3 minute read

The ever consistent Generalife can hit the ground running first up in the Group 3 Southern Cross Stakes.

The gelding resumes after a three start spring campaign which culminated with a closing second in the Kevin Heffernan Stakes.

Generalife appears to line up in what looks an ideal first up assignment on Saturday, the Group 3 Southern Cross Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.

The son of Lonhro has been readied for this with two solid trials.

He has drawn barrier 2 and James McDonald takes the ride.

The six-year-old is as consistent as they come and sits on top of this field based on 12 month weight adjusted ratings having run third in the 2015 Doomben 10,000 (1350m) behind Boban last Winter.

The scratching of stablemate Vashka thins the race out that extra bit and could almost be considered a positive lead toward Generalife.

Earlier in the program, Defrost My Heart shapes as an excellent value play contesting the Adaptra Benchmark 85 Handicap (2400m).

The mare ventures back up the highway after showing good improvement second up when third to Monogram over 2040m at Moonee Valley.

She will strip fitter again and has won third up previously.

The daughter of Fastnet Rock is yet to run out of the money in three starts at this distance range and jockey Hugh Bowman possesses an excellent record aboard her with two wins and a minor placing from four starts.

Chris Waller’s lightly-raced French import should slot in just behind the early speed.

There looks a sense of timing about her in the second event at Randwick on Saturday.

Sydney Specials: Randwick – February 13

Best Of The Day: R5; #2 Generalife @ $3.50