2/2/19 Rosehill Tips: Expressway Stakes 2 February 2019

• Jan 31, 2019 06:58 PM
• AAP
• Author: James Beeson

Mouthwatering clash of heavyweights

Distance	1,200m
Grade	Group 2
Track Rating	Good 4
Prizemoney	$200,000
Class	WFA 3yo and Up
2018 winner	Trapeze Artist ($3.60)

This year's edition of the Expressway Stakes features a clash of high quality gallopers who each ooze quality.

The race presents a challenge for punters as most of the field are coming back from lay offs, while some return following injury concerns last prep (Trapeze Artist).

I am very keen to take the favourite on and have found value in a proven galloper with an outstanding first-up record. A rain affected surface would add supreme confidence.

 

 Rosehill Track Traits

Rosehill is currently rated a Good 4 with the rail out 3m the entire circuit and rain predicted for Saturday.

Rosehill can be off on the inside when the surface is wet, and a close watch is advised early to monitor the preferred lanes chosen by the leading riders. 

 

 Racing Market Movers

Trapeze Artist has come in for support in early betting, firming from an opening quote of $4.00 to now trade at $3.80. All other runners remain steady. 

 

 Key Runners

#1 Hartnell $11

This looks a tough first-up assignment and it appears he won't be dynamic enough to threaten over the sharper 1200m distance.

He did win the Group 1 Epsom Handicap last prep at Randwick over 1600m, which is more his distance range.

The stable instruction will surely be to go back and from there it will be very difficult to raise an effort over the sprint trip on old, 'mile preferred' legs.  No. 

 

#2 Trapeze Artist $4 > $3.80

Last year's winner who returns again as a genuine threat and is far too brilliant on his day to disregard.

Small question marks exist regarding the injury cloud reported at the conclusion of last prep and the ensuing time off. 

His last start form in the Everest has to be respected however, where he placed a close up 2 of 12 behind Redzel.

Only needs to reproduce that kind of form to be in the finish here. Top hope. 

 

#3 Le Romain $4.20

The stable whispers are he is flying on the track at home in Newcastle and is expected to run very well fresh.  

He has an excellent record first-up (7:3-2-1) and seems to keep improving each prep.

The rider will be close to speed, if not leading, and he has drawn to the inside of all his fancied rivals.

A strong rain affected record is also enticing (13:2-6-2) and the track looks a chance to be downgraded, with showers predicted. 

Will simply keep punching up and take control or sit in behind the leading pair before pouncing late. 

He looks the value runner in current markets and must go on top. Yes. 

 

#6 Alizee $1.85

No doubting her quality and the nice weight pull against all of these, however I could not touch the poison quote of $1.85 that bookmakers are currently dishing up.

This price looks way under the odds for a horse that will have to come from near last to win, in what is only likely to be a moderately run race. 

She has the form and can certainly fill a placing, however the speed map looks ugly and the price is pure madness. No. 

 

Of The Others

#5 Lanciato is a genuine place chance here, especially if a few of the leading chances cut at each other up front.

I love this stable where Mark Newnham is having plenty of winners with limited support and quality.

He is a high class trainer on the way up, and the horse is a must for wider exotic bet types. Could surprise a few. 

 

 Best Racing Tips

1^st  Le Romain

2^nd  Trapeze Artist

3^rd  Alizee

4^th  Lanciato

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