Tag: Golden Slipper 2026

  • Australian Horse Racing Daily Wrap: Golden Slipper Day, William Reid Stakes & J-Mac’s Record Chase

    Rosehill Gardens: The Golden Slipper & “Super Saturday”

    70th Running of the TAB Golden Slipper (1200m)

    A capacity field of 16 top-tier two-year-olds will face the starter at 4:35 pm (AEDT) for the world’s richest juvenile race. The market remains incredibly tight, reflecting one of the most open Slippers in recent memory.

    • The Favourite: The Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained filly Chayan continues to hold favouritism (around $5.00 – $6.50). She is attempting to become the first filly to complete the Reisling Stakes/Golden Slipper double since Estijaab in 2018. She will have to overcome barrier 12 with Craig Williams in the saddle.
    • The Challengers: There is immense depth in this field. Guest House ($11.00), trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, is a major talking point after suffering severe interference in the Blue Diamond; he draws much better today in gate 10. Fireball, trained by Chris Waller and ridden by James McDonald, has drawn perfectly in barrier 7 and maps to get a dream run.
    • Barrier Casualties: Bjorn Baker’s highly rated colts Warwoven (barrier 14) and Paradoxium (barrier 18) face monumental tasks from the outside alleys, forcing jockeys Rachel King and Jason Collett into tactical dilemmas early in the 1200m dash.

    James McDonald Chases Australasian History

    Champion jockey James McDonald requires just two more Group 1 victories to break Damien Oliver’s all-time Australasian Group 1 riding record. With five elite-level rides today, history is highly likely to be made at Rosehill.

    His premier mount is the Chris Waller-trained superstar mare Autumn Glow, who is the prohibitive $1.30 favourite in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m). She is aiming for an incredible 11th consecutive victory. McDonald also rides the heavily favoured Aeliana in the Ranvet Stakes (2000m), giving him an excellent chance to seal the record early in the afternoon.

    Rosehill Guineas (2000m): The Heavyweights Clash

    The staying three-year-olds face off in a highly anticipated contest. Observer ($3.60), the dominant winner of the Australian Guineas and VRC Derby, makes his Sydney debut for Ciaron Maher. He faces a stiff challenge from Chris Waller’s Autumn Boy, who steps up to 2000m for the first time following game placings in the Hobartville and Randwick Guineas.

    Caulfield: The Ladbrokes William Reid Stakes (1200m)

    Due to the $3 billion redevelopment at Moonee Valley, the Group 1 William Reid Stakes has been relocated to Caulfield this year, changing the dynamic of the historic weight-for-age sprint.

    • Jimmysstar the Clear Top Pick: The Ciaron Maher-trained Jimmysstar is the dominant $2.25 favourite. He already boasts a Group 1 win at this track and distance (the C.F. Orr Stakes in February). However, tactically, he faces a hurdle: he has drawn Barrier 1 with Mark Zahra aboard. As a horse that typically settles back, Zahra will need to find clear air at the right time.
    • The Speed Element: Jigsaw ($7.00) brings a five-race winning streak into the event, including a dominant 3.5-length win in the VOBIS Gold Sprint carrying 61kg. Dropping to 58.5kg today, he will undoubtedly cross from barrier 11 to set a frantic tempo.
    • Other Contenders: The Chris Waller-trained Angel Capital looks to improve off a sharp third in the Newmarket Handicap, while the undefeated-this-prep Baraqiel shapes as a legitimate danger.

    Official Track Conditions (As of Saturday Morning)

    • Rosehill Gardens: Currently rated a Good (4). The rail is out 2 metres for the entire circuit. The weather is overcast, and officials are monitoring the skies, but the track is currently presenting perfectly for elite racing.
    • Caulfield: Currently rated a Soft (6). The rail is in the True position for the entire circuit. Punters should keep an eye on early races to see if the track plays favourably to front-runners or those swooping down the outside.

  • Australian Horse Racing Daily Wrap: Slipper Showdown, Jimmysstar at Caulfield & J-Mac’s Historic Chase

    Rosehill Gardens: The Golden Slipper & A Date With History

    Chayan Holds Firm in Wide-Open Slipper

    The field of 16 is locked in for the Group 1 TAB Golden Slipper (1200m), and it shapes as one of the most tactical editions in recent memory. The Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained filly Chayan remains the $4.80-$5.50 favourite depending on the bookmaker. Despite drawing awkwardly in barrier 12, her dominant Reisling Stakes victory has convinced punters she has the class to overcome the wide gate with Craig Williams in the saddle.

    The speed map suggests a frantic early pace, which could play into the hands of the backmarkers.

    • Warwoven ($8.00), trained by Bjorn Baker, was dealt a massive blow at the barrier draw, drawing out in the carpark. Jockey Rachel King will be aiming to become the first female rider to win the Slipper but faces a monumental task from out wide.
    • Pembrey enters the race on the quick back-up after a front-running victory in last weekend’s Magic Night Stakes, though speed analysts note the overall time was slightly below the historical average for Slipper winners.

