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Sydney’s first two Group 1s of 2023 feature at Royal Randwick this Saturday just two weeks ahead of the official start of the $41 million Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

The 98th running of the Group 1 $600,000 TAB Chipping Norton Stakes and 45th renewal of the Group 1 $600,000 Drinkwise Surround Stakes are part of a ten-race card which includes four other Group races.

Australian Turf Club Executive General Manager Racing and Wagering James Ross said: “The 97 previous runnings of the TAB Chipping Norton hold an honour roll spread with legends from Phar Lap to Winx and long line of champions in between.

“Australia’s best horse and a seven-time Group 1 winner in Anamoe again adds to the stature of this race, joined by eight other multiple and individual Group 1 winners in a 12-horse field.

“The Drinkwise Surround Stakes with a prizemoney increase to $600,000 and now a sixth running as a Group 1 has again attracted Australia’s best fillies including In Secret and Zougotcha amongst a Longines Golden Slipper champion and Group 1 winners.

Anamoe headlines Chipping Norton Stakes Day at Randwick. (Pic: Stave Hart)

“These time honoured races along with key two year old classics in the Skyline and Sweet Embrace on the pathway to the $5 million Longines Golden Slipper brings a host of stars and world-class racing trackside to Sydney’s renowned Royal Randwick.’’

Both Group 1 races along with the Group 3 $200,000 Liverpool City Cup will be simulcast for wagering live into Hong Kong.

Champion Australian jockey Hugh Bowman will also make a 24-hour return to Sydney from his current Hong Kong riding contract, partnering with favourite In Secret in the Group 1 Drinkwise Surround Stakes and Mo’unga in the Group 1 TAB Chipping Norton Stakes.

Bowman sits on 99 Group 1 wins in Australia (104 overall internationally).

The Group 2 $250,000 Elite Sand and Soil Skyline Stakes and Group 2 $250,000 Catanach’s Sweet Embrace Stakes will see two more two-year-olds gain automatic entry into the $5 million Longines Golden Slipper to be run at Rosehill Gardens on 18 March.

Saturday’s Royal Randwick card with 137 entries also includes the Group 2 $250,000 Guy Walter Proven Thoroughbreds Stakes.

Full fields for all races are available here.

Anamoe for trainer James Cummings and jockey James McDonald is a $1.65-$1.70 opening favourite in the Group 1 $600,000 TAB Chipping Norton Stakes.

Anamoe has won eight of his past ten race starts and won five races from seven starts at Royal Randwick.

Mo’Unga (Annabel Neasham and Hugh Bowman) has been supported strongly $13-$7.50 TAB ahead of Fangirl for Chris Waller and Kerrin McEvoy ($8-$8.50 TAB).

In Secret (Cummings and Bowman) is a well supported early favourite in the Group 1 Drinkwise Surround Stakes, from $2.40-$2.20 TAB, ahead of Zougotcha (Waller and McDonald) $5.50-$6 TAB.

Sunshine In Paris is a close third favourite at $6.50 TAB for trainer Annabel Neasham and jockey Ryan Maloney.

For all racing, general and ticketing information including event details around the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival go to theraces.com.au.