Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Can Newitt end the drought and let the beers flow?
Two weeks ago, jubilant scenes erupted when the bold, front-running mare Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) came out of retirement to claim the G2 Peter Young Stakes stylishly. Now, she steps back up to Group 1-level, putting her credentials on the line in Saturday’s prestigious G1 Australian Cup.
After her Peter Young victory emotions ran high—joy, pride, and relief radiated from connections while the Caulfield crowd shared in the excitement. Not only had they witnessed an outstanding mare make her return in style, but they were also treated to a free beer courtesy of Melbourne Racing Club Chairman John Kanga.
Pride Of Jenni | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Ahead of Saturday’s showdown, VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers has matched the gesture, stating:
“TAB Australian Cup Day is the ultimate finale to an incredible six weeks of Group 1 racing at Flemington. We have top-tier racing stylish fashion, and racegoers can enjoy a drink on us if Pride Of Jenni wins.”
For jockey Craig Newitt, the race presents a golden opportunity to break a nearly nine-year drought at the elite level. His last Group 1 win came aboard Extreme Choice in the 2016 G1 Moir Stakes.
Craig Newitt | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Newitt told the media during the week:
“It’s been about nine years since my last Group 1 winner, so I’m starting to get very excited as I have no doubt that she can deliver me another one.
“This is what we get out of bed for, every morning at 4 am. To find these kind of horses, and to race at the elite level.
“It’s been about nine years since my last Group 1 winner, so I’m starting to get very excited as I have no doubt that she (Pride Of Jenni) can deliver me another one.” - Craig Newitt
“I have been fortunate enough to be given the keys to Jenni this year.”
Arapaho chasing rare Tancred double
In 2023, it was something of a surprise when Arapaho (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) claimed victory in the G1 Tancred Stakes, defeating Montefilia (Kermadec {NZ}) off the back of a win in the Listed Canberra Cup.
Fast forward two years and Arapaho is now attempting to become the first dual-winner of the G1 Tancred Stakes since the outstanding Tie The Knot (Nassipour {USA}), who won in 1999 and 2000. Before him, the legendary Octagonal (NZ) achieved the feat in 1996 and 1997.
Since his 2023 triumph, Arapaho’s only win came in last year’s G2 Sandown Classic. However, he appears to be building into form nicely this campaign. His recent effort in the Sky High Stakes was excellent, finishing just behind Vauban (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), and that form has been franked—third place-getter Lindermann (Lonhro) returned the following week to run a strong second behind Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) in the G1 Ranvet Stakes.
Arapaho (Fr) | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
During the week, Jockey Rachel King told media that she’s looking forward to being back aboard Arapaho, having recently returned from a successful stint in Japan. It’s clear she holds a deep affection for the gelding.
“He ran nearly last one day in a Tamworth Cup, he’s taken me around in a Melbourne Cup, he’s won a weight for age Group 1. He owes us nothing, but he’s ready to regain his crown.
“He was one of the main ones I was excited to get back on and I’m grateful to Bjorn (Baker) and the owners because I missed his first two runs.
“I knew that was going to be the case, and you always hope you get back on, but he ran really well in those first two races while I was away.”
Rachel King | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
When asked about his most recent performance, King said:
“I thought he ran super, he was unlucky not to get the bob in, but I think he’s right on track to be in for a very good preparation again.
“I think he’s going definitely as good if not better than he was two years ago. He’s a real confidence horse and his confidence definitely couldn’t be any higher at the moment.”
“I thought he (Arapaho) ran super, he was unlucky not to get the bob in, but I think he’s right on track to be in for a very good preparation again.” - Rachel King
In terms of a potential wet track on Saturday with some heavy rainfall may be expected, King was not too worried,
“He’s won on everything from a good 3 to a heavy 10, he seems to go on anything. He has put in some really good performances on wet tracks, a few of them in lesser grade, but he’s pretty straight forward to be honest.”
Ceolwulf changes course ahead of Pride’s big aim
It may have come as a surprise earlier in the week to see classy Group 1 winner Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) nominated for the G2 Neville Sellwood Stakes, but trainer Joe Pride has made it clear—it’s all part of a calculated plan to give his galloper the best possible lead-up to the race they’re targeting most.
Having identified the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes as their main goal, Pride told the media that this Saturday’s Rosehill assignment is the most logical next step.
“This just looked like the obvious race,” Pride said.
The G1 Doncaster Mile was also on the cards, but the only trouble with the Doncaster is it would mean him backing up into the Queen Elizabeth.
Ceolwulf (NZ) | Image courtesy of Sportpix
“The decision that I’ve had to make is, what race do we think we’re the best chance of winning? And I’ve come up with the Queen Elizabeth. To do that, giving him two weeks into it is the smart play.”
Earlier in the campaign, Ceolwulf was set to clash with Via Sistina in the G1 Verry Elleegant Stakes after finishing just 0.43l behind her in the G2 Apollo Stakes. However, a leg abrasion ruled him out of that race, and connections were forced to pivot, dropping him back to 1300 metres for the G1 Canterbury Stakes, where he ran a solid fifth.
Last weekend, he was very good when finishing a narrow third behind Gringotts (NZ) (Per Incanto) and Fangirl (Sebring) in the G1 George Ryder Stakes over 1500 metres.
Pride was very pleased with the effort;
“After last Saturday, I think the horse is very much back on track.”
