An exciting field has assembled for the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes this Saturday.
James Cummings has a strong hand in the race, saddling up first and second favourites In Secret and Golden Mile.
The track is almost certain to be rain-affected, with heavy showers predicted on Thursday in Sydney and scattered showers on Friday.
The Rosehill track is currently rated a Soft 5 with the rail in the True position for the entire circuit.
As mentioned, showers are predicted and we are likely to be racing on a Heavy surface.
The best going looks likely to be between lanes 4-8 in the straight.
The Map
There doesn't appear to be a stack of speed engaged here, which could set it up for a sit and sprint.
Zou Tiger (14) and Daumier (6) look the two most likely to push forward and contest the lead.
Serjardan (7) will go forward from the good draw as will She's Extreme (5).
From the inside lane, In Secret (2) won't be too far off them and will be afforded a soft in transit.
Jacquinot (4) wouldn't want to be to slow out of the gates and does risk being beyond midfield against the fence.
On paper, the wide draw for Fireburn (15) appears a negative. However, it could end up being ideal if the inside is a no go zone.
The Favourite
In Secret ($2.70) was ultra-impressive winning the Run To The Rose.
If she improves off that, she'd be almost unbeatable, but there a enough negatives to be weary.
The biggest form factor to consider is the synthetic hoof filler first-time. This suggests there has been some feet issues since her last start.
The other concern is the inside draw and the likelihood she'll need to navigate a passage to the middle of the track.
She has the right jockey for the job though and is the deserved favourite based on her record to date.
Analysis and Tips
I'm with In Secret for the simple fact that she is progressive and brings the best last start run into this.
Fireburn is big odds and if she reproduces her last second-up run, she'll be in the finish.
She relishes the rain affected going and can only improve off her first up run.
Jacquinot defeated Aft Cabin last start, who then went on to destroy his rivals in the Caulfield Guineas Preview last Saturday.
If it were a drier surface with speed on, he'd be on top. However, there is a huge risk he ends up in the worst possible spot in the run which is less than ideal.
Of the others, She's Extreme is another who will derive plenty of benefit from her first-up run.
1st In Secret $2.70
2nd Fireburn $10.00
3rd Jacquinot $7.50
4th She's Extreme $10.00