The Lord Mayors Cup meeting will be held at Rosehill on Saturday. The track was rated a Dead 5 on Thursday and with possible light showers over the next couple of days, Rosehill is likely to be racing on a Dead surface.
In the Power Access Handicap (Sydney Race 2, 1350m), I like the Chris Waller-trained Said Com. This 5YO is a model of consistency having won or placed 16 times from 30 starts. He also has a great record over 1350m at Rosehill having won twice & placed a further 5 times from 8 starts. He will drift back in the field and no one is riding backmarkers more consistently in Sydney than Blake Shinn. Currently at $4.80 in the fixed odds market, Said Com represents a good bet.
Surge Ahead is the class runner in the Rexel Handicap (Sydney Race 3, 1900m). This Gooree Park-owned gelding has been competitive in Group races, though he was a bit outclassed in the ATC Derby last start on a very Heavy track. Back to firmer footing on Saturday will certainly help. And the nice gate (barrier 4) will negate the big weight (60.5kg) he’s been assigned. Parr will be able to slot Surge Ahead just behind the leader on the fence. With such a cushy run, Surge Ahead should have enough petrol left in the straight to let down strongly.
Chris Waller has 6 horses accepted for the feature race, the Lord Mayors Cup (Sydney Race 6, 2000m). The winner should come from those 6 horses and I have picked Secessio as the horse to beat. This English import has a good record over 2000m and has won 3 times & placed further twice from 7 starts at Rosehill. Second up over 2000m will suit this stayer as will the drop in weight (54.5kg). From barrier 3, Christian Reith can find a nice posy to give Secessio a relax run in transit. The fixed odds market has offered the juicy odds of $10.00 for Secessio and I believe he is a value bet.
Team Hawkes can continue their winning run with Forster in the Candana Bathrooms Handicap (Sydney Race 7, 1200m). This lightly raced 5YO has won both his races this preparation in impressive fashion. Last start at Canterbury, Forster gave Ron Quinton’s apprentice Taylor Marshall (son of former top jockey John Marshall) his mid-week winner & Marshall will be aboard the gelding again. Forster has an impressive record over 1200m having won 3 and placed twice from 8 starts. And with Marhsall’s claim, Forster will only be carrying 52kg and he looks the horse to beat.
By Owens Wong, Editor
