Another lucrative payday awaits Mr Brightside as he lines up for the All-Star Mile at Caulfield, looking to add to his already substantial prize money tally.
The training partnership of brothers Ben, Will, and J D Hayes are experiencing a dream come true with champion galloper Mr Brightside in their stable.
The New Zealand-bred horse has delivered impressive results, amassing 16 victories from 31 starts – six of them at Group 1 level. Mr Brightside’s success has significantly contributed to the revitalization of Lindsay Park, which had seen a decline in horse numbers following the departures of David Hayes (their father) to Hong Kong and later, cousin Tom Dabernig.
Mr Brightside isn’t just a champion on the track, but also a financial powerhouse for Lindsay Park. With nearly $12.5 million in prize money earned so far, he’ll be chasing another $2 million payday in the upcoming All-Star Mile at Caulfield this Saturday, where he’s the clear favorite at $1.80 odds.
Last year, the gelding triumphed in both the All-Star Mile at Moonee Valley and the prestigious Doncaster Mile at Randwick.
Reflecting on Mr Brightside’s remarkable journey, Ben Hayes admits they never expected the horse to become a $12.5 million earner and land a spot in the top six of all-time money earners.
“If you asked J D, Will or I, we’ve had a giggle with him,” Hayes said. “We’re living the dream. We’re so lucky to have the horse and we now have to focus on placing him and keeping him as happy as possible.”
At the age of six, Mr Brightside has reached a new level of performance this year. In just eight starts since last August, he’s secured five victories, four of them at Group 1 level, with only three runner-up finishes, including the prestigious Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.
Hayes observes that Mr Brightside’s maturity has not only translated to better race results, but also a more impressive work ethic on the training track. He mentioned a recent training session at Lindsay Park’s Euroa property (where the gelding spends most of his time between races) that particularly delighted him and his brothers.
Imperatriz, the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes winner, is set to make her second-up appearance after a three-month break. In her first-up race, she was the favorite and displayed remarkable prowess by tracking the speed and maintaining a steady pace, ultimately clinching victory by a head at this very track in the G1 Lightning over 1000m. Her previous second-up performance showcased her resilience as she rallied from a disadvantaged position to secure victory at Moonee Valley in the G1 Moir Stks over 1000m. As a star mare, Imperatriz faces a new challenge in this race, and her past achievements speak volumes of her capabilities.
2. Bella Nipotina (4):
Having claimed victory in the Manikato Stakes, Bella Nipotina is on her second run back after a three-month hiatus. In her recent first-up race, she finished 4th at this track in the G1 Lightning over 1000m, trailing Imperatriz by 0.9 lengths. Bella Nipotina’s previous second-up performance saw her securing the 3rd position at Randwick in the G2 Premiere over 1200m. With her consistent performances, she is anticipated to be a strong contender in the upcoming race.
3. Buenos Noches (8):
Buenos Noches, a multiple Group 1 placegetter, is making her second run back after a three-month break. In her first-up race, she showcased an impressive display by surging from last on the turn to secure the 4th position at Randwick in the G2 Expressway over 1200m. Her previous second-up performance saw her finishing 3rd at Randwick in the G2 The Shorts over 1100m. Buenos Noches’ remarkable comeback in her first-up race indicates her potential to perform well in the upcoming event.
5. Ruthless Dame (2):
Ruthless Dame, the winner of the Robert Sangster Stakes, is returning from a spell. In her last preparation, she finished seventh at Rosehill Golden Eagle over 1500m. Her previous first-up race saw her finishing seventh at Randwick in the G2 The Shorts over 1100m. Ruthless Dame’s past achievements position her as a potential contender for a place in the upcoming race.
6. Magic Time (10):
Magic Time, the winner of the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, is back from a spell. In her last campaign, she claimed victory at Caulfield in the G1 Rup Clarke over 1400m. Upon resuming, she finished fifth at Caulfield in the G3 The Heath 1100 over 1100m. With her talent and past successes, Magic Time appears to be well-placed for the upcoming race.
7. The Astrologist (12):
The Astrologist, a multiple Group 1 placegetter, faced tough competition in her recent races, finishing second last in the G1 Lightning over 1000m and fifth in the G3 Standish over 1200m. Considering her recent performances, it might be prudent to explore other options in this race.
