Octagonal colt Lonhro winning the Gr. 1 Caulfield Guineas 13-10-01

Friday, 12 April
Hosannah is coming off a fine run in the Doncaster Hcp and should find the class easier to handle in the Establishment Hotel Emancipation Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday. Even though she finished 12th last start, Hosannah was only 4.8 lengths behind winner Sunline and suffered interference at the 200m mark. She drops back to fillies and mares class here and looks very hard to beat. Darren Beadman will ride from barrier 2.
John Hawkes has entered Omens, who was an unlucky fourth last start, for the same event. The filly struck interference near the post in the Group 2 Queen Of The Turf (1500m) at Rosehill on 23rd. This will be her third run from a spell and with continued improvement she looms as a strong chance. Corey Brown will ride from barrier 12.
Orthopaedic returns to metropolitan racing after a fast-finishing third at Murray Bridge on 3rd April. He will line up in the John Phillips Hcp (1460m) at Cheltenham on Saturday. Orthopaedic has been consistent to date with a win and four placings from eight starts. The gelding has drawn barrier 5 and will have Darren Holland aboard.
Camilleon has been entered for the Coogee Bay Boutique Apartments/Medina Apartments Mdn Plte (1200m) at Tamworth on Monday, where she will make her debut. The filly has had three barrier trials, all at Rosehill and the last of which was on 19th March when 8th. Camilleon has drawn barrier 4 with a jockey yet to be notified.
Montreal ran a nice race last start when 4th at Newcastle over 1500m on 30th March and will again race at that track on Saturday in the Enfield Motor Auctions Mdn Plte (1300m). Melanie Manktelow has the ride from barrier 10.
In midweek race results, Ares ran 3rd over 1900m at Canterbury on Thursday night, Classy Affair debuted with a 5th at Matamata over 1400m on Wednesday and Prince Georgios was 8th at Pinjarra over 1300m. Capto was scratched from Moonee Valley on Thursday night.

Octagonal proved one of the most popular sires at the recent William Inglis & Son Easter Yearling Sale, with the 20 yearlings sold grossing $3,115,000 at an average of $155,750. The top price paid was $600,000 for lot 515, a black colt out of Twiglet.
Tuesday, 9 April
Factional was far from disgraced last Saturday in the Group 1 AJC Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick, finishing in 6th place, not all that far behind the placegetters. The filly maintained 6th placing for the majority of the race in what was her toughest test to date.
Sir Henry showed a return to for at Kembla Grange on Saturday with a 2nd in the Thoroughbred Publishing Hcp-C1 (1500m). The gelding made up ground in the straight, but could not overhaul the winner and was beaten 1 1/2 lengths.
Also racing at Kembla Grange was Aucash For All, who finished 9th in the Aimer Racing Weekly Plate-C1 (2000m).
O'Mars raced the best race of his career at Hawkesbury on Tuesday with a 3rd in the Australian Bloodhorse Review-C1 (1800m). He looks to have found his ideal distance range now and looks likely to go close in a similar class event shortly.
Porteos continued her return from a 70 week spell by finishing 6th at Canberra in the Functions at Canberra Maiden Plate (1000m) on Tuesday. The filly has improved at each of her three starts and is gaining fitness with each run.
Ares will be dropping significantly in class when he contests the MAA-Arrive Alive Hcp (1900m) at Canterbury on Thursday night. Ares' last start was a superb 4th in the Listed Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on 1st April, at the big odds of 50/1. On that run, he appears very hard to beat here. Corey Brown will ride from barrier 5.
Capto is another that is dropping in class, but she may not get a run after being drawn as the first emergency in the Gillies Country Bakers Hcp (2040m) at Moonee Valley on Thursday night. Capto had a visit to Sydney last start and finished 8th in the Group 1 Arrowfield Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on 23rd March. She was beaten just less than five lengths on that occasion behind classy performers Sixty Seconds, Hosannah and Quays. The filly has drawn the outside barrier of 15 and Damien Oliver will ride.
Prince Georgios is entered for the James Malachi Hcp-C1 (1300m) at Pinjarra on Thursday. Connections have been mixing the gelding's distances in recent starts to ascertain his most favoured journey. Peter Knuckey will be in the saddle from barrier 8.
Classy Affair, a 3yo filly, will make her racing debut at Matamata in New Zealand on Wednesday in the Flair's Tribute To Joy Bell Maiden (1400m). She is out of the American mare Bye Bye Affair. Classy Affair has drawn barrier 8 and apprentice Cameron Lammas will be aboard and claim 3kg. Monte Peak finished 3rd in heat 2 of the Canterbury trials on Monday.
Saturday, 6 April
Pentathlon broke through for a deserved win on the Kensington track on Wednesday in the Green Square Hcp (1400m). Jockey Corey Brown had the gelding in 8th place at the turn before making his run with about 200m to go and Pentathlon responded beautifully, racing away to score by 2 3/4 lengths in a manner that suggests he will go on to win again shortly.
All eyes will be on Factional this weekend as she respresents Octagonal in the prestigous AJC Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday. The filly has improved at each of her five starts to date and last Saturday worked home nicely for 2nd in the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m). This will be Factional's greatest test so far, lining up against proven performers such as Sixty Seconds, Elegant Fashion and Republic Lass, but she gives the impression that she will be suited by the 2400m. Corey Brown will ride from barrier 3.
Aucash For All will line up in the Aimer Racing Weekly Plate-C1 (2000m) at Kembla Grange on Saturday. The gelding has been steadily working towards this distance at her four career starts. Brad Pengelly will ride from barrier 5.
Sir Henry is also due to run at Kembla Grange and is entered for the Thoroughbred Publishing Hcp-C1 (1500m). The gelding has the topweight of 56.5kg mainly due to his explosive four length win at this track over 1400m on 25th September last year. With Saturday's race Sir Henry's fourth this preparation, he should be just about ready fitness wise to display that ability once more. Brad Pengelly will ride from barrier 9. O'Mars has missed the start at his two runs to date and the unplaced finishes to not do justice to the well-bred gelding (out of Marscay mare, Miss Marscay). With better early speed he should be competitive in the Australian Bloodhorse Review-C1 (1800m) at Hawkesbury on Tuesday. Rod Quinn has the ride from barrier 10.
Porteos has had 70 weeks between her two starts and not surprisingly raced greenly when resuming at Canberra on 15th March. She finished 8th on that occasion beaten 7.8 lengths and gets the chance to build on that effort in the Functions at Canberra Maiden Plate (1000m) at Canberra on Tuesday. Porteos is, however, the first emergency for the event and will rely on a scratching for a start. Young apprentice Robbie Sherlock will ride from barrier 9 and claim 2kg.
Monte Peak will trial at Canterbury on Monday in heat 2. In other midweek race results, Barberousse finished 6th in the same event as Pentathlon, beaten 5 lengths. Provokes ran 12th in his event. At Murray Bridge, Orthopaedic was 3rd, Fulfilment 12th, Private Agenda 7th and Conscience 9th in their events. Bright Eyed Boy ran 10th at Ballarat, while in New Zealand Vee Eight was 8th and Karlette 12th in their respective events.
Monday, 1 April
The exceptionally bred Post returned to racing on Monday with a narrow victory over 1400m at Caulfield. Connections had carefully selected the right race with the colt nominated for many events in past weeks before deciding to tackle the metropolitan event. The victory shows that Post is set for a fine campaign this time in.
Hosannah competed well in Saturday's Group 1 Doncaster Hcp (1600m) at Randwick, finishing 12th, only 4.8 lengths behind winner Sunline. This was by far Hosannah's biggest test to date and proves that she has a bright future at this level.
Factional also performed well at Group level in the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday. The filly finished 2nd after coming from 10th on the turn.
Huit ran her usual consistent race in finishing 3rd in the Group 3 Fernhill Hcp (1600m) at Randwick today. The filly's record now stands at a second and three thirds from five starts and she should break through shortly.
Ares belied her 50/1 quote to run 4th beaten 2.1 lengths in the Listed Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Randwick today. The gelding looked above average in winning at Newcastle on 6th March and should be able to find a suitable race in the near future.
A slow track at Newcastle on Saturday saw Montreal finish 4th and O'Mars 8th in the same 1500m maiden.
Barberousse is coming off an impressive win at Hawkesbury on 7th March and will line up in the Green Square Hcp (1400m) on the Kensington track on Wednesday. The colt has drawn awkwardly in barrier 10 and will be ridden by Darren Beadman. Stablemate Pentathlon will run in the same event after finishing 2nd last start at Warwick Farm on 17th March. Corey Brown will ride from barrier 6. Provokes has had almost a month between runs since winning in strong fashion at Newcastle on 6th March and is entered for the Bronte Hcp (1400m) on the Kensington track. The filly has drawn barrier 6 and will have Rod Quinn in the saddle. Bright Eyed Boy will be second-up in the Golf House Hotel Mdn Plate (1400m) at Ballarat on Wednesday. Last start, the gelding finished 11th at Echuca on 8th March. Bright Eyed Boy has drawn barrier 10 with Steven Arnold to ride. Conscience will continue her career at Murray Bridge on Wednesday in the Make'em Laugh Mdn Plate (1400m). The gelding started her career with a 2nd at Clare on 10th March. Wayne Kerford will ride from barrier 2. Orthopaedic and Fulfilment have been entered for the same race at Murray Bridge on Wednesday - Singin' In The Rain Hcp (1400m). Orthopaedic ran 2nd at Strathalbyn on 20th March. Wayne Kerford will be aboard from barrier 12. Fulfilment, who has had a switch in stables, is coming off a 3rd at the Sunshine Coast on 24th February and will be ridden by Jeff Maund from barrier 6. Private Agenda will make his debut in the Lina Lamont Hcp (1000m) at Murray Bridge. The colt has not been seen at the official trials. Paul Gatt will ride from barrier 5. Vee Eight has been racing consistently of late and gets his chance to break through in the Agrifeeds/Anchormart Mdn (1600m) at Te Aroha in New Zealand. Jim Collett will be aboard from barrier 10. Karlette has been improving at each start and lines up in the Mark Williams Plumbing Mdn (2100m) at Te Aroha. Apprentice Michael Walker will ride from barrier 2.
Wednesday, 27 March
Octagonal appearing at Randwick this Saturday Fans of Octagonal will have a rare opportunity to see the him in the flesh at Derby/Doncaster Day at Randwick on Saturday after the AJC invited the champion along with Saintly and Nothin' Leica Dane to parade prior to the running of the Derby. This is a fantastic opportunity to see one of Australia's most popular racehorses and revive memories of his fantastic achievements
Monday, 25 March
Hosannah narrowly missed out on adding another Group 1 Arrowfield Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday. The filly was beaten a nose by winner Sixty Seconds after both horses finished strongly from the turn. The second placing takes Hosannah's career earnings to just under $600,000 - an excellent performance from only 14 starts. Hosannah's half-sister Capto ran a nice race to finish in 8th place beaten under five lengths. This was the filly's first run in Group company and her performance shows the improvement she is making at each start.
Omens finished 4th in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill and is now racing consistently at Group level. She finished only 2.2 lengths behind winner Ugachaka and will be very competitive during the Autumn carnival.
Pot The Black finished 6th in a Class 3 event over 1200m at Kembla Grange on Saturday and Demanding finished 13th at Ascot over 2200m also on Saturday.
Private Agenda was scratched from his engagement at Gawler on Sunday. The John Hawkes-trained Espiral will make her debut in the Mat Parish Mdn Hcp (1350m) at Wyong on Wednesday. The filly has had three trials in preparation for this race, the last of which was a 3rd at Warwick Farm on 15th March. Corey Brown will ride from barrier three. Montreal is also entered for this event and is the third emergency. The filly's last start was a 10th at Newcastle on 6th March. Josh will be contesting the Trackside Lounge Mdn Hcp (1666m) at Ipswich on Wednesday. The gelding ran a first-up 4th last start at Eagle Farm on 20th March and should benefit from the increase in distance and added fitness. Josh will be ridden by Scott Galloway and start from barrier four. The talented Post will make his return to racing in the Etheridge Cleaning Hcp -C1 (1200m) at Geelong on Wednesday. Post won impressively at Bendigo last preparation, before running 3rd at Sandown and should go very close in this race. The colt won a Cranbourne barrier trial on 22nd March by two lengths. Danny Nikolic will ride from barrier five.
In New Zealand, Vee Eight will be running in the Hamilton Cosmopolitan Club Sport Of Kings Mdn (1670m) at Paeroa. The gelding has been improving at each start and is nearing a win. His last start was a 3rd at Avondale on 13th March. Vee Eight has drawn barrier seven with a rider yet to be notified.
Friday, 22 March
One of the stars of the Octagonal crop, Hosannah, is coming off an impressive performance last start and will line up in the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Stakes (2000m). The filly finished 7th in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic at Rosehill on 9th March, only 3.2 lengths behind champion mare Sunline. That was Hosannah's first run against older horses and the performance stands her in good stead as she returns to her own grade. Darren Beadman has the ride from barrier 6.
