Montefilia opens favourite in strong Hill Stakes field

The Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) is set to grace the tracks of Rosehill Gardens this Saturday, marking its first appearance at the venue since 2011.

A formidable field of 14 contenders, each vying for a share of the impressive A$2 million prize purse, promises an exhilarating showdown.

Leading the charge is top Sydney trainer Chris Waller, who commands a strong presence with four entrants in the competition.

The formidable Montefilia, fresh off a commendable performance in the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m), emerges as the favourite at +260 with Bovada.

Waller’s arsenal also features Hinged, a contender priced at +1000, alongside dark horses Magical Lagoon and No Compromise, both considered +5000 outsiders.

The Kris Lees-trained duo of Protagonist at +500 and Luncies at +2500 aim to ascend in form as they enter the race for the second time this campaign.

Adding intrigue to the event is --100 hope Hoo Ya Mal, a four-year-old with only two prior starts in Australia, representing the esteemed Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott stable.

In a bid to make a resounding debut, Numerian, valued at +2500, enters the race with the distinguished number one saddlecloth, following a less-than-satisfactory winter preparation.

Billy Egan and Danny O’Brien unite forces with the in-form Young Werther, priced at +2500, in pursuit of a third consecutive victory this campaign.

The powerhouse Team Hawkes outfit brings forth two contenders: Zeyrek, entering the race at +700 and hoping to make a mark in its third appearance, and Mount Popa, valued at +5000.