<p>Oh, them Golden Slippers!</p> <p>The Golden Slipper Stakes is Australia’s premier race for two-year-olds, and the world’s richest race for two-year-olds. First run in 1957, it was won by the champion colt Todman. Since then, some of the juveniles to win the Golden Slipper Stakes include champions Sky High, Vain, Luskin Star, Manikato, Baguette, Bounding Away, Dance Hero, Sepoy and Pierro.</p> <p>The value of a Golden Slipper-winning colt can skyrocket to anywhere between $20 million and $50 million as the major breeding farms jostle to secure the colt as a future stallion. Some of the past Slipper winners to make champion sires include Todman, Vain, Pierro, Sebring, Flying Spur, Marauding, Rory’s Jester and Stratum.</p> <p>There have been 30 fillies that have won the Golden Slipper Stakes. The most recent being last year’s winner Lady Of Camelot.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Golden Slipper Stakes 2025 Preview, Details &amp; Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Time: </strong>Race 8, 4.35pm</p> <p><strong>Track: </strong>Rosehill</p> <p><strong>Status &amp; Distance: </strong>Group 1, 1200m</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Saturday, March 22, 2025</p> <p><strong>Total prizemoney: </strong>$5 million</p> <p><strong>First prize: </strong>$2.95 million</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>The Golden Slipper Track Overview</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rail out 3m. Track surface rated Good 4 on Wednesday. Weather overcast, medium chance of showers Friday and Saturday. Predicted surface to remain in the good range with some give. Fair to all runners.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>The Golden Slipper Horses</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Golden Slipper Stakes field of 16 (plus two emergencies). Here’s how they are rated:</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>1 - </strong>Rivellino (barrier 3) Jockey Hugh Bowman</p> <p><strong>Trainers: </strong>Kris Lees</p> <p>Unbeaten in three starts. Likes to get back and possesses a brilliant finish. He will relish a fast tempo. Trainer Kris Lees has timed his run at winning his first Slipper to perfection. Remembering his father Max trained one of the great Slipper winners, Luskin Star. Importing Bowman (who won on Farnan in 2020) from Hong Kong to ride could be a masterstroke.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>2 - </strong>Devil Night (11) Michael Dee</p> <p><strong>Trainers: </strong>Michael, John &amp; Wayne Hawkes</p> <p>This little colt is a bit of an unknown despite having won the Blue Diamond Stakes at only his second start. He’s fast and he’s game, and in the hands of master trainers. So far, the Blue Diamond Stakes form has stood up strongly against the NSW two-year-olds. Aiming to be the sixth horse to win the Diamond-Slipper double.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>3 - </strong>North England (9) Tim Clark</p> <p><strong>Trainer: </strong>Gai Waterhouse &amp; Adrian Bott</p> <p>Fast colt who was beaten in the Todman Stakes, but it’s a forgive run. He went into the race a bit “soft” after missing some work, and then had to do the heavy lifting on the pace. In fact, he stuck on gamely. Expect him to go forward and run a cheeky race. Co-trainer Gai Waterhouse is chasing her ninth Golden Slipper. Don’t be afraid to throw North England in all your bets.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>4 - </strong>Tycoon Star (5) Mark Zahra</p> <p><strong>Trainers: </strong>Ben, Will &amp; JD Hayes</p> <p>Came off his huge run in the Blue Diamond Stakes to finish a close fourth in the Todman Stakes after looming to win. He got the wobbles at his first try racing right-handed, so expect him to improve on that. Nice draw and a gun big-race jockey means he’s in the mix.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>5 - </strong>West Of Swindon (4) Tyler Schiller</p> <p><strong>Trainers: </strong>Michael, John &amp; Wayne Hawkes</p> <p>Two runs for two seconds in the best of company. A colt with a big future. He’s stylish and he hits the line hard. History is against him as only two maidens have won a Golden Slipper – Sweet Embrace (1967) and Fairy Walk (1971), but this is a very open race, and he has a serious chance of causing an upset.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>6 - </strong>Beiwacht (16) Adam Hyeronimus</p> <p><strong>Trainers: </strong>James Cummings</p> <p>Looked the goods winning the Silver Slipper beating West Of Swindon and Wodeton, when he raced on the pace and showed a tremendous turn of foot. Forgive his Todman Stakes ninth when he was never on the track. Barrier 16 is a concern, but he;’s got the talent to win if his jockey “The Hippo” can find the right path.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>7 -</strong> Skyhook (8) Kerrin McEvoy</p> <p><strong>Trainers: </strong>Gerald Ryan &amp; Sterling Alexiou</p> <p>Skyhook has burst on the scene as a serious Golden Slipper chance. Unlucky when second behind Rivellino in the Skyline Stakes and then demolished his rivals last week in the Pago Pago Stakes. Nice draw, good jockey and he has the profile of a Golden Slipper winner. Shinzo (2023) is the most recent Pago Pago winner to back-up and win the Golden Slipper.