November 26, 2015
Celebrate the start of the festive season trackside this Saturday, 28 November at Thoroughbred Breeders NSW Festival Stakes Day at Rosehill Gardens.
In what will be a fabulous day of entertainment for the whole family, patrons will be able to sing along with Christmas carolers or relax to great live music from a brass band.
While adults can enjoy a day of live racing action, the little ones will be able to meet Santa who will be stopping by with his helper to give away candy canes to all the boys and girls who have been good this year.
The children will continue to be entertained throughout the afternoon by the array of free activities on course including a Christmas arts and craft corner, face painter and pony rides.
Australian Turf Club Chief Operating Officer Tony Partridge said the Club was hoping to spread some Christmas cheer.
“This Saturday at Rosehill Gardens gives racegoers the chance to kick off the festive season and enjoy the tail end of what was a great spring racing season,” said Mr Partridge.
“We are hosting a range of free activities for the kids which is always popular with parents passionate about quality Sydney class racing.”
Trackside, patrons will have the chance to watch multiple Group 1 winner Preferment in an Exhibition Gallop before he travels to contest the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase on 13 December. Preferment will be on the course proper following Race 2.
The headline race of the day is the $150,000 Listed Sky Thoroughbred Central Festival Stakes.
Frespanol, trained by Gai Waterhouse, opened as the $4.60 TAB Fixed Odds favourite after a narrow second place last start to Zanbagh ($15.00 TAB Fixed Odds) who will also face the starter in the feature.
It’s Somewhat from the John O’Shea stable has also been shown support at $5.00 TAB Fixed Odds. The gelding will return to the track for the first time since overcoming a virus which forced his spring campaign to be abandoned.
All eyes will be on the fifth race on the card, the $100,000 Listed The HQ Insurance Starlight Stakes. Dublin Lass ($2.60 TAB Fixed Odds) will have her first run in Sydney since April in what will be a wide open race.
Dublin Lass will find worthy competition in Howmuchdoyouloveme ($4.80 TAB Fixed Odds) for Con Karakatsanis and Fiftyshadesofgrey ($11.00 TAB Fixed Odds) for Marc Conners. Both will be looking for back-to-back wins this campaign.
A field of 14 runners will line up in the $85,000 Ranvet Handicap with Chris Waller-trained Religify ($3.60 TAB Fixed Odds) the favored. With a race record of five wins from eight starts and recent strong barrier trial form, he will be hard to beat.
Top weight Sure And Fast ($4.80 TAB Fixed Odds) will also be competitive despite an unimpressive seventh place last start. Proven over the distance, the gelding will be partnered with Josh Parr who guided the chestnut to a solid win on 30 September at Rosehill Gardens.
Gates Open at 11.30am with the first race at 12.40pm.
Rosehill Gardens has free high-capacity WiFi across the racecourse precinct.
There is free public parking off James Ruse Drive as well as free parking in the infield from the Unwin Road entrance.