Ben Sporle

Blueblood mare Isthmus is set to return to Flemington and tackle the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning and Newmarket Handicap this autumn as the daughter of Shoals looks to book her ticket to Royal Ascot.

After 13 years as a leading picnic jockey, Grant Seccombe has called time on his riding career and will retire after Saturday's Yea Cup meeting.

Jason Warren believes Benedetta has come back better than ever this time in, with the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning identified as a possible kick-off point for the talented mare.

Ciaron Maher is readying his autumn sprint team with Growing Empire, Estriella and I Am Me all under saddle at Cranbourne jumpouts on Monday morning.

Star stayer Without A Fight is likely to miss the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival.

Grahame Begg believes his dual Group 1 winner Magic Time could be in for her best preparation yet after she returned under saddle at the Cranbourne jumpouts on Monday.

Paul Preukser will have a two-pronged attack in Friday nights $350,000 Group 2 Australia Stakes, with Steparty and Poison Chalice both set to take their places.

Stakes-placed sprinter Celui has changed stables and is now in the care of Richard and William Freedman in Sydney.

Team Freedman has unleashed some of its stable stars at the jumpouts this week, with Sam Freedman declaring Henlein one of the team's most exciting horses heading into the autumn.

John McArdle is hoping the brilliance of My Gladiola's dam Villa Verde has rubbed off on his filly ahead of her debut in the $250,000 Blue Diamond Preview (1000m) for fillies on Saturday at Sandown.