Winners For 2021 W.J. McKell Cup Day

The McKell Cup meeting will be held at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday (19th June). The course proper was rated a Heavy 8 on Thursday and with light showers forecast for Sydney leading up to the weekend, Rosehill will border on Soft/Heavy condition on raceday.

Hundred Proof has slowly been stepping up in distance and he is one of the leading chances in the opening event at Rosehill (Sydney Race 1, 1500m). The 2YO colt did a good job last start at Rosehill over 1400m on a Soft 6 track finishing a close 2nd to Cape Breton. Stepping up to 1500m will suit even better and the anticipated wet track should present no problem. Jason Collett will slide across to settle mid-field one off the fence and Hundred Proof looks to be the one to beat.

The Godolphin-owned Lackeen looks to have found the right race on Saturday and he is ready to crack through for his first Australian win in the ACY Securities Handicap (Sydney Race 4, 2000m). The French import went close in winning over this track and trip last start, beaten only a quarter of a length by Achiever. The Soft track will suit and Tim Clark will once again be on board the 4YO. From barrier 6, Clark will settle just behind the leaders and Lackeen will be too strong at the end of the 2000m.

The very consistent Parry Sound has string together four placings from his past four starts and he is ready to breakthrough for his first victory this preparation by taking out the W.J. McKell Cup (Sydney Race 7, 2000m). Two starts back, the 5YO gelding had finished less than half a length to the form horse Polly Grey before another 2nd to the eventual Brisbane Cup winner Knights Order in the Winter Cup. Parry Sound can handle any track conditions and he has only been allotted with 54.5kg. With a fair pace in the race, Jason Collett is going to bide his time settling mid-field along the fence and Parry Sound will be fighting for the lead in the last furlong.

By Owens Wong, Editor

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