A change in plans will see Capto run at Rosehill against Hosannah on Saturday. The filly was scratched from her engagement at Sandown on Wednesday in search of the vastly greater prizemoney. Capto came from 14th on the turn to finish 5th at Sandown on 6th March, but will find this much tougher against the likes of Hosannah, Quays, Moonflute and Barawin. Chris Munce has the ride from barrier 4.
Omens was another to finish strongly last start when she deat-heated for second in the Listed Birthday Card Stakes (1200m) at Canterbury on 2nd March. She will be looking to go one better in the Inter Continental Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday. Omens has drawn barrier 2 and Corey Brown will be aboard.
Demanding got herself into all sorts of bother last start and should geta more comfortable run in the Natasha Trophy (2200m) at Ascot on Saturday. On February 23 at Ascot, the filly struck interference near the turn and was slightly injured in the incident. She also returned with her tongue over the bit. Peter Knuckey will ride Demanding from barrier 14. Pot The Black looks to have a degree of talent and connections have stepped the gelding up to a Class 3 event despite only having won his sole start. He will run in the Centrecare Cup -C3 (1200m) at Kembla Grange on Saturday. Pot The Black's win was at Hawkesbury on 7th March. Robert Thompson will ride from the ideal barrier 1.
Private Agenda is a 3yo colt who will make his debut Sanctuary Hair & Beauty Mdn (1050m) at Gawler on Sunday. He has not been seen at the official trials, but his dam Kapchat (NZ) won six metropolitan races during the mid-90's, including two Group events. Simon Price will ride from barrier 13. In mid-week results, Orthopaedic ran second over 1350m at Strathalbyn on Wednesday, while Josh was 4th over 1400m at Eagle Farm also on Wednesday. Aucash For All ran 12th at Hawkesbury on Thursday over 1800m.
Tuesday, 19 March
Impressive filly Factional built on her growing reputation with a strong 1 1/4 length victory in the Steve Donoghue Hcp (1600m) at Warwick Farm on Sunday. To add merit to the win, Factional was racing against older and more experienced horses, but still was able to settle in fourth place before making her run in the straight to score comfortably. Factional is nominated to run in the AJC Oaks at Randwick on 6th April and looks a chance in that event if she maintains her rate of improvement.
Pentathlon was held up for a run at a vital stage when second in the Walter Swinburn Hcp (1300m) at Warwick Farm. The gelding made up many lengths in the straight after being 8th on the turn, but lost momentum over the final 100m after laying in slightly on to other horses. Huit was also placed at Warwick Farm, finishing third in the Listed T. L. Baillieu Hcp (1400m). The filly made up respectable ground after being 6th on the turn.
Cornersoff finished a solid first-up third at Newcastle on Saturday over 1600m and looks likely to have a successful campaign.
Porteos was having her first start for over 16 months at Newcastle over 1000m and finished mid-field in 8th after racing greenly.
Dr Loane debuted with a 10th in the 900m 2yo maiden at Newcastle, but was disadvantaged by barrier 13.
Earl Grey also ran at Newcastle and was 10th in the first division of the 1400m maiden.
O'Mars also debuted at Newcastle and did a good job to finish 5th after being slowly away and having jockey Allan Robinson lose his whip at the 300m mark.
Rectagonal finished 7th over 1900m at Canterbury on Thursday night, after being checked at the 400m.
The Warwick Farm trials on Friday saw Sir Octavius finish 3rd in heat 4, with Octasong 7th in that event. Espiral was 3rd in heat 12. Capto, who finished powerfully last start coming from 14th on the turn to finish 5th at Sandown on 6th March, looks to have strong claims in the Chaise Hcp (1600m) at Sandown on Wednesday. The wide barrier of 13 should not be a problem as jockey Steven Arnold will be able to settle Capto towards the rear of the field and unleash in the straight.
Josh has been off the scene since 6th November when third to the talented Another Warrior, who has since been placed in the Canterbury Guineas. He will line up in the Dancing Poet Mdn (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Wednesday. Scott Galloway will ride from barrier 7.
Orthopaedic looks hard to beat in the R V Jordan Hcp -C1 (1350m) at Strathalbyn on Wednesday. The gelding ran 2nd last start in a Saturday class event on 9th February at Victoria Park and gets in well here with 56kg. Orthopaedic has barrier 8 and will have Wayne Kerford aboard.
Friday, 15 March
Factional, scratched from Kembla Grange on Wednesday, will run instead at Warwick Farm on Sunday in the Steve Donoghue Hcp (1600m). The filly's next race start has been eagerly anticipated after her impressive victory on the Kensington track on 27th February. It will be her first start on her home track and she appears very hard to beat. Corey Brown has the ride from barrier 3. Huit, who has been beaten less than a length at each of her three starts to date, will be looking to rectify that situation in the Listed T. L. Baillieu Hcp (1400m) at Warwick Farm. Huit looks nicely weighted in this event, getting at least three kilos from Mission Statement, Athelnoth and Mukareena. Rod Quinn will ride and the filly has drawn well in barrier 1. Pentathlon looks well-placed in the Walter Swinburn Hcp (1300m) at Warwick Farm, considering the class of races she contested during the Spring in Melbourne. Her fine performances in those events, however, have seen her burdened with 58kg on Sunday. Pentathlon has drawn barrier 1 and Darren Beadman will be aboard.
Porteos, whose only start to date was a 6th at Canberra on 7th November, 2000, will resume from her long spell in the Sayers Property Group Mdn Hcp (1000m) at Canberra on Friday. It is difficult to assess Porteos' chances after such a long layoff and she has not been spotted at the official trials during that time. John Nisbet will ride and Porteos has drawn barrier 10.
Cornersoff has been off the racing scene since 20th October when 6th on the Kensington track and will be first-up in the Charlestown Bowling Club Plate -C1 (1600m) at Newcastle on Saturday. The filly showed ability last preparation when storming home from 12th on the turn to win at Kembla Grange at 25/1. She has had two recent trials at Rosehill in preparation for this event. Jon Grisedale will ride and Cornersoff has drawn barrier 8.
Dr Loane, a two-year-old gelding, makes his debut in the Belmont 16ft Sailing Mdn Plte (900m) at Newcastle after running second in a trial at Warwick Farm on 1st March. Dr Loane has the services of Andrew Gibbons, but has drawn poorly in barrier 14.
Earl Grey has been consistent of late with two thirds and will be looking to break through in the B & B suppliers Mdn Plate (1400m) at Newcastle. The most recent of those minor placings was at Orange on 17th February over 1300m. Grant Buckley has taken the ride and Earl Grey will commence from barrier 9.
O'Mars is a well-bred 3-year-old gelding from the John Hawkes stable and he will debut in the Westpac Helicopter Mdn Plate (1400m) at Newcastle. O'Mars is out of Miss Marscay, whose dam Marscay won the Golden Slipper in 1982. Allan Robinson will ride the gelding and they will commence from barrier 8.
In midweek results, Sir Henry ran 7th at Kembla Grange over 1500m, Karlette was 7th at Avondale over 2100m and Vee Eight was 3rd at the same track over 1600m.
Camilleon will trial in heat 6 at Rosehill on Tuesday.
Tuesday, 12 March
Akwendi became the latest addition to the list of Octagonal-sired winners with victory in the Sportsco Mdn Plate (1200m) at Echuca on Sunday. It was the filly's first start and certainly bodes well for the future. Conscience also ran a nice race on debut finishing second in the CVRC Ladies Canteen Mdn Plate (1200m) at Clare on Sunday.
Hosannah ran a game 7th in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday. The filly finished just over three lengths behind the winner Sunline after receiving interference at the 200m mark.
Aucash For All finished 3rd at Goulburn over 1600m at Goulburn on Friday.
Ogdoad ran a solid 5th on debut at Chelteham over 1316m on Monday. Bright Eyed Boy ran 11th at Echuca on Friday.
Impressive last-start winner Factional will rise in class on Wednesday when she contests the Keith F. Nolan Classic (1600m) at Kembla Grange. The filly produced a strong finish in winning on the Kensington track on 27th February, but now faces proven gallopers such as Moonflute, Faith Hill, Heritiere and Anytime Angel. Corey Brown has the ride and they will start from barrier two.
Sir Henry is also running at Kembla Grange and will run in the Cleary Bros. Hcp -C1 (1500m). The gelding finished 6th at Canberra last start on 2nd March after making up ground from 9th on the turn. The extra 100m should suit and he looks a good chance. Danny Beasley will ride and Sir Henry has drawn barrier three.
Avondale in New Zealand will see Karlette lining up in the Auckland 24 Hour Glass Mdn (2100m) on Wednesday. The gelding's best effort was last start on the same track on 20th February, when beaten only 4.4 lengths in 10th place. Further natural improvement could see him figure in the finish here. Apprentice Andrew Calder will ride from barrier one. Vee Eight is running later in the day at Avondale in the La-Z-Boy Mdn (1600m). He also ran a good race last start when 5th beaten 3.3 lengths at Ellerslie on 2nd March. Australian apprentice Michael Rodd will be aboard and Vee Eight has barrier 9.
Friday morning's barrier trials at Warwick Farm see Octasong and Sir Octavius entered in heat 4, Espiral in heat 12.
Friday, 8 March
Oh What a Double
A fantastic day at Newcastle on Wednesday saw the Octagonal-sired Provokes and Ares win the opening two races on the program. Provokes won by 1 1/4 lengths while Ares appeared to have a lot of talent after coasting down the outside to win effortlessly by 1 3/4 lengths. Judging by these efforts we can expect to see the pair racing in the metropolitan area in the near future.
Hosannah, who was an impressive winner of the Group 2 Surround Stakes at Warwick Farm last start, will face a tougher task on Saturday when she lines up against champion mare Sunline in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill. One thing in the filly's favour, though, is the fact that she receives 7.5 kg in weight from Sunline. Hosannah's long time rival Ha Ha is also entered and was impressive last start as well. Darren Beadman will ride and the filly will start from barrier 5.
Connections of Demanding will be looking for better luck on Saturday when the filly contests the Ascot 1000 Guineas (1800m) at Ascot. Last start at Ascot on 23rd February, Demanding got into all sorts of bother, striking interference near the turn, being injured during the race and returning with her tongue over the bit. She has drawn poorly in barrier 18, but will have the experienced Peter Knuckey in the saddle.
Bright Eyed Boy, who has switched to the Russell Cameron stable in Melbourne, will be running in the Computer World Echuca Mdn Plate (1200m) at Echuca on Friday. He will be first-up since August here and although unplaced at two career starts, they were both on metropolitan tracks in Sydney. Bright Eyed Boy has drawn well in barrier 2 and will be ridden by Mark Pegus.
Aucash For All continues his career at Goulburn on Friday in the Coogee Bay Boutique Hotel Mdn Hcp (1600m). The gelding finished 7th at Kembla Grange last start on 21st February after making up some ground in the straight. The extra 200m here should suit. He has drawn barrier 1 with Scott Pollard aboard.
John Hawkes has switched Akwendi to his Victorian stables and entered her for the Sportsco Mdn Plate (1200m) at Echuca on Sunday. Akwendi had two barrier trials in Sydney last year, finishing unplaced at Rosehill and Warwick Farm. Brent White will ride and the filly has barrier 8. Another first starter from the Hawkes stable is Conscience, who lines up in the CVRC Ladies Canteen Mdn Plate (1200m) at Clare on Sunday. The gelding's only barrier trial was on 25th February when 2nd at Cheltenham. He has drawn barrier 2 for his debut and Wayne Kerford has the ride.
Yet another first starter from John Hawkes' camp is Ogdoad, who will debut in the Honda CRV Mdn Plate (1316m) at Cheltenham on Monday. This gelding's only trial was also at Cheltenham on 25th February, where he ran 5th. Wayne Kerford will also ride Ogdoad and they will start from barrier 10.
Other results from Wednesday's racing saw Montreal finish unplaced at Newcastle, Capto 5th at Sandown coming from near last on the turn, Just Dance unplaced at her first start, while Private Agenda was scratched from Murray Bridge.
Camilleon and Cornersoff were both unplaced in heat 8 of the trials at Rosehill on Tuesday. Ochil Hills was unplaced in heat 6 of the trials at Randwick on Friday.
