Champion trainer Chris Waller is preparing to unleash five horses in the prestigious $1 million Golden Rose Stakes. While early betting markets favour St Gotthard as his strongest contender, Waller suggests there’s minimal difference in the capabilities of his quintet.
St Gotthard, a full brother to Switzerland, experienced his first defeat when finishing a close second to Warwoven in the recent Run To The Rose (1200m), a race traditionally serving as the key lead-up to Saturday’s major event.
He will be joined by stablemates Tron Bolt, Central Europe, Stormy Marco, and Campione D’Italia in the 1400m Golden Rose. Waller indicated that all five possess valid claims, irrespective of the barrier draw.
“It’s such a fair track, Rosehill, and over the 1400, there’s four hundred metres to the first bend,” Waller explained. “We’ve had some good success from bad draws. Going back to Zoustar, I think he drew the outside and (jockey) Jimmy Cassidy was even more confident. He said, ‘nothing will get in his way’. It’s not something you can worry about.”
“I could make a case for all of them, to tell you the truth,” he added.
Guest House, the winner of the San Domenico Stakes, is the $2.80 pre-post favourite to become only the second horse after Forensics (2007-08) to complete the Golden Slipper-Golden Rose double.
St Gotthard is currently second in line for betting at $4.50, with Warwoven at $6 and Tron Bolt at $7.
Champagne Stakes winner Fireball will be absent from the field, as Waller confirmed the colt has been spelled following a virus that has not fully cleared.
A virus was also the reason for Sing Your Song being scratched on race morning from the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday, ending her hopes of competing in the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) next month.
Nevertheless, Waller is still aiming to salvage some of her spring campaign, with plans to reroute her to the Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) on Everest day, potentially followed by a trip to Melbourne.
“That was a bit tough to take (on Saturday) morning, but that’s what happens, isn’t it?” Waller commented.
Waller anticipates still having a strong chance in the Flight Stakes (1600m) with former Perth filly Striking Alibi, who endured an unlucky run when finishing second to Bangkok Hottie in the Tea Rose.