The Lexus Andrew Ramsden is the first of five races to offer a golden ticket to the winner into the $8 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m), officially kicking off the Road To The Cup for many horses and connections.
Penfolds Victoria Derby (2500m) winner Warning will attempt to win his way into the ‘race that stops a nation’™ but will face emerging European imports Point Nepean, Luncies and English King as well as last year’s VRC St Leger (2800m) winner Through Irish Eyes and last weekend’s Port Adelaide Cup (2500m) hero Splendiferous.
Three-year-old Zoumon creates interest against his older rivals, while Redjina could become the fairytale story of this year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup should the five-year-old, owned and trained by Swan Hill real estate agent Noel Watson, secure his place on the first Tuesday in November.
This is the fourth year that the Lexus Andrew Ramsden offers a guaranteed place in the Lexus Melbourne Cup, with previous winners Steel Prince (2019) and Oceanex (2020) both finishing in the prizemoney in Australia’s greatest race.
Victoria Racing Club (VRC) Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said the Lexus Andrew Ramsden has become an extremely important race on the Australian calendar.
“The Lexus Andrew Ramsden signals the official start of the Road to the Cup, six months out from the iconic race,” Mr Rosich said.
“Should they win on Saturday, the race affords trainers the luxury of planning an ideal preparation towards the Cup.
“And it’s a time for racing fans to start thinking about who they’re going to follow on the track this spring.”
There are three ballot exempt races for the Lexus Melbourne Cup held at Flemington, commencing with The Lexus Andrew Ramsden. The Bart Cummings (2500m) will be run on TAB Turnbull Stakes Day while the Lexus Hotham Stakes (2500m) will be run on Penfolds Victoria Derby Day.
On Andrew Ramsden Race Day general admission punters can take up a seat in the comfort of the Saintly Place Sports Bar or indulge in a seven course degustation at The Terrace restaurant.
Members and their guests have a range of dining options available including The Byerley, The Dining Room and The Straight Six. The VRC Punters Club returns to The Peak and will be hosted by the TAB’s Nick Quinn.
Patrons are encouraged to make the most of the special offer $5 pies and $5 fries all day, plus $5 Happy Hour Furphy beers from gates open until the jump of the third race.
The Lexus Andrew Ramsden is the highlight of a nine-race card this Saturday, which also sees the first of Flemington’s popular winter race heats run at Headquarters.
The winter race series allows horses and connections the chance to compete for generous winter racing prizemoney at Australia’s premier racetrack and culminate in championship races on Flemington Finals Day on July 2, 2022.
Living Legend and Lexus Melbourne Cup winner Almandin will be a special equine guest alongside retired super sprinter Santa Ana Lane, who now has a winter series named after him.
