3 minute read

Loath to take the easy route and tip up odds-on chances at Rosehill, the Sydney Specials have gone searching for value.

Chris Waller dominates the eight race program, saddling up odds-on favourites such as Press Statement in the Stan Fox Stakes and also Catkins in the Golden Pendant.

Each of these runners are hard to fault and are each well found in betting, quoted at approximately the $1.50 mark as of Friday morning.

Bjorn Baker and Brenton Avdulla seemingly have an ideal chance to bookend the program at Rosehill on Saturday.

Their day commences with Herne’s Oak in the Rydges Parramatta Handicap (2000m).

The son of High Chaparral goes into the race off a slender win at the course over 1800m where he beat a number of the same rivals lining up in this contest.

While meeting them worse at the weights, he is the most progressive runner of the field and can take another step through the grades.

Herne’s Oak will appreciate a rise to 2000m and should be at optimum fitness fifth run from a spell.

In a slowly run race, expect Herne’s Oak to be prominent throughout and take some beating.

Fast forward to the final event of the program, it could be a case of third time lucky this campaign for Music Magnate in the TAB More Than Just Winning Handicap (1400m).

The Written Tycoon gelding has placed in each of his runs this campaign.

The first came over 1000m at Randwick where he ran a half length second to Fell Swoop.

Music Magnate that afternoon looked as fat as a house pre-race and no doubt took benefit from the run.

Second run from a spell, he placed at this course over 1200m behind Good Project.

Well supported, it was a disappointing day out for Music Magnate who became quite worked up in the yard pre-race which would have taken it’s toll on the four-year-old come race time.

Ideally a much more settled version of the four-year-old will show up on Saturday and goes into the race with no excuses.

He meets the winner Good Project 2kg better at the weights and looks a definite chance of turning the tables.

Stick with Bjorn and Brenton at Rosehill on Saturday.

Sydney Specials: Rosehill - September 26

Bet Of The Day #1: R1; #4 Herne’s Oak @ $4.50