Tag: James McDonald record

  • Australian Horse Racing Daily Wrap: Slipper Fallout, Australian Cup Odds & McDonald’s New Frontier

    Publish Date: March 23, 2026

    Golden Slipper Aftermath: Guest House to the Sires?

    The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained Guest House ($11) has pulled up “enormously” well following his 1.3-length victory in the $5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper.

    • The Path Forward: Connections have indicated that the son of Home Affairs will likely head toward the Group 1 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on April 4.
    • The Beaten Brigade: Pre-race favourite Chayan was found to be slightly “shinsore” following her 8th-place finish. Trainer Annabel Archibald has confirmed the filly will be sent to the paddock for a well-earned spell, missing the remainder of the autumn.

    James McDonald: 131 and Counting

    After claiming a hat-trick of Group 1s on Saturday (Aeliana, Autumn Boy, and Autumn Glow), James McDonald has officially moved to 131 career elite-level wins—two clear of the legendary Damien Oliver.

    The “J-Mac” juggernaut shows no signs of slowing down. He is booked for a full suite of rides at Randwick this weekend, including the ride on Autumn Glow as she looks to extend her unbeaten streak to 12 in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m). Analysts are already speculating if she can clean sweep the Triple Crown for fillies.

    Flemington Focus: The Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m)

    All eyes return to Melbourne this Saturday for the $3 million Australian Cup at Flemington.

    • The Market Leader: Following the weekend’s results, Birdman has firmed into $3.00 favouritism. Chris Waller’s import has been the best-backed runner since his dominant Peter Young Stakes win.
    • The Challenger: Champion mare Pride of Jenni ($4.50) is the primary threat. Trainer Ciaron Maher confirmed she completed a “sensational” piece of work at Cranbourne this morning and is primed for the 2000m test.
    • The “Weight” Factor: Handicappers are noting that Buckaroo ($6.00) meets several rivals better at the weights under the Weight-For-Age conditions compared to previous handicap encounters.

    Industry News: Record Wagering Turnover

    Racing NSW and Racing Victoria have reported preliminary wagering figures for Saturday, showing a 7.2% year-on-year increase in total turnover. Despite cost-of-living pressures, the “Super Saturday” format—pitting five Sydney Group 1s against the William Reid in Melbourne—continues to drive massive engagement from the punting public.

    Monday Best Bets: Mornington & Queanbeyan

    For those looking for a midweek fill-up, today’s provincial meetings offer some sharp opportunities:

    • Mornington (VIC): Race 5, No. 2 – Brazen Style. Drops back in grade significantly and has an excellent second-up record.
    • Queanbeyan (NSW): Race 3, No. 1 – Field Of Myrtle. Was unlucky not to score at Goulburn last start; maps to lead and dictate here.

  • 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.

  • Australian Horse Racing Daily Wrap: Slipper Barriers Set, J-Mac Chases History & William Reid Field Finalized

    Rosehill Super Saturday: Golden Slipper & History Chasing

    Golden Slipper Barriers: Wide Gates for Key Contenders

    The final field of 16 has been declared for the 70th running of the $5 million Group 1 TAB Golden Slipper (1200m), and Tuesday’s barrier draw has dramatically reshaped the market for the world’s richest two-year-old race.

    • The Favourite: The Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained filly Chayan remains the outright favorite at around $4.80 to $5.00. Despite drawing awkwardly in barrier 12, her dominant Reisling Stakes victory has kept her firmly at the top of betting boards.
    • Baker Duo Dealt a Blow: Trainer Bjorn Baker’s top chances have been handed nightmare draws. Pago Pago Stakes winner Warwoven ($7.00) will have to overcome barrier 18, while stablemate Paradoxium ($7.50) drew barrier 14, easing slightly in the market.
    • Waller’s Trio: Champion trainer Chris Waller has three runners engaged. Campione D’Italia (Skyline Stakes winner) provides the “wow factor,” while Fireball looks to be a major threat after drawing perfectly in barrier 7. Hidrix, who will have Kerrin McEvoy aboard, rounds out the trio.
    • Lindsay Park Squeeze: The Hayes brothers (Ben, Will, and JD) faced a nervous wait this week. After the ballot-free exemptions handed out last weekend, their stakes-winning fillies Medicinal and Gin Twist were shuffled down the order of entry, sitting precariously outside the final 16 and sweating on scratchings.

    James McDonald Eyes Australasian Record

    History beckons at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday for Sydney’s nine-time premiership champion jockey, James McDonald.

    McDonald needs just two more Group 1 victories to break the all-time Australasian Group 1 riding record. With five Group 1 races on the Rosehill card, “J-Mac” has a prime opportunity to rewrite the history books. His elite book of rides is headlined by Chris Waller’s undefeated wonder mare Autumn Glow, who is aiming for her 11th consecutive victory in the $1 million Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m). If she is in top condition, rival trainers are already conceding they are racing for second place.

    Melbourne Action: William Reid Stakes at Caulfield

    Due to the ongoing redevelopment works at Moonee Valley, the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) will be staged at Caulfield this Saturday.

    • Jimmysstar Drawn Inside: The boom sprinter and three-time Group 1 winner Jimmysstar has opened as the heavy favorite (around $2.30). However, he has drawn barrier 1. Because his racing pattern often requires him to settle back in the field, jockey steering and finding gaps will be crucial for the short-priced favorite.
    • The Challengers: Angel Capital (barrier 6) shapes as a major threat with Jye McNeil booked for the ride, coming off a strong third in the Newmarket Handicap. Meanwhile, the airborne Jigsaw (barrier 11) is on a 7-day back-up following his dominant VOBIS Gold Sprint win and is expected to set a blistering tempo out in front.
    • The Roughie: Racelab data and track analysts are pointing toward Charm Stone (barrier 3) as a major knockout hope. The dual Group 1 winner boasts an exceptional first-up record and won the Manikato Stakes in the Spring.

    Industry News & Wagering Updates

    AUSTRAC Cash Crackdown Begins

    Australian punters need to be aware of new anti-money-laundering laws coming into effect at the end of March. AUSTRAC is enforcing a strict $5,000 limit on unreported cash bets. Anyone wishing to place cash bets of $5,000 or more at on-track venues or retail outlets will now be strictly required to produce photo identification.

    John O’Shea to Appeal Ban

    Leading Sydney trainer John O’Shea has vowed to fight a recently issued four-month disqualification. Racing NSW stewards handed down the ban relating to conduct charges, and O’Shea is actively preparing an appeal process.