8. Benedetta (9):
Benedetta, a Group 3 winner, is on her second run back after a four-month break. In her recent first-up race, she made some headway from midfield to secure the fourth position at Caulfield in the G1 Oakleigh Plt over 1100m. Her previous second-up performance saw her clinching victory at Caulfield in the G3 Cockram over 1200m. With her consistent performances, Benedetta could be a contender for a place in the upcoming race.
9. It’sourtime (1):
It’sourtime, a Group 3 winner, is making her first-up appearance. In her last campaign, she finished third at this track in the LR Mss Security over 1200m. Upon resuming, she secured the second position at this track in Bm90 over 1200m. However, uncertainties loom over her chances in this competitive field.
10. Master Fay (8):
Master Fay, a Group 3 winner, is set to make his third-up appearance after a 42-day break. In his recent races, he claimed victory at Tauranga Rating 75 over 1200m and Ellerslie G3 Concorde over 1200m. Despite his winning form, the tough competition in this race presents a significant challenge for Master Fay.
12. Sghirripa (6):
Sghirripa, a Group 3 winner, faced tough competition in his recent races, finishing seventh in the G1 Oakleigh Plt over 1100m and claiming victory at this track in the G3 Standish over 1200m. With a better draw in this race, Sghirripa emerges as a strong each-way hope.
13. Skew Wiff (5):
Skew Wiff, the winner of the Tarzino Trophy, is making her second-up appearance. In her recent races, she finished thirteenth in the G1 Oakleigh Plt over 1100m and claimed victory at Hastings G1 Tarzino Trpy over 1400m. However, her chances in this race appear slim.
14. Cylinder (11):
Cylinder, a multiple Group 2 winner, is on her second-up appearance after a four-month break. In her recent race, she finished sixth in the G1 Lightning over 1000m and claimed victory at Rosehill G2 Run To Rose over 1200m. While she has the potential to improve, the competitive field poses a challenge for Cylinder.
Speed map
Finding early speed or leaders in the upcoming race seems challenging. Imperatriz notably led in the Manikato and the Lightning, but with 58kg, the question arises whether they are willing to take that potential risk. Master Fay showcased speed in a recent Flemington jumpout. Apart from these contenders, identifying a clear frontrunner is difficult. Perhaps The Astrologist could emerge as a possibility?
Tips
1 Imperatriz
A victory here would unquestionably solidify her status as a champion. Her comeback in the Lightning was nothing short of spectacular as she led from start to finish. Despite facing a formidable opponent in Private Eye, she showcased remarkable bravery, finding another gear and finishing strongest to secure the win. If she can carry top weight and triumph in this race, she will undoubtedly reinforce her champion status. However, from a betting perspective, I am hesitant to take this proposition.
3 Buenos Noches
Matty Smith faces a three-week gap between runs since his comeback in the Expressway at Randwick. In that race, I felt he was ridden too conservatively, setting him an almost insurmountable challenge. Despite finishing strongly, he never posed a serious threat for victory. Notably, he has performed well down the straight before and has been specifically prepared for this race. He could prove to be a formidable contender.
1. Militarize (4): This Golden Rose Stakes winner has shown impressive form, particularly in his last run where he finished second in the G2 Apollo. With more fitness under his belt, he’s expected to perform well over this distance.
2. Tom Kitten (8): Despite finishing 5th in the G2 Hobartvlle last time out, Tom Kitten has the potential to make a strong finish, especially given his history of performing well third-up. Expect him to be charging home late.
3. Celestial Legend (11): With a win in the G2 Hobartvlle last start, Celestial Legend is showing promise. With untapped potential, he’s one to watch for a late swooping move.
4. Encap (10): Encap has been consistent, finishing 3rd in the G2 Hobartvlle last start. With a genuine chance off the back of that performance, he shouldn’t be overlooked.
5. Ganbare (5): While Ganbare faded to 7th in the G2 Hobartvlle, his previous form suggests he’s a solid top-three hope. Keep an eye on him, especially considering his past achievements.
6. Les Vampires (2): Les Vampires has shown promise, winning at Canterbury and finishing 3rd in the G2 Hobartvlle. With a nice draw, he’s worth considering for a strong showing.
7. Fukubana (3): Fukubana hasn’t shown the same level of form as some of the other contenders, finishing 4th in the G2 Hobartvlle last start. Place prospects may be slim for him in this race.
