Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Saturday will see an all-male field vying for the $1.8 million winner’s cheque in the G1 Caulfield Guineas, with nine of those colts. Evaporate (Per Incanto (USA)) and Feroce (NZ) (Super Seth) will be the two geldings participating.
Can $1.60 favourite Broadsiding (Too Darn Hot {GB}) notch up a sixth consecutive victory, and his third straight at Group 1-level, in the Caulfield Guineas over 1600 metres this Saturday?
Or can Evaporate make it five wins in a row, while rising to the challenge of saluting in a Group 1 for the first time?
The Gai-Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable is on fire with their star 2- and 3-year-old horses right now, and they have Group placegetters Mayfair (Fastnet Rock) and Wanaruah (Snitzel) with strong chances.
These are just some of the fascinating storylines doing the rounds before the celebrated mile race with a 142-year history, with 11 elite 3-year-olds to line up in this year’s feature worth $3 million.
The Thoroughbred Report takes an in-depth look at each runner’s breeding.
No.1 – Broadsiding
3-year-old colt, Too Darn Hot (GB) x Speedway (Street Cry {Ire})
Trainer: James Cummings
Jockey: James McDonald
Barrier: 9
Breeder: Godolphin
Owners: Godolphin
Sale information: The Godolphin homebred is one of the 14 stakes winners for his sire, Too Darn Hot, who breeders missed this spring, hopeful that he will again shuttle in the future.
Broadsiding’s two-time winning dam Speedway (Street Cry) sadly died young having produced just one other foal, the light raceded (yet-to-place) Tony Gollan-trained No Brakes (Lonhro).
Broadsiding | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Speedway is a half-sister to the G1 1000 Guineas winner Flit (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) out of the stakes-placed Glissade (Redoute’s Choice) whose dam is the G3 AJC Breeders Classic winner Steflara (Zabeel {NZ}).
Trainer James Cummings is delighted how Broadsiding has progressed since his 0.14l win in the G1 Golden Rose at Randwick on September 28.
“Broadsiding is in very good order, he’s come through the Golden Rose beautifully,” he said.
“We are delighted with the progression that he’s made and the physical condition he’ll find himself in when he floats to the track at Caulfield for the Guineas.
“We are delighted with the progression that he’s (Broadsiding) made and the physical condition he’ll find himself in when he floats to the track at Caulfield for the Guineas.” - James Cummings
“I’ve seen him off the float this morning and he just looks perfect for the weekend.
“Undoubtedly there’s more improvement when we get through the Caulfield Guineas, but he’s ready to go for the weekend.”
No.2 – Rue De Royale (NZ)
3-year-old colt, Per Incanto (USA) x Urban Royal (Exceed And Excel)
Trainers: Tony and Calvin McEvoy
Jockey: John Allen
Barrier: 6
Breeder: Little Avondale Stud
Owners: Mr S Petrevski, Mr L Petrevski, P P P Golf Club Racing, Mrs C Beck, Mr W D McGuire, Mr D Kostovski, Peake Racing, Mr P R Orrico, Mr G J Donnelley, Mrs L B Donnelley, McFarlane-Rennie Racing, Mr J J Grant, Mr D J Small, Mr R G Taylor, Mr M O'Shea, Mr J T Eivers, Mr R J Bramich, Mr R Turner
Sale information: Purchased by McEvoy Mitchell Racing/Belmont Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) for $180,000 from Sledmere Stud at the 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
Per Incanto has sired 614 runners for 401 winners, with 30 of those at stakes level, including Belclare (NZ), Roch ‘N’ Horse (NZ), Shadows Cast (NZ), Little Brose, Bonham, Santa Monica (NZ), Dal Cielo (NZ), Saracino (NZ), Lost And Running (NZ), Justacanta (NZ), Evaporate, Belle Fascino (NZ), Dolcetto (NZ), Lanciato (NZ), Charms Star (NZ), Faithful Feat (NZ), Miss Aotearoa (NZ), Belluci Babe (NZ), Mauna Kea (NZ) and Magic Incanto (NZ).
Rue De Royale (NZ) | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
Urban Royal (Exceed And Excel) is a three-quarter sister to Essaouira, who is the dam of G1 Yulong Futurity S. Flight S. and Coolmore Legacy S. winner Alizee (Sepoy), as well as Astern (Medaglia D’oro), who is a G1 Golden Rose winner.
