Godolphin appear well represented at Rosehill this afternoon with strong chances all day, but none better than Mohave in the last.
A benchmark 80 handicap over 1150m named after Australian Test Cricket batsman, the late Phillip Hughes, the race to be run on a heavy (8) surface, has assembled a handy line up.
However talented three-year-old Mohave, the youngest horse in the race rates as the horse to beat on Timeform adjusted figures.As a juvenile, Mohave showed plenty of ability winning the Listed Blue Diamond Preview before running just over five lengths from Earthquake in the Blue Diamond Stakes.
Now under John O’Shea’s care, Mohave has been consistent this preparation. After taking a couple of runs to reach fitness, Mohave bolted in over 1200m at Rosehill in a benchmark 71 race over 1200m.Then last time out over 1150m on the Kensington he was runner up to the speedster Senta De Noche, however there were excuses.
On a hugely biased track that favoured leaders, the winner Senta De Noche dictated lead throughout whereas Mohave after being slow to move was bottled up behind the speed unable to get into his rhythm.Once turning for home, Mohave was severely blocked for a clear run, the winner gaining a winning break at that time.
Once clear, Mohave flew home late to be beaten just over two lengths.Drawn nicely today, Mohave although yet to win on rain affected ground, should be able to take up a forward position. If he runs to his best Timeform ratings Mohave should prove too strong.
The “omen” horse is Forget part owned by former Australian Test cricketers Ricky Ponting and Mark Waugh.A former Godolphin-trained galloper, Forget now with Kim Waugh, has been in great form this campaign winning fresh up at Muswellbrook over 1280m in benchmark 70 class before stepping up to midweek city class at Canterbury over 1250m again scoring comfortably.
Significantly Forget defeated Windjammer last start, that horse franking the form winning easily last Wednesday.On Timeform weight adjusted ratings, there is not a lot between Forget and Mohave – both have the early speed to be handy which could be a telling factor by this time of the day.
While Mohave has never started on rain affected going, Forget is at least proven on heavy going and that is certain to sway some punters into his corner.The Gai Waterhouse stable will be represented by Mr Jackman who is second up after a spell but wears blinkers again.
Mr Jackman also comes through the Senta De Noche race where he was a handy third after sitting on the back of the speed throughout.No doubt he will strip a lot fitter today, but his previous form on rain affected ground has been below par and that is a concern today.
If the track is playing to backmarkers then the Chris Waller-trained Murder Of Crows looks the knock out chance.Murder Of Crows has had an excellent campaign never being far away in five runs and does bring new form lines to the race.
Murder of Crowns comes off a 49 day freshen up but had been racing in much stronger benchmark 85 races of late. It is significant that he did win first up over 1100m at Rosehill at the start of this preparation and Waller has trialled him since his last start.In another positive Murder Of Crows will be ridden by Jim Cassidy who was atop the gelding two starts back when just beaten by Woodbine at Rosehill - definitely one to watch for late.
Enjoy an interesting finish to the day.
