Feeling Autumnal This Winter! – Saturday 7th November 2026

Race 1 – Ladies Day Cup (Listed) – 1500m

TOP SELECTION

Osipenko (NZ)

Confidence: 7/10 – Medium-high

Main reasons:

Finished fourth at Randwick over 1600m on 24 October, beaten just 1.4 lengths.

Stronger recent form than several of the higher-rated runners.

Proven at stakes level, with nearly $2 million in career earnings.

Carries 58kg compared with Robusto’s 60kg.

Has previously been placed at Hawkesbury.

Main danger: Amreekiyah – arrives off a Warwick Farm victory over 1400m and carries just 54kg.

Race 8 – Five Diamonds – 1800m

TOP SELECTION

Linebacker (NZ)

Confidence: 7.5/10 – Medium-high

Main reasons:

Excellent recent form, including a second in the $1 million Five Diamonds Prelude over 1500m.

Finished third in the Group 3 Alan Brown Stakes over 1400m.

Proven at 1600m and looks capable of handling the step up to 1800m.

Zac Lloyd is booked, with barrier 7.

One of the highest-rated runners in the field, with a handicap rating of 107.

Main danger: Evaporate – also rated 107 and carries 57kg, giving him a 2kg advantage over Linebacker.

Race 6 – VRC Champions Sprint (Group 1) – 1200m

TOP SELECTION

Tent Peg

Confidence: 7/10 – Medium-high

Main reasons:

Joint-highest handicap rating in the field at 118.

Carries 56.5kg, receiving 2kg from several established rivals.

Drawn barrier 9, which could suit depending on the straight-course racing pattern.

Looks one of the leading chances on the published ratings.

Main danger: Joliestar – also rated 118 and carries 56.5kg, making her a serious threat.

Race 7 – VRC Champions Mile (Group 1) – 1600m

TOP SELECTION

Autumn Glow

Confidence: 8.5/10 – High

Main reasons:

Highest-rated horse in the field, with a handicap rating of 121.

Carries just 57kg, receiving 2kg from the male runners.

Drawn barrier 2, giving James McDonald plenty of tactical options.

Looks exceptionally well placed under the weight-for-age conditions.

Her class and progressive profile make her the horse to beat.

Main danger: Tom Kitten – proven Group 1 performer, rated 115, with a strong record at 1600m.

Race 8 – TAB Champions Stakes (Group 1) – 2000m

TOP SELECTION

Sir Delius (GB)

Confidence: 7.5/10 – Medium-high

Main reasons:

Proven Group 1 performer with the class to win this race.

Excellent record over middle distances, including 2000m.

Carries 59kg under weight-for-age conditions, the same as his main male rivals.

Craig Williams takes the ride from barrier 7.

His rating of 117 puts him among the leading contenders.

Main danger: Cosmic Crusader – highest-rated runner at 118, with strong recent form including a win in the Group 1 Might And Power Stakes over 2000m.

Race 9 – Lee Steere Stakes (Group 2) – 1400m

TOP SELECTION

Western Empire (NZ)

Confidence: 7.5/10 – Medium-high

Main reasons:

Highest-rated horse in the field, with a handicap rating of 115.

Excellent record over 1400m, with six wins at the distance.

Strong Ascot record, including multiple victories at the track.

Drawn barrier 1, giving Jason Lyon the opportunity to secure an economical run.

Finished second in the Belmont Sprint over 1400m earlier this preparation.

Main danger: Watch Me Rock – rated 112 and arrives following a strong win over 1600m at Ascot. His recent form makes him a genuine threat.