Saturday’s Coolmore Classic (1500m) headlines seven group contests to welcome in the opening weekend of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.
In what has been an rousing lead-up to the Autumn Carnival, an exciting field for Saturday’s sole Group 1 feature has been nominated to kick off proceedings, for what is sure to be a thrilling month of racing.
While the winner of last weekend’s Canterbury Stakes Forbidden Love has been nominated for the short backup, it is unlikely the now two-time Group 1 winner will fulfil her spot in the $600,000 event.
In contrast, coming out of the same race and off the back of a gutsy chase into second, Lighthouse is likely to follow through with her nomination in the 1500m contest. The ultra-consistent U.S mare will be looking to build on her impressive start to her Australian career, which has yet to see her miss the quinella in seven starts – scoring in four of them.
After an unplaced finish last start in the Group 2 Millie Fox Stakes, the Tony Gollan-trained mare Krone has also been nominated to defend her title.
Having not yet tasted success in the race, champion trainer Chris Waller holds a stranglehold over his rivals with seven nominations, although a majority are dual nominated. Atishu , Hungry Heart and Kiku also hold nominations in the Group 2 Ajax Stakes (1500m), whereas talented trio Espiona, Fangirl and Hinged are also leaders in early markets for the Group 2 three-year-old Phar Lap Stakes over the same journey.
Meanwhile in the Group 3 feature Sky High Stakes (2000m), David Payne ‘s reliable mare Montefilia heads early markets, ahead of Chris Waller’s British Import Surefire – who caught the eye with a barnstorming victory over the same distance in his Australian debut.
The Magic Night Stakes (1200m), Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) and Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m) are the remaining Group 3 contests to be held on Saturday.
With another week of wet weather forecast to sweep across the Eastern Seaboard, it is unlikely the currently rated Heavy 10 Rosehill surface will be upgraded into the Soft range by the weekend.
The rail will be in its true position.