Stable Watch: Nic Ashman gets the inside mail for Rosehill Gardens on Saturday

JOHN Sargent is renowned for his ability to produce stayers but does possess the knack of getting the “right” two-year-olds ready for their debut.

Don’t underestimate: Sebrina wins on Melbourne Cup Day at Royal Randwick. Picture: Mark Evans

JOHN Sargent is renowned for his ability to produce stayers but does possess the knack of getting the “right” two-year-olds ready for their debut.

Murrmaid steps out for the first time in the 1220m Les Carlyon AC Plate at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday after a four and a half-length trial win at Randwick on May 6.

“She can run — just taken a bit of time to develop but she is ready now,” Sargent said.

“She’s quite a big horse and I suspect she will be better over a bit further but the way she trialled made it hard for us not to consider this race.”

John Sargent talks to jockey Brenton Avdulla after winning a race at Canterbury midweek races. Picture: Mark Evans

RACE 2: LEILANI AND LUSKIN STAR HCP (2000M)

Rory Hutchings knows stablemate Hipparchus is the horse to beat but says Dance Of Heroes is better suited here than he was last start in the Wagga Cup.

“He tends to run his best races when he’s allowed to travel up on the speed and in the Wagga Cup they went pretty quick and he was midfield most of the way,” Hutchings said.

“Back to a smaller field will suit and the last time he ran over this track and distance he finished second.”

RACE 3: MERMAN AND SYDESTON HCP (1100M)

Pioneering produced a big finish to run down all bar one when resuming at Rosehill on May 7 and looks poised to go one better here.

In her previous preparation, Pioneering stepped up in distance but Christian Reith isn’t fazed about her running over 1100m again.

“She showed a pretty good turn of foot when resuming and with a bit of luck from the draw, she can blouse them late,” Reith said.

RACE 4: TAB HIGHWAY HCP (1500M)

Correspondent was held up at a vital stage last start before finishing four lengths astern of the winner. Talented apprentice Deanne Panya takes over and reckons the step up to 1500m will help avoid trouble in the run.

“He should have the speed to get across from the wide gate and that should ensure he doesn’t get held up this time,” Panya said.

RACE 5: PAT HYLAND HCP (1400M)

HIGH Spirit took forever to wind up when resuming at Gosford recently but when he did the son of High Chaparral really let down like a horse going places.

“The step up to 1400m and onto a bigger track will only enhance his chances,” co-trainer Paul Snowden said.

“He’ll be even better over a bit further but this looks a nice progression for him.”

RACE 6: NOEL MCGROWDIE HCP (1100M)

GARY Portelli knows I Can Rock is a low percentage horse because of his get back run-on racing pattern.

But at least the gelding has drawn down on the inside where most of the winners are likely to come from.

“He’ll need luck at some point but his finishing sectionals at his two runs this time in have been huge,” Portelli said.

“I’m just worried about track bias, the is out and if he has to come wide I think it will drastically reduce his chances.”

Racing returns to the city and Rosehill Gardens after the Scone stand-alone last weekend. Picture: Jenny Evans

RACE 7: NEVILLE BEGG HCP (1400M)

JIAGUYUAN showed plenty of promise last campaign producing big finishes over staying trips. But trainer John Thompson says the mare will need further than what she gets here although he does have a stakes target in mind for her.

“We’re setting her for the Grafton Cup and she’s going really well but I think she will only be getting warm late in the piece here,” Thompson said.

“She’s placed three times while fresh and I guess if they over did it in front she could repeat one of those performances.”

RACE 8: CECIL GODBY HCP (1400M)

SEBRINA is a $26 chance in early markets but her trainer Bjorn baker says the mare is going better than she was leading into her first-up run last campaign.

“I now she finished last when resuming last prep but she was only beaten three and a half lengths,” Baker said.

“And that was behind Sultry Feeling, who would just about win this. I think Sebrina is going a little bit better this time as well — not the worst roughie.”

RACE 9: JOE BROWN MBE HCP (1200M)

TIE Angland says the inside gate will prove a huge advantage for Mohave, who drops in grade here.

“I think being drawn down nearer the fence is the place to be given the rail is out,” he said.

“He’s run into some handy horses of late and if you go off his run three starts back, he’s right in this.”

Mohave will be suited by the inside gate when he contests the final race. Picture: Tara Croser