Doncaster Handicap:

Location: Randwick Racecourse, Sydney, Australia.

Total Prize: A$2,000,000

Official Website: http://www.ajc.com.au

First run: 1865

Qualification: Group 1, Open handicap 3yo & up.

Distance: 1600 metres

Course Record: 1:33.13 Ike's Dream 2004

Track: Turf, right handed

Track Bias: Located in a short chute off the back of the course. Straight run of 650m until the first turn, inside barriers are a slight advantage.

History: The richest race at Randwick racecourse is held annually held on the third Saturday in April, making it one of the highlights of Sydney's Autumn racing carnival along with the Golden Slipper at Rosehill. The Doncaster attracts Australia's top middle distance gallopers and many winners also go on to compete in the 1600m Epsom Handicap at Randwick in the Spring.

Past Winners: First winner was Dundee (1865) who had taken the Epsom Handicap in the previous year, also Wakeful, Tobin Bronze, Gunsynd, Emancipation, Super Impose (twice), and Sunline (twice).

Lead Up Form: George Ryder Stakes, Apollo Stakes.

Support Races: AJC Australian Oaks.

Statistics & Trends: Dominated by male horses in recent years, the last mare to win was the champion middle distance galloper from New Zealand, Sunline (1999 & 2002). Sunline (a dual Cox Plate winner) also set a weight record for mares in the race carrying 58kgs to victory. A true test of class and stamina, fitness is an important factor as the race is usually truly run, lighter weighted 3 and 4 year old horses have an advantage under the handicap conditions, but a class horse can carry a bigger weight to success with a patient ride.

Betting on Randwick racing including the Doncaster Handicap is available online at Sportsbet.com.au.