Turf Talk: Shayne O’Cass keen on $19 value pick at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday

Shayne O’Cass and Ray Thomas debate all the key chances at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday in this week’s edition of Turf Talk.

Shayne O’Cass and Ray Thomas debate all the key chances at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday in this week’s edition of Turf Talk.

Shayno is keen on the chances of $19 pop Useapin in the 3yo Benchmark 72 (1100m), while Ray thinks Bjorn Baker can keep racking up the winners with Puntin ($4.20) in the 3&4yo Benchmark 72 (1400m).

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Ray Thomas: The final Group 1 race of the season, the Tatt’s Tiara at Eagle Farm tomorrow, is wide open. I’ve gone for Tashi – she deserves a big race win. I’ll put you on the spot, Shayno – a Tiara tip and also your Group 1 highlight of the season?

Shayne O’Cass: Floozie for me RT. Aeliana winning the Derby was mine. I wonder if she’s the next Verry Elleegant? You?

The Derby goes to the filly! 🤩

Aeliana destroys them in the G1 Australian Derby, and just how good is she?!@cwallerracing | @LaneDamian | @StarTbreds | @aus_turf_club | @WorldPoolpic.twitter.com/pXfg6xnL1v

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 5, 2025

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Thomas: I don’t know if I could narrow it down to just one but Blake Shinn’s ride on Antino in the Toorak Handicap was spectacular, as Via Sistina was in the Cox Plate and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and Ceolwulf in the King Charles Stakes. What about Rosehill tomorrow – how good is McKell Cup hopeful Elamaz?

O’Cass: We’ll find out. I have no doubt the ‘best’ Adelaide River just wins but he’s got to bring those amazing trials to race-day.

Thomas: Surely Weeping Woman (race 4) is ready to win and why can’t Mickey’s Medal (race 6) make it a hat-trick?

🏅 Mickey's Medal gets more gold, storming home to win at Rosehill for @ANeashamRacing!@NockBraith gets a treble halfway through the card! 👌 pic.twitter.com/55CtWdJM3g

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 14, 2025

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O’Cass: Pajanti has been crying out for a race like this – at home, fully fit now, and ready to win. I think she can beat Weeping Woman. Keeping the faith with Testator Silens RT, we’re all entitled to one bad one.

Thomas: I don’t know why the Stayer’s Cup and McKell Cup are on the same day, Shayno. Can you explain it? Anyway, I’ve gone for Hopeful in the Stayer’s Cup as he seems to be working his way back into form.

O’Cass: Madness. Also, to be a true Stayers Cup, it has to be 3200m! Why are there so few of them around. They can be so exciting; mid-race moves, tearaway leaders, all the things that we almost never see in so many of these ‘conventionally run’ races.

Thomas: Bjorn Baker has a chance to train 100 city wins this season and he can keep his stable’s momentum going with Puntin (race 3).

Puntin wins on debut! 🤩@[e-mail]/PiryM2OIK1

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 15, 2024

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O’Cass: That is a remarkable achievement isn’t it RT; 100 in the city. I was with Pretty Powerful first-up – in light of what happened, I’ll stick rock solid.

Thomas: On the subject of “centuries”, the Australian cricket team’s top six batsmen are really struggling. I’m worried about the Ashes this summer. Back on subject – what’s your best for Saturday.

O’Cass: I’d be more worried about your Panthers and Dragons buddy. Useapin (race 5) my best!

Originally published as Turf Talk: Shayne O’Cass keen on $19 value pick at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday