First of two G1 races on the Rosehill card Saturday, is for the 3yo’s and a field of nine taking part. Early favourite It’s A Dundeel comes off an authoritative win in the G1 Randwick Guineas last start and is currently “in the red” at $1.75. He’s only danger, according to the markets is Fiveandahalfstar ($3.60) who has ran second at each of his four starts this prep, including the Ranvet Stakes last week behind Foreteller.
Luxbet Free BetSportsbet Free BetBookmaker Free Bet
1. FIVEANDAHALDSTAR – Scratched
2. IT’S A DUNDEEL – J McDonald (3)
The son of High Chaparral won the G1 Spring Champion over this trip last Spring and, returned with a pleasing effort, where he closed well to finish fourth, first up in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) behind Pierro. At his next and most recent start, he stepped out in the G1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) and made his move at the 600m to join the leaders on the turn before sustaining the effort and recording a ½ length win over Proisir. Strong win last start and third up over 2000m, can only be more to his liking.
Odds: $1.45
3. TATRA – (4)
A Darley representative who commenced this campaign in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) however, he didn’t appreciate the heavy conditions and finished second to last behind Pierro. Jumped to lead from the widest gate at his following start, the Randwick Guineas (1600m) and stuck on well on the drier ground, to finish third (beaten 3 ¼ lengths) behind It’s A Dundeel and Proisir. Drawn well and will be parked on the speed but hard to see him turning the tables on It’s A Dundeel.
Odds: $9.00
4. HVAASTAN – C Newitt (8)
Signalled he was ready for victory in the G1 Australian Guineas (1600m) by producing a fantastic effort, closing fast from the tail of the field to finish fourth behind Ferlax and at his next and most recent start, the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m), he duly saluted. Appreciated the Moonee Valley surface last start, his previous three wins had been on dead ground but, drawn a little awkwardly here and they may have to take their chances early and push forward.
Odds: $6.50
5. SACRED FALLS – L Innes (5)
He had won six from six in New Zealand, including the G1 NZ 2000 Guineas (2000m) before coming to the Rosehill stables of Chris Waller. Well supported first up in Australian when as 7/4 fav, he only held his ground finishing fifth behind Rebel Dane in the Royal Sovereign Stakes but showed significant improvement from that run, with a strong finishing fifth (beaten 3 ¾ lengths) behind It’s A Dundeel in the G1 Randwick Guineas. Didn’t have the zip to go with the winner last start, but did like the way he was warming up late. The 2000m will suit and expecting a big run.
Odds: $8.00
6. SOLEMN – (7)
Second of Darley’s runners but hard to be enthused about his chances given his two runs back since winning the Geelong Classic (2200m) in the Spring. He resumed with a seventh behind Pierro in the G2 Hobartville Stakes before being beaten by close to nine lengths by It’s A Dundeel in the Randwick Guineas (1600m) last start. Can’t have him on those efforts.
Odds: $51.00
7. TWISTED EMOTIONS – J Bowman (1)
John O’Shea trains this son of Danewin who has won both of his starts this time in albeit, in much weaker grade than that that he faces here today. He finished from near last to register a 1 ¾ length win at Goulburn in Restricted race before again, finishing well for a head win in a BM 70 at Gosford last start.
Odds: $26.00
8. KINGDOMS – T Berry (2)
John O’Shea also trains this lightly raced son of High Chaparral who won a Kembla Grange Maiden (1400m) first up this prep but his two subsequent outings have resulted in a long neck second and four length sixth, in a BM 67 and BM 75 respectively. Will more than likely sit on the leader’s back here but doubt he’ll have the close to go with them over the final stages.
Odds: $101.00
9. BLOODBUZZ OHIO – M Rodd (6)
Troy Portelli will travel this son of Elvstroem up from Victoria but, judging by his last start last of seven in a Sale Restricted 68 event, the trip might be an ambitious one. Admittedly, he did run into some both at a crucial stage in the straight and the winner of the race, High Esteem was impressive at his next start when winning at Caulfield however, he is eligible for easier races than this one.
Odds: $351.00
OVERVIEW
Fiveandhalfastar crosses to lead and without too many dramas I would think. Can he break the frustrating run of consecutive seconds? I think not, in fact this time, he might run third has I have It’s A Dundeel from Sacred Falls as my 1, 2. Really hit his straps when he got to this distance range last spring did It’s A Dundeel winning the G1 Spring Champion before running second to Super Cool in G2 The Vase at Moonee Valley. He’s last start win indicates he’s going better than ever and looks the clear pick. Sacred Falls was hitting the line nicely last start after copping some interference on the turn and the step up to 2000m will be ideal. Hvaastan and Fiveandahalfstar to fight out third.
