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Autumn Racing Carnival 2016

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Group 1 $400,000 CF Orr Stakes 1400m – Caulfield, Saturday 13th February 2015

The CF Orr Stakes is a weight-for-age race that attracts above average gallopers and has seen many top class horses on the winner’s list, including champion mares Black Caviar (2012) and Typhoon Tracy (2009-10). Other top class gallopers to win the CF Orr Stakes include the All Too Hard (2013), El Segundo (2007), Lonhro (2004), Redoute’s Choice (2000), Saintly (1997) and three-time winner Vo Rogue (1988-90). The 2014 winner was Moment of Change and the 2015 winner Dissident.

Group 1 $500,000 Lighting Stakes 1000m – Flemington, Saturday 20th February 2015

The Lightning Stakes is a Group 1 weight-for-age race at Flemington during the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival and is run over 1000 metres with prize money of $500,000. The 2014 Lightning Stakes was won by Snitzerland and is one of the strongest weight-for-age sprint races of the autumn. The race was renamed the ‘Black Caviar Lightning’ in 2013 in honour of champion mare Black Caviar, who became the first galloper to win the Lightning Stakes race three years in a row during 2012/2013.

The Lightning Stakes is the premier weight-for-age 1000m sprint of the Autumn. Australia’s best sprinters have won this race over the years including Black Caviar (2011-13), Scenic Blast (2009), Apache Cat (2008), Miss Andretti (2007) and Takeover Target (2006). The Lightning is run down the Flemington ‘1000m’ straight course with no turns involved that suits horses with a love for the Flemington.

Group 1 $1,500,000 Blue Diamond Stakes – Caulfield, Saturday 27th February 2015
The Blue Diamond Stakes is a Group 1 race for two-year-olds that takes at Caulfield racecourse during the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival and is Victoria’s premier 2 yo race. The race is run under set weight conditions over a distance of 1200 metres and is worth $1,000,000 in prize money. The race was first run in 1971 and has grown in prestige along with that of two year old races generally since inception.

Blue Diamond Stakes day is Caulfield racecourse’s premier race day of the autumn. It also features Group 1 races Futurity Stakes and the Oakleigh Plate. Top class gallopers such as Sepoy (2011), Alinghi (2004), Bel Esprit (2002), Redoutes Choice (1999) Courtza (1989) and Zeditave (1988) have all won this race. The 2014 Blue Diamond Stakes was won by Earthquake.

The Blue Diamond has become in many ways the prelude to the Golden Slipper two year old race in the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival but is still a very important race. Brilliant two-year-old Sepoy (2011) was the most recent galloper to win the Blue Diamond Stakes and then win the Golden Slipper.
The 2015 Blue Diamond winner was Prince of Dubai.

Group 1 $700,000 Futurity Stakes – Caulfield, Saturday 27th February 2015

The Futurity Stakes is a Group 1 weight-for-age race held at Caulfield racecourse during the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival. The race is run over a distance of 1400 metres and has prizemoney of $700,000. The Futurity Stakes is a prominent weight-for-age race and the 1400m distance is attractive to a variety of gallopers, including strong sprinters and quality middle distance types, which assures a top field is assembled each year.

In recent years Moment Of Change (2014), All Too Hard (2013) & Typhoon Tracy (2010) have both taken out the CF Orr Stakes & Futurity Stakes double. Some quality thoroughbreds have saluted in this event over the years including More Joyous (2011), Fields Of Omagh (2006), Testa Rossa (2000), Encounter (1998), Schillaci (1993 & 1995), Redelva (1991) and Zeditave (1989).
The 2014 Futurity was won by Moment of Change and 2015 Suavito.

Group 1 $500,000 Oakleigh Plate – Caulfield, Saturday 27th February 2015

The Oakleigh Plate is a Group 1 Open Handicap race held at Caulfield racecourse during the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival. The race is run over a distance of 1100 metres and worth $500,000 in prizemoney. The Oakleigh Plate is the premier handicap sprint event of the Caulfield autumn racing carnival and always attracts a classy field of sprinters. Classy gallopers Starspangledbanner (2010), Weekend Hussler (2008), Fastnet Rock (2005) and Schillaci (1992) have all won this event in recent times.

