Racing for Saturday 13 December 2008

A.J. Scahill Stakes – Ascot

In Perth the main race of the day is the Group 3 $125,000 Scahill Stakes over 1400 metres. There are only five veteran geldings in the field and Takeover Target should be a short-priced favourite after he defeated Apache Cat in the Winterbottom Stakes over 1200 metres on November 29.

The weight-for-age conditions favour him, as the other four entries will be meeting him at level weights of 59kg. Scenic Shot is a multiple Group winner and is having his first start since June when he was fourth in the Brisbane Cup behind Viewed, who went on to win the Melbourne Cup. He will be wearing blinkers to sharpen him up. Tarzi won this race last year and five of his nine wins have been over 1400 metres.

Jo’s tips: 1. Takeover Target, 2. Tarzi, 3. Scenic Shot

Christmas Cup – Rosehill

The main race at Rosehill is the Listed $100,000 Cospak Christmas Cup for three-year-olds and up over 2400 metres. There is a field of 13 plus 3 emergencies. The early favourite is the up and coming stayer Rainbow Styling who was most impressive winning by 5½ lengths in a 2100 metre race at Warwick Farm on 26 November. Second favourite in the early market is the Gerald Ryan trained mare Ready To Lift who was fourth in the 2000 metre Canberra Cup at her last start and was finishing strongly. She also has an excellent record at Rosehill with 3 wins and 2 placings from 8 starts here.

Jo’s tips: 1. Rainbow Styling, 2. Deltona, 3. Sussman

Asia Pacific Handicap – Rosehill

The first race at Rosehill is the $70,000 Resmed Asia Pacific Handicap for two-year-olds over 1100 metres. There is a field of eight, with four having their first race start. The topweight is the Gai Waterhouse trained Turf Express who has been won both of his two starts and will carry 59.5kg.

Gai is confident he will win again despite giving his rivals a minimum of 3.5kg, and is putting the blinkers on him. Hewentwhoosh is a country galloper with a second and a fourth to his credit. He meets Turf Expess 5kg better at the weights for being a length behind at his last start. Country Club is a beautifully bred filly, and Lioncub, Stryker and Indian Ocean have trialled well.

Jo’s tips: 1. Turf Express, 2. Hewentwhoosh, 3. Stryker