Skyline Stakes

Winners and Past Results for the Skyline Stakes.

One of the black type events for two year old colts & geldings hosted by the Australian Turf Club at Randwick Racecourse during the Sydney autumn racing carnival in March is the Skyline Stakes. The race was elevated from a Group 3 event to a Group 2 in August 2013.

The Skyline Stakes is a Group 2 event held under set weights conditions with a number of promising juvenile sprinters travelling over 1200 metres of the Randwick track for a shot at prize money worth $200,000.The race was elevated from a Group 3 event to a Group 1 in August 2013.

For horses and their connections the Skyline Stakes is of great significance since the winner gains automatic entry to the Golden Slipper Stakes at Rosehill Racecourse, a month later.

In addition, the Skyline Stakes is a great platform for young colts and geldings seeking to prove their ability as sprinters over the following winter and spring carnivals. The female equivalent, the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes is also scheduled on the same day while the major feature of the day is the Group 1 Randwick Guineas.

For most colts and geldings, the Skyline Stakes is their first test at an extended distance of 1200 metres. It is one of the races that offers trainers the chance to sort out their better performing sprinters that have the ability to tackle the Golden Slipper Stakes well.

Trainers have a number of routes to prepare their horses for the richest event for juveniles. The Group 2 Todman Stakes and the Pago Pago Stakes are among the other races that two year old colts and geldings may compete in at Rosehill as a lead up to the Golden Slipper.

Top Hat Joe was the winner of the first Skyline Stakes, a principal race in 1979. It remained a listed race between 1980 and 1986, after which it achieved Group 3 status. Among the classy sprinters to ensure a place in the Golden Slipper were Shogun Lodge in 1999, Dance Hero in 2004, Snitzel in 2005, and All American in 2008.