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.