Judgment: Secessio to go distance

LEADING trainers and bookmakers have their final say on the big races at Rosehill Gardens this afternoon.

Heart Testa steps out into restricted company for the first time this afternoon.

ROSEHILL GARDENS

Race 4: ATC Cup (2000m)

Joe Pride (trainer) Maluckyday: "I've been happy with Maluckyday. His first two runs have been good and he goes to the races up to his right trip and with blinkers on.''

Gai Waterhouse (trainer) Travolta: "I know he is second up straight into a 2000m race but he is a very fit horse at the moment and particularly happy and well. On top of that he loves this distance. Tommy (Berry) has the gun draw and is riding so well of late.

"I expect him to be competitive as the race will pan out to suit his racing style. He has an each way chance.''

Glenn Munsie (TAB): "Secessio should be ready now at his third run back stepping to 2000m. He Jumped sharply from 1500 to 1900 last start when third behind stablemate Hoylonny here two weeks ago.

"He has a good record this track. The edge off the track is no concern as has acted on all going.

"Five of the other seven runners also contested that race. Hoylonny returned to the winners' stall in that race and if can hold that form must be in finish again.''

Mark Morrissey (bookie): "Tricky race with Chris Waller having a strong representation. I was leaning to Travolta bouncing back after blowing the start first up, think he can get on pace favours and be hard to run down.

"The value in the race looks to be Maluckyday who is third up after two encouraging runs over unsuitable distances. He has trialled well in readiness for this race and third up last preparation was placed in a Group 1 - a repeat of that performance sees him right in the finish here."

Tommy from Campbelltown (punter): "Basically a team of milk lickers but Seccessio has improved since being gelded while Hoylonny and Fulgur have claims if they decide to put in.''

Verdict: Secessio

White Sage has drawn wide in a strong field but the ghostly grey is full of potential.

Race 6: Festival Stakes (1500m)

Joe Pride (trainer) Destiny's Kiss, Terravista: "I really like Destiny's Kiss, he's a competitor. He is only a pit pony, he weighs just over 400kg, but he has already won nine races. He doesn't really get 'hot' below a mile but he is creeping up to his right distance now.

"Terravista is really well and although this is a decent step up in grade, he is down on the limit and with a nice, soft draw.''

John O'Shea (trainer) White Sage: "She is a little dynamo. Barrier 18 a concern t but there is a straight run of two and a half furlongs (about 500m) to the first turn and hopefully James McDonald can work a bit of magic early.

"There is pretty much nowhere else for her to go except this race and it does give her an opportunity over 1500m at Rosehill. She loves a bit of cut in the ground.''

Glenn Munsie (TAB): "I thought that the two favourites in White Sage and Terravista had to be massive risks stepping out of Benchmark races into an open handicap and up against some seasoned runners.

"Nothing wrong with Ninth Legion's last few and looks to be into the perfect spot from his draw. Lobs into run of the race and currently at great odds although on the 3rd line of betting.

"Merlin Mustang has a good record this track, trip and also second up and can run a cheeky race at huge odds.''

Mark Morrissey (bookie): "What an outstanding race with so many chances and questions over how good the lightly raced yet very talented White Sage and Terravista are? I have to put the bookies cap on here and oppose both of them at the prices the early markets have dished up.

"I firmly believe they should be closer to 4/1 which leaves great value in Alma's Fury who will get a great run from the inside draw and Strike The Stars who is racing in superb form this time in."

Tommy from Campbelltown (punter): "Interesting race. White Sage although drawn on Parramatta Rd should cruise across into a lovely spot. Is up to this.

"Terravista was disappointing in winning last week but ridden quieter here will improve. Said Com is the knockout horse and Destiny's Kiss is underrated.''

Verdict: White Sage

Heart Testa steps out into restricted company for the first time this afternoon.

Race 7: Starlight Stakes (1100m)

Bjorn Baker (trainer) Zaratone: "Zaratone is third-up and hopefully getting back to his best form. His run first-up was very good and he has improved even more after his last start effort.

"He's come down a bit in weight to 58kg and he does meet Heart Testa slightly better at the weights this time.''

Peter Snowden (trainer) Safeguard: "He only had two runs in Melbourne, but he's still very raw, and I don't know enough about the horse. Every time we get one run into him, something happens, he'll get a temperature, or whatever.

"I just think we need to get race experience into him and for me to find out more about the horse. I'll run him in this and then maybe the Razor Sharp.''

Glenn Munsie (TAB): "A big test for Heart Testa as he steps out of restricted company. I can't say that I think he is well weighted for it and therefore not great value. I'm looking to Hidden Warrior who showed last start that he doesn't have to be on speed to race well. Burdened with 59kg but still only concedes 2.5kg to Heart Testa. Safeguard hasn't been seen in Sydney for a while but has had a few runs in Melbourne and may appreciate being back here.''

Mark Morrissey (bookie): "I'm expecting Heart Testa and Zaratone to fight out the finish here much like they did two weeks ago at Rosehill. There doesn't look to be a great deal of speed on paper and they will be very hard to run down. The Guy Walter pair Jacquinot Bay and Straight Albert are in for good preparations after trialling well and may show up here at odds first up."

Tommy from Campbelltown (punter): "If the track stays good/dead, Heart Testa is a moral. Simply stalks the bunny, Zaratone, and makes it four from four at this distance. Zaratone is honest while Jacquinot Bay will sprint well fresh. Safeguard has been costly but could run into the exotics.''

Verdict: Heart Testa