Canberra Race 7 - John Mcgrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes (G3)
The Waterhouse-Bott yard has a strong chance with EVICTION NOTICE (4) who has had three starts all at Group level, where he's led. Has placed both this preparation, the latest a strong effort behind Stretan Ruler in the Silver Slipper Stakes. Is on an upward trajectory and can threaten with average luck from the awkward gate. PEARL OF DUBAI (9) resumed in the Widden Stakes and looked a run short. Just missed in a Randwick trial since, and has the blinkers on for the first time. She's another badly treated at the barriers but can make the finish with average luck. ARTANEOUS (15) was tipped out after a 3L defeat in the Group 3 Breeders Plate on debut. Owns a metro trial win and draws low. She's likely to race well, and the locals - BAR JESTER (2) and MUSIC TIME (3) - are not without hopes. They stopped the clock sharply enough in the local lead up and look up to giving Canberra's biggest race a shake.

Jockey: Coriah Keatings
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Raced twice to date. When well in the market at debut, won by 1.5 len at this track 2yo Hcp December 28 over 1000m defeating Music Time carrying 58kg at $5. Last start gave a sight but was run down late 2nd of 8 at this track Opalpreview on February 20 over 1000m, 0.6 len behind Music Time carrying 56.5kg at $3.20. A local worth following up.
Last Starts 15 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 20/02/2026 | 54 | OPEN 2 | $50,500.00 | Canberra | 1000m | Good 4 | Coriah Keatings | 56.5kg | 0:56.91 | 1-1-2 | 1 |
| 0.6L | $3.20 |
| 1/7 | 28/12/2025 | - | OPEN 2 | $50,880.00 | Canberra | 1000m | Good 4 | Coriah Keatings | 58kg | 0:57.98 | 1-1-1 | 6 |
| 1.6L | $5.00 |
| 5/9 | 27/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Canberra | 900m | Good | Caitlin Sinclair | 0:53.70 | - | 0 |
| 3.1L | $0.00 |

Jockey: Pierre Boudvillain
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Chasing a hat-trick. Most recently favourite; raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 0.6 len at this track Opalpreview February 20 over 1000m defeating Bar Jester carrying 56.5kg at $2.70. The run before that favourite; won by 2.75 len at this track 2yo Hcp February 6 over 1000m defeating La Stiava with 58kg at $5.50. In form but the gate is cruel.
Last Starts 15 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 20/02/2026 | 14 | OPEN 2 | $50,500.00 | Canberra | 1000m | Good 4 | Pierre Boudvillain | 56.5kg | 0:56.91 | 3-2-1 | 5 |
| 0.6L | $2.70 |
| 1/8 | 06/02/2026 | 40 | OPEN 2 | $22,000.00 | Canberra | 1000m | Good 4 | Pierre Boudvillain | 58kg | 0:57.44 | 7-4-1 | 8 |
| 2.8L | $5.50 |
| 2/7 | 28/12/2025 | - | OPEN 2 | $50,880.00 | Canberra | 1000m | Good 4 | Pierre Boudvillain | 58kg | 0:57.98 | 5-4-2 | 2 |
| 1.6L | $3.20 |
| 3/9 | 27/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Canberra | 900m | Good | Jack Baker | 0:53.70 | - | 0 |
| 2.46L | $0.00 |

