Rosehill Gardens: The Golden Slipper & “Super Saturday”
70th Running of the TAB Golden Slipper (1200m)
A capacity field of 16 top-tier two-year-olds will face the starter at 4:35 pm (AEDT) for the world’s richest juvenile race. The market remains incredibly tight, reflecting one of the most open Slippers in recent memory.
- The Favourite: The Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained filly Chayan continues to hold favouritism (around $5.00 – $6.50). She is attempting to become the first filly to complete the Reisling Stakes/Golden Slipper double since Estijaab in 2018. She will have to overcome barrier 12 with Craig Williams in the saddle.
- The Challengers: There is immense depth in this field. Guest House ($11.00), trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, is a major talking point after suffering severe interference in the Blue Diamond; he draws much better today in gate 10. Fireball, trained by Chris Waller and ridden by James McDonald, has drawn perfectly in barrier 7 and maps to get a dream run.
- Barrier Casualties: Bjorn Baker’s highly rated colts Warwoven (barrier 14) and Paradoxium (barrier 18) face monumental tasks from the outside alleys, forcing jockeys Rachel King and Jason Collett into tactical dilemmas early in the 1200m dash.
James McDonald Chases Australasian History
Champion jockey James McDonald requires just two more Group 1 victories to break Damien Oliver’s all-time Australasian Group 1 riding record. With five elite-level rides today, history is highly likely to be made at Rosehill.
His premier mount is the Chris Waller-trained superstar mare Autumn Glow, who is the prohibitive $1.30 favourite in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m). She is aiming for an incredible 11th consecutive victory. McDonald also rides the heavily favoured Aeliana in the Ranvet Stakes (2000m), giving him an excellent chance to seal the record early in the afternoon.
Rosehill Guineas (2000m): The Heavyweights Clash
The staying three-year-olds face off in a highly anticipated contest. Observer ($3.60), the dominant winner of the Australian Guineas and VRC Derby, makes his Sydney debut for Ciaron Maher. He faces a stiff challenge from Chris Waller’s Autumn Boy, who steps up to 2000m for the first time following game placings in the Hobartville and Randwick Guineas.
Caulfield: The Ladbrokes William Reid Stakes (1200m)
Due to the $3 billion redevelopment at Moonee Valley, the Group 1 William Reid Stakes has been relocated to Caulfield this year, changing the dynamic of the historic weight-for-age sprint.
- Jimmysstar the Clear Top Pick: The Ciaron Maher-trained Jimmysstar is the dominant $2.25 favourite. He already boasts a Group 1 win at this track and distance (the C.F. Orr Stakes in February). However, tactically, he faces a hurdle: he has drawn Barrier 1 with Mark Zahra aboard. As a horse that typically settles back, Zahra will need to find clear air at the right time.
- The Speed Element: Jigsaw ($7.00) brings a five-race winning streak into the event, including a dominant 3.5-length win in the VOBIS Gold Sprint carrying 61kg. Dropping to 58.5kg today, he will undoubtedly cross from barrier 11 to set a frantic tempo.
- Other Contenders: The Chris Waller-trained Angel Capital looks to improve off a sharp third in the Newmarket Handicap, while the undefeated-this-prep Baraqiel shapes as a legitimate danger.
Official Track Conditions (As of Saturday Morning)
- Rosehill Gardens: Currently rated a Good (4). The rail is out 2 metres for the entire circuit. The weather is overcast, and officials are monitoring the skies, but the track is currently presenting perfectly for elite racing.
- Caulfield: Currently rated a Soft (6). The rail is in the True position for the entire circuit. Punters should keep an eye on early races to see if the track plays favourably to front-runners or those swooping down the outside.