weekend wrap
what a cracking race day saturday punters at rosehill gardens we had some good returns from horses, some food wins and some pretty average rides too lets break it down and give you my take on the race day as i seen it with my eyes
race 1 the midway starphistocated looked the main danger in the race rock hard fit and too ggood for them perfect ride by chad schofield, looks all set to go on with it now in the epona stakes in 2 weeks, iceman found trouble rounding the turn – Stewards considered a protest lodged by N. Rawiller, rider of 3rd placegetter, Iceman, against Tartana (B Ryan) being declared 2 nd placegetter, and we lost the protest and fined nash $300, fair suck of the sav sterwards,
race 2 the tab highway everyone who follows me knows i hate these races and rarely bet in them but rose aye made me stop and watch, won by 8 lengths like how why and where did this form come from, great win
race 3 queen bee sprint , the winner signor tortoni sat in behind them and peeled off them storming home to win for ron quinton, eagle express found trouble and blah blah just looked ordinary to me but cant sack good horses off 1 bad run,
race 4 the angency hcp captain furi comes down the outside to win and win well, that brings up 100 metro winners for chris waller i think he might train some more this year, was a text book ride by nash anyone who wants to be a jockey go watch this race and ride wins ride of the day, la roja Held up in the early part of the straight and approaching the 300m made contact with Elson Boy when improving was a huge run might say was the unlucky runner,
race 5 racing and sports hcp and chris waller wins again with lord penman who was first up and too classy, that bought up a the trainer and jockey combination 490 wins what a team these 2 are waller and jmac, magnater fought hard but just found out late, eye catching run age of sail he is heading to new zealand for the auckland cup black book him,
race 6 silver slipper stakes the winner stretan ruler came up from mexico he is a big strong type with plenty of upside to come, who looked the winner a long way out 1200m looks ideal, hendrix just got too far back dont rule him out yet, confederation looked disapointing to the eye he is much better than tha, and incognito once he puts it altogether he will be winning some very good races maybe needs the snip and become 2 stone lighter,
race 7 parramatta cup piggyback text book ride storms over the top to win well , was the flashing light run last time even stevie wonder saw the run, sam hawking didnt fire a shot maybe looking for mre ground or is just all hype, the one to follow out of this race is campadino was a huge first up run looks on target for a big prep,
race 8 hobart stakes what a double snap kick to the forehead from ninja had the fitness edge and trial into this and never looked like getting beat turning for home loomed up and wins well, autumn boy has returned well he was doing his best work late, the black book horse attica
race 9 millie fox stakes cinsault was jolly on the spot had the benifit of a run and was too sharp for them, lazzura was huge in defeat if anything i feel jmac pushed the button a little too early and ran out of fuel late, even top jocks get it wrong sometimes, dark glitter this girl is a superstar she never puts in a bad race she deserves and big win this prep
race 10 we saved the best for last and not just because i backed it, this is win of the day kerguelen absoluting flying ducking in ducking out and gets the gaps to win running times the last 1000 meters in 54.42 thats almost as fast as my toyota yaris downhill, what a win
what a cracking day get ya back side track side and start collecting with fat jockey join the winning stable today
Weekend ahead
Strap yourself in, punters — Saturday at Rosehill Gardens is not for the faint-hearted or the financially irresponsible.
We’ve got a Golden Slipper golden ticket up for grabs in the Silver Slipper Stakes — a $300k bunfight where the winner punches their ticket to the $5 million kiddies’ grand final. That’s right, baby horses running for adult money.
Team Chris Waller has brought the artillery. Hidrix with Zac Lloyd aboard is lurking, but stablemate Confederation gets the royal treatment with James McDonald steering. When J-Mac hops on, bookies start sweating and punters start lying to their partners.
Then there’s Shiki from the Waterhouse/Bott chaos factory with Tim Clark — you just know it’s going forward like it owes someone money. Incognito, Stretan Ruler… blink and you’ll miss the price before the herd piles in.
The Hobartville Stakes? Absolute three-year-old street fight. Future Group 1 stars, inflated opinions, and connections already picking out where they’ll hang the next trophy. This race has been won by monsters like Anamoe, Pierro and The Autumn Sun — so if you’re not watching, you’re basically allergic to good racing.
The mares line up in the Millie Fox Stakes where Waller and J-Mac roll out Lazzura at skinny odds. Meanwhile, the Parramatta Cup is a staying test that’ll sort the tough from the “needs a spell.”
Ten races. Four Group races. Future Slipper babies. Autumn carnival stars. And you’re thinking about mowing the lawn?
Get ya backside trackside, punters. Cancel the chores. Ignore the in-laws. This is the kind of Saturday that separates the battlers from the believers.
Thursday racing at Hawkesbury
Hawkesbury Thursday – Sack the Boss & Back a Winner
If you needed an excuse to “work from home” on Thursday, here it is. Hawkesbury is putting on an absolute belter, headlined by the Provincial-Midway Championships Qualifier and a Country Champs heat that’ll have bush battlers and metro raiders eyeballing each other like it’s last drinks at the pub.
It’s a cracking card… and a punting minefield. Hard races to assess. Plenty of depth. Proper betting puzzles. Just the way we like it.
