The time-honoured Skyline Stakes and the Sweet Embrace Stakes for two-year-olds have been elevated to Group 2 Level.
These races are vital lead-ups to the Group 1-Golden Slipper and their elevation will significantly enhance the robust two-year-old autumn program.
Past winners of the Skyline Stakes include the Golden Slipper winners Dance Hero and Choisir, while Viscount, winner of the Sires’ Produce and Champagne Stakes, also won the Skyline. Other Group One horses to win the Skyline Stakes in recent years include Manhattan Rain, All American, Casino Prince and Snitzel.
The Sweet Embrace has seen Golden Slipper-winning fillies Crystal Lily and Ha Ha win the race, while Headway ran a gallant second in the Golden Slipper before going on to be a Group One winner herself.
Australian Racing Board has approved the recommendations of the Australian Pattern Committee (AusPC) to upgrade 41 races in all. Seven Group 3 races will be upgraded to Group 2 and 33 Listed Races will be upgraded to Group 3 status.
To view the entire list, please click on the following link :
http://www.racingnsw.com.au/site/_content/document/00001002-source.pdf
Source : Australian Racing Board