What a day of spring racing! The Everest delivered one of the greatest upsets in Australian racing history, the Caulfield Cup produced a fairytale result, and two outstanding mares reminded everyone just how much star power there is in Australian racing.
Here's what caught our eye on a massive Everest and Caulfield Cup Day.
Royal Randwick
Grafterburners fires up in Sydney
Queensland sprinter Grafterburners produced a brilliant performance to win the Group 2 Sydney Stakes (1200m) under Nash Rawiller.
The Kelly Schweida galloper burst through the field to defeat Marhoona and Overpass, taking his career earnings beyond $3 million after being purchased for just $70,000.
The Champions Sprint at Flemington is now firmly on the radar.
Tempted brings down the king!
One of the greatest boilovers in Everest history!
Tempted stunned the racing world, defeating Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising in the $20 million Everest (1200m) and ending his incredible 21-race winning streak.
Chad Schofield produced a tactical masterclass, settling the Ciaron Maher mare ahead of Ka Ying Rising before kicking clear in the straight. The champion charged home but fell a half-neck short.
Trainer David Hayes pointed to Ka Ying Rising's wide run without cover as the decisive factor. Whatever the excuses, Tempted was magnificent and delivered the performance of her career.
Apocalyptic back with a bang!
Apocalyptic returned to her brilliant best with a stunning upset in the $1 million Silver Eagle (1300m), storming home at $26 under Tommy Berry to defeat Skyhook and favourite Beiwacht.
Trainer Michael Freedman pulled the right rein with a gear change, adding visors and a lugging bit to correct her habit of hanging under pressure. The result was the explosive mare we saw winning the Flight Stakes last spring.
She's now right back in the picture for the $10 million Golden Eagle in a fortnight, with her price slashed from $51 into $15.
Autumn Glow simply unstoppable
Another race, another breathtaking performance from Autumn Glow.
The Chris Waller superstar cruised to victory in the $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1609m) under James McDonald, recording her fifth Group 1 win and taking her extraordinary record to 14 victories from 15 starts.
Two-time defending champion Ceolwulf chased bravely but was no match for the wonder mare, who continues to build one of the most remarkable records in Australian racing.
Caulfield
War Machine back in business
War Machine returned to winning form with a tough victory in the Group 3 Harry White Stakes (1400m).
Mark Zahra found the perfect opening before the Lindsay Park gelding dug deep to hold off veteran Private Eye by a head.
After a frustrating 12 months, the former Stradbroke Handicap winner looks back on track.
Cavalry Girl turns on the speed
Cavalry Girl continued her rise through the sprinting ranks with an impressive victory in the Group 2 Henley Homes Sprint (1000m).
Craig Williams has developed a terrific partnership with the Tom Dabernig mare, who showed her blistering speed to defeat Don't Hope Do and Bev's Nine.
The Century Stakes during Melbourne Cup Week looks a likely next assignment.
Saintly Dancer leads them a merry dance
Small in stature, enormous in ability!
Saintly Dancer led throughout to claim the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m), giving Ciaron Maher another major spring victory.
Blake Shinn controlled the race from the front, with stablemate Icelady chasing her home to complete the Maher quinella.
Weighing just 435kg, Saintly Dancer might be one of the smallest Group 1 winners around, but there's nothing small about her determination.
Kingswood delivers a Caulfield Cup fairytale
Kingswood produced a barnstorming finish to win the 150th Caulfield Cup (2400m), delivering trainer Gavin Bedggood the biggest victory of his career.
The grey swept down the outside to defeat Saint George and Enfjaar, with favourite Cosmic Crusader finishing fourth.
Unfortunately, the race was marred by a fall involving defending champion Half Yours and Ohope Wins. Initial reports indicated jockeys Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were okay.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
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