Chris Waller‘s decision to pit VRC Derby champion Riff Rocket against his own age group in the Rosehill Guineas 2024 appears a shrewd move, as the colt emerges as the clear favourite for the Slipper Day feature.
Riff Rocket is tipped to pick up a second Group 1 as favourite in Saturday’s 2024 Rosehill Guineas in Sydney. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
Initially a double acceptor for Saturday’s Rosehill card, Riff Rocket will skip the Ranvet Stakes in favour of the $1 million Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
The American Pharoah gelding boasts an impressive record (5 wins from 9 starts) and arrives in peak fitness after two strong lead-up runs.
Following a surprise victory in the Group 3 CS Hayes (1400m) first-up, Riff Rocket finished a credible third in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) last time out.
Considering his 2500m Derby win at Flemington last year, connections anticipate further improvement at this distance.
Jumping from barrier seven with Nash Rawiller in the saddle, Riff Rocket is fancied to return to the winner’s circle.
Leading online bookmaker Ladbrokes has Riff Rocket installed as the $2.60 favourite, poised to deliver Waller his fourth Rosehill Guineas victory after D’Argento (2018), The Autumn Sun (2019), and Lindermann (2023).
Three other runners join Riff Rocket under $10 in the market, with Tom Kitten ($3.40) the closest challenger.
James Cummings‘ colt captured the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes over this distance last year but has yet to find winning form this preparation.
However, a step up to 2000m with Hugh Bowman in the saddle could see him firing again.
Ciaron Maher‘s King Colorado ($7.50) and the unbeaten Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young-trained Immediacy ($8.50) are the other notable contenders.
King Colorado seeks his first win since the J.J. Atkins last year and will be looking to atone for a disappointing run in the Australian Guineas.
Meanwhile, last start three-length Group 2 Autumn Classic winner Immediacy aims to maintain his undefeated record in a significant step up in class and distance.
The 2024 Rosehill Guineas is scheduled for Race 6 at Rosehill on Saturday with a post time of 3:15 pm (AEDT).
2024 Rosehill Guineas Field
| No | Last 10 | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight | Probable Weight | Penalty | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11x5158x22 | MILITARIZE (NZ) | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 7 | 56.5kg | 110 | ||
| 2 | 7x12121x13 | RIFF ROCKET | Chris Waller | Nash Rawiller | 8 | 56.5kg | 107 | ||
| 3 | 150x840x93 | CAFE MILLENIUM | John O’Shea | Tom Marquand | 6 | 56.5kg | 100 | ||
| 4 | x13321x654 | TOM KITTEN | James Cummings | Hugh Bowman | 2 | 56.5kg | 100 | ||
| 5 | 1x9740x220 | KING COLORADO | Ciaron Maher | Mark Zahra | 3 | 56.5kg | 96 | ||
| 6 | 6x41183x79 | GANBARE | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tim Clark | 4 | 56.5kg | 87 | ||
| 7 | 111 | IMMEDIACY (NZ) | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | Luke Currie | 12 | 56.5kg | 84 | ||
| 8 | 35x9732x67 | CAP FERRAT | Chris Waller | Ryan Moore | 9 | 56.5kg | 83 | ||
| 9 | 312x6x66 | CEOLWULF (NZ) | Joseph Pride | Blake Shinn | 11 | 56.5kg | 82 | ||
| 10 | 7x4763x187 | DUCASSE | Michael Freedman | Tyler Schiller | 1 | 56.5kg | 82 | ||
| 11 | 4130 | COSMIC LAD | Edward Cummings | Chad Schofield | 10 | 56.5kg | 62 | ||
| 12 | 64104×7819 | STEEL BLAZE | Brett Lazzarini | Reece Jones | 5 | 56.5kg | 61 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
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