With the first Group 1 of the 2025/2026 racing season just around the corner, join us below as we preview the horses to watch during the upcoming spring carnivals.
With the recent injection of prize money, the introduction of new events, and pop-up races gaining Group status, there has never been a better time to follow the sport of kings!
Ka Ying Rising
Ka Ying Rising is currently racing’s hottest prospect. The Shamexpress gelding has upside and progression for days, and the talented five-year-old has one hoof on the till for the world’s richest race on turf, the Everest. The David Hayes-trained speed machine has taken the Hong Kong racing scene by storm, and all eyes will be firmly set on the turf burner in the long lead-up to Sydney’s feature spring event.
The camp has publicly promoted his ability since day one, and some pundits and experts alike have compared his high cruising speed and action to the greatest sprinter of all, Black Caviar. If you are going to watch one race during the spring, or follow one horse during the back half of the year, it has to be Ka Ying Rising climbing the greatest mountain of the all.
via sistina
Via Sistina is a marvel. The eight-year-old Fastnet Rock mare is world-class, and her record since arriving in Australia is near perfect. The Chris Waller-trained star produced the performance of a lifetime in last year’s W.S. Cox Plate, and her victories during the recent autumn carnivals were effortless and breathtaking. Now entering the twilight of her career, and with nearly $13 million in prizemoney safely tucked away in the bank, I suspect all roads will lead to Moonee Valley for a tilt at defending her crown in the greatest two minutes of sport.
She has beaten all the usual suspect time and again, and unless a rising star jumps out off the bench, she has the upcoming spring carnivals at her mercy. She is a pleasure to watch!
After producing a perfect autumn campaign, Lady Shenandoah will resume with an air of expectation. The four-year-old Snitzel mare put a picket fence next to her name, and she tasted Group 1 glory with stunning victories against her own age in the Surround Stakes and against the older and more seasoned mares in the Coolmore Classic. The progressive star has the world at her feet, and I suspect the Waller camp has mapped out an attractive spring campaign. Her versatility is exceptional, and with a winning record from 1200m up to 1600m, there are several time-honoured features firmly locked in her sight.
Whether she stretches out beyond 2000m will be answered during the spring, and if she can handle the longer trip, a tilt and the two cups and a plate wouldn’t be out of the question nor unrealistic.
treasurethe moment
Treasurethe Moment is another exciting prospect who remained undefeated during the autumn. The four-year-old Alabama Express mare put her rivals to the sword all campaign, and she was rarely challenged at the pointy end of a contest. Her winning distance range is wider than Bass Straight, and her versatility is first-class. Despite winning both the VRC Oaks and Australian Oaks, I suspect her pet distance is 2000m.
The traditional early spring features will be targeted, including the Memsie Stakes and the Turnbull Stakes, and I expect her to play a prominent role in Moonee Valley’s day in the sun. Class alone will take her a long way in any event she competes in, and I simply can’t wait to see her battle against the country’s best weight-for-age performers.
Aeliana
Aeliana took out the Group 1 Australian Derby against the boys in stunning fashion. It was a great reward for effort after sensational performances behind Broadsiding, Swiftfalcon and Linebacker during the early parts of the autumn. The 5.2 length romp was mind-blowing, and I suspect many punters are interested in seeing how she performs during the upcoming spring.
The four-year-old Castelvecchio mare possesses a massive turn of foot and has raw and natural ability to overcome any issues she may experience in transit. I would love to see her in full flight in the Group 1 Metropolitan at Randwick before heading to Melbourne for a tilt at one of our majors, the time-honoured Caulfield Cup. The first Tuesday in November could well and truly be on Chris Waller’s vision board. A serious talent.
Autumn Glow
A sound Autumn Glow would be a great sight for all racing and sporting fans. The undefeated four-year-old Autumn Sun mare has been visually brilliant in all career starts to date, and she is a Group 1 winner in waiting. The talented galloper is unfortunately lightly-raced as her career has stalled several times due to setbacks and injuries. The spring options are endless if the astute Waller barn can get her firing on all cylinders.
Her recent barrier trial looked ominous, and she will be well supported in many long-range all-in markets. I suspect 1400m-1600m will be her sweet spot moving forward, and I am confident a rain-affected surface will play into her favour. Cross your fingers and toes for a healthy and happy return during the spring.
