Sir Delius gets the job done at the trials
Sir Delius continued his spring build-up with victory in a 1250m trial on the Kensington track on Friday.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained star ran down Knobelas, with early leader The Euphrates finishing third, in another important step towards his return to the races.
Enriched takes out star-studded Kensington heat
The Michael Freedman-trained Enriched won a quality 850m Kensington trial on Friday, holding off the fast-finishing Plaintiff and Beadman.
The depth of the heat was significant, with The Next Episode, Signor Tortoni, Birdman, King's Secret, Hellsing and Panova all finishing behind the placegetters.
Warwoven edges Guest House in quality trial
Warwoven and Guest House hit the line together in another high-quality 850m Kensington heat, with the Baker Racing-trained Warwoven getting the better of his fellow three-year-old. Lindermann finished third.
There was plenty of star power further back, with Fangirl, Ceolwulf, Tron Bolt, Aeliana, New Endeavour and Catch The Glory all using the trial as part of their spring preparations.
Half Yours cruises in Flemington return
Reigning Caulfield and Melbourne Cup winner Half Yours returned to Flemington with an encouraging jumpout on Friday.
With Harry Coffey aboard, the star stayer cruised to the line under a hold to finish third. Trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy plan to give him another trial before he resumes in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on September 12.
Half Yours is set for a four-start, Flemington-focused campaign, which includes the Cox Plate on October 24 before his Melbourne Cup defence.
Winx Stakes now an option for Sheza Alibi
Star mare Sheza Alibi has emerged as a potential surprise starter in next Saturday's Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick.
Co-trainer Peter Moody plans to nominate the Golden Eagle-bound mare before deciding whether to head to Sydney or stick with the original plan of resuming in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29.
A Winx Stakes start would set up a fascinating clash with fellow star mare Autumn Glow.
Antino settling into retirement
Two-time Queensland Horse of the Year Antino is settling into life after racing following the retirement of one of the state's most popular Group 1 performers.
The former star is adapting to his new career away from the racetrack and looks to be taking retirement in his stride.
$8.8 million filly beaten on debut
There was no fairytale start for Partying, with the extraordinarily expensive daughter of Frankel beaten on debut at Windsor.
Partying made headlines when selling for 4.4 million guineas — around $8.8 million — at the 2024 Tattersalls Book 1 Sale, making her the most expensive horse sold at the auction that year.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
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