The Golden Slipper (1200m, Group 1, two-year-olds, set weights) is the richest two-year-old race in the world. The race is set for 5:00pm, so join us for our live blog for all the build up.
History tells us the Todman Stakes, for the colts, and the Reisling Stakes, for the fillies, are the key lead up contests; no surprise when you consider they are two weeks before the big race.
Earthquake is the commanding favourite following her dominant win in the Blue Diamond before a strong all-the-way victory in the Reisling. While she has drawn a tricky barrier, she has overcome it before and is full of class.
Mossfun was second in that race where horses didn’t really change positions up the straight. She won the Silver Slipper Stakes on a wet track in impressive style and has the in-form Hawkes-McDonald combination.
Of the other fillies, Alpha Miss made good ground in the Reisling, while Memorial can bounce back after a disappointing run. Bring Me The Maid finished strongly in the wet last week and Believe Yourself is unbeaten, untapped and trainer Gerald Ryan has a terrific record with the two-year-olds this season.
Oakleigh Girl has been freshened since her game second in the Magic Millions. She was initially bypassing the race (which is a concern), however the stable have given her two trials in preparation.
The colts are headlined by Unencumbered, who defeated Oakleigh Girl in that Magic Millions after a peach of a ride by the late Nathan Berry. Bjorn Baker has put the blinkers on, so look for him to be ridden positively from a wide gate.
Ghibellines was a strong winner of Todman and on face value was more impressive than Earthquake (also won on the day). It is tough to see the horses behind him turning the tables, especially from a favourable draw.
Mick Price has Blue Diamond placegetters Jabali and Cornrow, who are both consistent, but both maidens. While Jabali was plain in the Todman, Cornrow made some ground in the straight, but was no match for the winner.
Gai Waterhouse is after her sixth Golden Slipper (and third in a row) and has Valentia and Law engaged. The former won the Skyline Stakes at Randwick, while Law has been freshened since his failure in the Silver Slipper.
The wet track makes the race even more complicated, however the fillies do seem to have the wood over the boys. It is sure to be another interesting instalment of on of Australia’s most exciting races.
Roar racing writers’ autumn tipping competition (five points if winning horse is tipped for first; three points if tipped for second; two for third and one for fourth):
Sam Kelly – Today’s live blogger
1. Mossfun
2. Earthquake
3. Ghibellines
4. Believe Yourself
Justin Cinque – Roar Racing Editor
1. Earthquake
2. Mossfun
3. Ghibellines
4. Valentia
Cameron Rose – Roar Expert
1. Earthquake
2. Mossfun
3. Alpha Miss
4. Believe Yourself
Alfred Chan – Roar Guru
1. Ghibellines
2. Earthquake
3. Oakleigh Girl
4. Valentia
Brad Durrant – Roar Guru
1. Earthquake
2. Bring Me The Maid
3. Mossfun
4. Unencumbered
Brent Ford – Roar Guru
1. Earthquake
2. Mossfun
3. Believe Yourself
4. Unencumbered
Points tally after Rosehill Guineas Day
Brent Ford – 19
Alfred Chan – 13
Brad Durrant – 11
Cameron Rose – 10
Justin Cinque – 8
Sammy
Guest
is that the same John Hawkes who once said - "Jockeys are a 'Dime a Dozen'….except for Darren Beadman"
Bondy
Guest
Great tipping Sam and well done with the live blog..
Sam James
Roar Guru
That's it for Group 1 racing this afternoon, but don't forget The Championships begin next week at Randwick. Keep up to date with all the news and opinions on The Roar for all the build up to the TJ Smith Stakes, the Doncaster Mile and ATC Derby next week!
Sam James
Roar Guru
Well done to Team Hawkes on their biggest win since breaking away from Woodlands and a great ride by James McDonald - he is going places!
Sam James
Roar Guru
Winning jockey James McDonald says it "didn't all go to plan as she bobbed as the start". He said when you are "riding for a team with John - he has a lot of faith in jockeys"
Sam James
Roar Guru
Fillies have filled the first five placings in the Golden Slipper.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Earthquake had her chance and hit the front, but couldn't hold off the gutsy Mossfun. Of the others, Bring Me the Maid and Believe Yourself made ground from he back of the field, while Oakleigh Girl held on gallantly.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Michael and Wayne Hawkes are speechless. They have heaped praise on James McDonald for keeping calm, not panicking and delivering on the biggest stage.
Sam James
Roar Guru
She is an amazing filly - what a win!
Sam James
Roar Guru
1ST- MOSSFUN 2ND - EARTHQUAKE 3RD - BRING ME THE MAIDE 4TH - BELIEVE YOURSELF
Sam James
Roar Guru
In the straight, Earthquake hits the front, Mossfun has cut the corner. Earthquake is a length in front, but Mossfun rallies hard along the fence and wins!
Sam James
Roar Guru
They are racing! Mossfun missed the kick. Oakleigh Girl has flown the gates with Memorial and Eloping. Earthquake has settled second.
Sam James
Roar Guru
As they head into the gates, Earthquake will start as a very short priced favourite.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Memorial was kicked in the mounting yard, but vets have cleared her to run.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Earthquake's trainer Peter Snowden says she is primed for today's race, while Ghibellines is ready to go.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Horses are behind the gates for the Golden Slipper. The fillies dominate the market, headed by Earthquake, Mossfun and Bring Me The Maid.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Bring Me The Maid backs up from last week. She taken no harm from that and Peter Moody's stable is flying.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Oakleight Girl is in great condition. Those two trials have her in prime condition for today's race.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Mossfun has her ideal conditions. She will sit up on the pact and give them something to chase.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Earthquake looks relaxed in the yard and having a good look around. She had a small hiccup this weekend, but she is clearly the one to beat.