There aren’t many days left in Sydney racing that lack a feature race focal point like Saturday’s Rosehill meeting but Garza Blanca, Frumos, I Am Me and Estadio Mestalla could make it a reference point for bigger occasions to come.
The quartet – two from the premier stable of Chris Waller for Orbis Bloodstock and two from the Ciaron Maher-David Eustace yard – look assured of making their way beyond Saturday’s benchmark company and have been well found by punters in the betting.
Maher feels the benchmark 72 handicap is “the perfect race” for Garza Blanca, which brought $700,000 from a stallion syndicate after a track-record win over 1200m at Cranbourne last time.
Garza Blanca smashed the Cranbourne 1200m track record last start.Credit:Racing Photos
“He is such a big horse that he has taken a bit of time,” Maher said. “He needs firm ground and this is another nice step for him to take.
“We think he is going to get right through to group racing, but it is a matter of doing it the right way.
“Whether we do that through the Magic Millions will be decided in his next couple of starts, but I could see him still being around for those good sprints next year if he keeps going in the right direction.”
Garza Blanca has been backed into $1.90 after $3 was available earlier in the week, and stablemate I Am Me will also start well into the red in benchmark 88 company after her stunning return on November 5 at Rosehill.
“She is a mare that we probably see as a black-type horse this preparation,” Maher said. “She had that first-up run off only the one trial, so she will be better again and looks to get the right run in this race.”
Waller has the promising Frumos returning to the races as a winner of three of her five starts – a record could be much better with a touch of luck. She went under to the classy Hope In Your Heart, which went on to a couple of group wins, before spelling in August.
“It was really good work from her on Tuesday, she has come back better,” Waller said. “She has come back a treat.
“She has only had the one trial, she has drawn barrier one and we would like to see her race a little closer this time.
“She is using less energy around the track and is more relaxed and should run really well.”
Like Frumos, the unbeaten Estadio Mestalla will carry the Orbis silks when as he steps up to Saturday grade after winning on his Australian debut last month.
“It was a good opportunity for him to go to Rosehill midweek and get a look at the track, and he didn’t surprise us,” Waller said. “We are not in a rush with him, but he has shown us plenty of talent.”
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
