Family wins over Cambridge trainer again

31 January 2016

Roger James struck early on the second day of the Premier Sale to continue his association with a successful WS family. The Cambridge horseman went to $460,000 to secure a Savabeel out of the O’Reilly mare Corsicana.

The dam is out of a sister to Hera, who was the dual Group Two winner of the Eight Carat Classic and the Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic from James’ stable. It is also the family of the Group One winners Ballroom Babe (Ellerslie and Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes) and Dandy Andy (Australian Cup, Doomben Cup). James said he had paid more than he expected for the filly, but considered her a stand-out.

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Pure Alpha delivers again as Ardrossan continues to rise

Ardrossan gelding Pure Alpha led throughout to win by 1.29 lengths at Eagle Farm for owner Ozzie Kheir, taking his earnings past $300,000. The result caps a stellar run for sire Ardrossan, whose yearlings fetched up to $450,000 this year on strong Hong Kong form.

28 August 2026

The Corner with Garry Chittick

It is difficult to maintain momentum when sitting in judgment of racing’s governance. After all, I get no pleasure in searching for non-credible decisions, but one is perpetually bewildered by the rationale behind many of the positions that make little sense.