The Australian Spring Racing Carnival is officially underway and what an opening week it is.

One of the most open Group 1 contests seen in years. One of the best horses on the planet stepping onto the track. Some of the finest jockeys in the world in the saddle. And a full card of World Pool racing action bringing the world's best racing into the same betting pools for participating jurisdictions, thanks to Sky Racing and the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

That World Pool action centres on a full card at Caulfield, headlined by two elite Group 1 clashes. The Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) sees master trainer Chris Waller send Lindermann south to challenge Cosmic Crusader, arguably Western Australia's finest horse in training, while the Victorian brigade lines up with a genuinely strong hand of its own. This is shaping as one of the most fascinating tactical puzzles of the carnival so far.

Caulfield's second Group 1, the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, might be the deepest, most competitive top line contest seen anywhere in the world this year. Star names collide: Tom Kitten (Mark Zahra), Evaporate (Blake Shinn), Sepals (Ethan Brown), Angel Capital (Ben Melham), Lady Shenandoah (Craig Williams) and Sabaj (Jamie Melham) and that's just the headline act in a field bursting with talent.

Meanwhile in Sydney, the spotlight falls on one of the best horses on the planet, lining up in a small but stacked field for the $1 million 7 Stakes. Autumn Glow, ridden by James McDonald, will start a short-priced favourite chasing a remarkable 13th win from 14 starts, but she'll have to get past Group 1 winners Aeliana, Ceolwulf, Gringotts and Idle Flyer to do it.

Randwick's other $1 million feature this week doubles as a genuine litmus test for The TAB Everest, now just a month away. Joliestar, fresh off a strong placing at Royal Ascot, meets Headwall, impressive last start against Tempted, in a red-hot sprint field that also features Golden Slipper winner Marhoona.

Photo: Racing Photos