The Thornbird Stakes, long regarded as a key pointer to the upcoming three-year-old Classic races, will be contested this Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Run over seven furlongs, the race is restricted to fillies and has drawn nine entrants.
The Quick Galloper provides an assessment of each contender below.
1 – ALIYA’S WILL
Chestnut filly (April 27) by Hedge Fund out of Crème De La Trainer – Michael Spencer
Jockey – Christopher Mamdeen
Equipment – Tongue tie, figure 8 on
Aliya’s Will impressed on debut, running on strongly over five furlongs to secure victory.
The runner-up that day, Sky Is The Limit, franked the form by winning next time out.
She has looked smooth in her morning gallops, and with the tongue tie and figure 8 added, she cannot be dismissed.
2 – GIVING THANKS
Bay filly (January 18) by Bern Identity out of Lightning Lily
Trainer – Philip Feanny
Jockey – Bebeto Harvey
Equipment – Visor on
Giving Thanks disappointed in the six-furlong Hot Line Stakes, finishing well behind Taylor Made.
Still, her exercise reports remain encouraging. If held off the pace and delivered late, she could produce a better showing.
3 – ONE IANZHA LINKS
Bay filly (March 23) by Casual Trick out of Nippit
Trainer – Anthony Nunes
Jockey – Raddesh Roman
The only filly in the line-up proven beyond seven furlongs, One Ianzha Links brings valuable stamina.
She has looked sharper in training, and with champion jockey Raddesh Roman aboard, she should relish a strong pace.
A leading contender.
4 – VICTORIOUS LINKS
Bay filly (May 8) by Western Warrior out of Victory Turn
Trainer – Lawrence Freemantle
Jockey – Reyan Lewis
Victorious Links is known for her early speed.
In her last start, she recovered from a poor break to lead but faded late over 6 ½ furlongs.
The extra distance here will test her stamina.
5 – TAYLOR MADE
Grey filly (April 14) by Aveenu Malcainu out of Another Fury
Trainer – Jason DaCosta
Jockey – Robert Halledeen
Taylor Made is the only filly with two wins.
After a poor second start, she rebounded with a commanding Hot Line Stakes victory.
Likely to press for the lead again, her ability to sustain speed over seven furlongs is the big question.
6 – LEXI LOU
Bay filly (June 3) by Aveenu Malcainu out of Her Royal Highness
Trainer – Gary Subratie
Jockey – Dane Dawkins
Equipment – Visor off
Lexi Lou has shown little to suggest she can be competitive here.
7 – MIDNIGHT TRAVELLER
Chestnut filly (February 13) by Aveenu Malcainu out of Esperanza
Trainer – Jason DaCosta
Jockey – Clive Lynch
Equipment – Visor off
Midnight Traveller has struggled in seven starts and appears outclassed.
8 – DREAM CATCHER
Bay filly (May 12) by Bern Identity out of Double Jeopardy
Trainer – Jason DaCosta
Jockey – Tevin Foster
Dream Catcher tracked Taylor Made in the Hot Line Stakes but faded late.
She has shown improvement in training, and the extra furlong may help her, though she still has something to prove.
9 – ANOTHER WOW
Bay filly (April 10) by Casual Trick out of Sarah Barracuda
Trainer – Anthony Nunes
Jockey – Tajay Suckoo
Another Wow has been consistent, with one win and three seconds from four starts.
Her victory came at 6 ½ furlongs, suggesting seven furlongs is well within reach. With solid exercise reports, she is a live danger.
SUMMARY
The Thornbird Stakes promises a competitive renewal.
One Ianzha Links stands out with proven stamina and strong connections, while Taylor Made brings speed and winning form but faces a distance test.
Aliya’s Will, Dream Catcher and Giving Thanks are progressing and have a good as any in this event.
Another Wow’s consistency makes her a genuine threat. Victorious Links may set the pace but could struggle late, while the rest appear up against it.
