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.

Advertisement
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...
Many Pedigree Paths Lead to Helen Street
Jane Henning of Pedigree Dynamics offers her thoughts on an Irish Oaks winner that has become a remarkable producer and is now emerging as a great candidate for line breeding.
Tenth 2YO Winner Spirit of Boom
Lindsay Park Racing produced the tenth 2YO winner of the season for Spirit of Boom at Pakenham on Monday when the well backed favourite Idleonby saluted at her second start.
Euro G1 – Bridesmaid No More and Two Time Derby Hero
Aga Khan Studs don’t race a lot of geldings, but one that they do is Calandagan, who shook off his G1 bridesmaid tag winning the Group I Grand Prix de Saint Cloud in France, while in Ireland the Coolmore machine kept the winning run going to take out the Group I Irish Derby (1 ½ m).
Kiwi Innovator Recognized
Emma Thompson was stepping into the unknown when taking on the role as Programme Lead for the NZB Kiwi, and after executing an outstanding inaugural running in March, she was recognised at Entain’s Industry Excellence Awards.
Vale, Joe Yorke
The racing industry has lost one of its more colourful characters with the passing of Joe Yorke on Sunday.
Istataba adds international flavour to National Online Breeding Stock Sale
Buyers can currently bid on 11 stakes-performed mares in the National Online Breeding Stock Sale on Gavelhouse Plus, including one that brings South American bloodlines and Singaporean racetrack performance.
Alice Jeffries - Rising Star in Breeding Industry
Alice Jeffries didn’t always see a future for herself in the breeding industry, but a very special filly played a key role in getting her to where she is today, working as Cambridge Stud’s Assistant Yearling Manager, and receiving Entain’s Newcomer Excellence Award on Sunday.
New kids on the block add fresh blood to Vibrant Victorian breeding scene
With 11 new stallions standing in Victoria this coming breeding season, including the winners of three Group 1 races on their ‘home’ soil, the short and long-term future looks increasingly bright for the state’s vibrant industry. 
G1 Aussie Season – Best of the Best
The $700,000 Group I Tatts Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm last Saturday was the last of 76 Australian Group I races run this season that produced 57 individual Group I winners, so let’s take a look at the best of the best.
NZ Racing Woman of the Year
Caitlin O’Sullivan Doyle has been immersed in racing from a young age and she was recognised for her individual contribution to the industry at Entain’s Industry Excellence Awards on Sunday.