The Sydney Spring Carnival’s big meet may have occurred last weekend, but the action will by no means slow this week as we are in for a standout eight race card at Royal Randwick for Spring Champion Stakes Day.
Some of the carnival’s most exciting racing prospects will take to the barriers through the eight races; none better than the Group 1 future race for three-year-olds, contested over 2000m.
We’re offering the best odds on all eight races on 2015 Spring Champion Stakes Day!
Race 1 – 1:10pm Antler Luggage Kirkham Plate (1000m)
Eleven two-year-olds have been confirmed in the final field for the Kirkham Plate; a particularly open event in considering each runner will be having their competitive debut. Sole Godolphin entrant Morton’s Fork will need plenty of luck if to win from the outside barrier, while Gary Portelli’s Zafina will leave from the rails.
Race 2 – 1:50pm Bowermans Office Furniture Handicap (1400m)
Nine talented three-year-olds will line up for the Bowermans Office Furniture Handicap on Saturday at Randwick. Cylinder Beach was a standout during the recent Brisbane Winter Carnival and resumes from barrier 5 while Seeking Asylum is sure to have taken plenty of benefit from a first-up run for fifth in a BM75 race over 1200m a fortnight ago. Land’s End has steadily built to the task and placed third in the Listed Dulcify Quality (1600m) last weekend while leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller saddles two good chances in Montauk and Tremezzina.
Race 3 – 2:25pm TFE Hotels Handicap (1200m)
The day’s first open field will take to the barriers for race 3; the TFE Hotels Handicap (1200m). Keepit To Yourself, Timeless Prince and Better Not Blue will use the race as their respective Spring Carnival launch pads and could all need the run, while the Kris Lees-trained Magic Of Dreams appears positioned for success in barrier 6, with only 54.5kgs in tow and with in-form hoop Tommy Berry in the saddle. The Jason Coyle-trained Kasiano Lad is seeking a third-consecutive win but faces stiff competition in Saturday performers Dupe ‘Em and Press Report.
Race 4 – 3:00pm Cellarbrations October Handicap (1400m)
A number of notable runners have been confirmed in a field of ten for the October Handicap. Heart Testa has performed well amongst notable black type company several times this season and leaves from barrier 2, and will be joined by classy stable mates She’s Clean and Vilanova. Gai Waterhouse has been pleased by the progression made by Countryman this time and the gelding is sure to relish a step-back in class from his last start fifth in the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m). in-form hoop Sam Clipperton will take the ride on talented Godolphin hope San Diego.
Race 5 – 3:35pm Myer Spring Fashion Handicap (2000m)
The Myer Spring Fashion Handicap has drawn plenty of consistent talent and offers great value from a betting standpoint as a result. Typically, Waller is offered several good chances for success in the race after confirming all of Soviet Courage, Dance Of Heroes and Danjeu. Joe Pride’s consistent mare Missvonn has placed fourth in each of her last two starts and will enjoy another step up to 2000m, while Godolphin runner Farolitos could very well receive the run of the race from barrier 4 but will have to lug 60kgs.
Race 6 – 4:10pm Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m)
The day’s feature race will peg then talented three-year-olds against one another for maiden Group 1 glory, over 2000m. Vanbrugh is undoubtedly the class horse of the field and should receive a dream run from barrier 6 with Glyn Schofield aboard while his stable mate Devil Hawk will be tough to beat from barrier 2. Team Hawkes have a big opinion of Jadeer and have booked Tommy Berry to take the ride from barrier 5, while Tatoosh is fast becoming the stable star for Paul Perry and will be looking to go one better than his three most recent starts for second.
Race 7 – 4:50pm Group 3 Angst Stakes (1600m)
Spring Champion Stakes Day’s only other black type race, the Group 3 Angst Stakes has drawn fifteen mares in 2015. Peeping posted undoubtedly her best result to date when delivering a classy field defeat in the Group 2 Golden Pendant (1400m) a fortnight ago but will have to overcome barrier 10 this weekend. Candelara, Wine Tales and Ballet Suite were strong and consistent performers in major black type races in autumn and will all line up for the Angst Stakes. The Gai Waterhouse-trained Supara is sure to lay a great account for herself from barrier 6, with Tommy Berry aboard and only 54kgs.
Race 8 – 5:30pm Lindblad Expeditions Handicap (1600m)
The day will conclude with the running of a mile races for three-year-old an upwards colts, gelding and entires. Frespanol was charged with carrying 63.5kgs but apprentice hoop Koby Jennings’ claim brings him right back into contention, particularly in barrier 2. Waller has confirmed three in Good Project, Hollywood Bound and Now’s The Time, while Godolphin’s chances in the final race rest solely with Sabkhat.