RACING NEWS POST - February 25, 2026
The autumn carnival is heating up, and the past two weeks have delivered some cracking racing action across Australia. Here's everything you need to know. ■ Major Results Golden Slipper Picture Sharpens The Golden Slipper field is taking shape with several impressive trial performances at Randwick and Rosehill. Multiple two-year-olds have firmed in betting after dominant barrier trial wins, and trainers are keeping their cards close to their chests about final Slipper runners. Group Racing Highlights Sydney's autumn carnival kicked into gear with quality Group racing across Randwick and Rosehill. Several horses have put their hands up for bigger targets including the Doncaster, TJ Smith Stakes, and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Melbourne's autumn program also delivered strong form lines, with Flemington and Caulfield providing solid pointers for upcoming Group 1 features. ■ Racing Headlines Jockey Moves & Suspensions Several high-profile jockey suspensions were handed down over the past fortnight, creating shake-ups in upcoming Group race ride allocations. Trainers have been scrambling to secure backup riders for key carnival runners. Barrier Draw Dramas The barrier draw for several key Group races didn't go smoothly for some favourites. Wide barriers for short-priced runners have opened up betting opportunities for punters willing to dig deeper into the form. International Raiders Arrive A handful of international horses have touched down in Australia ahead of the autumn carnivals, with European and Hong Kong-trained gallopers aiming for lucrative Group 1 prizes. Quarantine reports suggest they've travelled well. ■ What's Coming Next Two Weeks Golden Slipper Countdown We're now just weeks away from the $5 million Golden Slipper at Rosehill. The final lead-up races will determine the starting field, with several trainers still deciding which two-year-olds make the cut. Randwick & Rosehill Saturdays The next two Saturdays feature crucial lead-up races for Group 1 targets: • Doncaster Prelude runners fine-tuning • TJ Smith Stakes contenders having final hit-outs • Australian Cup lead-ups in Melbourne Provincial Action Don't sleep on provincial meetings — some smart trainers are ducking Group company to grab easier prize money before returning to city racing. Watch for horses dropping back in grade. ■ Horses on the Move Rising Stars to Watch: Keep an eye on several lightly-raced three-year-olds who've impressed in recent trials and jumpouts. These horses could be value bets before they hit peak form and their prices crash. Returning from Spelling: A number of quality gallopers are returning from short breaks, having been freshened specifically for the autumn carnival. First-up specialists with strong records will be worth following. Horses to Follow: We'll be updating our "Future Winners" list this week with horses that caught our eye over the past fortnight — some at big odds that could deliver serious value in coming weeks. ■■ From The Podcast On this week's episode of The Leg Up Podcast, Blake Johnston breaks down the early Golden Slipper market, highlights value bets for the next two Saturdays, and shares insights from his time working as a bookie — including how to spot when the market has got it wrong. [Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube] Want More Than Just News? Reading about racing is one thing — profiting from it is another. Join The Leg Up Australia for: • ■ Daily expert tips delivered to your inbox • ■ Exclusive Discord community (800+ members) • ■ Speed maps and detailed race analysis • ■ Future winners and horses to follow • ■ Direct access to Blake Johnston (2024 Tipster of the Year) ■ Get Access to Our Tips Here Category: Racing News Tags: Australian racing news, Golden Slipper, autumn carnival, racing updates, February 2026
