Held on a Sunday for the first time, Spring Classics Preview Day will see three-year-old colts and geldings try and win ballot exemption into the $2 million Penfolds Victoria Derby as the fillies try and win their place in the $1 million Kennedy Oaks, both Group 1 classic races for three-year-olds over Cup Week.
Last year, one of the nation’s most exciting prospects was on display in Mr Brightside who took out the Hanan Displays Mile (now the Villa Paradiso Trophy) while Barb Raider burst onto the Kennedy Oaks scene with a win in the trial. Both horses subsequently competed in Group 1 races at Flemington over the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
This year, well-bred colt Muramasa will be looking to maintain his unbeaten record for VRC Derby winning trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young in the Penfolds Victoria Derby Trial. A $500,000 purchase at the 2021 Australian Easter Yearling Sale, his connections will be looking toward a big spring with the exciting son of Deep Impact.
Jerome Hunter will be looking to go back-to-back in the Kennedy Oaks Trial with this year’s hopeful Raiding aiming to follow in the footsteps of stablemate, Barb Raider.
VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said Spring Classics Preview Day has cemented its place on the racing calendar at Flemington.
“The VRC are looking forward to Sunday’s Spring Classics Preview Day and watching horses that will go on to compete in the 2022 Melbourne Cup Carnival. The race fields across the program show the strong desire from connections to race at Flemington and secure their place during Cup Week.,” Mr Rosich said.
“The race day is a chance for racing fans to get to Flemington and enjoy a great day of racing at Headquarters with family and friends.”
The Flemington Front Lawn will showcase fun activities including face painting, sports, games, pony rides and arts and crafts. Free entry for children under 12.
Racegoers won’t miss a moment from the Saintly Place Sports Bar with easy access to the best views of the Winning Post and $5 pies and fries available all day long.
Living Legends California Memory and Peniaphobia will be trackside, in the horse stalls throughout the day and parading around the Mounting Yard after races 2 and 4.
VRC Members are also invited to bring family and friends to Spring Classics Preview Day, with four free daily guest tickets available per member redeemable via the Ticketmaster.
Members and their guests can enjoy extended hours of live entertainment from the Piano Man in the G.H Mumm Champagne Bar and Resident DJ John Course will be back on the decks after the last in The Roof Garden.
Gates will open at 12.30pm with trains operating on Sunday with departures beginning at 12.19pm from Southern Cross, Platform 8 and trains departing Flemington from 4.39pm.
The eight-race program will commence at 1.30pm with the last race at 5.30pm. Tickets are available via vrc.net.au with general admission prices starting at $20.
Main image caption: Barb Raider ridden by Craig Williams wins the Kennedy Oaks Preview in 2021. (Brett Holburt/Racing Photos)
