The first Black Type race of the new season the $300,000 Group 2-Darley Missile Stakes at Royal Randwick on Saturday launches pre-spring campaigns and starts 15 consecutive weeks of Group and Listed features in Sydney.
Highly-promising galloper Schwarz – trained by John O’Shea & Tom Charlton and ridden by Champion Premiership Jockey James McDonald – is the $2.20 TAB favourite in the feature.
Arctic Glamour for trainers Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou and jockey Kerrin McEvoy is at $5.50 ahead of third TAB pick Semillion (Hawkes Racing at $6) and Sheezanalister (Bjorn Baker/Jason Collett-$7).
The Darley Missile Stakes has a strong honour roll since the turn of the century including I Am Me (2023), Eduardo (2020), Alizee (2019), Pierata (2018), Rain Affair (2013 & 2011), Dance Hero (2005) and Lonhro (2002).
Australian Turf Club Head of Racing and Wagering, Nevesh Ramdhani said the Darley Missile Stakes was often a launching pad for bigger Group races in the spring.
“The new racing season always brings great expectation as we now begin several months of feature races heading towards Sydney’s stellar spring," Mr Ramdhani said.
Saturday’s meeting comes just a fortnight from the first Group 1 race of the Sydney 2024/25 season – the $1 million Winx Stakes at Royal Randwick.
Royal Randwick’s 10-race card will start at 11:30am and conclude with the final race at 4:55pm. Full fields for Royal Randwick are available HERE and TAB prices for the entire card are available HERE.
Saturday also sees continuation of the ATC’s Winter Long Lunch offer at the popular Grandview Restaurant overlooking the Rosehill Gardens Racecourse and home straight. Full details of the offer are available here.
For all racing, ticketing and general information visit theraces.com.au