Latest news with #Provincial-MidwayChampionshipsFinal
Courier-Mail
12-05-2025
- Business
- Courier-Mail
Trainer Sara Ryan to leave Domeland to launch private venture
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Big Dance-winning trainer Sara Ryan will step down as head trainer for Central Coast operation Domeland later this year as she prepares to set up as a public trainer. Ryan – who has been with Domeland for more than six years, the past two-and-a-half as head trainer – has prepared more than 50 winners for Domeland including Attractable in the $3 million The Big Dance and Matcha Latte in the $1 million Provincial-Midway Championships Final. • 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! 'Sara has been instrumental to Domeland's success on the racetrack over the past few seasons and I am grateful for the dedication she brought to the role,' Domeland's managing director King Cheng said. 'Sara's work has laid a strong foundation for the future. We're proud of what she's accomplished and excited about what's ahead for both her and Domeland. 'We remain fully committed to our private training model and will continue to have the same number of horses in training, operating from our dual locations (Kulnura and Wyong) on the Central Coast.' • Boom colt Beadman spelled as The Everest looms large Ryan, who will continue to lead Domeland through the stable's Queensland winter campaign, said Domeland had been wonderful for her career. 'The support and trust they've shown me gave me the confidence to train the way I do, and I'll always be grateful for that,' she said. 'I will continue to train the horses to the best of my abilities until my final day, before embarking on a new venture as a public trainer.' Domeland aims to appoint Ryan's successor at the beginning of the 2025-2026 racing season, prior to the end of Ryan's current contract. Originally published as Sara Ryan to leave Domeland to launch private training venture
News.com.au
03-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Punch Lane earns Big Dance qualification by winning the Hawkesbury Gold Cup
Punch Lane, Sydney racing's iron horse, delivered another knockout blow to his chasing rivals at Hawkesbury on Saturday. Champion jockey Nash Rawiller sent Punch Lane straight to the front early in the Group 3 $250,000 Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m) and from that moment their opponents were racing for second prize. This was Punch Lane's third start in as many weeks and he was backing up after leading throughout to win at Randwick last Saturday. It was a case of 'rinse and repeat' for the Anthony and Sam Freedman -trained Punch Lane in the feature race at the Hawkesbury stand-alone meeting. 'Tough as nails this horse, it's been a great training effort,'' Rawiller said. 'Three weeks in a row, not many can do that, but he has come here today and was first out of the gates and first onto the bridle. 'You could expect him to half not want to be here but he was better than last week.'' Punch Lane ($2.30 favourite) gave nothing else a chance in the Hawkesbury Gold Cup as he maintained his advantage throughout to win by 1-1/4 lengths from Osipenko ($9) with My Oberon ($14) a half-length away third. Matcha Latte, winner of the Provincial-Midway Championships Final, was a brave fourth just in front of Tavi Time. Punch Lane leads all the way in the G3 @hawkesburyrc Gold Cup and wins in style!ðŸ�† That's also a double to @nashhot ðŸ'° @FreedmanRacing — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 3, 2025 Rawiller, who rode a brace of winners after scoring earlier on Able Willie, won his second successive Hawkesbury Gold Cup following his win on Just Folk 12 months ago. In fact, Rawiller has had a lot of success at the Hawkesbury stand-alone meeting over the years having also won three Hawkesbury Crowns on Coco Jamboo (2024), Sweet Deal (2021) and More Strawberries (2012), and two Hawkesbury Guineas on Hawaii Five Oh (2023) and Royal Discretion (2008). Rawiller predicted the Freedman father and son training partnership will make a huge success of their decision to open a 24-box Sydney satellite stable at Randwick to complement their main stable base at Mornington in Victoria. 