Chris Scholtz - Early Thoughts
R&S Contributing Editor Chris Scholtz takes a look at tomorrow’s Sydney racing.
SELECTIONS
Lightly-raced filly rises in weight but drops in class and will appreciate return to her own age after resuming in Group 3 company behind Houtzen at Randwick and then showing expected improvement to finish strongly for second to the classy Epidemic over 1100m at this course on May 19 at first run in seven weeks.
She won her first two starts over 1100m early in the year in great style (including one on soft ground) and the step up to 1200m should see her continue her upward spiral.
Has been hard to place since his excellent classic performances as a 3YO but recent efforts under big weights are right up to the standard required to win this evenly graded event.
Meets Goathland 2kg better from his second to that horse over 1800m at Randwick two runs back prior to his last start when he was the luckless one finishing a close up fourth over 2000m at this course on May 19 under 61kg.
Dropping 5.5kg off that effort and with the positive switch to a stronger rider he is well placed to find that fine 3YO form that saw him run first three in the Victoria Derby, SA Derby and VRC St Leger.
He may be the least experienced in this field but this rising 4YO has the most upside and can certainly add to his strong record of three wins and three placings from his first seven starts under these conditions.
There was an inquiry into his last run when he came home hard from last for second over 1400m at this course on May 19 under 60.5kg.
He’s certain to relish this extra trip as he already boasts two wins and a second from three starts over 1550m with a big plus the return of Tye Angland as his rider as he has already won twice on the colt.
BLACKBOOK UPDATE from 26 May (Horses to follow at their next three starts)
Perizada - Genuine mare. Best against own sex.
Sony Legend - Ready to pick up a race over the carnival.Mr Monaco - Should find a suitable winter staying race.
Han Xin - Must be fitter for the Derby.Going Gaga - Best served by a stronger rider.
Recent Blackbook winners - Sambro; Impending; Steel Frost; Divine Unicorn; Osborne Bulls; Perast; English; Dark Dream; Yogi; Santa Ana Lane; Bastia; Rising Red; Lean Mean Machine.ELIGIBLE BLACKBOOK RUNNERS for 2 June
Rosehill (Sat) - Charlayne (R3), Dagny (R5) and Firsthand (R8)
Moonee Valley (Sat) - My Nordic Hero (R7)Sunshine Coast (Sat) - Envy For All (R2), Aide Memoire (R7), Notonyourlife (R8), Belflyer (R9) and Magstock (R9)
Morphettville (Sat) - Going Gaga (R6)Chris’ final observations and full audio preview of all Sydney races will be available after 9.30am Saturday on the R&S website and tweeted by @ScholtzRacing.