Those running in this race may then go onto the Newmarket Handicap down the Flemington straight. Weekend Hussler (2008) was the most recent galloper to take out the Oakleigh Plate & Newmarket Handicap double. Lankan Rupee (2014) won the Rubiton Stakes over 1100m at Caulfield before winning this event and recent Oakleigh Plate winners include Mrs Onassis (2013) and Woorim (2012) and in 2015 Shamal Wind.

Group 1 $500,000 Australian Guineas – Flemington, 5th March 2015

The Australian Guineas is a Group 1 race for three-year-olds held at Flemington racecourse in the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival. The race is run over a distance of 1600 metres under set weights. The Australian Guineas is the premier mile event for three-year-old gallopers during the autumn racing carnival and always assembles the best 3yo gallopers around at the time. Since its inception in 1986, the Australian Guineas has grown to become a prestigious event on the racing calendar for three-year-olds. There is generally a strong track record for horses who perform well in this event having the potential to go onto bigger and better things. The 2014 Australian Guineas was won by Shamus Award and 2015 winner was Wandjina.

Group 1 $1.25 million Newmarket Handicap – Flemington, Saturday 12th March 2015

The Newmarket Handicap is a Group 1 Open Handicap race held annually each March at Flemington racecourse in Melbourne during the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival. The race is run over a distance of 1200. The 2014 Newmarket Handicap was won by Lankan Rupee.

The Newmarket Handicap is the premier handicap sprint event held at Flemington and is run down the 1200m straight. The race has been won by many of our finest sprinters over the years, such as Black Caviar (2011), Miss Andretti (2007), Takeover Target (2006), Alinghi (2005), General Nediym (1998), Schillaci (1992) and Special (1998).

The Flemington ‘Straight Six’ 1200m course is a straight track with no turns and horses with proven records at the course and distance are ones to look as strong chances. The Lighting Stakes and Oakleigh Plate are the lead up races as form guide for this race. Lankan Rupee (2014) won the Oakleigh Plate over 1100m at Caulfield before taking out this event and recent Newmarket Handicap winners include Shamexpress (2013) and Hay List (2012). The 2015 winner was Brazen Beau.

Group 1 $1.50 million Australian Cup – Flemington, Saturday 12th March 2015

The Australian Cup is a Group 1 Weight-for-age race held at Flemington racecourse in the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival. And is held over 2000m The 2014 Australian Cup was won by Fiorente.

The Australian Cup is a race for elite gallopers and has a long history of producing winners who quite often go on to be stars of the Australian turf. Some of those gallopers that have won the Australian Cup include Zipping (2010), Makybe Diva (2005), Lonhro (2004), Northerly (2003 & 2001), Octagonal (1997), Saintly (1996), Better Loosen Up (1991) and Vo Rogue (1990-89). The St George Stakes held at Caulfield on Blue Diamond day 28th February is a great guide in recent years with Fiorente (2014), Lonhro (2004), Northerly (2001), Dane Ripper (1998), Let’s Elope (1992) & Vo Rogue (1989) all taking out the St George Stakes & Australian Cup double. The 2015 winner was Spillway.

  • Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival February – April 2016
  • Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival The Championships – Saturday 2nd and 9th April 2016

Whilst Melbourne Racing dominates the landscape in Australian Racing in the Spring, it is now challenged in the Autumn with the establishment of The Championships during the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

The Championships is the Grand Finals of Australian Racing and was inaugurated in 2014 and the concept is to feature and showcase the very best of Australian Racing during the jewel crown of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

Held on the first and second Saturday of each April, The Championships is twelve races to determine champion status over different age groups and distances. Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club “ATC” and the NSW Government are partners in the initiative.

Prizemoney totals $20 million over the two days with the finest of Australian and international horses competing. Royal Randwick is the host to the two big days of Racing on Saturday 2nd and 9th April. Feature races include the Group 1 races Doncaster Handicap, AJC Derby, Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Australian Oaks and the Sydney Cup.

Group 1 $500,000 Chipping Norton Stakes – Warwick Farm, Saturday 27th February 2015

The Chipping Norton Stakes is a Group 1 weight-for-age race held at Warwick Farm racecourse as part of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival. It is the first Group 1 race of the Autumn Carnival is run over a distance of 1600 metres. and worth $500,000 in prizemoney. The 2014 Chipping Norton Stakes was won by Boban from It’s a Dundeel and Hawkspur third., testimony to the quality of this race.

