Go Racing assembling strong Melbourne Cup contingent

Go Racing came just shy of taking out last Saturday’s Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m), and the New Zealand syndicator is already looking for redemption as they eye the biggest two-mile prize in world racing – the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington in November.

Irish import Soul Of Spain (Phoenix Of Spain) carried their silks to within a quarter of a length of race victor Changingoftheguard (Galileo), and while disappointed not to take out the coveted staying feature, his performance has given Go Racing and trainer Chris Waller the confidence to plan a potentially lucrative spring campaign.

“It was massive,” Go Racing General Manager Matt Allnutt said. “The barrier draw (11) meant we got further back than we really wanted and the leader, and eventual winner, got some really cheap sectionals, but he sprinted well and a couple of strides past the line and he was in front. It was a super run, we were really proud of him.

“We got an update from Chris yesterday who said he is going to go out for a spell now and come back for a Caulfield and Melbourne Cup preparation, it is really exciting.”

Soul Of Spain has already shown a liking for spring racing, posting three consecutive wins last spring, including the Gr.3 Newcastle Cup (2300m), before placing in the Gr.1 Metropolitan (2400m) and Gr.3 St Leger (2600m).

“He goes well at that time of year,” Allnutt said. “He was unlucky in the Metropolitan, he is unlucky not to have won a Group One. When you are at that level, you need everything to go your way to win those big races. He has been a bit unlucky but he has certainly got the talent to win one and hopefully it is later this year.”

Soul Of Spain is a product of Go Racing’s business plan of buying young horses in Europe, where they remain to race in their formative years before bringing them to the Southern Hemisphere if they show enough ability.

He was purchased by Go Racing, in partnership with Stuart Boman of Blandford Bloodstock, out of Greenhills Farm’s 2023 Arqana Breeze Up Sale draft for €160,000.

He was subsequently entrusted to the care of Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien, for whom he won one and placed in five of his eight starts, and it was in Europe that his staying prowess was revealed, with Saturday’s performance sealing that initial assessment.

“We bought him out of Europe and he raced up in Ireland as a two and three-year-old for Joseph O’Brien and then came down to Australia,” Allnutt said. “That is what we do with a lot of our horses and that is a big focus of our business now, and it is something that has been very successful, and he is testament to that.

“He is a good horse and he has got such a good attitude. He won his maiden up in Ireland over 3300m, so we were confident he would get two miles on Saturday and the fact that he did gives us real confidence heading into the big races in the spring.”

While Soul Of Spain is earmarked for the Melbourne Cup, he won’t be Go Racing’s only hope, with the syndicator eyeing the first Tuesday in November with a handful of other quality stayers.

“Potentially we could have up to six horses nominated for the Melbourne Cup,” Allnutt said. “You dare to dream in this game. You put them in the best of company and hope that you get there and be competitive.”

Lisa Latta’s Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) victor and Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) runner-up Manzor Blue (NZ) (Almanzor) is one of those aspirants, with the daughter of Almanzor likely to do her early preparation in New Zealand before heading to Melbourne on a two-race mission.

“We are going to give her every opportunity to get there,” Allnutt said. “We are giving her a good spell now and then we will see if we can get her there.

“She will have three or four starts here and then go to the Geelong Cup (Gr.3, 2400m), and then hopefully into the Melbourne Cup from there.”

The remainder of their hopes will come from offshore, with three others from Australia, including Maison Louis (NZ) (Super Seth), Etna Rosso (Decorated Knight) and Tajanis (Australia), while the Joseph O’Brien-trained Omni Man (Invincible Spirit) will head south for a Cups campaign.

“Etna Rosso ran second in a Brisbane Cup (Gr.2, 3200m) over two miles, and he was extremely unlucky last campaign not to pick up a couple of wins, he finished second at Randwick by a nose,” Allnutt said. “He is a good, consistent stayer, and we know he gets the distance.

“We were always going to give Maison Louis a short campaign after he won the Queensland Derby (Gr.1, 2400m), it was only ever going to be three to four runs, and we weren’t too disappointed with what he did.

“He is back in work now, he is almost ready to head back to the races. We are pretty confident that he has got a good campaign in front of him. He is obviously a quality galloper, based on what he did as a three-year-old.

