The ideal scenario for Revengeance would have seen him contesting the Caulfield Guineas this weekend. Instead, the colt is slated to participate in a Listed race at Rosehill, a necessary alteration to his campaign following an untimely illness.
The initial targets for Revengeance were the Golden Rose (1400m) and the Guineas (1600m). However, a sudden sickness intervened, forcing his Tulloch Lodge trainers to revise their strategy.
This recalibration means they are now focusing on Saturday’s Tapp-Craig (1400m) at Rosehill, with the Callander-Presnell (1600m) later this month designated as the colt’s new primary objective.
“He got a temperature prior to (Golden Rose) acceptances, which meant we had to skip that race, unfortunately,” co-trainer Adrian Bott shared. “It all resolved very quickly, but the timing wasn’t right for what was going to be a hard 1400 metres in the Golden Rose.”
“We’ve had to pivot plans, and this looked to be a nice race. Given the length of time between runs, this will help build him towards the Callander-Presnell, which will be his main grand final now.”
After an unplaced return from a lengthy spell in the San Domenico Stakes (1100m), Revengeance showed promise with a sixth-place finish in the Run To The Rose (1200m), finishing 2-1/2 lengths behind the eventual Golden Rose winner, Warwoven.
Bott took many positives from that performance and feels confident the colt can still salvage his preparation.
Stablemate Plagiarism is also set to run in the Tapp-Craig, having finished midfield in the Golden Rose, and is expected to benefit from the class drop.
“He was the best of the on-pace runners there,” Bott remarked. “He was just in a position where he did a lot of work then absorbed a lot of pressure mid-race. The fact he stuck on as well as he did was a very good effort.”
Lightly raced three-year-olds Blessed Eagle and Our Emperor will compete in the Roman Consul Stakes (1200m). Blessed Eagle earned his place with two wins from his three starts in midweek grade.
“He’s really starting to put it all together and learn what’s it’s all about,” Bott said regarding Blessed Eagle. “That last start was very good. From the minute he left the gates, he never looked like getting beaten. He’s stepping up in grade now, and there’s going to be more pressure there, but he’s a damn nice horse.”
Bott noted that Our Emperor has made good fitness improvements since his disappointing outing in the Heritage Stakes (1100m), where he chased the strong pace set by the brilliant filly and eventual winner, Blue Door.
“I’d be forgiving of that. I want to give him that opportunity again because I’ve always felt he’s a nice horse,” Bott added. “On debut, he really impressed us. Hopefully we can see him bounce back on Saturday.”
Punters can check the betting sites for the latest racing odds on the Tapp-Craig.