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 in.”
Well Written stretched her legs on her home synthetic track last Friday with regular rider Matthew Cartwright aboard.
“She had a quiet jump-out on the polytrack with Cartwright in the saddle and she went beautifully,” Marsh said.
“She pulled up well and happy, he felt she has really strengthened and was very complimentary on how she looked and felt.
“She’ll trial before the first at Te Rapa on August 8 and maybe Taupo, there are other options, she’ll have an exhibition gallop somewhere.”
Marsh has circled the Gr.1 Proisir Plate (1400m) at Ellerslie on September 5 as Well Written’s season-opener before she heads to Australia.
“She’ll kick off there and, all going to plan, she’ll either go to the Silver Eagle (Gr.3, 1300m) or the Epsom (Gr.1, 1600) into the A$10 million Golden Eagle (Gr.1, 1500m),” he said.
“She’s got to take that next step up to the big guns now, but we’re confident in her to do that. It’s very exciting.”
Well Written went through her six-start three-year-old campaign unbeaten, with thoroughbred powerhouse Yulong buying into the filly before her Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) victory.
She subsequently added the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m), $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) to her roll of honour.
Meanwhile, stable stalwart El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking) is also progressing well, but the multiple Group One winner’s spring campaign has yet to be locked in.
“We’re giving him a good, long and slow build-up. He’ll jump-out in a couple of weeks and will cruise around and trial,” Marsh said.
“We’re not going to be rushing him to get to anything in particular at this stage.”
In the more immediate future, Marsh is confident his three runners will all be prominent at Wednesday’s all-weather meeting at Cambridge.
Kasukedo (Lonhro) will be ridden by George Rooke with Jack Taplin aboard Lerado (NZ) (Belardo) when they clash in the Seahorse Supplements (1550m), while Tom Wigram will partner Proud Capitalist (Capitalist) in the AP Gollan Property Valuers MAAT Final (970m).
“Kasukedo is going really well and a couple of kilos off Lerado’s back will certainly be a big help, and Proud Capitalist was very good last start and she’ll have four kilos off,” Marsh said. - Paul Vettise
Hong Kong turnover grows as ownership incentives continue to deliver
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has reinforced its position as one of the world's leading racing jurisdictions after recording wagering growth, expanding international betting partnerships and further strengthening incentives for horse ownership.
Total racing wagering turnover for the 2025/26 season reached HK$143.31 billion, up 3.2 percent on the previous year, marking a welcome return to growth. The increase was driven by larger field sizes and the continued expansion of the Club's international wagering strategy through commingling, simulcasting and the World Pool.
Hong Kong races attracted a record HK$34.4 billion in commingling turnover, an increase of 8.3 percent. The jurisdiction now has commingling partnerships with more than 60 operators across 26 countries, further cementing Hong Kong's status as a global wagering hub. Chinese New Year Raceday again proved a standout, generating a record HK$523.56 million in commingling turnover, the highest ever for a single race meeting.
Simulcast betting also continued to grow strongly, with turnover rising 23.5 percent to HK$16.2 billion after the Club expanded its international racing offering. During the season, Hong Kong customers were able to bet on 492 overseas races, including 99 Group 1 contests that have featured in the IFHA World's Top 100 rankings over the past three years.
The World Pool also continued its rapid expansion, increasing from 296 to 397 races across the season. The international wagering platform now encompasses all 12 Hong Kong Group 1 races alongside an expanding selection of elite races from jurisdictions including Australia, with commingling turnover on overseas World Pool races increasing by 27.7 percent.
The Club has also continued to invest heavily in attracting and retaining owners. A record HK$1.78 billion in prize money and bonuses was distributed during the season, with 150 privately purchased horses earning HK$225 million in Class 3 PP Bonuses since the enhanced scheme was introduced. Across all ownership incentive programmes, a further HK$80.5 million was paid to the owners of 59 winning horses.