'Anthony hasn't been up here for long and is learning the ropes, I guess, in Sydney a little but I'm sure he will get good support, he's a top trainer,'' Rawiller said. Rawiller's racing colours of royal blue, gold armbands and cap of the William Street Syndicate are also synonymous success. The ownership group has raced many outstanding gallopers including 1982 Caulfield and Melbourne Cups winner Gurner's Lane, trained by the late Geoff Murphy. The Freedman family has trained for the syndicate of mainly Melbourne-based businessmen for many years including most notably the outstanding sprinter Santa Ana Lane who Anthony prepared to win five Group 1 races including the 2018 TJ Smith Stakes and Stradbroke Handicap, and 2019 VRC Sprint Classic. Hall of Famer Lee Freedman trained Paris Lane for the syndicate to win the 1994 Caulfield Cup and Mackinnon Stakes. Punch Lane's Hawkesbury Gold Cup win ensures the gelding is qualified for the $3 million The Big Dance at Royal Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day in November. A rising six-year-old by champion racehorse and sire So You Think, Punch Lane scored his eighth win from just 20 starts and took his career earnings to nearly $670,000. Anthony or Sam Freedman weren't on track for Punch Lane's Hawkesbury Gold Cup win but stable representative Shane Hourigan said the five-year-old was the 'perfect horse' to back up quickly and still perform at his best. 'This wasn't an afterthought to back up from Randwick into the Hawkesbury Gold Cup – and he is probably the right horse to do it with,'' Hourigan said. 'He does his work, eats, sleeps, then goes out in the morning and does it all again. 'We didn't have to do too much with him during the week, he's fit and this was his third week in a row. 'So, we just kept him ticking over during the week, making sure the horse was happy. Fresh is best as they say.'' Hourigan said Rawiller was able to dictate terms to suit on the front-running Punch Lane. 'In his races, this horse makes his own luck,'' he said. 'Nash gave him a great ride, jumped nicely, controlled the pace then kicked and had too much for them. 'He was always doing things on his own terms.''
Daily Telegraph
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Telegraph
Sara Ryan has Group 1 plans if Matcha Latte can continue winning streak in Hawkesbury Gold Cup
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Trainer Sara Ryan has every reason to aim high with the rejuvenated Matcha Latte and hinted at a possible Stradbroke Handicap start if he wins the Group 3 $250,000 Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m) at Hawkesbury on Saturday. Matcha Latte's race career has been punctuated by serious leg issues but Ryan has persevered when others may not have and the gelding rewarded her with his win in the $1m Provincial Midway Championships Final at Royal Randwick last month. • 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! As Ryan was being congratulated immediately after the Randwick race, she gave an insight into the problems Matcha Latte has had to overcome just to get back to the race. 'Matcha Latte's broken my heart more times than once but we love him,'' Ryan said after the Provincial-Midway Championships Final. 'I've always known his ability, and for him to go and do that, it's just fantastic. A big thanks to my team to get a horse like him back to perform at his absolute top. 'As a Provincial trainer, this is our championship so to come out here and win it with a horse like him after so many issues is fantastic.'' If Matcha Latte can make it three wins in succession in the Hawkesbury Gold Cup, then Ryan has ambitions to set her stable star for the Group 1 $3m Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 14. 'I will see how he goes at Hawkesbury but if he wins then we will probably take him to Queensland for the Stradbroke,'' Ryan said. Matcha Latte is a rising six-year-old but was having only his 15th start when he held off Lord Of Biscay to win the Provincial Midway Championships Final, his third career win to take his prizemoney to over $1.1m. Sara Ryan has Provincial-Midway Championships Final winner Matcha Latte back to his best. Picture:• Ray and Duff: All Aged 'good form' for $9 value bet at Hawkesbury 'We have him back to his best after all his issues so why not keep going with him,'' Ryan said. 'He's got his confidence up at the moment, he's racing well.'' Matcha Latte will start from barrier four and is into $4.80 in latest TAB betting for the Hawkesbury Gold Cup. There's a lot in Matcha Latte's favour at Hawkesbury including the barrier draw, he has tactical speed and will make his own luck in running, drops to 53.5kg a and the soft-heavy track conditions won't trouble him, either. 'He gets through everything – wet, soft, hard tracks,'' Ryan enthused. 'He's a very versatile horse.'' ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ HAWKESBURY BIG BETS AND MARKET MOVERS RACE 1: Starboard $4.60-$4, Vintage Choice $6-$5, Prince Of Sorts $8-$7.50 RACE 2: Call Me Terry $15-$7, Straight Fire $15-$9.50, Craft $26-$10 RACE 3: Damien $4.40-$4, One Step Closer $11-$10, Wentworth Falls $15-$8.50, Fortissimo $26-$15 RACE 4: Iron Man $8-$3.40, World Alliance $6-$4, Able Willie $15-$7.50, Spanish Fox $15-$6 RACE 5: Perfect Play $6-$4.40, Phillipsburg $26-$8.50, Awesome Wonder $11-$9 RACE 6: Candlewick $11-$5, Media World $11-$8, Modella $15-$9.50 RACE 7: Lady Laguna $6-$4.80, Written In Code $11-$7.50, City Of Lights $11-$7.50 RACE 8: Punch Lane $4.60-$3.50, Tavi Time $8-$7.50, Mare Of Mt Buller $15-$9, Osipenko $11-$9.50 RACE 9: Celui $11-$5, Fire Star $11-$9 RACE 10: Gallant Star $4.60-$2.80 EARLY QUADDIE Race 3: 1, 3, 7 Race 4: 1, 3, 4, 7 Race 5: 2, 3, 4, 6 Race 6: 1, 2, 9, 14 QUADDIE Race 7: 1, 2, 10, 12 Race 8: 5, 9, 12, 15 Race 9: 1, 4, 9, 12 Race 10: 3, 7, 10, 13 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ PRICE CHECK PUNCH LANE (race 8), trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, is very effective on soft-heavy conditions and he has been the big firmer for the Hawkesbury Gold Cup, coming in from $4.60 to $3.50 favouritism. There has also been good moves for the Chris Waller-trained duo of Mare Of Mt Buller $15 into $9 and Osipenko $11 into $9.50. SECTIONAL STARS OSIPENKO (race 8) only ran ninth when resuming in the All Aged Stakes but it was a very good effort. He was back near last on the turn but ran on strongly to be beaten just over four lengths. His final 600m of 34.01sec was bettered only by the winner, Jimmysstar, and runner-up, Joliestar, both legitimate Group 1 sprinters. Osipenko also sprinted his closing 200m sectional in 11.87sec as he really attacked the line. MOBY DICK (race 10) got a long way back and was held up for a few strides before storming home late to finish a sixth to Need Some Luck at Randwick. The true merit of Moby Dick's effort is underlined by his sectional times with an impressive 33.32sec final 600m and a closing 200m sectional of 11.52sec as he powered to the line. • Stand-alone pioneer deserves a big-money feature TRIAL POINTERS JUST PARTY (race 6) has only one win from 10 starts but is a multiple stakes placegetter and a three-year-old of considerable promise. A son of 2017 Kentucky Derby winner Justify, Just Party has been gelded since he was last in work and readied for his Hawkesbury Guineas comeback with two barrier trials. He was particularly impressive on the most recent trial coming from near last and zooming down the outside to comfortably win his 1045m heat. He's trained up for his return. BUBBA'S BAY (race 9) struck a rich vein of form when last in work, winning four of her last six starts including two at stakes level before her spell. She resumes in the Hawkesbury Rush but has trialled brilliantly twice at Newcastle in recent weeks, winning both with ease on heavy ground. Bubba's Bay is very effective on wet tracks and races well fresh. BEST BET QUANTUM CAT (race 5) was moving into the race nicely when he ran into a dead end and lost all momentum when he finished unplaced when resuming at Warwick Farm. Striking chestnut who gets out to 1800m at Hawkesbury which is more to his liking and will strip fitter for that luckless first-up effort. This former English galloper is yet to win in Australia but he has run a series of competitive races and gets his chance at Hawkesbury. VALUE BET MEDIA WORLD (race 6) won the Clarendon Stakes at the Hawkesbury stand-alone last year and returns to attempt a feature race double in the Hawkesbury Guineas. Media World showed plenty of determination to endure a tough run and still beat older horses when resuming at Warwick Farm. He's going to be fitter for that run, he's won over the course and distance, handles wet tracks and is good value around $8. Originally published as Hawkesbury inside mail: Sara Ryan has Group 1 plans if Matcha Latte can continue winning streak in Gold Cup
News.com.au
02-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Hawkesbury inside mail: Sara Ryan has Group 1 plans if Matcha Latte can continue winning streak in Gold Cup
Trainer Sara Ryan has every reason to aim high with the rejuvenated Matcha Latte and hinted at a possible Stradbroke Handicap start if he wins the Group 3 $250,000 Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m) at Hawkesbury on Saturday. Matcha Latte's race career has been punctuated by serious leg issues but Ryan has persevered when others may not have and the gelding rewarded her with his win in the $1m Provincial Midway Championships Final at Royal Randwick last month. • 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! As Ryan was being congratulated immediately after the Randwick race, she gave an insight into the problems Matcha Latte has had to overcome just to get back to the race. 'Matcha Latte's broken my heart more times than once but we love him,'' Ryan said after the Provincial-Midway Championships Final. 'I've always known his ability, and for him to go and do that, it's just fantastic. A big thanks to my team to get a horse like him back to perform at his absolute top. 