Gai Waterhouse’s contingent for the Group 1 $1m De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill today has been reduced to four with the scratching of Aussies Love Sport.
War, above, is the best of Gai Waterhouse's four runners in the Golden Rose Stakes at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.
Even though Aussies Love Sport was passed fit on Friday afternoon when Racing New South Wales veterinary surgeon Dr Craig Suann examained an old wound on the inside of the off hind leg, the Redoute’s Choice colt was withdrawn later in the evening.
Aussies Love Sport was one of Waterhouse’s better chances after winning his last two starts, the latest the Group 3 $125,000 Ming Dynasty Quality Handicap (1400m) at Randwick on September 7.
Waterhouse’s remaining four three year olds are all at juicy odds with War, a last start winner of the Group 3 $125,000 IBIS Styles Lansvale Up and Coming Stakes (1300m) at Warwick Farm three weeks ago the most fancied runner at $18.
While Pitcrew, Bull Point and Marseille Roulette are well out in the betting at $41, $51 and $61.
Melbourne colts Fast ‘N’ Rocking and Prince Harada share the top spot in the market order at $5 apiece and are certain to be in the finish again after running first and second in the Group 3 $150,000 H.D.F. McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on August 31.
Trainer David Hayes is confident that Fast ‘N’ Rocking can win again and is expecting the Fastnet Rock colt to start favourite.
“I thought he deserved to be favourite,” Hayes told AAP.
“I think he’s a great price and worth a bet. You can tell punters not to be frightened to have a bet on him, he’s going great.”
The only other two runners under double figures in the Golden Rose Stakes are the out of luck Sidestep at $8.50 and Cluster from the Anthony Cummings stable at $9.
Cummings is finding it hard to split his two colts in the Golden Rose with Drago marked at $11.
The top Randwick trainer is likely to set different Spring paths for the three year olds with Drago heading towards the Group 1 $1.5m AAMI Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on November 2 and Cluster will be aimed towards the Group 1 $1m BECK Caulfield Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on October 12.
“Of course, it all depends on what happens in the Golden Rose, but first plan is for Drago to go to the Gloaming Stakes then the Spring Champion in Sydney, while Cluster is likely to go to Melbourne on a Caulfield Guineas path,” Cummings told Racing Network.
