Next NSW Race

Latest News

Mosaic In The Fast Lane For Farm Return

By Ray Hickson

There’s no getting around the fact that Mr Mosaic is a “fast horse” and the lightly raced galloper will be allowed to put his speed on show when he resumes at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.

But co-trainer Sterling Alexiou, who trains in partnership with Gerald Ryan, says it’s important for jockey Robbie Dolan to harness Mr Mosaic’s pace and use an inside barrier to advantage as the four-year-old isn’t the only speedster in the Bowermans Commercial Furniture Handicap (1000m).

“He’s going to want a breather at some stage midrace, there looks a couple in there that could really put the pressure to him but if he can get that breather he will be very hard to beat,’’ Alexiou said.

“He’s a horse that really likes the rail too, even though he is a fast horse he can be quite green when he gets off the rail.

“Whether he’s an 1100m-1200m horse remains to be seen but at this stage 1000m down in the weights (54.5kg) and from an inside barrier looks ideal.’’

Alexiou said he and Ryan take the blame for the entire suffering his first defeat at Warwick Farm back in November, citing it as one run too many.

When he returned to the stable in February he had a small setback and that's the reason for the long layoff.

But Mr Mosaic’s two runaway barrier trial wins, the latest over Prime Candidate, coupled with two victories over 1000m to kick off his career last spring have him a clear $2.20 favourite with TAB.

“He’s just a fast horse, he’s been like that all the way along,’’ he said.


Mr Mosaic wins a trial at Rosehill on August 18

“We don’t try to do too much with him at home and that’s probably why he’s had those hard hitouts because when he goes to the races he’s going to do it both ends and you want them fit.

“I’d be surprised if he wasn’t right in the finish.’’

The same sentiment applies to talented colt Return With Honour who will be out to get his spring back on track in the All Too Hard @ Vinery Handicap (1300m).

The three-year-old was sent to Brisbane for his first-up run to avoid the wet tracks at the time and it was a horror show from the moment the gates opened as he was beaten 3.3 lengths by Acrobatic in a 1200m race at Eagle Farm.

Return With Honour, $4 favourite with TAB for Wednesday, is still among the nominations for the Group 1 Golden Rose later this month.

“We sent him up there with the idea of getting a win under his belt and some prizemoney to get into the better races but it didn’t eventuate,’’ Alexiou said.

“It was a messy race on paper. He never got balanced up until the last 100m and he’s not the sort of horse that appreciates that, he wants to find his rhythm and balance and finish off.

“He has a really good finish when he gets a nice smother and can balance up.”

Nash Rawiller rode the colt in trackwork on Friday morning and gave the stable a glowing report so Alexiou said he needs to show what he’s made of.

“We’re going to the races very confident he’s going to run a big race,’’ he said.

“It’s hard for the three-year-olds coming through racing against the seasoned campaigners but with the sort of races we are looking at he needs to be putting his hand up.’’

All the fields, form and replays for Wednesday's Warwick Farm meeting

The Latest Racing News

Scone Trials Scheduled (Wednesday 20th January)

A set of non-raceday barrier trials have been scheduled for SCONE on Wednesday, 22nd January 2025. Nominations will close at ...
Read More

Snowden Sees Black Type Future For Manaajem

By Ray Hickson Trainer Peter Snowden was suitably impressed with the debut of well related filly Manaajem and now he’d ...
Read More

Eligibility & Conditions For Provincial-Midway And Country Championships

PROVINCIAL-MIDWAY CHAMPIONSHIPS CONDITIONS (2025) Provincial-Midway Championships - Eligibility The Provincial-Midway Championships in 2025 are open to horses that are Provincial-trained ...
Read More

John Schell's Tips For Dubbo (Tuesday)

By John Schell Selections based on a good track Race 1 - 1:15PM BARASTOC SUMMER SPRINT SERIES – ROUND 1 ...
Read More

Lundholm Holds A Strong Hand At Dubbo (Tuesday)

By John Schell Trainer Clint Lundholm will be in action at Tuesday’s Dubbo race meeting with a strong representation set ...
Read More
Racing NSW Apps
View
Mobile Version
Contact
Forms
Information
Industry Links