3 minute read
It has been a while since a youngster won the VRC Sprint Classic run at Flemington on Saturday.
History might be with the older brigade off the Everest like when Redzel won in 2017 coming into the 2019 VRC Sprint Classic (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday.
2019 VRC Sprint Classic: Nominations
2019 VRC SPRINT CLASSIC - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The VRC Sprint Classic is a Group 1 race run under Weight For Age conditions for open class sprinters at Flemington conducted by the Victoria Racing Club.
The VRC Sprint Classic is run over 1200m. It was first run in 1960 and was won by Karina.
Becoming the WFA G1 Sprint of the Flemington Carnival in 2007, the race took the records of old feature Sprint where so many previous winners were sprinters in a handicap.
It has always been run at the six furlongs.
In its previous form it was run as the main sprint on Derby Day but since becoming WFA has been moved to the final day.
The VRC Sprint Classic was a Principal Race until 1979 then Group 1.
It had many sponsor name changes but is registered as the Victoria Racing Club Stakes. It changed to the VRC Sprint Classic again in 2018.
Be it WFA or handicap, champion sprinters have taken the prize before going on to international success such as Buffering, Black Caviar, Miss Andretti and Takeover Target.
This was Black Caviar's first ever G1 in the 2010 renewal. Ironically she was not ridden by regular rider Luke Nolen but Ben Melham – one of only three jockeys to ride her in races (Jarrad Noske).
Last 3yo to win was Pharein in 1999 and Black Caviar the last mare.
The inaugural Everest had its first chance to show its form and Redzel did just that taking the double.
In a bit over 12 months, Santa Ana Lane had won the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, Goodwood Handicap, Stradbroke Handicap and then this race at the elite level. He's also take the TJ Smith in the Autumn.
The VRC Sprint Classic is worth $2,000,000 in 2019.
Notable winners of the VRC Sprint Classic include Santa Ana Lane (2018), Redzel (2017), Terravista (2014), Buffering (2013), Black Caviar (2010/2011), Miss Andretti (2007), Dance Hero (2006), Takeover Target (2004), Rubitano (2002), Gold Ace (1996), Hareeba (1994), Planet Ruler (1989/1990), Special (1988), River Rough (1983/1984), Always Welcome (1978), Maybe Mahal (1976), Scamanda (1974), Century (1973), Dual Choice (1970), Vain (1969) and Iga Ninja (1967).
The 2018 VRC Sprint Classic was won by Santa Ana Lane from In Her Time and Jungle Cat/Pierata.
