Race-by-race preview and tips for Gosford on Saturday
Race 1 — 11.15AM GOSFORD IT MIDWAY BENCHMARK 72 HANDICAP (1200 METRES)
7. Duck Egg Blue is back in trip, but to offset that she is four weeks between runs and back from listed company in The Championships. The lightly raced filly was racing out of her grade in the South Pacific Classic, yet overachieved, finishing a close-up fifth. She was held up in the straight, too. Confident all she has to do is get the start right to win this. She jumped half a length in front two starts ago, which should give her the inside draw. Third from the fence is perfect. A pair further back and things get problematic. 5. Don't Doubt Merlin looks the likely leader. The gamble is how vulnerable he'll be late first up over 1200m. Hasn't won beyond 1100m. Has only raced over 1200m once, and he knocked up to be well beaten, albeit the heavy track took the brunt of the blame. Has trialled well on two occasions. 3. Monte Kate looks well paired with Adam Hyeronimus again. Was posted wide throughout last start and that perhaps told at the finish.
How to play it: Duck Egg Blue to win.
Race 2 – 11.50AM ORTUS FINANCIAL 2YO HANDICAP (1200 METRES)
1. Sequsita found herself posted three wide outside the leaders in the Percy Sykes Stakes before sticking on well to run fourth. That was behind Tempted, which proved to be one of the standout two-year-olds of the season. She tackles this four weeks between runs and has been tasked with carrying 58kg under the handicap conditions, but she has the best CV. How the first 400m plays out will be critical to her chances. She perhaps has the most natural speed of any runner here, but there will be pressure kicking up underneath her in the early stages. If he can cross without doing too much work, they will be doing well to chase her down. 6. Hidden Achievement will need to get the start right, too. Had he shown any early speed in his trials or on debut he would be on top here. Some chance he ends up buried away worse than midfield in the run. Like the way he closed off at Canterbury on debut, giving away race experience.
How to play it: Sequsita to win
Race 3 – 12.25PM TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP (1200 METRES)
4. Joiselle jumps 1000m to 1200m but has raced well in the past off the same preparation. The last time the four-year-old tackled this trip was in Highway company at Randwick in January. She led, kicked like the winner only to be run down late by Clear Thinking and Highway Strip. One of the deepest Highways we've seen in some time. Two weeks ago, she ran in Highway company over 1000m and kept closing when third behind Massira. There is a lot of 1000m and 1100m form in this race. Joiselle runs a strong 1200m at this level. There is evidence of that already. Looks a clever claim taking 2kg off with Anna Roper. 1. Jolly Good Fellow made it two wins from three starts for Dean Mirfin when too classy at Bathurst last start. Draws wide but has gate speed and a recent 1400m win under his belt. Was only three lengths off Engine Room first up in town. 8. Ritzsun has been solid recently without winning. Didn't look to have any excuses at Mudgee last start having settled outside the leader.
How to play it: Joiselle to win.
Race 4 – 1PM POLVIN FENCING SYSTEMS 3&4YO BENCHMARK 72 HANDICAP (1600 METRES)
1. Yankee One used barrier one to stalk the speed at Randwick last start before running out a dominant winner. Drawing the same gate here should give her a similar run in transit, and let her settle in front of her main dangers. The four-year-old finds herself in career-best form having won three from four for Bjorn Baker. At her past two starts she's improved again, which coincided with getting out to 1400m for the first time and the blinkers going back on. A tearaway leader a fortnight ago made it a testing 1400m. The official last 600m split was 37.47s. That'll toughen her up for her first try at the mile. No argument that 4. Engine Room is likely to end up the best horse in the field. He might already be. However, the draw and his racing pattern make things a touch problematic around a tight Gosford track. He'll need a clever ride from Alysha Collett, who takes over from Zac Lloyd. 5. Last Command appears to have lost his early speed, but has been great in two runs back.
How to play it: Yankee One to win.
