The ATC will unveil yet another $1 million race this Saturday with a full field of 14 youngsters to contest the first running of the Golden Gift (1100m) and what a fascinating line-up it is.
With a first prize of $580,000 and $190,000 for second the connections of those two can sleep easy on securing a place in the Golden Slipper.
Nine entrants have made one start with the balance making their debut.
Two of the first starters Blaze A Trail and Malkovich have been starring at the barrier trials and both have a story to tell.
Blaze A Trail is one of just 14 live foals from the first crop of the fertility challenged Criterion a stunning looking son of Sebring who never dodged a soul from winning the Black Opal and Todman Stakes at two, the Rosehill Guineas and ATC Derby at three, the Quen Elizabeth Stakes at four the Caulfield Stakes at five and found time to make trips to Royal Ascot and Sha Tin (x2).
After bolting in by six and a half lengths in his first trial at Randwick, Blaze A Trail was only asked for an effort in the final stages of his trial win at Rosehill.
Malkovich was pinhooked by Woodpark Stud for $85,000 out of the Ascot Park draft 2019 Classic Yearling Sale.
Prepared by Jean Dubois, Malkovich won a trial at Rosehill before the son of Choisir was snapped up by Darby Racing for $240,000 at the 2019 Inglis Ready 2 Race Sale.
Sent to Bjorn Baker Malkovich set the track alight at Rosehill on October 29 in winning by six and a half lengths.
One of his main rivals on Saturday is Woodpark Stud’s filly See You Soon, a daughter of Siyouni who could not have been any more impressive when winning the Kirkham Plate at Randwick for Jean Dubois and Jean Van Overmeire on October 26.
The one we have settled on is the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained Tanker.
The son of the exciting first season sire Pride Of Dubai was a fast-finishing winner of the Inglis Debutant Stakes when on debut at Caulfield and subsequently won a barrier trial in impressive fashion at Randwick.
Consigned by his breeder, Ian Smith's Edinburgh Park Stud, to the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Tanker was purchased by Ciaron Maher Bloodstock for $170,000.
He is the third foal and second stakes-winner out of the Listed SAJC Dequetteville Stakes winner Calcatta following last seasons Listed SAJC Cinderella Stakes Lady Naturaliste (Choisir).
Purchased by Edinburgh Park Stud for $150,000 at the 2014 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, Calcatta had a Zoustar colt on September 7 after missing to Not A Single Doubt in 2017.
This a family that goes back to the late 19th century in New Zealand and is chockful of stallions that set New Zealand apart including Foxbridge (GB), Resurgent (IRE), Hermes (GB), Sovereign Edition (IRE), Sir Tristram (IRE).
