Sydney’s best sprinter in work, Squamosa, is set to continue his rise in stardom by winning Friday’s $100,000 Listed Takeover Target Stakes (1200m) at Gosford, with the three-year-old expected to be odds-on.
The Gai Waterhouse trained colt has won four and finished second in five career starts. Last campaign he won the Group Three Run To The Rose before finishing an unlucky second behind Toorak Toff in the Golden Rose before injury enforced an extended break in the paddock.
The son of Not A Single Doubt resumed two weeks ago at Randwick in the June Stakes (1100m) and was taken to the front by Jim Cassidy and the youngster travelled big time in the run before slipping away and winning by five lengths without Pumper testing him. Waterhouse has been in England for the Royal Ascot Carnival and she has said that this horse looks the right type to represent her overseas.
Nash Rawiller takes over the riding at Gosford after the horse was allocated 55.5kg, a weight which Nash can ride at, unlike at Randwick where the horse had 53g. There does appear to be good speed in the race with last years winner Border Rebel, Newcastle sprinter Prince Braeman, Title, Lioncub and Prince Monashee but from barrier three, Nash can do whatever he feels like. He looks the winner, but he’ll be short.
The main horses to look out for? Well I think we know for certain that Border Rebel isn’t up to Group One class. Finished a long last in the Stradbroke and before that was a bit ordinary in the Doomben 10,000. A drop back in class will suit, but he has to contend with Squamosa. He will get the gun run, but the weight is a major concern. Regular rider Tim Bell isn’t riding as he is in Brisbane with the Kelly Schweida stable so gun jockey Tim Clark is riding.
Skytrain travelled well in the run in the June Stakes but condition gave way when beaten by Squamosa. He was involved in that nasty fall in this race last year and it looks like that has really played with his ability, both physical and mental. If he brought his best form here, he can fill the first three.
Title is an ultra-consistent gelding for Joe Pride that tries 110% each time. Was never going to win last start until the last 50m where he dug in and got up on the line. Steps up a bit in class and has the horror barrier (14), but he has more of a case than some of these.
Jest Crewsin’ is always around the money in these type of races. Sat back and hit the line well behind Squamosa. Problem is that Robert Thompson isn’t riding. He knows the horse very well and rides it best. Dale Spriggs sits in the saddle for this and he is a very good jockey so it isn’t a big worry. He’ll sit back and charge home if the speed is crazy up in front.
My Vegas was enormous in defeat week at Rosehill. Was three wide with no cover at the back of the field, was pushed very wide in the straight and made up good ground under 58.5kg on a slow track to be beaten three lengths. Drops to 53kg here, firmer track, cracking speed up front, he looks an outstanding place bet for me.
Written by Adam Page
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