Nolen on O’Reilly Cup Hopeful

25 October 2011

Champion Victorian hoop Luke Nolen has been booked to ride one of the few Australian-trained horses left in the Gr I Melbourne Cup (3200m). Australian Derby and Guineas winner Shamrocker was unplaced in Saturday’s Cox Plate and trainer Danny O’Brien booked Nolen to partner the mare in the world’s richest handicap.

The O’Reilly mare had previously finished seventh in the Gr I Turnbull Stakes (2000m) giving her form a striking resemblance to that of the last Melbourne Cup winner to come out of the Cox Plate. In 2007, Lloyd Williams’s galloper Efficient finished 11th in the Turnbull and ninth in the Cox Plate before producing a stunning turn of foot to win at Flemington. Interestingly, like Shamrocker, Efficient was a Derby winner in the season before tackling the Melbourne Cup.

Source: Racenet

Super Seth 3YO remains unbeaten

Puntin, trained by Bjorn Baker, maintained his unbeaten record with an effortless win at Moruya. The son of Super Seth stepped up to 1400 metres, dominating older rivals to win by four lengths. Bred by GSA Bloodstock, Puntin hails from a stellar pedigree featuring Group winners Shania Dane and Scintillation.

6 January 2025

Max makes it count at Otaki

Waikato Stud graduate Mad Max (Maxmara), a son of Savabeel, broke through for a deserved maiden win at Otaki under apprentice Lily Sutherland. Trained by Andrew Forsman, the well-bred four-year-old impressed with a strong finish over 1200 metres, boosting confidence after earlier placings and showcasing his elite pedigree and potential.