Latest news with #RayThomas
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Ray Thomas and Shayne O'Cass analyse every race at Rosehill on Saturday
The Daily Telegraph racing editor Ray Thomas and form expert Shayne O'Cass debate the chances across 10 races at the McKell Cup meeting at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. â– â– â– â– â– SUGGESTED BETS RAY'S BEST VALUE BET Race 7 No.3: HOPEFUL SHAYNO'S BEST Race 6 No.8: USEAPIN VALUE BET Race 7 No.6: MORMONA â– â– â– â– â– RACE 1: MIDWAY HCP (1300m) Ray Thomas: CRAFTY EAGLE (1) has improved steadily with each run this preparation and indicated he was close to top form again with a closing third to King Of Rouseau over this course and distance last start. He was forced back to the near the inside which wasn't the place to be last start and still ran on strongly. With the claim, he's not badly in at the weights and he's ready to win. MISS SPACEGIRL (11) and PRESIDES (7) are both very genuine and will be the mix, while HOW MUCH BETTER (10) was very good first-up and should improve. Shayne O'Cass: PRETTY TAVI (12) has a very famous seventh dam, none other than Chicquita who was a champion on and off the track, RT. He had quite good form in Victoria but was never what you call 'city class'. That's not the case now that he is in NSW, Hawkesbury to be precise. His three Midway runs, all of them very good. KHUMBILA (6) is ready, in fact is crying out for 1300m third-up. He has finally drawn a good alley and that could make all the difference. ROLLING MAGIC (2) has some solid formlines. King Of Roseau breaks the 532 day drought with a great win at Rosehill! ðŸ'¥ @djgibbons22 | @SnowdenRacing1 — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 14, 2025 RACE 2: TAB HIGHWAY (1500m) Thomas: I've got Brett Cavanough going 1-2 with NEW PHARAOH (5) and WARRIOR FOR PEACE (3), Shayno. New Pharaoh was trapped three-wide most of the way and still ran on strongly late to just miss a place over this trip late last month. New Pharaoh, who finished right alongside stablemate Warrior For Peace (third) last start meets his stablemate better at the weights and he's drawn to get the right run. Warrior For Peace is going to be hard to beat again. THINK LIKE PADDY (1) was competitive at Group 3 level in Brisbane last start and this is much easier. TO BE FRANK (8) is a chance at odds. O'Cass: RED RAGS TO BULLS (10) has contested two Highways prior to this, finishing third to Super Norwest in the first and fourth to the same horse here at Rosehill two weeks ago. If he is going to win one, probably this is the one. THINK LIKE PADDY (1) ticks all the boxes so let me just throw in a bit of trivia regarding the name, RT. He is by So You Think and was bred by Patrick Hogan (who used to call Sir Tristram – Paddy). This is Sir Patrick's amazing Gay Poss family. Thomas: Love your work, Shayno. In the third, I don't think there is much between PUNTIN (9) and TASORAAY (10). I'm leaning to Puntin after his good first-up effort when he was narrowly beaten at Canterbury. The step up to 1400m suits, he's very consistent and will be in the finish. Tasoraay might have gone too hard in front and was ambushed late by Don't Forget Jack last start. He will at his peak after two runs from a spell and will take running down. DON'T FORGET JACK (3) appreciated the solid tempo and overwhelmed his rivals with a fast finishing effort two weeks ago. If this race is run to suit, he will be hard to hold out again. NORTHERN EYES (2) is very genuine and deserves a win. O'Cass: I'm going with a horse than ran 11th of 12 at Randwick last Saturday – PRETTY POWERFUL (12). His run was best summed up by the stewards – 'began awkwardly, held up over the final 400m and, as a result, was unable to be fully tested'. And that's putting it mildly! Can't imagine the same thing happening this weekend with barrier 11 of 12. I've always been a fan of AGITA (11). This is a nice race for the son of Adelaide to resume in. KADAL (6) has finished on the podium at 15 of 21 starts. Deserves another win and is getting close too. Don't Forget Jack gets back to form with the perfect run at Rosehill! ðŸ'� @NockBraith | @ANeashamRacing — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 14, 2025 RACE 4: PRECISE AIR HCP (1400m) Thomas: WEEPING WOMAN (5) led for a long way only to be collared in the final few bounds by the very promising Sacred Rocks over 1300m here two weeks ago. She will be fitter after two runs from a spell and she gets any sort of control up front, she will be tough to catch. CAPTAIN AMELIA (1) has been improved by recent racing and is on the quick back-up after her solid effort when fourth as favourite at Randwick last week. She's worth another chance. CHANGING COLOURS (7) is very consistent but finds it hard to win. SUPER NORWEST (10) won a Highway last start and has each way claims. O'Cass: PANJATI (6) was a $500,000 yearling, not so much because she is a Pierro, but the fact that her third dam is the broodmare gem, Shantha's Choice, dam of Redoute's Choice, Manhattan Rain and Platinum Scissors. Gerald Ryan co-trains Pajanti, he also trained her handy