The winner of the Chipping Norton Stakes receives an exempt from ballot for theDoncaster Handicap and the Sydney Cup. s the first group race of the autumn over 1600 metres. The Chipping Norton Stakes is the premier race staged at Warwick Farm during the Autumn Carnival and is raced under weight-for-age conditions. Top class winners of this event include Shoot Out (2012-13), Lonhro (2003), Octagonal (1997), Juggler (1996) and Super Impose (1991-92) have all won this race, Tie The Knot was good enough to greet the judge from 1999 to 2002.

The Group 2 Appllo Stakes has proved to be a strong guide to results in the Chipping Norton. Boban (2014) ran fourth in the Apollo Stakes over 1400m at Randwick before taking out this event.
Group 1 $600,000 Randwick Guineas – Randwick, Saturday 5th March 2015

The Randwick Guineas is a Group 1 race for three-year-olds held at Randwick racecourse as part of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival. The race is run over a distance of 1600 metres under set weight conditions with the 2014 Randwick Guineas won by Dissident.

The winner will receive exemption from the ATC Derby and Doncaster Handicap. The Randwick Guineas is a high quality three-year-old races of the Sydney autumn carnival and has a history of attracting top quality gallopers who often go on to become stars of the turf.

The Group 2 Hobartville Stakes at Rosehill is a typical lead up race. Some brilliant three-year-olds have won the Randwick Guineas including It’s A Dundeel (2013), Mosheen (2012), Weekend Hussler (2008), Arena (1999), Intergaze (1997), Octagonal (1996) and Veandercross (1992).


Group 1 $600,000 Coolmore Stakes – Saturday 13th March 2015 

The Coolmore Stud Classic is a Group 1 handicap race for fillies & mares held at Rosehill racecourse during the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival. The race is run over a distance of 1500 metres, with the winner of the Coolmore Stud Classic was won by Steps in Time.

The winner is of the Coolmore receives an exemption from the Doncaster Handicap. The Coolmore Stud Classic is a race for fillies and mares only is one of only two Group 1 races held for females during the Sydney autumn carnival. The oterh is the Queen of the Turf Stakes. This race attracts the very best fillies & mares available. Some brilliant females have won the Coolmore, including Typhoon Tracy (2009) and the mighty mare Sunline twice in 2000 & 2002. Classy mare Appearance (2013) was the last galloper to win both the Coolmore Stud Classic & Queen of The Turf Stakes in the same year,

Group 1 $3.5 million 2 year old Golden Slipper Stakes – Rosehill, Saturday 19th March 2015
Worlds Richest 2 year old race

The Golden Slipper Stakes is a Group 1 race for two-year-olds held at Rosehill racecourse as part of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival. , New South Wales. The race is run over a distance of 1200 metres under set weight conditions and is worth $3,500,000 in prizemoney. The 2014 Golden Slipper Stakes was won by Mossfun.

The Golden Slipper Stakes was first run in 1957 with prizemoney of 20,000 pounds and is now the world’s richest race for two-year-old race. This race receives world wide exposure, especially in the racing rich coutries of UAE, China, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Golden Slipper Day is the biggest race day of the Rosehill autumn carnival. The Golden Slipper Stakes is the richest race and is the premier event for youngsters in this country. There are a number of Slipper lead up races for two-year-olds at Rosehill like the Riesling Slipper Trial, Todman Slipper Trial and the Pasgo Pago Stakes. These races provide Golden Slipper ballot exemptions for winners.

Some of the better two-year-olds to win a Slipper recently include Pierro (2012), Sepoy (2011), Miss Finland (2006), Belle de Jour (2000), Guineas (1997), Bint Marscay (1993), and the champion 2yo of his time, Todman, who won the inaugrual race in 1957.

Group 1 $1 million George Ryder Stakes – Rosehill, Saturday 19th March 2015

The George Ryder Stakes is a Group 1 weight-for-age race held at Rosehill racecourse as part of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival. The race is run over a distance of 1500 metres and worth $1,000,000 in prizemoney. The 2014 George Ryder Stakes was won by Gordon Lord Byron.

The winner of this race has exemption from the Doncaster Handicsap. The George Ryder Stakes takes place on the same day as the Rosehill Guineas and The Galaxy in a huge day of Group 1 racing a leading up to the big Golden Slipper Stakes.

