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The first Group race of the new Sydney racing year heralds the return of some star gallopers at Royal Randwick on Saturday as stables start to heat up ahead of spring.

The $300,000 Group 2-Kia Ora Stud Missile Stakes features a strong field of sprinters and potential early claims for a slot in the $20 million Group 1-TAB Everest, or those on a possible pathway to the $10m Gr 1-Golden Eagle.

One of 16-time Sydney champion trainer Chris Waller’s stable stars in Angel Capital is an early $2.60 TAB favourite in the feature race with 10-time premiership winning jockey James McDonald aboard.

Gangsta Granny (James McDonald) in full flight at Royal Randwick. Image by Bradley Photographers

Well-performed mare Gangsta Granny for the Hawkes Racing team and in-form jockey Tim Clark is next in betting at $3.80.

They take on some emerging young talent in four-year-old gallopers Ninja (Michael Freedman/Tommy Berry) at $3.90 and the John O’Shea & Tom Charlton-trained Napoleonic at $6.50 for jockey Chad Schofield.

Australian Turf Club will also present the Athol Mulley Trophy on Saturday to recognise the leading apprentice at Royal Randwick for the recent 2025/26 season.

Siena Grima, who took out the overall metropolitan title for the racing year, was also the most winning apprentice at Royal Randwick with 15 wins.

Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Officer, Steve McMahon said Saturday offered racegoers an early taste ahead of the looming Sydney Everest Carnival.

“The Kia Ora Missile Stakes is always a significant start ahead of feature spring races and this year has again attracted a very strong field," Mr McMahon said.

“Saturday begins 14 consecutive weeks of Listed and Group races across Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens and we are just weeks away from the first Group 1 race of the season in the Winx Stakes.

“Nothing beats the thrill of watching some of Sydney’s best horses and jockeys competing live on track in a raceday atmosphere, especially in larger groups and family, friends or even punters clubs."

Full fields for Royal Randwick are available HERE and TAB markets for the entire 10-race card are available HERE. The 10-race card will start at 11:30am and conclude with the final race at 4:55pm.

Saturday also sees continuation of the ATC’s Winter Long Lunch offer at the popular Chairman’s Club restaurant overlooking the Royal Randwick racecourse and home straight. Full details of the offer are available HERE.

For all racing, ticketing and general information visit theraces.com.au