The incentives have helped encourage the importation of higher-quality horses while syndicate ownership continues to flourish. Hong Kong's champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising, Horse of the Year Voyage Bubble and BMW Hong Kong Derby winner Invincible Ibis are all raced by syndicates, highlighting the growing appeal of shared ownership. The Club has responded by increasing the number of syndicates members can join from four to seven, while also lifting the maximum number of horses an owner can race from five to seven.
The investment in ownership is set to continue in 2026/27, with the introduction of a new Premier Series offering approximately HK$20 million in additional bonuses for Derby-quality imports. Combined with the existing PP Bonus Scheme, eligible privately purchased horses will be able to earn up to HK$4 million in bonuses, while prizemoney for the Hong Kong Classic Mile, Hong Kong Classic Cup and the Hong Kong Derby will also increase as the Club continues its drive to attract the world's best horses. - Hong Kong Jockey Club
Victorian Crusade begins in Bletchingly
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 in Victoria.
"I think he loves it," Leek said.
"He seems very happy and we're just looking forward to seeing what he can do on Saturday.
"It's a bit short of his (best) distance, but you've got to start somewhere and it just looked like a nice starting point."
Leek said no major spring target had yet been identified for the horse who came to Victoria considered by many to be WA's best galloper with Peters eager to see how he performs this weekend.
The son of Maurice failed to gain a start in Perth's most prestigious race – the Gr.1 Railway Stakes (1600m) – but was a dominant winner of the Listed Carbine Club Stakes (1400m) on the same day before winning the Northerly Stakes on December 6.
He dropped back to the 1400m of the Gr.3 Gold Rush seven days later, in which he was narrowly beaten by Victorian sprinter Rey Magnerio (Magnus).
Cosmic Crusader has not raced over 1200m since winning at Ascot in October 2024, his second win from three starts at the trip, and heads to the Bletchingly Stakes off one Victorian jumpout, which resulted in a second placing to Pop Award at Caulfield on July 1.
"He had the one jumpout at Caulfield, just to give him a look at it," Leek said.
"I was really happy with it, very happy."
Cosmic Crusader is out of the Street Sense mare Cosmic Storm, whose seven wins included the Group Three La Trice Classic (1800m) and three Listed races. Cosmic Storm is a half-sister to three stakes winners including the Gr.1 Cantala Stakes (1600m) winner Superstorm.
While in New Zealand, Cosmic Storm was served by Windsor Park Stud stallion Charm Spirit. The resulting filly foal was named Cosmic Spirit. She has had four starts for two wins and two thirds. - RAS NewsWire
Joshua Smith
Joshua 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
KYRUS TREASURE (NZ) 2021 by Smart Missile (Aus) out of Spectacular Vision by Mastercraftsman (IRE); Breeder: J P Abrahams; Waikato; NZ; Race: HKJC Turin Warrior H. 1800m.;
