Mark Zahra won another Coolmore Stud Stakes in a classic battle. Hear from the beaten riders:
Jason Collett (Paradoxium): “Too keen. Just never in a rhythm.”
Craig Newitt (Alibaba): “I thought he ran really good. He had a good run in the race, he came out at the 300 (metre mark). Loomed up like he was going to win and just found a couple better.”
Jamie Mott (Stretan Ruler): “He overraced quite badly and he was tight for room. Just didn’t appreciate it. Considering how he overraced, I thought he stuck on ok.”
James McDonald (St Gotthard): “He ran incredibly well. He laid it all out there but probably got a fraction lost when he made his run but he is such a talented horse.”
Luke Currie (Marffiano): <No comment provided>
Blake Shinn (Under Focus): “The horse went super. His form stood up from early in this campaign behind The Next Episode and St Gotthard. Had a run from a tricky draw and ran a great race. He’s a nice horse.”
Jye McNeil (Steel Will): “I’d say he’d be better suited back around a bend. In today’s race he was a bit keen and then flatfooted as they sprinted.”
Billy Egan (Mbube): “He had a lovely run. He followed the winner. We were just chasing probably two of the best three-year-old colts.”
William Pike (The Machine Gun): “It was actually a better effort than it looks. He actually jumped too fast and was exposed on the inside. Got lost in the middle of the race but he was actually holding his own late.”
Damian Lane (Natural Fling): “Unfortunately didn’t work out for us and I was facing the breeze the whole way. That wind has picked up quite significantly. I think that told on her late.”
Ben Melham (Satono Glow): “The inside draw was no help to her at all. There was not a lot of speed about early and I struggled to get cover. Massive negative to draw low today in those races.”
Craig Williams (Pembrey): “She really acquitted herself well today. She got a sweet run in behind them. Nice run. Second horse came with us and was a bit more sharper than we were at that stage but I wasn’t in a rush to get going then I thought she stayed on really well. First time down the straight, she’ll benefit from it against these top horses but she is one of the top three fillies we’ll have next year.”
Worth the wait 🍿
THE NEXT EPISODE delivers on the big stage, claiming Group 1 glory in the @coolmorestud Stakes.
#DerbyDay https://t.co/8luUODE6nU
— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) October 31, 2026
