REMATCH FOR RANGIRANGDOO AND DRUMBEATS IN G1 MILE

FIERCE rivalry between some of the most promising horses in thoroughbred racing is set to continue in the $353,500 Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Peter Snowden’s Drumbeats will continue his battle with Chris Waller’s Rangirangdoo who will start favourite in the main event of the ten-race Super Saturday.

Drumbeats narrowly beat Rangirangdoo in a stirring duel to win the Shannon Quality two weeks ago and gave the distinct impression he had more to give despite being untried over the famous Randwick mile.

Waller’s lightly raced five year-old will take on Drumbeats 2kg better off on Saturday and both horses have yet to miss a placing in their careers so far.

They will face strong challenges from Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes winner O’Lonhro and shock Group 1 George Main Stakes winner Road To Rock in the 15-horses field confirmed after acceptances today.

In-form trainer Anthony Cummings said he was pleased with Road To Rock’s work since his victory last Saturday at his second start in his Spring campaign.

“He went in to last week's race in good shape and were looking to step off that into the Epsom and I think he will do that,” Cummings said this week.

“We don't have to do that much with him here this week, the race last week will have done its job."

Lee Freedman confirmed today that impressive import Speed Gifted will run in the $353,300 Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m).

The six year-old from England will take on Gerald Ryan’s boom staying mare Ready To Lift and AJC Derby and BMW winner Fiumicino in the 18-horse field.

Speed Gifted has had three starts in Australia for two wins and has won over this distance in England and Ready To Lift has had four attempts at 2400m for three wins and one second placing.

Other starters include last year’s winner Newport, boom front runner Mr Clangtastic , Anthony Cummings’ Zavite and the Chris Waller-trained Bellagio Wynn, Enzedex Eagle and The Embassy.

Gai Waterhouse is confident her super filly More Joyous will cruise to victory in the $303,300 Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Flight Stakes (1600m) in her first start at her home track of Randwick.

More Joyous worked well at track work on Tuesday morning at Randwick, looking casual as she clocked her final 200m in 11.9 seconds.

"Her work this morning was divine. She should bolt this race in, just as she did the other day,” Waterhouse said on Tuesday.

“She is too good for them and is thriving in work."

Gerald Ryan’s Melito, the current leader of the Princess Series, will challenge the John Singleton-owned filly again.

As the final the leg of the series, The Flight Stakes will decide the winner and will showcase other up and coming three year-old fillies in the 12-strong field including last start winner Little Surfer Girl, Deer Valley and Sister Madly.

John Thompson’s three year-old Onemorenomore heads the field in the $303,300 Group 1 Inglis Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) from stable mate Gathering and last start winner Viking Legend.

The Group 1 Champagne Stakes winner will be back against horses his own age after competing last week in the weight-for-age Group 1 George Main Stakes.

Interestingly, Craig Carmody will be trying to win the Spring Champion Stakes on Saturday as a trainer 20 years after he won the same race as a jockey on Stylish Century.

The $151,800 Group 2 Inglis Insurance Brokers Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) will showcase boom sprinters Rothesay and Honest Truth in what will be an enthralling clash.

The first two big two year-old races of the Spring season will be run on Saturday in the $100,000 Listed Breeders Plate (1000m) for colts and geldings and the $100,000 Listed Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) for fillies.

Both races have attracted full fields of 14 runners and these races always produce an exciting horse for the future.

The track is expected to be bordering a Dead 4 and Good 3 by Friday.

AJC acting chief executive Darren Pearce said the Australian Jockey Club was delighted with the record 149 acceptances for Super Saturday.

“It is fantastic that the industry has supported the Club so strongly for one of our biggest days and provided so many exciting runners,” Pearce said.

“The record acceptances show the industry is really behind the Club and its support will guarantee we deliver a great day’s racing for all to enjoy.”

The Carousel launches on Arrowfield Stud Super Saturday on the Leger Lawn.

Situated on Randwick’s home straight the Carousel is an exclusive area for those wanting to have a day at the races with their friends.

Tickets are $99 and available at Ticketek.

Sydney Confidential will host a VIP marquee in the Carousel and there are mini social marquees that will host up to 30 people each.

Other attendees will have access to the Royal Randwick bar, the SugarMill bar and the White Stag bar.

Ticket price includes three standard drinks and entrants will also have access to private TAB and bookie facilities and gourmet food tents. Tickets are limited.

Fashions on the Field has three categories on Super Saturday. Best dressed male, female and a best millinery award.

Prizes include business class Emirates flights to Christchurch for a two-night stay at the Crowne Plaza, Clinique skincare packs, a cocktail party for you and 10 friends at The Loft, a VIP experience for two at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week amongst other things.  Entrants can pre-register at royalrandwick.com.

The Australian Girls Choir will sing the national anthem and the USS Blue Ridge Seventh Fleet Band will perform on the Rose Garden Lawn at midday.

AUSTRALIAN JOCKEY CLUB MEDIA RELEASE

Contact: Rod Allen 0419 692 856