Tag: Vinery Stud Stakes

  • 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.