Seventh Up is a chance in the Matamata feature today. Photo / Race Images
In 30 years practically nothing has trumped the Golden Slipper. Winx does today.
They will pack into Slipper Day at Rosehill this afternoon to see racing's lighthouse attempt a further world record 17 Group 1s in the A$1 million George Ryder. Wow. The beauty is Winx doesn't care whether it rains or not - her only dislike is very firm footing and the expected footing for today is in the soft range.
Just what it will be at Matamata today for the transferred Tauranga programme we will know more about at late morning or very early afternoon, but it was a dead 6 yesterday and we will proceed on that basis.
Provided the footing is decent Italian bred Smart Dragon is a good way to start the day, but the warning is that his European form falls away when it rains. He flew home into fourth in his New Zealand debut run at Ellerslie and should strip a very fit horse for this race provided conditions suit. To his advantage he has drawn No 1 and gets first use of the track. If it rains switch to August Edition, who will relish the 3kg Kate Cowan takes off his back.
Pierrocity (No8, R2) might have publicly expected to perform after a three and a half month break, but trainer Stephen Marsh is certain she is a much better filly as a result of that run. She has a decent share of ability and looks well placed in this race. A few chances here and Madam Woo (No10) and Lady Shabeel (No7) are among them.
Blue Breeze (No5, R3) deserves a win, particularly after her good third behind Richie McHorse and Major Tom in a strong field at Ellerslie last time. She should get the run of the race from her inside gate. Splendido (No7) is a value runner and Madam Woo (No12) is a double acceptor and a real participant if started here in preference to Race 2.
Weight will go close to deciding Race 4. If this was level weights Yearn (No1) would be the $2.50 favourite. But the 60kg topweight is a touch frightening, particularly when she has to concede good chances like Indecision (No9) and Save The Date (No7) a huge 6kg. She only has to give the very much in-form Rikki Tikki Tavi (No3) 2kg, but that doesn't rule the latter out. Very interesting race.
It was no surprise Richie McHorse (No4, R5) got the chocolates at Ellerslie last start. We were confident when he was having his first start this preparation at a middle distance and came out of an inside gate. He gets the same scenario here and rates very highly this afternoon. Look to Lovelight (No6) to do a lot better than when finishing back in the Richie McHorse race last time. She came out of gate No15 in that race and that's generally suicide at Ellerslie. This time she starts from much closer to the inside running rail. Battle Royal (No3) and Infinite Joy (No10) for the multiple bets.
In keeping with the type of race, you can make a case for half a dozen runners in Race 6, the $100,000 Windsor Park Stud Japan International Trophy. Stablemates Coldplay (No4) and Nicoletta (No14) are very strong chances as are another stablemate pair Thee Auld Floozie (No3) and Ruud Not Too (No9). Then you have last week's winner Seventh Up (No1). Very tough, but gun to the head we will go for Coldplay each way provided conditions do not deteriorate too much.
Destiny's Child (No10, R7) looks a very progressive mare. She overcame difficulties to win at Ellerslie last time and would not have to do much better to go close in this. Endean Express (No11) may not be an everyday horse, but one of her better runs would put her right in this. Mihaul (No7) for multiple bettors.
As of late yesterday there were no scratchings for the A$600,000 Rosehill Guineas, which trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman will be disappointed with if nothing comes out this morning, allowing their first emergency Mongolian Marshal into the field.
The partners have made no secret that they rate Mongolian Marshal at least as good as Vin de Dance and Mission Hill.