Paul Joice’s top three to follow from Rosehill Saturday August 12

Paul Joice - Monday August 14

It was one of those days at Rosehill – I could have listed 10 horses to follow but have stuck to the format – here are my top three.

You cannot be serious? - Oh, yes I am.

MARCO MAN
Wagga-based trainer Tim Donnelly has ventured north twice in the past two months for a tilt at the rich Highway races but has headed home on each occasion with only enough to cover fuel. But his turn will come, and if it doesn't come in a Highway, I'm confident we can get a result out of this Sebring five-year-old closer to home. Was a luckless seventh behind Nic's Vendetta/Suncraze two runs back at Warwick Farm then caught the eye on Saturday when working into fifth behind plunge winner Another Sin and the previously undefeated Lifesaver. Got too far back in an on-pace dominated affair, 3kg apprentice Rebeka Prest hooking widest (very wide) on the turn. The sectionals tell the story – Marco Man clocking 11.34 seconds for the final 200m. That was the quickest final split of the race.
Career record (12:2-1-2).
Race to look for – Highway or Country Class 2/Benchmark 60 (1200-1400m)

- Check out Marco Man in the below video, he's second last in the orange, green seams and cap.

TOM MELBOURNE
I can only go on what I see and Tom Melbourne appears to be airborne for Chris Waller. Had trialled twice leading into Saturday's return and had trialled superbly. If you're reading this column then I am assuming you watched Saturday's Spring Preview (1400m) at Rosehill. Box-seated, locked-up entire straight, flew once clear – tragic! The strange thing is, there will be so many punters burned by the 'old' Tom Melbourne that we might actually get a price next time out. I may join that list if the 'old' Tom Melbourne doesn't deliver, but as The Armchair Punter wrote – Tom Sydney could be an entirely different beast.
Career record (19:5-4-1).
Race to look for – Any black type race (1400m-1600m)

MANDALONG KISS
I've got a soft spot for this Gary Nickson-trained mare – she did the job at big odds last campaign and I reckon there's another win in her this prep – I'm just not sure when. Last campaign it was fifth-up off a spell on a heavy track over 2000m, but I wouldn't be surprised if she wins a bit earlier this time around. Ran on gamely first-up when third over 1250m at Canterbury and should have finished closer than the official 1-3/4 lengths eighth behind Elouera over the 1400m on Saturday. Settled well back on the rails and was scrubbed along by Andrew Banks approaching the turn. Was just warming to her task when ran onto heels inside the final 100m. Third-up stats read OK and she has won over distances ranging from 1100m to 2000m.
Career record (24:3-3-4).
Race to look for – Follow next three runs whatever that may be

- Mandalong Kiss races in the pink, black seams and stripes cap and is third last.

COMMENTS - Did you spot one to follow? Share it with the Racenet audience through the comments section below.

 

Advertisment
More Reading...
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.
One to Watch – Moonee Valley
This promising three year-old Cosmic Force filly made it wo wins in as many starts at Moonee Valley on Friday night with a tenacious display.
Halo Racing Reduction features in November (Late) catalogue
Shares in reigning G1 Caulfield Cup champion Duke de Sessa, G1 Toorak Hcp winner Attrition and tomorrow’s G1 Railway Stakes favourite Light Infantry Man headline an exciting Inglis Digital November (Late) Online Sale.
$1.3million Snitzel Colt Ready to Fire on Debut for Te Akau
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.
Sires With Winners - Friday November 22
Here is the full list of 46 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
Best On Breeding
The cerise, white crossed sashes and black cap of Bob Peters, Peter's Investments, may not be the once dominant force they have been for decades in Western Australian racing, but they are far from finished.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
Ka Ying Rising connection draws Hayes team to Shamexpress at Karaka
With one of the world’s most exciting sprinters flying the flag for David Hayes in Hong Kong, it has been no surprise to see the trainer’s sons zeroing in on progeny of Windsor Park Stud stallion Shamexpress during the Ready to Run Sale at Karaka this week.