The Lindsay Park Team haven’t discarded the chances of the in-form filly Formality even though she has drawn a horror barrier in the Group 1 $1m De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Formality, above, has drawn a wide barrier in the Golden Rose at Rosehill. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Formality, above, has drawn a wide barrier in the Golden Rose at Rosehill. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Lindsay Park co-trainer Tom Dabernig was disappointed with Formality’s thirteen barrier in the fourteen horse Golden Rose field but he is still giving the Fastnet Rock filly a great each way chance.

“It is going to be great race,” Dabernig said.

“I wished we had drew a little bit better but she sits on pace in a 1200m so we will stride forward from the gate.

“She is very fit and has won her last two so she is a good each way chance.”

David Hayes, who heads up the Lindsay Park operation with his son Ben and Dabernig, can also see Formality using her good gate speed to cross over from a the wide barrier and take up a handy position in the early stages of the race.

“It will be a bit tough from that gate but with her natural speed she will be either one-out, one-back or be camped outside the leader,’’ David Hayes said.

“She is a tough filly and they will know she is in the race.’’

Formality has drifted out to $20 at Ladbrokes.com.au for the Golden Rose even though she has won both her Spring Carnival outings at Randwick.

The speedy filly led all of the way to score a first up win in the Group 2 $200,000 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) on August 19 and then scored another narrow win in the Group 2 $200,000 Furious Stakes (1200m) two weeks later.

Kerrin McEvoy has been aboard Formality for her two Randwick wins and gets the ride again in the Golden Rose.

Pre-race favourite Menari has also drawn out wide at gate eleven but still dominates the betting at $2, well clear of his nearest rival Pariah at $6.

The Gerald Ryan trained Menari is also the winner of his two Golden Rose lead up runs at Rosehill in the Listed $150,000 Smithfield RSL Club Rosebud (1100m) on August 12 and in the Group 2 $200,000 The Run To The Rose (1200m) four weeks later.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.