Autumn racing carnival: Where the stars are heading in Sydney and Melbourne
Sky Racing’s Brad Davidson has done the groundwork for punters and got the good oil from trainers on when the stars are returning and which races they will target in the autumn. Plus, FUTURES BETTING
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From Avilius to Pierata, and Libertini to Shadow Hero, Sky Racing form analyst Brad Davidson gets an early indication of where all the big guns are heading this autumn — and who could be saved for a later mission.
But, take note, this is what trainers are thinking this week but plans can change at any time and are not set in stone.
JAMES CUMMINGS (GODOLPHIN)
Avilius: CF Orr Stakes first-up, likely target Queen Elizabeth and a range of options to get to there.
Alizee: Heads towards the Apollo Stakes. Love the idea of targeting the George Ryder and Queen Of The Turf.
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Trekking: Coming along for the WFA races in Brisbane. Might even defend Stradbroke title.
Best Of Days: Strongly considering targeting Doomben Cup. Might even try a mile-and-a-half with him this prep and we might look at that new race in Queensland (1.5 million Eva Q22) as well.
Savatiano: Quite likely the Robert Sangster, Goodwood and maybe (Tatt’s Tiara) as well.
Kementari: He is going to target Queensland sprints also. Maybe there’s a sneaky chance you will get a glimpse of Kementari at the tail end of Randwick carnival.
Bivouac: Oakleigh Plate first-up, still a lot of options between Oakleigh Plate and TJ Smith. Feeling our way through our prep between those two targets.
OFF & RACING: DAVO’S TIPS FOR WARWICK FARM
WEEKEND BEST BETS: HAVE FAITH IN MOTHER
Home Of The Brave: Targeting perhaps a race like the Goodwood or WFA sprints in Brisbane.
Deprive: Likely to run fresh in either the Challenge Stakes or Southern Cross. Love to see him in the Galaxy. Careful to managed him to get prep elongated to Brisbane. Suitable horse for sprint series up there.
Viridine: Coming on scene a little bit later for Brisbane. Handicap sprints en route to Stradbroke.
Soothing: One eye on the Galaxy with her. First-up in Millie Fox or Bob Hoysted — yet to be determined.
FUTURES BETTING: TAB FIXED ODDS
Flit: Light Fingers first-up. Number of ways can go with her but it would be nice to see he in a Surround Stakes en route to other targets. Right through March there are four really good races for her and a couple of races in April. I don’t want to pigeonhole her. En route to potential targets like Queen Of The Turf. She could be diverted to a Doncaster though.
Cascadian: One of our leading Doncaster hopes. Route into Doncaster is not set in stone but do like idea of first-up in Southern Cross.
Pohutukawa: Potentially Queen Of The Turf mare. First-up Triscay.
Isaurian: Freshened after Magic Millions in order to have back for handicaps in Brisbane. Might not be impossible for him to make a Hall Mark though.
Wren’s Day: Handicapper but he wouldn’t be out of place being nominated for a Doncaster. Race like James Ruse Handicap first-up then races like Newcastle Nemarkert and Doncaster Prelude.
Manicure: Held back and likely travel to Adelaide for the Robert Sangster.
Exhilarates: Freshened after Magic Millions. Fillies and mares races in Brisbane. Nom for Stradbroke wouldn’t go astray. Cherry ripe for Winter Stakes.
Pandemic: Possible Arrowfield Sprint second day Randwick carnival.
No races set in stone for Godolphin 2yos at this stage, but Destination and Marnix to run in Lonhro Plate and Inglis Millennium respectively this weekend at Warwick Farm and Valaquenta (C&G) and Geist (F) in Blue Diamond Preludes at Caufield.
GAI WATERHOUSE and ADRIAN BOTT
Hush Writer: Potentially Australian Cup start and maybe Tancred. Won’t have huge autumn due to a big spring.
Wolfe: Potentially Doncaster. Whether he wants further or not is the query but he is on that path at the moment for a mile handicap- He is an excellent 2000m horse but this might be the right profile for the Doncaster.
