BIG BONUS'S ON OFFER IN THE RUSSELL BALDING

By Graham Potter | Friday, October 31, 2025

The Russell Balding Stakes at Randwick on Saturday has attracted a crackerjack field … and why wouldn’t it!

The race’s total prize-money pool for the race is $3 million with a cool $1.725 000 going to the winner … and that’s before you add in the bonus’ on offer which make interesting reading in its own right.

As per the Racing NSW website, ‘Any horse that contested the TAB Everest, Sydney Stakes or The Kosciuszko at Randwick on 18 is eligible for the Sportsbet Multi Bonus if they contest the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) on November 1.

‘The bonus applies to any eligible horse which finishes in the top three in the Russell Balding Stakes. A $700,000 bonus is added to the prizemoney if an eligible horse wins the Russell Balding Stakes, $200,000 if it runs second and $100,000 if it runs third.’

If the winner of the TAB Everest, Ka Ying Rising, contested the Russell Balding, he would have been eligible for a $1 million bonus. He is not in the field.

But wait … there’s more.

Again, from the Racing NSW website, ‘In addition, the Russell Balding Stakes is the final leg of the Sportsbet Bet With Mates Sprint Series with double points on offer. In each race the points are allocated 5,4,3,2,1 for finishing first to fifth respectively for each qualifying race with the exception of the Russell Balding Stakes, with this race carrying DOUBLE POINTS.

‘To be eligible, a horse must have contested three legs of the series which consists of the Concorde Stakes, The Shorts, Premiere Stakes, TAB Everest, Sydney Stakes and The Kosciuszko.

‘Or, only two races provided that these race starts are in one of the three qualifying races on Everest Day and the Russell Balding Stakes.

‘The Sportsbet Bet With Mates Bonus comprises $2,000,000 with the top five point scorers sharing in the bonus - $1,000,000 for first, $500,000 for second, $250,000 for third, $150,000 fourth and $100,000 fifth.’

And with double points on offer in the Russell Balding, that race within a race is still wide open.

The current eligible points position is:

9 Briasa
8 Jimmysstar
6 Joliestar
5 Mazu, Ka Ying Rising, Clear Thinking, Rothfire
4 Lady Shenandoah, Tempted, Gallant Star, Iowna Merc
3 Ostraka, Generosity, Chidiac, With Your Blessing
2 Jedibeel, Tiger Shark, Libertad, Lisztomania
1 So You Pence, Caballus

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