The George Ryder Stakes is a briliant weight-for-age race that always assembles the best sprinter and milers and the race has a long history of being won by top class gallopers. Many of Australia’s finest thoroughbreds have won this race including Pierro (2013), Weekend Hussler (2008), Racing To Win (2006), Lonhro (2003-4) and the brilliant Schillaci (1993).

Group 1 $500,000 Rosehill Guineas – Rosehill, Saturday 19th March 2015

The Rosehill Guineas is a Group 1 race for three-year-olds held at Rosehill racecourse as part of the  Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival. The race is run over a distance of 2000 metres under set weight conditions . The 2014 Rosehill Guineas was won by Criterion.

The Rosehill Guineas is one of the best three-year-old events during the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival and is a 2000m for three-year-olds at the top level. The Randwick Guineas is the lead up to this race.  It’s A Dundeel (2013) & Metal Bender (2009) have taken out the Randwick Guineas & Rosehill Guineas double in recent years.

Many of the best three-year-olds have won the Rosehill Guineas including It’s A Dundeel, Metal Bender (2009), Tie The Knot (1998), Octagonal (1996), Danewin (1995), and Naturalism (1992). The Guineas is ta great 3 year old staying race and also a highlight of the Carnival. The Australian Derby two weeks after this race completes the feature 3 year old races for the Carnival.

Group 1 $500,000 Ravnet Stakes – Rosehill, Saturday 19th March 2015
Super horses win this race!

The Ranvet Stakes is a Group 1 weight-for-age race held at Rosehill racecourse during the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival. The race is run over a distance of 2000 metres.  The 2014 Ranvet Stakes was won by Silent Achiever from Carlton House with the brilliant It’s A Dundeel running third.

The winner is of this race receives exemption from for The BMW. The Ranvet Stakes is a weight-for-age event and tends to attracts high quality middle distance types who then may aspire to go onto the BMW. This race has proven a great guide to The BMW in recent years, with SIlent Achiever (2014), Manighar (2012), Tuesday Joy (2008) & Eremein (2006) all taking out the Ranvet Stakes & The BMW double.

The Chipping Norton Stakes is often a good guide to performance in the Ravnet. often throwing up winners or placegetters in this race. Some winners of the Ranvet Stakes are Grand Armee (2005), Tie The Knot (2000-01), Veandercross (1993), Super Impose (1991) and the outstanding galloper Better Loosen Up (1990). Now that’s a group of super horses so watch this race and space!
Group 1 $350,000 The Galaxy Stakes – Rosehill, Saturday 19th March 2015

The Galaxy is a Group 1 open handicap race held annually in April at Rosehill racecourse in Sydney, New South Wales. The race is run over a distance of 1100 metres and worth $350,000 in prizemoney. The 2014 Galaxy was won by Tiger Tees from Anatina with Villa Verde third.

One of the feature sprints of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival The Galaxy is held alongside the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes and Group 1 Rosehill Guineas on the first day of the Rosehill autumn carnival.

The Galaxy is an 1100m Open Handicap held at Rosehill Raceourse. The Galaxy is an 1100m dash for accomplished sprinters and has been won by many a good horse over the years, including Bel Sprinter (2013), Nicconi (2009), Typhoon Zed (2008), Spark Of Life (2004), Mistegic (2002), Gold Ace (1996) and the brilliant Schillaci (1992).

It is generally a frantic affair with a big field of speedy horses, and the barrier draw plays an important part during the running of the race. Horses drawn out wide face a tough task due to the early speed in the race and an inside draw is a big advantage.

The Galaxy is generally one of the most exciting sprint races of the Carnival and a race like the Group 2 Challenge Stakes provides a good lead up to The Galaxy. Smart sprinter Snitzerland (2nd in 2013) took out the Challenge Stakes before finishing runner-up in this race.

Tiger Tees (2014) finished unplaced in the Challenge Stakes over 1000m at Randwick before winning this race and recent The Galaxy winners have been Bel Sprinter (2013) and Temple Of Boom (2012).

Group 1 $2.25 million The BMW Stakes – Rosehill, Saturday 26th March 2015
The Cox Plate of the Autumn!

The BMW is a Group 1 weight-for-age race held annually overv2400m at Rosehill racecourse in Sydney, New South Wales. during the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.  The race is run over a distance of 2400 metres and worth $2,250,000 in prizemoney. The 2014 The BMW was won by Silent Achiever from It’s A Dundeel with Fiorente third.

