The stage is set for another thrilling edition of the Southside Slot Series with slot holders having locked in their runners for Saturday’s $1million The Meteorite at Cranbourne.
Southside Racing is proving itself a front runner of innovation with Saturday marking the beginning of the second year of Australia’s first-ever thoroughbred Slot Racing Series.
With a $2 million prize pool and a new Freeway Ford Black Ford Ranger bonus up for grabs, anticipation is building ahead of another exhilarating spring and summer of racing on the Southside.
The series once again features two million-dollar races: The Meteorite, a 1200m sprint on Cranbourne Cup Day, and The Ladbrokes Supernova, a 1400m contest on Ladbrokes Pakenham Cup Day on Saturday, 13 December.
Both events are open to three-year-olds and older and run under set weights and penalties conditions.
Each slot holder will field contenders in both The Ladbrokes Meteorite and The Ladbrokes Supernova, with flexibility to nominate the same or different horses across the two events.
In 2025, the slot holder with the highest combined points across both races will drive away in a brand-new Black Ford Ranger, proudly provided by long-term Southside Racing partner Freeway Ford.
Last year’s winner Nadal returns for this year’s The Meteorite representing slot holder and trainer Ciaron Maher Racing.
Some of the biggest organisations in racing have secured slots in this year’s series, with Yulong, OTI Racing, Moody Racing, Lindsay Park Racing and the Moonee Valley Racing Club among the contenders.
Southside Racing is also represented in the race, with locals set to cheer on the Phillip Stokes-trained Stretan Angel on the weekend.
“The Slot Series has quickly become a highlight of Victoria’s racing calendar, bringing together an extraordinary mix of competition, innovation, and community spirit,” said Southside Racing CEO Neil Bainbridge.
“The success of last year’s inaugural series has set the stage for something even bigger in 2025. “We’re thrilled to welcome an exceptional line-up of slot holders once again, representing the very best of racing talent, ownership, and enthusiasm from across Australia.”
Beyond the track, the Southside Slot Series continues to champion local causes, donating $20,000 to grassroots organisations and community groups that share Southside Racing’s values of connection, inclusion, and support.
This year’s beneficiaries are: Ace Foundation, Backpacks 4 VIC Kids, Beyond Racing, Cranbourne Community House, Devon Meadows FNC, Equine Pathways Australia, Kooweerup Cricket Club, Kooweerup Senior Citizens Club, Ladies of the Swamp Charity Quilting Group, Lakeside Pakenham Scout Group, Lillico and District Pony Club, Lyndhurst Football Netball Club, Pakenham Rotary, Upper Beaconsfield RSL Sub Branch,
“The Slot Series isn’t just about racing,” Bainbridge added.
“It’s about giving back to the communities that make the Southside what it is.
“Supporting these fantastic organisations is something we’re extremely proud of.”
The 2025 slot holders and their raceday representative are as follows:
SLOT HOLDER METEORITE RUNNER
Cape Schanck Racing Jenni The Fox
Carl Holt Hedged
Cavallo Park Extratwo
Ciaron Maher Racing Nadal
Ladbrokes Need Some Luck
Lindsay Park Racing Arkansaw Kid
Lofty Thoroughbred Group Watchme Win
Moody Racing Sought After
Moonee Valley Racing Club Jigsaw
OTI Racing Zou Sensation
Sheamus Mills Bloodstock Klabel
Southside Racing Stretan Angel
The 308 Group Beauty Charge
Yulong Soft Love