Second dam, Flouze (Zabeel), is a half-sister to G2 Magic Night S. winner Alizes.
“I know it was a maiden, but he won it like a nice horse and there were a few horses with big opinions,” Calvin McEvoy said after Rue De Royale’s 2.25l win in a maiden over 1300 metres at Bendigo on September 8.
Rue De Royale’s last start was a third placing in the G2 Stutt S. over 1600 metres – 3.25l behind Evaporate – at Moonee Valley on September 27.
No.3 – Evaporate (NZ)
3-year-old gelding, Per Incanto (USA) x Savanna (NZ) (Animal Kingdom {USA})
Trainers: Ben, Will and JD Hayes
Jockey: Michael Dee
Barrier: 8
Breeder: Little Avondale Stud
Owners: Mystery Downs, Mrs C M Cook, Mr C J Grace, Mr R A Frew, Mrs L A Frew, Mr A S Williams, Mr B E Buchanan, Dr F Carnovale, Ms J P Cook, Mr M W Dunne, Mr B Falloon, Mr T J Fink, Mr P P Victor, Mr B S Wilson, Mr R Green, Mr S J Pickworth, C F C
Sale information: A $330,000 purchase by Lindsay Park Racing from Sledmere Stud at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
The dam, Savanna (Animal Kingdom), was unraced. She is the half-sister to G3 Wenona Girl Quality winner Belluci Babe (NZ).
Savanna’s dam Savamour (NZ) (Savabeel) was also unraced. She is the three-quarter sister to G2 Chairman’s Quality Handicap winner, Philosophe (NZ) (Zabeel (NZ)) and Listed Neville Sellwood S. victor, Men At Work (NZ) (Zabeel).
Savamour is also the half-sister to seven-time winner Magnum (Per Incanto), six-time winner Sir Lovesalot (Darci Brahma {NZ}) and four-time victor in Hong Kong, Trillion Win (NZ) (Last Tycoon (Ire)).
Evaporate (NZ) | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
The Ben, JD and Will Hayes-trained Evaporate (NZ) has won his past three starts at The Valley, with his last one in the Group 2 Stutt S.
Will Hayes said he would prefer meeting Broadsiding at The Valley, but added the Caulfield venue would still give his sprinter an edge in his home city.
“Broadsiding looked pretty special winning first-up, but it’s still an advantage for us having to come here and meet us in our corner,” Hayes told racing.com.
“We’re fit and healthy and he’s there to run a big race. He’s had faultless preparation and he keeps on getting better.”
“We’re fit and healthy and he’s (Evaporate) there to run a big race. He’s had faultless preparation and he keeps on getting better.” - Will Hayes
No.4 – Angel Capital
3-year-old colt, Harry Angel (Ire) x Bahamas (Teofilo {Ire})
Trainer: Clinton McDonald
Jockey: Ben Melham
Barrier: 7
Breeder: David Peacock
Owners: Upper Bloodstock
Sale information: A $400,000 purchase for Gregory Ho and Upper Bloodstock from the Mill Park Stud draft at the 2023 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.
Harry Angel was a Group 2-winning juvenile and dual Group 1-winning 3-year-old, crowned World Champion Sprinter and Timeform rated 132 – higher than all six The Everest winners: Nature Strip (131), Classique Legend (128), Redzel (126), Yes Yes Yes (125), Giga Kick (124) and Think About It (127).
Harry Angel has sired 158 winners, and 15 at stakes level, including G1 Spring Champion victor Tom Kitten, G2 Bobbie Lewis Quality winner Arkansaw Kid and G2 Danehill S. winner Stretan Angel.
Angel Capital | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
The dam, Bahamas (Teofilo), ran second in the G3 SAJC South Australia Fillies C. and the Listed Alexandra S. while also picking up a third placing in the G1 SAJC Schweppes Oaks.
She is a half-sister to G2 Matriarch S. winner Affair To Remember (Toronado {Ire}) and six-time winner Exodus (Bernardini (USA)).
Bahamas is also the dam of Group 2 winner Berkeley Square (Territories {Ire}) and Group 3 winner Senor Toba (Toronado).
Angel Capital is a $9 Caulfield Guineas chance, and trainer Clinton McDonald was thrilled with his last-start victory in the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude over 1400 metres on September 21, beating Saturday’s opponents Public Attention (Written Tycoon), Wanaruah (Snitzel), Private Life (Written Tycoon) and Feroce (Super Seth).
