Yard to the Post | Rosehill Gardens
Race Day: Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, 04 June 2022
Improving soft ground and a much fairer track than two weeks ago made for exciting racing at Rosehill Gardens today, the last few races of the afternoon won by a small margin in driving finishes.
The biggest margin of the day came in Race 1 as Waller two-year-old OSIPENKO (picture) surged clear late to win by 3.6 lengths going away on debut. He’s a promising son of Pierro that has a stout pedigree on his dam side and should only get better as the distances increase. Three-year-old WILLINGA RUFIO (Race 3) and four-year-old NIFFLER (Race 6) two other progressive types that were much too strong today.
Two of the ten races had farcically slow tempos and it wasn’t surprising to see the leaders win both, SURF DANCER getting away with Race 7 over 1800m and MACH SCHNELL was hardly tested mid-race before fighting on to win Race 9.
The track was quite fair with horses nearer the inside on the turn suited.
A full review by Mike Wood and Adrian Sciglitano is provided below.
Track Info
| Rail | +3 metres |
| Conditions | SOFT 7 to SOFT 6 |
| Weather | FINE |
| Bias | FAIR, nearer inside turn preferred |
Race 1 BOWERMANS HANDICAP
strong tempo
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Osipenko | Chris Waller | Joshua Parr | 3 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Madame Pommery | Chris Waller | Jay Ford | 4 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Backrower | Michael Freedman | Keagan Latham | 5 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
Quite a well-behaved group of 2YOs to start the day. BAROQUE ROAD a strong nicely put-together youngster, very alert in the yard but a touch anxious. MADAME POMMERY parades well again and may have even taken slight improvement, very sensible filly in the yard. BACKROWER a neat type, will improve with the outing, as will HIGH BLUE SEA. No knocks KANDOS KOSMOS and OSIPENKO.
In The Running
A bit of early pressure and the favourite BAROQUE ROAD was left rolling at a STRONG tempo from MADAME POMMERY on his outside. SILENTSAR doing a lot of work out 3W NC near the pace. The winner OSIPENKO just behind those (5th 2W WC inside) and stoked up on the turn.
The Result
OSIPENKO won going away from a brave MADAM POMMERY sticking on from on the pace.
The Interest
The superior staying bloodlines for OSIPENKO came to the fore late after the favourites went a bit too quick in the lead. Both MADAME POMMERY and SILENSTAR professional types that fought hard from near the pace and are worth following too. BAROQUE ROAD went a bit quick in the lead and may prefer to be back to 1200m for now, although there were some vet issues noted in the Stewards' Report. [VET: BAROQUE ROAD poor recovery, coughing]
Race 2 TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP
fair tempo
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbial | Lou Mary | Chad Schofield | 13 | 55.0 | |
| 2 | Summer Glow | Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich | Brenton Avdulla | 12 | 55.0 | |
| 3 | Blow Dart | Brett Thompson | Joshua Parr | 1 | 61.0 |
In The Yard
COMONIC a strong type in the yard, walking out well with small improvement to come. BLOW DART a good improver from his first-up run at Gosford, MARKWELL DREAMER very anxious today, was parading better last start. IMATRUESTAR, LUCKY BANNER and REVEAL THE MAGIC will all improve with the outing fitness wise.
In The Running
COMONIC took up the running at an honest tempo. DALAVIN outside the lead and pushed along on the turn with BLOW DART and SUMMER GLOW just behind them. PROVERBIAL got the perfect trail behind SUMMER GLOW as she quickened. REVEAL THE MAGIC wide no cover and pushed wider on the turn as MARKWELL DREAMER pushed into the clear.
The Result
PROVERBIAL kept going best to beat SUMMER GLOW who loomed and peaked a touch late. BLOW DART fought on up the inside.
The Interest
A big odds winner that got the perfect trail into the race on the back of a horse with good acceleration in SUMMER GLOW. BLOW DART very honest up near the pace as always. KING'S TRUST a nice run from the back. MARKWELL DREAMER just not himself today and worth following again if he behaves in the yard. REVEAL THE MAGIC did enough after getting no luck. [VET: COMONIC poor recovery; ONE PENNY poor recovery]
Race 3 THE AGENCY HANDICAP
steady tempo
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Willinga Rufio | Mark Newnham | Tyler Schiller | 10 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | African Daisy | Annabel Neasham | Ms Ellen Hennessy | 1 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Kopangi | Chris Waller | Jay Ford | 2 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
Most 3YOs parading well, AFRICAN DAISY holding good condition, a nicely put-together mid-strength type. WILINGA RUFIO an athletic type in the yard, on his toes but not overdoing it - very alert. No knocks on KOPANGI and MUMS THE BOSS who parade well, TYMPANIST will improve with the run.