mother, Crystal Flute. As for Pajanti, she can't get to 1400m fast enough. WEEPING WOMAN (5) has been a very costly conveyance at her two runs this time; but in her defence, she struck a Heavy 8 first-up then drew 12 of 12 the next time and was only beaten a neck. CHANGING COLOURS (7) hasn't missed a medal in eight starts. Thomas: LIVIN' THING (3) unleashed an impressive burst of acceleration to race away from his rivals at a Kensington midweek meeting last start. He's up in grace here but gets in well at the weights after the claim. MANAAJEM (13) was beaten as an odds-on favourite first-up at Warwick Farm but she's fitter and will improve on the drier track here. KING'S SECRET (5) has his chance when unplaced in a strong form race last start and he's also worth another chance. SOVEREIGN HILL (7) showed talent last season but is resuming off a long spell but he's trialling well. O'Cass: USEAPIN (8) is a Chris Waller-trained filly by one of his two Everest winners – Yes Yes Yes. She's won three of her nine starts, albeit at the NSW provincials but she has run some honourable races when tried in town against the likes of More Territories and Aeliana no less. She was never let loose in either trial so watch for market moves. RANTAN (6) had no luck at Gosford there on Cup day in what has turned out to be a very strong form race. SPYWIRE (1) is almost certainly the best horse in the race and I will be watching if they back him. Livin' Thing records an impressive win in Race 4 at Randwick Kensington. @JohnOSheaRacing — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 11, 2025 RACE 6: SCHWEPPES HCP (1500m) Thomas: MICKEY'S MEDAL (7) is in a rich vein of form although this is toughest test. He's won successive Rosehill 1500m races and is so genuine, he will be in the mix again. THUNDERLIPS (2) was held up for a run but when the gap came he burst through to score an impressive win. He's also racing in top form and carries weight well. SIR ARTIE (3) ran well first-up and can only improve. GREEN SHADOWS (1) ran a blinder in the Civic Stakes last week this easier race sets up well for him. O'Cass: I've got TESTATOR SILENS (5) to do the ultimate form reversal here, RT. He was rock solid in betting when third-up here two weeks ago but as it turned out, he never passed a horse. Nothing in the stewards' report to shed light on the poor performance so we just have to write it off to horses not being machines. Me? I do think the 4kg reduction in weight will help. THUNDERLIPS (2) deserves so much praise for that win at Randwick last start. GREEN SHADOWS (1) is all but pitched in here with 57kg. Thomas: HOPEFUL (3) hasn't won a race for over three years but this might be his chance. He stuck to his task in the Winter Cup last start to finish a close third and if he can repeat that effort, he will go close to winning. CASUAL CONNECTION (8) won well at Randwick then led for a long way under a big weight before his close second to Tympanist at Kensington. He drops 5kg and rates highly although the wetter the better for him. BACIO DEL MIST (10) got too far back in the Winter Cup but her effort tin the Lord Mayor's Cup two starts back indicates she can be competitive here. ALEGRON (2) has been struggling this campaign but if anywhere near his best, he would win this race. O'Cass: MORMONA (6) has been on my radar since before and after he resumed in the Lord Mayors Cup where he ran an eye-catching seventh of 14. He followed that up with a sixth of 14 in the Winter Cup up against a fair few of this weekend's Stayers Cup rivals. By the way, this race should be 3200m if you ask me! I agree with HOPEFUL (3) – he's certainly overdue for another win. The one thing you know about CASUAL CONNECTION (8), he will stay the trip. What a finish at Rosehill! Sir Lucan fights off Bear On The Loose to win the Listed Winter Cup! â�'ï¸� — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 14, 2025 RACE 8: ASAHI SUPER DRY HCP (1800m) Thomas: FEDERER (12) went back to the inside which was inferior going early in the straight then was guided back out wider before he ran eighth to Thunderlips at Randwick when resuming. There were excuses for his last start effort and he did show considerable potential when last in work. PIGGYBACK (10) can give trainer Ciaron Maher a stable quinella. She's racing well and wasn't disgraced when a close third to Shohisha in a slowly run race at Randwick last start. Drawn to get the right run and will be very competitive. PURE ALPHA (9) and MISTERKIPCHOGE (15) haven't been far away in recent starts and find themselves in a winnable race. O'Cass: I was moderately keen on LENAPE VIBE (14) second-up but few were as he drifted from $51 to $61. Maybe he was run short, RT, but there is no doubt that he should have finished closer than he did. Take note he comes back from 2000m to 1800m but I'm mindful that he is one for one at the track and trip. KALZALARK (13) has raced himself into peak fitness now and gets to 1800m off his best run this time in. I can see where you are coming from with Federer. He will be fitter for his 'second serve'. Thomas: ELAMAZ (3) is a stakes winner in France who