Group 1 Radar: Golden Slipper & William Reid Stakes
Chayan the Clear Standout for the Golden Slipper
All eyes are on Rosehill Gardens this Saturday for the 70th running of the $5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m). Following Tuesday’s crucial barrier draw, the Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained filly Chayan has firmed as the outright favorite.
Despite drawing wide in barrier 12, early betting has her at the top of the market (around $5.00). She brings impeccable form into the race, coming off a dominant victory in the Group 2 Reisling Stakes. Champion jockey Craig Williams is booked for the ride.
Her main dangers appear to be the Bjorn Baker-trained pair:
- Warwoven ($7.00): Guaranteed his spot with a tough win in the Pago Pago Stakes last weekend. Rachel King retains the ride, though he will have to overcome a difficult gate in barrier 18.
- Paradoxium ($8.00): Drawn slightly better in barrier 14 with Jason Collett taking the reins.
- Also looming large is Streisand, the tough Clinton McDonald-trained filly who claimed the Blue Diamond Stakes.
Jimmysstar Boom Continues in the William Reid Stakes
Looking ahead to Saturday at Caulfield, the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) is shaping up to be a thriller. The boom sprinter Jimmysstar, trained by Ciaron Maher, has opened as the heavy odds-on favorite (approximately $1.90) in early betting markets.
Returning after a stellar spring campaign that included a third in The Everest and wins in the Russell Balding and C F Orr Stakes, he is the clear horse to beat. His main opposition includes the Yulong stallion prospect Angel Capital ($6.00) and Jigsaw ($8.00), who comes off a dominant 3.5-length front-running display in the Vobis Gold Sprint.
Australian Cup Fallout & Future Targets
Melbourne’s focus is quickly shifting toward the Group 1 TAB Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 28.
- Birdman Soars into Calculations: Chris Waller’s progressive Irish-bred stayer, Birdman, has rocketed into Australian Cup favoritism following an imposing 1.75-length win in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield. Jockey Ben Melham, who won back-to-back Australian Cups on Cascadian (2023, 2024), was full of praise for the gelding, noting that the 2000m at Flemington will suit him perfectly.
- Pride of Jenni on Track: Ciaron Maher’s superstar mare Pride Of Jenni is officially on track for her own Australian Cup tilt. She turned heads with a very strong Tuesday morning gallop at Caulfield and is set to clash with Birdman in what promises to be a race for the ages.
These developments follow an incredible Super Saturday last weekend, which saw the Godolphin galloper Tom Kitten write himself into the history books by going back-to-back to win the All-Star Mile.
Industry News: Remembering Makybe Diva & Coetzee Goes Solo
Vale Makybe Diva (1999 – 2026)
The Australian racing community is in mourning this week following the sudden passing of iconic champion Makybe Diva at the age of 27 following a short battle with colic. The legendary mare remains the only horse in history to win the Melbourne Cup three times (2003, 2004, 2005). Tributes continue to flow for the horse who famously “stopped a nation” three years running.
Jarred Coetzee Launches Training Career
In Queensland, highly respected horseman Jarred Coetzee has officially branched out to launch his own racing team. After serving as the second-in-charge at Robert Heathcote’s Eagle Farm barn (working with stars like Rothfire and Abounding), the 39-year-old has secured boxes at Lawrie Mayfield-Smith’s stables. He saddles up his first runner, the gelding Gas Brigade, in a 1666m Maiden at Ipswich this Friday.
Midweek Racing Pointers: Wednesday, March 18
For those looking at today’s midweek action, a unique angle presents itself in the Adelaide Hills:
- Oakbank (SA): The iconic Oakbank Racecourse hosts a tight 5-race card today. When assessing the form on this undulating track, jockey Campbell Rawiller is an absolute standout. He currently boasts an elite 29.41% winning strike rate at Oakbank (5 wins from 17 rides). Punters should closely monitor any of his mounts today, as navigating the steady incline of the home straight requires specialized tactical precision.