Ray Thomas’s snapshot: Rosehill Gardens

BETTER Not Blue ran a blinder to just miss overhauling Ninth Legion in the Civic Stakes. There is a good race in the four-year-old this winter.

Shinn perfection: Blake Shinn pushes the button on El Sasso on Saturday. Picture: Simon Bullard

THE Daily Telegraph’s Ray Thomas gives his assessment of the best performances from the Rosehill Gardens meeting on Saturday.

RUN OF THE DAY

SUBORIC’S winning effort was quite unbelievable. He was well back in the field then was checked and lost momentum at the 600m and again at the top of the straight. Inside the final 200m he suffered more interference yet balanced up and unleashed a powerful surge to get up and win. He is better than winter class.

Thud (blue and red sash) rallies after getting clear air but it’s all too late again. Picture: Simon Bullard

FORGET THEY RAN

THUD — she had zero luck again. The mare drew an inside barrier and try as he might, Blake Shinn could not get her off the rails. She was bolting behind leaders Butterboom and Flamboyant Lass and when the gap finally came she dashed through only to be edged out by Pioneering. Twice in as many starts Thud has been desperately unlucky. Surely her turn is coming.

Better Not Blue (right) just fails to reel in Ninth Legion (orange silks) in the Civic Stakes. Picture: Simon Bullard

BLACK BOOK

BETTER Not Blue ran a blinder to just miss overhauling Ninth Legion in the Civic Stakes. The four-year-old is eligible for easier races but he appreciated being on the limit weight and very nearly gave trainer Michelle Ritchie her first stakes win. There is a good race in Better Not Blue this winter.

Blake Shinn pilots Eirka to a brave victory along the fence. Picture: Simon Bullard

RIDE OF THE DAY

Take your pick of Blake Shinn’s winning efforts on El Sasso and Erika. The former was a brilliant stalking ride, the latter noticeable for the jockey’s daring and perseverance. Even Shinn’s losing efforts on Foxplay and Junoob were hard to fault.

NSW RACING — THIS WEEK AHEAD

Monday: Kembla Grange, Taree

Tuesday: Cessnock, Corowa

Wednesday: Canterbury

Thursday: Hawkesbury, Grafton

Friday: Bathurst, Tamworth

Saturday: Royal Randwick, Beaumont Newcastle, Engonnia, Moruya, Wean

Sunday: Grafton Wellington