ROSEHILL GARDENS – BEST BET: Race 10 # 6 – Midwest
The gelding was brave in defeat 35 days ago at this track/distance and only was narrowly beaten in a high-rating race relative to the day. Further, the form has since been proven, with eventual winner Mariamia subsequently going on to win a Group 2 race, and the other placegetter Spacewalk has since won as well. The four-year-old has multiple positive factors in his favour leading into this event and profiles nicely. He is an ultra-consistent galloper with an excellent record/SP profile and produces his best performances off freshen-ups. In addition, all his peak figures have come over 1100m and one of Australia's best front-running jockeys, Tim Clark, jumps on. Expect an aggressive ride, and he'll be hard to run down.
ROSEHILL GARDENS - BEST VALUE: Race 1 # 15 – Syrian Star
Is racing well without luck this preparation and is set to peak in this event. The filly resumed in a TAB Highway (1100m) and arguably should've won where she was blocked at critical stages but, once clear, she hit the line hard. Second-up, she got too far back in a high-rating race, sprinted the meeting's fastest 400m-200m split and maintained a solid finishing speed. The Rodney Northam trained galloper's ratings/sectional profile suggests she will improve up in distance, has multiple winning figures and third-up last campaign she was a dominant winner. Good each-way.
ROSEHILL GARDENS - SECTIONAL STAR: RACE 5 # 1 – Super Pursuit
Ran slick closing splits last start at this track when running third behind Think About It, who has subsequently won again. The gelding had too much to do that day after drifting back early on from an awkward draw and then had the pace/bias against him. However, to his credit, he maintained a long-sustained sprint and clocked some of the fastest closing splits of the meeting. Moreover, he ran his final 600m/400m/200m in 33.05/21.92/11.15. The six-year-old must carry a hefty weight but will appreciate the anticipated genuine tempo and 1400m suits. Expect him to savage the line.
ROSEHILL GARDENS - HORSE TO WATCH: Race 8 # 3 – Aft Cabin
He is the horse on everyone's lips, and he went to a new level first up, winning the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m), producing a clear career peak figure. He did have every chance that day, but he ran time, did it in style and went through the line full of energy. All key indicators suggest he will only improve second-up over more ground, and he has a positive race setup where he will roll forward and be hard to beat. Expect him to progress to the Randwick Guineas (1600m) third-up and look to break through for his maiden Group 1.
GOSFORD - PROVINCIAL PICK: Race 3 # 8 – La Sagrada
The lightly raced galloper, who represents value, wasn't suited first-up at Canberra to the sit and sprint race shape. Moreover, she was slightly outpaced when the tempo quickened, but once balanced up, she built momentum and found the line well. Last campaign, she improved significantly between runs, and stepping out to 1600m for the first time is ideal. The filly has a tricky map, but she should get it run to suit with the big field to generate enough speed for her to charge home late.