The Big Guns Rolling In
You’ve got the likes of Gambler, Honey Perfume, and Indigo Star strutting around like they own the joint. They’ll take money, they’ll take attention… but they won’t get it all their own way.
Provincial-Midway Championships Qualifier – The Main Event
Rolling Magic (Freedman Bros)
Tough as old boots and fit as a fiddle. Hasn’t been beaten far all prep and maps to control it from the paint. Freshened, seasoned, and likely over the odds. The type that just keeps punching.
Imposant (Kris Lees)
Classy mare resuming off three tidy trials. Has danced in Group 3 company before being told to sit down. Back to this level? Big drop in grade. If she gets cover and sees daylight late, she’s steaming home. Each-way players, step right up.
Just In Time (Jason Deamer)
Name says it all. Third-up. Perfect trip. Won fresh in town and then flashed home at silly odds in a feature sprint. Trialled sweetly since. Drawn to stalk and strike. Proper contender.
Miss Spacegirl (Freedman Bros)
Carries just 55.5kg and loves to rattle late. If they overcook it up front, she’ll be the one sprouting wings down the outside. Peaking at the right time. Big hope.
And the scary part? That’s not even the full field. There are more chances than excuses in a stewards’ inquiry.
The Verdict
It’s one of those days where you’ll look like a genius in Race 3… and question your life choices by Race 6. Proper Hawkesbury stuff.
So here’s the plan:
Leave the office early.
Actually… don’t leave early.
Just take the whole day off.
Get your backside trackside.
– The Fat Jockey
black book
BLACK BOOKERS – PAY ATTENTION
Autumn Glow – The Queen Is Home
What do you even say about Autumn Glow after the Apollo Stakes at Royal Randwick Racecourse?
Demolition job. Crime scene stuff.
They said she might be vulnerable first-up. Vulnerable? She stalked, pounced, and put them away like a schoolyard bully.
Last 600m in 32.97. That’s absurd. Only Joliestar went quicker on the day (32.91) — and that was in a 1200m dash.
Her 400–200 split? 10.70. That’s “good luck catching me” territory.
How do they beat her? Short answer: they don’t. Not like that.
Aeliana – Needs To Lift
Aeliana had the run, had her chance, and… didn’t go with her. Sectionals say she’s got a bit to find. Not sacked, but she’s chasing shadows right now.
Stefi Magnetica – Don’t Forget
The reigning Donny champ Stefi Magnetica quietly ran 33.27 late first-up. That’s a pass mark. She’ll strip fitter and improve sharply. Don’t leave her out next time.
EXPRESSWAY HEADSCRATCHER
The Expressway Stakes? Blink and you missed it.
Joliestar was electric — fastest last 600m of the meeting. Boom.
But here’s your forgive run:
Angel Capital. Vetted at the gates, blood in the mouth, got back to last, didn’t settle… still ran 33.28 late. Total forget job. He’s lengths better than that.
And Lady Shenandoah? Should’ve run second. Late change of course, warming up when it was over. 33.15 home. She’s flying — just needs a clean crack at them.
LIGHT FINGERS LESSON
The Light Fingers Stakes was run like a Sunday picnic early. Slow tempo = leader advantage.
That suited Savvy Hallie perfectly. Controlled it. Pinched it.
Apocalyptic actually ran a faster last 600m (33.75 vs 33.90). She had to work early punching through and that might’ve blunted her. Still classy — but not invincible.
Big flashing light run?
Karinska – fastest last 600m of the race (33.48) and savaged the line. Surround Stakes smokey written all over her.
One More For The Book
Verona Rose in the Triscay Stakes – 33.12 late at a trip short of her best. She’s coming. Step her up and follow.
– Black Book These:
Autumn Glow (scary good)
Angel Capital (forgive)
Lady Shenandoah (unlucky)
Karinska (surround danger)
Stefi Magnetica (fitter next start)
Verona Rose (ready to peak)
midweek racing
Midweek Mayhem at Warwick Farm Racecourse – Wednesday’s Punters Playground
Strap in, legends. It’s midweek metro chaos, the suits are pretending to work from home, and the real professionals are parked up studying form like it’s the HSC. Warwick Farm on a Wednesday – where reputations are built, wallets are emptied, and someone always declares a “moral” that runs second.
Let’s rip in. Fast, cheeky and slightly irresponsible.
Race 1 – The Gelding Glow-Up Stakes
SARAPO returns two stone lighter after the ultimate lifestyle change. Fresh off the chop, 18-week break, trialled up – could come back a new man. If the procedure did what it usually does, expect focus, professionalism and possibly a career best. Each-way screams.
GUS THE GREAT – tough, honest and from an astute camp. Placed twice this prep. You’ll need to beat him fair and square.
ALPHARD – first-up third at Canterbury from a strong yard. Sneaky type. Don’t let it lob at $9 and ruin your sandwich.
Main dangers everywhere. Tread carefully – or don’t.
Race 2 – Analyst Mode Activated
You wanted analysis? Here it is: midweek Class race, likely tempo dependent, and probably a favourite that drifts late and still wins. Watch the market. Watch the yard. Watch your blood pressure.
