Grafton Race 4

Nbn News Springboard To Fame 2yo Showcase Plate

Stake: $54,900

ROYAL EXILE (8) is a promising juvenile back from a five-month spell. The maiden prep was highlighted by a close second in a metro quality 1200m race at Wyong at the second career run. Looked good in a recent Taree trial so a bright return is on the cards. SLIPPIN' AWAY (9) resumed with an effortless all-the-way victory recently over 1015m at this track. Has only been to the races twice so there is a stack of upside. AIRBORNE AFFAIR (2) started at $1.90 and got the job done on debut last start at Rockhampton. Kept fresh and should not be underestimated. ZEE FIRE (13) produced a real eye-catcher on debut here behind SLIPPIN' AWAY 11 days ago. Can improve enough to turn the tables. TRIPLE SEVEN (1) is an Astern gelding on debut. Showing plenty at the trials and the early money suggests a strong performance is anticipated.

Distance: 1175m
Class: Open 2Y SWP
Track: Good4
Weather: FINE
Surface: Turf

Rail Position: True.

Trackside Tips:

Craig Sheppard Selects: 8. Royal Exile, 2. Airborne Affair, 10. Triple Seven, 9. Slippin' Away, 1. Acqua Romane

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Acqua Romane (6) 63
Trainer: Todd Payne(Inverell)
Jockey: Ben Looker (Last 50: 6-3-5)
Weight: 57kg
Prize Money: $6,771
Win / Place: 0% / 50%

2 yo Chestnut Gelding

Sire: DIRTY WORK (AUS)

Dam: BIAGIOTTI (AUS)

Dam's Sire: Choisir

Owners: K A Taylor, Miss K J Bodsworth, Miss S J Leitinger, Mrs T S Halloran, Miss A Payne, Mrs K S Guilfoyle, Mrs T A Myler, Ms C Mcclosker, Mrs T Carter, Mrs W A Mccarthy, Mrs K Smith, Miss J M Curtin, Ms J C Payne & Mrs S A Tanner

Rating

Stats

Career

2: 0-0-1

Distance

1: 0-0-1

Season

2: 0-0-1

1st Up

1: 0-0-0

2nd Up

1: 0-0-1

Turf

2: 0-0-1

Soft

2: 0-0-1

Anti-Clockwise

2: 0-0-1

Jockey Stats

Horse

1: 0-0-1

Last 50

50: 6-3-5

Last 7 Days

15: 3-0-1

Trainer

W 10% P 32%

Distance

W 11% P 31%

Track

W 12% P 32%

Trainer/Track

W 0% P 14%

Trainer/Distance

W 16% P 16%

Distance Range Last 6 months

1000m - 1200m

Gear Changes

Visors FIRST TIME [Blinkers]

Comments

Lining up for just third start. At big odds at debut, 6th of 12 at Tamworth Mdn-Sw on June 15 over 1000m, slow going 3.5 len behind Eezitosort carrying 56.5kg at $26. Second-up led but faded 3rd of 10 at Tamworth Super Mdn on July 3 over 1200m, slow going 5 len behind Zousanity carrying 56kg at $7. This looks out of reach.

Expected Settling Position: Off Pace

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Class	Barrier	Jockey	Weight	Cond.	Race Time	Avg. Speed	Last 600m	Margin	800/400	SP	Days	Prize	Prize Won	Result
3rd of 10	3/7/26	Tamworth	1200m	MDN	8	Ben Looker	56kg	Soft 7	1:11.44	60.5 km/h	0:34.97	4.8L	1-1	$7.00	18	$61,000	$6,039	1. Zousanity 2. Oakfield Mars 3. Acqua Romane
6th of 12	15/6/26	Tamworth	1000m	MDN	6	Madeline Owen	56.5kg	Soft 5	0:57.45	62.7 km/h	0	3.3L	8-8	$26	-	$32,940	$732	1. Eezitosort 2. Supido Star 3. Scathingly
4th of 4	18/5/26	Gosford	800m	Trial	-	Rory Hutchings	56kg	Soft	0:51.11	56.3 km/h	-	3.5L	-	-	-	-	-	1. Zourrific 2. Elio 3. Edberg
1st of 2	16/4/26	Armidale	1000m	Trial	-	Luke Rolls	53kg	Good	1:03.34	56.8 km/h	-	0.01L	-	-	-	-	-	1. Acqua Romane 2. Valiant Lass 3.

