The Group 2 Missile Stakes is the feature event on a stunning racing program this Saturday at Rosehill Gardens. With spring fast approaching and a new racing season kicking off, there is no better time to enjoy the sport of kings. Find out who our experts are watching this weekend in Sydney!
Rosehill Race 7
#3 Tristate
Tristate caught the eyes of punter’s first-up from a spell. The Headwater gelding chased home the talented Omni Man, and he strips fitter here. From barrier one, he can roll forward, and if he can find the front spot uncontested, he may prove hard to run down. His second-up record must be respected, and the 1200m looks ideal after his sizzling fresh performance. His winning record is the primary concern.
Pegasi comes to Sydney town after a near faultless preparation in Adelaide. The Star Turn gelding deserves his shot at this level, and he should get every chance to continue on his winning ways from an inside draw. His record at the distance is exceptional, and he should be rock-hard fit at this stage of his campaign. This is his acid test.
Time To Boogie is flying! The Sooboog gelding is aiming for a hat trick of wins on Saturday, and he arguably should be undefeated this campaign. The four-year-old still has further natural improvement to come for the preparation, and I suspect the Freedman factor will attract healthy market support. I expect him to figure in the finish if he can stay out of the early speed battle.
Suggested Bet: Tristate @ $12.00
Rosehill RACE 8
#11 I Am Me
I Am Me will start favourite in a cracking edition of the Missile Stakes. The I Am Invincible mare is resuming after an incredible autumn preparation, and I expect her to begin her spring campaign on a winning note. Her trials leading into this event have been bomb-proof, and her best form reads incredibly well for this event. The current track condition plays in her favour, and she will get the run of the race from the perfect inside barrier. Hard to toss!
Big Parade will have supporters after winning a recent barrier trial by a suburb. The Deep Field gelding has an outrageous first-up record, and he should have enough early toe to find the front spot from barrier four. The 1200m is in his wheelhouse, and he is no stranger to this level of competition. His record of injuries during his career is the biggest deterrent.
The Caulfield Guineas Champion Golden Mile is too classy to dismiss. His spring campaign last year was first-class, while his autumn preparation was slightly below par. From barrier two, he can camp on the leader’s back, and if the peloton spends their pennies too early, he can be Johhny on the spot late. I am still determining if he will be fully wound up for a first-up tilt.
Suggested Bet: I Am Me @ $3.30
Rosehill Race 9
#11 Fawkner Park
Fawkner Park is a winning machine! The Zoffany gelding is building a picket fence next to his name, and he deserves his shot at this level. The drop back to 1800m could prove a masterstroke, and the five-year-old should be rock-hard fit at this stage of his preparation. From barrier ten, he will drift back and find his feet, and if he can stay in touch with the leading group through the middle stages of the race, he can blouse his opposition late. The apprentice claim is advantageous, and with even luck in transit, he should get every chance to continue on his winning ways.
Kalapour is racing in great spirit. The War Command gelding has finished in the top three for most of his current campaign, and he will appreciate the significant drop in grade on Saturday. From barrier one, he will sit midfield with cover, and if Tim Clark can get the big boy off the rail at the right time, he can figure in the finish. The length of his campaign could come against him.
Polly Grey is a must for all broader multiples and exotics. The Azamour mare is never far away, and the nine-year-old has been a marvel for her ownership group. She traditionally races well fresh and has performed well over the distance. If she can slide across from the carpark draw, she can lead them a merry dance on top of the speed. Father time and the allocated weight are her biggest obstacles.
Suggested Bet: Fawkner Park @ $2.50
Rosehill Race 10
#11 Kangaroo Court
Kangaroo Court can win again after producing an eye-catching victory at his latest outing. The Snitzel gelding is undefeated at the distance, and I suspect a peak performance for the preparation is just around the corner. He will push forward from the middle gate, and if he can find some cover behind the leading pair, I expect him to prove too strong late. The Gai Waterhouse polish must be respected, and there has been a flood of money for the talented four-year-old since markets opened. This looks like an ideal assignment.
Gracilistyla will have supporters after a string of narrow defeats. The Medaglia D’Oro gelding is always thereabouts, and the drop back in distance could prove the winning difference. The Chris Waller and James McDonald combination will attract market support, and if he can find an extra gear on Saturday, he can make his presence felt late. Barrier twelve could decide his fate during the early stages of the race.
Powerful Peg was a decisive winner last start at Warwick Farm. The Rubick mare takes a leap of faith into Saturday grade, and I suspect she can handle any challenges that are thrown at her. The 1500m is ideal, and the appointment of the inform Dylan Gibbons will give her an advantage over her opposition. From barrier ten, she will drop back and give her rivals a head start, and if she is within striking distance on straightening, she can loom in the shadows.
Suggested Bet: Kangaroo Court @ $3.90