8. Ducasse (9): Despite a strong win at Warwick Farm, Ducasse finished 8th in the G2 Hobartvlle. With a wide draw, this race might be too testing for him.
9. Ceowulf (1): Ceowulf hasn’t shown exceptional form recently, but he shouldn’t be underestimated, especially considering his previous performances.
10. Cafe Millennium (7): While Cafe Millennium has shown some promise in recent trials and races, the competition in this field might be too tough for him to contend with.
11. Cosmic Lad (6): Like Cafe Millennium, Cosmic Lad has attracted attention in trials but hasn’t shown the same level of form in races. He might struggle against this field.
Speed map
Considering the speed map, the GaiBott pair of Ganbare and Les Vampires, along with Cosmic Lad, are expected to set the pace. It will be interesting to see how the race unfolds, with contenders like Militarize and Celestial Legend likely to make late charges.
Tips
MILITARIZE (1), the victor of the Golden Rose Stakes, showcased a strong performance in his recent outing, finishing second at this very track over 1400m in a Group 2 race held on soft terrain. Demonstrating notable capability, he stands a solid chance of being in contention. CELESTIAL LEGEND (3), a Group 2 titleholder, delivered a commanding victory last time out at Rosehill, triumphing by a substantial 2-length margin. His impressive figures indicate his suitability for this challenge. TOM KITTEN (2), winner of the Spring Champion Stakes, settled in the middle of the pack in his previous race at Rosehill, which was contested on soft ground where he was favored. With today’s extended journey, he remains a potential contender. LES VAMPIRES (6), a Group 2 placegetter, secured a podium finish in his recent outing at Rosehill and is expected to be sharper for his prior endeavors, offering an enticing each-way opportunity. ENCAP (4), boasting Group 1 credentials, is a progressive contender likely to feature prominently once more in the closing stages.
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Tasmania’s AFL team will soon reveal its colors, logo and jumper design amid a state election campaign that could deliver further political curveballs.
There’s a belief politics and sport shouldn’t mix.
But it is too late to untangle Tasmania’s AFL club with a contentious stadium plan set for a parliamentary vote and an early state election that could deliver further curveballs.
The island state was granted the league’s 19th licence in May, ending a decades-long battle for inclusion in the national competition.
It came with a condition: the construction of a 23,000-seat roofed stadium, estimated to cost $715 million, at Macquarie Point on Hobart’s waterfront.
Liberal then-premier Peter Gutwein first publicly spruiked the idea of a new multi-purpose stadium, briefly slated to be built at nearby Regatta Point, in March 2022.
Government officials have said they couldn’t pinpoint when the government agreed a stadium was a prerequisite for a club bid, but indicated it had been from “day one”.
A lack of transparency over the AFL deal was among the reasons Liberals John Tucker and Lara Alexander quit the party in May, a decision that plunged the government into minority.
When Premier Jeremy Rockliff couldn’t resolve a stand-off with the pair earlier this year, he called an election for March 23.
The club, expected to enter the league in 2028, had already set March 18 as the launch of its colours, logo and jumper.
It has remained steadfast with the date, despite Rockliff saying it was his preference for the event to be delayed to avoid “politicisation”.
He won’t attend the launch, which includes simultaneous events in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Oatlands, St Helens and Queenstown.
“It was a no-brainer to confirm the 18th (of March),” Tasmania Football Club chair Grant O’Brien told SEN radio last week.
“We’re really focused on building the club and keeping to the commitments we’ve made.”
All signs point to the Devils as a mascot, with discussions with Warner Bros about an agreement to use the moniker reportedly reaching a resolution.
The Liberals, who have been in power for a decade, pledged to cap their spend on the stadium at $375 million, indicating private investment would be sought to cover overruns.
Federal Labor has promised $240 million and the AFL $15 million, with a further $85 million proposed to come from borrowings against land sale or lease for commercial uses.
State Labor has labelled the stadium “bad” for the state, but says it supports a Tasmanian team.
Labor Leader Rebecca White has promised to try to renegotiate the deal with the AFL, but hasn’t detailed what her terms would be.
The AFL has remained unmoved about the Macquarie Point stadium being a requirement.
Labor trails the Liberals in opinion polls, which have suggested neither party will be able to form government in majority.
