Cinsault Seeks Maiden Group 1 Glory in Coolmore Classic at Rosehill
Cinsault, a Brazen Beau four-year-old mare, is poised to continue her impressive campaign as she targets a maiden Group 1 victory in the Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill this Saturday. With top form on her side, she carries live claims for the prestigious win, though she will be ridden by a different jockey than in her previous four wins this preparation.
Jockey Change and Weight Considerations
Leading jockey Tim Clark has been engaged to ride Cinsault, replacing Chad Schofield, with initial expectations that she would carry less than 55kg. However, she will bear the same 55kg weight she carried when winning the Group 2 Millie Fox (1300m) at Rosehill three weeks ago. Clark, who has won back-to-back Coolmore Classics in 2020 and 2021, expressed optimism about her chances.
"She's a mare in form, she's going terrific," Clark said. "It's a step up again, out in distance a little bit further, but she beat Lazzura fair and square last start. She's drawn a nice gate again Saturday, so it's hard to write her off because she's going so well."
Market Position and Trainer Insights
In the betting markets, Cinsault is listed as a $9.50 chance, while Lazzura, ridden by James McDonald, and Savvy Hallie are joint favorites at $5 each. Trainer Michael Freedman, who prepares the bay mare, acknowledges the uncertainty of the 1500m distance but remains hopeful.
"She's won over 1400 two starts back, so she's pretty versatile," Freedman noted. "The 1500m is obviously new territory, but she's very genuine. I can't guarantee she will run 1500m, but she does give every indication she will. She now sits at a 103 rating and she's a Group 2 winner, so she's done amazingly well this prep and pleasantly surprised most of us."
Freedman's Second Runner: Manaal
Freedman also trains Manaal, another contender priced at $9.50, who has finished second in lead-up events such as the Triscay (1200m) and Guy Walter (1400m). He highlighted the weight advantages and strategic adjustments for this race.
"Both times she's been giving plenty of weight away to her opposition," Freedman explained. "I think first-up she was giving four and five kilos to just about everything around her, and last start something similar. I think it's probably tighter in the weights this time around, and we've made a slight adjustment putting the winkers on her. She's never had any head gear before, so I just wanted to make a subtle change at this stage of her career to see if it just can find that little bit extra. When you're carrying those weights, it's always advantageous to have a little bit of cover, which she'll be able to find from that draw (two) on Saturday."
Other Racing Highlights: Miracle Mile at Menangle
In other racing news, Leap To Fame is the $2.30 favorite for the Group 1 Miracle Mile at Menangle on Saturday night, facing competitors like Captains Mistress ($3.70) and Swayzee ($4.60). This adds to the excitement of the weekend's thoroughbred events across Australia.
