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Gai & Adrian TV 24th October 2025

Our headline act this weekend is at Royal Randwick, where we have strong contenders in the day's features. Shangri La Boy and Champagne Hero contest the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes over 2000m

Playing By The Rules

Emma Reeves aids us with programming and identifies who she thinks is the best placed horse each weekend.  Stardom, Saturday 1st November, Flemington, Race 2: Stardom. This filly was so tough when winning on Cox Plate Day a week ago, though I’ll admit that everything fell perfectly into place. It was 1200 metres that day, so the 1400 metres this Saturday is a step into the unknown, but our horses generally appreciate getting out in trip as they progress through their preparations. She meets three year old fillies again and is very well weighted under the set weights and penalties conditions. I like backing our horses up, though she’s a young and lightly raced filly, so it’s something to keep in mind. It’s my favorite race day of the year, so I hope my heart isn’t ruling my head, but on paper she looks well placed.

Gai's Tip Sheet

TUESDAY 4th NOVEMBER - FLEMINGTONRail Position: +2M EntireCHAMPAGNE HERO (Race 3, 12:00pm, 1800m, B Shinn, 57kg) Champagne Hero has taken everything in his stride since arriving in Melbourne. He’s surprised me with how well he’s adapted to working the reverse way, and Blake Shinn was most taken by him in Thursday’s gallop. His coat’s gleaming and the trip away from Sydney has done wonders for him, so he may just be coming right at the perfect time. He’s dropping back in trip slightly from 1800 metres which isn’t our usual preference, but this is an easier race than the Derby was on Saturday and we think he’s got the speed in his legs to cope with it. Flemington’s a big expansive track which should suit his way of going, and Blake will be positive from barrier 14 to try and land in the first quarter of the field where he can then hopefully settle into a lovely rhythm in running. The top rated horse in the field is 72 so this is a winnable race, albeit there are plenty of unexposed types in opposition who have the potential to improve a lot on what they’ve shown previously. However, he’s fit and in a terrific headspace so if he can bounce back to his best form then we’re confident he can make his presence known at the finish. VAUBAN (Race 7, 3:00pm, 3200m, B Shinn, 56.5kg) Vauban’s a most interesting story. He’s a horse where if something goes wrong, the dummy gets spat right out of the cot. As Blake says, he’s a bit soft inside. However, he’s also got the most amazing ability which can help him to win this race. He’s calmer now than he was before going to Caulfield last month, he’s eating up a treat and his coat is gleaming so mentally and physically he seems to be in a superior place. Blake’s been in every morning over the last week working with myself and now Adrian who’s come down from Sydney, and we’ve been experimenting with different types of gear on him. As such, he’ll race in a crossover noseband and tongue tie as he often did in Europe, and we think these changes are optimal for him putting his best foot forward. He’s drawn a low barrier in 2, and there are a lot of opinions on how he should be ridden to best effect. He led throughout when he won at Royal Ascot in 2023, but on many other occasions he’s sat just off the speed with cover or even towards the rear of the field before going onto win. Since arriving in Australia, he’s mostly been ridden with cover and as such Blake will let him land where he’s comfortable and happy in the run. It’s been raining cats and dogs in Melbourne so it’s going to be on the softer side which he’s got plenty of form on, and we know he can stay 3200 metres so the distance isn’t a query. He’s underperformed in this race on two previous occasions, however they’ve both been when he’s fresh off the plane from Ireland and he was going seven and thirteen weeks between runs respectively so he’s had a very different setup this year. Again, some of his critics say he can’t run to the same level of form racing the Melbourne way, however in Europe he’s won top-class races at York, Cheltenham, Naas and Leopardstown which are all the same direction as Flemington so to say he doesn’t race well in an anti-clockwise direction isn’t borne out in his form. It’s an ultra-competitive race which on his best form he’s capable of winning, so fingers crossed he gets out of bed on the right side and everything goes right for him on the day as we’d love to see him saluting the judge for you all.SURFIN' BIRD (Race 9, 4:35pm, 1400m, T Clark, 55kg) Surfin’ Bird is