has not missed a top two finish in seven starts, winning four. He makes his Australian debut off three barrier trials where he has shown tactical speed. Promising and this is not a strong race. LOCH EAGLE (2) charged home to win over the Randwick mile course last start and he has won up to 1800m before. This is his first attempt at 2000m but the way he attacked the line last start suggests this is the right time to test his stamina reserves. ADELAIDE RIVER (1) did run fourth in the Caulfield Stakes at weight-for-age last sprint and is resuming off two slashing trial wins. He's very talented and looks to have returned in great order. GLORY DAZE (6) is racing in good form. O'Cass: ADELAIDE RIVER (1) boasts an absolutely fascinating CV. He is a son of Australia who won the English and Irish Derbies, just like his own father Galileo did. Adelaide River didn't win them but he ran in the English and Irish Derbies (second) as well as the French classic (which he ran second in as well). All we can say about the present day is that he is trialling like he is back in business. BELVEDERE BOYS (5) is two for two at the track and distance including a big win in the Country Classic. Thomas: LIBERTY STATE (10) resumed with a dominant win at Rosehill, unleashing from back in the field with a powerful finishing surge. She's a smart mare building a good record and she is protecting a perfect second-up record. LADY EXTREME (13) broke through for a deserved confidence-boosting win when resuming at Rosehill and she could got right on with it now. SNACK BAR (12) has had a few chances but can't be overlooked and UNSTOPABULL (9) ran well for third in a good form race last start. O'Cass: UNSTOPABULL (9) has a commendable overall record of 12 podium finishes from 20 starts and four of them are wins. I would venture to say a few of those eight placings could have been wins but for his pattern and/or circumstances beyond the horse's control. This is more or less his trip, RT, and with Jeff Penza on from a wide gate, it could be down the middle and over the top. FLYING DESTINY (5) has massive excuses for the first-up last at Canterbury when wide throughout being the gist. Drawn three this time. Liberty State returns after a spell with a big win in the last at Rosehill, and that's a double to @djgibbons22! 🥳 @HawkesRacing | @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 31, 2025
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Turf Talk: Shayne O'Cass keen on $19 value pick at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday
Shayne O'Cass and Ray Thomas debate all the key chances at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday in this week's edition of Turf Talk. Shayno is keen on the chances of $19 pop Useapin in the 3yo Benchmark 72 (1100m), while Ray thinks Bjorn Baker can keep racking up the winners with Puntin ($4.20) in the 3&4yo Benchmark 72 (1400m). â– â– â– â– â– Ray Thomas: The final Group 1 race of the season, the Tatt's Tiara at Eagle Farm tomorrow, is wide open. I've gone for Tashi – she deserves a big race win. I'll put you on the spot, Shayno – a Tiara tip and also your Group 1 highlight of the season? Shayne O'Cass: Floozie for me RT. Aeliana winning the Derby was mine. I wonder if she's the next Verry Elleegant? You? The Derby goes to the filly! 🤩 Aeliana destroys them in the G1 Australian Derby, and just how good is she?! @cwallerracing | @LaneDamian | @StarTbreds | @aus_turf_club | @WorldPool — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 5, 2025 O'Cass: We'll find out. I have no doubt the 'best' Adelaide River just wins but he's got to bring those amazing trials to race-day. ðŸ�… Mickey's Medal gets more gold, storming home to win at Rosehill for @ANeashamRacing! @NockBraith gets a treble halfway through the card! ðŸ'Œ — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 14, 2025 • O'Cass: Pajanti has been crying out for a race like this – at home, fully fit now, and ready to win. I think she can beat Weeping Woman. Keeping the faith with Testator Silens RT, we're all entitled to one bad one. Thomas: I don't know why the Stayer's Cup and McKell Cup are on the same day, Shayno. Can you explain it? Anyway, I've gone for Hopeful in the Stayer's Cup as he seems to be working his way back into form. O'Cass: Madness. Also, to be a true Stayers Cup, it has to be 3200m! Why are there so few of them around. They can be so exciting; mid-race moves, tearaway leaders, all the things that we almost never see in so many of these 'conventionally run' races. Thomas: Bjorn Baker has a chance to train 100 city wins this season and he can keep his stable's momentum going with Puntin (race 3). Puntin wins on debut! 🤩 @RachelK11 @BBakerRacing — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 15, 2024 O'Cass: That is a remarkable achievement isn't it RT; 100 in the city. I was with Pretty Powerful first-up – in light of what happened, I'll stick rock solid. Thomas: On the subject of 'centuries', the Australian cricket team's top six batsmen are really struggling. I'm worried about the Ashes this summer. Back on subject – what's your best for Saturday.