Independents and Jacqui Lambie Network candidates, who could hold crucial crossbench positions, have mixed views on the stadium.
The Greens are opposed.
As part of an arrangement the Liberals garnered with Tucker and Alexander, the stadium project must be voted through both houses of parliament to get the green light.
There is also the emergence of “Stadium 2.0” – a different waterfront stadium championed by a former Labor premier.
The Liberals have labelled it a “nice idea that won’t happen”.
Concept designs of the Macquarie Point stadium are expected to be released in June.
O’Brien, at pains to point out a March launch was flagged six months ago, has been keen to separate the club from political drama.
“It’s been a joy to bring to life the stories, passion and ideas from our recent survey and community events,” he said in a statement to AAP.
“We are incredibly eager to share with Tasmanians the club designs shaped by the community.
“The next month presents an exciting chapter in our club’s history and … our state’s football journey.”
Inglis Millennium winner Fully Lit headlines Sunday’s Black Opal at Canberra.
Gai Waterhouse and Adrain Bott will be well represented in the nations capital’s biggest day of racing, headlined by unbeaten two-year-old colt Fully Litin the Group 3 Black Opal Stakes (1200m).
The stable are enjoying an unprecedented two-year-old season with 19 total wins, including Fully Lit, with the Hellbent colt set to star a short-priced favourite for Sunday’s Black Opal, which the stable hope see him present as yet another Golden Slipper chance.
“He’s come through his last win in the Millennium beautifully and he’s trialled nicely since,” Bott said.
“He’s in great order, and obviously has plenty of upside. He’s improving every start.”
Gai Waterhouse holds the record with seven Golden Slipper winners, one of those in partnership with Bott, who says Sunday’s race will be another piece in the puzzle as to Fully Lit’s standing in the Sipper pecking order.
“I’d like to see him perform well in the Black Opal to see where he is at. It’s always a competitive contest so this will give us a great guide.”
Fully Lit is the $1.50 favourite for the Black Opal after drawing barrier three with Regan Baylissto maintain his association with the colt. Peter and Paul Snowden have the only other two horses in single figures with Holmes A Court at $6 and King Of Roseau at $9. Meanwhile, in a far more open affair, Waterhouse & Bott will saddle up recent Magic Millions winner So United in the Listed Canberra Cup (2000m), who has drawn barrier seven in a field of 11 with Tim Clark onboard.
“We thought So United was great last start…before that he was really impressive when he won at the Gold Coast. He’s progressive and continues to improve,” Bott said.
So United is a $5 second elect behind the Kris Lees trained Almaniaat $4.20, who will jump from barrier 10.
Gold Coast Titans co-owner Darryl Kelly explains why he went hard for Des Hasler as head coach and why he has been a game-changer for the entire organisation.
Gold Coast Titans co-owner Darryl Kelly went out on a limb when he chased Des Hasler as head coach, but he says it has already lifted the entire organisation ahead of a pivotal NRL season
For more than a decade, Kelly has invested millions of dollars of his own funds and plenty of hard work besides to turn the Titans into a premiership force.
The club has not won a finals match since 2010.
The recruitment of Hasler on a three-year deal from 2024, which followed the sacking of former coach Justin Holbrook last season, was a bold move no-one in the game saw coming.
From the outside, it appeared brutal but Kelly said the Titans had to make changes after failing to make a genuine impact on the NRL since their introduction in 2007.
This season is the first time in Titans history they have had a premiership-winning coach. Hasler won titles at Manly in 2008 and 2011 and has been one of the NRL’s leading mentors for 20 years.
Apart from veteran No.6 Kieran Foran, many of the key Titans players are young.
Inspirational skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is 24. Gun centre AJ Brimson is 25. Queensland second-rower David Fifita is 24 and the list goes on. Kelly said they were now ready for the Hasler polish.
“The option was to stay where we were and keep doing what we were doing … or go hard,” Kelly told AAP.
“We made a conscious decision that we needed to move to a more proven coach in Des to see what we could do.
“Especially with the young age demographic of the squad we’ve got. The next couple of years will determine how far this squad goes, so it was important to have an experienced coach we believe can get the best out of them.”
Titans players have waxed lyrical about how Hasler has lifted intensity at training already, but Kelly said his influence went beyond that.