ready to rock and roll once again. She’s come through her extremely impressive win at Caulfield in magnificent order, and she’s firing on all cylinders ahead of this assignment. It’s a big step up in grade so we’re under no illusions that she needs to keep improving to be competitive. However, horses don’t generally win competitive benchmark races by 4.5 lengths like she did unless they’re Stakes class horses in the making, so we’re confident she’s up to it. She does stick to 1400 metres and given she’s up in grade this is the biggest query, as she is taking on better horses over a distance that may well ultimately be short of her best so she’s going to have to be at the top of her game. With that said, she’s got a lovely light weight and she’s won on soft tracks previously which gives us confidence that she’ll handle the testing conditions, so with even luck in running we expect to see her right there at the finish. TUESDAY 4th NOVEMBER - RANDWICKRail Position: +4m 950m - W/Post, +2m RemainderLES VAMPIRES (Race 5, 2:20pm, 1600m, W Costin, 54kg) Les Vampires ran an improved race to finish just 2.92 lengths from the impressive winner in the Five Diamonds Prelude last time. We knew he’d appreciate the longer trip and so it proved, but once again he was just slightly one paced over the concluding stages. As such, this further step up to the mile can only bring about further improvement, and it’s usually a genuinely run race so he’ll be well-suited by a decent end to end gallop. He’s down in the weights again with just 54kg on his back, and Winona rides our horses very effectively so she should be able to roll forward from barrier 9 to get across into a prominent position in the first four or five. This is a very competitive race so we’re under no illusions as to the challenge he faces, however he’s one of the highest rated horses in the field and he’s receiving weight from those above him so if he can enjoy all the favours in the run he’s more than capable of finishing in the first four or five.ROCK EMPIRE (Race 9, 5:30pm, 1500m, A Hyeronimus, 58kg) Rock Empire followed up his win at Kensington with a terrific effort to finish a close fourth when up in grade at Randwick. He showed there that he can well and truly cut it at this level, so this race is the ideal steppingstone for him. The slight step up to 1500 metres is perfect for him at this stage of the campaign, and he’s reunited with Adam who knows him well and gets on brilliantly with him. He’ll be positive from barrier 8 to hold a forward position, and there’s enough speed in the race to suggest it will be a genuinely run contest so with further improvement to come we expect him to be right there at the finish. TUESDAY 4th NOVEMBER - KEMBLARail Position: +5M Entire SUPERMASSIVE (Race 3, 2:00pm, 1200m, Z Wadick (1.5kg), 57.5kg) Supermassive has taken plenty of time to come to hand and he’s required a lot of patience, but Adrian and I are confident he will be worth the wait. He took good improvement from his first trial to finish second in his most recent one, and the tearaway winner of that hit was beaten a nostril in a Midway Maiden at Wyong last week so that gives us some confidence. He’s debuting at a realistic level as he’s a horse who’s probably going to need a run or two to fully figure things out, but with that said he goes into this as fit and forward as we can get him. He’s drawn to do no work in barrier 1, so Zac should be able to let him land where he’s comfortable from that position but we imagine he’ll settle in the first quarter of the field. Kembla’s a lovely track for him to debut at as its sweeping turn and long home straight are both fair and inviting, so he should be able to enjoy all the favours in the run. He’ll improve with race experience and as he continues to stretch out over a bit further, but he's forward enough to do himself justice and Zac’s a talented rider at this level so his 1.5kg claim is another bonus and we’re hopeful he’ll be right there at the finish to get his career off to an encouraging start.

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Stable Spotlight

Wootton Bassett: The Tattersalls Triple Play

Our recent trip to the Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale in Newmarket was a sensationally successful raid, further cementing Tulloch Lodge's formidable reputation at this international auction. The numbers speak for themselves: this sale has been the source of our Group 1 Underwood and Turnbull Stakes winner Sir Delius, Group 1 Metropolitan winner Just Fine, Group 1 Canterbury Stakes winner Royal Patronage and Sydney Cup hero Knights Order, demonstrating that we know how to secure value and top-tier talent.