Joe Pride and Chad Schofield | Image courtesy of Sportpix
Jockey Chad Schofield is equally optimistic heading into the weekend:
“This looks a great race for him. He is obviously dropping back significantly in grade, although he is still in a really solid Group 2, it's a drop back.”
“I think the step up to 2000 metres is no worries, and the rain forecast is no worry at all.
“He is just a seriously good horse that can run anywhere, as he has shown this prep from 1300 metres to 2000 metres.
“He (Ceolwulf) is just a seriously good horse that can run anywhere, as he has shown this prep from 1300 metres to 2000 metres.” - Chad Schofield
“I think he will really like the 2000 metres, and I can't wait to ride him on Saturday.”
While Ceolwulf will have to concede weight to the rest of the field, several in-form contenders won’t make it easy.
Bois D’Argent (GB) (Toronado {Ire}) was solid last start when finishing third behind Pride Of Jenni, Palmetto (NZ) (Ghibellines) brings strong form from his Listed Canberra Cup win, and Just Fine (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is always a factor once he steps out over a middle distance.
Third time’s the charm for Power Of Opal?
The outstanding Matt Laurie-trained filly Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express) looks incredibly hard to beat and is the very warm favourite in Saturday’s G1 Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill. She aims for an impressive seventh consecutive win.
One filly who has gallantly attempted to conquer her before is Powers Of Opal (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}). The John Sargent-trained runner had two shots at beating Treasurethe Moment during the Melbourne spring carnival, finishing a brave second to her in both the G2 Wakeful Stakes and the G1 VRC Oaks. She had every chance on each occasion but came up short by 1.75l and 1.25l respectively.
Powers Of Opal and Treasurethe Moment at Crown Oaks | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Now, Powers Of Opal will try to turn the tables at her third attempt. Trainer John Sargent commented:
“We have got her out to a trip now so we want to see her competitive on Saturday.
“She's had a couple of runs she's needed, but no excuses Saturday, we got to try and attack the good filly (Treasurethe Moment) and be close at the finish.”
“She's (Powers Of Opal) had a couple of runs she's needed, but no excuses Saturday, we got to try and attack the good filly (Treasurethe Moment) and be close at the finish.” - John Sargent
Sargent acknowledges the challenge ahead and commented,
“Yes, she is very good, very good, but I've added blinkers, we are on our home track, a bit of rain about, hopefully that will help us get closer to her, but we will have to be on our game for sure.”
“Yes, she (Treasurethe Moment) is very good, very good, but I've added blinkers, we are on our home track, a bit of rain about, hopefully that will help us get closer to her, but we will have to be on our game for sure.” - John Sargent
The race shape could become a key factor with a small field and a red-hot favourite. When asked if he thought tactics might come into play, Sargent said:
“Let’s hope not, I would like to see some speed, mine's a staying filly, so lets hope they run along a bit, smaller fields usually have that, but hopefully they run along.”
Straight test for the Kiwi lass at Flemington
The outstanding Kiwi filly Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) has enjoyed an exceptional season in New Zealand, winning four of her six starts, including the G2 Soliloquy Stakes, G3 Gold Trail Stakes, and the G3 King’s Plate. When beaten, it was in Group 1 company—the G1 1000 Guineas over the mile and the G1 Railway Handicap—and on both occasions, the tracks were slightly rain-affected.
Trainer Ken Kelso, who trains in partnership with his wife Bev, and her connections believe the time is right to test her in Australia. It’s both a fact-finding mission to see where she measures up and an opportunity to gain valuable Australian black type.
She lines up in Saturday’s $500,000 Listed 3-year-old race down Flemington’s famous straight over 1100 metres, a race that looks an ideal target. With a strong record and a rating that makes her clearly the highest-rated filly in the field, her 57kg impost appears fair.
Alabama Lass | Image courtesy of Kenton Wright (Race Images)
“This is going to give us a good idea of how she measures up in Australia,” said Kelso. “We won’t die wondering. If she puts her best foot forward, which she has in all of her New Zealand starts, I think she’ll be competitive.”
At her last start, Alabama Lass produced a scintillating 5.3l victory over Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}), who was recently announced as the Trackside NZ and Perth Racing slot runner in the $5 million The Quokka (1200m).
“Everything’s gone to plan with her since then. She flew to Melbourne on Wednesday and coped with it really well. She ate everything last night and is looking bright,” Kelso said.
“She had her final serious hitout at home on Saturday morning, up against the rail on the course proper. It was a bit foggy, so we weren’t able to time her, but it looked like good work. I think she’s spot on, and we’re all systems go.
“She’s in a good place at the moment and we’re very happy with her. Whatever happens on Saturday, this is going to be her final start this season.”
“She’s (Alabama Lass) in a good place at the moment and we’re very happy with her. Whatever happens on Saturday, this is going to be her final start this season.” - Ken Kelso
Kelso added that her earlier Group 1 defeats had some clear context:
“She was a bit unlucky with rain-affected ground in the Guineas and the Railway, so it was good to see her show what she can do when she gets a track to suit.”
As for the straight-track debut and her barrier draw, Kelso remains open-minded:
“They tell me that’s not a bad place to draw. A few of the other favourites have drawn around her.
Ken Kelso | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell
“We’ll leave tactics up to Craig, who will have done his form. I’m not saying that she won’t lead, but I don’t think she has to. If something else wants to go forward, she’s shown that she’s quite adaptable and can take a sit.
“She’s shown at home that she’s good around corners, but we all know that races down the straight at Flemington are quite different. It’ll be interesting to see how she handles it.”
