Keith Nolan Classic a second option for Brazilian Pulse

3-01.30 ILLAWARRA MERCURY KEITH F NOLAN CLASSIC (1800 METRES)

Of $150000 and $2400 trophies. 1st $97500 and trophies of $1400 to owner $500 to trainer $500 to jockey, 2nd $30000, 3rd $13500, 4th $6000, 5th $3000.

For Three-Years-Old Fillies. Set Weights plus Penalties. (GROUP 3).

No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 14 + 4 EM

VICTORIAN raider Absolutelyawesome shone like a beacon on a gloomy morning at Randwick trackwork yesterday as he warmed up for Saturday's Group One Rosehill Guineas (2000m).

As the majority of leading trainers decided against risking fast gallops on the shifty ground, Mike Moroney was happy to test his Australian Derby favourite on the steeplegrass surface with Glen Boss in the saddle.

"It is the first look I've had of him since he went to Sydney and I was very happy," Moroney said. "We got in nice and early and made sure he got his work out of the way - all looks good for Saturday."

Rain dampened the spectacle on the opening day of the Sydney Carnival at Rosehill Gardens last Saturday but the forecast is for sunny weather through the rest of the week, although further showers are expected on Saturday.

Moroney also has Victorian Oaks winner Brazilian Pulse set to run at Rosehill and he is undecided whether to run her in the Group Two Ajax Stakes (1500m) or the Keith Nolen Classic (1800m).

"She definitely is running in Sydney, I'm not sure which race yet," he said.

"I am in two minds whether to target her at the Doncaster Mile or to go to the Australian Oaks. I'll have a look at both races for Saturday.

"If she runs in the Keith Nolen she can still come back to the Doncaster or go to the Vinery on Golden Slipper day and then the Oaks. The Doncaster is a realistic option. It is worth $2 million and her record at the mile is quite good."

Brent Zerafa From: The Daily Telegraph