In The Running
WILLINGA ROFIO got control of a STEADY tempo in the lead.
The Result
WILLINGA RUFIO kicked clear for a big win from AFRICAN DAISY and KOPANGI. A big gap to the others who just couldn't quicken like the top three.
The Interest
The winner is a lovely type and still a touch raw so he should have more improvement to come. AFRICAN DAISY and KOPANGI also with upside as they get over further, KOPANGI a type that usually prefers a bit of tempo and he found the line well. One-paced types like EL LAGO and TYMPANIST could be worth forgiving under different conditions next start (wet track and tempo).
Race 4 MIDWAY HANDICAP
strong tempo
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | French Bonnet | Kim Waugh | Dylan Gibbons (a) | 1 | 60.0 | |
| 2 | Harvey's Way | David Atkins | Chris Williams | 4 | 56.5 | |
| 3 | Oakfield Prince | Kris Lees | Joshua Parr | 6 | 56.5 |
In The Yard
Strong parade by FRENCH BONNET who holds good condition deep into her preparation, very alert mare who is walking out well. HARVEYS WAY a strong type, dappled. HIGHLY DESIRED warm and anxious again as he can be, ANAGAIN losing condition between runs and a touch scrappy. OAKFIELD MISSILE and JUST BUSINESS will improve with the run.
In The Running
OAKFIELD TWILIGHT rolled along in the lead at a STRONG tempo with FRENCH BONNET in the box seat and HARVEY'S WAY behind him.
The Result
FRENCH BONNET had to work clear after being held up, but proved too strong late for HARVEY'S WAY, who sprinted and maybe just felt the pinch late after a freshen-up into this run.
The Interest
FRENCH BONNET mixes her form, but she was simply too good for these today. Back to 1400m was ideal and the inside barrier helped too. HARVEY'S WAY can run well again next start with some more fitness under his belt. Most others only OK. Forgive HIGHLY DESIRED after getting stuck wide near a hot speed.
Race 5 FURPHY WINTER CUP
steady tempo
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Irish Sequel | Chris Waller | Jay Ford | 6 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Bonny Ezra | Chris Waller | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 8 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Alakahan | Ciaron Maher | Jason Collett | 2 | 54.5 |
In The Yard
Most parading well for the winter cup. PAPPALINO has made significant improvement between runs and parades at peak condition. MILITARY MISSION holding his condition, very alert in the yard. ALAKAHAN (can get warm) better in the yard, a touch anxious but not overdoing things. TAIKOMOCHI will improve with the effort again, while TAN LINE and LE MAY look outclassed
In The Running
TAIKOMOCHI got control of a STEADY tempo from MILITARY MISSION on his outside. They kicked for home on the turn with BONNY EZRA making the first move.
The Result
IRISH SEQUEL kept in touch as they sprinted and wore down BONNY EXRA and ALAKAHAN late in a three-way finish. MILITARY MISSION couldn't sustain his sprint and finished 4th.
The Interest
The Waller-trained IRISH SEQUEL had the bias against last start and relished getting to 2400m for the first time in Australia on SOFT ground. ALAKAHAN stuck on well up the inside too and would have preferred a bit more tempo and room. Perhaps the neat solid MILITARY MISSION enjoyed the tight tracks over 1900m to 2100m he has had in recent starts more than today.
Race 6 FAREWELL NEVESH RAMDHANI HANDICAP
fair tempo
: long sprint
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Niffler | Chris Waller | Jason Collett | 4 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Deficit | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Joshua Parr | 15 | 57.5 | |
| 3 | Lady Of Luxury | Bjorn Baker | Dylan Gibbons (a) | 3 | 62.0 |
In The Yard
Most parading well, LADY OF LUXURY very well in the yard, walking out with good muscle. NIFFLER fit an athletic compared to the others. NEWLY WED a strong type, forward in the yard. No knocks on DEFICIT, while HUNNAM will improve with the run.
In The Running
NOTIONS got control early before Ellen Hennessy let her stride mid-race setting up a LONG SPRINT for the line. FLASH FLOOD left exposed outside the leader and NIFFLER in a great spot just behind them.
The Result
NIFFLER dashed clear and was much too good. DEFICIT and LADY OF LUXURY in a driving finish for 2nd up the inside.
