February 18, 2016
The road to the 2016 Longines Golden Slipper will continue this Saturday, 20 February with Blackwoods Silver Slipper Day at Rosehill Gardens.
Patrons will be able to see Group racing for as little as $20 when purchasing the Summer Super Saver. The Summer Super Saver offers $45 worth of value including entry to the racecourse, one standard drink, one Vili’s pie, a $5 TAB voucher and free entry to Chipping Norton Stakes Day at Royal Randwick on 27 February.
Racing fans on-course will be able to have their photo taken with the prestigious Longines Golden Slipper trophy at the Todman statue between 11.30am and 1.00pm, before heading trackside to watch the Group 2 $250,000 Uvex Silver Slipper Stakes, where the winner will secure ballot exemption from the Longines Golden Slipper on 19 March.
This year’s edition of the race sees Astern for John O’Shea open as the short priced $1.80 TAB Fixed Odds favourite. The colt powered home for a 2.5 Length win in his only race start on 5 December 2015, and also impressed in a barrier trial on 8 February.
Peter and Paul Snowden’s Defcon ($2.80 TAB Fixed Odds) closely follows on the second line of betting. The son of Choisir finished second on a Heavy track in his maiden start.
Australian Turf Club Chief Operating Officer Tony Partridge acknowledged the significance of Saturday’s feature events.
“There are only four short weeks until the 60th running of the Golden Slipper, and it is widely recognised that the Uvex Silver Slipper Stakes plays a major role in shaping the final field for the world’s richest two-year-old race,’’ said Mr Partridge.
“In recent years Mossfun and Pierro have both taken out the race prior to making their winning run in Rosehill Gardens’ showpiece event.
“Local favourite Catkins will also be making her return to the track where she will begin her campaign to, what will hopefully be, her first Group 1 win.”
Catkins ($2.10 TAB Fixed Odds) for Chris Waller is one of seven contenders lining up in the Group 2 $175,000 Galmet Millie Fox Stakes. Proven over the distance, the stunning grey will be competitive on her home track.
The six-year-old has been favoured over John Thompson-trained First Seal ($2.80 TAB Fixed Odds) who has not raced since April 2015 following injury.
A strong field of 13 will face the starter in the Group 2 $400,000 CRC Hobartville Stakes.
Punters have supported Press Statement ($2.60 TAB Fixed Odds) from the Waller yard who boasts a race record of five wins from seven starts.
Last start winner, Spill The Beans ($5.00 TAB Fixed Odds) for Gerald Ryan will step up in distance this run and will be challenged by the Good track conditions, having only previously won on a Soft surface.
Following the conclusion of the first race, Chris Waller’s international import, Storm the Stars, will run in an Exhibition Gallop over 1000m.
Public gates will 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.