An exhibition gallop at Randwick has the undefeated St Gotthard on track for his initial start in the Run To The Rose, where he is expected to face three stablemates.
The Group 2 victor was one of three colts from trainer Chris Waller’s stable to complete solo exhibition gallops at Randwick on Saturday, joined by Fireball and Tron Bolt. All three are being readied for the Golden Rose lead-up race at Rosehill next Saturday, with Rosebud placegetter Central Europe also anticipated to join them in the sprint.
Tron Bolt recorded the fastest time among the trio working at Randwick, covering 1000m in 1:07.93 and finishing his final 600m in 38.07 seconds. Waller acknowledged that while he would prefer the three-year-olds did not have to compete against each other, he noted they were all highly talented and aiming for Group One victories to enhance their records.
“They are lovely colts and all on the same path. They’ve got to try and win Group Ones in the spring,” Waller stated. “Most likely, they start at Rosehill in the Run To The Rose. It is an important starting point for our three. It is unavoidable (they clash).”
The trainer also outlined future targets, mentioning, “The Golden Rose, Coolmore (Stud Stakes), big sprints, Caulfield Guineas and obviously big feature races in Sydney are in the plans.”
St Gotthard and Central Europe share similar ownership groups, notably Coolmore, and both colts possess pedigrees befitting stallions. Waller expressed regret that they were on an early spring collision course but confirmed the Run To The Rose (1200m) was the suitable race for each. He believes Central Europe requires an additional run before the Golden Rose (1400m) on September 26.
“I would have liked to have split him and St Gotthard up with similar ownership,” Waller commented. “But I think Central Europe needs another sprint race before he gets out to 1400 metres.”
The Run To The Rose is among four black-type races scheduled for Rosehill on Saturday, alongside the Theo Marks Stakes (1300m), Sheraco Stakes (1200m), and the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m).
The upcoming Run To The Rose looms as an exciting contest, with punters already eyeing the Australian betting sites for early markets.