Three of the best from racing editor Chris Scholtz.
Photo by Racing and Sports
ROSEHILL SATURDAY
RACE 5: (4) TROMSO: Some may rate him an enigma but this just may be his race with the weights and distance on a firm home track definitely in his favour. His current form is up to his best, putting in his usual strong finishes for successive seconds to New Day Rising over 1400m at Rosehill at his last two starts when he has had to concede 5kg and 1.5kg to the winner. This time there is a significant turnaround in the handicaps with Tromso meeting New Day Rising a massive 6.5kg and 2.5kg better from those two recent clashes and the extra 100m certainly gives him the chance to turn the tables.
RACE 7: (5) OAKFIELD COMET: This honest Newcastle-trained mare deserves a win in this class after a run of luckless efforts in good form races in town including three seconds from her last five starts. She had plenty of excuses over this same course and distance last start on December 31 when just held out by the in-form Happy Hussy under 56kg after she lost her position when the winner took her running mid race. A protest may have been justified as the winning rider was subsequently suspended. The switch to a 3kg claiming apprentice sees her drop 1.5kg in this similar field and it may prove the edge she needs to record an overdue win.
RACE 8: (3) MAULES CREEK: This lightly-raced Redoute's Choice gelding may be the most promising horse appearing at this meeting. He showed he was well above average with two smart wins over some good opposition last autumn before an extended spell and his first-up third over 1200m at this course on December 31 against better opposition was an excellent start to his 4YO season. The quick jump to 1500m second up under 57.5kg may be some concern but he will be much improved and happy to gamble that he is better than these average types.