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>8 - </strong>Wodeton (2) James McDonald</p> <p><strong>Trainers: </strong>Chris Waller</p> <p>Charged to the top of the Golden Slipper markets when he was dynamic winning on debut at Rosehill on January 18, but he’s been a shade disappointing in two runs since a short break. Trainer Chris Waller has added winkers to Wodeton’s gear to sharpen him up and he’ll settle close with a trail from barrier two. Hype doesn’t win races, talent does. You have to trust Waller and McDonald to get the job done.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>9 - </strong>King Of Pop (18)&nbsp; Zac Lloyd</p> <p><strong>Trainers:</strong> Gerald Ryan &amp; Sterling Alexiou</p> <p>Unbeaten in two starts. Earned a Golden Slipper start with a solid win in the Black Opal Stakes on March 9. That’s a rung below what is genuinely regarded as Golden Slipper form. Only Catbird (1999) has won an Opal and a Slipper. Barrier 18 doesn’t help the cause.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>10 - </strong>Quietly Arrogant (7) Tommy Berry</p> <p><strong>Trainers:</strong> Peter Snowden</p> <p>He resumed with a sound closing third behind Rivellino in the Skyline Stakes, but hasn’t been seen since. In the hands of a master trainer of juveniles, who trained this colt’;s sire, Capitalist, to win the 2016 Golden Slipper. Not sure he can win, but from a good draw, he could sneak a place. Throw him in the trifectas.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>11 -</strong> Farcited (17) Josh Parr</p> <p><strong>Trainers: </strong>Gai Waterhouse &amp; Adrian Bott</p> <p>One of three Waterhouse-Bott runners, and the longest priced by a long margin. Game second in the Black Opal Stakes after leading – probably not the right form for this. His sire, Farnan, won the 2020 Slipper for Waterhouse &amp; Bott.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>12 - </strong>Within The Law (13) Jason Collett</p> <p><strong>Trainers: </strong>Bjorn Baker</p> <p>Little filly with a big finish. Stormed home to beat Bellazaine to win the Sweet Embrace, and almost did the same behind Rivellino before that. She will go back and will relish a hot tempo. No doubt she can win a first Slipper for hot trainer Bjorn Baker.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>13 - </strong>Tempted (1) Blake Shinn</p> <p><strong>Trainer: </strong>James Cummings</p> <p>This emerging filly couldn’t have been more impressive winning the Reisling Stakes at Randwick two weeks ago. She has been getting back in her races from wide barriers, but from barrier one, expect a more positive ride from Blake Shinn, who was brilliant winning last year’s Slipper on Lady Of Camelot. Big chance.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>14 -</strong> Bellazaine (15) Regan Bayliss</p> <p><strong>Trainers: </strong>Gai Waterhouse &amp; Adrian Bott</p> <p>Her form line is spot on. She beat Beiwacht (who then won the Silver Slipper) and then was nabbed late by the smart Within The Law in the Sweet Embrace. Warmed up for this with a recent trial win. Only needs a good ride from Bayliss to be in the finish.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>15 - </strong>Military Tycoon (12) Thomas Stockdale</p> <p><strong>Trainers:</strong> Ciaron Maher</p> <p>Extremely fast filly from Melbourne. Took quick for her moderate rivals in the Ottawa Stakes at Flemington. Will be part of the speed mix here, however, she’s going to be found out at the end.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>16 - </strong>Marhoona (6) Damian Lane</p> <p><strong>Trainer: </strong>Michael Freedman</p> <p>Improving filly. Excellent second behind Tempted in the Reisling after getting a cosy run on the fence. She’s got the looks and pedigree of a good horse, but this might be a step too far at this stage.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>17 (1st Emerg) -</strong> Alabama Magic (14) Braith Nock (a)</p> <p><strong>Trainers:</strong> Brett Cavanough</p> <p>Ran on well for third behind Memo in last week’s Magic Night Stakes. Hard to see her figuring in the finish.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>18 (2nd Emerg) - </strong>Nepotism (10) no rider notified</p> <p><strong>Trainer:</strong> Michael, John &amp; Wayne Hawkes</p> <p>Heavily backed and caused a stir when he ran third in the Todman Stakes on debut. Bred to be good and he’ll be better for the run. Worth throwing in the trifecta bets if he gets a start.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>The Golden Slipper Race Map</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The race map for a Golden Slipper is most important to finding the winner. Since 2010, the eight winners have been drawn between barrier one and five – five of those drew barrier 1. Six drew outside barrier 10, and three of those led throughout.&nbsp;</p> <p>Significantly, if the best horse, colt or filly, can position behind the speed in the first seven, they usually win. Lady Of Camelot, Shinzo, Stay Inside, Farnan, She Will Reign, Capitalist, Pierro and Sepoy are the best examples in recent years.</p> <p>As in any highly competitive Group 1 race, clear running is the most important factor. Fireburn, scooting along the rails from near last, proved that.&nbsp;</p> <p>With a likely hot tempo in this year’s race, along with a very even field of horses, will ensure horses that settle back can overcome that disadvantage.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>The Golden Slipper Pace</h3> <p>Golden Slippers rarely, if ever, are run at a steady pace, and this won’t be an exception.