September 10, 2015
The Sydney Spring Carnival bursts into action at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday with the first
Group 1 of the season, the $1 million De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose, featuring a select field
and a battle between some of the world’s best jockeys and trainers.
Three of the powerhouses of the Sydney training ranks, premier trainers Chris Waller, John
O’Shea and his Godolphin team, and the queen of Sydney racing Gai Waterhouse, dominate the
TAB.com.au market.
The world’s biggest training operation Godolphin has three excellent chances – hulking
Lonhro colt and favourite Exosphere ($3 TAB Fixed Odds), Shards ($12 TAB Fixed Odds) and
Holler ($14 TAB Fixed Odds).
Five-time Sydney Trainers Premiership winner Chris Waller saddles up second favourite
Press Statement ($3.60 TAB Fixed Odds), closely followed in the betting by Gai Waterhouse’s
star filly Speak Fondly ($4.40 TAB Fixed Odds).
The training talent is matched by the line up of jockeys: the world-renowned Joao “Magic
Man” Moreira and fellow Hong Kong-based Brett Prebble; Jim Cassidy, just one of three riders
to have won more than 100 Group 1 races in Australian history; and Sydney young guns
James McDonald and Tommy Berry.
These are just some of the star attractions on the track this Saturday to start the Sydney
Spring Carnival – two months of world-class racing combined with an array of fun and
entertainment options.
General admission tickets purchased for this Saturday at www.theraces.com.au will receive a
complimentary flute of Emeri Pink Sparkling, amongst on-course offers that include a chance
to win prizes for the best Instagram photos, displayed on the giant infield superscreen.
A DJ will keep the fun flowing at the Main Stage Bar trackside throughout the day as Rosehill
Gardens warms up in tune with Sydney’s Spring weather.
Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Darren Pearce said this Saturday at Rosehill
Gardens was the first taste of the best of Sydney Spring and its world-class racing.
“The next two months see the eyes of Australia and the world on racing, and in Sydney the
ATC has offered an extra $2 million in prizemoney on the track, and a host of entertainment
and hospitality options to go with it,” Mr Pearce said.
On Saturday, the $1 million De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose is the feature event on a strong
eight-race card, including several wide-open betting races.
The De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose contains winners of the Rosebud, Run ToThe Rose, Up And
Coming Stakes, Vain Stakes and Furious Stakes.
A cracking full field lines up in race seven, the Group 2 $200,000 Theo Marks Stakes, headed
by Chris Waller’s star mare Winx ($4.20 TAB Fixed Odds), the promising Messene ($6 TAB
Fixed Odds) trained by Hawkes Racing, and Gai’s Group 1-winning mare Amanpour ($11 TAB
Fixed Odds).
Saturday’s card also sees two Group 3 races – the Sky Thoroughbred Central Kingston Town
Stakes, and the Irresistable Pools Sheraco Stakes, which features a clash between Bounding
($1.90 TAB Fixed Odds) and one of Sydney racing’s favourites, grey mare Catkins ($3.80 TAB
Fixed Odds).
And for those looking for a big collect, the popular NSW TAB Quaddie on the winners of the
last four races has a $100,000 jackpot and a guaranteed total prize pool of at least $500,000.
Tickets to the inaugural Women In Racing Lunch at Rosehill Gardens’ second big day of the
Sydney Spring Carnival on Saturday 26 September – Ronald McDonald House Westmead
Golden Pendant Day – continue to sell fast at www.theraces.com.au or by calling 1300 729
668.
Rosehill Gardens offers free parking in its infield spaces via Unwin Street and in areas off
James Ruse Drive, for the public and ATC Members, as well as scheduled trains services which
arrive directly outside the main gates.
Free high-capacity WiFi is available across the racecourse precinct.
For all ticketing, hospitality, racing and general information go to www.theraces.com.au
Photo: Bradley Photos