Purchased online for a mere $2,500 after breaking her maiden at Kembla, the Turffontein mare Aureus Angel has been a regular fixture in stakes races in Queensland this season and was rewarded at Doomben on Saturday when capturing the Magic Millions Bright Shadow Stakes (1100m).

The Melbourne Cup remains in play for Middle Earth and his new part owner, Ciaron Maher, after making a successful 2024 bow in the Group III Aston Park Stakes at Newbury.