Latest news with #Caulfield
The Australian
a day ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Peter Moody says immature filly Ole Dancer ‘has the quality' for spring after return win at Caulfield
Less could be more if strong Caulfield winner Ole Dancer makes it to the Group 1 Thousand Guineas in October. The Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained filly remained unbeaten in the 2YO Handicap (1200m), the former said the two-year-old had plenty of improving to do. Premiership-leading jockey Blake Shinn had to push Ole Dancer off the leaders' heels into clear running in the straight but the $3.90 favourite comfortably held off the honest Thanks Gorgeous ($6.50) to win by a length. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet IQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'She got a little bit lost when she went to the front but she's a quality filly that is still quite immature but I think she's got nice upside to come,' Moody said. 'I think she's got the quality to be running in spring races but whether she has the maturity will probably be the question mark.' Ole Dancer easily won the SA Magic Millions Classic on debut at Murray Bridge in March before making it two wins from as many starts at Caulfield. However, Moody said the Ole Kirk filly had not shown 'as much (development) as I would have liked' in the months between her first and second starts. The rising three-year-old's immaturity means Moody and Coleman were likely to give Ole Dancer one run between Saturday and the Thousand Guineas (1600m) on October 18. 'If she got to a race like a Thousand Guineas, she'd probably get there on one run, she's that type of filly,' Moody said. 'She won't need a lot of racing due to a lack of maturity so we'll just monitor that as we go along. 'Maybe there will be something in the back end of August. 'Well give her another month and a pretty easy time of it and find another 12 (00) or 1300(m) or something like that.' Ole Dancer gave Moody and Coleman their 29th city win of the season, leaving the Pakenham-based duo sixth in the Melbourne trainers' premiership. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ STYLISH BIRTHDAY PRESENT Stylish Secret gave trainer Mick Nolan an early 70th birthday present with victory at Caulfield. Stylish Secret overhauled Verona Rupes with every bit of fitness acquired from seven preceding starts for the campaign to get the result – Nolan's first Caulfield winner. 'My first runners I had at Moonee Valley, Flemington and Sandown all won,' Nolan said. 'I've been a bit cranky, I've had to wait four (starters) for this, but I've got them all now.' Nolan, who turns 70 on Sunday, will celebrate the birthday with Stylish Secret owners and '10 stubbies too many'. 'It's going to be great, all the owners are going to be there,' Nolan said. 'You only get to 70 once in your life.' Stylish Secret covered 13,500 race metres the past seven starts, building to the 2400m 3YO Open Handicap win. 'I sent an audio this morning (owners' update), I added it up (distance raced) … said it's done 15,000 metres, Bart (Cummings)only had to do 10,000 (metres),' Nolan said. Cups King Bart Cummings had a theory stayers required 10,000 metres under the belt to prepare for the Melbourne Cup. FAMILY MATTERS Jockey Matt Cartwright sealed a special win aboard Pop Award for his grandmother and mother, trainers Lyn Tolson and Leonie Proctor, at Caulfield on Saturday. Cartwright went stride for stride in the straight Blake Shinn-ridden favourite Verdoux and got the result late in the 1100m Benchmark 78. Shinn had ridden Pop Award to victory last campaign but could not quite get the 55kg required on Saturday. 'I know I'm family but I'm still thankful I got the ride on her because of the 55kg,' Cartwright said. 'There was a bit of pressure around, obviously I'm not Blake Shinn. 'I'm glad I could give her (Pop Award) a good ride and she won well.' Cartwright felt comfortable throughout on Pop Award despite the mare being first-up. Cartwright is set to ride in New Zealand next season. DICTIONARY ROLLS ODDS-ON 'CHAMPION' Trainer John Moloney was almost apologetic after his charge Dictionary outslugged Jimmy The Bear in the VOBIS Gold Stayers(2400m). Blinkers made all the difference to Dictionary ($14) while jockey Daniel Stackhouse's ground-saving ride contributed to the gelding's upset win over the $1.45 favourite. 