Chris Scholtz previews the Rosehill meeting on January 18 with selections for all races plus Trial Watch and Blackbook runners.
ROSEHILL SATURDAY
RACE 2: (12) Refire (Value)
RACE 4: (6) Stella Sea Sun
RACE 5: (8) Aim For Perfection (EW)
RACE 7: (10) Broken Arrows (EW)
RACE 9: (9) Welsh Legend (EW)
RACE 1: 2-7-1-12
RACE 2: 12-8-1-7
RACE 3: 6-1-5-2
RACE 4: 6-7-3-1
RACE 5: 8-3-6-7
RACE 6: 6-4-5-7
RACE 7: 10-8-6-4
RACE 8: 7-4-11-13
RACE 9: 9-4-6-8
RACE 4 (6) STELLA SEA SUN: Talented mare was a run short when she resumed with a close fourth in similar company over 1200m at Randwick on December 28 in what has proven to be a strong form reference. It was only the second time in 11 starts that she has finished out of the top three and she can add to that record here with expected improvement from her first-up effort. She's unbeaten second-up and her form on soft and heavy tracks is excellent.
RACE 5 (8) AIM FOR PERFECTION: Expecting good improvement from this lightly raced mare after her pleasing fresh effort when working home nicely for fourth over 1100m at Randwick on December 26. Won in slow going under a big weight when second up last year and should find these conditions to her liking.
RACE 9 (9) WELSH LEGEND: Like the prep Chris Waller has given this mare for this trip first-up, backing her up off an excellent trial at Rosehill on Tuesday for her first start since she contested the Queensland Oaks last winter when she was beaten less than three lengths after a wide run. Her best efforts in Group races have been on affected tracks and the booking of James McDonald is a good indication that the stable expect her to perform well fresh.
TRIAL WATCH REPORT
NOTED RUNNERS January 18-20
ROSEHILL SATURDAY: Beyliks (R1); Cellsabeel (R1); Princess Zeddy (R1); Dio D'Oro (R6); Connemara (R7); Laburnum (R7); Embracer (R7); Invictus Salute (R7); River Bird (R7); Welsh Legend (R9)
LABURNUM (Randwick January 9): Group 3 winner was in good form before a setback forced her to miss the spring. Showed she is ready to make up for lost time with a quality win her 742m heat (43.30; 33.30).
FLEMINGTON SATURDAY: Time To Reign (R5)
TIME TO REIGN (Warwick Farm January 2): He was given a good test in his second trial since his setbacks last year, leading by a big margin and not fully tested to win his 804m heat by 9.5 lengths in 47.43 (33.90).
MUSWELLBROOK SUNDAY: Directory (R6)
TAREE MONDAY: Classic Gown (R4)
RECENT TRIAL WATCH WINNERS: Phemonoe; Prague; Paavo; Belluci Babe; Gironde; Acumen; Able Hill; Tailleur; Heart Of The Oak; Travest; Katalin; Lashes; Napster; Quantico; Private Thoughts; Riverside's Cash; Hussonibis; Classic Gaming; Return With Honour; Bound To Win; Rejinsky.
BLACKBOOK REPORT
ELIGIBLE BLACKBOOK RUNNERS – January 18
ROSEHILL SATURDAY: Cellsabeel (R1); Dio D'Oro (R6); Laburnum (R7); Word For Word (R8)
FLEMINGTON SATURDAY: High Bridge (R7); Lord Von Costa (R8)
RECENT BLACKBOOK WINNERS: Boomtown Rat; Primitivo; Invincibella; Chat; Probabeel; Leviathan; Luvaluva; Sir Pippin; Taniko; Danon Roman; Matowi; Tahitian Dancer; Mr Reckless; Red Stina; Mandela Effect; Rock Beat; Cellarman.
Blackbook Horses to follow – Selected January 11
(Selected horses be followed at next three starts)
PLAYTHEFIELD: Run had merit. Can be placed to advantage.
KEMALPASA: Sound first-up effort. Sure to benefit.
LA TIGERESSA: Found too much trouble. Forgive run.
SKATE TO PARIS: Ready for his right class.
LADY DEMI: Should have won. Consistent Highway performer.
WAR BARON: Slow developer. Needs 2000m and longer.
