The Group 1 Coolmore Classic is the feature event on a mouthwatering program at Rosehill this Saturday. With an array of Listed and Group events, this meeting is a must for all racing fans!
Rosehill Race 7
#15 King Frankel
King Frankel was brilliant fresh, lowering the colours of a very smart and inform galloper. He was well supported in the market, and I expect him to attract admirers again on Saturday. The Frankel gelding has plenty of upsides, and he is progressing through his grades successfully. He has won his last four races, and from an inside draw, he looks hard to beat again. The 2000m is advantageous, and Tyler Schiller has a winning association with the Mark Newnham-trained galloper.
Knights Order can run well here despite jumping from the carpark. He was ok first-up without threatening, and I expect an improvement second-up performance over a preferred distance. The So You Think gelding is in the twilight of his career; however he is still racing in great spirit. With the right run in transit, he can make his presence felt in the shadows.
Protagonist is the intriguing runner. The William Haggas-trained galloper has excellent UK form, and his strike rate at the distance is exceptional. James Mcdonald has options from a middle gate, and the Wootton Bassett gelding can start his visit to Australia in fine style.
Suggested Bet: King Frankel @ $5.00
Rosehill RACE 8
#2 Annavisto
Annavisto was brilliant first-up at Flemington. Despite being pressured on top of the speed, she showed a clean pair of heels in a dominant display. She broke her rivals’ hearts and the timekeeper’s clock! I expect her to cross the field from barrier sixteen, and if she uses less petrol early, she may prove hard to run down.
Espiona finally added another win to her name after teasing punters for over a year. She looks ideally drawn in a middle gate, and the 51kg looks luxurious. The Chris Waller factor will draw market support; if the right one turns up, she can figure in the finish. Her fate may be decided in the first 200m. Take on trust.
Toregene looks progressive. The Mongolian Khan mare had an impressive spring, and she was a solid first-up despite needing the run. She traditionally runs well second-up, and the 1500m is advantageous. She will get the run of the race from barrier four, and she looks well placed down the bottom of the weight scale.
Suggested Bet: Annavisto @ $5.00
Rosehill Race 9
#1 Bandersnatch
Bandersnatch looks poised to strike second-up after a game-fresh performance. He will make his own luck on top of the speed, and his record at the track and distance must be respected. From an inside draw, he should find the bunny, and if he can pinch some cheap sectionals in-running, the race may be over at the furlong.
Waterford was disappointing first up from a spell. He could have been on better ground. However, it was still a flat and plain performance. I am hoping a recent barrier trial has put some spark back into his campaign and career, as his best form reads exceptionally well for this event. Barrier four will allow him to camp off the speed, and I expect him to savage the line when the whips are cracking.
Sibaaq hit the line nicely first up. The Dark Angel gelding is consistent; his second-up record speaks for itself. He excels over 1500m and deserves his shot at this grade. The Annabel Neasham camp is flying, and I expect a big run from one of their stable stars.
Suggested Bet: Bandersnatch @ $6.00
Rosehill Race 10
#1 Almania
Almania has been well-backed since markets opened. He has had a luckless campaign to date, and he was game behind the talented Glory Daze at his latest outing. The drop in grade is significant, and the apprentice claim could prove a masterstroke. His winning record is the biggest concern.
Major Beel will start favourite after two impressive wins this campaign. This is his acid test. However, he looks well-placed from an inside draw. The 1900m is ideal for this preparation stage, and the Savabeel gelding can make his luck on top of the speed. He is rock-hard fit, and he may prove hard to run down.
Father’s Day can run well at a reasonable price. The Galileo gelding is nearing a peak performance, and his trial leading into this event indicates a bold showing. He strips fitter here, and if he can stay out of the speed battle early, he may be Johnny on the spot.
Suggested Bet: Almania @ $6.50
