Full field for Rowley Mile at Hawkesbury

Red Excitement heads a field of 16 plus two emergencies for the $150,000 Listed Rowley Mile at Hawkesbury.

Trainer Gerald Ryan has confirmed the nine-year-old million dollar earner will run in Thursday’s feature despite drawing barrier 16 with Josh Parr to ride.

The gelding hasn’t raced since he was unplaced in the Civic Stakes (1350m) on June 30 but Ryan said his fitness levels were spot-on.

“He had three weeks at Limitless Lodge and hasn’t been out of work,” Ryan said.

“He has had two jump-outs at Rosehill so he is fit and well.”

He is a $19 chance with Godolphin’s Flow the $4.40 favourite from barrier seven with Kerrin McEvoy to ride.

“The lifting of prize money to $150,000 has been met with a strong response in its second year at this level,” Hawkesbury chief executive Greg Rudolph said.

“The last two winners, McCreery and Arbeitsam, subsequently went on to win at Group level and this race is well suited in the late winter program, providing strong form lines into the spring.”

Arbeitsam’s trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott will have Northwest Passage ($19) and Melbourne Cup runner Cismontaine ($34) in the race.

Rudolph said Rowley Mile day would host the Hawkesbury Liquor Accord partners, raising funds for the Hawkesbury- based charity One80TC, aiding the rehabilitation of men and women with drug and alcohol addition.