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Live sport on SN this weekendO'Neill: Big Sky is a "sure thing" to win Golden Slipper if...
Connor Scanlon • February 2nd, 2026 5:54 pm
Hidrix is currently the $8 favourite with Sportsbet to win the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill Racecourse, however major racing owner John O’Neill believes the Chris Waller-trained two-year-old will not win.
In fact, he believes that Big Sky, who is the favourite for the Group 1 Blue Diamond (1200m) at Caulfield Racecourse, would dominate Hidrix in the $5 million Slipper.
“Big Sky will pick (Hidrix) up and carry it. It'll pick it up and carry it,” O’Neill confidently said on SENTrack & RSN’s Giddy Up.
The racing owner even went as far to say that the Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained colt will be a sure thing to win the Golden Slipper, if he doesn’t run in any Victorian races until the $5 million Group 1.
“If Big Sky runs here (in Victoria), he can't win in the Slipper. I will say that,” O’Neill admitted.
“If he waits with (his stablemate) Guest House, it's a surer thing than anything.”
Racing trainer Wayne Hawkes couldn’t agree with O’Neill’s big call though.
The reason being is because Big Sky would need to commute to Sydney from his Cranbourne stable, whereas Hidrix wouldn’t need to travel at all, thanks to Chris Waller owning a stable at the Rosehill Racecourse.
“Well, if you're talking about the Golden Slipper you've got to go to Sydney,” rebutted Hawkes.
“I'll tell you where Chris Waller’s horse (Hidrix) has to go - about 60m from his box to the race day stalls.
“So being in your own backyard's a big, big plus.”
Big Sky is at $15 to win the Golden Slipper on March 21.
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