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Sydney Morning Herald
09-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Race-by-race preview and tips for Gosford on Saturday
Race 1 — 11.15AM GOSFORD IT MIDWAY BENCHMARK 72 HANDICAP (1200 METRES) 7. Duck Egg Blue is back in trip, but to offset that she is four weeks between runs and back from listed company in The Championships. The lightly raced filly was racing out of her grade in the South Pacific Classic, yet overachieved, finishing a close-up fifth. She was held up in the straight, too. Confident all she has to do is get the start right to win this. She jumped half a length in front two starts ago, which should give her the inside draw. Third from the fence is perfect. A pair further back and things get problematic. 5. Don't Doubt Merlin looks the likely leader. The gamble is how vulnerable he'll be late first up over 1200m. Hasn't won beyond 1100m. Has only raced over 1200m once, and he knocked up to be well beaten, albeit the heavy track took the brunt of the blame. Has trialled well on two occasions. 3. Monte Kate looks well paired with Adam Hyeronimus again. Was posted wide throughout last start and that perhaps told at the finish. How to play it: Duck Egg Blue to win. Race 2 – 11.50AM ORTUS FINANCIAL 2YO HANDICAP (1200 METRES) 1. Sequsita found herself posted three wide outside the leaders in the Percy Sykes Stakes before sticking on well to run fourth. That was behind Tempted, which proved to be one of the standout two-year-olds of the season. She tackles this four weeks between runs and has been tasked with carrying 58kg under the handicap conditions, but she has the best CV. How the first 400m plays out will be critical to her chances. She perhaps has the most natural speed of any runner here, but there will be pressure kicking up underneath her in the early stages. If he can cross without doing too much work, they will be doing well to chase her down. 6. Hidden Achievement will need to get the start right, too. Had he shown any early speed in his trials or on debut he would be on top here. Some chance he ends up buried away worse than midfield in the run. Like the way he closed off at Canterbury on debut, giving away race experience. How to play it: Sequsita to win Race 3 – 12.25PM TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP (1200 METRES) 4. Joiselle jumps 1000m to 1200m but has raced well in the past off the same preparation. The last time the four-year-old tackled this trip was in Highway company at Randwick in January. She led, kicked like the winner only to be run down late by Clear Thinking and Highway Strip. One of the deepest Highways we've seen in some time. Two weeks ago, she ran in Highway company over 1000m and kept closing when third behind Massira. There is a lot of 1000m and 1100m form in this race. Joiselle runs a strong 1200m at this level. There is evidence of that already. Looks a clever claim taking 2kg off with Anna Roper. 1. Jolly Good Fellow made it two wins from three starts for Dean Mirfin when too classy at Bathurst last start. Draws wide but has gate speed and a recent 1400m win under his belt. Was only three lengths off Engine Room first up in town. 8. Ritzsun has been solid recently without winning. Didn't look to have any excuses at Mudgee last start having settled outside the leader. How to play it: Joiselle to win. Race 4 – 1PM POLVIN FENCING SYSTEMS 3&4YO BENCHMARK 72 HANDICAP (1600 METRES) 1. Yankee One used barrier one to stalk the speed at Randwick last start before running out a dominant winner. Drawing the same gate here should give her a similar run in transit, and let her settle in front of her main dangers. The four-year-old finds herself in career-best form having won three from four for Bjorn Baker. At her past two starts she's improved again, which coincided with getting out to 1400m for the first time and the blinkers going back on. A tearaway leader a fortnight ago made it a testing 1400m. The official last 600m split was 37.47s. That'll toughen her up for her first try at the mile. No argument that 4. Engine Room is likely to end up the best horse in the field. He might already be. However, the draw and his racing pattern make things a touch problematic around a tight Gosford track. He'll need a clever ride from Alysha Collett, who takes over from Zac Lloyd. 5. Last Command appears to have lost his early speed, but has been great in two runs back. How to play it: Yankee One to win.
