Point Of Law wins Geelong Cup and books Melbourne Cup berth
Point Of Law has secured a start in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup after winning Wednesday's Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on his Australian debut.
The Ciaron Maher-trained colt, who started at $6, finished strongly to defeat fellow international imports Small Fry and Omni Man, both trained by Joseph O'Brien.
The victory gives Point Of Law a ballot exemption for the $10.2 million Melbourne Cup on November 3, with the lightly raced stayer moving straight to the top of betting markets.
Aurora Belle unbeaten as JD Hayes reaches 1000 wins
Aurora Belle maintained her unbeaten record with an impressive all-the-way victory in Wednesday's BM70 Handicap (1300m) at Geelong.
The Lindsay Park mare made it four wins from four starts under Ethan Brown, continuing her strong start to racing in Australia.
The result also marked a significant milestone for co-trainer JD Hayes, who celebrated his 1000th career winner.
Despite Aurora Belle's obvious potential, Hayes indicated there is no rush to step her into Stakes company.
Murshidi puts himself in Victoria Derby picture
Murshidi has emerged as a leading Victoria Derby contender after winning Wednesday's Listed Geelong Classic (2200m).
The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding broke his maiden in the $200,000 feature, producing a determined performance under Blake Shinn at just his fifth career start.
The victory puts Murshidi firmly in contention for the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on October 31, which carries a record $3 million in prizemoney, up from $2 million last year.
CWR Review & Preview – Cox Plate weekend
Chris and Charlie are back with another edition of the CWR Review & Preview Show, looking ahead to a major weekend of racing.
The focus turns to Saturday's Cox Plate at Flemington and the Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick, with the boys previewing the key races and contenders.
Watch the full show:
Waller chasing TJ Smith's Cox Plate record
Chris Waller has the opportunity to equal one of Australian racing's longstanding records in Saturday's Group 1 Cox Plate at Flemington.
Waller has won the race six times, including four consecutive victories with Winx and two with Via Sistina.
Legendary trainer TJ Smith holds the record with seven Cox Plate victories.
Waller will saddle up Aeliana and Birdman on Saturday, giving him two chances to draw level with Smith.
Royal Ascot on the radar for Tempted
Everest winner Tempted could be headed overseas in 2027, with trainer Ciaron Maher keen to explore a Royal Ascot campaign.
The Godolphin filly produced a career-best performance to defeat Ka Ying Rising in Saturday's $20 million Everest, and Maher believes she is still improving.
I would love to. She's now fully furnished and improving with every prep. So I would love to take her over there.
A trip to England remains a possibility rather than a confirmed plan.
Zahra ruled out of Cox Plate ride
Mark Zahra will not ride Middle Earth in Saturday's Group 1 Cox Plate after medical staff advised him to take more time to recover from his Caulfield Cup fall.
Zahra had been booked aboard the Ciaron Maher-trained stayer but will now miss the ride as he continues his recovery.
A replacement jockey has not yet been confirmed.
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.