“I have been impressed with Des with his work commitment and the level of expectation he brings to the whole organisation. It has already lifted us all to a higher level than ever before,” Kelly said.
“If work produces results, and I believe it does, then it will produce results this year.
“All of his coaching staff and support staff are working at a completely different level than ever before, and I have been at it for just over 10 years now.”
The Titans kick off their season on Saturday at home against St George Illawarra.
Not many pundits have the Titans in the top eight but that doesn’t worry Kelly. That will just feed into the siege mentality that Hasler and his teams tend to thrive on.
“We want to be the dark horse and one of the unexpected surprises the opposition get when they walk on the paddock,” Kelly said.
Matildas captain Sam Kerr didn’t tell Football Australia of her racial harassment charge, or her court appearance, says FA chief James Johnson.
Matildas captain Sam Kerr kept her racial harassment charge and court appearance secret from Football Australia.
Kerr, Australia’s highest-profile sportswoman, has faced a court in London charged with racially aggravated harassment of a police officer.
She entered a not guilty plea and will likely face another court hearing in February.
The Chelsea star is charged with using insulting, threatening or abusive words that caused alarm or distress to PC Lovell during an incident in Twickenham on January 30 last year.
Kerr was charged on January 21 this year, but didn’t inform Football Australia (FA), chief executive James Johnson says.
“I woke up this morning like everyone else did to the news,” Johnson told reporters in Adelaide.
“And that is when Football Australia found out about this unsettling event.
“We are trying to get to the bottom of it at the moment.
“We have got our own questions that we’d like to know (answers to), we have got to find out what actually happened.
“But we also want to say that there is a process that is under way in the United Kingdom and that process needs to run its course.”
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson was also blindsided by Kerr’s court appearance.
“First time I ever heard about it was this morning,” Gustavsson told reporters in Sydney.
“I was informed this morning and obviously was surprised … I can make it very clear that today was the very first time I ever heard about it.”
Kerr appeared at Kingston Crown Court via video-link and spoke only to confirm her identity and to enter a not guilty plea, the Daily Mail reported.
Harassment convictions in the UK can include a sentence of up to two years in custody when the offence is racially or religiously aggravated.
The UK’s Metropolitan Police confirmed: “Samantha Kerr, 30 (10.09.93) of Richmond was charged via postal charge requisition on 21 January with a racially aggravated offence under Section 4A Public Order Act 1986.
“The charge relates to an incident involving a police officer who was responding to a complaint involving a taxi fare on 30 January 2023 in Twickenham.”
In court, Judge Judith Elaine Coello was reported to have said to Kerr’s barrister, Grace Forbes: “I understand that the defence is that she didn’t intend to cause alarm, harassment or distress to the officer, (her behaviour) did not amount to it and it was not racially aggravated.”
Johnson said the allegations were “very serious”.
“Sam has rights, natural justice rights, procedural rights, that she has got to work her way through, and we are respectful of that,” he said.
“… We need to understand the issue a little bit better.
“We woke up to this this morning … so we have got to establish the facts.
“We have got to get some answers before we have a view on what should be done as a next step.”
Kerr is currently recovering from knee reconstructive surgery, which is expected to sideline her from the Matildas’ campaign at this year’s Paris Olympics
Johnson and Gustavsson both refused to comment on whether Kerr would lose the captaincy of the Matildas.
“It’s too early to tell … we need to understand the situation better and until that time we can’t really say anything further,” Johnson said.
“We need to allow the process to play out, that is important.
“Sam has rights as an individual, she has pleaded not guilty, and I think we need to remember that and we need to respect that.”
Newmarket weights to determine whether Espiona’s next assignment.
Chris Wallerwill study the weights for this Saturday’s Newmarket Handicap before deciding whether Espionaruns in the $1.5 million event at Flemington or returns to Sydney.
The daughter of Extreme Choice caught the eye late when steaming home into third placing in the 1000-metre Black Caviar Lightning, won by Imperatriz.
The star Kiwi mare was late last week confirmed as a Newmarket starter, where she is expected to be 58kg topweight, and Waller said how Espiona measures up against her and some of the other better-performed nominations will determine whether she takes her place in the 1200m race.
“I just want to see not what weight she gets, but how she fares in the weights against the other horses,” Waller said.
If Waller opts against running in the Newmarket, she will most likely appear in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick.
