Hits and misses: Everest dreams soar and crash on wild Saturday

The racing was hot before the weather got wild on Saturday. The Group 1 form stood up in the Moir Stakes, while Everest dreams were confirmed and burned in Sydney.

HITS

My Gladiola

She had long promised to be a Group 1 winner, and it came in the Moir Stakes. Runner-up in the Coolmore Stud Stakes and Lightning Stakes, My Gladiola put herself in the perfect position behind the speed, and she was a bit too seasoned for Cavalry Girl and Natural Fling in a race dominated by the leaders. My Gladiola ripped home in 32.47 seconds for the final 600m, after a perfect Jamie Mott ride. She’s only have one or two more starts this spring with international plans for next year.

MY GLADIOLA WINS THE MOIR 🏆

Jamie Mott and John McArdle combine for Group 1 Glory!@jamieleemott @RedgumRacing pic.twitter.com/EjoAGwPz5V

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 5, 2026

Nash Rawiller

Last week, Beiwacht, this week, Lindermann. There isn’t a better jockey in the country at getting it right when he goes to the front and gets control of a race. On the right horse, Rawiller has the knack of going fast enough to keep challengers at bay while having rivals out of their comfort zones. Then when he hits the straight, Rawiller opens a winning advantage, which simply can’t be cut down. Lindermann, a winner of more than $5 million, could again be placed to advantage for another million-dollar preparation.

Lindermann goes back-to-back in the Chelmsford Stakes 💜

A dominant front running display from the iron horse!@nashhot @cwallerracing pic.twitter.com/lEvPEeZbq1

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 5, 2026

Ceolwulf

The two-time King Charles III Stakes winner showed he is a chance of a three-peat flowing home from well back in the Chelmsford Stakes. Without his trademark blinkers, which are his superpower, Ceolwulf ran good closing sectionals and appears ready for another big spring. He will continue to build his preparation with his fourth and fifth runs usually his best.

Lepolo

It is the time of year where one win can boost you to Victoria Derby favourite and that’s what happened with this unbeaten colt. He might even be worth a crack at the Caulfield Guineas, the way he put the first at Sandown to sleep in a couple of strides despite a pedestrian pace. Lizzie Jelfs noted “his big expressive action” that is going to take him a long way alongside his ability to settle.

LEPOLO stomps up and puts them away‼️

That’s two wins from two starts for Tony and Calvin McEvoy’s colt 🥇🥇@HTCoffey @Mcevoyracing pic.twitter.com/nfUoDk59VN

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 5, 2026

Tempted

Godolphin is still looking for its first Everest winner and this girl did what was expected of her in the Concorde Stakes. She can accelerate off a high speed and the way Ciaron Maher has handled her since being Everest runner-up last year suggests that he will have her peaking on the big day next month. Behind her Beadman found the line well for third and is firming to run in the Newgate slot.

Can’t resist Tempted! 💪

Can she go one better in this year’s TAB Everest? Step 1 ticked off with a brilliant return in the Concorde Stakes! 🚀@SchofieldChad @cmaherracing @godolphin @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/oxF9AoU6cA

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 5, 2026

MISSES

Wild weather

As a storm swept across Sydney on Saturday, bringing sections of the Randwick running rail down, and causing a delay to the Chelmsford Stakes. Fortunately, the ATC was able to get its last two races run. But in Melbourne, the storm that followed the Moir Stakes robbed punters of the final two races. They will be run on Wednesday, but we might not see last race favourite Changing Colours, which could aim at the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes on Saturday.

Unleeshing

Rachel King had this mare travelling beautifully entering the straight behind the speed, but simply had no way to go. She tried to get to the outside; a couple of strides later, she was beaten to the winning run by Decorum, and had to settle for second. Unleeshing will be better as she steps up in trip and is due some luck in her races after having similar traffic problems first-up at her last preparation.

Headwall

He is definitely an Everest contender, but this topline sprinter has a frustrating habit of finding trouble in the straight. While, Concorde Stakes winner Tempted was balancing up in the centre of the track to sail to victory, Zac Lloyd was trying to weave some magic bouncing off other runners. Headwall was held up from the top of the straight until 300m and then again inside the final furlong. He should have finished much closer to Tempted, adding another placing with asterisks to his record.

Pembrey

Lauded by some as an Everest contender after her Silver Shadow Stakes success, the Queensland filly was the first beaten in the Furious Stakes. Tommy Berry told stewards that Pembery “raced flat” and might not have backed up from her brilliant first-up win. She had a slow post-race recovery. Tony Gollan might look to freshen the filly and chase a race like the Heritage Stakes over 1100m at the end of the month.

Wolf Gap

He just gave up too much start, after a slow getaway in the McKenzie Stakes. He was last turning, a couple of lengths from the second last horse, but stormed down the centre for second. He is a son of Palace Pier, who will be better suited up to a mile, where he can hopefully be closer and use his turn of foot to win races rather than make ground.