Tyler Schiller described Rotagilla as a “progressive horse” following the gelding’s successful adjustment to altered riding methods, securing a dominant victory in the Anzac Day Cup at Randwick.
The jockey expected to take a forward approach with the four-year-old, yet after a clumsy start, he switched to a more restrained strategy, and Rotagilla delivered a potent surge along the outer rail to claim the 1800m contest with ease.
“It obviously wasn’t the plan to be so neutral and negative on him, but they jumped quick around us and I thought, on a turn if we’re pushing we’re going to be using a lot of energy,” Schiller said.
“He’s come through and won like a really nice horse late. The tempo helped him.
“He’s a progressive horse.”
The gelding has secured six triumphs from 17 outings, and Chris Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth noted the Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2100m) scheduled for May 9 could be the upcoming assignment.
“He is tough and consistent,” Duckworth said.
“We thought he was more one-paced, but he seems to have that turn of foot and a willingness to win. We’ve just got to work out exactly where he measures up and what his distance range is, how far he can stay, and that will tell us the answers hopefully.”
Sent out at $8, Rotagilla prevailed by half a length from stable companion Sir Dinadan at $12, while Polymnia at $4.40 filled third position just a short neck further back in her typical gallant effort.
Annabel and Rob Archibald made the wise decision with Hellsing by withdrawing him from Friday’s Tamworth Cup (1400m), a race their stable captured via Formal Display, favoring instead Saturday’s First Australian Imperial Force Handicap over 1500m.
The finish developed into a tight three-horse battle, where Hellsing edged past Encap in the dying stages over the last 50m for his second success Down Under, as stablemate Cristal Clear took third place nearby.
“I am delighted for Hellsing. He has been knocking on the door,” Annabel Archibald said.
“He’s had three seconds, two here and in the Muswellbrook Cup, and just the ground and maybe the class in the Doncaster (Mile) found him out.
“Back in grade, 1500 metres here I think is his sweet spot, and it was a nice ride by Tom Sherry as well.”
The Archibalds entered four runners in the event, with Depth Of Character and Port Lockroy crossing the line in fourth and fifth spots.
Annabel Archibald suggested both Hellsing and Cristal Clear are probable contenders for next month’s Scone Cup (1600m), offering a pathway to the Big Dance during Melbourne Cup Day.
Explore the racing odds for the Gosford Gold Cup at Australian betting sites.
