Secessio should account for a small field when contesting the Inglis Christmas Cup at Randwick on Saturday.
The Chris Waller-trained runner hit the ground on resuming at Rosehill over 1500m and has placed in his two subsequent outings.
On both occasions Secessio produced one paced efforts giving every indication he will relish rising to 2400m fourth run from a spell.
Secessio’s lone prior outing over this trip came at Rosehill during the winter where he won by two lengths.
The German import looks the pick of the Waller trio yet a nice price is still available for him still vying for favouritism with stablemate Hoylonny.
Hoylonny had the edge over Secessio last start, albeit marginally but a fortnight later meets Secessio a half kilo worse at the weights up over a distance which arguably favours the Konigstiger gelding.
The field has been decimated by scratchings and a quick look of the four rivals remaining in the contest shows they have their fair share of convictions.
Secessio has settled handy in each of his three starts this campaign and expect the same again in a race with zero speed.
Racing consistently at present, Secessio fourth up rising in trip does have a sense of timing about him.
Peter Snowden possesses a strong hand in the TAB Rewards Benchmark 80 Handicap where La Pieta appears to spearhead his charge.
La Pieta returned to Sydney last start where she got there just in time to salute over 1400m at Rosehill against her own sex.
While taking on the boys this Saturday, the beautifully bred mare does appear capable of going on with the job third run from a spell.
A daughter of Group 1 winner Divine Madonna, La Pieta has been allowed to gradually work through grades and has been most consistent in doing so.
The mare has finished in the money at her past six outings and eight out of her ten runs overall.
She meets a capacity field here but overall it does appear lacking in the depth department.
La Pieta is currently vying for favouritism with stablemate Coins and the Guy Walter-trained Forarainyday.
While all currently priced at each way odds, La Pieta is the one who appeals the most in the TAB Rewards Benchmark 80 Handicap (1400m).
Outside of the Villiers Stakes, the Kari Aboriginal Resources Inc. Benchmark 78 Handicap shapes as one of the more open contests.
I’ve Got The Looks has come up as favourite and might be worth taking on in the opening leg of the quaddie.
The mare was a dominant winner at Warwick Farm two back however last start was an unlucky fifth at this track over 1000m.
This contest appears slightly tougher on paper where Kristy Lee, Maysoon and Dark Brown Sugar on latest Timeform figures can make their presence felt at the finish.
There are a number of mares resuming as well such as Pleiades, Amarachi and Recoinage who could each produce a bold run.
Sydney Specials
Banker: Race 4, #4 Secessio @ $3.20
Play Of The Day: Race 7, #12 La Pieta @ $5.00
Lay Of The Day: Race 5, #6 I’ve Got The Looks @ $3.80
