GEORGE MAIN STAKES
HISTORY: A weight-for-age race over the famous Randwick mile first run in 1945. An important lead-up race to next month’s Epsom Handicap.
NOTABLE WINNERS: Shannon (1946-47), Kingston Town (1981-82), Emancipation (1983), Vo Rogue (1989), Lonhro (2003) and More Joyous (2010).
THIS YEAR’S FIELD
Ten horses have accepted, a traditional lead-up to the Epsom Handicap. Last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist will have his second start for the spring, but it is the Doncaster Mile winner Kermadec rated the horse to beat.
KEY COMMENTS
“Obviously it’s a quality field but he’s a Group One horse and the race is going to see where he sits in terms of the Cox Plate” – Blake Shinn on Pornichet.
“He’s third-up which is ideal. It is weight-for-age and he still has to win at that level but he indicated last start he’s up to it” – replacement jockey Glen Schofield on Kermadec.
RACE ANALYSIS
Hooked is a confirmed runner despite being an acceptor in the Cameron Handicap at Newcastle and he will race near the front. Kermadec pressed forward from a deep draw in the Chelmsford and was caught on a limb but he should have a much better run here. Pornichet appeals as another go-forward horse along with Royal Descent. With the favoured chances in the first half of the field, it’s difficult to see it being a race for run-on horses.
THE EARLY MONEY
Kermadec has attracted most of the support in his attempt to win another Group One mile race at Randwick. The four-year-old is into a general quote of $2.60 with stablemate Royal Descent his closest betting rival at $4.40.
RECENT HISTORY
Royal Descent has run second for the past two years – behind stablemate Sacred Falls in 2014 and Streama in 2013.
Favourites have a healthy record, winning seven of the past 11 editions, including Sacred Falls at $4.
The fastest time for the race is 1min:33.75sec, set by Racing To Win in 2006.
