Ka Ying Rising smashes Sha Tin record
If Australia needed a reminder of what is coming for The Everest, Ka Ying Rising provided it at Sha Tin on Sunday.
A bigger and stronger version of the world's champion sprinter returned from his winter break with an extraordinary performance in the Group 3 HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup (1200m), winning by nearly eight lengths in a stunning 1:06.11.
Trained by David Hayes and ridden by Zac Purton, Ka Ying Rising bettered his own Sha Tin track record by around a second.
The champion enters quarantine on Monday afternoon for two weeks before beginning his journey to Australia for The Everest.
Fangirl's brilliant career may be over
The brilliant career of four-time Group 1 winner Fangirl appears to be coming to an end, with trainer Chris Waller indicating she has probably run her final race.
The eight-year-old has been one of Australia's outstanding mares over several seasons, but after another below-par performance on Saturday, retirement now looks the likely option.
Daryz back to his best ahead of Arc defence
Reigning Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe champion Daryz looks right on track to defend his crown after an impressive victory in Sunday's Group 2 Prix Foy at Longchamp.
The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained star put his disappointing Royal Ascot run behind him, cruising past Group 1 winner Bay City Roller to score by 1¾ lengths under Mickael Barzalona.
Graffard believes Daryz is stronger than he was when winning last year's Arc and described the performance as the perfect preparation for his return to Longchamp on October 4. The win has further strengthened his position as favourite for Europe's premier middle-distance race.
It was also a huge day for Graffard and the Aga Khan Studs, with exciting three-year-old Varandir winning the Group 2 Prix Niel and putting himself firmly into the Arc picture.
Guest House goes straight to the Golden Rose
Golden Slipper winner Guest House will bypass Saturday's Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) and head straight into the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill on September 26.
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have changed course with their star colt following his brilliant first-up victory in the Group 3 San Domenico Stakes.
Price had indicated Guest House pulled up only averagely from that performance and is happy to keep him fresh for his major target.
"I'm happy not to be running him," Price said.
Pembrey switches focus to the Coolmore
Everest ambitions have been shelved for exciting Queensland filly Pembrey, with Tony Gollan instead setting his sights on the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.
Pembrey was heavily backed to start favourite in Saturday's Furious Stakes following her brilliant Silver Shadow Stakes victory but finished unplaced.
She has pulled up well and will now have a short freshen before targeting the Coolmore on VRC Derby Day, October 31.
Shinn gets his chance aboard Mr Brightside
Champion jockey Blake Shinn knows the responsibility that comes with taking over aboard fan favourite Mr Brightside in Saturday's Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
Mr Brightside will chase an extraordinary fourth consecutive Makybe Diva Stakes, but regular rider Craig Williams will instead partner Cox Plate favourite Sir Delius, who begins his spring campaign in the same race.
The field is also set to feature star mare Sheza Alibi, setting up one of the races of the spring so far.
Well Written crowned New Zealand Horse of the Year
Unbeaten star Well Written completed an extraordinary weekend without even leaving her stable, being crowned New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing's Horse of the Year.
The unbeaten four-year-old was also named Champion Three-Year-Old following a perfect six-from-six season that included victories in the New Zealand 1000 Guineas, Karaka Millions Three-Year-Old and NZB Kiwi.
Her attention now turns towards an Australian campaign, with the Epsom Handicap and Golden Eagle on the agenda.
Belle Cheval retired
Group 1 winner Belle Cheval has been retired after pulling up with an issue following the Courtza Stakes.
The Mark Walker-trained Savabeel mare retires with four wins from eight starts, including three at Stakes level, highlighted by her Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes victory.
She also came within a whisker of defeating Well Written in the NZB Kiwi.
Constitution Hill out of Melbourne Cup contention
Former champion jumper Constitution Hill will not travel to Australia for the Melbourne Cup after failing to qualify in his first attempt at a Group race on the flat.
The Nicky Henderson-trained star finished fourth of five in Saturday's September Stakes (2400m) at Kempton, beaten around six lengths by Pride Of Arras.
"Melbourne is gone now sadly," Henderson said after the race.
Headwall likely to stay in Sydney
Trainer Matthew Smith says Headwall is unlikely to travel to Melbourne for the Group 1 Manikato Stakes.
The talented sprinter will instead probably remain in Sydney as connections map out the next stage of his spring campaign.
Cavalry Girl to bypass Manikato
Moir Stakes runner-up Cavalry Girl will also miss the Group 1 Manikato Stakes after feeling the effects of Saturday's run.
Connections are planning just one more start this preparation, with the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint (1000m) on October 17 now her likely target.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
Betting should be fun, not a way to make money. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit, and for free, confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
