Randwick is on track for one of its biggest days, Pride Of Jenni is back in work, and the Tabcorp–BetMakers deal has some operators looking over their shoulder.
Everest ticket sales surge
This year's $20 million TAB Everest is shaping as one of the biggest racedays in Royal Randwick history, with early ticket sales tracking towards a record crowd for the October 17 meeting.
General admission sales are already 55 per cent higher than at the same stage last year, and premium corporate hospitality packages have sold out. The demand is another indication of the momentum behind Sydney's spring carnival as The Everest prepares for its 10th running.
Pride Of Jenni building towards a spring return
Popular mare Pride Of Jenni is back in work and could chase a remarkable third consecutive Group 2 Feehan Stakes victory when she returns this spring.
The nine-year-old was last seen finishing second to Birdman in the Group 1 Doomben Cup and is expected to trial in around two weeks. This year's Feehan will be staged at Caulfield on September 27 while Moonee Valley undergoes redevelopment.
Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull says the stable has plenty of options beyond her return, including the Empire Rose, Champions Mile and King Charles III Stakes. Turnbull also confirmed stablemate Jimmysstar is headed to the Group 1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 following his eye-catching Warwick Farm trial last week.
Bookmakers nervous over the Tabcorp–BetMakers deal
Bookmakers operating on BetMakers-powered technology are reportedly considering their options following news that Tabcorp is set to acquire the technology provider. The proposed deal has created some nervousness among operators reliant on BetMakers' infrastructure as they assess what a change in ownership could mean for their businesses.
Moody delighted with Sheza Alibi
Champion trainer Peter Moody believes dual Group 1 winner Sheza Alibi is "probably ahead of the game" following her second-place trial behind Ole Dancer at Pakenham on Tuesday.
With Luke Nolen aboard, Sheza Alibi pleased Moody with how she handled the testing conditions and, importantly, how she came through the hitout. The star mare continues to build towards her spring return.
Jimmysstar's brother breaks through
In'kantosstar, the four-year-old brother to Group 1 star Jimmysstar, broke his maiden at his second start with a comfortable victory on the Ballarat Synthetic under Ethan Brown. The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding was a $260,000 purchase and races in the familiar colours of prominent owner Ozzie Kheir.
Newmarket the long-range target for Boomtown Boss
Champion Queensland trainer Tony Gollan has put the brakes on a big spring campaign for impressive Aurie's Star Handicap winner Boomtown Boss, with next year's Group 1 Newmarket Handicap emerging as a major target.
After proving his ability down the Flemington straight, Gollan is keen to bring the talented sprinter back to the same course for one of Australia's premier sprint races next March.
Thousand Guineas beckons for Pretty Baby
Exciting South Australian filly Pretty Baby is being aimed towards the Group 1 Thousand Guineas following another impressive victory at Morphettville.
The daughter of Barbados cruised to a two-length Benchmark 66 victory over 1050m on Saturday, adding to her Listed Oaklands Plate success in June. Trainers Gordon Richards and Damien Moyle will now look towards Melbourne's Spring Carnival, with the Thousand Guineas over 1600m firmly on the agenda.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
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