Saturday 12.00pm AEST – LIVE & FREE on 7, 7TWO & 7plus
A coveted place in Australasia’s weight-for-age championship is on the line this Saturday at Moonee Valley’s Cox Plate Qualifier Day, while the LIVE and FREE Spring Racing on Seven also includes an action-packed day at Randwick headlined by the Chelmsford Stakes.
With the winner of the John F. Feehan Stakes (Group 2, 1600m) exempt from the ballot for the Cox Plate on October 24, a strong field will gather at Moonee Valley on Saturday to chase a start in one of sport’s greatest events.
Star stayer Surprise Baby is expected to be right in the mix, but will face stiff opposition from Harbour Views, Sircconi and Mahamedeis, who is chasing a hat-trick of wins, while multiple Group 1 winner Humidor can’t be discounted as he prepares to debut for the Chris Waller stable.
At Randwick, the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) shapes as a wide-open contest after attracting a capacity field of 16.
Godolphin gelding Avilius and Hawkes Racing stablemates Angel of Truth and Zebrowski are the top fancies, but master trainer Chris Waller has a very strong hand with nine runners headed by Mister Sea Wolf, Shared Ambition and Finche.
Australia’s pre-eminent broadcaster Bruce McAvaney will again lead racing’s best commentary team, which on Saturday features Hamish McLachlan, Katelyn Mallyon and prominent Victorian trainer Henry Dwyer. Jason Richardson and Sky Racing’s Lizzie Jelfs will also be trackside at Moonee Valley and Randwick respectively, bringing fans all the news and interviews.
Saturday’s other highlights include a trio of prestigious Group 2 races: the McEwen Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley, and the Furious Stakes (1200m) and Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.