“We will also give Tajanis every chance to get to the Melbourne Cup.”

One of Go Racing’s more interesting Melbourne Cup hopefuls is Omni Man, who is on a path towards Royal Ascot, where he will be met by an army of his owners.

“He is racing this week up in Ireland,” Allnutt said. “He will go to Royal Ascot, which we will be in attendance for, and then he will come down for the Caulfield Cup and then maybe the Melbourne Cup from there.

“We have had runners at Royal Ascot for the last three years. We are getting more and more owners coming up with us. It is one of the best carnivals in the world and it is great to be able to offer people that sort of experience.”

While excited about their prospects in the months ahead, Go Racing will bid to add to their stakes tally this weekend when the Stephen Marsh-trained pair of So Fear (NZ) (Ardrossan) and Miss Janet (Home Affairs) contest the Listed SkyCity Star Way Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie.

“So Fear is an Ardrossan filly who has had two starts for two wins,” Allnutt said. “She is a bombproof two-year-old who has got such a great attitude and does everything right and has got the ability to go with it.

“We have got Miss Janet in the same race. She has had one start for a third. She missed the start but did extremely well to finish third.”– By Joshua Smith, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

LA Stud savours Group One result

Idle Flyer’s (Dundeel) maiden Group One success in the Queen of the Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick prompted celebrations at Little Avondale Stud.

The Matthew Smith-trained daughter of Dundeel is out of the Street Cry mare Progressive whose half-sister Winter Sky (Invincible Spirit) is a member of the Wairarapa nursery’s broodmare band.

“Idle Flyer had previously won a Group Two (Emancipation Stakes, 1500m) and a Group Three (Angst Stakes, 1600m),” Little Avondale’s Sam Williams said.

“We were hoping she could run in the first three on Saturday and to beat Lady Shenandoah (Snitzel) and Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express) really cemented how good a mare she is.”

The Irish-bred Winter Sky, by Invincible Spirit from the family of Redoute’s Choice, was a A$300,000 purchase at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale with Little Avondale and bloodstock agent Bruce Perry signing the ticket.

“We were chasing a few mares that year and she was one of three we bought,” Williams said.

Winter Sky is jointly owned by the stud with the estate of Williams’ late father-in-law Stu McLeod and his wife Rosie, of Martinborough.

“We sold the second foal, Arctic Bright, at the Easter Sale for A$200,000 to Duncan Ramage,” he said.

“She was the lot before the Winx filly (by Pierro) that sold for A$10 million.”

By Per Incanto, the lightly raced Arctic Bright was a last start fourth from John Sargent’s stable and has subsequently relocated to Chris Anderson’s Eagle Farm stable but is currently sidelined by a foot injury.

“We sold a Pinatubo filly this year out of Winter Sky at Karaka (for $100,000) to Paul Beamish and she’s gone to Cindy Alderson,” Williams said.

“The mare’s got an outstanding Per Incanto colt, one of the top three by him on the farm, and he’ll head to one of the top sales next year.

“She’s back in foal to Per Incanto and she’ll go to Little Brose later this year.”

Winter Sky is also a half-sister to Transfers (Street Cry), dam of the three-time Group One winner Tom Kitten (All-Star Mile, 1600m, twice, Spring Champion Stakes, 2000m).

Two other notable family members are the Little Avondale sold pair of Oak Hill (NZ), a son of Per Incanto, who has won eight races including the Gr.2 Rubiton Stakes (1100m), and his brother Oak Lightning (NZ) was a debut second in Saturday’s Listed Redoute’s Choice Stakes (1200m).

They were bred by the Mahoenui Partnership and respectively realised $180,000 and $200,000 when offered at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale.

The pair are out of the unraced High Chaparral mare Isstoora, also the dam of the Gr.1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) winner Desert Lightning (NZ) (Pride Of Dubai) who was sold through Little Avondale’s draft at Karaka for $150,000.

“The mare has a cracking three-year-old sister to Oak Hill and Oak Lightning named Sihaya (NZ) the owners kept and she’s just gone over to Lindsay Park,” Williams said.