This is the race where someone texts “load up” and vanishes for three hours.
Race 3 – The “Back Me With Confidence” Edition
STRAAND BEAUTY – Loves Warwick Farm like I love a late scratch refund. Three from three in the placings here. Metro form. One of the picks of the day.
NAZWAH – Won first-up here. Two from three as favourite. When punters jump on, it usually delivers. Sneaky? Yes. Capable? Absolutely.
KIMBERLEY SECRETS – Faded late at Canterbury on soft but has previous track success. Tough race. Genuine depth. Don’t get cocky.
Race 4 – Throw a Dart
This is the race where “anything can win” isn’t lazy analysis — it’s fact.
TARZING – Two from two. Undefeated types demand respect. Confidence horse.
Fiddlers Green – Great return. Looks ready to go one better. Danger.
Crossbow – Should be peaking now. Overs maybe.
Extra Heights – Lightly raced, upside galore. The type that improves lengths out of nowhere.
Spread wide. Or just pray.
Race 5 – The “Moral” (Allegedly)
DECORUM – Two straight. Won here on soft. Hunting a hat-trick. Looks a moral… which means tread carefully because racing loves a plot twist.
LANCELOT DU LAC – Two from four this prep. Blinkers off. Interesting move. Don’t dismiss.
LE TROISIR – Strong late at Newcastle fresh. And when you see a runner from the yard of Chris Waller, you don’t ignore it. Ever.
Clyde – Rock hard fit. Roughie vibes. The type that blows out your multis and your mood.
Race 6 – Country Form vs Metro Pressure
DOLCE DIOR – Two straight wins. Hard to knock confidence like that.
LINE OF FIRE – Strong win last start. The combo of Mitchell Beer & George Carpenter is no picnic for rivals.
DE LOUVIERE – Two wins this prep. Last start Gosford winner. Honest and tough.
This is your main bunch. If you get it wrong, at least it won’t be boring.
Race 7 – Quaddie Carnage
Go wide, punters. Wide like your mate’s excuses after missing the last at Kembla.
PROFOUNDLY – 17-week spell, trialled well. If it’s ready, watch out.
SNITZEL DANCER – Rosehill placing form reads well. Forgive the fresh run on soft. Right in this.
Skirmish – Fitter. Cheeky. The exact horse that wins when you leave it out.
HEAT MISSILE – Speed machine. Wide draw? Doesn’t care. If it crosses, it wins. If it doesn’t, you’re yelling at the TV.
Trainers to Watch
Keep an eye on the usual sharp metro camps. Midweek Warwick Farm is where the smart money often knows before you do. Watch the yard, watch late market moves, and for the love of punting – don’t chase in the last.
Midweek racing at Warwick Farm:
Where the form looks clear at 10am…
Confusing at 1pm…
And “obvious” after it’s run.
Now stop pretending to work.
Get ya backside trackside.
Week ahead
Right, you lot. Strap in.
If your idea of cardio is lifting a schooner and yelling “GET UP!” at the last 100, then congratulations — this is your Olympics.
We’re rolling into a week of absolute carnage on the turf, and if you’re not trackside, what are you even doing with your life?
🏇 Monday – Newcastle Racecourse
We kick off at Newcastle, where the sea breeze is fresh and the form is… questionable at best.
Perfect.
This is where reputations are made, multis are murdered, and someone inevitably says, “I knew that would win,” despite not having it in anything.
Monday racing: because productivity is overrated.
🏇 Tuesday – Kembla Grange Racecourse
Ah yes, Kembla.
Where punters either look like geniuses or need to have a quiet word with themselves by Race 4.
Tidy track. Sneaky good races. Horses that jump like rockets and occasionally steer like shopping trolleys with a dodgy wheel.
You’ll tell yourself you’re just “having a look.”
You’re not. You’re unloading by the third.
🏇 Wednesday – Warwick Farm Racecourse
Another cracking card at Warwick Farm.
Midweek? Technically.
Serious racing? Absolutely.
This is where the sharp money plays, the trials watchers crawl out of their caves, and someone’s “moral of the year” runs a brave second.
Stay humble. Or don’t. It’s more entertaining when you don’t.
🏇 Thursday – Hawkesbury Racecourse
Hawkesbury to ease us into the weekend.
Ease. Us.
That’s adorable.
Nothing says “taking it easy” like four deep turning for home and you screaming like you’ve just seen your ex walk in.
It’s the calm before the storm. Sort of. If your idea of calm includes heart palpitations and form guides with coffee stains.
🏇 Saturday – Rosehill Gardens Racecourse
Now we’re talking.
A cracking race card at Rosehill Gardens. Proper horses. Proper speed. Proper chaos.
This is where legends are made and excuses are rehearsed on the train home.
So grab ya form guide.
Grab the kids.
Hell, grab ya grandma (she’s been backing winners since before you were a bad idea).
Get ya backside trackside.
Because there’s nothing better than the thunder of hooves, the roar of the crowd, and that one mate who tips 20 horses and lands one — and dines out on it for a week.
weekend wrap
Royal Randwick — Autumn Carnival Kicks Off
Saturday’s Randwick card got the Autumn Carnival out of the blocks in style with a strong field and plenty of action for punters and trainers alike.
