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One of Australia’s biggest days of racing including four Group One highlights opens Day 1 of The Star Championships at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Royal Randwick’s renowned $4 million Group 1-The Star Doncaster Mile has a capacity field of 20 runners and is one of the widest open betting events in recent decades of the famous race.

The time-honoured $2m Gr 1-ATC Australian Derby, a world-class sprint field in the $3m Gr 1-Asahi Super Dry TJ Smith Stakes and the $1m Gr 1-Inglis Sires' are part of a huge 10-race card of 163 entries.

Doncaster Mile favourite Linebacker (Zac Lloyd; No.3) wins the Randwick Guineas. Image by Bradley Photographers

Australian Turf Club Head of Racing and Wagering, Nevesh Ramdhani said Saturday’s raceday was highly anticipated.

“Saturday at Royal Randwick features not only Australia’s best horses, jockeys and trainers but competition from around the world," Mr Ramdhani said.

“The Star Championships at Royal Randwick and the great tradition of Doncaster-Derby Day make this one of Sydney’s favourite weekends on the sporting calendar."

Randwick Guineas winner Linebacker, trained by John O’Shea & Tom Charlton and with young gun jockey Zac Lloyd aboard, is the $5.50 TAB favourite in The Star Doncaster Mile.

The three-year-old is looking to emulate last year’s winner Celestial Legend in winning both races and become the eighth of his age group in the past 20 years to win The Star Doncaster.

Godolphin’s Tom Kitten for James Cummings and Ben Melham is the $7 equal second favourite with Gringotts (Tommy Berry), while Another Wil (Jamie Melham) is just behind the pair at $9.

Horses in the top three of betting have a good record in the Star Doncaster – providing 13 of the past 20 winners. Japan will be represented by Geoglyph, a $26 chance for trainer Tetsuya Kimura and jockey Damien Lane.

The Chris Waller-trained filly Aeliana is the $3.60 equal favourite in the ATC Australian Derby with Damien Lane to ride. Only nine fillies in the history of the race – first run in 1861 – have won, with the previous being Shamrocker in 2011.

Kiwi visitor Willydoit for trainers Shaun & Emma Clotworthy and jockey Michael Dee is the other $3.80 joint favourite in the capacity field of 18 runners. New Zealand-trained horses have won six of the past 20 ATC Australian Derbys.

Some of Australia’s best sprinters line up in the $3m Gr 1-Asahi Super Dry TJ Smith Stakes – with Chris Waller’s star mare Joliestar at $3.80 for jockey Damian Lane, ahead of Briasa for Hawkes Racing and Tyler Schiller at $4.60. Overpass for Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker and jockey Josh Parr is at $6.50.

The $1m Gr 1-Inglis Sires' sees a return clash from the second and fourth placegetters in the TAB Golden Slipper – Wodeton $2.80 (Chris Waller/Ryan Moore) and Rivellino at $4.20 (Kris Lees/Hugh Bowman). Of the past 20 Inglis Sires’ winners, 12 have come through the TAB Golden Slipper.

Full fields for Royal Randwick are available HERE and full TAB markets are found HERE. For all racing, general and ticketing information click HERE.