“She’s also got a Per Incanto filly at foot, which we will take to the sale next year and she’s an absolute ripper.” - by Paul Vettise, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Enchantment adds to success of broodmare purchase

The astute purchase of a broodmare prospect five years ago has been further underlined by the weekend win of Enchantment (NZ) (Hello Youmzain) in the Listed Welcome Stakes (1000m) at Riccarton Park. The Hello Youmzain filly is the first foal to race from the former quality racemare Belle Fascino (NZ)

NZ Racing NewsDennis Ryan

Zame colours to the fore once more

The Zame family’s colours have been prominent over the last few years through the deeds of Group One winners Jon Snow (NZ) (Iffraaj) and Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls), and they are hoping they can be to the fore once more through a burgeoning young talent. Like Jon Snow and

NZ Racing NewsJoshua Smith

NZ Stallion Awards

The Centaine Award 
Sire whose NZ-conceived progeny have the highest earnings worldwide.

The Dewar Stallion Trophy
Sire whose progeny have the highest combined earnings in Australia and New Zealand.

The Grosvenor Award
Leading Sires by earnings in New Zealand.

NZ-bred Winners

Global NZ-bred winners

2026-04-04 / 2026-04-11

AUSTRALIA
Ace High : Blind Raise (NZ) (Away Cruising by Darci Brahma) 2023;
06 Apr 2026, 1st MRC Happy 50th to Nick and Jamie Gold 2YO H. 1400m
Sold by The Oaks Stud at National Yearling Sale for $70000

Almanzor : Imamanzor (NZ) (Imanana by More Than Ready) 2021;
06 Apr 2026, 1st Oakbank RC Barry Brook Hills Community Cup 1400m

Almanzor : Bang on Time (NZ) (Danahere by Dehere) 2021;
11 Apr 2026, 1st Newcastle JC Maple Design Maiden P. 1250m
Sold by Cambridge Stud at National Yearling Sale for $160000

Almanzor : Galant Knight (NZ) (Vanity Queen by Fastnet Rock) 2022;
11 Apr 2026, 1st Werribee RC Tobin Brothers Maiden P. 1400m
Sold by Cambridge Stud at National Yearling Sale for $260000

Almanzor : Pub Crawl (NZ) (Fun Seeker by Darci Brahma) 2021;
11 Apr 2026, 1st Alice Springs TC Wadelec H. 1100m
Sold by Cambridge Stud at National Yearling Sale for $150000

Belardo : Fifty Calibre (NZ) (Zeranti by Zabeel) 2021;
05 Apr 2026, 1st SCTC Jack Bruce Racing H. 1800m
Sold by Cambridge Stud at National Yearling Sale for $90000

Contributer : Fire Tribe (NZ) (Stellafire by Testa Rossa) 2020;
06 Apr 2026, 1st MRC Stow Storage Solutions H. 1400m

Contributer : Cardamom (NZ) (Kachhi by Showcasing) 2022;
10 Apr 2026, 1st Southside Racing Frankston Sand Soil & Mini Mix H. 1400m
Sold by Lyndhurst Farm at National Yearling Sale for $65000

Darci Brahma : There Were Roses (NZ) (Indiscretion by Howbaddouwantit) 2022;
09 Apr 2026, 1st Southside Racing Ray White Maiden P. 1400m
Sold by HGT Bloodstock Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $10000

Darci Brahma : Regal Surge (NZ) (Flourishing by Makfi) 2021;
07 Apr 2026, 1st Hamilton RC Ritchies IGA H. 1600m
Sold by Kilgravin Lodge at Ready to Run Sale for $50000

Gallant Guru : Blazing Guru (NZ) (Ignite by Yamanin Vital) 2019;
10 Apr 2026, 1st Wellington RC Iron Horse H. 2400m

Ghibellines : No Drama (NZ) (Sheeza Drama by Pure Theatre) 2019;
06 Apr 2026, 1st ATC Irresistible Pools and Spas H. 1500m

Hello Youmzain : Silken Salute (NZ) (Savasilk by Savabeel) 2023;
04 Apr 2026, 1st BRC Souths Sports Club 2YO H. 1300m

Justify : Certify (NZ) (Aotea Miss by Makfi) 2022;
10 Apr 2026, 1st GCTC Simmons Bricklaying Maiden H. 1700m
Sold by Haunui Farm at National Yearling Sale for $150000

