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Royal Randwick is gearing up for a racing bonanza this Saturday, featuring a trio of prestigious Group One races and a pivotal lead-up to the US$13.4 million TAB Everest. The event, a cornerstone of the US$57 million Sydney Everest Carnival, coincides with the NRL Grand Final weekend, promising a thrilling fusion of racing and rugby league excitement in Sydney.
The 159th renewal of the US$1 million TAB Epsom has drawn a capacity field, headlined by the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Royal Patronage, to be piloted by Tim Clark. Waterhouse, jointly holding the record for most wins as a trainer (seven) with her legendary father TJ Smith, is eyeing a historic eighth victory.
Sydney's 14-time premiership winning trainer Chris Waller is looking to add to his impressive tally of five Epsom triumphs. His seven-strong contingent includes Kovalica (James McDonald), Democracy Manifest (Kerrin McEvoy), and reigning Epsom champion Rediener.
The Epsom Handicap, first run in 1865, has a rich history of producing champions. Notable recent winners include the likes of Kolding (2019), who went on to claim the Golden Eagle, and Probabeel (2020), who later secured the Might And Power Stakes.
The Gr.1 US$503,000 James Squire Metropolitan, a staying test over 2400 metres, has attracted a quality field. Chris Waller is well-represented with eight entries, including favourite Land Legend (Reece Jones).
Gai Waterhouse, holding the record for most Metropolitan victories with nine, fields two runners: Serpentine (Tim Clark) and Military Mission (Regan Bayliss). A win for either would secure a tenth triumph for the famed Tulloch Lodge.
The Metropolitan has a storied past, with recent winners such as Mirage Dancer (2020) and Montefilia (2021) going on to achieve further Group One success.
The Gr.1 US$503,000 Darley Flight Stakes sees the unbeaten filly Autumn Glow (Chris Waller and James McDonald) entering as the one to beat. This 1600-metre test for three-year-old fillies has been a launching pad for future stars, with past winners including Funstar (2019) and Never Been Kissed (2021) progressing to further Group One glory.
The Gr.2 US$670,000 Precise Air Premiere Stakes could provide the final pieces of the TAB Everest puzzle. The 1200-metre sprint features several high-profile contenders vying for remaining slots in the world's richest turf race.
Giga Kick, trained by Clayton Douglas and ridden by James McDonald, enters as a favourite, having claimed the TAB Everest in 2022. Bella Nipotina (Ciaron Maher and Craig Williams) is already confirmed for this year's Everest, while reigning champion Think About It (Joe Pride and Jason Collett) is looking to secure his berth.
The programme also showcases Sydney's new season two-year-olds in the Gr.3 US$167,000 Arrowfield Breeders' Plate for colts and geldings, and the Gr.3 US$167,000 Keeneland Gimcrack Stakes for fillies. Both races, run over 1000 metres, have historically unveiled future Group One winners and Golden Slipper contenders.
Australian Turf Club Executive General Manager Racing and Wagering Nevesh Ramdhani emphasised the day's significance: "TAB Epsom Day with three Group Ones, TAB Everest contenders and the first two-year-old races of the season is one of the best cards all year. Three time-honoured Group One races are joined by a crucial pathway and final lead up to the US$13.4 million TAB Everest along with important breed-shaping juvenile races in the Arrowfield Breeders Stakes and Keeneland Gimcrack Stakes."
In a nod to the weekend's sporting extravaganza, NRL Grand Final ticketholders will enjoy complimentary entry to Royal Randwick on Saturday upon presentation of their official Grand Final ticket at the gates.
With its blend of prestigious races, potential TAB Everest contenders, and the excitement of the season's first two-year-old events, Saturday's meet at Royal Randwick is poised to be a highlight of the Sydney racing calendar and a fitting prelude to the NRL Grand Final.