Adrian Bott harbours hopes that the decision to adopt a patient strategy with comeback galloper Revengeance will result in a lucrative spring reward, beginning with his reappearance in the San Domenico Stakes at Rosehill.
The colt was sidelined from the autumn carnival after undergoing surgery to remove bone chips from a knee, an injury sustained after his victory in the Golden Gift (1100m) in November.
He has been given a gradual build-up to his return to racing. The stable had considered kicking him off in the Rosebud (1100m) a fortnight ago but ultimately decided to save him for Saturday’s assignment.
“We trialled instead. He’d had a long time off and I didn’t want to rush him back,” Bott said.
“Plus he would have had to carry a bit of weight with his Golden Gift win. He will be better suited in the San Domenico.”
Revengeance has been prepared for his comeback with three trials, and his most recent win in a trial impressed Bott.
However, the Tulloch Lodge horseman has cautioned punters that the three-year-old colt will be better suited over distances greater than 1100m as he progresses towards the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) next month.
“He looks fantastic. He’s come back really well and he is stretching out nicely,” he said.
“It might be a bit short for him. I think he’ll be a lovely horse as he gets out to 1400 and 1600 metres.”
Revengeance has drawn barrier six in an eight-horse field and is set to follow the traditional route to the Golden Rose (1400m) via the Run To The Rose (1200m) on September 12.
All going well, connections are also keen for the horse to head to Melbourne, where races such as the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) will be considered.
Tulloch Lodge has achieved success in two of the past four renewals of the San Domenico Stakes, with In The Congo (2021) and Storm Boy (2024) being their winners.
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