Nicconi : The Deputy (NZ) (Enchanting Beauty by Sebring) 2019;
11 Apr 2026, 1st Toowoomba TC Barrier Reef Pools H. 1300m

Ocean Park : Oceana Dream (NZ) (Clevedon Bay by Redoute's Choice) 2021;
11 Apr 2026, 1st MRC Pinder Family Mile 1600m

Ocean Park : Ohope Wins (NZ) (Choux Mania by Redoute's Choice) 2022;
11 Apr 2026, 1st ATC Australian Oaks Gr.1 2400m

Ocean Park : Kureder (NZ) (Charmeuse by O'Reilly) 2019;
04 Apr 2026, 1st BRC Sky Racing H. 2200m
Sold by Valachi Downs at National Yearling Sale for $380000

Ocean Park : Ocean's Jen (NZ) (Really Reputable by O'Reilly) 2017;
05 Apr 2026, 1st Tambo Valley PRC Omeo Rural H. 1200m
Sold by Waikato Stud Ltd at Karaka May Sale for $32000

Ocean Park : Our Sassy Lady (NZ) (Tihi Keepa by Keeper) 2020;
04 Apr 2026, 1st Warracknabeal TC Taylors Palace After the Last H. 1600m
Sold by Brighthill Farm at National Yearling Sale for $8000

Per Incanto : Rue de Royale (NZ) (Urban Royal by Exceed and Excel) 2021;
04 Apr 2026, 1st MRC Geoff Murphy H. 1200m

Per Incanto : Cattle Camp (NZ) (Shanina by Testa Rossa) 2022;
08 Apr 2026, 1st Sale TC Sale Mowers & Chainsaws Maiden P. 1006m
Sold by Prima Park at National Yearling Sale for $260000

Redwood : Corkscrew (NZ) (Marsh Harbour by Volksraad) 2018;
04 Apr 2026, 1st Gladstone TC Greg McCann Memorial H. 1000m

Ribchester : Wondering Spirit (NZ) (Tully Thunder by Thunder Gulch) 2021;
05 Apr 2026, 1st MRC (Mornington) Modtech Group Electricians H. 2050m
Sold by Ainsley Downs Stud at National Yearling Sale for $50000
Sold by Riversley Park Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $75000

Savabeel : Wymark (NZ) (Pasadena by O'Reilly) 2020;
05 Apr 2026, 1st Stawell RC Stawell Gold Cup 2000m

Savabeel : Savatoff (NZ) (Toffee Nose by Toorak Toff) 2020;
04 Apr 2026, 1st Oakbank RC Onkaparinga Cup 2150m
Sold by Curraghmore at National Yearling Sale for $250000

Savabeel : Raetihi (NZ) (Lego by O'Reilly) 2019;
11 Apr 2026, 1st Bowen TC Mothers Day Raceday H. 1000m
Sold by Ohukia Lodge Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $155000

Shamexpress : Small Town Hero (NZ) (Fjall by Viking Ruler) 2019;
08 Apr 2026, 1st Sale TC Programmed Property Services H. 1415m

Shocking : Scandalize (NZ) (Barbara Jennie by Bahhare) 2021;
11 Apr 2026, 1st SAJC Thomas Farms H. 1600m

So You Think : Victory Bay (NZ) (Clevedon Bay by Redoute's Choice) 2018;
11 Apr 2026, 1st Noorama PRC Ron & Beryl McIntosh Memorial H. 1200m

So You Think : Think Your Amazing (NZ) (Night Danza by Danzero) 2022;
04 Apr 2026, 1st Warracknabeal TC Marong Family Hotel Maiden P. 2000m
Sold by Blandford Lodge at National Yearling Sale for $200000

Swiss Ace : Suisse Scandal (NZ) (Privacy by Redwood) 2019;
06 Apr 2026, 1st Augathella RC Lyn & Jack Carmichael Memorial H. 1300m
Sold by Westbury Stud at Ready to Run Sale for $20000

Telperion : Savsonic (NZ) (Savsensation by Savabeel) 2019;
04 Apr 2026, 1st Oakbank RC Emmetts Country Cup 1900m

Tivaci : Lupine (NZ) (Sheezababe by Zabeel) 2020;
04 Apr 2026, 1st BRC Moreton Hire H. 1600m
Sold by Waikato Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $220000