Tuesday, 5 March
Lonhro to miss Doncaster and Autumn carnival. It has been confirmed that Lonhro will miss the remainder of the Autumn carnival with the star colt suffering from a cold. Trevor Lobb confirmed that the problem was not serious and that Lonhro would be sent to the spelling paddock for a few weeks. Lonhro impressed at Randwick on Friday, winning his trial impressively. The target now will be the Stradbroke Hcp on June 8. Ares, who has been unplaced in five runs in metropolitan Victoria looks to have found the perfect race in which to break his duck, with the gelding set to run in the Mistral Mdn Plate (1400m) at Newcastle on Wednesday. Ares' most recent run was at Moonee Valley on 14th February when 7th after striking interference at the start and at the 400m mark. Corey Brown will ride from barrier 11. Montreal is also running at Newcastle, after missing out on a start at Warwick Farm on Sunday and will run in the Gerard Industries Mdn Plate (1200m). She is coming off a last start 6th on a heavy track at Gosford on 13th February. Larry Cassidy will ride and Montreal will commence from barrier 8. Provokes has been entered for the same event as Montreal and will provide stern opposition. The filly will be first-up here after her sole race start on 15th August when 2nd at Canterbury. She has since won a barrier trial at Rosehill on 19th February and should go close to winning. Provokes will have Rod Quinn in the saddle and start from barrier 11. Capto, who has been nominated for the AJC Oaks at Randwick on 6th April, will run at Sandown on Wednesday in the Chicquita Hcp (1600m). The filly's last start was a fast-finishing 3rd at Mornington on 13th February and the extra 100m in distance looks ideal here. She will be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy and start from barrier 11. Just Dance is a two-year-old filly making her debut in the Princess Talaria Hcp (1200m) at Sandown. She has not appeared at the official trials, but breeding suggests she will have ability, with her dam's sire being Rory's Jester. She will have Danny Nikolic aboard and jump from barrier 7. Another first-starter is Private Agenda who lines up in the Gundooee Agistment Mdn Plate (100m) at Murray Bridge on Wednesday. He has also not been seen at the trials, but is out of the New Zealand mare Kapchat who won a Group 1 event as well as five other metropolitan races in the mid 90's. Private Agenda will have Steven Price aboard and start from barrier 7. Results from the weekend saw Omens storm home to deat-heat for 2nd in the Birthday Card Stakes at Canterbury. Orthopaedic ran 2nd over 1500m at Victoria Park. Huit finished 2nd at Warwick Farm over 1300m. Occidental was 10th in the Canberra Guineas. Sir Henry was 6th at Canberra over 1400m. Octitriumphe was 4th over 1000m at Queanbeyan and Vee Eight was 5th at Ellerslie over 1600m. Conscience was scratched from Balaklava. Barrier trial action on Tuesday sees Camilleon and Cornersoff both running in heat 8. Friday, 1 March
Champion colt Lonhro will have a hitout today in heat 10 of the Warwick Farm barrier trials. The multiple group winner will line up against stablemates Marvilha and Faiza as well as the well-performed Dolce Veloce.
Factional joined the list of Octagonal winners when she scored an impressive victory in the AJC Convention Centre Hcp (1500m) on the Kensington track at Randwick on Wednesday. The filly started a well-backed short-priced favourite and came from 7th on the turn to score by a comfortable 3/4 of a length.
A big weekend of racing sees no less than ten Octagonal-sired horses competing across Australia and New Zealand.
Omens, who has not raced since finishing 8th in the Sandown Guineas on 17th November, will resume in the Listed Birthday Card Stakes (1200m) at Canterbury on Saturday night. The filly showed consistent improvement last preparation which earnt her a trip to Melbourne for the Spring carnival which resulted in victory in the Listed Rosemount Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on 27th October. Omens trialled recently at Rosehill on 19th February. Len Beasley has taken the ride and the filly has drawn awkwardly in 15.
Orthopaedic, who has progressed to Saturday metropolitan racing, will contest the Cheney Dutton Volvo Hcp -C2 (1450m) at Victoria Park on Saturday. The gelding finished a game 2nd at the same track on 9th February, but has drawn wider on this occasion in barrier 13. Darren Holland will be aboard.
Occidental, who hasn't had the best of luck recently, will hopefully be able to show his true ability in the Canberra Guineas (1600m) on Saturday. The colt suffered interference in his opening two races and last start at Wyong jumped awkwardly and had to chase the field for most of the way. Unfortunately, Occidental has drawn barrier 15, but will have the services of Corey Brown.
Huit has not been far away at her two starts to date and will be looking to breakthrough in the King Brian Hcp (1300m) at Warwick Farm on Sunday. Both of Huit's runs have been in slightly stronger company and she looks a strong hope here. Darren Beadman will ride and the filly has drawn barrier 4.
Montreal is third emergency for the Kista Hcp (1300m) at Warwick Farm and will have to rely on scratchings to gain a start. The filly struck a heavy track last start over 1200m at Gosford on 13th February and battled on fairly. Larry Cassidy will ride and Montreal will jump from barrier 9.
Trainer Les Bridge has accepted Sir Henry for two events this weekend with a decision to follow as to where he will run. The first is the Kamberra Wine Company Hcp -C1 (1400m) at Canberra on Saturday where Craig Agnew will ride from the wide barrier of 18. The other is the Cele's Image Hcp (1400m) at Warwick Farm on Sunday where Brad Pengelly will be aboard from barrier 4. Sir Henry resumed with a nice 5th at Canterbury on 14th February after making up ground in the straight. Conscience, a well-bred three-year-old from the John Hawkes stable will make his debut in the Port Wakefield Abattoir Mdn (1200m) at Balaklava on Sunday. The gelding is out of the Bletchingly mare, Influence who raced consistently in Sydney in the late 1980's. Conscience ran 2nd in a barrier trial at Cheltenham on 25th February. Wayne Kerford will be aboard and the gelding has drawn barrier 11. Another youngster to make their debut will be Octitriumphe, who lines up in the Airport Motor Inn Hcp - Cl D (1000m) at Queanbeyan on Sunday. The filly is also very well bred with her dam, Heat of The Moment, a three time Group winner in the mid 1980's. Octitriumphe ran 3rd in a trial at Canberra on 18th February. Roly Saxton will ride and the filly will commence from barrier 13.
At Ellerslie in New Zealand on Saturday, Vee Eight will be running in the Ellerslie Convention Centre Mdn (1600m). The gelding will step up to the 1600m for the first time and will have his first start on the Auckland track. Grant Cooksley will ride Vee Eight from barrier 5.
In other results from midweek racing, Jessphine debuted with a 2nd at Doomben on Wednesday, while Prince Georgios finished 8th at Pinjarra. Others to trial at Warwick Farm today will be Dr. Loane and O'Mars.
Tuesday, 26 February
The ultra-consistent Hosannah broke through for a well-deserved victory on Saturday, winning the Group 2 Surround Stakes (1400m) at Warwick Farm. The filly produced a remarkable finishing burst, coming from 14th on the turn to overpower a number of well-performed rivals. Hosannah now looks set to run in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic at Rosehill on March 9, a race in which she is likely to have Sunline and Ha Ha amongst her rivals.
Earlier in the day, Pentathlon resumed with a 5th in the Silver Sharpe Hcp (1300m). The gelding made up ground from last on the turn and will improve with added fitness and over slightly longer distances.
At Ascot on Saturday, Demanding struck all manner of bother in finishing 12th in the Sheila Gwynne Stakes (1600m). The filly received interference near the turn and was slightly injured during the incident. As well, she returned with her tongue over the bit, all of which suggests the run is best forgotten.
Hierogram ran a solid 6th in the Wesfarmers Industrial Hcp (1200m) at Rosehill on Sunday. Trainer John Hawkes has nominated her for the Lindemans Stakes at Randwick on 1st April.
Fulifilment produced a good performance in the Femme Beauty Day Spa Mdn Hcp (1600m) at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, finishing 3rd after being checked at the start and in 7th place on the turn.
Bright Eyed Boy was scratched from his engagement at Kilmore on Sunday.
Factional will run in the AJC Convention Centre Hcp (1550m) on the Kensington track on Wednesday. Despite her two unplaced career starts to date, the filly has been nominated for the AJC Oaks at Randwick on 6th April and the Stradbroke Hcp at Eagle Farm on 8th June. Factional will be ridden by Corey Brown and start from barrier three.
Another of Octagonal's two-year-olds makes her debut on Wednesday with Jessphine lining up in the Powerhouse Boutique Hotels Mdn Hcp (1200m). She has been most impressive at the trials, winning at Deagon on 29th January then by 2 1/2 lengths at the Gold Coast on 5th February. Glen Colless has the ride and Jessphine has drawn barrier four.
Prince Georgios will continue his career in the Clearview Lodge Stud Hcp - C1 (1600m) at Pinjarra on Wednesday. The colt has been performing reasonably in Saturday metropolitan events and on the limit weight here, should find this much easier. Peter Knuckey will ride and Prince Georgios will jump from barrier nine.
Over in New Zealand on Wednesday, Vee Eight will contest the Cableco Mdn (1600m) at Te Rapa. Trainer Sheila Laxon has been increasing the gelding's distances in the past three starts in an attempt to find his ideal range. Vee Eight is an emergency for the event and may not gain a a start. He has drawn barrier six with a jockey yet to be notified.
Friday, 22 February
This weekend sees seven Octagonal-sired gallopers contesting races across Australia as the Autumn carnivals loom.
Hosannah, who has one win and five minor placings from ten starts at Group level, lines up in the Group 2 Surround Stakes (1400m) at Warwick Farm on Saturday. Hosannah was a fast-finishing second to Ancient Song in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at the same track on February second in what as her first run from a spell. She faces a similar field here, but may be suited by the fact that Ancient Song is yet to run over 1400m. Darren Beadman will be aboard and Hosannah will start from barrier seven.
Pentathlon has returned to Sydney after three runs in Melbourne in the Spring and will be first-up from a spell in the Silver Sharpe Hcp (1300m) at Warwick Farm. Although Pentathlon is yet to win a race he has been contesting some good class events and is never far away at the finish. Again on Saturday he runs into the smart Painted Thunder and Dolce Veloce. Rod Quinn has the ride and the gelding will start from barrier two. Over in the west at Ascot on Saturday, Demanding will be running in the Sheila Gwynne Stakes (1600m). The filly has drawn well in barrier one and given a nice run, may be able to reproduce the powerful finish that she was noted for in the early Spring. Regular jockey Paul King is again in the saddle.
Hierogram, a two-year-old filly from the John Hawkes stable, will have her second career start in the Wesfarmers Industrial Hcp (1200m) at Rosehill on Sunday. Her first run was a fourth at Canterbury on 3rd February where she was slowly away and ran into interference on the home turn. Corey Brown has taken the ride and Hierogram will jump from barrier six.
Bright Eyed Boy, after two runs in Sydney, has been transferred to the Russell Cameron stables in Victoria and has been entered for the International Trucks Maiden Plate (1100m) at Kilmore on Sunday. Although being well beaten at those two runs, the races were on metropolitan tracks and this event looks more suitable at this stage. Fulfilment rounds out the Octagonal representatives for this weekend in the Femme Beauty Day Spa Mdn Hcp (1600m) at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday. The filly's last run was a 5th, beaten one length, at Eagle Farm on 6th February, which looks good enough to be very competitive in this event. Scott Galloway will ride and Fulfilment will commence from barrier one.
In midweek results, Occidental ran 3rd at Wyong, Oz was fourth in his event at the same track and Pentagram and Karlette were uplaced at Eagle Farm and Avondale respectively. The Bart Cummings-trained Pot The Black ran second in heat 12 of the Randwick trials on Friday.
Monday, 18 February
Lonhro has moved another step closer to superstar status with an effortless win in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday. The son of Octagonal started one of the shortest priced favourites seen on Sydney tracks in many years (1/7) and justified that quote to record his seven victory at Group level. The impressive performance has seen Lonhro installed as second favourite behind champion mare Sunline for the Group 1 Doncaster Hcp (1600m) at Randwick on 30th March.
Two-year-old filly Huit ran fourth at Randwick over 1200m in at her second career start, following up on her debut third on Australia Day.
Occidental, with two seconds from two starts, lines up in the Tooheys Extra Dry Maiden (1600m) at Wyong on Tuesday. The colt will start from barrier four and have Rod Quinn in the saddle.
Oz will also be running at Wyong and will contest the Tooheys - Jamie Smith Maiden Hcp (1200m). The colt's only start to date was an 11th at Hawkesbury on 7th September and he trialled at Randwick on 11th February. Oz has drawn barrier 8 and Rod Quinn will ride.
Pentagram has been entered for the Regal Adventure Maiden Hcp (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Wednesday. The gelding has been unplaced at three career starts, but was not far away last start at Eagle Farm when 4th on 31st January. Scott Galloway has the ride and Pentagram will start from barrier 4.
Karlette will line up for his third career start in the Avondale Function Centre Maiden (1600m) at Avondale on Wednesday. Michael Walker will be aboard and Karlette has drawn barrier 5.
Saturday, 2 February
STAR OCTAGONAL COLT, LONHRO,
won the Group 2 Royal Sovereign Stakes at Warwick Farm today in seemingly easy fashion in his first start this campaign. Lonhro looks set for an exciting autumn.
HOSANNAH ran second in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes and she will benefit from this first up start.
