3 minute read

Scream Machine can overcome a large contingent of Waller-trained runners in Saturday’s Natski Handicap at Rosehill.

While Chris Waller saddles up six runners in the ten horse field, they may be flat out holding Scream Machine at bay based on the gelding’s latest win at the track.

Scream Machine was sent out as favourite on that occasion, dropping back sharply in grade after contesting the Doomben 10,000 (1350m).

The Excites gelding relished it and after being held up for a run, put his rivals away in a matter of strides.

It was an impressive win and on Saturday he faces six of the same rivals.

There is little to suggest he can’t offer up a repeat serve.

While meeting them worse at the weights, Scream Machine still rates well clear of rivals.

Scream Machine’s latest success came in seven pounds below his Doomben 10,000 performance.

Only fourth run from a spell, Scream Machine should continue his career best form.

A number of each way hopes present themselves earlier in the program.

Miss Venus shapes as a very interesting runner in the Sydney Spring Carnival On Sale Now Handicap (1500m).

The Les Bridge-trained filly was very good on resuming when a close fourth in Benchmark 90 company on resuming at Randwick.

Her effort over 1400m in some testing conditions first up was full of merit and based on the performance, Miss Venus could be in store for a strong winter campaign.

She will have no doubt taken fitness from the outing and be better suited on up to 1500m.

Tim Clark should be able to settle the mare on the rail in behind the speed and anything near her first up performance would see Miss Venus fighting out the finish.

The current form of the Les Bridge stable must also be addressed with the Randwick based horseman firing on all cylinders at present.

From just nine runners in June, the stable has recorded three wins and a Group 1 placing courtesy of Avoid Lightning.

She takes on a field of fillies and mares who have largely been racing against each other for the past few weeks.

Currently quoted at $12 in early markets, Miss Venus appears over the odds in Saturday’s Spring Carnival On Sale Now Benchmark 83 Handicap (1500m).

Later in the program, Saigon Tea currently holds favouritism in the TAB Rewards Benchmarki 85 Handicap (1900m).

The Chris Waller-trained mare was heavily tried and duly delivered as odds-on favourite last start at Randwick.

To say she was suited in the race is a gross understatement.

Her form prior in lesser races was just okay and was the main beneficiary of a heavily rain affected track.

Filling the minor placings were unfashionable rivals Casino Dancer and Street Spirit.

From enjoying a soft kill in a field of seven on her favourite going, Saigon Tea faces a completely opposite scenario at Rosehill on Saturday.

12 runners contest the TAB Rewards Handicap (1900m) and opposed to a Heavy 9 track, Rosehill on Saturday will likely be rated in the dead range.

She sits outside of the handicap and a number of rivals such as Black Jag, Dream Folk and Tohunga have the edge over her on weight adjusted ratings.

It is hard to justify her current $3.80 quote.

Sydney Specials – June 28

Banker: R6, #6 Scream Machine @ $2.60

Lay Of The Day: R7, #7 Saigon Tea @ $3.80