By Matt Markham You won’t find too many trainers using a $30,000 Group Three feature as a yardstick to get a line on exactly where their horse is at but that’s the situation Nigel McGrath has found himself in heading into tomorrow’s Methven Cup. McGrath, who is never shy of a having a good horse or two in his barn, thinks he might potentially have a very good in one in up and coming pacer, Gran Chico – but the only way to know if you’re actually going to be…
Year: 2019
Methven Picks
The Local is back at his favourite task trying to pick a winner at Mount Harding track Methven Sunday the fields are large and even but this is what he has come up with; Race 1– Beau Major- Encouraging efforts to date can get the loot El Chapo- Tough from the unruly but big chance for this lovely bred type The Guild- Form says it all will start favourite Race 2- Madam Sass- Excellent Trial but tough race…
Parr pulls right rein in Spring Champion
Josh Parr’s decision to ride Shadow Hero in the Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick has been vindicated with the promising stayer scoring a hard-fought Group One win.
The Inevitable stakes Golden Eagle claim
Prolific Tasmanian winner The Inevitable has staked his claim for the $7.5 million Golden Eagle in emphatic style with victory in the major lead-up race at Randwick.
Fierce Impact dominant in Toorak Handicap
Sydney trainer Matthew Smith has returned to his home state to collect a Group One victory with Fierce Impact taking out the Toorak Handicap at Caulfield.
Cox Plate beckons for Cape Of Good Hope
Lindsay Park senior trainer David Hayes used Criterion as his yardstick when plotting a Melbourne spring carnival campaign for Cape Of Good Hope who has won first-up on Australian soil in the Caulfield Stakes.
Nettoyer backs up to win Group Three race
One of the quirkiest horses in training, Nettoyer has an ally in Glen Boss who has steered her to a last-stride win in the Group Three Angst Stakes at Randwick.
Shadow Hero wins G1 Spring Champion Stakes
Mark Newnham has trained consecutive Spring Champion Stakes winners with Shadow Hero confirming his staying promise in the Group One race. Coming from midfield for jockey Josh Parr, Shadow Hero defeated Castelvecchio and Battenburg as the warm favourite at Randwick. Newnham prepared the filly Maid Of Heaven to win last year’s race which was his first Group One success since joining the training ranks.
Trekking stakes Everest claim in Schillaci
Trekking has a ticket into the $14 million Everest at Randwick after his win in the Schillaci Stakes and Godolphin trainer James Cummings will see how the sprinter comes through the Caulfield victory before locking in the challenge.
Racing NSW and police to join forces
Racing NSW will have the services of a senior police detective in a move to reinforce integrity in the sport. While NSW Police would not comment, Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys confirmed the venture to combat any corrupt activity. The announcement comes after a week when racing has been rocked by the filing of Victoria Police charges against disqualified trainer Darren Weir and three other people relating to animal cruelty and fraud. V’landys said punters and racing industry participants could be confident everything is being done to protect the…