The Civic Stakes meeting will be held at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday. The course proper was rated a Heavy 9 on Thursday and with mainly fine weather in Sydney leading up to the weekend, Rosehill will border on Soft/Heavy condition on raceday.
The Chris Waller-trained Gayatri has been working her way up to the two mile race, the Stayer’s Cup, at Rosehill (Sydney Race 3, 3200m). Though she finished 5th last start in the Winter Cup (2400m), Gayatri was beaten only two and a half lengths. The 5YO mare can handle the wet, she’s rock hard fit and will run the two miles right out. Brenton Avdulla is a strong rider and that suits Gayatri. Avdulla will settle somewhere mid-field and Gayatri will run home strongly at the end of the two miles.
First up winner Attention Run could make it two wins on the trot in Saturday’s McKell Cup (Sydney Race 6, 2000m). This 5YO mare failed to run on in the Sky High Stakes on a Heavy 10 track two starts back before she returned to form last start at Rosehill over 1800m on a Heavy 8 track. Andrew Adkins rode a brilliant race last start and he retains the ride on the 5YO. Facing similar condition and with a steady pace up front, Adkins will settle mid-field and under the limit weight of only 53kg, Attention Run will be charging home down the Rosehill straight.
Kim Waugh can take out the Civic Stakes with the ever consistent Trumbull (Sydney Race 7, 1350m). This Darci Brahma gelding had run three placings in his last 4 starts with a close last start 2nd behind True Detective over this track & trip. The 5YO handles the Soft/Heavy conditions and he only has 54kg on his back. With pretty good pace up front, the race should be run to suit. Tommy Berry can settle just behind mid-field and Trumbull will let down strongly in the run home.
By Owens Wong, Editor