Friday, 1 February
All eyes will be on Warwick Farm this Saturday to witness the return to racing of star colt Lonhro, who resumes in the Group 2 Royal Sovereign Stakes (1200m). Lonhro swept all before him last Spring winning five races in succession culminating in a spectacular victory in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas on 13th October. In all, he has won seven of his ten starts, including five Group events and has amassed over $1.2m in prizemoney. At this stage, Lonhro's major targets are the Doncaster Hcp at Randwick at Easter and the Stradbroke Hcp at Eagle Farm in June. Rod Quinn has the ride on Saturday and the colt will start from barrier six. Hosannah, who ran a number of top class races last preparation also resumes at Warwick Farm on Saturday and will run in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m). The filly has won three of her eleven starts and has won one Group event and been placed a further four. She will again do battle with many of her rivals from the Spring including Ha Ha, Fair Embrace, Quays and Moonflute. Hosannah will be ridden by Darren Beadman and start from barrier three. Rectagonal will resume in the Kollaras Fresh Produce Hcp (C1) at Kembla Grange on Saturday. The gelding has had two starts to date, the most recent of which was an impressive victory at Goulburn on 31st August. Rectagonal was unplaced in a Warwick Farm barrier trial on 18th January. Craig Agnew will be aboard and the gelding will commence from barrier nine. Vee Eight, who ran fifth at Avondale in New Zealand at his only start on 3rd October, will line up in the Collinson Fourex Mdn (1200m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. The gelding is trained by Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Sheila Laxon. Unfortunately, Vee Eight has drawn the extreme outside in barrier 18. Catherine Treymane will be in the saddle. Hierogram, a two-year-old filly out of the Marscay mare Enshrine, will make her debut in the Kymberly Sharp Hcp (1200m) at Canterbury on Sunday. She finished unplaced in a barrier trial at Warwick Farm on 19th January, but obviously impressed trainer John Hawkes enough to suggest that she was ready to race. Corey Brown has the ride on the first starter and she will commence from barrier seven. Pentagram resumed at Eagle Farm on Thursday over 1400m and finished fourth beaten 2 1/2 lengths after making up some ground from the turn. Aucash For All was unplaced at the Randwick trials on Tuesday. Factional will trial in heat nine at Warwick Farm on Friday.
Tuesday, 29 January
Two-year-old filly Huit debuted with a close third behind Magic Marvo at Randwick on Saturday in the first race to be conducted on the new course proper. Huit was beaten three-quarters of a length after racing in the leading bunch for the majority of the race.
Occidental again finished second at Newcastle on Saturday, beaten a long neck by Bondi Run.
Dark Diamonds finished back in 8th place in the same event.
Earl Grey achieved the best result of his short career with a third at Bathurst on Sunday. The gelding was having his first start for new trainer Garry Frazer.
Capto finished 11th at Sandown on Monday in her first run in Melbourne since being switched from Peter Moody's Queensland operation. This was her first run on a slow track which may have affected her performance. Aucash For All will be running in heat 5 of the Randwick barrier trials on Tuesday. The gelding has had just the one career start to date, which was a 7th at Newcastle on 13th September.
Friday, 25 January
Two-year-old filly Huit will be the second race starter from Octagonal's second season crop when she lines up in the Royal Randwick Hcp (1000m) on Saturday in what will be the first event staged on the rebuilt Randwick course proper. Huit is out of the Canny Lad mare Seika and won her trial impressively by a length at Rosehill on 8th January. She has drawn barrier one for her debut and will be ridden by Rod Quinn.
Occidental and Dark Diamonds will be competing against each other in the Ling's Trophies Mdn Plate (1400m) at Newcastle on Saturday. Occidental is coming off an unlucky second at the same track on 12th January when he was blocked for a run at a vital stage in the straight. Darryl McLellan has the ride and the colt will start from barrier 7. Dark Diamonds will be having her third career start in this race and continues to gain fitness and may be ready to display the potential shown in her latter trial efforts. Dark Diamonds will jump from barrier 13 and a jockey has not been notified at this stage.
Earl Grey will drop in class from his most recent effort and run in the Lithgow Workmen's Club Mdn Hcp (1300m) at Bathurst on Sunday. The gelding will have his first run for new trainer Garry Frazer after being transferred from Gai Waterhouse. Earl Grey ran 7th at his last outing at Gosford on 16th December over 1600m and looks better placed in this event. Grant Buckley will ride and the gelding will commence from barrier 5.
Capto, who has raced in Sydney and Brisbane in her short career, will be running in the Mahaasin Hcp (1400m) at Sandown on Monday. Capto won his last start at Ipswich on 30th August and has been spelling since. She meets some handy fillies in this event and will want to be forward in condition to feature in the finish. Apprentice Rhys McLeod wil ride Capto, but she has drawn wide in barrier 11.
Throttle, a two-year-old filly, will be Octagonal's first runner in South Australia when she contests the Long's Sand & Metal Hcp (1000m) at Murray Bridge on Monday. She finished third in a trial at Cheltenham on 21st January. Wayne Kerford will ride the filly and she will start from barrier 7.
In racing action from Wednesday, Little Madame finished third at Warwick Farm, Octessa ran 5th in her event at the same track, while Orthopaedic was unplaced at Cranbourn.
Tuesday, 22 January
Lonhro and Hosannah return to track
Two of the stars of the spring returned to action on Tuesday at Rosehill, when Lonhro and Hosannah trialled in the beginning of their autumn campaigns. Lonhro, winner of seven of his ten starts including five Group events, finished third over 900m a length behind Laurence of Orimba and Sudden Gold. The colt has been nominated for the Doncaster Hcp in March at Randwick and the Stradbroke Hcp at Eagle Farm in June.
O'Darl, finished unplaced in the same heat in its first trial appearance. Hosannah, was unplaced in the next heat won by stablemate Brisanna and she has been nominated for the same races as Lonhro.
In racing action, three Octagonal horses will be racing on Wednesday including two last start winners. At Warwick Farm, Little Madame will have her second career start in the F.C. Griffiths Hcp (1300m). The filly scored an impressive half-length victory on debut at Kembla Grange on 5th January over 1200m, chasing the leader steadily in the straight to win going away. Corey Brown has taken the ride and Little Madame will commence from barrier 8.
Octessa drops in class from recent runs in the Alexander Mackellar Hcp (1600m). The filly has been well-beaten in Saturday class at her last two starts, but finds a small six horse field on Wednesday. Darryl McLellan is aboard and Octessa has drawn barrier 4. Orthopaedic, who broke through for his maiden win at Mornington on 5th January, will rise in grade in the Limerick Lane Thoroughbreds Hcp (1400m) at Cranbourne on Wednesday. The gelding fought on strongly at Mornington maintaining the lead from the turn to the post despite numerous challenges. He will find the going tougher here against horses with much more racing experience. Orthopaedic has drawn the extreme outside in barrier 13 and will have apprentice Brendan Fenech in the saddle. Montreal, from the Max Lees stable ran sixth at Wyong on Tuesday over 1200m. The filly was having her first run after a spell and ran a nice 2nd in a Gosford trial on 4th January in preparation for this event.
The Warwick Farm trials on Friday 18th January saw Hierogram finish 6th in her first trial appearance, while Rectagonal finished 8th in his heat.
Thursday, 18 January
The Sydney metropolitan trials this week are set down for Warwick Farm on Friday and Octagonal will be represented by two runners. John Hawkes has Hierogram entered for heat 4. The two-year-old filly is out of the Marscay mare Enshrine, who won two races at Randwick as a two-year-old in her short career in 1991. This will be her first official trial.
Last start winner Rectagonal will run in heat 8. The gelding has had two starts to date and scored impressively over 1300m at Goulburn on 31st August.
The Gosford meeting on Thursday saw Fulfilment make her debut, finishing 6th over 1200m
Tuesday, 16 January
John Hawkes will unvail another of his vast array of Octagonal youngsters at Gosford on Thursday when 3-year-old filly Fulfilment kicks off her racing career in the Broken Bay Catholic Development Fund Maiden Hcp (1200m). Fulfilment is out of the Irish mare Regards and has had three barrier trials to prepare for this event. The first of these was at Warwick Farm on 31st March last year when the filly was unplaced in a very strong heat behind the Group-winning Quays and Golden Slipper winner Ha Ha. She was then transferred to Hawkes' Melbourne operation and trialled at Cranbourne on 27th August when unplaced on a wet track. Fulfilment then returned to Sydney and ran 5th in her most recent trial at Warwick Farm on 4th January. The filly will have the services of Rod Quinn and will start from barrier 2.
Occidental finished a very unlucky 2nd at Newcastle on Saturday after being blocked for a run in the straight at a vital time. Jockey Allan Robinson was able to secure a late run along the rails, but the winner had too big a start. However, Occidental looked to have plenty of ability and can be followed with confidence in subsequent starts.
In barrier trial news, Little Oh stepped out for his first competitive hitout at Wagga on Tuesday finishing 6th in a 900m trial.
Friday, 11 January
Another Octagonal youngster will grace the turf for his racing debut on Saturday when Occidental, from the John Hawkes stable, makes his debut at Newcastle in the Beavis Hire Service Maiden Plate (1300m). The colt has been brought along slowly, having had three barrier trials stretching over the last year. The first of these was at Warwick Farm on 15th December, 2000 when Occidental ran 4th behind the classy Excellerator. Then followed a 2nd at Hawkesbury on 27th August and most recently a 9th at Warwick Farm on 4th January. Allan Robinson, who rode Occidental's half-sister to victory at Kembla Grange last week, has the ride and the colt will start from barrier 8. Castel Del Monte finished 10th at Gosford on Thursday over 1100m. The barrier trials at Rosehill on Tuesday saw a couple of Octagonal two-year olds step out for the first time. In heat two, Huit won by a length over 900m, beating some similarly exceptionally bred horses. Huit is a filly out of Seika, a Canny Lad mare who won five metropolitan races in Sydney in the mid 1990's including the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes. The following heat saw Jeremiad finish 4th over 900m. This gelding is out of Lament, the winner of three races at Rosehill in the mid 1990's.
Wednesday, 9 January
Little Madame joined the list of Octagonal-sired winners at Kembla Grange on Saturday with victory in her 1200m maiden event. The filly sustained a long run in the straight to run down the leader in the last 100m and win by a 1/2 length. Shortly after Little Madame's victory, Orthopaedic broke through for his maiden win over 1200m at Mornington. The gelding raced handy to the lead for most of the race and appeared under pressure in the early part of the straight. However, Orthopaedic was able to fight back to win narrowly by a head. Portfolios ran third at Rosehill on Saturday, his third such placing from his three starts. The gelding is maintaining his consistency, but has just been unable to break through so far. Octessa ran a much improved race to finish 5th at Rosehill after coming from last at the turn. The increase in distance may be the catalyst for Octessa to figure in the placings at future starts. Dark Diamonds finished 13th at Kembla Grange at her second career start. Castel Del Monte, from the Max Lees stable, will be having his second career start in the Huckel Excavations Mdn Hcp (1100m) at Gosford on Wednesday. The gelding's first start was at Newcastle on 26th December when 7th beaten 6.5 lengths over 900m. The extra fitness gained from that run and the increase in distance may be to the horse's advantage. Castle Del Monte will be ridden by Shane Treweek and will start from barrier 5. At Canterbury on Thursday night, impressive last start winner Collision will be looking to continue that form in the Picton Bowling Club Hcp (1550m). Collision won by 1 3/4 lengths at Hawkesbury on 23rd December and appears ideally suited in this event. Rod Quinn has taken the ride and the colt has drawn barrier 5.
Wednesday, 2 January
Preoccupied showed she is on the improve when 6th beaten 6.4 lengths at Kembla Grange on Saturday. It looks as though the 1300m may have been getting towards the ideal distance for Preoccupied and she will certainly be worth following in coming weeks if she continues to improve as expected. Warwick Farm on Friday sees a number of Octagonal representatives have a hitout. Occidental lines up in heat 9 in what will be the colt's third trial. The previous two having been a 4th at Warwick Farm on 15th December 2000 and a 2nd at Hawkesbury on 27th August. Heat 11 will see All The Angles line up. This colt has had one start to date - at Newcastle when 10th on 13th September. Fulifilment will run in heat 12 for her third trial appearance. The filly trialled at Warwick Farm on 30th March before being taken to Melbourne where she trialled at Cranbourne on 27th August.
Saturday, 29 December
The Bede Murray-trained filly Preoccupied will continue her career at Kembla Grange on Saturday in the Members Lucky Badge Draw Maiden (1300m). It would be fair to say that Preoccupied has not set the world on fire at her two starts to date - 11th at Kembla on 24th November then 14th at the same track on 15th December. However, it is still very early days and her breeding suggests that she will improve with racing. Preoccupied's grandsire is Kenmare, winner of three Group races in France in the late 1970's and whose progeny have raced with great success in Australia. On Saturday, she will start from barrier 9 and have Jeff Penza in the saddle. Castel Del Monte debuted at Newcastle on Boxing Day in a 900m maiden and finished 7th. The Max Lees-trained gelding will also benefit from the hitout. Castel Del Monte's breeding also points towards a high level of ability. Apart from being sired by Octagonal, his grandsire is Marscay, winner of the 1982 Golden Slipper along with seven other races from his 15 starts.
Monday, 24 December
Collision added his name to the impressive list of Octagonal-sired winners at Hawkesbury on Sunday with an impressive 1 3/4 length victory in the Recycled Building Materials Maiden Hcp (1400m). The colt improved greatly on his first-up 8th at Kembla Grange and started at the attractive odds of $9.00. Collision will now most likely progress to a metropolitan event in the near future.
Octessa did herself no favours by pulling for most of the journey at Warwick Farm on Saturday. Jockey Jim Cassidy was looking to settle the filly in front and leave enough energy for a late sprint, however Octessa was not content to relax and weakened in the straight to finish 10th. Karlette finished 11th on Saturday at Te Rapa in her first career start. The filly was ridden by Jim Collett. The Max Lees-trained Octagonal gelding Castel Del Monte will be the latest of the champion's progeny to grace the turf when he debuts in the Reed Construction Services Maiden Hcp (900m) at Newcastle on Boxing Day. Castel Del Monte has had two recent barrier trials, unplaced at Newcastle on 13th December and then a second at Gosford on 17th December. The rapid progression to the racetrack would indicate a fair degree of ability and the 900m appears a good task first-up. The gelding will start from barrier two and have Dale Spriggs aboard.
