Clinton McDonald endured mixed emotions at Moonee Valley on Saturday, watching Angel Capital claim the Chautauqua Stakes before gaining redemption just over half an hour later when Rosberg delivered a winning debut in the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m).
Angel Capital was once part of McDonald’s own team, having captured the McKenzie Stakes last year, but was sold to Yulong Stud for stallion duties and transferred into Chris Waller’s care. While it stung to see his former colt salute, McDonald’s faith in Rosberg was vindicated when the new stable star rose to the occasion.
Backed into $3.40 favouritism, Rosberg responded with a determined half-length victory under Jamie Melham, defeating Stay Cosmic ($20) and Bacash ($5.50). The colt’s performance confirmed the high regard in which McDonald has held him since early training days. “He’s a really good colt,” McDonald said. “It was tough seeing Angel Capital win earlier, but having this horse makes it special. He does things at home that remind me of what Weekend Hussler used to do.”
Weekend Hussler, once trained by McDonald’s father, became a multiple Group 1 champion, and while comparisons are premature, the trainer believes Rosberg could also reach great heights. His immediate goal is the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m) at Flemington before heading to the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) on November 1.
Jockey Jamie Melham, replacing her suspended husband Ben who had done much of the colt’s early work, was glowing in her assessment. “He’s a weapon,” she said. “He hated being stuck on the inside and still didn’t know what he was doing, but once he got clear, he showed his class. There’s plenty more to come, and I’m sure Ben will be thrilled to get back aboard next time.”