Trainer Clinton McDonald has declared rising colt Rosberg “not for sale” as he prepares to unleash him in the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Unlike other promising three-year-olds McDonald has sold to Hong Kong, Rosberg will be kept in Australia with the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington firmly on the agenda.
“It’s a big ask but we think he’s a horse that is up to it,” McDonald said. “We want to head towards the Coolmore with him, third up, so he’s got to put his hand up on Saturday.”
The imposing son of Deep Field, standing 16.3 hands and weighing 575kg, impressed in a gallop at The Valley on Tuesday under Ben Melham. With Melham suspended, Jamie Mott will take the reins.
McDonald has been patient but believes the colt is ready. “We’re going there to win. We think he’s good enough to win first-up,” he said.
Rosberg has already firmed from $6 into $5 in early betting.