TRACKSIDE WORLDWIDE

Racing's Rising Stars Take To Global Spotlight

The sprinters stole the spotlight at Randwick on Saturday, April 20, as Sydney’s final Group One of the racing season delivered a thrilling finish. Jockey Ethan Brown showcased his rising star status with a classy ride aboard the talented Jimmysstar, guiding the five-year-old gelding through a packed field to clinch his second Group One victory of the year.

Brown made a decisive move off the rail in the final stages, slicing through traffic to find clear running. Once wide, Jimmysstar unleashed a powerful burst, surging ahead in the final 50 metres. Finishing strongly in second was Newmarket Handicap winner Joliestar, followed by fellow Group One mare Sunshine In Paris. The trio overhauled race favourite Briasa, who led from the 200m mark but faded late as the step up in distance proved her undoing.

For trainer Ciaron Maher, the win was a double delight - not only another big victory for Jimmysstar, but also the first Group One in Sydney for Ethan Brown. The pair share a deep bond, with Maher encouraging Brown to stay in the saddle following a serious fall in 2023. That belief has paid off handsomely, as Brown has now emerged as one of Melbourne’s top jockeys and capped off Randwick's Autumn Carnival with two wins on the final day.

In the meeting’s other feature, the Champagne Stakes (1600m), Nepotism delivered a heart-stopping finish to nose out the competition. The colt stormed home from the back of the field in a dramatic final furlong, confirming his rising potential in just his third career start.

Over in Japan, the first leg of the prestigious Triple Crown brought its own share of drama on Sunday, April 20. Superstar jockey João Moreira extended his hot streak with a commanding victory aboard Museum Mile in the Group One Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas). The three-year-old outclassed a strong field, finishing a length and a half ahead of last season’s champion juvenile colt, Croix Du Nord. The latter, making his first appearance of the season after winning the Hopeful Stakes in late 2024, appeared a touch rusty, while Museum Mile looked sharp after placing second in the Asahi Hai Futurity last December.

Moreira’s experience proved key, and his dominance in Japan this spring continues - this win marking his third major victory in the past month. His next target? The Kentucky Derby on May 3, where he’ll partner with Luxor Cafe, Japan’s exciting hope on the world stage. 

Across the Pacific, Derby contenders in the U.S. were putting in their final pieces of work over Easter Weekend. Derby favourite Journalism completed his last major gallop at Santa Anita on Saturday, April 19, before heading to Churchill Downs. The undefeated colt has strung together four straight wins, including a dominant performance in the Santa Anita Derby, making him the horse to beat on May 3.

Florida Derby winner Tappan Street also impressed in his final workout and remains a top contender. Meanwhile, Luxor Cafe is attracting unexpected attention in the betting markets, with Moira’s upcoming ride quietly gaining momentum.

One big question mark is Citizen Bull, the early-season sensation trained by Bob Baffert. Despite a blazing start to his career, his recent form has dipped, and Baffert - returning to Churchill after a lengthy absence - will need to summon his signature magic if Citizen Bull is to contend on the big day.

written by Joe Bell