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Punters should get off to a winning start at Rosehill through Liberation on Saturday before searching for value later in the program.
A wind operation following an underwhelming maiden preparation has not surprisingly done wonders for Liberation who was a dominant first up winner at this course a fortnight ago.
Liberation made all for a 2.5 length success on that occasion and did it with a bit up his sleeve.
The beautifully bred colt will take fitness, confidence and experience from that outing and should build upon it in the TAB Early Quaddie Plate (1300m).
Gai Waterhouse’s promising three-year-old ran strong time figures last start and based on them, appears well suited under Set Weights plus Penalties conditions.
There doesn’t appear to be a great deal of pace in this contest and the colt should be able to sit comfortably outside the lead likely set by Nip Of Time or take up the running himself.
Considered a late blooming Golden Rose type similar to a prior Waterhouse runner in 2010 second placegetter Squamosa, Liberation will more than likely continue working through his grades on Saturday as he heads toward a Group 1 target next month.
Having just moved in from an even money quote to odds-on as of Friday morning, the short price is clearly justifiable.
Of the five rivals he faces, two are still maidens while Harrier Jet and Press Report were beaten more than seven lengths behind Liberation last start.
Get that winning feeling with Liberation in Race 1 before chancing your arm in Race 4 with Oakfield Commands.
We are hoping the eight horse field along with his each way quote holds up as Oakfield Commands contests the TAB Rewards Handicap (1200m).
Oakfield Commands was thrown into Listed company when fourth in the Civic Stakes behind the talented Generalife.
Dropping in class and distance looks ideal for Oakfield Commands who holds favouritism narrowly.
Lester Grace stays aboard the Commands seven-year-old and unlike the Civic Stakes, can claim his 2kg allowance.
He appears very well suited and should be prominent at the finish, then again, when is that not the case with Oakfield Commands.
Territory shapes as one of his main dangers who was scratched from last Saturday’s July Sprint (1150m).
The Jarrod Austin-trained gelding was our each way play for the afternoon last Saturday and his absence just left us with our best of the day in Society Man.
The Joe Pride-trained gelding finished second again for the third time from as many starts this prep, beaten less than a length.
Society Man is becoming frustrating for those who have followed him throughout this prep but depending on what he contests next, giving Society Man one more chance is justifiable.
Sydney Specials – August 2
Best Of The Day: R1; #1 Liberation @ $1.85
Each Way Play: R4; #3 Oakfield Commands @ $4.40