News.com.au
20-06-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Ray Thomas and Ron Dufficy's Randwick tips: Punters should plan their Exit on Saturday
Racenet and The Daily Telegraph's Ray Thomas and Sky Thoroughbred Central's Ron Dufficy debate the chances on Saturday's 10-race program at Royal Randwick. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! â– â– â– â– â– DUFF'S BEST BET Race 2 No.3 EXIT FEE DUFF'S BEST VALUE Race 8 No.6 OH DIAMOND LIL â– â– â– â– â– Ron Dufficy: I liked the way AIX EN PROVENCE (5) put them away there first-up and although there's a little question mark whether he was flattered by the heavy track, I'm willing to take the risk at the price. CALLISTEMON (12) hasn't won in a while but she went close last start and she's going really well. HOOLIGAN TOMMY (6) is off a dominant win last start and could easily go on with the job. DANISH PRINCE (10) doesn't win out of turn but is very tough and never far away. Ray Thomas: HOOLIGAN TOMMY (6) was dominant at Kembla Grange to continue his consistent form this campaign. This is harder but he's very fit and suited over this course and distance. PIRAEUS (4) gets back on a firmer deck here and can improve sharply. HELLFIRE EXPRESS (2) led throughout and scored comfortably over 1500m here last start. Prefers a touch more give in the ground but he still rates among the main chances. AIX EN PROVENCE (5) bolted home at Newcastle first-up and should be further improved. Domeland 4yo Aix En Provence resumes from a spell with a strong victory for Head Trainer Sara Ryan and jockey @Grantbuckley30 at Newcastle! #TeamDomeland — Domeland Racing (@DomelandRacing) June 7, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: Very keen on EXIT FEE (3). I've loved his two trials, he had good Highway form when last in work, and he's a young horse that could go through a few grades this preparation. The danger is SHROPSHIRE LAD (1). He will take great benefit from that Highway experience last run and I just wish he had drawn a bit better for a softer run. CALICO MISS (11) is a three-year-old filly with upside. It's not easy coming to a Highway so quickly but she is sharp and has drawn well. SATIN STILETTO (2) did enough in a lead-up and gets a better draw here. Thomas: SHROPSHIRE LAD (1) won brilliantly at the Scone stand-alone meeting then was wide albeit with cover at Randwick and was beaten by a narrow margin. Tough effort last start and he's the one to beat although his wide draw is a leveller. CALICO MISS (11) is a speedy filly who has shown plenty of promise in her debut preparation. She's confronted by a steep rise in grade but her inside draw is advantageous. PRETTY VEGAS (4) is racing consistently and EXIT FEE (3) has to be included in the main chances. The first two races at Rosehill go to @ZacLloydx with Exit Fee winning the TAB Highway for @GoulburnTrainer! ðŸ'° @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 22, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: BRAVE ONE (4) fought hard behind a nice type last start. He has a tricky draw but with any luck this looks a nice race for him. BENGAL (3) will find this harder than his Highway win last start but he's a three-year-old on the improve from an in-form stable. LUNAITE (10) is an interesting filly off two big heavy track wins. She's Paul Snowden's first Saturday runner who looks well fancied. PRETTY POWERFUL (7) is an untapped colt resuming off two good wins and should be respected. Thomas: BRAVE ONE (4) ran well first-up on a heavy track at Canterbury then matched motors with Kerguelen as they drew clear of their rivals at Rosehill last start. Team Hawkes has found the right race for Brave One, he just needs a touch of luck from an awkward draw and he will be in the finish. LUNAITE (10) has put a margin on her rivals with easy wins at Newcastle in successive starts and deserves her chance here. AMUSING (11) showed promise in her debut preparation and is one to watch. SECURE (5) comes off two solid midweek wins. Brave One races on the speed, travels well under @ZacLloydx, and the son of Exceedance handles the wet track to win on debut for @HawkesRacing ðŸ�‡ @racing_nsw | @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 6, 2024 • â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: Tricky race. I'm with SHE'S UNUSUAL (9) who is third-up now and gives the impression she wants this distance. I'm happy to go with different form. MILLIE DE LUNE (12) was quite dominant winning last start and if she can turn that form around to a firmer track here she will be hard to beat again. PIPPIE BEACH (3) comes out of a slowly run lead-up but she is going well in two runs this preparation and can't knock her consistency. SEAFALL (2) maps better from this draw with a forgivable wet track run last start. Thomas: GENTLESCHI (8) had to come back slightly in trip and wasn't suited by an indifferent tempo but she closed the race off strongly to finish fifth, beaten only about a half length behind Shohisha over 1600m here last start. The step up to 1800m suits here and she's at value odds. MILLIE DE LUNE (12) finished her race off powerfully to beat Hurstville Zagreb over 2000m her last start and although she has to come back slightly in trip, she's a filly racing in very good form. PIGGYBACK (5) has returned in very good form and is right in the mix again. She's