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Will it be the kiwis again in the Bill Ritchie Handicap run at Randwick on Saturday?

Probabeel is a star and she showed it here. Will the 2021 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday produce the Epsom winner.

2021 Bill Ritchie Handicap: Nominations

2021 BILL RITCHIE HANDICAP - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Bill Ritchie Handicap is a Group 3 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, Judged and Probabeel are the only mares to win in the last 20 years.

Boban, Kolding and Probabeel are the only horses to do the Bill Ritchie/Epsom Handicap double.

In 2019 Kolding would win the G1 Epsom and inaugural Golden Eagle his next two starts while Fierce Impact took the G1 Toorak and G1 Cantala his next couple.

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

The Bill Ritchie Handicap was worth $160,000 in 2021. The winner is exempt from Epsom Hcp ballot.

Notable winners of the Bill Ritchie Handicap include Probabeel (2020), Kolding (2019), Comin' Through (2017), 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 2020 Bill Ritchie Handicap was won by Probabeel from Cuba and Brandenburg.