Romeo’s Choice has been performing admirably throughout the winter, prompting trainer Richard Litt to extend his campaign while the gelding is race-fit and in good form.
The seven-year-old, a dual acceptor at Rosehill on Saturday, has been withdrawn from the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1200m) to contest the Racing And Sports Handicap (1400m). This is despite Romeo’s Choice having recorded no wins over this distance in five previous attempts.
However, the seasoned campaigner has secured two placings at the 1400m trip, notably a second behind the stakes-performing mare Firestorm. Litt believes it’s an opportune moment to try him over the distance again.
“We haven’t had a lot of luck at the 1400, but we want to give it a go,” Litt stated.
“He’s going wonderful, and he’s a lovely horse.”
“It is tempting, and it opens up a lot more races going forward next ‘prep’ if we know he can run a strong 14.”
Romeo’s Choice, a winner over 1300m at Rosehill two starts prior, encountered a difficult passage in the straight when finishing fifth to Carbonados over the same distance on August 1.
He faces a strong field this weekend, which includes Group 1 winner Attica and Epsom Handicap runner-up Fully Lit. However, both are resuming from a spell and have demonstrated better form over longer distances.
Romeo’s Choice will benefit from race fitness, and if he can secure favourable passage from his wide barrier draw in 12, Litt anticipates the gelding will deliver his typical honest performance.
“He was solid last time. He was in a tricky spot and didn’t get a great crack at them, so I just hope there’s good speed, he can relax, and he’ll finish off well,” he said.
Barber will represent the stable in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1200m). Provided the track conditions do not worsen from its soft 5 rating on Friday, Litt is confident the 2025 Takeover Target Stakes (1100m) winner will be a strong contender.
“He’s a big chance,” Litt commented.
“He’s got Tyler (Schiller) back on him. We’ve been trying to get Tyler back on him for a while. He won a Takeover Target on him.”
“All sorts of stuff has happened to him this prep, but this is his race, and the competition probably isn’t as strong as it has been.”
“I’d be very disappointed if he wasn’t fighting out the finish.”
Veteran galloper Huon completes Litt’s Rosehill contingent in the Proven Thoroughbreds Handicap (1100m). With the advantage of apprentice jockey Siena Grima’s claim, Litt is optimistic about his chances.
“If he has an ounce of luck – he’s got barrier one, a two kilo claim from Siena, he loves hugging that fence – he’ll be right there,” he said.
Unfortunately, the news is less positive for Litt’s stakes-winning mare Caffe Florian. Her racing future remains uncertain following a “pretty significant injury” sustained when she finished fifth in the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) in April.
She is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and Litt expects a clearer prognosis by the end of the year.
“We’re very hopeful we’ll get her back. We’re going to give her every opportunity to race again but if she doesn’t, she’ll make a beautiful broodmare,” he said.
Punters looking to back Romeo’s Choice in the Racing And Sports Handicap can find the best racing odds at Australian betting sites.