'As a Provincial trainer, this is our championship so to come out here and win it with a horse like him after so many issues is fantastic.'' If Matcha Latte can make it three wins in succession in the Hawkesbury Gold Cup, then Ryan has ambitions to set her stable star for the Group 1 $3m Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 14. 'I will see how he goes at Hawkesbury but if he wins then we will probably take him to Queensland for the Stradbroke,'' Ryan said. Matcha Latte is a rising six-year-old but was having only his 15th start when he held off Lord Of Biscay to win the Provincial Midway Championships Final, his third career win to take his prizemoney to over $1.1m. • Ray and Duff: All Aged 'good form' for $9 value bet at Hawkesbury 'We have him back to his best after all his issues so why not keep going with him,'' Ryan said. 'He's got his confidence up at the moment, he's racing well.'' Matcha Latte will start from barrier four and is into $4.80 in latest TAB betting for the Hawkesbury Gold Cup. There's a lot in Matcha Latte's favour at Hawkesbury including the barrier draw, he has tactical speed and will make his own luck in running, drops to 53.5kg a and the soft-heavy track conditions won't trouble him, either. 'He gets through everything – wet, soft, hard tracks,'' Ryan enthused. 'He's a very versatile horse.'' â– â– â– â– â– HAWKESBURY BIG BETS AND MARKET MOVERS RACE 9: Celui $11-$5, Fire Star $11-$9 RACE 10: Gallant Star $4.60-$2.80 EARLY QUADDIE Race 3: 1, 3, 7 Race 4: 1, 3, 4, 7 Race 5: 2, 3, 4, 6 Race 6: 1, 2, 9, 14 QUADDIE Race 7: 1, 2, 10, 12 Race 8: 5, 9, 12, 15 Race 9: 1, 4, 9, 12 Race 10: 3, 7, 10, 13 â– â– â– â– â– PRICE CHECK PUNCH LANE (race 8), trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, is very effective on soft-heavy conditions and he has been the big firmer for the Hawkesbury Gold Cup, coming in from $4.60 to $3.50 favouritism. There has also been good moves for the Chris Waller-trained duo of Mare Of Mt Buller $15 into $9 and Osipenko $11 into $9.50. Punch Lane kicks clear and runs away with Race 8 at Randwick! @FreedmanRacing @nashhot — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 26, 2025 SECTIONAL STARS OSIPENKO (race 8) only ran ninth when resuming in the All Aged Stakes but it was a very good effort. He was back near last on the turn but ran on strongly to be beaten just over four lengths. His final 600m of 34.01sec was bettered only by the winner, Jimmysstar, and runner-up, Joliestar, both legitimate Group 1 sprinters. Osipenko also sprinted his closing 200m sectional in 11.87sec as he really attacked the line. MOBY DICK (race 10) got a long way back and was held up for a few strides before storming home late to finish a sixth to Need Some Luck at Randwick. The true merit of Moby Dick's effort is underlined by his sectional times with an impressive 33.32sec final 600m and a closing 200m sectional of 11.52sec as he powered to the line. • Stand-alone pioneer deserves a big-money feature TRIAL POINTERS JUST PARTY (race 6) has only one win from 10 starts but is a multiple stakes placegetter and a three-year-old of considerable promise. A son of 2017 Kentucky Derby winner Justify, Just Party has been gelded since he was last in work and readied for his Hawkesbury Guineas comeback with two barrier trials. He was particularly impressive on the most recent trial coming from near last and zooming down the outside to comfortably win his 1045m heat. He's trained up for his return. BUBBA'S BAY (race 9) struck a rich vein of form when last in work, winning four of her last six starts including two at stakes level before her spell. She resumes in the Hawkesbury Rush but has trialled brilliantly twice at Newcastle in recent weeks, winning both with ease on heavy ground. Bubba's Bay is very effective on wet tracks and races well fresh. Bubba's Bay holds on and wins at double figure odds for @Leesracing in the Magic Millions Nudgee Stakes! — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 28, 2024 BEST BET QUANTUM CAT (race 5) was moving into the race nicely when he ran into a dead end and lost all momentum when he finished unplaced when resuming at Warwick Farm. Striking chestnut who gets out to 1800m at Hawkesbury which is more to his liking and will strip fitter for that luckless first-up effort. This former English galloper is yet to win in Australia but he has run a series of competitive races and gets his chance at Hawkesbury. VALUE BET MEDIA WORLD (race 6) won the Clarendon Stakes at the Hawkesbury stand-alone last year and returns to attempt a feature race double in the Hawkesbury Guineas. Media World showed plenty of determination to endure a tough run and still beat older horses when resuming at Warwick Farm. He's going to be fitter for that run, he's won over the course and distance, handles wet tracks and is good value around $8.
