Although yet to salute the judge this time in, the John O'Shea trained Generalife can break through for a deserved victory in this afternoon's Listed Festival Stakes at Rosehill.
In four starts this preparation, the son of Lonhro has improved six pounds on his career best and returned a figure just shy of his peak, behind Fast 'N' Rocking last start.
Appearing home and hosed, Generalife was only just edged out in the finish, when unable to get past the Hayes and Dabernig trained galloper.Nonetheless his performance in defeat, still held plenty of merit and sees him well placed this afternoon.
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Generalife does hold a slight edge over his rivals, with Sir Moments and Mouro his biggest dangers.The return to Sydney also gives a good push for Generalife's chances — in five starts at Rosehill, Generalife has won on three occasions, missing the money once.
In 11 attempts right-handed Generalife has won five times and has placed on a further three occasions.Leading rider Blake Shinn links aboard for the first time and is currently striking at just shy of 20 per cent for the O'Shea camp.
This season Shinn is striking at a very impressive 23 per cent and more notably is striking at 32% per cent in stakes company.From the inside draw, Generalife appears to get a charmed run in transit with the Peter Moody trained Strawberry likely to lead.
Generalife is yet to miss the money fifth up and while frustrating this preparation, he is worth another chance.The Steven O'Dea trained Sir Moments shapes as one of the main contenders, following his two impressive performances this time in.
Having caught the eye first up, the son of Choisir went on to dominate his rivals at the Gold Coast last start when saluting easily over 1400m.Though obviously a further step here, Sir Moments returned a peak performance last start and is expected to improve further for this affair.
Sir Moments is unbeaten third up and has a real sense of timing about his preparation.In-form jockey Timothy Bell makes the trip south — having won four of six attempts about the gelding.
It was encouraging to see Sir Moments ridden closer to the speed last start, as he'd previously settled towards the rear in a majority of his races.From the awkward draw, Bell won't want to concede too large a start and should look to settle just off - midfield.
He has previously displayed the ability to reel off a very fast closing sectional and if close enough, Sir Moments could prove hard to hold out.The Tony McEvoy trained Mouro returned in great order last start and appears the next in line.
Hitting the line strongly to finish second behind Heart Testa, the son of Grand Slam really caught the eye and is expected to improve further racing second up.A dual Group 3 winner, Mouro appears well placed at the weights and the fact Kerrin McEvoy links aboard gives a further push for his claims.
From the inside draw, he should look to settle just off the speed and be right around the mark.The Scott Aspery trained Estonian Princess remains the query runner in the field as her effort in the Group 1 Myer Classic, sees her well placed using Timeform weight adjusted ratings.
Ridden somewhat upside down behind Politeness last start, she is expected to bounce back with Brenton Avdulla in the saddle (placed 2/3).At her best she is clearly capable and cannot be taken lightly.
Good luck and happy punting.
