Even rain can't dampen hopes for a great first day at Randwick

One of the world's great race meetings takes place in Sydney this Saturday, a fixture that sits comfortably alongside the Breeders' Cup, Britain's Champions Day, Arc weekend in Paris, and the Dubai World Cup.

And, frankly, only the weather threatens to spoil it. During one of the wettest spells on record, the going forecast at Randwick is a 'Heavy 8,' which is only two points shy of the most extreme reading in these parts.

Nevertheless, in typical Australasian style, the best horses will all show up anyway, which is hardly surprising, given that A$8.5m in prizemoney is offered for the four G1 races alone on Day 1 of The Championships. The supporting six races also carry big purses.

Probably the only element missing is champion mare Winx -- and she is scheduled to appear in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Day 2 of the meeting on April 8.

The G1 Doncaster Mile, with A$3m in prizemoney, is the richest race on this Saturday's card, and befitting an event of this status, a capacity field of 20 will line up. There are even three emergencies, in case one or more fall by the wayside.

Godolphin have a very strong hand in the Doncaster, with Hauraki attempting to become the first in 15 years to shoulder top weight, It's Somewhat a potential surprise packet, and Spectroscope ready to show his prowess again on a wet track.

If Joao Moreira, the Brazilian-born 'Magic Man,' can find his way through the big field from a wide draw, Spectroscope will go close to winning. But there will be traffic, so luck in running will be required.

The ultra-consistent Le Romain will be a bright prospect for Hugh Bowman from barrier 8, while It's Somewhat, drawn beside him in 9, is ideally suited by this contest.

The G1 Australian Derby promises to be a cracker, and I expect the two New Zealand contenders, Gingernuts and Jon Snow, to fight out the finish.

Both are by Iffraaj, the Darley stallion, who shuttles to Haunui Stud, Karaka, on the outskirts of Auckland for his Southern Hemisphere stint.

Gingernuts looked impressive in beating Inference and So Si Bon in the G1 Rosehill Guineas, and I see no reason why he should not beat them again. Jon Snow, who landed the G2 Tulloch Stakes, is going the right way and will again find conditions to his liking.

Godolphin jockey James Doyle has six rides -- Raiment in the G3 PJ Bell Stakes is his best for the day -- and Astoria looks one of the more attractive in the G1 Inglis Sires,' which boasts a capacity field of 16.

The G1 Darley TJ Smith Stakes features eight individual G1 winners in the field, with Chautauqua attempting a third successive victory in the race. His draw of 11 probably suits his late-finishing, swooping style of running.