Just Thinkin’: Out spelling. Maybe Queensland winter.
Farnan: Discussing options with owners but one of the Golden Slipper lead-up races — maybe Skyline or Todman. Needs to win one of those to get exemption ballot for Slipper.
Yao Dash: Program open at the moment. Kick-off 3yo sprint races — should get further. See how far he can develop. Randwick Guineas likely to come up too soon for him so probably run out of time for that.
Rule The World: Queensand winter.
Dubai Star: Golden Slipper lead ups and needs to win to get into Golden Slipper. If Slipper too quick, something like Percy Stykes. Similar plans for Vangelic.
Postcode: Golden Slipper lead ups in bid to qualify for Slipper.
Conte Partiro: Went to stud but didn’t get in foal so she will race on- Coolmore Classic, Queen Of The Turf.
Who is impressing you at home: Wolfe and Hush Writer trialled well, particularly Hush Writer and he showed tremendous speed there.
PETER and PAUL SNOWDEN
Redzel: Lightning and then go from there.
Signore Fox: Paddock. Queensland winter.
Military Zone: Haven’t mapped out program only been in three weeks.
Reelem In Ruby: Kicks off Saturday week in Triscay. Possible main aim Coolmore Classic.
Anaheed: might to Melbourne for Rubiton Sat and then play it by ear-
Carif: Light autumn. Back in a month. Main goal back in spring. Potentially Cups in spring.
Cosmic Force: Back in three weeks. Middle to late autumn into Brisbane.
Hightail: Spelling and gave him a good break. Queensland winter.
I Am Superman: Trying to get to Doncaster/ Queen Elizabeth.
Brave Song: Late autumn and mainly sprints in Brisbane. Stradbroke main goal.
Missile Mantra: Starts in the Light Fingers then the Surround and then her main target is the Vinery. See how she goes at 2000m but Oaks possibility.
California Zimbol: Haven’t locked a race in but will contests some good sprints later in the carnival.
MANY 2YO SNOWDEN WINNERS THIS SEASON:
Golden Slipper bound: Blaze A Trail, Dame Giselle, Tilia Rose and others.
Blue Diamond bound: Rulership, Barbaric, Fresh and Diamondesque.
King’s Legacy: Good Sires’ horse.
Aim: Same direction, Sires’.
Untamed: JJ Atkins.
Wild Ruler: Back end of Sydney and Queensland winter and maybe spring.
Reignite: See him maybe in the Pago Pago. Sires/Champagne target races. Definitely wants a bit of ground.
TEAM HAWKES
Exceedance: Not sure yet.
Brutal: Still in pre-training. Not sure yet.
Rock: Doesn’t like wet tracks so have to be careful and place him. Maybe a Doncaster (if not wet)
Amangiri: Maybe the Coolmore Classic.
God Of Thunder: Might run this Saturday. See how he progresses.
Master Of Wine: Back in work. Light autumn. Wouldn’t rule anything in or not.
Supernova: Back into stables a week ago. Happy to win a couple of races with him. Nothing planned at this stage.
Outrageous: Back into work a couple of days ago.
Dawn Dawn: Mares races. Try get some black type with her.
Assertive Approach: Gone to Hong Kong.
ANTHONY CUMMINGS
Mizzy: Back in work six weeks. She had a muscle strain back end of last prep and there were remnants of that (earlier in prep). We are just getting tests done (this week to make sure all good there). At this stage, on a schedule first-up in Galaxy, TJ and All Aged.
Something Fast: First-up Liverpool City Cup and then heads towards the Doncaster.
Libertini: First-up in the Light Fingers and there is a race every week for her depending on what we want to do. We could keep her to 1100-1300 or we could go Surround into Coolmore. Exactly where we go we’re undecided. If not the Surround, Canterbury Stakes the week after.
Baller: Runs on Saturday (at Warwick Farm) given track not too wet. His aim is The Galaxy in first part and work out there.
