Big fields to contest Flemington features

Newmarket Handicap favourite Osborne Bulls (blue) has drawn barrier 22 of 23 for the G1 sprint.

A field of 23 will do battle down the Flemington 1200m straight in the hunt for victory in the Newmarket Handicap.

Chasing a third-straight win in the Melbourne’s premier handicap sprint race, Redkirk Warrior has drawn barrier 19 with Luke Nolen in the saddle replacing Regan Bayliss who is riding in Hong Kong.

Redkirk Warrior shares equal top weight with Santa Ana Lane in the Group One sprint and will start from 10.

Brave Smash, runner-up to Redkirk Warrior last year, has drawn barrier 23 while the favourite, Osborne Bulls, has drawn directly inside him.

The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Dothraki has drawn barrier one with last-start Oakleigh Plate winner Booker drawing barrier six.

The Australian Cup has brought together a field of 15 for the weight-for-age race over 2000m with the favourite Avilius drawing the inside gate.

The Lloyd Williams-owned trio, Almandin, The Taj Mahal and Rekindling, are in the field drawing barriers two, three and nine respectively.

Mackinnon Stakes winner Traps For Fools, chasing a second 2000m-feature win at Flemington, will start from gate six for John Allen.