The BMW was previously known as the ‘HE Tancred Stakes’ and takes place the week after the Golden Slipper Day and a week before “The Championships”.

The BMW is the premier distance race of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival over 2400m and the assembled field is generally of high quality, with New Zealand horses often making their presence felt. The race is run at weight-for-age and has grown into one of the most anticipated races on the Australian racing calendar each year in Sydney.

Many classy gallopers have won The BMW including outstanding mare Makybe Diva (2005), Ethereal (2002), Tie The Knot (1999-2000), Might And Power (1998), Octagonal (1996-97) and New Zealander Our Poetic Prince (1989).

In recent times the Group1 Ranvet Stakes has been a reasonable guide to this race, with Silent Achiever (2014), Manighar (2012), Tuesday Joy (2008), Eremein (2006) and Tie The Knot (2000) all winning the Ranvet Stakes & BMW double in the same year.

It’s worth noting that It’s A Dundeel went on to win the Gr1 ATC Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick after finishing second in this event, while Niwot (4th in 2012) won the Group 1 Sydney Cup following his fourth placing finish here.

Silent Achiever (2014) won the Ranvet Stakes over 2000m at Rosehill prior to her fast finishing victory in this event and BMW winners include Fiveandahalfstar (2013) and Manighar (2012).

Group 1 $400,000 Storm Queen Stakes – Rosehill Saturday 26th March 2016
An entrée to the Australian Oaks!

The Storm Queen Stakes is a Group 1 race for three-year-old fillies held annually in April at Rosehill racecourse in Sydney, New South Wales. The race is run over a distance of 2000 metres under set weights and worth $400,000 in prizemoney. The 2014 Storm Queen Stakes was won by Lucia Valentina from Solicit with Forever Loved third.

In recent years the Storm Queen Stakes has been run as the ‘Vinery Stud Stakes’ but now takes place on BMW Stakes Day, which is Rosehill’s biggest race day of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

The Storm Queen Stakes is a fillies only event and the first autumn race over 2000m specifically for fillies, providing the perfect lead up race to the Group 1 ATC Australian Oaks over 2400m at Randwick. In recent times Heavenly Glow (2008) and Serenade Rose (2006) have taken out the Storm Queen Stakes & ATC Oaks double.

Smart filly Purple (2009) failed in the ATC Oaks after winning this race, but was good enough to win the Gr1 Queensland Oaks during the Brisbane winter carnival in May.

Generally attracting quality fillies, some memorable Storm Queen Stakes winners include Mosheen (2012), Miss Finland (2007), Special Harmony (2004), Champagne (1998) & Research (1989), who all continued on to become top class mares of the Australian turf.

Lucia Valentina (2014) was beaten just over four lengths in the Gr1 Coolmore Classic over 1500m at Rosehill on her way to victory in this event and recent Storm Queen Stakes winners have been Norzita (2013) and Mosheen (2012).

Group 1 $3 million Doncaster Handicap – Randwick, Saturday 2nd April 2016

The Doncaster Handicap is a Group 1 open handicap that takes place annually each April at Randwick racecourse in Sydney, New South Wales during the Autumn Racing Carnival. The race is run over a distance of 1600 metres and offers $3,000,000 in prizemoney. The 2015 was won by Kermadec and 2014 and 2013 Doncaster Handicap was won by Sacred Falls.

Also known as the Doncaster Mile, the race is now the feature event on the first day of the ‘The Championships’, the newly introduced two-day $20 Million autumn racing initiative that has completely revamped the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

As a result of the revamp, the TJ Smith Stakes, the Group1 ATC Australian Derby and Group 1 ATC All Sires Produce Stakes all received prizemoney boosts and were added to the first day of The Championships to set up a huge day of feature racing action this autumn.

The Doncaster Handicap is one of the premier mile races on the Australian racing calendar each year and the highlight of the Randwick autumn racing carnival. It is one of the toughest 1600m handicap events in Australian racing and the assembled field is typically filled with top quality gallopers, which tends to make finding the winner a tough assignment, unless there is an outstanding galloper entered.

Four-year-olds have a good record of winning this race in recent times and if they can race on the pace then they are even more suited. The race is the autumn equivalent of the other great Randwick mile race of the spring, the Group 1 Epsom and the talented Racing To Win (2006) was the last galloper to win the Epsom Handicap & Doncaster Mile double.

