Adrian Bott is optimistic that the deliberate strategy of exercising patience with the returning galloper Revengeance will yield significant financial rewards during the spring racing season, commencing with his reappearance in the San Domenico Stakes at Rosehill.
The colt was sidelined for the autumn carnival after undergoing surgery to address bone chips in a knee, an injury sustained following his victory in the Golden Gift (1100m) back in November.
He has been subjected to a progressive build-up towards his comeback. The stable considered initiating his campaign in the Rosebud (1100m) a fortnight prior but ultimately decided to preserve his energy for Saturday’s engagement.
“We trialled instead. He’d had a long time off and I didn’t want to rush him back,” Bott stated.
“Plus he would have had to carry a bit of weight with his Golden Gift win. He will be better suited in the San Domenico.”
Revengeance has completed three trials in preparation for his return, with his most recent hit-out impressing Bott.
However, the Tulloch Lodge horseman has advised potential bettors that the three-year-old colt is expected to perform better over longer distances than 1100m as his campaign progresses towards the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) next month.
“He looks fantastic. He’s come back really well and he is stretching out nicely,” he commented.
“It might be a bit short for him. I think he’ll be a lovely horse as he gets out to 1400 and 1600 metres.”
Revengeance has been assigned barrier six in the field of eight and is slated to follow the conventional path to the Golden Rose (1400m) by competing in the Run To The Rose (1200m) on September 12.
Provided all goes according to plan, connections are also contemplating a move to Melbourne, where races such as the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) will be considered.
Tulloch Lodge has a strong record in the San Domenico Stakes, having secured victories in two of the last four renewals with In The Congo in 2021 and Storm Boy in 2024.
Check out the latest Australian betting sites for odds on the San Domenico Stakes.