HERE’S some figures to consider…
In 2017 there were 3382 foals born in Australia, with 3130 arrivals throughout the nation the following year.
That equates to 6512 Aussie-bred three and four-year-olds eligible for Saturday night’s The Rising Sun at Albion Park.
Following a selection process, the number was condensed to a field of 12 and an emergency.
Of the 13 classy pacers eight are Australian Pacing Gold eligible, including recent Group One winner Sebs Choice.
Boasting five victories from six starts this season, Sebs Choice outclassed a strong free-for-all field to capture the Redcliffe Cup with Michelle Phillips in the cart.
With Phillips to take the reins again, the Victorian gelding has drawn to push forward from barrier four.
“He has gone to another level this time in and is just in terrific form,” Phillips said.
Sebs Choice is one of 10 four-year-olds in the field, with the balance consisting of all APG purchased three-year-olds.
Boom youngsters Ripp and Leap To Fame will begin from barriers one and two, while Tims A Trooper has drawn eight as the emergency.
Ripp has created a huge impression this term with five wins – including two Group Ones – and a third from seven starts.
Unbeaten from three outings for the season, Leap To Fame was in a class of his own when capturing the New South Wales Derby at Club Menangle in March.
Of the thousands of fillies bred during the two-year period only one has earned a berth in the $305,000 feature.
A last start second in an APG Final, Ladies In Red has drawn barrier three for trainer Emma Stewart.
“She hasn’t raced for a couple of months, but has had plenty of work put into her,” Stewart said. “She is in top order and will be hard to beat.”
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