Jockey: Adam Hyeronimus
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. First-up 3rd in a small field at Rosehill in the G3 Canonbury on January 31 over 1100m, 2 len behind Hidrix carrying 54.5kg at $4.80. Second run from a spell led but faded 2nd of 9 at Rosehill in the G2 Silver Slp on February 21 over 1100m, 3.5 len behind Stretan Ruler carrying 56.5kg at $31. Fitter now and making headway. Silver Slipper runner up is a big profile for the Opal.
Last Starts 14 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/9 | 21/02/2026 | 21 | G2 OPEN 2 | $302,000.00 | Rosehill | 1100m | Good 4 | Adam Hyeronimus | 56.5kg | 1:03.64 | 1-1-2 | 9 |
| 3.5L | $31.00 |
| 3/6 | 31/01/2026 | 119 | G3 OPEN CG 2 | $251,000.00 | Rosehill | 1100m | Good 4 | Tim Clark | 54.5kg | 1:04.03 | 1-1-3 | 2 |
| 1.9L | $4.80 |
| 2/9 | 15/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Randwick | 740m | Good | Adam Hyeronimus | 0:45.30 | - | 0 |
| 0.11L | $0.00 | |
| 2/6 | 30/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Randwick | 740m | Good | Adam Hyeronimus | 0:45.14 | - | 0 |
| 0.07L | $0.00 | |
| 7/8 | 04/10/2025 | - | G3 OPEN CG 2 | $251,000.00 | Randwick | 1000m | Good 4 | Tim Clark | 56kg | 0:57.31 | 1-1-7 | 5 |
| 3.2L | $3.30 |

Jockey: Jess Taylor
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Had two starts to date. At debut, 5th of 7 at this track 2yo Hcp on December 28 over 1000m, 6 len behind Bar Jester carrying 58kg at $11. Last start favourite; won by 1.5 len at Queanbeyan Ctry Mdn February 17 over 1200m defeating Zippy Argento with 57.5kg at $3.30. Obviously a lot harder and the ratings say he won't be competitive.
Last Starts 18 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 17/02/2026 | 51 | MDN | $30,000.00 | Queanbeyan | 1200m | Good 4 | Jess Taylor | 57.5kg | 1:09.34 | 2-4-1 | 3 |
| 1.5L | $3.30 |
| 5/7 | 28/12/2025 | - | OPEN 2 | $50,880.00 | Canberra | 1000m | Good 4 | Jess Taylor | 58kg | 0:57.98 | 6-6-5 | 5 |
| 6.3L | $11.00 |
| 3/6 | 12/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Canberra | 900m | Soft | Jess Taylor | 0:55.79 | - | 0 |
| 2.23L | $0.00 |

Jockey: Chad Schofield
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
At debut, 6th of 10 at Randwick in the LR Lonhro on February 7 over 1000m, 5 len behind Agrarian Girl carrying 56kg at $19. Finished fourth in a Rosehill trial over 900m on February 23. Risking.
Last Starts 12 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/9 | 23/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Rosehill | 900m | Good | Chad Schofield | 0:53.42 | - | 0 |
| 5.28L | $0.00 | |
| 6/10 | 07/02/2026 | - | LR OPEN 2 | $200,500.00 | Randwick | 1000m | Good 4 | Chad Schofield | 56kg | 0:57.17 | 6-7-6 | 1 |
| 4.8L | $19.00 |
| 2/7 | 22/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Warwick Farm | 799m | Soft | Chad Schofield | 0:46.39 | - | 0 |
| 0.3L | $0.00 |

Jockey: Andrew Adkins
Weight: 54kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. First start 2nd of 8 at Randwick Kirkham on October 25 over 1000m, long-neck behind Thrill Hunter with 54.5kg at $4.40. Went for a break before returning sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 10 at Rosehill in the G3 Widden on January 31 over 1100m, 3 len behind Chilly Girl with 54.5kg at $7. Blinkers go on now for a yard with a top record here.
Last Starts 16 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/7 | 19/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Randwick | 1050m | Soft | Andrew Adkins | 1:03.11 | - | 0 |
| 0.69L | $0.00 | |
| 4/10 | 31/01/2026 | 98 | G3 OPEN F 2 | $251,000.00 | Rosehill | 1100m | Good 4 | Andrew Adkins | 54.5kg | 1:03.82 | 3-3-4 | 3 |
| 2.9L | $7.00 |
| 3/8 | 22/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Warwick Farm | 799m | Soft | Andrew Adkins | 0:46.52 | - | 0 |
| 1.93L | $0.00 | |
| 2/8 | 25/10/2025 | - | OPEN 2 | $160,000.00 | Randwick | 1000m | Good 4 | Tommy Berry | 54.5kg | 0:58.98 | 5-5-2 | 5 |
| 0.4L | $4.40 |

