Star colt will ‘need some luck’ after Diamond draw
Godolphin’s hopes of securing back-to-back wins in the Blue Diamond remains on track despite star colt Hanseatic drawing a “tricky” gate in the Group 1 sprint. FIELD, LATEST ODDS
VIC Racing
Benalla tips: Patrick Payne primed for haul
Trainer Patrick Payne could be primed for a big day at Benalla with a host of live chances, while the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace yard is there to win also. BEST BETS WITH GIL GARDINER.
Stars can align for Bart in Futurity
Black Heart Bart is ready to fire in this week’s Futurity Stakes, according to trainer Lindsey Smith, as the veteran galloper chases an automatic entry into the All-Star Mile.
Cream rises to top in race for All-Star Mile
The $5 million All-Star Mile puzzle has intensified with electrifying performances at Flemington and Randwick underlying the star quality entered in the world’s richest 1600m contest.
First blood to Alligator in epic battle
The clash between boom three-year-olds Alligator Blood and Catalyst lived up to its billing at Flemington in a mouth-watering prelude to the Australian Guineas and All-Star Mile. WATCH THE RACE
Strip out: Gytrash pulls off Lightning raid
Veteran Adelaide trainer Gordon Richards snared his maiden Group 1 win after Gytrash destroyed reputations and most punters hopes with a stunning Lightning Stakes victory.
Who celebs are voting for in the All-Star Mile
A public vote will help decide which horses get to battle it out in the world’s richest mile horse race next month. And with a share of $500,000 up for grabs just for voting, those in the know tell us who they are backing.
How owners are chasing votes for place in $5m horse race
From luxury getaways to charity donations and even a share in a racehorse, trainers and owners are pulling out all the stops to entice people into helping them score a place in the world’s richest mile horse race.
Vandyke’s blood pumping for big clash
Trainer David Vandyke has welcomed the arrival of boom Kiwi Catalyst to challenge his star gelding Alligator Blood in the C.S Hayes Stakes at Flemington. ALL-STAR MILE LEADERBOARD
What it’s like to win $250k and quit your job
Ever dreamed of coming into a small fortune and immediately throwing in the towel at work? Damien Murnane did just that — and all because of a simple stroke of luck.
‘We’re the X-factor’: Owners pull Heart strings
Heart Of Puissance’s many owners have pushed hard to get their lightly raced three-year-old into the $5m All-Star Mile — and as the deadline looms, their campaign is set to pay off. VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE HORSE
Loving Gaby up for test against flying Strip
There’s no bigger challenge than taking on Nature Strip down the Flemington straight but David Eustace says his classy filly Loving Gaby is up for it in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning.
Express delivery: Moroney’s big punt pays off
Mike Moroney’s decision to back his faith in three-year-old colt Alabama Express was vindicated when the son of Redoute’s Choice upstaged his more fancied older rivals in the Group 1 Orr Stakes.
Hanseatic homes in on Blue Diamond
Anthony Freedman’s hopes of winning a second consecutive Blue Diamond Stakes soared after Hanseatic produced a spectacular finishing burst to win the Blue Diamond Prelude at Caulfield.
Super-charged battle for wildcard spots
Herald Sun racing experts Michael Manley and Gilbert Gardiner cast an eye over the contenders and horses flying under the radar for a shot at the $5m All-Star Mile. VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE
Busuttin puts autumn hopes on the line
Co-trainers Trent Busuttin and Natlie Young will get a good gauge on their stable’s autumn prospects in the feature races at Caulfield, including the return of Mirage Dancer in the Orr Stakes.
Smith tempts voters with slice of $5m pie
Lindsey Smith is hoping Scales Of Justice can secure a wildcard into the All-Star Mile, while the trainer will try a different tactic to boost Black Heart Bart’s chances of a start in the $5m race. VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE
Freedman in Orr of Ringer’s All-Star bid
Sam Freedman expects All-Star Mile candidate Ringerdingding to put his best hoof forward in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes as he chases a spot in the $5m race. VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE
All-Star lure to coax Baster out of retirement
Logan McGill is trying to persuade Stephen Baster to return for one more farewell ride and believes a start in the All-Star Mile for one of his favourite gallopers can entice him back in the saddle.
