Only eight runners have been confirmed to contest Saturday’s featured Group 2 Golden Pendant (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens, but the race has drawn some of Sydney’s standout mares and figures as particularly lucrative from a betting standpoint as a result.

Popular mare Catkins will be very hard to beat in Saturday’s Golden Pendant at Rosehill Gardens. Photo: Steve Hart

Catkins ($1.55) returned to racing for a typically impressive win in the Group 3 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill a fortnight ago and remains clear favourite in 2015 Golden Pendant betting markets at Ladbrokes.com.au as a result, ahead of 2014 champion Arabian Gold and consistent performer Slightly Sweet.

Will Catkins justify her huge support from punters and win the 2015 Golden Pendant or will of one her talented rivals post the day’s big upset?

1^st

Catkins ($1.55)

Catkins’ record in mares’ company, at the distance and at Group 2 level makes it very difficult to see any other runner taking out the Golden Pendant on Saturday. Posting an incredible sixteen wins and thirteen minors through 35 career starts so far, Catkins returned in autumn for consecutive wins in the Group 2 Breeders Classic (1200m) and Group 2 Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) before running a close second in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m). Returning to the winner’s circle in the Group 2 Emancipation Stakes (1500m), the daughter of Dubawi again finished second in each of the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) and Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes (1350m), but had clearly had enough by the time she placed sixth in the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) in June. With Hugh Bowman confirmed to take the ride, Catkins is probably the surest thing in any Rosehill race on Saturday.

2^nd

Amanpour ($14)

Amanpour is sure to have taken plenty of benefit from her racing return in the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) a fortnight ago and offers great value for money at $14 Golden Pendant odds or $2.90 for a first three finish. Returning in autumn for sixth in the Group 3 Wenona Girl Quality (1200m), the Northern Meteor mare ran second in the Emancipation Stakes before posting a maiden win at the highest level in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes. Meeting Catkins worse at the weights this time, Amanpour will probably need this run before finding winning condition again.

3^rd

Arabian Gold ($4.80)

Arabian Gold has been transferred to the care of Gai Waterhouse for her Spring Carnival campaign this time and should relish the conditions of the Golden Pendant once more on Saturday. Posting nine wins and three minors through 26 career starts so far, the daughter of Dubawi posted several good Autumn Carnival results undoubtedly highlighted by an impressive performance for sixth in the major Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) on Day 1 of The Championships. Weighted well and allocated the rails draw, Arabian Gold has been confirmed to be partnered by Tommy Berry.

Do you agree with our 2015 Golden Pendant tips? Open an account at Ladbrokes.com.au today and have your say with the best odds available online!