The Group 1 George Ryder Stakes held during the Rosehill carnival has proven a good guide to the winner of this race over the past few years, with Vision And Power (2009), Haradasun (2007), Racing To Win (2006) and Grand Armee (2nd in 2003) all going on to win this race after winning the Ryder. Pierro (2nd in 2013) won the George Ryder Stakes before finishing runner-up in this event, while Love Conquers All (2nd in 2011) finished second in both races.

Sacred Falls (2013-14) ran fifth in the George Ryder Stakes over 1500m at Rosehill before storming home to win this race for the second year in succession, emulating the recent feats of Pharoah & Super Impose, and recent Doncaster Mile winners include More Joyous (2012) and Sacred Choice (2011).

Group 1 $2.5 million TJ Smith Stakes – Randwick, Saturday 2nd April 2015

The TJ Smith Stakes is a Group 1 weight-for-age race held each year in April at Randwick racecourse in Sydney, New South Wales. The race is run over a distance of 1200 metres and worth $2,500,000 in prizemoney. The 2013 TJ Smith Stakes was won by the great Black Caviar, 2014 Lankan Rupee and 2015 by Chautauqua…all brilliant horses and started favourties.

With the introduction of The Championships to the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, The TJ Smith Stakes takes its place on the first day, alongside the feature race of the day, the Group 1 Doncaster Hnadicap.

The TJ Smith Stakes is a good quality weight-for-age race over the sprint distance of 1200m and tends to attract the best sprinters going around at this time of year. It has grown to become a race for good horses and is named after legendary Sydney trainer, and father of Gai Waterhouse, Tommy Smith.

The level weight conditions favour the best horses in the race and more often than not, with any luck in running, the best horses will figure in the finish due to the weight advantage. The Group 2 Canterbury Stakes and Group 1 George Ryder Stakes are typical lead up races.

A number of classy gallopers have won the TJ Smith Stakes over the years including champion mare Black Caviar (2013 & 2011), plus Takeover Target (2009) and Apache Cat (2008)

The upcoming Gr1 All Aged Stakes on the final day of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival may be on the cards for horses contesting this event and the most recent horses to claim the TJ Smith Stakes & All Aged Stakes double are Bentley Biscuit (2007) and Shamekha (2005).

Classy mare Melito (2010) travelled to Eagle Farm in Brisbane after winning this race and finished second in the Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap before winning the Gr1 Winter Stakes.

Lankan Rupee (2014) won the Gr1 Newmarket Handicap over 1200m in Melbourne before making the trip to Sydney to blow his rivals away in this event and recent TJ Smith Stakes winners have been Black Caviar (2013) and Master Of Design (2012).

Group 1 $2 million ATC Australian Derby, Randwick Saturday 2nd April
The best 3 year olds in the country in action

The ATC Australian Derby is a Group 1 race for three-year-olds that takes place each April at Randwick racecourse in Sydney, New South Wales. The classic race is run over a distance of 2400 metres under set weight conditions and is worth $2,000,000 in prizemoney. The 2014 ATC Australian Derby was won by Criterion and in 2015 by the brilliant Mongolian Khan.

The revamped Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival sees the ATC Australian Derby moved to the first day of The Championships alongside the Group1 Doncaster Handicap, Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes and ATC Sires Produce Stakes to make for a fantastic day of feature racing.

The ATC Australian Derby is the premier distance race of the Sydney autumn for three-year-olds and is run over the classic derby distance of 2400m at set weights, which favours the classier types. The ATC Derby has become a prestigous event for three-year-olds on the Australian racing calendar and has a proud history of providing high quality winners who go on to become stars of the Australian turf.

The ATC Derby is a blue ribbon event and can enhance the winners value immensely, should they go on to become a stallion or a broodmare at the end of their career.

Gallopers of the ilk of Sky Heights (1999), Octagonal (1996), Mahogany (1994), Naturalism (1992), and Durbridge (1991) all won the ATC Derby before going on to win many of Australia’s premier races year after year.

Any three-year-olds contesting the Derby will typically come via major 3yo races like the Group1 Randwick Guineas at Randwick in April, or the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas and Group 2 Tulloch Stakes held during the Rosehill carnival the previous couple of weeks. In recent times Criterion (2014) & It’s A Dundeel (2013) have taken out the Rosehill Guineas & ATC Australian Derby double.

