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.
VIC Racing
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.
Purdon family rivalry rears its head
Mark Purdon and his older brother Barry train eight of the 12 Inter Dominion pacing final favourites between them, so it’s little wonder family rivalry is expected to reach fever pitch.
Australian hurdler takes on elite at Cheltenham
Trainer Ciaron Maher says he cannot fault Australian hurdler Big Blue ahead of his big assignment at Cheltenham despite being thrown in the deep end in his United Kingdom debut.
A few reasons why you need to be at Inglis sales
Promise of an ‘extraordinary strong’ catalogue is certain to have prospective buyers licking their lips in the lead-up to the 2020 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.
Price banking on a Magic summer
Well-bred filly Euphoric Summer remains on track for next month’s Magic Millions but a lot will depend on how the Mick Price filly performs in Queensland next start.
Nat set to join king: ‘You bet I’m in her corner’
He’s known as the Inter Dominion pacing king but Brian Hancock says he has absolutely no objections to the Natalie Rasmussen drawing level with him as the most successful driver in the history of the series.
Magic Castel ride: All Star carrot for Sydney colt
Melbourne here we come! Gun colt Castelvecchio could be primed for a twin-state autumn assault after being nominated the $5 million All Star Mile at Caulfield next March.
Duric the king of Singapore again
Australia’s Vlad Duric has bagged a gong in Singapore, while Michael Dee is returning home to New Zealand to ride in the feature festive races.
Magic Man upstages Zac with HK blitz
Champion Brazilian jockey Joao Moreira reaffirmed his standing as one of the best big-race competitors in world racing as Japan stole the show at the Hong Kong International Raceday.
No Surprise he’s Cup bound again
Horsham trainer Paul Preusker saw enough from Surprise Baby in this year’s Melbourne Cup to give him confidence he can come back next year and win Australia’s iconic race.
Dream team tightens hold on Inter Dom finals
Powerhouse trainers Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen have tightened their hold on the Auckland Inter Dominion after the marbles rolled the right way for them at the finals barrier draws.
Kersley’s cheeky salute not fine by stewards
Fred Kersley ticked off his first black-type success but copped a fine and a six-meeting suspension after taking out the $300,000 Pakenham Cup on a $71 outsider.
Rawiller aiming for the Best of times
Brad Rawiller knows what it takes to win a Kingston Town Classic, having tasted success in the Perth Group 1 twice, and reckons he might be jumping on the form horse again.
Hayes has belief in Creedence revival
Emerging Lindsay Park stayer Creedence could be headed towards next year’s Adelaide Cup if the five-year-old can make an impact in the $300,000 Pakenham Cup.
Smerdon wants Aquanita life ban, fine cut
Robert Smerdon says he will not apply for a trainer’s licence again despite seeking to have his lifetime ban from racing and hefty fine over the ‘Aquanita eight’ cheating scandal cut.
Kiwi big guns poised to join All-Star cast
Three of New Zealand’s shining lights are set to join the stampede towards next year’s $5 million All-Star Mile as the momentum begins to grow for Victoria’s showcase autumn mile.
Aussies running out of time to reach final
Australia’s two remaining trotters in the Inter Dominion series need to pull something out of the bag and quickly if there is to be a national representative in the final.
It’s Time to hoist Aussie flag high in Honkers
Super mare In Her Time could still have the Australian flag waving proudly on the Hong Kong International Raceday after a choice draw improved her chances dramatically in the sprint.
Cummings’ Best chance to end year on high
James Cumming believes the weight-for-age conditions of the Kingston Town Classic will work in favour of Best Of Days as he looks to land the last Group 1 of the year.
Desperate Bling in Inter final fling
Victoria Cup hero Bling It On will have to really sparkle in his final heat if he is to qualify for the Auckland Inter Dominion pacing final and fly the flag as Australia’s leading hope.
Ultimate Sniper has Inter crown in crosshairs
Young Kiwi gun Ultimate Sniper tightened his grip on Auckland Inter Dominion pacing final favouritism ahead of Cruz Bromac with another powerhouse heat win at Alexandra Park. WATCH THE RACE
Docs and fab four stand by their man, Robbie
Group 1-winning trainer Robbie Griffith knows he’s lucky to be alive after doctors found an aneurysm that could have cost him his life. He also realises how lucky he is that his stables are still ticking over.
Gailo Chop faces future-defining race
Three-time Group 1-winning veteran Gailo Chop can book himself a 2020 racing campaign but only if he turns on the old afterburners in the Kingston Town Classic during Perth visit.
Trinder maps a repeat All Star journey
Tasmanian trainer Adam Trinder will keep Mystic Journey’s options open in a quest to deliver back-to-back All Star Miles with the top flight mare.
Inter setback as Aussies suffer another blow
Australia’s defence of the Inter Dominion trotting crown has been cruelled yet again with another runner withdrawn from the coveted series at Auckland’s Alexandra Park.
Crafty plan: ‘If he runs, he’ll go close to winning’
Trainer Bryce Stanaway admits veteran stayer Crafty Cruiser is a “fifty-fifty” chance of lining up in the world’s longest flat race, the Jericho Cup at Warrnambool. But if he does run, watch out.
Flying high: More the merrier for busy Maher
Ciaron Maher will rack up plenty of frequent flyer points to keep track of his runners in three states, including two chances in the Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot and the favourite in the Jericho Cup.
Kyneton tips, best bets: Get on this Train
Tee Train has had a major spell and the four-year-old gelding always goes well first up. Chief Herald Sun racing writer Leo Schlink gives his best bets for Tuesday’s Kyneton meeting.
RV hits AFL legend with monster suspension, fine
Former Coleman medal winner turned bookmaker Simon Beasley has found himself in hot water with Racing Victoria once again after breaching the conditions of his licence.
On The Punt: Best bets for Wangaratta
Form analyst Leo Schlink shares his best bets for Monday at Wangaratta and the first race of the day is not to be missed.
Summer secures ticket to chase Millions
Ben Melham lauded the professionalism of Euphoric Summer after the inexperienced filly’s racing manners proved a decisive factor in claiming the Magic Millions 2YO Clockwise Classic at Ballarat.
Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/superracing/vic-racing/page/199