The Group 3 Widden Stakes is the feature event this Saturday at Rosehill Gardens. With the Southern Cross Stakes and Canonbury Stakes also taking centre stage, all roads lead to western Sydney! In Victoria, we head to Caulfield for the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes. With autumn features just around the corner, find out below who our experts expect to take home the cash.
Rosehill Gardens Race 6
#7 Cross Tasman
Cross Tasman is chasing four wins on the bounce. The Super Seth gelding still has improvement to come for the campaign, and he meets a field that has promised the world and delivered an atlas. The class rise is his biggest obstacle; however, I expect him to put this field to the sword. The $1.60 will look good value inside the final furlong, and only bad luck in running will stop the punters from collecting.
Pippie Beach is racing well without getting the job done. The Maurice mare is always thereabouts, and I suspect she is ready to explode on Saturday. The 1500m suits, and the drier conditions may prove the winning difference. The James McDonald and Chris Waller combination can never be underestimated, and her opening quote has been nibbled at. She tends to find one or two better when the camera is approaching.
Suggested Bet: Cross Tasman @ $1.60
Rosehill Gardens Race 7
#4 Roselyn's Star
Roselyn’s Star is clearly the one to beat! His performance first-up on the Gold Coast was bigger than Ben-Hur, and I suspect he entered most punters’ little black books as a result. The inside draw is advantageous, and he comes in extremely well at the weights. He has been smashed in most all-in markets, and he will jump one of the shortest-priced favourites on the card. Hard to toss!
Eye Of The Fire is over the odds. The Epaulette gelding has returned from a spell in great order, and he deserves his shot in this line-up. The apprentice claim puts him into all winning conversations, and I suspect this is his main autumn target. His camp is airborne at present, and his double quote will fold faster than Superman on laundry day.
Suggested Bet: Roselyn’s Star @ $2.30
#2 The Instructor
Disneck was a dominant last-start winner at headquarters. The big boy smashed the clock in the process, and he meets the usual suspects on Saturday. The current track conditions will suit him to a tee, and he loves the journey more than an Uber driver. His racing pattern and style, along with the tight-turning Rosehill circuit, may be his undoing.
Suggested Bet: The Instructor @ $4.00
Caulfield Race 6
#1 Big Sky
Big Sky looks one of the best bets on a tricky and competitive program. The Bivouac colt oozes class, and he looks untapped. The camp have a high opinion of the turf burner, and I suspect he will leave the barriers well into the red. The five-furlong scamper suits him at this stage of his career, and a victory on Saturday could book a date with a Blue Diamond or a Golden Slipper. Push the chips in!
Mirador was no match for the favourite on debut. The Brazen Filly finished off her debut outing with intent, and I suspect she strips fitter as a result. She will take advantage of her first time at the races, and if the favourite has an off-day or experiences traffic issues, she can capitalise late. Major player!
Suggested Bet: Big Sky @ $1.90
Caulfiield Race 7
#5 Cigar Flick
Cigar Flick is ready to win. Both runs this campaign have been teasing, and I suspect she is trained to the minute for her third-up assignment. The form around her has stood up time and again, a victory here could launch her towards some lofty autumn goals. The opening quote has been met with good support, and a victory wouldn’t surprise. Over the odds!
Aviatress is suited dropping back to mares grade. The Smart Missile five-year-old was good without winning at her latest outing, and her form this campaign is ultra-consistent. The form around her must be respected, and the inside draw puts her into all winning conversations. She does her best work at the heath, and I expect her to jump the race favourite. Hard to toss.
Suggested Bet: Cigar Flick @ $10.00
Caulfield Race 8
#3 Gallant Son
Gallant Son was an impressive first-up winner at Flemington. The Written Tycoon will appreciate the step out in trip, and the early market support has been more than significant. His three-year-old form was first-class, and I suspect his best performance here would prove superior. Hard to toss!
Rue De Royale is flying at present. The Per Incanto gelding was a brilliant winner two starts back at headquarters, and he was a victim of circumstances at his latest outing. The 2kg apprentice is advantageous, and he looks extremely well placed in this company. The big boy is racing too well to dismiss!
Suggested Bet: Gallant Son @ $3.30
