Front Page is out to carve his own place in Australian racing folklore on Saturday with the dual defending champion favourite to make it a three-peat in the 2024 The Kosciuszko race on The Everest Day.
Royal Randwick hosts its biggest and best race day of the year with phenomenal prize funds on offer across the exciting 10-race card including $2 million in The Kosciuszko (1200m).
The richest race for country trained gallopers, the sprint showdown has been dominated by one horse the past two years with Front Page successfully defending his title last year leading from barrier to box.
The Matthew Dale-trained Magnus gelding kicks off another campaign in the set weights plus penalties event this year looking to add to his terrific first-up record (9:5-1-1).
The now eight-year-old nearly stole the show in the Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m) when third fresh in the autumn at elite level and is drawn ideally in gate five with super hoop James McDonald riding.
At his latest he was fourth in Eagle Farm’s Group 2 Victory Stakes back in early May, a race won by Antino who has firmly franked that form this spring including his powerhouse 6.5 length Group 1 Toorak triumph at Caulfield last weekend.
The latest The Kosciuszko odds at Ladbrokes.com.au have Front Page at to make it a hat-trick and he looks a deserving and hard to beat favourite.
The danger occupying the second line of The Kosciuszko betting this spring into $6.50 is the early market mover Far Too Easy drawn the rails.
Third in the race last year, the now six-year-old son of All Too Hard was last seen running a brave fourth just over a length beaten with 61kg at Eagle Farm over 1000m on September 14.
The extra metres will suit him now as will the slight bit of weight relief down to 59kg with big race specialist Craig Williams in the saddle.
Despite the capacity The Kosciuszko field just one other runner is currently under double figures for the win with $7 third elect Boom Torque an in-form stablemate to the favourite.
Nash Rawiller partners the Spirit Of Boom five-year-old from gate two this weekend with Boom Torque catching the eye at Rosehill last start back in mid-September when third to Encap in the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes.
Other The Kosciuszko contenders to consider as the potential value in the race this year including the airborne Compelling Truth chasing a hat-trick with Mark Zahra coming aboard for the ride and the Brett Robb-trained Zoustar gelding Gallant Star from Dubbo coming off a lead-up win back home with plenty more weight.
The 2024 The Kosciuszko is scheduled to run as Randwick Race 5 at 2:50pm (AEDT) with the latest markets from Ladbrokes.com.au available by clicking here.
The Kosciuszko 2024 Odds
| Runner Details | Win | Place |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Bandi's Boy (6)
J: Jay Ford 60kg
T: Danny Williams |
||
| Last start ran last of 7 at this track in the G2 Premiere on October 5 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Airman carrying 58.5kg at $101. Before that 10th of 12 at this track in the G3 Concorde on September 7 over 1000m, 4 len behind I Am Me carrying 58kg at $151. Back in grade and can return to form. | ||
|
2. Far Too Easy (1)
J: Craig Williams 59kg
T: David McColm |
||
| Second run back. First-up after eight months came home strongly from last on the turn; 4th of 8 at Eagle Farm Qlty on September 14 over 1000m, 1.4 len behind Nashira carrying 61kg at $4.50. Previously second-up 4th of 17 at Gold Coast in the LR Mm Cup on January 13 over 1400m, 2.25 len behind Semana carrying 59kg at $5. Fitter now and finished third in this race last year. | ||
|
3. Front Page (5)
J: James McDonald 59kg
T: Matthew Dale |
