Romeo’s Choice has been competing in excellent form this winter, leading trainer Richard Litt to extend his preparation while the gelding remains race-fit and in good condition.
The gelding, a dual acceptor at Rosehill on Saturday, has been withdrawn from the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1200m) to compete in the Racing And Sports Handicap (1400m). This decision comes despite Romeo’s Choice having never won over this distance in five prior attempts.
However, the seven-year-old has placed twice at the 1400m journey, most notably a second behind the stakes-performed mare Firestorm. Litt feels the time is right to take a chance over this distance again.
“We haven’t had a lot of luck at the 1400, but we want to give it a go,” Litt commented.
“He’s going wonderful, and he’s a lovely horse.”
“It is tempting, and it opens up a lot more races going forward next ‘prep’ if we know he can run a strong 14.”
A winner over 1300m at Rosehill two starts prior, Romeo’s Choice experienced a checkered run in the straight when finishing fifth to Carbonados over the same distance on August 1.
He is set to face a smart field this weekend, featuring Group 1 winner Attica and Epsom Handicap runner-up Fully Lit. However, both are resuming from a break and have historically performed better over longer races.
Romeo’s Choice will have the benefit of race fitness. If he can receive some luck from his outside draw in barrier 12, Litt expects the horse to run his typical honest race.
“He was solid last time. He was in a tricky spot and didn’t get a great crack at them, so I just hope there’s good speed, he can relax, and he’ll finish off well,” he said.
Barber will represent the stable in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1200m). Litt believes the 2025 Takeover Target Stakes (1100m) winner will be a strong contender, provided the track doesn’t deteriorate from its soft 5 rating on Friday.
“He’s a big chance,” Litt stated.
“He’s got Tyler (Schiller) back on him. We’ve been trying to get Tyler back on him for a while. He won a Takeover Target on him.”
“All sorts of stuff has happened to him this prep, but this is his race, and the competition probably isn’t as strong as it has been.”
“I’d be very disappointed if he wasn’t fighting out the finish.”
Veteran galloper Huon completes Litt’s Rosehill team in the Proven Thoroughbreds Handicap (1100m). With the assistance of apprentice jockey Siena Grima’s claim, Litt is optimistic about his prospects.
“If he has an ounce of luck – he’s got barrier one, a two kilo claim from Siena, he loves hugging that fence – he’ll be right there,” he said.
The news has been less encouraging for Litt’s stakes-winning mare Caffe Florian. Her future remains uncertain after sustaining a “pretty significant injury” when finishing fifth in the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) in April.
She is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and Litt anticipates receiving a prognosis towards the end of the year.
“We’re very hopeful we’ll get her back. We’re going to give her every opportunity to race again but if she doesn’t, she’ll make a beautiful broodmare,” he stated.
For those interested in the main race, consider exploring the betting markets for the race at Australian betting sites.