Unusual leads the journey and kicks away for an easy win! @JohnOSheaRacing — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 17, 2024 â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I liked the way SOUNDS UNUSUAL (2) put away his rivals last start, looking like a promising middle distance type in the making. With any luck from the draw he is going to be hard to beat again. MISS KIM KAR (5) was not suited by the style of race last start but she gets nice cover with the claim here and is back in grade. INTERJECTION (3) ran a much better run with not much luck last start and does not work from the draw here on a suitable dry track. HOPPER (11) was great first-up, went up in class last time and ran well and might have more upside than most here. Thomas: SOUNDS UNUSUAL (2) demolished his rivals at Warwick Farm winning by a big margin in heavy going but he's just as effective on a firmer track. He's in the zone now and will be hard to beat again despite the outside draw. MISS KIM KAR (5) just missed a place at Randwick last start but wasn't beaten far in a race where the tempo was against her. She's racing well and can bounce back. HOPPER (11) has returned in good form and made a race of it with Mickey's Medal last start and that horse has since won again. ENGINE ROOM (6) won't be far away. ðŸ'Š Sounds Unusual wins with ease! A nice watch for punters as he sails to victory under @mcacajamez for @cwallerracing who score a double! @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 4, 2025 • â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: I like a longshot here in SALT LAKE CITY (1). He's an import who produced a much better run behind Loch Eagle at just his second Australian start in harder grade than this when he covered ground and ran fifth. With the claim and down in grade, I'm happy to have something on him at odds. ZAPHOD (4) didn't handle the very heavy track last start but I like the blinkers going on with the inside draw. PROMITTO (7) is going well without winning and although up in class he is very well weighted and has a good chance. QUANTUM CAT (10) has his hoof on the till and this appears a suitable race for him. Thomas: QUANTUM CAT (10) struck a very heavy track at Randwick but stuck to his guns when third to Glory Daze over 2000m. He has to come back slightly in trip but is better suited in the drier conditions. This is his chance. ZAPHOD (4) was an unplaced favourite in the same Randwick race last start deserves another chance on the firmer track here. HOLLYWOOD HERO (2) didn't have a lot of luck last start and stays under notice. I'm also wary of the improving SALT LAKE CITY (1). Loch Eagle flies to win at Randwick! 🦅 @Leesracing @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 7, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: SHALL BE (4) appeals at odds to me. He's a shortcourse specialist resuming, he's a three-year-old who has done nothing wrong, he's got that coveted draw in a very fast race, and I feel he can sit right on them and run a very good race. GITALONG (2) was close up behind STORM THE RAMPARTS (1) last start and is 2.5kgs better off at the weights this time. HI DUBAI (3) might improve with that one run under her belt. LULUMON (6) was great first-up, should be forgiven for her last start failure and will be charging home off the hot speed. Thomas: GITALONG (2) travelled wide in front at Randwick last start and led for a long way only to be edged out by STORM THE RAMPARTS (1). The pair clash again, Gitalong is drawn inside his rival and meets him better at the weights. Gitalong on top from HI DUBAI (3) who ran very well when resuming and gets in nicely at the weights after the claim. LULUMON (6) ran down Storm The Ramparts at Gosford then had excuses at Rosehill and she rates among the main chances. No knock on Storm The Ramparts although he is creeping up in the weights. ⛈ï¸� Back-to-back Randwick wins for Storm The Ramparts as @PrideRacing trains the last three winners, and a double to Adam Hyeronimus! 🥳 @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 7, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: OH DIAMOND LIL (6) was great winning first-up then a little flat last time on a softer track so back on a firmer footing and in a race where she can get some control she will be harder to run down. RAIKKONEN (1) is an exciting prospect heading in the right direction. He was fantastic with no luck last start but just that big weight and wide draw won't make it easy for him. CAPTAIN AMELIA (9) is going better than her form suggests and the drier track plays into her hands. WOOLOOWIN (3) was very good back to this class last start and she can hold that form now. Thomas: RAIKKONEN (1) is an emergency in the Civic Stakes but is in the field for that race now. If the stable runs here, he's the one to beat but it is likely they will go to the stakes race. If Raikkonen comes out as expected, then this is a very open race. CODE IN TIME (12) raced very consistently last campaign, resumes here off two even trials and he does sprint well fresh. OH DIAMOND LIL (6) can improve sharply on the drier track, as you pointed out, Ronnie. FIDDLERS GREEN (13) was very good first-up at Warwick Farm and will be finishing strongly. ðŸ'Ž Oh Diamond Lil gets the perfect run and wins at Scone! @KPMcEvoy | @DavidPfieffer — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 17, 2025 • â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: This is a good Civic Stakes, Ray. This is a better option for RAIKKONEN (21) even though it is a tougher race. If he gets a run he has a huge chance. HEADLEY GRANGE (13) is building a good looking record and it is hard to knock him even though there is more depth to this race. GREBENI (6) will be running on strongly late on the back-up. WELWAL (2) has had a few excuses of late and he is capable of an upset. Thomas: HEADLEY GRANGE (13) resumed with a brilliant win over 1300m at Randwick. He was held up for a run in the straight but when the gap came, he accelerated impressively and recorded a fast closing 200m sectional to win well. He will be fitter and excels over the 1400m here. RAIKKONEN (21) will be very hard to beat. He's a promising young sprinter and will be hitting the line hard. GREBENI (6) is racing very well and deserves a win. BASES LOADED (5) sprints well fresh and is drawn to advantage. Headley Grange wins first up to give @PrideRacing a Randwick double! 🙌 @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 7, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– Dufficy: Godolphin is very strong here, I like all their horses. I'm interested in RAZORS (10). Although he hasn't raced for over a year he is very genuine and is trialling nicely. KERGUELEN (19) is the pick in the market of the Godolphin team but it is a big step in grade although he does look a nice horse in the making. He just has to prove himself on a drier track. CONTEMPORARY (1) hasn't won in a while but is nicely placed here third-up and loves the track and distance. FULLY LIT (14) has blinkers on and back to a drier track is capable of improving. Thomas: I've gone with KERGUELEN (19). He's lightly raced but obviously has ability and was impressive first-up beating Brave One at Rosehill. He will be improved and should go close despite his awkward draw. ACCREDITED (5) has drawn outside Kerguelen but will be suited getting onto a drier track. CONTEMPORARY (1) is up in the weights but he was competitive in a strong form race last start and PEREILLE (3) is fitter for recent racing.
The Australian
15-06-2025
- Sport
- The Australian
Ray Thomas' Blackbook: Five to follow from Rosehill on Saturday
Ray Thomas reveals his horses to follow from Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, while Sky Thoroughbred Central's Ron Dufficy names his highlights in his Rosehill snapshot. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ FIVE TO FOLLOW CODETTA (race 5) was coming off a luckless first-up second and was confidently backed into $2.70 favouritism but nothing went right for her when third to the smart filly Winning Proposal. Codetta was trapped three-wide without cover for most of the race but still had the temerity to loom up halfway down the straight as a winning threat. She's racing well and her turn is coming. SACRED ROCKS (race 10) made a real statement at her Sydney debut. She had won two of her four starts in Victoria, finishing second in the other two, before trainer Ciaron Maher switched states. Sacred Rocks settled back in the field from a wide barrier, didn't have the smoothest of passages but her finishing acceleration was very impressive. She's talented and can keep winning. QUEEN OF CLUBS (race 1) is a promising filly and she defeated a smart field of two-year-olds in the opener. She's a well-bred daughter of Maurice and will certainly get out over further. She's likely to have a short break now but watch out for her in the fillies classics in spring. TASORAAY (race 4) set a solid tempo in front and this might have left him vulnerable late. He still fought back hard when challenged and his close second to Don't Forget Jack was full of merit. Tasoraay was only second-up from a spell and can win again this winter. ASSAILANT (race 9) has shaped promisingly in his two Australian starts including his third to Freight Train. The former English galloper got to 2000m quickly, led for a long way and stuck to his task under pressure. Assailant can only continue to improve and is ready to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ CRUNCH TIME WINNING PROPOSAL (race 5) ran the fastest final 600m sectional of the day when she recorded a 33.35s split to dive through under Overfull and score a deserved win. Winning Proposal also produced a brilliant 200m closing split of 11.12s. SACRED ROCKS (race 10) finished fast to win the closer, running her final 600m in 33.66s with a 11.08s closing sectional. MOTOSCAFO (race 3) might have only won a Midway but his effort should not be underestimated. He charged home his final 600m in 33.57s and ran the fastest 200m closing split of the day in 10.97s. QUEEN OF CLUBS (race 1) powered home her final 600m in 34.43s and a closing 200m split of 11.61s to score her first win in four starts. DON'T FORGET JACK (race 4) attacked the line strongly with a 34.08s final 600m to score well. He was able to run his 200m closing split of 11.53s. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ WHAT THEY SAID 'Can you book me for the horse in this race next year!' — Jockey Adam Hyeronimus after combining with Sir Lucan to win a second successive Winter Cup. 