3 minute read

Plenty of hype around tomorrow's Run To The Rose and rightfully so, it's the race of the Spring so far.

There is nowhere to hide, bubbles will be burst and no doubt a few connections will walk away disappointed.

Farnan only has the one blemish on his record, when clearly not right in the Magic Millions, could also have been the Overs God at play with a few in the media room holding tickets at 50-1, what a game it is!

Has certainly looked the part at the trials, though never easy racing outside the lead first up.

The thriller from Chincilla, Rothfire makes his Sydney debut, he's already locked in for The Everest and the camp is bullish, they will be leading from the inside draw.

Rounded out his 2YO preparation rated 117+ by Timeform (Farnan rated 122 when winning the Slipper) and has history on his side.

Only two horses in the last 20 years have won the JJ Atkins by further, Sacred Elixir in 2016 and Show A Heart in 2000.

Then you have North Pacific who is unbeaten this preparation, trained by Team Hawkes and ridden by James McDonald.

Has a key fitness edge, soft draw and no horse in the last 20 years has won the Up And Coming by further, Manawanui being the closest in 2011 (4.3L).

Sets up well 28 days between runs, back in trip and has a slight pull in the weights, he is my lean.

The Kris Lees trained Special Reward did a good job first up when only going down narrowly in the Show County.

Start proved costly there as he wasn't able to find the front and dictate.

Fought hard the whole way and was marked right up to his peak which is a great sign for this preparation.

Should show good improvement second up and it is a key booking with Nash Rawiller taking over, drawn to lead.

There doesn't look to be a lot of speed and he appears well treated at the weights, he should prove hard to beat.

Simon Dinopoulos' Three Tips:

Race 6 #5 North Pacific @ $5

Race 7 #3 Special Reward @ $4.40

Race 8 #8 Fasika @ $2.70