Latest News

By Ray Hickson

Tips and race by race preview by Ray Hickson for Wednesday’s Rosehill meeting. Selections based on a good track.

1. Nitro had to do it the hard way on debut and while the margin was narrow he couldn’t have been any more impressive. Smaller field suits, interesting to see whether they go forward or back from that outside barrier but if he repeats the performance he’ll be hard to beat.

Dangers: 8. Casserousse ran right up to market support winning first-up for Joe Pride at Hawkesbury. She went forward on that occasion so imagine it’ll be similar from near the outside, which may aid the top weight, and she can run well. 4. Zocketman has settled back and rounded them up comfortably in two starts either side of a break. Drawn the inside, whether he can hold up from the gate remains to be seen but hard to knock the way he’s gone about it so far. 3. Zebra Finch resumes having tackled the Group 1 in Brisbane at the end of the carnival and while he wasn’t competitive there he has shown talent being a Saturday winner. Now with the Maher yard and worth keeping safe.

How to play it: Nitro WIN ($2.90 TAB Fixed Odds).

1. Big Tiger fought on like his namesake on debut after sitting three wide on the speed running a close third. With that under his belt and a kinder alley he’ll likely look to lead and if he has taken improvement he’ll be hard to get past.

Dangers: 5. Reiz Souvent comes through the same race where he was solid in betting and just held ground to run fifth beaten under three lengths. Has a few lengths to make up but will get another soft run and could well lift quickly. 9. Miss Lola has the blinkers on but no favours with the barrier this time after edging out Big Tiger for second at Warwick Farm three weeks ago. Not far off a win but will need a bit of luck. 2. Blue Blood Prince is a full brother to Trapeze Artist making his debut. Nothing wrong with his two trial efforts leading in and any support would be significant.

How to play it: Big Tiger WIN ($2.30 TAB Fixed Odds).

11. Plaintiff is a well bred and expensive yearling making her debut on the back of two trials in October. She did take a bit of winding up before winning the latest but once she got into gear she looked quite strong. Likely improves on whatever she does but finds a winnable race.

Dangers: 2. Weekend Market is a Godolphin mare stepping out for Gary Portelli and she put a big space on her rivals in a 1207m trial some five weeks ago. That was easily her best trial performance and she’s worth a look. 6. Balmoral Castle started favourite on debut at Murtoa some five weeks back and sat handy before running second. Interesting that the Maher stable has switched her to NSW and that makes her worthy of respect. 4. Artgirl was also favourite at her first start and was defeated but plenty of merit in her effort in a small field around Wyong. She looked to be closing off well so an extra 100m on a bigger track will be in her favour.

How to play it: Plaintiff WIN ($4.60 TAB Fixed Odds).

16. Virgil’s Gift was well supported into odds-on at her first start at Kembla and hit the line at the end of the 1200m like a horse who will excel over more ground. She was still too good there and the step up in trip is in her favour. No surprise to see her go on with it.

Dangers: 3. Empress Of Japan is fitter for two runs back and did improve into that second run when runner-up at 1400m at Hawkesbury. Further improvement can see her in the finish somewhere. 14. Beverley Hills didn’t fire first-up then turned it around quickly with an all the way win at Newcastle. Needs to back that up and getting out in distance she might have that chance. 1. Agirlsbestfriend has raced just once in the past year but on her best form she's capable of running into the finish if they overdo it up front.

How to play it: Virgil’s Gift WIN ($1.95 TAB Fixed Odds).

11. Mortal Halo couldn’t have done it much easier in breaking through first-up ay Scone. Settled nicely just off the pace and dashed right away at the end of 1400m. Obviously up in class on that but he was placed for an easy first-up win and got the result. Showed promise last time in and good chance to take the next step.

Dangers: 2. Fiftyfivechevy had a consistent preparation last time in where he won successive races over the mile. So resuming at this trip is in his comfort zone. One to keep an eye on. 8. Automne Tree drops 4kg on his first-up third at Hawkesbury where he was solidly supported but could only run into the minor placing. Fitter for it and drawn well so could be an improver. 6. Climb The Ladder has been a little disappointing of late, went back to the trials after a fair effort at Warwick Farm three weeks ago and from a soft draw again he’ll have the chance to find some form.

How to play it: Mortal Halo WIN ($3.10 TAB Fixed Odds).

9. Buckenara has hit his straps now with two pretty strong wins at Newcastle and Kembla. Led in the former and settled just off them in the latter so he’s versatile, draws to be wherever is needed and it’s the right time to come back to town. Good each-way chance.

Dangers: 4. Let’s Fly did run well behind Modella a month ago but hasn’t been competitive in her past two. Can forgive the Four Pillars from the outside barrier of 18. Chance to find her form again. 5. Agita finished midfield in the Four Pillars after dropping sharply in distance. Was in good form around this trip a few starts back and capable of showing up. 1. Sosino showed a glimpse of form, albeit on a heavy track, here two weeks ago and stepping up in distance now looks in his favour. Has to do it on top of the ground but in the mix.

How to play it: Buckenara EACH-WAY ($5.50 TAB Fixed Odds).

14. Fleeting Spirit has been racing well without winning and she was solidly supported when placed at Kensington a month ago. Gets some weight relief and blinkers go on first time, she has a handy finish on her when she can produce it and has a shot here.

Dangers: 8. Theblade is around the mark without winning and bumped into a track record when runner-up at Warwick Farm last month. Sure to be competitive again. 9. Hyperbolic rarely runs a bad race and the 1300m fresh will suit. Only unplaced run last prep was first-up on a heavy track at 1200m, she will improve on whatever she does here and no surprise to see her show up. 3. Mirra Impact went for a break with back-to-back provincial wins on wet tracks. Can perform fresh and not without an each-way chance.

How to play it: Fleeting Spirit EACH-WAY ($5.00 TAB Fixed Odds).

All the fields, form and replays for Wednesday’s Rosehill meeting