The Colts and Geldings are on show in the Royal Sovereign Stakes with unbeaten New Zealander, Sacred Falls making his Australian debut for his new trainer Chris Waller. He’ll meet eight rivals here including the well performed Honorius and Ashokan as well as unbeaten Rebel Dane who, despite facing his toughest test to date, is the current favourite at $2.60.

Royal Sovereign Stakes Form Guide

1. SACRED FALLS – (8) L Innes

New Zealand Colt by O’Reilly who has won each of his six starts to date including the G1 2000 Guineas (1600m) As a form line, Tougher Than Ever ran third in that race and was fair when making his Australian debut last week in the G2 Expressway Stakes behind Happy Galaxy. Given his racing pattern in NZ, he’ll get back from his gate and be giving most a start as they turn for home.

Odds: $3.00 

2. RUSAMBO – (4) C Reith

Darley colt who won two from four starts last preparation including the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) over Dominant at Moonee Valley. Returned to racing three weeks ago and chased Happy Galaxy (who won the G2 Expressway Stakes last week) valiantly. He can only be better for that run and drawn to advantage here.

Odds: $13.00

3. ASHOKAN – (7) J McDonald

Resumes from a fourteen week spell and judging by his efforts in the G1 Golden Rose and G3 Guineas Prelude last preparation, where he finished third and fourth respectively behind Epaulette, he’s worth serious consideration here. He’s had two barrier trails for his return, finishing second behind Raceway and at his most recent trial, a nose second to More Joyous. Only win in his eight starts has come on a Slow track so any sting out of the surface would assist.

Odds: $5.00

4. HONORIUS – (9) G Schofield

Despite not being able to crack it for a win in five starts last prep, he lost no admirers by finishing in the placings on four of those races including an unlucky second to Hvaastan in the G3 Norman Robinson Stakes and a second to It’s a Dundeel in the G3 Gloaming Stakes. Has got two barrier trails under his belt but feel he’ll need this run and a touch longer before we see him at his best.

Odds: $26.00

5. REBEL DANE – (6) J Collett

California Dane colt, trained by Gary Portelli who has won each of his three starts thus far. The most recent was a narrow victory, carrying 59kgs, in a BM 72 here at Rosehill over Specific Choice back in late October. New ball game here but, will be suited by the trip more than most here and has been kept up to the mark with two winning barrier trials.

Odds: $2.60

6. TAXMEIFYOUCAN – (1) P Robl

Chased home Happy Galaxy first up two starts back in a BM 75 before failing to handle the Heavy conditions of a fortnight ago and finishing a distance last of five runners, behind Gold Epona. Normally gets back in the run so doubt the inside gate and the class of runners in this race, will be in his favour.

Odds: $51.00

7. URQUIDEZ – (3) N Berry

Street Sense gelding who was impressive win winning a Warwick Farm Open class race over Destiny Rising mid way through last year and backing that up with a second behind the ultra smart She’s A Fox in the Listed Rosebud. First up here off a twenty-one week spell and has had two barrier trials in readiness. Has ability and been kept safe at $7.00 in early markets.

Odds: $8.00

8. CASINO SWOOP – (5) C Brown

Patinack Farm representative who won a Gosford Maiden before finishing second to Field Marshall at mid-week Canterbury meeting and being spelled. He returns to racing here and expecting him to be up on the pace but to find the class to strong.

Odds: $26.00

9. ADABOY ROSS – (2) J Ford.

Beat Zaminga when winning on debut at Kembla Grange a month ago before having every chance in the run behind and chasing hard only to fail catching Gold Epona by a head on a Heavy Track at Rosehill in a BM 75. Should get a similar run again but there’s reason he’s a 100/1.

Odds: $126.00

OVERVIEW

Always tricky these first 3yo races of a campaign as we find out which horses have progressed and which have been caught up with. Don’t know if I would be rushing into the $2.60 on offer about Rebel Dane and happy to have a look at the NZ’er first before tipping him on top. I like Ashokan at $5.00. He’s first up effort last preparation, also when coming off two very good barrier trials, was a 3 ¼ length sixth behind Pierro, Your Song and Epaulette in a G3 Run To The Roses. With two preparations now under his belt, expect the son of More Than Ready to be stronger and if he can find the front cheaply, may prove very hard to run down. Surprised to see Rusambo, who should get a sweet run, at double figure odds in early markets – he might be one for multiples.