A massive field of 16 sprinters are set to engage in Saturday afternoon’s Group 3 Sydney Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick.
The $2 million feature is a precursor to the main event and usually boasts many gallopers that were on the brink of selection for the Everest (1200m).
Bella Nipotina is the first emergency for the Everest, so it’s no shock to see online bookmakers install her as the favourite at +320.
Her stable companion, I Am Me is on the second line of betting at $5 and hasn’t been seen since a minor setback in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m).
Team Godolphin has two runners engaged as Vilana (+600) makes his resumption, gaining the services of Zac Lloyd, and Zapateo (+850), who will be ridden by Hong Kong’s best, Zac Purton.
Airman is a horse on the rise and will be seeking his first win against black-type company, and online betting sites haven’t missed, labelling the team Hawkes galloper a +500 chance with Hugh Bowman in the saddle.
King Of Sparta was only narrowly defeated in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington on September 16, and the form is being shown plenty of respect as a +800 hope.
Argentia heads the betting of those at double-figure odds (+1200), as she makes her way back to Randwick on the one-week backup from last Saturday’s Alan Brown Stakes (1400m).
The chances don’t end there, with plenty of blowout hopes, including last year’s winner, Rocketing By (+3300), who caused a major upset at $61.00.
The Sydney Stakes is scheduled to get underway at 3:25pm AEDT at Randwick this Saturday afternoon.