Given that Darley dominated every Group 1 of the 2010 / 2011 season it’s hard to see them not going on to control the three year old program this season as well.

All of their top chances so far have returned in brilliant shape and they will have a number of chances in all the big events.

The same can’t be said for arch rivals Patinack Farm though who are still reeling from the complete defeat of their juvenile squad.

They are investing plenty of time and effort into making back some of that ground throughout the spring but it will be tough given that they simply don’t have the numbers in the field.

The Golden Rose looms as the first major Group 1 of the new season and Darley have a headache of deciding which runners to leave out.

Over at Patinack Farm though they already have that worked out, Boys On Tour will be their sole chance.

While Patinack does boast the talented last start winner Pane In The Glass in their three year old ranks she’ll be kept to the Princess Series leaving Boys On Tour on his own to fly the Tinkler flag.

“Boys On Tour has always been our number one pick for the Golden Rose,” Patinack Farm racing manager Robyn Hartney said.

He was easily outclassed as a two year old but there were signs of promise as he battled his way in the mid field of his black type starts.

He ran first up in the San Domenico Stakes and although three lengths off Foxwedge, he did run out the trip well.

He did enough to convince jockey Christian Reith who made sure to secure his spot on the horse for the Golden Rose.

“Christian actually rang and asked if he could keep the ride on him because he was that impressed with the way he raced,” Hartney said.

Boys On Tour only boats the one victory in a maiden at Newcastle but he did run second in the Pago Pago Stakes at Rosehill as well.

“His first preparation was pretty arduous and we thought he did a fantastic job,” Hartney said.

“Everyone at Randwick is saying he has improved a lot and how much more mentally switched on he is this preparation.

“All the signs are there that he is going to be competitive on Saturday.”

Boys On Tour’s lead up to the Golden Rose will continue this weekend when he contest the Run To The Rose.

He’ll get a good taste of the standard he needs to beat as well with Darley’s Golden Rose pick Helmet having his first up start.

Also in the mix is the flashy Anise and Magic Millions Champion Karuta Queen.

The early favourite though belongs to Anthony Cummings who  saddles up Smart Missile for his first start since being controversially scratched at the stalls of the Golden Slipper.