A captivating battle unfolded in the 2024 Randwick Guineas, with Celestial Legend emerging victorious in a close finish.
Celestial Legend wins the 2024 Randwick Guineas on way to the Doncaster Mile in April. Photo: Steve Hart.
The Chris Waller-trained favourite Militarize, ridden by James McDonald, appeared destined for victory but was ultimately denied by a determined showing from Celestial Legend.
Celestial Legend, expertly guided by Kerrin McEvoy, displayed remarkable grit throughout the race.
He was forced to work hard early on, positioned wide and towards the back of the pack.
Despite this tactical challenge, McEvoy orchestrated a perfectly timed finishing kick in the straight.
Celestial Legend surged past tiring rivals and engaged in a thrilling duel with Militarize in the final stages.
In a display of pure heart, Celestial Legend edged out the favourite by a narrow half-head margin.
Cafe Millenium, a longshot at $71, also entered the fray in the final strides, putting in a valiant effort to finish a close third.
This victory marks a significant turning point for Celestial Legend.
He has now won back-to-back autumn races, culminating in this prestigious Group 1 win.
His next target is likely to be the Group 1 $4 million Doncaster Mile (1600m) back at the same track and trip on April 6th, a race perfectly suited to his current form.
“A mile will do me,” Bridge said.
“If he pulls up well, I’ll run him in the Doncaster.”
All three podium finishers have positioned themselves as contenders for the upcoming Rosehill Guineas.
Despite being all but ruled out by his trainer, Celestial Legend currently leads the all-in betting at $5 through Ladbrokes, while Militarize remains a threat.
Cafe Millenium, despite his impressive late run, sits further back at $26 looking the early value.
Celestial Legend’s win echoes the achievements of The Autumn Sun in 2019, who completed the Hobartville Stakes – Randwick Guineas double.
2024 Randwick Guineas Results
| Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Penalty | Starting Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | CELESTIAL LEGEND | Les Bridge | Kerrin McEvoy | 11 | 56.5kg | $3.60 | |||
| 2 | 1 | MILITARIZE (NZ) | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 0.1L | 4 | 56.5kg | $2.20F | ||
| 3 | 10 | CAFE MILLENIUM | John O’Shea | Tom Marquand | 0.24L | 7 | 56.5kg | $71 | ||
| 4 | 2 | TOM KITTEN | James Cummings | Nash Rawiller | 0.97L | 8 | 56.5kg | $7 | ||
| 5 | 4 | ENCAP | Gary Portelli | Jason Collett | 1.14L | 10 | 56.5kg | $12 | ||
| 6 | 9 | CEOLWULF (NZ) | Joseph Pride | Sam Clipperton | 1.3L | 1 | 56.5kg | $20 | ||
| 7 | 8 | DUCASSE | Michael Freedman | Tyler Schiller | 1.36L | 9 | 56.5kg | $51 | ||
| 8 | 6 | LES VAMPIRES | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Adam Hyeronimus | 1.57L | 2 | 56.5kg | $19 | ||
| 9 | 5 | GANBARE | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tim Clark | 1.69L | 5 | 56.5kg | $26 | ||
| 10 | 11 | COSMIC LAD | Edward Cummings | Chad Schofield | 3.4L | 6 | 56.5kg | $151 | ||
| 11 | 7 | FUKUBANA | Matthew Dunn | Tommy Berry | 9.42L | 3 | 56.5kg | $31 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
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