The South Island will kick off their autumn in style with the long-awaited and inaugural edition of Property Brokers Otago Classics Day, this Saturday, 1^st of March at Wingatui!

Nearly $1 million in stakes are on offer in the biggest race meeting ever run in Otago and Southland, combining the $220,000 Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Weight For Age (1600m), $170,000 Listed Property Brokers – Ray Kean Dunedin Guineas (1600m) and $170,000 Listed Positive Signs and Print Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m).

The White Robe is a time-honoured event, sponsored by a hugely influential family to the South Island and New Zealand Racing communities. Brian and Shane Anderton have won the feature three times since 2017, and they will be looking to regain the crown on Saturday with the well-performed Capo Dell Impero.

The son of Ghibellines will face some stiff competition, with a fantastic field including Listed Hazlett Stakes (1400m) winner Harlech, alongside fellow Group One performers Matscot, He’s A Doozy and Perfect Scenario, the latter aiming for a three-peat in the race.

In the Guineas, visiting fillies Lil Zena, Lilly, Sesimbra and Royal Sovereigns all pose a big threat, while local hope Cloche also has plenty to offer. The race will not feature the Gore and Southland Guineas (1400m) heroine Pivotal Ten, leaving an open race for the three-year-olds. 

The stayers will be on show in the Dunedin Gold Cup, attracting another class field including the likes of Lombardi, Prince Alby, Sir Albert and Noble Knight. Not to be underestimated will be Central Districts visitor Field Of Gold, who comes out of a solid performance in the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) last-start.

Outside of the stakes races, a big prize purse is on offer in the $200,000 ODT Southern Mile Final (1600m), with a final field of 14 assembling after qualifying races across Canterbury, Otago and Southland in the past couple of months.

Canterbury mare Quintabelle won a pair of qualifiers to lead the table heading into the final, with her talented stablemate Tommy Shelby joining her in a cracking contest. Other consistent performers in Treybon, Missoni and Cheney ensure every region is well-represented in the race.

A premier racing card will be matched by the hospitality of Otago Racing Club, with access to a gourmet lunch courtesy of VAULT21, a competitive Fashion In The Fields competition, and the LOVERACING.NZ Afterparty, headlined by The Black Seeds.

The Otago Racing Club are delighted with the level of interest received, with the Winning Post Lounge, Mini Marquee Village and Maxi Marquee already sold out! If you’re after a ticket, get a front-row seat to the action with the VAULT21 Moet and Chandon Lawn, which will also play host to the Fashions In The Field.

General Admission is available for just $25, but if you’re wanting to get into the Afterparty, select the Kirin Hyoketsu Paddock, which has everything from music, to a mechanical bull and a silent disco! Wingatui is located in Mosgiel, just a short drive from the heart of Dunedin, and there will be return shuttle buses available from The Octagon for just $10.

Wingatui is buzzing and can’t wait to put on this fabulous event, so take your chance to be a part of Otago’s greatest race-day and join the Club this Saturday from 11am.