3 minute read
Racing and Sports provides two horses to watch coming out of midweek racing on October 6.
Rosehill
Race 6: Juan Diva
One to keep an eye on from Wednesday's Rosehill meeting is the Richard and Michael Freedman-trained Juan Diva. Second-up over the 1200m, the Snitzel mare was once again given a positive ride out of the barriers and strode forward to cross and lead comfortably from the widest gate. Tim Clark was able to get it all his own way out in front, giving his ride a breather from the 600m until straightening. With plenty left in the tank, the five-year-old let rip at the 300m showing great acceleration to kick clear of her opposition, before being eased down over the final 50m to score by 2.5L. Usually one to sit midfield or worse in her previous campaigns, it seems the stable may have turned the page with this mare and given the recent success will continue to ride her more positive in the future. If that is the case, I suggest Wednesday's encouraging win will not be the last for Juan Diva this preparation.
Race 8: April Rain
Another who caught the eye and is well worth backing in following runs is the Chris Waller-trained April Rain. Resuming over 1300m after a four-month spell, the lightly raced daughter of Pierro was given a cold ride out of the gates by jockey James McDonald and settled rearward on the fence. Remaining toward the tail of the field throughout, the five-year-old was caught in a tricky spot when straightening, still tucked away on the inside with all runners ahead of her. Biding her time, McDonald with what appeared to be a lapful of horse under him, made steady ground in the straight but was in dire need of clear running. Unfortunately, the split didn't appear for McDonald and his mount until passing the 100m but when gained, the mare let down most impressively as she powered to the line to finish 0.5L away in second. Wednesday's promising return for April Rain suggests she is in for a great campaign and with any luck in running will be winning sooner rather than later.
