
Track Triumphs
Willy Announced Himself at Ellerslie – 1600m 01/01/2025 – 2.75L win
Our most exciting galloper started 2025 off with a bang! Willy announced himself at Ellerslie this start, coming from a midfield position and squeezing between horses before bursting through the pack and coming clear by a considerable margin. This was a very impressive performance and he proved that he should be taken as a serious contender for the NZ Derby in March. Since that race, 2nd horse, Tuxedo, has come out and ran really well in the 3yo Karakka Millions, which is an excellent form frank going forward.
Charcoals Scorches Them at Super Seymour – 1000m 16/01/2025 – 1.25L win
Charcoals picked up where he left off with a very promising victory at Seymour, coming off a spell. He was ridden perfectly by Billy Egan, sitting 1 pair back and on the rail for the majority of the run. He was patient and knew that as soon as a gap opened up, he had the horse underneath him to show his explosive turn of foot. He looks to have improved lengths since his previous preparation and we’re excited to see him progress over the next few weeks.
On Fire on Friday – The Enchanter and Exuma Both Score!!
How good is starting and ending the month with winners. Exuma got us started with a gutsy first up victory at Werribee. Apprentice jockey, Stephanie Hateley, rode him to perfection to notch up her maiden treble as a rider. Exuma settled up on speed in a high-pressure contest and was able to absorb the press from key rivals to hold on for a 0.1 length win. He is in for a good prep.
And how can you forget The Enchanter? After knocking on the door for a win in all career starts, the door finally opened. The difference? Visors went on. He was in a speed battle with the other favoured runner, and Keagan Latham was able to push the button on The Enchanter at the perfect time, and he responded exceptionally to come away with a 0.8L win. Great way to start the weekend!
Hard Luck Heroes
Miss Sunshine – 22nd January 2025 – 3rd at Mornington over 1000m.
She was luckless in defeat at Mornington. Damien Lane unfortunately just couldn’t find a suitable gap for her, which can be a bit of a theme at Mornington; Horses for Courses! She looked the winner at the 400m, travelling beautifully, but unfortunately just never saw the gap to explode into. She looks to have returned in great order!
Chilli Crab – 24th January 2025 – 2nd at Port Macquarie over 1106m.
This would’ve been a fairytale start to her racing career; she was so so close! She sat in 4th for the majority of the run, but as the race started to reach the corner, the horse in 2nd began to drop back in the field, and subsequently, our lap! This halted Chilli Crab’s momentum, whilst the eventual winner, Formal, was able to have clear running during this part of the race. She ended up being beaten by a mere 0.1 lengths, and I think the result could’ve been flipped if she hadn’t had that halt in momentum.
Crystal Ball
February sees the return of Group 1 racing in both NSW and VIC, which is always exciting, hopefully we can see the MRH silks be represented in a few of them. In February, you can expect to see the much-anticipated debut of UK import, Bur Dubai, as well as the resumption of Golden Slipper prospect, Apocalyptic, who makes her claim for the most prestigious prize in the 2 year old ranks. Will the slipper fit? I guess we’ll find out. Sneaky Sunrise will also resume this month, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with how she’s going! Last but not least, Willydoit is set to compete in the Avondale Guineas on February 22nd over 2100m, in his final lead up run before the Grand final: The New Zealand Derby.
Good luck for any owner with a runner this upcoming month!