Airborne Affair (2) 1
Trainer: Ben Hull(Bundall)
Jockey: Ashley Butler (Last 50: 5-4-5)
Weight: 57kg
Prize Money: $14,152
Win / Place: 100% / 100%

Recent Trial Winner

2 yo Chestnut Colt

Sire: TRAPEZE ARTIST (AUS)

Dam: SHE'S MY GIRL (AUS)

Dam's Sire: So You Think

Owners: Mrs S L Newing, S A Clarke, B M Hull, N Macdonald, B T Cheverall & T J R Mullen

100

Rating

Stats

Career

1: 1-0-0

Season

1: 1-0-0

1st Up

1: 1-0-0

Turf

1: 1-0-0

Good

1: 1-0-0

Clockwise

1: 1-0-0

Jockey Stats

Horse

1: 1-0-0

Last 50

50: 5-4-5

Last 7 Days

26: 2-1-3

Trainer

W 40% P 60%

Distance

W 19% P 47%

Track

W 0% P 0%

Trainer/Track

N/A

Trainer/Distance

N/A

Distance Range Last 6 months

1050m

Comments

Freshened since claiming his maiden victory on debut; favourite; raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 0.5 len at Rockhampton 2yo Hcp June 5 over 1050m defeating Diante carrying 59kg at $1.90. Since won trial at Deagon over 1050m on July 7. Has upside and can make it two on the trot.

Expected Settling Position: Pace

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Class	Barrier	Jockey	Weight	Cond.	Race Time	Avg. Speed	Last 600m	Margin	800/400	SP	Days	Prize	Prize Won	Result
1st of 6	7/7/26	Deagon	1050m	Trial	1	Ashley Butler	54kg	Soft	1:02.91	60.1 km/h	-	7.21L	-	-	-	-	-	1. Airborne Affair 2. Bintang Tiger 3. Do A Little Dance
1st of 7	5/6/26	Rockhampton	1050m	OPEN 2	4	Ashley Butler	59kg	Good 4	1:01.24	61.7 km/h	0:33.81	0.5L	3-3	$1.90f	-	$25,620	$14,152	1. Airborne Affair 2. Diante 3. Charming Seahorse
1st of 6	8/5/26	Beaudesert	1050m	Trial	3	Brandon Lerena	55kg	Soft	1:02.76	60.2 km/h	-	0.55L	-	-	-	-	-	1. Airborne Affair 2. Jet Two Mars 3. Blacksmith

Royal Exile (1) 128x
Trainer: Jenny Graham(Port Macquarie)
Jockey: Aaron Bullock (Last 50: 13-10-3)
Weight: 57kg
Prize Money: $78,324
Win / Place: 33% / 66%

Jockey Won 8 of 24 Last 7 Days

2 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: KING'S LEGACY (AUS)

Dam: ZANZIDANCE (AUS)

Dam's Sire: Deep Field

Owners: S P Conroy,Mrs L M Burke,P C Burke,Ms M Turner,J S O'Brien,Mrs T Pye,D W Yarnold,Painted Horse (Mgr: J Turner), Mrs P M Arnold,W Steedman, Mrs D L Mitford, J P Carey, G R Burge, P J Bannon, G Tuck, Ms A Graham, A Sciglitano, Ms E Sciglitano, Cabodreamin Racing (Mgr: R E G Smith) & Mrs T Yarnold

Rating

Stats

Career

3: 1-1-0

Distance

1: 0-1-0

Season

3: 1-1-0

1st Up

1: 1-0-0

2nd Up

1: 0-1-0

3rd Up

1: 0-0-0

Turf

3: 1-1-0

Good

3: 1-1-0

Clockwise

3: 1-1-0

Jockey Stats

Last 50

50: 13-10-3

Last 7 Days

24: 8-3-2

Trainer

W 18% P 59%

Distance

W 17% P 41%

Track

W 19% P 49%

Trainer/Track

N/A

Trainer/Distance

W 0% P 0%

Distance Range Last 6 months

1100m

Comments

Racing first-up today. Finished off last campaign eighth of 16 at Randwick in the LR Millennium February 7 over 1100m, 4 len behind Fireball with 56.5kg at $101. On debut won by 0.7 len Taree Ctry Mdn December 23 over 1000m defeating Agent Max carrying 55kg at $1.75. Everything points to a bright return.