“He’s just got that electric turn of foot and for him to do that today against good opposition, it’s encouraging and he’s only going to get better,” he said after the race.
No.5 – Mayfair
3-year-old colt, Fastnet Rock x Cicatrix (USA) (Violence {USA})
Trainers: Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott
Jockey: Blake Shinn
Barrier: 10
Breeder: SF Bloodstock
Owners: Newgate Bloodstock, China Horse Club Racing Pty Ltd, Newgate S F, Go Bloodstock Australia, Trilogy, Horse Ventures, Carpe Diem, Grant Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Starlight Racing, G1G Colts & Breeding Pty Ltd, Nick Vass Bloodstock, Aston Bloodstock, Aristia Park Bloodstock Pty Ltd.
Sale information: A $625,000 purchase by China Horse Club/Newgate/Go/Trilogy from Newgate Farm at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Sire Fastnet Rock was a G1 Oakleigh P. and G1 Lightning S. winner. He has sired a massive 1560 winners, with 194 triumphant at stakes level, including Rocket Spade, Sherwood Forest, Atlantic Jewel, One Master, Shoals and Sea Siren.
Mayfair’s dam Cicatrix (Violence) had two wins, one of those as a 2-year-old.
Mayfair | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
She is also the dam to mare Ode to Joy (Fastnet Rock) with one win each at 1000 and 1100 metres, and a third in the VRC New Year 2YO Sprint.
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have been delighted with Mayfair’s progress, after finishing third to star Godolphin stablemates Broadsiding and Traffic Warden (Street Boss (USA)) in the Golden Rose over 1400 metres last start at Rosehill on September 28.
"He’s got plenty of quality and toughness about him,” Bott said after Mayfair’s maiden win in his second career start in a $160,000 2YO H. over 1200 metres at Rosehill on July 20.
“He’s a relatively casual type of horse, and I think he’ll do just what’s needed. Every time he’s pressured, I’m sure there’s a bit more there and enough for a response.”
No.6 – Wanaruah
3-year-old colt, Snitzel x Mella Maria (Star Witness)
Trainers: Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott
Jockey: Jye McNeil
Barrier: 3
Breeder: Fernrigg Farm
Owners: Fernrigg Farm, Oneplusnine Racing, Matha Bloodstock.
Sale information: Passed in at $300,000 when offered by Fernrigg Farm at the 2023 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
Wanaruah’s sire Snitzel recorded seven wins, with four at two years of age, and he was a G1 Oakleigh Plate winner. Snitzel has received Champion Sire in Australia honours four times.
He has sired 1225 winners, with 148 at stakes level, including elite runners Trapeze Artist, Shamus Award, Estijaab, Redzel, Lady Shenandoah and In The Congo.
Wanaruah | Image courtesy of Sportpix
Wanaruah’s dam Mella Maria (Star Witness) had three victories, with two of those as a 2-year-old, and a G2 Johannesburg Spring Fillies and Mares Challenge salute.
Mella Maria is the dam of four named foals with three winners, including Miss Passion (Redoute’s Choice), who has two wins from 12 starts.
Wanaruah’s last start was a third placing in the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude over 1400 metres on September 21.
No.7 – Public Attention (NZ)
3-year-old colt, Written Tycoon x Legramor (NZ) (Commands)
Trainers: Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr.
Jockey: Ethan Brown
Barrier: 4
Breeders: Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan
Owners: Coolmore, Wynaus, Westerberg, Mr P Shanahan, Mr J Poulin, Meridian Bloodstock, Aristia Park Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr K MacLennan, Rockingham Thoroughbreds, Peachester Lodge Pty Ltd, Woppitt Bloodstock, Lynque, Sir P J Vela.
Sale information: Purchased by T Magnier for $160,000 from Carlaw Park at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Book 1 sales.
Public Attention’s (NZ) sire Written Tycoon had two career wins, both as a 2-year-old, including the G2 Todman S.
He has sired 920 winners, 64 at stakes level, including Coolangatta (G1 VRC Lightning S.), Capitalist, Lady of Camelot, Ole Kirk, Written By, Velocious, La Luna Rossa, Pippie and Southport Tycoon.
Public Attention’s dam Legramor (Commands) had two wins at 1200 metres.
