Australia Preview for September 12, 2026
Flemington Racecourse (Wikimedia Commons)
September 10th, 2026
One of Australia’s longest-serving warriors is off to Flemington to win his favorite race for a fourth consecutive year. But he’ll need to fend off one of the hottest young stars in the country to do it.
Flemington, Race 8, 2:20 a.m. Saturday ET: Makybe Diva (G1), 1,600 meters (about 1 mile), three-year-olds and up
#1 Mr Brightside (17-2) is an old marvel. Now a nine-year-old, he lines up for the 50th time on Saturday. He’s won this race for the past three years, and his first-up effort for second in the Memsie (G1) behind Beiwacht showed he’s still got plenty of zest in his legs.
This year, however, poses a challenge unlike the previous three. To win, he’ll need to beat the fastest-improving horse in the land, #12 Sheza Alibi (4-5). Her autumn victories in the Randwick Guineas (G1) and Doncaster Mile (G1) were breathtaking, and she looked to have come back in great shape when second to Autumn Glow in the Winx (G1) over seven furlongs last month.
Back to a mile here, Sheza Alibi should be in her element. A midfield barrier gate should be enough to get her a good run in transit, and though she’s yet to beat the best older horses at weight-for-age, she will be expected to do so here.
The only runner close to Sheza Alibi in the market is the winner of the only race Autumn Glow lost. English import #4 Sir Delius (3-1) outstayed Autumn Glow to win the 1 1/4-mile Queen Elizabeth (G1) last April, a great reward after being ruled out of Melbourne spring features by the veterinarian.
The son of Frankel is a high-class performer, but he will likely be better suited over longer distances later in this campaign.
Most of the other runners are, like Sir Delius, horses that are at the beginning of a campaign most likely aimed at longer distances. Some might be expected to run well, such as the well-performed #6 Birdman (23-1), but many of the others are unlikely to be sharp enough to figure in the finish here.
Two horses that are better suited to this trip are #8 Autumn Boy (17-1), twice runner-up to Sheza Alibi over a mile in autumn, and #10 Treasurethe Moment (19-1), fourth in the Memsie. Both should be included in exotics.
I would expect Sheza Alibi to come out on top, though the price is unlikely to offer much value, so I’m taking a show bet on Mr Brightside and focusing on exotics.
Rosehill, Race 8, 2:00 a.m. Saturday ET: Run to the Rose (G2), 1,200 meters (about 6 furlongs), three-year-olds
- $30 win: #7 St Gotthard ($30)
- $1 trifecta: 7 with 4,5,11, with 2,4,5,8,11,12 ($15)
A little earlier than the Makybe Diva, Rosehill hosts Sydney’s big race of the day, the Run to the Rose. A prep for the seven-furlong Golden Rose (G1) in two weeks, as seemingly always in Sydney, the race is numerically dominated by Chris Waller; he has four of the 12 runners still remaining in the race, including Group 1 winners #1 Fireball (42-1) and #2 Tron Bolt (18-1).
The Waller horse everyone wants, however, is #7 St Gotthard (9-5). By leading sire Snitzel out of a mare by Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Blame, St Gotthard was a $1.63 million yearling purchase, and he’s made a great start to racing, winning both his starts. His maiden victory was decent, but he stepped up several levels when winning the Ken Russell (G3) in Queensland in May. Behind him that day was #3 Berzelius (35-1), who won at Group 2 level at his next start.
Most of St Gotthard’s opponents have raced this season. Generally, they have run nicely without winning, except for Up & Coming (G3) winner #8 Plagiarism (19-1). Perhaps the most impressive trial for this race came from the favorite’s stable companion #11 Central Europe (5-1), third in the 5-1/2 furlong Rosebud Aug. 15.
In the absence of Golden Rose favorite Guest House, St Gotthard may have too much speed in this race, so I’m taking him on top of exotics, which should also include #4 Music Time (14-1), #5 Warwoven (15-2), and #12 Under Focus (5-1).
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