The Group 1 Tancred Stakes is the feature event this Saturday at Rosehill Gardens. With the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes, and a host of Group and Listed events also featuring on the stunning program, a healthy local crowd is expected at the final day of the Rosehill autumn carnival! In Melbourne, the Group 1 Australian Cup is front and centre. Can anyone stop the crowd-pleasing Pride Of Jenni who looks to have returned to racing better than ever?
Rosehill Race 6
#1 Treasurethe Moment
Treasurethe Moment looks unstoppable at present. The VRC Oaks winner has the world at her feet, and she has one hoof on the till here. The step out in trip is ideal third-up from a spell, and I suspect the rest of the field are racing for the minor end of the prize. Both runs this campaign have been world-class, and her versatility alone will take her to dizzy heights during her career. She is a marvel!
Verona Rose can cause an upset if the favourite experiences traffic issues or has an off day. The Castelvecchio filly looks progressive, and her recent victory in the Kembla Classic was first-class. The 2000m is perfect at this career stage, and I expect her to be savaging the line late. A must for all broader multiples and exotics.
Suggested Bet: Treasurethe Moment @ $1.60
Rosehill Race 7
#3 Uncommon James
Uncommon James has made an impressive return to racing. The Cable Bay gelding has finished on the heels of some serious horses this campaign, and I suspect his next victory is just around the corner. His record third-up from a spell must be respected, and he has been crunched in most all-in markets. The rising seven-year-old is back to his best, and if he can overcome a tricky barrier draw during the race’s early stages, he will figure in the finish. Take on trust!
Mazu is the class runner of the field. The Maurice gelding looks well placed in this company and will thrive in his ideal conditions on Saturday. Both runs this campaign have been good without threatening, and I suspect this event has been a long-range target from the astute camp. Barrier two will allow him to camp behind the speed, and if the big boy sees clear air as they run for the doctor, he will make his presence felt late. He tends to find one or two better at the pointy end of a contest.
Suggested Bet: Uncommon James @ $7.00
#2 Vauban
The two-time Melbourne Cup favourite Vauban was ultra-impressive fresh for his new stable. Despite racing over an unsuitable distance, the Galiway gelding savaged the line late to get the job done in the final stride. The step out in trip is advantageous, and if the predicated rainfall lobs before the barriers open, he will prove extremely hard to beat. I suspect he will take plenty of benefit from his first-up heroics, and if he produces his best performance here, it could be a demolition. Hard to toss!
Dubai Honour returns to Australia after producing arguably his career-best campaign. The Pride Of Dubai gelding performed extremely well in several world-class events during 2024, and his overall career has been simply delicious to date. His showing in the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase was elite, and the form out of the race has stood up time and again. He will appreciate the predicted soft conditions, and his effortless victory over Anamoe in the 2023 Queen Elizabeth is still fresh in the memory back. The William Haggas factor must be respected, and I expect him to start race favourite.
Suggested Bet: Vauban @ $4.20
Rosehill Race 9
#5 Encap
Encap can bounce back after an even effort first-up in a hot-form race. The Capitalist gelding will appreciate the significant drop-in class, and his second-up record must be respected. The progressive four-year-old loves Rosehill more than Gai Waterhouse, and he handles all conditions. The Portelli yard have a huge opinion on his ability, and he always puts his best hoof forward. The carpark draw is the primary concern.
Amenable caught the eyes of punters fresh at Newcastle. The consistent Lonhro gelding is always around the mark, and he has raced at the top level many times during his career. He meets easier opposition on Saturday and will find another length or two if the heavens open. His recent winning record is the primary concern.
Suggested Bet: Encap @ $10.00
Flemington Race 8
#7 Atishu
Atishu is ready to win. Both runs this preparation have been ominous, and I suspect the Group 1 Australian Cup is the major target for her autumn campaign. Last time we saw the brilliant Savabeel mare at Flemington over 2000m, she was game in defeat behind the world-class Via Sistina, and her run in the All-Star Mile put the writing on the wall for a bold showing third-up. Her record at the track is exceptional, and her sizzling late sectionals are incredible. Great each-way value.
Zardozi is knocking on the door. The Kingman mare savaged the line late in the Blamey, and she closed strongly from another suburb at her latest outing. The form behind the crowd-pleasing Pride Of Jenni reads well for this event, and I suspect she will get a perfect cart into the race with the predicated frenetic on-speed tempo. The talented four-year-old always performs well at Flemington, and the 2000m is in her wheelhouse. Overdue for a victory!
Suggested Bet: Atishu @ $8.00
Flemington Race 9
#1 Smokin' Romans
Smokin’ Romans is over the odds. The Ghibellines gelding has been ticking over nicely towards this assignment, and I suspect he is ready to peak and explode on Saturday. His form around Duke De Sessa reads well for this event, and his 2600m victory at headquarters on Champions Day was breathtaking. He has the ability to peak during his campaign when required, and I suspect this could be his swansong if he doesn’t trouble the scorers. He will look the winner as they enter the long Flemington home straight.
Mostly Cloudy is too consistent to dismiss. The Harzand gelding has produced two honest performances this campaign, and he is a winner previously third-up from a spell. The step out in trip is advantageous, and I suspect he will occupy the box seat throughout. His blistering late sectionals should give his key rivals sleepless night leading into Saturday’s event, and he has been well supported at a double figure quote early doors. He will be thereabouts.
Suggested Bet: Smokin’ Romans @ $10.00