🐎 Coolmore Pierro Plate — 1100m (2YO Classic)
Winner: Ciaron’s Star
Runner-up: Better By Far
Third: Persian Wonder
This was one of the first real tests for the promising juvenile brigade on the Randwick card. Ciaron’s Star delivered a mature and polished performance to take down this Pierro-named sprint classic, showing good speed and tactical adaptability under Tommy Berry.
The field was competitive — with Better By Far running a game second and Persian Wonder keeping in touch for third — suggesting there’s depth in this crop of two-year-olds. This race often highlights future black-type performers, so Ciaron’s Star and Better By Far are worth marking as horses to follow as the season progresses.
👉 To follow:
Ciaron’s Star — looks precocious and consistent over sprint trips.
Better By Far — strong placing suggests improvement with experience.
🌟 TAB Light Fingers Stakes — Group 2 (3YO Fillies, 1200m)
Winner: Savvy Hallie
Second: Apocalyptic
Third: Nepo Baby
A standout performance from Savvy Hallie, who showed a powerful turn of foot to defeat the well-regarded Apocalyptic. Both fillies have now stamped themselves as spring carnival prospects; Savvy Hallie’s speed is genuine, and Apocalyptic continues to be a compelling contender capable of carrying top weight with her class.
This was a high-quality fillies’ sprint — the margin wasn’t huge, but the manner of the win was eye-catching. Nepo Baby in third adds depth to the race and shows up well against strong competition.
👉 To follow:
Savvy Hallie — could target bigger spring sprints next campaign.
Apocalyptic — very consistent and can measure up in Group 1 company.
⚡ Asahi Super Dry Expressway Stakes — Group 2 (1200m)
Winner: Joliestar
Runner-up: Caballus
Third: Lady Shenandoah
In what shapes as a key sprint lead-up race for the autumn, Joliestar proved too strong for her rivals in this open Group 2. She’s always shown talent — and on Saturday delivered a smart, decisive performance under James McDonald.
Caballus ran on well for second, while Lady Shenandoah again performed creditably in elite company, rounding out the minors. This was a race that re-affirmed Joliestar’s position as one of the better sprinting mares in training at this stage.
👉 To follow:
Joliestar — clearly a top contender in all sprint features.
Caballus — continues good form and a threat in black-type.
💥 Petaluma Apollo Stakes — Group 2 (1400m)
Winner: Autumn Glow
Second: Aeliana (NZ)
Third: Lindermann
In arguably the headline race of the Randwick card, Autumn Glow delivered a high-class performance in the Apollo Stakes, defeating stablemate Aeliana and Lindermann in a strong showing from the Waller camp.
This was an emphatic win: Autumn Glow has now shown genuine Group-level ability and versatility over the 1400m distance. Aeliana’s second was also strong — she looked fully entitled to contest this finish — and Lindermann adds further quality depth to the result.
This trio could all be on the radar for autumn and spring feature targets, especially in races around middle distances and Group stakes.
👉 To follow:
Autumn Glow — clearly a class act; look for further Group assignments.
Aeliana (NZ) — quality performer with upside.
Lindermann — consistent and effective in strong company.
📈 Macquarie St Social Handicap — BM88 (1300m)
Winner: Movin Out
Second: Gatsby’s
Third: Bunker Hut
This was the surprise of the card! Movin Out, resuming for new connections, produced a $41 upset to win the Benchmark 88 Macquarie St Social Handicap. Despite stepping up after a relatively mixed spring, she showed grit and race-craft, finding clear running late and getting the job done.
Originally a Gr.1-placed filly in New Zealand in her earlier career, Movin Out’s win confirmed she still retains talent and can be competitive in quality company when conditions suit. It’s an encouraging start to her autumn campaign under Chris Waller’s stable, and connections will now likely look for further opportunities at similar or slightly higher levels.
👉 To follow:
Movin Out — keeps progressing; could be a tricky runner in similar handicap grades and beyond.
Young stars rising: Ciaron’s Star and Savvy Hallie delivered performances that suggest future stakes success.
Established strengths: Joliestar and Autumn Glow justified their billing with strong feature wins.
Surprise package: Movin Out reminded everyone that proven talent can re-emerge after a spell.
get ya backside trackside
weekend coming up
Strap yourselves in, punters – we’ve got an absolute cracker of a Saturday coming up with elite racing at Randwick and Flemington, plus strong support cards at Eagle Farm and Newcastle. Group races, star horses returning, three-year-old showdowns and some devilishly hard betting contests – this is what autumn racing is all about.
Let’s dive in.
RANDWICK – Sydney’s Autumn Ignites
Randwick is loaded with quality, and there are four standout races that will shape the early autumn narrative.
COOLMORE PIERRO PLATE
A key race for the two-year-olds and often a launchpad for serious autumn contenders.
This is where we get an early look at the next wave of juvenile talent. Expect smart colts with big pedigrees and even bigger wraps. These early-season 2YO races can be tricky — raw talent is there, but racecraft and professionalism often decide the result.
This race can produce Golden Slipper contenders. Watch closely.
TAB LIGHT FINGERS STAKES
Three-year-old fillies stepping into the autumn spotlight.
