‘Risk’ it all on Rosco

One horse in action at Clairwood today who probably does not belong in the “lesser-light” category is Risky Rosco, who runs in Race 8, a MR 78 Handicap over 1200m, and he could do punters a good turn in the Pick 6.

The three-year-old Atso colt has only run twice. He looked good on debut, when beating winners over this course and distance in June. Despite racing green Risky Rosco produced a strong finishing burst and got up to beat Peter Culture by a short head.

He was then deemed good enough to have a crack at the Grade1 Golden Horseshoe over 1400m at Greyville. After racing handily from a good draw, he weakened to eighth, 7.90 lengths behind Forest Indigo. That form was franked last Saturday at Greyville when Forest Indigo and second-placed Kochka fought out a thrilling finish to the Grade 1 Premier’s Champion Stakes over 1600m.

Risky Rosco is back over 1200m, which looks the right way to go, and will team up with jockey Stuart Randolph, who rode him in his debut.

Gavin van Zyl-trained Fire Curtain has been slowly away in his last three starts and probably found the 1000m of those races too short. The five-year-old should run a big race with Brandon Lerena in the saddle.

Island Fiesta is better than his last run would suggest but might battle to give 4.5kg to Risky Rosco. He could place, though.

Lizard’s Passion bounced back to winning form at Scottsville last time out but might be better at that track, while Stunning Guy has not won for some time but often runs on late to earn.

Sacred Jewel followed up on a promising debut with a good win over this track and trip will also have his supporters. He could be better than rated.

Trainer Dennis Drier has booked 4kg-claiming apprentice Ryan Munger for Owls Do Cry and will be looking for an improved run from the four-year-old after he disappointed in his only outing since shedding his maiden tag.