Sydney racing moves to Rosehill this Saturday. The track was rated Good 3 on Thursday. With fine weather forecast for Friday and possible showers for Saturday, the track should remain in the Good range on raceday.
Melbourne racing at their headquarter this Saturday. The Flemington track was rated Dead 4 on Thursday. With light showers predicted for the next 48 hours, the track should remain in the Dead range on raceday.
In the opening race (Sydney Race 1, Australian Turf Club BM75, 1100m), the Melbourne visitor General Peekay looks a good chance. The Mick Price-trained colt won 1st up at Caulfield over 1100m. He had won 2nd up last preparation so he would have no problem with the 2nd up syndrome. From barrier 3, Brenton Avdulla would settle him just behind the likely leaders Centrepet and Never Dwell and be too strong at the finish.
In the Michael Hansell Signs Hcp BM85 (Sydney Race 3, 1300m), I like the Snowden mare Sastruga. Apart from her last start failure, she has been very consistent winning 3 races on the trot. Snowden has given her a 4 week break and she’ll be coming back to 1300m on Saturday. Josh Parr rode her to victory leading from start to finish at Rosehill two starts back and Parr will be back in the saddle on Saturday. From barrier 4, he should get a lovely run just behind the pace. Currently at $7.50 fixed odds, I think Sastruga is over the odds.
In the feature race the Inglis Classic for 2YO (Sydney Race 5,1200m), Fuerza from the in-form Bjorn Baker yard looks a strong prospect. Last start in the Inglis Nursery (1000m), Fuerza came from a long way back to finish 2nd to stablemate Twilight Royale. He was still running 9th rounding the home turn but unleashed a powerful sprint in the straight to be beaten by only 1/4 of a length. Baker kept the 2YO to the mark by running him in a 900m trial ten days ago in which Fuerza finished 2nd. James McDonald keeps the ride and from barrier 7 (into barrier 6 after taken out the emergencies), I can see him settled mid-field one off the fence with plenty of cover. The longer trip (1200m) and the more spacious track at Rosehill will suit him well. His racing style actually reminds me of a former Inglis Classic winner – Choisir. Fuerza may not be as good as Choisir but he probably doesn’t have to be to beat this field. Fuerza is my pick for the Inglis 2YO Classic.
In the get out race (Sydney Race 8, 1400m), the Waterhouse-trained Samui Lad could help punters to end the meeting on a winning note. Two starts back, Samui Lad won over 1400m at Rosehill leading from start to finish. Matter of fact, from 4 starts over this track and distance, Samui Lad has never missed a place winning twice and placing a further 2 times. From the good gate (barrier 3), Tommy Berry could take Samui Lad to the lead without spending much petrol, and I think Samui Lad will add another win to his good record over the Rosehill 1400m.
By Owens Wong, Editor
