Edward Sadler

He has raced in Germany, France, Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, won an Italian Derby, and competed against some of Europe’s best stayers. Now, in one of the more unlikely twists of this year’s Warrnambool May Racing Carnival, Ardakan will line up in a maiden hurdle. The Ciaron Maher-trained seven-year-old takes his place in Tuesday’s Billy ‘The Butcher’ Malady Maiden Hurdle (3200m), bringing with him a résumé rarely seen in a race of this type.

Pride Of Jenni will have the past two Melbourne Cup winners in her sights on the Gold Coast this Saturday, with the popular mare confirmed for the G2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m). The eight-year-old will take on the likes of Half Yours and Knight’s Choice, with owner Tony Ottobre telling Giddy Up with Gareth Hall on SEN that the decision was made after the mare pleased the stable following her autumn campaign.

Internationally renowned rider Oisin Murphy has spoken of his desire to win the Cox Plate. Murphy famously got close in the race when he finished second aboard Benbatl to Winx in what was her record fourth triumph in the weight for age championship event. Murphy is no stranger to Victorian racing, having ridden here as an apprentice, while he’s travelled back a number of times to compete in Melbourne’s major races.