Friday, 21 December
Octessa, out of Group winning mare Mamzelle Pedrille, returns to Metropolitan racing on Saturday at Warwick Farm after her last start third at Kembla Grange on 8th December. The filly will step up to the 1600m for the first time when she contests the Leslie G Rouse Hcp. Her only previous start at Warwick Farm was on 22nd September over 1400m in the Listed Reginald Allen Hcp. Octessa has drawn barrier 9 and will have the services of leading jockey Jim Cassidy.
Collision will be having his second career start at Hawkesbury on Sunday in the Recycled Building Materials Hcp (1400m). The John Hawkes-trained colt ran 8th on debut at Kembla Grange on 8th December over 1300m and that run and natural improvement should see the son of Octagonal closer to the money this time around. Collision will start from barrier 8 and will have Rod Quinn aboard.
Karlette, who missed out on a possible run last Sunday in New Zealand when the Ellerslie meeting was washed out, will hopefully get to make his debut on Saturday at Te Rapa in a 1200m maiden. However, as with last week, Karlette is an emergency and has to rely on scratchings to gain a start.
Dark Diamonds finished 8th at her debut at Wyong on Thursday.
Wednesday, 19 December
The Marc Conners-trained Dark Diamonds will make her debut in the Pepsi Maiden Hcp (1200m) at Wyong on Thursday. The filly has had four barrier trials in the latter half of the year including a recent second at Warwick Farm on 7th December. Dark Diamonds has drawn awkwardly in barrier 11 and will have Craig Agnew aboard.
Portfolios finished a game third at Rosehill on Saturday after overcoming a check at the 800m mark. The colt settled towards the rear of the field and was 9th at the turn before narrowly failing to overhaul the winner Obsession and second placed Zippity. Despite the defeat, it seems only a matter of time before Portfolios greets the judge in a Saturday class event.
Preoccupied was unplaced in her maiden at Kembla Grange on Saturday and looks as though she may need more time and experience to show her best.
Earl Grey stepped up from 1200m to 1600m at Gosford on Sunday and finished 7th. It will be interesting to see whether trainer Gai Waterhouse decides to continue racing the gelding over the longer distances or drops him back again.
Karlette was due to run at Ellerslie in New Zealand on Sunday but the meeting was abandoned.
Friday, 14 December
Portfolios will be out to build on his impressive first-up effort when he contests the Rondo Building Systems Hcp (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday. A fortnight ago at the same track, Portfolios was forced to race three wide for the majority of the event, but still fought on bravely to finish third beaten 3/4 of a length. He meets winner Architrave 1 1/2 kg better in this race, however barrier 14 may cancel out that benefit.
The Bede Murray-trained Preoccupied will be having it's second career start at Kembla Grange on Saturday in the One-Steel Mdn Hcp (1200m). The filly was well beaten at her debut at the same track on 24th November, but received a check at the start which would not have done her confidence any good at all. Preoccupied has drawn barrier 12 and gets in well at the weights here with only 52kg after apprentice Luke Price's 2kg claim.
Earl Grey, from the Gai Waterhouse stable, will run in the Health Plate - C1 (1600m) at Gosford on Sunday. The gelding's last effort was a 7th at Kembla Grange over 1200m on December 8 and it is hoped the increase in distance will allow him to show his true colours. Earl Grey has drawn barrier 5 and will be ridden by Mark Newnham.
Also on Sunday, over in New Zealand at Ellerslie, the Graeme Rogerson-trained Octagonal gelding Karlette will possibly make his debut in the Newmarket Business Association Mdn (1400m). Karlette is second emergency in the event and will only gain a start if there are two scratchings in the event. He has drawn barrier five, but a jockey has not yet been notified.
Mattagonal finished unplaced at Benalla on Thursday, but will no doubt benefit greatly from the run.
Tuesday 11 December
Octessa was the best performed of the Octagonal runners at Kembla Grange on Saturday, finishing third in race 5 in what was the best run of her short career. It was her first run in 11 weeks so benefit is sure to have been gained from the hitout. Collision finished back in 8th position in the same event. This was the colt's first race start and improvement can be expected in subsequent runs.
In race 6, Earl Grey finished 7th and has now inproved at each of his three starts to date. The Waterhouse stable have nominated the gelding for a 1600m maiden at Gosford on Sunday. The increase in distance may be the catalyst for Earl Grey to finish in the placings.
Mattagonal will make his debut at Benalla on Thursday in the Farmers Arms 3yo Maiden Plate (1400m). Trainer John Ledger has given the colt four barrier trials to build experience for this event - at Benalla on 26th February and 20 November, Wangaratta on 31st July and Bendigo on 3rd December. Mattagonal has drawn barrier one and will have Adrian Ledger aboard.
The Graeme Rogerson-trained Ochil Hills will trial at Randwick on Friday in heat 6 over 1050 metres.
Friday, 7 December
Kembla Grange will be the focus this weekend for Octagonal-sired horses with three runners set to take part on the program. Race 5, the TPM 3yo Mdn Hcp (1300m), sees both Collision, from the John Hawkes camp, and Octessa trained by Chris Waller, do battle against each other. Collision, out of Near Call, will make his debut in this event after four barrier trials stretched over the last year. Three of those were at Warwick Farm on October 20 last year, 6th July and 23rd November. The other being at Rosehill on 17th July. John Hawkes has been patient with the colt, not wanting to rush him along and it will be interesting to see how Collision performs first-up. Collision will start from barrier four and Allan Robinson will ride. Octessa has had two starts to date, a 6th at Kembla on 8th September, followed by a 10th in the Listed Reginald Allen Hcp (1400m) at Warwick Farm on 22nd September. Since then, the Mamzelle Pedrille filly has run second in a Warwick Farm barrier trial on 23rd November. Octessa gets in well at the weights here on the minimum of 52kg and is certainly one of the best bred horses in the race. The main factor will be her fitness first-up from a spell, but the recent trial effort would indicate dshe is close to the mark. Octessa has barrier eight with Jon Grisedale riding.
In the next event, the Illawarra Xray E&G Mdn Hcp (1200m), Gai Waterhouse's gelding Earl Grey will race. Earl Grey has had two race starts, a 7th at Newcastle on 31st March and a fifth at Gosford on 29th November. She had earlier won a barrier trial by 2.5 lengths at Warwick Farm on 23rd November. The roomier Kembla Grange track may be just what Earl Grey needs to fully stretch out and demonstrate her potential. She has drawn well in barrier three and will have Mark Newnham in the saddle.
The Rosehill barrier trials on 4th December saw two Octagonal representatives. In heat 1, the 2-year-old Regal State was unplaced in his first official hitout, while heat five saw Croft also finish unplaced in her first trial.
Several Octagonal runners also contested trials at Warwick Farm on Friday 7th December. Bapistery finshed second in heat 9, Jewel Time unplaced in heat 10 and Dark Diamonds second in heat 11.
Wednesday, 5 December
Boreale, from the John Hawkes stable will have his second career start when he lines up in the Grafter Hcp (1400m) at Warwick Farm on Wednesday. The gelding, out of Spring Thaw (USA), made up good ground in the straight at his debut at Kembla Grange on 17 November, coming from 9th on the turn to finish 3rd, beaten just under a length. Boreale, also drew wide (barrier ten) on that day, which adds merit to the performance. Unfortunately, he has drawn wide again in barrier twelve, but will have the services of leading jockey Darren Beadman. Portfolios, out of the Last Tycoon (IRE) mare, Accumulation, also impressed in his debut with a fighting third to Architrave at Rosehill on Saturday, after being three wide for most of the journey. The colt was beaten just over half a length in race record time, which indicates a degree of ability, given the difficult run and shows that Portfolios will go close to winning in similar grade in the coming weeks.
Friday, 30 November
Second season crop ready to take off
Portfolios will this Saturday become the first of Octagonal's second season crop to make their racing debut when the 2-year-old colt runs in the Gainsborough Door Furniture Hcp (1100m) at Rosehill. Portfolios, out of Accumulation, has had just the one trial in preparation for this event - a sixth at Warwick Farm on November 23. Darren Beadman will be in the saddle and the colt has drawn barrier six.
At the Randwick trials on Friday, the Ron Quinton-trained gelding Eviotis finished unplaced in heat 5 while Graeme Rogerson's Ochil Hills was unplaced in heat 14.
Wednesday, 28 November
Post made an impressive step up in grade last Saturday at Sandown finishing third behind Pirouettes in the Harold Badger Hcp (1400m). The colt led until halfway down the straight and gave his more experienced rivals a huge fright. This performance showed that Post will be more than competitive in similar class races in the coming weeks and he looks as though he is well on the way to living up to expectations.
Demanding settled at the rear of the field in the Group 3 W.A. Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) at Ascot on Saturday, before making up ground in the straight to finish 7th beaten four lengths. This run gave the indication that 2000m may now be the ideal distance for Demanding.
At Kembla Grange, Preoccupied made her debut in a 1200m maiden and finished 11th.
Tuesday, 20 November
Heptonstall bounced back to form with a close-up third to Vignette in the Mercedes-Benz Stakes (1400m) at Sandown on Saturday. At only her fourth career start, Heptonstall was beaten less than half a length and has certainly developed very quickly considering that she started racing less than two months ago. Omens finished eighth in the Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m). The filly had mostly been contesting fillies races at recent starts, but had managed to avoid winner Moon Dragon up until now. Despite missing the placings, it must be remembered that, like Heptonstall, Omens was racing in restricted company only two months ago and has a very bright future in front of her. Bon Fire ran home well at Warwick Farm on Sunday, finishing fourth after being tenth on the turn. The slow track may not have helped the filly as this was the first time she has experienced wet going in her brief career. Trainer Clarry Conners has indicated his faith in Bon Fire's ability by nominating her for the Group 1 Cadbury Guineas (1600m) to be run at Flemington on 17th February next year. Boreale made a solid racing debut in a 1200m maiden at Kembla Grange on Saturday. The gelding finished third, beaten just under a length and will be all the better for the experience. Over in the west at Ascot on Saturday, Prince Georgios resumed with a creditable seventh placing beaten 3.5 lengths over 1500m after making up some ground in the straight. In trial action, Eviotis finished sixth of seven in heat 7 at Randwick last Friday, while at Benalla on Tuesday, Mattagonal finished fifth of five in his first trial after a few moths off.
Friday, 16 November
Omens will this weekend step up to Group level for the first time in her brief career when she contests the Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m) on Saturday. The filly has now won three on the trot with victories at Warwick Farm, Rosehill and a last start victory in the Listed Rosemount Estate Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on October 27. Omens has barrier nine and the services of Darren Gauci.
Heptonstall will be looking to bounce back from a last start defeat when she lines up in the Listed Mercedes-Benz Stakes (1400m) at Sandown. Heptonstall finished 11th of 12 at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day, but suffered interference at the 200m which all but ruined any chance of her finishing in the placings. The toughest challenger appears to be Pirouettes, while the outside barrier of ten will not be an advantage. Darren Gauci has the ride.
Bon Fire, who was an impressive 3.5 length winner at Newcastle on 3rd November, has been brought to town and will run at Warwick Farm on Sunday. The Clarry Conners-trained filly will start from barrier one and have Darren Beadman aboard.
Boreale will make his racing debut in a 1200m maiden at Kembla Grange on Saturday. The gelding won his most recent trial, at Warwick Farm on 9th November and appears to have a strong winning chance in this event. Craig Agnew will ride and Boreale will jump from barrier ten.
Meanwhile in the west, Prince Georgios will resume after a spell in Fleur De Lys Hcp (1500m) at Ascot on Saturday. The colt has not started since running 8th at Belmont Park on May 30, but has finished close-up at two recent barrier trials. Prince Georgios has drawn barrier seven and will have Paul King in the saddle.
Post lived up to his pre-race wraps with a one length victory at Bendigo on Thursday over 1400m. This will almost certainly not be the only time that the Octagonal-Merlene colt greets the judge.
Wednesday, 14 November
Post will make his eagerly anticipated racing debut at Bendigo on Thursday in a 3-year-old colts & geldings maiden over 1400m. The beautifully bred colt is by Octagonal out of 1996 Golden Slipper winner Merlene, who won four Group races in a career of only six starts. Post has had three barrier trials in preparation for this event, running third at Cranbourne on 27 August and 10 September, before winning at Bendigo on 15 October. Danny Nikolic has the ride on Thursday and Post will commence from barrier three. In barrier trial action from Warwick Farm on Friday 9th November, 2-year-old Christomel finished 5th in his first official hitout. Boreale was able to win his heat by a head, defeating Noble Bid and Miss Maurocco. Ready About was also due to run, but was scratched. This Friday at the Randwick trials, the Ron Quinton-trained Eviotis will be making it's first trial appearance.
