G3 Festival S., $160,000, 1500m
Ellsberg (Spill The Beans) was less than 3l from the winner in the good form-race that was the Golden Eagle and he boasts an excellent Rosehill record.
The Hunter is a major form reference for this race with Bandersnatch (Casino Prince) and Gem Song (Your Song). Stockman (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) and Countofmontecristo (NZ) (Echoes Of Heaven) both got a bit too far back in running that day whilst Prime Candidate (Denman) worked hard.
Brutality (Shamus Award) was an improver second-up whilst Art Cadeau (Artie Schiller {USA}) was trapped wide as favourite in the Goulburn Cup which was won in tough style by Al Mah Haha (Al Maher).
Order Again (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) has been beaten only once in five starts at the trip.
Listed ATC Cup, $140,000, 2000m
A small but even field with every runner able to lay some claims. A couple come through The Gong - Blue Soldier (USA) (War Front {USA}) solid there whilst racing as though looking for more ground (which he gets here) whilst Soldier Of Love (Mawingo {Ger}) will also find this longer trip more to his liking.
Polly Grey (NZ) (Azamour {Ire}) is only second-up but is another suited up in distance whilst Kiss The Bride (NZ) (Savabeel) boasts solid 2000 metre form. By the same sire is Mightybeel (NZ) (Savabeel) who has been racing in fine form.
The imported 5-year-old Grove Ferry (Ire) (Excelebration {Ire}) was a marked improver at only his second local outing.
Listed Starlight S., $140,000, 1100m
Southern Lad (Ocean Park {NZ}) does seem to race a bit below his best at Rosehill but he went to the paddock a winner and returned as one with his overall strike rate being very good.
Queenslander Tambo's Mate (Mossman) is racing in flying form and also promising is Edison (Fastnet Rock) who has been trialling very well in preparation for his return to the track.
Written Beauty (Written Tycoon) and Juan Diva (Snitzel) both come off good Flemington runs whilst Snapdancer (Choisir) has good fresh form and has trialled nicely.
