Trainer Clinton McDonald has been known to part with high-quality colts bound for Hong Kong, but Rosberg will not be joining that list. The son of Deep Field is considered too valuable to let go, with the stable mapping out a path towards the stallion-making Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.

Rosberg makes his first race appearance in Saturday’s Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley, a starting point McDonald hopes will lead to the Coolmore on Derby Day. “It’s a big ask but we think he’s a horse that is up to it,” McDonald said. “We want to head towards the Coolmore with him, third up, so he’s got to put his hand up on Saturday.”

The colt had a gallop at The Valley on Tuesday to familiarise himself with the track, impressing under Ben Melham. With Melham suspended, Jamie Mott takes over for race day. “His work at Moonee Valley was very good… we think he’s a proper colt, so we’ll find out on Saturday,” McDonald said.

A striking 16.3 hands and 575 kilos, Rosberg has been given plenty of time to mature. He has already attracted strong early betting support, firming from $6 to $5. “We’re going there to win. We think he’s good enough to win first-up,” McDonald added. “He’s had a good preparation, he’s fit, he knows what it’s about.”