New Zealand-bred colt Blind Raise (NZ) (Ace High) will take his place in Saturday’s A$6 million Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Flemington, with trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young electing to chase one of Australian racing’s biggest prizes rather than a more conventional three-year-old target.

The talented colt finished runner-up to Warwoven (Sword Of State) in the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) last start and will renew his rivalry with the Bjorn Baker-trained galloper in the weight-for-age championship.

Busuttin admits the logical option would have been Saturday’s A$2 million Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick, where Blind Raise would likely have started a short-priced favourite, but believes the opportunity to contest a Cox Plate is too good to pass up.

"The sensible thing would have been to go up to Sydney for the $2 million race, but you very rarely get a genuine live chance in a Cox Plate," Busuttin said.

"I think they've got him at 10/1, he is a genuine chance in it, so you've got to have a go."

Blind Raise and Warwoven will both carry just 49.5kg as they attempt to become the first three-year-olds to win the Cox Plate since Shamus Award (Snitzel) in 2013.

Jamie Melham has been booked to ride Blind Raise, who will face established Group One performers Sir Delius (Frankel), Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchio) and Birdman (Free Eagle), while Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock) could back up following his runner-up finish in Saturday’s Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.

A decision on whether Caulfield Cup favourite Cosmic Crusader (NZ) (Maurice) takes his place will be made on Tuesday.

The Caulfield Guineas was just the sixth career start for Blind Raise and his first attempt beyond 1400m, but Busuttin has been delighted with how the colt has recovered from the demanding contest.

"It was obviously a hard race last week but he came home and he ate everything, licked the feed bin clean, trotted out free in the morning, we took him for a walk and he was squealing and carrying on then got in the roll box and carried on," Busuttin said.

"So it was pretty safe that he'd come through it good and then he galloped Saturday morning and galloped up very, very good."

The Cox Plate will be staged at Flemington for the first time this year while Moonee Valley undergoes redevelopment.

The final field and barrier draw will be confirmed on Tuesday evening. - NZ Racing Desk

Well Written withdrawn from Golden Eagle

The spring campaign of Well Written (Written Tycoon) is over.

New Zealand’s darling of the turf has spiked a temperature in Sydney, which has ruled her out of next week’s A$10 million Gr.1 Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick.

“Well Written has contracted a viral infection over the weekend, resulting in an elevated temperature,” trainer Stephen Marsh said in a statement.

“Working closely with the local veterinary team and in consultation with her regular veterinary team at Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre, Well Written has received treatment and is already showing good signs of improvement.

“While the infection is considered relatively minor, a decision has been made to withdraw Well Written from next Saturday's Group One Golden Eagle.

“The welfare of our horses will always be our highest priority. Given the timing of the infection and the limited time available for recovery, we cannot be confident that Well Written would be able to compete at 100 percent fitness.

“With that in mind, we believe withdrawing her is the right decision for her long-term health and wellbeing.

“Well Written will now return to New Zealand, where she will enjoy a spell before returning to the stable in preparation for a summer and autumn campaign.

“While it is disappointing to miss the Golden Eagle, Well Written's health and future racing career remain the priority. We can't wait to see her back at the races in the summer.”

Unbeaten in her six starts as a three-year-old, including the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and $4 million The NZB Kiwi (1500m), Well Written was crowned last season’s New Zealand Horse of the Year.

She resumed in similar fashion as a four-year-old, winning first-up last month in the Gr.1 Proisir Plate (1400m) at Ellerslie. She then crossed the Tasman where she finished sixth in the Gr.1 Epsom (1600m) at Randwick but was found to have suffered a case of the thumps after the race. - Loveracing.NZ News Desk

The Pendragon lands Horsham Cup

Former New Zealand galloper The Pendragon (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) returned to winning form for the first time in almost three years with a convincing victory in Sunday’s A$65,000 Horsham Cup.

The six-year-old carried topweight of 61kg to victory under a well-judged ride from Harry Coffey, ending a winless run dating back to December 2023.

Sent out a $2.80 favourite, The Pendragon enjoyed an economical run from barrier three, settling just behind the speed before finding clear running in the straight and drawing away from his rivals.

The victory was a welcome return to form for the Lindsay Park training partnership of Ben, Will and JD Hayes, who have taken over the preparation of the former Kiwi performer.

“It worked out really well when you draw nice gates (barrier three) and you’ve got the right horses in front of you, it makes it easy,” Coffey told Racing.com.

“I was sort of the fresh horse on the scene with a turn of foot and class runner and he was too good.”

Previously known simply as Pendragon during his New Zealand career, the son of U S Navy Flag was trained by the late Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard, showing considerable promise with a Group Two victory in December 2023.

He subsequently finished runner-up to outstanding filly Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie before transferring to Moroney's Melbourne-based Ballymore Stables operation, where he was prepared in partnership with Glen Thompson.

The Pendragon later joined the Lindsay Park team, with Sunday's victory marking his first success on Australian soil.

His earlier New Zealand performances contributed to a rating of 88, which saw him allocated the 61kg topweight at Horsham.

