This time last year he was winning the Caulfield Guineas, but that must feel like an eternity ago for connections. The entire has struggled to produce his best this time in, and started at decent odds each time. He is fit, but will need plenty to go his way.
6. Encap ($23)
This fella is always doing his best work late. He worked home out wide in the George Ryder over this trip and at this track in the autumn, won the Theo Marks in good style, then caught the eye flashing home on the inside last start. One of the best local hopes.
7. Xidaki ($81)
Could not have been more impressive last start when his condition gave out late against a fit Ostraka. He has already notched a couple of wins over 1400m, and won on a bog over the mile in the winter. A knockout chance suited to all conditions.
8. Chrysaor ($101)
Been hard to catch. Won first-up at decent odds at Flemington, then was never a chance in the Epsom. He has trialled since and worked home nicely. How can you dismiss a Chris Waller-trained horse at Rosehill in a big-money race?
Chrysaor may be long odds, but has the Chris Waller factor in his favour.Credit: Getty
9. Kintyre ($101)
On the quick back-up, and it would have been nice to see a bit more from him last week when sent out as favourite. The owners are keen for a shot at the big prizemoney, and why wouldn’t they when they can pocket $120,000 for running eighth, or even $100,000 for ninth. His stablemate Encap is the better bet.
10. War Machine ($51)
Lightly raced gelding who could not go with Ostraka last time, but he did keep going hard to the line. He was also well backed when he resumed at Moonee Valley the start prior. Class could be the query given he was only beating up on bush horses in Victoria in the autumn.
11. Port Lockroy ($101)
Was No.48 on the original ballot before he secured a start. Has chased home Ostraka both starts this preparation, and arguably could have got there the first time around. He has been buried in the pack both runs when swinging for home, but it would have been nice to see a bit more toe last outing. The trip won’t be an issue.
12. Lazzat ($6)
Unbeaten French galloper who has had this race on the radar since winning in April. Expected to roll along in the first couple of groups, has won in all conditions, and his first three career starts were over the 1500m. Sticks with his regular rider, and drawn to be in it for a long way.
French raider Lazzat is unbeaten. Credit: James Brickwood
13. Craig ($14)
Chestnut who has done the majority of his racing in Melbourne. Is a last-start group 1 runner-up over the mile, and that deserves to have him in the conversation for this weekend. It will be interesting how he gets around the two turns over the 1500m at Rosehill.
14. Lake Forest ($34)
English import who is not the biggest horse but loves to bowl along, and will be hoping for a dry track. The trainer has an excellent record bringing horses to Australia, and can not be under-estimated. Yet to run beyond 1200m, but he was favourite for a 1400m race when he got his leg over the gates and was scratched.
15. Stefi Magnetica ($10)
Talented mare who was enormous first up in The Shorts behind I Am Me but was disappointing in The Everest when almost flat-footed hitting the line. You can forgive her for that. She also defeated Bella Nipotina over the 1400m when winning the Stradbroke in the winter.
16. Joliestar ($5.50)
Is she a sprinter or miler? The first-up win this preparation in the Show County was one of the best wins of the spring. She was fair second up, then was doing her best work late in The Everest. Her last 75m was really eye-catching. The Chris Waller-trained mare has trained on since.
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17. Makarena ($51)
Is no stranger to the Rosehill 1500m in the autumn, and did upset Amelia’s Jewel first up in the spring. Her last start at the track was concerning, and when Belclare broke 34 seconds for the final 600m while in front last weekend it meant Makarena was always going to have her work cut out winning. But respect the stable’s decision to back up.
18. Skybird ($61)
Has been in the market the past couple of runs in Melbourne but failed to win. Like Craig, this mare has question marks over her ability to run the Sydney way. But Beau Mertens keeps the ride, and her best work has been on top of the ground, something she hasn’t had this preparation, but should get on Saturday.
19. Ascoli Piceno ($3.80)
Ignore barrier 17 – the Japanese champion is the one they have to beat. The filly is already a group 1 winner over the mile, and will be ridden by one of the world’s best jockeys, Joao Moreira. She has an excellent turn of foot, and only needs clear running to salute.
20.Corazon Beat ($71)
The “other″ Japanese runner in town. She has settled into Sydney well, and did push Ascoli Piceno 12 months ago back home. Her form has dipped recently, but the stable have a high opinion of their horse, and Tommy Berry has been impressed by what he has felt and seen in trackwork.
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