'To knock off the legend Jimmy The Bear, well that's a bit special,' Moloney said. 'You never want to knock down a champion and he's been the champion of this winter so we were lucky to beat him.' 'Jimmy has nearly done everything (to win) but it's a treat to be able to pull the race off.' Dictionary ran third in last year's edition of the $175,000 race before prevailing in Saturday's five-horse field. BLUEBLOOD ON HIS BEST BEHAVIOUR To switch up the saying, $1.6m is one person's trash while another's $65,000 is treasure. Coolmore Australia boss Tom Magnier paid $1.6m for Behaviour at a yearling sale in 2023 before syndicator Flying Start snapped up the son of I Am Invincible for just $65,000 at an online sale in January. Chris Waller was unsuccessful in four cracks with Behaviour but the gelding posted his second win in six starts for Cranbourne trainer Gavin Bedggood in the 3YO Handicap (1200m). Jockey Jamie Melham continued her winning return from holidays when she brought Behaviour home over the top of Craig Williams's mount Bossy Benita. 'It was a perfectly executed ride and I'm just grateful he was sent my way,' Bedggood said. – additional reporting by Gilbert Gardiner
The Australian
a day ago
- Climate
- The Australian
Tips, inside mail, market movers for Saturday, July 26, 2025
Adam Dobbin brings you all the information you need to back a winner on a big day of metropolitan racing around the country. The six-year-old gelding is a winner at six of his 10 starts and faces the starter for the first time today since sustaining a front suspensory injury in November last year. Co-trainer Troy Corstens has endured a wretched run of setbacks with the gifted galloper, which only raced for the first time late into his five-year-old season. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Punters are rallying around Baraqiel to make a winning return today, with the gelding currently holding favouritism at $3.30 ahead of emerging type Bridal Waltz ($5.50) and New York Lustre ($6.00). Today's Caulfield card also sees winter star Jimmy The Bear go about his business, tackling the 2400m for the first time at rock bottom odds. The grand galloper has been racing in rarefied air in recent months, his six runs this time in returning four wins and two seconds. At tomato sauce odds for today's assignment, he's expected to make light work of the 2400m journey. This week, senior racing writer Ben Dorries also spent time with Racing NSW boss Peter V'landys to talk about everything from Rosehill, the haters, politics and his future. Read the full interview here, read his accompanying story on PVL's talks with DAZN over a global racing channel and watch the video below. • Tips from the big bookies: Saturday, July 26 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ TRACK CONDITIONS ROYAL RANDWICK Weather: Expected showers with forecast top temperature of 18c. Track: Soft (6). Rail: Out 11m from 1000m to winning post, 8m remainder. DOOMBEN Weather: Sunny with expected showers and a forecast top temperature of 22c. Track: Soft (5). Rail: Out 3m the entire. CAULFIELD Weather: Cloud cover with light rain and a top temperature of 12c. Track: Soft (5). Rail: Out 4m the entire. MORPHETTVILLE Weather: Cool, light showers expected with forecast top temperature of 13c. Track: Heavy (9). Rail: True. • LAURIE'S LONGSHOTS: Laurie Sainsbury thinks $17 chance 'can run a race' ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ROYAL RANDWICK TIPS BEST BET Race 3 No.6 IN SUMMER Looks ideally suited up to the 1800m and with the gun gate to boot. Sets up beautifully here third up after closing off hard for third in this grade over the mile last time out. Ticks all the boxes. NEXT BEST Race 2 No.2 KINGSTON CHARM Has run well at both outings this time in and should have finished closer last time out when third. Zac Lloyd jumps aboard here and should be able to slot in nicely midfield from the cushy draw. Poised to run a race. — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 