Revengeance has booked his place in next year’s Golden Slipper after making the most of his race experience to score a classy win in the $1 million Golden Gift (1100m) at Rosehill.
The $580,000 winner’s cheque ensures the Tulloch Lodge colt is now safely qualified for the world’s richest two-year-old race, with co-trainer Adrian Bott confirming the Slipper will be the clear target.
“We will work back from the Slipper,” Bott said.
“As to what the path is — whether we try the Blue Diamond, whether it’s the Inglis Millennium, we’ve got a few different lead-up options.
“Whether we go the traditional route, we’ll see what pans out and what we think is the best way to get him there. Obviously, he’s got the money now.”
Revengeance arrived with a similar profile to 2024 winner North England, also prepared by Bott and Gai Waterhouse, having run third on debut in the Breeders’ Plate (1000m) before taking out the spring feature.
Bott said that previous raceday experience was crucial.
“It counts for so much. He was a bit unlucky in the Breeders’ Plate but he really consolidated today and did an excellent job.”
Sent out the $2.60 favourite, Revengeance settled just behind the speed and was produced at the right time by Josh Parr, sprinting clear to win by a length over Spicy Miss ($15), with stablemate Plagiarism ($18) another 1-1/4 lengths away in third.
Parr expects the son of Hellbent to relish the rise to 1200m in the Slipper.
“He’s improved every time I’ve sat on him,” Parr said.
“His action has really come together. Today he flattened out beautifully. I can’t wait to see him in March.”
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