We head to Rosehill Gardens this Saturday for The Schweppes January Cup meeting. Can Chris Waller continue on his winning ways in 2023, or will the new kids on the block, Maher & Eustace, steal his thunder?
Rosehill Race 6
#8 Vreneli
Vreneli showed enormous ticker when winning at Rosehill last start. The son of Wandjina sat on top of the speed and fought off all challengers. He has been freshened up since and had an impressive jump-out leading into this event. He can win again.
Silent Agenda can run a good race here at double-figure odds. He hit the line nicely from a long way back at his recent outing, and I expect a peak run third up from a spell. He is drawn ideally in barrier four and is weighted to perfection with 52kg.
Cuban Royale is on a hat trick. He looks well placed to make it three on the trot in a moderate field. There is no reason the rising 9-year-old can’t win again!
Suggested Bet: Vreneli @ $3.40
Rosehill RACE 7
#5 Aleas
Aleas looks well placed back in this grade after running in some serious races this preparation. From barrier 1, he should get the dream run, and the 2000m looks perfect for this stage of his preparation. His barrier trial leading into this was impressive, and he has had a fantastic campaign for his owners despite not recording a victory. Saturday could be the day.
Berdibek looks ready to win after a slashing third at Randwick last start. Punters find him hard to catch; however, he does look suited staying at the 2000m. He will have market support with Tommy Berry aboard; the amount of time out of the winner’s circle is the primary concern.
Spirit Ridge should be fitter after two runs back this preparation. Barrier 10 makes the assignment tricky, however, he is good enough to win this with a peak run.
Suggested Bet: Aleas @ $6.50
Rosehill Race 8
#1 Star Sparks
Star Sparks can win fresh after two impressive barrier trials. He has performed well first up in the past, and he looks better than this grade. He is very consistent, and I expect him to be in the finish on Saturday. The 60kg and the tricky barrier are the main concerns.
Estadio Mestalla will start favourite after a gallant last-start victory. Barrier 13 will be a challenge, and the drop back to 1500m is an interesting decision. He can win again. However, I am not prepared to launch at the skinny price on offer.
Bend The Knee was given no hope last start when trapped four-wide the trip. The start prior, he loomed to win, and with the good run on Saturday, he can be competitive at a reasonable price.
Suggested Bet: Star Sparks @ $5.50
Rosehill Race 9
#11 First Light
First Light ran well fresh, sitting on top of the speed. The 1800m is an ideal second-up; he looks well placed, dropping 3kg. Nash Rawiller can be positive from barrier 9, and if he can find the front, he may prove hard to run down with a run under his belt.
Naval Seal will be competitive with a dream run from barrier 1. He is versatile and is one of the few chances if the heavens open up. Jay Ford takes the ride and looks well weighted with 54kg.
Dr Evil has had good market support. He looks ready to win third up from a spell. His late sectionals last start caught the eye.
Suggested Bet: First Light @ $7.50
