The Mares step out in what is the first of five Black Type races on the Rosehill card this Saturday. Last year’s winner of this race, Steps In Time resumes from a spell and holds favouritism in early markets at $2.50. Among her six other competitors are smart performers, Pear Tart and Red Tracer, both of whom also are kicking off their Autumn campaigns.
1. PEAR TART – (4) C Reith
Strung four together over the Brisbane Winter Carnival last year including the G1 Tatt’s Tiara before a brief spell and a tilt at some of the Spring races including the G1 races the Myer Classic and Emirates Stakes. She wasn’t able to produce her best in those races, finishing eleventh and fifteenth respectively. Generally needs the first up run but should be doing her best work late.
Odds: $7.50
2. RED TRACER – (2) J Bowman
She resumes from an eleven week spell after having finished tenth (beaten 3.4 lengths) behind Appearance in the G1 Myer Classic. Always produces a good run fresh, having won three of five first up including the G2 Dane Ripper and Premiere Stakes. She ran third in this race last year, drawn perfectly in two and her chances increase with any rain.
Odds: $2.90
3. STEPS IN TIME – (5) J Cassidy
She led all the way to win the G3 Bill Ritchie Stakes back in September before average efforts in the G1 Toorak and G3 Herald Sun Stakes and being spelled. Trainer John O’Shea has her ready to fire first up after two impressive barrier trials, winning both by margins of three and five lengths. Will jump to the front and give them plenty to chase.
Odds: $2.50
4. LADYS ANGEL – (6) J McDonald
Underrated mare who ran third to Atlantic Jewel in the G2 Sapphire Stakes and backing that effort up a third in the G1 The Galaxy last preparation. Ran fifth in this race last year when also first up from a spell and has been readied for her return with a close up third in a Warwick Farm barrier trial. Only the one win from four fresh runs and will get back. Expecting her to be doing her best work last and is another who, if she struck a wet track, would relish the conditions.
Odds: $9.00
5. CAPITAL COMMANDER – (3) T Berry
She just couldn’t run down Samui Lad two starts back here at Rosehill in a BM 90 race and then ventured north for the Magic Millions Race Day but was no match for the smart Bennetta, finishing 2 ¾ third. In career best form so picking the right time to have a crack at a race of this calibre but still might find one or two a bit too slick.
Odds: $17.00
6. CHOICE WORDS – (7) P Robl
She has had three runs back this time in – starting favourite in each occasion but failing to do the right things by punters. The most recent start back in December where she finished ninth of ten (beaten 3.2 lengths) behind Babel in a BM 85 as a 2/1 favourite. Has her share of ability as demonstrated by her efforts in Listed races in the past but do not think she’s going as well as those efforts at the present time.
Odds: $6.00
7. FREETOAIR – (1) J Ford
She’ll find this much harder than her most recent start where she finished fifth of thirteen at a Sapphire Coast Open event.
Odds: $126.00
OVERVIEW
Pace should be solid despite the small field with Steps In Time jumping to the front and Choice Words, Red Tracer and Pear Tart, all keen to keep in touch with her. Think Red Tracer will be able to get the drop on Steps In Time and, at a slightly better price ($2.90), happy to tip her to be able to turn the tables on the Steps In Time this year. Ladys Angel ($9.00) not to be underestimated and could add some value to the multiples.
