Media Release: Royal Randwick / AJC

The big guns in the $1.5 million Group 1 Emirates Doncaster Mile (1600m) will be starting from wide gates after the barrier draw was conducted today.

Favourite Typhoon Tracy drew barrier 14 and her main rival Danleigh drew barrier 15 in the draw that was held at the Emirates Marquee at Royal Randwick.

The highly-rated Chris Waller-trained Rangirangdoo fared slightly better with barrier 10, last year’s Doncaster Mile winner Vision And Power drew barrier eight and Palacio De Cristal will start from three.

Late confirmation for the classic mile handicap, Gai Waterhouse’s Theseo, also drew poorly with gate 17.

Typhoon Tracy owner John Hutchins said the awkward gate would not hold back his super mare, who completed an early run at Randwick this morning.

“I have not yet had the report from her run this morning but before that she has been in tremendous shape,” Hutchins said.

“We entered her because when we had a look at the race we thought she was well weighted.

“It looks like a tough race but history shows that lightly-weighted three year-olds do well and there are no great three year-olds in the field and we think she has a huge chance.”

The Royal Randwick program also includes the $350,000 Group 1 Patinack Farm AJC Oaks (2400m) with the Bart Cummings-trained filly Faint Perfume entered to claim her second Oaks after her Victoria Oaks win over 2500m at Flemington in the spring, and the $300,000 Group 1 The James Boags Galaxy (1100m).

Former Doncaster winners Pharaoh (1994-95), Sprint By (1996) and Racing To Win (2006) will lead the Emirates Doncaster field onto the track.

In a special promotion TAB Sportsbet will offer one lucky entrant a $50,000 bet on the Emirates Doncaster Mile.

Doncaster Day is Punter’s Day and the Punter’s Podium is back to bring a wealth of knowledge to Royal Randwick.

Punters are urged to get out of the pubs and clubs and witness Randwick’s marquee race and join the team from Racenet.com.au who will host the Punter’s Podium and a range of exciting experts and guests.

The Racenet.com.au Punter’s Club will bet on races 4 to 8. Tickets cost $20 from oncourse TAB counters and dividends are collected at the end of the day.

For old times sake, Royal Randwick will bring back the Punter’s Podium chocolate wheel with thousands of dollars in prizes for the lucky punters at the track.

Hats are the theme of the day and the Fashions on the Field will also include Best Millinery prize and Best Couple.

Australian Jockey Club Acting Chief Executive Darren Pearce said Emirates Doncaster Day was a great opportunity for punters to get to the racetrack and soak up the excitement.

“We have one of the biggest current stars of the turf in Typhoon Tracy racing multiple Group 1 winners in the best mile race in the country on Saturday,” Pearce said.

“There are some fantastic promotions including a $50,000 bet giveaway, the return of the Punter’s Podium and Fashions on the Field.

“Royal Randwick is the place to be this Saturday.”

Gates open at 10:30am, the first race is at 12:25pm and the last is 4:55pm.

Tickets cost $40 at the gate or $35 from Ticketek.

For further information please contact:

Rod Allen

Ph: 0419 692 856