Tag: Birdman horse

  • Australian Horse Racing Daily Wrap: Australian Cup Final Markets, Tancred Track Update & Friday Best Bets

    Publish Date: March 27, 2026

    Flemington: Australian Cup Final Countdown

    The markets have remained remarkably stable for the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m), but a late flurry of interest has seen a shift in the minor placings.

    • The Market Leader: Chris Waller’s Birdman ($2.80) remains the clear favourite. After a professional final gallop at Flemington on Tuesday morning, James McDonald is reportedly brimming with confidence. The Irish-bred import is aiming to become the first horse since Cascadian to complete the Peter Young/Australian Cup double.
    • The ” Jenni” Factor: Pride of Jenni ($4.20) has been slightly easy in the market this morning. While she is in peak physical condition, the query remains whether she can sustain her high-velocity lead over the Flemington 2000m against a deeper field than she faced in the All-Star Mile.
    • Cascadian’s Farewell?: The evergreen Cascadian ($9.00) has been the best-backed runner at odds. At ten years of age, he is aiming for a historic third consecutive Australian Cup. Trainer James Cummings noted that the old marvel “thinks he’s a four-year-old” and has thrived since his last-start fourth.

    Rosehill: Tancred Stakes & Vinery Stud Stakes Track Update

    The Rosehill Gardens track staff have been working overtime following minor showers earlier in the week, but the news is positive for punters.

    • Track Rating: Currently a Good (4). With warm and sunny conditions forecast for Sydney today and tomorrow, track manager Shaun Patterson expects the surface to provide a perfect, fast platform for the stayers.
    • Post Impressionist Mission: The William Haggas-trained Post Impressionist ($2.40) is the dominant force in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m). Haggas has a strike rate in Sydney that is the envy of local trainers, and the booking of Tom Marquand suggests they are here to collect the trophy.
    • Autumn Glow’s 12th Strike: In the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), the undefeated Autumn Glow ($1.25) has officially passed all vet checks this morning. James McDonald has the chance to extend his newly-minted Group 1 record even further aboard the Chris Waller superstar.

    Industry News: New Welfare Protocols in Victoria

    Racing Victoria has officially announced a new set of enhanced welfare protocols for the upcoming winter season. These include increased mandatory vet checks for all runners in high-prize-money events and a new grants program for retired thoroughbreds. The move has been widely praised by industry stakeholders as a proactive step toward long-term sustainability.

    Friday Best Bets: Canterbury & Cranbourne (Night Racing)

    For those looking to build a bank for tomorrow’s big meetings:

    • Canterbury (NSW): Race 4, No. 2 – Edited. A very progressive three-year-old for the Chris Waller stable who looks perfectly suited by the tight Canterbury circuit and the step up to 1550m.
    • Cranbourne (VIC): Race 6, No. 5 – Manhattan Thunder. This Cindy Alderson-trained sprinter was enormous first-up and should find the lead comfortably from an inside draw under the lights tonight.

  • Australian Horse Racing Daily Wrap: Australian Cup Barrier Draw, Pride of Jenni Tactics & Tancred Stakes Field

    Australian Cup (2000m): Tactics Set Following Barrier Draw

    The final field and barriers for the $3 million Group 1 Australian Cup at Flemington have been released, and the map suggests a tactical battle for the ages.

    • Pride of Jenni (Barrier 7): The “Queen of the Turf” has drawn perfectly for her front-running style. Expect jockey Declan Bates to cross the field early and set a signature high-cruising tempo. She remains a $4.20 second favorite.
    • Birdman (Barrier 3): The Chris Waller-trained favorite ($2.80) has drawn the “coffin” or “golden” gate depending on the early speed. James McDonald will need to ensure the Irish import isn’t buried away when Pride of Jenni ramps up the pressure at the 800m mark.
    • Mr Brightside (Barrier 11): The fan favorite has drawn out wide. Trainer Ben Hayes noted that while the gate isn’t ideal, it gives Craig Williams the options to stay out of the early “fire” and make a sweeping run into the straight.