Moroney wants Group 1 delivered Express
Mike Moroney won’t hesitate throwing Alabama Express into the deep end in the Group 1 Orr Stakes against weight-for-age opposition in a bid to increase the three-year-old colt’s stud value.
Luck swings King’s way in Hunter Cup thriller
NSW pacer King Of Swing a stunning all-the-way win in Victoria’s most famous harness race, the AG Hunter Cup — but it didn’t come without drama. WATCH THE RACE
Extreme heat forces Valley to call off meeting
The Valley’s third biggest night meeting celebrating the Chinese New Year has been abandoned due to the Victorian heatwave.
Dalasan up for contest against gun three-year-olds
Star Adelaide colt Dalasan begins a campaign where he’ll be pitted against some of the best three-year-olds seen for years, but trainer Leon MacDonald remains upbeat about his prospects.
‘Versatile’ Lochinvar Art can overcome bad draw
Record-breaking 4YO Bonanza winner Lochinvar Art has been brought back down earth after copping a horror draw for Saturday night’s Hunter Cup.
Brush with death can inspire emotional win
Champion driver Ricky May will be the inspiration behind one of the leading contenders in our biggest harness race after he was miraculously brought back to life in one of the most terrifying incidents ever seen on a racetrack.
Plate first base for Bivouac
Bivouac will launch his autumn campaign in a Group 1 sprint in Melbourne. Meanwhile, trainer James Cummings also outlines the plans for All-Star Mile contenders Alizee, Avilius and Flit.
Super Seth back bigger and stronger
The only galloper to lower the colours of cult Queenslander Alligator Blood makes his much-awaited return and sets course for the highly anticipated rematch next month.
Freedman colt bags Blue Diamond favouritism
Trainer Anthony Freedman has put the brakes on the recent domination of two-year-old races by rival co-trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace with a colt described as ‘a bit of a lad’.
Young guns primed for a blaze of glory
Two outstanding prospects are primed to make the monster night at Melton their own when they roll out for the super power All Stars stable.
Standby for microphone drop and ‘I told you so’
James Cummings is looking forward to Microphone’s latest challenge of taking on old horses for the first time in the Group 1 Australia Stakes at The Valley and he’s confident.
Nothing Lys than memorable for top jockey
Gun jockey Damian Lane will remember 2019 not just for the exploits of super Japanese mare Lys Gracieux, but for his incredible riding feats elsewhere which saw him at the top for most of the year.
Bar to be raised for Begood Toya Mother
Early voting for the All-Star Mile suggests Begood Toya Mother will be in the thick of the action but trainer Daniel Bowman says his Group 1 winner will need to earn his place.
What is next mission for Melbourne Cup winner?
Danny O’Brien had pencilled in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes for Vow and Declare’s return to the track, but an excellent preparation has him eyeing off a big meeting much earlier.
Video: ‘Idiots’ jump fence during horse race
Racing officials have called for life bans for ‘disgusting’ spectators who jumped the fence and run on to the track during a race at Cranbourne last night. SEE THE VIDEO
Personal emerges as a Diamond prospect
Personal has come from an awkward position to claim an unlikely victory and charge into calculations for the Blue Diamond Stakes for trainer David Hayes.
Jockeys swap silks for whites
Can Damien Oliver hit the ball out of the park or will Willie Pike clear the fence when join forces for the annual TAB National Jockeys’ Trust T20 Cricket Match?
Colt to make return ahead of Time
Former top two-year-old colt Time To Reign will finally make his long-awaited return to the track at Flemington in the Kensington Stakes, but his autumn plans are still unclear.
Call made on Flemington meeting
Racing officials have met to decide whether Saturday’s Flemington meeting will push ahead after a number of meeting were cancelled during the week.
Who makes the All-Star Mile and why
Herald Sun racing writer Michael Manley has gazed into his crystal ball and come up with his final 15 runners made up of wildcards and votes for the All-Star Mile.
Bump in the road for All-Star Journey
Tasmanian star racehorse Mystic Journey’s bid for back-to-back All-Star Miles has taken a minor hit with the mare expected to miss several days of trackwork.