'We're very excited to win the Winter Cup again and the owners are flying over to London tonight. Monique and Adam (Annetts), they're jumping on a plane to go and see Storm Boy run next Saturday. If they were flying economy they will be flying first class now.' — Stable representative Neil Paine. 'It's all good – the pressure, that's what you live for.'' — Star apprentice Braith Nock after winning on favourite Mickey's Medal. 'She does things at home that are (special). She worked with Kilbrannan, who is a handy two-year-old (half-brother to Portelli's Golden Slipper winner Fireburn) and she went so well I said, 'she can't get beaten'.' — Trainer Gary Portelli after Queen Of Clubs' impressive win. 'She is very progressive and has a great, big stride on her. At the 200m, I thought she was just going to get there but then at the 100m she really lengthened nicely.' — Andrew Calder, rider of Queen Of Clubs. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ STEWARDS SAY Sydney's form jockeys Dylan Gibbons and Adam Hyeronimus both incurred week-long careless riding suspensions due to start next Sunday. Gibbons was suspended from June 22 to June 29 after he was found guilty by stewards of causing interference on runner-up HALF YOURS (race 9). Hyeronimus was suspended for the same period after his winning ride on SIR LUCAN (race 8). HELL OF A FOX (race 2) drew the outside barrier and was shifted behind runners in the early stages. Near the 900m she was hampered and carried wider by RED RAGS TO BULLS, which shifted out when being steadied off heels. Jockey Brodie Loy said that after enduring a wide run, the filly was one paced to the finish line and raced as though it had come to the end of its preparation. CODETTA (race 5) was hampered and taken wider by KING'S SECRET approaching the 600m. On straightening, she was again inconvenienced by King's Secret, which shifted out. Apprentice Jace McMurray told stewards that Codetta was slow to begin and settled further back than intended. He said when then unable to obtain cover Codetta was obliged to race wide throughout the event. KING'S SECRET (race 5) jumped out of the barriers and was bumped by Slinky, which shifted in. King's Secret finished fifth and a post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding had the thumps. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RON DUFFICY'S RANDWICK SNAPSHOT RUN OF THE DAY SACRED ROCKS did a great job having her first Sydney run. She met a pretty slick field and you have to like the way she charged over the top of them late looking a nice mare for the future. FORGET THEY RAN CODETTA and HALF YOURS were both beaten favourites on the day but I wouldn't mark them down on their performances. They both had awkward draws not having much go their way and can make amends moving forward. HORSE TO FOLLOW Outside of those mentioned above I thought the debut performance of SCOOP THE POOL had merit. He's a two-year-old who has a pedigree to just keep improving especially over further than what he contested here. RIDE OF THE DAY Boom apprentice Braith Nock put on a show with a winning treble. His ride on SUPER NORWEST in the Highway was just picture perfect from a tricky draw. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ NSW RACING – THE WEEK AHEAD Monday: Albury, Tamworth Tuesday: Hawkesbury, Nowra Wednesday: Canterbury Park Thursday: Gosford, Bathurst Friday: Coffs Harbour Saturday: Royal Randwick, Kembla Grange Sunday: Murwillumbah, Wagga Wagga
Herald Sun
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Ray Thomas' Blackbook: Five to follow from Rosehill on June 14
Ray Thomas thinks an impressive winner could be a force in the fillies' classics in the spring, while Ron Dufficy thinks Saturday's racing unearthed a nice mare to follow in future races. Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Ray Thomas reveals his horses to follow from Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, while Sky Thoroughbred Central's Ron Dufficy names his highlights in his Rosehill snapshot. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ FIVE TO FOLLOW CODETTA (race 5) was coming off a luckless first-up second and was confidently backed into $2.70 favouritism but nothing went right for her when third to the smart filly Winning Proposal. Codetta was trapped three-wide without cover for most of the race but still had the temerity to loom up halfway down the straight as a winning threat. She's racing well and her turn is coming. SACRED ROCKS (race 10) made a real statement at her Sydney debut. She had won two of her four starts in Victoria, finishing second in the other two, before trainer Ciaron Maher switched states. Sacred Rocks settled back in the field from a wide barrier, didn't have the smoothest of passages but her finishing acceleration was very impressive. She's talented and can keep winning. QUEEN OF CLUBS (race 1) is a promising filly and she defeated a smart field of two-year-olds in the opener. She's a well-bred daughter of Maurice and will certainly get out over further. She's likely to have a short break now but watch out for her in the fillies classics in spring. TASORAAY (race 4) set a solid tempo in front and this might have left him vulnerable late. He still fought back hard when challenged and his close second to Don't Forget Jack was full of merit. Tasoraay was only second-up from a spell and can win again this winter. ASSAILANT (race 9) has shaped promisingly in his two