This is where reputations are made or broken. The mile at Randwick tests fitness and class, especially first-up. Expect classy spring performers resuming against progressive fillies ready to explode this prep.
This race often sets up the Surround Stakes formline. Serious horses only.
PETALUMA APOLLO STAKES
Weight-for-age racing. The big boys (and girls) return.
This is a genuine autumn launchpad. We’re talking proven Group 1 performers resuming or building toward major targets like the Chipping Norton and Queen Elizabeth.
Fitness levels vary, so it’s a fascinating betting contest. Class can carry you a long way at weight-for-age.
ROBRICK LODGE TRISCAY STAKES
Speed, speed and more speed.
This fillies and mares sprint is always competitive and typically stacked with depth. These races often come down to tempo and positioning.
This is the type of race where getting each-way value can be the smart play.
FLEMINGTON – Lightning Strikes
Down south, Flemington hosts one of the most electric race days of the year.
BLACK CAVIAR LIGHTNING
Pure speed. No hiding.
The Lightning is one of Australia’s premier sprint races and a true test down the famous Flemington straight. The best short-course sprinters clash here, and it’s often explosive from the get-go.
Barrier draws matter less down the straight – tempo and timing are everything. Blink and you’ll miss it.
CS HAYES STAKES
Three-year-olds down the straight and around the bend – a crucial autumn form reference.
This race can produce Australian Guineas contenders. It’s a serious talent test, especially for colts looking to boost stallion value.
DESIRABLE STAKES – The Head-Scratcher best betting race in my opinion
Elsewhere – Eagle Farm & Newcastle
Don’t sleep on the support meetings.
Eagle Farm often throws up strong metro-quality fields and horses
Newcastle can be a goldmine for punters who do the form – especially with progressive types stepping through the grades.
Opportunities are everywhere this weekend.
Join the FatJockey winning stable today.
Don’t miss out on the best bets this weekend.
Get your backside trackside,
Gamble responsibly.
weekend wrap
Weekend Wrap – The Bank Keeps Growing
Another solid weekend in the books for The Old Fat Jockey.
We were busy across the country on Saturday, firing at
Randwick, Doomben, and Caulfield, before backing it up on Sunday at Nowra.
The numbers:
12 bets all up
7 collects
The bank keeps building
That’s consistency, that’s discipline, and that’s exactly how winning stables operate.
We’re not here chasing miracles — we’re here stacking smart bets, week after week, and letting the results do the talking. If you’ve been watching from the sidelines, the real question is… why aren’t you on board yet?
And we’re not slowing down.
This Week’s Racing Action
Tuesday: Wyong
Wednesday: Gosford
Friday Night: Canterbury
Saturday: Racing HQ – Royal Randwick
Plenty of opportunities, plenty of value, and another big week ahead.
Don’t miss out.
Join the winning stable today.
www.theoldfatjockey.com
The bank is moving — make sure you are too.
whats your best
Tempted the Best Bet at Randwick Tomorrow
Inglis Millennium Day has been kind to jockey Chad Schofield in recent years, and he believes his luck is already running hot before a race is run this Saturday at Randwick.
Schofield has secured the prized first ride on star filly Tempted in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) for three-year-olds, a race he won last year aboard Public Attention. The booking comes as Tempted resumes for trainer Ciaron Maher and Godolphin, with the filly opening as a short-priced favourite to make a winning return.
Tempted hasn’t been seen since finishing best of the rest behind Ka Ying Rising in October’s Everest, but her resume speaks for itself. A three-time Group 2 winner, she has a proven record of firing fresh and did exactly that last spring when winning the Run To The Rose first-up. She comes into Saturday off a single trial, where she caught the eye finishing fourth at Randwick on January 27.
While James McDonald partnered Tempted in that trial, he will ride Wodeton on Saturday, opening the door for Schofield — an opportunity he says he is “very thankful” for. After riding the filly in trackwork at Bong Bong on Monday, Schofield walked away impressed.
“She’s extremely professional, a very good racehorse who knows her job,” Schofield said. “She loves her work and is just an incredibly sharp filly. I really liked the look of her trial and I think she’s going to be very hard to beat.”
Maher believes Tempted has returned even stronger this preparation and expects a similar campaign to the spring, where she stepped from 1200m to 1400m before dropping back to 1200m for The Everest.
“She’s naturally matured a little bit,” Maher said. “She travelled well in the trial, quickened nicely and has come through it well. This looks a good starting point for her.”
With proven class, a strong fresh record, and a confident jockey on board, Tempted shapes as the standout on Inglis Millennium Day — and the one they all have to beat in the Eskimo Prince.
weekend of racing
Randwick Rippers – Saturday 7/2/26
Big fields, fast ground and wallets under serious pressure
Randwick turns it on this Saturday and if you’re planning to “just have a look”, you’re already lying to yourself. Strong metro card, quality stables everywhere you look and one very tasty Inglis Millennium anchoring the day.
Feature Watch
The Inglis Millennium (2YO) is the headline act and once again it’s a who’s-who of bluebloods, sharp trials and trainers who know exactly how to win when the money’s serious. Expect tempo, pressure and at least one future Group horse to announce itself loudly.
