The Championships Day 1 support card nominations

Boom filly Espiona is nominated for the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes [1600m] on Day 1 of The Championships at Randwick this Saturday.

Espiona got tongues wagging when she pummelled rivals at her first two starts including a clock-breaking win at Flemington during Cup week.

But the Chris Waller-trained three-year-old has failed to deliver a single win in three runs this autumn and despite holding a nomination for the Doncaster Mile, Espiona could head towards the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes [1600m].

The Group 2 Chairmans Quality [2600m] will be the final lead-up run to the Sydney Cup for many aspirants including Waller’s import Chalk Stream. The stakes-placed British stayer produced an eye-catching run in the Group 3 Queens Cup at just his second Aussie start and looks set to improve further out in trip while Victorian Surprise Baby has also been nominated by new trainer Gavin Bedggood.

A total of 26 fillies have been nominated for the Group 3 PJ Bell Stakes [1200m]. The race has been a platform to bigger success for many over the years including Stradbroke Handicap and Doncaster Mile winner Private Steer. The mare was trained by Randwick conditioner John O’Shea, who has nominated easy first-up winner Comrade Rosa for the 2022 edition together with Robodira.

The Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes [2000m] presents one last opportunity for the staying fillies to sneak into the Australian Oaks field next weekend. Edward Cummings won the race last year with Duais and this year Cummings has nominated I’m Divine.

Follow the link to view the nominations for Day 1 of The Championships at Randwick this Saturday.