Gai Waterhouse is poised for a big afternoon at Rosehill on Saturday if bookmakers have got it right.
The Randwick trainer will saddle up the favourites in the first five races, including Ecuador who at $1.40 is the shortest-priced runner on the program.
Aussies Love Sport - Photo by Steve Hart
Aussies Love Sport is at $1.80 to win the Group Two Stan Fox Stakes (1500m) following the scratching of the Peter Moody-trained Stamina, leaving a field of six horses.
The Waterhouse-trained colt was a controversial withdrawal from the Golden Rose, passing a fitness test by Racing NSW vets the day before the race only to be withdrawn by his owners hours later.
He has since had an exhibition gallop at Randwick and the ever-ebullient Waterhouse expects Aussies Love Sport to stamp his authority.
“He’s the most exciting three-year-old in Sydney. Chris Waller’s horse (Zoustar) is the other one,” Waterhouse said.
Aussies Love Sport has an impeccable pedigree.
He is by Redoute’s Choice out of Miss Jakeo, the dam of Group One winner Mrs Onassis.
The three-year-old has won his past two starts and holds nominations for the Caulfield Guineas and Spring Champion Stakes.
Waterhouse confirmed both races were on the table but a final decision would be in the hands of owners Segenhoe Stud and Gerry Harvey.
“It’s up to them what they want to do,” she said.
Waterhouse also has the top pick in the Group Three Colin Stephen Quality in Julienas ($2.70) who will be striving to go one better than his second to Kelinni 12 months ago.
Shahad is at $3.60 to break her maiden in the Listed Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) while at $3.80 Driefontein shares top billing for the Group Three Golden Pendant (1400m).
It doesn’t stop there with Waterhouse also holding a strong hand in the remaining three races on the program.
Hippopus (Gloaming Stakes), Our Desert Warrior (Shannon Stakes) and Knight Exemplar (Paslode Sprint) are all at single-figure odds for their respective assignments.
