Bold positioning has defined Rosberg’s short racing record so far, and trainer Clinton McDonald from Cranbourne is keen to keep that approach going with an initial appearance in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate.
However, the trainer accepts that he may need to ease his promising colt, who placed third in a trial at Cranbourne on Monday, back into competition against peers of the same age that day.
This three-year-old would likely require a field smaller than maximum in the $750,000 Oakleigh Plate handicap at 1100 metres to secure entry, given his official rating of 75 from the handicapper, making the $200,000 Group 3 Zeditave Stakes (1200m) the probable choice for his comeback.
“He runs on the 21st (of February) here at Caulfield, there’s either the Zeditave or the Oakleigh Plate,” McDonald said.
“It’s probably most likely we can’t get into the Oakleigh Plate, so it’ll be the Zeditave.”
The 1200-metre race marks only the third outing for Rosberg and his initial one since he trailed the field in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m) on October 4, after which he was found with a problem.
In his previous appearance, Rosberg had won by half a length in the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) held at Moonee Valley.
Sired by Deep Field, the colt ended up third in the Monday trial, trailing winner Gee Gees Mistruth by two lengths.
Spywire was positioned between them, and Pride Of Jenni also took part in the gallop, receiving a quiet ride like Rosberg and ending fifth, about five lengths adrift.
The grand plans Clinton McDonald has for Rosberg reflect his satisfaction with the colt, who triumphed in his prior trial on January 26 and has shown marked growth over the spell.
“He’s not such a kid, he’s a bit more mature now in the way that he behaves,” McDonald said.
“We can’t fault him and he’s done everything right.
“He’s an impressive colt to look at, he’s got a big motor and we know what’s there, it’s just a matter of getting him 100 percent on raceday.”
Check the top Australian betting sites for the best odds ahead of Rosberg’s tilt at the Oakleigh Plate.
The post Clinton McDonald still dreaming big with Rosberg first appeared on Just Horse Racing.