Expected Settling Position: Midfield

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Class	Barrier	Jockey	Weight	Cond.	Race Time	Avg. Speed	Last 600m	Margin	800/400	SP	Days	Prize	Prize Won	Result
1st of 8	30/6/26	Taree	1000m	Trial	-	Aaron Bullock	54kg	Heavy	1:01.08	58.9 km/h	-	1.54L	-	-	-	-	-	1. Royal Exile 2. Andrea 3. Star Prediction
8th of 16	7/2/26	Randwick	1100m	LR OPEN 2	14	Sam Clipperton	56.5kg	Good 4	1:03.61	62.3 km/h	0:34.83	4.0L	11-12	$101	28	$2,476,600	$24,400	1. Fireball 2. Ghana's Akan 3. Alibaba
2nd of 5	10/1/26	Wyong	1200m	OPEN 2	2	Ashley Morgan	58kg	Good 4	1:11.68	60.3 km/h	0:36.27	0.2L	2-2	$1.90f	18	$195,200	$35,624	1. Audit 2. Royal Exile 3. All Acclaim
1st of 10	23/12/25	Taree	1000m	MDN	3	Ashley Morgan	55kg	Good 4	0:57.75	62.3 km/h	0:33.89	0.7L	5-5	$1.75f	-	$36,600	$18,300	1. Royal Exile 2. Agent Max 3. Exceed Me
2nd of 7	9/10/25	Newcastle	800m	Trial	-	Ashley Morgan	-	Good	0:50.24	57.3 km/h	-	0.08L	-	-	-	-	-	1. Bobby 2. Royal Exile 3. Won'thearmecoming

Slippin' Away (5) 7x1
Trainer: Adam Campton(Gold Coast)
Jockey: Karl Zechner (Last 50: 8-2-5)
Weight: 57kg
Prize Money: $17,995
Win / Place: 50% / 50%

2 yo Black Gelding

Sire: THE ODYSSEY (AUS)

Dam: REDHEADS ROCK (AUS)

Dam's Sire: Written Tycoon

Owners: Wilrace Pty Ltd (Mgr: D G Wilson)

Rating

Stats

Career

2: 1-0-0

Track

1: 1-0-0

Season

2: 1-0-0

1st Up

2: 1-0-0

Turf

2: 1-0-0

Good

1: 0-0-0

Soft

1: 1-0-0

Clockwise

2: 1-0-0

Jockey Stats

Horse

1: 1-0-0

Last 50

50: 8-2-5

Last 7 Days

12: 1-0-1

Trainer

W 16% P 38%

Distance

W 5.65% P 24%

Track

W 10% P 10%

Trainer/Track

W 50% P 50%

Trainer/Distance

W 16% P 55%

Distance Range Last 6 months

1015m - 1110m

Gear Changes

[Cross-over Nose Band]

Comments

Third race start. First start ran second last of 8 at Doomben 2yo Mdn-Sw on January 17 over 1110m, 19 len behind Areprice carrying 58kg at $16. Went for a break before returning won by 2 len at this track 2yo Mdn-Sw July 5 over 1015m on a rain affected track defeating Zee Fire with 57kg at $19. Still has scope for improvement and should be right in the mix.

Expected Settling Position: Midfield

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Class	Barrier	Jockey	Weight	Cond.	Race Time	Avg. Speed	Last 600m	Margin	800/400	SP	Days	Prize	Prize Won	Result
1st of 10	5/7/26	Grafton	1015m	MDN 2	3	Karl Zechner	57kg	Soft 5	0:58.77	62.2 km/h	0:34.63	2.0L	1-1	$19	169	$32,940	$17,019	1. Slippin' Away 2. Zee Fire 3. Fierce Fire
169 Day Spell
2nd of 7	23/6/26	Gold Coast	850m	Trial	3	Karl Zechner	54kg	Soft	0:50.67	60.4 km/h	-	0.5L	-	-	-	-	-	1. Ignatius 2. Slippin' Away 3. Auto Command
7th of 8	17/1/26	Doomben	1110m	MDN 2	7	Damien Thornton	58kg	Good 4	1:04.44	62.0 km/h	0:34.24	19.1L	7-7	$16	-	$48,800	$976	1. Areprice 2. I'lltellyouanytime 3. Nifty's Treasure
4th of 6	30/12/25	Gold Coast	1000m	Trial	2	Kyle Wilson-Taylor	53kg	Soft	0:57.44	62.7 km/h	-	8.8L	-	-	-	-	-	1. Profit In Paradise 2. Wootton You Know 3. Flysistamagic

