Seven of the 19 nominated for the event are from the Chris Waller stable who has won two of the past four Bill Ritchie renewals with Boban (2013) and Sadler’s Lake (2015).

The Kris Lees-trained Invincible Gem holds favouritism for the Group 3 event at $4.60 ahead of Tom Melbourne who finished ahead of her last start when they clashed in the Tramway Stakes (1400m).

2017 Bill Ritchie Handicap: Nominations and All In Market

2017 BILL RITCHIE HANDICAP: RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Bill Ritchie Handicap is a G3 race run under Quality Handicap conditions for open class horses at Randwick conducted by the Australian Turf Club.

The Bill Ritchie Handicap is run over 1400m. It was first run in 1978 and was won by Go Mod.

The Bill Ritchie Handicap has been run at Rosehill, Warwick Farm and Randwick where it has been since 2012.

The Bill Ritchie Handicap has always been run over 1400m. It was a Listed race until 1997 then Group 3 after that.

This is a traditional handicap lead up to the Epsom Handicap.

The race was run for many years but not at black type level and not under this name.

Steps In Time and Judged are the only mares to win in the last 20 years.

Boban is the only horse to do the Bill Ritchie/Epsom Handicap double.

The 2007 race was not held due to the Equine Influenza break out.

The Bill Ritchie Handicap is worth $150,000 in 2017.

Notable winners of the Bill Ritchie Handicap include Manawanui (2014), Boban (2013), Steps In Time (2012), Zabarra (2002/2003), Landsighting (2000), Bezeal Bay (1998), Holy Roller (1997), Monopolize (1995), Rouslan (1994), Prince Of Praise (1992), Our Poverty Bay (1990), Dinky Flyer (1985) and Leica Planet (1983).

The 2016 Bill Ritchie Handicap was won by Sons Of John from Torgersen and Federal.

WHEN IS THE 2017 BILL RITCHIE HANDICAP?

WHEN: September 16, 2017