Group Two quinella for O’Reilly

11 February 2014

Champion WS stallion O’Reilly dominated the finish of the Gr.2 Cambridge Stud Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic at Te Rapa on Saturday. His dashing daughters Hera and Spellbinder were a class above their rivals with the former turning the tables on their last meeting to take the top prize.

A $28,000 purchase for Roger James from the Matamata farm’s 2012 Select Sale line-up, Hera had won the Gr.2 Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic on Boxing Day before she was runner-up to Spellbinder in the Listed Karaka 3YO Mile. “I’ll probably put her aside now and look at Brisbane – a race like the Doomben Roses would suit her perfectly,” James said. “An extra three months will really help her.”

Out of the unraced Centaine mare Corsica, Hera is a half-sister to two winners and the family of the dual Group One winner Dandy Andy (Australian Cup, Doomben Cup).

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.

26 August 2026

Shailer pair building nicely into spring campaigns

WS-breds Justin Case and Magice contributed to a memorable season for Kris Shailer in his return to the training ranks last term, and he is hoping they can continue their form into the new season.