Three of the best for Rosehill on Saturday from racing editor Chris Scholtz.
RACE 5: (7) CLEANSING ALE - Best is yet to come from this lightly raced three-year-old by Encosta de Lago. He is well regarded by the Hawkes stable as they indicated when they sent him to Melbourne for a strong Listed race at Caulfield last month where his effort had plenty of merit. Back to Sydney he showed he was closing on a win with his last start second over 1400m at Warwick Farm when he ran home strongly from the rear of the field at just his fourth start. Great value at his early odds in an open race.
RACE 6: (4) TROMSO - Often regarded as an enigma but he will be hard to beat in this field if he can run up to his last start effort over 1200m at Rosehill when he finished a luckless fourth after being badly held up for a crack at the leaders from the 300m. He needs good tracks to produce his best and this is a very suitable race for him with the extra 200m, a 2kg drop in weight, and a positive riding switch to Hugh Bowman all strong factors in his favour.
RACE 8: (5) CHOICE WORDS - Talented mare is primed for a big first-up showing after two impressive trial wins at Warwick Farm in the last month. Her record at this course includes a 1200m win over the smart Malavio in June before she went for a break after a run of consistent efforts in stronger classes than she meets here. She is a proven first-up winner and comes from a stable with a great strike rate with runners returning from spells.