Well Written ruled out of Golden Eagle
New Zealand mare Well Written has been ruled out of Saturday's $10 million Group 1 Golden Eagle (1500m) after contracting a viral infection in Sydney.
Trainer Stephen Marsh confirmed the mare had developed an elevated temperature over the weekend but was responding well to treatment.
The infection is considered relatively minor, but connections have decided not to take any risks. Well Written will return to New Zealand for a spell before preparing for a summer and autumn campaign.
Record crowd for The Everest
The Australian Turf Club has reported its biggest Everest crowd on record, with Royal Randwick hosting a strong turnout for the 10th running of the $20 million race.
So You Are receives another Melbourne Cup penalty
So You Are has received a second 0.5kg Melbourne Cup penalty following his victory in Saturday's Group 3 ATC St Leger Stakes (2600m) at Randwick.
Racing Victoria handicapper David Hegan lifted the stayer's weight from 52.5kg to 53kg, moving him to 35th in the Melbourne Cup order of entry.
Zahra set for Cox Plate return
Mark Zahra is expected to ride at Saturday's Cox Plate meeting after spending time in hospital following his fall in the Caulfield Cup.
Zahra has been booked aboard Middle Earth in the Group 1 Cox Plate at Flemington.
Trainer Ciaron Maher will have three runners in the race, with Middle Earth joining Land Legend and Light Infantry Man.
McNeil targeting Geelong Cup return
Jye McNeil is aiming to return to riding at Wednesday's Geelong Cup meeting following his Caulfield Cup fall.
McNeil was aboard Ohope Wins, who suffered a fatal fall during the race. Melbourne Cup winner Half Yours was also brought down in the incident.
The stewards' inquiry is unlikely to be completed until later this week.
Cox Plate field taking shape
Saturday's Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) will be run at Flemington while The Valley undergoes redevelopment.
Current expected runners and jockey engagements include:
| Runner | Jockey |
|---|---|
| Aeliana | James McDonald |
| Attrition | Jamie Mott |
| Birdman | Ben Melham |
| Blind Raise | Jamie Melham |
| Ceolwulf | Chad Schofield |
| Land Legend | Ethan Brown |
| Light Infantry Man | Harry Coffey |
| Middle Earth | Mark Zahra |
| Sir Delius | Craig Williams |
| Warwoven | Rachel King |
The final field remains subject to acceptances.
Strong Geelong Cup field assembled
Wednesday's Geelong Cup (2400m) has attracted a strong field, with several runners looking to improve their position in the Melbourne Cup order of entry.
The race remains an important lead-up to the November 3 feature at Flemington.
Tempted eligible for $2 million in bonuses
Following her Everest victory, Tempted is eligible for $2 million in bonuses under the Sydney Sprint Series if she wins the Russell Balding Stakes on October 31.
Godolphin is also considering a Melbourne campaign for the filly, with the Group 1 Champions Sprint among the options.
Spring plans for MyRacehorse runners
The MyRacehorse team has outlined likely targets for several of its runners.
Ninja is expected to contest the Group 2 Russell Balding Stakes, while Apocalyptic is being aimed at the Group 1 Golden Eagle.
Unleeshing is likely to head to Flemington for the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes.
Pride Of Jenni resumes preparations
Pride Of Jenni is set to barrier trial at Cranbourne on Monday as connections work towards the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes.
The mare was scratched from Saturday's King Charles III Stakes after developing swelling caused by an infection in one of her legs.
Owner Tony Ottobre says she has recovered well, with trainer Ciaron Maher confident she can continue her preparation.
World Pool record for The Everest
Saturday's Everest attracted HK$113.2 million (approximately A$20.7 million) in World Pool turnover.
The figure represents a record for a single race through World Pool.
Half Yours likely finished for spring
Half Yours has reportedly escaped serious injury following his fall in Saturday's Caulfield Cup.
The Melbourne Cup winner is understood to be okay, although his spring campaign is likely over.
Kingswood and Blue Door headed for spells
Kingswood is likely to be spelled following his spring campaign, while Blue Door has also been sent to the paddock.
Melham suspended following Sydney Stakes win
Jamie Melham is set to miss Victoria Derby Day after receiving a careless riding suspension for her winning ride aboard Marhoona in Saturday's Sydney Stakes.
Melham has elected to commence the suspension after this weekend's Cox Plate meeting but has indicated she intends to appeal.
Mr Brightside no certainty for Saturday
Mr Brightside remains a 50-50 chance of contesting Saturday's Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) at Flemington.
The Lindsay Park gelding finished last in the Feehan Stakes before running second in a Flemington jumpout last Friday.
Trainer Ben Hayes says the stable will assess him before acceptances. If he doesn't run, Mr Brightside will be spelled ahead of an autumn campaign.
Maher's reaction to Everest victory
Brilliant behind-the-scenes footage captures Ciaron Maher watching Tempted win Saturday's Everest.
Saintly Dancer heads to paddock
Saturday's Group 1 Thousand Guineas winner Saintly Dancer has pulled up well and will now head for a spell.
Tim Wilson from First Light Racing confirmed the filly will be prepared for an autumn campaign, with the Angus Armanasco Stakes and Kewney Stakes among her possible Melbourne targets before heading to Sydney.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
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