9, 2024 • EXPERT TIPS: Clinton Payne's race-by-race tips, analysis and preview for Randwick on Saturdays ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ DOOMBEN TIPS BEST BET Race 7 No.9 CASTILLIAN Has been in fantastic form winning his past two and worth noting he trounced subsequent winner Restonica at Ipswich. Goes up in weight but has lugged more in the past and Angela Jones stays on board. Go well. NEXT BEST Race 5 No.14 LEAD ME ON Did a bit wrong but still got the job done over the road at Eagle Farm last week and with the claim on the quick back up no reason he can't put together another forward performance. Showing promise. • EXPERT TIPS: Graeme Carey's best bets, quaddie picks and race-by-race analysis for Doomben on Saturday ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ CAULFIELD TIPS BEST BET Race 2 No.11 VERDOUX Lightly raced four-year-old which has finished top two in five career starts. Jumpout caught the eye, gets the aid of barrier one and has Blake Shinn aboard. Set to run a race. NEXT BEST Race 5 No.5 BOSSY BENITA Hit the line hard to win first up at Sandown Lakeside after trialling well confirming she's resumed in splendid order. Stays at the 1200m second up and on the strength of that last start expecting to see her take another leap forward today. • EXPERT TIPS: Brad Waters' Caulfield Saturday tips, race-by-race analysis and quaddie picks ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RANDWICK BY THE NUMBERS JOCKEY WATCH Jason Collett: 10 rides, average price $5.75 Zac Lloyd: 7 rides, average price $9 Tommy Berry: 6 rides, average price $10 Josh Parr: 4 rides, average price $10.10 Tom Sherry: 6 rides, average price $12.35 JOCKEY-TRAINER COMBO STRIKE RATE 36.4% Jason Collett / Bjorn Baker (Race 9 No.12 REGIMENTAL COLOURS) 31.4% Adam Hyeronimus / Joe Pride (Race 8 No.1 STORM THE RAMPARTS, Race 7 No. 5 LITTLE CONTREAU) 25% Ash Morgan / Bjorn Baker (Race 5 No.6 BATTLETON, Race 10 No.6 PUNTIN) 20.7% Josh Parr / Bjorn Baker (Race 4 No.4 STARDEEL) 20.4% Kerrin McEvoy / James Cummings (Race 7 No.9 DRIFT NET) SECTIONAL STARS Randwick Race 1 No.7 NAZWAH Randwick Race 8 No.11 BUNDEENA Randwick Race 9 No.9 ROYAL COMMODORE RATINGS RULERS Randwick Race 5 No.4 OH DIAMOND LIL ($2.15) Randwick Race 3 No.6 IN SUMMER ($2.60) Randwick Race 4 No.1 CODETTA ($6) ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ROYAL RANDWICK MARKET MOVERS (by Ladbrokes) Race 1: Nashville Jack $6.50-$5 ($365 @ $6.50), Nazwah $2.70-$2 ($1180 & $600 twice @ $2.70, $1380, $1000 & $900 twice @ $2.45, $650 @ $2.25, $1200 & $500 @ $2.15, $800 @ $2, $940 @ $1.85) Race 2: Forecaster $8-$6, Callistemon $4.80-$4, Jacob's Time $51-$41 ($100 w/p @ $51/$11) Race 3: In Summer $3.10-$2.40 ($350 @ $3), Red Rags To Bulls $11-$9.50 ($100 @ $11, $220 & $100 @ $10) Race 4: Signor Tortoni $7.50-$5 ($310 @ $7.50), Stardeel $4.80-$4 ($1000 @ $4.40, $1000 @ $4.15), Bartolf $27-$17 Race 5: Battleton $12-$8Aberlour $6-$5.50 ($500 @ $6) Race 6: Nana's Wish $11-$10 ($125 & $100 @ $11) She's Unusual $5.50-$3.10 ($500 @ $5.50, $500 @ $5 including 6c deduction, $1000 @ $3.45), Bright Red $10-$5.50 ($220 @ $10 including 6c deduction) Race 7: Little Cointreau $8-$5 ($285 @ $8, $333 @ $7), Drift Net $7-$6.50 ($365 @ $6.50), Lugh $17-$11 ($125 @ $17) Race 8: World Alliance $13-$10 ($220 @ $11), Termagent ($200 @ $38, $145 @ $34, $500 place @ $6.50 & $5.75), Tarpaulin $6-$3.90 ($1000 @ $6, $555 & $500 @ $5.75, $445 @ $5.50) Race 9: Cassiel $5-$3.70, Zouripper $13-$12 ($150 @ $13) Race 10: Miracle Spin $13-$6.50 ($200 @ $11), Puntin $3.45-$3.20 ($600 @ $3.45, $1000, $850 & $600 @ $3.40, $550 & $500 @ $3.30, $910 & $850 @ $3.20) • Randwick Turf Talk: Shayno's smoking hot $15 tip ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ BIG BETS ROYAL RANDWICKRace 1 No.7 NAZWAH – $10,000 at $2.10Race 1 No.7 NAZWAH – $5000 @ $2.20Race 4 No.4 STARDEEL – $1000 @ $4.20Race 5 No.4 OH DIAMOND LIL – $9000 @ $2.15Race 6 No.5 SHE'S UNUSUAL – $1000 @ $3.50Race 7 No.4 SACRED ROCKS – $5000 @ $2.40Race 7 No.4 SACRED ROCKS – $11,000 @ $2.45Race 8 No.13 TARPAULIN – $3000 at $5Race 9 No.3 CASSIEL – $3000 @ $4.00 Race 10 No.6 PUNTIN – $8000 at $3.30 • BIG BETS FOR