Triple Seven (4)
Trainer: Terry Croft(Hawkesbury)
Jockey: Alysha Collett (Last 50: 5-10-5)
Weight: 57kg
Prize Money: $0
Win / Place: 0% / 0%

2 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: ASTERN (AUS)

Dam: HARADA TAT TAT (AUS)

Dam's Sire: Haradasun

Owners: J K R Racing (Mgr: D Gremmo), L A Warner, R Gremmo, A Gremmo, M Gremmo, L J Matthews, S E Gwynne, D D Black, S Rogers & P J Van Gorp

Stats

Career

0: 0-0-0

Jockey Stats

Last 50

50: 5-10-5

Last 7 Days

17: 2-3-2

Trainer

W 7.69% P 28%

Distance

W 8.56% P 29%

Track

W 10% P 30%

Trainer/Track

W 100% P 100%

Trainer/Distance

W 16% P 33%

Gear Changes

Blinkers FIRST TIME [Blinkers]

Comments

Two-year-old gelding (Astern - Harada Tat Tat) has trialled on three occasions leading into today's race. Won a trial over 1000m at Hawkesbury on June 29. Keen to see what the betting says.

Expected Settling Position: No speed data

Last Starts

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Class	Barrier	Jockey	Weight	Cond.	Race Time	Avg. Speed	Margin	800/400	SP	Days	Prize	Prize Won	Result
1st of 6	29/6/26	Hawkesbury	1000m	Trial	-	Alysha Collett	50kg	Heavy	1:00.36	59.6 km/h	0.41L	-	-	-	-	-	1. Triple Seven 2. Sir Echo 3. Stay Spending
2nd of 6	5/3/26	Kembla Grange	800m	Trial	-	Amy Mclucas	53kg	Soft	0:49.17	58.6 km/h	0.5L	-	-	-	-	-	1. Yamashita 2. Triple Seven 3. Andarna
6th of 7	24/2/26	Hawkesbury	800m	Trial	-	Chad Lever	-	Good	0:48.20	59.8 km/h	6.42L	-	-	-	-	-	1. Coco Affair 2. Dashing Splendour 3. Bodmin Moor

Magic All Around (3) 5
Trainer: Sally Taylor(Coffs Harbour)
Jockey: Mollie Fitzgerald (a0)(Last 50: 2-7-4)
Weight: 55kg
Prize Money: $1,007
Win / Place: 0% / 0%

2 yo Bay Filly

Sire: PRIDE OF DUBAI (AUS)

Dam: HOLY FLAME (AUS)

Dam's Sire: I Am Invincible

Owners: M A Wilson, Ms S J Taylor, Mrs K E J Keighley & Mrs J Carey

Rating

Stats

Career

1: 0-0-0

Track

1: 0-0-0

Season

1: 0-0-0

1st Up

1: 0-0-0

Turf

1: 0-0-0

Soft

1: 0-0-0

Clockwise

1: 0-0-0

Jockey Stats

Last 50

50: 2-7-4

Last 7 Days

14: 0-2-1

Trainer

W 18% P 45%

Distance

W 9.09% P 31%

Track

W 12% P 32%

Trainer/Track

N/A

Trainer/Distance

W 100% P 100%

Distance Range Last 6 months

1015m

Gear Changes

Tongue Tie FIRST TIME

Comments

Dual acceptor. Jumped at big odds at debut, settled back and ran on when 5th of 10 at this track 2yo Mdn-Sw on July 5 over 1015m, slow going 4 len behind Slippin' Away carrying 55kg at $31. Looking to others.

