The recent wet spell in Sydney has disrupted a number of meetings which lead to bumper nominations for Rosehill on Saturday. There will be a 9-event card at Rosehill. The track has been rated a Heavy 9 on Thursday and with overcast weather in Sydney, the track will probably be a Slow 7/Heavy 8 on raceday.
Melbourne racing will be held at Mooney Valley this weekend. The track has been rated a Dead 5 on Thursday. The forecast is for overcast weather with possible showers. Mooney Valley will probably border on Dead/Slow on raceday.
In the Calcoup Knitwear BM85 Handicap (Sydney Race 3, 1900m), I like the John O’Shea-trained Iggi Pop. His last start victory at Rosehill over 1500m was full of merit. Third up over 1900m looks perfect for him. He handles the wet condition and with Nash Rawiller on board, he looks a good bet at $4.40 fixed odds.
In the TAB iphone BM85 Handicap (Sydney Race 4, 1200m), the favourite Relaxed And Happy looks a strong winning chance. His last start victory over this course and distance was impressive as he was leading from start to finish. He has a good record over 1200m winning 4 times from 7 starts. And he is unbeaten on Heavy track winning 2 from 2. Up in class but down in weight and from barrier 1, Rawiller will take him to the lead and dictate terms again. Looks the winner.
In the TAB.com.au BM80 (Sydney Race 7, 1300m), the Darren Smith-trained Chewychop looks set to get back to the winner’s stall. He was impressive finishing 3rd in the Scone Inglis 3YO race two starts back, beaten only 2.1 lengths by Taxmeifyoucan. Back to 1300m on Saturday suits him and he has won on Slow track before. Currently at $7.50 fixed odds, I believe Chewychop is over the odds. From barrier 1, Blake Shinn will drive him towards the lead and could prove hard to catch.
In the Aquanas Foods Handicap (Melbourne Race 2, 1000m), the class horse here is the top weight, Elite Elle. Dropping back to 1000m on Saturday after a five week break looks perfect for her. The filly has a good record over Dead/Slow track and is unbeaten over 1000m winning 2 from 2. From barrier 5, Craig Newitt will drive Elite Elle straight to the lead and run them off their feet. Elite Elle is class above this field and even with 60kg, she’ll still be too good.
By Owens Wong, Editor
