After a stop–start prep earlier in the month, Miss Roumbini is back on track and Mick Price believes Saturday could finally bring a deserved payday for connections.
The Zoustar mare targets her first win as a five-year-old in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick.
Her Sydney launch was delayed when she was withdrawn late from the $1.5 million Alan Brown Stakes (1400m), a race she was favoured to win, but the team says she has rebounded strongly.
“She got a travel bug on the way to Sydney, but her blood picture is good now and her gallop Saturday morning was super duper,” Price said.
“She’s nice and bright. I was there during the week (last week) and she looks fantastic and I think she’ll be hard to beat.”
Drawn gate seven for the 12-horse The Invitation, she comes into six if emergency Modella stays out, with Adam Hyeronimus engaged.
Although it’s her first Sydney start, Miss Roumbini is no stranger to right-handed racing and earlier this year captured the $1 million Magic Millions Fillies & Mares (1300m).
This prep she has twice filled the runner-up slot at Caulfield: nailed late by Group 1 star Magic Time in the Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m) first-up, then powering home for second to Sepals in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) despite a slow jump.
“The time between runs I don’t think will worry her,” Price said.
“She’s that type of filly, she’s got to be looking for something to do. I think that’s fine and 1400 will be good for her. I’m looking forward to it.”
Market-wise, Miss Roumbini shares the top line of betting for The Invitation with Group 1 winner Manaal, while last-start Group 3 The Nivison heroine Gangsta Granny and Doncaster Mile winner Stefi Magnetica are prominent hopes.
If you’re having a flutter on The Invitation, compare markets at leading Australian betting sites such as Sportsbet, Ladbrokes and TAB.