After a year-long absence due to growing pains, talented gelding Roselyn’s Star is finally ready to make his return to the racetrack at Rosehill. The Group placegetter will line up in Saturday’s Congratulations Chris Waller Handicap (1100m), where he will jump from the outside barrier. Co-trainer Tom Charlton is confident the horse’s natural gate speed, combined with the booking of champion jockey James McDonald, will help offset the wide draw.
Charlton is also unconcerned about the prospect of a rain-affected track. “He’s shown that he can handle wet ground and may even relish it,” Charlton said. “But if conditions become extremely heavy and testing, we will consider waiting for another day. It’s early in his campaign, so we’ll monitor how the track shapes up.”
Roselyn’s Star displayed considerable ability during his first racing preparation, breaking his maiden at his second start at the Kensington track before running second to Espionage in the 2024 Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m). However, he missed his entire three-year-old season due to immaturity in his body.
“He just needed time to develop physically, but his lead-up has been smooth with two strong trials,” Charlton explained. “He’s a naturally forward type, and we’re expecting a good campaign. It’s hard to know his ceiling, but we hope he can progress through Saturday grade and potentially be a contender for the Magic Millions next year.”
Charlton and training partner John O’Shea will also saddle up Metaphorically in the Congratulations Braith Nock Handicap (1200m). The rising four-year-old comes off a last-start win and has performed well on soft and heavy ground. “He’s racing in great form, and we’re keen to see how he handles the step up to Saturday grade,” Charlton said.