The Big Dance 2025 Preview
The Big Dance 2025 Preview
The Big Dance 2025 returns to Royal Randwick with another capacity field gunning for glory in one of Sydney’s richest and most competitive mile races. Since its launch, The Big Dance has carved out a unique place on the racing calendar, bringing together Country Cup stars and metro talent for a $3 million showdown.
What is The Big Dance?
The Big Dance is a relatively new addition to the Australian racing calendar, run over 1,600 metres at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney. Held on the first Tuesday of November—straight after the Melbourne Cup—it’s a handicap race for horses that have qualified through selected country cups across New South Wales earlier in the year.
When is The Big Dance 2025?
The Big Dance 2025 will be run at 2:20 pm on Tuesday, 4 November, as the highlight of a bumper Melbourne Cup Day program at Royal Randwick.
Race History
First run in 2022, The Big Dance was created to celebrate and connect regional racing with the city’s biggest carnival. With a multi-million-dollar prize pool, it gives country-trained horses and connections a shot at major riches on one of the most watched racing days of the year. The race continues to grow in popularity and gives racing in Sydney a greater identity on Melbourne Cup Day.
Previous Winners
Gringotts got the job done in 2024 with a strong finish under Tommy Berry, Attractable took it out in 2023 with a tough on-speed effort, and Rustic Steel was too good in 2022, bursting through late to claim the win.
Latest Big Dance Odds & Tips
The 2025 Big Dance at Randwick is gonna be a cracker, and we’re all aboard Gringotts ($3.30) as the pickabookie.com.au best bet of the day. The defending champ from Ciaron Maher’s stable knows how to handle the big occasion and should have no worries carrying top weight of 62 kilos. He did it last year and he can do it again. With Nash Rawiller hopping back on board and some solid recent form he looks ready to win again!
That said, there’s no shortage of threats. Headley Grange ($6.50) has been flying lately, winning three straight and even knocking over Gringotts in the Alan Brown Stakes though that wide barrier 16 might make things a bit awkward. Tavi Time ($7) for Kris Lees is right in the mix too after his Scone Cup win, Vivy Air ($13.00) was runner-up last year and could easily pop up again at nice odds.
If you’re after a roughie, Les Vampires ($35.00) from the Gai and Bott camp might be worth a cheeky each-way play. But it’s hard to go past Gringotts — tough as nails, loves the Randwick track, and with Rawiller steering, he’s the one you want.
Please remember to think before you bet. Stay in control, set limits, and seek support if gambling is no longer fun. Head to https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/ if you require help.