    Rosehill: Tancred Stakes & Vinery Stud Stakes Fields

    Sydney’s Saturday card is headlined by the staying prowess of the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) and the three-year-old fillies in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m).

    • Tancred Stakes: The international raider Post Impressionist has firmed into favouritism following a glowing track report this morning. He will face stiff opposition from the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Military Mission, who has been crying out for the 2400m trip.
    • Vinery Stud Stakes: Autumn Glow ($1.25) remains the talk of the town. She officially accepted for the race this morning as she aims for her 12th consecutive victory. If successful, she will move into rare air alongside the greats of the Australian turf.

    Harness Racing: Melton Entertainment Park Awards

    Closer to home in Melton, the industry is still buzzing following the 2025 Victorian Harness Racing Awards. The sensation Keayang Zahara was the big winner of the night, taking out Horse of the Year honors. This follows her unbeaten run through the Victorian and NSW Oaks, cementing her status as a generational talent.

    Industry News: Track Rating Update

    • Flemington: Currently a Good (4). With Melbourne experiencing a dry spell, officials expect a firm, fast surface that will reward horses with high-end cruising speed.
    • Rosehill: Currently a Soft (5). The track has recovered well from last week’s rain, and with clear skies forecast through Friday, an upgrade to a Good (4) is highly likely by race morning.

  • Australian Horse Racing Daily Wrap: Australian Cup Final Rankings, Pride of Jenni Update & Tancred Stakes Lead-ups

    Publish Date: March 24, 2026

    Australian Cup (2000m): Birdman vs. The Queen

    The final field for the Group 1 Australian Cup is taking shape, and it’s looking like a two-horse war according to the early markets.

    • Birdman ($2.80): Chris Waller’s Irish import is the clear favourite. After a dominant Peter Young Stakes win, his sectionals suggest he is the one to beat over the Flemington 2000m.
    • Pride of Jenni ($4.20): The reigning Queen of the turf. Trainer Ciaron Maher confirmed she pulled up exceptionally well from her recent gallop. The query remains the 2000m distance at Flemington, but her high-cruising speed is expected to test the stamina of the entire field.
    • The “Value” Play: Cascadian ($9.00). The old marvel is aiming for a historic third consecutive Australian Cup. Despite his age, his closing sectionals in the All-Star Mile suggest he is far from finished.

    Sydney Autumn: Tancred Stakes & Vinery Stud Previews

    While Melbourne has the marquee race, Rosehill Gardens still hosts significant Group 1 action this Saturday with the Tancred Stakes (2400m) and the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m).

    • Autumn Glow ($1.25): The undefeated mare is the shortest-priced favourite of the weekend. James McDonald will partner her as she attempts to make it 12 from 12 in the Vinery.
    • Military Mission ($6.00): Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have confirmed this tough stayer for the Tancred. Following a gritty performance in the Ranvet, he is seen as the primary challenger to the international raiders.

    Jockey Updates: Zac Lloyd’s Slipper Aftermath

    Following his clinical ride on Guest House to win the Golden Slipper, Zac Lloyd has seen a massive surge in bookings for The Championships. He has officially been confirmed for several key rides for the Godolphin stable on Day 1 of Randwick (April 4), replacing the suspended Nash Rawiller.

    Industry News: Track Conditions Update

    • Flemington: Currently a Good (4). With warm, dry weather forecast for Melbourne this week, track manager Liam O’Keeffe expects the surface to be a perfect racing platform by Saturday.
    • Rosehill: Currently a Soft (5). Sydney has experienced minor showers over the last 24 hours, but the forecast is for clear skies starting Wednesday, likely leading to an upgrade to the Good range.

