From Gayna Williams
Horse: Zarizatycoon
Message: (Saturday, Rosehill Race 2, Highway Hcp) These Highways are not easy to win. He’s still learning and I think he will be a better horse next prep. His biggest issue will probably be the 1100m, I didn’t want to bring him back in distance but I didn’t want to step him up too quickly either. The first furlong will give us an indication of how he will go, if they went too hard I wouldn’t mind if he took a sit behind them. The main goal for country trainers are the Highways and he’s a Class 2, the race was there, if it was 1200m I’d probably feel a bit better about it but we’ll certainly give him the opportunity. I’m not concerned about his ability, he’s a talented horse, but it will be a matter of how the race pans out for him.
From Mark Minervini
Horse: Diamond Model
Message: (Saturday, Rosehill Race 3, Midway Hcp) Diamond Model has had to settle for minor placings in all three starts this preparation, but hopefully Nash Rawiller’s decision to stick with her after partnering her at her past two appearances is telling.
Horse: Quick Tempo
Message: (Saturday, Rosehill Race 6, Schweppes Hcp) Jason Collet goes back on this week and he’s had a couple of wins on him in town. He will be a key booking for the horse from my point of view. He suits him really well. He has freshened up and is going well and I reckon he only needs an ounce of luck and he can win a race like that on Saturday.
Horse: Dehorned Unicorn
Message: (Saturday, Rosehill Race 10, Rosehill Bowling Club Hcp) Dehorned Unicorn has a tough draw (barrier 16), but the horse’s two runs for the stable have been on unsuitable heavy tracks and he gets back to a soft surface on Saturday. He’s improved with each run fitness-wise, and I’m hoping he will be competitive as well. Jay Ford has the ride on Dehorned Unicorn.
From Nathan Doyle
Horse: Silvanito
Message: (Saturday, Rosehill Race 3, Midway Hcp) You know when they come from Godolphin they are well looked after and come to you sound horses and the change of environment can spark them up. At his stable debut he was beaten by smart filly Commemorative and he comes through one of the strongest form races of the season having finished 4th behind Elson Boy at the Scone carnival. He deserves to win a race, he’s been so honest. He’s had a few luckless runs there and a few things against him. He’s drawn a good marble (gate 5), he’s carried the weight before running second in an open 72 with 59.5kg. He galloped super here on Tuesday so all the stars align with him. He gets through the wet tracks but I think he’s better on softer ground rather those heavy tracks. I think he can possie up fifth or sixth just smoking, especially with the weight (60kg) you don’t sprint as quick but if he can be a bit closer in the run it makes a lot of difference. He should be able to get the ideal run in transit, James (McDonald) will give him every possible chance and it looks his right race.
From Scott Singleton
Horse: Consenza
Message: (Saturday, Rosehill Race 2, Highway Hcp) Formerly trained by the Hawkes and the Gollans. She’s essentially a breeding proposition, being a Zoustar out of a Sebring mare (Silver Magic Ships) but she’s racing so well and is where we want her three runs this time in and trials. She’s well placed in a Country Class 2 – I’ve won Highways with inferior horses to this mare that’s for sure. Before she came here, she’d been mixing her form, a while between wins but winkers have made a difference and her form lines are certainly strong for this race. She came to us in really good order, lovely mare with the breeding. Fitter for racing, barrier one, and we’ll leave it to Jay (Ford) to put her where we need to be.
From Chris Waller
Horse: Mergeila
Message: (Saturday, Rosehill Race 1, Precise Air Hcp) Mergeila was scratched from the Kensington meeting on Wednesday in preference for the Precise Air Handicap on her home track. At this time of year, we always kick off a horse or two that can go through to better races. I think she is in that mould. What you see on Saturday is not what you’re going to see in twelve months’ time, but I think she is an exciting filly.
From Kris Lees
Horse: Imposant
Message: (Saturday, Rosehill Race 4, James Squire Hcp) She was really good the other day, she gives the impression she will be suited at the trip. She’s another with a soft gate (1) and the right style of run so she will get her chance. She’s a bit more seasoned now.
Horse: Age Of Sail
Message: (Saturday, Rosehill Race 7, The Agency Real Estate Hcp) He’s a horse we’ve always had a bit of time for since he’s arrived in Australia. He’s run well in every start he’s had, only the one win, he’s a progressive stayer. I’m hopeful he’s going to turn into a lightweight Newcastle Cup sort of horse so from that point of view he would want to be winning if not running well. He still has improvement to come but that could be the style of horse he is. I was guarded on the heavy so I’m looking forward to seeing him on a better surface on Saturday. He’s jumping to 2400m third run in so we’re mindful of that but he will run well. I’m glad he’s got a soft gate (2), that will give him his chance to get an economical run and that will give him his chance.
Horse: Zoe’s Promise
Message: (Saturday, Rosehill Race 8, Winter Challenge) She’s back to a more realistic target, she gets no weight on her back, makes her own luck up on the speed and handles all surfaces so she should run well there.
Horse: Oakfield Duke
Message: (Saturday, Rosehill Race 10, Rosehill Bowling Club) Oakfield Duke is probably closer to the end of his preparation than the start but there’s no reason not to give the in-form grey his shot at a $160,000 race. He’s really found his form now. He put a few wins together early in his career and got up in the benchmark quickly. He has been up a long time and now we’re testing him at Saturday grade deep into his preparation. When they are in form, such good prizemoney on offer, you’ve got to give him his chance.
Horse: Lord Of Biscay
Message: (Saturday, Rosehill Race 10, Rosehill Bowling Club) He’s a very nice horse, the boys are of an opinion he may not love real testing ground so we’ve waited. Thankfully he’s drawn well (gate 3) so he should get a nice enough run. He’s a horse that might get out to a mile in time and you often find that type sprints well fresh at 1200m. He wouldn’t want it any shorter but he’ll run well and it’ll set up nicely for future runs.
From John Thompson
Horse: Jojo Was A Man
Message: (Saturday, Rosehill Race 8, Winter Challenge) I am banking on blinkers to bring out the best in Jojo Was A Man. With an improving Rosehill surface on Saturday, I am hoping Reece Jones can get the best out of JoJo Was A Man. I’m very happy to have Reece back on him because he has been doing some work on him and I think the horse is on that upward spiral. He’s had one run in the blinkers, and I think he’ll go better the second time in them. He goes better on top of the ground too, so a better track will really help.
Horse: With Your Blessing
Message: (Saturday, Rosehill Race 9, TAB Hcp) The shades (blinkers) going back on With Your Blessing last start when he ran an improved race for 3rd behind Contemporary. With Your Blessing will be partnered by Chad Schofield.
From The Editor
Sydney Race 4 – Pure Alpha
Sydney Race 6 – Contemporary
Sydney Race 8 – King Of The Castle
