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| Staff Writer |
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The Sydney Spring Carnival bursts into life this Saturday at Royal Randwick, with a host of top-class sprinters set to clash in the Gr.3 Southern Cross Group Concorde Stakes. The US$645,000 feature headlines a cracking 10-race card, which includes four Group races and a total of 130 entries.
Giga Kick, the 2022 Everest champion, is garnering significant attention as he returns from a lengthy spell. Trained by Clayton Douglas and partnered by James McDonald, the 4YO is looking to stake his claim for a slot in this year's US$12.9 million TAB Everest.
Adding further intrigue to the contest is the presence of Bella Nipotina. The Ciaron Maher-trained mare, a multiple Group One winner, will have the services of Craig Williams in the saddle. Not to be overlooked is Private Eye, hailing from the Joe Pride yard, who is aiming for a third consecutive Everest appearance with Jay Ford in the irons.
The undercard features a trio of Group Two contests, each carrying a purse of US$193,000. The Daily Press Chelmsford Stakes, the Darley Furious Stakes, and the Ikon Tramway Stakes promise to deliver top-notch racing action. Rounding out the black-type events is the Listed Sydney City Lexus CTC Cup, worth US$129,000.
The Concorde Stakes has a rich history of producing top-class sprinters. Notable recent winners include Redzel, who went on to claim the inaugural Everest in 2017 and successfully defended his title the following year. Nature Strip, victorious in 2019, later added the Everest and Royal Ascot's King's Stand Stakes to his impressive resume.
Nevesh Ramdhani, Australian Turf Club Head of Racing and Wagering, is brimming with enthusiasm for the day's proceedings: "The Southern Cross Group Concorde Stakes will be one of several 'mini Everests' in coming weeks and Saturday's field has many of the nation's very best sprinters clashing. The last two weeks have seen some stellar performances from amongst the best horses in the land and you can't miss live on track more of these stars as we build deeper into the Spring."
The Darley Furious Stakes, the second leg of the prestigious Darley Princess Series, sees Manaal and Ameena renewing their rivalry. Michael Freedman's Manaal, to be ridden by Jason Collett, will be seeking revenge against the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Ameena, who bested her in the series opener, the Darley Silver Shadow Stakes. James McDonald retains the ride on Ameena.
In the Ikon Tramway Stakes, all eyes will be on top mare Amelia's Jewel. Now under the care of Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald, and with Tommy Berry aboard, she faces stiff competition from Queensland raider Freedom Rally. Trained by Tony Gollan and to be piloted by Craig Williams, Freedom Rally has been the subject of significant market support.
The Daily Press Chelmsford Stakes has seen Zardozi attract substantial backing. The Godolphin mare, trained by James Cummings and to be ridden by James McDonald, brings Group One form to the table, including a last-start victory in the Group One Winx Stakes.
As the spring racing season kicks into high gear, Saturday's Royal Randwick meeting promises to be a thrilling affair, setting the stage for what is sure to be an unforgettable Everest Carnival.