Makybe Diva Stakes (Group 1)

THE Ben, Will and J.D. Hayes-trained Mr Brightside has strengthened his Cox Plate claims with a strong win in the Makybe Diva Stakes over 1,600 metres at Flemington last Saturday.

Let loose by Craig Williams with 250 metres remaining, Mr Brightside charged up to the leading Alligator Blood to put that one and a half-lengths into the second placed as he in turn, held off the Pierro horse Osipenko.

“I feel on top of the world, I’ve been really fortunate to be part of this horse’s journey,” said Williams.

“The only reason this horse is where he is, and I’m getting interviewed now, is because of this horse and the young training partnership.

“They’re amazing horseman and great people. If a jockey could ever give back his riding fee because the ride was that easy, that would’ve been one of those days in a Group 1.

Dominant

“I could hear The Killers tune ‘Mr Brightside’ in my head for the last 200 metres because he was pretty dominant today. There’s still growth and development in him which is really scary for his opposition.”

Mr Brightside has now strung together five consecutive wins since the A$5 million All Star Mile in March, including three Group 1s, with the Cox Plate and a clash with Hong Kong star Romantic Warrior firmly on his radar.

“We are leaning towards Sydney and the (A$5 million) King Charles (October 14th) – he’s undefeated over a mile at weight-for-age, and he’s just won here today very impressively. That’s two weeks until the Cox Plate, which I think will be pretty good for him.”

STAR Western Australian filly Amelia’s Jewel impressed at her first start on the eastern seaboard, winning the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes over 1,400 metres at Flemington on Saturday.

The Siyouni four-year-old was trailing 11 of her 14 rivals around the final bend as Damien Lane positioned her into clear air. Running through her gears, she accounted for her rivals with ease over the closing stages to win by a length from the Tavistock mare Life Lessons and the Shamus Award mare El Patroness.

“I suppose the exciting thing from our point of view is she’s not screwed down yet so we’ve got plenty of wiggle room to go,” said trainer Simon Miller.

“This is just a nice starting point for her and when he (Lane) hadn’t moved on straightening I was like ‘this is an easy watch’, without being arrogant. He hasn’t gone full throttle so I thought ‘at least we’re going to be in the finish’.”

Amelia’s Jewel has a record of eight wins from ten starts now and is on the third line of betting for the Cox Plate. Amelia’s Jewel will have her first look at Moonee Valley in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes next Friday night.

AFTER more than 12 months on the sidelines with a tendon injury, Think It Over, at his third start back, looks to be back to his best after taking down a Group 1 quality field in the Listed A$1 million 7 Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.

Although the 1,600 metre event carried no blacktype status, Think It Over, defeated the Group 1 winners Zaaki and Fangirl.

“I’m very proud, that was a gallant performance,” said jockey Nash Rawiller. “I just relied on the horse’s ability and his will to win. As soon as I showed my bloke that bit of daylight, he wasn’t laying down he just attacked the line.”

A winner of the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in April 2022 just three months before his bowed tendon, Think It Over looks set to take on the $5m King Charles Stakes on Everest Day at Randwick on October 14th before heading to Melbourne for the Cox Plate two weeks later.

“I’m absolutely rapt, it wasn’t just me to get the horse back, there were a lot of people putting a lot of work into him. It’s just a thrill to have him back and to make it all worthwhile, to win a really nice race and he’s done that today,” said trainer Kerry Parker of the So You Think gelding.

“He is family and I’m absolutely thrilled to see him get the job done today.”

A GROUP 1-winning jockey and accomplished singer who shot to prominence off the back of his appearance in The Voice Australia, Robbie Dolan has not given up on his riding ambitions.

“I think maybe the singing has hindered me a little bit in the sense that some trainers think I’m not committed to racing, which isn’t true, but I can see where they’re coming from because it is a full-on game. You can’t be 80% in, you have to be 100%, so hopefully I can show a lot of people I still want to be a jockey when I go up there,” said 27-year-old Dolan who has brought forward his shift to Queensland.

“It is something I have been thinking about for a while because things have dried up a bit here in Sydney. I know it is carnival time but you need to make a living at the end of the day. I will go up myself first, if everything goes well, my partner (Christine) and the baby (Maisie) will come up too.

“Brisbane racing is quite strong at the moment, it’s not going to be easy, but I will be giving it my all and working hard.”

RACING Victoria’s Chief Handicapper David Hegan released the Melbourne Cup weights on Tuesday with last year’s winner Gold Trip allocated topweight of 58.5kgs (9st 2.97lbs while the Willie Mullins-trained race favourite Vauban has 55 kgs (8st 9.25lbs), 1.5kgs more than the second favourite Soulcombe.

“We have effectively lifted Gold Trip 2kg from his true weight last year, which is less than the penalty afforded other Melbourne Cup winners in recent times, however, we are mindful that it is 48 years since a horse has carried 58.5kg to victory in either Cup so a significant challenge awaits,” said Hegan.

“Imports like Soulcombe, Francesco Guardi, Hoo Ya Mal and Just Fine, the Roy Higgins winner Goldman and last season’s Derby winners Kovalica, Major Beel and Sharp ‘N’ Smart, all sit in the 52kg to 54kg range and have demonstrated the ability to be highly competitive.”

Mullins’ other entrant Absurde has 53kgs, while Aidan O’Brien’s top ranked horse is Broome with 56.5kgs.

Both of the Mullins runners and Broome are guaranteed a start, while the best rated of Joseph O’Brien’s is Valiant King with 50kgs, though he sits 43rd on the order of entry.

WINX’s first foal, a Pierro filly, will be offered for sale at the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. She will be consigned by Coolmore, going through on day two, April 8th. “It was a group decision, it wasn’t made by one person,” said part-owner Peter Tighe. “It’s only fair that we put her on the market and then everyone gets a chance. We’d like to keep a share in her ourselves, but it will depend on who buys her and whether they allow you to stay in. It gives everyone that opportunity - myself, Debbie Kepitis and the Treweekes.”