This year, we have locked in three elite European prospects by the late, great, worldwide sensation WOOTTON BASSETT who are primed for immediate impact once they land Down Under. These three top-class prospects represent the perfect blend of immediate racing firepower and exceptional long-term opportunity, offering you the chance to fast-track your success by investing in proven talent.

Please find additional information on our Tattersalls HIT Sale purchases below.



LOT 531 - TRIBAL NATION (Wotton Bassett x Indian Blessing) - 3YO Gelding:

Purchase Price: 200,000 guineas (approx. A$440K)

Sales: 2025 Tattersalls Horses In Training Sale

Shares Available: Yes

Colours Available: Yes

Profile:

  • A 3YO gelding by the late, great, worldwide sensation, WOOTTON BASSETT.
  • Timeform rating 101 (to compare, Royal Patronage had a Timeform rating of 105 as a 4YO at the time of purchase)
  • From a mare who was a Champion miler by Sepoy, followed by stamina influences Halling, Rainbow Quest & Mill Reef through his dam sires
  • Raced in the Britannia Stakes over 1600 metres at Royal Ascot in June, beaten just 2 ¾ lengths in a 30-horse field. This is a very good form race we follow closely every year.
  • Purchased from the same stable that gave us WHITE MARLIN (Joseph O'Brien), and the same ownership that we secured NEW ENDEAVOUR from (Teme Valley).
  • He has won from 1400m-1600m, effective on all going, and 3rd last time out in rich Irish Handicap, the Sovereign Path
  • Aspirational race targets = think the Epsom, the Doncaster, the Five Diamonds and the 40 x $1m+ races open to him from 1400m-2200m in the next 18 months!

Form:

Broke his maiden impressively at Galway over 7f. Has already mixed it with Group 1-class colts: ran in the G3 “Red Rocks” Stakes at Leopardstown behind Henri Matisse and Arizona Blaze, giving you a hard line to top-level form. Physically scopey; mentality rock- solid; the right profile to climb into Stakes company.

Winning rider Dylan Browne McMonagle: “He is a gorgeous horse... a nice horse who will only get better.”

Type:

Lovely, big, strong gelding with great size and scope. A ‘bombproof attitude’ and a fluid, free-flowing action. He is very much his father’s son.

  • View his Racing Post profile here. 
  • View his race replays here. 
  • View his Tattersalls Sales page and pedigree here.





Lot 674 SWAGMAN (Wootton Bassett x Secretina) - 3YO Colt

Purchase Price: 260,000 guineas (approx. A$520K)

Sales: 2025 Tattersalls Horses In Training Sale

Shares Available: Yes

Colours Available: No

Profile

  • A 3YO colt by the late, great, worldwide sensation, WOOTTON BASSETT.
  • Timeform rating 110
  • From a mare by Champion Broodmare Sire GALILEO, just like Saturday's Cox Plate quinella in VIA SISTINA & BUCKAROO
  • A huge pedigree behind him, a family full of top-class international Group 1 winners
  • Beaten only 4 lengths in the Group 2 Qatar Prix Niel at Longchamp the start before last behind Cualificar, Godolphin’s G1 placed & G2 winning colt, and just over two lengths behind Coolmore’s G1 and G2 winning son of Wootton Bassett, Tennessee Stud.
  • Purchased at the same sale & from the same connections that raced SIR DELIUS & THE OFFER - both Group 1 winners for our stable
  • He has won from 1400m-2000m up to Group 3 level, and effective on all going
  • Aspirational race targets = think the Brisbane Winter Carnival (Cup and Q22), the Epsom, the Metropolitan, Caulfield and Melbourne Cups and the 45 x $1m+ races open to him from 1400m-3200m in the next 18 months!

Form:

Swagman’s early education was patient and deliberate. Trained by Aidan O’Brien at Ballydoyle, he began his career at the Curragh, finishing third to subsequent G1 winner Hotazhell. He then broke his maiden stylishly at Naas, in a race that has since produced multiple winners, before returning to finish second to Hotazhell in the G3 Tyros Stakes.