Sale: 2023 Ready to Run Sale V: Pertab Racing $200000 P: Ian Sham / Bridle B/stock
EVER RELIABLE (NZ) 2021 by Reliable Man (GB) out of Princess Snitzel (AUS) by Snitzel (AUS); Breeder: Nearco Stud Limited; Canterbury; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 5 H. 1775; Sale: 2023 Ready To Run Sale V: Curraghmore $30000 P: Mr Shane Ellis
FLYING NEMO (NZ) 2019 by Vespa out of Hineni by Alamosa; Breeder: Hedwood Thoroughbreds Ltd; Canterbury; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Supreme C 1700; Sale: 2021 National Online Sale V: Hedwood Thoroughbreds Ltd $7000 P: Warrior Stables
LUCKY MAGIC (MY) Without Words (NZ) 2020 by Mendelssohn (USA) out of No Love Letters (GB) by Roderic O’Connor (GB); Breeder: J Crowley; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Supreme A 1400; Sale: 2022 National Yearling Sale – Book 1 V: Prima Park $35000 P: Mr B Kwok; 2022 Ready To Run Sale V: Prima Park $75000 P: HY Cheng Racing Stable
SKY KING (NZ) 2022 by Embellish out of Markle (AUS) by Stratum (AUS); Breeder: C W Kwok; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 5A H. 1400; Sale: 2025 Gavelhouse March Sale V: Leanach Lodge $4300 P: Dean Wiles
Global NZ-bred winners
2026-07-11 / 2026-07-18
AUSTRALIA
Almanzor : Celeman Zor (NZ) (Extra Celestial by Danehill Dancer) 2022;
15 Jul 2026, 1st Balaklava RC Sportsbet Maiden P. 2212m
Sold by Kilgravin Lodge at Ready to Run Sale for $150000
Belardo : Prickly Poppy (NZ) (Mojave Aster by Zabeel) 2018;
11 Jul 2026, 1st SAJC M & J Chickens H. 2294m
Belardo : Calzino (NZ) (Midnight Shocka by Shocking) 2022;
13 Jul 2026, 1st Quirindi JC Willow Tree Cup Day August Maiden P. 2000m
Sold by Haunui Farm at National Weanling and Broodmare Sale for $20000
Contributer : Saloon Passage (NZ) (Dream Run by Pins) 2022;
15 Jul 2026, 1st ATC Asahi Dry Maiden H. 1400m
Derryn : Emilia Jane (NZ) (Jesdemona by Electronic Zone) 2020;
17 Jul 2026, 1st Mackay TC Mackay Cup Raceday H. 1200m
El Roca : Cuesta (NZ) (Maenoha by Bachelor Duke) 2020;
16 Jul 2026, 1st Illawarra TC Black Aly Window Tinting H. 1300m
Sold by Curraghmore at Ready to Run Sale for $20000
El Roca : Aroha Stone (NZ) (Luminescent by Makfi) 2021;
11 Jul 2026, 1st ATC TAB H. 1400m
Sold by Westbury Stud at National Yearling Sale for $25000
Embellish : Bold Soul (NZ) (Twin Soul by Singspiel) 2020;
18 Jul 2026, 1st VRC Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 H. 2800m
Sold by Te Keeti Bloodstock Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $20000
Eminent : Don Pedro - King Pedro (Aus.) (NZ) (Jiving by O'Reilly) 2021;
16 Jul 2026, 1st Clarence River JC Grafton Cup L 2350m
Epaulette : Romantic Bubble (NZ) (Actressa by Denman) 2021;
11 Jul 2026, 1st Rockhampton JC Greensteel Claude Green Memorial H. 1200m
Sold by Leanach Lodge Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $35000
Sold by Cambridge Stud at National Weanling Sale for $10000
Ghibellines : First Chorus (NZ) (Broadway Miss by O'Reilly) 2021;
11 Jul 2026, 1st MRC Sportsbet H. 1700m
Hello Youmzain : Opetaia - Cruiserweight (Aus) (NZ) (Medal O'Rose by Medaglia d'Oro) 2022;
11 Jul 2026, 1st MRC Sportsbet H. 1400m
