Picture: Steve Hart
Estadio Mestalla shall be out to actual revenge on final begin conqueror Cepheus after they conflict once more on the first Saturday assembly of the brand new season.
Cepheus and Estadio Mestalla completed one-two within the South Grafton Cup, however the coach of the runner-up reckons his cost can flip the tables when the pair renew their rivalry at Rosehill.
Estadio Mestalla led the 1610m Grafton characteristic and was overhauled within the ultimate bounds by defending titleholder Cepheus, who lumped eight kilos extra.
There shall be no change to the load differential for his or her return bout within the NSW Jockeys Affiliation Reunion Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday, however coach Joe Pleasure is banking on the gap drop working in favour of his cost.
“He lastly obtained on high of the bottom the opposite day and almost obtained the job accomplished. He was overwhelmed by an excellent horse,” Pleasure mentioned.
“He meets that very same horse on Saturday, however I really feel like 1500 metres at Rosehill may simply be benefit us.
“I’m very pleased with him and the within draw will assist.”
In an open betting race the place six of the 13 runners are at single-figure odds, the rematch between Cepheus and Estadio Mestalla shapes as an intriguing sidebar.
Each horses have claims to being observe and distance specialists, Cepheus racing over 1500m at Rosehill 3 times for 2 wins, highlighted by his Group 2 Shannon Stakes efficiency final spring.
Estadio Mestalla shall be having his fifth begin over the circuit the place he has posted half of his 4 profession victories and a minor inserting.
Pleasure may also saddle up Testator Silens within the race and hasn’t discounted that gelding from parlaying a collection of constant performances into an overdue win.
“He runs plenty of placings, however he’s by no means distant,” Pleasure mentioned.
“He will get in with fifty kilos on his again, a very good draw once more (barrier 5) and he’ll run a cheeky race.”
Excelladus has been given a freshen-up for Saturday’s Congratulations Chris Waller Handicap (1300m) the place Pleasure desires to see an improved displaying, whereas progressive pair Little Cointreau and Cosmonova are anticipated to race boldly of their respective assignments.
“They’re each final begin winners on the midweeks stepping out to Saturday grade,” Pleasure mentioned of the latter two.
“However they each look fairly effectively positioned.
“They’ve obtained good attracts and I couldn’t see them being distant. They’re each good horses.”
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