Rosehill Super Saturday: Golden Slipper & History Chasing
Golden Slipper Barriers: Wide Gates for Key Contenders
The final field of 16 has been declared for the 70th running of the $5 million Group 1 TAB Golden Slipper (1200m), and Tuesday’s barrier draw has dramatically reshaped the market for the world’s richest two-year-old race.
- The Favourite: The Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained filly Chayan remains the outright favorite at around $4.80 to $5.00. Despite drawing awkwardly in barrier 12, her dominant Reisling Stakes victory has kept her firmly at the top of betting boards.
- Baker Duo Dealt a Blow: Trainer Bjorn Baker’s top chances have been handed nightmare draws. Pago Pago Stakes winner Warwoven ($7.00) will have to overcome barrier 18, while stablemate Paradoxium ($7.50) drew barrier 14, easing slightly in the market.
- Waller’s Trio: Champion trainer Chris Waller has three runners engaged. Campione D’Italia (Skyline Stakes winner) provides the “wow factor,” while Fireball looks to be a major threat after drawing perfectly in barrier 7. Hidrix, who will have Kerrin McEvoy aboard, rounds out the trio.
- Lindsay Park Squeeze: The Hayes brothers (Ben, Will, and JD) faced a nervous wait this week. After the ballot-free exemptions handed out last weekend, their stakes-winning fillies Medicinal and Gin Twist were shuffled down the order of entry, sitting precariously outside the final 16 and sweating on scratchings.
James McDonald Eyes Australasian Record
History beckons at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday for Sydney’s nine-time premiership champion jockey, James McDonald.
McDonald needs just two more Group 1 victories to break the all-time Australasian Group 1 riding record. With five Group 1 races on the Rosehill card, “J-Mac” has a prime opportunity to rewrite the history books. His elite book of rides is headlined by Chris Waller’s undefeated wonder mare Autumn Glow, who is aiming for her 11th consecutive victory in the $1 million Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m). If she is in top condition, rival trainers are already conceding they are racing for second place.
Melbourne Action: William Reid Stakes at Caulfield
Due to the ongoing redevelopment works at Moonee Valley, the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) will be staged at Caulfield this Saturday.
- Jimmysstar Drawn Inside: The boom sprinter and three-time Group 1 winner Jimmysstar has opened as the heavy favorite (around $2.30). However, he has drawn barrier 1. Because his racing pattern often requires him to settle back in the field, jockey steering and finding gaps will be crucial for the short-priced favorite.
- The Challengers: Angel Capital (barrier 6) shapes as a major threat with Jye McNeil booked for the ride, coming off a strong third in the Newmarket Handicap. Meanwhile, the airborne Jigsaw (barrier 11) is on a 7-day back-up following his dominant VOBIS Gold Sprint win and is expected to set a blistering tempo out in front.
- The Roughie: Racelab data and track analysts are pointing toward Charm Stone (barrier 3) as a major knockout hope. The dual Group 1 winner boasts an exceptional first-up record and won the Manikato Stakes in the Spring.
Industry News & Wagering Updates
AUSTRAC Cash Crackdown Begins
Australian punters need to be aware of new anti-money-laundering laws coming into effect at the end of March. AUSTRAC is enforcing a strict $5,000 limit on unreported cash bets. Anyone wishing to place cash bets of $5,000 or more at on-track venues or retail outlets will now be strictly required to produce photo identification.
John O’Shea to Appeal Ban
Leading Sydney trainer John O’Shea has vowed to fight a recently issued four-month disqualification. Racing NSW stewards handed down the ban relating to conduct charges, and O’Shea is actively preparing an appeal process.
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