Cover image by Peter Rubery courtesy of Race Images
Rossa right on
Morphettville, Listed TAB Lightning S., $107,250, 1050m
Beau Rossa (Unencumbered) showed plenty of class during his autumn campaign when winning at Group 2 level.
The Will Clarken-trained gelding fronted up in the G1 Goodwood H. the following fortnight but didn’t measure up to the task. He now returns to face his own age group off a 10-week break and draws favourably in barrier one.
Esta La Roca (NZ) (El Roca) presents third-up after finishing 1.3l second behind the classy Malkovich (Choisir).
He is yet to place from two attempts third-up but looks to have returned in fine fettle this campaign.
Maha (Pride Of Dubai) broke an extended run of outs when saluting by 2.3l at Gawler last start.
Despite her class the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained filly draws out in barrier 11, rises in weight and steps up in class for this event.
Dirty Thoughts (So You Think {NZ}) went under when heavily supported at Flemington first-up off an extended layoff.
The Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra-trained talent lost no admirers and looks set to improve with fitness on her side, while Zoushine (Zoustar) is capable of rising to the occasion.
Sharrock to star
Otaki, Listed Courtesy Ford Ryder S., NZ$50,000, 1200m
Catsacharmer (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) is seeking to extend her unbeaten streak to three when she steps out here.
The Allan Sharrock-trained filly was a narrow victor last start when stepping out over 1200 metres and should measure up against this class.
Catsacharmer (NZ) (black and white silks) | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell
Stablemate Yeaboi (NZ) (Belardo {Ire}) looms as Catsacharmer’s main danger after winning at Wanganui on debut.
He draws superbly in barrier five and maps to get a nice run in transit.
Bellacontte (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}) broke her maiden status over 800 metres last start at Hastings.
She meets stronger opposition here but has the scope to measure up stepping out over a more suitable distance, while Flash Mary (NZ) (El Roca) is capable of returning to the winner's stall with luck in running from the low draw, barrier two.
