Inglis entries open

Entries are now open for the 2020 Inglis Select Yearling Sales Series at Classic, Premier, Easter, Gold and Scone – in 2020 at Riverside Stables, Oaklands Junction and White Park.

“The success of graduates of Inglis auctions, particularly at Group 1 level, is very significant and we will be doing our utmost to promote to the buying bench that their chances of buying a Group 1 winner are dramatically increased by doing business with Inglis,” General Manager of Bloodstock Sales Sebastian Hutch said.

“Our sales structure for 2020 is a reflection not just of the consideration we have given as a team to where we can improve, but more importantly of the feedback we have received from both vendors and buyers.”

More than 2000 yearlings were sold through the Inglis Select Yearling Sale Series in 2019 at a market-leading clearance rate of 85 per cent, the market-leading average of $114,000 and market-leading gross of $230,000,000.

Inglis also sold the most yearlings in 2019 for $1 million or more, offering 19 of the 30 yearlings to sell for seven figures in Australia, as well as the only two yearlings to sell for $2 million or more and 20 individual Group 1 winning graduates for the 2018-19 season.

Trainer bullish

Co-trainer Leon Macdonald is confident Waging War (Rebel raider) will be hard to roll in the Listed Winter Championship Final at Flemington.

"Last start at Sandown he did draw out in 11," he said. "I know Sandown is a different track, but he got into a good spot pretty quickly there.

“Whether that can happen on that long rounding turn at Flemington, I don't know, but I suppose that's up to the jockey.

"Craig (Williams) is riding very, very well. He meets the horse that beat him the other day at Sandown one kilo and a-half better which will help us a fair bit and I'm sure Flemington will suit him."

Moore retirement to be enforced

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has confirmed that next season will be trainer John Moore’s last, with the club’s retirement rule set to be enforced.

Moore was granted a special extension at the usual retirement age of 65, four years ago, but Jockey Club executive Director of Racing Andrew Harding said there was a hard cap at 70.

Moore is keen to train on beyond 70 and speculation has been rife in recent weeks that his late-season bid to claim this season’s trainers’ premiership could earn him another extension, but that now looks out of the question.

“One thing that is very important is that everyone is treated fairly, the goalposts were set in 2013, they were clearly known, and they are consistently applied,” Harding told the South China Morning Post.

Wolf full of tricks

Roman Wolf (Deep Field) can be a handful off the track, but has the talent come race day and he’s a form runner for the Australian Turf Club H. at Randwick.

"If he doesn't want to go to trackwork in the morning from the stables, he stands in the driveway and won't move until someone comes along and chases him with a broom," trainer Gary Portelli said.

A debut winner at Wyong, he missed a place at his next two runs then led and finished runner-up over 1150 metres on the Kensington circuit last month.

"I like the way he really dug deep under pressure on the Kenso the other day," Portelli said. "He's tough as nails, he's enjoying being in the stable and he's an absolute swimmer.”

Claim to aid

Corey Bayliss’ two kilo claim will improve the chances of Shogun Sun (Written Tycoon) to run a strong 1600 metres at Doomben on Saturday.

Trainer Kelly Schweida said he only elected to step Shogun Sun up to a mile after he was forced to scratch him from the Listed Glasshouse H. because of a heavy Sunshine Coast track last week.

"There just wasn't anything else in his distance range this week and he needs to run," Schweida said.

"He hasn't been disgraced in some much better races during the winter. This race is obviously weaker but with Corey's two kilo claim it should give him an extra tick."

Another chance for Whypeeo

Trainer Toby Edmonds admits frustration with Whypeeo (I Am Invincible), who runs in the Open Handicap at Doomben on Saturday.

Whypeeo won two stakes races as a 3-year-old and ran second to Champagne Cuddles (Not A Single Doubt) in the G3 Gold Coast Guineas last winter.

Edmonds then took the gelding to Melbourne for the spring carnival, but Whypeeo didn't travel well and after failing twice was sent for a long spell and didn't return until May.

He has since mixed his form and Edmonds is now hoping the horse can fully realise his potential.

Quirk on board

Former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has been appointed to the Racing Queensland board as the organisation's thoroughbred industry representative.

Upon making the announcement, Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Mr Quirk brought a strong set of skills and capabilities to the role.

“As a thoroughbred owner and breeder, Graham Quirk lives and breathes racing.

“He’s a regular visitor to the races and is highly respected for his knowledge and understanding of the thoroughbred industry.”