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.
VIC Racing
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.
Storm greats rejoice as Kiwia joins select band
Defying history, track bias and an eight-race losing streak, Kiwia, a horse owned by several Melbourne Storm greats, has swept into Ballarat Cup history with a dramatic win in the $500,000 feature.
Kiwia faces tough challenge to defend crown
Trainer Archie Alexander is hoping Kiwia can prove him wrong as he chases back-to-back wins in the $500,000 Ballarat Cup.
Ballarat preview: Dr Drill’s big cups double play
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable earmarked Dr Drill as their ideal candidate for the Ballarat Cup some time ago and the stayer is on track to deliver the goods in the $500,000 feature. Plus Michael Manley’s quaddie analysis.
RA stands firm on cobalt policy
Australian Trainers’ Association chief executive Andrew Nicholl said his body was still considering how to respond to Racing Australia’s decision not to change its stance on cobalt.
Noonan weighs up Classic bid after skipping Railway
Tony Noonan hasn’t given up hope of Manolo Blahniq still heading to Perth next month, despite the horse missing a rescheduled flight west for the Railway Stakes due to an elevated temperature.
Big Blue on mission to conquer Cheltenham
In a reversal of trends, potential top jumper Big Blue will return to the northern hemisphere to target the Cheltenham jumps festival next year.
Yendall deserves Group 1 crack in west
Dean Yendall’s hard work has been rewarded with plenty of winners in a successful alliance with Lindsey Smith that will continue during the Perth summer carnival.
Brazen win leads to pretty nice autumn choices
The options for next year have opened up for expensive three-year-old filly Pretty Brazen after her win in the Group 2 Sandown Guineas.
Stewards grill Gelagotis over pre-race clash
Racing Victoria has adjourned an inquiry into Peter Gelagotis’ conduct after leading vet Andrew Wearn described a clash with the Moe trainer as “one of the most unpleasant experiences I’ve had.”
Southern comfort: Import makes up for Cup flop
Irish import Southern France could head back overseas after the Melbourne Cup disappointment reprised his best form with a slashing win in the Group 2 Zipping Classic.
‘It’s a fairytale’: Baster bows out a winner
Jockey Stephen Baster received a standing ovation from the crowd after capping his 28-year career with a Group 3 victory in the Sandown Stakes. However, the win came at a price.
Roughie on track for Classic spring finish
Although Humidor and Southern France are fighting out favouritism for the Zipping Classic, co-trainer David Eustace said stablemate Dal Harraild has one key advantage over that pair.
Cup trainer eyes Sandown easy kill
He might have a Melbourne Cup in his trophy cabinet, but Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby has become the king of prepping winners for smaller black-type races. He’ll go again at Sandown on the weekend.
Racing’s ‘odd couple’ find right balance for success
Co-trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace are racing’s odd couple, but their differences are helping make their new team one of the most powerful in the country, writes LAUREN WOOD.
Filly ready to set the boys straight
Trainer Dan O’Sullivan is confident Affair To Remember has the talent to win the Group 2 Sandown Guineas and the track will suit her style. Plus, Michael Manley race analysis and tips.
Price ups the ante after regaining winning touch
Mick Price was getting worn down by a frustrating run of seconds but the wheel turned at the Flemington carnival and the trainer is keen to keep the winners flowing at Sandown.
ATC Derby winner ready for long-awaited return
It’s been a long time coming — 19 months in fact — but trainer Peter Gelagotis says Levendi couldn’t be in better shape for his return to the racetrack at Sandown Hillside.
Cruz control as Aussies stake claim on NZ soil
The NZ Cup win of Aussie-owned Cruz Bromac on top of the first Australian quinella in an Addington Group 1 race for 32 years has left little doubt we can mix it with the best across the ditch.
New tactics to get best out of Haky
A change of tactics and a gear adjustment will give quirky import Haky a chance of salvaging something from his spring campaign in Saturday’s Sandown Cup.
NZ Cup glory all starts at the beginning
Bec Bartley is chasing her own little piece of history in the Group 1 New Zealand Cup but a lot will depend on Aussie contender San Carlo and his ability to get out of the blocks quickly.
Aidan to broaden Australian goals
Legendary Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien is considering expanding his spring-time operation Down Under with two of Victoria’s most sought after country cups in the mix.
Magic trick denies Hartnell winning exit
Courageous and competitive until the end, Hartnell has signed off from racing with a gallant third behind the equally impressive MagiC Wand in the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes.
Sharp Sprint Classic win confirms UK trip
Dominant in the Group 1 Darley Sprint Classic, gun speedster Nature Strip will head to Royal Ascot next year with a revised program after proving his credentials to stay strong over more ground.
Punter in hurt locker after series of huge losses
Quick, someone get a stretcher! One punter would be feeling in need of somewhere to lie down after a series of heavy losses on the punt at Flemington, including one of $99,000 on Santa Ana Lane.
Stakes Day preview: Why Kluger can turn it around
Kerrin McEvoy believes recent surgery can help Kluger can put the cherry on top of Japan’s big spring carnival. Plus Santa Ana Lane and Melody Belle hope to fly their stable’s flags.
Who will be greyhound racing’s Topgun?
The Group 1 Topgun is one of the biggest events in Australian greyhound racing. We take a look at the key runners, tips and everything else you need to know about Saturday night.
‘Unbelievable’: Williams’ Cup ride one to remember
Craig Williams’ audacious ride on Vow And Declare has been described by Glen Boss as one of the most ‘intelligent’ he has seen in Australia’s greatest race — and he should know as a triple winner.
SuperCoach: Don’t give ground on Oaks Day
With Oaks Day the penultimate round in SuperCoach, it’s paramount not to lose ground with only one Group 1 race before the all-out assault on Stakes Day, where there will be points aplenty up for grabs.
Why Cup winner might look abroad
Having climbed Everest with a memorable Melbourne Cup win, the trainer of Vow And Declare will let the dust settle on his star stayer’s win before deciding his next plan of attack.
Why Kavanagh is hoping for a Shocking Oaks run
Top trainer Mark Kavanagh claimed his first and only Melbourne Cup with Shocking a decade ago. Tomorrow, he hopes VRC Oaks favourite Vegas Jewel can follow in his star sire’s hoofprints.
‘Little fat kid’ banishes Cup demons
Craig Williams’ father beamed with pride after his son completed the Melbourne Spring Carnival treble as the Cup-winning jockey finally claimed the race he could have won seven years ago.
Bumpy finish sparks freakish Cup win
Rated a genetic freak, Australia’s tough stayer Vow And Declare was always going to be there if it became willing and just maybe a bit of rough stuff at the end has delivered him racing’s holy grail.
Ultimate Melbourne Cup form guide
Are you always struggling to pick out your Melbourne Cup runner? Take a few minutes to study our comprehensive form guide and we’ll make sure you’re laughing all the way to the bank!
Everything you need to know about the Melbourne Cup
It’s that time of year again – the Melbourne Cup is back. Find out when the race starts and how to get tickets to the biggest racing event on the Australian calendar.
Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/superracing/vic-racing/page/200