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Can the 2018 Hill Stakes at Randwick on Saturday return to being a race for the elite?

Desert War would win it twice and have other big race success. The 2018 Hill Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday shapes as a belter.

2018 HILL STAKES - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Hill Stakes is a Group 2 race run under Weights For Age conditions for open class horses at Randwick conducted by the Australian Turf Club.

The Hill Stakes is run over 1800m. It was first run in 1921 and was won by Beauford.

The Hill Stakes has been run over varying distances with most runnings over 1900m then was up to 2000m when moved to Randwick before dropping back in 2017. Once again the 2018 race is over 2000m.

The Hill Stakes was a Principal Race until graded at Group 2.

The Hill Stakes has been mostly at Rosehill until moving to Randwick in 2012.

Only mare to win in the last 16 years is Miss Marielle.

Some of the greats have won this race in their Spring campaigns.

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

The Hill Stakes has increased prizemoney to $500,000 in 2018.

Notable winners of the Hill Stakes include Hartnell (2016), Preferment (2015), Descarado (2010), Fiumicino (2008), Desert War (2005/2006), Tie The Knot (1999), Ebony Grosve (1997), Saintly (1996), Slight Chance (1994), Super Impose (1991), Beau Zam (1987), Emancipation (1983), Gunsynd (1972), Baguette (1971), Eskimo Prince (1965), Sky High (1962), Redcraze (1956/1957), Hydrogen (1952/1953), Bernborough (1946), Shannon (1945), Peter Pan (1932/1935), Chatham (1933/1934), Phar Lap (1930/1931) and Gloaming (1922).

The 2017 Hill Stakes was won by Classic Uniform from Embley and Mackintosh.