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Gilbert GardinerSports reporter

Gilbert Gardiner is a sports reporter for the Herald Sun and Sunday Herald Sun.

@gilbertgardiner

Gilbert Gardiner

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Horse Racing

Blue Diamond contender Autumn Mystery and trainer Rory Hunter (inset). Main picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

Hunter living Diamond dream with ‘cracking type’ bought for a steal

Third-year trainer Rory Hunter has already achieved his dream of having a Blue Diamond runner with a horse he thought would be out of his price range.

Horse Racing

Palm Angel ridden by Ethan Brown wins the Sportsbet Blue Diamond Prelude (F) at Caulfield Racecourse on February 08, 2025 in Caulfield, Australia. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

Blue Diamond fancy faces third vet test, outsider scratched

A leading Blue Diamond chance must pass a third and final vet inspection while a Ciaron Maher runner has been scratched.

Horse Racing

Rey Magnerio ridden by Jye McNeil wins the Herald Sun Rubiton Stakes at Caulfield Racecourse on February 08, 2025 in Caulfield, Australia. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

‘In the right level’: Rey gunning for Oakleigh Plate glory

Rey Magnerio finished a credible ninth in last year’s Oakleigh Plate but has the right form to take out the Group 1 sprint at Caulfield on Saturday.

Horse Racing

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 19: Ben Melham riding Angel Capital and Jamie Melham riding Acid Wash (r) in a gallop in between races during Melbourne Racing at Sandown Racecourse on February 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)

Guineas favourite ‘very slick’ in exhibition gallop

Trainer Clinton McDonald can’t wait for next week’s Group 1 Australian Guineas after favourite Angel Capital “went terrific” in a hitout at Sandown.

Horse Racing

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 24: Craig Williams riding Mr Brightside winning Race 7, the Lamaro's Hotel Futurity Stakes, during Melbourne Racing at Caulfield Racecourse on February 24, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)

Mr Brightside ‘full steam ahead’ to Futurity Stakes

Lindsay Park says stable star Mr Brightside has shown “good improvement” ahead of a second-up mission to defend his Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) crown at Caulfield on Saturday.

Horse Racing

Field Of Play ridden by Blake Shinn wins the Sportsbet Blue Diamond Prelude (C&G) at Caulfield Racecourse on February 08, 2025 in Caulfield, Australia. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

Field Of Play confirmed for Blue Diamond

Blue Diamond favourite Field Of Play is a confirmed acceptor for Melbourne’s richest two-year-old race on Saturday at Caulfield after connections paid a $55,000 late entry fee.

Horse Racing

NCA. MELBOURNE. Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. Race 1. The Maribyrnong Plate. Tycoon Star ridden by Michael Dee win the opening race . Picture: Michael Klein

Diamond dealers: Lindsay Park eyes 11th success in Group 1 blockbuster

Tycoon Star and Miss Celine could build on a Lindsay Park family tradition with victory in the $2m Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) on Saturday at Caulfield.

Horse Racing

Benedetta on the way to the barriers prior to the running of the Black Caviar Lightning at Flemington Racecourse on February 15, 2025 in Flemington, Australia. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

Monday Racebook: Gilbert Gardiner’s horses to follow, forgive at Flemington

Gilbert Gardiner analyses 2025 Black Caviar Lighting Stakes Day at Flemington, presenting his horses to follow and forgive.

Horse Racing

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 17: James McDonald riding Tom Kitten wins Race 8 Precise Air Handicap during

All-Star ambitions as Godolphin tag team set for Futurity Stakes

James Cummings has set a task for his perennial Group 1 contenders Pericles and Tom Kitten at Caulfield on Saturday … beat Mr Brightside and earn a golden ticket into the All-Star Mile.

Horse Racing

Skybird ridden by John Allen wins the Black Caviar Lightning at Flemington Racecourse on February 15, 2025 in Flemington, Australia. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

Skybird swoops in Lightning upset to prove doubters wrong

Trainer Mitch Freedman knew his unfancied outsider Skybird would be up for the challenge in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes as she became the longest-priced winner of the race.

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