THIS SATURDAY DOOMBENRace 1 No.7 BOOMSHANKA – $2000 @ $3.50Race 1 No.7 BOOMSHANKA – $2000 @ $2.80Race 2 No.8 KADALL – $3500 @ $3.40Race 2 No.8 KADALL – $3500 @ $3.40Race 7 No.8 DEEP RESPECT – $2000 @ $7.50 Race 9 No.1 MISTER BIANCO – $1800 @ $3.40 CAULFIELDRace 1 No.2 OLE DANCER – $4000 @ $3.10Race 1 No.4 CANNYWORTH – $2000 (each-way) @ $9.50/$2.35Race 2 No.11 VERDOUX – $4000 @ $3.50Race 4 No.3 ANT – $2500 @ $4Race 5 No.7 NOETZIE – $1000 @ $3.20Race 7 No.9 NEWLOOK – $1000 (each-way) @ $15/$4Race 8 No.3 BARAQIEL – $1000 @ $3.20 Race 8 No.3 BARAQIEL – $4000 @ $3 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ INTERSTATE MAIL (VIC/SA) Caulfield Race 6 No.7 SAVAGERY VIBE Caulfield Race 8 No.5 KIN Morphettville Race 4 No.1 BANCOORA Morphettville Race 7 No.4 THE AUTUMN BELLE • EXPERT TIPS: $23 top tip at Belmont, four top selections at Morphettville PROVINCIAL MAIL (NSW) Kembla Grange Race 1 No.5 HURRY MISS Kembla Grange Race 3 No.8 VALEDICTORIAN #Good luck today and I hope you back plenty of winners Horse Racing Form analyst Shayne O'Cass presents his best bets and inside mail for Wellington on Thursday, plus his tips for the Wagga meeting. Horse Racing Mudgee trainer David Smith has a big week ahead starting on Tuesday and ending on Sunday chasing Big Dance eligibility at Forbes with his stable captain Lockdown Gamble.
The Australian
a day ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Pinstriped on course for another memorable Memsie tilt
The start will be the same but Enver Jusufovic wants a longer journey with stable star Pinstriped in his latest spring campaign. Pinstriped provided Jusufovic with his greatest high in racing when he won last year's Group 1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield after a solid second in the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes a fortnight earlier. Pinstriped beat a strong field fair and square in the Memsie Stakes but Jusufovic was keen for more attempts at Group 1 level with the exciting galloper this time in. Pinstriped has scored important victories at his last two second-up appearances in the spring. PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! In 2023, he earned a Cox Plate ballot exemption when he defeated subsequent Group 1 winners Attrition and Deny Knowledge in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes at The Valley. 'History will show that he seems to go well in the spring at his first two runs and his form sort of tapers off a bit but I'm hoping this time in that I can get more than two decent runs,' Jusufovic said. READ: Beriman's appeal for concussion protocols to be strengthened 'He's due to win the PB Lawrence, I think, he's run second twice. 'There will be good horses in the Memsie Stakes, like there always is in Group 1 races, but it's a feather in his cap that he was able to beat the two highlight horses, Mr Brightside and Pride Of Jenni, and the new kid on the block Antino.' Cranbourne trainer Enver Jusufovic celebrating victory in the 2024 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield alongside jockey Ben Allen. Picture: Getty Images. The son of Street Boss ran in last year's Makybe Diva Stakes but pulled up with a problem before unplaced runs in the Cantala Stakes and Cranbourne Cup to round out 2024. 'He should be cherry ripe for the Memsie,' Jusufovic said. 'Hopefully he'll go to the Makybe Diva after that. 'Last year, I thought I had him right but he pulled a muscle or something after that. 'I think that was the end of his campaign.' READ: Big bets review: Bookies clean up as shorties go under Pinstriped had two unplaced autumn runs but Jusufovic quickly identified a back issue as the course of irritation for the rising seven-year-old. He said he abandoned Pinstriped's autumn campaign to give him ample time to spell before his latest preparation, which has moved into the jumpout phase. 'We identified that his back was playing up and it was hurting a bit,' Jusufovic said. 'For that reason, we pulled the pin and he was able to have a really good break. 'He's come back well. He'll have a jumpout on Monday at Cranbourne but we're happy with the way he's progressing. 'His back is great at the moment.'