Inglis Millennium – Ones on My Radar
Star Of Jamaica (Chris & Corey Munce)
Arguably beat himself on debut in December when he blew the start and did far too much early. But he showed he’d learned his lesson at the Sunshine Coast two weeks ago.
Pulled out of the early speed battle, found a backside to follow, and once he balanced up around the 200m he made absolute light work of 59kg — putting a dominant margin on them like it was a midweek jump-out.
That experience could be gold here. From a draw where he can stalk rather than scorch, he profiles as a colt who’s worked out how to race. Big danger, big engine, big upside.
Defensemen (Chris Waller)
You know the drill: soft gate, Waller polish, and a resume that suggests there’s something there… even if it hasn’t fully exploded yet.
Resumes after a fair Golden Gift effort back in November. Was a drifting favourite on debut and again had his chance in the Kirkham, which hasn’t exactly turned into a form goldmine — yet.
His lead-in trial was… quiet. Never asked, never pressured, never flashy. The key? Market moves. If he’s wanted late, that’s your bat signal.
Long Throw (Ciaron Maher)
Hard to miss her debut second behind the promising Outspan at Rosehill — and that form got a nice tick when Miss Chanel (third in that race) ran second in the Widden last weekend.
She came off just the one trial into her debut, so natural improvement is almost guaranteed. Yes, 1100m is probably on the sharp side of her best, but with genuine speed up front and a gate that lets her blend in rather than chase, she’s a proper each-way knockout.
Jockeys to Stick With
James McDonald – when it matters, he finds a way
Kerrin McEvoy – Randwick, pressure races, big days… tick, tick, tick
Tyler Schiller – quietly becoming a problem for bookies
Trainers Turning the Screws
Chris Waller – obvious, but still unavoidable
Ciaron Maher – two-year-olds peaking at the right time
Chris Munce – Brisbane polish translating beautifully south
This is one of those Saturdays where the form looks tricky, the races run hot, and the post-race chats include phrases like “how did that start $12?”
So do yourself a favour —
get ya backside trackside,GAMBLE RESPONSIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
rip
Everest Hero, Colic Fighter, Absolute Warrior: Think About It Farewelled
Champion racehorse and Everest winner Think About It has died following complications arising from colic surgery, closing the chapter on one of the most thrilling — and at times heart-stopping — careers Australian racing has seen in recent years.
The star gelding, affectionately known as “Spud”, banked more than $12 million in prize money and went from handy midweek horse to national headline act in what felt like the blink of an eye under the guidance of trainer Joe Pride.
In 2023, Think About It conquered The Everest, Australia’s richest race, announcing himself as the king of sprinting when it mattered most. One year later, after breaking down at the same course, he was retired — and now, sadly, the stable has confirmed his passing.
“Proven Thoroughbreds is deeply saddened to announce that Think About It was euthanised yesterday,” the ownership group said in a statement.
And if racehorses could write their own scripts, this one would’ve been pure blockbuster.
From BM72 to Everest Royalty
Think About It’s rise wasn’t gradual — it was explosive. He went from midweek BM72 company to winning two Group 1s, including the Everest, with the kind of acceleration that left rivals gasping and punters scrambling for the replay button.
But what made his story truly remarkable came after his racetrack heroics.
In 2024, Think About It survived a massive pulmonary haemorrhage after collapsing in the Sydney Stakes — an incident that would’ve ended most racing careers instantly. He was swiftly retired and placed into the care of jockey Sam Clipperton, beginning what many hoped would be a long and happy life away from the track.
Sadly, fate had one more test to throw at him.
A Fighter to the Very End
After initially coming through colic surgery successfully, Think About It took a turn for the worse despite the tireless efforts of the team at Randwick Equine Centre.
“He was a high-energy horse who applied himself 110 per cent to everything he did, without a great deal of self-preservation,” the statement said.
That tracks.
Think About It never did anything in halves. He attacked races, defied setbacks, and ran like a horse who believed the finish line was optional — effort wasn’t.
He won 11 races and placed three times from just 19 starts, including Group 1 victories in:
The Everest (2023)
Stradbroke Handicap
Kingsford Smith Cup
Not bad for a horse who was never meant to be ordinary — and absolutely refused to be.
Live Fast, Run Hard
“Maybe he was supposed to live fast, die young.”
It’s a line that stings — but it fits.
Think About It gave owners, fans, and punters everything you could ever ask for: courage, brilliance, and memories that will replay every Everest Carnival for years to come.
Rest easy, Spud.
You didn’t cheat death twice — but you beat the odds plenty of times before that. 🐎💔
last day of racing 2025
🏇 GOSFORD – 31/12/25
Race 1 – JUST AWESOME
This bloke was better than the grade last prep, showed genuine speed and didn’t disgrace himself at Rosehill.
Draws barrier 3, Tom Sherry hops on, and looking at this speed map… he might just find the front and say “catch me if you can.”
Resuming, sharp trials, tactical speed.
Each-way price should be bigger than it deserves.
Confidence: Medium
Race 2 – AETERNUM
Nice debut at Newcastle, didn’t embarrass himself at all.
