The countdown to the Golden Slipper could prove pivotal to the commercial fortunes of Kooringal Stud’s Sandbar as the prospect of rival stallion farms attempting to buy him looms large.

Victoria’s Rosemont Stud will reunite with Coolmore to stand Dubawi’s Group 1-winning son Henry Longfellow, providing further access to the successful sireline in Australia.

Organisers may have pulled off a promotional coup in enticing Gout Gout to run in the Stawell Gift but in a literal sense the athletics superstar will be an unbackable favourite in the rich footrace because of a Victorian gambling rule.

Tasmania is getting much better at recognising its vibrant thoroughbred history, but it is its prosperity in the future which is under question after a difficult yearling sale has set breeders on the back foot.

Straight Shorts is a rolling news update service on the biggest stories in racing, wagering and breeding. Today's coverage starts with two offers for Australian gambling firm PointsBet.

The iconic Ardlethan picnic meeting won’t be run at its traditional venue in 2025 but Racing NSW is considering stepping in to ensure the races will be held at their spiritual home again in the future.

Straight Shorts is a rolling news update service on the biggest stories in racing, wagering and breeding. Doncaster Mile weights and Rachel King's next move lead off our coverage.