Chris Scholtz - Early Thoughts
SELECTIONS
Randwick Race 2 - 4 Society Man
Suspect the application of blinkers is just what this gelding needs to end his sequence of three second placings by narrow margins since resuming. Admittedly he’s been costly, having been beaten as favourite at his last five starts, but the gear change combined with a new rider (Hugh Bowman), the drop back to the more suitable distance of 1300m and the fitness edge he holds over some major rivals are all enough to justify giving him one more chance.
Randwick Race 4 - 10 Saintly Lad
There is no doubt this raw talent is a work in progress for Bart and James Cummings and judging by his last start win at Canterbury it would appear they now have him heading in the right direction. At Canterbury he was held up for clear running until the last 150m before unleashing an excellent turn of foot to round up his rivals and record a soft victory over 1550m for his second win in three starts since resuming. He’s definitely on the rise and the step up to 1800m on the spacious Randwick track comes at just the right time as he works towards bigger goals, noting that the stable this week nominated him for the Caulfield Cup.
This Tony McEvoy-trained six-year-old came off two trials in South Australia to make quite an impression in his Sydney debut with a dominant first-up win over this course and distance a month ago, overcoming a wide run to swoop on the leaders in the last 100m for his fourth win over 1000m. He remains well handicapped for a horse who challenged Lankan Rupee last spring giving him 3kg and the month break between races fits his form profile as he performs at his best when fresh.
BLACKBOOK UPDATE from 2 August (Rosehill & Moonee Valley)
Disclaimer - Well performed import should derive plenty of benefit from solid debut for Snowden stable.
Masterstroke - Went under narrowly in an excellent return to racing. Set for best preparation.
Cool Hero - Classy effort to finish third after covering ground from wide draw. Looks promising.
Just For Starters - No luck in the run. Needs a bigger track.
ELIGIBLE BLACKBOOK RUNNERS for 9 August
RANDWICK - Society Man (R2), Zin Zan Eddie (R2) and Jacinta (R8)
FLEMINGTON - Couldn't Agreemore (R1), Warwarick (R3), Winta Chiller (R8) and Danish Whiskey (R8)
EAGLE FARM - Hi Son (R2) and Playitstraight (R5)
Chris’ final observations and full audio preview of all Sydney races will be available after 9.30am Saturday on the R&S website and tweeted by @ScholtzRacing.
