Big Dance Eligibility a Big Hawkesbury Carrot

With eligibility for the $3 million Big Dance now attached, the Gr3 Richmond Club Hawkesbury Gold Cup has taken on even greater significance ahead of Saturday’s standalone meeting. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Hawkesbury program features 10 races, headlined by the $250,000 Cup. “There’s no doubt our Cup is now an even bigger carrot for trainers with an eye on the $3 million Big Dance at Royal Randwick in November,” Hawkesbury CEO James Heddo said. “Both races are over 1600 metres.” A strong entry of 212 nominations has been received for the meeting, which boasts three $250,000 Group 3 events – the Elite Sand & Soil Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m), Pioneer Services Hawkesbury Crown (1300m) for fillies and mares, and the Gold Cup – plus the $200,000 Listed Hawkesbury XXXX Gold Rush (1100m). Heddo expressed satisfaction with the entries, also highlighting the St Johns Park Bowling Club 2YO Clarendon Stakes (1400m), saying: “Very happy with the entries.” The Gold Cup drew 22 nominations, the Guineas 23, the Crown 31, and the Clarendon Stakes 15. “The Gold Cup again will be a great race, whilst the Guineas is a pre-cursor to Brisbane winter features for the 3YOs, and the Crown looks like being a beauty,” Heddo added. “And the 2YO Clarendon has shown in the past that it can throw up a top horse or two of the future.” Nominations for the Clarendon and the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1100m) – which holds 12 entries – were extended until 11am Tuesday. Despite a recent 64mm deluge, the track was rated a Heavy 8 on Monday but conditions have improved with the sun out in full force early on Tuesday at midday. The rail will be in the TRUE position for Saturday. Early betting markets from TAB.com.au have already opened for the four main features, pending acceptances on Wednesday morning. Summer Cup winner Tavi Time heads the Cup market at $3.50, with Provincial-Midway Championships Final hero Matcha Latte next at $4.50. In the other early markets, Ciaron Maher’s multiple Group winner Snitzanova is the $4.50 favourite for the Hawkesbury Guineas, while Kiwi mare Belclare has opened a $3.50 top pick for the Crown. Meanwhile, last year’s Golden Slipper runner-up Coleman – now under the care of Chris Waller – shares early Gold Rush favouritism at $4.50 with the consistent Dragonstone. To view the Hawkesbury nominations CLICK HERE.