News.com.au
02-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Ray Thomas and Ron Dufficy's race-by-race analysis and tips for Hawkesbury on Saturday
The Daily Telegraph racing editor Ray Thomas and Sky Thoroughbred Central's form expert Ron Dufficy debate the chances in all 10 races at the Hawkesbury stand-alone meeting on Saturday. • â– â– â– â– â– SUGGESTED BET DUFF'S BEST VALUE RACE 8 No. 4: OSIPENKO â– â– â– â– â– Ron Dufficy: I'm going with JUMEIRAH BEACH (10) in the first. He had a confidence-boosting midweek win in Brisbane on the soft track last start. His previous two Midway runs were solid and I think he's got nice credentials at double-figure odds. VINTAGE CHOICE (3) might not have won in a long, long time but I feel he is in career-best form and he was excellent in the Provincial-Midway Championships Final. He does have gate speed, too. PRINCE OF SORTS (4) is an underrated horse. He got back further than expected last start and did more than enough. He is only a three-year-old and his previous win was good. HERB (12) is hard to catch but he had a nice lead-up run when he was unlucky on this track and this looks to be a target race. Ray Thomas: A tough opener. I'm going a little wide with MISS HADES (5) at generous odds. The likelihood of a heavy track does concern me but I thought her first-up run when a close sixth at Warwick Farm was a lot better than it reads on paper as she had no galloping room in the straight. Genuine mare who gets the benefit of the claim, too. NORTHERN EYES (2) was working his way back into form then also was devoid of luck at Randwick last start. Give him another chance. STARBOARD (11) never runs a bad race and VINTAGE CHOICE (3) is close to a win. Miss Hades wins first up at @gosford_races, giving @G1TySchil a race-to-race double! @GaryPortelli — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 10, 2024 â– â– â– â– â– RACE 2: TAB HIGHWAY (1500m) Dufficy: This race is nearly impossible. CANADIAN RULER (1) has a bit of weight but gets the claim and sets up well at his fourth run in and after a win. He is going well for the new stable and has a lovely racing style. MIDNIGHT AFFAIR (11) had a more than acceptable lead-up in a stronger race than this when she finished off hard. STRAIGHT FIRE (8) did enough first-up to suggest he has come back stronger. CALL ME TERRY (10) is busting to win another race and back in trip with the big weight was against him last start. He is in the mix. Thomas: CANADIAN RULER (1) is racing consistently and brings winning form to Hawkesbury after scoring comfortably at Canberra last start. He's got to carry topweight in the wet conditions but he should be very competitive again. Plenty of dangers including KOTAISHI (6), an improving sprinter with soft track form and STRAIGHT FIRE (8) who was good first-up. CALL ME TERRY (10) also stays under notice as he is very fit, gets in well at the weights, and handles wet tracks. â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I'm pretty keen on AERODROME (1). He created a big impression on debut, he looks a likely type for the future and has to be hard to beat. If he comes to Hawkesbury, WENTWORTH FALLS (7) should run well. He was very good charging late at Kembla when dragged back from a wide draw so he probably has the right grounding for this race. DAMIEN (2) landed some good bets winning easily first-up on the speed. The time was only steady but he looks an improver. ONE STEP CLOSER (10) looks a nice middle-distance type for the future. He did start favourite in that Kembla lead-up and he has more to offer. Thomas: AERODROME (1) was impressive on debut, scoring with authority. He looks a talented two-year-old and although there is a query about him on the wet track, there is no evidence to suggest he won't handle it, either. I'm happy to be with Aerodrome from WENTWORTH FALLS (7) who is the big improver. I've got the same top three with DAMIEN (2) as next best but I'm wary of SERPICO (6) who although well beaten when third to Aerodrome, should run a strong 1400m. Aerodrome gets the last few strides and wins well for @MFreedmanRacing! ðŸ'� — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 16, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I want to give WORLD ALLIANCE (4) another chance here. He has been back to the trials since an inconclusive run at Kembla Grange. His previous form was great for a race like this and I have to give him another chance. EPIC