Photo:
Courtesy Sky Racing World
Australian racing is set for a history-making weekend, with the 10th running of The Everest, the 150th Caulfield Cup and another edition of the Friday Night Aussie Racing Show taking center stage.
The action begins Friday night on Sky Racing World, before Sydney and Melbourne host two of the biggest events on the Australian Spring Racing Carnival.
Aussie Racing Show returns Friday night
Hosted by Andrew Brown and Kaitlin Benson, the Friday Night Aussie Racing Show returns with racing news, expert analysis and plenty of banter ahead of the evening’s action.
Jason Witham and Michael Wrona will be trackside at Randwick, bringing viewers closer to the atmosphere and key storylines.
The show airs at 8:30 p.m. EDT, 5:30 p.m. PDT on Sky Racing World’s regular Australian racing simulcast channel and its YouTube channel. The first post is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. EDT, 6:15 p.m. PDT.
Spanish-speaking audiences also can follow the action, with DRF en Español and Roberto Rodriguez providing a Spanish-language broadcast.
Ka Ying Rising headlines The Everest
The world’s highest-rated horse, Ka Ying Rising, will attempt consecutive victories in the AUS$20 million (about US$13.9 million) Everest at Royal Randwick. The Hong Kong superstar hasn’t lost in his last 21 starts.
Ridden by Zac Purton, Ka Ying Rising has drawn barrier 11 for the six-furlong sprint, with possible rain adding another challenge.
Ciaron Maher-trained Tempted has secured barrier 1, and Chris Waller’s Joliestar starts from gate 5 under James McDonald. Stablemate Angel Capital has drawn barrier 2, and Ninja, who defeated Ka Ying Rising in a recent barrier trial, jumps from 3 under Tommy Berry.
Three-year-old Blue Door, trained by Bjorn Baker, has drawn barrier 9 and will be ridden by Jamie Melham.
The 10-race Randwick program also features the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes, with Australian horse of the year Autumn Glow taking on Pride of Jenni and two-time winner of this race Ceowulf.
Caulfield Cup marks its 150th running
Melbourne will celebrate the 150th running of the Caulfield Cup (G1), a 1 1/2-mile test featuring international contenders, a defending champion and a formidable stable challenge.
As one of the key lead-up races to the Melbourne Cup (G1), the Caulfield Cup offers a major opportunity for stayers to strengthen their spring carnival credentials ahead of the famous two-mile test at Flemington.
Half Yours will attempt to defend his title after drawing barrier 7, with Mark Zahra again aboard for Team McEvoy.
Turnbull Stakes winner Cosmic Crusader has drawn barrier 17, potentially improving to 14 if emergencies fail to gain a start. International contenders Wine Dark Sea and Enfjaar have drawn barriers 19 and 1, respectively.
Ciaron Maher has five guaranteed runners: Saint George (2), Zahrann (4), Royal Supremacy (8), Middle Earth (11) and Kings Valley (12). Zahrann is attracting particular attention ahead of the historic contest at odds of 6-1.
With a decade of Everest history to celebrate in Sydney and 150 years of Caulfield Cup tradition in Melbourne, Australian racing fans have an incredible Friday night ahead.
Coverage of Australia racing for Horse Racing Nation is made possible through a sponsorship by Sky Racing World.