The roughie chasing All-Star Mile return
After taking owners for the ride of their life last year, the connections of Man Of His Word are preparing for another big day as they hunt another start in the All-Star Mile.
Caulfield tips: Ollie masterclass on cards?
After a successful hit-and-run Gold Coast mission, champion jockey Damien Oliver returns to Caulfield with a strong book of rides for the summer twilight program. BEST BETS, ANALYSIS
Popularity Edge may lift spirits in bushfire crisis
He’s the right horse at the right time. Jungle Edge looms as racing’s goodwill gesture to all those affected in the fire-ravaged regions. As he seeks All-Star Mile status, he can fill the coffers for those caught up in the bushfire crisis.
Rest assured gun Kiwi youngster facing real battle
Gun New Zealand pacer Self Assured will have to overcome his biggest challenge so far in his brief career after drawing awkwardly inside the back row for the Group 1 Ballarat Cup.
Werribee tips: Early throw at the stumps
Form analyst Gilbert Gardiner won’t leave punters waiting when it comes to his best bet on the Werribee program, with his selection to kickstart the day. BEST BETS, TALKING TRAINER
Big race win gives AFL star a pre-season thrill
Horse-loving Sydney Swans recruit Lewis Taylor is feeling settled at his new club and his pre-season got even more exciting when his pacer emerged as a contender for Victorian harness racing’s biggest race.
Keys’ bid for All-Star glory begins in earnest
Ken Keys is excited about the autumn prospects of All-Star Mile nominees Soul Patch and Spanish Reef but the Cranbourne horseman’s fate will hinge on runners snaring enough votes.
All-Star bid no Joke for trainer
Admiral’s Joker twice missed out on making the field in a Group 1 during the Flemington carnival last spring but trainer Kylie Vella is determined her gelding doesn’t get overlooked for the All-Star Mile.
Young hoop shines in city with four winners
Jye McNeil’s star continues to rise after the youngster claimed his first quartet at a city track, and he’s already ridden more city winners this season than he did in the previous season.
Why superstar Lane is perfect fit for Japan
Damian Lane’s love affair with Japan will continue this year when he returns for another stint. The Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate winner reflects on his whirlwind year and relives Lys Gracieux’s exhilarating performance in the Arima Kinen.
Kiwi Belle humming All-Star Melody
New Zealanders will get the chance to back their own in the All-Star Mile, with trainer Jamie Richards calling on Kiwis to vote for star mare Melody Belle to make the $5 million race.
Geelong, Stony Creek tips: Why Ollie is the key
Champion jockey Damien Oliver ventures to Geelong where he has six rides, including two interesting runners for Danny O’Brien who have trialled well in Argonauts and Early Morning Rise.
If there’s smoke around there will be no Beer
Albury trainer Mitch Beer has made the welfare of his horses a priority and can’t see any sense in racing or galloping his team while the track is engulfed in a smoke haze.
Maher eyes Millions redemption
If star jockey James McDonald’s advice for trainer and Magic Millions Polo rookie Ciaron Maher is anything to go by, Dubious can give hot pot Alligator Blood a fright in the $2 million Guineas.
Jockey’s heavy heart for loss of wildlife
Jockey Chris Symons is well known for his love of animals of all shapes and sizes so it came as no surprise in a post-race chat that he acknowledged the devastating loss of wildlife in the Australian bushfire crisis.
Echuca tips: Backmarker looks a Major player
Form analyst Leo Schlink is banking on the services of experienced jockey Brad Rawiller and a drop back in grade as crucial factors in getting his best bet home at Echuca. BEST BETS
Early Oil: Colt can Conquer at Caulfield
Blueblood colt Conqueror adds a class factor at Caulfield when he resumes in a benchmark race after mixing it with some of the top three-year-olds in the spring. BEST BETS AND ANALYSIS
Trainer’s one doubt on Bagot favourite
Tony McEvoy says Secret Blaze is a deserved favourite in the Bagot Handicap at Flemington on New Year’s Day. But there is one factor in the race that he’s ‘a little confused’ about.
McEvoy stars could get call up for international duty
Team McEvoy has global ambitions in store for Group 1 stars Hey Doc and Sunlight with Dubai, Hong Kong and Royal Ascot all in play for the talented pair.
