Before we head to Caulfield this Saturday for more Group 1 action, Rosehill and Ballarat take centre stage this Wednesday! With competitive Benchmark racing featuring on the bumper programs, find out who our experts are expecting to take home the cash.
Rosehill Race 6
#3 Go Troppo
Go Troppo was game in defeat at his latest outing. The Hinchinbrook gelding looked the winner on straightening, and he was only grabbed by a smart one in the shadows. From the middle gate, he can sit midfield with cover, and if Dylan Gibbons presents him with his run at the right time, I expect him to figure in the finish. I suspect he has the fitness edge on the majority of his rivals, and he represents great each-way value.
State Of America will start favourite after an impressive last-start victory at Randwick. He led the field a merry dance, fighting off all challengers when the whips were cracking. The American Pharoah gelding finds his pet distance on Wednesday, and from the perfect inside draw, he can continue on his winning way. The allocated weight is the primary concern.
Flambeur is a must for broader multiples and exotics. The evergreen Mizzen Mast gelding is racing in great spirit, and his next win is just around the corner. The eight-year-old traditionally races well third-up from a spell and looks dangerous jumping from barrier three. His racing pattern and style will always require an element of luck.
Suggested Bet: Go Troppo @ $5.50
Rosehill RACE 7
#6 Clear Choice
Clear Choice is ready to win. Both starts this preparation have been full of merit, and I suspect he has been trained to explode third-up from a spell. The step out to 1500m is ideal for the Choisir gelding, and I expect him to roll forward and pilot the field from the middle gate. If he can pinch some cheap sectionals throughout, he will look the winner as they run for the judge. Over the odds!
Famous Pedrille is too consistent to dismiss. All runs this campaign have been honest, and he looks well-placed meeting easier opposition. The Territories gelding will get every chance to threaten from the inside draw, and the 2kg apprentice claim could prove the winning difference. An early-speed battle could be his undoing.
Hokkaido was good last start without threatening. The Satono Aladdin gelding will appreciate the significant drop in class, and the 1500m is advantageous at this stage of his spell. The inform Nash Rawiller takes the ride, and there has been a flood of money for the enigmatic four-year-old in early betting. Big watch.
Suggested Bet: Clear Choice @ $8.00
Ballarat Race 6
#2 Perle Bleue
Perle Bleue savaged the line to score at Warrnambool at her last outing. The Le Havre mare is ready for the longer trip, and I suspect she will roll forward from the perfect inside draw. Jordan Childs has a winning association with the talented five-year-old, and she is building an impressive career record. Hard to toss!
Zaynudin will have supporters after a consistent campaign to date. The Fastnet Rock gelding snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at his latest outing, and he looks set for redemption, meeting easier opposition. From the wide gate, he will drift back and watch the race unfold, and if the leaders spend their pennies during the early stages, he can capitalise late. The length of his preparation is the primary concern.
Meinlas is ready to win. Both runs this campaign have been teasing, and the step out to 2600m could prove a training masterstroke. On exposed form, the Fiorente gelding enters all winning conversations, and with even luck in transit, I expect him to be thereabouts. He needs to put another victory on the board!
Suggested Bet: Perle Bleue @ $3.60
Ballarat Race 8
#1 Flying Ace
Flying Ace is over the odds. The Flying Artie gelding was a dominant winner at his latest outing, and he looks well placed meeting similar opposition. The 4kg apprentice claim gives him the upper hand on his rivals, and I suspect he will roll forward and take up his favourite position as race leader. If he can cheat the clock throughout, he will look the winner as they run for the doctor.
Xcessive Gamble is coming off a walk in the park at Mortlake. The Xtravagant gelding was never challenged, and he put his rivals to the sword a long way from home. The precocious four-year-old should be fitter for two runs back this preparation, and he deserves his shot at his level. Barrier fourteen is his biggest obstacle.
Royal Invader will start favourite after an eye-catching performance fresh at Echuca. The step out to 1100m is advantageous, and she looks too talented to be running around in Benchmark 64 events. She is undefeated second-up, and she should get the run of the race jumping from an enviable barrier. It may pay dividends to watch for any significant market support.
Suggested Bet: Flying Ace @ $21.00
