3 minute read
Brenton Le Grand looks back on Rosebud day at Rosehill Gardens and brings you the talking points in our end of day wrap
Nothing new with Chris Waller unveiling a promising three-year-old
After tasting defeat on debut at Wyong, the Chris Waller-trained Manzoice went one better in the Dooleys Handicap over 1300m, signalling bigger fish to fry later in the spring. Waller believes his colt can get over even further in the coming months, with some high profile races on the agenda.
"Big prize money, still a long way to go so no rush, but races like the Gloaming and Spring Champion, they'll be firmly on his radar." Waller said.
Kristen Buchanan wins another Midway
Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan has made a habit of picking up Midway races since it's introduction over a year ago, and she got the chocolates again with her five-year-old mare Oakfield Arrow. The win brought up her sixth victory in the restricted race, and is thankful for the opportunities the race brings to middle-sized stables like hers.
"They are a terrific race series for us, it's really helped lift our profile and get plenty more opportunities for the stable which is what it is all about." Buchanan said.
Riduna runs them ragged for Rachel
The Waterhouse/Bott-trained Riduna caused somewhat of an upset leading all the way to take out the Campbelltown Catholic Club Handicap under the urgings of Rachel King. Race favourite Frumos ($1.90F) drifted back to last and couldn't find any clear running in the straight to go to the line hard-held.
"Plenty of merit to that win. We thought she was rock-hard fit and quite deep into her preparation. We knew she had the fitness so wanted to take advantage of it, and she was able to." Co-trainer Adrian Bott said.
UK import Surefire a potential Cups contender
Bringing up his second win on the card, Chris Waller resumed his import Surefire in the Bankstown Sports Handicap over what would seem to be an unsuitable 1400m. But the five-year-old gelding was able to haul in his rivals late and looks to be in for a quality campaign.
"We'll keep him here (in Sydney) and pick our path through. I always say Epsom weekend you start to try and find 2000m races and step up to the Caulfield Cup." Waller said.
Zoukerino brave in Rosebud victory
He was a dominant winner at Kensington on debut and Zoukerino has now gone on with the job posting his second victory from as many starts in the Listed Rosebud. It was a thrilling go at the line with the Snitzel colt able to squeeze through a tight gap and hit the line strongly. Both trainer John O'Shea and jockey Brenton Avdulla were impressed by the performance.
"He's a good horse. I remember James (McDonald) trialling him probably two months ago and I basically said to my manager wherever you see this horse, I just want to stick with him." Avdulla said.
Waller brings up a hat-trick
Champion trainer Chris Waller made it three wins for the day when race favourite Kalino ($2.60F) saluted in the Clubsnsw Handicap over 1400m. Three-year-old colt Manzoice also won early on the card before Surefire saluted convincingly in the Bankstown Sports Handicap.
"He's an exciting horse. He's taken a little bit of time to find his way, but he's on it now and there's some nice races coming up." Waller said about Kalino.
Quote Of The Day - Rachel King on Riduna
"She definitely is (all heart). I even said to the strapper before the race she's pushing her around in the yard, it's like she's got little horse syndrome. She thinks she's massive, she shows that when she's out there. She's just got the biggest heart."