The Australian
a day ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Brad Waters' horses to follow from Caulfield on Saturday
News Corp racing writer Brad Waters runs his eye over Saturday's meeting at Caulfield, finding five horses to follow and some to forgive from the card. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! FIVE TO FOLLOW: SHYSTAR (1.2 length 3rd of 8, Race 1): Shystar stepped out for her second run this time in and did well to be beaten just over a length by unbeaten filly Ole Dancers. The Phillip Stokes-trained Shystar pushed forward raced handy to the speed and gave something in the straight before proving no match for the first two. She did well on the inside, which was later shown to be against the pattern of the day. There's a win in her soon. GALA QUEEN (1.7-length 5th of 10, Race 2): Another runner from the Phillip Stokes stable that showed she was in for a good preparation with her first-up fifth at Caulfield. Gala Queen settled midfield but had a bit of trouble getting clear running on a couple of occasions in the straight before making ground in the last 100m. She should have placed and can improve off that pleasing first-up run. VERONA RUPES (1.2-length 2nd of 16, Race 4): The Patrick and Michelle Payne-trained Verona Rupes is a promising young stayer learning his craft and gave a great sight when leading until the last 75m in first crack at 2400m. Jockey Luke Cartwright rated him well but Verona Rupes showed heart to comfortably beat all but the winner Stylish Secret. Verona Rupes turns four at the end of the week and could find himself in an easier race with a light weight in the coming weeks. He can break through soon. SUN SETTING (0.86-length 4th of 11 Race 6): It could be argued the Matt Laurie-trained Sun Setting should have won at Caulfield on Saturday. What is beyond argument is the fact she was desperately unlucky when badly held up for most of the straight before closing late to get within a length of the winner. The stewards report noted Sun Setting was held up from the 500m until the 100m, costing her any winning chance. NEWLOOK (1.9 length 7th of 11, Race 7): A most encouraging local debut from the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained import. He won his last three starts over longer trips in France before his transfer to Australia where he won a Wangaratta trial on July 7. He started his local campaign over 1600m, over which he has never raced, getting back in the field before working home solidly to be beaten less than two lengths, indicating Busuttin and Young have something to work with. PLEASE FORGIVE: VERDOUX (0.5-length 2nd of 10, Race 2): The lightly-raced Verdoux started favourite and gave a good sight before going down by a half-length behind Pop Award. Verdoux was stepping up in class at Caulfield but was slowly away and raced keenly in the early and middle stages under jockey Blake Shinn. Verdoux can repay loyal punters next time out. JIMMY THE BEAR (0.1-length 2nd of 5, Race 3): Jimmy The Bear was a beaten odds-on favourite but tried his heart out in his narrow defeat in the VOBIS Gold Stayers. He gave the winner Dictionary 2kg and just couldn't get past the winner without the blinkers, which were removed for this run. He also pulled up with a touch of exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage, which could have affected his performance. EARLSWOOD (3.8-length 11th of 11, Race 7): Earlswood failed to beat a runner home as a $5.50 chance but his performance can be forgiven. Despite finishing last, Earlswood was beaten less than four lengths but a later examination revealed he pulled up lame in his near foreleg. STEWARDS SAY: CHERISH ME (Sixth Race 1) – Rider Craig Williams reported the filly raced greenly. Held up from the 400m to the 250m. MOONHAVEN (Fourth Race 2) – Slow to begin & held up for clear running from the 200m to the 100m. LUNA CAT (Third Race 2) – Held up for clear running from the 500m until near the 200m. Jockey Ben Melham suspended for seven meetings for using the whip twice more than allowed before the 100m on Jimmy The Bear in Race 3. AMERICAN WOLF (11th Race 4) – Pulled up lame in the near foreleg. SALSA FELLOW (late scratching from Race 5) – Scratched after being involved in a float accident on the way to Caulfield. ELECTRIC TOMMY (8th Race 5) – Slow recovery. AREYOUREADYFORIT (late scratching from Race 6) – Scratched after being involved in a float accident on the way to Caulfield. KEENI (8th Race 6) – Held up in the last 200m & unable to be fully tested in the straight. BARAQIEL – Late scratching from Race 8 after being deemed to be lame in the near foreleg. KEEP YOUR COOL (11th Race 9) – Lame near foreleg. TRUE TO FORM (13th Race 9) – Lame near foreleg & bilaterally lame behind. Read related topics: News Corporation
