Matamata specialist Khafre took his career to a new level with a dominant front-running performance in Friday’s Listed Team Wealleans Matamata Cup (1600m). The $80,000 feature was the fifth start at Matamata for the American Pharoah gelding, who has won two of those races and placed in all of the other three. He scored an all-the-way win by more than two lengths in maiden three-year-old company at the 2022 edition of this popular pre-Christmas twilight meeting, and his subsequent runs at the track have included close-up placings behind quality mares…
Day: 21 December 2024
Stars impress in Matamata trial
Eight Group One performers were put through their paces in a star-studded 1100m trial before the eight-race twilight card at Matamata on Friday, and it was standout three-year-old Savaglee who came out on top. Making his first public appearance since romping to victory by almost three lengths in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 9, the Savabeel colt settled in third through the early stages of Friday’s trial as speedy mare Babylon Berlin opened up a big lead over Luberon. Savaglee quickened stylishly through an…
Arabian Summer blazes to victory ahead of Magic Millions Sunlight
Magic Millions Sunlight contender Arabian Summer. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Arabian Summer delivered an electrifying performance in the $125,000 GC1000 3YO Plate (1000m) at the Gold Coast on Friday, showcasing her class and reaffirming her credentials as a top threat for the Magic Millions Sunlight slot race. Trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, the filly stormed to a commanding three-length victory under jockey Harry Coffey, stopping the clock at 56.42 seconds—just shy of the track record set by Mitanni at 55.67 in 2004. Breaking cleanly from barrier two, the…
Vein Girl wins Magic Millions The Debut, targets 2YO classic
Trainer Chris Munce wins the Magic Millions The Debut with Vein Girl Vein Girl announced her arrival on the racing scene in emphatic fashion, securing victory in the $250,000 Magic Millions The Debut (1000m) at the Gold Coast on Friday. Trained by Chris and Corey Munce and ridden by Cejay Graham, the two-year-old filly lived up to her pre-race $3.60 favouritism with Neds, holding off a late charge from Torque to Be Sure to win by 0.2 lengths, with Forgotten Spirit rounding out the placings. Jumping from barrier two, Vein…
Top jockey Blake Shinn set for Zabeel Classic & Magic Millions
Blake Shinn guides Ostraka to victory in the Golden Eagle. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Blake Shinn, Victoria’s leading jockey for the season, is set for a busy return to the track this weekend after a short break following his recent suspension. Shinn, who has 65 wins this season, will take on nine rides at Pakenham on Saturday and another eight at Sale on Sunday before flying to New Zealand for the Zabeel Classic meeting on Boxing Day. In New Zealand, Shinn is booked to ride Te Akau Racing’s Campionessa in the Group…