Jockey: Alysha Collett
Weight: 54kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. First start got back early 9th of 12 at Rosehill in the G3 Golden Gift on November 8 over 1100m, 7 len behind Revengeance carrying 54.5kg at $151. Returned from break 3rd of 8 at this track Opalpreview on February 20 over 1000m, 3 len behind Music Time carrying 54.5kg at $5.50. Looks tested in this field.
Last Starts 15 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 20/02/2026 | 104 | OPEN 2 | $50,500.00 | Canberra | 1000m | Good 4 | Amy Mclucas | 54.5kg | 0:56.91 | 6-3-3 | 7 |
| 2.9L | $5.50 |
| 3/7 | 03/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Warwick Farm | 817m | Soft | Alysha Collett | 0:48.09 | - | 0 |
| 2.68L | $0.00 | |
| 4/8 | 22/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Warwick Farm | 799m | Soft | Amy Mclucas | 0:46.99 | - | 0 |
| 0.27L | $0.00 | |
| 9/12 | 08/11/2025 | - | G3 OPEN 2 | $1,001,000.00 | Rosehill | 1100m | Good 4 | Alysha Collett | 54.5kg | 1:03.64 | 12-12-9 | 8 |
| 7.9L | $151.00 |

Jockey: Mathew Cahill
Weight: 54kgs
Stats
Comments
At the latest run 4th of 8 at this track Opalpreview on February 20 over 1000m, 4 len behind Music Time with 54.5kg at $5. Before that sat on the pace when 2nd of 8 at this track 2yo Hcp on February 6 over 1000m, 2.75 len behind Music Time with 55kg at $3.10. Likely to find this out of reach.
Last Starts 15 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 20/02/2026 | 14 | OPEN 2 | $50,500.00 | Canberra | 1000m | Good 4 | Jess Taylor | 54.5kg | 0:56.91 | 4-5-4 | 3 |
| 4.0L | $5.00 |
| 2/8 | 06/02/2026 | 13 | OPEN 2 | $22,000.00 | Canberra | 1000m | Good 4 | Jess Taylor | 55kg | 0:57.44 | 4-3-2 | 7 |
| 2.8L | $3.10 |
| 6/9 | 24/01/2026 | - | OPEN 2 | $160,000.00 | Randwick | 1000m | Good 4 | Jess Taylor | 56kg | 0:57.92 | 4-4-6 | 2 |
| 6.2L | $7.50 |
| 1/7 | 28/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Canberra | 900m | Good | Jess Taylor | 0:52.17 | - | 0 |
| 2.45L | $0.00 |

Jockey: Ashley Morgan
Weight: 54kgs
Stats
Comments
Resumes from a spell. Finished off last campaign eighth of 10 at Randwick 2yo Hcp December 27 over 1100m, 5.5 len behind By Choice with 54kg at $101. On debut seventh of 9 at Randwick in the LR Nursery December 13 over 1000m, 3.5 len behind Where's The Circus with 54kg at $201. Will improve on whatever she does in this.
Last Starts 15 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/7 | 20/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Canberra | 900m | Good | Billy Owen | 0:53.00 | - | 0 |
| 0.46L | $0.00 | |
| 8/10 | 27/12/2025 | 14 | OPEN 2 | $160,000.00 | Randwick | 1100m | Good 4 | Ashley Morgan | 54kg | 1:04.07 | 10-10-8 | 4 |
| 5.5L | $101.00 |
| 7/9 | 13/12/2025 | - | LR OPEN 2 | $404,000.00 | Randwick | 1000m | Good 4 | Ashley Morgan | 54kg | 0:58.40 | 8-9-7 | 9 |
| 3.3L | $201.00 |
| 6/9 | 21/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Randwick | 737m | Good | Ashley Morgan | 0:43.74 | - | 0 |
| 6.93L | $0.00 |