PROPORTIONS (8) is one at big odds who should be closely monitored. He has been hard held in two trials and does have great fresh form. IRON MAN (3) was good first-up and this is a lovely race for him at home back to 1100m. He deserves another win. RANVEER (6) is another of these interesting Matt Laurie-trained runners who has had a couple of nice jumpouts in Victoria and has good fresh form. Thomas: IRON MAN (3) was held up for a run for most of the final 400m but still ran a close fifth when resuming at Randwick. Consistent sprinter, strips fitter here, handles wet tracks and has won second-up from a spell. SPANISH FOX (1) reeled off five successive wins before his spell last spring and resumes here at the track where his winning streak started. He's unknown on a heavy track but he's trialled well and should go close. WORLD ALLIANCE (4) rates among the main chances for all the reasons you mentioned, Ronnie. ONE DESTINY (7) scored a tough win at Warwick Farm last start and he is a superior wet-tracker. â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I quite like QUANTUM CAT (4), Ray. He got chopped out when building momentum last start when resuming and wasn't knocked about. I'm not sure about him in the wet but apart from that he is very likeable. This does look a lovely set-up for JAMBEROO (2) second-up from a spell. He ticks lots of bases liking the wet and his adaptability of going forward in a race that lacks speed. BLACK RUN (5) showed some encouraging signs racing well on debut in Australia and should lift off that run. ARISTONOUS (10) comes out of the same Warwick Farm race as many of his rivals and he worked home well that day. Thomas: I've also found QUANTUM CAT (4). He's still trying to get out from his Warwick Farm comeback run and although he is going straight to 1800m, this is his preferred distance range. PHILIPSBURG (3) has won successive Brisbane races, has never been in better form and handles wet tracks. JAMBEROO (2) and AWESOME WONDER (6) ran second and sixth when resuming in the same Warwick Farm race Quantum Cat contested and both will be improved. A pick-up ride for @TommyBerry21 ends with a win! ðŸ'� Poppin' Champagne breaks away to win the last at Warwick Farm for the @MickPriceRacing stable! — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 16, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I've always been a fan of JUST PARTY (4). He has been gelded before this preparation, I was very taken by his most recent trial. He is a better horse than his form reads and only has to handle the soft track to run very well. MEDIA WORLD (9) is another colt I have always liked and good to see him start off his preparation with a win. MODELLA (14) had excuses when wide the other day and doing a few things wrong but she is a real knockout chance. Going forward I think she has plenty to offer. CANDLEWICK (13) is well-liked in the market and although she didn't beat a strong lot at Warwick Farm she did it well and I'm sure the stable has an opinion of her. Thomas: MEDIA WORLD (9) showed plenty of determination to endure a tough run and still beat older horses when resuming at Warwick Farm. Promising colt who won at the Hawkesbury stand-alone meeting last year and will go close again. MODELLA (14) was never on the track at Randwick and still ran bravely. Underrated filly who will need luck from her wide draw but is capable of running a very competitive race. PISCES (1) has been improved by two runs from a spell and he does have wet track form. SNITZANOVA (2) is resuming but she's a talented filly who won the Sandown Guineas on a heavy track last spring and must be considered. â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I know LADY LAGUNA (2) had no excuses last start but she is third-up now and I love where she will settle in a race where there is no speed. This is her best distance. While there is no speed that gives BELCLARE (1) a very good chance. She was good first-up in the All Aged Stakes and the wide draw won't be an issue given the speed she has got. Last year's winner COCO JAMBOO (7) sets up well here after two encouraging runs. TASHI (10) is going well without winning, has an inner draw and should be around the mark again. Thomas: LADY LAGUNA (2) is a top class mare fitter for recent racing. She's very effective on soft and heavy tracks, and she should get this race run to suit. TASHI (10) finished alongside Lady Laguna last start, she's drawn to get