Chelmsford a defining run for Fangirl
Champion trainer Chris Waller is hoping to see improvement from Fangirl and Lindermann when the pair contest Saturday's Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.
Both finished well back behind stablemate Autumn Glow in the Winx Stakes, with Lindermann ninth and Fangirl 10th. Waller was willing to forgive their performances in a strongly run race but admitted Saturday could be a defining moment for eight-year-old Fangirl.
Fangirl, she'll probably race and it'll be a deciding run for her. She owes us nothing. If she wants to race, she'll race on, but if she wants to be a mum then she'll go be a mum.
Cyril Small making progress after stroke
Former jockey Cyril Small is making progress in his recovery after suffering a massive stroke on July 11.
Small is now awake and talking a little as he continues to work hard through his rehabilitation, although there remains a long road ahead.
Natural Fling ready to fly in the Moir
Exciting filly Natural Fling is ready to take her place against some of Australia's best sprinters in Saturday's Group 1 Moir Stakes at Sandown.
The Melbourne Racing Club caught up with the airborne three-year-old as she builds towards her first shot at Group 1 company.
Niance retired after successful career
Grahame Begg-trained Group 3 winner Niance has been retired and will begin the next stage of her career in the breeding barn.
The mare won seven of her 17 starts and $500,000 in prizemoney for Ace Bloodstock and will now be covered by Home Affairs.
International assault builds for Melbourne Cup
The international challenge for this year's $10 million Melbourne Cup looks formidable after nominations were released on Tuesday afternoon.
There are 23 internationals among the 101 entries, with champion Irish trainers Joseph O'Brien nominating 11 and Aidan O'Brien another five. Other international contenders include Japanese stayer Stinger Glass, former champion hurdler Constitution Hill and US Golden Ticket holder Tawny Port.
The 78 local nominations are headed by reigning Caulfield and Melbourne Cup winner Half Yours and 2024 Melbourne Cup winner Knight's Choice.
Ciaron Maher leads the Australian trainers with 14 nominations, while Chris Waller has 12, including leading fancy Aeliana.
Shinn gets the call-up for Mr Brightside
Multiple Group 1-winning jockey Blake Shinn says it's an honour to be given the opportunity to partner champion Mr Brightside in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on September 12.
Shinn takes over from regular rider Craig Williams, who will instead partner Cox Plate favourite Sir Delius.
"He's a cult hero, really," Shinn said. "It's a real honour to get the opportunity to ride a champion like him. I'm thankful to the owners and the stable and am really looking forward to it."
Dan O's weekly power rankings are in
Each week ratings expert Daniel O'Sullivan wraps up the leading performers from The Rating Bureau's WFA Performance Ratings, breaking down the top 10 across a range of categories.
This week's edition features analysis of some of the spring's biggest names, including Beiwacht, Guest House and Oliveanotherday, and can be read here.
Dan also went through every major spring market with us last week — that full interview is here.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
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