30/01/21 Saturday Racing tips for the Expressway Stakes
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- Author: Jackson FrantzJan 29, 2021 01:00 PM
- Photo: AAP
Team Blue set for big showing
The Group 2 Expressway Stakes sees the return of high-quality gallopers over 1200m, marking the start of a thrilling carnival of racing.
Caulfield Guineas winner Ole Kirk returns as an Autumn three-year-old and will be out to build on his already lucrative stud status.
Ever consistent Godolphin mares Savatiano and Flit prove impossible to rule out.
Meanwhile last year’s dominant winner, Standout, will be hoping the rain stays away, in hope of returning to his blistering best after a disappointing spring campaign.
Track Conditions
The Rosehill surface is currently rated a Soft 5.
With 3-8mm forecast across Sydney on Friday and further rain on race day, expect the track to be in the Soft 6-7 range.
The wet surface coupled with warm weather will see horses face some steamy and testing conditions.
The rail is currently out 3m and while recent history suggests a leaning towards those up on-speed, I’m confident that midfield runners will still get a chance. However, I’m expecting those towards the rear to be up against it.
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Rosehill Race 7 - Expressway Stakes 1200m (G2)
The Map 
Savatiano (2) can kick up from the inside draw to lead, with Mizzy (7) pressing across to challenge from out wide.
The map then becomes unclear in a small field, but Flit (8) can rally up to box seat off a moderate tempo, with Star Of The Seas (9) and Kolding (3) prominent.
The sole three-year-old and bottom weight Ole Kirk (1) will likely be ridden cold alongside Emeralds (6) and will need to loop the field with a flashing run to prevail.
He will want the speed genuine at worst to be a winning chance.
Analysis & Tips 
1st Savatiano $3.50
This ever-consistent mare has been more effective over further in her career but with five wins from eight first-up attempts, I’m confident that she can get the job done here.
With a small field engaged and a lack of key speed rivals to challenge her, I’m expecting Bowman to dictate proceedings from the front while using little early fuel.
She’s drawn perfectly in barrier two and is a proven wet track performer, who will be extremely hard to run down on a track that is likely to benefit those up on speed.
2nd Flit $7.50
Happy to make the Godolphin quinella a play in this race, with fellow stablemate Flit the key danger to the more credentialed Savatiano.
She’s yet to miss the placings from four first-up attempts and boasts narrow finishes behind the likes of Eduardo, Very Elleegant and victories over Lyre and Alligator Blood.
Her recent trial wasn’t anything special, but she’s a proven wet track performer who loves 1200m and is a must include at a nice E/W price.
3rd Ole Kirk $3.80
The star colt of the Autumn steps out in what looks to be his final campaign before being sent to stud.
His second-up effort last preparation at this track and trip was superb, when running on from the rear to finish second behind Rothfire.
He then marched on to win the Golden Rose and Caulfiled Guineas out to a mile.
While he’s a class type, he steps out to open grade for the first time and is vulnerable in my opinion.
The Hawkes team are eying a Rosehill Guineas tilt in March and without a great deal of speed engaged, I struggle to see him getting over the top from the rear against seasoned middle-distance performers.
4th Mizzy $11
Presents here off a long injury lay off, but her three recent trials have shown intent from the stable that she’s ready to go first-up.
The only knock is the wide draw, but she should be able to cross with little effort to sit outside of Savatiano and be the beneficiary of an ideal race shape for those camped in the first four.
At the price, I’m keen to include her in my exotics and wouldn’t be surprised if she came out and put her rivals away.
