We head north this week for Run to the Rose Day at Rosehill Gardens. The track is rated a Good 4, rail is +5m the entire circuit, and it looks to be a great day with a 10-race program. The home turn at Rosehill is quite sharp and typically favours those up on the pace, with backmarkers often hoping a run opens on the rail. With that in mind, let us see if we can pick a winner or two.
We will start the day with a look at Race 4, Hot Rod & Custom Show Handicap (2400m), and Matusalem catches our eye. The Chris Waller-trained gelding steps out to the 2400m for the first time, however we do not see that being an issue based on the way he ran through the line over 2000m last start for a comfortable 2.7L win.
He brings some good race fitness to the table having start number seven for the prep, including two wins from four starts at Rosehill. Four wins and two minor placings from nine starts on a Good track, 3:2 in BM78 grade, and jockey Kerrin McEvoy (6:3) keeps the ride ticking all of the boxes for us.
Moving on to Race 6, the Group 2 Irresistible Pools Sheraco Stakes (1200m). We are very interested to see how Joliestar runs here in her second start of the prep, with trainer Chris Waller often giving her an extended break previously after just the one run.
Her form cannot be knocked on paper with a 100% strike rate at the distance, four wins and two minor placings from six starts on a dry track, and 3:2-1 at the class. The Chris Waller-Kerrin McEvoy trainer-jockey combination boasts a nice 13% strike rate, and barrier 5 looks ideal. If for some reason she fails to fire, Sunshine In Paris looks the next best.
We wrap up our day with Race 9, Toyota Forklifts Theo Marks Stakes (1300m). Punch Lane is our each way value selection, and despite jumping from barrier 12 should have enough gate speed to cross and get a nice transit run somewhere around the second or third pair.
The Freedman-trained gelding has looked okay under soft riding in a couple of maintenance trials at Randwick and is chasing his third win on the bounce. The 1300m suits with a 50% strike rate, he looks to handle all track conditions reasonably well, and has a great overall record with six wins and four placings from 12 starts. Boom Torque looks next best to us.
The feature Group 2 James Squire Run To The Rose (1200m) is set to be a great race, with Storm Boy looking a well-deserved favourite. There are a few who could give him a scare though, including Bustling and value runner Linebacker. It would not surprise us to see them go to the photo at the finish.
Good luck punters and remember to gamble responsibly.
As published on Thoroughbrednews.com.au