The ATC Derby has proven a handy guide to the Group 1 Caulfield Cup at Caulfield during the Melbourne spring, with Descarado (2nd in 2010) going on to win the race the following spring and Monaco Consul (3rd in 2010) running third in both races. Nom Du Jeu (2008) and Roman Emperor (2009) both finished runner-up in the Caulfield Cup after winning the ATC Derby beforehand.

Criterion (2014) took out the Rosehill Guineas over 2000m at Rosehill prior to his fast finishing win in this event and recent ATC Australian Derby winners have been It’s A Dundeel (2013) and Ethiopia (2012).

Group 1 $4 million ATC Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Randwick Saturday 9th April

The ATC Queen Elizabeth Stakes is a Group 1 weight-for-age race held each year in April at Randwick racecourse in Sydney, New South Wales. The race is run over a distance of 2000 metres and worth $4,000,000 in prizemoney. The 2014 ATC Queen Elizabeth Stakes was won by It’s A Dundeel and 2015 winner was Crietrion.

The announcement of the $18 Million two-day ‘The Championships’ for this Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival resulted in a huge prizemoney boost for the ATC Queen Elizabeth Stakes, now a $4 Million event and the world’s richest turf race over 2000 metres.

Held on the second day of The Championships along with the Group 1Australasian Oaks, Sydney Cup and Queen of the Turf Stakes the ATC Queen Elizabeth Stakes is sure to attract plenty of interest this autumn.

The ATC Queen Elizabeth Stakes is a good horse’s race and the 2000m distance at level weights makes it a very attractive race for quality thoroughbreds to contest during The Championships in the autumn. The massive prizemoney on offer will make this race a tempting one for many trainers and owners, with overseas interest sure to see a classy galloper or two make the trip to Sydney in April

The race generally assembles a top class field of gallopers and some outstanding horses have saluted over the years, including the likes of More Joyous (2012), Grand Armee (2004-05), Lonhro (2003), Might And Power (1998), Rough Habit (1992) and Our Poetic Prince (1989).

Races such as the Gr1 Ranvet Stakes un under the same conditions earlier in the carnival are good lead up races to this event, while three-year-olds who contested the Gr1 ATC Derby or Group 1 Rosehill Guineas might consider running here. Metal Bender (2nd in 2009) won the Rosehill Guineas prior to dead-heating for second in this race.

Middle distance types who ran in the Gr1 Doncaster Handicap the week before might also be tempted to go on and tackle this race, especially those horses better suited to the 2000m distance of this race.

Oustanding mare More Joyous (2012) won the Doncaster on her way to winning this race and claimed the Doncaster Mile & ATC Queen Elizabeth Stakes double in the process.

It’s A Dundeel (2014) finished second in the Gr1 The BMW over 2400m at Rosehill before scoring an exciting win in this event and recent ATC Queen Elizabeth Stakes winners include Reliable Man (2013) and More Joyous (2012).

Group 1 $1 million Sydney Cup, Randwick Saturday 9th April 

The Sydney Cup is the major handicap distance race of the Sydney autumn carnival for open horses and it’s run over 3200m (2 miles), which is the same distance as Australia’s most famous race, the Melbourne Cup. The race generally attracts the best available local stayers and any interstate raiders up to the challenge, but is typically not a high quality affair ike its Melbourne counterpart.

Over the years classy gallopers such as Makybe Diva (2004), Tie The Knot (1998-99) and Count Chivas (1996) have all won this race and Makybe Diva went on to win the Melbourne Cup that same year on the way to claiming three consecutive wins in the great race.

The Gr2 Chairmans Cup held on the first day of the Randwick carnival is generally a good guide to the Sydney Cup with The Offer (2014), Jessicabeel (2010), No Wine No Song (2008), Henderson Bay (2002), Linesman (1997) and King Aussie (1990) all taking out the Chairmans Hcp & Sydney Cup double in recent times.

The Offer (2014) took out the Chairman’s Handicap over 2600m at Randwick before scoring an outstanding 3 3/4 length victory in this event and recent Sydney Cup winners have been Mourayan (2013) and Niwot (2012).

The 2014 Sydney Cup was won by the offer and 2015 by Grand Marshal at odds of 40-1.