US Navy Flag Drawn In Three For Richest Turf Race In The World

Aidan O'Brien's superstar three year old US Navy Flag is getting ready for his bid to gain his fourth Group 1 of his career on Saturday over in Australia at Randwick Racecourse in the Everest in which is the richest turf race in the world.

The colt has been drawn in stall three which the Ballydoyle camp will be pleased with. Being the only Irish Raider taking part in this years renewal of the race all eyes from across the pond will be on the race.

Aidan O'Brien has decided to go for this race instead of this weekends Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket, in which was the race that US Navy Flag won last year. This should tell us everything we need to know about the chance that his yard thinks they have in the race if they are not trying to retain his title at Newmarket.

However this years draw for the stalls has took on quite a controversial approach with many people in Australia, Sydney signing a petition stop the projection going ahead due to fears about advertising betting and commercialisation of the landmark.

Protesters to this gathered outside of Sydney Opera House where the draw took place and were shining lights and making a scene with torches.

Betting in Australia is currently under a lot of scrutiny with restrictions and a lot of protests taking place to stop it all together, but on the eve of one of the biggest races Sydney and Randwick Racecourse have to offer it has put a dampner on the contest.

US Navy Flag however will not be worrying about this and the three time Group 1 winner who has also won the Middle Park Stakes and the most recent running of the July Cup will be looking to add another to his collection and will go off at odds around 8/1 for the Everest on Saturday.