Turn Me Loose : Bring Forth (NZ) (Deedee Panache by Darci Brahma) 2021;
11 Apr 2026, 1st MRC National H. 2000m
Sold by Windsor Park Stud at National Yearling Sale for $150000

U S Navy Flag : Rule of Salex (NZ) (Charmeuse by O'Reilly) 2020;
11 Apr 2026, 1st Balnarring PRC Book Now Mornington Cup Day H. 2000m
Sold by Riversley Park Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $90000
Sold by Valachi Downs at National Yearling Sale for $50000

Vadamos : Mosamour (NZ) (Floramour by More Than Ready) 2021;
10 Apr 2026, 1st GCTC Coastal Tipper Hire H. 1800m
Sold by Curraghmore at National Yearling Sale for $450000

Verdi : Jetpack Verdi (NZ) (Quintastics by Postponed) 2018;
04 Apr 2026, 1st Emerald JC Goldacres H. 1615m

War Decree : The Big Wheel (NZ) (Tantalising by Savabeel) 2020;
05 Apr 2026, 1st Penola RC TDC Livestock & Property H. 1075m

War Decree : The Western Front (NZ) (Rosaeflora by Zacinto) 2020;
04 Apr 2026, 1st MRC Bert Bryant H. 2400m


HONG KONG
Redwood : General Redwood (NZ) (Ceebeel by Savabeel) 2021;
08 Apr 2026, 1st HKJC D'Aguilar H. 1650m

Sacred Falls : Smart Fighter (NZ) (Do Ra Mi by Savabeel) 2019;
08 Apr 2026, 1st HKJC Sports Club Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup 1200m

Shamexpress : Lucky Man (NZ) (Christmas Day by Zabeel) 2020;
06 Apr 2026, 1st HKJC Plunkett's H. 1400m

Shamexpress : Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Missy Moo by Per Incanto) 2020;
06 Apr 2026, 1st HKJC Sprint Cup Gr.2 1200m

Sweynesse : Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Madonna Mia by Red Clubs) 2018;
06 Apr 2026, 1st HKJC Chairman's Trophy Gr.2 1600m
Sold by Woburn Farm at Ready to Run Sale for $90000

Sweynesse : Golden Brilliant (NZ) (Zaperb by Volksraad) 2021;
08 Apr 2026, 1st HKJC D'Aguilar H. 1650m
Sold by Pertab Racing at Ready to Run Sale for $140000

MALAYSIA
Belardo : Bergheim (NZ) (Simfinnarley by Lion Heart) 2018;
05 Apr 2026, 1st Selangor TC Sipadan Island S. 1300m
Sold by Haunui Farm at National Yearling Sale for $30000

King of Comedy : Sir Ruby (NZ) (Navy Beach by Darci Brahma) 2022;
05 Apr 2026, 1st Selangor TC Ready to Run Graduate Cup 1400m
Sold by Phoenix Park at Ready to Run Sale for $60000

Proisir : Frenetic (NZ) (Sororia by Iffraaj) 2018;
04 Apr 2026, 1st Perak TC Class 4 H. 1600m
Sold by Haunui Farm at National Yearling Sale for $40000

Sacred Falls : Flying Spider (NZ) (Pinderella by Pins) 2017;
04 Apr 2026, 1st Perak TC Class 5 H. 1100m
Sold by Long Acres Stud at National Yearling Sale for $15000
Sold by D. J.Myers at Karaka May Sale for $10000

Shamexpress : Iron Samurai (NZ) (Positive Dream by Encosta de Lago) 2019;
05 Apr 2026, 1st Selangor TC Pangkor Island S. 1020m
Sold by Woburn Farm at South Island Sale for $34000

Vanbrugh : Baby Biscuit (NZ) (Chile by Volksraad) 2021;
04 Apr 2026, 1st Perak TC Class 4 H. 1000m
Sold by Windsor Park Stud at National Yearling Sale for $57500

PHILIPPINES
American Pharoah : Usir (NZ) (Away Cruising by Darci Brahma) 2021;
08 Apr 2026, 1st Philippine JC Class 3 H. 1200m
Sold by The Oaks Stud at National Yearling Sale for $70000