The Missile Stakes meeting will be held at Rosehill this Saturday. The course proper was rated a Soft 7 on Thursday and with plenty of rain forecast for Friday and Saturday, Rosehill is likely to be racing on a Heavy track on raceday.
Having won his past two starts, the Brett Cavanough-trained Eiger is looking to make it three wins on the trot in the opening event at Rosehill (Sydney Race 1, 1500m). The lightly raced 4YO gelding had won over 1400m at Scone two starts back and he then took out a Highway Handicap on a Soft 7 track over this track and trip. Eiger has won 3 races from 4 starts on Soft tracks and he has given all the indications that he will appreciate the Heavy condition. The smaller field will also suit this backmarker. Jason Collett won on the horse last start and he’ll once again be on board. Currently at $12.00 in the fixed odds market, Eiger represents a terrific value bet.
Outback Diva is set to return to the winner’s circle in the De Bortoli Wines Handicap (Sydney Race 4, 1200m). Three starts back, the 5YO mare won over this track and trip on a Heavy 9 track before she finished 3rd next start when stepping up in distance (1400m). And two weeks ago, Outback Diva ran 6th over 1300m, beaten only 1.4 lengths by Poetic Charmer. Dropping back to six furlong on Saturday will suit as the mare has never missed a place at 1200m having won twice with two placings from 4 attempts at the trip. Jumping from barrier 2, Tim Clark will settle behind the leading bunch on the fence and Outback Diva will be full of running in the home straight.
The in-form Joseph Pride stable can take out the feature race of the meeting, the Missile Stakes, with Eduardo (Sydney Race 7, 1200m). The chestnut gelding won the July Sprint 1st up here at Rosehill over 1100m and stepping up to 1200m 2nd up looks ideal. The 7YO is unbeaten on wet tracks winning all 3 starts in the condition. Drawn beautifully in barrier 2, Nash Rawiller will go to the front to control the pace and Eduardo will be hard to catch.
By Owens Wong, Editor
