The Anthony Cummings trained Puzzling Wonder has displayed good ability in two career starts and appears well placed to break through at Rosehill this afternoon.
Set to line up in the second event, the son of Northern Meteor was only narrowly beaten at Randwick last start, recording a new peak in defeat.
Notably two subsequent winners have already come out of the event, with Mrs Kennedy and My Bella's Better both breaking through over the weekend.
With the Rosehill track currently rated a Heavy 8, three gallopers have been scratched, leaving five to line up in the event.The Gerald Ryan trained Mchawi (scratched) was one of two likely leaders, with the Graham Payne trained Full Marks now expected to take up the running from the favourable draw.
From the rails draw, Puzzling Wonder can press for the lead, however he appears to get an ideal run in transit, tracking the speed.Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, he is well placed on his last start performance and with further improvement expected, Puzzling Wonder should prove hard to beat.
The Chris Waller trained Double Happy remains the big query runner in the field, as he makes his return as a gelding.Career peak figures has him very well placed, given he was only narrowly beaten by Diamond Valores two starts back.
Although Double Happy's main query is whether he can produce this high level of performance on a heavy track.In two previous attempts, he has failed to fill the minor placings, albeit one of those attempts was in Group 3 company.
Nonetheless, he is clearly capable and with the in-form Tommy Berry engaged he shapes as one of the main hopes.Of the rest the Danny Williams trained Istanbul appears the next best, following his solid performance at Goulburn last start.
Running on strongly late, Istanbul appears open to further improvement and cannot be taken lightly.Good luck and happy punting.
