A race day workout at Randwick has the undefeated colt St Gotthard on course for a first-up run in the Run To The Rose, where he is set to encounter three talented stablemates.
The Group 2 winner was one of three colts from the Chris Waller stable to undertake solo exhibition gallops at Randwick on Saturday, alongside Fireball and Tron Bolt. All are being prepared for the Golden Rose lead-up next Saturday at Rosehill, with the Rosebud placegetter Central Europe also expected to participate in the sprint.
Tron Bolt recorded the fastest time of the three workers at Randwick, covering 1000m in 1:07.93 and completing his final 600m in 38.07 seconds. While Waller would prefer his charges didn’t have to compete against each other, he noted they were all gifted and pursuing Group One victories for their records.
“They are lovely colts and all on the same path. They’ve got to try and win Group Ones in the spring,” Waller commented. “Most likely, they start at Rosehill in the Run To The Rose. It is an important starting point for our three. It is unavoidable (they clash).”
Future targets were also mentioned: “The Golden Rose, Coolmore (Stud Stakes), big sprints, Caulfield Guineas and obviously big feature races in Sydney are in the plans.”
St Gotthard and Central Europe are raced by similar ownership groups, led by Coolmore, and both colts boast stallion-worthy pedigrees. Waller expressed it was unfortunate they were on an early spring collision course but confirmed the Run To The Rose (1200m) was the appropriate race for each. He believes Central Europe requires another run before the Golden Rose (1400m) on September 26.
“I would have liked to have split him and St Gotthard up with similar ownership,” Waller said. “But I think Central Europe needs another sprint race before he gets out to 1400 metres.”
The Run To The Rose is one of four black-type races at Rosehill on Saturday, alongside the Theo Marks Stakes (1300m), Sheraco Stakes (1200m), and the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m).
With the Run To The Rose approaching, the betting sites are expected to offer competitive racing odds.
