A long-term plan for Blitzburg will be realised on Saturday when the Canonbury Stakes (1100m) winner resumes in the Rosebud (1100m) at Rosehill.

Trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou will also saddle Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) winner Skyhook, but Alexiou says Blitzburg has been specifically targeted at this race.

“He has been earmarked at this race for a long time,” Alexiou said. “He is fit and ready to go and the soft track isn’t an issue.”

Blitzburg, who missed the autumn after fetlock surgery, will be ridden positively from a wide draw, mirroring his Group 3 win earlier this year.

Skyhook, carrying 60.5kg, faces a significant weight disadvantage against favourite Pallaton and is yet to race on wet ground.

He is being aimed at next month’s Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) via the Run To The Rose (1200m).

Alexiou says both colts have impressed in their build-ups and are expected to run well.