Soulcombe returns after three years on the sidelines
After almost three years away from the races, Soulcombe makes his long-awaited return in Saturday's Heatherlie Stakes at Caulfield.
The talented stayer hasn't raced since finishing second in the 2023 Melbourne Cup, but returns in the same race he won in spectacular fashion first-up three years ago.
J-Mac booking points to Autumn Boy in Memsie
Interesting commentary from Adam Page on X surrounding James McDonald's decision to ride Autumn Boy rather than Angel Capital in Saturday's Group 1 Memsie Stakes.
Page's view is that there shouldn't be much surprise about the booking. Chris Waller ultimately determines where his riders go, and putting the world's leading jockey aboard Autumn Boy could be a strong indication of where the stable believes its best chance lies.
There's also the bigger picture. Autumn Boy is a four-year-old entire and a Group 1 weight-for-age victory would significantly enhance his future stallion value.
Without A Fight thriving in retirement
2023 Caulfield and Melbourne Cup winner Without A Fight is enjoying life after racing at Mitchell Park with CMBloodstock.
The champion stayer is now preparing for his next assignment away from the racetrack, with plans to compete at Racing Victoria's Off The Track Carnival at Boneo Park in September.
Cost cutting drives Tabcorp earnings higher
Tabcorp has delivered significantly improved earnings despite revenue remaining largely unchanged, with cost reductions and operational improvements continuing to drive the wagering giant's turnaround.
One notable trend from the result was the continued growth of sports wagering relative to racing, as sports takes an increasing share of Tabcorp's wagering business. The Straight has the full breakdown.
J-Mac returns to Melbourne for Memsie Day
The world's leading jockey James McDonald will ride in Melbourne for the first time this year when he heads to Caulfield for Saturday's Memsie Stakes meeting.
McDonald hasn't ridden in Melbourne since last November's Champions Stakes Day, when he partnered Via Sistina to Group 1 glory.
He has six rides booked for Saturday, including Confederation in the Group 3 McNeil Stakes, Star Of India, Enviable and Group 1 performer Craig.
McDonald will also be chasing his first Memsie Stakes victory, one of the few major Australian races missing from a remarkable CV that already includes 142 Group 1 wins, 110 of them in Australia.
Romantic Warrior undergoes further veterinary assessment
Hong Kong champion Romantic Warrior is undergoing further veterinary assessment after detailed physical examinations identified a change in one of his joints.
The issue was discovered during proactive screening using advanced imaging equipment, with the veterinary team now conducting further assessment to determine the significance of the finding.
Well-bred three-year-olds impress at Canterbury
Two beautifully bred three-year-olds made impressive spring statements at Canterbury on Wednesday.
Piedmont, a daughter of Exceed And Excel out of four-time Group 1 winner Guelph, made light work of her opposition in a 1250m Super Maiden and looks destined for stronger company.
Earlier on the card, Tenenbaum took out a 1200m Benchmark 64. The Snitzel colt is a brother to last year's Hong Kong Derby winner Cap Ferrat, adding further intrigue to his spring prospects.
Guest House chasing 35-year San Domenico feat
Golden Slipper winner Guest House will attempt to achieve something that hasn't been done in 35 years when he lines up in Saturday's Group 3 San Domenico Stakes at Rosehill.
The star three-year-old is aiming to become the first Golden Slipper winner to subsequently win the San Domenico since 1991.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
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