Australian starts including his third to Freight Train. The former English galloper got to 2000m quickly, led for a long way and stuck to his task under pressure. Assailant can only continue to improve and is ready to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ CRUNCH TIME WINNING PROPOSAL (race 5) ran the fastest final 600m sectional of the day when she recorded a 33.35s split to dive through under Overfull and score a deserved win. Winning Proposal also produced a brilliant 200m closing split of 11.12s. SACRED ROCKS (race 10) finished fast to win the closer, running her final 600m in 33.66s with a 11.08s closing sectional. MOTOSCAFO (race 3) might have only won a Midway but his effort should not be underestimated. He charged home his final 600m in 33.57s and ran the fastest 200m closing split of the day in 10.97s. QUEEN OF CLUBS (race 1) powered home her final 600m in 34.43s and a closing 200m split of 11.61s to score her first win in four starts. DON'T FORGET JACK (race 4) attacked the line strongly with a 34.08s final 600m to score well. He was able to run his 200m closing split of 11.53s. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ WHAT THEY SAID 'Can you book me for the horse in this race next year!' — Jockey Adam Hyeronimus after combining with Sir Lucan to win a second successive Winter Cup. 'We're very excited to win the Winter Cup again and the owners are flying over to London tonight. Monique and Adam (Annetts), they're jumping on a plane to go and see Storm Boy run next Saturday. If they were flying economy they will be flying first class now.' — Stable representative Neil Paine. 'It's all good – the pressure, that's what you live for.'' — Star apprentice Braith Nock after winning on favourite Mickey's Medal. 'She does things at home that are (special). She worked with Kilbrannan, who is a handy two-year-old (half-brother to Portelli's Golden Slipper winner Fireburn) and she went so well I said, 'she can't get beaten'.' — Trainer Gary Portelli after Queen Of Clubs' impressive win. — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 14, 2025 'She is very progressive and has a great, big stride on her. At the 200m, I thought she was just going to get there but then at the 100m she really lengthened nicely.' — Andrew Calder, rider of Queen Of Clubs. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ STEWARDS SAY Sydney's form jockeys Dylan Gibbons and Adam Hyeronimus both incurred week-long careless riding suspensions due to start next Sunday. Gibbons was suspended from June 22 to June 29 after he was found guilty by stewards of causing interference on runner-up HALF YOURS (race 9). Hyeronimus was suspended for the same period after his winning ride on SIR LUCAN (race 8). HELL OF A FOX (race 2) drew the outside barrier and was shifted behind runners in the early stages. Near the 900m she was hampered and carried wider by RED RAGS TO BULLS, which shifted out when being steadied off heels. Jockey Brodie Loy said that after enduring a wide run, the filly was one paced to the finish line and raced as though it had come to the end of its preparation. CODETTA (race 5) was hampered and taken wider by KING'S SECRET approaching the 600m. On straightening, she was again inconvenienced by King's Secret, which shifted out. Apprentice Jace McMurray told stewards that Codetta was slow to begin and settled further back than intended. He said when then unable to obtain cover Codetta was obliged to race wide throughout the event. KING'S SECRET (race 5) jumped out of the barriers and was bumped by Slinky, which shifted in. King's Secret finished fifth and a post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding had the thumps. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RON DUFFICY'S RANDWICK SNAPSHOT RUN OF THE DAY SACRED ROCKS did a great job having her first Sydney run. She met a pretty slick field and you have to like the way she charged over the top of them late looking a nice mare for the future. FORGET THEY RAN CODETTA and HALF YOURS were both beaten favourites on the day but I wouldn't mark them down on their performances. They both had awkward draws not having much go their way and can make amends moving forward. HORSE TO FOLLOW Outside of those mentioned above I thought the debut performance of SCOOP THE POOL had merit. He's a two-year-old who has a pedigree to just keep improving especially over further than what he contested here. RIDE OF THE DAY Boom apprentice Braith Nock put on a show with a winning treble. His ride on SUPER NORWEST in the Highway was just picture perfect from a tricky draw. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ NSW RACING – THE WEEK AHEAD Monday: Albury, Tamworth Tuesday: Hawkesbury, Nowra Wednesday: Canterbury Park Thursday: Gosford, Bathurst Friday: Coffs Harbour Saturday: Royal Randwick, Kembla Grange Sunday: Murwillumbah, Wagga Wagga Originally published as Ray Thomas' Blackbook: Five to follow from Rosehill on Saturday Horse Racing The decision on who will take over the prestigious Leilani Lodge at Royal Randwick has been postponed, with the Australian Turf Club's board set to review a report later this week. Horse Racing Trainer Gary Portelli experienced racing's highs and lows within 24 hours, as Queen Of Clubs scored her first win a day Group 1-winning mare Kimochi suffered a career-ending injury.
