Sydney hosts another compact six-race program this Wednesday, this time taking place at Rosehill Gardens.
The forecast promises ideal conditions, with the track rated a Good 4 and the rail positioned 7 metres out across the entire circuit.
Star jockey James McDonald is set for a standout ride aboard a short-priced favourite in Race 5, while Race 4 offers some appealing each-way opportunities earlier in the day.
With Epsom Handicap Day bringing top-tier G1 racing to Randwick this Saturday, don’t miss our comprehensive race-by-race preview for Rosehill’s midweek action!
COLUMBUS (2) looks well-placed stepping up in distance.
The Dundeel gelding from the Les Bridge yard impressed on debut at Newcastle two weeks ago over 1200m, settling at the rear along the rail before weaving into the clear late and finishing strongly.
He may have been momentarily held up in the run, and with a smoother passage, could have finished even closer.
Now with race experience under his belt and another favourable draw, he shapes as a leading contender in what appears to be a wide-open contest.
| 2. Columbus (4) Scratched: | |||
PERFECT APPLE (9) shapes as a strong contender first-up with James McDonald aboard.
The three-year-old son of Per Incanto showed promise on debut at Canterbury in early June, holding his ground to finish midfield—just over three lengths behind eventual Stakes winner Autumn Boy.
His lead-up trials have been highly encouraging, particularly his latest at Randwick where he cruised into contention before McDonald asked for an effort and he responded impressively.
| 9. Perfect Apple (10) J: James McDonald 58kg 5xT: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton |
RAPBIDASH (5) is expected to take a step forward second-up.
Bjorn Baker’s mare faced testing conditions on resumption at Canterbury, charging home late for second in torrential rain—guided expertly by Josh Parr after settling off the pace.
While it’s been some time since her last win, she’s twice saluted over this distance and now draws a soft gate on a much firmer surface. With similar tactics likely, she presents as a genuine each-way prospect.
| 5. Rapbidash (4) J: Josh Parr 57.5kg 596×2T: Bjorn Baker |
UNITED KINGDOM (7) was originally set to run at Warwick Farm last Wednesday but has been given an extra week to fine-tune his preparation.
The Kiwi-bred five-year-old isn’t the easiest to catch, but his first-up effort at Canterbury three weeks ago on a Heavy 9 was full of merit—closing late to finish just over two lengths off the winner.
He was forced to make up significant ground from the rear, so a more forward ride this time should see him in a better position. With James McDonald retaining the ride and firmer footing expected, he’s in capable hands to deliver a bold showing.
| 7. United Kingdom (6) J: James McDonald 57kg x5x24T: Chris Waller |
SARRISMO (7) has returned in outstanding order for the training duo of John O’Shea and Tom Charlton.
The four-year-old son of I Am Invincible was dominant first-up at Hawkesbury last month, dictating terms from the front and powering away under minimal urging to score by an impressive four lengths.
He showed his potential as a three-year-old with a debut win last November, and now, drawn slightly wide, he should have a clear path to roll forward again. With James McDonald taking the reins, he’ll be tough to run down.
| 7. Sarrismo (6) J: James McDonald 57kg 13×1T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton |
GOLDEN STRAAND (8) appears primed to build on his recent performance for trainer Matthew Smith.
The Snitzel entire caught the eye at Canterbury a couple of weeks back, giving the field a four-length head start before surging down the outside to finish just two lengths off the winner.
He hit the line with real intent and looked to have plenty in reserve, especially considering he was resuming off a seven-week freshen-up. Stepping up in trip now, he has strong claims with natural improvement expected.
| 8. Golden Straand (3) J: Jay Ford 57kg 21264T: Matthew Smith |