The victory also provided Coffey with his first Horsham Cup success, having narrowly missed out in last year's edition aboard fellow New Zealand import Tikemyson (NZ) (Highly Recommended), who returned to winning form in Saturday's Avoca Cup. - NZ Racing Desk

Ka Ying Rising on track for Hong Kong return

Hong Kong champion Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) has emerged unscathed from his narrow defeat in Saturday’s Gr.1 The Everest (1200m) at Randwick, with trainer David Hayes confident the star sprinter will bounce back on home soil. The New Zealand-bred son of Shamexpress left Australia on Monday

NZ Racing NewsNZ Racing Desk

Hawea out of NZ 1000 Guineas

Former Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) favourite Hawea (Hellbent) has been withdrawn from the southern classic and will head for a freshen-up following her last-placed finish in the Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. The Hellbent filly had been eye-catching

NZ Racing NewsJoshua Smith

New Zealand campaign paves the way to Aussie gold

Gavin Bedggood has been one of the few Australian trainers to campaign in New Zealand over the past year, and he has been richly rewarded, with his grey entire Kingswood (Roaring Lion) scoring elite-level success on both sides of the Tasman, highlighted by his heroics in Saturday’s Gr.

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

2026-10-10 / 2026-10-17

AUSTRALIA
Almanzor : Aldezor (NZ)(Dee Day by Dalghar) 2021;
11 Oct 2026, 1st Geraldton TC Tonya Morrison H. 1400m
Sold by Phoenix Park at National Yearling Sale for $80000

Anders : Ottalaus (NZ)(Birdie May by Lonhro) 2022;
16 Oct 2026, 1st Southside Racing Welcome Back John H Maiden P. 1000m
Sold by Pencarrow Stud at National Yearling Sale for $100000

Belardo : Hubristic (NZ)(Never in Doubt by Elusive City) 2021;
16 Oct 2026, 1st Penola RC Barry Maney Ford H. 1600m
Sold by Haunui Farm at National Yearling Sale for $30000

Belardo : Anotherhouse (NZ)(Divorcee by Iffraaj) 2020;
17 Oct 2026, 1st SAJC Sportsbet H. 1200m

Castledale : Struck Gold (NZ)(Gold Charm by Pins) 2019;
17 Oct 2026, 1st Darwin TC Pointsbet 5for25 H. 1100m

Contributer : Varjak (NZ)(Tiffany Gem by Pierro) 2022;
17 Oct 2026, 1st Newcastle JC Schneider Electric H. 1600m
Sold by Wentwood Grange at National Yearling Sale for $120000

Darci Brahma : Milton Road (NZ)(Special Asset by The Factor) 2019;
17 Oct 2026, 1st Stanthorpe JC Country Stampede Qualifier Open H. 1000m
Sold by Goodwood Stud at National Weanling Sale for $18000

Eminent : Harriet (NZ)(Hobbs by Flying Spur) 2020;
17 Oct 2026, 1st Narromine TC Dandy Cup 1600m

Ferlax : Sound and Vision (NZ)(Zabinella by Zabeel) 2016;
13 Oct 2026, 1st Clarence River JC AGM 25 November H. 2200m
Sold by Leanach Lodge Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $30000

Ferrando : Il Fratello (NZ)(Floraison by Fiorente) 2022;
13 Oct 2026, 1st Clarence River JC Kosciuszko Raceday H. 1175m

Harry Angel : War Machine (NZ)(Caserta by Hussonet) 2020;
17 Oct 2026, 1st MRC Harry White S.Gr.31400m

Highly Recommended : Tikemyson (NZ)(Wilma Rudolf by Stravinsky) 2019;
17 Oct 2026, 1st Avoca Shire TC Avoca Cup 1860m

King of Comedy : Real Comedy (NZ)(Magical Realism by Jakkalberry) 2022;
11 Oct 2026, 1st Seymour RC Tahbilk and Up Maiden P. 1200m
Sold by Phoenix Park at National Yearling Sale for $35000

Mongolian Khan : Anthracite (NZ)(Scarlet's Secret by Savabeel) 2020;
10 Oct 2026, 1st ATC Kia Ora Bloodlines to Headlines H. 2000m

Noverre : Waiheke Rose (NZ)(Maxmara by O'Reilly) 2023;
10 Oct 2026, 1st Illawarra TC Production Services Maiden H. 1500m
Sold by Waikato Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $160000

Ocean Park : Abissi (NZ)(Valpolicella by Red Ransom) 2020;
10 Oct 2026, 1st WATC Quayclean H. 2200m
Sold by Haunui Farm at National Yearling Sale for $380000

Per Incanto : In'kantosstar (NZ)(Anniesstar by Zed) 2022;
10 Oct 2026, 1st MRC Beverly H. 1700m

Per Incanto : Grassburn (NZ)(Turf Fire by O'Reilly) 2020;
16 Oct 2026, 1st Taree RC Lightning Sprint 1000m

