Star sprinters hit the line together at Warwick Farm
Jokers Grin, Tempted and Jimmysstar fought out a quality Warwick Farm trial on Tuesday, with little separating the three high-class sprinters at the line.
There was serious depth behind them, with Mazu, Pericles, Estadio Mestalla, Generosity, Headley Grange and Leica Lucy all taking part in the hitout as preparations ramp up for the spring.
Coolmore wins $7.5 million battle for Wootton Bassett colt
The battle between Coolmore and Godolphin for the world's best yearling stock produced another extraordinary result at the Arqana August Yearling Sale.
After a fierce bidding battle, MV Magnier and White Birch Farm secured a Wootton Bassett colt for €4.6 million — around AU$7.5 million, making him the most expensive yearling ever sold at the Arqana Yearling Sale.
The colt is out of a full-sister to Group 1 champion Scandinavia.
International numbers surge for $6 million Caulfield Cup
The $6 million Caulfield Cup has attracted 124 nominations, including a significant increase in international interest ahead of the October 17 showpiece.
A total of 32 internationally trained horses have been entered, up from just 12 last year, with runners representing Ireland, England and France.
Chris Waller leads the local charge with 18 nominations, followed by Ciaron Maher with 15. Internationally, Joseph O'Brien has an extraordinary 15 entries, while Willie Mullins has three and Aidan O'Brien one.
Sheza Alibi increasingly likely for Winx Stakes
Sheza Alibi is firming to make the trip to Sydney for Saturday's Group 1 Winx Stakes after pleasing Peter Moody in a 1000m gallop on Tuesday morning.
Moody reported the star mare to be in excellent order and rated her a 70-30 chance of heading up the highway, setting up a potential blockbuster first-up clash with Autumn Glow at Randwick.
Headwall withdrawn from Show County
Trainer Matthew Smith has withdrawn Headwall from nominations for Saturday's Group 3 Show County Quality at Randwick.
Charm Stone building towards Manikato defence
Trainer Mick Kent Jnr says Group 1-winning mare Charm Stone is "going super" as she builds towards her spring return.
Charm Stone will trial shortly before resuming in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes, the race she won last year.
Stablemate Globe is taking a slower path and may not be seen until late in the spring, if at all.
Big Sky on Coolmore Stud Stakes path
Exciting three-year-old Big Sky is being prepared for a tilt at the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington.
The colt finished fourth in a trial under Jordan Childs on Monday, with connections pleased with his work. He is expected to have another one or two trials before progressing through the Poseidon Stakes and Danehill Stakes on his way to the Coolmore.
Kennewell colts chasing Coolmore glory
Lloyd Kennewell has two promising three-year-olds on a similar path towards the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, with Mbube and Organised Crime both being aimed at the Flemington sprint.
The pair are likely to progress through the Poseidon Stakes and Danehill Stakes, while Mbube is set to trial on Wednesday with Mark Zahra aboard after impressing in his work on Tuesday morning.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
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