3 minute read

Rosehill hosts the final metropolitan meeting of the season where the feature event is the Listed Winter Challenge Stakes.

Sydney racing through season 2017/18 was again dominated by Chris Waller who to date has trained 185 winners, almost double that of his nearest rival James Cummings (93).

It’s no surprise to see the leading stable send out a strong team of runners on their home track to round out the season.

Of their 23 strong team, Raqeeq profiles as Waller’s best contesting the Benchmark 89 Handicap (2000m).

The French import has looked good in his two runs back from a spell, the latest when closing well into second behind his stablemate Vaucluse Bay at this course and distance.

It was an impressive run considering the son of Champs Elysees was jumping sharply in trip from a first up outing over 1500m.

For that slender defeat to Vaucluse Bay, Raqeeq now meets his stablemate 1kg better at the weights.

Furthermore, he likely possesses more upside being earlier in both his campaign and career.

He maps to get a cosy run from barrier 3 and could potentially settle a shade closer than we’ve grown accustomed to.

Following his last start second a fortnight ago, Waller suggested the Newcastle Gold Cup could be Raqeeq’s ultimate goal this prep.

With that in mind, he really should be accounting for this field down on the limit weight.

There is plenty of each way value on offer at Rosehill on Saturday.

It’s not often we head to a Highway Handicap for our best value play however the case which can be made for Pierino is hard to ignore.

The gelding has performed well in his three starts since being transferred to the Danny Williams stable, winning two of his three outings.

His two successes came at Goulburn with Blake Shinn in the saddle who jumps back aboard here.

The son of Pierro is well placed in a Set Weights Class 3, meeting a majority of his rivals on substantially better weight terms than if the race had been conducted under regular handicap conditions.

Danny Williams has a superb record in Highway Handicaps and the $7.50 about the former Team Hawkes-trained runner shapes as an excellent value play early in the card.

Sydney Specials: Rosehill – July 28

Best Of The Day: R4; #12 Raqeeq @ $3.20