Race 7 – Racing and Sports Golden Pendant (1400m)
1 MANAAL – $2.80 ($1.40)
Outstanding return in the Sheraco where she let down powerfully late and ran the fastest last 600m of the day. Second-up record is strong and maps to stalk the leaders from barrier 4. The step to 1400m suits now and this yard has her humming. If she builds momentum early enough, she takes a stack of holding out.
2 FIRESTORM (NZ) – $3.80 ($1.75)
Looms large here off her Coolmore placing in the autumn where she stormed home wide without cover. She’s a top-class mare when right and was never suited last start in a fast-run Tatts Tiara. Drawn perfectly, maps just off midfield and has the turn of foot to blow this open late.
8 SNOW IN MAY – $9.50 ($3.00)
Sneaky good run in the Mona Lisa where she hit the line despite being cluttered up for much of the straight. Hard fit, drawn for a soft run, and has peak figures good enough to land a blow. Will relish a strong 1400m and is one of the better roughies in this field.
Race 8 – Yulong Golden Rose (1400m)
2 NEPOTISM – $15.00 ($4.20)
G1 Champagne winner who maps to box seat and could pinch this with race fitness onside. Wasn’t suited fresh over 1200m but found the line well late. Second-up to 1400m is ideal and the heavy track stats speak volumes. Will strip fitter and could surprise at odds if they overdo it up front.
3 SKYHOOK – $6.50 ($2.30)
Has tactical speed and the right racing style for Rosehill. Impressive in the Rosebud and then boxed on gamely in the Run to the Rose. Now third-up, ready to peak and drawn to get the perfect run just behind the speed. Genuine winning chance.
6 RIVELLINO – $41.00 ($8.00)
Market is disrespecting his G2 Skyline win where he put away a good field. Forgive the Run to the Rose when he didn’t quicken on the wet deck. Maps for a softer run here and could bounce back to best with Nash aboard.
Race 9 – Canadian Club Shannon Stakes (1500m)
1 GRINGOTTS (NZ) – $3.40 ($1.60)
G1 winner over the track and trip in the George Ryder. Resumed with a solid run in the Winx Stakes and now peaks third-up. Maher/Berry combo always worth following and gets the right race shape here to dictate tempo or stalk the speed. Clear top pick on ratings and setup.
4 RISE AT DAWN (NZ) – $4.20 ($1.85)
Honest type who went toe-to-toe with Group 1 company all autumn. Latest effort in the Tontonan Stakes was rock solid and now third-up finds the right race to bounce. Drawn wide but rolls forward and loves a dogfight. Strong each-way credentials.
12 SHOHISHA – $9.00 ($2.80)
Underrated mare who is thriving this prep. Hit the line well in a fast-run Toy Show before scoring dominantly last start. Down in weight and maps well. Will be charging late if the gaps come.
Race 10 – E Security Group Handicap (1100m)
5 SAMMY CONQUERS ALL – $19.00 ($5.50)
Winning machine in the country and finally gets his chance in Saturday grade. Can absorb pressure and kick off a strong tempo. May look outclassed on paper but times stack up and he’s drawn to give a sight.
7 POLYGLOT – $3.40 ($1.65)
Continues to run well and now third-up draws to swoop late. McDonald sticks and blinkers back on might be the spark he needs to win one of these. Proven at the track and trip and gets favours in running.
14 CHIDIAC – $4.60 ($2.00)
Talented mare on the rise. Forgive the Highway miss last prep when wide throughout. Has looked dynamite in two runs back and drops nicely in the weights with the claim. Drawn for a soft run and ready to win.
The Professor’s Play:
Best Bet: GRINGOTTS (Race 9) – Peaking third-up, proven at the track and trip, and maps to control the race.
Value: NEPOTISM (Race 8) – G1 winner back to his pet trip and the map sets up perfectly. Way over the odds.
Each-Way: SNOW IN MAY (Race 7) – Quiet run last start and now gets a suck run. Can run a hole or better.
Quaddie #:
Race 7: 1, 2, 8 | Race 8: 2, 3, 6 | Race 9: 1, 4, 12 | Race 10: 5, 7, 14