    James McDonald Eyes Australasian Group 1 Record

    History beckons for Sydney’s nine-time premiership champion jockey, James McDonald. “J-Mac” enters tomorrow requiring just two more Group 1 victories to break the all-time Australasian Group 1 riding record. With five elite-level races on the Rosehill card, he has a prime opportunity to rewrite the history books.

    His elite book of rides includes:

    • Autumn Glow ($1.25): The rising superstar of Australian racing. Chris Waller’s undefeated wonder mare is aiming for her 11th consecutive victory in the $1 million George Ryder Stakes (1500m).
    • Aeliana ($1.70): McDonald’s first chance to strike on the card, riding the hot favourite in the Ranvet Stakes (2000m).
    • Autumn Boy: He will partner with Autumn Boy in a highly anticipated match race against the Ciaron Maher-trained Observer in the Sky Racing Rosehill Guineas (2000m).

    Caulfield: William Reid Stakes & Australian Cup Pointers

    With Moonee Valley undergoing renovations, the Group 1 Ladbrokes William Reid Stakes (1200m) takes centre stage at Caulfield this Saturday.

    Jimmysstar the Dominant Force

    The Ciaron Maher-trained boom sprinter Jimmysstar has opened as the heavy odds-on favourite ($1.90-$2.25). The triple Group 1 victor boasts an exceptional record at Caulfield (five wins from six starts) and won the C.F. Orr Stakes at the track earlier this preparation.

    A massive push for punters is the booking of elite jockey Mark Zahra. Zahra reportedly turned down premium Group 1 rides in Sydney—including the mount on Observer in the Rosehill Guineas—to stay in Melbourne specifically to ride Jimmysstar.

    His main challengers include:

    • Jigsaw ($6.50): The Cindy Alderson-trained front-runner is in the form of his life, having won his past five starts including the Railway in NZ and a 3.5-length demolition in the VOBIS Gold Sprint carrying 61kg. He drops to 58.5kg at Weight-For-Age.
    • Tropicus ($6.50): The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained entire is coming off a career-peak victory in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate.
    • Charm Stone ($18.00): The dual Group 1 winner (Sangster, Manikato) represents excellent value, as she is one of the few horses to have ever beaten Jimmysstar.

    Birdman Soars into Australian Cup Favouritism

    Looking ahead to the Flemington feature on March 28, Chris Waller’s Irish-bred import Birdman has leapt into outright favouritism ($3.30) for the Group 1 TAB Australian Cup (2000m).

    Birdman enhanced his credentials with a dominant 1.75-length victory over Apulia in the traditional lead-up, the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m). Jockey Ben Melham, who is chasing another Australian Cup victory, praised the horse’s relaxed nature and noted he has fully acclimatised to Australian racing conditions.

    Industry Emotion: Big Wigs Honours The Diva

    In a touching moment for the Australian turf, the famous Tony Santic silks—synonymous with the legendary three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva—were carried to victory recently by the talented colt Big Wigs in the $1 million VOBIS Platinum Showdown at Caulfield. The victory comes shortly after the racing community mourned the passing of Makybe Diva, adding a highly emotional chapter to the autumn carnival.

  • The $5 Million Scramble: Shaping the 2026 Golden Slipper Field

    The countdown to Australia’s richest two-year-old race is almost over. On Saturday, March 21, 2026, Rosehill Gardens will host the 70th edition of the $5 million TAB Golden Slipper.

    With final acceptances locked in and a highly competitive 16-horse field taking shape, the makeup of this year’s Slipper has been nothing short of dramatic. From massive late entry fees to brilliant lead-up performances, here is a detailed breakdown of the likely field, the form lines, and the incredible storylines heading into this weekend.

    The $450,000 Late Entry Splash

    In a massive show of confidence from connections, three horses had the $150,000 late entry fee paid by Monday’s deadline, effectively reshaping the final field and bumping out several fringe contenders. Australian Turf Club officials noted it is incredibly rare to see three runners paid up this late, highlighting the sheer depth and evenness of the 2026 crop.

    The three late additions are:

    • Pembrey (Filly): Trained by Tony Gollan, this filly earned her spot the hard way, winning the Magic Night Stakes just last Saturday. She pulled up brilliantly, prompting connections to roll the dice. Hong Kong superstar Zac Purton is heavily rumored to be taking the ride.
    • Closer To Free (Colt): Danny O’Brien’s colt ran a phenomenal second in the Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield. That run served as the perfect Slipper trial, and he has thrived since.
    • Music Time (Gelding): The only gelding in the 16-horse field. Trainer Gratz Vella convinced the owners to pay the late fee after the horse emerged from a tough, gritty victory in the Black Opal Stakes in superb order.