Now draws gate 1, jumps clean, parks handy, and suddenly this maiden doesn’t look so scary.
This is the type the market often forgets while chasing shiny new toys.
Simple set-up, honest horse.
Confidence: Medium
Race 5 – WEEKEND MARKET
Now listen carefully… this is not your typical flashy maiden winner.
But he’s had excuses, gets back into easier company, and the race shape finally suits.
Soft track? Tick.
Late run? Tick.
Each-way chance written all over him if they overcook the speed.
Confidence: Medium
Race 6 – FORBIDDEN RIFF
This one’s not a get-rich quick play — this is a grind out a place and move on horse.
Proven BM68 form, stays all day, and conditions suit.
If he finds a rhythm, he’ll be there when others have cried enough.
Place bet only.
Confidence: Low–Medium
🏇 FLEMINGTON – 31/12/25
Race 1 – SOMEWHERE
Tongue tie goes on, Flemington mile, and a genuine tempo looks likely.
That’s exactly what this bloke wants — sit back, relax, and launch late.
Market might overlook him, but the setup screams value.
Each-way all day.
Confidence: Medium
Race 4 – STAR VEGA (Bagot Handicap)
Ah yes… the staying race everyone pretends to understand.
But this one’s easy: proven at Flemington, stays forever, and gets the right run.
No tricks, no nonsense — just a classic each-way stayer at odds.
Confidence: Medium
Race 5 – FUROSSHI
Fast race, messy speed map, and that’s when late swoopers get paid.
Strong 3YO profile, maps to get cover, and if they go too hard early…
you’ll see this one charging down the outside like he’s late for New Year’s drinks.
Confidence: Low–Medium
Monday 15/12/25
🏇 Today’s Racing Preview:
Hands Firmly in Pockets Edition
It’s one of those days…
Small fields ✔️
Wet tracks ✔️
And we’re racing at places I don’t even go for holidays — Kempsey & Orange 🏖️❌
So, it’s a no bets for me kind of program. The wallet lives to fight another day.
That said, a few have caught the eye…
Not to back — way too short — but definitely worth keeping on the radar 👀
👀 Horses to Watch (Not Back):
Race 2 – ONE RUN WON
Race 4 – TRAPEZE LEGEND
Race 7 – CUMBOOGLE
All look capable, all look obvious… and that’s exactly the problem.
Short prices, tricky conditions, and nothing screams value.
📌 Verdict:
Watch, learn, and move on. There’ll be better days — and better tracks — ahead.
Sometimes the best bet is no bet at all 😉
the weekend wrap
🏇 FRIDAY NIGHT – CANTERBURY
We kicked things off under lights at Canterbury with 3 bets for 1 collect, which pretty much sums up Friday night racing.
Race 2 – Royal Air Force
Did everything wrong. Wouldn’t settle, carried on like a naughty toddler in Kmart, and by the time he wanted to behave the race — and our cash — was already gone. Next.Race 5 – Old Gregg
He loves Canterbury. Stormed into the race looking like the winner… then couldn’t find clear air. Gets home into 4th.
Fuck. My. Life.Race 8 – Mother Goose 🦢
Thank God for Mother Goose. Storms home, gets us the cash and saves my food bill. Absolute legend.
Collect: $66
Few to follow from the night: Tinklejazz, Art, Columbia Blue
🏇 SATURDAY
NEWCASTLE
My best bet of the day was Crop Duster… and fuck me sideways, it should’ve bolted in.
Instead, it ran up more bums than a single bloke on Mardi Gras night. Pain.
RANDWICK
We had a nice day here, including the quaddie 👀
Race 1 – Fear No Evil 🏆
The only fear it had… was winning. Bang.Hyperbolic
Always in control, never looked like losing. Strong win.Race 4 – Snack Bar
Wanted to win… but didn’t. Comes 2nd, we collect $13. We’ll take it.Race 6 – Sun God
Once again, we’re the bridesmaid. Storms home into 2nd, $14 collect.Race 7 – Spycaster
Another Mardi Gras moment — right up everyone’s backside and still couldn’t get clear. Complete forget run.Race 8 – Estadio Mestalla
I don’t want to talk about it. Should’ve bolted in.
Fuck. My. Life.
2nd – $29Race 9 – Fire Star
Didn’t fire. Simple as that.Last – The Blade 🏆
Gets the job done and the quaddie lands.
Quaddie Collect: 💥 $335.60
EAGLE FARM
4 bets, 3 collects — solid up north.
Race 3 – Star Of Jamaica – 2nd $16
Race 6 – The Black Cloud – Winner Winner 🏆 $48
Race 8 – Boomtown Boss – 3rd $16
PAKENHAM
4 bets, 2 collects, including a beauty.
Race 7 – Pakenham Cup
My best EW value bet — Etna Rosso gets home into 3rd.
Collect $27Race 8 – Private Eye
Just missed but still topped the bank up.
$14 collect
🏇 SUNDAY
HAWKESBURY
Race 1 – Pentagon
Gets home into 3rd, no dividends but ran honest.Race 5 – Celebrity 🏆
Storms home to win well… paid like it too.
$46 collect
NOWRA
Race 4 – Deep Emotion
Storms home into 3rd.