Philizzy: Sweet Embrace three weeks out from the Golden Slipper.
Prince Fawaz: He runs Hobartville, Randwick Guineas and then choice between the George Ryder or Rosehill Guineas and then onto Doncaster and Queen Elizabeth. He is going well.
Vegadaze: Not quite sure. Only beaten 2L the other day. It wasn’t exactly what we expected. 1300m benchmark race most likely for next run.
Agassi: On a second tier into a Doncaster without much weight hopefully.
Phoenix River: Only low benchmark but has ability and hopefully can force his way into some good races.
To Your Health: Mile race Saturday week and then into the Aspiration.
Mrs Madrid: Sydney Cup path.
KRIS LEES
In Her Time: Hoping to have her ready for The Galaxy first-up if ready. Nominated for TJ and then probably Brisbane for sprints up there.
Tactical Advantage: Back in work, undecided.
Miss Fabulass: Aimed at Coolmore Classic — runs 2-3 weeks before.
Le Romain: Back end of carnival (nominated TJ but maybe All Aged) and then on to Brisbane.
Gem Song: Went amiss in Golden Eagle. Extended spell.
Graff: Possibly goes to Galaxy if ready nothing concrete.
Frankely Awesome: Undecided but possibly a Tancred as target
Big Duke: Went amiss in Caulfield Cup. Late Brisbane just back in work.
Red Cardinal: Possibly Parramatta Cup all depending on track conditions (wants soft ground) searching for wet tracks.
El Dorado Dreaming: Coolmore Classic target — may run beforehand.
Invincible Gem: Coolmore Classic target
Mugatoo: Stays in benchmark racing and see where he ends up. Thrown in nomination for Sydney Cup etc.
AUSTRALIAN BLOODSTOCK HORSES
Danceteria: Chipping Norton, All Star Mile (if gets in) and then Queen Elizabeth,
Chief Ironside: James Ruse Handicap or Liverpool City Cup then All Star Mile (if gains a start) or Newcastle Newmarket.
Mustajeer: Parramatta Cup, Ranvet or Tancred, Sydney Cup?
Raheen House: Sky high Stakes, Tancred, Sydney Cup?
Game Of Thorns: Vinery / Oaks if she stays.
CIARON MAHER
Away Game: Could come to the Blue Diamond but most likely stays in (Sydney). Runs next in in three weeks.
Loving Gaby: Newmarket
Yulong January: Space runs a bit.
Thought Of That: Bit behind coming in. Adelaide perhaps or maybe sneaks into Sydney carnival. whether he runs in the Derby or not (time will tell). He ran out 2000m strong and it might have just been the wet track (in the Victoria Derby).
Southern France: Australian Cup and then Tancred perhaps.
Dubious: Spelling.
Muntaseera: This weekend and then run in the Blue Diamond-
Prague: Runs in three weeks on towards the Golden Slipper
A Beautiful Night: Blue Diamond
Cellsabeel: Inglis Millennium and then Silver Slipper into Golden Slipper.
TONY MCEVOY
Sunlight: Back under saddle and seems fantastic. She will probably go to Robert Sangster then to Royal Ascot. She will probably run in both of the races over there, the King’s Stand and Diamond Jubilee. Unlikely Sydney carnival.
Xilong: Inglis Sprint this week and then the Surround Stakes.
Pretty Brazen: Australian Guineas
Hey Doc: Orr Stakes and then to Dubai for the Al Quoz Sprint
HAYES AND DABERNIG
Cape Of Good Hope: Keep him try to win a G1 over a mile. Races like the Futurity.
Harlem: Running this weekend in mile race. Main aim is the Australian Cup.
Fifty Stars: Orr Stakes, hopefully might get into All Star Mile. If not, main aim Australian Cup.
Faatinah: Building up. He will run in Oakleigh Plate. Reassess after that.
Muntahaa: Left stable.
Jaameh: Won’t see him until the spring. Bowed his tendon.
