2010 Golden Slipper News

It’s less than a week until the Golden Slipper and the past few days have seen a scramble for positions in the field. The winner of last Saturdays Pago Pago Stakes was striking grey Brightexpectations who led all the way in a powerful win and will be well fancied in the Slipper. He is by More Than Ready who sired the winners of the 2008 and 2009 Golden Slipper. Willow Creek who won the Magic Night for fillies will not race in the slipper but will be entered for the AJC Sires Produce Stakes.

Golden Slipper 2010 Late Entries

Monday morning was the deadline for late Golden Slipper entries and three entries paid the $150,000 late entry fee. The horses were Crystal Lily, Decision Time and Masquerader. In a cruel turn of fate the unbeaten colt Masquerader pulled a muscle in his back at trackwork on Tuesday morning and is already out of the Slipper.

Barrier Draw for the 2010 Golden Slipper

The barrier draw took place at midday Tuesday with a field of 15. Crystal Lily drew the inside barrier and the best of the fillies, Military Rose drew barrier 8. Brightexpectations will start from barrier 4 and Gai Waterhouse’s other runner More Strawberries has drawn wide in 14.

Golden Slipper Jockeys

Damien Oliver was to have ridden Masquerader but will be without a ride. He won in 2007 on Forensics. Other jockeys in the race to have won a Golden Slipper are Darren Beadman on Hinchinbrook (won with Guineas in 1997 and Inspired in 1984), Craig Williams on Decision Time (won on Miss Finland in 2006) and Glen Boss on Georgette Silk (won on Sebring in 2008 and Flying Spur in 1994). Boss is currently suspended from race riding until 8 April but an appeal at 10.30am on Thursday will determine whether he can take the Slipper ride.

On a sad note 10.30 am on Thursday is also when the funeral of veteran race caller Des Hoysted will take place at Rockwood.