Keith F Nolan Classic

The Keith F Nolan Classic is a Group 3 Australian Thoroughbred horse race held annually in March during the Sydney autumn racing carnival at Kembla Grange Racecourse.

It is a 1600 meter event for three year old fillies run under set weights and penalties. The total prize money including trophies is worth $152,400. The race is held under the aegis of the Illawarra Turf Club. Free $250 Bet

The Keith F Nolan Classic was upgraded from a Listed race to Group 3 status in 2010 racing calendar because of its ability to attract above average fillies each year. The event has become more than just a provincial race for three year old fillies. Horses enter the fray even through Group 1 events as well as from the Kewney Stakes in Melbourne, which has made the Keith F Nolan Classic one of the major events held on the Kembla Grange track, which was built almost identical to the Randwick track.

The next race for fillies after the Keith F Nolan Classic is usually the Group 1 Storm Queen Stakes on Golden Slipper Stakes day, which is an ideal launching pad to the Group 1 ATC Australian Oaks at Randwick , a premier filly event of the autumn season. The Keith F Nolan Classic, a mile race, and the Group 1 Storm Queen Stakes over 2000 metres gives fillies a chance to test their staying abilities with an eye on acceptance for the Australian Oaks. With only the best fillies able to handle the increase in distance till the Oaks, this group of races is considered to be one of the toughest series in Australia.

The Keith F Nolan has over the years produced fillies that have gone on to win major races at Randwick, with group winners in Victoria and Queensland as well. 

2012 Keith F Nolan Classic

Appearance raced on the rails as the field settled into the 1600 metre journey while at the head of the field She Goes To Rio set an average tempo. She Goes To Rio built up a lead of about a length and was allowed to dictate terms for a while, with the field only bunching up as they came into the straight. Appearance, who had been pushed forward along the rail from the turn, became prominent at the 200 metre mark and settled into a duel with a dogged She Goes To Rio. Appearance finally prevailed by half a head over a brave She Goes to Rio with Aliyana Tilde in third.

2012 Keith F Nolan Classic result

1. Appearance
2. She Goes To Rio
3. Aliyana Tilde

Then came:

4. Caline
5. Plumm
6. Happy Hussy
7. Chateau Margaux
8. Pineapple
9. Pedrinate