Rosehill is the place to be this Saturday for the running of the Group 1 Coolmore Classic. With a host of Group and Listed events also featuring on the bumper card, all roads lead to the western suburbs of old Sydney town. South of the border, the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes will ensure a healthy local crowd is front and centre at Caulfield.
Rosehill Gardens Race 7
#1 Sixties
Sixties are flying this campaign. The Flying Artie colt put two victories on the board before wrestling the world-class Observer in the Group 1 Australian Guineas. The drop back in trip suits, and the James McDonald and Chris Waller looks ominous here. With even luck in transit, he fights out the finish, and I suspect he will jump a long odds-on favourite. The carpark draw is his biggest obstacle.
Panova can cause a boil-over. Her first-up run was ok without figuring, and she finds her ideal conditions on Saturday. The trip is in her wheelhouse, and her opening quote has been more than nibbles at. If the big girl doesn’t get too far out of her ground during the middle stages of the race, she can loom to win during the final furlong. Her racing pattern and style always requires an element of good fortune.
Suggested Bet: Sixties @ $1.70
Rosehill Gardens Race 8
#4 Verona Rose
Verona Rose was ultra-impressive when winning the Group 2 Guy Walter second-up from a spell at Randwick. The Castelvecchio mare has returned to racing in fine style, and I suspect she is ready to announce herself on Saturday. The step out in trip suits, and the current track conditions suit to a tee. The inside draw should put her rivals on notice, and the inform Craig Williams sticks with the talented four-year-old. Her yard is flying at present, and Group 1 glory is on the menu Saturday!
Ole Dancer is ready to win. Both runs this campaign have looked ominous, and I suspect this has been a long-range target from the astute camp. The journey is in her wheelhouse, and she has the freakish ability to reel off sizzling late sectionals. The form around the Ole Kirk filly is elite, and she is a must for all broader multiples and exotics. Her racing pattern and style always requires an element of good fortune.
Suggested Bet: Verona Rose @ $10.00
#3 Robusto
Robusto is over the odds. The consistent six-year-old is rock-hard fit, and the form around him is first-class. His recent jump-outs oozed class, and I suspect he can run a cheeky race at a double-figure quote. He meets a field of non-winners, and his camp are training winners for fun at present. The length of his preparation and his frequent flyer points from travelling around the country are among the deterrents.
Cristal Clear resumes after producing an impressive spring campaign. The Exceedance gelding turned heads recently at the barrier trials, and I suspect the camp has him ready for a first-up tilt. His opening quote folded faster than superman on laundry day, and he looks the likely leader on paper. If he can cheat the clock throughout, the fat lady may be in full voice when heads turn for home.
Suggested Bet: Robusto @ $11.00
Caulfield Race 3
#4 Harry's Yacht
Harry’s Yacht looks the best bet on a tricky Caulfield program. The Harry Angel gelding was too strong late in a hot form race at his latest outing, and I suspect he can take the next step up in grade on Saturday. The inside draw will allow him to stalk the speed throughout, and if he sees clear air as they run for the doctor, he will get the job done. Clearly the one to beat!!!
Enxuto is knocking on the door. The Lean Machine gelding hasn’t missed a top-four finish since the moon landing, and he finds a very winnable assignment on Saturday. The flood of early money indicates another forward showing, and I suspect he has the fitness edge on the majority of the field. He tends to find one or two better at the pointy end of a contest.
Suggested Bet: Harry’s Yacht @ $2.20
Caulfield Race 6
#2 Sir Atlas
Sir Atlas was a brilliant last-start winner at Wangaratta. The Sir Percy gelding comes to town up and about, and he looks extremely well-placed jumping from a perfect inside gate. The mile is his pet trip, and he handles all track conditions. He has been heavily supported in most all-in markets, and I suspect he is ready to explode on Saturday. He may need some luck getting off the dulex as they cut the ribbons.
Cat Noir is over the odds. The Merchant Navy mare is a model of consistency, and she looks hard to beat facing easier opposition. The double-figure quote will shorten before the barriers open, and I suspect she will occupy the box seat throughout with a positive jump. The 54.5kg is a luxury, and her record at the journey must be respected. Big watch!
Suggested Bet: Sir Atlas @ $3.10
Caulfield Race 8
#2 Buckaroo
Buckaroo is knocking on the door. The rising eight-year-old has looked good since returning from the paddock, and he finds a very winnable assignment on Saturday. The form around him is sublime, and he looks incredibly well-placed in this company. The journey suits, and he traditionally sprouts wings at this stage of his campaign. His recent winning record is the primary concern
Birdman was a brilliant last-start winner at Flemington. I suspect the progressive five-year-old is in for a campaign of a lifetime, and he deserves his shot at this level. The big boy is ready for the longer trip, and Ben Melham retains the mount. The flood of early speaks volumes, and a win here wouldn’t surprise. Acid test!
Suggested Bet: Buckaroo @ $3.10