Public Attention (NZ) | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
She is the dam of three foals, with Public Attention her only one to race thus far.
Public Attention’s second dam Katie Lee (Pins) was a Champion 3YO in New Zealand in 2009-10.
She had eight wins, and two as a 2-year-old, her victories at Group 1-level coming in the 2009 NZ Bloodstock 1000 Guineas and New Zealand 2000 Guineas.
Katie Lee is a three-quarter sister to Chateau d’Yquem (NZ) (Pins) (dam of Group 3 winner Phearson (Exosphere)), and a half-sister to six-time winner Banchee (NZ) (Oratorio {Ire}) and five-time victor Éclair Fantastic (NZ)(Spectatorial).
Public Attention has raced three times, and last start was nosed out in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude by Angel Capital.
"He's not had a lot of luck in his races and his form is OK," co-trainer Mick Price told racing.com.
"He ran super the other day behind Clinton's horse (Angel Capital).
"He stuck on good twice with no cover. There was his first start and then the other day, so he's shown some stamina to tough it out.
"He's ready to go, I can't do any more with him, he's spot on."
No.8 – Feroce (NZ)
3-year-old gelding, Super Seth x Corinthia (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ})
Trainer: Dom Sutton
Jockey: Billy Egan
Barrier: 2
Breeders: Pencarrow Stud
Owners: Sutton Racing Pty Ltd, Mr S Chappell, Mr S S Roth, Mr T M Dickson, Mr P M Hayden, Mr B G Arnel, R & C Racing, AFL Premiers.
Sale information: Feroce was purchased out of Kilgravin Lodge’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale draft for $160,000 by Sutton and McKeever Bloodstock.
Feroce’s (NZ) sire Super Seth achieved five victories, two as a 2-year-old, before a G1 Caulfield Guineas in the 2019 version.
Super Seth was the Leading First Season Sire in New Zealand in 2023-24.
He has sired 35 runners for 12 winners, including stakes victors Linebacker (NZ), Poetic Champion (NZ) and Super Photon (NZ).
Feroce’s dam, Corinthia (O’Reilly) was unraced, and a blood-sister to Lovetessa (O'Reilly) and half-sister to De Beers (NZ).
Feroce (NZ) | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
She is the dam of four named foals with three to race, all winners, including four-time winner Siracusa (Sebring) and one-time winner at 1250 metres, Calliope (Charm Sprint).
Second dam, Chimera (Danehill) had two wins in the 1200 and 1600-metre distances, and is sister to Viking Ruler, Kempinsky, Diamond Like (Danehill {USA} (dam of Forever Loved (NZ) and Zephyron (NZ)) , Love Diamonds (Danehill), blood-sister to Helsinborg, Dangerous, three-quarter-sister to Lovetrista (Rock Of Gibraltar (Ire)), Lucida (Danehill) and Flora Danica (Danehill).
She is the dam of seven foals, with two to race, including G1 Rosehill Guineas winner, De Beers.
Last start, Feroce finished fourth in the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude on September 21.
"I thought he was very good in the Guineas Prelude. He didn't have much of a run first-up, so he was pretty much first-up in the Prelude," trainer Dom Sutton told racing.com.
"I thought he was good; he was just a little bit out-sprinted at the top of the straight against some horses suited to 1400 metres. I think stepping up to 1600 metres will really suit him."
No.9 – Tropicus
3-year-old colt, Too Darn Hot (GB) x Extensible (Exceed And Excel)
Trainers: Anthony and Sam Freedman
Jockey: Mark Zahra
Barrier: 1
Breeders: Kia Ora Stud
Owners: Kia Ora Stud W S
Sale information: Tropicus (Too Darn Hot (GB)) is a Kia Ora Stud homebred.
His sire Too Darn Hot registered six wins, with four coming as a 2-year-old, including two at Group 1-level (Darley Dewhurst S. and Qatar Sussex S.).
Too Darn Hot was the leading First Season Sire in Australia in 2023-24. Sire of 213 runners, with 97 of those winners, 15 at stakes level, including Fallen Angel (GB) (G1 Curragh Moyglare Stud S.), Darnation {Ire}, Hotazhell (GB), Simmering (GB), Etes Vous Prets (Ire), Alyanaabi (Ire) and Carolina Reaper (GB).
