Randwick Race 7 – 17:00 AEDT
3YO & Up, Group 2
1600m
Prize: $250,000
Good (4)
Rail – True
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Weight (kg) | Barrier | Current Price |
| 1. Fabrizio | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Josh Parr | 59.0 | 11 | $21 |
| 2. Red Excitement | Gerald Ryan | Tommy Berry | 58.5 | 14 | $21 |
| 3. Duca Valentinois | James Cummings | Glyn Schofield | 57.5 | 5 | $26 |
| 4. Grande Rosse | Peter & Paul Snowden | Kerrin McEvoy | 57.5 | 8 | $41 |
| 5. My Nordic Hero | Chris Waller | Hugh Bowman | 57.5 | 10 | $8 |
| 6. Aloisia | Ciaron Maher | Tim Clark | 56.5 | 12 | $18 |
| 7. Interlocuter | James Cummings | James McDonald | 56.5 | 4 | $12 |
| 8. Santono Rasen | Chris Waller | Jason Collett | 56 | 1 | $51 |
| 9. Doubt Defying | Steven O’Dea | Michael Walker | 55.5 | 3 | $9 |
| 10. Sambro | Chris Waller | Jay Ford | 55 | 7 | $12 |
| 11. Goodfella | Bjorn Baker | Adam Hyeronimus | 53.5 | 12 | $12 |
| 12. Articus | Kris Lees | Andrew Gibbons | 53 | 2 | $23 |
| 13. Sky Boy | Anthony & Edward Cummings | Christian Reith | 53 | 9 | $3 |
| 14. Gaulois | James Cummings | Corey Brown | 53 | 6 | $8 |
Odds correct as of 9am Friday 14 December
Race Overview
The Villiers Stakes is a Group Two race held under handicap conditions over 1600 metres and acts as a ballot exemption into the Group One Doncaster Handicap for the winner. Cult favourite Happy Clapper won this event in 2015.
Race Speed
Noted leaders Fabrizio and Red Excitement will look to roll forward despite drawing wide which could see an interesting first furlong. Early race favourite Sky boy will no doubt look to sit just behind the leaders or on pace if conditions suit.
Key Runners
- Sky Boy ($3)
A winner of his last four and drops 5 kilograms on the back of his last start win at Rosehill. Two of his four victories have come at the 2000 metres - dropped back to 1800 last start as a precursor to the Villiers. Consistent galloper who will be involved in some strong races into the Autumn.
- Doubt Defying ($9)
Queensland trained, but hasn’t run in his home state this preparation. Last start he battled on in the Mackinnon Stakes behind a much higher class of horse than he’ll face here. Won two previous including the Listed Sale Cup - has three victories from four starts over the mile.
- My Nordic Hero ($8)
Just beaten first up this prep before claiming the Festival Stakes over 1500 metres last start at Rosehill - will be fitter for both runs. Hugh Bowman aboard is a plus and will be a contender in the finish.
Race Selection
- Doubt Defying ($9)
Eight wins from eighteen career starts suggests this Steve O’Dea trained horse is a winner. Has been racing super this prep and the freshen up and trial since his sixth in the Mackinnon Stakes will have him firing for this race.
