relatively brief racing career has already produced performances suggesting she could develop into a genuine Gr1 contender. Concord Connie entered the race with one of the strongest recent ratings profiles, having produced a substantial career-best performance when runner-up in the Empire Rose, where she demonstrated the ability to challenge some of Australia's most accomplished female performers. As confirmed by the official result published by Racing Post, Williams secured victory by the narrowest of margins despite the pressure applied by Terilee, whose performance substantially exceeded market expectations. The successful combination also vindicated the stable's decision to continue the mare's preparation beyond Flemington, where her elite-level placing had already significantly enhanced her value as a future broodmare. The Summoned Stakes has traditionally provided an important opportunity for progressive mares seeking to improve their black-type credentials before the conclusion of the Melbourne spring, and Concord Connie's success represents another significant development in her promising career. Littlefield's decision to target the 1500m event also proved appropriate given the mare's demonstrated versatility across distances ranging from 1400m to 1600m. Although Terilee was unable to secure the victory, her determined effort provided encouragement for connections seeking further opportunities in stakes company, while Savitri's third placing confirmed her capacity to compete effectively at this level. With Concord Connie having now demonstrated the ability to perform strongly against Gr1 opposition and convert that promise into a Group victory, her emergence represents an encouraging development for a stable continuing to establish its credentials in Melbourne's competitive training environment. The mare's future programme remains to be determined, but her latest success provides a strong foundation for another ambitious campaign when she returns to racing.
A well earned Group success for Concorde Connie (pic: Mark Gatt)
Profit Motive Extends Her Winning Sequence
Weekend, 16th November 2026
An outstanding progression through the three-year-old ranks has established Profit Motive as one of Western Australia's most exciting young fillies, with the Mitchell Pateman-trained daughter delivering another authoritative performance to capture Saturday's $300,000 Gr3 WA Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) at Ascot. Sent out the $1.60 favourite following two impressive victories earlier in her preparation, Profit Motive overcame a challenging outside barrier to record her third successive success, providing Pateman and jockey Holly Watson with another important black-type achievement. Ruthless Angel, prepared by Daniel Morton and ridden by Brad Parnham, secured second ahead of the Sean and Jake Casey-trained Dixie Doo, with Duchess Of Dance completing the first four. The victory confirmed Profit Motive's ability to extend her impressive recent performances to 1600m, an important consideration for a filly whose earlier victories had already suggested considerable scope for further improvement. Having returned from a spell with consecutive wins, including an emphatic performance in the Listed Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m), Profit Motive entered Saturday's assignment as the clear benchmark for her generation despite drawing awkwardly in a competitive field. Her success represented another significant achievement for Pateman, whose developing training operation has continued to produce promising performers capable of competing successfully at stakes level. As confirmed by the official results published through Racing WA TV, Profit Motive's latest victory completed a hat-trick and reinforced her rapidly growing reputation among Perth's leading three-year-old fillies. The performance was also an important result for Watson, whose association with the filly has been instrumental in her rise through the grades and whose confidence in her ability has been rewarded with another valuable feature-race success. Ruthless Angel entered the race with a consistent record of placings but had previously struggled to secure a breakthrough victory against stronger opposition, making her runner-up performance particularly encouraging for Morton and connections. Dixie Doo, meanwhile, demonstrated sufficient quality to secure another important placing, further enhancing her prospects for future black-type assignments. Profit Motive's victory also provided a valuable breeding result, with Group success over 1600m substantially increasing her potential value beyond the racetrack. With Western Australia's summer carnival now gathering pace, the filly's rapid development raises intriguing questions about whether connections will pursue further stakes opportunities against her own age group or consider more demanding assignments against older performers. Although such decisions remain for Pateman and the ownership group, the evidence of Saturday's performance suggests that Profit Motive has developed into a filly of considerable promise, combining sustained improvement with the ability to deliver under mounting expectations.
