$8.8 million filly set for debut
One of the most expensive fillies sold in recent years is set to make her racetrack debut in the UK on Friday morning Australian time.
Simply named Partying, the filly sold for a staggering 4.4 million guineas — around $8.8 million — in October 2024, and will finally get her chance to justify some of that price tag when she steps out in a 2000m maiden at Windsor.
Spring stars set for Caulfield Heath jumpout
A host of big names will continue their spring preparations with a 1000m jumpout at Caulfield Heath on Saturday morning, prior to the opening race on the card.
Mr Brightside, Giga Kick, Treasurethe Moment, Tom Kitten and Yellow Jersey are all set to take part in what shapes as a fascinating hitout.
There will be particular interest in Yellow Jersey, with the McEvoy stable expected to provide an update afterwards on whether he heads directly to the Group 1 Memsie Stakes first-up.
Brooke Warne buys into Warnie
High-profile content creator Brooke Warne, daughter of Australian cricket legend Shane Warne, has entered racehorse ownership after purchasing a share in aptly named Group 2 winner Warnie through the Inglis Digital platform.
Trained by Ciaron Maher, Warnie has won five races and more than $1.1 million in prizemoney, with his biggest victories including the Group 2 Damien Oliver at Flemington and the $1 million Supernova at Pakenham.
"The races just got even more exciting! Excited to be a part of Bennett Racing. Giddy up, Warnie!" Warne posted on Instagram.
Changingoftheguard builds towards return
Sydney Cup winner Changingoftheguard continued preparations for his spring return with an exhibition gallop between races at Newcastle.
William Stanley partnered the Kris Lees-trained stayer, who is set to resume in the Premier's Cup next week.
Uncommon James retired a winner
Group 1-winning sprinter Uncommon James has been retired from racing, bowing out on a high after winning his final start during the Queensland winter carnival.
The 2023 Group 1 Oakleigh Plate winner proved a life-changing horse for trainer Matt Hoysted and his wife and breeder Caitlin, while also providing jockey Ben Thompson with his maiden Group 1 victory.
One final run for Asfoora
Australian sprint star Asfoora will have the final start of her career in next Friday's Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes at York.
Trainer Henry Dwyer confirmed the decision after Asfoora produced her best performance of her 2026 English campaign when finishing fourth in the Group 2 King George Qatar Stakes at Goodwood.
"This is definitely it," Dwyer said, with the mare set to return to Australia and head to the breeding barn following the Nunthorpe.
Moir Stakes first-up for My Gladiola
Trainer John McArdle has mapped out a spring plan for talented sprinter My Gladiola as he chases an elusive Group 1 victory with his stable star.
My Gladiola impressed in a recent Pakenham jumpout and will trial again at either Mornington or Sandown on August 26 before resuming in the Group 1 Moir Stakes.
McArdle said the mare won her latest hitout "under a throttle hold" and had pulled up extremely well.
Bowman booked for Fangirl
Champion jockey Hugh Bowman has been booked to ride Fangirl when the star mare resumes in Saturday week's Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick.
Bowman will get his first feel of the 12-time winner when he partners her in a star-studded 850m Kensington trial on Friday morning, an important final hitout ahead of her spring return.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
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