3 minute read

Highlights and news from Rosehill on Saturday.

Soami soars to another success 

Winless for almost two years prior to his last start success, Soami is making up for lost time after stringing together consecutive victories. 

The six-year-old's triumph at Rosehill early this month was his first since August 2021, but he made it two Midway Handicaps in a row in taking out the opening race at Rosehill on Saturday. 

Trainer David Pfieffer said a drop in grade combined with a bit of good fortune had helped Soami rediscover form. 

"It was a long time between drinks and now he's put (together) two in a row, which is great for the owners because they've all been quite patient and had faith in him," Pfieffer said. 

"Maybe good luck, that's all you can put it down to really. 

"He's had a couple of really good rides and the drop back in grade has probably been a big help for him. 

"He's got to go up in grade now, that always makes it tough for the next step, but we'll run with the confidence." 

Spring aspirants bounce through trials 

Adrian Bott was thrilled with the barrier trial efforts of emerging stayers Goldman and Major Beel at Rosehill on Friday, the former shading his stablemate in their 1000m heat. 

Bott reported both had come through the hitouts in good order and would be ready to launch their respective preparations in early September. 

Currently an equal favourite for the Melbourne Cup, Goldman is likely to campaign exclusively in Melbourne and while the former Kiwi is unbeaten in three Australian runs, Bott believes he has come back a "bit more switched on". 

"Goldman was fantastic, we were really happy with him, as was Major Beel," Bott said from Rosehill races on Saturday. 

"Both showed good speed and rolled along and they came through it well. There were positive signs for their campaigns ahead." 

Clark's Kangaroo Court victory no joke 

After notching his 1500th career-win aboard Taormina early in the program, Tim Clark added another for good measure aboard lightly raced gelding Kangaroo Court. 

The progressive galloper's owners include a group of Clark's mates from 'The Joker And Thief', a former bar in which the top hoop once had a stake. 

While the venue no longer operates, his mates thought it would be an apt name for their racing syndicate and Kangaroo Court is the first horse the 'Joker & Thief' crew have been involved in. 

While the horse has taken time to find his feet, he rewarded his connections with an impressive win in Saturday's TAB Handicap (1500m), much to Clark's delight. 

"He's been a slow burn but they've stuck fat and hopefully they have a bit of fun with him," Clark said. 

"They were just interested in getting into it a few of the guys, in having a syndicate, and they picked this one out. 

"It hasn't been all plain sailing but it's good to see him get the win." 

Clark rode a patient race on Kangaroo Court ($14) and the son of Snitzel charged through a late gap to overhaul stablemate Howgoodareyou ($8) with Token Capitalist ($7) third. 

King's horse works royally between races 

The King's horse Chalk Stream enjoyed a day out at the races with a solo exhibition gallop at Rosehill. 

Ridden by Jason Collett, the Australia Day Cup winner covered the 1000m in 1:00.21, running home his final 600m in 34.43 seconds. 

The quirky galloper looked enthusiastic in his work and trainer Chris Waller felt Saturday's exercise would top him off for his resumption in a fortnight. 

"He was pretty keen today, so I was pleased we brought him. It will take a bit of that nervous energy out," Waller said. 

"With the trials in Sydney, it's hard to get a horse ready to go first-up over 2000-metres or further and realistically, that's the only distance he's competitive over. 

"But we will probably run him over 1800 because on that work today he might get a bit keen first-up." 

Chalk Stream is entering his fourth preparation in Australia and while he has been a mixed bag for connections and punters, Waller feels he has matured, nominating the Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m) on September 15 as a likely spring target. 

"He's come back really well, a lot stronger. Mentally, he has always been a tricky horse and he seems to be a lot more relaxed now, making his job and our job a bit easier," he said. 

"He's one step below the good horses but on the right day when the race is run to suit, there's a win in him." 

Quote of the day: "A winner a day keeps the bank manager away." – Trainer Bjorn Baker after Wategos scored at Rosehill.