A predicted temperature of 25 degrees and - so far - a forecast of clear skies on Sunday is expected to bring out the best of Canberra's racing fashion at the Black Opal Stakes at Thoroughbred Park.
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Myer Ambassador Kris Smith will help judge the fashions on the field competition, which has a record prize pool of $36,000 across four categories - for men and women.
- Join us at canberratimes.com.au on Sunday when we live blog all the racing and colour from the 2014 Black Opal.
Canberra Racing Club chief executive Peter Stubbs said he was anticipating a crowd of up to 12,000 for the Super Sunday eight-race program which also included the $200,000 Canberra Cup well as the $275,000 Black Opal Stakes. Top trainers including Gai Waterhouse, John Hawkes and Bart Cummings have multiple runners on the day.
The newly-crowned Face of Canberra Racing, model and dance teacher Emily Dibden, will also help judge the fashions on the field in her first official duty. On Friday, she posed in a vibrant blue dress topped by a hat from local label Biretta and Busby.
Ms Dibden, 20, of Cook, said her outfit for Sunday was still under wraps but would reflect the change of seasons.
''The look I'm going for is quite subtle colours, but with a more autumn/winter look,'' she said.
And as a judge she will be keeping an eye out for some classic outfits.
''We'll be looking for the ladies who dress for the weather, especially now it's getting a bit cooler. Making sure the dresses are appropriate and looking for those gorgeous hats, which is always exciting,'' she said.
It's turning out to be a big month for Ms Dibden, who turns 21 on March 16. She is looking forward to a full year of racing commitments.
''Already, the exposure has just been amazing,'' she said.
''It's only been a few weeks but the people I've been able to meet and work with, has been incredible.''
Gates open at Thoroughbred Park on Sunday at 11.30am. Registration for fashions on the field is between noon and 1.30pm. Local racing starts from about 1pm. There will also be face painting and a jumping castle. An artist will paint a portrait of Ms Dibden during the day and there will also be an outback show.