After a break Swagman returned in 2025 by winning the 1m2f G3 Classic Trial at Sandow. He stayed the trip powerfully, forging clear by three-quarters of a length from Windlord, a highly regarded colt now rated 107 and a Listed winner in his own right. In the race he also beat Damysus now a G3 winner and rated 109, he is being aimed for G1 races in Europe in 2026.

 

Ryan Moore after winning the Classic Trial: “He only had three runs last year but his last one was a very good one behind Hotazhell in the Tyros. He’s done well from two to three and when I got on him in the paddock, I thought he had got stronger. He’s straightforward and seems to stay well. I’m happy with what he did today — he’s a nice horse to look forward to.”

Aidan O’Brien after winning the Classic Trial: “We were delighted with him. He started growing on us last year and he’s turned-out a much bigger horse this season. There’s plenty to look forward to.”

Notable Performers (Wootton Bassett × Galileo Cross)

  • Al Riffa 5yo– Group 1 National Stakes winner at two; Irish St. Ledger winner; Melbourne Cup favorite
  • Puerto Pico 2yo- Group 1 ParisLongchamp Criterium International and Prix Jean- Luc Lagardere winner
  • Hawk Mountain 2yo – Group 1 Futurity Trophy winner and Group 2 Bersford Stakes winner (Epsom Derby favourite )
  • Maranoa Charlie – Group 1 ParisLongchamp Prix de la Foret winner

Type

This colt is just like his dad, and he looked more and more impressive every time we inspected him. He has a real presence and 'swagger' about him. 

  • View his Racing Post profile here. 
  • View his race replays here. 
  • View his Tattersalls Sales page and pedigree here.





Lot 675 THRICE (Wootton Bassett x Mississippilanding) - 3YO Colt:

Purchase Price: 320,000 guineas (approx. A$640K)

Sales: 2025 Tattersalls Horses In Training Sale

Shares Available: Yes

Colours Available: No

 

Profile:

  • A 3YO colt by the late, great, worldwide sensation, WOOTTON BASSETT.
  • Timeform rating 108
  • A lightly raced (7 starts) 3YO Colt by world leading sire WOOTTON BASSETT, just like our own ROYAL PATRONAGE
  • He has come out of very strong form races, including his start before last in the Group 1 Irish Derby where he finished 4 ½ lengths behind Coolmore’s multiple Group 1 winning colt, Lambourn.
  • From a mare by Champion broodmare sire GALILEO, just like Saturday's Cox Plate quinella in VIA SISTINA & BUCKAROO
  • Bought in the same sale & from the same connections that raced SIR DELIUS & THE OFFER - both Group 1 winners for our stable
  • He has won from 1400m-2000m up to Group 3 level, and effective on all going
  • Aspirational race targets = think the Brisbane Winter Carnival (Cup and Q22), the Epsom, the Metropolitan, Caulfield and Melbourne Cups and the 45 x $1m+ races open to him from 1400m-3200m in the next 18 months!

 

Form:

Thrice’s first taste of victory came in a maiden race at Listowel in 2024. At the age of two, this win served as an important foundational moment. Facing relatively green competition, Thrice, ridden by Ryan Moore, was sent off as the heavy 1/4 favourite. Despite Moore's observation that the colt was "a bit babyish" and "got a little lost" on the bends, Thrice demonstrated his class by pulling away decisively in the straight to win by four lengths. This performance was a clear signal of his raw ability.

However, it was his victory in the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh on May 23, 2025, that truly tested and affirmed his potential. In this far more competitive race, Thrice finished second across the line after a dramatic 1 mile and 2 furlong contest. The race outcome was not settled on the track but in the stewards' room, where a lengthy inquiry followed a controversial finish. The stewards found that the horse that crossed the line first, Reyenzi, had caused interference to another horse, Emit, who in turn hampered Thrice. Despite the interference, Thrice, at 12-1 odds, had shown impressive tenacity to finish a close second. The stewards ultimately demoted Reyenzi, awarding the Group 3 victory to Thrice. This win demonstrated not just his raw speed but also his resilience and ability to handle pressure.