Friday, 9 November
Pentathlon finished a game fourth in Thursday's Listed Four'n Twenty Stakes (1800m) at Flemington. The colt was able to maintain a handy postion for the entire race, but found the placegetters including winner Mr. Trickster, a little too good on the day. There will be a strong representation of Octagonal sired horses at Friday's barrier trials at Warwick Farm. The Guy Walter-trained Ready About, who ran 6th last start at Kembla Grange on 27th October, will contest heat 2. In heat 4, Christomel, a two-year-old from the Max Wiggins stable, will have it's first official trial. The colt is one of the first of the many horses from Octagonal's second season crop due to commence their racing careers in the coming months. Boreale, whose only official trial to date was a 7th at Rosehill on 3rd July, will run in heat 11.
Wednesday, 7 November
Penthathlon will line up in the Four'n Twenty Stakes (1800m) at Flemington on Thurdsday. The three-year-old colt is still searching for his first victory after five starts, but he has not been far away in recent starts against quality opposition. In Thursday's event, Pentathlon will commence from barrier one and have the services of one of Victoria's leading jockeys - Darren Gauci. Another young star in the making was added to the list of Octagonal sired winners on Saturday, when Bon Fire won a 1400m maiden at Newcastle by 3.5 lengths. The filly appeared ideally placed in the event after a close-up 9th on debut behind Heptonstall at Warwick Farm on 17th October. No doubt trainer Clarry Conners will now bring Bon Fire to the city for a tilt at more lucrative races. Hosannah finished 7th in the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday, but was beaten only three lengths behind the talented trio of placegetters - Quays, Gold Lottey and Li Lo Lill. John Hawkes has decided against running Hosannah in the Crown Oaks on Thursday. Josh has had a busy few days, running on Saturday at Doomben on Saturday and Eagle Farm on Tuesday. The gelding ran 5th on Doomben behind Promissory Note over 1615m, before running third to Another Warrior over 1830m in the Eagle Farm event.
Friday, 2 November
Hosannah will be looking to notch up the second Group victory of her short career when she contests the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday's Derby day program. The filly's win at Group level came in late March when she won the Magic Night Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill in the lead-up to the Golden Slipper. Hosannah steps up to the 2000m for the first time and gives the impression that this distance will suit, given that she made up good ground in the Thousand Guineas (1600m) last start. Saturday's toughest opponents again appear to be Magical Miss and Li Lo Lill, who finished first and third respectively in the Thousand Guineas. Corey Brown will ride Hosannah for the first time on Saturday. Josh will continue his career at Doomben on Saturday in a 3&4yo maiden over 1615m. The gelding finished 7th on debut at Doomben on 17th October in a similar class race and it is hoped that natural improvement and race experience will see Josh be more than competive. The main danger appears to be Another Warrior, who finished a close second in a stronger race last start. Jason Taylor takes the ride on Josh. Bon Fire will run in a 1400m maiden at Newcastle on Saturday and will be looking to improve on a first-up 9th at Warwick Farm on 17th October, when only beaten 3.4 lengths. This race looks much easier and Bon Fire gets in on the limit weight of 53kg. Craig Agnew will be in the saddle. Gold Rush was scratched from his event at Cranbourne on Monday and a suitable race will be decided on shortly.
Monday, 29 October
Omens made it three wins in succession on Saturday with an easy 2-length victory in the Listed Rosemount Estate Trophy (1600m) at Moonee Valley. The filly led all the way and certainly justified trainer John Hawkes decision to take her to Melbourne. Hawkes said after the race that connections were slightly concerned about the dead track, as Omens has shown a preferance for dry ground in the past. He went on to say that Omens may have another run over the carnival or head to the Sandown Guineas. Another option is to return the filly to Sydney for a spell. Demanding finished 6th in the Listed Burgess Queen (1400m) at Ascot on Saturday after making up ground from 11th on the turn. The wide barrier (14) was certainly a hinderance in this event. At Kembla Grange, Galapagos ran 6th in a 3yo colts & geldings maiden over 1400m. Ready About also ran 6th in her event at Kembla, a 3yo fillies maiden (1400m).
Saturday, 27 October
Octagonal filly OMENS wins Rosemout Estate Trophy at Moonee Valley, leading from start to finish.
Friday, 26 October
Talented Octagonal filly Omens has headed to Melbourne in an attempt to build on her recent impressive efforts in Sydney and will run in the Rosemount Estate Trophy (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday. Omens won at Warwick Farm by 3/4-length on 16 September, before handling the step up to Saturday class with ease to win by 1 3/4 lengths at Rosehill on 6 October. This will be her toughest task to date, with classy opponents including Flying Visit and Grand Juror. Omens has drawn barrier five and will have Darren Gauci aboard.
Demanding will appreciate the drop back to fillies class when she contests the Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on Saturday. At her last start, in open three-year-old company, Demanding came from 12th on the turn to finsh 6th after being specked in the betting ring at longer odds. The increase from 1200 to 1400 metres should also help, but barrier 19 is not ideal although jockey Paul King will more than likely settle Demanding towards the rear of the field.
Galapagos has been entered for a 3yo colts & geldings maiden over 1400m at Kembla Grange on Saturday. At his only previous run at Kembla, Galapagos recorded a fast-finishing second on 29th September. The gelding has drawn barrier eight and will have Nozomu Tomizawa in the saddle.
Ready About will also be racing at Kembla Grange, in a fillies & mares maiden over 1400m. The filly has had just the one race start to date - finishing 11th at Warwick Farm on 10th October. This appears a far easier event and Ready About will jump from barrier five and be ridden by Dale Spriggs.
The final Octagonal-sired runner for the weekend will be Gold Rush in a 3yo set-weights maiden over 1000m at Cranbourne on Monday. Very little is known about this colt as he has not been produced at any official barrier trials. However, his breeding suggests he may have a promising future. While Octagonal's credentials are well-known, Gold Rush's dam, Circles Of Gold, won three Group races in the mid 90's and was placed in seven others. Her sire is Marscay, who won the 1982 Golden Slipper. Gold Rush will have Michael Evans aboard and will start from barrier two.
Evander finished 9th in the Geelong Derby Trial on Wednesday, with jockey Darren Beadman saying that the horse cast a plate early on.
Wednesday, 24 October, 2001
Evander will be looking to continue his march to the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday week, when he contests the Listed Derby Trial (2200m) at Geelong on Wednesday. This event seems a drop in class from recent starts, but the colt has paid for his consistently at Group level by being allocated 56kg. Evander will jump from barrier 1 and have Darren Beadman in the saddle. Cornersoff found the rise in class tough to handle at Randwick on Saturday and finished at the rear of the six horse field. However, this was only the filly's second career start and a suitable event will be found in coming weeks.
Friday, 19 October,2001
Lonhro to miss Cox Plate
Lonhro will miss Saturday week's Cox Plate and Moonee Valley, with trainer John Hawkes feeling that the colt lacks the maturity at this stage of his career to take on older, more seasoned gallopers and that a tough run may jeopardise Lonhro's long term career.
In last Wednesday's action, Heptonstall confirmed her promise with an all-the-way victory over 1300m at Warwick Farm, running a class record time of 1.16.38. Craig Agnew was able to use the filly's early speed in order to get across from barrier 12 and control terms from in front. Bon Fire, in her first race start, finished 9th in this event, only 3.4 lengths behind her half-sister.
At Caulfield, Hosannah finished 8th but beaten only 3.5 lengths in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m). The filly was 12th on the turn and was able to make up some ground on the front runners and she will no doubt be better for the experience of her first run in the Melbourne direction of racing. Earlier in the day, Pentathlon finished in a dead-heat for 5th beaten 3 1/4 lengths after looming up to the leaders halfway down the straight. The Victoria Derby is still very much in connections' plans and Pentathlon will more than likely run in the Listed Derby Trial (2200m) at Geelong on 24th October. At Doomben, Josh encountered a very heavy track for his first race start and finished 7th beaten 7.9 lengths. The gelding does not have the breeding to suggest he would have handled the wet going, with Octagonal only having the one start on a slow track for a second, while his dam, Comedy Star was unplaced in two attempts in the wet. However, a dry track should see Josh display some of the talent he showed in his trials.
Cornersoff will run this Saturday in a 3yo fillies restricted to two metropolitan wins race at Randwick over 1400m. After being 12th on the turn, the filly stormed home to win by a half-head at her first race start at Kembla Grange on 25th September. Glen Colless is the rider . While the class of her rivals is undoubtedly higher at Randwick, there is only a field of six to go around and Cornersoff looks a good chance to at least figure in the greater prizemoney on offer.
Wednesday, 17 October, 2001
Wednesday will be a busy day for Octagonal progeny with five runners engaged in events up and down the eastern seaboard.
The consistent Hosannah will contest the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield. Ha Ha will again be her main rival, but the Golden Slipper winner has drawn the extreme outside in barrier 16, with Hosannah commencing from the much more desirable barrier six. Both horses will be having their first starts in the anti-clockwise Melbourne way of racing. Hosannah will have top Victorian jockey Darren Gauci aboard for the first time.
Pentathlon, who ran third in Listed company last start, is also running at Caulfield, in the Robert Taranto Hcp (1600m). Recent runs have suggested that the colt would appreciate more ground, having been steadily rising from 1200m to 1400m in his four starts to date. He has, however, drawn awkwardly in barrier 12, but will also have Darren Gauci in the saddle.
At Warwick Farm, impressive last start winner Heptonstall steps up in class when she contests the Chatham Hcp (1300m). The filly created a big impression at her first start when she blitzed a 14-horse field by 4 1/2 lengths at Kembla Grange on 29th September. Heptonstall has barrier 13 on Wednesday and will be ridden by Craig Agnew. Bon Fire will contest the same event in what will be her racing debut. Trainer Clarrie Conners has given the filly seven barrier trials before presenting her on race day, the last of which was a two length victory at Warwick Farm on 12th October. Bon Fire has barrier 10 and will have Jamie Innes aboard.
Doomben will be the venue for the racing debut of Josh, a three-year-old Octagonal gelding from the John Hawkes camp. He will run in the first race of the day, a three and four-year-old colts and geldings maiden over 1350m. Josh has had two barrier trials, both in May and finishing second on each occasion, at Eagle Farm and Deagon. He will start from barrier one with Jason Taylor taking the ride.
Saturday, 13 October,2001
LONHRO WINS THE CAULFIELD GUINEAS TO BECOME THE FIRST OCTAGONAL PROGENY TO WIN
GROUP ONE
Lonhro moved a step closer to champion class with a stunning victory in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on Saturday. The Octagonal colt came from 14th on the turn and extremely wide to overpower the strong field to win by 1 1/4 lengths and takes his career earnings to over $1.2m. Scenes of jubilation were evident amongst the winning connections as memories of Octagonal were brought to mind with the acceleration shown. Lonhro will now look to emulate his sire by winning the Group 1 W.S. Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on 27th October. He will carry 48.5kg in that event.
Evander found the rise in class a little beyond him at this stage of his career and finished at the rear of the field in the Yalumba Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield. The colt had an unenviable task in taking on top class runners in Northerly and Shogun Lodge, who predictibly ran one-two in the event. Demanding ran home well but could only finish 6th in the Listed Belgravia Stakes (1200m) at Belmont Park on Saturday.
At Newcastle, Galapagos finished 9th in a 1400m maiden.
In trial action, Akwendi finished unplaced in heat 11 at Warwick Farm on Friday, 12th October.
Friday October 12, 2001
Lonhro will continue his surge towards the W.S. Cox Plate and the Victoria Derby, when he contests the Group 1 Carlton Draught Caulfield Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday. This will be Lonhro's toughest challenge this preparation with classy rivals including Viscount, Magic Albert, North Boy, Viking Ruler and Sir Anabaa. The colt has now won six races from nine starts, including four Group events, for total prizemoney of $587,600. Lonhro has drawn in the centre of the track in barrier ten and will be ridden by Darren Gauci.
Evander will also face the toughest challenge of his preparation, if not his career, in the Group 1 Yalumba Stakes (200m) also at Caulfield. After two unplaced efforts since returning from a spell, Evander last start returned to form grabbing second on the line behind Viking Ruler in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (1800m) at Randwick on 29th September. Despite only having to carry 49kg under the Weight For Age system, Evander faces some top class gallopers including Shogun Lodge, Northerly and Native Jazz. Melbourne Cup winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy has the ride on Saturday. Demanding makes her return to racing after a month off on Saturday in the Listed Belgravia Stakes (1200m) at Belmont Park. The filly created a strong impression with two comfortable victorys, before being unplaced last start at Belmont Park on 15th September. Connections will be hoping that the freshen up will see Demanding return to the form that may see him shortly taken to Melbourne for the carnival races. Paul King will ride the fill on Saturday and will have work to do from barrier 14 in the 16 horse field.
Galapagos has been accepted for 1400m maidens at both Newcastle on Saturday and Hawkesbury on Sunday. Judging by his fast finishing second at Kembla Grange last start, the gelding should go close to winning either event. At Newcastle, Galapagos has barrier 4 and will be ridden by Nozomu Tomizawa, while at Hawkesbury he has barrier 11 with Brad Pengelly aboard.
