Race-by-race preview and tips for Gosford on Friday

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By John Schell

January 8, 2026 — 5.30pm

Selections based on a soft track.

Race 1

2. Sacro Catino has only won once from 14 starts with one second placing, but he has been tackling city-grade races of late and will find this an easier assignment. He failed to beat a runner home at Randwick last month but steps up in distance for this and that should suit. 3. So You Ready has had two starts back from a spell and looks set to peak now, while 1. Call Me Son won at Canberra two starts ago before a fourth at the same track when last produced. 7. Icon Dream was placed at this track three starts ago and can lift on the latest effort here.
How to play it: Sacro Catino to win.

Racing returns to Gosford on Friday.

Racing returns to Gosford on Friday.Credit: Jenny Evans

Race 2

10. Pazyryk made her debut at Canterbury in February last year and ran fifth to Marhoona, which went on to win the Golden Slipper. Pazyryk was spelled after that and resumes here on the back of two trials when close up in each. Expect her to perform well. 8. Magic Flames resumed from a break with a second at Wyong and should run well again with a repeat of that performance. 1. Hammurabi is having his first start, and he’s been fitted for this with two trials. 6. Extraglow is on debut after three trials, winning the past two of them.
How to play it: Pazyryk to win.

Race 3

1. Funshow started favourite on debut on the Beaumont track on Boxing Day and ran a solid race to finish second. His trials were good before that, and he is worth another chance. 2. Firework is resuming after two barrier trials and has shown the talent to give him a chance in this company. 10. Radiant Tier is a filly on debut after three trials, and she shouldn’t be taken lightly. 3. Etoiles is a stablemate of Firework that is on debut having won his latest trial at Wyong.
How to play it: Funshow to win.

Race 4

2. Federal Reserve broke his maiden in good style on the Beaumont track as favourite two starts ago. He followed that with a last-start third at Wyong. He’s drawn the rails barrier in this and can bounce back to winning form. 4. Cuesta also won on the Beaumont track two starts ago and then was just edged out in a photo finish at Orange at her last start. 5. Murphilly was a solid winner at this track three starts ago and has been placed in both runs here since. 6. I Am Wild was down the track on the Kensington circuit at Randwick when resuming but is capable of improving in this.
How to play it: Federal Reserve to win.

Race 5

4. Sea Admiral looked good winning a trial at Kembla Grange before resuming from a spell with an all-the-way win at Nowra. He’s a winner of two from four and can go on with the job. 2. Generous Harry was a winner at Newcastle in October 2024 and resumed from a lengthy spell with a strong win at Wyong last month. He should take plenty of beating again. 10. Dietrich was a solid winner at this track when last produced and looks set to make an impact again with a repeat, while 8. Clifton Springs has finished fourth in two runs either side of a spell and warrants place consideration.
How to play it: Sea Admiral to win.

Race 6

6. Octa De Lago has a good record with a win and two second placings from just the six starts. He’s had two starts back from a spell for a second at Hawkesbury and another second on the Beaumont track, and he looks ready to hit winning form again. 8. Exceed Perfection finished second at Kembla Grange before being spelled and has had two solid trials in preparation for this return. 10. Triple Triple gave a bold front-running display to score a last-start win at Taree and could give cheek again. 5. Deputize is resuming from a spell and is poised to sprint well fresh.
How to play it: Octa De Lago to win.

Race 7

6. Trafalgar Square is fresh for this and back in distance after a last-start eighth at Randwick. She should be hitting the line hard late. 7. Nullarbor Jane was a winner at Hawkesbury when resuming and followed that up with a third at Wyong when battling on fairly well. 9. Attractiveness won well at this track at her second start in a race and should be competitive again. 3. Crook has been racing well with two wins in a row and another forward showing wouldn’t surprise.
How to play it: Trafalgar Square each way.

Best bets

Race 2: (10) Pazyryk
Race 5: (4) Sea Admiral

Best value

Race 7: (6) Trafalgar Square

_Supplied by Racing NSW
_Full form and race replays available at** racingnsw.com.au**

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