redzel ready to double up in vrC sprint Classic

DUAL winner of The Everest, Redzel, headlines the 34 sprinters still in contention for the $1 million VRC Sprint Classic at Flemington.

First acceptances were taken yesterday for the weight-for-age VRC Sprint Classic (1200m) as well as the Victoria Derby and VRC Oaks, three of the feature races during the Melbourne Cup carnival.

Redzel won the VRC Sprint Classic last year after his victory in the inaugural The Everest, and he will be out for a repeat on November 10 after winning his second The Everest at Randwick earlier this month.

Eight horses who contested The Everest remain in the VRC Sprint Classic entries while Flemington straight-track specialist Redkirk Warrior is also a first acceptor.

Four Aidan O’Brien-trained sprinters who are all set to run in Friday night’s Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley and the Charlie Appleby-trained Jungle Cat could give the VRC Sprint Classic an international presence.

Gold Coast sprinter Houtzen, who will run in the Manikato Stakes, is also entered for the VRC Sprint Classic as she pursues her first Group 1 win.

Caulfield Classic winner Thinkin’ Big is the $2.90 Victoria Derby favourite and headlines the 36 three-yearolds still in the running for the $2 million race over 2500m on November 3.

Victoria’s premier trainer Darren Weir has six of the 25 fillies among the first acceptors for the VRC Oaks on November 8. They include Group 1 Thousand Guineas winner Amphitrite, who is raced by Queensland’s Flying Start Syndications, and Ethereal Stakes winner Verry Elleegant.