Jockey: Tyler Schiller
Weight: 54kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. First start 9th of 11 at Randwick in the G3 Gimcrack on October 4 over 1000m, 4 len behind Shiki with 56kg at $20. Returned from break ran last of 10 at Randwick Pierro on February 14 over 1100m, 7 len behind Ciaron's Star carrying 54.5kg at $81. Looks tested in this field.
Last Starts 21 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/10 | 14/02/2026 | 133 | OPEN 2 | $160,000.00 | Randwick | 1100m | Good 4 | Braith Nock | 54.5kg | 1:03.93 | 10-9-10 | 8 |
| 7.4L | $81.00 |
| 6/10 | 27/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Randwick | 740m | Good | Nash Rawiller | 0:43.87 | - | 0 |
| 3.75L | $0.00 | |
| 4/8 | 15/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Randwick | 740m | Good | Alysha Collett | 0:44.35 | - | 0 |
| 3.65L | $0.00 | |
| 9/11 | 04/10/2025 | - | G3 OPEN F 2 | $251,000.00 | Randwick | 1000m | Good 4 | Andrew Adkins | 56kg | 0:57.54 | 5-8-9 | 4 |
| 4.1L | $20.00 |

Jockey: Dylan Gibbons
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Resumes from a spell after only one run when got back early 6th of 8 at Randwick in the G3 Brdrs Plte on October 4 over 1000m, 3 len behind Incognito with 56kg at $19. Big profile and wary of the stable setting one for here.
Last Starts 12 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/10 | 23/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Rosehill | 900m | Good | Dylan Gibbons | 0:54.52 | - | 0 |
| 0.41L | $0.00 | |
| 6/8 | 04/10/2025 | - | G3 OPEN CG 2 | $251,000.00 | Randwick | 1000m | Good 4 | Dylan Gibbons | 56kg | 0:57.31 | 7-7-6 | 7 |
| 3.1L | $19.00 |
| 2/6 | 22/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Randwick-Kensington | 850m | Good | Dylan Gibbons | 0:50.38 | - | 4 |
| 0.28L | $0.00 |

Jockey: Regan Bayliss
Weight: 54kgs
Stats
Comments
At debut, 6th of 9 at Warwick Farm 2yo Mdn-Sw on February 18 over 1100m, 4.5 len behind Wolf Gap with 55kg at $13. Likely to find this out of reach.
Last Starts 17 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/9 | 18/02/2026 | - | MDN 2 | $60,000.00 | Warwick Farm | 1100m | Good 4 | Alysha Collett | 55kg | 1:04.44 | 5-6-6 | 5 |
| 4.6L | $13.00 |
| 1/5 | 02/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Kembla Grange | 800m | Good | Andrew Calder | 0:47.61 | - | 0 |
| 1.5L | $0.00 | |
| 4/7 | 17/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Warwick Farm | 805m | Good | Reece Jones | 0:48.10 | - | 0 |
| 1.07L | $0.00 |

Jockey: Jeff Penza
Weight: 54kgs
Stats
Comments
Jumped as a despised roughie at debut, 5th of 8 at this track Opalpreview on February 20 over 1000m, 4 len behind Music Time carrying 54.5kg at $101. Likely to find this out of reach.
Last Starts 15 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8 | 20/02/2026 | - | OPEN 2 | $50,500.00 | Canberra | 1000m | Good 4 | Jeff Penza | 54.5kg | 0:56.91 | 7-6-5 | 6 |
| 4.0L | $101.00 |
| 4/8 | 12/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Goulburn | 800m | Good | Billy Owen | 0:46.35 | - | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 |

Jockey: Blaike Mcdougall
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Was at big odds at debut, sat behind the speed prior to fading second last of 8 at this track Opalpreview on February 20 over 1000m, 6 len behind Music Time with 56.5kg at $41. Looks tested in this field.
Last Starts 15 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/8 | 20/02/2026 | - | OPEN 2 | $50,500.00 | Canberra | 1000m | Good 4 | Jack Martin | 56.5kg | 0:56.91 | 2-4-7 | 2 |
| 6.7L | $41.00 |
| 5/8 | 12/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Goulburn | 800m | Good | Jessica Brookes | 0:46.35 | - | 0 |
| 4.48L | $0.00 |