Festive season racing returns to Royal Randwick this Saturday for the $250,000 Group 2 Fugen Construction Villiers Stakes (1600m) as connections look to book a spot for further glory in the autumn.
The winner of Saturday’s Fugen Construction Villiers Stakes over the famous Royal Randwick mile gains automatic entry to the $3 million Group 1 The Star Doncaster Mile during The Championships in April next year.
Sky Boy (Christian Reith) coasts home at Rosehill Gardens. The gelding is favourite for Saturday's Fugen Construction Villiers Stakes. Image by Bradley Photographers
In a wide-open betting race, the Anthony and Edward Cummings-trained Sky Boy, to be ridden by Christian Reith, is the $3.30 (in from $4) TAB fixed odds favourite as he strives to win a fifth consecutive race.
My Nordic Hero ($7.50), Doubt Defying ($8.50) and Gaulois ($8) are next in betting, with nine of the 14 runners at $17 or lower in the TAB fixed odds win market.
On-course this Saturday, ATC Members and customers will enjoy a range of offers and free Christmas entertainment.
All financial ATC Members will have a $30 credit loaded on to their membership card to spend at ATC food and beverage outlets for this Saturday’s meeting at Royal Randwick.
Santa and elves will be available for free photo moments with children and families in a special Santa’s Grotto behind the main grandstand, as well as for visits into ATC Member areas during the afternoon.
Saturday’s big nine-race card also features the $500,000 Inglis Nursery for two-year-olds, the Listed $140,000 ATC Christmas Cup over 2400m and the Listed $140,000 Razor Sharp Handicap over 1200m.
The Royal Randwick course proper – which has undergone an annual post-spring renovation – was rated a Good 4 on Thursday morning.
View the final fields with full form & race replays for Royal Randwick here