Chris Scholtz - Early Thoughts
R&S Contributing Editor Chris Scholtz takes a look at tomorrow’s Sydney racing.
SELECTIONS
It’s never easy to come off a provincial maiden win into a competitive Saturday class field but this lightly-raced 3YO showed he was above the norm with a classy first-up win over1200m at Kembla Grange on July 6.
The turn of foot he displayed to reel off a fast last 400m and win running away by almost five lengths marked him as a horse destined to win better races considering it was his first start since he contested the 2014 Blue Diamond Stakes.
It was also his first outing as a gelding and factoring in his natural improvement makes him a worthy gamble in this field with Blake Shinn and a weight edge on his main rivals.
Honest mare is primed to peak at her third start off a spell after two excellent efforts in unsuitable 1200m race since resuming.
Her latest fourth at Canterbury when held up before finding the line powerfully under 59kg was an excellent pointer to her chances in this field where I expect her to eat up the extra distance on affected ground with a significant 5kg drop in weight against rivals who are weighted up to their best.
Rosehill Race 6 - 8 Dance Of Heroes
Chris Waller produced this import - a winner up to 2000m in the UK - to win first-up over 1600m at Warwick Farm in March and the signs are good that he has been prepared for a similar performance after a strong barrier trial win at this course on June 26.
He was never off the bit accounting for last Saturday’s impressive winner Darciwood. He has been gelded since that light autumn preparation and looks to be in the right form to start a successful campaign off his trial win where he coped well with the heavy going.
BLACKBOOK UPDATE from 11 July (Randwick & Flemington)
Royal Rumble - Adelaide youngster showed plenty. Definitely has the ability.
Pemberley - Hit line hard after having no luck at a vital stage. Best to come.Fell Swoop - Tragedy beaten after rider took wrong options. Will soon make amends.
Reigning Meteor - Good effort behind a smart prospect. Step up in distance will suit.Happy Clapper - Creditable first-up effort. Can find plenty off this run.
ELIGIBLE BLACKBOOK RUNNERS for 18 July
Rosehill - Elle Lou (R2) and Alegria (R2)
Flemington - Lord Esprit (R6)Doomben - Epic (R6) and Kaypers (R6)
Chris’ final observations and full audio preview of all Sydney races will be available after 9.30am Saturday on the R&S website and tweeted by @ScholtzRacing.