The Interest
She is a lovely loose-walking type and NIFFLER keeps getting better every prep. DEFICIT, LADY OF LUXURY and FLASH FLOOD all going well enough to follow in similar grade next start. [VIGOROUS FLOW: cardiac arrhythmia]
Race 7 PETALUMA HANDICAP
slow tempo
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surf Dancer | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Ms Rachel King | 11 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Arapaho | Bjorn Baker | Joshua Parr | 9 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Skyman | Chris Waller | Dylan Gibbons (a) | 12 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
All parading well over 1800m, ARAPAHO a good parade again, holding his condition and not getting warm. REBEL RAMA a good improver between the runs, as is ZING who finds peak fitness now. SURF DANCER parades at peak condition, very well in the coat and walking well - conformation and type doesn’t suggest 1800m? MAJOR ARTIE and SKYMAN both rock solid
In The Running
SURF DANCER got control of a very SLOW tempo with ARAPAHO on his outside.
The Result
SURF DANCER kicked best and held off a wall of chasers. ARAPAHO held 2nd from SKYMAN and SOLAR APEX charging home from the back.
The Interest
This wasn't a race, Rachel King left alone in the lead and the superior sprinter did the rest. We still don't know if SURF DANCER stays 1800m after today. Big runs from SKYMAN and SOLAR APEX from impossible positions near the back. ARAPAHO perhaps wanted a wetter track with more tempo like he did last start.
Race 8 SCHWEPPES HANDICAP
fair tempo
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Per Inaway | Kris Lees | Brenton Avdulla | 4 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Rubinocchi | Joseph Pride | Jay Ford | 2 | 56.5 | |
| 3 | Easifar | Chris Waller | Chris Williams | 11 | 61.0 |
In The Yard
Most parading well, SHOWTIME LADY very well in the yard, strong type. ZETARITA forward and fit in the yard, doing everything right. ROBODIRA walking out well. PER INAWAY fit first-up. EASIFAR and IRISH ANGEL will improve with the run.
In The Running
RUBINOCCHI led at an honest FAIR tempo with SHOWTIME LADY on her outside. PER INAWAY got the ideal trail behind them. SHOWTIME LADY tired badly late and came back on IRISH ANGEL, causing interference at about the 200m mark.
The Result
PER INAWAY wore down a brave RUBINOCCHI with EASIFAR and IRISH ANGEL running on well late.
The Interest
The Kiwi import PER INAWAY was ready to go in the yard and she fought on best, a very genuine mare that always seems to fight hard in her races. IRISH ANGEL good from the back and worth following third-up in the right race.
Race 9 RANVET HANDICAP
slow tempo
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mach Schnell | Joseph Pride | Reece Jones | 18 | 57.5 | |
| 2 | Nikau Spur | Ciaron Maher | Ms Rachel King | 10 | 58.5 | |
| 3 | Ita | Bjorn Baker | Joshua Parr | 2 | 58.0 |
In The Yard
Most parading well. NIGHT OF POWER rock solid in the yard, holding good condition at peak fitness. KING OF CLUBS parading forward first up, athletic type in the yard. WICKLOW lighter-framed and not far off full fitness.
In The Running
MACH SCHNELL got control of a SLOW tempo.
The Result
MACH SCHNELL kicked on best to win from NIKAU SPUR sprinting well up the inside and ITA running on late after getting held up until the 200m mark.
The Interest
Another non-race, MACH SCHNELL left completely alone in the lead and kicking home best for a narrow win. ITA was unlucky though, while NIKAU SPUR, NIGHT OF POWER, BAZOOKA and PHILIPSBURG all produced strong closing sectionals from the back. WICKLOW fine in a race that wasn't a test of stamina.
Race 10 CANADIAN CLUB HANDICAP
strong tempo
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kingsheir | Kim Waugh | Dylan Gibbons (a) | 8 | 61.5 | |
| 2 | El Buena | Chris Waller | Jason Collett | 6 | 58.5 | |
| 3 | For Valour | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Brenton Avdulla | 3 | 59.0 |
In The Yard
Most parading in good shape to end the day, KINGSHEIR perhaps not 100% fit, but looking well within himself.
In The Running
DEHORNED UNICORN went to the lead and rolled along with FOR VALOUR getting the trail and HE'S A HOTSHOT chasing with no cover near the pace. FOX FIGHTER slow to jump and stuck wide no cover at the back. EL BUENA and KINGSHEIR got a nice trail midfield.
The Result
KINGSHEIR ran on best late from EL BUENA and FOR VALOUR sticking on OK, most horses noticeably tired on the line, KINGSHEIR running a 11.41 then 12.26 to finish off.
The Interest
The form out of this race could be risky given they ran a similar time to the mares off a stronger tempo. KINGSHEIR a classy type though that didn't have to be at full fitness to beat these. EL BUENA had every chance after Collett gave him the perfect ride. A poor ride on FOX FIGHTER out the back.