James McDonald Shines Aboard Pisces in Blue Sapphire Stakes

James McDonald confirmed his place as one of the sport's greats with a dominant win on Pisces in the Blue Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield. Following an exhilarating performance on Champions Day, McDonald secured his fifth victory in six rides in Melbourne, demonstrating the skill and poise that establish him as a formidable presence in horse racing. Pisces, a young horse with few starts, showcased an impressive burst of speed, easily sprinting past the competition in the final stretch to achieve a 2½-length win over Rue De Royale. In contrast, the favored Coleman, caught in a contentious ownership dispute, dropped back to finish second last after leading into the straight. Nonetheless, McDonald appeared invincible while riding Pisces.

“He’s an improving horse on a positive path,” McDonald remarked after the race. “His performance at Moonee Valley was excellent despite some misfortune. It felt more like a trial run since he only found clear space in the final 100 meters. Today, he had a good draw and demonstrated his true abilities.” The trainer for Pisces, James Cummings of Godolphin, agreed with McDonald, commending both the jockey’s ride and the colt’s potential. “James executed the ride flawlessly from the inner gate. He moved past the competition like a horse with genuine promise,” Cummings stated.

With a record of three victories and five placements from ten races, Pisces is set for ambitious goals this autumn, underscoring his potential as one of the rising stars in the stable. Meanwhile, five-year-old Kin achieved her long-awaited objective by clinching her first stakes win in the Listed Village Stakes. The Godolphin mare, skillfully ridden by Jamie Kah, won by a narrow neck over Pharari, with Miraval Rose completing the placings. Trainer James Cummings from Godolphin expressed his pleasure with Kin's achievement, remarking, "Reaching stakes status significantly enhances her career, particularly as a future broodmare. The choice to race her despite the difficult weight conditions has paid off greatly."

The win highlights Godolphin's outstanding day at Caulfield, with Kin contributing to a consecutive victory following Pisces' triumph in the Group 3 event. In a bittersweet turn of events, Ruakaka Raider clinched back-to-back wins in the Vale Colin McKenna Handicap while trainer Cindy Alderson is recovering from a back injury. The gelding, making his first appearance at city grade, narrowly defeated the favorite Hiyaam Proud by a nose with jockey Daniel Stackhouse aboard. Alderson's representative, Melissa Batterham, commended the win, describing it as a much-needed morale boost for the stable. “This horse is still developing, but he has a promising future,”

Stackhouse remarked that Regal Vow maintained an impeccable record in her second-up outing, securing victory in the Benchmark 84 event under the guidance of trainer Charlotte Littlefield. The stable was brimming with confidence after track rider Amanda confirmed that the mare was in optimal condition earlier in the week. “She performs best when there’s a bit of moisture in the ground, and the conditions today were ideal,” Littlefield noted. With Little Jack and Sassy Boom finishing in the placings, Regal Vow's success rounded off a thrilling day of racing at Caulfield.