2015 Doncaster Mile Preview

In the 150th running of the Doncaster Mile we have an outstanding field with 11 Group 1 winners among the 20 runners.

Under handicap conditions Sacred Falls carrying 58kg is looking to add to the historical event, shooting for three Doncaster victories in a row.

Chris Waller is expecting a big day at Randwick with three chances in $3 million race. Along with Sacred Falls he’s running Moriarty and Royal Descent, who ran second last year. She carries the same weight and same barrier as 2014, so signs for another good run are there.

If Chris Waller does get the win, that will be his fifth Doncaster, behind Gai Waterhouse’s record-equaling seven wins.

Gai has three pronged attack this year, with two Group 1 winners in Cosmic Endeavour and Diamond Drille. However the horse the punters have backed is third stringer Pornichet, who is a last-start winner at Group 3 level.

Being a handicapped race, it brings so many horses into the fray, which means winning form is good form!

With that in mind, Suavito ticks all the boxes to run very well.

We can’t look at this race without mentioning the Japanese raiders, World Ace and Real Impact. Real Impact has been impressive of late, winning the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill two weeks ago. That race featured eight of the runners in the Doncaster, so that result carries some real weight.

Hallowed Crown is huge danger. Trained by Bart and James Cummings, the 3-year-old is in with a great shout. 3-year-old’s generally have a good record in this race, with several past winners including Sunline and Sacred Falls proving that 3-year-old’s can be very competitive. Dropping from 2000m from 1600m is right in Hallowed Crown’s favour.

Traditionally favourites don’t have a good record over the race in the past two decades, but I like Hallowed Crown to take this one out, with Suavito as a good roughie to back.

It’s a bumper day of racing and I’m also looking forward to the BMW Australian Derby at Randwick, where the Chris Waller trained Preferment looks the goods ahead of Hampton Court in a stellar field.

In the $2.5 million TJ Smith Stakes, we’ve got the world’s top-rated sprinters clashing again. Lankan Rupee, Terravista and Chautauqua all vying for honours in the 1200m.

Can the mighty mare Sweet Idea spoil the party after winning her first Group 1 in the Galaxy? With star jockey Joao Moreira on board, she’s a great chance.

As the free-to-air home of thoroughbred horseracing Seven broadcasts every major meeting on the Australian calendar including the Magic Millions, Sydney Easter Carnival, Stradbroke Handicap, Caulfield Cup Carnival, WS Cox Plate, and the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The Championships Day 1 from Royal Randwick

Melbourne - 11am LIVE on 7TWO

Sydney - 11am LIVE on Channel 7, 4.30pm LIVE on 7TWO

Brisbane - 11am LIVE on Channel 7, 4.30pm LIVE on 7TWO

Adelaide - 10.30am LIVE on 7TWO

Perth - 9am LIVE on 7TWO