THE STAR DONCASTER AND ATC AUSTRALIAN DERBY HEADLINE BLOCKBUSTER DAY
2 April, 2025
One of Australia’s biggest days of racing including four Group 1 highlights opens Day One of The Star Championships at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Royal Randwick’s renowned Group 1 $4 million The Star Doncaster Mile has a capacity field of 20 runners and one of the widest open betting events in recent decades of the famous race.
The time-honoured Group 1 $2 million Australian Derby, a world-class sprint field in the Group 1 $3 million Asahi Super Dry TJ Smith Stakes and the Group 1 $1 million Inglis Sires are part of a huge 10-race card of 163 entries.
Australian Turf Club Head of Racing and Wagering Nevesh Ramdhani said Saturday’s raceday was highly anticipated.
“Saturday at Royal Randwick features not only Australia’s best horses, jockeys and trainers but competition from around the world,’’ Mr Ramdhani said.
“The Star Championships at Royal Randwick and the great tradition of Doncaster-Derby Day make this one of Sydney’s favourite weekends on the sporting calendar.’’
Randwick Guineas winner Linebacker trained by John O’Shea and Tom Charlton and with young gun jockey Zac Lloyd aboard opens a $5.50 TAB favourite in the Star Doncaster Mile.
The three-year-old is looking to emulate last year’s winner Celestial Legend in winning both races and become the eight of his age group in the past 20 years to win The Star Doncaster.
Godolphin’s Tom Kitten for James Cummings and Ben Melham is a $6 second TAB favourite ahead of the Ciaron Maher trained pair of Another Wil (Jamie Melham) and Gringotts (Tommy Berry) both at $8 TAB.
Horses in the top three of betting have a good record in the Star Doncaster – providing 13 of the past 20 winners.
Japan will be represented by Geoglyph, a $26 TAB chance for trainer Tetsuya Kimura and jockey Damien Lane.
The Chris Waller trained filly Aeliana is the early $3.60 TAB favourite in the ATC Australian Derby with Damien Lane to ride.
Only nine fillies in the history of the race – first run in 1861 – have won, with the previous being Shamrocker in 2011.
Kiwi visitor Willydoit for trainers Shaun and Emma Clotworthy and jockey Michael Dee is a $4.40 second TAB elect in the capacity field of 18 runners.
New Zealand trained horses have won six of the past 20 ATC Australian Derbys.
Some of Australia’s best sprinters line up in the Group 1 $3 million Asahi Super Dry TJ Smith Stakes – with Chris Waller’s star mare Joliestar at $3.60 TAB for jockey Damien Lane, ahead of Briasa for Hawkes Racing and Tyler Schiller at $4.60 TAB.
Overpass for Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker and jockey Josh Parr is at $7 TAB.
The Group 1 $1 million Inglis Sires sees a return clash from the second and fourth placegetters in the TAB Golden Slipper – Wodeton $2.80 TAB (Chris Waller/Ryan Moore) and Rivellino at $4.20 TAB (Kris Lees/Hugh Bowman).
Of the past 20 Inglis Sires’ winners 12 have come through the TAB Golden Slipper.
Full fields for Royal Randwick are available here and full TAB markets are found here.
For all racing, general and ticketing information click here.
AUSTRALIAN TURF CLUB MEDIA CONTACT:
Brett de Vine
0419 613 455
Similar Stories
Sydney’s Golden Spring Run Continues on Bumper Card at Rosehill Gardens
A clash of some of Australia’s best three-year-olds heading towards a sought-after Group 1 event is one of many highlights..
ATC CEO Calls For Historic International Showdown in Sydney
Ka Ying Rising, Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi! Australian Turf Club CEO Steve McMahon has called on racing’s powerbrokers to..
Spring Launches Everest Hopes on a Day Full of Stars at Royal Randwick
A leading pathway race to the $20 million TAB Everest and three more feature Group races brings Spring excitement to..
