O’Shea optimistic about Hell I Am at Rosehill

Young stallion Hellbent has had a month to remember with eight winners since the start of July and John O’Shea is optimistic Hell I Am can add to the sire’s haul at Rosehill.

Significantly, all eight scored on rain-affected tracks and with Rosehill in the heavy range for Saturday, Hell I Am looks to get conditions to suit in the Precise Air Handicap (1100m), despite a wide draw in barrier 15.

“If you look at that particular stallion, he has done pretty well in the last month or so when the ground has been wet so I think it is probably a trait of the stallion,” O’Shea said.

Hell I Am was a first-up winner on a heavy 10 surface at Canterbury where he raced on speed from an outside gate and outclassed his opposition.

It was also his first run as a gelding, a procedure that has made a significant difference to the youngster’s attitude.

O’Shea reported Hell I Am had continued to do well at home and had taken benefit from his first-up outing fitness-wise.

“He was a colt and he was a bit naughty so we rectified that and as a result, he is a much kinder horse now,” O’Shea said.

“He has improved a good bit. We are looking forward to him going around.

“(The wide gate) is not ideal but the favourite, Voldemort, he’s drawn outside us so it may not be the worst.”

The Precise Air Handicap (1100m) will be the final two-year-old race of the Sydney season and shapes as a competitive affair with the Annabel Neasham-trained pair of stakes placegetters Voldemort and Sweet Ride equal favourite at $5.50.

Hell I Am has the advantage of recent racing over that duo and is an $8.50 chance and if he performs to expectations, a start in the Listed The Rosebud (1100m) awaits.

“That has been his plan to go there,” O’Shea said.

“We will get through Saturday and see what it brings but I think 1100 metres is a perfect trip for him. He is up and going well.”

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