Ideally, Revengeance would be competing in the Caulfield Guineas this weekend. However, the colt will instead participate in a Listed race at Rosehill, a consequence of a necessary adjustment to his campaign due to unforeseen circumstances.
The initial plan for Revengeance involved targeting the Golden Rose (1400m) and then the Guineas (1600m). Unfortunately, a sudden illness disrupted these aspirations, compelling his trainers at Tulloch Lodge to reconsider their strategy.
This shift has led them to consider Saturday’s Tapp-Craig (1400m) at Rosehill as a viable option, with the Callander-Presnell (1600m) later this month now identified as the colt’s primary objective.
“He got a temperature prior to (Golden Rose) acceptances, which meant we had to skip that race, unfortunately,” co-trainer Adrian Bott stated. “It all resolved very quickly, but the timing wasn’t right for what was going to be a hard 1400 metres in the Golden Rose.”
“We’ve had to pivot plans, and this looked to be a nice race. Given the length of time between runs, this will help build him towards the Callander-Presnell, which will be his main grand final now.”
Following a return from an extended break with an unplaced performance in the San Domenico Stakes (1100m), Revengeance showed promise with a sixth-place finish in the Run To The Rose (1200m), finishing 2-1/2 lengths behind the subsequent Golden Rose winner, Warwoven.
Adrian Bott drew significant encouragement from this run and remains confident that the colt can still achieve success in his current preparation.
Stablemate Plagiarism is also slated to compete in the Tapp-Craig. He is expected to benefit from a drop in class after finishing in the midfield in the Golden Rose.
“He was the best of the on-pace runners there,” Bott commented. “He was just in a position where he did a lot of work then absorbed a lot of pressure mid-race. The fact he stuck on as well as he did was a very good effort.”
The lightly raced three-year-olds Blessed Eagle and Our Emperor are set to contest the Roman Consul Stakes (1200m). Blessed Eagle has earned his spot in this race with two victories from his three starts in midweek competitions.
“He’s really starting to put it all together and learn what’s it’s all about,” Bott remarked about Blessed Eagle. “That last start was very good. From the minute he left the gates, he never looked like getting beaten. He’s stepping up in grade now, and there’s going to be more pressure there, but he’s a damn nice horse.”
Bott mentioned that Our Emperor has made considerable fitness gains since his underwhelming performance in the Heritage Stakes (1100m), where he chased the brisk pace set by the talented filly and eventual winner, Blue Door.
“I’d be forgiving of that. I want to give him that opportunity again because I’ve always felt he’s a nice horse,” Bott said. “On debut, he really impressed us. Hopefully we can see him bounce back on Saturday.”
For those looking to place a wager, the racing odds for the Tapp-Craig are now available at leading Australian betting sites.