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By Brad Gray
At Rosehill Gardens

Only The Beginning For Paret
“I think he has got a lot more to offer and this is just the start.”

That was how Hugh Bowman summed up the dominant performance of Paret at Rosehill Gardens.

Paret saids ta ta to his rivals (Pic: Steve Hart)

“He was very impressive and I was delighted with the way he went about things. It suggests he is ready to start stepping up,” said Bowman.

“We’ve had great difficult relaxing him but it seems the penny is dropping.”

As for what’s next, the G2 Tramway Stakes (1400m), which would set up a potential clash with Pierata and Lanciato, and the G3 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) are likely targets but Chris Waller also has eyes for the $1m Epsom Handicap (1600m).

Shades of Boban?

“My word there is, especially the way he races,” responded Waller.

On the topic of spring targets, The Autumn Sun, Zousain and Lean Mean Machine, who are all set to  trial on Monday at Royal Randwick will likely all kick off in the Run To The Rose. Performer, meanwhile, will be seen first up in the San Domenico Stakes.

As for the G1 Winx Stakes next Saturday, Waller will be well represented. The headline act will be there of course, Winx herself, but Unforgotten, Comin’ Through, D’argento, Religify and a few familiar stayers could be there to keep her company.

On Trek For Better Things
It was billed as a race in two between Trekking and Tactical Advantage, and that’s the way it played out.

Trekking had a 7kg weight pull on Tactical Advantage but he was wide the trip and travelling keenly, so for him to knuckle down at the finish was still an outstanding effort.

“It’s not easy to do at Rosehill, sit three wide on the turn like that and keep out muscling them but it just goes to show how well this horse has come back,” said James Cummings.

“Running against Tactical Advantage gives me a good line of how far this horse can get this campaign. He is a pretty exciting sprinter.”

Kerrin McEvoy added, “I tried to time it to be attacking strongly the last 100m and attack is exactly what he did.”

Hugh Bowman, rider of Tactical Advantage, said the weight proved the difference in the finish while Aaron Bullock suggested Dal Cielo will be cherry ripe for 1200m next time out.

Punters have rallied behind Trekking all week and is now $2.15 with @tabcomau.

“He is ready,” says @LizzieJelfs from the yard. pic.twitter.com/nqOjI3iw0f

— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) August 11, 2018

Prized Placegetter 'Feels Amazing'
Prized Icon was run down by Flow but Sam Weatherley was gushing with praise for the two time Group One winner after the race.

“It was a big run first up,” he said, “I would have liked to have been one pair further back but the way he travelled up, he felt super. He just got to the front a little bit too soon and pricked his ears but the horse feels amazing.”

Meanwhile, look out for I Am Serious in 10 days time as she will tackle Hawkesbury’s Rowley Mile on August 23.

“We had a sweet run,” said jockey Jay Ford, “But as she does, she hits that customary flat spot and the winner got away from us but she closed off well late. Usually first up is her most vulnerable so it looks good for the preparation.”

Let’s not take away anything from the winner Flow, who although was race fit, didn’t find himself in his normal front running position. James Cummings believes the horse in thriving.

“While he continues to be the best of the morning at trackwork, he can keep stepping out and racing well,” he said.

Berry Quick To Be Among Winners
How good is it seeing Tommy Berry back riding winners in Sydney?

Tommy Berry coming back on Quick Defence (Pic: Steve Hart)

The affable hoop, who spent a period of time riding in Hong Kong full time, has taken no time to pick up where he left off.

“I’ve had a lot of support. Without support you can’t do it and I’ve had plenty so I’ve been blessed,” said Berry.

Berry was at his best in getting Quick Defence home for the new owners, having been only purchased this week, and will now head down to Tasmania to be trained by John Blacker.

“Going back through his replays he seems to be better ridden for luck and produced late. He was good, he got into a fight and came out on top,” said Berry, “I just let him drift out because he wanted to wait on me. The closer he got to the other horse the stronger he got.”

Angland Pledges Winnings To Farmers
Tye Angland put his hand in his own pocket on Saturday, donating his earnings from the winning ride on Irithea to the NSW farmers suffering through the drought.

“I grew up in the country,’ Angland said, “My dad’s a farmer and he has got cattle so I know how tough it is for them. I’m just giving back a little something. I think Australia is doing a great thing at the moment helping them out because they need it.”

“We complain about firm tracks but our horses have got feed, and they are hand feeding cattle with nothing, losing money. That’s something to think about.”

All credit to Irithea who has won two on the trot now but it was a very encouraging return from staying mare All Too Soon with Punters Intel revealing a final 600m of 34.56s, about 2.5L quicker than the next best which was Bella Success (34.89s).

“Yeah, she worked home very well,” jockey Jason Collett said with a grin ear-to-ear.

Of the rest, the jury is still out for Seahampton with Jay Ford putting it down to the firm track while Sam Weatherley praised the courage of Mandylion who is close to another win.

Check out all the results and replays for Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.