Group 1 racing in Sydney continues at Randwick Racecourse on Saturday with the three-year-old Derby types facing off in the Spring Champion Stakes 2024, betting for which has the in-form El Castello as the firming favourite.
While the spring action may be hitting its peak at The Valley with the Ladbrokes Cox Plate on Saturday, the Sydney race fans are still treated to a bumper race card headlined by the Group 1 $2 million Spring Champion Stakes (2000m).
Markets are now led by the airborne Anthony Cummings-trained colt El Castello who chases a fourth straight win this time in following his lead-up victory in the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m).
In the Gloaming he beat Swiftfalcon by nearly two lengths and the duo will face off in round two at elite level on the weekend up in distance to the 2000m with an eye on a potential Group 1 $3 million Victoria Derby (2500m) run at Flemington Saturday week.
The last horse to complete the Gloaming Stakes – Spring Champion Stakes double was Sharp ‘N’ Smart (2022) and the money is coming for El Castello to be the next.
Josh Parr retains the ride on the talented galloper and proven Randwick performer from gate eight with the horse expected to see out the distance without a worry based on his big winning margin last time out.
Spring Champion Stakes odds on El Castello have firmed in from $4 to $3.70 seeing him surpass one-time favourite Swiftfalcon as the punters’ pick.
Gloaming runner-up Swiftfalcon is the obvious danger now on the second line of Spring Champion betting at $4 (out from $3.20 at Ladbrokes.com.au) to turn the tables on his last start conqueror.
The Hawkes Racing-trained son of Exceedance won three on the trot including a big win fresh this prep carrying a hefty 61.5kg to victory at Flemington before his Listed Dulcify Quality win by two lengths at Randwick over the mile on October 5.
He is wider out in gate 11 on Saturday with Jay Ford continuing associations and so will need to be tough to go one better than his Gloaming run.
In a tight top half of the markets the other top elect following closely at $4.40 is the rails-drawn Henlein for Anthony & Sam Freedman.
Tommy Berry partners the nicely bred Dundeel colt whose latest start produced a sixth in the Gloaming.
The run prior at The Valley he was second to Evaporate, a Ladbrokes Cox Plate contender against the older horses this Saturday, in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes over a mile.
He had a wide draw in the Gloaming and gets a better run now from gate one looking to close the gap.
The Nathan Doyle-trained Harlem Queen at $6 completes the current single figure fancies with the Brutal filly looking to beat home the boys.
Since 2016 three fillies have won the Spring Champion Stakes with Montefilia in 2020 the most recent.
The bonny bay is working her way through the ranks quickly stringing together two lower grade wins before going straight to Group 1 level on Epsom Day when second at a big price in the Group 1 Flight Stakes.
She comes back from 56kg to 54.5kg and has Sam Clipperton in the saddle on Saturday in gate seven.
The 2024 Spring Champion Stakes is set to run as Randwick Race 7 at 4:00pm (AEDT) on Saturday’s 10-race card.
Spring Champion Stakes 2024 Odds & Results
| Runner Details | Win | Place |
|---|---|---|
|
1st
1. El Castello (7)
J: Josh Parr 56.5kg
T: Anthony Cummings |
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|
2nd
3. Henlein (1)
J: Tommy Berry 56.5kg
T: A & S Freedman |
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|
3rd
4. Firm Agreement (9)
J: Tom Sherry 56.5kg
T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald |
||
|
4th
8. Harlem Queen (6)
J: Sam Clipperton 54.5kg
T: Nathan Doyle |
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|
5th
10. Pleasure Artist (4)
J: Jason Collett 54.5kg
T: R & W Freedman |
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|
6th
2. Swiftfalcon (10)
J: Jay Ford 56.5kg
T: M, W & J Hawkes |
||
|
7th
9. Rag Queen (5)
J: Chad Schofield 54.5kg
T: David Payne |
||
|
8th
11. Noises (8)
J: Andrew Adkins 54.5kg
T: Brad Widdup |
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|
9th
7. Flying Argento (2)
J: Zac Lloyd 56.5kg
T: Gary Portelli |
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|
10th
6. Due Calzini (3)
J: Kerrin McEvoy 56.5kg
T: Danielle Seib |
Data retrieved: 22/11/2024 01:14:52 PM (Australia/Brisbane)
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Race comments
SWIFTFALCON (2) exciting gelding who got too far out of his ground when running on late to secure second in the G3 Gloaming Stakes over 1800m at Rosehill on October 12. Primed now fourth up over 2000m and will appreciate the roomier Randwick track. The one to beat. EL CASTELLO (1) has gone to a new level this prep and chasing his fourth straight win. Sat just off the good tempo and asserted his authority late when a tough winner in the G3 Gloaming Stakes at Rosehill over 1800m at latest. The 2000m shouldn't pose a problem and he's sure to be thereabouts again. HENLEIN (3) snagged back from the poor draw and failed to get into the contest when a plugging sixth in the G3 Gloaming Stakes. Up to his preferred trip now and the visors go on for the first time. Sure to be strong late. HARLEM QUEEN (8) progressive Brutal filly who jumped sharply in grade when a gritty second over 1600m in the G1 Flight Stakes here on October 5. Can take a hand in the finish. The chances don't end there.