Connections of Sessions are banking on a hot tempo and crucial gear changes to redeem the three year old’s reputation in the $85,000 tab.com.au Handicap (1100m) at Rosehill tomorrow.

Sessions

Sessions needs a hot tempo tomorrow at Rosehill. Photo by: Steve Hart

Trainer Peter Snowden was forced back to the drawing board after Sessions over-raced when left in front before fading to finish third over 1300m at Rosehill on November 17 when a short priced favourite.

Snowden removed the lugging bit and added a Norton bit and a nose roll to the Lonhro colt and tested the new gear in a Randwick barrier trial with Kerrin McEvoy on top.

“It was good to see a bit of pace on in the trial and he settled nicely,” McEvoy said.

“I’ve ridden him a few times at home and we’ve been trying to get him to settle.”

“We’re happy with the horse but the bottom line he needs to do it at the races.”

McEvoy is hoping there is plenty of pace on tomorrow, as opposed to the moderate tempo last start, so Sessions can repeat his Randwick trial win and the stable rider is not too concerned with the wide alley.

“There wasn’t much speed in those races and with him beginning so well and being quite a competitive horse that’s where he ended up,” McEvoy said.

“Hopefully with the big field it might create a bit of speed and from a draw like that, we might be able to ride him with some cover.”

“His first win was of a high standard and his first trial back was very impressive as well but to get to the level we think he’ll get he needs to perform.”

Sessions spoiled his unbeaten record at Rosehill last start after scoring on debut in April over 1000m on the Kensington track.

And then won first up after a spell as odds on favourite over 1200m at Rosehill in early November against the three year olds.

Sessions has been installed the $2.80 favourite to take on the older horses with his new gear with four year old mare Ain’t She Grand the second pick at $6 followed by Testarhythm and Inventive sharing the next line of betting at $9.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.