||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of five-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign fourth of 9 at Eagle Farm in the G2 Victory Stakes May 4 over 1200m, soft track; 4 len behind Antino carrying 58.5kg at $7. First up last campaign third of 14 at Rosehill in the G1 The Galaxy March 23 over 1100m, a neck behind Zapateo carrying 52.5kg at $13. Won this race last year and he has a dynamite fresh record; goes close. | ||
|
4. At Witz End (4)
J: Samantha Collett 59kg
T: Daniel Bowen |
||
| Second-up. First-up after three months 9th of 14 at Toowoomba in the LR Weetwood on September 28 over 1200m, on a wet track; 4.5 len behind Hidden Wealth with 57kg at $16. Previously second-up made ground from midfield; 2nd of 9 at Lismore Untamed Bm91 on September 21 2023 over 1210m, 1.2 len behind Fortyfive Parklane with 61.5kg at $11. Has won second up and he finally draws a good gate; value prospect. | ||
|
5. Boom Torque (2)
J: Nash Rawiller 59kg
T: Matthew Dunn |
||
| Racing well. Comes off a 35 day let-up. Last start made some head-way from midfield; 3rd of 13 at Rosehill in the G2 Theo Marks on September 14 over 1300m, 1.4 len behind Encap with 53kg at $6.50. The race before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.4 len at Doomben Cl6-Sw August 24 over 1200m defeating Manhood carrying 60kg at $2.80. Back sharply in grade and no excuses from the good gate. | ||
|
6. Elson Boy (8)
J: Tommy Berry 58.5kg
T: Dar Lunn |
||
| Second run back. First-up after three months did the work up front then tired 6th of 15 at this track Bm94 on October 5 over 1200m, 2 len behind Ostraka with 55.5kg at $41. Previously second-up won by 0.5 len at Dubbo Bm50 December 23 over 1400m on a soft track defeating Avalicious with 62kg at $10. Fitter now and can sneak into the minor money. | ||
|
7. Cavalier Charles (3)
J: Nick Heywood 58.5kg
T: Matthew Dale |
||
| Most recently 4th of 13 at this track Bm88 on September 21 over 1200m, 3 len behind Moravia carrying 58.5kg at $10. The race before that 6th of 9 at Rosehill Bm88 on August 17 over 1200m, on a slow track; 1.5 len behind Kazou with 58.5kg at $5.50. Not keen on his chances. | ||
|
8. Compelling Truth (13)
J: Mark Zahra 58kg
T: MacK Griffith |
||
| Going well. Comes off a 34 day let-up. Last start favourite; ran on from midfield and won by 0.5 len at Bathurst Panorama September 15 over 1300m on a rain affected track defeating Debello with 61.5kg at $2.60. The race before that favourite; won by 1.5 len at Doomben Cg&E Nmw August 31 over 1200m defeating Bullion Boy carrying 58.5kg at $2.60. Stays in the calculations. | ||
|
9. Asgarda (12)
J: Billy Owen 56kg
T: Doug Gorrel |
||
| Second-up. First-up after five months won by 0.8 len at Wagga Flying Bm82 September 21 over 1000m defeating Flying Season with 62kg at $3. Previously second-up 2nd of 15 at Albury Sdra Champ on February 18 over 1400m, neck behind Bianco Vilano carrying 55.5kg at $4. Goes into the exotics. | ||
|
10. Tribeca Star (7)
J: Blake Shinn 56kg
T: Matthew Dunn |
||
| Most recently 3rd of 9 at Doomben Bm85 on October 5 over 1200m, 2.25 len behind Bubba's Bay carrying 57.5kg at $3. The race before that 2nd of 7 at Eagle Farm Cl6-Sw on September 14 over 1200m, nose behind Manhood carrying 57kg at $2.50. Hard to fault of late and Blake Shinn rides. | ||
|
11. Gallant Star (10)
J: Jason Collett 55.5kg
T: Brett Robb |
||
| Second-up. First-up after six months favourite; ran on from midfield and won by 1.0 len at Dubbo Flying Hcp Bm87 September 29 over 1100m defeating Lonhro's Queen with 60kg at $3. Previously second-up favourite; won by a long-neck at this track Highway-C3 December 30 over 1200m defeating Life's A Party carrying 59kg at $3.30. Must be kept safe. | ||
|
12. Tanglewood (9)
J: Josh Parr 55.5kg
T: Todd Howlett |
||