Sold by Leanach Lodge Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $40000
Hello Youmzain : Royal Heritage (NZ) (Victoria Belle by Zabeel) 2022;
17 Jul 2026, 1st Mildura RC Sunraysia Daily Maiden P. 1200m
Sold by Cambridge Stud at National Yearling Sale for $200000
Jon Snow : Side Piece (NZ) (Our Sassy Bride by Volksraad) 2020;
12 Jul 2026, 1st Hamilton RC Bet365 Highweight 1600m
Maurice : Yorokobi (NZ) (Greatest Joy by More Than Ready) 2022;
17 Jul 2026, 1st Mackay TC SH Tait and Co Chartered Accountants H. 1800m
Sold by Windsor Park Stud at National Yearling Sale for $180000
Ocean Park : Sealord (NZ) (Chorus by Danasinga) 2022;
18 Jul 2026, 1st GCTC UAA Mobile Plant and Machinery Maiden P. 2050m
Sold by Haunui Farm at National Yearling Sale for $40000
Per Incanto : Rolling Magic (NZ) (Not a Jaffa by Iffraaj) 2020;
18 Jul 2026, 1st ATC Midway H. 1300m
Per Incanto : Prima Bella (NZ) (Brah Spring by Darci Brahma) 2020;
18 Jul 2026, 1st VRC Member Andrew Bostock H. 1000m
Per Incanto : Kiwi Raider (NZ) (Anaween by More Than Ready) 2022;
12 Jul 2026, 1st SCTC Harlequin Blinds H. 1000m
Sold by Kilgravin Lodge at Ready to Run Sale for $270000
Pride of Dubai : Illustrates (NZ) (Let it Rock by Fastnet Rock) 2021;
15 Jul 2026, 1st Balaklava RC Campolina Maiden P. 1200m
Proisir : Leovanni (NZ) (Amparo by Colombia) 2021;
11 Jul 2026, 1st ATC TAB Highway P. 1600m
Sold by Kilgravin Lodge at Ready to Run Sale for $210000
Proisir : Coeur Volante (NZ) (Shanina by Testa Rossa) 2020;
11 Jul 2026, 1st MRC Sportsbet H. 1400m
Sold by Prima Park at National Yearling Sale for $90000
Proisir : Le Troisir (NZ) (Teardrops by Fastnet Rock) 2021;
18 Jul 2026, 1st ATC Congratulations ATC Member Jane McDonald H. 2400m
Sold by Grangewilliam Stud at National Yearling Sale for $160000
Proisir : Proxima Centauri (NZ) (Poppy Star by Savabeel) 2022;
17 Jul 2026, 1st Goulburn DRC Aaron Grant Electrical Maiden P. 1500m
Redwood : Corkscrew (NZ) (Marsh Harbour by Volksraad) 2018;
18 Jul 2026, 1st Thangool RC Accounting and You Open H. 1075m
Reliable Man : Old Faithful (NZ) (Katie's Choice by Redoute's Choice) 2021;
12 Jul 2026, 1st SCTC Your Capability Store Maiden H. 2200m
Reliable Man : The Cunning Fox (NZ) (Cross Rate by Green Tune) 2018;
12 Jul 2026, 1st Hamilton RC Brendan Drechsler Hurdle 3400m
Satono Aladdin : Satono Jasmine (NZ) (High Spin by High Chaparral) 2022;
15 Jul 2026, 1st ATC Ole Kirk at Vinery Stud H. 1600m
Super Easy : Easy Beast (NZ) (Shanpanichi by Fusaichi Pegasus) 2014;
17 Jul 2026, 1st Murray Bridge RC Randy and Butchs 70th Birthday H. 1600m
Sold by Rich Hill Stud at National Yearling Sale for $55000
Super Seth : El Tercero (NZ) (Boulevard by Savabeel) 2021;
17 Jul 2026, 1st Mildura RC Jade Benham H. 1400m
Super Seth : Bollon (NZ) (Aura d'Oro by Medaglia d'Oro) 2021;
11 Jul 2026, 1st Darwin TC Territory Isuzu H. 1600m
Sold by Blandford Lodge at National Yearling Sale for $260000
Sweynesse : Ongatiti (NZ) (Hinuera by Librettist) 2020;
12 Jul 2026, 1st Hamilton RC Adam Lindsay Gordon Maiden S/chase 3400m
Sword of State : New Mexico (NZ) (High Vogue by High Chaparral) 2023;
16 Jul 2026, 1st Ipswich TC Racing and Sports Maiden 2YO P. 1350m
