Andrea Leek is not yet sure where Cosmic Crusader (NZ) (Maurice) will lead her this spring, but the Pakenham trainer is looking forward to producing him for the first time on raceday this Saturday. The Group One-winning gelding will make his Victorian debut in the A$200,000 Gr.3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield. The Bob and Sandra Peters-owned five-year-old joined Leek from Perth’s leading trainer Michael Grantham, who prepared Cosmic Crusader to win last year’s Northerly Stakes (Gr.1, 1800m), and she could not be happier with the way he has adapted to life…
Day: 20 July 2026
Marsh thrilled with superstar filly
Stephen Marsh is working with a new look Well Written (Written Tycoon) as she progresses toward the opening of her spring campaign at Ellerslie, with the riches of Sydney to follow. The Cambridge trainer is delighted with the condition of his star performer, who has already passed the first test of her preparation with flying colours. “There’s definitely a physical difference about her, she’s a lot thicker and more mature,” Marsh said. “It’s fair to say that she was a touch slight, but she’s a much stronger model this time…
Wilson-Taylor looking forward to Kiwi venture
Group One-winning jockey Kyle Wilson-Taylor has already had Group success in New Zealand, and the Queensland hoop is hoping he can add several more to his haul when he arrives in New Zealand next week for an extended riding stint. The 26-year-old had his first taste of Kiwi racing two years ago when guiding the Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj) to success in the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham, with that trip whetting his appetite for international racing. Wilson-Taylor has continued to keep a close…
Strawbridge scores first treble at Oamaru
It’s been a challenging season for apprentice jockey Ashlee Strawbridge, but her hard work and perseverance was rewarded at Oamaru on Sunday when riding a winning treble. The 20-year-old hoop was confident of a bold showing from the Samantha Wynne-trained Shawshank (NZ) (El Roca), and he delivered when winning the Brent Stuart & Logan Edwards (1400m), before she partnered the Robert Dennis-trained pair of Magnastar (NZ) (Grecia) and Sir Sterling (NZ) (Iffraaj) to win the Dave Allan Memorial (1200m) and Glenmoa Farms LTD River Plate Trophy (1200m) respectively. Strawbridge was…