Doncaster Handicap

Winners and Past Results for the Doncaster Handicap

One of the premier races hosted by the Australian Turf Club during the Sydney autumn racing carnival in April is the Doncaster Handicap. 

Also known as the Doncaster Mile, the event is a Group 1 open race held at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney.

Two million dollars are at stake in the race which attracts the strongest milers from across the nation. Other Group 1 races scheduled on the same day include The Galaxy, and the ATC Australian Oaks. Top quality gallopers usually make their way to the Doncaster Handicap after a handy run in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes held earlier at the Rosehill track. Racing To Win and Haradasun won the Ryder Stakes/Doncaster Handicap double in 2006 and 2007 respectively. Vision and Power also wrapped up both titles in 2009. Runner up in 2003, Grand Armee came into the event after scoring victory in the Ryder Stakes. In 2011, Love Conquers All was runner up in both races, proving its worth as a betting double.

The Doncaster Handicap is considered the autumn equivalent of the Group 1 Epsom Handicap held in spring. Interestingly, the race have favoured four year olds over the years in both events. Racing To Win was the last miler to win both the Epsom Handicap and Doncaster Handicap in 2006.

Horses may use the 2000 meters Group 1 Ranvet Stakes at the Rosehill track as a warm up for the Doncaster Handicap. Sacred Choice was placed fifth in the Ranvet Stakes before running a comfortable race in the 2011 Doncaster Handicap. Some of the best horses have etched their name on the Doncaster Handicap since 1889. This includes Mildura, Blue Legend, Tudor Hill, Find And Dandy, Gunsynd, Super Impose, Pharaoh, Sunline, and Assertive Lad. Super Impose is the only horse to manage an Epsom Handicap/Doncaster Handicap double twice in 1990-91.

The Doncaster Handicap is amongst the prestigious races held during the autumn racing carnival which also includes Sydney Cup, Rosehill Guineas, and Golden Slipper Stakes. The late TJ Smith trained seven winners and remains the most successful trainer followed closely by his daughter Gai Waterhouse.

Trainers Joe Pride and Chris Waller have saddled two winners each. Over the past two decades only five favourites have obliged punters which include Sunline, Racing To Win, and Haradsun among others. In 2011, Sacred Choice placed third in the 1600 meters Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes and fifth in the 2000 meter Group 1 Ranvet Stakes prior to winning the Doncaster Handicap.

2013 DONCASTER HANDICAP: WEIGHTS RIGHT FOR PIERRO AFTER DRAW

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Star three-year-old Pierro is poised to set a weight carrying record after securing barrier four for Saturday’s Doncaster at Randwick.

Online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au has the Gai Waterhouse trained colt firm favourite at $2.25 for the time honoured Group 1. Tontonan set the benchmark in 1974 when he set the record for three-year-olds carrying 56kg to victory. “The race looks made to order for Pierro.

From barrier four jockey Nash Rawiller should be able to position the colt where he likes, without using too much petrol. Pierro has won 10 from 10 in Sydney and he should add a record to his pedigree on Saturday,” said sportsbet.com.au’s Ben Hawes.

Second favourite Norzita ($8.00) did not fare so well at the draw and will jump from gate 17, while under-rated mare Appearance has firmed into outright third pick at $13.

Other notables include Shoot Out at $15, Streama at $17, Red Tracer at $21, Secret Admirer at $26 and Danleigh at $51.

2013 Doncaster Handicap result

1. Sacred Falls
2. Pierro
3. Norzita

Then came:
4. Streama
5. Danleigh
6. Shoot Out
7. Appearance
8. Secret Admirer
9. Lightinthenite
10. Happy Trails
11. Alma's Fury
12. Strike The Stars
13. Fontelina
14. Glass Harmonium
15. Red Tracer
16. Monton
17. Ethiopia
18. Aeronautical