Per Incanto : Sugar Schnapps (NZ)(Shandream by Pins) 2021;
13 Oct 2026, 1st Kilmore TC Rising Stars Race H. 1207m

Per Incanto : Eamonn's Memory (NZ)(In Memory Of by Darci Brahma) 2018;
17 Oct 2026, 1st Deniliquin RC Deniliquin Gold Cup 1400m

Preferment : Prefer Diamonds (NZ)(Diamonds of Dubawi by Dubawi) 2020;
16 Oct 2026, 1st Bathurst TC Away Trainer of the Year Jarrod Austin H. 2000m

Proisir : Proviseur (NZ)(Za Star by Zabeel) 2021;
17 Oct 2026, 1st Rockhampton JC Great Northern QTIS Maiden H. 1200m
Sold by Blandford Lodge at National Yearling Sale for $220000

Reliable Man : Miss Stalwart (NZ)(Avoid by Cullen) 2018;
11 Oct 2026, 1st Queanbeyan RC TAB H. 1600m

Ribchester : Lucifer's Girl (NZ)(Mazikeen by Sebring) 2023;
16 Oct 2026, 1st Penola RC Access Capital Finance Brokers Maiden P. 1075m
Sold by Haunui Farm at National Yearling Sale for $20000

Satono Aladdin : Noble One (NZ)(Piazza by Sir Percy) 2019;
11 Oct 2026, 1st Coonamble JC Nalder Family H. 1600m

Satono Aladdin : Satono Glow (NZ)(Electrode by Pins) 2023;
10 Oct 2026, 1st ATC Roman Consul S.Gr.21200m
Sold by Windsor Park Stud at National Yearling Sale for $260000

Savabeel : Samarelle (NZ)(Smashing by Pins) 2022;
10 Oct 2026, 1st BRC XXXX H. 1800m

Savabeel : Savvy Spy (NZ)(Surveillance by Rip Van Winkle) 2022;
15 Oct 2026, 1st Hawkesbury RC Dentavision H. 2000m
Sold by Little Avondale Stud at National Yearling Sale for $80000

Savabeel : Wymark (NZ)(Pasadena by O'Reilly) 2020;
11 Oct 2026, 1st Seymour RC Seymour CupL1600m

Shocking : Salsita (NZ)(Salsa by O'Reilly) 2020;
11 Oct 2026, 1st Seymour RC Kilmore Ford H. 2000m
Sold by Hallmark Stud at National Yearling Sale for $75000

St Mark's Basilica : Saintly Dancer (NZ)(Thinkyoucandance by So You Think) 2023;
17 Oct 2026, 1st MRC Thousand GuineasGr.11600m

Super Seth : Cross Tasman (NZ)(Daffodil by No Excuse Needed) 2021;
17 Oct 2026, 1st ATC Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool H. 1400m
Sold by Waikato Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $260000

Swiss Ace : Poisen Point (NZ)(Casa Blanca by Postponed) 2021;
11 Oct 2026, 1st Coonamble JC Crystal Sprint 1200m
Sold by Westbury Stud at Ready to Run Sale for $35000

Time Test : Sixty Grand (NZ)(Threepence by Pentire) 2022;
10 Oct 2026, 1st SAJC Sportsbet H. 2028m
Sold by Ardsley Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $130000


HONG KONG
Deep Field : Steel King - Shinyu Kokoroe (H.K.) (NZ)(Syrahbeel by Savabeel) 2020;
11 Oct 2026, 1st HKJC Hung Shui Kiu H. 1200m
Sold by Waikato Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $475000

Ocean Park : Jolly Brilliant (NZ)(Shopaholic by Pins) 2022;
11 Oct 2026, 1st HKJC Ping Shan H. 1600m
Sold by Waikato Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $140000

Per Incanto : Cheerful Wongchoy (NZ)(High Lady by High Chaparral) 2021;
14 Oct 2026, 1st HKJC D'Aguilar H. 1650m
Sold by Milan Park at National Yearling Sale for $160000

Super Seth : China Win (NZ)(Miracle Miss by O'Reilly) 2021;
14 Oct 2026, 1st HKJC Gage H. 1800m
Sold by Ohukia Lodge Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $130000

Too Darn Hot : Ka Ying Attack (NZ)(Refreshing by Stratum) 2021;
11 Oct 2026, 1st HKJC Yuen Long H. 1200m
Sold by Jamieson Park at National Weanling Sale for $30000

War Decree : Collateral Damage - Armour War Eagle (H. K.) (NZ)
Enthusabelle by Savabeel) 2019;
11 Oct 2026, 1st HKJC Mai Po H. 1200m
Sold by Highden Park at National Yearling Sale for $105000

MALAYSIA
Per Incanto : Naitanui - Action Banker's (Mal.) (NZ)(Bella Carolina by O'Reilly) 2021;
11 Oct 2026, 1st Selangor TC Class 3 H. 1400m

Time Test : The Wild Chief (NZ)(Deb by Darci Brahma) 2019;
11 Oct 2026, 1st Selangor TC Class 5 H. 1400m