RACING TO WIN AND MENTALITY SPEARHEAD THE NOMINATIONS
THE past two winners of the $303,300 Group 1 George Main Stakes (1600m), Racing To Win and Mentality, have nominated for this Saturday’s race at Royal Randwick.
John O’Shea’s in form grey Racing To Win won the weight-for-age classic in 2006 as favourite and is likely to start in similar fashion on Saturday.
The race was not held in 2007 due to the Equine Influenza outbreak.
Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes’ Mentality won the George Main in 2008 while Racing To Win was injured - setting up an exciting battle for 2009 honours.
Joe Pride’s 2009 AJC Doncaster Mile winner Vision and Power and Chris Waller’s 2008 AJC Doncaster Mile winner Triple Honour will be two of the strongest challengers from the 13 nominations.
Others include 2008 Metropolitan winner Newport, Stradbroke Handicap winner Black Piranha and Group 1 placed horses including Court Command and Rock Kingdom.
John Thompson’s Onemorenomore, who won the Group 1 Champagne Stakes as a two year old, is the first three year old to try and win the George Main since Viscount in 2001.
The $151,800 Group 2 Stan Fox Stakes (1400m) will see Darley superstar Denman trying for his seventh consecutive win.
Gerald Ryan’s Ready To Lift, Marc Connor’s Mr Clangtastic and Murray and Bjorn Baker’s popular Mr Tipsy (NZ) have all nominated for the $150,000 Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality Handicap (2400m) on Saturday.
The winner from the 15 nominated horses will receive direct entry into the $350,000 Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) on Saturday October 3.
Peter Snowden’s Purple, Gai Waterhouse’s Faulconbridge and Gerald Ryan’s Equable are among 10 nominations for the $126,450 Group 3 Bill Ritchie Handicap on Saturday, a lead in race for the $600,000 Group 1 Arrowfield Epsom Handicap (1600m) on October 3.
George Main Stakes Day is the official launch of the AJC Spring Racing Carnival. It’s also the inaugural Spring Ladies Day at Royal Randwick.
Fashion spotters will be on track to award David Jones gift cards, dozens of roses and bottles of Moet & Chandon to the best Spring racing outfits.
Justin North of Becasse has created a bespoke menu for the Celebrity Chef lunch in the Oaks Lawn Marquee to be MC’d by Adam Williams. All funds raised are to be donated to the Sydney Children’s Hospital.
For those looking for a fun filled event don’t forget the Hats, Heels and Handbags girls lunch. (All details are available on our website royalrandwick.com).
George Main Stakes Day is bound to be the beginning of a great month of Spring Racing at Royal Randwick.
AUSTRALIAN JOCKEY CLUB MEDIA RELEASE
Contact: Rod Allen 0419 692 856
