Day 1 of The Championships has many of the best horses in the country running

By: Wayne Bristow Time published 2023-03-27 at 12:29 PM (GMT +11:00)

Randwick hosts one of the great days of the turf with the running of four major G1s on Day 1 of The Championships.

NATURE STRIP winning the Furphy T J Smith Stks
NATURE STRIP winning the Furphy T J Smith Stks Picture: Martin King / Sportpix

The G1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) is such a famous race historically and always a grand betting race too.

Chris Waller will play a big role in a race he has won six times. He could have several big hopes including Fangirl ($6), Zougotcha ($8), Osipenko ($15) and Lindermann ($26).

Defending champ Mr Brightside ($6) looks like making a great defence of his title and other quality performers Alligator Blood ($11) and Protagonist ($11) will be right on the speed.

The best race on Day 1 has to be the G1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) with The Everest winner Giga Kick ($3) taking on the Golden Eagle winner I Wish I Win ($8).

Also Newmarket champ In Secret ($4.50) takes on the boys again while the old warrior Nature Strip ($5) chases a record four TJs on the bounce. Throw in other Everest runners and it is a race to savour.

We have the G1 Australian Derby (2400m) for the 3yos where both the Derby winners will clash again. Kiwi Sharp 'N' Smart ($2.80) will take on his conqueror from Flemington Manzoice ($11).

A group of other New Zealanders join in with Mark Twain ($8), Andalus ($11) and Full Of Sincerity ($11) adding to the mix.

Lastly the babies run for another G1 in the Inglis Sires' (1400m). Will it be the Golden Slipper form again like Cylinder ($2.80) against Don Corleone ($4.50) and Empire Of Japan ($8)? Or will it be newcomers like Veight ($6) and Cafe Millenium  ($11)?

There are many other critical races on the card. The G2 Chairman's Quality (2600m) sees Sydney Cup chances go on the line. Timour ($5.50) and Nerve Not Verve ($11) are in good touch at present. Gin Martini ($9) and High Emocean ($11) give mares more hopes.

Oaks prospects will be seen in the G3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) with Premise ($8) and Pierossa  ($4.50) notable entries.

Always a great highlight on Day 1 is the Final of the Country Championships (1400m). Akasawa ($5), Testator Silens ($5) and Talbragar ($5) will challenge for favouritism all week.

The G3 PJ Bell Stakes, G3 Carbine Club Stakes and G3 Kindergarten Stakes make up a wonderful day of racing in Sydney.


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