How a bit of Magic might help evade the Alligator
It’s a big challenge but Brent Stanley believes his filly It’s Kind Of Magic has put herself firmly into the Magic Millions Guineas picture and Alligator Blood might not have race at his mercy just yet.
How a bush batter made decade’s top horses
Which horses will be best remembered by racing fans from this decade? Michael Manley investigates, but he’s not necessarily using ability as his measuring stick but also popularity and longevity.
How Group 1 Glen canned move for real rewards
A late call by Glen Boss to abort a move to Queensland has turned into one of the three-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey’s smartest and most lucrative decisions.
Watch out as trainer unleashes Ef bomb
Tony McEvoy has great belief that former Queenslander Ef Troop can go back-to-back as he looks to stretch the former Queenslander out in distance in the near future.
‘Gutted’ trainer won’t lie down in toughest days
Robbie Laing acknowledges he’s in a precarious position, but the veteran trainer hasn’t given up hope on a comeback despite battling with ‘a fractured hip, bankruptcy and no horses’.
Lys Gracieux delivers best effort of the year
Racing Victoria’s renowned international expert Greg Carpenter believes Lys Gracieux’s win at her final start in the Arima Kinen was the best performance of 2019.
Saudi riches lure Melbourne Cup hopefuls
Spring carnival stars Prince Of Arran and True Self could be poised to use the world’s richest race — the $28 million Saudi Cup — to kickstart their return journey to next year’s Melbourne Cup.
Moroney unearths another Cup hopeful
Trainer Michael Moroney had a day out at Flemington, snaring three winners including a budding Melbourne Cup prospect.
Millions on horizon for O’Brien’s young guns
Can’t Be Done and Need New Friends will push their case at Flemington for an ambitious tilt at the Magic Millions.
Lane eyes another big prize with Lys Gracieux
Jockey Damian Lane is confident Lys Gracieux is primed for the perfect farewell when the Cox Plate winner contests the $7.5m Arima Kinen in Japan.
Irked McEvoy forced to change Millions plan
A frustrated Tony McEvoy has teed off at Queensland racing over its field sizes and difficulties with travel arrangements in the countdown to the Magic Millions next month.
Valley called off due to extreme heat
Horses expected to travel in floats during the hottest part of the day was a significant factor in the decision to abandon the thoroughbred night meeting at The Valley.
Gelagotis in hot water with stewards
Trainer Peter Gelagotis faces three charges following a Racing Victoria investigation into a pre-race blood sample taken from one of his horses, while two other trainers are also in hot water.
Team Hayes trio join All-Star list
Victoria’s premier stable, Lindsay Park, has rolled out three big guns in the quest for glory in the $5 million All-Star Mile.
Laing in limbo as RV reject bid to regain licence
Robbie Laing’s training career remains up in the air after he was unable to satisfy Racing Victoria’s board he should hold a licence despite his financial issues.
Eustace’s clearer picture entering twilight zone
Trainer David Eustace has sought clarification over the summer scheduling and turnover from night and twilight meetings during talks with Racing Victoria.
Grand vision intact as McEvoy filly embarks for MM
Grand Scholar is finally Queensland bound after fires on the eastern seaboard delayed her departure, but trainer Tony McEvoy is not perturbed and believes she is ‘right in the zone’ for the Magic Millions Guineas.
Hayes builds in HK but work still to be done here
Trainer David Hayes remains on course to relocate to Hong Kong in the middle of next year, but in the meantime his focus is firmly on the Victorian autumn.
Owner backs Cruz control in final
Owner Danny Zavitsanos is growing in confidence he can bring the Inter Dominion pacing crown back to Australia with Cruz Bromac.
Millions on the line for Hayes’ promising filly
The strength of Lindsay Park’s assault on the $2m Magic Millions Classic will become clearer at Flemington when the highly-touted filly Wide Awake makes her debut.
California strike first with new whip rules
US authorities have taken the lead in the push to revamp whip rules, a campaign which has the support of the Melbourne Cup’s most successful owner Lloyd Williams.
Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/superracing/vic-racing/page/198