Big fields and big names set in the nominations on Newmarket Handicap Day

The 2023 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) shapes up as a cracking contest with so many elite straight track sprinters entered on a great day of racing.

ROCH 'N' HORSE winning the Yulong Stud Newmarket Hcp
ROCH 'N' HORSE winning the Yulong Stud Newmarket Hcp Picture: Colin Bull / Sportpix

Roch 'N' Horse ($21) tries to go back to back but will find some red hot speedsters in his way such as Golden Eagle winner I Wish I Win ($3.20), the minor placegetters from The Everest in Private Eye ($6) and Mazu ($11) plus Coolmore winning filly In Secret ($5.50).

There are others coming out of the Black Caviar Lightning like Buenos Noches ($8) and Bella Nipotina ($15) and many from the Oakleigh Plate including Lofty Strike ($11) and Asfoora ($18).

Juveniles get their first attempt at the 1400m in the VRC Sires Produce where they can show that they will get over a trip in time. Ganbare ($8.50), Tom Kitten ($11) and Veight ($2.60) will be watched hard here.

The 3yo fillies get to the mile in the Kewney Stakes and some coming down from Sydney will again be tough to beat. Razeta ($26) and Wollombi ($6) will challenge the likes of Shuffle Dancer ($4.50).

A very competitive Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap (1400m) has plenty of in form gallopers entered such as Here To Shock ($13) from the flying Lindsay Park yard and Visinari ($13) who resumes here.

Finally the mares chase some group glory in the Matron Stakes (1600m) where Inspirational Girl ($6) may kick back off along with some of the staying types who contested Oaks races last season like Barb Raider ($15), Daisies ($15) and El Patroness ($26).


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