Wednesday, 22 February 2012: The feature $250,000 Group Two Hako Australia Apollo Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday continues the preparation of some of Sydney's senior gallopers with the expected challenge from progressive sprinter Rain Affair.
Rain Affair was dual nominated by trainer Joe Pride for the Group One Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield but has chosen to remain in Sydney for the Apollo Stakes (1400m) and the softer track conditions at Rosehill after Sydney's persistent rain.
While fine weather is now expected in Sydney this week, the track was rated a Heavy 8 at acceptance time and despite expected improvement in the rating it might be doubtful if a Good 3 track can be reached in time.
Nevertheless, TAB Sportsbet has opened the Apollo Stakes market with Rain Affair the firm favourite at $1.40 over Shoot Out at $8.00.
Rain Affair has drawn out at barrier 12 for regular rider Corey Brown.
Shoot Out is one of four Chris Waller trained runners and the most forward with the others, Danleigh, Rangirangdoo and Hawk Island continuing their preparation towards further assignments. Shoot Out has barrier three for Hugh Bowman.
Commencing their preparation towards the BMW Sydney Carnival are the John Thompson trained pair Trusting and Gathering and the Gai Waterhouse pair Tullamore and Herculian Prince.
Rain Affair's stablemate, multiple Group 1 winner Sacred Choice, continues her campaign after an unplaced run in the Group 2 Expressway Stakes over 1200m at Rosehill on February 11.
The Grahame Begg trained Secret Admirer is the top-weight with 59.5kg for the $125,000, Group 3, Mad Mex Southern Cross Stakes (1200m) which has a field of 10. The Group 1 winner has barrier seven with Brenton Avdulla riding.
Caulfield's former Thousand Guineas winner Yosei has 57kg and barrier two for regular rider Michelle Payne.
There is a field of 15 for the $100,000 listed The Geoff & Beryl White Triscay Stakes (1200m) for fillies and mares with the Waller trained Little Surfer Girl the top-weight at 58kg. Kathy O'Hara rides from barrier three.
There are a total of 100 acceptances for the eight race programme commencing at 12.50pm. The Apollo Stakes is Race six at 4.10pm. The rail is in the true position for the entire circuit.
There is a $120,000 TAB Quaddie jackpot on the last four races commencing with Race five, the Southern Cross Stakes at 3:30pm.