| Third-up today. Resuming won by a head at Randwick Kensington Bm72 September 11 over 1000m defeating Negotiations carrying 58.5kg at $5. Second run from a spell 5th of 11 at Rosehill Bm78 on September 28 over 1100m, on a slow track; 2 len behind Peace Treaty with 56.5kg at $7. Rates highly and looks great each way value. | ||
|
13. Kreon (14)
J: Kerrin McEvoy 55kg
T: Danny Williams |
||
| At the latest run tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 5th of 11 at Rosehill Bm78 on October 12 over 1100m, 2.5 len behind Pharari with 53kg at $10. The race before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 6th of 11 at Rosehill Bm78 on September 28 over 1100m, on a slow track; 2.25 len behind Peace Treaty carrying 53kg at $17. Outclassed from the gate. | ||
|
14. Martini Mumma (11)
J: Brenton Avdulla 53.5kg
T: Matthew Dale |
||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up held ground to the line 3rd of 7 at this track Mares Bm78 on September 7 over 1100m, 2.75 len behind Spring Lee with 56.5kg at $2.50. Last start 9th of 11 at Rosehill Bm78 on September 28 over 1100m, slow going 3 len behind Peace Treaty carrying 54.5kg at $14. No shock to see her figure in the minor money. | ||
|
15. Super Helpful (15)
J: Adam Hyeronimus 58.5kg
T: B Joseph & P & M Jones |
||
| Dual acceptor. First-up. Finished off last preparation second last of 13 at this track Bm94 May 25 over 1600m, soft track; 13 len behind Iknowastar carrying 58.5kg at $26. When resuming last campaign fourth of 8 at Canberra in the LR Nat Sprint March 10 over 1400m, soft track; 5.5 len behind Coin Toss carrying 54kg at $3. Unlikely to worry these from the draw. | ||
|
16. Sir Ravanelli (16)
J: Darryl McLellan 58.5kg
T: Terry Evans |
||
| Second run back. Comes off a 49-day let-up. First-up after three months 8th of 11 at Rosehill Bm78 on August 31 over 1100m, 5 len behind Briasa carrying 59.5kg at $26. Previously second-up made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 10 at Canterbury Bm78 on April 17 over 1100m, nose behind Curtis Island with 58kg at $4.50. Has a strong second-up record but looks tested again. | ||
|
17. King Gutho (17)
J: Jamie Kah 56.5kg
T: Joe Cleary |
||
| At the latest run won by 1.0 len at Moruya Open Bm85 October 4 over 1010m defeating Abstruse with 57.5kg at $5.50. The race before that 3rd in a small field at Wagga Flying Bm82 on September 21 over 1000m, 2.5 len behind Asgarda carrying 59kg at $4. Favouring others. | ||
|
18. Atmospheric Rock (18)
J: Unknown 55.5kg
T: Danny Williams |
||
| Dual acceptor. At the latest run 7th of 13 at this track Bm88 on September 21 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Moravia with 53kg at $5.50. The start before that 3rd of 14 at this track Highway-C3 on September 7 over 1200m, 2.25 len behind Melody Again carrying 62kg at $3.50. Looking to others. | ||
Data retrieved: 18/10/2024 09:53 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
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Race comments
FRONT PAGE (3) resumes from a lengthy break after having mixed fortunes in tougher company last time in. Gave them a galloping lesson when leading throughout to take this race out in good style last year. Fitted with the one 900m trial and he has a slick first up record. AT WITZ END (4) tough Lismore trained gelding who finally draws a decent gate. Total forgive first-up from the outside gate when ninth in the LR Weetwood at Toowoomba in the heavy going on September 28. Can stalk the good tempo today and his recent 1000m trial win was full of merit. Keep safe. FAR TOO EASY (2) finished third in the race last year and he resumed in good order with the 61kg when fourth over 1000m at Eagle Farm on September 14. Fitted with a recent trial win at the Gold Coast and expected to go close. BOOM TORQUE (5) consistent gelding who only has to repeat his solid third in the G2 Theo Marks Stakes over 1300m at Rosehill, to play a leading role here. Fitted with a 1050m trial win and sure to go close.