Wednesday October 10, 2001
Ready About to make debut The Guy Walter-trained Octagonal filly Ready About will make her racing debut on Wednesday at Warwick Farm in the Ingleburn Shopping Centre Hcp (1100m). Ready About is out of the Biscay mare Spinnaker Bay, who won four city races in the late 1980's. The filly has had two barrier trials in preaparation for this event, finishing fourth both times at Warwick Farm on 15th June and 28th September. On Wednesday she will have the services of Larry Cassidy and her toughest opponent appears to be the well-performed country filly Sassi Switch.
Monday October 8, 2001
Successful day for Octagonal progeny Saturday 6th October was another successful day for Octagonal-sired horses with two out of three runners winning.
At Rosehill, Omens built on her last start victory by taking out the S.T.C Functions & Events Hcp (1500m) by 1 3/4 lengths. The filly was settled in second spot by jockey Rod Quinn and was third at the turn before impressively running down the leaders to score a convincing win. Omens' record now stands at two wins, a second and a third from six starts.
Equally impressive was Barberousse, who broke his maiden status in winning a class 1 event over 1600m at Kembla Grange. The colt made amends for some narrow defeats at recent starts and justified his odds-on price. Barberousse can be expected to be seen in metropolitan races in the near future.
Meanwhile, at Flemington, Pentathlon ran third in his first Victorian start in the Concept Sports Stakes (1420m). The colt looked a winning chance as he made up ground half way down the straight, but faded slightly over the concluding stages. This was Pentathlon's first run this preparation and he will no doubt gain extra fitness in the weeks ahead.
Friday October 5, 2001
Omens will be looking to build on her last start Warwick Farm victory when she contests the S.T.C Functions & Events Hcp (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday. The filly overcame a check at the 800m at Warwick Farm to score by 3/4-length after having been unlucky at previous starts. The main danger to Omens appears to be Academe, who won narrowly at Canterbury recently when a short-priced favourite. However, that gelding is jumping from 1250m up to the 1500m, while Omens' victory was over 1400m last start. Omens is on track to travel to Melbourne to run in the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield on 17 October and the V.R.C. Oaks at Flemington on 8 November.
Pentathlon has been transported to John Hawkes' Melbourne stables and will run in the Concept Sports Stakes (1420m) at Flemington on Saturday. The colt has had three starts to date with two placings in Sydney and a 5th in the Australia Post Stakes at Eagle Farm on 23 June. He gets into Saturday's event on the limit weight of 53kg and with Darren Gauci aboard could surprise some of his rivals, the hardest of which to beat looks to be Tully Dane and Ustinov.
Barberousse will be the third of the Octagonal-sired runners this weekend, in a class 1 handicap at Kembla Grange on Saturday. This appears an ideal race for the colt, who was only beaten a half-length when 4th at Canterbury on 26 September. Very few of his rivals in this race can boast similar efforts. With barrier one and Craig Agnew aboard, Barberousse should go very close to winning.
At Avondale on Wednesday, Octagonal's first New Zealand runner Vee Eight finished a solid fifth. No doubt this will be the first of many runners in the champion galloper's homeland.
Meanwhile, October Miss finished eighth at Canterbury on Thursday night.
Wednesday October 3, 2001|
Octagonal's first New Zealand runner on Wednesday Vee Eight will be the first Octagonal-sired runer in New Zealand when he contests a 1200m maiden at Avondale on Wednesday. The three-year-old gelding is out of Marla Heights (NZ) who raced ten times in the mid 90's for one win. Meanwhile, back in Australia, October Miss will be racing at Canterbury on Thursday night. At her only start, at Rosehill on 2nd December last year, October Miss was well beaten after striking interference at the start and being checked near the turn. Since then the filly has had two barrier trials, winning at Warwick Farm on 6th July before being unplaced at the same track on 14th September. Corey Brown will be aboard.
Monday October 1, 2001
How can we beat Lohnro ? That surely is the question that trainers and jockeys across Sydney are asking themselves after the Octagonal colt recorded his sixth win from nine starts in the Group 2 Stan Fox Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday. Lonhro was last of six on the turn before circling the field in the straight to win impressively by 1 1/4 lengths. The victory raised the colt's prizemoney to $587,600.
Another impressive winner on Saturday was the first starter Heptonstall, who blew her rivals away in winning by 4 1/2 lengths at Kembla Grange. The acceleration shown indicated that this will more than likely be the last of the filly's runs at the provincials for a while and she should certaintly be measuring up in city events in the coming weeks. Evander returned to close to his best form with a strong-finishing second to Viking Ruler in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (1800m) at Randwick.
After a couple of unplaced efforts this preparation, Evander settled in second-last spot in the eight horse field and finishing solidly to grab second place right on the line. The run showed that the colt will be suited by 2000m and longer, with the main target being the 2500m Victoria Derby on November 3.
Another good run from Hosannah on Monday at Warwick Farm, running third in the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m). One again it was Golden Slipper winner Ha Ha who took the honours, however there was only a length between the two claasy filly at the end which gave the impression that Hosannah will be further suited as the distance of her races increases. She is on track to head to Melbourne for the Thousand Guineas and the V.R.C. Oaks.
The last of the Octagonal-sired runners over the long weekend was Galapagos, who ran a nice second over 1200m at Kembla Grange. The winner Magical Flight was having it's fourth race start and that experience may have been the difference in the end.
The well-bred Post was due to run at Bendigo on Tuesday, but was scratched.
Friday September 28, 2001
A busy time for Octagonal progeny in the next few days with six horses entered to race at tracks in New South Wales and Victoria.
Leading the way once again will be three-time Group winner Lonhro who has amassed over $400,000 in prizemoney from his eight starts with five wins. Lonhro will contest the Group 2 Stan Fox Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday. His main dangers appear to be Magic Albert and Grandiser, who have both won their last two starts, but have managed to avoid Lonhro until now. Lonhro is again well suited at the set weights and should be extremely hard to beat. Rod Quinn will again be aboard.
Evander will run in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (1800m) at Randwick. On the surface his two runs from a short spell appear disappointing, but he has stuck on well in those races and was blocked on the rail when trying to work into the race at the 300m last start. Darren Beadman takes over the ride and with Evander drawing wide in nine, he should be able to settle the colt towards the rear of the field with sufficient galloping room.
The third of the Group runners this weekend will be Hosannah, who has been entered for the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Warwick Farm on Monday. The battle resumes between the Octagonal filly and Golden Slipper Ha Ha. The pair have competed against each other at their three starts from a spell this preparation as well as the Golden Slipper earlier this year. Ha Ha has won on three of those occasions with Hosannah finishing second and Ha Ha third in their remaining clash. As per usual with two evenly matched horses, luck in running and tactics often play a part in deciding the winner and Hosannah will again have the services of Rod Quinn.
At Kembla Grange on Saturday, Galapagos will run in race 2 which is a maiden over 1200m. The gelding's only run to date was at Canterbury on 2nd May when 7th an a slow track. Since then he has trialled at Warwick Farm, finishing a close-up second on 14th September. Connextions had no luck at the barrier draw with Galapagos drawing the extreme outside barrier of 11. Experienced jockey Dale Spriggs will be in the saddle Heptonstall, out of Pretence, will make her racing debut in a fillies and mares maiden over 1200m later in the day at Kembla. The filly has had two impressive trials, winning recently at Warwick Farm on September 14, narrowly beating half-brother Galapagos. Craig Agnew will be aboard and Heptonstall has drawn awkwardly in barrier 10.
The last of the runners will be the exceptionally-bred Post on Tuesday at Bendigo. Post is out of champion filly Merlene, winner of the 1996 Golden Slipper and Sires Produce and over $1.5m from her short career of six starts. Match that with the brilliance of her sire, Octagonal, and Post seems destined for a lucrative career. Trainer Myles Plumb has elected to enter the colt for a 3-year-old class 1 event over 1100m. Post has had two recent barrier trials at Cranbourne and finished third on both occasions. One of Victoria's leading jockeys, Danny Nikolic, has taken the ride.
Tuesday September 25, 2001
Cornersoff and Sir Henry add to list of Octagonal-sired winners
In a triumphant day for Octagonal-sired horses, Cornersoff and Sir Henry both saluted the judge at Kembla Grange on Tuesday.
Cornersoff, who despite his impressive breeding, was sent out as a 25/1 chance, but belied those odds to win by a half-head. The win was even more meritorious given that the filly started from barrier 14, the extreme outside. The unexpected victory gives trainer Oliver Koolman the pleasant task of deciding whether to progress through the provincial classes or test Cornersoff in tougher company in town.
Sir Henry made amends for his last start defeat as favourite with a resounding four length victory at Kembla Grange. Punters were confident about the gelding's chances, sending him out as 5/4 favourite and he did not let his supporters down. Trainer Les Bridge, also must now decide where to direct Sir Henry's campaign and the impressive nature of the win indicates that he would be more than competitive in metropolitan class.
O'Mars was unplaced at the Rosehill trials in the heat won by On A Cloud in the time of 55.60s for the 900m. Barberousse has been entered for the De Bortoli Wines Hcp (1550m) at Canterbury on Wednesday and should go very close to winning. The colt finished 5th first up at Hawkesbury on 23rd August over 1200m, but was trapped on the rail and could not secure clear running in the straight. He then ran a close finishing second at the same track on 7th September over 1400m. The increase in distance to 1550m looks ideal and Rod Quinn will again be aboard.
Monday September 24, 2001
The well-bred Octagonal colt Cornersoff will make her racing debut in a 1400m maiden at Kembla Grange on Tuesday.
The filly is out of Sky Watch, a winner at Group level, whose dam Star Watch, won the 1988 Golden Slipper. Cornersoff has had three barrier trials to prepare for this event, the last of which was at Warwick Farm on 3rd August. She has drawn poorly in barrier 16, but will have the services of Larry Cassidy. Sir Henry, will also continue his career at Kembla in the next race, which is also a 1400m maiden. At his most recent start, Sir Henry was a close-up third in the same class and distance at Kembla on 15th September. That run indicated that a win in this grade is not far away. On Tuesday, Mark De Montfort will take the ride and the gelding will start from barrier two. Also on Tuesday, barrier trials will be held at Rosehill and Octagonal will be represented by the John Hawkes-trained O'Mars. The gelding has had only one previous trial, that being on 14 September when unplaced at Warwick Farm.
Octessa will be this weekend's sole Octagonal representative, after trainer John Hawkes altered Lonhro's campaign. Lonhro had been nominated for the Group 1 George Main Stakes (1600m) at Warwick Farm on Saturday and the Group 1 Eat Well Live Well Cup (1400m) at Caulfield on Sunday. However, his next start is now expected to be in the Group 2 Stan Fox Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on September 29, before heading to Melbourne for the Caulfield Guineas on October 13 Octessa will be having her second race start when she contests the Listed Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) at Warwick Farm on Saturday. First-up, Octessa finished sixth in a Kembla Grange maiden on September 8 and faces a tougher task here in taking on the likes of Stylish Lass, Vita and Patterns. However, her impressive trial win by 2 1/2 lengths at Rosehill on August 21 suggests that sharp improvement is not impossible in this event. Jamie Innes will be aboard.
Lonhro salutes in Heritage Stakes; Omens opens winning account
Lonhro once again displayed signs of his sire's brilliance in winning the Listed Heritage Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday. The colt settled towards the rear of the eight horse field, before making a strong burst at the 200m. The acceleration shown was too much for Perfect Crime who finished 2 1/2 lengths behind in second place with Time Out a further length back in third. The win takes Lonhro's record to 5 wins from 8 starts with $416,200 in prizemoney. His next run will be in either the Group 1 George Main Stakes (1600m) at Warwick Farm on Saturday or the Group 1 Eat Well Live Well Cup (1400m) at Caulfield on Sunday. Hosannah ran another good race in the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1500m), finishing third to Golden Slipper winner Ha Ha. The 1500m was further than Hosannah had been previously tested over and she held her own in being positioned third all the way. Hosannah's prizemoney has now risen to $359,00 with three wins from eight starts. Demanding on the 1600m at Belmont Park for the first time on Saturday and found the task beyond her at this stage of her career, finishing seventh. The customary strong finish was not evident in Demanding's performance, but she is being set for the feature distance races in Melbourne and may need more experience over middle distances before travelling across. Sir Henry performed well at Kembla Grange on Saturday running third. The gelding stepped up from 1100m to 1400m for the race and preformed as though this will be his pet distance. Omens went part of the way to fulfilling her potential, when she won at Warwick Farm on Sunday. The filly had been the victim of bad luck at recent starts and despite being checked at the 800m in this event, was able to win impressively by 3/4 length in class record time for the 1400m. Rectagonal, due to also run at Warwick Farm, was scratched.
Lonhro and Demanding set to continue roll
Potential champions Lonhro and Demanding will this weekend continue their preparations for the rich Melbourne spring carnival. Lonhro, who has won four of his seven career starts and over $330,000 in prizemoney, will contest the Heritage Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday. The biggest danger in the race would appear to be the Gavin Andrews-trained Mad Hatter, who was impressive in a recent exhibition gallop at Gosford. Lonhro will again be ridden by Rod Quinn.