Race time: The 2025 Gallinule went in 2:04.46, one of the sharper clockings in recent renewals.

Notable Performers (Wootton Bassett × Galileo Cross):

  • Al Riffa 5yo– Group 1 National Stakes winner at two; Irish St. Ledger winner; Melbourne Cup favorite
  • Puerto Pico 2yo- Group 1 ParisLongchamp Criterium International and Prix Jean- Luc Lagardere winner
  • Hawk Mountain 2yo – Group 1 Futurity Trophy winner and Group 2 Bersford Stakes winner (Epsom Derby favourite )
  • Maranoa Charlie – Group 1 ParisLongchamp Prix de la Foret winner

Type

Although he’s not your typical deep coloured Wootton Bassett, he is very much in the mould of the stallion. An absolute standout on physical, and the market agreed!

  • View his Racing Post profile here. 
  • View his race replays here. 
  • View his Tattersalls Sales page and pedigree here.



For more information, or to secure a share in any one of these exciting, young prospects, please get in touch with the Bloodstock team.


Happy Racing,  

Gai & Adrian

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HORSES AVAILABLE

Tribal Nation

LOT 531 - TRIBAL NATION (Wotton Bassett x Indian Blessing) - 3YO Gelding: Purchase Price: 200,000 guineas (approx. A$440K) Sales: 2025 Tattersalls Horses In Training Sale Shares Available: Yes Colours Available: Yes   Profile: A 3YO gelding by the late, great, worldwide sensation, WOOTTON BASSETT. Timeform rating 101 (to compare, Royal Patronage had a Timeform rating of 105 as a 4YO at the time of purchase) From a mare who was a Champion miler by Sepoy, followed by stamina influences Halling, Rainbow Quest & Mill Reef through his dam sires Raced in the Britannia Stakes over 1600 metres at Royal Ascot in June, beaten just 2 ¾ lengths in a 30-horse field. This is a very good form race we follow closely every year. Purchased from the same stable that gave us WHITE MARLIN (Joseph O'Brien), and the same ownership that we secured NEW ENDEAVOUR from (Teme Valley). He has won from 1400m-1600m, effective on all going, and 3rd last time out in rich Irish Handicap, the Sovereign Path Aspirational race targets = think the Epsom, the Doncaster, the Five Diamonds and the 40 x $1m+ races open to him from 1400m-2200m in the next 18 months! Form: Broke his maiden impressively at Galway over 7f. Has already mixed it with Group 1-class colts: ran in the G3 “Red Rocks” Stakes at Leopardstown behind Henri Matisse and Arizona Blaze, giving you a hard line to top-level form. Physically scopey; mentality rock- solid; the right profile to climb into Stakes company.   Winning rider Dylan Browne McMonagle: “He is a gorgeous horse... a nice horse who will only get better.”   Type: Lovely, big, strong gelding with great size and scope. A ‘bombproof attitude’ and a fluid, free-flowing action. He is very much his father’s son. View his Racing Post profile here.  View his race replays here.  View his Tattersalls Sales page and pedigree here.

