2014 Doncaster Mile: Live updates, preview, tips and results

The Doncaster Mile (1600m, Group 1, handicap) is Sydney’s biggest handicap race and is run over the famous Randwick mile. The race is set for 4:30pm, so join us for our live blog for all the build up.

Firstly, can I say what a delight it is to see this race reunited with the Australian Derby. With both races given a huge boost in prizemoney (along with the TJ Smith), I’m not alone in believing this will soon become Sydney’s biggest day of racing.

History tells us that the winners of this race come through a weight-for-age or set weights run at their previous start, with Grand Armee in 2003 the last horse to win the Doncaster off a handicap win (the Ajax Stakes, which was then run on Slipper Day).

Interestingly enough, three of the past four winners came through 2000m runs with Rangirangdoo (2010) and Sacred Choice (2011) coming off Ranvet Stakes runs. Last year’s winner Sacred Falls came off a second in the Rosehill Guineas (albeit beaten six lengths by It’s a Dundeel).

Two horses are dropping back to the 2000m: Hawkspur and Dissident. While Hawkspur is a proven stayer, he has won at weight-for-age over the Randwick mile before and is trained by Chris Waller. Dissident didn’t quite handle the wet track in the Rosehill Guineas (nor in the Hobartville in my opinion), however he won the Randwick Guineas over this track and trip, defeating El Roca.

The Kiwi franked the form with a strong third in the George Ryder. Three-year-olds have a strong record in this race and both of them carry the minimum (51.5kg).

The traditional lead-up is the George Ryder and the winner, Gordon Lord Byron, bypassed this race for the TJ Smith Stakes. Second placegetter Speediness looked the winner for most of the straight, but has his chance to finally break through at Group 1 level here. He drops 3.5kg and has drawn the pole for Damien Oliver.

Chris Waller has a trio coming off the George Ryder. Boban made steady ground but it is questionable whether he handling the slow track. Sacred Falls will improve from the run, while I’m convinced My Kingdom of Fyfe has a big win in him this preparation, even though he’s only beaten one horse home this time in.

Guy Walter has Streama and Toydini coming through the same race. Both horse ran home nicely without threatening the winner, however Toydini has drawn the better barrier and you can’t rule out a Guy Walter miler in these races. Lidari and Ninth Legion also ran cheeky races, drop significantly in weight and have drawn well.

Most of the mares come through the Coolmore Classic, which was dominated by on-speed runners. Lucia Valentina and Catkins already franked the form and the first two home in the race (Steps in Times and Sweet Idea) headed to the TJ Smith. Royal Descent was one of the runs of the race from last and she handles all track conditions. Hana’s Goal was a forgive run after blowing the start, while Dear Demi covered ground, finished off the race nicely and has strong wet track form.

The favourite though is Messene, following his crushing victory in the Ajax. The Hawkes team are bullish about his chances and feel he has beaten the handicapper. Interesting to note the last horse to beat him, Aashiq, was recently sold for $10,000 at a tried horse sale.

The second favourite is the import Weary, winner of the Doncaster Prelude last week. He showed he can handle a heavy track and has Tommy Berry on board in what would be a fairytale victory.

Don’t worry about El Roca and Messene’s barriers; they will both find the fence comfortably and should settle one, two. Expect Monton and Mouro to boot up from inside gates and don’t be surprised in Dissident or the appropriately named Slow Pace place pressure on the leaders.

With the two favourites coming out of lesser grade, this is unsurprisingly a very wide race. Another wet track throws up further questions, but the Randwick mile will give every horse the chance to etch their names alongside some giants of the Australian turf.

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 – Roar Guru and today’s live blogger
1. Royal Descent
2. Speediness
3. El Roca
4. Dissident

Justin Cinque – Roar Racing Editor
1. Messene
2. Sacred Falls
3. Hawkspur
4. El Roca

Cameron Rose – Roar Expert
1. Messene
2. Royal Descent
3. Dissident
4. Hawkspur

Alfred Chan – Roar Guru
1. Weary
2. Royal Descent
3. Sacred Falls
4. Hawkspur

Brad Durrant – Roar Guru
1. Dear Demi
2. Speediness
3. Hawkspur
4. Dissident

Brent Ford – Roar Guru
1. Hawkspur
2. El Roca
3. Weary
4. Messene

Points tally after Golden Slipper day
Brent Ford – 29
Cameron Rose – 18
Justin Cinque – 16
Alfred Chan – 15
Brad Durrant – 14