The countdown to the richest juvenile race in the world has begun with the Australian Turf Club releasing a preliminary order of entry for the $3.5 million Golden Slipper.
Gai Waterhouse is well placed to capture her fourth Slipper with Magic Millions winner Driefontein heading the charge.
The filly is one of six Waterhouse-trained youngsters among the top 25 first acceptors based on prizemoney.
Matt Rudolph, ATC executive general manager racing, said the major Slipper players would begin to show their hands in the ensuing weeks.
“The Golden Slipper picture will become clearer over the coming weeks as the contenders begin to emerge in the black type features in Sydney and Melbourne,” Rudolph said.
“Sydney’s black type lead-up races begin at Warwick Farm on February 18 with the Widden and Canonbury Stakes while Melbourne’s best two-year-olds will emerge on the Sydney carnival scene soon after the Patinack Farm Blue Diamond on February 25.”
Second acceptances for the Golden Slipper close on Tuesday with TAB Sportsbet to issue markets after that declaration stage.
AAP TURF
