Exosphere Records Arrogant Roman Consul Stakes Win

Star colt Exosphere produced a blistering turn-of-foot to record a most impressive victory in the 2015 Roman Consul Stakes at Royal Randwick this afternoon and he is set to start the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) as a dominant favourite.

Exosphere made it three wins from as many starts this preparation with an outstanding performance in the Roman Consul Stakes. Photo by: Steve Hart

Exosphere made it three wins from as many starts this preparation with an outstanding performance in the Roman Consul Stakes. Photo by: Steve Hart

Exosphere was settled at the tail of the field by jockey James McDonald in the early stages of the Roman Consul Stakes, while Japonisme took up the running.

Japonisme kicked away at the top of the straight and Exosphere was giving his rivals a start of ten lengths, but he was able to pick up his rivals incredibly quickly and he pulled well clear of his rivals in the concluding stages to record an arrogant victory.

McDonald has already ridden a number of very talented horses during his successful career in the saddle, but he revealed after the Roman Consul Stakes that the son of Lonhro may be the best horse that he has ever ridden.

“This is what we wake up and dream about, horses like these,” McDonald said.

“He is a superstar this thing.

“He is well up there with the best of them.

“It was similar to Dundeel when he won the Derby, but this horse has given them a ten lengths start and picked them up in three strides.

“He has an incredible turn-of-foot and the world is his oyster.

“He is a colt whose career is limited due to stud duties, but we will enjoy him while we can.

“He is a proper colt and everybody should cherish it.”

Trainer John O’Shea admitted after the race that he was worried that Exosphere was so far back at the 600 metre mark in the Roman Consul Stakes, but he was clearly thrilled to record his third straight win after taking out the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) and the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) earlier this preparation.

“It was very exciting,” O’Shea said.

“I was a bit worried to be fair at the half mile because he was so far back, but it was very impressive.

“James was obviously pretty confident in the run.”

Exosphere is now set to head to Melbourne for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day and he could take on the older sprinters in the Group 1 Darley Classic (1200m) at the same venue a week later.

Adding to the impressive nature of Exosphere’s Roman Consul Stakes win was the fact that he was forced to spend a lengthy period on his float due to excessive traffic on the way to Royal Randwick.

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.