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Brad Waters' horses to follow from Caulfield on Saturday
News Corp racing writer Brad Waters runs his eye over Saturday's meeting at Caulfield, finding five horses to follow and some to forgive from the card. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! FIVE TO FOLLOW: SHYSTAR (1.2 length 3rd of 8, Race 1): Shystar stepped out for her second run this time in and did well to be beaten just over a length by unbeaten filly Ole Dancers. The Phillip Stokes-trained Shystar pushed forward raced handy to the speed and gave something in the straight before proving no match for the first two. She did well on the inside, which was later shown to be against the pattern of the day. There's a win in her soon. GALA QUEEN (1.7-length 5th of 10, Race 2): Another runner from the Phillip Stokes stable that showed she was in for a good preparation with her first-up fifth at Caulfield. Gala Queen settled midfield but had a bit of trouble getting clear running on a couple of occasions in the straight before making ground in the last 100m. She should have placed and can improve off that pleasing first-up run. VERONA RUPES (1.2-length 2nd of 16, Race 4): The Patrick and Michelle Payne-trained Verona Rupes is a promising young stayer learning his craft and gave a great sight when leading until the last 75m in first crack at 2400m. Jockey Luke Cartwright rated him well but Verona Rupes showed heart to comfortably beat all but the winner Stylish Secret. Verona Rupes turns four at the end of the week and could find himself in an easier race with a light weight in the coming weeks. He can break through soon. VAIN CHAMPAGNE ðŸ�¾ðŸ¥‚ A big finish to the first leg of the Quaddie at Caulfield, and you've done well if you're still in it! @decbates with a brilliant swooping ride âš¡âš¡ — 7HorseRacing ðŸ�Ž (@7horseracing) July 26, 2025 SUN SETTING (0.86-length 4th of 11 Race 6): It could be argued the Matt Laurie-trained Sun Setting should have won at Caulfield on Saturday. What is beyond argument is the fact she was desperately unlucky when badly held up for most of the straight before closing late to get within a length of the winner. The stewards report noted Sun Setting was held up from the 500m until the 100m, costing her any winning chance. NEWLOOK (1.9 length 7th of 11, Race 7): A most encouraging local debut from the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained import. He won his last three starts over longer trips in France before his transfer to Australia where he won a Wangaratta trial on July 7. He started his local campaign over 1600m, over which he has never raced, getting back in the field before working home solidly to be beaten less than two lengths, indicating Busuttin and Young have something to work with. El Rocko does it all! Brilliant frontrunning ride from @stanley_jett as the tough gelding records his seventh career win ðŸ'° — 7HorseRacing ðŸ�Ž (@7horseracing) July 26, 2025 PLEASE FORGIVE: VERDOUX (0.5-length 2nd of 10, Race 2): The lightly-raced Verdoux started favourite and gave a good sight before going down by a half-length behind Pop Award. Verdoux was stepping up in class at Caulfield but was slowly away and raced keenly in the early and middle stages under jockey Blake Shinn. Verdoux can repay loyal punters next time out. JIMMY THE BEAR (0.1-length 2nd of 5, Race 3): Jimmy The Bear was a beaten odds-on favourite but tried his heart out in his narrow defeat in the VOBIS Gold Stayers. He gave the winner Dictionary 2kg and just couldn't get past the winner without the blinkers, which were removed for this run. He also pulled up with a touch of exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage, which could have affected his performance. EARLSWOOD (3.8-length 11th of 11, Race 7): Earlswood failed to beat a runner home as a $5.50 chance but his performance can be forgiven. Despite finishing last, Earlswood was beaten less than four lengths but a later examination revealed he pulled up lame in his near foreleg. Bridal Waltz takes the BletchinglyðŸ'°ðŸ'ƒ The filly beats the older horses in the Group 3, what a training performance from @moodyracingpgm and @kscoleman! — 7HorseRacing ðŸ�Ž (@7horseracing) July 26, 2025 STEWARDS SAY: MOONHAVEN (Fourth Race 2) – Slow to begin & held up for clear running from the 200m to the 100m. LUNA CAT (Third Race 2) – Held up for clear running from the 500m until near the 200m. Jockey Ben Melham suspended for seven meetings for using the whip twice more than allowed before the 100m on Jimmy The Bear in Race 3.