Sikandarabad: I think main aim will be Sydney — Tancred, Sydney Cup etc
Furrion: Bowed a tendon — careful with him — still a while away. Hopefully spring.
Constantinople: Australian Cup and then Tancred. Might run Peter Young or first up in Australian Cup. Decision to make re Sydney Cup later on. Light autumn with big spring in mind.
So Si Bon: Run in the Orr Stakes and hopefully All Star Mile if he gets voted in. If not, Australian Cup.
Personal, Aryaaf and Hard Landing heading to Blue Diamond.
GERALD RYAN
Standout: Canterbury Stakes or Galaxy- Arrowfield 3YO/ TJ Smith and All Aged possible.
Bandersnatch: Spelling — ready for Hawkesbury/Scone Guineas.
Colada: Gone to HK.
Bottega: Hobartville Day in Hobartville Stakes or Benchmark 78 1400m. Randwick Guineas and maybe Rosehill Guineas.
Villami: Fireball and then one or two runs throughout carnival but not sure. Freshen up and then to Queensland. Main aim Tatt’s Tiara.
Fortress Command: Hobartville, Randwick Guineas, Rosehill Guineas, then perhaps Derby.
ONE THAT IS IMPRESSING YOU: Chains Of Honour: He has improved, bigger and stronger, better attitude and he will go to the ATC Derby, perhaps Rosehill Guineas before that. Done so well after Qld.
MATT SMITH
Fierce Impact: CF Orr Stakes and then Chipping Norton and then after not sure. All-Star Mile (if gets in) or Ranvet perhaps?
Grey Lion: Coming back into work — later on.
Attorney: Go through benchmark races. Nominated Sydney Cup. Nice stayer.
Esti Feny: Won over 2800m overseas. Could end up in a Sydney Cup? First prep here so a bit unsure of his best distance. But he has won 2000m-2800m.
Sweet Thomas: Sydney Cup route. Has to prove himself.
Invictus Prince: Kick him off in Canterbury Stakes and see how we go. Going well.
Nimalee: Heading to (Sydney) Oaks.
Sir Gunson: Smokey ATC Derby horse. Really nice horse just needs racing.
IMPRESSING YOU AT HOME: Attorney, Esti Feny and Invictus Prince are all going good.
RICHARD LITT
Castelvecchio: Hobartville, Randwick Guineas most likely early targets but holds nominations for All Star Mile (if can get in) and Australian Guineas and they’re options too. See from there after that.
PAT WEBSTER
Happy Clapper: Apollo Stakes and Chipping Norton. Take it one step at a time.
GREG HICKMAN
Pierata: Will run in the Galaxy, TJ Smith, All Aged Stakes. That’s the main plan at the moment.
Eleven Eleven: Haven’t sorted yet. Just having a break in the paddock.
Rari: Back up in Inglis race this weekend and then probably paddock.
Rathvilly Miss: Could head towards Queensland Oaks if goes well.
LES BRIDGE
Update on Classique Legend: Going to Hong Kong. Won’t run during Sydney Autumn Carnival.
Seasons: Triscay next start and just see after that.
JOHN THOMPSON
Dreamforce: Apollo Stakes first-up, then Chipping Norton — depends how he goes to what he goes to after that.
Sweet Deal: Run Triscay first up in route to Guy Walter and Coolmore Classic.
Cuba: Nominated for Doncaster. Newcastle Newmarket target third up and go from there.
Into The Abyss: Spelling. Qld winter for her.
Fituese: Still spelling.
Battenburg: Owner confirmed on social media this week will miss autumn.
MARK NEWNHAM
Quackerjack: Liverpool City Cup then Ajax and third up Doncaster
Diamond Thunder: Arrowfield 3YO Sprint and one run prior to that
Shadow Hero: Four 3yo races — Hobartville, Randwick, Rosehill Guineas and then ATC Derby.
Lanciato: First-up in Southern Cross. Try to get him back to Newcastle.
