3 minute read

Chris Scholtz previews the Festival Stakes meeting at Rosehill on December 2 with selections for all races.

ROSEHILL December 2

RACE 2: (6) Epidemic

RACE 5: (6) Sedanzer

RACE 6: (7) Black On Gold

RACE 7: (8) Federal (EW)

RACE 8: (15) Tactical Advantage (EW)

RACE 9: (8) Machinegun Jubs (EW)

RACE 1: 7-8-1-5

RACE 2: 6-2-4-1

RACE 3: 3-5-2-7

RACE 4: 7-9-16-17

RACE 5: 6-2-5-4

RACE 6: 7-4-2-1

RACE 7: 8-4-7-9

RACE 8: 15-12-8-17

RACE 9: 8-6-7-14

RACE 2 (6) EPIDEMIC: This progressive younger sister to Stradbroke winner Impending had excuses first-up at Canterbury and took benefit from that run to record an easy maiden win over 1200m at Randwick on November 7. She’s only had four career starts which suggests she holds considerable scope for improvement and she is certain to be very competitive in this field under the favourable weight scale. Worth noting that she is a last start winner over this trip while her main rivals all step up from 1100m and none have won at 1200m.

RACE 7 (8) FEDERAL: Meets the promising front runner Cabeza De Vaca for the third time in as many starts since resuming but this time gets his best chance with added fitness and a 5kg turn around in the weights on his last start third over 1400m at this course on November 18. Never out of a place in his three starts at Rosehill and his favourable draw gives him a golden chance to add to that record.

RACE 8 (15) TACTICAL ADVANTAGE: Has been a model of consistency both sides of a spell and has some key factors in his favour that gives him the chance to improve on his two excellent placings since resuming. Had blinkers applied for the first time when he ran home best for close second to Glenall over 1100m at this course on November 18 to maintain his perfect in the money record at Rosehill. Meets that horse 1.5kg better and drawn to be in the finish again.

Eligible Blackbook Runners – December 2

ROSEHILL: Curdled (R2); Imperial Aviator (R3); Saxton Rock (R4); Siren’s Fury (R5); Tactical Advantage (R8); Tower Of Song (R9).

ASCOT: Rock Magic (R7)

NEWCASTLE SUNDAY: Kanga’s Eye (R1)