Racing returns to Royal Randwick this Saturday, 20 April for BMW Doncaster Day featuring the Group 1 $2m BMW Doncaster Mile which for the first time in the race’s rich 148-year history, will be broadcast live to Hong Kong.
The TAB is awarding punters with a chance to win free TAB bets. To be eligible, place a winning bet of $20 or more at any TAB outlet. The free bets will be given away randomly when punters scan their winning tickets on collection.
The new Theatre of the Horse and lower level of the new Grandstand at Sydney’s historic racecourse are set to welcome a giant crowd again this Saturday.
Thirteen individual Group 1 winners, including 11 who have been successful over the mile are amongst the 20 hopefuls that have accepted for the heralded BMW Doncaster over the classic distance of 1,600m.
All eyes will be on Sydney’s leading lady Gai Waterhouse, who if successful in this year’s edition of the race, will surpass her late father TJ Smith’s record with eight Doncaster wins. Lonhro-sired Pierro (Nash Rawiller) will be the only starter from the Waterhouse yard and has opened the TAB Fixed Odds favourite at $2.00 following a hat-trick of wins this campaign.
Hall of Fame trainer Bart Cummings has entered Norzita (Craig Williams) to face the older horses following a strong win in the Vinery Stud Stakes a fortnight ago at Rosehill Gardens. The filly has opened on the second line of betting at $8.00.
Coolmore Classic and Inglis Queen of the Turf winner, Appearance (Kerrin McEvoy) will also take her place in field and will be looking to secure a hat-trick of Group 1 wins. The $13.00 hopeful has won over the distance twice in her 13-start career.
The other headline on the nine race card, the Group 1 $550,000 Patinack Farm Australian Oaks, has also attracted a quality field. Clarry Conners-trained Dear Demi (Jim Cassidy) will be looking to add another Group 1 victory to her resume when she faces the starter over the 2,400m. However it is New Zealand-based Habibi (Vinnie Colgan), who boasts and impressive six wins from eight-start record, and will go into the race as the outright favourite at $2.60.
The first race gets underway at 11.45am and gates open to the public at 10.00am. The rail will be in the +3m and the track is currently rated a Dead 5.
Source : Australian Turf Club
