![Autumn Glow after her Apollo Stakes win [Bradley Photos]](https://betsy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2253032.jpg)
Racelab’s Matt Collum has taken a forensic look at the Group 1 races at Rosehill using their ratings system to assist working out who’s best credentialed to take out this year’s big races.
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In The Lab | Ranvet Stakes | Group 1 WFA 2000m
Small field of six runners in the Ranvet Stakes and tactics are likely to be crucial. The market says it’s a two horse race and ratings agree with that theory. Aeliana gave the unbeaten Autumn Glow a fright with a good gap back to 3rd. She’s come back better this prep and is ideally suited up in distance – James McDonald is another huge tick! Sir Delius is the only danger to the favourite in my opinion. His first-up run was solid enough and will appreciate the rise to 2000m where he’s undefeated. Can certainly win if he gets Aeliana chasing and his 112 in the Turnbull Stakes sticks out. The rest look tested under WFA conditions on current form.
Selections: Aeliana from Sir Delius
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In The Lab | Rosehill Guineas | Group 1 WFA 2000m
The 2026 Rosehill Guineas looks set to revolve around Observer’s quest to continue his dominant campaign, with a field of improving three-year-olds aiming to test his stamina at 2000m and stake their Derby credentials. His last three runs have all rated above the JTD and he’s the only one in the field proven at the distance. I think he should be favourite. Autumn Boy comes out of a hot form race behind the speedy Sheza Alibi. He will have to give Observer a start and is stepping up to 2000m for the first time. I’m happy to risk him at the price. Victorious Spirit and Federalist are looking for more ground and should improve here.
Selections: Observer
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In The Lab | George Ryder Stakes | Group 1 WFA 1500m
The 2026 George Ryder Stakes looks Autumn Glow’s race to lose. If she performs to her current level, she should prove too classy but with depth behind her, the battle for the minors (and any upset chance) adds intrigue to a high-quality field. Autumn Glow brings a strong ratings profile into the race and she’s clearly the horse to beat. That being said, I do think $1.30 is a very skinny price to take. Beiwacht has a high rating figure from his brilliant win in the Golden Rose when 3rd up last campaign. I have to have something on him here third-up at a price. Pericles rated 111 winning the Futurity and has plenty of class – his map is a bit tricky though. Linebacker is very capable of running a big race at a price and is worth keeping safe. Lady Shenandoah is another runner who should improve but will take some riding from barrier one.
Selections: Autumn Glow, Beiwacht (value)
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In The Lab | The Galaxy | Group 1 Handicap 1100m
Big field in The Galaxy and they should run along at a decent clip. Briasa has drawn a tricky gate and could be back near last. I’m happy to risk him at the price. Grafterburners is a promising colt but this is his toughest test to date and $4 isn’t enough meat on the bone. Reserve Bank resumes off a long break and I wasn’t sold on the trial so he may need the run. A couple of horses that interest me which map very well are Hedged and Bridal Waltz. Hedged comes out of a strong form race in the Oakleigh Plate behind Tropicus. His last three runs were solid and Tim Clark should give him a nice steer from barrier three. Bridal Waltz is a lightly raced mare with plenty of upside. She resumed up the straight for a nice win with 60kg and drops to 51kg here which is a huge positive for a horse that can accelerate.
Selections: Hedged, Bridal Waltz
