February 4, 2015
A total of 170 horses remain in the running for Sydney’s iconic race – the world’s richest race for two year olds, the Group 1 $3.5 million Tooheys New Golden Slipper. Second acceptances for the Australian Turf Club’s signature race at Rosehill Gardens on 21 March closed yesterday, with an even split between the boys and girls (85 fillies, 77 colts and 8 geldings). All of the horses at the top of TAB.com.au betting – from Gai Waterhouse’s $6 favourite Vancouver, and John O’Shea’s Godolphin pair Ottoman and Furnaces ($8 TAB Fixed Odds) – through to the top 17 in betting, priced at or below $26, have paid up.
With just three weeks between both of the major two year old races this year, many of the leading chances in the Blue Diamond Stakes have also paid up for the Tooheys New Golden Slipper. Fontiton, Secret Agenda, Lake Geneva, Of The Brave and Flamboyant Lass – the top five in TAB.com.au Blue Diamond markets – are among second acceptances for the Tooheys New Golden Slipper. Seven horses still entered for the Tooheys New Golden Slipper have yet to be named. Among the leading stables with the highest number of Tooheys New Golden Slipper second acceptances are Godolphin and Gai Waterhouse each with 17, followed by Hawkes Racing (14), David Hayes (12) and Paul Perry and Gerald Ryan with eight.
Queensland trainer Gillian Heinrich still has six acceptances along with leading Melbourne trainer Mick Price, who has five. Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Darren Pearce said the $3.5 million Tooheys New Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday 21 March would be the centrepiece of Australia’s biggest Group 1 day of racing. “With five Group 1 races on Tooheys New Golden Slipper Day, there is no bigger day of ‘majors’, and punters and racing fans are set for something extra special,’’ Mr Pearce said. “There have been some outstanding performances from two year olds already this year, particularly in Sydney from Furnaces, Ottoman and Vancouver, and the race is shaping as one of the very best in recent memory. “Everyone should get their tickets early at www.theraces.com.au.’’
For the full list of second acceptances for the Tooheys New Golden Slipper go to https://www.australianturfclub.com.au/races/GoldenSlipperNomsAccs.aspx Final acceptances for the Tooheys New Golden Slipper will be taken on Tuesday 17 March ahead of the Australian Turf Club’s Trackwork With The Stars and slipper barrier draw at Rosehill Gardens.
Photo: Bradley Photos