While the Randwick carnival has always been such a significant part of the Australian racing scene, its evolution has exploded since the creation of The Championships. Inaugurated in 2014, there have been so many highlights and so many moments in history that will live forever.
Day 1 features the AU$4m 1600m G1 Doncaster Mile and it has been so often the race to win at this famous course.
Australia’s best G1 WFA sprint (The Everest not yet given that grading) is the 1200m AU$3m T J Smith Stakes named in honour of the legendary Randwick trainer. Most of the sprinting heroes of the turf have won since it was born in 1997.
The AU$2m 2400m G1 Australian Derby and the AU$1m 1400m G1 Sires Produce Stakes are showcase events for the 3YOs and 2YOs as part of this massive day and along with all the other group races on the card, the Country Championships Final is now a AU$1m contest for all those country trained horses winning their way through to the huge Final.
Zac Purton will make a short trip to Sydney and ride for MILITARIZE in the Doncaster Mile.
Zac Purton fights for a back to back winner in the Doncaster Mile
Zac Purton, the six-time Hong Kong champion, claimed his second Hong Kong Derby on MASSIVE SOVEREIGN. Purton’s class is absolutely not just for Hong Kong racing fans to see. Riding in a few big occasions in Australia over the past year, he achieved three remarkable G1 victories with MR BRIGHTSIDE, ARTORIUS and COMMUNIST. On the first weekend of April, he will return home again to chase for his fourth Doncaster Mile winner at Randwick on MILITARIZE. Although he was failed to get a winner in the George Ryder Stakes and Randwick Guineas in the recent two starts, the promising 3YO has proven his ability by capturing three G1 titles. With the Hong Kong superstar aboard, he is still a formidable contender. Purton has experienced Doncaster Mile successes with MR BRIGHTSIDE, IT’S SOMEWHAT and SACRED FALLS. It is interesting to see if he can add the G1 to his bag again.
The Golden Eagle champion OBAMBURUMAI is heading to the Doncaster Mile.
The Japanese sets for Doncaster
The Japanese has set sights on making history in the Doncaster Mile. Japanese runners have consistently made their mark on international stages with Australia being one of their main battlegrounds. Notable triumphs by LYS GRACIEUX and MER DE GLACE in Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup respectively in 2019 grabbed huge attention from the Australia racing fans.
While the Doncaster Mile has yet to witness a Japanese champion, with REAL IMPACT running second in 2015 the closest, the 2013 Golden Eagle winner OBAMBURUMA is ready to return to Randwick for the mile challenge. A big clash between OBAMBURUMA and 2023 The Everest champion THINK ABOUT IT, who will step up to 1600m for the first time, is highly expected.
The Golden Eagle champion OBAMBURUMAI is heading to the Doncaster Mile.
I WISH I WIN will try to defend his title in the T J Smith Stakes.
High class field in the T J Smith Stakes
Although Doncaster Mile, with no doubt, takes the centre stage on the first day of the champion series, the significance of the T J Smith Stakes should not be overlooked. As one of the most popular and prestigious races across the globe for the sprinters, T J Smith Stakes always links closely with The Everest, another big sprint event in Australia. Despite the possible absence of the 2023 Everest winner THINK ABOUT IT, I WISH I WIN will try to defend the title here after finished second in The Everest last year.
