Chris Scholtz - Early Thoughts

R&S Contributing Editor Chris Scholtz takes a look at tomorrow’s Sydney racing.

SELECTIONS

Rosehill Race 5 - 12 Spy Decoder

There is a lot of upside to this lightly raced four-year-old coming off his eye catching first-up fifth over 1100m at this course on August 16 when he was warming nicely to his task from well back in the last 100m. Showed a lot of potential last season to win two races and perform with credit in good Autumn carnival company when he gave the impression he would develop with maturity. Suited at this trip second up with a handy drop in weight from his first-up effort.

Rosehill Race 7 - 3 Bonfire

High class import made a great start to his Australian career for Gai Waterhouse with an impressive second to Hoylonny over this course and distance on August 16 carrying 61kg. His G2 Dante Stakes win as a 3YO in the UK is a terrific form line for this class and he can only improve off his first-up effort against this similar field with a handy 3kg drop in weight. The heavy conditions should also favour him as he performed with credit in all his four starts on affected ground in the UK and France.

Rosehill Race 8 - 11 Murder Of Crows

Always gave the impression he would get better with time and that seems to be the case judging by the way he powered home to win first-up over 1100m at this course on August 2 under 58kg. Meets tougher company but well placed to add to his good record as he’s down 3kg off that win and there are no qualms about his credentials in slow and heavy ground.

BLACKBOOK UPDATE from 23 August (Moonee Valley & Randwick)

Wrotham Heath - Lost all chance when he got locked on the fence. Should have won.

Caveka - Never got the chance to extend. No indication of his true ability.

Angelic Light - Big return at first start for 18 months. Can only get better.

The United States - Eye catching finish off a hard pace after covering ground. Good spring prospect.

Meursault - Suffered badly from interference. No doubt the run will bring him on.

Bull Point - Carried plenty of condition first-up in adverse conditions. Going well for new stable.

Criterion - Strong return. Has another big campaign in store.

Chris’ final observations and full audio preview of all Sydney races will be available after 9.30am Saturday on the R&S website and tweeted by @ScholtzRacing.