Racing: Doncaster start on agenda

SYDNEY - An ambitious autumn programme awaits Sydney's newest group one winner Ilovethiscity on the back of his determined Randwick Guineas victory.

Despite having to race against the pattern trainer Grahame Begg and jockey Brenton Avdulla expected, Ilovethiscity showed his tenacity to keep Skilled at bay and the punters who backed him into $1.90 favouritism happy.

The 1600m feature was held at Warwick Farm on Saturday because of a music festival at Randwick and while some bemoaned having to race on the tighter track, Begg was all smiles.

"It's great, great for the stable, great for the jockey and for me," Begg said on Saturday.

"He's had his share of bad luck in the past and he was out of his comfort zone today but to his credit he really dug in deep.

"He will go on to the George Ryder Stakes in three weeks and then the Doncaster with 51kg."

It was the second group one for Avdulla whose first came aboard the Begg-trained Secret Admirer in the Flight Stakes in the spring.

Avdulla was leading the apprentices' premiership mid-season but opted to become a senior rider and it has paid off. "I'm having a great run, I've ridden four group winners in the last couple of months," he said.

The 20-year-old said he was already preparing to ride Ilovethiscity at 51kg in the Doncaster.

- AAP