    Note: The inclusion of these three means that hopefuls like Agrarian Girl, Medicinal, and By Choice have narrowly missed the final 16.

    The Field Composition

    As it stands, the 2026 Golden Slipper field will feature a fascinating mix of 10 colts, 5 fillies, and 1 gelding. Based on the final order of entry and acceptances, here is the likely 16-horse field taking their place at the barriers this Saturday: Here is the field and each horses current rating, plus their last 5 starts

    HorseSexTrainerJockey (Expected)Current RatingLast Start2nd Last3rd Last4th Last5th Last
    ParadoxiumColtBjorn BakerJason Collett32.6432.6420.0915.34
    ChayanFillyAnnabel & Rob ArchibaldCraig Williams38.4138.3838.4134.32
    WarwovenColtBjorn BakerRachel King38.5138.5129.1817.89
    StreisandFillyClinton McDonaldBen Melham38.9240.8636.9830.0517.2715.59
    Stretan RulerColtPhillip StokesChad Schofield38.5231.6138.5233.77
    Guest HouseColtMick Price & Michael Kent JnrZac Lloyd40.2240.2234.32
    PembreyFillyTony GollanZac Purton35.8735.8728.98
    Closer To FreeColtDanny O’BrienJamie Melham40.4540.4535.18
    Campione D’ItaliaColtChris WallerDamian Lane38.9138.9127.64
    Spicy MissFillyCiaron MaherCraig Newitt37.1537.1534.3316.73
    ZambalesColtAnthony & Sam FreedmanNash Rawiller38.0536.0140.0934.3432.72
    HidrixColtChris WallerKerrin McEvoy33.6128.6733.61
    ShikiFillyGai Waterhouse & Adrian BottRegan Bayliss33.0234.1229.2731.9315.9815.99
    Tornado ValleyColtCiaron MaherTBC30.8229.9931.6516.9815.73
    FireballColtChris WallerTBC37.7237.7233.49
    Music TimeGeldingGratz VellaPierre Boudvillain32.8022.9732.1232.80


    The Top Contenders & Lead-Up Winners

    If you are looking for the form horses, the traditional lead-up races have provided plenty of fireworks this autumn:

    Paradoxium (Colt – Trainer: Bjorn Baker)

    The current Golden Slipper favourite stamps his authority after a cruisy, dominant win in the Group 2 Todman Stakes. Ridden by Jason Collett, this Extreme Choice colt has an incredible backstory—he suffered a severe bout of travel sickness earlier in his campaign while in Queensland, which nearly derailed his season. His bounce-back victory in the Todman proved he has the elite speed and toughness required for a Slipper.

    Streisand (Filly – Trainer: Clinton McDonald)

    The girls have a massive chance this year thanks to Streisand. She proved race experience matters when she caused an upset in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes ($11) down at Caulfield, powerfully splitting the leaders under jockey Ben Melham to beat the boys.

    Stretan Ruler (Colt – Trainer: Phillip Stokes)

    The Silver Slipper winner proved he is right on track by running a strong second behind Paradoxium in the Todman Stakes. He has the tactical speed to put himself in the race and will be peaking on Saturday.

    Chayan (Filly – Trainer: Annabel & Rob Archibald)

    A classy filly who secured her Golden Slipper option by taking out the Group 2 Reisling Stakes. She brings excellent fillies’ form to the table.

    Campione D’Italia (Colt – Trainer: Chris Waller)

    You can never count out Sydney’s 15-time premiership-winning trainer. Chris Waller will send out Campione D’Italia, who comes into the race off the back of an upset victory in the Skyline Stakes.

    Spicy Miss (Filly – Trainer: Ciaron Maher)

    Firmed significantly in Slipper betting after taking out the Sweet Embrace Stakes.

    Shiki (Filly – Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott)

    Representing Kurrinda Bloodstock, the early-season Gimcrack Stakes winner has had her path to the Slipper meticulously planned, and jockey Regan Bayliss is officially locked in for the ride.

    Track Conditions & Tactics

    The Rosehill Gardens track staff have been closely monitoring the weather, and Australian Turf Club’s General Manager of Racecourses, Michael Wood, has confirmed a crucial detail for punters: The inside rail will be moved out 2 metres for Slipper Day. Because the track raced so tightly and held up beautifully during the Coolmore Classic meeting last weekend, moving the rail out slightly ensures the two-year-olds will be racing on fresh, clean ground. With the rail out slightly and a highly competitive pace expected, barrier draws (announced Tuesday) will be absolutely vital.

    The Verdict

    The 2026 Golden Slipper is shaping up to be a classic “Boys vs. Girls” battle. The colts are headlined by the sheer speed of Todman winner Paradoxium and Blue Diamond runner-up Closer To Free, while the fillies boast absolute quality in Blue Diamond winner Streisand and the late-surging Magic Night winner Pembrey. Throw in the lone gelding, Music Time, and we have a race for the ages.

    Who is your pick for the $5 million prize?