A remarkably consistent sprinter from the Sunshine State is tipped to maintain his winning momentum this weekend, as the Kelly Schweida-trained Grafterburners opens as the elect in the 2026 The Galaxy betting at Rosehill Gardens.

Flying Queensland-trained colt Grafterburners is the lightweight to beat in Sydney’s The Galaxy 2026. Photo: Bradley Photos.

As the premier short-course feature on a stacked Golden Slipper Day roster, this year’s Group 1 $1 million The Galaxy (1100m) has attracted a full field of elite speedsters.

Currently topping the charts at $4.20 and firming via Ladbrokes, the son of Graff is aiming to become the second consecutive three-year-old to secure the title, following Private Harry’s triumph last autumn.

The precocious colt was a revelation during his previous campaign, notched four straight victories in Queensland, culminating in a lucrative win in the $3 million Magic Millions 3YO Sunlight Plate at the Gold Coast on January 10.

Having been kept fresh for this assignment, he now faces the ultimate litmus test against seasoned open-age sprinters in what is only his second venture across the border.

His previous interstate appearance resulted in a solid fourth in the $2 million Inglis Millennium at Randwick last February.

This Saturday also marks his return to Group 1 level for the first time since contesting the JJ Atkins over a mile as a juvenile.

Grafterburners appears exceptionally well-weighted for the step up, dropping from 57kg to a featherweight 50.5kg, with the booking of the red-hot Zac Lloyd seen as a major advantage.

The primary danger, according to the markets at $5.50, is the Team Hawkes-trained topweight Briasa.

Carrying 58.5kg, the Smart Missile grey is resuming after a break, last seen finishing ninth in the Russell Balding in November.

Despite that result, his class is undeniable; he defeated Jimmysstar in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes last spring under the same weight he carries here.

Notably, he finished less than two lengths off the winner in last year’s edition of this race and boasts a strong first-up record (4:2-1-0).

Regular pilot Tyler Schiller returns to the irons, though they must navigate a tricky path from gate 14.

Three other contenders remain under double figures, including the Freedman-trained Inkaruna ($7.00), though as the third emergency, her participation remains uncertain.

Among the guaranteed starters, Reserve Bank ($7.50) from the Price/Kent Jnr yard is drawing significant interest.

The Capitalist entire claimed the Group 1 Goodwood last May and recently caught the eye when second to Briasa in a Rosehill trial.

With a strong record over the 1100m (3:2-1-0) and the advantage of barrier two, he looms as a major threat.

Gavin Bedggood’s Hedged ($9.50) has been the early market mover, shortening from $12.

The five-year-old is the fit horse in the field, arriving third-up after a massive second-place finish in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield.

While he has struggled in Sydney previously, the drop to 55kg and an ideal draw in gate three for Tim Clark keeps him firmly in the mix.

For those seeking value in exotic bets, several high-quality runners are quoted at $12, including Joe Pride’s Mazu, who was brave when third in the Challenge Stakes first-up.

He is joined at that price by Challenge Stakes winner Generosity, last year’s Golden Slipper heroine Marhoona, and her progressive stablemate Enriched.

The 2026 The Galaxy will serve as the penultimate event on the Rosehill program, scheduled to jump as Race 9 at 5:15 pm (AEDT).

2026 The Galaxy Field & Barriers

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