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A couple of strong plays quickly emerge early in the program at Rosehill on Saturday.
The first is Achi Baba who contests the ATC Membership Benchmark 68 Handicap (1400m).
Achi Baba returns to Rosehill a fortnight after running a slender second to Zumbelina who can lay claim to being the form three-year-old filly in Sydney at the end of 2016.
It was a brave effort by Achi Baba against the odds on favourite.
The gelding hit the front soon upon straightening and while collared by Zumbelina with 300m to go, Achi Baba kept fighting and wasn’t beaten far.
He produced this slender second despite being quite wayward in the straight.
It is clear the son of Helmet is still learning his craft however will ideally showcase added race experience from a fortnight ago in the second event on the card at Rosehill.
The three-year-old will be fitter third up and form out of his first up win at Newcastle has since held up well through the likes of subsequent maiden winners Fantastic Man and Blackmaker.
Expect Achi Baba to bowl along out in front and take plenty of catching under the guidance of James Doyle.
$3.00 is currently available about Achi Baba however using Ladbrokes Odds boost, $3.30 is available about the John O’Shea-trained runner.
Two races later Dee Nine Elle contests the Hyland Boxing Day Sale Benchmark 85 Handicap (1350m).
The Duporth mare hit the ground running with a slender success at this course over 1200m.
There was plenty to like about the effort with Dee Nine Elle settling outside the lead and proving too strong late in a three way photo.
She meets runner up Nudierudie worse at the weights however likely possesses more upside being earlier in her preparation
Dee Nine Elle has an excellent record over this trip and is has so far finished in the money at each of her Rosehill starts.
The Tony Gollan-trained mare has also finished in the money during her four starts in partnership with Tim Clark who again rides on Saturday.
The market has the fourth event at Rosehill as an open contest with Dee Nine Elle presently in a five way battle for favouritism.
The daughter of Duporth is currently at $5.00 and there is every chance better odds still will be available on the day in what could become a strong betting event.
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Sydney Specials: Rosehill – December 24
Best Of The Day: R2; #3 Achi Baba @ $3.00
Each Way Play: R4; #3 Dee Nine Elle @ $5.00