$17 collectRace 8 – Sea Admiral 🏆
Jumps, leads, wins. Love it when it’s that simple.
Collect: $38
💰 FINAL WORD
Plenty of seconds, plenty of swearing, but plenty of collects too.
Quaddie landed, bank boosted, food bill paid, and we live to bet another week.
👉 Head to the bank. Deposit the winnings. Same time next week, punters. 🏦💥
Summer is here
Due to the forecast of extreme heat for Rosehill Gardens on Saturday (6th December) Racing NSW will constantly monitor the conditions to determine if the meeting proceeds as scheduled, with a final decision to be made before acceptances are taken on Wednesday (3rd December).
Should the current forecast remain in place (partly cloudy and 41 degrees), it is likely the meeting will be pushed back a day and run on Sunday (7th December).
wednesday wrap
🧢 Fat Jockey Daily Report – Ipswich & Wyong Edition 🧢
Today wasn’t a bad day at all — we fired four bullets and hit the target twice. That’s 50% strike-rate, baby. If trainers did that, they’d get bronze statue outside the grandstand.
📍 Ipswich – Operation Ivy
Two bets…
One collect…
IVY DEXSTRESS cashed in and eased the tension just like her name promised. She paid, we smiled, we moved on like a Tinder date who actually looked like the photos.
🐎 Wyong – Blue Ribbon Moment
Two bets…
One collect…
COLUMBIA BLUE — straight back from a break and into the cash register. Didn’t even stretch. She just blinked and the till opened. 🤑
🧮 Final Score:
4 bets – 2 collects
📈 50% – that’s better than my school attendance rate and definitely better than Hawkesbury tomorrow…
❌ Hawkesbury Tomorrow
Not a chance.
You can keep it.
Avoiding that like a P Diddy baby oil party — absolutely NOT attending.
🌟 But don’t worry…
I’ll be back Friday night under the lights — Canterbury — full race card, full tips, full sass.
And Saturday…
You know the drill.
Get ya backside trackside.
tuesday 25/11
Fat Jockey – Tuesday Edition
Three went in… one got scratched… but the other two said “we’ll handle this.” 💰
Bet 1 – Scratched
Didn’t even make it to the barriers. Smart horse. Knew it was up against Fat Jockey and pulled the pin early.Bet 2 – WINNER 🏆
Straight to the front and straight to the bank. We didn’t just collect – we hoovered it up like a Dyson on race day.Bet 3 – 3RD (Collect Again)
Didn’t win, but did enough to keep the lights on and the beers cold. Place money tastes just as good when you’re winning.
Two collects from three bets (well… two bets and a ghost runner).
📣 Join the winning stable today.
If you’re not following Fat Jockey… you’re following someone else’s losses! 😎🐎💸
Weekend wrap
🌟 The Fat Jockey’s Wrap – Five Diamonds Day 💎
(aka “where the sectionals sparkle and the excuses shine brighter”)
Race 1 – Revengeance & Spicy Miss,
Experience trumped raw talent as Revengeance showed the babies how it’s done, earning himself a Golden Slipper ticket. He clocked a slick 33.82 for the last 600m, holding off Spicy Miss (33.89) who had to do it the hard way — three wide, covering extra turf like she was sightseeing.
💎 Ones to follow: Revengeance (professional, tough) and Spicy Miss (still learning but genuine).
🚫 To forget: The clock nerds saying “sectionals don’t matter” — they do, and these two just booked autumn spots because of them.
Spirit Of Wealth She went full scorched-earth mode home in 32.28, the fastest of the day. The winner Weeping Woman also flew (32.59), but Spirit Of Wealth was launching from further back than my bank balance after Cup week. Even Taxation ran 32.57 and somehow beat one home — go figure.
💎 One to follow: Spirit Of Wealth — too much toe to ignore, autumn target incoming.
🚫 To forget: Taxation — running time but not placing? A riddle wrapped in a stopwatch.
Shady Thinker The South Aussie raider got the “Welcome to Sydney” treatment — three wide, no cover, and still fought on for fifth. Sectionals say he went 33.49, matching strides with Bartolf (33.42) who kept him deep the entire trip. Winner Tuned slipped up the rails like a thief in the night to grab it in 33.54.
💎 One to follow: Shady Thinker — tough, honest, and adaptable. Will pinch one soon.
🚫 To forget: Bartolf — talented, but seems to need everything handed on a velvet platter.
Bestower the Headache Horse Fastest last 600m of her race (34.54) yet again found a way to make life hard — missing the start, spotting them lengths, then flashing late for no collect. She’s like that mate who always “nearly” wins on the pokies.💎 One to follow: If you’ve got patience and Panadol, Bestower.
🚫 To forget: Backing her with confidence until she proves she’s serious.
🔥 Fastest of the Day:
🏁 Spirit Of Wealth – 32.28 (blink and you missed her)
💰 The Fat Jockey Verdict:
Revengeance – professional two-year-old, Slipper bound.
Spicy Miss – no disgrace, wide and brave.
Spirit Of Wealth – absolute jet, stash her for autumn.
Shady Thinker – one to win soon when he gets cover.
Bestower – fast, flaky, and frustrating.