Get our Rosehill and Toowoomba best bets for Saturday September 26, including key runners, race analysis and betting opportunities across both meetings.
LAZZURA (1) showed she was in good order when resuming in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes, closing strongly to grab third, beaten just over half a length.
The Chris Waller-trained mare has a strong record second-up, winning three of her five attempts, and should take plenty of benefit from that first-up run.
The 1400m looks ideal. She won the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes at the distance when second-up two preparations ago, and the set-weight conditions also work in her favour.
The Group 1 Coolmore Classic winner is seven rating points clear of her nearest rival.
James McDonald should be able to position her prominently and give her every opportunity.
| 1. Lazzura (4) J: James McDonald 58kg 212×3 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second run back. First-up after five months sat on speed throughout when 3rd of 8 in the G2 Sheraco Stakes at this track on September 12 over 1200m, 0.6 len behind Savvy Hallie with 58kg at $2.90. Previously second-up favourite; won by a neck in the G1 Coolmore Classic at this track on March 14 over 1500m defeating Arctic Glamour with 58kg at $5. Coolmore winner who can finish over the top of this lot. | |||
GUEST HOUSE (1) made an immediate impact when returning with victory in the Group 3 San Domenico Stakes.
The Price & Kent Jnr-trained colt settled just behind the speed and looked difficult to beat from there.
He was tight against the rail in the straight, but Zac Lloyd made a daring move to stick to the Dulux. Guest House responded by drawing away for a comfortable 1.25-length win.
He has now won both starts at the track, including the Group 1 Golden Slipper at the end of last preparation.
This is his first test over the longer distance, but the map looks favourable and he should have every chance to see it out.
| 1. Guest House (5) J: Zac Lloyd 56.5kg 231×1 T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.3 len in the G3 San Domenico Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1100m defeating Blue Door carrying 58.5kg at $7. Previously second-up 2nd of 8 in the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude (Colts & Geldings) at Caulfield on February 7 over 1100m, 1.0 len behind Closer To Free with 57kg at $2.20. Outstanding colt who sets up well for this over the 1400m. | |||
LET’SFACETHEMUSIC (8) is racing in top form and looks ready to have a serious crack at Clifford Park’s biggest race.
The Corey & Kylie Geran-trained gelding was pressured in front over 1110m at Doomben last start but still kicked clear to win by 1.28 lengths.
He has already shown he handles 1200m, winning by 3.05 lengths over the trip at Doomben when second-up this preparation.
He can lead or take a sit, leaving Gary “5G” Geran with options. If the grey gets the right run, the Toowoomba crowd could be celebrating.
| 8. Let’Sfacethemusic (9) J: Gary Geran 54kg 55141 T: Corey & Kylie Geran | |||
| Returns from a five-week freshening after beating Fukubana by just over a length in a Doomben Class 6 as an odds-on favourite, travelling well before proving too good. His prior fourth to Epic Proportions in Open grade was better than it looked, having begun awkwardly, raced keenly and covered ground. Listed record is the knock, but he is in the mix. | |||
OFF THE PRESS (8) brings strong Sydney form to Toowoomba and gets in with a light weight.
The Todd Smart-trained gelding closed well to finish second by a neck over 1100m at Rosehill first-up before running third, beaten 3.16 lengths, over six furlongs at Randwick.
He looks ready to peak third-up, and Anna Roper’s claim leaves him with only 53kg.
The Toowoomba rise is the question, but if he handles the track, he should be able to land on speed and get a lovely run.
| 8. Off The Press (3) J: Anna Roper 53kg 65×23 T: Todd Smart | |||
| Brings solid Sydney form into this after finishing third in a 3yo+ Benchmark 78 at Randwick, beaten just over three lengths by Decorum after being bumped at the start. He had charged home for second to Polyglot at Rosehill over 1100m the run prior. Third-up and drawn well, he looks the one they have to beat. | |||