Expected Settling Position: Backmarker

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Class	Barrier	Jockey	Weight	Cond.	Race Time	Avg. Speed	Last 600m	Margin	800/400	SP	Days	Prize	Prize Won	Result
5th of 10	5/7/26	Grafton	1015m	MDN 2	6	Grady Spokes	55kg	Soft 5	0:58.77	62.2 km/h	0:34.63	4.0L	9-7	$31	-	$32,940	$1,007	1. Slippin' Away 2. Zee Fire 3. Fierce Fire
2nd of 8	23/6/26	Taree	1000m	Trial	-	Grady Spokes	55kg	Heavy	1:00.79	59.2 km/h	-	1.07L	-	-	-	-	-	1. Calypso Rocket 2. Magic All Around 3. Sailors Rock
6th of 7	5/6/26	Taree	1000m	Trial	-	Liberty Smyth	52kg	Heavy	1:01.15	58.9 km/h	-	10.01L	-	-	-	-	-	1. Zaru 2. Be Someone 3. Grey Effects

Zee Fire (7) 2
Trainer: Greg Howells(Grafton)
Jockey: Jake Bayliss (Last 50: 2-9-6)
Weight: 55kg
Prize Money: $6,161
Win / Place: 0% / 100%

2 yo Chestnut Filly

Sire: PROFITEER (AUS)

Dam: TRICKY ZIPPY (USA)

Dam's Sire: City Zip

Owners: Ms J Bergen & D J Poy

Rating

Stats

Career

1: 0-1-0

Track

1: 0-1-0

Season

1: 0-1-0

1st Up

1: 0-1-0

Turf

1: 0-1-0

Soft

1: 0-1-0

Clockwise

1: 0-1-0

Jockey Stats

Horse

1: 0-1-0

Last 50

50: 2-9-6

Last 7 Days

9: 0-2-4

Trainer

W 0% P 100%

Distance

W 9.68% P 30%

Track

W 9.36% P 32%

Trainer/Track

W 0% P 100%

Trainer/Distance

N/A

Distance Range Last 6 months

1015m

Gear Changes

[Concussion Plates (Front), Ear Muffs (Pre-Race Only)]

Comments

Was well in the market at debut, ran on strongly from last on the turn; 2nd of 10 at this track 2yo Mdn-Sw on July 5 over 1015m, slow going 2 len behind Slippin' Away carrying 55kg at $5. Big chance with that race experience to prove invaluable.

Expected Settling Position: Backmarker

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Class	Barrier	Jockey	Weight	Cond.	Race Time	Avg. Speed	Last 600m	Margin	800/400	SP	Days	Prize	Prize Won	Result
2nd of 10	5/7/26	Grafton	1015m	MDN 2	2	Jake Bayliss	55kg	Soft 5	0:58.77	62.2 km/h	0:34.63	2.0L	10-10	$5.00f	-	$32,940	$6,161	1. Slippin' Away 2. Zee Fire 3. Fierce Fire
6th of 10	30/3/26	Grafton	955m	Trial	-	Jodi Worley	-	Good	0:55.71	61.7 km/h	-	2.47L	-	-	-	-	-	1. Sword Of Legacy 2. Too Hot To Torque 3. Auric Star

Place

Date

Track

Distance

Class

Barrier

Jockey

Weight

Cond.

Race Time

Avg. Speed

Last 600m

Margin

800/400

Days

Prize

Prize Won

Result

2nd of 10

5/7/26

Grafton

1015m

MDN 2

Jake Bayliss

55kg

Soft 5

0:58.77

62.2 km/h

0:34.63

2.0L

10-10

$5.00f

$32,940

$6,161

1. Slippin' Away

2. Zee Fire

3. Fierce Fire

6th of 10

30/3/26

Grafton

955m

Trial

Jodi Worley

Good

0:55.71

61.7 km/h

2.47L

1. Sword Of Legacy

2. Too Hot To Torque

3. Auric Star

Race Review Abbreviations

3WNC: Three wide no cover, Awk: Awkwardly away, Bk: Back, Blkd: Blocked, Btld: Battled, Chal: Challenged, Chkd: Checked, Cvr: Cover, Fdd: Faded, Fght: Fought, Fin: Finish, Hdd: Headed, Hld up: Held up, Hmprd: Hampered, Hndy: Handy, Kikd: Kicked, Kn: Keen, Ld: Led/Lead, Midf: Midfield, Mod pc: Moderate pace, Otf: On the Fence, ROS: Ran on strongly, Slow: Slow away, Snagd: Snagged, Stld: Settled, Tn: Turn, Trld: Trailed, Under pres: Under pressure, Under rd: Under riding, Urgd: Urged, Wd: Wide, Wdr: Wider, Weavd: Weaved, Wknd: Weakened, Wrkd: Worked

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