Sold by Cambridge Stud at National Yearling Sale for $200000
Tarzino : Rosso Levanto (NZ) (Cristallo Rosso by Testa Rossa) 2020;
15 Jul 2026, 1st BRC Sky Racing H. 1400m
Tarzino : Elle Hudson (NZ) (Elle Grace by Shinko King) 2020;
14 Jul 2026, 1st Newcastle JC Davali Thoroughbreds H. 2200m
Time Test : Electric Elvis (NZ) (Paris Carver by Fast 'n' Famous) 2021;
13 Jul 2026, 1st Bairnsdale RC Dyson Group H. 1200m
Sold by Castle Hill Farm at National Yearling Sale for $10000
Time Test : Fast Tempo (NZ) (Cordal by Tavistock) 2021;
18 Jul 2026, 1st SAJC PFD Food Services H. 1400m
Sold by HGT Bloodstock Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $25000
Tivaci : Movie Night (NZ) (Movie by Savabeel) 2022;
14 Jul 2026, 1st Newcastle JC Dailey Family Funerals Maiden P. 1400m
Trapeze Artist : The Kamikaze (NZ) (Iron Rose by Zabeel) 2020;
14 Jul 2026, 1st Townsville TC Mitavite H. 1000m
Turn Me Loose : Untethered (NZ) (Ready at Eight by More Than Ready) 2019;
12 Jul 2026, 1st Hamilton RC Hammonds Paints Maiden Hurdle 3200m
Vadamos : Southerly Buster (NZ) (Magnolia by Redoute's Choice) 2021;
17 Jul 2026, 1st Tamworth JC Concrete Industry Supplies H. 1600m
Sold by Phoenix Park at National Yearling Sale for $90000
Sold by Prima Park at Ready to Run Sale for $80000
Wrote : Notes (NZ) (Glitter Woman by Fusaichi Pegasus) 2018;
18 Jul 2026, 1st GCTC Beefa Cup 1800m
Sold by Highview at National Yearling Sale for $50000
HONG KONG
Charm Spirit : Double Bingo (NZ) (Estrela Flicka by O'Reilly) 2020;
12 Jul 2026, 1st HKJC Mr Award H. 1400m
Darci Brahma : Rising Phoenix (NZ) (Flying Firebird by Stravinsky) 2021;
12 Jul 2026, 1st HKJC Medic Kingdom H. 1400m
Smart Missile : Kyrus Treasure (NZ) (Spectacular Vision by Mastercraftsman) 2021;
15 Jul 2026, 1st HKJC Turin Warrior H. 1800m
Sold by Pertab Racing at Ready to Run Sale for $200000
MALAYSIA
Redwood : Black Thorn (NZ) (Veva Girl by Fastnet Rock) 2013;
12 Jul 2026, 1st Perak TC Class 5 H. 1400m
Sold by Westbury Stud at Ready to Run Sale for $6000
Remind : Khao Manee (NZ) (Criquette by Forensic Evidence) 2017;
11 Jul 2026, 1st Selangor TC Class 5 H. 1400m
Sold by Long Acres Stud at National Yearling Sale for $5000
Ribchester : Heavenly Warrior (NZ) (Qiji Sunlight by Medaglia d'Oro) 2021;
12 Jul 2026, 1st Perak TC Cosmo C S. 1400m
Savabeel : Fortune Magic (NZ) (Tiptoes by Pins) 2021;
11 Jul 2026, 1st Selangor TC Open Maiden H. 1200m
Sold by Waikato Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $120000
Shamexpress : Gus the Maverick - Naughty Kid (Mal.) (NZ) (Hollywood Angel by Dehere) 2016;
11 Jul 2026, 1st Selangor TC Class 5 H. 1400m
Sold by Blandford Lodge at National Yearling Sale for $50000
Turn Me Loose : Golden Cup (NZ) (Anniesstar by Zed) 2018;
12 Jul 2026, 1st Perak TC Class 5 H. 1400m
Sold by Little Avondale Stud at National Yearling Sale for $6000
Vespa : Queen of Star (NZ) (Hineni by Alamosa) 2021;
12 Jul 2026, 1st Perak TC Open Maiden H. 1100m
Sold by Hedwood Thoroughbreds Ltd at National Online Yearling Sale for $5500
PHILIPPINES
Swiss Ace : Ace of Diamonds (NZ) (Go Kate Go by More Than Ready) 2020;
12 Jul 2026, 1st Metro Manila TC Class 3 H. 1600m
