3 minute read

The powerful Godolphin stable under the new leadership of John O’Shea is starting to gather momentum which should continue at Randwick this afternoon.

O’Shea will saddle up several leading chances but none better than the rapidly improving three-year-old Mohave in the final race, a benchmark 80 over 1150m.

Even though he I staking on older opponents for the first time, the Benchmark 80 event to be held on the Kensington surface looks an ideal assignment for the son of Exceed And Excel who be fourth up from a spell.

After narrowly going under fresh up, Mohave then performed creditably behind talented sprinter Kuro under set weights conditions in the Listed Sir Brian Crowley Stakes over 1200m at Randwick, that colt then going on to run third in the G1 Coolmore Stakes.

Last start Mohave was well treated after the claim for Winona Costin in a three-year-old benchmark 71 class race over 1200m at Rosehill, easily accounting for his rivals with over three lengths to spare on the line.

Mohave has always shown plenty of potential, especially as a juvenile where he was successful in the Blue Diamond Preview over 1000m before a creditable sixth in the G1 Blue Diamond behind stable mate Earthquake.

Although tackling older horses for the first time. Mohave will have the services of leading rider James McDonald to steer him home.

Mohave is drawn perfectly and should enjoy a perfect run.

The danger is clearly the Tony McEvoy prepared Shiraz, a former country trained galloper who has started twice for his new mentor.

First up over 1000m at Warwick Farm, Shiraz who was debuting for McEvoy was backed as if unbeatable over 1000m in benchmark 80 class only to find the opposition a bit too nippy motoring home for fourth after being second last on the home turn.

Then last start stepping up to 1100m on a roomier course and longer straight, finished the race of hard gathering in the leaders close to home for a solid Rosehill win.

Today he stays at 1100m but rises in grade back to a benchmark 80 race which should not be an issue now he is much fitter.

In form rider Blake Shinn currently striking at 36% who rode his 1101th winner at Wagga on Thursday is the new rider ensuring Shiraz gets every chance.

The Bjorn Baker-trained Encostanati is capable of causing an upset.

Racing second up today, a state he has won in previously, Encostanati comes through the same race as Shiraz where he finished a fast closing third beaten just over a length.

On that occasion he sat just off the speed on the fence and surged late to just miss. He returns to the Kensington surface today where his only previous run registered him a placing.

Encostanati has an excellent record and looks a genuine each way hope.

The Gai Waterhouse Mr Jackman is capable of causing an upset first up.

A talented galloper with excellent collateral form around his last preparation, Mr Jackman has had the two barrier trials without breaking any records but clearly is ready to run well over the 1100m this afternoon.

No real guide to his prospects here can be gleaned from his dismal showing fresh up last preparation as there were genuine excuses but he has raced well fresh in the past and Tye Angland takes over the reins for the first time.

Other runners to round out the chances for the multiples include Unequivocal and Qfighter.

Enjoy the race.