a soft run, handles all track conditions and is a definite each way chance. CITY OF LIGHTS (12) was very good when resuming and she's rates highly in a very open race. BELCLARE (1) gets an uncontested lead, ran competitively in the All Aged Stakes, and back against mares she will take running down. â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I'm going with OSIPENKO (4). I thought he was very strong late in the All Aged Stakes and that has to be good form for this. The wet is OK and he should improve again. I think he may have got his confidence back after winning at the end of his last preparation. PUNCH LANE (5) is an obvious choice as he did it so well at both ends last week. Can he do it three weeks in a row at a mile – that's the gamble. But he looks to be flying and probably the pattern is vital for him and if the on-pacers are getting a fair go he will be hard to beat. MIGHTY ULYSSES (3) is the other one. Three of his six wins have been second-up and he has to be included in all the multiples. GREEN FLY (15) has a lethal finish when things fall in place and he appears good odds. Thomas: TAVI TIME (9) had his share of weight first-up and had to make his run wide out but ran on strongly for a close second when resuming at Randwick. He's out to his optimum distance of 1600m, his second-up record is almost faultless, and he handles soft tracks. GREEN FLY (15) got too far back at Randwick last week but was finishing powerfully late. His first-up win at Rosehill was very impressive and he excels on soft and heavy tracks. He's a definite lightweight chance. PUNCH LANE (5) led throughout to win well at Randwick last week and is backing up for the third week in a row but he's in top form and enjoys wet tracks. MATCHA LATTE (12) is also racing in top form, he has good tactical speed and will give himself every chance. ✨ Jimmysstar adds another G1 to his list as he races away with the All Aged Stakes for @cmaherracing and @Brown_ethan8! 🙌 @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 19, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: Given the wet track conditions I want to be with IN FLIGHT (12). I feel she will grow a leg second-up on the soft track second-up, she loves the distance and fits in well. Her stablemate DRAGONSTONE (1) has the blinkers back on, he's a tough, competitive horse who handles all conditions. I just wish he had drawn a little better but back to 1100m suits him. BUBBA'S BAY (4) is trialling very well, looking really sharp, and she knows how to win as she has a great winning strike-rate. I'll be watching for any confidence in the market for her on track. FIRE STAR (9) was well fancied first-up and was OK but he's proven in the soft and can bounce back. Thomas: BUBBA'S BAY (4) struck career-best form last preparation with four wins from six starts before a spell including twice at stakes level. Smart mare who kept improving when last in work. She resumes in a very open sprint but she's trialling up a storm and enjoys wet tracks. IN FLIGHT (12) was beaten by the very talented Pisanello at Canterbury when resuming but that's good form for this race. It's worth noting all of In Flight's five career wins have been on soft or heavy tracks. FIRE STAR (9) was unplaced in the Pisanello race but deserves another chance and DRAGONSTONE (1) will be charging home. â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: GALLANT STAR (7) didn't run to market expectations in the Country Championships Final but that form has been franked, he gets the claim, the race has enough speed up front and he finds a lovely stalking position. He will be hard to beat. MOBY DICK (10) ran through the line at his Sydney debut indicating 1400m will suit. EXCELLADUS (4) caught everyone's attention charging into dead ends late first-up. I'm not sure if this tight, turning track but he is sure to be running on hard again. The best of the rest is CHICA MOJITO (11) who is trialling really nicely and could surprise. Thomas: I'm also staying with GALLANT STAR (7), Ron. Perhaps he is better ridden more conservatively early in his races as he has demonstrated a brilliant finishing burst in some of his wins. It was impossible to miss MOBY DICK's (10) last start effort and with even luck in running, he will be hard to beat. COOL JAKEY (3) is in very good form and makes his own luck racing on speed. IMPOSANT (13) is a very fit, in-form mare, she handles wet tracks and will be in the finish.
