The lone Group 1 on Saturday's nine-race Rosehill card, the $600,000 Coolmore Classic (1500m) for fillies and mares, sees a field of 18 with a substantial portion of the runners holding some chance.
With the top four from last year's race renewing their rivalry here, it's the Ron Quinton-trained Daysee Doom (Aus) (Domesday {Aus}), fourth 12 months prior, who heads into the race off an impressive win in the G2 Millie Fox S. (1300) on Feb. 24. Having never finished further back that fourth in eight starts at the track, the 5-year-old mare has an undeniable chance.
Impressive in the G2 Breeders Classic first-up on Feb. 10 before a narrow fourth behind Daysee Doom last start, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Prompt Response (Aus) (Beneteau {Aus}) has threatened to win a Group 1 in the past and Saturday's race looks well within her grasp.
Set to carry only 51 kilos, last-start G1 Australian Guineas third Bring Me Roses (Aus) (High Chaparral {Ire}) has recorded two elite-level placed efforts from her last three starts and if the drop back in trip holds no issue, the filly looks a strong contender.
Last year's winner Heavens Above (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire}) hasn't finishing in the top three in seven runs since her win, but her last start sixth behind Daysee Doom, beaten less than two lengths, sees her with a chance here over the 1500m.
Chris Waller's dual Group 1 winner Egg Tart (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}) returned in final style in the G3 Liverpool City Cup on Mar. 3, working home very well from back in the field to take third, beaten a length. While she hasn't delivered on her Classic season form, with Kerrin McEvoy in the saddle, the mare should be charging late.
Group 1-winning 3-year-old Alizee (Aus) (Sepoy {Aus}) was slightly disappointing last time out when beaten as the race favourite in the G1 Surround S. behind Shoals (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), but the Godolphin raced half-sister to Group 1 winner Astern (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro {USA}) should acquit herself well here on just 54 kilos.
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