His oldest Australian-bred progeny are 3-year-olds and include stakes winners Broadsiding (G1 ATC Champagne S.), Too Darn Discreet, Perspiration, Silmarillion and Arabian Summer.
Tropicus’s dam, Extensible (Exceed And Excel) had four wins for $246,625 in total prizemoney.
Tropicus | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
Extensible is a sister to Cathay Lady, half-sister to My Sugar (Deep Field) and Dineeta (Dylan Thomas) dam of five-time winner Cutadeel)).
She is also the dam of Penciled (Written Tycoon), a winner at 1350 metres.
Last start, Tropicus finished seventh from 10 in the G1 Golden Rose at Rosehill on September 28, 5l behind winner, Broadsiding.
Tropicus’s jockey Mark Zahra told racing.com that his mount galloped well on Thursday, adding the number one barrier would be ideal.
No.10 – Vianarra
3-year-old colt, Shalaa (Ire) x Vinavion (Flying Spur)
Trainers: Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young
Jockey: Jamie Mott
Barrier: 11
Breeder: Courtney Howells
Owners: Ms N J Young, Mrs D W Dormer, Mrs S H Juratowitch, Ms D V Pope, Ms AL Frawley, Miss A L Burgess, Mrs C O'dea, Mrs R M Sharp, Mrs B A Ramsdale, Ms L Kakos, Mrs K G Spillane, Mrs L Barry, Mrs C Felmingham, Mrs R K Schultz, Miss G Sharp, Mrs R F Jacobs, Miss F Deguara, Mrs L Rumble, Chelsar, Love A Vino.
Sale information: Purchased by Jorshan Investments Pty Ltd for $90,000 from Fairhill Farm at the 2022 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale.
Vianarra’s sire, Shalaa (Ire) notched up six wins, with five coming as a 2-year-old, including the Juddmonte Middle Park S. and Darley Prix Morny both over 1200 metres at Group 1-level.
Shalaa (Ire) has sired 399 winners, with 17 stakes level, including Mornington Glory (G1 AJ Moir S.), No Speak Alexander (Ire), Seven Veils, Recommendation, Semillion, Shaquero, Jennilala, Welwal (GB), Whizz Kid, Shalromy (Fr), Siam Paragon (Fr), Chilled and Princess Duhallow.
Vianarra’s dam, Vinavion (Flying Spur) raced three times. She is a half-sister to My Only Hope (Redoute's Choice) and the dam of eight named foals with seven to race for four winners.
Vianarra as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Those winners include two-time winner Wine Bush (High Chaparral (Ire)) two-time winner Wine Tales (Tale Of The Cat (USA)), four-time winner Devil’s Lair (Pierro) and three-time winner Big Short (Flying Spur).
Vianarra is still a maiden, but finished third in the $250,000 Magic Millions Ballarat 2YO Classic over 1000 metres on December 9 last year.
"He's crying out for that mile. It was really nice to be able to get Jamie Mott on him (for a Caulfield gallop on Thursday) just to have a bit of a feel of him because he hasn't been on him yet,” co-trainer Natalie Young told racing.com.
"He's a ladies' horse and he's given them such a great buzz. He's taken them to Sydney, he's taken them to Magic Millions and look we may as well chase a Group 1."
No.11 – Private Life
3-year-old colt, Written Tycoon x Aliyana Tilde (Snitzel)
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: Damian Lane
Barrier: 5
Breeders: Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd, Planette Thoroughbred and Belford Productions Pty Ltd.
Owners: Coolmore, Wynaus, Westerberg, Mr J Poulin, Sir P J Vela, Lynque, Woppitt Bloodstock, Peachester Lodge Pty Ltd, Rockingham Thoroughbreds, Mr K MacLennan, Aristia Park Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Meridian Bloodstock.
Sale information: A $650,000 purchase for Tom Magnier from the Arrowfield Stud draft at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Private Life | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Private Life’s dam Aliyana Tilde (Snitzel) had three wins. She is a sister to Teaspoon, half-sister to Smytzer's Trish (Geiger Counter (USA) dam of Listed Redelva S. winner Swish Trish)), Stella Artois (Star Way {GB} dam of Freestyle)), Bacarella (Beneteau), Xaarbarella (dam of One Rar). Dam of six named foals, five to race, for four winners, including Earth Trilogy (Animal Kingdom (USA)) who saluted three times from 23 starts.
Last start, he finished fourth in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude.
