Jigsaw likely to bypass Manikato
Dual Group 1 winner Jigsaw is unlikely to resume in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on September 27.
Trainer Cindy Alderson is leaning towards giving her stable star an extra fortnight before kicking off in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m) on Caulfield Guineas Day.
"I don't think so, at this stage it's unlikely," Alderson said of the Manikato. "He will probably kick off in the Schillaci Stakes."
Price considers keeping Guest House fresh for Golden Rose
Trainer Mick Price says Guest House pulled up only averagely from his brilliant first-up victory in Saturday's Group 3 San Domenico Stakes and is considering keeping the Golden Slipper winner fresh for the Group 1 Golden Rose.
Rather than giving him another lead-up run, Price could head directly to the Golden Rose before, ideally, taking on the older sprinters in The Everest and then heading to Flemington for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes.
It would set up a huge spring campaign for the exciting three-year-old.
Ka Ying Rising cruises through Sha Tin trial
Champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising looks ready to extend his incredible 20-race winning streak after cruising through a barrier trial at Sha Tin on Sunday.
The world's leading sprinter clocked 56.73 seconds, scoring by two lengths over Public Attention and Magic Control as he prepares to resume in Sunday's Group 3 HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup Handicap (1200m).
Both Zac Purton and David Hayes were pleased with the hitout as Ka Ying Rising prepares to chase a third consecutive victory in the race.
Oliveanotherday joins Australia's top sprinting ranks
The numbers suggest Oliveanotherday could be developing into a genuine top-line Australian sprinter after his impressive first-up victory in The Heath at Caulfield.
Dan O'Sullivan's TopRate data awarded him a 102.8 WFA Performance Rating, a significant new peak from the 98 he produced winning the Wangoom last preparation.
Remarkably, it was the seventh consecutive start in which Oliveanotherday has improved his peak rating. His 102.8 now has him within touching distance of Australia's current leading sprinters, who sit in the 103-105 range.
Guest House takes another huge ratings leap
Golden Slipper winner Guest House answered any questions about returning as a three-year-old with a stunning first-up victory in Saturday's Group 3 San Domenico Stakes at Rosehill.
Guest House produced a 103.5 WFA Performance Rating, improving a full length on the 101 he recorded winning the Golden Slipper.
He is the first Golden Slipper winner in the 10-year WFA Performance Rating era to return at three and equal or better his Slipper-winning peak. He also joins Sepoy and Pierro as the only colts among the past 10 Slipper-winning colts, dating back to Catbird in 1999, to resume with a victory at three.
His 103.5 rating already has him right on the heels of Australia's best older sprinters, with further improvement still potentially to come.
French raider set for Cox Plate assault
France is again bound for the Victorian Spring Carnival, with leading European trainer Francis-Henri Graffard and powerhouse ownership operation Wathnan Racing targeting the $6 million Cox Plate.
Their Royal Ascot winner is set to arrive in Melbourne on AFL Grand Final weekend before preparing for the October 24 weight-for-age championship.
Maher searching for answers with Jimmysstar
Trainer Ciaron Maher was left a little perplexed by Jimmysstar's performance in Saturday's Group 1 Memsie Stakes.
Maher believes Jimmysstar may have resented pressure from a horse laying in on him from the outside during the race.
The stable will speak with connections before determining where the Group 1-winning sprinter heads next.
Streisand on Coolmore path
Blue Diamond winner Streisand impressed in a Cranbourne jumpout on Monday morning as she builds towards her spring return.
The talented filly is on a Coolmore Stud Stakes path and is set to resume in the Group 3 Cap D'Antibes Stakes up the Flemington straight on Saturday week.
Stablemate Tales Of Time is being aimed at a 1000m three-year-old Benchmark 64 at Sandown the following Wednesday.
McEvoy sticking with Yellow Jersey
Trainer Tony McEvoy was left disappointed by Yellow Jersey's failure as favourite in Saturday's Heatherlie Stakes but says the stable has found nothing wrong with the import.
Jockey Mark Zahra reported Yellow Jersey lost his action, with McEvoy believing the sticky surface or Caulfield track may have contributed to the performance.
"We have been over him and can't find anything wrong with him," McEvoy said. "I would like to get him to Flemington and give him a chance there before giving up on him."
International raiders could squeeze Melbourne Cup field
Racing Victoria is preparing for a potentially fierce battle simply to make this year's 24-horse Melbourne Cup field, with a powerful international contingent headed to Melbourne.
Irish trainer Joseph O'Brien alone has 12 horses earmarked for travel and could potentially saddle as many as a quarter of the Cup field.
His second shipment includes last year's Melbourne Cup runner-up Goodie Two Shoes, along with Sons And Lovers, Trustyourinstinct and ballot-exempt Prix Kergorlay winner Defiantly. Australian-owned Group 1 Epsom Derby placegetter James J Braddock is also booked to travel.
Melbourne Cup nominations close Tuesday, with Cup weights to be released on September 17.
"It's potentially going to be harder to get into the Cup this year than maybe it has the last few years," RV head of racing Paul Bloodworth said.
Two options for Cosmic Crusader
Owner-breeder Bob Peters is yet to decide where Cosmic Crusader will head following his luckless run in Saturday's Group 1 Memsie Stakes.
The Group 1 winner will either tackle the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on September 12 or wait another week for the Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield.
A Makybe Diva appearance would likely see Cosmic Crusader clash with Sheza Alibi.
"I'm undecided at this stage. I'll give it some thought and make a decision in due course," Peters said.
Spicy Martini crowned Queensland Horse of the Year
Stradbroke Handicap winner Spicy Martini has capped a brilliant season by being crowned Queensland Horse of the Year.
Purchased for just $8,000 as a yearling, the Toby Edmonds-trained mare completed a remarkable rise through the ranks with victory in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap during an outstanding winter carnival.
The victory also gave Edmonds his second Stradbroke after previously winning Queensland's biggest race with Tyzone in 2020.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
Betting should be fun, not a way to make money. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit, and for free, confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