Mission Phoenix: Resumes in Phar Lap- Goes to Tulloch and then we will make a decision on Frank Packer or backs up into ATC Derby.
Every Rose: Runs in Silver Slipper or week after in the fillies race- Golden Slipper qualified- will be running.
GARY PORTELLI
Time To Reign: He has a virus again so he will probably have a break and head to the Brisbane carnival.
Dismissal: Back end of carnival. Black Opal or Sweet Embrace. Nice filly.
Mystic Vein: Lonhro Plate.
Roman Wolf: Runs this weekend.
Parche: Hopefully on an Oaks path
Disruptor: Missed spring with a bowed tendon. Getting him back and a few weeks off a trial-
Improvement: Back end of Sydney carnival, Qld winter carnival.
JOHN O’SHEA
Southern Lad: Paddock.
Rocha Clock: Qld Oaks.
Twentyfour Carat: Scone Guineas.
Killer Instinct: Aspiration and Epona.
Pretty In Pink: On track for Galaxy but guided by how she trials
JOE PRIDE
Fasika: Resumes in the Wenona Girl. Two trials beforehand. So many things can happen from there. If she went well and there was a wet track, the Galaxy is an option or the Birthday Card on the same day. All Aged Stakes, races in Brisbane are all options.
Superium: Having a break. Queensland winter good chance.
Ball Of Muscle: Tough one to place because he is a short-course horse. Oakleigh Plate consideration, Challenge Stakes and The Galaxy are options. I’ll have him ready to go for Oakleigh Plate and it just depends if he is going well enough.
Easy Eddie: Ready for the Maurice McCarten a race he won last year. Potentially Galaxy. Genuine wet tracker.
DAVID PFIEFFER
Prophet’s Thumb: Now with Anthony Freedman.
I Am Excited: Triscay first-up but will be nominated for Southern Cross as well. Galaxy or Canterbury Stakes then Sapphire and then into Robert Sangster Stakes.
Yamazaki: Hoping to get her to the Birthday Card Stakes.
The Party Girl: Has been retired.
JOHN SARGENT
Luvaluva: Group 1 $400,000 Saturday WFA Te Rapa this weekend. Play it by ear after that- Koby Jennings to ride.
Brandenburg: Hobartville and Randwick Guineas first two targets. See after the Randwick Guineas whether he is a Derby horse.
Tinkermosa: Group 3 on Saturday at Caulfield. Run by run with her.
Emeralds: Light Fingers (Tom Marquand booked) and then Surround Stakes and she will run through those races and see whether she is an Oaks horse or not.
Aspect Ratio: ATC Oaks
Stick ‘Em Up: ATC Oaks
House Of Cartier: Back end of carnival- having freshen up.
Havin’ Fun: Resumes this Friday and see how far she gets.
Foxborough: Still a maiden but Group placed. Play it by ear with her.
IMPRESSING YOU AT HOME: Brandenburg is a serious colt and he has come back a lot stronger after Carbine Club.
WENDY ROCHE
Nettoyer: Trials Monday week and then she will have another trial. Then she will start first-up in the Aspiration. Then she will go to the Epona, then she will probably come back in distance to the Coolmore Classic and then she might go to Queensland for the Hollindale Stakes and Doomben Cup.
JEAN DUBOIS
See You Soon: Trials end of Feb, one run before the Golden Slipper. Likely to be two or three weeks before the Golden Slipper. Jean Van Overmeire to ride.
JASON COYLE
White Moss: Millie Fox next and then a million different ways we can go with her. Canterbury Stakes, Wenona Girl both options. We could also try her at 1500m in the Coolmore Classic.
Siren’s Fury: Chip removed from fetlock and at this stage likely to go to Chairman’s Sale.
You Make Me Smile: Minor setback and you won’t see him until the Brisbane winter or at least winter Sydney.
River Bird: Triscay Stakes.
Originally published as Autumn racing carnival: Where the stars are heading in Sydney and Melbourne