The Age
09-05-2025
- The Age
Race-by-race preview and tips for Gosford on Saturday
Race 1 — 11.15AM GOSFORD IT MIDWAY BENCHMARK 72 HANDICAP (1200 METRES) 7. Duck Egg Blue is back in trip, but to offset that she is four weeks between runs and back from listed company in The Championships. The lightly raced filly was racing out of her grade in the South Pacific Classic, yet overachieved, finishing a close-up fifth. She was held up in the straight, too. Confident all she has to do is get the start right to win this. She jumped half a length in front two starts ago, which should give her the inside draw. Third from the fence is perfect. A pair further back and things get problematic. 5. Don't Doubt Merlin looks the likely leader. The gamble is how vulnerable he'll be late first up over 1200m. Hasn't won beyond 1100m. Has only raced over 1200m once, and he knocked up to be well beaten, albeit the heavy track took the brunt of the blame. Has trialled well on two occasions. 3. Monte Kate looks well paired with Adam Hyeronimus again. Was posted wide throughout last start and that perhaps told at the finish. How to play it: Duck Egg Blue to win. Race 2 – 11.50AM ORTUS FINANCIAL 2YO HANDICAP (1200 METRES) 1. Sequsita found herself posted three wide outside the leaders in the Percy Sykes Stakes before sticking on well to run fourth. That was behind Tempted, which proved to be one of the standout two-year-olds of the season. She tackles this four weeks between runs and has been tasked with carrying 58kg under the handicap conditions, but she has the best CV. How the first 400m plays out will be critical to her chances. She perhaps has the most natural speed of any runner here, but there will be pressure kicking up underneath her in the early stages. If he can cross without doing too much work, they will be doing well to chase her down. 6. Hidden Achievement will need to get the start right, too. Had he shown any early speed in his trials or on debut he would be on top here. Some chance he ends up buried away worse than midfield in the run. Like the way he closed off at Canterbury on debut, giving away race experience. How to play it: Sequsita to win Race 3 – 12.25PM TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP (1200 METRES) 4. Joiselle jumps 1000m to 1200m but has raced well in the past off the same preparation. The last time the four-year-old tackled this trip was in Highway company at Randwick in January. She led, kicked like the winner only to be run down late by Clear Thinking and Highway Strip. One of the deepest Highways we've seen in some time. Two weeks ago, she ran in Highway company over 1000m and kept closing when third behind Massira. There is a lot of 1000m and 1100m form in this race. Joiselle runs a strong 1200m at this level. There is evidence of that already. Looks a clever claim taking 2kg off with Anna Roper. 1. Jolly Good Fellow made it two wins from three starts for Dean Mirfin when too classy at Bathurst last start. Draws wide but has gate speed and a recent 1400m win under his belt. Was only three lengths off Engine Room first up in town. 8. Ritzsun has been solid recently without winning. Didn't look to have any excuses at Mudgee last start having settled outside the leader. How to play it: Joiselle to win. Race 4 – 1PM POLVIN FENCING SYSTEMS 3&4YO BENCHMARK 72 HANDICAP (1600 METRES) 1. Yankee One used barrier one to stalk the speed at Randwick last start before running out a dominant winner. Drawing the same gate here should give her a similar run in transit, and let her settle in front of her main dangers. The four-year-old finds herself in career-best form having won three from four for Bjorn Baker. At her past two starts she's improved again, which coincided with getting out to 1400m for the first time and the blinkers going back on. A tearaway leader a fortnight ago made it a testing 1400m. The official last 600m split was 37.47s. That'll toughen her up for her first try at the mile. No argument that 4. Engine Room is likely to end up the best horse in the field. He might already be. However, the draw and his racing pattern make things a touch problematic around a tight Gosford track. He'll need a clever ride from Alysha Collett, who takes over from Zac Lloyd. 5. Last Command appears to have lost his early speed, but has been great in two runs back. How to play it: Yankee One to win.
Herald Sun
08-05-2025
- Herald Sun
Shayne O'Cass's Gosford tips: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Form expert Shayne O'Cass analyses Saturday's 10-race card at Gosford, presenting his race-by-race tips and analysis. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 1: GOSFORD IT MIDWAY BENCHMARK 72 HANDICAP 1200m TRAFALGAR SQUARE (9) has raced at Gosford once, namely a closing third in between her Golden Gift debut (good) run and a not so good fifth of six in the Kindergarten. Only won once from 16 but talent is not the issue, it is her pattern of slow early/fast late that holds her back. Hope it doesn't beat here again. APACHE BREEZE (4) is another backmarker in the Midway but if things goes his way, he could storm into the medals here. Bet: Trafalgar Square each-way ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: ORTUS FINANCIAL 2YO HANDICAP 1200m From day one, KILMAN (2) has 1400m/1600m top shelf late two-yare-old then three-year-old Guineas type written all over him and I note with great interest but zero surprise that has a ticket in the Queensland Sires' and J.J. Atkins. Just hope he gets around Gosford. INQUISITOR (8) could be saved for another day but he's a handy prospect himself. SEQUISTA (1) has two very good runs on her resume at her only runs. HIDDEN ACHIEVEMENT (6) has a bright future. Bet: Kilman to win, Kilman to win Queensland Sires' ($51) and J.J. Atkins ($51) ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP 1200m ATMOSPHERIC ROCK (17) is, in my opinion, the best horse but the widest draw with the big weight on a track that could, on paper be poison to his pattern, is still somewhat hard to go past just with all the depth in his form. Speaking of depth, JOISELLE (4) has a third to Clear Thinking on her stylish resume. Barrier 3 could be the 'winning draw'. CARRIBEAN KING (6) is from the Dunn stable (tick). The 'cross' is a mere three wins from 37 starts but at least two of them were first-up. Bet: Atmospheric Rock to win or if scratched Joiselle to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: POLVIN FENCING SYSTEMS 3&4YO BENCHMARK 72 HANDICAP 1600m Can see why AUTOMNE TREE (9) was nominated for the Derby. Look at the pedigree; he is by The Autumn Sun out of a close relative of the Melbourne Cup winner, Gold Trip. I tipped him first-up and he surely did enough to get a pass mark, sixth of 12, fitness telling the last bit. How's this for a couple of scalps? LAST COMMAND (5) won the Paul Perry in March last year beating Just Party and, drum roll please, Broadsiding. Impressive last start winner. Bet: Automne Tree to win, Automne Tree each-way in the Queensland Derby ($101/$26) ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: TOOHEYS BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP 2100m TRAPALANDA (15) is a Highclere/Archibald gelding who came from Ireland with a record of two seconds and a 2414m Maiden win by two and a half lengths at Listowel. Had two fitness trials prior to his honourable debut in an 1800m Benchmark 78 on the Kensington where he was $21 into $17 and ran accordingly; as in 'good for next time'. MR BUSTER (14) has had a lovely lead in to this 2100m race, third-up. Sydney form is quite okay. SO DAZZLING (2) is a player but is only one from 25. Bet: Trapalanda each-way, quinella 14, 15 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: TRIPLE M THUNDER THOUSAND BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP 1000m RANTAN (12) won on debut in memorable barnstorming fashion but it was her last four starts, three of them anyway, where she has impressed most with her consistency and at a decent level of racing. She went out on a high and trialled really well when third to Jedibeel and Crafty Eagle no less. Just needs a good ride around here. LULUMON (10), who was third in the Inglis Challenge on debut, has run a lot more good races than bad. As for trials, hers have been as good as anything on the day. Bet: Rantan, Lulumon each-way ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: GUARDIAN SAFETY SOLUTIONS GOSFORD GOLD CUP 2100m HEZASHOCKA (3) won last year's Gosford Cup, which was run at Newcastle, a track that is much more favourable to him. This son of Shocking has run in some huge races and more or less held his own against the likes of Mr Brightside, Zaaki, Mo'Unga, Alligator Blood and Dubai Honour. Frankly barrier 1 and Gosford has me worried but plenty of faith in the horse. There's a big race in MR WATERVILLE (13). Probably more a handicap over a bit longer but still he's going well. Bet: Hezashocka to win, Mr Waterville to place ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 8: THE COAST 3&4YO QUALITY 1600m DEPTH OF CHARACTER (2) was so dominant winning the Queensland Guineas last Saturday. I really rate the third placed Churchill's Choice so I had to mark the winner 'up' again for how easily he did it. Caveat is that this is a different set-up in that he is taking on older horses and gives all bar one of them a weight advantage. The market may well tell the story regarding the very well-credentialed ROYAL SUPREMACY (7) who would have been my on-top pick but for barrier 15. WOOTTON VERNI (4) was well-backed first-up, lost, but way too early to give up on. Bet: Depth Of Character to win, Daily Double 1st Leg (2), 2nd Leg (4) ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 9: DE BORTOLI WINES TAKEOVER TARGET STAKES 1200m PEREILLE (9) has finished with a medal at 18 of his 23 starts, 11 of them are silver. That's a lot of second but what I found interesting and appealing about this son of Fastnet Rock is that all four of his wins are at this trip. On top of that, he is at home on any surface. BRUDENELL (2) has won 10 from 26. Any horse that wins 10 races in this era has to be hugely admired and he's done it in 26 starts. Excuses last start; trialled well since. Chances go up if the track gets better. Bet: Pereille to win, quinella 2, 9 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 10: RAILWAY HOTEL GOSFORD BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP 1200m MEMORIA (4) has come a long way since winning her debut in a 1000m Maiden at Tamworth on August 2 in 2022. Her resume boasts seven wins and 11 placings from 26 starts. She ran third in the Mona Lisa Prelude in September behind Pajanti who goes well. That's the same mare she beat at Randwick on April 26. One more thing; Memoria is three visits to Gosford for two wins. Dual acceptor ATMOSPHERIC ROCK (12) (Race 3) has claims. KING OF ROSEAU (5) has held his own against some stars of his foal crop from day one. Bet: Memoria to win Originally published as Shayne O'Cass's race-by-race tips, analysis for Gosford on Saturday
