Day: 23 February 2025

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Former Kiwi galloper Jimmysstar scored a stunning win in the Gr.1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday under a brilliant Ethan Brown ride. The son of Per Incanto stalked eventual runner-up She’s Bulletproof and launched from the rear of the field to record an emphatic length and a quarter victory in a slick 1:02.25. The winner of two of his three starts in New Zealand for Hastings trainer Guy Lowry, a majority share in Jimmysstar was sold to clients of Ciaron Maher following a Rating 65 win at Hawke’s…

Champion galloper Mr Brightside notched his ninth Group One victory when winning the Gr.1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday for trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes under a positive Craig Williams ride. The son of Bullbars displayed all his fighting qualities as he made it back-to-back Futurity Stakes, defying his widest draw and a strong head-wind as he raced outside the leader Private Life, with that rival trailing the field home. Mr Brightside scored by the barest of margins as Tom Kitten swooped late, while I Wish I…

Coeur Volante delivered a commanding performance at Caulfield on Saturday, securing her third Stakes victory in the Gr.3 Mannerism Stakes (1400m) under the guidance of jockey Blake Shinn. Prepared by Mike Moroney and Glen Thompson, the talented Proisir mare overcame a challenging run at Sandown in her previous start, showcasing her class this time around. Grinzinger Belle set a brisk early pace, allowing Coeur Volante to find the trail from a wide barrier. As the leader’s momentum waned rounding the final turn, Coeur Volante surged clear for a comfortable four…

Four confirmed candidates for the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) had their final dress rehearsal in the Listed Trevor & Corallie Eagle Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday, and a classy performance by Sethito (NZ) (Super Seth) put a spring in the step of her connections and slot-holders. Bred and raced by Waikato Stud patriarch Garry Chittick, Sethito was selected to represent Waikato Thoroughbred Racing’s slot after an impressive run of form that started with a six-length Rotorua maiden win in November. She followed that up with…

Smart four-year-old mare Firestorm snared a well-deserved Group Two victory when getting the better of her rivals in the Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday. Prepared by Chris Waller and ridden by Jason Collett, Firestorm was resuming from a spell and got the better of her rivals late to defeat Dark Glitter and stablemate Scarlet Oak. The daughter of Satono Aladdin commenced her career in New Zealand when prepared by Paul Mirabelli and finished sixth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) before joining Waller. She has…

El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking), or the big EV as he is becoming affectionately known, continued his career-best form with another superb victory at Ellerslie in Saturday’s Gr.1 Sport Nation Otaki-Māori WFA Classic (1600m). The gelded son of Shocking sat three back off the pace set by Belclare (NZ) (Per Incanto) and looked to be travelling like a winner throughout for rider Wiremu Pinn. Given his head rounding the home bend, the Stephen Marsh-trained runner charged to the front at the 200m and never looked like being denied as he went…