Tag: James McDonald

  • 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 Wrap-Up: 14th of March 2026

    The mid-March autumn carnivals continue to deliver extraordinary racing across Victoria and New South Wales, with huge feature meetings taking place this past weekend (March 14). This wrap-up covers the major Group 1 action from Rosehill Gardens, the VOBIS Gold and Peter Young Stakes day at Caulfield, key results from around Australia, and a look back at the historic results from Flemington’s Super Saturday the week prior (March 7).

    📍 Rosehill Gardens: Coolmore Classic Day (March 14)

    Lazzura and J-Mac Steal the Show in the Coolmore

    At Rosehill, the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) saw Lazzura deliver an incredibly gutsy win, securing trainer Chris Waller his fourth consecutive victory in the prestigious fillies and mares feature (following Lady Shenandoah, Zougotcha, and Espiona).

    Carrying the top weight of 58kg—the most carried by a winning mare since the legendary Sunline lugged 60kg in 2002—Lazzura ($5.00) came from off the pace to hold off Arctic Glamour by a short neck, with Vivy Air third.

    The win was monumental for jockey James McDonald, marking his 128th Australian Group 1 victory and leaving him just one win shy of the all-time national record held by the retired Damien Oliver.

    What They Said:

    • Jockey James McDonald: “It’s a funny feeling because ‘Ollie’ (Damien Oliver) is so great, I don’t feel like I should be in that echelon just yet. I feel very privileged to be in the position where I’m getting there slowly. It wasn’t me, it was her just really biting down on the mouthguard and having a really decent crack. I thought she was all-out with one hundred metres to go, but that will to find the line, it’s something you can’t teach them, you can’t train in them.”
    • Trainer Chris Waller: “She’s been running around against some very good horses without a lot of luck going her way. We had her a bit underdone first-up and rode her a pair too close. Today, we didn’t panic from the draw. We went back, got cover three-wide. I thought, following that run last start, you’re going to fold up that last hundred, but she was strong.”

    Golden Slipper Lead-Ups (Group 3s)

    • Pago Pago Stakes: One-time Slipper favourite Warwoven ($2.70) secured his place in the Slipper field. Given a brilliant ride by Rachel King for trainer Bjorn Baker, he sat on the speed and proved too strong for Outspan and Central Europe.
    • Magic Night Stakes: Queensland trainer Tony Gollan successfully raided Sydney with Pembrey ($2.00). Ridden by James McDonald, she led all the way to secure her place in the Slipper field after a previous defeat in the Sweet Embrace.

    📍 Caulfield: Peter Young Stakes & VOBIS Raceday (March 14)

    Birdman Soars into Australian Cup Calculations

    In the Group 2 Sportsbet Peter Young Stakes (1800m), Birdman announced himself as a serious autumn contender. Ridden by Ben Melham for Chris Waller, the five-year-old gelding proved too strong for the Hayes stable duo of Apulia (2nd) and Bankers Choice (3rd). The dominant 1.8-length victory firmly places Birdman in the calculations for the upcoming Australian Cup at Flemington.

    Big Wigs Causes an Upset in the $1M Showdown

    The $1 million TBV VOBIS Platinum Showdown (1200m) provided a thrilling finish as the Phillip Stokes-trained Big Wigs ($3.70) stormed down the outside to nab the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott trained favourite, Miss Chanel ($3.10), right on the line.

    The victory was a masterclass from jockey Lachlan Neindorf, continuing an incredible purple patch of form that has thrust him into Victorian premiership calculations (more on this below).

    VOBIS Gold Sprint and Dash Highlights

    • VOBIS Gold Sprint: Jigsaw reminded everyone of his immense talent, winning the Sprint under Logan Bates for trainer Cindy Alderson. He comfortably defeated She’s Bulletproof and Ndola.
    • VOBIS Gold Dash: Nostra Bella took out the Dash for K. Tindale ahead of Toronado Queen.
    • Two Bays Farm Vobis Gold So Si Bon (1400m): Harry’s Yacht prevailed under Jamie Melham. Co-trainer Leon Corstens praised the horse’s maturity, noting he dropped the bit beautifully in the run despite a history of being difficult to manage, suggesting a Brisbane campaign could be next.

    📍 Around Australia: Ascot & Queensland Highlights (March 14)

    Ascot (WA): J.C. Roberts Stakes

    The Listed Schweppes J.C. Roberts Stakes (1800m) at Ascot went to the Sean & Jake Casey trained Aberdeen Flyer ($3.20). With Chris Parnham in the saddle, the three-year-old gelding edged out the Grant & Alana Williams trained Sentimental Legend (ridden by Willie Pike) by 0.6 lengths, with The Crimson Pirate back in third.

    Queensland: QTIS Jewel 3YO

    At the Gold Coast, the feature QTIS Jewel 3YO went to the Rob Heathcote-trained Fabulantes ($5.00). Given a spectacular ride from near-last by Daniel Moor, the gelding rounded up the field to secure a brilliant win over Call Da Vinci and Dragonne Rouge.

    📱 Social Media Highlights & News Chatter

    • Premiership Race Heating Up: Following his massive win on Big Wigs at Caulfield, jockey Lachlan Neindorf has become the talk of the Victorian racing scene. The win marked his 8th victory in the month of March alone and brought his season tally in Victoria to 70 wins, placing him in second and trailing current premiership leader Jamie Mott by just 6 wins. Neindorf admitted on Racing.com’s The Verdict that he is beginning to seriously entertain a run at the title.
    • @7horseracing (Channel 7 Racing): “G1 #128 FOR J-MAC 👑 He lifts Lazzura over the line to give Chris Waller his fourth straight Coolmore Classic! James is now one win away from Damien Oliver’s G1 record 😲 @mcacajamez @cwallerracing”
    • @RaceQLD: “FABULANTES gets it done from near last! The in-form galloper takes out the 3YO Jewel for Rob Heathcote and Daniel Moor, what a run! #QLDisRacing”

    🔮 Looking Ahead to Upcoming Big Races

    • George Ryder Stakes (March 21): All eyes will be on Rosehill next Saturday. James McDonald has the opportunity to equal Damien Oliver’s record of 129 Group 1 wins when he rides the unbeaten star filly Autumn Glow.
    • Golden Slipper (March 21): The final field is taking shape following Warwoven and Pembrey’s automatic qualifying wins.
    • Australian Cup (March 28): Chris Waller’s Birdman has rocketed into calculations for Flemington’s 2000m weight-for-age feature following his impressive Peter Young Stakes win.
    • Doncaster Mile (April 4): Current futures markets have Sheza Alibi as the heavily backed favourite ($2.30), followed by Autumn Glow. After his March 7 heroics, Tom Kitten’s odds have been slashed to $15.00 for the famous Randwick mile.