Queensland Oaks ambitions with Bearings didn’t eventuate but Sydney-based trainer John Sargent is hopeful the staying filly can land a winter city win at Flemington before he turns his attention to next season. Sargent has Bearings (NZ) (Tarzino) set to contest Saturday’s Mahogany Challenge Final for three-year-olds and is convinced the step up to 2500m is what the daughter of Tarzino is looking for. Bearings was sent to Melbourne to contest a heat of the series over 2000m at Flemington at her most recent start on June 21, when the…
Month: July 2025
Te Rapa test for fast-improving hurdler
Harvey Wilson always kept a close eye on Jerricoop (NZ) (Zed) at Waverley and his vision for the gelding has come to life this year as he prepares to step up in grade in Saturday’s OTL Group LTD Hurdle (2800m) at Te Rapa. Previously trained by local horsewoman Erin Hocquard, Jerricoop collected two victories over staying trips and performed on rain-affected ground, the perfect formula for a jumper. After showing interest in the seven-year-old, Wilson welcomed him into his stable just under a year ago. “Erin trains in Waverley and…
Plan B for southern stable
It’s a case of plan B for Southland trainer Robert Dennis when he heads to Ashburton on Thursday with a quintet of runners. Three of his team were entered to compete at Wingatui on Sunday but were forced to look elsewhere after the meeting was abandoned due to deteriorating track conditions as a result of adverse weather. Dennis looked north for a suitable replacement and found alternative targets at Ashburton. “We were lucky that we had that back-up option to head up to Ashburton because turf is few and far…
Tyler’s trio gearing up for Winter Cup
Kelvin Tyler will spend plenty of time on the road over the next month, with his three Gr.3 Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m) hopefuls making their final preparations for the Grand National Festival of Racing. The trio of talented wet-track gallopers includes Albatross (NZ) (Sacred Falls), Master Marko (NZ) (Contributer), and King Of The Castle (NZ) (Castledale), who will all contest Thursday’s Winter Cup Trial Gallagher Insurance (1400m) at Ashburton. The latter pair will resume after a short spell, while Albatross has made her presence felt in Canterbury recently,…
The Mighty Spar makes it Three Straight
Defending his crown, The Mighty Spar (NZ) (Savabeel) won the A$35,000 WC & AC Miller Steeplechase (3800m) on 29 June at Casterton (Victoria) in impressive fashion, having to carry 74.5kgs. Unbeaten now in three attempts on the course, having won the corresponding event last season and making it two from two in the Ecycles Two Rivers Steeplechase (3800m) on 18 May, The Mighty Spar proved too strong last time out when winning the Bill Roycroft Steeplechase (3200m) on 15 June at Terang, and started a $1.70 race favourite. Completing a hat-trick…
Tyler’s trio gearing up for Winter Cup
Kelvin Tyler will spend plenty of time on the road over the next month, with his three Gr.3 Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m) hopefuls making their final preparations for the Grand National Festival of Racing. The trio of talented wet-track gallopers include Albatross, Master Marko and King Of The Castle, who will all contest Thursday’s Winter Cup Trial Gallagher Insurance (1400m) at Ashburton. The latter pair will resume off a short spell, while Albatross has made her presence felt in Canterbury recently, finishing a close-up second to race-rival Conor…
Six to watch: trial winners ready to step out
These 6 horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week they head back to the racetrack. Some Don’t (3f Sweet Lou – Some Do) Tr. D & J FergusonTidy enough on debut (24/6/25) when 4th behind Graphite at Cambridge when expected to go boldly after 2 workout wins on the same track during month of June. In the last of those 2 efforts, the Sweet Lou filly led & kept going strongly to hold out race rival in Amaretto Delight MR:2:02.2, 800m in 59.3, 400m in 29.4. Back at…
Dixon stunned at Captains Mistress snub
by Adam Hamilton Champion Queensland trainer Grant Dixon cannot believe star Kiwi filly Captains Mistress was overlooked for a start in Saturday night’s $300,000 Group 1 Rising Sun at Albion Park. Instead, her Kiwi trainer Nathan Williamson will come across her as a hot favourite from barrier in a consolation of the Rising Sun. “I’m more than surprised, I’m dumbfounded, to be honest,” Dixon said. “What more did she need to do? “Along with everything she’s done in NZ, she’s come across here (Brisbane) early and won both her races.…
Dixon stunned at Captains Mistress snub
by Adam Hamilton Champion Queensland trainer Grant Dixon cannot believe star Kiwi filly Captains Mistress was overlooked for a start in Saturday night’s $300,000 Group 1 Rising Sun at Albion Park. Instead, her Kiwi trainer Nathan Williamson will come across her as a hot favourite from barrier in a consolation of the Rising Sun. “I’m more than surprised, I’m dumbfounded, to be honest,” Dixon said. “What more did she need to do? “Along with everything she’s done in NZ, she’s come across here (Brisbane) early and won both her races.…
Update to Junior Driver Rating Concessions in Harness Racing New Zealand Regulations
Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) advises the industry of important amendments to the Harness Racing New Zealand Regulations – Conduct of Meetings, Programming, Handicapping and Rating Regulation, specifically relating to Clause 17: Junior Driver Rating Concessions. Correction to Clause 17.1 – Eligibility Threshold Increased Effective immediately, the wording of Clause 17.1 has been revised to correct the eligibility threshold for junior driver concessions. The original clause stated: “Race-winning 4YO and older horses driven by a junior driver that has driven up to and including 10 career wins at the commencement…