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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

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.

Horse Racing

Sepals ridden by Blake Shinn wins the CS Hayes Stakes at Flemington Racecourse on February 15, 2025 in Flemington, Australia. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

Sepals earns chance at Group 1 ‘deep end’

Sepals has emerged as an Australian Guineas contender after progressing from a Sale maiden win to an “impressive” Group 3 victory in the CS Hayes at Flemington.

Horse Racing

Shining Smile ridden by Daniel Stackhouse and Tentyris ridden by Mark Zahra dead heat for the win in the TAB Talindert Stakes at Flemington Racecourse on February 15, 2025 in Flemington, Australia. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

Protest dismissed in Talindert dead heat

Shining Smile and Tentyris shared the spoils in the Talindert Stakes after an unsuccessful protest as their trainers consider backing up in next week’s Blue Diamond.

Horse Racing

Traffic Warden ridden by Jamie Kah wins the MSS Security Sires' Produce Stakes at Flemington Racecourse on March 09, 2024 in Flemington, Australia. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

Traffic Warden ‘different horse’ for Lightning return

Godolphin trainer James Cummings is confident Traffic Warden will be mentally ready for his return in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.

Horse Racing

Switzerland ridden by James McDonald wins the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington Racecourse on November 02, 2024 in Flemington, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

J-Mac: Why Switzerland has big edge on rival colts in Lightning

James McDonald is expecting a great clash between the three-year-olds in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes but says Switzerland has a crucial advantage among the colts.

Horse Racing

Bossy Nic ridden by Damian Lane wins the Sportsbet Feed Handicap at Caulfield Racecourse on June 29, 2024 in Caulfield, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

Four-Play, Quadzilla: $200 betting strategy for Flemington

News Corp racing reporter Gilbert Gardiner is taking on the three-year-olds in the Lightning Stakes as he gives his $200 betting strategy and quaddie analysis for Flemington.

Horse Racing

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 14: James Mcdonald riding I Am Me wins Race 6 Feel New Sydney Stakes during Sydney Racing - TAB Everest Day at Royal Randwick Racecourse on October 14, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)

Maher mare can book Royal Ascot trip with Lightning win

Group 1 success this autumn, starting with Saturday’s Lightning Stakes, could enhance the prospects of a Ciaron Maher mare heading to Royal Ascot.

Horse Racing

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 01: Daniel Moor riding Inkaruna defeats Damian Lane riding Sword of Legacy in Race 5, the Lamaro's Hotel Chairman's Stakes during Melbourne Racing at Sandown Racecourse on February 01, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)

Sutton determined to erase photo finish agony

Trainer Dominic Sutton and Sword Of Legacy were on the wrong end of a gut-wrenching photo finish last start as they seek some consolation in the Talindert Stakes on Saturday.

Horse Racing

Skybird on the way to the barriers prior to the running of the Sharp EIT Solutions Tristarc Stakes at Caulfield Racecourse on October 19, 2024 in Caulfield, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

Lightning or Oakleigh? Sky’s the limit for Freedman mare

Trainer Mitch Freedman could bypass the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) on Saturday with Skybird and run in the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) instead.

Horse Racing

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 07: Damian Lane rides #1 Treasurethe Moment to win race 8, the Crown Oaks during Oaks Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 07, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/Getty Images)

Treasurethe potential: Laurie excited about Oaks winner’s return

VRC Oaks winner Treasurethe Moment will return in the Group 2 Angus Armanasco Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield next Saturday.

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