By Mike Dillon
Roysyn is a safe bet in tomorrow's feature at Ellerslie whether the forecast heavy rain eventuates or not.
Simply because he won't be there if the track is soft or heavy. Roger James has spent the best part of two years getting Roysyn's legs back to racing order and even the $100,000 of the Lion Red Stakes is not enough to tempt him to run the talented Derby winner on a dicey wet track.
"I couldn't even consider running him if the track is much worse than easy," said James yesterday.
If the track stays firm, Roysyn is a chance to win his first race in 23 months, although James says he would like the luxury of having had one more lead-up race.
"He's had two reasonably solid races this time in and the race is winnable for him, but I feel he's one run away from peaking."
Which is the down side of having a horse with problem legs - this is the last of New Zealand's major weight-for-age races for the season and James is not keen to take Roysyn to Australia this campaign.
Roysyn's seventh in the Waikato Draught Sprint at Te Rapa was a lot better than it looked. The 1400m was too short, but he was making ground nicely in the closing stages and looks ready for the 2000m.
The Message's second to Aerosmith at Te Rapa, beaten only a neck, was a terrific effort. There is a misconception that he is not an everyday horse, but his record this season is considerably better than it looks on paper.
The Message has a fine record on rain-affected tracks and looms as the horse to beat.
Fayreform is the improver. Her sixth, beaten less than two lengths, to Aerosmith at Te Rapa was sound given she was off the track in the latter stages and was still making ground at the finish.
Trainer Stephen Autridge believes last season's topliner is approaching her best and said if she is ever to come back to the form she showed a year ago it will be tomorrow.
Bluebird The Word is getting fitter with each run and will love any easing of the track.
Track conditions will definitely decide the outcome of the $100,000 Grosvenor Championship Stakes, second leg of the TAB double.
Scarlet Runner was hugely impressive winning the corresponding race at Te Rapa, but a wet track would almost certainly undermine the dashing sprint she uses to get away from her opposition.
Dancing Daze, who got closest at Te Rapa, has already won in a soft track and will appreciate the step up from 2000m to 2100m.
Horse Racing: Roysyn too good if track firm
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