From a punting perspective, Saturday’s Group races are shaping as a tricky proposition. A mix of in-form winter performers who have a fitness edge and carnival contenders who are first or second-up. Do you stick with the horses you know are racing well and have match practice, or opt for...

Midwinter racing. Sigh. It can be a slog for punters, what with wet tracks and off-season horses. But the good news is the scent of spring is already in the air. The new racing season kicks off this week and several of the big carnival drawcards are strutting their stuff on the trial track,...

The focus shifts to Grafton this week for the running of the Listed Ramornie Handicap and Grafton Cup. One of the best country carnivals on the calendar, Grafton’s feature races have stood the test of time and this year will be no different. The Ramornie has been won by top sprinters...

The eyes of the racing world this week are on Royal Ascot and the darling of Australia, Black Caviar. English superstar Frankel will provide a delectable sidebar. The two highest-rated horses in the world will compete at the famous five-day carnival – albeit in separate races. Frankel stars...

Assessing the form for Saturday’s Stradbroke Handicap is like wading through a pile of CVs. There are a handful of standout applicants but most of them have a major drawback. Take Sea Siren ($4.20). She defied history by becoming the first filly to win the Doomben 10,000 but can she lump...