The five-year-old was one of 13 nominations for that $750,000 event, which will herald the return of The Everest winner Think About It, and Waller would not have too much issue seeing her jump from the 1000m of the Lightning to 1300m second-up.
“I don’t see 1300 metres being much of a problem, I think it is a good distance for her,” he said.
“Her first-up run was terrific. She is effective now both ways as well as up the straight.”
Espiona is one of two Canterbury Stakes nominations for Waller, who also has Golden Slipper winner Shinzoentered.
The valuable son of Snitzel has not started since his third placing in the Coolmore Stud Stakes third placing and Waller tossing up whether he is ready for the 1300m first-up.
“I’ve still got to make a decision if Shinzo is quite ready for it,” he said.
Shinzo had had two trials this preparation, a third over 900m at Randwick on February 8 before a sixth placing in an 850m trial at Randwick a fortnight later.
James McDonald has bestowed high praise on unbeaten colt Storm Boy saying, “he’s as good as you get”.
Gai Waterhouse and Adrain Bottdon’t just have their sights set on the Golden Slipper with Storm Boy, they are also eyeing off a clean sweep of the juvenile triple crown.
As the raging Slipper favourite made light work of his Skyline Stakes (1200m) rivals at Randwick on Saturday, Bott was already thinking of the bigger autumn picture and the heights the $60 million colt might reach.
He revealed that he and Waterhouse were keen to target the youngster, not just at the Golden Slipper (1200m), but at the ATC Sires’ Produce (1400m) and Champagne Stakes (1600m) as well.
“We’ve had to prepare for the Golden Slipper, but we’ve got big targets for the triple crown as well,” Bott said.
“I’d like to think he is only going to be better suited getting over the 1400, 1600 metres in time.
“It’s very exciting for everyone involved.”
Having his first start since demolishing his Magic Millions rivals, Storm Boy wasn’t the best to begin but quickly mustered speed to take up the running under new jockey James Mcdonald.
As the pressure came on at the top of the straight, the $1.18 favourite found another gear, extending his advantage and cruising to the line 1-1/2 lengths clear of stablemate Prost($12) with Duvana($18) another 1-1/4 lengths away third.
Bott said it was a relief to see Storm Boy return so well from his Magic Millions foray and tick the final box in what will be his last start before the Golden Slipper in three weeks.
“It’s always a little bit nerve wracking seeing these profile horses come back off that turnaround,” Bott said.
“He’s a lovely style of horse, he’s got plenty of gears.
“It’s his first run (back) and at 1200 metres off a while between races and a freshen up – he’s only had the one trial and he’s a lovely, big colt – so I think condition-wise, that will tighten him up nicely.”
McDonald was having his first race day feel of Storm Boy and came away brimming with praise for the Coolmore colt.
He believes there is still more under the bonnet and expects the youngster to thrive in a high-pressure race like the Slipper.
“He’s as good as you get,” McDonald said.
“He’s strong, he knows he’s really good and the more you ask him the more he keeps giving.
“Until he gets into a high-pressure race, I think that is when you’ll see a fair dinkum horse.”
Connections are yet to decide if McDonald will keep the Slipper ride, or if it will go to English jockey Ryan Moore, who jetted in to claim last year’s two-year-old centrepiece for Coolmore on Shinzo.
However, McDonald made it clear he is keen to stick with the Skyline Stakes winner.
“Ryan (Moore) is obviously their number one and we’ll see what happens, but if I get the opportunity, I’d love to ride him,” McDonald said.
The Michael Freedman-trained Manaaltook out the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m) for the fillies to remain the only non-Tulloch Lodge two-year-old to claim a black-type race in Sydney this season.
Manaal also denied Waterhouse and Bott when capturing the Gimcrack Stakes in September and while Freedman said she would most likely press on to the Slipper, he admitted the males looked hard to beat this year.
“She is one of the better fillies around, whether they can stack up against the colts remains to be seen,” Freedman said.
“We thought we could come here and get the job done, we’ll have a think about the Slipper.”
The Golden Slipper picture took further shape last week when Storm Boy had his first start since the Magic Millions carnival and while he did not elevate his peak rating, he tightened his grip on Slipper favouritism.
While he will still be favourite after Saturday night, the Slipper market is set to be reshaped and a main danger defined this weekend with the Todman Stakes and Reisling Stakes to be run at Randwick.
