Weights and measures say Rockolicious is the rightful market leader in his race at Rosehill, but trainer Chris Waller can make cases for his three other runners.
Saturday’s benchmark 93 (1400m) has been named in honour of trainer Neville Begg who will join the Australian Racing Hall of Fame on race eve.
Waller has four runners – Loophole, Marenostro, Rockolicious and Sense And Reason – after scratching Religify.
Rockolicious will carry just 53kg with apprentice Taylor Marshall’s 2kg claim and starts from the inside barrier.
He is the $2.40 favourite in the TAB’s first market.
“Religify is going to Queensland for the BRC Sprint,” Waller said.
“Rockolicious ran a close second to Religify last time so that is good form.
“He also has the good draw and the good weight with the claim.
“Loophole is coming back from a spell so he might need another run and Marenostro has drawn badly (10) but he usually runs a good race and has a good record.”
The stable’s other runner, Sense And Reason, is $15 to end her career on a winning note.
“It will be her last start,” Waller said. “She will be going off to be a broodmare after Saturday.”
While Waller has weight of numbers in the race, Joe Pride relies on Gamblestown, a $9 chance.
“Races like this at this time of year are perfect for him,” Pride said.
Pride also has Troix Choix in the Cecil Godby Handicap (1400m) and Shadow Force in the Noel McGrowdie Handicap (1100m) at the meeting with Sam Clipperton riding all three.
All races at Rosehill are named for this year’s inductees to the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.
