Up to $450,000, the Canberra Speed Series covers three exciting two-year-old races, culminating in  the Group 3 John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes. A bonus of $100,000 will be offered to the  owners of any horse who wins all three races.  

Canberra Racing Club Chief Executive Darren Pearce is hopeful of again attracting quality fields across  the series, with multiple subsequent stakes wins coming from the 2023 Black Opal Stakes. 

“This series and bonus helped us drive one of the best Black Opal fields in recent memory in 2023.”  Pearce said. 

“Gai & Adrian’s Autumn Ballet was an impressive winner of the race and has since won more black type as a three-year-old, while Tiz Invincible who was fourth in the Opal went on to dominate the  Princess series in the Spring.” 

With up to $450,000 in prizemoney available in the Aquis Park – Gold Coast Turf Club Canberra Speed  Series, Canberra Racing Club Chief Executive Darren Pearce said “The Group 3 John McGrath Auto  Group Black Opal Stakes holds an important place on the Autumn racing calendar.”

“With the introduction of this series and bonus last year, we saw a brilliant Black Opal Stakes field to  celebrate the 50th anniversary of our great race.” 

“The race has produced some serious stars over the years with locals Catbird, who won the Golden  Slipper, Clan O’Sullivan of course and Group One winners Epaulette, Criterion and Trapeze Artist.” 

The Aquis Park – Gold Coast Turf Club Canberra Speed Series will begin with the $50,000 Aquis Park – Gold Coast Turf Club Clan O’Sullivan, held 15 days prior to the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and  represents a great lead up for horses looking to gain a place in the $2m feature. 

Both the Clan O’Sullivan and the Black Opal Preview will hold ballot exemption for the Group 3 Black  Opal Stakes for the first two horses past the post.