A massive increase in quality and quantity was revealed today after the release of fields for the four Championships races this Saturday at Royal Randwick.
The $3 million Group One The Star Doncaster Mile over 1600m has attracted a quality line up with a capacity field of 20 horses and two emergencies, headed by last year’s Epsom Handicap winner Boban who is topweight with 58kg.
“We are ecstatic with the fields that are assembled for all four of The Championships races at Royal Randwick this Saturday,” said Ian Mackay, CEO for The Championships.
“The overall depth of The Star Doncaster Mile has improved considerably as well as the Darley TJ Smith Stakes which has an incredible 18 runners plus emergencies.”
Racing NSW Chief Handicapper, Damien Hay, gave an insight into the excellence of this year’s The Star Doncaster Mile: “Over the past three years the cut-off point for entry into the Doncaster was a rating of 97, 96 and 98 respectively.
“This year the last horse into the field was Slow Pace with a rating of 103 – that equates to an overall in improvement in depth of between 2.5 to 3.5 kilos.”
The $2.5m Darley TJ Smith Stakes over 1200m has also improved significantly said Ian Mackay: “The TJ Smith Stakes has averaged 8.2 starters over the past ten years and this year with a capacity field of 18 plus three emergencies, the race has become one of the star attractions of The Championships.”
The $2m BMW Australian Derby over 2400m also has a capacity field of 18 runners headed by Rosehill Guineas winner Criterion, while the $1m Inglis Sires’ over 1400m will have 11 starters where Unencumbered has the honour of carrying the number one saddlecloth.
Australian Turf Club Executive General Manager of Racing, Matt Rudolph, said:
“Australian racing is world renowned for our depth of sprinter milers in the open ranks, and the fields this Saturday would have to be the best collective assembly we’ve ever seen for a raceday.
“The internationals certainly have some strong competition and we wish their connections well. We also welcome the support of Hong Kong Jockey Club for their simulcast and wagering on this meeting, which will have tremendous appeal to their audience with the presence of two of their best jockeys in Zac Purton and Jaoa Moriera.