Golden Slipper Field Taking Shape

With under a week left until the A$3.5 million G1 Golden Slipper, the field for the world’s richest juvenile race is starting to take shape, and it is expected to be dominated by trainers Gai Waterhouse and John O’Shea, who are set to saddle four runners each, according to Racing and Sports. The Waterhouse contingent is headed by race favorite and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Vancouver (Aus) (Medaglia d’Oro), and the Hall of Famer will also put the tack on English (Aus) (Encosta de Lago {Aus}), Flamboyant Lass (Aus) (Stratum {Aus}) and Speak Fondly (Aus) (Northern Meteor {Aus}). 
Godolphin trainer John O’Shea has confirmed the riding plans for his quartet. Godolphin’s newly signed Australian contract rider James McDonald will be aboard Exosphere (Aus) (Lonhro {Aus}), currently second in the betting after winning the G2 Skyline S. Feb. 28, while James Doyle and William Buick will jet in for the mounts on Haptic (Aus) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Ottoman (Aus) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}), respectively. Hugh Bowman will ride Godolphin’s Furnaces (Aus) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}).