The Bookmarker Recognition Raceday meeting will be held at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday. The course proper was rated a Good 4 on Thursday and with showers forecast for Sydney over the next couple of days, Rosehill could be racing on a Heavy track on raceday.
The 2YO Cellsabeel looks the testing material in the opening event at Rosehill (Sydney Race 1, 1100m). This Hinchinbrook filly put up a huge effort on debut when she finished 4th to Dame Giselle in the Golden Gift after settling second last having drawn the widest gate (14) in that race. She has been given two trials since and won both trials easily. Cellsabeel has drawn much better on Saturday (barrier 7) and blinkers will be applied so I expect Tommy Berry to settle the filly much closer to the lead. With only 54kg on her back, Cellsabeel will give punters a great sight at the finish.
Lashes deserves the top weight in the Lou Cox Handicap as she is the class horse in the field (Sydney Race 3, 1100m). The Matthew Smith-trained mare won brilliantly at Kensington when first up over this trip a fortnight ago. This 4YO has a great record over 1100m having won 3 times with 3 further placings from 7 attempts at the trip and she can handle any track conditions. Lashes has proven that she can carry weight so the 59kg should not be a problem. From barrier 4, Jason Collett will settle just behind the leaders with a cushy run. Lashes has conditions to suit and she should win again.
The mighty consistent He’s A Hot Shot will return to the winner’s circle in the Mark Merlino Handicap (Sydney Race 6, 1200m). This Bjorn Baker-trained 4YO had won 3 of his 4 starts before his spell and he has placed all 3 times so far this campaign. He also has a good record over 1200m with 2 wins and a 3rd from 3 starts at the trip. Kerrin McEvoy will once again be onboard the gelding and from barrier 2, McEvoy is going to settle just behind likely leader High Cost. He’s A Hot Shot is looking good to break through for his first win this preparation.
By Owens Wong, Editor
