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The reliable Knoydart can post consecutive wins when lining up in the Primo Smallgoods Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
Photo by Racing and Sports
The Peter Snowden-trained colt has held his form very well this campaign and was rewarded for that last start when saluting at this track over 1300m.
Form out of that race appears strong with runner up Masahiko since winning at Warwick Farm last weekend.
Knoydart is one of only a few genuine winning chances which also include Relaxed And Happy plus Clever Boy who was beaten by Masahiko last start, albeit on protest.
Peter Snowden’s promising three-year-old should appreciate the extra 100m on offer here and has shown this campaign he is adept in all conditions.
The son of More Than Ready doesn’t know how to run a bad race and that characteristic should be on full display at Rosehill on Saturday.
From the outside barrier, Knoydart will likely shadow his main danger Relaxed And Happy before a stride for stride battle ensues down the straight.
A half kilo advantage at the weights plus stronger credentials at the journey swings things in Knoydart’s favour.
Relaxed And Happy presently holds favouritism however his results are mixed this campaign and is untried over seven furlongs.
Bold Glance possesses each way appeal in the Listed Winter Stakes (1400m) later in the program.
The rising eight-year-old lines up in what appears an open renewal of the Winter Stakes where the Civic Stakes quinella of Mic Mac and Under The Sun sit atop of the current market.
Both deserve that favouritism prior to Saturday’s feature race at Rosehill although just below them quoted at $7 is Bold Glance.
Norm Hilton’s stable star has been quietly building towards this contest with a pair of respectable showings at the course and trip against open company.
A respectable sixth at Rosehill on June 15 was followed by an improved third last start where the gelding gave every indication he was returning to peak form.
Usually given solid campaigns spanning just under ten starts, Bold Glance generally begins to hit his straps at the midway point and from there is capable of holding form until near the end.
Bold Glance will reach that midway point in his preparation on Saturday.
A last start Timeform figure of 110 augers well for Bold Glance in the Winter Stakes and when looking at his prior campaigns, the consistent customer does have room to improve.
As has been the case during his past two outings at Rosehill, Bold Glance from barrier 6 should settle in a handy position behind the early lead.
Having the rail out six metres makes that anticipated settling position all the more important and under the urgings of leading jockey Nash Rawiller, the pair should be prominent throughout.
Promising apprentice Courtney Van Der Werf has arguably done everything right aboard Bold Glance in his past two outings where she has positioned the gelding handy before working home well.
Nash Rawiller though can presently claim to be the form jockey in Australia having notched up 11 city winners during the five city meetings he has ridden at so far this month.
These winners are coming at a healthy success rate exceeding 30% and jockeys in this rich vein of form do have the ability to lift their mounts
The chances of Bold Glance improving on a last start figure of 110 are further enhanced thanks to this key rider booking.
A Slow 6 surface also helps the cause of Bold Glance who has excellent credentials on rain affected tracks.
Mount Nebo was very good last start at this track and trip however his current $2.80 quote appears too short.
The Allan Denham-trained galloper takes on the older horses for the first time this campaign and rivals such as Bardiya, Excellent Point and Norma Betty’s Boy possess strong each way claims.
Sydney Specials
BANKER: R2 #2 – KNOYDART @ $4.00
PLAY OF THE DAY: R6, #5 – BOLD GLANCE @ $7.00
LAY OF THE DAY: R3, #5 – MOUNT NEBO @ $2.80