This Saturday’s Randwick meet provides punters lots to sit up for, with the Civic Stakes (1400m) drawing 27 nominations for a race with solely 16 spots out there. Among the many doable starters are a number of confirmed gallopers with triple-figure scores, together with Iknowastar (105), Willaidow (103), and two UK-bred runners in Welawal (104) and Mighty Ulysses (101).
Iknowastar may very well be one to look at if his workforce decides to run. His solely race this 12 months was a last-place end in Group 3 firm behind Stradbroke Handicap winner Warfare Machine, however he’s proven kind in current barrier trials. The Civic Stakes isn’t the one race pulling in robust nominations, both. A Benchmark 94 Handicap over 1200m has additionally drawn 27 entries, together with Godolphin’s promising Kerguelen, who has gained three and positioned in one other three of his six profession begins.
Why These Races Matter
For anybody trying to guess in Australia, secure Aussie sportsbooks provide one of the vital established and energetic betting environments on the planet. With bookmakers, detailed kind guides, and intensive protection of metropolitan and nation conferences alike, Australian horse racing continues to be a significant attraction.
So, for those who’re eager to plan a day on the observe, listed below are the race days throughout the nation which are price seeing in individual.
Melbourne Cup, Flemington, VIC
Held on the primary Tuesday of November, the Melbourne Cup is essentially the most well-known race within the nation. It attracts worldwide runners, fashion-conscious crowds, and thousands and thousands of {dollars} in betting turnover. It’s a two-mile handicap with a deep subject and unpredictable outcomes. That is the one race day the place even individuals who don’t comply with racing all 12 months nonetheless become involved.
The Everest, Randwick, NSW
Regardless of solely being launched in 2017, The Everest has change into a standout occasion. With huge prize cash and a high subject of sprinters, it’s a magnet for racing followers throughout the nation. It’s run over 1200 metres and has added a significant drawcard to the Sydney spring racing season.
Cox Plate, Moonee Valley, VIC
This is without doubt one of the most revered weight-for-age races on the calendar. Held in late October, the Cox Plate is run at Moonee Valley, a good observe that produces shut and thrilling finishes. It’s the race that’s seen champions like Winx, So You Suppose, and Sunline at their finest.
Stradbroke Handicap, Eagle Farm, QLD
That is Queensland’s greatest race and sits proper in the course of the winter racing season. It’s a Group 1 over 1400m and all the time attracts a robust subject. The 2025 version was gained by Warfare Machine (NZ), who’s shortly changing into one of many extra talked-about horses in coaching. The Stradbroke continues to be a key cease for horses chasing sprinting honours outdoors the most important Sydney and Melbourne carnivals.
Magic Tens of millions, Gold Coast, QLD
The Magic Tens of millions isn’t only a race day, it’s a week-long occasion constructed across the well-known yearling gross sales. The races are restricted to horses purchased on the Magic Tens of millions auctions, however that doesn’t take away from the usual. The 2YO Traditional specifically has been a launchpad for future stars. The occasion is held in January and affords one thing a bit totally different from the standard metro race days.
Adelaide Cup, Morphettville, SA
Run over 3200m in March, the Adelaide Cup is South Australia’s greatest staying race and carries loads of native assist. It’s a public vacation within the state and provides racegoers a extra relaxed environment in comparison with the high-pressure scenes of Melbourne and Sydney. Whereas the prize cash doesn’t examine with the Cup or Everest, it’s an pleasurable and historic day trip.
Civic Stakes Day, Randwick, NSW
Whereas not a headline occasion, days like this Saturday at Randwick present how aggressive Australian racing will be even outdoors the large carnivals. With oversubscribed fields and a very good mixture of seasoned runners and new expertise, these race days are sometimes the place you notice future group winners earlier than they change into family names. The observe is rated a Gentle 7, and the rail is out three metres, which may swimsuit horses coming off a quiet path and trying to bounce again.
Australian racing isn’t confined to a couple huge dates on the calendar. Whether or not you’re at Flemington with a crowd of 100,000 or watching a Benchmark dash at Randwick on a delicate observe, there’s loads of motion to take pleasure in. Each state has its headline races, and loads of regional tracks additionally provide robust playing cards and native favourites.
