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The Randwick Guineas meeting will be the litmus test for the revamped Sydney autumn carnival with the Australian Jockey Club (AJC) also hosting Golden Slipper qualifying races for the first time.
The Group Three Sweet Embrace Stakes and Skyline Stakes earn their winners automatic entry into the $3 million Golden Slipper at Rosehill on April 8, the showcase meeting of the Sydney Turf Club (STC).
The two clubs are united in the battle for television rights and entered into the carnival revamp with a spirit of cooperation with the only hitch so far the clash of fashion parades on Monday.
The 1600m Group One Randwick Guineas replaces the longer Canterbury Guineas (1900m) and trainers are divided as to the merits of the move.
Administrators believe it is a more natural progression towards the AJC Australian Derby with the middle leg the Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
Anthony Cummings supports the view and will start Group One-winning colt Hotel Grand in Saturday's race.
"It is a much better progression," Cummings said.
"A horse like Shaftesbury Avenue didn't cope with the Canterbury Guineas and many don't.
"A horse like Hotel Grand is better off and the new routine lends itself to viable choices.
"After the Rosehill Guineas he can come back to 1600 metres in the Doncaster Handicap or go on to the Derby.
"At the moment he is 70 per cent to go to the Derby but the option to come back is there."
Shaftesbury Avenue was trained by Cummings' father Bart and went on to win Group One races over 1600 and 2000 metres and was placed in the 1992 Japan Cup (2400m).
Tim Martin is one trainer who doesn't like the new format and his Derby hope Oh Oklahoma will run in the Group Three Fringe Bar Randwick City Stakes (2000m) against older horses, most of whom are headed towards the Sydney Cup.
Guy Walter is more on the Cummings' line with Dream Ballad but expressed concern the meeting was being held with the rail nine metres out.
"No-one can argue against that programming," Walter said.
© 2010 Published 17/03/06
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