The Paslode Winter Challenge meeting will be held at Rosehill this Saturday. The course proper was rated a Slow 7 on Thursday and with fine weather leading up to the weekend, Rosehill will be racing on the better side of a Slow track on raceday.
Japonisme can make it three wins on the trot in the opening event at Rosehill on Saturday (Sydney Race 1, 1100m). The Choisir 3YO remains unbeaten this preparation winning 2 from 2. And his last start victory over this course & distance on a Heavy track was impressive. Nicely drawn in barrier 5 and champion hoop Nash Rawiller will take over the rein on Saturday. Even with 59kg, Japoniseme is the horse they have to beat.
Blake Shinn narrowly missed out on winning the Jockey’s premiership, but he can start the new season with a win on board Kimberley Star in the Structaflor Yellowtongue Plate (Sydney Race 2, 1400m). The Waterhouse-trained filly has been in good form winning her last two starts with Shinn on board on both occasion. Kimberley Star loves the wet condition and she has good tactical speed to take a forward position from barrier 8. The 1400m looks perfect for Kimberley Star and she looks pretty hard to beat.
Marenostro can continue on his winning way in The Bisley Workwear Contest (Sydney Race 4, 1900m). The Waller-trained gelding has been racing in the best form of his career winning 4 of his last 5 starts. The 5YO is versatile as he can settle anywhere during a race so barrier 7 will not present any problem. And he loves the Soft condition as his record in the wet reads 5 wins & 2 placings from 7 attempts. Stepping up to 1900m on the flat Rosehill course 6th up looks ideal. And James McDonald will retain the ride after winning on board the gelding last start.
Premiership winning trainer Chris Waller has three runners in the Paslode WInter Challenge and You’ll Never looks the best chance amongst his runner (Sydney Race 6, 1500m). The 6YO started off this preparation with a bang winning his first two starts on Soft 7 tracks. However he did put in two below par effort in his last two starts and I believe that could be blamed on the Heavy track. The drying condition will help You’ll Never no end and Rosehill is his home track with his record at the venue reads like this: 4 wins & 5 placings. And if Shinn can get some cover during the race (from barrier 7), You’ll Never will be in the finish.
By Owens Wong, Editor