Meanwhile in the west, Demanding looks extremely well placed in the Stylish Lord Hcp (1600m). While it is her first attempt at 1600m, she has won impressively enough in recent starts to suggest that there will be no problem. As with last start, Demanding will have only a small field to contend with and will more than likely settle at the rear of the field. Casey Dredge will take the ride and has a 3kg claim to alleviate the 58kg. Hosannah is also running at Rosehill and has been entered for the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1500m). At her last start at Randwick, Hosannah managed to beat home Ha Ha who had twice previously prevented the Octagonal filly from notching wins in feature events, but this time found Moonflute too good on the day, eventually succombing by a half-head after leading on the turn. Moonflute and Ha Ha both line up again on Saturday and luck in running may proof the difference between the closely matched gallopers. Regular rider Rod Quinn will again ride Hosannah. Sir Henry is engaged to run at Kembla Grange on Saturday in the 3yo maiden over 1400m after being scratched from Newcastle on Thursday. The Les Bridge-trained gelding finished seventh at his first start at Warwick Farm on 26th August and has stepped down a grade in search of his first win. Apprentice Robbie Brewer has the ride.
Two Octagonals representatives on Sunday at Warwick Farm - Rectagonal and Omens. Rectagonal won impressively on the 31st August at Goulburn last start and looks capable of going right on with the job in the National Servicemen's 50th Anniversary Hcp (1600m). Danny Beasley will be aboard and Rectagonal has been well weighted with 53.5kg. Later in the day, Omens will contest the Doug Preverill Hcp (1400m). The John Hawkes-trained filly has not had the best of luck at her past two starts, striking interference at vital times on both occasions. Omens will start from barrier six on Sunday, which seems ideal as at those recent starts she has drawn barriers one and two and had trouble finding sufficient galloping room. Larry Cassidy has taken the ride. Aucash For All had a solid start to his racing career at Newcastle on Thursday, finishing seventh beaten just over six lengths, while his half-brother All The Angles finished a length behind in tenth place. Both these gallopers will be better for the experience. In trial action at Warwick Farm on Friday, heat 11 saw three Octagonal-sired gallopers take part with Heptonstall winning in a time of 47.9 seconds for the 798m, Galapagos a long head back in second with Bon Fire finishing unplaced. O'Mars was unplaced in heat 14.
By Tony White SYDNEY, Sept 13 AAP - Like a lot of other people, jockey Rod Quinn has the highest admiration for the John Hawkes-trained Lonhro.
The classy colt will be out to maintain his winning momentum in the $120,000 Listed Heritage Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday. Quinn's fervour for the three-year-old revolves around both the colt's ability and breeding, with Lonhro being a son of Hawkes' champion galloper Octagonal. "I really like him as a horse," Quinn said of Lonhro. "He's got plenty of ability, he's very honest, and does nothing wrong. "You can't ask much more from any racehorse. "Every time he goes around, it doesn't matter in what company, he steps up to the mark." Lonhro faces a smart field of eight rivals in the Heritage, several of whom are being aimed at rich events later this spring. But weight-for-age winner Lonhro currently looks the pick of the bunch. Quinn said that Lonhro, who has raced with the leading division in his past two wins, may not be as far forward on Saturday. "He's drawn barrier six and there's plenty of speed around him," Quinn said. "He's a very versatile horse, he can be ridden forward or back. "I don't believe he has to lead because he has got a good turn of foot. "The trick will be to ensure he gets a nice run with cover." Lonhro is the only three-year-old in Sydney this season to win at weight-for-age with his brilliant win against the older gallopers in the Warwick Stakes. Last start Lonhro scored a narrow but determined victory over his own age group in the Ming Dynasty Quality. Comparisons with Lonhro's sire Octagonal are pointless, Quinn said, especially when it comes to ability. "He's got Octagonal's attitude - he knows how to stick his head out at the right time - he looks a bit like him, but it would be hard to suggest he has the same amount of ability," Quinn said. "Octagonal was exceptional. It's all ahead of Lonhro at this stage but so far he's doing everything right." The Heritage will prove a make-or-break race for the Gary Portelli-trained Perfect Crime. Perfect Crime ran a shocker last start on the all-weather track at Randwick and was reported by TRB veterinarian Craig Suann to have pulled up sore. Portelli said at Newcastle today that Perfect Crime had "trained on well" since his last-start failure, the trainer putting the run down simply to the vagaries of the wet all-weather surface. Magic Hatter, a smart two-year-old last season, also resumes in the Heritage. The colt was most impressive last Thursday, running an exceptional final sectional during an exhibition gallop between races at Gosford. AAP TURF tw/bd/gm
The sole Octagonal representative on Cameron Handicap day at Newcastle, was the Max Lees-trained Montreal who finished 8th in her first run since February. The filly’s damsire is Luskin Star, winner of the 1977 Group 1 Golden Slipper and improved efforts can be expected in coming weeks.
In the first event at Newcastle on Thursday, three Octagonal-sired horses will take part. This is the first occurrence of this kind, previously only Lonhro and Hosannah had competed against each other in this year’s Golden Slipper. The John Hawkes-trained All The Angles will be making his debut in the race and has had two barrier trials in preparation, the last of which was at Warwick Farm on 31st August. Rod Quinn will be aboard. Aucash For All will also make his debut and, like All The Angles, had the latest of his two trials at Warwick Farm on 31st August. The Grahame Begg-trained colt has been nominated for the Caulfield Guineas and Victoria Derby. Len Beasley takes the ride. Sir Henry will be lining up for his second race start after he finished 10th at Warwick Farm on 26th August when trapped very wide on the turn. Prior to that, Sir Henry had finished close-up in two barrier trials and the increase in distance and drop in class will act in his favour. Mark De Montfort has the ride on the Les Bridge-trained gelding in this event. Warwick Farm is the venue for Sydney metropolitan barrier trials on Friday 14th September with Octagonal being represented by Galapagos who is commencing his second race preparation after finishing 7th at his only start at Canterbury on 2nd May.
Demanding wins again Octagonal’s star of the West, Demanding, continued on her winning way at Belmont Park on Saturday with a 1 ¼ length victory in the Forehand Hcp (1400m). Jockey Paul King settled the filly at the rear of the five horse field and stayed there until the turn before recording a comfortable win. The victory helped confirm Demanding’s obvious class and it will be interesting to see how she handles the top horses when she travels to Melbourne in the coming weeks. Barberousse improved from it’s first start to record a ¾-length second at Hawkesbury on Friday. The colt has been nominated for the Caulfield Guineas on 13th October and is progressing nicely. Later in the day, Oz finished 11th in his event. This was the colt’s first race start and he is too well bred to suggest that vast improvement will not be seen at future starts. He has also been nominated for the Caulfield Guineas. On Saturday, Evander stepped up to 1750m for the first time and found it too far as he weakened slightly to finish 9th. At this stage the colt is set to run in the Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick on 29th September and John Hawkes may decide to give Evander another start before that event. At Kembla Grange, Octessa finished a creditable 6th at her first start. Like Oz, this filly is bred for success and her impressive trial win at Rosehill last month suggests that profitable times are ahead.
A busy time for Octagonal progeny this weekend with five of the sire’s first season crop competing at venues spanning the breadth of the country. The action kicks off on Friday at Hawkesbury, where Barberousse and Oz will be showing their wares. At his only career start to date, Barberousse was 5th beaten 2.6 lengths in a 1200m Hawkesbury maiden on 23rd August. He steps up to the 1400m on Friday and with that run under his belt and the services of Rodney Quinn, looms as a strong chance in a race that is not overly strong. The nicely bred Oz, out of Zedagal, will be making his debut later in the day at Hawkesbury in a 1200m maiden. The colt has had the benefit of three barrier trials in preparation, the most recent at Hawkesbury on 27th August, which should have him primed for a strong first up effort. Rodney Quinn takes the ride. On Saturday at Rosehill, the talented Evander gets his chance to improve on his first up 8th in the Group 2 Peter Pan Stakes on 25th August, when he contests the Group 2 Gloaming Stakes (1750m). Although beaten 6.2 lengths last start, the colt battled right to the line, but found the others including Magic Albert, Excellerator and Courvoisier too speedy on the day. That was Evander’s first run for ten weeks and he did not have an official barrier trial prior to the run. In Saturday’s event he will again have the advantage of barrier one and Larry Cassidy aboard. At Belmont Park on Saturday, the newest potential star of Octagonal’s progeny, Demanding, will line up in the Forehand Hcp (1400m). Demanding created a big impression in the west, when he came from near last on the turn to win by 3 ½ lengths at Belmont Park on 18th August. Saturday’s event appears easier than last start, with only five horses accepting for the event and of those, only one has won previously. Earlier this week, Demanding was allotted 46kg for both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups and must keep winning and attracting weight penalties in order to gain a start in those events. The final runner of the Octagonal quintet is Octessa, who will have her first race start in a 1200m maiden at Kembla Grange on Saturday. This filly, out of Mamzelle Pedrille, won her only trial impressively by 2 ½ lengths at Rosehill on 21 August and seems well placed in this event. Group 1 winning jockey Gavin Eades will have some work to do from gate 12.
Wrap-up of Saturday's runners and trials at Hawkesbury.
Evander, after being set a tough first-up effort over 1500m against a quality field, could only finish 8th in the Group 2 Peter Pan Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday. Jockey Larry Cassidy settled the colt midfield coming to the turn, but his condition gave out late in the race. Evander remains on target for races such as the W.S. Cox Plate and the Victoria Derby and the horse will be nearing his peak leading in to these races.
On Sunday at Warwick Farm, Sir Henry made an inauspicious debut to racing, finishing 10th. The gelding will have derived a great deal of benefit from the run and will no doubt improve in subsequent starts, based on some impressive trial form in the lead up to Sunday's event.
John Hawkes took a couple of Octagonal youngsters to Hawkesbury on Monday for some trial experience. Diamond Shower colt, Occidental, ran a close second to Instant Lionel in trial one. This was his second trial to date after running 4th at Warwick Farm in December last year. Oz, out of Zedagal, had his career trial after two unplaced efforts at Rosehill in December last year and most recently in May. The colt finished a close-up fourth and Hawkes will be searching out suitable races for these two in the coming days.

OCTAGONAL FILLY TOPS DEAUVILLE SUNDAY Deauville, France, August 21

A very successful Saturday of racing for Octagonal progeny with Lonhro and Demanding winning their events and Hosannah finishing a gallant second. Lonhro, starting as 9/4 favourite, won the Group 2 Warwick Stakes (1300m) at Warwick Farm after jockey Darryl McLellan was able to cross from the wide barrier and lead until approaching the turn when the speedy Brisbane galloper Diamond Dane headed Lonhro. But the classy three-year-old, with the assistance of an eight-kilogram pull in the weights, was able to fight back and win by a long neck. The victory takes Lonhro’s career earnings to $282,400 from six starts. Demanding, who is the sole Octagonal representative racing in Perth at the moment, scored a brilliant last-to-first win at Belmont Park on Saturday. Having her first run since being unplaced in the Karrakatta Plate, jockey Paul King settled Demanding at the rear of the 11-horse field, before making his run in the straight. Once fully in to stride, the filly responded by racing away to a 3 ½ length win and left no doubt as to why connections have entered her for a number of feature races in the Melbourne spring carnival.
Hosannah did her reputation no harm with a fast-finishing second to Golden Slipper winner Ha Ha in the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes at Warwick Farm. After settling midfield, jockey Rod Quinn made his run at the 300m mark and despite taking ground off the winner in the concluding stages, was beaten by 2 ¼ lengths. Hosannah will be improved by the run and showed that with an increase in distance, she will have some very tight battles with Ha Ha in the spring.
Ares continued his career at Caulfield on Sunday, with a 5th placing over 1440m. The Lady Eliza (NZ) colt is improving with racing and is only relatively inexperienced - having had only the three starts to date.
The weekend successes takes the combined career stakes earnings of Octagonal progeny to over $750,000, including the victory of Majestic Lady at Deauville in France on 14th August.

Wednesday’s racing saw three Octagonal show their wares, with the most impressive performance being provided by Provokes at Canterbury. The Excited Angel filly was having her first race start and was 6th on the turn before being wound up over the last 200m to run a fast finishing second. Provokes gave the impression that she will appreciate slightly more ground in future and that, along with added fitness, should see her winning very soon. Rectagonal, also made his debut at Canterbury, but was not fancied in the betting and ran accordingly, finishing 8th. Obviously, more time is needed for Rectagonal to show his best and he will be all the better for the experience. Pentagram stepped up to the 1400m at Eagle Farm in his second career start on Wednesday and finished 4th as he did the previous week at the same track. Again, he will need more time to fully mature and develop as he has been racing against more experienced horses in both his starts. In trial news, Bright Eyed Boy finished unplaced at the Randwick trials on Friday as trainer Geoff Borger plans his next start.

Happy New Year Octagonal
As the new racing season kicks into gear, so to will the careers of the myriad of talented youngsters sired by champion racehorse Octagonal. To date, 20 horses have carried the Octagonal bloodline on to the track for a combined stakes earning of close to $600,000. With another 120 named progeny waiting in the wings, the next six months should see Octagonal begin to fulfill his expectations as one of Australasia's most successful and sought after sires. more >>>

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