The Wellington Cup Carnival is in full swing and the Group One racing action will continue in the capital this Saturday with the Harcourts Thorndon Mile Day, day eight of The Grand Tour Racing Festival.

On the track, star sprinter Grail Seeker was electric on the champagne turf winning last Saturday’s Gr.1 TAB Telegraph (1200m), and a whole new contingent of top-class talent will chase the second elite-level crown on offer in the $500,000 Gr.1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m) this weekend.

A stacked final field include a number of Group One winners, such as Sharp ‘N’ Smart and Aegon, while the Central Districts talent is well and truly in the mix, with a fast-improving Marotiri Molly and Taranaki pair Hi Yo Sass Bomb and One Bold Cat set to take their place.

The Group action continues into the Gr.2 Top Kat Roofing Levin Classic (1400m), a race taken out in past years by some starry three-year-olds, including the wonder mare Imperatriz back in 2022. All-conquering Guineas winner Savaglee will be the horse to beat in the $400,000 feature, while Kitty Flash, Wingman and Domain Ace can’t be underestimated.

Trentham’s patrons are in for a treat with the Gr.3 Life Direct Trentham Stakes (2100m) and Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) completing the stakes racing, with a total prizemoney on offer of nearly $1.5 million.

In the Wellesley, the juveniles will take centre stage with the possibility of a late dash into the $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) in late January on the line. Intention is out to back-up her Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) triumph, with her main dangers including Te Akau colt Carsolio and fellow CD filly Abbakiss.

Defending champion Times Ticking is back to chase his crown in the Trentham Stakes, but he has some serious competition, with class mares Campionessa and Islington Lass in the mix.

RACE Trentham welcomes all racegoers with free General Admission, while you can step-up your experience with Members Lounge Passes still available to purchase for $60pp. A prime view of the winning post is available in the Desert Gold Restaurant, which will keep patrons wined and dined throughout the afternoon with a plated entre, buffet lunch, a cash bar and more for $150pp.

Dress up, bring your friends and enjoy the middle day of Trentham’s most iconic carnival this Saturday, 11th of January.

What: Harcourts Thorndon Mile Day
Where: RACE Trentham, 10 Racecourse Road, Trentham
When: Saturday, January 11 (gates open at 11:30am)

 

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