Chris Scholtz - Early Thoughts
R&S Contributing Editor Chris Scholtz takes a look at tomorrow’s Sydney racing.
SELECTIONS
Made an excellent return to racing after two years off when he protested unsuccessfully after being beaten a half-length by Gitan over 1400m on a slow track at Randwick on October 27.
It was only his fourth career start and first as a gelding and came off just one lead-up trial, leaving the impression that he would take considerable improvement from that race.
The perseverance Chris Waller has shown to get him back to racing reflects the opinion held of him by the leading trainer.
Has emerged as a quality prospect for Anthony and Edward Cummings with impressive wins at his last two starts over 1550m and 2000m and should find this no harder despite the rise in weight to 60kg.
Never troubled to beat Savacool over this trip last time at Randwick and the runner-up franked the strength of that performance with her win at Flemington on Oaks Day. Should have this field covered on that form.
Cracking speed in this field will set the race up nicely for a horse taking a sit and this mare fits the bill with expected improvement from her first-up fourth over 1100m on a soft Kensington track on October 17.
Had plenty to offer when given an easy time in a subsequent trial at Rosehill on November 2 and rates highly with a 3kg drop in weight from her first-up effort on a more firmer surface.
Well placed on her second up form from her last prep when placed in a stakes race over this trip at Flemington.
Recent Blackbook winners - Bleu Roche; Shillelagh; Newsfan; Royal Celebration; Verry Elleegant; Ranier; Street Tough; Savacool; Ringerdingding; Sesar; Tamasa; Diplomatico; Homesman; Patrick Erin; Oohood; God Of Thunder; Miss Admiration; The Autumn Run; Noire; Mickey Blue Eyes; Akkadian.
Rosehill (Sat) - Chaussure (R5), Tezlah (R6), Pelethronius (R7) and Revenire (R8)
Flemington (Sat) - Etymology (R2), Spectroscope (R4), Warranty (R4), Wall Of Fire (R5), Aloisia (R6), Sheezdashing (R6), Spirit Of Valor (R7) and Revenire (R9)Sunshine Coast (Sat) - Chapter And Verse (R5) and Axella (R8)
TRIAL WATCH HORSES
Rosehill (Sat) - Reflectivity (R5), Bon Amis (R8), Rockin’ Ruga (R8), Regimen (R9) and Seasons (R9)
Seasons (Randwick 30 October) - Talented Sebring mare looks set for a good campaign after her sharp second in her 1045m heat when she cruised through her gears taking ground off the pacy Chabreet without being put under pressure. She’s only had four starts and has a very bright future.
Rockin’ Ruga (Randwick 30 October) - Let off the leash from the start and after holding a big lead on the turn kept running to score by 7.5 lengths. It’s not unusual to see Waterhouse/Bott horses trial like this but he did put the time on the board with easily the fastest of the 1045m heats (62.09; last 600m 34.00) and must have prospects after a maiden win at Warwick Farm last season.
Flemington (Sat) - Redzel (R7) and Pierata (R7)
Randwick 30 October - Great to see the big guns REDZEL and PIERATA step out and show they are in great shape heading to Melbourne for their clash in the VRC Classic at Flemington. They met here in the 850m heat on the Kenso with REDZEL his typical self, cruising in the lead with his blinkers on and proving far too classy for the chasers.
The exception was PIERATA as Tommy Berry showed no urgency early by letting him settle on the fence in the back half and then took his time angling for a split between runners in the straight. Once it came Pierata oozed class as he surged to the line under no pressure with Berry keeping the sprinter’s trademark acceleration well in check
Newcastle (Sat) - Blazing Miss (R1)
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.
