Promising mare It’s A Knockout will bypass Rosehill to target the Coffs Harbour Cup, as trainer Ciaron Maher looks to capitalise on the Big Dance pathway.
The four-year-old was accepted for Saturday’s National Jockeys Trust Handicap (1500m) but will instead head north for Friday’s 1600m feature.
“It’s her trip and the fact it’s a Big Dance qualifier is very enticing,” said Maher’s Sydney foreman Johann Gerard-Dubord.
“She has also drawn well… she’s down in the weights and it looks a nice race.”
Meanwhile, stablemate Spaceballs will line up at Rosehill in the Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1500m).
Scratched from another race due to a wide draw, the filly now wears blinkers after shifting out late at Newcastle when narrowly beaten.
“She threw the race away last start,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“Working in blinkers, she was a different horse. She’s got a lot of talent.”
Saturday’s Rosehill meeting launches the 2025-26 Sydney metro season.