&nbsp;</p> <p>With a lot of competitive speed drawn out wide, in particular North England, Beiwacht, Devil Night, Farcited, King Of Pop and Military Tycoon, expect them to be humming along. Skyhook is perfectly placed in barrier 8 to track this speed.</p> <p>Since 2010, three horses have led throughout to win – Farnan (2020), Kiamich (2019) and Estijaab (2018). Notably, there were wet tracks.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>The Golden Slipper Swoopers</h3> <p>A hot tempo should set this race up nicely for those who like to close late – Rivellino, Within The Law, Tycoon Star and Bellazaine – and also two of the favourites, Tempted (barrier 1), and Wodeton (barrier 2), who will get cosy, economical runs just off the speed. They will need the clear space to dodge the weakening leaders.</p> <p>It’s worth noting that since 2010, only two winners have been further back than seventh on the turn around tricky Rosehill – Fireburn (2022) and Mossfun (2014), who both got inside runs.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <h2>The Golden Slipper Trainers</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s “all in the family” when it comes to training Golden Slipper winners.<br /> <br /> The Legendary Tommy Smith held the record with six Golden Slipper winners until his irrepressible daughter,&nbsp; Gai Waterhouse (now training in partnership with Adrian Bott), added eight Slippers to her wardrobe – three with Bott. The combination has three runners this year, North England, Farcited and Bellazaine.</p> <p>Four other famous racing families who have a significant impact on the Slipper are the Cummings, Freedmans, Hawkes and Hayes.&nbsp;</p> <p>Bart Cummings won four and his grandson James won with Kiamichi in 2019. James has a strong hand with Beiwacht and Tempted.&nbsp;</p> <p>Michael Freedman’s brother Lee won four in a row in the 1990s, and Michael won in 2021 with Stay Inside. His sole representative is the filly Marhoona.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Hawkes family of father John and sons Michael and Wayne have won six Golden Slippers between them. This year, Team Hawkes has a big chance to add to that with Devil Night, West Of Swindon and the emergency, the aptly named Nepotism.</p> <p>The late, great Colin Hayes won a Slipper with Rory’s Jester, his son David won with Miss Finland. David’s sons Ben, Will and JD have a chance to win their first with Tycoon Star</p> <p>The only other Golden Slipper-winning trainers with a runner this year are: Peter Snowden (Quietly Arrogant) with two, and Chris Waller (Wodeton) one.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <h2>The Golden Slipper Jockeys</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The jockeys with the most Golden Slipper wins are&nbsp; the now retired Ron Quinton and Shane Dye with four.. Of the current jockeys with a ride this year,&nbsp; Tommy Berry (Quietly Arrogant) heads the pack with three and Blake Shinn (Tempted) has two. Shinn won last year on Lady Of Camelot.</p> <p>Only three other jockeys with a ride in this year’s race have won a Golden Slipper. James McDonald (Wodeton) had one win on Mossfun back in 2014, Kerrin McEvoy (Skyhook) won on Sepoy in 2011 and Damian Lane (Marhoona), who won on Kiamichi in 2019.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <h2>Golden Slipper Stakes 2025 Racing Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Top Golden Slipper Tip</h3> <p><strong>Tip: </strong>Skyhook</p> <p>In a very even year, this strapping chestnut colt has emerged late as a Golden Slipper contender. His Pago Pago Stakes win was decisive and he’s drawn to track behind a fast tempo.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Golden Slipper Tip Dangers</h3> <p><strong>Tip 1: </strong>Tempted</p> <p>Her Reisling Stakes win was a commanding effort, and showed off her sharp turn of foot. Barrier one means she will get a soft, economical run. She’ll be right in the finish with a clear run.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Tip 2: </strong>Wodeton</p> <p>The weight of early money for him is the reason he’s still the favourite. Count on trainer Chris Waller’s mastery to peak him and a gun ride from James McDonald.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Tip 3: </strong>Within The Law</p> <p>No horse in this field has a stronger finish than this filly. Her Sweet Embrace win was exceptional. Trainer Bjorn Baker is a winning machine at the moment.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Value Golden Slipper Tips</h3> <p><strong>Tip: </strong>West Of Swindon</p> <p>He’s still a maiden, and a maiden hasn’t won since 1971. It has taken topliners to beat him both times. He’s the one that can win at odds.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Longshot Golden Slipper Tip</h3> <p><strong>Tip: </strong>Quietly Arrogant</p> <p>His third in the Skyline was terrific, and he looks to be over the odds, especially from a good draw. Winning trainer-jockey combo of Snowden (two wins) and Berry (three).</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Alternatively you can view our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/horse-racing/tips/saturday-racing-tips">Saturday&nbsp;Racing Tips</a>&nbsp;now, or visit&nbsp;our guide on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-on-horses-a-horse-racing-betting-guide#:~:text=To%20see%20every%20single%20market,browse%20at%20your%20own%20leisure.&amp;text=Pick%20the%20horse%20you%20think%20will%20win%20the%20race%20%E2%80%93%20simple.&amp;text=Pick%20a%20horse%20to%20finish,This%20is%20known%20as%20placing.">How To Bet On Horse Racing</a>.</p>