Thrice

Lot 675 THRICE (Wootton Bassett x Mississippilanding) - 3YO Colt: Purchase Price: 320,000 guineas (approx. A$640K) Sales: 2025 Tattersalls Horses In Training Sale Shares Available: Yes Colours Available: No   Profile: A 3YO colt by the late, great, worldwide sensation, WOOTTON BASSETT. Timeform rating 108 A lightly raced (7 starts) 3YO Colt by world leading sire WOOTTON BASSETT, just like our own ROYAL PATRONAGE He has come out of very strong form races, including his start before last in the Group 1 Irish Derby where he finished 4 ½ lengths behind Coolmore’s multiple Group 1 winning colt, Lambourn. From a mare by Champion broodmare sire GALILEO, just like Saturday's Cox Plate quinella in VIA SISTINA & BUCKAROO Bought in the same sale & from the same connections that raced SIR DELIUS & THE OFFER - both Group 1 winners for our stable He has won from 1400m-2000m up to Group 3 level, and effective on all going Aspirational race targets = think the Brisbane Winter Carnival (Cup and Q22), the Epsom, the Metropolitan, Caulfield and Melbourne Cups and the 45 x $1m+ races open to him from 1400m-3200m in the next 18 months! Form: Thrice’s first taste of victory came in a maiden race at Listowel in 2024. At the age of two, this win served as an important foundational moment. Facing relatively green competition, Thrice, ridden by Ryan Moore, was sent off as the heavy 1/4 favourite. Despite Moore's observation that the colt was "a bit babyish" and "got a little lost" on the bends, Thrice demonstrated his class by pulling away decisively in the straight to win by four lengths. This performance was a clear signal of his raw ability.   However, it was his victory in the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh on May 23, 2025, that truly tested and affirmed his potential. In this far more competitive race, Thrice finished second across the line after a dramatic 1 mile and 2 furlong contest. The race outcome was not settled on the track but in the stewards' room, where a lengthy inquiry followed a controversial finish. The stewards found that the horse that crossed the line first, Reyenzi, had caused interference to another horse, Emit, who in turn hampered Thrice. Despite the interference, Thrice, at 12-1 odds, had shown impressive tenacity to finish a close second. The stewards ultimately demoted Reyenzi, awarding the Group 3 victory to Thrice. This win demonstrated not just his raw speed but also his resilience and ability to handle pressure.   Race time: The 2025 Gallinule went in 2:04.46, one of the sharper clockings in recent renewals. Notable Performers (Wootton Bassett × Galileo Cross): Al Riffa 5yo– Group 1 National Stakes winner at two; Irish St. Ledger winner; Melbourne Cup favorite Puerto Pico 2yo- Group 1 ParisLongchamp Criterium International and Prix Jean- Luc Lagardere winner Hawk Mountain 2yo – Group 1 Futurity Trophy winner and Group 2 Bersford Stakes winner (Epsom Derby favourite ) Maranoa Charlie – Group 1 ParisLongchamp Prix de la Foret winner   Type Although he’s not your typical deep coloured Wootton Bassett, he is very much in the mould of the stallion. An absolute standout on physical, and the market agreed!   View his Racing Post profile here.  View his race replays here.  View his Tattersalls Sales page and pedigree here.

Too Darn Hot/Plucky Belle '23

This athletic colt by the European Champion Too Darn Hot out of the exceptional mare Plucky Belle is one of the premier prospects from the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. His sire, a champion son of Dubawi, has made an immediate global impact with Group 1 winners in both hemispheres, including the stunning Australian Golden Rose winner Broadsiding, confirming his ability to produce elite Australasian performers. The colt’s dam, the tenacious mare Plucky Belle, was a high-class Group 1 winner of the Coolmore Classic, giving him a powerful colonial female line saturated with speed and black-type success. This magnificent cross blends world-class European championship pedigree with proven Australian Group 1 racetrack talent, providing the foundation for a horse with the class, movement, and conformation we believe has all the tools to develop into a future star for the stable.

Snitzel/Debonnaire '23

This colt is by SNITZEL, Australia’s four-time Champion Sire and four-time Champion Sire of 2YOs. With an outstanding 10% stakes winners to runners strike rate, Snitzel has proven himself as one of the best in the business, siring 23 Group 1 winners, 159 Stakes winners, and an impressive 62 of those are 2YO winners. His exceptional progeny include Trapeze Artist, Russian Revolution, Shamus Award, Shinzo, and Switzerland. The colt’s dam, DEBONNAIRE, is a two-time winner who has already produced three Black Type performers, including the legendary HARTNELL. With 13 career wins, four of them Group 1 victories, and over $7.4 million in prizemoney, Hartnell has proven himself against the best, including the great WINX, and holds the current Group 1 Epsom Handicap track record. This colt is bred on the highly successful Snitzel/Anabaa cross, which boasts an impressive 89% winners to runners strike rate, further adding to his exceptional pedigree.

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