Tough stayer Julienas will have no problems backing up next week in The Metropolitan after leading all the way in the Group 3 $125,000 TAB Colin Stephen Quality (2400m) at Rosehill today.
Julienas scores an easy win in the Colin Stephen Quality at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.
Julienas has now emerged as on one of the main chances in the Group 1 $400,000 McGrath Estate Agents The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick next Saturday after relishing the step up to 2400m today.
Gai Waterhouse was tempted to change the riding tactics on the front running stayer because of the windy conditions, but stuck to the tactics that saw the import win two listed races at Rosehill in the Autumn.
“I thought you are damned if do and damned if you don’t. Let’s get on with it and do what we know we do well,” Waterhouse said.
“He’s been knocking on the door for a win this horse and I think it was great that he could breakthrough today.”
When asked if Julienas would back up next week in the Metropolitan, the ever confidence Waterhouse replied in her usual confident tone.
“Absolutely. He’s got it written all over him hasn’t it.”
A very smart front running ride saw Nash Rawiller set a moderate pace and was noticeably crouched lower in the saddle as he led the field into the strong head wind at the 900m.
Rawiller was able hold the seven year old together well into the straight and even though he ran around slightly, Julienas was able to score a comfortable win in the end.
“He’s a really honest horse as you know. I knew Gai had him nice and fit and it was good to be back on him today, he was fit and well and ready to do the job,” Rawiller said.
Rawiller agreed with Waterhouse and said that Julienas would have no problem backing up next week after only having a track gallop today.
“He had a little canter around to the 1300m then I let him quicken up half a second and then from there quickened up half a second. It was like a track gallop for him,” Rawiller said.
Julienas ($2.60 favourite) was able to win by 2 lenghts from I’m Imposing ($5.50), who made up some ground in the straight with $81 chance Planet Purple filling third spot.
