Top 5 Early Insights @ Rosehill Gardens
Published: 13 Aug 2015
Ticks the boxes - Foreign Prince has the right form-lines to win at Rosehill Gardens
There's a real mixture of racing on offer this weekend at Rosehill Gardens, from the highs of Golden Slipper winner VANCOUVER's return in the San Domenico Stakes to the lows of two 'Benchmark 75' races.
Fine weather is forecast and a dry Rosehill track is likely. As Race Guide readers will know, it's the perfect conditions for the more powerful types to perform at their best.
The Analyst Team's Top 5 Early Insights for the day are listed below.
1 - Power Needed
A dry Rosehill track is the perfect surface for gallopers with a good turn-of-foot. It's power, rather than stamina, that will decide many of the races on Saturday.
Horses like WOODBINE, ASTRONOMOS, MR ONE ELEVEN, BEYOND THANKFUL, AEROBAR and ORIENTAL LADY might struggle to win, especially if the tempo isn't strong.
Prefers it wet - Beyond Thankful may lack the turn-of-foot to win this weekend
2 - Last Chance Saloon
As Spring comes ever closer, the off-season types get fewer opportunities to win a Saturday class race.
You'll notice the BM 75 and BM 80 races scheduled this Saturday gradually get replaced by black-type events in the coming weeks.
Horses like MARENOSTRO, BERRIMILLA, GRANDE PUNTO, FOOTY FAN, HOLY DELUSIONS and COSMIC CAMEO will all be wound up for what could be their Winter grand final.
One last Winter dash? - Berrimilla and Footy Fan (grey) will be at full fitness this weekend
3 - All Hail the King?
VANCOUVER hits the track again this weekend for the first time since his Golden Slipper victory.
He's one hell of a horse, but will 1,100 metres prove too sharp? His Profiler suggests his Finishing Surge over 1,200 metres has been his biggest strength to date.
If he managers to muster the speed to win on Saturday, the upcoming Group One Golden Rose over 1,400 metres is all but over.
Risky runner? - Vancouver will be challenged over the slick 1,100 metres at Rosehill
4 - A Shadow of a Race
Last time Gary Portelli's TESTASHADOW raced on a GOOD track, it was a 5th in the Group 2 Phar Lap behind Winx.
It's going to be a lot easier for him this weekend. Thanks to Samantha Clenton's 3kg claim, he sneaks into a lowly BM 75 race over 1,350 metres.
He's perfectly placed for a confidence building win.
Rosehill winner - Testashadow has won on the western Sydney track before
5 - Flashy Form-lines
FOREIGN PRINCE took a big leap in the ratings last start to beat GREAT ESTEEM and KEEPIT TO YOURSELF easily, two horses that then went on to Quinella the Listed Winter Challenge Stakes.
On just 51kg in BM 95 grade, he's going to be mighty tough to beat.
Winning form - Foreign Prince is well placed to make it back-to-back wins this weekend