Rowley Mile – 2023

Track: Soft Weather: Fine

There are 14 runners for the Rowley Mile this year. There are 10 geldings, 3 mares and a stallion with one 3YO, one 4YO, five 5YOs, three 6YOs, two 7YOs, one 8YO and one 9YO. Six runners are first-up from a spell and all runners came via different races. Chris Waller has 7 runners (half the field) and Hawkesbury trainers Jason Attard & Lucy Keegan-Attard have 2 runners.

The betting is very open and the early favourite is Bold Mac who has won his last 2 starts and tends to go well in the wet. Second favourite is Tazaral who has won both his starts since resuming, both over 1600m at Randwick. Third favouritism is shared between Protagonist who resumes from a 17 week spell and is having his first start for Kris Lees, and Pretty Amazing who has been to Hawkesbury twice before and won both times. Ruby Flyer has won 4 of her 5 starts this preparation including one at this track, while Logan Street Lion has won 5 of 16 starts and looks well suited here. The other runners are currently $12 or longer.

1. Polly Grey (11)

This 9YO are is the oldest runner in the race this year and is one of 7 runners for Chris Waller. She has won 4 of 7 Listed races and is first-up after 33 weeks here. She has had 4 trials and finished near the rear each time. Prefer to see.

2. Protagonist (4)

Resumes from a 17 week spell and is having his first start for Kris Lees. Won a recent trial at Gosford, but all his race wins have been at 1900m and further. Not keen.

3. Alegron (8)

Has had two trials and returns from a 20 week spell. Usually needs a run or two to show his best.

4. Manzoice (2)

Won the Group 1 Victoria Derby over 2500m on a soft track last October. Nicely drawn but will wait until he goes over further.

5. Bold Mac (6)

Has won his last 2 starts and tends to go well in the wet. Comes back from 1800m but is one of the main chances. Kerrin McEvoy sticks with him.

6. Longvillers (12)

Struggled in 3 runs this preparation. Not here.

7. Parry Sound (13)

First-up after 25 weeks and has trialled well. Not the worst.

8. Pretty Amazing (3)

Returns to a shorter trip after a 7 week let-up after running 3rd in a Listed race at Eagle Farm. She has been to Hawkesbury twice before and won both times. Can feature in the finish.

9. Logan Street Lion (9)

Has won 5 of 16 starts and looks well suited here. His wins have all been from 1400m to 1800m. Place chance.

10. Tazaral (14)

He’s won both his starts since resuming, both over 1600m at Randwick. The query is the soft going, but he has claims despite drawing the outside barrier.

11. Gan Teorainn (10)

Import who hasn’t raced for 46 weeks and is having his first run for Chris Waller. Watch for any market moves.

12. Ruby Flyer (1)

She has won 4 of her 5 starts this preparation including one at this track, and she wins by good margins. Having her first black-type race and has drawn the inside barrier. Looks a serious player.

13. Luvoir (5)

Has won 2 of 4 at Hawkesbury. Could surprise.

14. Momack (7)

Wasn’t far away at Canterbury last start and has placed in 3 of 4 runs at his track. Rough place chance.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo Jackson’s Tips	Bryce Parker’s Tips
5 Bold Mac	2 Protagonist
8 Pretty Amazing	8 Pretty Amazing
12 Ruby Flyer	1 Polly Grey
9 Logan Street Lion	9 Logan Street Lion

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	5 Bold Mac
2nd	2 Protagonist	0.07 length
3rd	12 Ruby Flyer	0.55 length
4th	8 Pretty Amazing	1.74 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratchings: 4. Manzoice, 10. Tazarel.