Awesome Boy Stakes Railway Claim at Ascot
Weekend, 16th November 2026
A major upset in Saturday's $200,000 Gr3 RJ Peters Stakes (1500m) at Ascot has propelled Awesome Boy into calculations for the prestigious Railway Stakes, with the Bruce Kay-trained galloper producing a decisive performance to defeat heavily supported favourite Rock Fest and secure one of Western Australia's most important late-season handicap features. Ridden by Brandon Louis, the five-year-old started at $9.50 and proved too strong for Rock Fest ($1.80 favourite), scoring by 1¾ lengths, with Like Clockwork ($12) another 1¼ lengths behind in third. Too Darn Stormy finished fourth, while Memory Parade completed the first five in a result that frustrated punters who had strongly supported the favourite following an impressive sequence of performances. Awesome Boy's victory represented a significant breakthrough for Kay, whose decision to target the traditional Railway Stakes lead-up was vindicated by a performance that combined tactical efficiency with a sustained finishing effort. Carrying 54.5kg under the handicap conditions, the winner enjoyed a comparatively favourable weight allocation against several established stakes performers, although the manner of his victory suggested that he possessed the ability to compete successfully beyond the immediate advantages provided by the handicap. The official result published by Racing Post confirmed that Rock Fest, prepared by Daniel and Ben Pearce and ridden by Chris Parnham, was unable to match the winner despite carrying 54kg, while Michael Grantham's Like Clockwork produced a creditable performance in third under Patrick Carbery. The race has traditionally provided an important pathway towards the $1.5 million Gr1 Railway Stakes (1600m), scheduled for November 21, with the winner securing valuable consideration for Western Australia's premier mile contest. Awesome Boy's success therefore represents considerably more than another black-type achievement, potentially opening the door to an opportunity against some of the most accomplished gallopers assembled for the Pinnacles carnival. The disappointment for Rock Fest was particularly pronounced given his strong market support and progressive recent form, although his second placing suggested that he remains capable of making a contribution in stronger company. Western Miss, partnered by William Pike, finished sixth after entering the race among the more prominent contenders, while established performers Zipaway and In Good Order were unable to make a significant impression. The result also highlighted the unpredictable nature of competitive handicap racing, where weight concessions and race circumstances can enable improving gallopers to challenge more established rivals. With the Railway Stakes approaching, Awesome Boy's emergence adds another intriguing dimension to the local contingent, although his prospects of progressing to the Gr1 feature will depend upon final acceptance conditions and the decisions of connections. For Kay and Louis, Saturday's victory nevertheless represented a significant achievement and a timely reminder of the opportunities available to smaller racing operations during Western Australia's richest annual carnival.
Katoto Springs Newcastle Stakes Surprise
Weekend, 16th November 2026
A significant upset in Saturday's $250,000 Gr3 NZB Spring Stakes (1600m) at Newcastle has provided Chris Waller with another promising three-year-old feature winner, with lightly raced filly Katoto sweeping past her more fancied male rivals to record an impressive breakthrough at stakes level. Partnered by Tyler Schiller, the daughter of Wootton Bassett entered the contest as a $7.50 chance following a preparation that had produced several competitive but unsuccessful performances, although the combination of a favourable draw and a 2kg allowance under the set-weights conditions proved advantageous against a field containing several highly regarded prospects. Katoto settled off the early pace before improving around her rivals approaching the home turn, producing a strong finishing effort to defeat Queensland visitor Kickup Rocky ($2.45 favourite) by one length, with previously unbeaten Prince Of Verona ($4.80) another neck away in third. Iminastate finished fourth, 2½ lengths behind Prince Of Verona, while Tiger Turf, Zahav and stablemate Horologist completed the seven-runner field. The victory was particularly encouraging for Waller, whose decision to pursue the Newcastle feature with a filly previously considered a promising but somewhat frustrating performer was rewarded with an important black-type success. According to the official results published by Newcastle Racecourse and accompanying 7HorseRacing coverage, Katoto produced a sustained run around the field before establishing a decisive advantage, demonstrating both her stamina and ability to accelerate effectively over 1600m. The performance also provided Schiller with another valuable feature-race achievement during a competitive Sydney spring programme. Kickup Rocky, prepared by Desleigh Forster and partnered by Daniel Moor, emerged with considerable credit despite surrendering his unbeaten record for the preparation, having entered the race following successive Brisbane victories. The Queensland gelding was conceding 2kg to Katoto and remains firmly on course for the $3 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) at the Gold Coast in January, providing the Newcastle result with an important connection to Australia's richest summer racing carnival. Prince Of Verona, trained by Annabel and Rob Archibald, also performed creditably after arriving unbeaten from three appearances, with Nash Rawiller unable to secure a fourth consecutive victory despite the colt's determined finish. The seven-runner contest was reduced by the withdrawals of Am I Dreaming, El Pablo and Consulate, the latter instead delivering an outstanding victory in the Gr2 Sandown Guineas (1600m) for Waller and James McDonald. The contrasting outcomes provided another illustration of the champion trainer's ability to identify suitable assignments for developing thoroughbreds, with two fillies emerging from the weekend as important future prospects. For Katoto, the Newcastle victory represents a substantial advance in her racing career and an encouraging foundation for further success as she progresses towards more demanding company.
Shadhavar Wins Gr1 C.F. Orr Stakes
Weekend, 16th November 2026
Track: Sandown
Race: Gr1 Sportsbet C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m)
Winner: Shadhavar (Pride Of Dubai-Cross Legend, by Sebring)
Placings: 2nd: Pericles, 3rd: Jimmysstar
Stallion: Pride Of Dubai (Street Cry-Al Anood, by Danehill)