  • Australian Horse Racing Daily Wrap: Slipper Field Set, Jimmysstar Odds-On & Australian Cup Contenders

    Group 1 Radar: Golden Slipper & William Reid Stakes

    Chayan the Clear Standout for the Golden Slipper

    All eyes are on Rosehill Gardens this Saturday for the 70th running of the $5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m). Following Tuesday’s crucial barrier draw, the Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained filly Chayan has firmed as the outright favorite.

    Despite drawing wide in barrier 12, early betting has her at the top of the market (around $5.00). She brings impeccable form into the race, coming off a dominant victory in the Group 2 Reisling Stakes. Champion jockey Craig Williams is booked for the ride.

    Her main dangers appear to be the Bjorn Baker-trained pair:

    • Warwoven ($7.00): Guaranteed his spot with a tough win in the Pago Pago Stakes last weekend. Rachel King retains the ride, though he will have to overcome a difficult gate in barrier 18.
    • Paradoxium ($8.00): Drawn slightly better in barrier 14 with Jason Collett taking the reins.
    • Also looming large is Streisand, the tough Clinton McDonald-trained filly who claimed the Blue Diamond Stakes.

    Jimmysstar Boom Continues in the William Reid Stakes

    Looking ahead to Saturday at Caulfield, the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) is shaping up to be a thriller. The boom sprinter Jimmysstar, trained by Ciaron Maher, has opened as the heavy odds-on favorite (approximately $1.90) in early betting markets.

    Returning after a stellar spring campaign that included a third in The Everest and wins in the Russell Balding and C F Orr Stakes, he is the clear horse to beat. His main opposition includes the Yulong stallion prospect Angel Capital ($6.00) and Jigsaw ($8.00), who comes off a dominant 3.5-length front-running display in the Vobis Gold Sprint.

    Australian Cup Fallout & Future Targets

    Melbourne’s focus is quickly shifting toward the Group 1 TAB Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 28.

    • Birdman Soars into Calculations: Chris Waller’s progressive Irish-bred stayer, Birdman, has rocketed into Australian Cup favoritism following an imposing 1.75-length win in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield. Jockey Ben Melham, who won back-to-back Australian Cups on Cascadian (2023, 2024), was full of praise for the gelding, noting that the 2000m at Flemington will suit him perfectly.
    • Pride of Jenni on Track: Ciaron Maher’s superstar mare Pride Of Jenni is officially on track for her own Australian Cup tilt. She turned heads with a very strong Tuesday morning gallop at Caulfield and is set to clash with Birdman in what promises to be a race for the ages.

    These developments follow an incredible Super Saturday last weekend, which saw the Godolphin galloper Tom Kitten write himself into the history books by going back-to-back to win the All-Star Mile.

    Industry News: Remembering Makybe Diva & Coetzee Goes Solo

    Vale Makybe Diva (1999 – 2026)

    The Australian racing community is in mourning this week following the sudden passing of iconic champion Makybe Diva at the age of 27 following a short battle with colic. The legendary mare remains the only horse in history to win the Melbourne Cup three times (2003, 2004, 2005). Tributes continue to flow for the horse who famously “stopped a nation” three years running.

    Jarred Coetzee Launches Training Career

    In Queensland, highly respected horseman Jarred Coetzee has officially branched out to launch his own racing team. After serving as the second-in-charge at Robert Heathcote’s Eagle Farm barn (working with stars like Rothfire and Abounding), the 39-year-old has secured boxes at Lawrie Mayfield-Smith’s stables. He saddles up his first runner, the gelding Gas Brigade, in a 1666m Maiden at Ipswich this Friday.

    Midweek Racing Pointers: Wednesday, March 18

    For those looking at today’s midweek action, a unique angle presents itself in the Adelaide Hills:

    • Oakbank (SA): The iconic Oakbank Racecourse hosts a tight 5-race card today. When assessing the form on this undulating track, jockey Campbell Rawiller is an absolute standout. He currently boasts an elite 29.41% winning strike rate at Oakbank (5 wins from 17 rides). Punters should closely monitor any of his mounts today, as navigating the steady incline of the home straight requires specialized tactical precision.