We return to Rosehill this Saturday for what looks a good day of Summer racing.
Race 5 looks one of the better races on the card with a couple of promising three-year-olds and Caballus clearly looks the horse to beat. He was with Waller in his first campaign but is now with Bjorn Baker who looks to have him humming along.
The horse showed good promise in his two-year-old preparation, unlucky on debut before beating the highly regarded Estriella at his second start. Caballus then again had no luck behind the now 109 rated Kintyre which saw him start $3.50 in the Up & Coming behind Tom Kitten.
That price, at least on reflection, was ridiculous, but the market has a good opinion of him and his two trials have been very good, winning both and beating some sharp horses in the process.
My small query would've been the 1100m being a touch sharp but given how well he's trialled I think it should be fine and I can see him getting a good spot just behind what looks a genuine tempo.
The main danger is Soldier Of Rome for Waterhouse & Bott, a winner on debut before being spelled and that makes me very wary but the time was nothing flash on debut with no margins. The rating is solid and you know he'll be hard to get past but I think Caballus can get him.
For the value play I'm siding with one that's been well backed early and I can see why. Anythink Goes in Race 8 has been a good firmer and does bring the best last-start rating on our ratings into this, relishing the rise to 1500m last start when just outgunned by the talented Running By.
The favourite here is Step Aside who I think continues to be priced on previous prices and connections rather than form. He's handy enough but I don't think he's much, if any better than this sort of grade and comes up favourite again.
The opening double figures for Anythink Goes was far too big but even at $7.50 and $2.20 the place, I think that's worth taking. He should get a great run on the speed and be right in the finish.
SYDNEY SPECIALS
Bet of the day: Race 5 #1 Caballus at $2.80
Each-way play: Race 8 #8 Anythink Goes at $7.50/2.20