Many of New Zealand’s brightest three-year-olds and toughest stayers will be on course at Ellerslie on Saturday, with the Avondale Cup and Guineas races proving to be a big form-setter for the upcoming Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day next month.

The Avondale meeting has historically hosted the final prelude to the $1.25 million Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) and $600,000 Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) and this year will be no different, with key runners in both races contesting the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (2400m) and Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Cup (2400m).

In the Guineas, boom three-year-old Willydoit will chase a fourth win on the bounce, after wins at 1400m and a mile. The $2 favourite for the Derby, Willydoit will match up with a number of fellow contenders including Hinekaha, Bourbon Proof and Oceana Dream.

For the older horses, the Cup has attracted some international flavour with Ciaron Maher’s Interpretation the top-weight of the field. Bruce Wallace and Grant Cooksley hold a strong hand in the race with Trust In You and Son Of Sun, while talented local mare About Time is a big hope for Cambridge Stud.

While those races headline the card, a new addition of the $500,000 Gr.1 Sport Nation Ōtaki-Māori WFA Classic (1600m) brings elite-level action to Ellerslie, with a field that matches up to that status.

Orchestral was the star of the show at this meeting twelve months ago, winning the Avondale Guineas before victories in the Derby and Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m). She was back in the winner’s circle last month on TAB Karaka Millions Night, powering away with the $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m).

She will be the likely favourite on Saturday, but not to be underestimated is El Vencedor, the flying gelding who won the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) in devastating style last-start. Among the dangers to the top pair will be gun mares Konasana and Belclare.

The Trevor and Coralie Eagle Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m) may only hold Listed status, but it has attracted a top-class field with a number of the slot horses for the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) making their final preparations for the big dance on Saturday.

Wexford stablemates Checkmate and Sethito, alongside Dealt With and Penman have all been nominated, while the likes of Hankee Alpha, Move To Strike, Vegas Queen and Tristar could put their hand up for one of the remaining positions in the inaugural Kiwi with a standout performance.

After the first race, Auckland Thoroughbred Racing will reveal their runner for The NZB Kiwi to Club Members in the Takanini Room, with one lucky member drawn to win a slot holder experience on Champions Day.

The public can join members in the Ascot Stand for $30pp, while free General Admission welcomes the entire family to Ellerslie, with a bouncy castle and swingball sets to keep the kids entertained while you are glued to the winning post.

ATR will also offer the popular Silks Lounge for $99pp, with prime viewing, a buffet lunch and a cash bar to enjoy the afternoon.

What: Eagle Technology Avondale Cup & Guineas Day

Where: Ellerslie Racecourse

When: 22 February 2025 (Gates open at 11:30am)

Find out more: ellerslie.co.nz/avondale-cup