Monton, Shoot Out and Hanks confirmed in Guineas

Exciting three-year-olds Monton, Hanks and Shoot Out are set to light up Royal Randwick on Saturday after they accepted for the $350,000 Group 1 Turnpoint Randwick Guineas (1600m) today.

Monton took all before him in claiming the Hobartville Stakes a fortnight ago, with the John Wallace trained Shoot Out finishing 1 ½ lengths behind in second place and Captain Sonador a further length behind in third.

The time honoured Group 1 classic over the famous Randwick Mile will feature a field of 17 with the winner to claim not only $210,000 in prize money but also receive automatic exemption from the ballot for both the Doncaster Handicap and AJC Derby.

The Peter Moody-trained Hanks will make the trip up from Melbourne while exciting gelding Kidnapped is also among final acceptances.

Gai Waterhouse's sole nominee Viking Legend is also certain to attract its fair share of admirers, while Patinack Farm is the best represented stable with three runners.

The Randwick Guineas will officially launch this year's Triple Crown for three year-olds, with all 17 starters hoping to become the first horse since Octagonal to claim the prized crown.

Last year's Randwick Guineas winner Metal Bender went close, claiming the Rosehill Guineas before faltering at the Group 1 AJC Derby.

"The Turnpoint Randwick Guineas is one of Australia's premiere races for three year-olds and judging by the bumper list of final acceptances announced today, we can expect an exciting race come Saturday" AJC acting CEO Darren Pearce said.

"Monton and Shoot Out are coming off strong runs a fortnight ago while Kidnapped and Hanks can't be underestimated and are sure to have support," Pearce said.

"Randwick Guineas Day is always a highlight on the AJC calendar and judging by the fields announced for the two-year old races in particular, this year will be no different.

"Close to 10,000 fans packed Warwick Farm last weekend and with the calibre of thoroughbreds on show this Saturday, I'm confident racing fans across Sydney will get out to Royal Randwick and enjoy what is certain to be another wonderful day of racing."

There are eight black type races on the card including the Group 2 $152,300 Challenge Stakes (1000m), Group 3 $125,000 Randwick City Stakes (2000m), Group 3 $125,000 Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m) and the Group 3 $125,000 Skyline Stakes (1200m).

The Sweet Embrace Stakes will see some of the country's best two-year-old Fillies battle it out with Melbourne's Crystal Lily lining up against Sydney's Amber's Waltz and Zutara.

Eleven fillies will contest the Group 2 race with the winner claiming $75,000 in prize money.

The Skyline Stakes for two year old colts and geldings will see Beneteau to be ridden by Damian Oliver looking to atone for its unlucky Blue Diamond defeat and stake his claim for Golden Slipper favouritism after the super efforts of Chance Bye and Solar Charged over the last two weekends.

Winners of both two year-old races will be exempt from the Golden Slipper ballot.

The Group 2 Ascend Sales Challenge Stakes (1200m) promises to be an open affair with Dorf Command looking to back up her impressive win at Warwick Farm last Saturday, while the Group 3 Randwick City Stakes (2000m) will see both Sydney Cup and AJC Derby aspirants battle it out in a vital lead up to the upcoming feature races.

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