This is arguably our favourite weekend of year.
Firstly because in Queensland, SA, and NSW we get three days off not just two.
Secondly, the NRL Grand Final is fought out traditionally on the Sunday of the long weekend.
Thirdly, Epsom Day at Randwick is “special” to quote Bruce McAvaney.
The Epsom is a true test of that mixture of speed and endurance over the famous mile course at Royal Randwick and is steeped in history dating back to 1865 when Dundee was triumphant.
The first woman in racing Gai Waterhouse has won it on 7 occasions, Gai has Riodini lining up tomorrow to try and make it a staggering 8 wins.
The legendary Super Impose won it twice along with Dance Hero while the Epsom was also Winx’s first Group 1 in Sydney and part of her amazing 33 straight wins.
Remarkably Sydney trainer Chris Waller has 6 runners entered including the favourite Star Of The Seas to be ridden by Nash Rawiller.
In saying that, we like PROBABEEL, who was terrific in the Bill Ritchie, drops significantly in weight and is simply a winner.
Good luck!
The Turnbull Stakes Day, Melbourne
The Countdown continues for the $15million TAB Everest with two slots remaining to be filled for the world’s richest race on turf on October 17.
During the week, three leading chances were snapped up by the likes of miEverest securing Eduardo, The Whitby Group locking down Trekking while Santa Ana Lane was taken by Coolmore.
That means all eyes will be on the likes of Libertini, Standout and Fasika in the Premiere Stakes, who if they beat or run good races against Nature Strip and Classique Legend they could easily pick up one of the remaining two slots.
At Flemington the big sprint is the Gilgai Stakes which has the Everest bound Santa Ana Lane second favourite behind Tofane.
While later in the day Caulfield and Melbourne Cup credentials go on the line in the Turnbull Stakes.
The Chris Waller trained Kiwi Very Elleegant is the favourite, ahead of Surprise Baby with the horse to watch for mine being Master Of Wine, who’s a stayer of enormous potential.
Good Punting.