French import Bayrir is set to make his Australian racing debut after being included in the nominations for the Listed Winter Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday.

Mic Mac will take on French import Bayrir in the Winter Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday. Photo by: Steve Hart

The rising five-year-old moved from the stables of Melbourne Cup winning trainer Alain De Royer-Dupre in France to Chris Waller at the start of the year and made his first barrier trial appearance last Tuesday when he finished fifth behind Havana Rey at Rosehill.

The son of Medicean raced all around the world in 2012, recording an impressive victory in the Grade 1 Secretariat Stakes (2011m) in the United States before finishing tenth in the Group 1 Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe (2400m) and sixth in the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m).

The Winter Stakes will be the first race of Bayrir’s career at less than 1800 metres and is being used as an opportunity to acclimatize him to the Australian style of racing before the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival.

There is plenty of talent in the Winter Stakes nominations with last start winner Mic Mac also set to contest the race.

The Group 2 winner returned to his best form with an impressive victory in the Listed Civic Stakes (1350m) at Rosehill on July 6, in what was his first race win since his victory in the 2009 Memsie Stakes (1400m).

Also backing up from the Civic Stakes will be runner-up Under the Sun who has been remarkably consistent since being bought over to Australia at the end of 2011.

The Gai Waterhouse-trained gelding recorded a strong victory at Randwick on June 8th and has missed the placings just twice in his eight career appearances at Rosehill Gardens.

Also included in the strong list of Winter Stakes nominations are Group 1 placegetter Bold Glance, McCarton Stakes winner See The World and Queensland sprinter Whateverwhenever.