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By Brad Gray
At Rosehill Gardens

Eye-Catching Debut From Diplomatico
Diplomatico (Snitzel x Top Cuban) has some way to go to repay his lofty $1.7m price tag but the son of Snitzel was outstanding on his debut behind Ronstar in the opening event.

Once Brenton Avdulla balanced him up to hit the line, Diplomatico charged home to run his last two 200m splits in 11.05s and then 11s flat (Punters Intel). After lamenting the slow speed in front, Avdulla was full of praise for the  Hawkes-trained youngster.

“He went terrific,” Avdulla said, “He travelled comfortably and he is a big-actioned horse and still a bit raw. He was there to win at the 100m but wasn’t sure how to go on with it. He’ll take good improvement from that."

Tye Angland, meanwhile, suggested Irish Bet would also take plenty of improvement from the run, with Punters Intel also revealing as much. The John O’Shea trained colt ran his 400m-200m in 10.98s, the quickest in the race, before finishing his last 200m in 11.31s, which ranked third.

Shinn Dominates From Front On Gresham
Gresham was going to win The Dark Horse Handicap (1500m) a long, long way from home at Rosehill Gardens. The three-year-old was allowed to roll along in front at a gentle speed running his 1200-600m in a leisurely 36.77s before booting home his final 600m in 34.24s, as revealed by Punters Intel.

It was an easy watch for Gresham backers (Pic: Steve Hart)

“He dominated that race from start to finish,” said Blake Shin, who would have been giggling half way through the race.

“I felt I had control of the race when I was able to assume the lead. I thought Reflectivity might lead and give me a trail but when it didn’t jump as expected that’s when I took advantage of that and it was smooth sailing from there.

“He was a prolific placegetter last time and now he has got the will to win, who knows where he’ll end up.”

Chris Waller said there is a chance that Gresham could head north for next Saturday’s Queensland Guineas.

Meanwhile, James McDonald was full of praise for the second-placed Chalmers, who ran the fastest last 200m in the race.

“Love the horse. He will really develop in six months and over the mile/2000m you’ll see a very nice horse,” said McDonald.

What next for Prime Candidate?
If you’d already started stashing loose gold coins to back Prime Candidate next time he appears at the races after Dawn Dawn came out and franked his midweek win, you’ll have to be patient.

Bjorn Baker’s right hand man Jack Bruce revealed that the galloper has gone for a break. Prime Candidate also beat Wander at Wyong two starts back and the Godolphin three-year-old subsequently bolted in at Hawkesbury.

That’s not to discredit the win of Dawn Dawn though. The All Too Hard filly with Team Hawkes has been quietly building an impressive record and now has three wins and three placings in seven starts.

“She travelled lovely all the way from the inside gate,” said jockey Robert Thompson, “I just needed a little bit of luck half way up the running to get out. She was cruising and once she got the gap she went through very quickly.”

On the topic of talented Hawkes-trained fillies, Golden Slipper winner Estijaab is back in pre-training and is about a week away from returning to the stable's Rosehill base.

Super Win from the very progressive filly Dawn Dawn @rosehillgardens Congratulations to Owners/Breeders Rob and Pam Crosby #alltoohard @VineryStud Couldn’t forget the Man himself Robert Thompson for a very patient ride #nowheretogo #makeyourownluck #stillgotit https://t.co/Bm3FsNwHIw

— Hawkes Racing (@HawkesRacing) June 2, 2018

Seriously, Don't Give Up On Her
I Am Serious went down as an even money favourite to Volpe, adding a rare blemish to her race record but James McDonald was still bubbling with enthusiasm about the mare's effort.

"I thought she went great - it was just the tempo of race. She is going really well and when she draws a gate she will be winning," McDonald said.

Punters Intel reveals I Am Serious, who had to make a sweeping run around the field from last, ran her last 600m in 33.73s. Her surge from the 600-200m told at the finish and although her last 200m was still the fastest in the race, it wasn't any where near as superior as her prior splits.

There were a number of hard luck stories in the race including King Viv and Monasterio but perhaps none more so than the well-backed Intueri. Brenton Avdulla summed it up best.

"I was third the fence... and stayed there," he quipped.

Throw former Kiwi galloper Our Gravano into your blackbook for next time, after Aaron Bullock said post-race, "He went terrific. It was his second start in Australian and he is not far off a win."

The shortest priced runner of the meeting I Am Serious steps out in great order at @rosehillgardens!

$2 with @tabcomau. pic.twitter.com/hmHOg97WYT

— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) June 2, 2018

One More Spin For Special Missile?
How much forgiveness do you have left in your heart, punters?

Special Missile jumped $3.70 with TAB and despite finishing fourth, his run was full or merit according to Brenton Avdulla.

"I was positive. If I came I would've been third the fence and I think he is a better horse flowing but I had to cop pressure throughout and it probably told," he said.

The fellow leader Moher finished long last but Punters Intel reveals Special Missile didn't break any records out in front.

Sir Bacchus led home a Chris Waller-trained trifecta in the race, beating New Universe and Invinzabeel.

"I thought he had a terrific chance and the writing was on the wall last start," Waller said.

Is today the day for Special Missile?

Punters are buttering up again. He’s $3.70F with @tabcomau. pic.twitter.com/y8T73kaY8E

— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) June 2, 2018

All of the results and replays for Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.