Rosehill Gardens: The Golden Slipper & A Date With History
Chayan Holds Firm in Wide-Open Slipper
The field of 16 is locked in for the Group 1 TAB Golden Slipper (1200m), and it shapes as one of the most tactical editions in recent memory. The Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained filly Chayan remains the $4.80-$5.50 favourite depending on the bookmaker. Despite drawing awkwardly in barrier 12, her dominant Reisling Stakes victory has convinced punters she has the class to overcome the wide gate with Craig Williams in the saddle.
The speed map suggests a frantic early pace, which could play into the hands of the backmarkers.
- Warwoven ($8.00), trained by Bjorn Baker, was dealt a massive blow at the barrier draw, drawing out in the carpark. Jockey Rachel King will be aiming to become the first female rider to win the Slipper but faces a monumental task from out wide.
- Pembrey enters the race on the quick back-up after a front-running victory in last weekend’s Magic Night Stakes, though speed analysts note the overall time was slightly below the historical average for Slipper winners.
James McDonald Eyes Australasian Group 1 Record
History beckons for Sydney’s nine-time premiership champion jockey, James McDonald. “J-Mac” enters tomorrow requiring just two more Group 1 victories to break the all-time Australasian Group 1 riding record. With five elite-level races on the Rosehill card, he has a prime opportunity to rewrite the history books.
His elite book of rides includes:
- Autumn Glow ($1.25): The rising superstar of Australian racing. Chris Waller’s undefeated wonder mare is aiming for her 11th consecutive victory in the $1 million George Ryder Stakes (1500m).
- Aeliana ($1.70): McDonald’s first chance to strike on the card, riding the hot favourite in the Ranvet Stakes (2000m).
- Autumn Boy: He will partner with Autumn Boy in a highly anticipated match race against the Ciaron Maher-trained Observer in the Sky Racing Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
Caulfield: William Reid Stakes & Australian Cup Pointers
With Moonee Valley undergoing renovations, the Group 1 Ladbrokes William Reid Stakes (1200m) takes centre stage at Caulfield this Saturday.
Jimmysstar the Dominant Force
The Ciaron Maher-trained boom sprinter Jimmysstar has opened as the heavy odds-on favourite ($1.90-$2.25). The triple Group 1 victor boasts an exceptional record at Caulfield (five wins from six starts) and won the C.F. Orr Stakes at the track earlier this preparation.
A massive push for punters is the booking of elite jockey Mark Zahra. Zahra reportedly turned down premium Group 1 rides in Sydney—including the mount on Observer in the Rosehill Guineas—to stay in Melbourne specifically to ride Jimmysstar.
His main challengers include:
- Jigsaw ($6.50): The Cindy Alderson-trained front-runner is in the form of his life, having won his past five starts including the Railway in NZ and a 3.5-length demolition in the VOBIS Gold Sprint carrying 61kg. He drops to 58.5kg at Weight-For-Age.
- Tropicus ($6.50): The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained entire is coming off a career-peak victory in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate.
- Charm Stone ($18.00): The dual Group 1 winner (Sangster, Manikato) represents excellent value, as she is one of the few horses to have ever beaten Jimmysstar.
Birdman Soars into Australian Cup Favouritism
Looking ahead to the Flemington feature on March 28, Chris Waller’s Irish-bred import Birdman has leapt into outright favouritism ($3.30) for the Group 1 TAB Australian Cup (2000m).
Birdman enhanced his credentials with a dominant 1.75-length victory over Apulia in the traditional lead-up, the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m). Jockey Ben Melham, who is chasing another Australian Cup victory, praised the horse’s relaxed nature and noted he has fully acclimatised to Australian racing conditions.
Industry Emotion: Big Wigs Honours The Diva
In a touching moment for the Australian turf, the famous Tony Santic silks—synonymous with the legendary three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva—were carried to victory recently by the talented colt Big Wigs in the $1 million VOBIS Platinum Showdown at Caulfield. The victory comes shortly after the racing community mourned the passing of Makybe Diva, adding a highly emotional chapter to the autumn carnival.