Chris Scholtz - Early Thoughts
R&S Contributing Editor Chris Scholtz takes a look at tomorrow’s Sydney racing.
SELECTIONS
Gelded during a seven months spell and holds plenty of scope to improve off a luckless first-up fifth over 1400m at Randwick on November 1 when beaten only half a length.
Has shown good promise to miss a place just twice in his eight career starts and fair to say he goes close last time with a clear crack from the 400m.
No doubt he will have taken benefit from the run and worth noting he won second up by a big margin at Canterbury last season.
Rosehill Race 8 - 8 Interstellar
Former New Zealand mare has not been seen since winning her Australian debut for the Hawkes stable over this course and distance in July when she worked from a wide barrier to sit outside the lead before sprinting to the line for her third win in just six starts.
Lands in the right spot here from an ideal inside draw and Indicated she was primed to do it again when she recorded a sharp win in a Rosehill barrier trial over 900m on November 7.
Taking a lead that trainer Kris Lees weighed up the options with this dual acceptor before selecting this race as her assignment, his choice obviously influenced by the fact that she was a strong winner in this same class over this course and distance at her last start four weeks ago.
Rises 2kg but she is a progressive mare with the talent to record a repeat win.
BLACKBOOK UPDATE from 19 November (Rosehill)
Duca Valentinois - Encouraging start to his summer. Set for the Villiers.
Most Exalted - Should be good over middle distances this prep.Heartlings - Certain improver off this good first-up effort.
Recent Blackbook winners - Global Glamour; Sir John Hawkwood; Shillelagh; Infra Dig; Dixie Blossoms; Divine Prophet; O’Malley; Moher; Comin’ Through; Tiamo Grace; Flippant; Artistry; Circular; Malaguerra; Morton’s Fork; Too Good To Refuse
ELIGIBLE BLACKBOOK RUNNERS for 25/26/28 November
Wodonga (Fri) - Loyalty Man (R6)
Rosehill (Sat) - Cadogan (R1), Vassal (R5) and Ascot Red (R5)Moonee Valley (Sat) - High Church (R7) and Hipparchus (R7)
Wagga (Mon) - Oh So Unfair (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.
